As a care home owner or care home marketing manager, you understand that a good reputation is essential for attracting new residents and filling beds. One of the most significant factors affecting your care home’s reputation is its Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating.

How to improve your care home’s CQC Rating.

A ‘Good’ rating from the CQC is a powerful endorsement of the quality of care you provide and can help you to differentiate your care home from competitors. Conversely, a ‘Requires Improvement rating can deter potential residents and their families.

So, how can you improve your care home’s CQC rating? Based on the CQC inspection framework, here are some key areas to focus on:

  1. Focus on Person-centered Care: Providing care tailored to residents’ needs is essential for achieving a ‘Good’ CQC rating. Involve residents in care planning and ensure their preferences and choices are respected. This involvement will demonstrate your home’s commitment to high-quality care and show potential residents they’ll be valued.
  2. Ensure Adequate Staffing: Having enough qualified and competent staff available to meet residents’ needs is another critical factor in achieving a ‘Good’ CQC rating. Ensure your team is appropriately trained and supported to provide high-quality care. A well-trained team will give potential residents and their families confidence in your care home’s ability to deliver exceptional care.
  3. Provide Safe Care and Treatment: Ensuring residents are safe from harm and abuse is critical for achieving a ‘Good’ CQC rating. Manage risks appropriately, promote infection control, and ensure medication is managed safely. Trust in your diligence will demonstrate your care home’s commitment to providing safe and effective care.
  4. Focus on Leadership, Management, and Governance: Effective leadership, management, and governance are essential for achieving a ‘Good’ CQC rating. Ensure your care home is well-led, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements, and has a strong foundation for continuous improvement. A strong leadership team will show potential residents and their families that your care home is committed to providing high-quality care and has a solid management structure.
  5. Be Responsive to Residents’ Needs:Providing timely care and support is crucial for achieving a ‘Good’ CQC rating. Identify and respond to residents’ changing needs appropriately and swiftly. Responsiveness will demonstrate your care home’s commitment to meeting residents’ needs.
  6. Be transparent and show commitment to the above five points on your website and social media: The CQC will first view your website and social media, so why not display in detail and with clarity your commitment to person-centred care (images, case studies, stories), high staffing levels (and support for employees), your care protocols clearly defined and stated, the leadership team and their experience (contactable, open to talk), and your commitment to being responsive to your residents. Remember, the inspectors will investigate your Care Home at every turn – make your website and social media tell the story for you.

Improving your care home’s CQC rating is not only critical for attracting new residents and filling beds, but it is also a powerful marketing tool. A ‘Good’ rating from the CQC can differentiate your care home from competitors and assure potential residents and their families that your care home is committed to providing high-quality care.

Conversely, a ‘Requires Improvement’ rating can be a significant deterrent to potential residents and their families.

In conclusion, improving your care home’s CQC rating should be a top priority for Care Home owners and marketing managers. Focusing on the above areas can help you differentiate your care home from competitors, fill beds, and build a strong reputation in the marketplace.

If you would like to talk to us about supporting your care home and more insight into how to improve your Care Home’s CQC rating alongside marketing and the tools to increase your enquiries, please contact our team.