My son was in residential care for three years, as a young adult. My husband is now in residential care. My son's home was rated 'outstanding' and my husband's home is rated 'good'. The care company who own the homes are private, but funding comes from various local authorities.
I would not agree that the safety of residents, quality of care and management of the homes merited the ratings CQC gave them. This is because my son was supposed to have 1:1 support throughout the day, but he spent a lot of his time off site at his grandmother's house. It is also because during the lockdown (and I know that was an exceptional circumstance) many of the residents experienced mental health crises that resulted in them being sent back to acute psychiatric wards, and which terrified other residents (my son included). These crises occurred because the individuals were locked in the home and most therapeutic interventions, except medication, ceased. Yet, according to inspection, protocols were followed correctly.
My husband's care is adequate, but not good. He has meals for example, but not meals that are recommended for someone with advanced coronary heart disease, The meals are chosen for economy rather than health. The staff seem to rush through the routines of baths and meals, but spend little time interacting with residents. Yet staff are paid little over the minimal wage for looking after people with complex mental health and physical needs.
I agree that CQC are probably not fit for purpose, but the inspections are only a snapshot of what goes on. They do not observe care on an everyday basis. They do not compare what individuals and their families are told when they enter the home, with the reality of the situation. My son, we were told, would be supported into work, helped to make friends and eventually live independently. He still needs immense support to function in his supported living accommodation and has no work and no social interaction outside that provided by the company. My husband was also going to be supported to regain his independent living skills. He sits in his room with his paranoid thoughts for company.
Yet, what if people were to complain? Perhaps some care homes would close, but others would open in their place. Families who cannot support individuals with very complex needs and individuals who are lingering in hospitals when they are ready to leave, would still need somewhere where they or their loved ones would be safe. Care homes are so often a last resort and are used when all other services have failed. In my opinion, it is not just CQC that is not fit for purpose, it is the whole social care system in this country.