Care Agenda - November 2025

Care England 2026 Conference & Exhibition

Early Bird delegate tickets are on sale!

Chief Executive’s View

There were suggestions that the Government, at both local and national levels, may be exempt from the Fair Pay Agreement. Over the years, we have seen many examples of the double standards at the heart of government. Only recently, despite a vote in the House of Lords to exempt all social care, did the Government decide that only public services would be supported with this enormous unplanned tax rise. We have also just heard that the Government is going to review GP funding because they feel there are inequalities in how money is distributed to GP practices. The same could be said of the way in which money is distributed to social care, yet there is no hint that we should be included in any analysis of inequalities. It is a mystery to me why the Government constantly worships at the altar of GPs and gives them more money for doing less work. It is also interesting that they are never seen as private businesses on contract to the NHS, and they are exempt from any of the criticisms directed at our sector, which is in the same position. I have never heard the media denounce the profits GP practices are making, yet they are eager to place the blame on the social care sector, despite clear evidence that we are not making huge profits; the media perpetuates the myth that the sector is making huge profits.

We have recently seen that waiting lists in the NHS are going up at a time when it has just been given an extra £30 billion and now has a budget of £230 billion. The enormity of this budget can be seen when you realise that there are a hundred countries where the gross national product is less than the NHS budget. Despite these huge investments, the NHS continues to resist modernisation, and politicians and the public seem to think that the best way forward is to pour money into an obsolete organisation. It will be interesting to see what changes when the NHS is integrated into the DHSC.

It is my view that we will have at least four years of people being made redundant, changing their titles, and moving from one office to another. The transactional costs will be enormous, while the impact on improving patient outcomes and patient care will be minuscule. Alongside these enormous changes in the NHS, we will also see changes to the ICS and local authority commissioning. Instead of wasting more money on structural reorganisation, the Government should have focused on shifting its obsession with organisations and processes to build a system focused on people and outcomes. In my view, this is the only route to real transformation.

IN THIS ISSUE

The hearing legacy of a generation PAGE 10

3 data-backed tips to convert website traffic into care enquiries

PAGE 14

Protecting your future: The critical role of financial clarity in care

PAGE 20

Scale Your Care Business with Smarter Payments

PAGE 30

CQC’s Revised Assessment Framework: What Social Care Providers Need to Know

PAGE 39

Professor Martin Green OBE

Chief Executive: Care England

DH: Independent Sector Dementia Champion

Transparent Leadership, Psychological Safety, and Learning in Care Homes

Samantha Crawley, CEO, EQ Care Group and Director of the Outstanding Society

Strong, Heart-Centred Leadership in Care Homes

Effective leadership in care homes goes beyond operational oversight.

It builds a culture of transparency, clear communication, and psychological safety–qualities essential for meeting regulations and delivering safe, compassionate care.

The importance of Transparent Leadership

Transparency builds trust. In care homes, where residents, families, and staff look to leaders for guidance, openness is non-negotiable. Leaders must be willing to share both successes and challenges, providing reassurance that issues are identified, acted upon, and learned from.

Mistakes are inevitable in complex environments. What matters is how leaders respond–by focusing on learning and improvement, not blame. As the saying goes: “When you point a finger, there are four more pointing back at you.”

Clear and Cohesive Communication

Care homes are fast-paced, multidisciplinary environments where poor communication can cause confusion and risk. Leaders must ensure messages are:

• Consistent: the same across all roles and levels.

• Accessible: clear, inclusive and jargon-free.

• Continuous: shared regularly so no-one feels left out. Strong communication not only unites teams but also enhances the home’s reputation within its community.

Psychological Safety for Leaders and Teams

Psychological safety—feeling able to speak up without fear—is vital for both staff and leaders. Leadership in care is emotionally demanding, and the empathy that drives great care can also lead to burnout. Organisations must support resilience, encourage rest, and protect openness.

A psychologically safe culture:

• treats mistakes as learning opportunities.

• recognises the pressures leaders carry.

• encourages honest discussion about risks and compliance.

• Promotes humility and humanity across the organisation.

Learning Through Reflection: Lessons Learned Labs

At EQ Care, our monthly ‘Lessons Learned Labs’ invite all team members to discuss what went wrong, what went well, and what we’ve learned. These sessions promote:

• Clear, open communication about issues and solutions.

• transparency that builds trust.

• a safe space for learning without blame.

This fosters a culture where honesty is respected, and improvement is continuous.

Regulation and Leadership Behaviour

Under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, providers and managers are personally accountable for quality and safety. Transparent leadership and clear communication aren’t just good practice–they’re regulatory requirements.

Leaders must explore concerns openly and assume best intentions. Concealing issues or sending mixed messages risks non-compliance and harm. In contrast, openness and humility strengthen governance and safeguard care quality.

Conclusion

Care homes thrive when leadership is transparent, communication consistent, and psychological safety prioritised. Acknowledging mistakes is no weakness–it’s strength. Through open dialogue, supportive systems like ‘Lessons Learned Labs’, and a focus on learning, organisations become more resilient and personcentred.

This approach not only meets the regulatory standards but also upholds the heart of social care: dignity, respect, and humanity for all.

Contact info@theoutstandingsociety.co.uk

Navigating CQC: Comprehensive legal support for providers

In a new series of blogs, Philippa Doyle, head of social care at Hempsons, answers the most common questions providers ask when dealing with the CQC.

In her first installment, Philippa answers ‘What are some of the basic things you see providers fail / fall down on, particularly those that might seem really obvious and get missed?’

Click here to read Philippa’s advice.

Sponsored by Hempsons, CMM has launched a new CQC resource page; a one-stop-shop for care providers’ regulatory needs. For breaking news, newly published guidance, informative blog posts, a monthly column from the regulator, advice on preparing for an inspection and more, click here.

Sustainable Waste Solutions for Care Homes

By Richard Woodward, General Manager of Care Homes at apetito

In recent years, our responsibility to reduce our environmental impact – as both individuals and businesses - has been spoken about more than ever.

Within the health and social care sector, the Care Quality Commission’s Single Assessment Framework now places environmental sustainability firmly within its criteria for deeming if a service is “well led”. This includes looking at whether care providers have shown action in areas such as carbon reduction, energy saving measures and waste reduction and recycling.

Despite this quality statement not yet being formally assessed outside of NHS trusts, it’s said it will become part of broader regulatory changes for other services expected to be rolled out soon. For care homes, this presents a valuable opportunity to get ahead, reflecting a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of residents, staff, and the wider community.

One approach for homes to consider is improving waste management practices; rethinking areas like packaging waste to best reduce environmental impact and maximise resource most effectively.

For many years the phrase “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” has been used as a guide to follow when looking to reduce what is being thrown in the bin. More recently, this idea has grown into a wider approach called circularity, which focuses on keeping materials in use for as long as possible. By making the most of what we already have, we lower the need for new raw materials - benefitting both the environment and economy.

Adopting this notion of circularity, and focusing efforts on reusing or recycling materials, can help your care home to reduce its carbon footprint.

If fewer materials are needed, then less are manufactured and imported, ultimately saving a significant amount of carbon emissions.

To support our customers to better manage their packaging waste and drive toward a more circular economy, we introduced a world-first closed loop recycling scheme for meal trays. First launched in our Wiltshire Farm Foods business back in 2021, we have since rolled it out across partnering hospitals and care homes – recycling a total of over 40 million trays nationwide.

By collecting back from care homes the CPET trays that our Specialist Nutrition dishes come in and recycling them into brand-new trays for our meals, we are demonstrating our commitment and leadership in sustainable packaging solutions and supporting a reduction in single-use plastic waste –both for us and our partnering homes.

Since expanding the scheme more widely across our care home customers earlier this year, we have already seen significant success with return rates growing month-on-month.

If you are interested in learning more about our closed loop scheme, and how it can help your care home to reduce its packaging waste, get in touch by visiting apetito.link/CE

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Excited to Begin My NIHR ARC Internship at UCL

Lucy Knight, VIVALDI Social Care Programme Co-ordinator, The Outstanding Society (OS)

I am delighted to share that I have been offered a place on the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) Internship, hosted at University College London (UCL). As someone who has worked in Adult Social Care for over 20 years – but who is not from an academic background, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn, grow, and strengthen the link between frontline practice and research.

What is the ARC Internship?

Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the ARC Internship is a six-month, part-time programme designed as an exchange between Social Care practitioners and researchers. Practitioners gain academic experience, while researchers spend time in Social Care settings. The goal is simple but powerful: to bridge the gap between evidence and practice, ensuring that research is relevant, accessible, and impactful.

Why This Matters?

Having worked in care homes for over twenty years, from carer to manager, I have a strong understanding of the challenges faced by staff and the reasons why it is often difficult for them to prioritise research. Yet their insight is vital. This internship presents an opportunity for me to learn more about how research is conducted, so I can play a role in helping care home staff and residents take part in and benefit from studies. My goal is to ensure research is not only more relevant to the workforce but also drives meaningful improvements in Social Care practice

Looking Ahead

I’m grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working with the team at UCL. This feels like the start of an exciting journey, one that not only support my own growth but also help highlight the importance of involving care staff in the research processes. I hope to use what I learn to help bridge the gap between

Social Care and academia, ensuring that research benefits the workforce, informs policy, and ultimately improves the lives of the people we support.

For more information on VIVALDI Social Care, click here

As part of a national legal firm with over 150 specialist health lawyers, we cover all aspects of health care related law and practice.

We have a long history of providing market-leading legal advice to care providers. Our large team of specialist and experienced care homes lawyers advise our regulated care business clients daily across wide-ranging areas including:

▪ Inquests and inquiries

▪ Safeguarding and investigations

▪ Employment and HR advice including immigration

▪ Refinancing and restructuring advice

▪ CQC issues and regulatory advice

▪ Commercial disputes and debt recovery

To find out more about the care services we can offer, contact Julia Appleton, Partner, at julia.appleton@weightmans.com

weightmans.com

The hearing legacy of a generation

The Noisy Decades

When we think of hearing loss in older adults, we often assume it’s “just age.” But today’s care home residents also lived through some of the noisiest decades in history.

The 1950s, 60s, and 70s were eras of booming factories, busy workplaces, and the rise of amplified music. Many worked in environments with little or no hearing protection or grew up when loud music was celebrated as much for its volume as for its energy.

A Lifetime of Impact

These vibrant lifestyles have left their mark. For many older adults, hearing loss is not simply the result of ageing, but of a lifetime spent in loud, bustling environments.

What It Means for Care

That history makes it all the more important for care providers to recognise ear and hearing health as central to residents’ wellbeing. Supporting ear and hearing care is about more than managing a medical issue, it’s about respecting the lives residents have led, and helping them rediscover joy and connection when hearing is restored.

Join Our Upcoming Webinar

Hearing Loss in Care Homes: Turning a Call to Action into Better Care

Don’t miss this powerful opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping better care for people living with hearing loss. The upcoming webinar, “Hearing Loss in Care Homes: Turning a Call to Action into Better Care”, will explore how practical changes, awareness, and collaboration can make a lasting difference in residents’ quality of life.

Reserve your place today and join care professionals, experts, and sector leaders working together to ensure every voice is heard, and every resident is truly listened to.

For information and support with ear and hearing health technology in your care home, contact TympaHealth at tympahealth.com/care-homes

Navigating complex inquest proceedings

We guide clients through every stage of the inquest process, including:

Preparation of statements and evidence

Supporting staff in preparation for a hearing

Attending court both at pre inquest reviews and the inquest

Post inquest learning and risk management

Support and guidance with media attention and reputational risk

To find out more please get in touch.

Neil Ward Partner, Inquests and Healthca neil.ward@mills-reeve.com 07918287141

Reframing Dementia Care: From a Task Focus to Positive Lived Experience

In the care sector, time pressures, staffing challenges, and the demand for measurable outcomes often leave little room for what truly matters: the lived experience of people living with dementia. As a result, care can unintentionally become transactional, where tasks take precedence over relationships. But what if we could rediscover the heart of care and see dementia care as a journey of wellbeing and experience rather than just a diagnosis?

This is where ‘Waiting for the Bus’ by Sam DondiSmith and Professor David Sheard offers something extraordinary. More than a book, it’s a training resource that immerses readers in the emotional realities of dementia, challenging care professionals to see through the eyes of the person they support. Told through powerful real-life reflections and images generated from Sam’s observational experiences, the book captures the essence of connection, patience, and presence; qualities that can transform how we care.

At the National Dementia Care Accreditation Scheme (NaDCAS), we recognise this need for transformation. Our accreditation framework, shaped around nine key focus areas, provides care homes with a structured pathway to develop care into something truly exceptional. From Knowledge and Understanding of Dementia Care to Approach and Emotional Connection, the framework aligns perfectly with the values expressed in Waiting for the Bus. Both call for care that goes beyond routine and values individuality, emotion, and meaning.

As the leading voice for adult social care, Care England champions excellence, innovation, and sustainability across the sector. Embedding the NaDCAS framework and embracing resources like ‘Waiting for the Bus’ gives care providers practical tools to evidence high standards in compliance, compassion, and genuine connection.

The impact of this approach extends far beyond staff training. When teams engage with the human stories behind dementia, they build emotional intelligence,

empathy, and confidence. This leads to environments where people with dementia feel safe, valued, and connected, and where staff find a renewed sense of purpose in their work.

To celebrate the partnership between Care England and NaDCAS, we’re delighted to invite you to our free webinar on 25th November: Practical Steps to Transform Dementia Care Ahead of CQC’s Dementia Strategy.

This session will explore how care providers can take meaningful, evidence-based action to improve the lived experience of people with dementia, and how tools like the NaDCAS Framework and Waiting for the Bus can support that journey.

Everyone who registers will receive a discount code for Waiting for the Bus and be entered into a prize draw to win a free copy.

This is an opportunity to reconnect with what truly matters in dementia care: understanding, emotion, and humanity.

Register now to join the webinar and take the next step towards creating environments where people with dementia, and those who care for them, can truly thrive: https://www.careengland.org.uk/events/ practical-steps-to-transform-dementia-careahead-of-cqcs-dementia-strategy/

You can also download your copy of the NaDCAS Framework, complete our free online preassessment qualifier, or find out more at www. nadcas.org

For further information and support, contact claire@ dementiaaccreditation.org.uk

3 data-backed tips to convert website traffic into care enquiries

Analysing data from over three million care home website visits and one million care home calls, the 2025 autumn edition of our care home trends report uncovered some fascinating insights into care seeker habits and marketers’ strategies.

Here are some quick wins that can help you convert more traffic into enquiries for your care home.

1. Your visitor-to-call ratio (VCR) is more important than you might think

If you’re seeing a lot of visits but few corresponding calls, it likely means one of three things:

1. Care seekers are spending more time on research, making additional visits to websites to compare their care home options before calling

2. You’re prioritising brand awareness, which means you’re reaching more care seekers but they’re not far enough along their journey to convert

3. There’s something missing from your care seeker journey, and you’re not capturing potential admissions before they go elsewhere

Whatever the cause, if you’re seeing a drop in VCR it’s time to audit your website for opportunities to boost conversions.

2. Track all your sources for full marketing attribution

If you’re not tracking how successfully your channel mix is performing, you actually risk overspending on activities that aren’t leading to admissions.

The care home trends data from the past year indicates that marketers are being more tactical about how they use pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, with Google PPC’s share of leads decreasing while Google organic’s share increased.

When you use call tracking to track numbers across all your channels, you can be more tactical with how you approach every source. It allows you to attribute

every single call, so you know whether you’re spending your budget on the right activities.

3. Use AI in a way that suits your care home group

Analytics is one of AI’s most mature and widely used applications, allowing marketers to dig deep into the wealth of data generated by their activities without expending hours of manual work.

AI-driven analytics is available in many forms – but conversation analysis is especially powerful for marketers where phone calls are a key source of enquiries. It securely, confidentially, and automatically analyses the content of each call, identifying key topics, logging the outcome, and measuring the care seeker’s intent.

This helps you understand the kind of people who call you, and the best ways to convert them; all positive signals you can use to optimise your PPC ads.

Summary

In a hyper-competitive market, even small changes can make a big difference. Understanding your VCR and tracking all your sources can help you optimise the care seeker journey. And by using AI-driven analytics, you’ll deepen your understanding of who’s calling your care home group and what matters most to them – giving you the insights to increase leads and conversions.

Menopause in Care: Time to Design Better Support

The care sector depends on people who give their all — often through long, physically demanding shifts. Yet thousands of care workers are managing menopause symptoms on top of this, often without the support they need.

Alsico’s latest research highlights just how widespread this challenge is — and how small, practical changes could make a big difference.

Listening to the Workforce

In a 2025 survey of 410 care home workers, more than a quarter (27%) said they had experienced perimenopause or menopause symptoms while working in care. Of those, 28% said their symptoms had made them consider leaving their role.

That figure alone shows why this conversation matters. Retaining skilled, experienced care staff means understanding and responding to their everyday realities — including the impact of menopause.

Work Adjustments

Almost two-thirds of respondents (61%) said they had not been offered useful workplace adjustments to manage menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, fatigue, or joint pain.

Simple steps like offering cooler spaces, flexible hours or more frequent breaks can make a big difference to comfort and wellbeing. Yet many care workers either don’t know these options exist or feel they can’t ask. Clear communication and consistent processes can help ensure support reaches those who need it most.

Policy and Access

Nearly half (44%) of those surveyed didn’t know how to access their organisation’s menopause policy, while 52% didn’t know what was included in it.

This points to a gap between policy and practice. Even when policies are in place, they only work if

people can find them easily and feel confident using them. Regular reminders, open conversations, and line manager training all help to turn written policies into real support.

Uniforms

Uniform design was another key area of concern. Over half of those who had experienced menopause symptoms said their uniform didn’t have the right properties for their role.

68% percent said it didn’t help them cool down after a hot flush, 63% said it didn’t stop them becoming sweaty and uncomfortable, and 52% said it didn’t stretch or adapt to their bodies.

In a sector where uniforms are worn for long hours and physical work, design really matters. Breathable, flexible fabrics can help staff stay comfortable and confident — not only during menopause but throughout every stage of their working lives.

Creating Change

Supporting people through menopause isn’t just about wellbeing; it’s about workforce sustainability. By improving communication, policies, and uniforms, care organisations can create environments where staff feel understood and supported to stay in the roles they love.

View the full report here: www.alsico.com/uk/ menopause-in-care-report

Introducing our latest product

Next Generation Lateral Tilt System

KOMFITILT GO

Delivers dignified, gentle repositioning and exceptional care for palliative, end-of-life, and critically ill patients.

Experience continuous lateral rotation at the touch of a button with this ingenious mattress system that slots on top of your profiling bed frame.

Pressure Care Beyond the Mattress: Rethinking the Role

of Frame Mechanics in Skin Integrity

As we prepare for Stop The Pressure Day this November, the conversation is shifting from protocols and products to people. This year’s theme, “What matters to me is…”, invites us to listen more closely to the lived experiences of those receiving care. And when it comes to pressure care and pressure injury prevention, one message is clear: comfort, dignity, and movement matter.

Effective pressure injury prevention is a comprehensive package of care, including clinical interventions like regular repositioning, nutritional support, skin assessments, and patient mobilisation. Equipment plays a vital role, but it’s only part of the solution. For too long, the focus has been almost exclusively on surface technology. While advanced mattresses are essential, they’re not the whole story. The mechanics and design of the bedframe, such as how it moves, supports, and interacts with the body, are equally critical in maintaining skin integrity.

The Hidden Impact of Frame Mechanics

Pressure injuries are often caused by a combination of sustained pressure, friction, shear, and immobility. Even the most advanced mattress can’t fully protect against these forces if the bed frame beneath and all the other factors contributing to a complete package are working against the body.

Poorly designed frames can misalign the spine, compress vulnerable areas, and create shear forces during repositioning. These mechanical stresses increase the risk of skin breakdown and make movement more difficult, leading to longer periods of immobility and compounding the problem.

Engineering for Prevention, Not Just Comfort

At Wi-Bo UK, we believe that pressure care must be considered at the design stage and built into every layer of the bed, not just the surface. Our BiNetic® frame technology maintains consistent body alignment during profiling, helping reduce sliding and shear. The Ergoframe® system creates space in

the pelvic region, relieving pressure and allowing for natural movement.

These mechanical innovations aren’t just about engineering, they’re about empathy. They’re designed to support what matters most to residents: the ability to move safely, rest comfortably, and maintain control over their own bodies.

Movement as Medicine

Encouraging movement is one of the most effective ways to prevent pressure injuries. Features like MobiStick 2 and flexible side rails promote safe selfmobilisation, allowing residents to reposition with confidence. When paired with digital monitoring tools, care teams can track movement patterns, identify immobility, and intervene proactively.

This isn’t just about managing pressure injuriesit’s about preventing them before they start, by designing environments that support movement, autonomy, and dignity.

Listening to What Matters

As we join the Stop the Pressure Campaign this November, let’s expand the conversation. Let’s look beyond the mattress and consider how every component of the bed contributes to skin health. Let’s listen to residents when they say, “What matters to me is…” comfort, safety, and the freedom to move.

Discover how Wi-Bo UK is rethinking pressure care at wi-bo.com

Want to dive deeper into pressure care terminology? Access our helpful Terminology Guide: https://go.linet.com/STPD_Terminology_Guide

Protecting your future: The critical role of financial clarity in care

Fran Kirke, VP of Care at OneAdvanced, explores how providers can improve organisational insight and manage cash flow.

For many care organisations, the financial side of operations can feel like a constant battle. Juggling funding streams, managing invoices, and trying to maintain a healthy cash flow is a complex task. But having an accurate, up-to-the-minute view of your financial health is critical, so you can make confident decisions, plan for the future, and, most importantly, focus on delivering outstanding care.

Moving beyond ‘survival’ mode

Too often, care providers find themselves in ‘survival’ mode, reacting to demands rather than looking to the future. You’re busy chasing late payments or correcting invoicing errors, leaving little time to plan ahead. But of course, this lack of financial clarity creates a cycle of uncertainty.

• ‘Can we afford to hire more staff?’

• ‘Is it the right time to invest in new equipment, repairs, or maintenance?’

• ‘Can we expand our services to meet growing community needs?’

Without a solid grasp of your finances, these questions are nearly impossible to answer.

The importance of financial transparency in care

1. Cash flow confidence

Cash flow keeps your care organisation running. Having clear financial oversight, avoiding payment delays from a local authority, or preventing a series of incorrect invoices from going out the door means you can refocus on strengthening your financial foundations, managing budgets, and investing for the future. All while prioritising high-quality care.

2. Strategic decision making

Financial transparency provides real-time data, being vital for long-term strategic planning, and providing

the stability and confidence you need to build a stronger, more resilient future for your organisation and the people who depend on you. So, instead of daily firefighting, you can see where you stand and proactively shape your services’ future.

3. Building trust

Transparency isn’t just about gaining internal clarity. It also helps to build vital trust with your stakeholders. When you can easily produce clear financial reports to regulatory bodies, it helps to show your organisation’s commitment to long-term viability.

But this trust extends to the families you support too. Billing and invoicing can be a sensitive and confusing area for your clients and their loved ones. Clear, accurate, and easy-to-understand invoices reduce disputes and anxiety.

The path to financial clarity

The core of financial transparency is accurate data. When your data is reliable, everything else falls into place. But for care, it means having robust tools in place that can actually manage your level of complexity.

So, this isn’t about just having software; it’s about having the right software—one designed with the unique nuances of the care sector in mind. Software that understands the different funding models from local authorities to private payers.

I’ve seen firsthand the appetite the sector has for software that truly understands provider needs. To simplify complexity, empower leaders, and free up time to focus on what truly matters: delivering exceptional care. It’s necessary, and it’s possible.

Visit: https://www.oneadvanced.com/campaigns/ care/financial-management-for-social-care/

cARROT & CUMIN soup

Directions Ingredients

1x Onion, sliced

4x Garlic Cloves, chopped

25g Butter

1kg Carrots, chopped

1 Litre Vegetable Stock

1 Litre Milk

20g Cumin Seeds

400ml Coconut Milk

1 Heat the butter in a deep saucepan over a medium heat until just starting to sizzle, then fry the cumin seeds until toasted and crackling

2 Add the onion, garlic, carrots and a pinch of salt Stir to coat. Cook gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the carrots have softened and started to slowly caramelise.

3. Add the vegetable stock and milk and cook for a further 10 minutes or until the carrots are completely softened and the liquid is hot.

4 Blend until smooth and season to taste

5 Divide between bowl and add a garnish of coconut milk on top for an added layer of flavour and fortification.

Creed Foodservice are sharing a monthly seasonal soup recipe showcasing British produce. To be in with a chance of winning a Creed cookbook, tag us both in your recreation of the recipe on social media!

Care Campaign for the Vulnerable (CCFTV)Medication Errors in Care: Why Families Shouldn’t Be the Safety Net

The Problem

In meetings with care providers, one issue is raised time and again - medication errors. These occur at various points: during hospital discharge, through pharmacy mix-ups, or when the wrong medication is administered in a care setting. Far too often, it’s only thanks to family intervention that these mistakes are identified before causing harm.

Families are checking medication charts, questioning prescriptions, and flagging errors that should have been caught by professionals. While their vigilance is commendable, it should never be their responsibility. Medication safety is, and must remain, the provider’s duty.

Yet, in meetings, I have heard providers respond by saying the issue “will be addressed.” This reactive attitude is part of the problem. Safety must be proactive. Waiting until mistakes happen places vulnerable people at risk and forces families into roles they should not have to play.

The Hidden Impact: Decision Fatigue

This situation often leads to decision fatiguemental exhaustion caused by constantly having to make important choices. Families experience this when repeatedly checking care plans, chasing assessments, and raising concerns. Over time, their confidence and judgement wear down.

This imbalance of responsibility creates frustration, mistrust, and unnecessary conflict. Families should be partners in care, not inspectors constantly on alert.

The Solution

Medication safety must become a priority in care delivery, not an afterthought. Several proactive steps can make a real difference:

1. Robust Checking Systems: Providers must implement strict double-checking processes at every stage, from hospital discharge summaries to pharmacy deliveries and daily medication rounds.

2. Clear Communication: Families should be kept informed but not burdened. Transparency builds trust and ensures involvement without shifting responsibility.

3. Training and Accountability: Ongoing medication training for staff and clear accountability when errors occur are vital. A learning culture, not a blame culture, reduces risk.

4. Collaborative Reviews: Providers should invite structured feedback through medication reviews, ensuring families feel included without carrying the weight of oversight.

Conclusion

Families should never be the final safety net in medication safety. While their involvement is valuable, the responsibility must remain with providers. By shifting from a reactive to a proactive approach, care organisations can reduce errors, rebuild trust, and deliver the safe, high-quality care that every vulnerable person deserves.

Proven

“Nourish creates a digital collaboration space that enables our teams to work together, it’s genuinely life changing stuff.” Graham Farrington-Horsfall,

“LIFE CHANGING”

Why Choose Nourish?

Nourish Better Care is the most trusted care management system in the UK, used by residential and home care providers supporting less than 5 people up to services supporting more than 10,000. We work with our users and their communities to co-produce systems that promote actionable information, in depth customisation and better care outcomes.

Find out how Nourish can set you up for the future of care, book a personalised demo with us on 023 8000 2288 or email hello@nourishcare.co m

nourishcare.com

Male Incontinence: A Problem I Never Thought Would Happen to Me

I’m a 54-year-old man—healthy, active, and proud of my independence. Yet, over the past few years, I’ve faced something I never expected: male incontinence. It’s a topic men rarely discuss, but it deserves attention.

When It Began

It started after prostate surgery. I expected temporary side effects, but the leaks persisted— sneezing, walking, lifting groceries, even laughing. I told no one, hoping it would stop. It didn’t.

Why It Happens

I learned male incontinence can stem from:

• Prostate surgery: Weakens muscles controlling urine flow.

• Age: Bladder and pelvic floor muscles lose strength over time.

• Sports/injuries: Years of running, heavy lifting, or back injuries can damage pelvic nerves.

It’s not just “old” or “sick” men—it can happen to anyone.

The Emotional Toll

The psychological impact was worse than the physical:

• Shame: I felt less masculine.

• Isolation: I avoided outings, fearing bathroom emergencies.

• Intimacy: I lost confidence with my wife, creating distance.

A few drops of urine affected my identity and relationships profoundly.

What Helped

The turning point came when I stopped hiding and sought help.

• Kegel exercises: 10 squeezes, 3 times a day. Within months, I saw improvement.

• Lifestyle changes: Cut coffee and beer, lost 6 kilos, started daily walks.

• Medical support: My urologist discussed medications and treatment options—just knowing they existed gave me hope.

• Modern protection: I resisted pads at first, but today’s discreet products gave me freedom. At a family party, I felt safe for the first time in years.

Advice to Other Men

If you’re dealing with this:

• You’re not alone—millions of men live with it.

• Talk about it—with your doctor, partner, or a friend.

• It’s not weakness—it’s a health condition.

• Use what’s available—exercises, lifestyle changes, medical care, and protective products.

• Don’t let it define you—I’m still a husband, father, and active man. Incontinence is just one part of my life.

Final Thoughts

Male incontinence is common but hidden. The real issue isn’t the leaks—it’s the silence. Breaking that silence was liberating. If you’re struggling, don’t wait. Seek help, explore solutions, and reclaim your confidence. Life’s too short to miss out on joy and connection over something so treatable.

For more information on the types of products available and guidance, please visit id-direct.com

Building CQC Audit Readiness Through TechnologyDriven Agency and Bank Staff Management

Managing agency and bank staff is one of the most complex and fast-moving challenges in the care sector. With workforce pressures and growing reliance on temporary staffing, strong, consistent processes are essential to ensure that everyone delivering care is compliant, competent, and aligned with your service’s values.

This responsibility links directly to CQC Regulation 18 (Staffing) and Regulation 19 (Fit and Proper Persons Employed), which require providers to deploy suitably qualified and competent staff supported by robust recruitment and vetting processes.

Building Consistency and Control

CQC compliance depends on clear, standardised recruitment, onboarding, and monitoring. A neutral vendor model brings structure and impartiality to this process, ensuring that every agency and bank worker is engaged, verified, and monitored against consistent criteria.

When paired with a neutral vendor technology platform, these processes can be automated - from digital onboarding and compliance verification to live performance tracking - creating a digital audit trail for every worker. This provides clear evidence for the Safe and Well-led domains and supports stronger governance across your organisation.

Strengthening Compliance Documentation

CQC inspectors expect immediate access to upto-date evidence, including DBS checks, training records, and right-to-work documentation. For many care providers, this information sits across multiple systems and agencies, making it difficult to retrieve and maintain.

A neutral vendor platform centralises these records within a single, secure, cloud-based hub. This ensures that compliance data and documentation are always current, traceable, and ready for inspectionreducing administrative burden and demonstrating

an ongoing commitment to quality and safety.

Improving Oversight and Reducing Risk

Under the Well-led domain, the CQC places strong emphasis on oversight, accountability, and effective leadership. A neutral vendor provides independent monitoring of every agency partnership - benchmarking performance, tracking compliance, and ensuring corrective actions are recorded and resolved.

This oversight gives providers full visibility and control over their temporary workforce, reduces reliance on underperforming suppliers, and helps mitigate risk across all care settings.

Using Data for Continuous Improvement

A neutral vendor platform such as Venneu® provides care leaders with real-time analytics and reporting on agency usage, fill rates, and compliance trends. These insights enable providers to identify risks early, improve workforce planning, and evidence continuous improvement - a key focus of CQC Regulation 17 (Good Governance).

About Neuven

At Neuven, we deliver independent, impartial neutral vendor solutions designed to simplify the management of agency and bank staff for care providers. Our technology platforms - Venneu® and Venta® - empower providers to achieve full visibility, compliance, and control over agency and bank staffing.

To help your organisation strengthen its governance and audit readiness, download the CQC Workforce Compliance and Audit Readiness Checklist here.

To learn how a neutral vendor can support your organisation with compliance, help you deploy bank staff first and achieve up to 20% savings on agency fees, contact Ian Roth on 0161 437 4337 or ian.roth@neuven.co.uk

Mastering the new CQC inspection | Practical steps to protect your rating and reputation

The CQC’s Single Assessment Framework (SAF) has transformed inspections. It now combines on-site visits with ongoing monitoring, digital evidence gathering, and public feedback. This shift means providers often receive less notice ahead of inspections, with year-round evidence assessment becoming the norm – not just during formal inspections. Staff voices and the experiences of those receiving care have become more important than ever.

Being prepared is no longer just about ticking boxes – it’s essential to maintaining your service’s resilience and reputation.

We recently hosted an insightful webinar “Mastering the new CQC inspection | Practical steps to protect your rating and reputation” delivered by our trusted partners, Care 4 Quality by WorkNest. In this session attendees gained the insight and tools needed to confidently meet current inspection demands, learned how to avoid common pitfalls, how to showcase their strengths effectively, and took away practical steps to help improve their rating and protect their service.

Here’s what was covered:

• The CQC’s Single Assessment Framework – how inspections now draw evidence from multiple sources and what that has meant for providers.

• Five common pitfalls that trip providers up – with real examples and clear strategies for avoiding them.

• What good looks like – examples of strong practice from recent CQC reports showing how services have engaged staff and evidenced quality under the SAF.

• Quick wins to boost inspection outcomes – five

simple, actionable steps to help improve ratings right away.

Want to catch up?

You can now watch the session on demand here.

Ready to strengthen your compliance and protect your rating?

Don’t wait for the CQC to come knocking – get ahead now. Book a compliance review or CQC-style audit today and start building a stronger, more resilient service.

Get in touch the Care 4 Quality by WorkNest team by calling 08083 037629 or emailing enquiries@ worknest.com, quoting Care England.

A Quiet Revolution in Care – How Acoustic and

Visual Monitoring is Transforming Night-time Support

Night-time care in UK care homes has traditionally relied on hourly checks, with staff moving from room to room to ensure residents are safe. While wellintentioned, this approach often disrupts rest and provides only limited oversight. Now, a new model is emerging that uses technology to improve safety, enhance dignity, and provide reassurance without unnecessary disturbance.

WCS Care, a not-for-profit care provider based in Warwickshire, has become the first in the UK to launch a centralised acoustic monitoring hub. The new service covers 266 residents across four homes, with plans to extend to a fifth before the end of the year. The system, provided by Adaptive Care, combines consent-based acoustic and visual monitoring to alert staff when intervention may be required.

Rather than relying on routine door-knocking, the technology listens discreetly for unusual sounds during the night and connects staff directly to residents in need of support. This allows carers to respond more quickly and effectively to those that need support in the night, while those who are sleeping soundly benefit from uninterrupted sleep.

Evidence from WCS Care’s earlier pilots shows the impact: one home recorded a 34% reduction in nighttime falls in the first year, and a 55% overall reduction when both day and night incidents were taken into account. The addition of visual monitoring appeared to reduce falls by an additional 18.5%, however half of these ‘falls’ were not actually falls and were witnessed events such as a resident lowering themselves to the floor, that would have previously been acted on as an unwitnessed fall.

The benefits extend beyond the care homes. Fewer falls mean fewer hospital admissions and emergency callouts, which in turn reduces pressure on already stretched health services. For staff, centralising monitoring provides greater support and a clearer

overview of what is happening overnight across multiple sites. This helps managers to plan more effectively, while giving night teams the reassurance of working alongside colleagues who are continuously monitoring residents in real time.

Ed Russell OBE, Chief Executive of WCS Care, describes the difference as significant: “I’ve seen first-hand how night care can be transformed, not just for residents who finally get proper sleep and dignity, but for staff who feel supported and part of something bigger.”

At the centre of this development is Adaptive Care’s monitoring system, which has already been used widely in the learning disabilities sector for over 10 years. Its introduction into older people’s care highlights the growing role that technology can play in enabling safer, more personalised approaches. Importantly, it remains non-intrusive, balancing the need for vigilance with respect for residents’ privacy.

The launch of WCS Care’s central hub represents more than just a technical upgrade. It signals a step toward a new model of night-time care where safety, independence, and wellbeing are given equal priority. By integrating technology in a way that complements rather than replaces human care, WCS Care and Adaptive Care have shown how innovation can directly improve lives.

For further information and support visit: https:// adaptivecare.co.uk/

Agentforce: Transforming Recruitment in Social Care

Executive Summary

Recruitment and retention challenges in Adult Social Care (ASC) are acute, with turnover rates three times the national average. Skills for Care estimated in 2017 that the average 12-month cost of recruiting one person in ASC was £6,222, amounting to £3bn annually for 450,000 recruitments. Even a 10–20% reduction in recruitment costs would deliver sectorwide savings of £300–£600 million per year. Agentforce, powered by Capita, offers a proven, scalable solution to streamline recruitment, reduce costs, and improve outcomes for providers and candidates alike.

The Challenge

• High Recruitment Costs: ASC providers face significant financial and operational burdens in hiring and onboarding staff.

• Complex Processes: Manual documentation, compliance checks, and candidate communications slow down recruitment and increase risk.

• Data Gaps: Providers lack sector-wide benchmarks to measure and improve recruitment efficiency.

How Agentforce Supports Social Care Recruitment

1. Automation & Self-Service

Agentforce’s platform automates key recruitment steps:

• Self-booking for interviews and events

• Automated rescheduling and cancellation management

• Document upload and verification (including fraud checks)

• Candidate surveys and feedback

• Mandatory training tracking and document signing

• Interactive candidate portals and chatbots for FAQs and progress updates

2. Intelligent Application Support

• Role matching and career goal profiling

• Skills and experience intelligence builder

• Duplicate and fraudulent application detection

• Eligibility and reasonable adjustment support

3. Sifting & Interview Optimization

• Bulk sifting and benchmarking tools

• Merit list and talent pool creation

• In-person HR support and preferred communication channels

4. Onboarding & Engagement

• Automated posting panels and engagement communications

• Security and referencing checks

• Learner journey tracking

5. Productivity & Utilisation Metrics

Agentforce enables providers to track and improve:

• Number of applicants, interviews, offers, and onboardings

• Success rates and interaction volumes (calls, emails)

• Ratios of recruiter effort per applicant and successful hire

What’s In It For Providers?

Tangible Benefits:

• Cost Savings: Potential to reduce recruitment costs by 10–20%, saving hundreds of millions sector-wide.

• Efficiency: Faster, more reliable hiring and onboarding, freeing up HR teams for strategic work.

• Quality: Better candidate experience, higher retention, and improved compliance.

• Scalability: Adaptable to organisations of any size, with proven success in public sector settings.

Immediate Next Steps:

Baseline Data Collection: Providers are invited to supply current recruitment metrics (see attached Excel template) to establish sector benchmarks.

Engagement Opportunity: By participating, providers will help shape best practices and unlock actionable insights for their organisations.

Future-Proofing: Early adopters will be positioned to benefit from sector-wide improvements and shared learnings.

Call to Action

Care England’s Workforce Group is invited to review the attached metrics and capabilities, test the data collection process, and consider how Agentforce can deliver measurable improvements. By collaborating, we can build a sector-wide “before and after” profile, evidence the benefits, and drive meaningful change in social care recruitment.For participation or feedback, please contact Nick at Nick.Parker2@capita.com.

Cornerstone Care Solutions Limited

Nutrition is not an added extra. It is at the core of quality care. At Cornerstone, we believe every meal is an opportunity to make someone feel valued and at home. Food is memory. Food is health. Food is love.

Nutrition is not an added extra. It is at the core of quality care. At Cornerstone, we believe every meal is an opportunity to make someone feel valued and at home. Food is memory. Food is health. Food is love.

If you would like guidance on strengthening nutrition practices in your care setting, get in touch with Cornerstone Care Solutions. Together we can ensure every meal makes a real difference.

Scale Your Care Business with Smarter Payments

By Chinyere Hatton, Payments Specialist, Modulr

Innovation on the frontlines of care has come a long way, from AI-powered scheduling to improved digital recordkeeping. But behind the scenes, many care providers are still held back by outdated payment systems. For growing private care groups, especially those managing multiple sites and shifting teams, manual payroll and accounts payable processes can quietly undermine both scalability and financial stability.

It’s a costly contradiction: providers are investing in technology to improve care delivery, while continuing to rely on spreadsheets, batch files and legacy software to run critical back-office operations.

Is the back office a barrier to scaling your care business?

Timely, accurate payments are vital to delivering highquality care —yet they’re often overlooked, whether you’re managing a single site or several. But fragmented systems across different care homes, finance teams and bank accounts create avoidable delays, reconciliation headaches and unnecessary administrative burden.

Staff want fast, accurate payroll. Suppliers need to be paid on time. Regulators expect clean, auditable records. When the systems behind these core functions are slow, manual or error-prone, the impact is felt across multiple relationships.

According to Modulr’s research across the care sector, private care businesses lose hours each week to manual payment admin, with larger organisations carrying the heaviest burden. In care, that’s time that could be reinvested in improving service quality for patients, enhancing staff retention, or supporting in strategic planning.

Smarter payments built for scale

Modern payment infrastructure solves these challenges at the root. By integrating real-time payroll and accounts payable into a single system, care providers reduce the

administrative friction, improve accuracy and gain clearer oversight of cash flow.

Modulr enables private care homes to:

• Run payroll and pay suppliers in real time, with full visibility and auditability.

• Instantly create and manage accounts for multiple sites or service lines.

• Reconcile payments effortlessly through real-time notifications and integrated reporting.

Critically, there’s no need to switch banks or overhaul your software providers. Modulr integrates with existing systems like Xero, BrightPay and Sage, helping teams implement changes with minimal disruption. For care providers, that means faster more accurate payments, easier reconciliation and clearer cash flow, all while staying in control. Additionally, as an FCA-regulated payments provider with direct access to Faster Payments, we offer the reliability and scale care providers need, without the red tape.

Why this matters now

Improving operational efficiency in the care industry isn’t just a finance issue; it’s a care quality issue. When finance teams are bogged down in admin or chasing errors across spreadsheets, it slows the whole organisation. Worse, it risks scaling the problems as your business grows.

Care providers who modernise back-office operations free up more than time. They create the conditions for consistency, compliance and staff trust — all critical to service delivery when margins are tight and expectations are high. By fixing the back end, they’re freeing up time and resources to focus on what matters: delivering better care.

To learn more about how care providers are modernising payments, visit www.modulrfinance.com/care-payments

Beyond Texture and Taste: Connecting Every Bite in Care Nutrition

Mealtimes aren’t just about food: they’re about people, especially in the care setting where connection becomes even more important. As we get older, the way we experience food can change. Appetites shift, dietary needs become more complex, and mobility or medication can affect how and what we eat. But one thing stays the same, eating is still a shared experience no matter how complex the issues are.

With an increase in IDDSI requirements and other complex nutritional needs, there is more pressure on care homes and chefs in the sector, and outsourcing to a contract caterer can bring the additional support to solve these problems. Having a contract caterer on site reduces the pressure of running the kitchen, while ensuring every nutritional need is met with professionalism and empathy.

In care homes, mealtimes aren’t just about hitting nutritional targets; they’re about creating a space where residents feel included and valued. When food is served with care, and there’s time to connect over a favourite dish or celebrate special occasions, it can truly lift the mood of the entire day.

Chefs at Connect working in care have full autonomy over their menus, which allows them to tailor dishes to residents’ needs and preferences. A bespoke menu, delivered by a chef who understands the IDDSI framework, transitional foods, the social value of mealtimes and upcoming special events, enhances the resident’s overall experience.

Regular communication with residents and care staff ensures meals are served at the correct consistency and nutrient level, enabling your catering partner to integrate seamlessly with the care you provide. Flexibility is key as chefs must adapt to changing requirements, portion sizes and textures should be considered carefully. Smaller plates can help residents with reduced appetites to feel more comfortable; while still ensuring they get the calories and nutrients they need.

It’s not just about what’s on the plate: it’s about how it’s

served, who it’s shared with, and the atmosphere around it. For residents requiring IDDSI-compliant meals, the necessary textures can be moulded, piped, and shaped to be more appealing, helping residents feel dignified by having a meal that closely resembles what their visitors and other residents are enjoying but meets their bespoke needs. When these elements are done well, they don’t just improve nutrition; they improve quality of life. Because in the end, good food feeds more than just the body, it feeds connection.

Partnering with a contract caterer like Connect Catering, an independent company with 35 years of experience delivering a high-quality service, can ensure compliance, quality, and a commitment to care that extends beyond the kitchen. Behind each plate is not just a meal, but a promise of dignity, nutrition, and well-being.

If you’re looking to connect an IDDSI-compliant dining experience with expert support and a personal touch, contact our team at Connect Catering:

01491 826000 email: sales@connectcatering.co.uk

www.connectcatering.co.uk

Designing Inclusive Homes: Making Housing and Care Environments

Accessible for People with Visual

Impairments

By Dan Morgan-Williams, Founding Director of Visualise Training and Consultancy

Creating homes and environments that are genuinely inclusive isn’t about ticking boxes or meeting compliance standards—it’s about helping people live safely, confidently, and independently.

For people with visual impairments, thoughtful design can make the difference between comfort and constant challenge. And the good news is that accessibility doesn’t always require large budgets or major rebuilds; sometimes, the smallest, simplest changes have the most significant impact.

From housing associations and supported living schemes to residential care providers and local authorities, this article explores practical and often-overlooked ways to make homes more accessible for people with sight loss.

Seeing Spaces Differently

Visual impairment is not one uniform experience. Some people may have no central vision, others no peripheral vision, while many live with fluctuating sight due to conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or macular degeneration.

For some, bright light improves vision; for others, glare can be blinding. Designing inclusively means considering this spectrum of needs, creating adaptable environments that rely on more than just vision.

When spaces are predictable, well-lit, and rich in sensory cues, they empower people to navigate independently and safely. When they’re not, even everyday tasks— finding a light switch or a kitchen surface—can become a struggle.

1. Lighting: The Foundation of Accessibility

Lighting is often underestimated, yet it’s one of the most potent tools for inclusion. Poor or uneven lighting can create hazards, particularly around stairs, thresholds, and corridors.

Quick wins:

• Replace dull bulbs with bright, adjustable LED lighting.

• Use warm white tones to reduce glare and eye strain.

• Eliminate dark corners and ensure consistent lighting throughout hallways and entrances.

• Position lamps and ceiling lights to minimise shadows.

Larger investments:

• Integrate motion-sensitive lighting in corridors and communal spaces.

• Use dimmable systems that can be tailored to individual preferences.

• Consider daylight sensors to maintain even brightness throughout the day.

Good lighting helps people see faces, read signage, and feel confident moving through a space—minor improvements that make an enormous difference.

2. Colour and Contrast

High colour contrast allows people to distinguish surfaces, furniture, and fixtures even when vision is limited. Without it, rooms blur into a confusing mass of similar tones.

Simple steps:

• Choose contrasting wall and floor colours.

• Highlight doorframes, handrails, and stair edges using bolder tones.

• Ensure light switches, plug sockets, and door handles stand out clearly against their backgrounds.

• Avoid shiny finishes that can cause glare.

Even changing a white light switch on a white wall to a dark-coloured one can make it easier to find. And contrast doesn’t need to compromise style—designers can achieve both accessibility and aesthetics with

Care Agenda | The

thoughtful choices.

3. Layout and Consistency

Clarity and predictability are vital for people with sight loss. Frequent layout changes can be disorientating. Whether it’s a one-bedroom flat or a 40-bed care home, consistency builds confidence.

Best practice tips:

• Keep furniture layouts consistent and avoid frequent rearranging.

• Maintain clear, uncluttered corridors and rooms.

• Use tactile or textural markers to help people orientate—such as a rug that signals a seating area or textured flooring before steps.

• Avoid open-plan layouts where possible in communal areas; sound and echo can make navigation difficult.

A tidy, predictable space reduces stress, prevents accidents, and gives residents control over their surroundings.

4. Orientation and Sensory Landmarks

Visual cues are just one part of orientation. Incorporating scent, sound, and texture can provide valuable clues for someone navigating independently.

Examples include:

• Planting lavender near the main entrance so that residents can identify it by smell.

• Using different flooring textures to indicate transitions (e.g. carpet to vinyl near bathrooms).

• Adding tactile paving or raised edging at steps and ramps.

• Installing small wind chimes near garden doors or seating areas to provide an auditory landmark.

• Including Braille or tactile labels on door signs and mailboxes.

Orientation can also extend outdoors. Clearly marked paths, well-positioned lighting, and consistent fencing or edging help people move confidently around shared gardens or courtyards.

5. Reducing Visual Clutter

Patterns can confuse. Busy carpets, tablecloths, or wallpapers can make it hard to distinguish edges, objects, and surfaces.

Simple improvements:

• Use plain, matte finishes for walls and floors.

• Choose solid-colour tablecloths with good contrast against crockery.

• Avoid patterned flooring that disguises changes in level.

• Keep worktops and tables clear of unnecessary items to maintain visual simplicity.

These low-cost adjustments don’t just make homes more accessible—they also create calmer, more welcoming environments for everyone.

6. Acoustics and Sound

Sound can either support or hinder orientation. Echoing hallways and hard floors can make it difficult to determine direction, while thoughtful acoustic design can improve confidence.

Recommendations:

• Use curtains, rugs, or soft furnishings to absorb excessive echo.

• Avoid large, empty spaces where voices and footsteps bounce.

• Maintain clear acoustic landmarks—such as a ticking clock in a hallway or water feature in a courtyard.

For many people with sight loss, a familiar soundscape provides as much reassurance as clear visual cues.

7. Kitchens and Everyday Living Spaces

Kitchens are full of hazards, but they can also be empowering with the right design.

Ideas for safer, more accessible kitchens:

• Use heatproof tactile markers on appliances to indicate key settings.

• Store items in consistent locations.

• Fit contrasting worktops and cupboard doors.

• Use non-slip flooring.

• Ensure good task lighting above preparation areas.

For communal kitchens, clear labelling and consistent layouts make spaces usable for everyone—not just residents with visual impairments.

Care Agenda | The voice of the care sector

8. Outdoor Areas and Entrances

Accessibility begins before someone walks through the door.

• Checklist for external environments:

• Provide strong, even lighting along pathways and driveways.

• Ensure steps and ramps are clearly edged with contrasting paint or tactile markings.

• Keep paths wide, flat, and free of overhanging branches.

• Use scented plants like rosemary, jasmine, or lavender near entrances for orientation.

• Secure bins and outdoor furniture to prevent trip hazards.

Good outdoor design promotes independence and supports safe movement between buildings, gardens, and community areas.

9. Maintenance and Consistency

Even the best design can be undone by poor maintenance. A missing bulb, misplaced chair, or moved handrail can be disorienting or dangerous.

Establish clear maintenance routines:

• Replace bulbs immediately and maintain consistent brightness.

• Avoid moving grab rails, switches, or furniture during repairs.

• Keep communication clear—residents should be informed in advance if layouts or surfaces change.

Consistency gives people confidence that their environment will remain reliable from one day to the next.

10. Emergencies and Safety Systems

In emergencies, traditional alarm systems may not be enough. Alarms should be both audible and tactile to ensure all residents are alerted.

Consider:

• Vibrating alarm pads for bedrooms.

• Flashing beacons or lights to supplement sound.

• Staff training to assist safe evacuations for people with sensory loss.

An inclusive safety system saves lives and builds trust in the care environment.

11. Technology and Innovation

Smart home technology is rapidly improving accessibility. Devices such as talking thermostats, voice-controlled lighting, or smart speakers can provide independence at relatively low cost.

Examples:

• Smart lighting controlled via voice or smartphone.

• Door sensors that announce when someone enters or leaves a room.

• Audio-described televisions and accessible tablets for entertainment and communication.

When carefully chosen, technology enhances daily life without eroding personal autonomy.

The Power of Awareness

While physical design changes matter, awareness is equally important. Staff, contractors, and housing teams play a significant role in creating inclusive environments. Simple actions—like announcing yourself when entering a room, or not moving items without explanation—can transform a person’s sense of security and respect.

Training teams to recognise visual barriers and respond appropriately can ensure accessibility becomes second nature rather than an afterthought.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Many of these adaptations cost little or nothing. Changing tablecloths, painting step edges, rearranging lighting, or planting scented herbs are all small investments that yield enormous returns in comfort, safety, and dignity.

Accessibility isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Every improvement, no matter how small, creates a more inclusive world.

Creating accessible homes is not just a professional responsibility—it’s a moral one. When we build environments where everyone can thrive, we build stronger, more compassionate communities.

To find out more, visit https:// visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com or email info@ visualisetrainingandconsultancy.co.uk

Building a Sustainable Future: A Guide to Recycling Excellence in Care Homes

UK care homes present an opportunity to showcase environmental leadership while saving on costs in their operations. Implementing a recycling programme in your care home offers dual benefits. Firstly, from a cost perspective, proper waste segregation and recycling can significantly reduce your waste disposal fees, as recyclable materials cost less to process than general waste. Secondly, the environmental benefits are substantial. By recycling more, your care home can achieve meaningful carbon emission reductions which demonstrates to your residents, their families and your staff that you are invested in long-term sustainability.

An analysis of 1,007 care homes Veolia services in the UK reveals an average waste recycling rate of 40.71%. However, by implementing proper segregation systems for all waste streams, they could increase their recycling rates to 70% or more. This improvement would prevent approximately 2.7 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions per year for each facility, which is comparable to planting 32 trees or avoiding the burning of 1,200 litres of petrol. In addition, improved recycling programs offer tangible financial advantages by substantially reducing general waste.

Creating an Effective Segregation System

Veolia can help you create an effective segregation system by conducting a waste audit to identify all waste streams generated. This process identifies opportunities for further segregation and recycling whilst also ensuring compliance. Next, Veolia would map out all the waste generation points throughout your facility and suggest where collection bins could be placed strategically to actively encourage proper recycling behaviour. In addition, installing colour coded bin systems will ensure internal and external bins match making it a simple process for employees.

Staff Training and Engagement

No recycling scheme can achieve success without the engagement and participation of your staff and residents. At Veolia, we undertake several engagement activities with our customers, including interactive e-learning modules, waste awareness days, training packs, social media engagement campaigns, and educational videos. One of our National Care Home Providers achieved a 14% increase in recycling just through implementing the e-learning programme. Many of our customers appoint dedicated waste champions to monitor compliance and provide ongoing support for proper segregation practices. Multi-site customers also utilise results to identify the best performing locations, creating healthy competition through league tables that motivate improvement.

Resident Integration and Community Building

Involving residents in routine, simple sorting tasks and educational games can foster meaningful connections to environmental practices. This in turn can help involve everyone in

achieving goals. For access to free educational resources please visit our website here for more information.

Monitoring and Optimisation for Continuous Improvement

Measuring recycling rates and celebrating achievements drives continuous improvement. Implementing comprehensive recycling programmes in care homes offers environmental protection, CQC assessment preparation, cost savings, and enhanced community engagement. With planning, training, and support, your care home can become a sustainability leader, making residents and families proud. This journey contributes to a circular economy and demonstrates the care sector’s commitment to future generations.

To start the conversation of how Veolia can help your organisation contact us using the button below.

Treasured items from Boots help rekindle memories for those with dementia

As part of the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Action Week, Boots recently launched a nationwide initiative to spark conversation and rekindle memories for those affected by dementia.

As the UK’s leading health and beauty retailer, Boots created over 1,000 multi-sensory memory boxes which have been distributed to care homes and communities across the UK.

The initiative follows research by Professor Victoria Tischler and colleagues from the Universities of Surrey, West London and Nottingham that supports the connection between smell, handling familiar objects and memory,1 conducted using the Boots Memory Boxes.

In many people with dementia, handling familiar objects that combine distinctive smells, and attractive designs can provide wellbeing benefits including enhanced mood, social inclusion and memory retrieval. Simple prompts like familiar smells from a person’s past can stimulate recall and bring people into the present moment.

The Boots Memory Boxes are filled with items carefully selected by the Boots Archive team and include familiar smells and sounds to trigger

memories. For example, popular toiletries and soaps can remind them of a loved one and cough medicine or bath salts can help them remember times they looked after themselves or others. The boxes will also feature items with familiar sounds, like the click an old powder compact, or camera.

1 D’Andrea, Dening and Tischler (2022) Object Handling for People With Dementia: A Scoping Review and the Development of Intervention Guidance | Innovation in Aging | Oxford Academic

Further details can be found at:

Treasured Items information: Treasured items from Boots can help rekindle memories for those with dementia

Treasured Items video: https://m.youtube.com/ watch?v=E--CPM5xmR8

So what happens when that trust doesn’t land early on? Ultimately, if you can’t show your value upfront, someone else will. Families swipe left. They bounce off the website. They opt for another provider whose online presence looks more transparent, even if the care itself isn’t any better.

Oral Hygiene in Care Homes: Supporting Dignity in Later

Life

Why Oral Hygiene Matters

Oral hygiene is a vital part of our overall health and has a huge impact on our quality of life. Our mouths enable us to enjoy life’s simple pleasures - sharing a meal with family, enjoying a drink with a friend, reminiscing over old memories, or smiling for a photo. They are central to how we communicate, connect, present ourselves to the world, and ultimately, how we live. This is no different for our loved ones in care homes. It is just as important for them to maintain their oral health in later life, preserving dignity and independence.

The Link Between Oral Health and General Wellbeing

Research increasingly shows a strong connection between poor oral care and serious chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia, COPD, and pneumonia. Even seemingly minor issues like toothache or ulcers can cause debilitating pain.

The mouth is the entry point to both the digestive and respiratory systems, making it especially vulnerable when exposed to harmful bacteria. Poor oral health can cause tooth decay or gum disease, which can then lead to more serious complications such as malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia - conditions which can be fatal.

Beyond the physical effects, poor oral health can significantly impact mental wellbeing too. Pain, tooth loss, ill-fitting or poorly maintained dentures, and even persistent bad breath can undermine self-confidence, compromise dignity, and diminish overall quality of life.

Research shows that more than half of older adults living in care homes experience tooth decay, compared to 40% of people over 75 who live independently. This makes the promotion of good oral hygiene in care homes especially important - not only as a matter of dental health, but as a vital investment in overall health and wellbeing.

Why Care Home Residents Are at Greater Risk

Those living in care homes face heightened risks due to:

• High levels of dependency

• Existing medical conditions and disabilities

• Side effects of medications

• Cognitive impairments, such as dementia

Residents with communication difficulties may struggle to express pain, making preventive oral care even more important.

A common issue in care homes is dry mouth, a sideeffect often caused by medication. This not only causes discomfort but also worsens oral problems, since saliva plays a natural healing role through antimicrobial properties, proteins, and growth factors. A reduction in saliva makes residents more vulnerable to infection and discomfort.

Changing Dental Needs of an Ageing Population

Older people today are far more likely to retain their natural teeth than previous generations. Decades ago, full teeth removal and dentures were common at a young age due to the poor state of dental health in the population and widespread tooth decay. Thanks to improved dental care since the creation of the NHS, more people are keeping their natural teeth into later life.

While this is worth celebrating, it also makes dental care for older people more complex - particularly in care home settings.

Oral Health in Care Homes: The 2019 Picture

Despite its importance, oral health has not always been treated as a priority in care homes. The CQC ‘Smiling Matters’ report (2019) highlighted:

• 52% of homes had no policy to promote or protect oral health

• 47% did not train staff in daily oral care

• 73% of care plans only partly covered - or failed to cover - oral health

• 10% of homes had no access to emergency dental treatment

The report found low awareness of oral health guidelines, inconsistent staff training, and poor integration of oral care into care plans. Families reported that neglecting oral care not only caused health issues but also impacted residents’ dignity and wellbeing.

Examples from families included:

• A resident who beamed with pride when praised for her “sparkly teeth and lovely smile”

• Another who became withdrawn and unhappy without her dentures

• Families feeling distressed when poor oral care left loved ones looking unhealthy and uncomfortable

These examples show that oral care is not just about physical health - it also affects confidence, dignity, and emotional wellbeing.

Signs of Improvement: The 2023 Review

Encouragingly, progress has been made since 2019:

• Awareness of NICE oral health guidance increased from 61% to 91%

• Care plans covering oral health needs rose from 27% in 2019 to 60% in 2022

• Staff training in oral health doubled, from 30% in 2019 to 60% in 2022

While these figures show positive change, gaps remain. A significant proportion of staff still lack training, and not all care plans cover oral health in full.

NICE Guidelines: What Good Oral Care Looks Like

NICE guidelines recommend assessing every resident’s oral care needs as soon as they move into a care home, regardless of the length of stay. Families should be involved where appropriate. Assessments should cover:

• Natural teeth vs. full or partial dentures

• Usual toothbrushing habits and preferred toothbrush type

• Denture cleaning routines and preferred products

• Whether dentures should be marked

• Details of any regular dental care providers

• Level of support required for oral care

Practical daily steps include:

• Brushing natural teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste

• Providing daily denture care (brushing, removing food debris, storing overnight)

• Using residents’ preferred toothbrush and cleaning products where possible

• Incorporating prescribed products (e.g., high-fluoride toothpaste, mouth rinses)

• Supporting use of over-the-counter products like preferred rinses or xylitol gum

Oral Care at the End of Life

In palliative and end-of-life care, oral hygiene becomes particularly important. Many medications reduce saliva production, causing dry mouth and discomfort. With the right products and skilled support, it is possible to prevent pain, improve comfort, and maintain dignity in a person’s final days.

Products that help relieve discomfort at this stage include frequent moisturising of the mouth and lips with hydrators, flavoured swab sticks that are gentle on the mouth, foam sticks for delivering hydration, topical lubricants and gels containing glycerin, and softer, more delicate toothbrush swabs. These options are designed to be kinder to the mouth and residents, supporting both oral health and dignity in their remaining days.

Moving Forward: Raising Awareness and Standards

The CQC has stated:

“We want care homes to embrace oral health and ensure that it receives the same priority as physical and mental health.”

At CareHomeLife, we share this commitment. We believe in a holistic approach to care, supporting staff with training, resources, and effective, affordable products to improve oral health in care homes. By raising awareness, we can help ensure that residents live with comfort, pride, and dignity.

To learn more about our selection of products: ORAL HYGIENE PRODUCTSll

CQC’s Revised Assessment Framework: What Social Care

Providers Need to Know

On 16 October 2025 the Care Quality Commission (CQC) launched a consultation proposing major changes to its assessment framework, aiming to address well publicised failings in the Single Assessment Framework (SAF). These changes represent a shift in how quality is assessed, and ratings are awarded.

Key Proposed Changes:

Reintroduce rating characteristics for each rating level, similar to the previous Key Lines of Enquiry, to guide assessments and provide clearer benchmarks.

• Replacing quality statements with supporting questions making the framework simpler and more understandable.

• Develop sector-specific frameworks tailored to adult social care, hospitals, and primary care.

• Simplify the rating process by removing the complex scoring system and placing greater emphasis on professional judgement.

• Improve inspection reports to make them easier to interpret.

In what will feel like a repeat of the implementation of the SAF, testing with selected providers will begin in late 2025, with a full roll out expected in early 2026. These changes aim to restore clarity, consistency, and relevance to the CQC’s regulatory approach.

What Should Providers Do Now?

Although the consultation is ongoing, providers should begin preparing for both the new framework and inspection under the current approach by focusing on five key areas:

1. Align Assurance Processes

Once the framework is finalised, map your service against the new rating characteristics and supporting questions. Build live evidence folders that clearly demonstrate how your service meets and exceeds expectations — in both policy and practice.

2. Influence What the CQC Sees and Hears

People’s experiences and staff feedback remain central to inspection outcomes. Regular, structured conversations focused on quality can help ensure positive themes are highlighted during inspections.

3. Prepare Your Team

Staff at all levels should feel confident discussing how they deliver high-quality care. Ensure that managers and frontline staff know what to expect during an inspection and can articulate what is good about the service.

4. Be Proactive During Inspection

Volunteer evidence of good practice, ask inspectors what they’re assessing, and challenge misunderstandings or decisions not to look at areas of good practice early.

5. Use the Factual Accuracy Process Wisely

Implementing a revised framework at the same time as increasing inspection activity raises the risk of inconsistent outcomes, at least until the new approach has been embedded. If the draft report is unfair, this is your best opportunity to push back. Focus on issues that impact on your rating, provide clear evidence, and maintain a professional tone.

Need Help?

If you face a poor inspection, act quickly as the timescales are tight. The regulatory team at Anthony Collins has deep experience in challenging unfair inspections, drafting factual accuracy submissions, and pursuing rating reviews or legal remedies. We understand the system and can help you navigate it strategically.

While the CQC’s proposals aim to improve regulation, they also introduce risks during the transition. By preparing now, aligning assurance processes, and supporting your team, you can safeguard your rating and reputation.

Read the full article at: https://www.careengland.org.uk/ navigating-the-new-cqc-assessment-framework-whatsocial-care-providers-need-to-know/

Making the night count:

How

better sleep drives ROI in care

Night-time is one of the most critical periods in any care home. Residents are most vulnerable as staffing levels are lower and many of the sector’s most persistent challenges including falls, agitation, poor sleep, and reactive care, originate. Yet it’s also when the greatest opportunities for improvement exist.

Care England’s 2025 Sleep Gap report highlighted how fragmented sleep directly affects health, safety, and operational outcomes. Residents who sleep poorly are more likely to experience falls, infections, and reduced appetite or moods. In dementia care, sleep disruption can heighten anxiety and confusion, leading to a cycle of fatigue, distress, and further incidents.

Understanding the challenge

Traditionally, night-time care relies on physical checks and reactive response. While these practices are well intentioned, they can unintentionally disturb residents, fragmenting their sleep and contributing to unnecessary wakefulness. Over time, this pattern increases pressure on staff and raises clinical and operational risk.

How technology helps

Advances in acoustic and motion based monitoring have transformed how we can support residents through the night. At Ally, our system detects and interprets sound and movement patterns including coughing, restlessness, or calling out and sends a notification to staff so they can determine when intervention is genuinely needed. This means teams can respond promptly when required and residents who are resting peacefully remain undisturbed.

By replacing routine checks with responsive alerts, homes can reduce disruption, improve sleep quality, and gain data-led insights into patterns of rest, agitation, or care needs. Teams can see trends over time and use this evidence to adapt staffing, routines, and clinical interventions.

Impact in practice

Care homes using Ally report measurable improvements in both wellbeing and efficiency. Across partner homes, data typically shows:

• Around 50% more uninterrupted sleep hours

• 63% fewer night-time falls

• Up to 30% of staff time redirected from routine checks to meaningful care

• Improved oversight for quality audits and inspection evidence

The operational return

Better sleep delivers a tangible return on investment. Across Ally partner homes, improved sleep and reduced disruption have been linked to an average 5% uplift in occupancy and significant reductions in avoidable hospital transfers. Fewer incidents mean lower insurance claims and reduced agency spend, while calmer environments contribute to stronger staff retention. More stable residents and higher family confidence support longer, healthier stays, all outcomes that directly influence financial sustainability.

A culture shift towards sleep-first care

Embedding sleep into quality improvement isn’t just about technology, it’s about culture. When care leaders use night-time insights to shape routines and staffing, sleep becomes a key metric of wellbeing and operational quality.

As Care England’s Sleep Gap report reinforces, improving sleep is not just a comfort measure; it is a measurable driver of safety, sustainability, and trust.

For further information and support, or to learn how Ally is helping care providers strengthen night-time care, visit www.allycares.com or contact info@allycares. com

From Curiosity to Partnership: Bridging the Gap

Between the NHS and Social Care

Responding to Change – Our Professional Contribution to Leading Transformation

by Zoë Fry, Director of Nursing for the OS and SCNACs

At this year’s Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Summit, adult social care took to the main stage to lead a powerful conversation about collaboration, leadership, and the future of integrated care. The session, titled “From Curiosity to Partnership: Bridging the Gap Between the NHS and Social Care”, brought together leaders from across the health and social care landscape to explore how the professions can work together to deliver the ambitions of the 10-year health plan.

The session invited the audience to reflect on the opportunities for closer alignment between the NHS and social care. Highlighting the importance of shared values, the panel spoke about how curiosity and openness can help bridge long-standing divides and support transformation across the system.

The discussion, chaired by Zoe Fry OBE, Lucy Gillespie and Dr Zena Aldridge, showcased the collective voice of social care nurses and leaders across the sector. The panel shared examples of how social care nurses are leading change—demonstrating innovation, building partnerships, and driving quality improvement at local, regional and national levels.

Each panelist reflected on how collaboration can strengthen the workforce, improve outcomes, and create a system where nurses can understand each other’s roles across health and social care, and the part they play. The message was clear: social care is integral to health, and partnership is the key to lasting impact.

Representatives included:

• Zoë Fry, Director of Nursing and Residential Services, The Outstanding Society (OS) – OBE. BSc – RN

• Ed Hughes, CEO, Council of Deans of HealthUndergraduate Nursing Placement Strategy

• Adam Smith, Mental Health Nurse Consultantpreviously Chief Clinical Quality Officer, Acuity Care Group.

• Victoria Hulström, Clinical Director, Nouvita Healthcare, Learning Disability

• Emily O’Hara, Director of Quality and Chief Nurse at Sanctuary Care (nursing homes and residential services across the UK). Advanced practice including nurse prescribing pilots

• Anna Selby, Director of Quality, HC-One

• Zena Aldridge, Associate Director for Social Care, NIHR Nursing and Midwifery Office

• Lucy Gillespie, National Professional Lead, Regulated Professional Workforce, Skills for Care

From Insight to Action

Delegates were invited to join table discussions exploring the question “What are the opportunities for improved collaboration and integration within health and social care to support the 10-year health plan?”

Participants identified a wide range of opportunities— from shared education, mentorship, and workforce planning to co-production of care pathways and joint system leadership. The importance of relationship building and mutual respect across sectors emerged as a consistent theme.

Attendees shared their key commitments for action— from creating local networks and involving social care in system design, to tackling inequities in training access and promoting shared professional development.

Closing reflections reinforced the central message of the session: that transformation begins with connection. By nurturing relationships, recognising shared purpose, and valuing all contributions equally, health and social care can truly operate as one system.

For more information on the SCNACs and opportunities to get involved, reach out to The OS (https:// theoutstandingsociety.co.uk/scnac/ or contact Sonia on Admin.SCNAC@theoutstandingsociety.co.uk) or speak to your regional contacts today.

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e a n d e v o l u t i o n i n

l a n d s c a p e a n d c h a l l e n g e s , a n d d r i v e t h e f i e l d f o r w a r d .

Who Should Attend? Who Should Attend?

T h e A s s o c i a t i o n f o r C o n t i n e n c e P r o f e s s i o n a l s i s p r o u d t o i n v i t e y o u t o o u r

Bladder and Bowel Nurses

Bladder and Bowel Nurses

Urology Nurses

Urology Nurses

Doctors

Doctors

Specialist

Nurses

Specialist Nurses

c o n t i n e n c e c a r e . H o n o u r i n g 4 5 y e a r s o f d e d i c a t i o n t o t h e f i e l d , w e w i l l

c o m e t o g e t h e r t o r e f l e c t o n o u r r i c h h e r i t a g e , c o l l a b o r a t e o n t h e c u r r e n t

Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists

Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists

All allied healthcare professionals

All allied healthcare professionals