The Gables, Alford
CQC Inspection Breakdown
| Safe | Requires improvement |
| Effective | Requires improvement |
| Caring | Good |
| Responsive | Good |
| Well-led | Requires improvement |
About The Gables
The Gables is a residential care home which provides care and support for up to nine people who have learning disabilities, autistic spectrum disorder or associated physical needs. At the time of the inspection two people were receiving care. The service can also provide personal support and care for people in their own homes. The registered provider confirmed that at the time of this inspection there were no people using this part of service.
Source: CQC inspection report
Specialisms
About The Gables
Serving the Alford, Lincolnshire community, The Gables is a registered residential care home committed to delivering thoughtful, person-centred care. The home is operated by Mrs A D Pennington and can accommodate up to 9 residents. Following their most recent inspection on 05/08/2021, the Care Quality Commission rated The Gables as Requires improvement. Across the five inspection categories, the home scored Good for Caring, Responsive; Requires Improvement for Safe and Effective and Well-led. The home caters to a range of care needs, including sensory impairments, caring for adults under 65 yrs, dementia, learning disabilities and caring for adults over 65 yrs. The service supports dementia, learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorder, older people, sensory impairment, younger adults. Regulated activities at the home include accommodation for persons who require nursing or personal care and personal care. The LN13 postcode area has 9 registered care homes with a combined 149 beds — so there are options to compare in the local area.
Finding the right care home is a deeply personal decision, and we hope this information helps you and your family feel more confident as you explore your options. Every person deserves care that respects their individuality, and the right home will feel welcoming from the moment you walk through the door.
The Gables is one of the care homes in Lincolnshire — a local authority with 286 CQC-registered homes, 207 of which are rated Good or Outstanding.
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Further Reading & Official Sources
- Official CQC inspection report for The Gables
- View The Gables on Google Maps
- NHS care home finder near LN13 9LF
We link to official and independent sources so families can verify the information on this page.
What to Expect When Visiting
When visiting a residential care home, pay attention to the atmosphere as much as the facilities. The best homes feel warm, unhurried, and genuinely caring — like a place where your loved one could feel at home.
- Try to visit at different times of day, including mealtimes, to see the home in action.
- Speak with staff and, if possible, current residents or their families about their experience.
- Ask how the home supports residents who may need nursing care in the future.
- Look at the communal spaces — do they feel welcoming, clean, and well-used?
- Check whether outside spaces are secure and whether activities are tailored for people with dementia.
Questions to Ask When Visiting
It can be hard to know what to ask during a care home visit. Here are some questions tailored to The Gables's type of care that may help guide your conversation:
- 1 What happens if a resident's care needs increase beyond what you can provide?
- 2 How do you support residents to stay active and connected to their community?
- 3 Can residents personalise their rooms with their own furniture and belongings?
- 4 What does a typical day look like for someone living here?
For a more complete checklist, see our guide to choosing a care home.
Official CQC Inspection Report
The Care Quality Commission last inspected The Gables on 05/08/2021 and rated it Requires improvement. The full report includes detailed findings on safety, staffing, and quality of care.
Read the full CQC reportWhat families typically look for
- - How friendly and attentive the care staff are day-to-day
- - What activities and social events are available for residents
- - How the home handles changing care needs over time
- - Specialist dementia training and secure outdoor spaces
These reflect common priorities we see from families researching care homes. For personalised advice, we recommend visiting in person and speaking to current families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a resident's care needs increase beyond what you can provide?
CQC rated The Gables as Good for Responsive care on 05/08/2021, which includes how the home adapts to residents' changing needs. Ask what the home's protocol is when a resident needs a higher level of nursing care — whether they support a managed transition or have partnerships with local nursing homes.
How do you support residents to stay active and connected to their community?
CQC rated The Gables as Good for Caring on 05/08/2021. This domain covers how staff support residents' emotional wellbeing, social connection, and sense of purpose. During your visit, ask to see the activities timetable and speak with current residents or their families about daily life.
Can residents personalise their rooms with their own furniture and belongings?
Most residential care homes encourage residents to bring personal furniture and belongings to make their room feel like home. When visiting The Gables, ask about room sizes, any restrictions on furniture, and whether residents can hang pictures and decorate their space as they wish. A personalised room can make a significant difference to a resident's sense of comfort and identity.
What does a typical day look like for someone living here?
With 9 residents and care tailored to sensory impairments, daily routines at The Gables will be shaped around individual needs. During your visit, observe the lunchtime atmosphere, ask about morning routines and whether residents have flexibility around wake-up times and meal choices, and check what a typical afternoon looks like.
What is the CQC rating for The Gables?
The Gables in Alford is rated Requires improvement by the Care Quality Commission. The most recent inspection was on 05/08/2021. The home has 9 beds.
How many beds does The Gables have?
The Gables has 9 beds and operates as a residential care home in Alford.
Location
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Other Care Homes in LN13
Similar Sensory impairments homes
- Heathlands Care Home London · Good
- Acorn Luxury Care Limited Bournemouth · Good
- Simone's House Uxbridge · Good
Data from the Care Quality Commission, last updated March 2026. View on CQC website → How we use this data