Nursing Home Regulations in the UK

The government published a set of National Minimum Standards in 2006 for nursing and residential homes in the UK. This document applies the provision of the Care Standards Act, 2000 and the Care Home Regulations. The National Standards address all elements of life in residential care, covering the initial enquiry and the quality of care the resident can expect during his time in the home. All homes are inspected regularly by members the Care Quality Commission, who report on every element of care. They give a copy of the report to the home's managers, and publish a copy on their website. All homes should follow the national standards, and residents and relatives should be able to refer to them.

Standards 1 to 6

• Standards 1 through 6 address the choice of home. As far as possible, an elderly person and her relatives should be able to decide between two or more homes. The home should offer the client a trial period so he can make a considered decision. The elderly person has the right to have an assessment of his needs, and this should be the basis for a package of care designed around the person's needs. An appointed social worker should give the elderly person information and advice on the funding of care.

Standards 7 to 11

• The next set of standards set down requirements on residents' personal care and health. The standards incorporate legislation on the administration of medication. The staff have a responsibility to promote residents' dignity, privacy and choice. These standards set a minimum of what is acceptable. Staff are expected to draw up care plans for residents and monitor their health and well-being. They carry out reviews on each resident, and standards require regular weighing and nutritional assessment of residents.

Standards 12 to 15

• Standards 12 through 15 refer to the residents' daily life and social activities. Staff should inform residents of meal times and give them a choice of meals. Meal times must not be rigid and staff should offer choices in accordance with residents' personal and cultural preferences. Activities coordinators should carry out a range of social and therapeutic activities with residents. Staff should facilitate and encourage visits from family and friends, and make every effort to meet religious needs.

Standards 16 to 18

• The final standards deal with staff members' duty to protect residents from harm and abuse. Staff must follow correct written policies and procedures. The home must have a complaints' procedure, and staff have a duty to tell residents about this. They should also provide other means for residents to express their views and problems. Most homes use questionnaires and surveys to gather impressions of residents and relatives. Many homes also hold residents meetings where clients may express their views.