Dementia accreditation
commissioners, and regulatory bodies, which adds credibility and prestige to the care home’s reputation. This recognition can open up new opportunities for partnerships with local healthcare providers and support from commissioners who are seeking care homes that meet the highest standards of dementia care.
3. Ongoing support and improvement Unlike a one-off inspection, NaDCAS accreditation is designed to encourage continuous improvement. The accreditation process is rooted in the latest dementia research and best practices, meaning that care homes benefit from ongoing updates to ensure that their care practices remain at the forefront of dementia care. This helps homes continually improve their care and services, ensuring that they always meet the evolving needs of their residents.
4. Attracting and retaining talent Care homes that are accredited by NaDCAS are not only able to offer high- quality care to their residents, but they also provide a supportive environment for their staff. A strong reputation for dementia care helps attract and retain highly skilled and compassionate staff members who are passionate about delivering excellent care. Accreditation also signals to potential
employees that the care home values professional development and training, which is a major factor in attracting dedicated, experienced workers. A workforce that is motivated and properly trained leads to better care outcomes for residents and higher levels of job satisfaction.
Achieving dementia care accreditation The journey to achieving NaDCAS
accreditation is a structured and supportive process designed to elevate dementia care standards within care homes. Rather than being a one-time assessment, accreditation is a continuous improvement journey that helps care providers enhance their environment, team approach, and person- centred practices. Through expert audits, action plans, coaching, and reassessments, NaDCAS ensures that care homes can demonstrate excellence in dementia care.
1. Dementia care audit The accreditation process begins with an in-depth dementia care audit, where NaDCAS experts conduct a comprehensive assessment of the care home’s physical environment, team approach, and person-centred practices. This face-to-face audit evaluates over 140 areas of best practice, benchmarked against the latest framework developed by the NaDCAS advisory board. This initial assessment provides care homes with a clear understanding of their strengths and areas for development.
2. Report and action plan Following the audit, care homes receive a detailed report outlining what they are already excelling in and where improvements can be made. This report includes a structured 16-week action plan, with clear objectives and strategies designed to support meaningful change. The plan provides a roadmap for improvement, ensuring that the care home is working towards best practice standards in a structured and manageable way.
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3. Progress reviews Once the action plan is in place, NaDCAS works alongside the care home to ensure its successful implementation. Regular progress reviews are scheduled to assess how improvements are being embedded into everyday practice. These reviews allow for ongoing support, feedback, and adjustments to ensure that the recommended changes lead to tangible improvements in care quality.
4. Masterclasses and coaching If knowledge gaps are identified within the care team, NaDCAS provides access to specialist workshops and coaching sessions. These masterclasses are led by qualified dementia care professionals with over 10 years of experience and run on a monthly basis. The aim is to upskill staff, improve confidence in dementia care approaches, and ensure that teams are equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques.
5. Re-assessment Once the care home has had time to implement the recommendations, a re-assessment is conducted. This focuses on the areas that were initially identified as needing improvement, ensuring that changes have been successfully embedded into daily practice. The re-assessment allows NaDCAS to measure progress and confirm that the care home has reached the required standard for accreditation.
6. Accreditation award Upon successful completion of the
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