Ask the Care Specialists
Welcome to our 'Ask the Care Specialists', your one-stop portal for social care-related questions. Our team of specialists will try to answer as many of your Social Care questions as possible.
Have you got a social care question that you just can't find the answer to? Our team of sector specialists is here to provide you with easy-to-understand top tips on a wide range of topics, from dementia, mental health to employment law or every day operational queries to help you deliver outstanding care.
We try to answer as many of your questions as possible. We give priority to frequently asked questions and questions regarding current events and trends. To learn more about the team visit: https://www.qcs.co.uk/team/
Please note that our specialists cannot offer answers to matters requiring legal advice. Please do have a look at our website https://www.qcs.co.uk at other answers provided by our experts and in our Expert Insights section https://www.qcs.co.uk/blog. There is a wealth of information here freely accessible that could help you.
Important note: We are not in any way affiliated or connected to the Care Quality Commission, Care Inspectorate Scotland, or Care Inspectorate Wales. If your query relates to someone who is at risk of harm or in danger, you must follow your local safeguarding procedures. It is important that you speak to your regulator who will provide you with the best guidance and support.
Latest Questions
Is a care home in the UK allowed to change the resident’s doctor’s surgeries without notifying the family?
Is a care home in the UK allowed to change the resident’s doctor’s surgeries without notifying the family?
Any change to a service user’s plan of care should be discussed and agreed with the service user. If the service user is not able to consent to a change...
How can I get domiciliary care contracts?
How can I get domiciliary care contracts?
There are two main ways to obtain domiciliary care contracts. One is to advertise your services to the private market and obtain individual private care packages with individual contracts. The...
Is there a legal requirement for the time taken to have a care plan in place for new carers attending a client?
Is there a legal requirement for the time taken to have a care plan in place for new carers attending a client?
Please refer to the previous answer: How soon should a care plan be in place? | Social Care QA's at QCS
If working for a care agency, is it acceptable to ask the agency if I can provide sit in care for a relative?
If working for a care agency, is it acceptable to ask the agency if I can provide sit in care for a relative?
It is not 100% clear what is meant here. Are you already working for the agency and is your relative already receiving a service from the agency? If you are...
What should the water temperature be in domiciliary care and who is responsible for checking it?
What should the water temperature be in domiciliary care and who is responsible for checking it?
This is not something that is easily managed within domiciliary care, as each property is so vastly different and ultimately the upkeep of the property lies with the proprietor. However,...
What insurance do I need when setting up a domiciliary care business and who provides this?
What insurance do I need when setting up a domiciliary care business and who provides this?
To set up a domiciliary care business you will need the following insurance: Public liability of £5000,000 Employers Liability of £5000,000 Professional Indemnity of £2000,000 There are a range of providers that can offer...
What are the rules and regulations about employing overseas nursing staff when setting up a nursing agency and do I need to register with the CQC?
What are the rules and regulations about employing overseas nursing staff when setting up a nursing agency and do I need to register with the CQC?
The company will need to apply for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence to sponsor skilled non-UK nationals to work in the UK (this could include Care Workers, for example). The...
What qualifications do care staff need to give out medication?
What qualifications do care staff need to give out medication?
Both NICE and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society give advice about this, as well as other organisations. They outline the requirements for staff training in the administration of medication. Overview | Managing...
What are the requirements for a property that is to be used as a care home?
What are the requirements for a property that is to be used as a care home?
For a property to be used as a care home, it will need to be registered as a location with CQC. The regulations surrounding the requirements of the property are...
What is the CQC definition of personal care?
What is the CQC definition of personal care?
Personal care is defined as a ‘regulated activity’ by the CQC, which means that if you are providing personal care, then you need to register with them. The CQC defines...Partners with the UK's smartest companies
