New CQC Single Assessment Framework: What it means for Mariposa Care

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has introduced a new Single Assessment Framework for all care providers, designed to streamline and enhance the evaluation of health and social care services in England.

Below we hope to explain what this is, and what it means to Mariposa Care homes.

What is the Care Quality Commission?

Similarly to how OFSTED inspect schools, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the regulatory body for all health and social care settings in England. They monitor service performance at care homes and provide ratings based on a scoring system.

Depending on the outcome of the inspection, which looks at how providers meet 34 quality statements that demonstrate what is required for high-quality care, CQC awards each care home with an official rating across the main elements of care. These ratings are either Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement or Inadequate.

What is the Single Assessment Framework?

The CQC Single Assessment Framework sets the standards by which each care provider in England is measured. It standardises assessments across all facilities to compare and assess performance. The framework looks into how care homes perform across five key areas, called the CQC Five Key Questions:

1. Is the service Safe?

2. Is the service Effective?

3. Is the service Caring?

4. Is the service Responsive?

5. Is the service Well-led?

So what does this mean to Mariposa Care?

At Mariposa Care, we remain committed to achieving all guidelines set out by the Care Quality Commission, which form our key principles and underpin everything we do. This includes those now set out in the new Single Assessment Framework – which focuses on more detailed data collection and analysis, the importance of resident feedback, and a culture of continuous improvement from service providers. 

How will we do this

Staff Training

In preparation for the framework changes, we have implemented a training programme to familiarise our care teams with the requirements of the Single Assessment Framework. By doing so, we ensure that all staff members are well-equipped to deliver care that meets the CQC's rigorous standards. This training not only covers the technical aspects of the framework but also emphasises the importance of empathy, respect, and communication, ensuring that all care provided is both proficient and compassionate.

Feedback

A significant change in the new framework is the incorporation of more detailed data collection and feedback, to help identify areas needing improvement more swiftly and accurately. Moreover, the new framework emphasises the importance of user feedback, ensuring that the experiences of patients, residents, and their families play a central role in the assessment process. We continue to encourage all residents, friends and family to provide feedback in person, via surveys and on online platforms such as carehome.co.uk and Google reviews.

Continuous Improvement

The new CQC Single Assessment Framework highlights the importance for service providers to develop a culture of contiuous improvement across all elements of care. At Mariposa Care, we take pride as pioneers within the care industry, dedicated to integrating the latest cutting-edge technologies, systems, and amenities to improve residents' well-being and the quality of care we provide. From Electronic Care Planning to Specialist Dementia Care Facilities, Oomph! Wellness Enrichment Programmes to Ally Care Acoustic Monitoring Systems – we are constantly looking ahead, incorporating the most advanced care offerings available into our homes.

Learn more

If you would like to learn more about the new CQC Single Assessment Framework, you can read the full report here. 

Or to understand more about Mariposa Care’s approach to achieving the standards set out by CQC, please contact us directly.