Studying the CQC Can Get You An Outstanding Care Home

This episode of the Care CEO Success Stories podcast features Issac Theophilos, owner of care consultancy Outstanding Care Homes having himself run an “outstanding” care home.

Issac shares how care home managers can achieve an outstanding CQC rating through leadership and culture, a coherent vision for improvement, studying CQC criteria and staff empowerment.

Issac discusses what practical steps you can take to implement a winning culture at your care provider and the importance of continual learning in achieving that outstanding rating.

In this episode Isaac shares his wealth of experience and his tips for success including:

•   How achieving “outstanding” starts with the directors having a vision for continuous improvement.

•   Managers must develop their CQC knowledge beyond the level 5 diploma and “speak the same language as the inspectors.”

•   Managers should study CQC regulations and rating characteristics in depth as well as preparing evidence.

•   How a care provider’s real culture shows when managers are away. “That's when the most successful care homes start running,”  says Issac.

•   “Attitude and emotional intelligence matter more than experience,” so offer progression rather than small pay rises.

•   How outstanding homes also have areas to improve and identifying examples in each CQC domain that go "above and beyond”.

•   “Productivity helps managers avoid distraction," and how a work/life balance and structured prioritisation enables you to support residents and staff.

•   How regulations frequently change so managers should dedicate time for their own development.

•   Ensuring you “prioritise frontline leadership training and identify any gaps in CQC  standards.”