CQC Compliance in Care Homes: A Practical Checklist for Providers

CQC Compliance in Care Homes: A Practical Checklist for Providers

Ensuring compliance with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is a cornerstone of providing safe, high-quality care in care homes. The CQC regulates health and social care services in England, inspecting facilities to ensure they meet essential standards of safety, effectiveness, and person-centred care. For care home providers, staying inspection-ready requires a proactive approach and robust internal systems.

Here’s a practical checklist to help care homes maintain CQC compliance and uphold the highest standards of care:

1. Safeguarding Residents

• Ensure all staff are trained in safeguarding procedures.

• Maintain up-to-date records of safeguarding incidents and outcomes.

• Display clear guidance on how residents can raise concerns.

2. Staffing and Training

• Maintain appropriate staff-to-resident ratios.

• Keep detailed records of staff training, including mandatory courses (e.g., infection control, manual handling).

• Regularly assess staff competencies to ensure safe and effective care delivery.

3. Cleanliness and Infection Control

• Stock sufficient cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Implement and monitor infection prevention protocols.

• Keep cleaning schedules and audits documented and up-to-date.

4. Medication Management

• Ensure secure storage and accurate recording of medications.

• Conduct regular audits of medication administration.

• Train staff in safe handling and disposal of medications.

5. Person-Centred Care

• Maintain comprehensive care plans tailored to individual resident needs.

• Regularly review and update care plans based on changing needs.

• Promote resident involvement in decisions about their care.

6. Health and Safety

• Conduct routine health and safety risk assessments.

• Maintain records of fire safety checks, equipment maintenance, and accident logs.

• Ensure emergency procedures are clearly documented and understood by all staff.

7. Governance and Documentation

• Keep accurate, up-to-date records of all policies, procedures, and audits.

• Review policies regularly to ensure they reflect current legislation and best practices.

• Encourage internal audits to identify areas for improvement.

8. Feedback and Continuous Improvement

• Collect and act on feedback from residents, families, and staff.

• Implement changes where necessary and document improvements.

• Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and learning.