Hodge Hill Grange

Updated 2 January 2026

Date of Assessment: 28 and 29 January 2026. Hodge Hill Grange is a care home that provides nursing and personal care for up to 52 people within a purpose‑built building divided into 3 units: 1 nursing unit located on the top floor and 2 residential units on the ground floor. The service specialises in supporting people living with dementia and older people requiring general nursing care. At the time of our inspection, 43 people were living at the home.

Since the last inspection the organisation has changed ownership and there has been a change of registered manager. We completed this inspection as part of our routine programme, because of the length of time that has elapsed since the last inspection was completed, and due to some risks identified at the service. We completed the inspection under key questions Safe, Effective and Well-Led.

During the inspection, we found the service to be led by an inclusive, visible and supportive management team who promoted a positive, person‑centred culture. Staff described leaders as approachable, and people and relatives told us they felt able to raise concerns. Staff were kind, compassionate and committed to the provider’s values. They understood equality, diversity and inclusion and described a workplace where diversity was recognised, and reasonable adjustments were made to support individual staff needs.

However, governance systems, although in place, were not always effective, as some concerns identified during the inspection had not been detected through existing audits. For example, some areas of the home required redecoration, deep cleaning and improved safety oversight. Not all these issues had been picked up during routine checks, although refurbishment plans were already in place, and the registered manager took immediate action to address the areas of concern and added remaining items to the improvement plan.

We also identified gaps in the guidance provided to staff within care plans, risk assessments and pre‑admission documentation. These required further work to ensure information was clear, consistent and supported safe and effective practice. The registered manager acted promptly in response to these concerns and implemented an action plan, with strengthened governance processes to be embedded going forward.

People benefited from strong working partnerships with external health and social care professionals, and the home was actively engaged with the local community. Feedback mechanisms such as “You Said, We Did,” relatives’ meetings and staff forums were well established. Learning from incidents and from other services within the provider group was shared to drive improvement. Staff were supported in their development, and a positive ‘no blame’ learning culture encouraged openness and continuous improvement.

The management team demonstrated a clear understanding of where improvements were required, particularly in relation to care planning, pre‑admissions and aspects of the environment. Immediate actions taken during the inspection, combined with strengthened auditing and oversight arrangements, demonstrated the provider’s commitment to achieving and sustaining long‑term improvement.

Updated 2 January 2026

People living at the service generally experienced kind, respectful and person‑centred care delivered by staff who knew them well. One person told us “I’m happy here. Everyone here makes me feel happy. No one makes me feel sad. I like everyone. They are nice and kind to me. They make me smile.” Staff interactions observed during the inspection were warm and compassionate, and people told us they were treated with dignity and supported in a way that reflected their individual needs and preferences. Relatives also spoke positively about the staff team, describing them as caring, approachable and responsive. One relative told us “Staff are always lovely and friendly they explain things well. I feel settled in myself, that mum is safe and looked after staff know how to handle her and will always ring if there are any issues.”

The majority of relatives told us there were always enough staff available to meet people’s needs. One relative told us, “There are enough staff, whatever time or day I visit and that they are well trained and know what they are doing.” Another told us, “Staff are brilliant”, adding, “[there is] always an appropriate number of carers to handle [loved one]. However, one relative told us, “They need more staff at weekends.”

Cultural and religious celebrations were acknowledged within the home, helping people feel valued and part of a community. People were supported to maintain relationships that mattered to them, and the service actively involved the local community through visits from schools and nurseries and invitations to events and celebrations. Activities were available throughout the day for people to take part in, offering opportunities for social engagement and stimulation. One relative told us “Staff take [loved one] down to the lounge to join in the activities. [Loved one] enjoys the music and singing. The activities are very good, [my loved one] gets a lot of encouragement to join.”

People and relatives told us that they had regular contact with health professionals, and staff acted promptly on recommendations to improve people’s comfort, independence and wellbeing. This included ensuring equipment was provided in a timely manner, such as moulded seating for people who would otherwise spend long periods in bed. Health professionals provided positive feedback about their working relationships with the service and its focus on improving outcomes. One professional told us, “Staff always communicate health concerns in a timely fashion, either on the weekly ward round, or by contacting the surgery if it's more urgent.”

People and relatives told us that they felt able to raise concerns and told us the registered manager was visible and approachable. One relative told us, “I know the manager and speak to her on a regular basis. I can always approach her if I have any complaints. I am happy with the home and the service and would recommend the service.”