Care home operators usually view CQC ratings in regards to care delivery, staffing, and safeguarding. However, the actual building provides more inspection outcomes, occupancy, and resident wellbeing than many owners appreciate.
It’s Not Just about the Care Plans; Inspectors Consider the Whole Building
During care home inspections, evaluators consider the condition of the building from the resident’s perspective and not just the care plan documentation. For example, the condition of floors, lighting, call systems, and lifts that have been out of service for weeks may negatively impact the evaluation of the resident’s safety and quality of life regardless of the quality of caregiving.
There is a Direct Correlation Between Condition of the Home and Occupancy Rates
Families visiting a care home for the first time can evaluate the building in less than a minute. Confidence in the decision to place a loved one in the care home is reduced by a tired, outdated building even when the care team is excellent. Care homes where the common areas are clean, the paint is fresh, and the building is well cared for are able to have their rooms filled more quickly and are even able to charge higher fees, especially for self-funding residents who have more options.
Reactive vs Planned Maintenance
When maintenance is done in a reactive manner instead of a planned process, the problems that occur tend to happen at the worst possible time, such as a boiler breaking in the winter and the lift breaking when residents on the upper floors need it the most.
Besides the immediate disruption, emergency repairs usually cost more than scheduled repairs, and they often require temporary closure of bedrooms or facilities, which negatively impacts income and inspection results.
Design for Dementia is Essential
Design, including layout, signage, floor contrast, and lighting, impacts residents with cognitive impairments and expectations have changed significantly. Homes that have not modernized their communal spaces and corridors often face complaints during inspections, even if they provide excellent care.
Compliance paperwork requires a building-oriented owner
Fire risk assessments, legionella testing, LOLER lifting equipment inspections, and gas and electrical safety certificates all belong to the building rather than the care team, nevertheless, inspectors expect them to be current and accessible. Defining ownership of this paperwork, as opposed to letting it drift across several teams, minimizes the risk of inspectors finding gaps.
A Practical Starting Point
Walk the building with fresh eyes every quarter, noting tasks that require attention. Don’t wait for residents or inspectors to draw your attention first.
Annually allocate funds for large repairs by maintaining a simple record for each major system, such as elevators, fire doors, and boilers, detailing their ages and estimated replacement times.
We’d be happy to discuss your options if you operate or manage a care home and wish to receive some unbiased advice on how to keep your building up to the standards of your residents, families, and inspectors.