Ask Sheila 
Sheila will try to answer as many of your English Social Care questions as possible, giving priority to frequently asked questions and questions regarding current events and trends.
Sheila Scott OBE from National Care Association (NCA). Care is Sheila’s life; she possesses a strong command of the issues facing the care sector informed by her long career as a nursing professional, the owner and manager of a care business and as a leader in the care sector.
Sheila will try to answer as many of your questions as possible, giving priority to frequently asked questions and questions regarding current events and trends.
Please note that Sheila can not offer answers to matters requiring legal advice. If your matter concerns a specific service provider, please contact the CQC.
Latest Questions
Can a carer in a registered care home cut fingernails for a diabetic patient with learning disabilities and autism?
Hi Sheila, can a carer in a registered care home cut fingernails for a diabetic patient with learning disabilities and autism. The chiropodist will only cut the toenails. Who is allowed to cut the fingernails?
Hi Julie, Thank you for your question which I know is one which concerns many care workers. I think that the answer though is straightforward. There are two parts to it. First the Registered...
Why do CQC inform homes in advance that they are visiting?
Hi Sheila, why do CQC inform homes in advance that they are visiting?
Many do not want to be caught out so run around to get things in hand to cover things up from the truth then after the inspection everything goes back to how it was under staffing, poor care practices etc staff are too afraid to speak up incase they lose their job. CQC should do unannounced visits for a true picture shouldn’t they if they want to safeguard people?
Hi Cath, Thank you for your question and it’s a common misconception that Staff in homes have time to prepare for an announced inspection. CQC have a legal right to enter the...
I am the Registered Manager of a Care Home and one of my carers has asked me about registering to stay in the UK after Brexit?
Hi Sheila, I am the Registered Manager of a care home and one of my carers has asked me about registering to stay in the UK after Brexit. Can you give me any advice please?
Dear Jennifer, You have written at a key moment and it is very important that any workers who wish to stay in the UK after Brexit should register as soon as...
A colleague has asked me if I have got a plan for if there is a no deal Brexit, can you please advise?
Dear Sheila,
A colleague has asked me if I have got a plan for if there is a no deal Brexit. I don’t know what she is talking about. Can you help please?
Dear Emily, You should all have received a letter from CQC last Wednesday, 14 August about Brexit and the steps that you need to be considering to take for your service...
Are you part of CQC or do you work in partnership with CQC?
Hi Sheila,
Are you part of CQC or do you work in partnership with CQC, how does the policies and procedures get updated?
Dear Namita, Thank you for your question. I do not work for or am associated with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). I am the Care Strategist for Quality Compliance Systems (QCS). I don't...
I want to start my own support services company to support Adults with Learning Disabilities, can you please advice?
Hi Sheila,
I’m wanting to start my own support services company to support adults with a learning disabilities and I’m trying to become known in the community. E.g. with the local council to increase my chances of becoming a provider for service users but I’m finding it difficult. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Dear Elizabeth, Thank you for your question. I presume that you have undertaken some market research to decide whether or not such a service is required in your area. I also expect that ...
Does my employer have to give me a copy of care certificate by law?
Hi Sheila, does my employer have to give me a copy of care certificate by law?
Dear Lynda, The simple answer to your question is no, there is no law about this. Have you asked your employer for a copy? I cannot really think of any reason why your...
Can I do a simple home help service such as cleaning and laundry duties without registering with the CQC?
Hi Sheila, can I do a home help service such as Cleaning and laundry duties without registering with the CQC?
Dear Catherine, Registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) relating to services provided in people's own homes (Adult Social Care) relates only to the provision of personal care. If you are intending...
I am a private carer, I have three private clients that I do personal care for. Do I have to register with CQC or give them up?
Hi Sheila, I am a private carer, I have three private clients that I do personal care for. Do I have to register with CQC or give them up?
Dear Alexander, Thank you for your question. The answer to your question is to be found on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) website in the document "The Scope of Registration". On page 14...
I am unhappy with my mothers bill for private home care, what can I do?
Hi Sheila, my mother was discharged from hospital with a ‘free’ care package of two visits a day from a care company. This then ended and she agreed to pay for visits to continue – we have no written agreement with the company and I am now shocked at the bill. There is a list of charges ‘hidden’ in the centre of blank pages in the log which she says she did not know was there.
My mother is competent to a degree but is very vulnerable, she is 94 and recovering from hip surgery and lives alone. Surely there should be some paperwork to support a payment of what she then asked for which this would be about £1500 a month? My mother can’t afford this.
Dear Ann, Thank you for your question. Your mother should have expected to receive a signed copy of the terms and conditions of the package of care being provided, this should have...Partners with the UK's smartest companies
