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In domiciliary care, the registered location is the place where care is organised or managed; the regulated activity – in this case, personal care – then takes place elsewhere, in the homes of the service users.
Within the sector, there are many providers who chose their home address as their registered location. It is particularly common for small family-run businesses and new start-ups. There are many reasons why a provider might choose to do so. We will explore some of these below. However, this practice many also raise challenges around CQC compliance.
Why register from your home address?
Over recent years – and certainly since COVID-19 – many people across a wide range of industries have chosen to work from home. Care is no exception. Within domiciliary care, office-based staff tended to work from home during the pandemic to reduce the risk of spreading the infection. Small and family-run businesses may never have gone back to a separate office, as working from home worked well, both in practical terms and for reducing rent and utilities costs.
In addition, it is often the owner/manager who holds responsibility for delivery of the on-call duties. Having access to work systems at home is thus not only convenient but supports a positive work-home life balance. For many, it simply made perfect sense to convert a spare room, garage, or summer house to run their business from.
So, what should you, as a provider, consider ahead of your next inspection to ensure excellent and safe working practices?
Challenges for home-registered providers
Firstly, if the property is mortgaged or rented, the permission of the lender or owner is required. The insurers of the property should also be informed.
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You will also need to consider the security of the office. Can it be securely locked with lockable fireproof cabinets to hold any confidential information? Access to the office should also be addressed, as staff or service users may need to visit. Is there a separate entrance, for example, or any specific potential issues to consider? This could include pets living in the property, children and other family members, steps, and parking, etc.
Maintaining confidentiality is another important aspect to consider with a home-based office. This covers telephone discussions, client information, and staffing management. For example, staff supervisions, return-to-work interviews, or disciplinary meetings are all confidential and should be overheard by family members.
Finally, you should complete a robust risk assessment, considering all environmental aspects for potential risks and hazards that could affect visitors, any impacts on the smooth running of the service, and ensuring safe surroundings.
If all these aspects are considered and addressed properly, then a home-based office could work well.
For more information on Home-based provider locations in domiciliary care talk to W&P Assessment and Training Centre