CARE HOMES SURVEY AIDE MEMOIRE

This document is designed as a check list covering the main investigations and observations of particular relevance in the care home environment and is intended to be used as a supplement to Appendix 1 Survey Aide Memoire of Operational Procedures.

General Considerations

Pre-survey reference to CQC and other agencies.
Type of care home and facilities provided. Special needs.
Type and height of building – purpose built or conversion.
Light construction - conservatories, felt roofed extensions, outbuildings, etc Proximity of trees

Occupation

No of residents/rooms
Laundry rooms Type of plant/machinery Plant maintenance Tumble dryers Fluff and fly Electric irons Laundry chutes
Kitchens Size and extent of usage Deep fat frying Cleaning of extract system Emergency isolation valves Fire protection.
Storage and ancillary areas
Special features

Electrical Installation

Age and visual condition
Inspection/testing Date of last report Report seen Outstanding issues Status of contractor.
Temporary wiring, adaptors and extension leads.
Themographic testing
PAT testing
Standby generation

Gas Safety

Gas Safety Regulations
Use of LPG

Heating

Primary heating
Secondary/ supplementary/ emergency heating
Biomass boilers
Overall care / maintenance
LPG appliances

Fire Protection

Sprinklers/water mist Installer System design Visual condition Testing and servicing Impairment procedure Frost protection
Fire Detection and Alarms Installer System design/category Remote signalling Staff alarm Testing and servicing
Fire Extinguishers Provision Fire points Servicing Training
Signs and notices Provision
Emergency lighting Provision Testing and maintenance
Other systems Fire suppression Smoke control

Fire Safety Management

Risk Assessment Completed/documented Competency Reviewed Documentation seen
Records and auditing Records in place Self-inspections
Emergency Plans In place/communicated
Fire Safety Training In place and recorded Fire drills
Fire Authority Inspections Date of last inspection Outstanding issues

Transient Protection

IT/Telecoms
Nurse call systems

Smoking

Designated smoking rooms
Discarded materials
Individual risk assessments

Contractors Operations

Overall controls
Risk assessments/method statements
Hot work

General Housekeeping

Escape Routes Clear Fire doors checked
Waste Daily waste removal Location/security of bins
Flammables/Gases Handling and storage DSEAR LPG
Plant rooms/service risers Clear and secure Switch cupboards clear
Voids clear and secure
Storage areas Orderly Sprinkler heads, detectors and light fittings clear
End of day inspections

Fire Safety Records and Auditing

Fire safety log book
Routine self-inspections

Fire Emergency Plan

In place and communicated
Contingency plans

Fire Safety Training

In place and recorded
Extinguisher training given
Fire drills undertaken

Theft

High value contents
Drugs and medicines

Health and Safety

Reporting of Incidents Accident book Frequency/trends
Claims Defence Documentation adequate
First Aid Provision Adequate Staff training
Health & Safety Policy Current/ Signed for
General Risk Assessments
Challenging Behaviours Assessments Training Procedures
COSHH Assessments inc. Infection Control
Legionella Control
Manual Handling Assessments Training Equipment Lifting policy
Personal Protective Equipment Provided Used
Staff - Records
Staff – Medical history
Staff Training Records Sign for receipt?
Agency Staff Use How inducted?
Slips, Trips & Falls Anti-slip surfaces Floor coverings Stairs/hand rails Hot surfaces External areas
Plant / Equipment Safety & Inspections Statutory inspections Records
Food & Hygiene Training Certificates
Care Plans
Medicines Who administers Qualifications
Audit / Review / Inspections
Control of Contractors & Visitors

TG12a: Care Homes Aide Memoire