Updated 15 May 2026
Date of assessment 20 to 29 May 2026. Ridge House is a residential care home providing personal care to up to 15 older people, including people living with dementia. There were 13 people receiving care at the time of our assessment.
We carried out this assessment because we had received concerns about the premises and the provider’s management of the service. We found the provider was in breach of 2 legal regulations relating to premises and equipment and good governance. At our last assessment the provider was in breach of the legal regulation relating to sending statutory notifications. Improvements had been made and the provider was no longer in breach of this regulation.
The provider had failed to ensure the premises was safe and well maintained. The building was neglected, with furniture, carpets and walls visibly worn and dirty. Leaks in the roof had not been fixed which meant water came into the lounge, dining room and 1 person’s bedroom when it rained. Some people had broken furniture and outdated and unsafe equipment in their bedrooms. Staff had reported concerns to the provider, but no action had been taken. The provider did not have effective governance processes in place and did not support staff well.
Staff told us the provider was rude, dismissive and, in their view, dishonest. Staff working under sponsorship licenses were not being given clear information about their job security, which was impacting their wellbeing both at work and in their personal lives. The registered manager did not always have funds made available to purchase essential items for the home.
The provider failed to work openly with the local authority or CQC.
Despite the challenges they faced, the registered manager ensured people received a good standard of care. People’s needs were well met by a staff team who knew them well, and people were happy living at Ridge House. The registered manager supported the staff team well and had implemented good governance systems within the service.
Shortly after this assessment had ended, the provider informed us they had taken the decision to place the service into liquidation. This meant all the people living at the service would have to find alternative placements if this were to go ahead.
In instances where CQC has begun a process of regulatory action, we may publish this information on our website after any representations and/or appeals have been concluded, if the action has been taken forward.