Certification of Elderly Care

Working with certification can be a way to create a culture where continuous improvements are part of the operation. Primarily, I am thinking of ISO certification but there are also others, for example, Silvia certification which provides a structure for continuous improvements. Many nursing homes are also ISO certified. Working with certification is a structured way to develop the quality of the accommodation. By building systems for self-monitoring, internal audits, and continuous improvements, the operation builds both a culture and control mechanisms that contribute to quality development.

There is also an "elderly standard" since 2015. It clarifies requirements for care and services for the elderly. It is provided free of charge by the Swedish Institute for Standards (SiS) for the operations that wish to introduce it. It is not a standard that one can certify against, but it provides good support in the quality development work.

One value of certifying operations is that it contributes to creating a systematic work where continuous improvements become part of the operation's culture. If everyone in the operation strives to make the accommodation better, it will soon yield results. By working with self-monitoring and encouraging employees to write deviations when something goes wrong, the management can get impulses for improvement work. It is also important to make it easy for residents and relatives to contribute with views and suggestions for improvement.

With simple, safe, and well-known routines that everyone follows, it becomes easy even for a relatively newly employed substitute to do the right thing. An important part of this is to have good simple routes for information transfer and a working method that makes it easy for employees to communicate with management. Present leadership based on trust and a clear value base also contributes to creating a culture where everyone is important.

The value of quality certifying nursing homes and relevant certifications

Quality certification of nursing homes is a process that not only strengthens the credibility of the operation, but also ensures that the residents receive the best possible care. By meeting requirements for quality, safety, and efficiency, the nursing home can show that they work according to clear guidelines and strive for continuous improvements.

Quality Assurance and Improved Care

Structured Improvement Work: By undergoing a certification process, the nursing home can implement a structured improvement work that ensures that they continuously evaluate and improve the quality of care. This leads to increased safety and well-being for the residents, as well as improved working conditions for the staff.
Increased security for residents and relatives: Certifications show that the nursing home works according to standardized and proven methods. This creates security for both the residents and their relatives, as they know that the care is of high quality and that the operation follows strict guidelines.

Certifications that may be relevant

ISO 9001 – Quality Management System: ISO 9001 is an internationally recognized standard for quality management systems and is used to ensure that an organization has effective processes in place to meet customer requirements. For nursing homes, an ISO 9001 certification means that they work systematically with quality assurance and continuous improvements, which contributes to better care and higher safety.
ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System: For nursing homes that want to focus on sustainability and the environment, ISO 14001 certification may be a suitable way. This certification shows that the accommodation actively works to reduce its environmental impact and that they have implemented an environmental management system that supports these efforts. It can also lead to improvements in energy usage, waste management, and purchasing.
Silvia Certification: This certification was developed at the initiative of Queen Silvia. Silvia certification focuses on competence and working methods in elderly care. A particular focus is on people with dementia diseases. This is done by offering education and support to healthcare personnel and by introducing evidence-based methods and processes in daily operations.
Elderly Standard There is also an elderly standard that can be used as support for quality development in elderly care. It is currently not certifiable.

Benefits for the operation

Improved efficiency: By implementing the certification systems, the nursing home can increase its operational efficiency by creating clear routines and processes. This leads to a more structured working environment where it is simpler to follow and achieve the goals.
Increased competitiveness: Quality-certified nursing homes often have a competitive advantage, as they can market their certification as a guarantee of high quality and security. It can also be an advantage in procurements where quality assurance is requested.
Attractive workplace: Certifications show that the nursing home values ​​both its residents' and its employees' well-being and safety. This can make the operation more attractive to qualified staff who want to work in an environment that prioritizes quality and safety.

Continuous Improvements

Systematic Follow-up: An important part of the certification process is that it requires continuous follow-up and revision. This means that the nursing home must evaluate and improve its processes continuously, which ensures that the residents and staff always get the best possible conditions.
Motivation for the staff: Working towards and maintaining a certification can act as a motivational factor for the staff. It creates a common sense of striving towards the same goal and that quality and safety are prioritized parts of the daily work.

How the nursing home can start the certification process

Mapping and Analysis: The first step towards certification is to map current processes and routines at the nursing home to see how they relate to the requirements set in the various certification systems. This makes it possible to identify which areas need to be developed.
Implementation and Training: Once any deficiencies have been identified, it is important to implement new routines and train the staff to ensure that everyone works according to the new guidelines. Regular training and communication are crucial for success with the certification.
Revision and Certification: After new routines have been implemented, an external audit is conducted by the certification body to assess whether the nursing home meets the requirements for the chosen certification. Once this is approved, the nursing home is awarded its certification and is then ready to display its new quality label.

Reflection Questions - Certification:
Care Staff:
- In what ways can you contribute to making the operation better?
- Do you have a good way to report deviations?
- Do investigations of deviations lead to the operation becoming better?
- Do you have any quality council within the operation?

Manager, Nurse, Occupational Therapist, and Physiotherapist:
- Are all deviations investigated seriously?
- Does the person who writes deviations receive feedback on the investigation and what measures have been taken?
- Do you give feedback on deviations at APT or in forums?  

Residents and Relatives:
- Are there simple ways for residents and you as a relative to submit views, complaints, or suggestions for improvement?

Erland Olsson
Specialist Nurse
Sofrosyne - better care every day