Care Home

People at different points in their lives may have needs that can only be appropriately addressed by trained staff in a residence in which the service user can live.  Depending on the regulatory body which is specific to each constituent country that makes up the UK, a set of standards will be in place which trained staff must adhere to when providing their care service.

Safety and choice are important in the delivery of care, so all staff who work within the care home will be appropriately qualified and registered to discharge their role. Inspection reports are made publicly available so that prospective service users can gauge for themselves the quality of care provided and the life they can expect to lead in the home.  Meals are always provided and trained staff will be available on call at all times, with shift systems in operation to ensure that 24 hours a day, help can and will be provided.

Services range from the standard care home providing residential care for the elderly, to nursing homes and those that specialise in specific needs like mental health or learning disabilities.

Registration and Inspection

As of the 5^th June 2013, 12,836 care homes have been registered with the CQC in England.  This is the single biggest health and adult social care category overseen by the regulator.  All care homes in England must be registered with the Care Quality Commission in order to legally operate.  Once registered the care home provider is then subject to an inspection regime to ensure that the Essential Standards are always being adhered to.  (AWAITING DATA FOR SCOTLAND AND WALES)