How often does CQC inspect care homes?

When it comes to ensuring the safety and quality of care in residential settings, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) plays a vital role. The CQC is the independent regulator of health and social care services in England. However, one question that people ask us all the time is: 'How often do the CQC inspect care homes?'   

In this article, we’ll delve into the inspection timeline, what triggers more frequent assessments, and why regular evaluations are essential for maintaining care standards.  

We will also explore one of the primary alternatives to the CQC and how it can provide care seekers with greater peace of mind, enabling them to make informed decisions.

The role of the CQC

The CQC ensures that health and social care providers in England deliver services that prioritise safety, effectiveness, and high standards of care.  

It achieves this by carrying out routine inspections of care homes and related services, providing ratings based on the results of their assessments. 

The ratings are as follows: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement, and Inadequate.

• Outstanding: The service is performing exceptionally well and exceeds the required standards.
• Good: The service meets the expected standards and is operating effectively.
• Requires Improvement: The service is not meeting certain standards and needs to make improvements.
• Inadequate: The service is failing to meet key standards and requires immediate action.

CQC inspectors actively evaluate care services, issuing thorough reports to the public. If a service is found lacking, the CQC can take corrective action, ensuring the provider raises its standards and meets regulatory requirements.

A strong inspection rating from the CQC is crucial for care homes as it allows them to maintain their ability to serve residents and continue delivering care.

To learn more about the role of the CQC, check out our blog: ‘The Care Quality Commission (CQC) - Demystifying Care Terminology.’

How often do the CQC inspect care homes?

The frequency of CQC inspections varies based on the rating and status of the care provider. For instance, new care providers are typically inspected within 12 months of opening. If a provider has a low rating, they are often re-inspected within 6-12 months to ensure improvements are made.

In contrast, care homes rated "Good" or "Outstanding" may not be inspected again for 2 to 5 years, although the CQC can schedule an earlier visit if concerns arise or circumstances change.

Controversy Around the CQC

In August 2024, an independent review of the CQC was launched by Dr Penny Dash, chair of the North West London Integrated Care Board. The report cited concerns about 'significant internal failings’ within the CQC.

According to the review, poor operational practices and a lack of transparency over how ratings are calculated has had a negative impact on the CQC's credibility in the health and care sectors.

The CQC has also been criticised for its outdated inspection practices, with some health and social care providers going for years without a review.

Furthermore, the CQC was found to be unprepared, with inspectors lacking the relevant experience to adequately assess certain services.

The review called for urgent reforms to improve transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency and raised concerns about public trust, particularly given that many care seekers and families rely on CQC ratings when choosing care services. It also stressed the need for more frequent and consistent inspections, especially for services deemed at risk.

This report has sparked discussions about the future of the CQC and the steps necessary to restore trust in its regulatory role. In response, the CQC has pledged to address these issues, acknowledging the need for change to regain credibility and ensure the safety and quality of care across the UK.

For more information on the review into the CQC, check out our blog, ‘Is the CQC failing care homes?’

What are the alternatives to the CQC?

While it is natural for care seekers to ask themselves ‘how often do the cqc inspect care homes?’, it is important to understand the significant shortcomings in the operational procedures of the CQC. These issues, ranging from delayed inspections to inconsistent assessments, suggest that care seekers should avoid relying solely on the CQC when choosing a care home.

Given these concerns, it’s vital for families to explore additional resources and tools to evaluate the quality of care homes.

An alternative to the CQC rating system is OpenScore, an independent score out of 10 that assesses care providers using a variety of real-time data sources. One key benefit of OpenScore is that care seekers no longer have to rely on potentially outdated information. OpenScore draws on a deep knowledge of both care homes and the care sector. It's one of the few rating systems that evaluates care homes across the entire UK, offering a broader and more up-to-date view of care quality.

You will find the OpenScore rating of a care home on the profiles listed on our website.

Looking for care homes in the UK?

If so, you have come to the right place. Simply head over to our directory search bar and type in your preferred location. This will then generate a list of care homes in the area.

Alternatively, you can also answer a few quick questions on our FREE Shortlisting Tool, to get a more bespoke list of providers, tailored to your unique preferences. If you need additional information, feel free to get in touch with our knowledgeable and friendly team who can answer any questions you may have on 01892 335 330.