- Care home
Christopher Grange Residential Care
Assessment report published 28 August 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Date of Assessment: 7 July to 24 July 2026. Christopher Grange is a care home providing accommodation and personal care for up to 78 people, some of whom are living with dementia. At the time of our assessment, 45 people were living at the home.
The provider has been in Special Measures since 27 March 2026. This assessment found sufficient improvement for the provider to no longer rated Inadequate overall or in any key question. As a result, the provider will no longer be in Special Measures.
At the previous assessment, the provider was in breach of regulations relating to safe care and treatment, staffing, person-centred care, nutrition and hydration, safeguarding, and governance. During this assessment, we found significant improvements across the home and all previous breaches had been addressed, with the exception of Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment). Although people told us they felt safe and improvements had been made to safeguarding, risk management and oversight, we found medicines and treatments were not always managed safely.
The provider demonstrated a clear commitment to improving the quality and safety of care and had worked hard to address concerns identified at the last assessment. The most significant improvements were seen in leadership, governance and oversight. Strengthened auditing, monitoring and quality assurance systems had improved oversight of care delivery, safeguarding, staffing, environmental risks and people's outcomes. Managers used audits, daily flash meetings, management walkarounds and reviews to identify concerns, monitor performance and drive improvement.
People received effective, caring and person-centred support. Care records demonstrated a good understanding of people's health conditions, communication needs, preferences, routines and life histories. Staff worked closely with healthcare professionals to support people's health and wellbeing, monitor outcomes and respond to changing needs. Improvements made since the last assessment meant people were receiving more consistent support with areas such as nutrition, hydration, personal care, skin integrity and risk management, helping to improve their overall health, wellbeing and quality of life. People were supported to make choices about their daily lives, maintain important relationships and practise their faith. Staff worked collaboratively with people, relatives and professionals to ensure care remained responsive and coordinated.
People's experience of this service
People and relatives were positive about the care and support they received and described staff as caring, kind and respectful. People consistently told us they were supported to make choices about their daily routines, including when they got up and went to bed. One person told us, “They don’t rush me, the staff are wonderful, they’re very kind with me,” while another said, “They’re lovely to me and respectful.” A further person told us, “They are very kind and attentive.”
Many people spoke positively about feeling safe living at the home. Comments included, “Yes I do feel safe here,” “I suppose I do feel safe here” and “Nowhere is perfect but I feel safe here.” Relatives expressed confidence in the provider, with one relative stating, “We do feel [relative] is safe here,” and another saying, “We can’t fault it.”
People told us there were opportunities to take part in activities and social events. Several people were complimentary about the entertainment provided. One person said, “I love all the entertainment and join in as much as possible,” while another commented, “There’s plenty going on.” Activities such as Knit and Natter, parties and singers were spoken about positively by people.
Feedback about food was mixed. Some people praised the quality and quantity of food provided. One person told us, “The food is wonderful and you get plenty,” while another said, “You get good portions.” However, others suggested greater choice and variety would further improve the dining experience. One person living with diabetes told us, “The food isn’t marvellous, I’m a diabetic and all I seem to be given is jacket potatoes and cheese,” while another said, “Some variety would be nice.”
Most people told us staff supported them with healthcare needs and medicines appropriately. People generally knew what their medicines were for and said staff responded when they felt unwell. One person said, “The staff are good if I’m not feeling well,” and another told us, “If I’m unwell, they will see to me and they are very kind and attentive.”
Relatives were positive about recent management changes and felt communication had improved. One relative told us, “We are confident now the manager has changed, she’s very approachable and listens,” while another said, “The new manager is very nice and seems to be approachable.” Relatives generally felt informed of changes and involved when concerns were raised.
Overall, people described positive relationships with staff and felt safe, cared for and supported. Relatives spoke positively about the improvements made at the home and the approachability of the management team. People spoke favourably about the activities available, the support they received and the opportunities to make choices about their daily lives.