Wakefield's West Ridings Care Home improves rating but concerns remain
A Wakefield care home has improved its rating after being judged inadequate but inspectors say problems with staffing, care records and management oversight still need to be addressed.
West Ridings Care Home, on Off Lingwell Gate Lane, Lofthouse, has been rated Requires improvement by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), following its latest assessment in September.
Its rating marks an improvement on the home’s previous Inadequate rating in October 2025.
The latest report found the service had made progress, but said more work was needed to ensure improvements were consistent and sustained.
The report said care plans were “very long and duplicated”, making them difficult for staff to follow.
Some records also lacked enough detail about residents’ repositioning and continence care, limiting inspectors’ assurance that care was being delivered consistently.
Staffing was another concern. Although the home’s rota and dependency tool indicated there were enough staff scheduled, inspectors observed times when communal areas had no staff present.
Some staff and relatives also raised concerns about pressure during busy periods.
Despite these issues, relatives spoke positively about the care provided and changes made by the new manager.
One relative said: “Staff always seem caring and kind when I visit my relative.”
Another praised improvements to the building, saying: “I think the home has done a good job of redecorating and providing new furniture in the rooms and lounge. It is always clean.”
A further relative said: “The management team have been pushing for more improvements, and you can really see the difference.”
Inspectors also highlighted progress in staff support and morale. One staff member said: “We have been worried, but we can see the changes that have been made, so we are all feeling more positive.”
The home received Good ratings for effective, caring and responsive care, while safety and leadership both remained rated Requires improvement.
The CQC said the provider was no longer in breach of regulations relating to person-centred care, safe care and treatment, and staffing.
However, it remained in breach of the regulation covering good governance, with concerns about record-keeping and the effectiveness of quality checks.
At the time of the assessment, 23 people were receiving care in one unit, most of whom were living with a dementia-related condition.
The Express has approached the home for comment.