A new inspection ratings system for care services in Wales will come into force on 1 April, aiming to ensure people receive the best possible care.
This system will help individuals and families better understand the quality of care provided, making it easier to make informed decisions about their care options.
All care homes and domiciliary support services across Wales will receive ratings, which they will be required to display at their premises and online following an inspection. The ratings will reflect the quality of care across four key themes:
- Well-being
- Care and Support
- Leadership and Management
- Environment
Each theme will be judged as excellent, good, requires improvement, or requires significant improvement.
Dawn Bowden, Minister for Children and Social Care, said:
“Care services throughout Wales have a crucial role in looking after people. For many of them, a care service can also be their home, where they live and thrive, and we want to keep ensuring they receive the best possible care.
“These ratings will enable people to make important decisions in choosing what’s right for them and support their well-being.
“They will also enable service providers to pinpoint their strengths as well as areas for growth and development.
“I want to thank the sector for their work in helping us develop the system.”
The Welsh Government consulted on inspection ratings for care home services and domiciliary support services last year. The new system has been developed in collaboration with care providers and commissioners across Wales to drive high-quality standards in care services. Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) will support services through the implementation of the new system.
Ratings will be clearly shown in inspection reports, on CIW’s website, and on posters for service providers to display. While it will take up to two years for all relevant services to be inspected and given their ratings, more services will begin displaying their ratings over the coming months.
Image credit: iStock
