Keeping Loved Ones Safe: Health and Safety in Care Explained
When it comes to arranging care, safety is often the biggest concern for families. Whether considering a care home or live-in care, it’s important to weigh up the options carefully. In this blog, we explore the safety benefits of each and why live-in care is increasingly becoming the preferred choice.
What is safety in care?
Safety in care may seem like a simple concept, but its official definition plays a vital role in regulating standards across care organisations. Safety is defined as “the avoidance, prevention and amelioration of adverse outcomes or injuries stemming from the process of healthcare.”
With this definition in mind, it’s worth noting that out of 600 million NHS patient interactions, around 3,000 result in a safety investigation. Whilst this is a small percentage (1 in 200,000), one failure in safety standards can have a serious impact on families, their loved ones, and the reputation of their care provider.
How is safety in care regulated?
To keep people safe, a number of regulatory bodies oversee care practices and standards. In the UK, safety in care is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The commission establishes and enforces key standards to ensure safety across care providers. This regulation covers multiple aspects of care provision, including:
- Staff training
- Risk assessments
- Incident reporting
- Equipment maintenance
The history of safety in care
Care and safety should go hand-in-hand, but the reality is that this hasn’t always been the case. In recent years, some care facilities across the UK have been exposed for failing safety standards or for mistreatment and abuse of residents. Whilst these cases are rare, thanks to strict regulation, their appearance in the media has left many people hesitant to place their loved ones in a care home.
Live-in care VS care homes: which is safer?
All care providers are strictly regulated to ensure that those in their care are safe, comfortable, and well supported. However, several reports in recent years have revealed substandard care in a number of care facilities. These reports have led to mistrust in care homes, with many families instead turning to live in care or hourly care at home.
While both care homes and live-in care providers must meet the same rigorous standards, it’s understandable if you want to explore the differences before making your decision.
How to find care providers that prioritise safety
The right care solution for your loved one will be one that prioritises safety in more ways than one. Meeting the regulatory standards should be the minimum, but the best providers go further to ensure people are truly safe and well cared for. Look out for:
Providers highly rated by CQC
Providers rated Good and Outstanding by the CQC are recognised for delivering the highest possible standards of care to their patients. The CQC regulates the health and adult social care sector across England by monitoring, inspecting, and regulating care services, with the power to take action when improvements are needed.
Care options prioritise patient safety
Choosing the right type of care is essential for safeguarding your loved one’s wellbeing and safety. Providers offering a range of care options can better address both medical and physical needs, including specialist care like:
- Mobility care – Supporting greater independence for people with mobility limitations, while maintaining safety
- Rehabilitation care – Short or long-term care after an illness, surgery, or treatment, supporting their journey back to full health
- Complex care at home – Specialist care for people living with complex medical needs, disabilities, or chronic conditions
- Overnight home care – Support through the night for medical, physical, and emotional needs
Personalised care
Everyone has unique care needs, so their care should be adapted to suit them. Look for providers that offer a personalised care plan, taking into consideration medical needs, routines, and personal preferences.
Safety isn’t just about physical wellbeing: it’s also about ensuring your loved one feels empowered, comfortable, and respected. A personalised care plan makes sure that individuals are treated as such, with care schedules and plans adapted to suit their specific needs.
Why choose Ashridge Home Care?
At Ashridge Home Care, safety, compassion, and dignity are at the heart of everything we do. Whether you choose live-in or hourly care, our highly trained carers provide bespoke support tailored to your needs, ensuring peace of mind for families and the very best care for clients.
Ready to explore safe, personalised care for your loved one? Get in touch with Ashridge Home Care today to find out how our live-in and hourly care services can provide the dedicated support and peace of mind you’re looking for.