Ask Sheila
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.
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
If a resident was not happy about any aspect of their care how would you support them?
Hi Sheila, can you help me if a resident was not happy about any aspect of their care how would you support them? What is the complaints procedure?
Dear L, Thank you for your question. You do not say if you are a member of staff or a relative or friend of the resident. Either way you should discuss the resident's...
Is a BTEC Diploma Level 3 certificate equivalent to NVQ Level 5?
Hi Sheila, I have got a BTEC diploma level 3 certificate and I wanted to know if this is the equivalent to having the NVQ level 5 qualification?
Dear L, Thank you for your question. I sought the advice of my colleague, Neil Crawford who is QCS’s Training and Development Director. This is his answer to your question: The BTEC Diploma...Will I be notified in writing if I am on the barred list?
Hi Sheila, will I be notified in writing if I am on the barred list?
Dear W, Thank you for your question. If you are placed on the barred list for either adults or children you will be informed that that has happened. There are two ways of...
Where can I find the nominated individual application form?
Hi Sheila, I was looking for the nominated individual application, can you let me know where this form can be found?
Dear M, Thank you for your question. You need to go to https://www.cqc.org.uk/guidance-providers/notifications/changes-registered-details-nominated-individuals-officers-directors Follow the instructions and complete Sections 1 and 7. Best wishes. Sheila
Can a DOLs be applied for someone who is in long term respite in a residential care home?
Hi Sheila, can a DOLs be applied for if someone is in long term respite in a residential care home ? On paper their home address is with family therefore different from the care home, however they have been receiving respite care full time for over a year. The Local Authority are continuing to fund on respite basis rather than permanent address.
Dear A, Thank you for your question. DOLs applies as much to respite care as it does permanent care, if I were in your position and the service user in your opinion...
What are the key differences between a care home and a supported / assisted living house?
Dear Sheila, what are the key differences between a care home and a supported / assisted living house?
Dear R, Thank you for your question. I want to refer you to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) website which has a useful document entitled The Scope of Registration. This document describes a...
Who is qualified to complete the MCA?
Hi Sheila, who is qualified to complete the MCA?
Dear M, Thank you for your question. There are four pieces of advice I can give you about the Assessment of Mental Capacity. The first is that anyone doing the assessment should understand...
Do we have to notify CQC of a service user death if they are on palliative care / end of life?
Hi Shelia, working in Dom care do we have to notify CQC of a service user death if they are on palliative care / end of life. I am aware we do have to notify them in the event of a suspicious or unexpected death but not sure if they are on end of life.
Dear L, Thank you for your question. Care Quality Guidance says: If you are a registered provider or a registered manager of: Independent healthcare
Adult social care
Primary dental care
Private ambulance services You...
How many carers should be present in the Care Home to look after 10 elderly people with different disabilities?
Hi Sheila, how many carers should be present in the caring home to look after 10 elderly people with different disabilities?
Dear O, Thank you for your question. This is a question that I am often asked and there is not a definitive answer. Care Quality Commission (CQC) Guidance on The Health and...
As a care worker, what would you do if you visit a service user and there is no care plan?
Hi Sheila, as a care worker, what would you do if you visit a service user and there is no care plan?
Dear E, Thank you for your question. I presume that you are working for an agency of some sort and not working directly for the service user. As an employee of an agency...Partners with the UK's smartest companies
