All the latest ratings for social care services in Birmingham

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.

Last month's scores for social care services have been released – with five services in Birmingham given new ratings.

The Care Quality Commission gives ratings to care providers and other organisations across England. It rates how well the service is performing against various criteria – with overall rankings ranging from 'outstanding' to 'inadequate'.

Figures for the last month show ratings were given to the following care homes in Birmingham:

• Cherry Lodge: Requires improvement, last inspected on December 5.

• Vicarage Road (B): Requires improvement, last inspected on November 8.

• Willowbrook: Good, last inspected on December 19.

Other social care services in the area were also rated:

• 24-7 Care Services: Requires improvement, last inspected on November 15.

• Ray of Sunshine Care Ltd: Good, last inspected on December 8.

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.