Bembridge Care Home Requires Improvement, Says CQC

The Elms Care Home in Bembridge has been rated ‘requires improvement’ by health and social care regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an inspection in July.

The rating affects the home’s overall performance, as well as its ‘safe’ and ‘well-led’ categories, while it received good scores for being effective, caring, and responsive.

Inspectors highlighted concerns over infection control, manual handling, safeguarding, and meal preparation, noting that staff did not always follow procedures, placing residents at risk of harm.

Some staff also lacked the necessary skills to safely support residents with specific dietary needs, such as choking or swallowing difficulties.

A CQC statement said:

“People were not always protected from abuse, and staff did not always prepare food in line with assessed needs.

"Staff had training, but were not always able to demonstrate the correct knowledge and skills to support people safely.”

Hartford Care, the provider behind The Elms, said a “comprehensive improvement plan” is already underway.

A spokesperson added:

“The inspection came at an early point in the transition to a fully residential care home with a refreshed management team.

"Immediate action was taken, and improvements are being delivered to ensure changes are embedded and sustained.

"The report recognised many positives, including the compassion of our staff and the responsiveness of care provided.”

The CQC’s report highlights areas for improvement but notes that many residents continue to receive caring and responsive support.