Celebrations Edge Closer For National Care Home Open Day

Over 370 inspectors and staff from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) are expected at care homes across the country on Friday 20 June to mark this year’s National Care Home Open Day.

With just a few days to go, National Care Home Open Day offers an ideal opportunity for members of the public to find out more about their local care home and see for themselves what good care can look like.

From cream teas and musical entertainment – to summer BBQs and sporting pursuits – many care homes are offering a wide range of diverse activities to ensure there is lots to see and do, and ensure everyone can enjoy a fun-filled day.

A number of CQC inspectors are gearing up for the celebrations on Friday, including:

Sarah Drew, CQC Inspector for the North region. Sarah said: “I am looking forward to attending the day and meeting with people who live in care homes, and visitors outside of an inspection. I think it will be a really positive way of building connections and relationships between ourselves and the public.”

CQC Inspector for the Central region, Ruth Hannent, explained: “National Care Home Open Day is a great event for inspectors to attend. It gives us an opportunity to show the public what CQC does and that we are caring people who they can approach without feeling apprehensive.

“I am looking forward to spending time with both people living in the home and their relatives and friends. It gives me the chance to explain what CQC does, what my role is, and how I carry it out. I find 2014 an exciting time, and like all other inspectors, just want what is right for people using care services.”

Ifat Reader, CQC inspector for the London region, added: “I know from the inspections I do that the majority of care homes do a really good job and provide people with great care. I’m looking forward to the day as a chance to get out into the community and talk to people about the work that care homes do – and the work that we do – to check that they are delivering compassionate care which meets people’s needs.”

Showing his support for National Care Home Open Day, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “I want to make the UK the best place in the world to grow old – to achieve this, we need candour and compassion to be at the heart of every care home.

“By opening their doors, these homes will help us to make this ambition a reality and show people what great care should look like.”

Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb said: “We want everyone to receive better care that enables them to lead dignified, fulfilled lives. We are bringing in tougher rules to protect people from poor care but we must also remember to applaud those who are providing safe, compassionate care day in, day out.

“This open day is a chance for communities to witness and celebrate this in their area and show that there is no place for bad care in our society.”

Looking ahead to this year’s National Care Home Open Day, CQC’s Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, Andrea Sutcliffe, concluded: “I am delighted that so many inspectors and staff at CQC have signed up to take part. Adult social care is the biggest service we regulate and it’s great we can be a part of celebrating the good care we see so often.

“Whether members of the public are looking at care options for a family member or just want to make a connection with the community – the open day is a great opportunity to visit your local care home. People can see what goes on, get involved and gain a better understanding of these really important services.

“From 30 minutes, to a couple of hours – or even a whole afternoon – I really would like to encourage everyone to take some time out and join in the celebrations.

“I hope National Care Home Open Day will help to break down barriers between care homes and the community and forge lasting links for the future which will benefit everyone.”

For more information about National Care Home Open Day, members of the public can check out the regularly updated National Care Home Open Day map at www.cqc.org.uk/NCHOD2014 to see which care homes CQC inspectors and staff will be attending on Friday 20 June.

Follow and support National Care Home Day on Twitter by using the hashtag #NCHOD2014