The assessment is carried out annually and takes between 2 to 5 days, depending on the size and category of the home. The rigorous process ensures that the data collected reflects the true position within the home. The scores are entered into a bespoke computer programme which benchmarks them against best practice in the care industry.
In carrying out the assessments, the RDB Care Quality Assessors (CQAs) work closely with the home to understand its philosophy and how it achieves its care outcomes. The role of the CQA is to collect data through an interview-driven process to enable assessment of the actual working practices.
Evidence is collected through one-to-one meetings with residents, management and staff, and supplemented by a detailed assessment of the policies, procedures, working documents and records in the home. In addition both residents and staff complete a confidential questionnaire.
The CQA’s role is one of data collection not evaluation and therefore they do not get involved in the calculation of the home’s star ratings. This ensures that both the assessment and the evaluation of the homes’ care practices remain distinct and objective.