Essex care home taken out of special measures after watchdog inspection

The Care Quality Commission raised Elmcroft Care Home's rating from inadequate to good after an inspection carried out between 17 December 2025 and 8 January; inspectors reported improvements and positive feedback from relatives and staff.

Elmcroft Care Home near Maldon in Essex has been taken out of special measures after a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission. The regulator carried out a visit between 17 December 2025 and 8 January and upgraded the home's overall rating from inadequate to good. At the time of the inspection 18 people were living at the home, which specialises in caring for residents with dementia and physical disabilities. Inspectors reported that significant improvements had been made across the service and that the environment felt positive and welcoming. Inspection findings: - The CQC raised the overall rating from inadequate to good and described the service as effective, responsive and well-led. - Relatives told inspectors they had no concerns about people’s safety, and staff were praised for being kind, caring and compassionate. - The report said the service was generally clean and hygienic, staff had received infection prevention and control training, and staff were observed wearing appropriate personal protective equipment when required. - Inspectors found radiators described as very hot and a trailing extension cable that posed a trip hazard; managers arranged for maintenance work and removal during the visit. Summary: The change means the home is no longer in special measures and the regulator highlighted improvements in care, leadership and responsiveness. Undetermined at this time.