Bitesize awareness of DOLS

A person with dementia asks when their mother is coming to collect them. Their mother died 40 years ago. A truthful answer may seem respectful, but it can make them grieve the loss as if hearing it for the first time. This is where positive lying, sometimes called therapeutic fibbing, can help. Positive lying in dementia means using a kind, reassuring untruth or partial truth to reduce fear, agitation, or confusion. It is not about tricking someone for convenience. It is abou

This guide is written for carers, family members, and people supporting someone with dementia. It explains what mental capacity means, the five principles behind the assessment framework, how to approach an assessment in everyday life, and what a practical capacity conversation might look like.

Running a care service well takes clear systems, confident leadership and practical oversight. County Support Services provides independent care home consultancy grounded in real registered-manager experience, helping services improve daily operations while keeping care quality at the centre. Practical support starts with understanding the care setting as it is. Practical support for stronger day-to-day operations Our consultancy focuses on the areas that shape safe, effectiv

Meeting CQC expectations is easier when you can see your service clearly, evidence your strengths, and act on any gaps before inspection. County Support Services provides independent, registered-manager-level audits and inspection preparation for care homes and providers who want practical, confident support. Our CQC Compliance support is grounded in real operational experience, not theory alone. The service is delivered by an experienced Registered Manager, Mental Health Nur

Care home owners and managers face increasing pressure to meet Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards while delivering safe, high-quality care. Navigating inspections and maintaining compliance can be challenging without expert guidance. County Support Services offers independent CQC compliance support designed to ease this burden and strengthen your service’s quality and safety. Care home manager preparing for CQC inspection with expert support Independent Audits and Inspec

Caring for a loved one with dementia is a deeply personal and often challenging experience. It involves a mix of love, patience, and sometimes heartache as you watch someone you care about change in ways you never expected. One of the hardest decisions many carers face is knowing when it’s time to consider a care home. This choice can bring relief, guilt, hope, and uncertainty all at once. Understanding the emotional journey and the support available can help carers make this

Finding the right care home for a loved one is a major decision that affects their quality of life and your peace of mind. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start and what to look for. This guide will walk you through the key steps and factors to consider when choosing a care home in the UK. You will learn how to assess care homes based on their performance, staffing, facilities, and feedback from residents and relatives. By the end, yo

In the ever-evolving landscape of elder care, care home leaders face the critical task of enhancing resident care while navigating challenges such as staffing shortages, regulatory pressures, and the diverse needs of residents. The quality of care provided in these facilities not only impacts the well-being of residents but also influences the reputation and success of the care home itself. This blog post will explore effective strategies that care home leaders can implement

Nursing homes play a crucial role in providing care for the elderly and those with disabilities. However, ensuring compliance with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards is vital for maintaining high-quality care and operational success. In this blog post, we will explore essential tips for achieving CQC compliance, helping nursing homes thrive in a challenging environment. Eye-level view of a nursing home exterior with a welcoming entrance Understanding CQC Compliance C

In the realm of elder care, the quality of services provided in care homes can significantly impact the well-being and happiness of residents. As a manager, your role is pivotal in shaping these services to ensure they meet the needs of both residents and their families. This blog post will explore best practices for improving care home services, focusing on practical strategies that can be implemented to enhance the overall experience for everyone involved. Eye-level view of

Finding the right care home for a loved one can feel overwhelming. Families often face many questions: Which care home fits their needs? How do I know if it provides good care? What should I look for during a visit? At County Support Services, we understand these challenges and offer dedicated support to carers and relatives throughout this process. Our goal is to make the search for a care home clear, informed, and less stressful. We help identify suitable care homes, check