The Farmhouse care home in Hornchurch makes improvements - CQC

The Farmhouse, in Wingletye Lane, was told it 'requires improvement' following its most recent inspection from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in January.

The care home - run by R G Care Ltd - was previously given the lowest possible rating of 'inadequate' in December 2023 after a service user claimed to have sustained "serious harm".

A follow-up inspection in August 2024 still showed that the home needed improvement, and the CQC imposed conditions on the care provider in response to this, including that it was not allowed to admit any new service users without the CQC's permission.

The Farmhouse remains under these conditions, however it has been found to have made improvements to its risk assessments, safeguarding and staff recruitment since the previous inspection.

Inspectors found that the assessment areas of safe, effective and well-led are all now 'good'.

The CQC report published on May 19 said: "During our last assessment, we found robust processes were not in place to safeguard people from abuse.

"During this assessment, we found improvements had been made.

"Systems were in place to safeguard people from abuse and harm.

"A safeguarding policy that included types of abuse and who to report too was in place."

READ MORE: The Farmhouse told it 'requires improvement' by CQC

CQC inspectors also reviewed records as part of their site visit, finding that safeguarding concerns were reviewed and appropriate action taken where required.

The Farmhouse caters for up to seven people living with learning disabilities, with five people living at the home at the time of inspection.

Relatives of the service users told CQC inspectors that they were "thrilled" with the care home and that staff are "able to keep everyone safe".

However, The Farmhouse kept its 'requires improvement' ratings for both the caring and responsive assessment areas as these were not judged by CQC at this inspection.

The Recorder has contacted R G Care Ltd for comment.