Care homes and CQC’s powers to investigate and take enforcement action - 29/Sep/2009

The Commission for Social Care Inspection (“CSCI”) ceased to exist on 31 March 2009, when the Care Quality Commission (“CQC”) took over the regulation of care homes. CQC is the independent regulator of all care homes in England, whether they are run by the private sector or local councils. Read more …

Are Your Residents’ Contracts Fair? - 12/Jun/2008

In March 2005 the Office of Fair Trading took action which led to 10 care home operators changing the contracts entered into by self-funded residents. The OFT has warned that it will continue to take action against contracts which have unfair terms. It is therefore essential that you ensure that your contracts comply with current OFT guidance. Read more …

The Management Buy Out Option (MBO) - 30/May/2008

The advantages of an MBO rather than a third party sale for your care home. Read more …

Does Your Building's Construction Comply with the Legislation? - 08/Nov/2007

The Care Standards Act was passed 7 years ago and is something that all care professionals should be familiar with and, whilst standards have improved, some care homes are still not meeting the standards initially hoped for. This article aims to help care home managers and owners to consider whether the Act is applicable to them, what should be done to comply with it , and what to consider when making alterations or looking to acquire a new property. Read more …

The Impact of the Smoking Ban on Care Homes - 29/Jun/2007

On 1 July 2007 a blanket ban on smoking in the workplace and enclosed public places comes into force in England. Similar bans are already in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. A failure to comply with the law will be a criminal offence punishable by fine of up to £2500. Care home owners should ensure that they understand their obligations and how the new legislation impacts on them. Read more …

Family Friendly Rights - 13/Mar/2007

Are you well informed on the existing rules and proposed changes?All care home employers should have careful regard to the existing law on time off for various reasons and to forthcoming developments. There has been press coverage of the proposed changes and it is likely that more and more employees will use the legislation. Like many service businesses care homes regularly have pressure on staff resources. It is important that your care home is able to adapt when staff go off and to deal appropriately with requests for leave and flexible working. Accurate and regular record keeping is a necessity. This article looks at some of the existing legislative provisions and some of the future changes. Read more …

Property Aspects of Buying a Care Home - 18/Sep/2006

A look at the key searches that need to be undertaken in order to protect the value of a property, in particular a care home, being purchased. Read more …

An Introduction to Buying or Selling a Care Home - 15/Sep/2006

A look at the key stages and the legal documentation involved in the acquisition and disposal of care homes. Read more …