'Strong leadership' praised as care home improves

A care home, where some residents received only one shower in a month and one told inspectors they were left in bed "starving", has improved after being put into special measures.

Christopher Grange Residential Care, in East Prescot, Liverpool, was rated Inadequate in March over its delays in giving personal care and not always treating people with dignity.

But after a further Care Quality Commission (CQC) visit in July it has now been upgraded to Good, with the watchdog praising "strong leadership" for the turnaround.

However, inspectors said they found medicines and treatments were still not always managed safely. The BBC contacted the care home for comment.

The home, run by Christopher Grange Ltd, provides accommodation and personal care for up to 78 people, some of whom live with dementia.

There were 45 people living there when the latest assessment took place between 7 and 24 July.

The previous assessment was carried out in October and November 2025, with its findings published in March.

Some people cared for in bed had gone long periods without being offered food or drink, with one telling inspectors they were "starving".

Inspectors said some residents had received only one shower a month, while one person had gone more than two years without chiropody treatment and was in pain because of overgrown toenails.

Breaches were found covering safe care and treatment, staffing, person-centred care, nutrition and hydration, safeguarding and governance.

The CQC said all the previous regulatory breaches had now been addressed except one relating to safe care and treatment.

In the latest inspection, relatives described staff as caring and respectful, while workers said improved staffing levels meant they had more time to spend with residents providing their personal care.

Andrew Peck, from the CQC, said "strong, visible leadership" had been central to the changes.

"Staff and leaders at Christopher Grange should be proud of the improvements they've achieved together for their residents," he said.

However, the latest report found records did not always show medicines had been given at prescribed times or with the required gaps between doses.

Inspectors also raised concerns about medicated patches and creams, guidance for medicines taken when required and records for people who needed thickening powder added to drinks.

The CQC said the registered manager took immediate action over some concerns and the provider investigated medicine incidents after the assessment.

The care industry watchdog said it would continue monitoring the home to ensure the improvements were sustained.

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