Are you looking for residential care for a loved one which focuses on person-centred care? Or are you on the search for a residential care home where all of the staff are supported to offer residents the highest level of care?
Introduced in 2000, the Gold Standards Framework (or the ‘gold standard’ of care) was created to ensure that all residents of care homes were treated with the highest level of respect while also ensuring that the team who helped them was trained and supportive.
So, what is the Gold Standards Framework, and how do residential settings that work under it differ from those that don’t? Read on to find out.
Quality of Care
As a general rule, you will want to find a residential setting that offers a higher quality of care and has a trained team that is knowledgeable about all things medical while also being empathic to residents.
Generally, a residential setting like Signature at Reigate Grange will ensure that all of their residents receive the highest level of medical care while also helping with activities and daily living. Such a setting will also be based on good medication management, care plans, and provide additional support for residents living with dementia. Many websites in such residential settings will have reports from the Care Quality Commission or CQC, which will allow you to assess this crucial area of any care setting.
Staffing and Training
Another core area of the care home gold standard is the staffing levels and training. A care home that is considered exceptionally good will have adequate staffing levels and an array of staff members with different levels of training. You will usually find head nurses, doctors, specialist nurses (such as Alzheimer’s nurses), support workers, health workers, and doctors. All of these staff will have relevant qualifications and will be able to use any aids needed to help residents with mobility issues move safely, such as hoists and a patient turner.
Facility
Of course, for a residential care setting to be ideal, the facility or location itself needs to be clean, safe, and conducive to an overall high level of well-being for the residents. Try to visit the setting if you can and assess the accessibility. Are their grab rails? Are there stair lifts or general lifts? You will also need to take note of the recreational activities; is there a lot going on? This will help to keep residents engaged and occupied.
Communication and Engagement
Next, you will want to ensure that any care home you choose has a clear and open communication policy between you, your loved one, and the healthcare professionals involved in their medical care. This will ensure that their needs are met, their concerns are listened to, and that they (as well as you) feel valued and respected.
Regulatory Compliance
The Care Quality Commission was mentioned earlier, and for a residential home to meet the gold standard, it has to comply with the regulations set down by the CQC. This body ensures that all of the residents are safe, that their rights are met, and that their well-being is being cared for. It also ensures that all of the staff are trained as needed and that the licensing requirements and accreditations are up to date.
