Inspections reveal care home improvement

Following re-inspection, nearly three quarters of care homes that we originally rated Inadequate have improved their ratings. This means over 12,000 people across England are experiencing better and safer care from these services.

This shows that regulation plays a key part in encouraging providers to improve, but it is not the only influence. Sustained quality demands a commitment from everyone – staff, providers, commissioners and funders, regulators – all working together and listening to the voice of the public and people using services to make adult social care the best it can be.

Examples of how the re-inspected care homes were able to demonstrate that they had improved the quality of their care include: investing in staff training, making sure homes present a welcoming environment, developing activities for residents, and empowering staff to suggest ideas of how to do things differently.

CQC’s Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, Andrea Sutcliffe, said: “I welcome the improvements we have seen during our re-inspections of care homes that were originally rated as Inadequate. Real change does not happen overnight – the improved ratings are a testament to the time, effort and determination of providers, their managers and their staff. This is good news for the people who use their services who have every right to expect care we would be happy for a loved one to receive.

“While services that have moved to Requires Improvement are heading in the right direction, I am clear that this is still not good enough and providers cannot afford to be complacent. Evidence of consistent practice and sustainability is what we are looking for, to ensure people always get the Good care they deserve."