Social care services given new ratings in Manchester

File photo dated 07/10/13 of the hands of an elderly woman at home. Councils are struggling to meet rising requests for adult social care support and some people are cutting back on their home care amid the cost-of-living crisis while "completely overwhelmed" family carers try to fill the gaps, the health watchdog has said. Issue date: Friday October 20, 2023.

Multiple social care services have been given new scores in Manchester in the past month.

The Care Quality Commission is in charge of inspecting social care services across England. The organisation judges care providers across various metrics – with the best possible rating being 'outstanding', and the worst 'inadequate'.

Information from the CQC reveals three services in Manchester have received ratings from the start of January.

Creative Support - South Manchester Womens Service was awarded a 'good' rating after an inspection on December 19. The rating was published on January 5.

On January 12, Engage Care Services - Main Office was judged to be 'inadequate'. The service had last been inspected on December 4.

Lastly, Age Concern Home Care North Manchester was given a 'good' rating on January 23, with the care provider's most recent inspection on January 5.

The CQC gives organisations four different ratings. The worst is an 'inadequate' rating, which ordinarily results in the organisation being placed in special measures by the CQC. Social care services can also be given a less serious rating of 'requires improvement' when they are not up to standard.

At the other end of the scale, services given 'outstanding' ratings are judged to be performing exceptionally well, and a 'good' rating means the organisation is meeting expectations.