Sandown Care Home Makes Progress But Still ‘Requires Improvement’, Says CQC

An Isle of Wight care home placed into special measures earlier this year has shown signs of progress — but inspectors say it still “requires improvement”.

Autumn House Residential Home in Sandown was rated ‘inadequate’ twice in 2024.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) carried out its most recent inspection in September and October, with the findings published last Friday.

According to the report, the home has yet to address four breaches of legal regulations identified during the previous inspection.

These relate to consent, safe care and treatment, the safety of the environment, and overall governance of the service.

As a result, the home continues to hold a ‘requires improvement’ rating across all five CQC categories: safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

However, inspectors noted “significant improvements” in other areas, with the provider no longer in breach of nine regulations.

These included safeguarding, staffing, recruitment practices, dignity and respect, nutrition and hydration, and person-centred care.

The report states:“People and relatives we spoke with expressed they were happy with the care and described staff as kind and caring.

During our assessment we found people’s care and experiences had improved, for example staff had time to interact with people and engage in meaningful discussions.”

Inspectors added that further work was needed to ensure residents could take part in hobbies and purposeful activities, and noted ongoing improvements for people living with dementia, particularly around orientation within the home.

Autumn House has not responded to a request for comment.