Enhanced Quality Assurance scheme in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

The aim of the quality assurance scheme is to improve standards in all care homes in Blackburn and Darwen. The scheme is based on national minimum standards plus local Blackburn with Darwen BC standards and the assessment takes around 2 day. Staff on duty are interviewed by assessors plus all staff are also sent a questionnaire prior to the assessment. There are three possible grades:

• Non Quality Assured – Following inspection the home does not meet the basic standards within the scheme.
• Quality Assured – Meets the standards of the scheme and shows evidence that they are mainly compliant with all areas below.
• Enhanced Quality Assured – Assessed to have a much higher standard and must be fully compliant with all areas outlined below.

Northwood Nursing & Residential Care has been awarded the Enhanced Quality Assured grade in 2008 and 2009

Areas assessed are as follows:

Staffing levels

A higher ratio is required than asked for in the national minimum standards and staff terms, conditions and contracts are checked. All aspects of staff training is reviewed and the staff recruitment process which has to promote equal opportunities.

Activities have to be meaningful and held daily. This must also have links to the local community and be frequently held outside the home. A record of all activities must be kept, including who has taken part and who has not. Residents must be asked what activities they would like to have arranged during residents meetings, from surveys or in general conversation.

Care Planning

Care Plans should be individual, person centred and be formulated and agreed by the resident and their family and should encourage the resident to achieve their full potential. Reviews should be carried out regularly and care plans must be detailed and use a recognised assessment tool. All grades of staff must be involved in the development of the care plan.

Risk Assessments

Must be clear, accurate and regularly reviewed by a competent person. Safeguarding Adults policies and procedures,and staff understanding of these policies, is checked.

Food and Nutrition

Food should be nutritious and varied without use of economy brands. Chefs should have qualifications in catering for the elderly encompassing special diets and nutritional needs. There must be evidence of good choice on menu's and that we understand and record residents’ preferences, likes and dislikes. Meals must be presented properly and special utensils and crockery must be available.

Decor and Environment

The home must be clean and odour free, homely and with a friendly ambience. It should be well maintained with accurate audit trails and with a record and programme of replacement or maintenance of fittings and furniture. Grounds must be accessible and safe. Assessors also speak to as many residents and relatives as possible in private if they wish.

Residents' Involvement

Residents should be consulted about decoration. and regular meetings must be held with minutes taken and actions and outcomes recorded. Regular surveys should be undertaken and relatives meetings should be held.

Peer Group Interviewers visit prior to assessment and throughout the year to form a relationship of trust with residents. Their feedback is important and incorporated into the final outcome.

Northwood Nursing & Residential Care, Blackburn, Lancashire