For 11 years I successfully operated a highly regarded 31 bed nursing home but closed down in 2003 as only agency nurses were available at rates which could not be sustained. I am considering reopening as a non nursing home and would be grateful to know where I could obtain information regarding the regulations applicable and the financial contribution from local authority etc. – William

Answered by Sheila Scott

Dear William,

All the information that you require about opening a care home plus the appropriate forms that need to be completed are available on the Care Quality Commission’s website: http://www.cqc.org.uk/content/guidance-providers

You will need to have systems in place before you can be registered so you might also like to have a look at QCS’s website. Their policies, procedures and forms are widely used and you can have a free online demonstration of the system if you wish.

You will need to contact the local authority where your care home will be located to ask them about funding.

You might also like to look at the Government’s current consultation about funding which it is proposed will be implemented from April 2016. http://careact2016.dh.gov.uk/

Best wishes.

Sheila