Lifeways care home in Lincolnshire achieves 'Good' rating after inspection

A Lifeways residential care home in Lincoln is celebrating after the service improved from requiring improvement to an overall good rating from Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors. 

The Farmhouse, which provides accommodation and personal care for up to eight people with learning disabilities and autistic people, was rated 'Good' following an assessment in October 2025. 

The rating marks a significant improvement from the previous inspection in December 2024, with the service no longer in breach of regulations regarding safe care and treatment.  

The CQC assessed the service against four key areas - Safe, Effective, Caring and Responsive - with all categories achieving a 'Good' rating. 

Key strengths highlighted: 

• Safeguarding excellence – Staff demonstrated strong safeguarding knowledge with relatives expressing confidence that their loved ones were safe 

• Effective risk management – Risks were well assessed and managed while supporting people to maintain meaningful lifestyles and independence 

• Robust staffing and training – Safer recruitment practices in place with staff receiving regular supervision and training aligned to individual needs 

• Significantly improved infection control – The environment was visibly clean with effective audits in place 

• Person-centred care – Support plans reflected personal preferences and goals, with staff promoting choice and independence 

• Proactive health management – People had access to routine and specialist health services with staff responding promptly to concerns 

• Strong application of Mental Capacity Act – Best interest decisions were documented and independent advocacy available when needed 

• Evidence-based practice – Use of Positive Behaviour Support and commitment to nationally recognised programmes like STOMP 

Areas for Improvement: 

• Maintenance tracking – Repair and maintenance work not always completed within agreed timescales, with issues including damp and flooring damage 

• Recording systems – The provider's tracking system for repairs did not clearly record reasons for delays 

Karen Jones, Managing Director for Lifeways’ residential division, said: “I’m delighted for the team following this latest inspection report. Transforming The Farmhouse from Requires Improvement to an overall Good rating reflects the hard work and care our team members have put in to improve safety and efficacy.” 

Inspectors used observations, documentation reviews and feedback from relatives and external professionals to assess people's experiences, as residents were not able to fully express their views independently. 

Relatives praised the service, with one commenting: "I know my family member is safe and I can rely on staff." 

Find out more about The Farmhouse here: https://lifeways.co.uk/for-families/support-search/the-farmhouse