The Fundamental Standards of Care: Ensuring Quality and Safety in Care Homes

At Lidder Care, we are committed to providing the highest standard of care for our residents. We strictly adhere to the fundamental standards set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which represent the baseline below which care must never fall.

These standards are designed to ensure that every individual receives safe, effective, compassionate and high-quality care. In this article, we’ll explore these fundamental standards and how we at Lidder Care implement them in our daily practices.

Understanding the Fundamental Standards

The fundamental standards are a set of regulations that all care providers must meet to ensure the safety and well-being of those under their care. These standards cover various aspects of care provision, from person-centred care to the display of CQC ratings. Let’s discuss each of these standards and how they translate into practice.

1. Person-Centred Care

At the heart of quality care is the principle of person-centred care. This standard requires that:

• Care and treatment must be tailored to individual needs and preferences
• Each resident is treated as a unique individual with their own set of needs, desires, and life experiences

At Lidder Care, we take the time to understand each resident’s background, preferences and needs, ensuring that our care plans are truly personalised.

2. Dignity and Respect

Maintaining the dignity and respect of our residents is paramount. This standard ensures that:

• Residents are treated with dignity and respect at all times
• Privacy is provided when needed and wanted
• Everyone is treated as equals
• Support is given to help residents remain independent and involved in their local community

Our staff at Lidder Care are trained to uphold these principles in every interaction, fostering an environment of mutual respect, understanding and compassion.

3. Consent

Obtaining proper consent is crucial in care provision. This standard stipulates that:

• Consent must be given before any care or treatment is administered
• If a resident lacks capacity, decisions must be made in their best interests, involving family members or legal representatives where appropriate

We ensure that our residents (or their legal representatives) are fully informed and consent to all aspects of their care.

4. Safety

Ensuring the safety of our residents is a top priority. This standard requires that:

• Care and treatment must not put residents at risk of avoidable harm
• Staff must have the qualifications, competence, skills and experience to keep residents safe

At Lidder Care, we conduct regular risk assessments and provide ongoing training to our staff to maintain a safe environment for all.

5. Safeguarding from Abuse

Protecting residents from abuse is of utmost importance. This standard ensures that:

• Residents must not suffer any form of abuse or improper treatment
• This includes neglect, degrading treatment, unnecessary restraint, or inappropriate limits on freedom

We have robust safeguarding policies in place and provide regular training to our staff to prevent and respond to any concerns of abuse.

6. Food and Drink

Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for good health. This standard requires that:

• Residents must have enough to eat and drink to keep them in good health
• Dietary needs and preferences must be catered for

Our dedicated catering team at Lidder Care works closely with nutritionists to ensure that all meals are both nutritious and enjoyable for our residents.

7. Premises and Equipment

The physical environment plays a crucial role in care provision. This standard stipulates that:

• The premises and equipment must be clean, suitable, and properly maintained
• Equipment must be secure and used properly

We conduct regular maintenance checks and cleaning routines to ensure our facilities meet the highest standards of hygiene and safety.

8. Complaints

An effective complaints system is essential for continuous improvement. This standard requires that:

• Residents must be able to complain about their care and treatment
• Complaints must be thoroughly investigated and acted upon

At Lidder Care, we have a transparent complaints procedure and view feedback as an opportunity to enhance our services.

9. Good Governance

Effective management is crucial for maintaining high standards of care. This standard ensures that:

• There are systems in place to monitor the quality and safety of care
• These systems should help improve services and reduce risks to residents’ health, safety, and welfare

Our management team at Lidder Care regularly reviews our practices and implements improvements based on feedback and assessments.

10. Staffing

Having the right staff is crucial for providing quality care. This standard requires that:

• There must be enough suitably qualified, competent, and experienced staff
• Staff must be given support, training, and supervision

We invest heavily in our staff at Lidder Care, providing ongoing training and support to ensure they can deliver the best possible care and feel confident when doing so.

11. Fit and Proper Staff

Ensuring staff are suitable for their roles is essential. This standard stipulates that:

• Only people who can provide appropriate care and treatment should be employed
• Strong recruitment procedures and relevant checks must be in place

Our rigorous recruitment process at Lidder Care includes thorough background checks and assessments to ensure we employ only the most suitable individuals.

12. Duty of Candour

Open and honest communication is vital in care provision. This standard requires that:

• Care providers must be open and transparent about care and treatment
• If something goes wrong, they must inform the resident, provide support, and apologise

We foster a culture of openness at Lidder Care, encouraging transparent communication between staff, residents, and families.

13. Display of Ratings

Transparency about quality of care is important. This standard ensures that:

• CQC ratings must be displayed where residents can see them
• The latest CQC report must be made available to residents

We proudly display our CQC ratings at Lidder Care and make our latest reports easily accessible to residents and their families.

Our Commitment to Excellence

At Lidder Care, we don’t just meet these fundamental standards – we strive to exceed them. Our commitment to providing exceptional care is reflected in every aspect of our service, from our personalised care plans to our state-of-the-art facilities and highly trained staff.

We understand that choosing a care home is a significant decision. That’s why we invite you to visit Newgate Lodge Care Home and see for yourself how we implement these fundamental standards in practice. Our doors are always open for tours and discussions about how we can meet your or your loved one’s care needs. Take a look at our most recent CQC inspection and rating, or request a copy from a member of our team during your next visit to our home.

Contact Lidder Care today to schedule a visit or to learn more about our commitment to providing care that goes above and beyond the fundamental standards. Let us show you how we can provide a safe, comfortable, and enriching environment for you or your loved one.