What issues were found at Lower Bowshaw care home?

The CQC inspection found that staff at Lower Bowshaw "did not always have the skills and knowledge to carry out their roles effectively," and some were "reluctant to change, meaning progression was slow." The report also highlighted failures in getting residents to appointments and inaccuracies in care plans.

How has the care home responded to the CQC's concerns?

A new management team is said to be working on establishing better systems and processes to drive improvements at the troubled care home. However, the CQC's findings suggest that Lower Bowshaw remains under significant pressure to address longstanding concerns.

What actions has the CQC taken against Lower Bowshaw?

The CQC has issued six warning notices to the operator, Totalwest Limited, to focus the home's attention on making immediate improvements around safe recruitment practices, staffing, safeguarding, person-centered care, safe care and treatment, and how the home is managed.

Home / Health / Care Home Fails to Improve Despite Warnings, Faces Ongoing Scrutiny

Care Home Fails to Improve Despite Warnings, Faces Ongoing Scrutiny

12 Nov

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Summary

Care home placed in special measures in March 2025
Operator issued 6 warning notices for lack of improvement
Staff lacked skills and were reluctant to change
Failures in care planning and getting residents to appointments

Care Home Fails to Improve Despite Warnings, Faces Ongoing Scrutiny

On November 12th, 2025, a care home called Lower Bowshaw was reported to be facing ongoing scrutiny from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after failing to make sufficient progress since being placed in special measures in March of this year.

The CQC's latest inspection in September 2025 found that the home's operator, Totalwest Limited, had been issued six warning notices to address a range of concerns. These included issues around safe recruitment practices, staffing levels, safeguarding procedures, person-centered care, and the overall management of the facility.

Inspectors noted that staff at Lower Bowshaw "did not always have the skills and knowledge to carry out their roles effectively," and that some were "reluctant to change, meaning progression was slow." The report also highlighted failures in getting residents to important appointments and inaccuracies in care plans.