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 are 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.
Our specialists will try to answer as many of your questions as possible, giving 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. If your matter concerns a specific service provider, please contact the CQC. If your query relates to someone who is at risk of harm or in danger you must follow your local safeguarding procedures.
Latest Questions
What sort of car insurance do I need to be a named driver on a client’s insurance?
I work for a company as a carer. One of my clients now has a car via the mobility scheme and has put me on the insurance as a named driver. However, the company I work for has said I can’t drive it or be a passenger in it. What insurance is needed to sort this please?
Thanks for your question. You may think it is pretty straight forward and in the eyes of the Motability scheme it is. According to Motability up to three named drivers are...
A member of staff is uncomfortable providing care to service users of a gender other than their own, what should I do?
A member of staff is uncomfortable providing care to service users of a gender other than their own, what should I do?
Thank you for your question. Firstly, I would advise that this is picked up with each member of staff on a case-by-case basis. Discuss why the staff member is highlighting...
Can Health and Social Care Professionals visit my family member without notifying me or allowing me to be present, If I am their LPA?
Hi i am wondering if care company, nurses, Dr etc can visit my grandmother who has vascular dementia without notifying me or allowing me present as I’m her LPA, I’ve just found out that the care company visited her today for a care review without notifying me first, this has since caused my grandmother undue stress as she doesn’t understand why they were there and even told them she doesn’t need carers, which unfortunately is not true, I just want to be clear on if they overstepped the mark.
You haven’t said whether your lasting power of attorney (LPA) powers cover ‘property and financial’ decisions, or ‘health and welfare’ ones – or if you have both. I assume that...
How long does it take for a person to be informed if they have been referred to the DBS?
If a person who once worked with vulnerable adults was dismissed partly due to financial abuse, (the issue was not about theft, no money was stolen , but whether consent had been given), how long would it be for that person to be informed if they were referred to the DBS? If it has been longer than 6 months and they still have not been informed, (they have had no word/letter sent/contact by phone). Is it likely they have been referred at all?
Depending on the type of DBS check submitted, a copy of the check would usually be received within two to four weeks (it is usual for enhanced checks to take...
Is it acceptable to wake residents at 06.30 to give medication in order to accommodate the home’s routine?
We have a number of residents in our dementia care home who for one reason or another don’t sleep too well at night. Now we have been given a list of 13 of them who are to have medication in the morning an hour before food. So we have to start at around 6.30 and wake them all to give them medication. I feel awful doing this as I certainly would not appreciate being woken from a deep sleep and then be expected to swallow tablets. Is this right? Why can’t they have them once they’re up and then wait an hour for their breakfast? It’s purely to fit in with the routine of the home and to me that is institutional abuse! Please help
Thank you for raising this question: is it acceptable to wake residents at 06.30 to give medication in order to accommodate the home’s routine? It sounds as though you already...
Do you have to be registered with the CQC to perform phlebotomy or IV therapy?
Do you have to be registered with the CQC to perform phlebotomy or IV therapy?
Hello, the short answer is yes. Both procedures fall under ‘Diagnostic and screening’ procedures and as such, is a regulated activity with CQC. Further information can be found here.
Has the NVQ Level 2 in Care been superseded by the Level 2 Diploma?
I completed an NVQ level 2 in care in 2006 within the council, I have recently been informed that it is now obsolete and now need to complete the Diploma level 2, is this correct?
Once an individual has secured their level 2 it remains valid even if the award changes.
It is likely that the employer feels the content will be somewhat out of date.
Having...
Can a 17-year old become a live-in carer if they have one year’s experience working in a residential home?
Can a 17-year old become a live-in carer if they have one year’s experience working in a residential home?
We recently had a similar question, please refer to https://www.qcs.co.uk/ask-sheila/minimum-carer-age/ for the answer you are looking for. Minimum carer age | Social Care QA's at QCS
Is it necessary to re-register a care home if it is downsized?
My son’s care home is potentially about to close. He is currently residing in a home that has been developed for people with ASD as part of a larger village complex. His home attained an Outstanding standard by the CQC at the last inspection.
One of the options that has been put forward is to make the provision smaller. Currently his home is divided into four separate wing around a central administrative hub. He has his own flatlet and a shared kitchen/living room and is very happy. There are four clients in all on this particular wing.
To keep his home open and functioning, if the provision overall was downsized, would the home be able to re-register/remain registered? How would this work?
I would really appreciate some advice if possible. I haven’t given specifics and appreciate that any information/advice would be fairly general, but I would like some thoughts if possible?
Well firstly I am sad to hear that such a fantastic provision is taking this decision as I know how disruptive this can be for both you and your loved...
Does a care home have a legal duty to cut and clean residents’ finger nails?
Does a care home have a legal duty to cut and clean residents’ finger nails?
Thank You for your question. The feet and nails require special care in order to avoid pain and infection. Fingernails should be kept short and neat; nail clippers are recommended for the...Partners with the UK's smartest companies
