Research by training provider High Speed Training, based on figures from the Care Quality Commission, found 88.38 per cent of care homes in the region are rated either Good or Outstanding. This places the South West third nationally.
The study reviewed data from more than 13,500 care homes across England. It highlights what researchers describe as a largely positive picture for the sector.
In the South West, Bristol topped the table. Every care home in the city achieved a Good or Outstanding rating, making it the only major city in the region with a perfect score.
At the other end of the regional rankings was Bath and North East Somerset. There, 78.43 per cent of homes met the top two standards.
South Gloucestershire recorded the highest proportion of Outstanding-rated homes in the region at 13.33 per cent. Plymouth followed with 11.76 per cent, while Swindon reported 11.11 per cent.
For Swindon, the findings present a mixed picture.
While the borough ranks among the stronger performers for Outstanding homes, it also has the highest proportion of Inadequate ratings in the South West at 2.22 per cent. The data suggests standards vary across the town.
Several local authorities in the region, including Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire, recorded no care homes rated Inadequate.
The regulator assesses services across five areas, examining whether they are safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. Nationally, Well-led accounts for more Requires Improvement and Inadequate ratings than any other category.
Across England, 82.7 per cent of care homes were rated Good or Outstanding. The North East England ranked highest with 91.5 per cent, while the West Midlands placed lowest, though more than three quarters of homes still met the top standards.
Dr Richard Anderson, Director of Learning at High Speed Training, said:
“The ratings provided by the CQC are a really important part of the care home landscape, as they give the public an accessible way to assess the quality of care available to them.
“Our report shows that, across England, standards are really high, with almost 83% of care homes receiving a rating of ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’.
“The high average ratings show that a commitment to proper and safe practices, including a robust programme of staff training, are crucial to maintaining those standards.”
Despite pressures on staffing, funding and demand, the report concludes that most homes are continuing to deliver safe and effective care. Families are encouraged to review individual inspection ratings carefully, particularly in areas where performance varies.
