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Chief Editor
Jade Evans
jade.evans@cimltd.co.uk
Editorial Assistant
Brooke Tremain bt@cimltd.co.uk
Publication Manager
James Davies
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Tel: 01795 509 112
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Hannah Moody hannah@cimltd.co.uk
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Lauren Sharpe
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Tel: 01795 509 103
Administration Manager
Natalie Murray admin@cimltd.co.uk
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Design and Production
Grant Waters
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James Taylor
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Tel: 01795 509108
Sales Director
Tom Woollin tom@cimltd.co.uk
Chief Executive
John Denning
Editor’s Letter June 2023
With our Outdoor Spaces feature going down so well last month, we are keen to keep our content in this June issue aligned with the elements of a holistic design approach as we share an extensive piece on Interiors. We weigh up an exceptionally important debate as we look into ‘Appearance vs. Functionality’ within a care home, and answer questions such as ‘how is resident wellbeing affected by both functionality and appearance?’
Making up the latter half of the issue, delving into yet another important area of a care home, we look at how you can stay on top of learning and improving safety amongst residents and staff alike. With many elements falling under the health and safety umbrella, we share a thought-provoking piece from Jayne Connery, Director of Care Campaign for The Vulnerable (CCFTV), who shares details on whether cameras should be mandatory in care homes in line with the safety of staff members.
For the big finale, and rounding up the last of the content in this jampacked edition of Care Home Magazine, we are on to shows! No doubt our paths crossed with lots of you at The Residential & Home Care Show in April, but in case you did miss it, we are sharing the low-down in our show review. Trade shows provide a number of fantastic benefits including networking opportunities and brand awareness, so to finish, we share a show preview of the upcoming Care & Occupational Therapy Show which will be returning to the Westpoint Arena in Exeter on July 12th!
Jade Evans, Chief Editor
Table of Contents
6 Industry Update
We are kicking off the June issue by sharing an insight to the care sector’s latest industry events, news and advances.
13 Interiors
With the help of some of the biggest names in design we discuss the importance of Functionality vs. Appearance in care homes.
28 Recruitment
Perfectly aligned with the current climate of the struggle for staff in care homes, we have some industry experts on hand with solutions as we share pieces from Elite Care Services and Get Borderless.
35 Health and Safety
With the wellbeing of staff and residents inside a care home being of optimum importance, we look at how you can stay on top of learning and improving safety amongst your team.
40 Should There Be More Cameras in Care?
As part of the wider Health and Safety editorial, we share a thought leadership piece from Jane Connery, Director of Care Campaign for The Vulnerable (CCFTV), which looks into the pros and cons of cameras in care homes.
44 Show Review
Proving to be a great success for all involved, we share a review of The Residential & Home Care Show, part of Health Plus Care after it returned to London’s ExCel at the end of April.
Industry update
Avnish Goyal receives CBE at Buckingham Palace
Chair of Care England and Hallmark Care Homes, Avnish Goyal was awarded a CBE in her late Majesty’s birthday honour’s list and visited Buckingham Palace to receive the honour at a formal ceremony.
Avnish, founder of family-run care provider Hallmark Care Homes, received the national honour for his services to social care and philanthropy and was presented the title by The Princess Royal.
He was also recognised for his work during the pandemic with the largest representative body for social care, Care England, The Care Workers Charity and volunteer-led initiative; Championing Social Care.
Avnish started his career in care in 1997, and became Chair of Care England in 2015. Since his appointment he has supported the sector in various initiatives such as
campaigning for better funding for social care and the appointment of a commissioner for older people.
Avnish Goyal said: “I’m deeply humbled to have been recognised by her Majesty, the Queen in her special Platinum Jubilee year for my work in social care and philanthropy as we celebrate our own silver jubilee for Hallmark Care Homes. I joined the sector because I wanted to make a difference and I knew I
Watch me whip! Head Chef at Ipswich care home scoops national award
Acare home in Ipswich is celebrating after its Head Chef was recognised at a national award ceremony for her outstanding contribution to the catering sector.
Caroline Lloyd, Head Chef at Care UK’s Prince George House, on Mansbrook Boulevard, took home first place for ‘Unsung Hero’ at the 2023 Public Sector Catering Awards.
Caroline, who joined the home in 2013, received praise for her resident-centred approach, with catering plans constantly evolving to meet each residents’ needs. Each day Caroline and the catering team provide delicious, nutritious food. The choice and diversity of the menu is driven from feedback from residents to ensure that they are offered meals they want.
As part of its dining experience,
the home regularly hosts themed meals and events. This has included a Valentine’s Day party complete with a three-course gourmet meal and beautifully decorated cake to celebrate the couples at Prince George House and their spouses.
Caroline is also committed to the home’s ‘Dining with Dignity’ initiative, where residents with special dietary requirements are fully catered for in a discreet and respectful manner. The role that Caroline plays in ensuring this is carried out is vital, and includes supporting the training and development of colleagues too.
Judges noted Caroline’s dedication to consistently putting residents first. Over the Christmas period in 2021, to ensure residents were kept safe from the transmission of COVID-19 and could be cooked for over the festive
had something to offer.”
Martin Green, Chief Executive of Care England, said: “In his role as Chair of Care England, and through the high-quality services provided by Hallmark Care Homes, Avnish Goyal has made an outstanding contribution to the care sector and he has always been a powerful advocate for high-quality care and innovations that improve people’s lives.
season, Caroline’s self-imposed isolation meant that she sacrificed spending Christmas with her family – cooking up quite the storm as she prepared 120 Christmas dinners with the help of a kitchen assistant.
Commenting on the win, Caroline said: “I’m over the moon to have scooped first place in the Public Sector Catering Awards this year. I’m so proud of the team and all of their continuous hard work.”
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Living with Purpose
Established for over 20 years with a group of over 16 care homes, Abbey Healthcare are pioneers in resident independence. In a true example of all that they stand for, we share details on a lovely story which showcases one of their residents, Ann, as a member of their front of house, in a bid to live with purpose.
Living with purpose in a care home is essential for maintaining a sense of fulfilment and well-being. While residing in a care home may present certain limitations, there are still various ways to find purpose and meaning in your daily life and Abbey Healthcare’s Ann Fox is a wonderful example of this.
At the ripe age of 90, as a resident at Aarandale Manor Care Home in London, Ann has begun helping out on the reception area as she commented: “I love to help and feel a part of the team.”
Ann’s husband was a resident at the home and she became fond of the establishment during her visits, so much so that when he passed, Ann moved in. After residing at the home for a short while it became apparent that Ann was able to build relations whilst helping where she could as she said: “I missed my calling in reception work”.
The team offered Ann to step in and help as and where she could due to her wonderfully warm people skills. Ann’s general tasks include answering the phone, taking messages, booking visitor appointments, greeting visitors and taking the daily papers to residents on each floor.
As someone who hasn’t worked in admin before, it seems that Ann has taken to the role like a duck to water with Kirsty Harris of Abbey Healthcare commenting: “The home benefits so much from having Ann as part of the team due to her professionalism.”
Ann’s previous lines of work included managerial roles as she spent time working as a Bar
Manager at Law Courts, a Shoe Shop Manager and a Transport Manager, all jobs which have clearly built up her wonderful customer relation skills.
Ann has made such an impression that Kirsty explained even visitors notice when she’s not present, asking where she is and taking the time to comment on how wonderful she is.
Kirsty revealed: “The local GP surgery that visits once a week even asked Ann if she would be interested in a job with them at their surgery. Ann’s answer was ‘no, I’m loyal to my team, but thankyou anyway!” This speaks volumes for Ann’s presence as Kirsty revealed how Ann puts a smile on anyone’s face that she meets.
As a home, Kirsty explained that they will continue to ensure Ann has this purpose and will adjust to her needs as time progresses: “I’ve made this promise to her and it’s
a promise I will keep. She is a star in all of our eyes and a fantastic woman, friend, colleague and, of course, resident.”
Living with purpose is something which is hugely important to Abbey Healthcare’s ethos as they continue to encourage residents to do the things that make them happy and it’s certainly working for Ann as she said: “To feel I am being useful, and have a purpose in life, even at the ripe old age of 90 makes me feel happier than I ever have and extremely valued.”
The role which Ann is in has been and will continue to be organised with her independence in mind and seems to be a perfect introduction to benefit everyone at the home. We hope you love reading Ann’s story and much as we did. If you have any more like this, do feel free to get in touch with jade.evans@cimltd.co.uk.
Where there’s love, there’s Famileo
Allow us to introduce Famileo, the family newspaper keeping people connected. In this exclusive Q&A with Famileo’s Country Manager, Anne-Sophie de Dreuille, we explore the benefits the brand can bring to your care home as we detail how it brings residents and families together even when apart.
Please introduce us to Famileo and the idea behind the solution.
In just a few years, Famileo has shaken up family bonds in care homes, in the best way possible.
Famileo started with a personal experience. Our founder realised that because his grandmother didn’t use social media, she was not being kept up to date with what was happening within the family and felt left out. He came up with the idea of an app in which all of his family members could post messages and upload pictures that would automatically be organised to create a beautiful family newspaper printed every week for his Grandma – and that’s where the ‘Gazette’ came from in 2014.
Famileo now is used and trusted by over 1.5 million family members around the world and we work with nearly 3,000 care homes to create a lifeline between residents and their families and help them feel closer.
How does Famileo work within a care home?
The Famileo service offers three main features to a care home:
The Gazette
Once your care home has subscribed to Famileo, family and friends are invited to download the free app on their smartphone, tablet, or computer. They create their private account and can then start sharing photos and messages. Every two weeks the gazettes are
automatically generated, to be printed by you and delivered to the residents.
In addition to visits, phone calls, and video calls, the gazette provides the loved one with something tangible that can be picked up and reread at any time. I remember one resident telling me “I feel so much joy from my gazettes, I carry them with me daily and feel secure having them with me.”
The Care Home Communication
On their app, the families also receive news from you. Indeed, you can securely send updates, in the form of messages and photos, directly with the residents’ families. The idea is also to reassure them, break stereotypes or false ideas, and get families engaged who will speak highly of your residence.
Internal communication
With all your photos stored in your Famileo care home account it is very easy to create your care home’s internal newsletter using our template. The layout is automatic; you just choose the photos you want to include.
What kind of benefits can Famileo offer to care home residents?
It is a solution for many homes that increases and strengthens relationships between you, families, and residents. It gives residents memories to not only read in their
own time when families can’t always be around, but it is also a great engagement tool for visiting families or staff to use when spending time with the residents.
Care home staff in the past have described Famileo as a ‘lifeline’ for some residents. It has brought lot of smiles back and has given them something to look forward to.
Families say it gives them something to hold on to, and are very grateful to the care home for providing a tool that allows them to maintain that link with both the care home and their loved one.
CQC has noted Famileo as a good practice in many reports as it is a good way to support families and avoid isolation for some residents.
To work with Famileo or to see a demonstration, contact 01823711679 or email sales@famileo.com
Functionality vs. Appearance
With the help of some industry experts, we look into the importance of balancing ergonomics and aesthetics within a care home.
When considering functionality versus appearance in a care home, it’s important to strike a balance between both aspects to create an optimal living environment for residents.
We understand that ultimately, a care home should prioritise functionality to ensure the safety, accessibility, and efficient operation of the facility. However, creating an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable environment is also important for the wellbeing and happiness of residents.
Peter A. Andersson, Designerat Modern Motion Ltd, explained that despite there being so many scientific studies, we can comfortably say that an ergonomic chair is designed to best support the human body, with important attention to posture, comfort, support, health, and safe human interaction between a seating position, but differs for different areas of use: “For care homes, a chair should be designed for comfort and style. We design chairs that can be used in both a care home, and a family home, for all ages”, added Peter.
When it comes to seating within
a care home, Peter explained that there are a plethora of factors which need to be considered, including seat height and adjustments, depth, base, whether swivel or static, and whether it is available in different widths.
“Many homes are starting to look more carefully into changing the design based on the type of space, and it’s important to note that the right environment can help reduce residents’ stress and depression levels.
“Environment changes don’t only help the residents, but they also improve staff morale. These
changes could include chairs that can be moved easily, and can have added benefits, including extra vinyl covers and the option for adding on other accessories.”
It is extremely important to make a resident feel at home in their new environment and for this reason, a sense of belonging is paramount.
Interior designers usually understand the need for different spaces in relation to mental health issues and therefore, different chairs. Peter explained that these could be introduced in a range of different areas: “This could be the reception area, the offices, and perhaps a lounge or dining area, it can make your care home feel less cosy and more corporate. So, coordination within the room using the chair as a centre point can be very calming for residents.”
To the team at Wissner Bosserhoff and in the context of a care home, ergonomic interiors is promoting the design and arrangement of the living spaces, furniture and fixtures in a way that promotes comfort, accessibility and wellbeing for the residents.
“The design and arrangement of furniture, lighting and other elements are tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals, allowing them to navigate the space easily, maintain their independence and enhance their
quality of life,” said Stacey Taylor, Marketing Manager at Wissner Bosserhoff UK.
As a manufacturer of profiling care beds, Wissner Bosserhoff understand the significance of striking the right balance between functionality and aesthetics within a care home environment. The design and appearance of care home facilities and equipment can greatly impact the overall wellbeing and quality of life of a resident. After all, it is their home and a place they want to feel safe, comfortable, at peace and where they can thrive and make new memories in their later years.
The care staff must also support and create a welcoming space for the family and friends who come to visit their loved ones.
The primary objective of a care home is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for residents in need of care and support, particularly those with mobility or health issues. Stacey believes that functionality should be a top priority when designing care beds: “Features such as adjustable height, backrest and leg elevation, as well as easy-to-use controls can enhance residents’ comfort and facilitate their daily activities. Functional design elements contribute to the efficient operation of the care home, and
support the staff in delivering quality care and making light work of otherwise labour intensive care tasks.”
Aesthetically pleasing profiling care beds can have a positive impact on residents’ emotional wellbeing. The Wissner Bosserhoff design incorporates elements that promote relaxation and prevent the risk of pressure injury, such as the double retraction platform, designed to increase the space in the seated area for effective pressure redistribution.
Stacey sees that soft upholstery options also present an added level of comfort, softening the design: “The right balance of functionality and aesthetics in a care home’s design contributes massively to a calming and soothing atmosphere, with better outcomes for the individual whilst improving the overall quality of life for residents.”
Aesthetics can influence the perception of care home facilities for residents and their families. Stacey believes that care homes that prioritise aesthetics along with functionality create an environment that feels inviting and comfortable, and this can then contribute to a positive reputation, encourage a sense of community and attract new residents.
Ergonomic interiors prioritise adjustable features that cater to
the unique needs of individual residents, and the universal profiling bed platform from Wissner Bosserhoff has been designed to do just that. Instead of replacing the bed altogether when it no longer caters to a person’s level of mobility or care needs, now providers can just adapt the one they have with different side panel configurations, side guards, design options or useful mobilisation aids that can be added retroactively. These adaptations can also be done independently and with ease by the carer without the need for tools or taking the bed out of service whilst waiting for maintenance intervention –saving valuable nursing time and improving the efficiency of care.
Stacey said: “We know lighting plays an important role in creating an ergonomic care home environment. It can help prevent falls, promote visibility and reduce eye strain. Wissner Bosserhoff beds focus on this with clever inserts on the bed frame that allow for integrated bed lamps that are powered by the energy efficient motor.” This reduces the need for additional bedside lamps meaning the resident doesn’t have to stretch over or call for nursing staff to turn on and off. In the comfort of their bed they can independently turn on or off the light, for example when they want to read, and this also reduces the need for additional overhead spotlights in the room.
How a space looks and feels has a major impact on a person’s overall mood and wellbeing. The
bedroom should be a person’s safe haven and should be a calm and peaceful place to retreat to, relax or rest. Colour schemes and interior design elements should be chosen carefully to avoid overly stimulating or confusing visual patterns. The bed takes pride of place in a bedroom setting and is probably one of the most intensively used pieces of furniture and can be used for longer periods of time should a person’s functional mobility reduce. It needs to feel stable, robust, operate smoothly and seamlessly without noises that could startle or disturb that peace.
“When it comes to how the bed looks, nowadays there are so many avenues to go down with the bed design and many options that can be presented. Long gone are the days of cold electric metal profiling frames.” Stacey said.
There’s now the option for luxury,
hotel-like designs, quality wood decors in an array of shades, premium upholstered designs in any material, fabric, pattern and colour, but along with choice comes careful consideration when it comes to beds. For individuals in a care home who may suffer with dementia, Stacey explained that they can think about two tone colour contrast wood frames to help residents visualise and identify the edges of the bed: “We can introduce light reflecting values and contrasts as well as consideration for the height of the footboard being lower than the headboard to help with eye level across the room, and for the individual feeling less anxious when they have a clearer view of a person who may be entering or leaving the room whilst they are in bed.”
In conclusion, finding the right balance between functionality and aesthetics is essential in care home design. From the perspective of the experts, care beds and other furniture that prioritises safety, comfort, dignity, and autonomy, whilst incorporating visually appealing elements, can greatly enhance the overall wellbeing and quality of life for residents. By considering both functional and aesthetic aspects, care homes can create environments that are not only practical but also emotionally satisfying , nice places to be and supportive for their residents and care staff.
Investing in interiors
Investing in new care home interiors are often seen as a significant outlay which can be a struggle to justify. On the contrary, investing in interiors offers a substantial return on investment and Renray Healthcare, the UK’s largest and leading furniture supplier to the healthcare sector explains how.
Ahome with a clean and refurbished interior is easier to market than a care home with a tired interior.
Utilising modern, homely and contemporary care orientated interiors can have a profound impact on your bottom line. You can use these interiors for marketing collateral and open days to really entice those who are leaving their home to live in your care home.
Improving staff morale and the effects on resident wellbeing
Caring for the elderly is difficult – particularly those residents who have dementia. Because of this, care providers need to be reminded to review staff morale. Low morale effects what you can deliver and impacts productivity and means you are at risk of high staff turnover, meaning you need to constantly recruit which evidently wastes time and money in hiring and training.
Working in a pleasant, homely, and newly refurbished environment lifts resident and staff moods. It results in colleagues being proud of their surroundings and those who are proud of where they work are more likely to have pride in the care home.
If your carers have joy in their environment, they will be happy to work and ensure the home works smoothly. We advise discussing any interior-related decisions with staff and residents alike, after all it is their home too and they should feel involved.
Home from Home –Creating a EnvironmentWelcoming
When the time comes for their loved one to receive care outside their home, families struggle. Particularly, their worries lie around relatives not being treated gently and with respect.
It can be challenging for everyone concerned when a loved one moves from living independently to being cared for in a home. Families naturally want to feel as though their relatives are living somewhere appealing and comfortable, since first impressions matter and therefore, they look for a home where they would be content to live themselves.
Families’ decisions will be influenced by the initial impression they have when entering your care home and if they observe their loved one fitting in and taking pleasure in their surroundings, family members will experience peace of mind. This feedback could result in referrals for your recently renovated care facility.
Benefits to Your Business are Endless
Investing in a care home renovation goes beyond lovely furniture
and décor. It also makes your design more dementia-friendly. Consideration of residents’ needs is a key for memory care design.
During your re-design you might consider making dining rooms smaller, to ease the burden of dementia patients. Residents of your care home will benefit longterm and positively from changing the design of your home.
A care home renovation is an opportunity to introduce new technology or raise your care home’s energy efficiency, which would boost productivity and reduce costs.
A substantial renovation will be a newsworthy event, especially if the locals benefit greatly from it.
Your care home will gain longlasting benefits from an interior renovation - benefits that are both visible and quantifiable as well as those which are undiscovered. Everyone involved, from residents and their families, to staff and operators can benefit from all of these.
Renray Healthcare is a leading manufacturer and supplier of highquality furniture, beds, PAC and interior solutions to care homes. www.renrayhealthcare.com
Here are five tips on how you can design for a meaningful life amongst those living with cognitive impairments as told by by
Kerry Southern-Reason, Managing Director at Care Home Interiors Co.Normal is Best
People with dementia crave familiarity. Therefore, designing a space that resembles their previous domestic environment as closely as possible is crucial. This includes avoiding a clinical or institutional aesthetic and instead focusing on creating a homely and welcoming atmosphere. The space should serve as a reminder of their life, maintaining their dignity and respect.
Distinguish a Room’s Purpose
Practical design plays a key role in reducing confusion and promoting a sense of purpose. Each room should clearly communicate its function. For example, including a fireplace in the living room, dining tables, cutlery, and crockery in the dining room helps define the space and its use. These visual cues can help alleviate frustration and fear for dementia residents by clearly identifying each area’s purpose.
Keep it Real
Interactivity is important in dementia care. Instead of using fake or simulated items, use real objects that residents can engage with. Collections of hats, costume jewellery, books, or playing cards can evoke memories and foster meaningful interactions. This approach reduces confusion and creates a genuine environment that supports residents’ cognitive abilities.
Make No Assumptions
When designing for people living with dementia, it’s important to avoid over-relying on clinical solutions. The focus should be on creating a comfortable, homely environment through purpose-driven design that meets the unique needs of the residents and their care givers. By prioritising their comfort, safety, and personal preferences, we can create spaces that truly feel like home.
5 4 3 2 1
Would You Live There?
The ultimate litmus test when designing a care home should be whether you would be comfortable living there. Consider factors like aesthetic appeal and day-to-day living conditions. For instance, a bright, elaborate pattern on the wall might seem like a fun idea initially but think about whether it would still be enjoyable after seeing it every day.
By adhering to these five principles, we can ensure that dementia design strategies promote meaningful activities and enhance the quality of life for those living with dementia.
Purposeful Play
In an era of advancing technology, care providers must embrace innovative solutions that improve the lives of residents. We look into how interactive projection systems from Tover are enhancing care home life, offering heart-warming moments for residents, their families and care staff.
As care homes strive to provide the highest quality of life for their residents, the integration of innovative technologies has become increasingly vital. One such advancement has revolutionised the way care homes engage and stimulate their residents.
Tover is a leading innovator in the field of interactive projection systems, and has been making waves in the care home industry with their remarkable product, the Tovertafel. Designed specifically to cater to the unique needs of care home residents, Tover’s interactive projection systems offer a range of immersive experiences that captivate and engage individuals of all abilities.
Interactive projection systems, such as the Tovertafel - which means ‘magic table’ in Danish - are innovative technological solutions that create dynamic and immersive experiences by projecting interactive images onto surfaces. These systems use advanced projection technology, sensors, and interactive software to transform any ordinary surface, such as tables or floors, into interactive platforms.
By integrating interactive projection systems into care home environments, residents are provided with unique opportunities for cognitive stimulation, emotional engagement, social interaction, and physical activity. These systems not only enhance the overall wellbeing and quality of life for residents, but also create a positive and inclusive atmosphere within care homes.
Tover, specifically known for its Tovertafel product, offers care homes a unique way to
engage and stimulate residents, particularly those living with cognitive challenges. The Tovertafel interactive projection system projects colorful and vibrant images onto a surface, inviting residents to interact with the projected elements. Through a variety of specially designed games and activities, residents can pop bubbles, play virtual sports, create artwork and much more, all by simply touching or interacting with the projected images.
According to a survey conducted by Age UK, over 850,000
people in the UK are living with dementia, with this number expected to rise. Care homes face the challenge of providing effective care and meaningful activities for this growing population. The introduction of interactive projection systems like the Tovertafel has significantly contributed to meeting this challenge.
The impact of interactive projection systems like the Tovertafel on residents’ wellbeing cannot be overstated. By incorporating the Tovertafel into daily activities, care homes have witnessed remarkable improvements in several key areas including cognitive stimulation, social interaction, physical activity, mobility and emotional engagement.
Dr. Emily Johnson, a leading expert in dementia care at St. Mary’s Nursing Home, London, states, “The Tovertafel has been transformative for our residents. It provides a non-pharmacological intervention that helps alleviate the symptoms of dementia. The engagement we see during Tovertafel sessions is remarkable, and it has truly enhanced the quality of life for our residents.”
The beauty of interactive projection systems like the Tovertafel is their versatility and adaptability. They can be used in various care home settings, including communal areas, dining rooms, and even individual resident rooms. The intuitive nature of the technology ensures that residents of all abilities can enjoy and benefit from these interactive experiences.
In a study conducted by the University of Manchester, care homes incorporating the Tovertafel reported a 30% increase in resident engagement, with a corresponding decrease in disruptive behaviour. This improvement has resulted in a more harmonious and enjoyable living environment for both residents and staff.
The activities facilitated by Tover’s interactive projection systems have the remarkable ability to evoke a wide range of positive emotions
among care home residents. From joy and excitement to surprise and wonder, residents often experience a renewed sense of happiness and engagement during their interactions with the projected images.
By breaking the monotony of daily routines and offering novel experiences, Tover’s interactive projection systems dispel boredom, reduce feelings of loneliness, and create moments of genuine connection and contentment. These emotionally stimulating encounters help residents feel valued, included, and uplifted, thereby enhancing their overall wellbeing.
Tover believes in the power of purposeful play – an approach that combines fun and engagement with meaningful outcomes. With purposeful play, individuals are not just passively entertained but actively involved in activities that have specific goals and benefits. Tover’s interactive projection systems embody this philosophy by offering games and activities that are carefully designed to stimulate cognitive function, encourage social interaction, and promote physical activity.
Caregivers have noted a positive shift in residents’ overall mood and wellbeing as a result of Tover. The interactive projection systems offer a break from the monotony of daily routines, injecting moments of joy and surprise into their lives.
Residents often express a sense of accomplishment and pride as they successfully complete challenges or achieve high scores, boosting their self-esteem and confidence.
In some instances, caregivers have shared heart-warming anecdotes about residents who, through their interactions with Tover’s interactive projection systems, have rekindled long-lost memories or rediscovered forgotten passions. These experiences create emotional connections and meaningful moments that enrich the lives of both residents and their caregivers.
Overall, the residents’ reactions to Tover’s interactive projection systems have been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the immense value these technologies bring to care homes. The combination of purposeful play, cognitive stimulation, emotional engagement, and social interaction all contribute to a vibrant and fulfilling care home environment, where residents can thrive and experience a higher quality of life.
“The Tovertafel has become an essential part of our activities programme. It has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for our residents, allowing them to participate in meaningful and stimulating experiences. The joy and laughter it brings to their faces is truly heart-warming.” -
Care Home Activities Coordinatorwww.tover.care
Design for all
The “design for all” trend is removing the boundaries between washroom facilities that are designed specifically for people with reduced mobility, and the bathrooms that we see in the average domestic setting.
Designed for shared use
Whether elderly, disabled or temporarily incapacitated, people with reduced mobility aspire to remain independent. Typically, sanitary ware and accessories designed for people with reduced mobility are designed by occupational therapists to ensure safety, compliance and hygiene. The design brief tends to cater for visual or cognitive impairments but rarely considers aesthetics.
However, in recent years manufacturers have placed a greater importance on design. Improved aesthetics help to erase the medical and sometimes stigmatising aspect of accessible bathrooms, focussing on user wellbeing and not just practicalities.
Showers, taps, washbasins, furniture, shower seats and grab bars... the new generation of accessible products appeal to both private individuals and those responsible for public buildings - who are now more attentive to comfort and well-being, and more sensible to the fluidity of shapes and the choice of materials.
Be-Line®: designed to please
Creating attractive designs is an essential part of product development at DELABIE. The Be-Line® range of grab bars and lift-up shower seats is no exception,
Carole Armstrong, Marketing & Communications Manager at Delabie shares expert comments on care home accessibility and leaning towards a more design-led approach.Attractive products are more likely to be respected
accessible to all regardless of age, level of mobility or independence. They help to create a neutral environment which is discreet, nonstigmatising, aesthetically-pleasing and comfortable. Every user will then feel more at ease, whether they are able-bodied, ambulant disabled, wheelchair users or fully dependent on a carer. Designed to provide safety and comfort, these accessories also contribute to making the shared use of washrooms pleasant for all.
The Be-Line® aluminium grab bars have a flat, ergonomic face which prevents rotation and allows a firm, natural hold. If the bar’s profile is too angular, the hand
cannot grasp the bar properly. Similarly, if the diameter is too small or too large, the forearm muscle is activated rather than the shoulder muscle, placing unnecessary strain on the user. A further advantage of Be-Line’s sleek, stylish lines is that they are easy to keep clean and maintain, guaranteeing the aesthetic is maintained and ensuring good hygiene standards.
Safety first
Be-Line® shower seats are also designed to improve hygiene. Their simple, clean lines have no niches where bacteria and dirt can buildup. The seat profile allows water to drain away, avoiding pooling since standing water, especially soapy water, provides a slip hazard and encourages bacterial growth. When lowered, the folding
Adapted washrooms in non-domestic environments no longer need to compromise on aesthetics.
shower seat is supportive thanks to comfortable dimensions, while its clean lines make it discreet, allowing it to blend into its environment when raised. One simple movement allows it to be removed and replaced by a shower shelfpractical for those places where a swift change-over is required, for example in hotels or hospitals. Available in two finishes (matt white or metallised anthracite), the Be-Line® range guarantees a good visual contrast between the accessories and the walls, while matching all bathroom styles.
Adapted washrooms in nondomestic environments no longer need to compromise on aesthetics. It is possible to incorporate stylish designs that will withstand intensive use while upholding user safety and hygiene standards. In environments subject to intensive use, attractive products and wellmaintained fixtures are more likely to elicit respect from users. There is no compromise on functionality or ergonomics, ensuring safety and promoting user well-being.
www.delabie.co.uk
GET IN TOUCH
We’d love to hear from you on how your business is progressing in 2023. Specifically, any new ideas you’ve implemented, any ways you are making additional revenue, your sustainability initiatives and your plans for the rest of the year – we know that a lot of you are doing inspiring things every day in your businesses and we want to give you the opportunity to shout about it.
Please reach out to jamesd@cimltd.co.uk for the opportunity to be featured in Care Home Magazine.
An Elite solution
Priding itself on 22 years of excellence, Elite Care Services offers an admirable answer to temporary care staff and everything in between. This exclusive Q&A with the Elite team reveals how your home could benefit from their solutions.
Please introduce us to Elite Care Services.
Elite Care Services provides high quality care staff on a temporary basis to establishments across the UK. Carol Morris and son Kalvin Morris founded Elite Care Services in 2001, with 4 members of staff and 1 customer. Now in 2023, after two decades of care, we have an established client base of almost 400 Nursing, Residential, and Learning Disability establishments. We have provided thousands of jobs to care staff across the UK, and continue to keep a bank of over 200 outstanding members of staff employed at any given time. We have covered 2.8 million hours of care, provided over 128,000 hours of training 4000 people over the years, and helped hundreds of care homes.
Tell us about the private transport system you offer.
We have a fleet of drivers who take our staff straight to work from their front door and back again when they need it. It means our staff can rest easy knowing their transportation needs are covered, and they can come and go safely, and that our customers can wave goodbye to lateness excuses and waiting around for staff, come rain, shine or public transport strikes.
How does your staffing scheme stand out from other options that are available to care homes?
Our staff are trained to a quality above that which the CQC recommends, and all training is done in-house, with moving
and assisting training included. Customers have come to expect that our staff will show up ready to work and will prove their experience throughout their shifts. More than that, we do our best to help care homes through the increased prices of absolutely everything, and we’re pushing an initiative to reduce food costs. We’re in talks with some major food suppliers to be able to bring our clients reduced food costs. We’ve already approached some of our current clients with help and advice on money saving, and making them aware of certain grants they may have previously been unaware of.
You supply content to help with recruitment in care homes, can you elaborate on this?
We have gotten our recruitment process to a perfect place - it’s so good that we can kick our process back in and it turns on like a tap with a few hundred applicants a week. We understand that care establishments struggle to hire at a similar rate, and so we’re currently motivated to help however we can. We’ve put together free content
for care home managers and their teams to help them in their recruitment processes. Further to that, we’re also going to be providing marketing help, to make sure care homes run at capacity as much as possible.
What have previous clients of yours had to say about your staffing solution?
A previous customer, Hayley: “We have been using Elite to support us at Borovere Care Home for many years now. Recently we have had some amazing staff who have not only cared for our residents but have also made it a pleasant experience when they have been here.”
Call 08000418406 or email info@elitecare.co.uk to start a conversation with one of our Managing Directors (Carol or Kalvin) at head office.
A technology-first approach
In a bid to eliminate complications surrounding recruitment in care, Borderless aim to make international hiring simple. User of the technology-based platform, Lissy Verghese, Manager at Coniston Court Care Home, reveals the details and how it has benefitted her team.
Tell us about Borderless and how you use it.
Borderless helps us to hire candidates who need sponsorship (both within the UK or from overseas) smoothly, transparently and at a great price. The idea behind the brand is to make international hiring fast, reliable and affordable - both for employers and candidates. Recruitment has always been challenging and we are consistently not able to source enough candidates locally. This means that we need to hire international workers and using Borderless to hire them has taken a huge load off my shoulders! My team and I do not know all the nuances involved with the immigration process and would be worried about making mistakes - but with Borderless I can rest easy knowing that they have it all covered.
What made Borderless stand out for you?
So far there are no other providers in the market offering what Borderless can. Care home providers are often hiring through agencies who are not only unethical in how they handle the candidates but are also not as prompt or reliable - not to mention the fees are astronomical! With Borderless I know that the process will be handled professionally and efficiently.
How do you gain peace of mind using Borderless?
On the Borderless portal I have full visibility into the candidates profile and their documents so I can see their passports, English Language test results and references. I also interview the shortlisted candidates and then the Borderless legal team further assess the paperwork for final submission.
Tell us about how the platform works.
Once a candidate fills out their details and uploads the necessary documents, the Borderless algorithm runs some initial checks to ensure that the candidates we are reviewing are eligible for the
Health and Care worker visa. We then review the profiles of these vetted candidates and interview them. We flag the candidates we want to hire within Borderless, at which point they handle all the legals (CoS assignment etc.) and also automatically submit candidate visas. Finally, Borderless also helps us with ongoing compliance for existing candidates.
Borderless prides itself on streamlined interviews and visa support - can you tell us about this?
Borderless integrates with our calendar and allows us to schedule interviews automatically. We then progress the final candidates to the hiring stage within the system, and from there onwards Borderless takes over the entire immigration process. We can see which stage of the application process the candidate is in, for e.g., if they need to give their biometrics test, or if the visa decision is pending etc. from within the portal itself. With Borderless we have an end-to-end view of the candidate - right from reviewing their profile to the date they will land in the UK or start their work with us (if they are already in the UK).
www.getborderless.co.uk
Dishing Up
This month, V for Life (VfL) shares the recipe guide to a delicious Pad Thai, bound to be a hit amongst your residents.
Ingredients
Flat rice noodles for 4 portions
1 tbsp vegetable oil
200g/7oz firm tofu cut in large squares or 200g/7oz Vegan
Quorn pieces
1 onion, sliced
4 spring onions, chopped. Reserve some of the green for garnish
1 tbsp ginger paste
2 garlic cloves, chopped
¼ tsp star anise (or Chinese 5 spice)
1 carrot, cut into ribbons (peeled)
1 red pepper, sliced
Since there are only two fully vegetarian care homes in the UK, one of VfL’s major goals is improve the standard of vegan and vegetarian catering in existing homes. We seek to do this through our UK List, which is a geographical listing of organisations and care homes that make a special effort to cater for vegetarians and vegans. We are striving towards a vision where at least 1 in every 6 UK care homes are members of our UK List – and 1 in every 100 will be VfL accredited.
Pad Thai is one of the most popular dishes in Thailand, which is where its name is derived. Pad – stir fried and Thai – Thailand. Served as a street food for hungry shoppers, as a family dish using up whatever
Chef’s tip:
Prepare everything before you start cooking. Cooking time is relatively short. Do be wary of buying premade Pad Thai sauce, often they contain fish or shrimp.
is in or fancy versions in posh restaurants, but most importantly, it’s tasty and nutritious.
Steps
1. Place the rice noodles into a bowl and cover with boiling water. Allow to soften for 10 minutes then thoroughly drain. Set to one side.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large non-stick frying pan then add either the tofu or Quorn. If using tofu cook very gently for 10 minutes turning only once. Just before removing from the pan splash a little soya sauce and chilli sauce on each piece. Remove from the pan and set to one side.
3. Add a little more oil to the wok and then add the onion, spring onion and ginger. Cook for 5 minutes then add the garlic, star anise, carrot, pepper and broccoli. Stir-fry for 5 minutes. If a little dry add a splash of the stock.
4. Add the noodles, peas and all of the remaining sauce ingredients. Carefully add the tofu or Quorn and gently stir to make sure the sauce is distributed evenly.
5. Finally, add the bean sprouts, and
1 yellow pepper, sliced
100g/4½oz broccoli florets
50g/1¾oz peas
125g/4½oz bean sprouts
25g/¾oz chopped peanuts
1 tbsp fresh coriander, roughly chopped
1 lime, zested and cut into wedges
Sauce
1 tbsp soya sauce
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tbsp tamarind paste
1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
¼ tsp star anise powder (or Chinese 5 spice)
1 tbsp peanut butter
200 ml/7fl oz vegetable stock
1 tsp sesame oil
*This will serve four people
a squeeze of half the lime and the zest, stir once and serve. Garnish with the reserved spring onions, chopped peanuts, fresh coriander and the remaining wedges of lime.
The Eden Alternative Training
Enhancing the wellbeing and quality of life for all in any care setting through:
•
•
Eden is a not-for-profit training programme sharing decades of experience and knowledge. Together we will address the challenges of loneliness, helplessness and boredom within care.
How life in care ought to be Team - Residents - Families
Hosted Live by Geoffrey Cox MSc LLb and Margot Whittaker RGN BSc sharing over 20 years experience as care home owners.
Health and Safety
Care and Compliance
Staying on top of learning and improving safety within your care home.
Like in a range of sectors, health and safety in care homes is of utmost importance, to ensure the wellbeing and protection of residents, staff and visitors. In order to stay on top of learning and constantly strive to improve safety within your home, it’s important to foster a culture of continuous improvement and ongoing education amongst staff members.
The CQC is the independent regulator for all health and social care services in England, whether they are provided by the NHS, local authorities or voluntary organisations and their remit, which all care homes are expected to follow, is defined by the Health and Social Care Act (HSCA) 2008. This gives The CQC the responsibility to check that every care provider
registered with them meets important standards of quality and safety.
Whilst there are guidelines to follow, staying on top of health and safety within your business setup to prevent any incidents comes down to a range of various other factors too. Providing regular training sessions and educational programmes for staff, on topics related to health and safety, can work towards ensuring this is constantly at the forefront of their minds. These can include courses on infection control, medication management, fire safety, first-aid and any other relevant areas.
Staff engagement is another huge contributing factor to the level of health and safety within your care space. Encourage staff members to actively participate
in safety initiatives and share their insights and ideas. You can do this by creating a positive and open environment where staff members feel comfortable in reporting safety concerns and suggesting improvements. Earlier this year, the Health and Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) shared that their report found “strong links” between staff wellbeing in healthcare settings and safety outcomes, which is why it’s important to encourage team members to voice their opinions.
In line with the growing collateral for improved health and safety in care homes, earlier this year the first-of-its-kind free guide that helps patients and carers to take greater control of their healthcare and improve their safety was launched.
The Patient Safety Guide was codeveloped by patients, carers, GPs and pharmacists with researchers from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre (GM PSTRC).
The guide helps patients and their carers decide on the most appropriate way to access healthcare, for example, whether they should visit a pharmacist, book a GP appointment, or visit A&E. It also provides guidance on how to plan for interactions with healthcare staff, with suggested questions to ask. Information around any tests that may be recommended can be logged in the guide, and it can be used as a place to list all the medications a person is taking, in a bid to keep residents safe and well looked after.
Fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the care home can go a long way. Encourage staff members to stay updated with the latest industry guidelines, research, and best practices and then conduct regular audits and inspections to assess staff’s and the home’s compliance with safety standards and regulations. This can include internal audits, self-assessments, or external inspections by regulatory bodies.
Seeking regular feedback from residents and their families, regarding their experiences and perceptions of safety within the
care home, will enable your care home to stay at the top of its game. Conducting satisfaction surveys or organising feedback sessions to understand concerns and suggestions is a great way to go about this. The main element to remember though, is that it’s about how you deal with the feedback you receive. Act upon the comments and communicate the actions taken to address any issues raised.
In conclusion, prioritising health and safety in care homes is vital for ensuring the wellbeing and protection of residents, staff, and visitors. Care homes play a crucial role in providing support and care to individuals with specific healthcare needs, and maintaining a safe environment is essential for
their overall quality of life.
By conducting regular risk assessments, implementing effective infection control measures, ensuring proper medication management, and maintaining appropriate staffing levels, this can minimise potential hazards and create a secure environment for residents. Additionally, promoting mental health and wellbeing, preventing abuse, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement can further contribute to the safety and satisfaction of residents and staff.
Staying on top of learning and enhancing safety practices requires a collaborative effort involving all stakeholders. By staying informed about regulatory changes, collaborating with industry peers, and seeking feedback from residents and families, care homes can adapt to meet evolving safety standards.
Ultimately, the commitment of you as leaders to prioritise health and safety is paramount. Your dedication will set the tone for the entire organisation and instil a culture where the wellbeing of residents is essential.
By continuously striving for excellence in health and safety practices, you can ensure you provide a secure and nurturing environment for residents, allowing them to live with dignity, comfort, and peace of mind.
Making kitchens safer
HobSensus is a brand-new product designed specifically for a range of set-ups, including assisted-living properties such as care homes. Providing a plethora of benefits, including safety features to turn the hob off automatically, easy installation and simple operation. In a Q&A with the team at Prefect Controls we find out how the equipment could be an asset to your care home.
What was the motivation for developing a product like HobSensus?
Prefect have been involved with student accommodation since 1997, monitoring and regulating temperature in student rooms and saving energy. One of our customers asked if we had a product that would prevent hobs from being left on. It was a growing problem for them and is hazard present in many kitchens which can be particularly dangerous in care homes. So, we began formulating a list of requirements and features, and took our ideas back to them.
How is it different from other power cut-off devices?
A lot of hob cut-offs are basically timers. The button is pressed then starts a count down and when the time elapses the power goes off.
We wanted to broaden the scope so that the hob would always become safe when it had been neglected. Either because the time had run out or the
temperature on the cooking surface was becoming too hot.We use a 64-zone sensor in the head unit which reads the temperature across any hob up to 900mm. When the temperature in just one of those zones goes above 280°C the unit goes into trigger mode. An audible warning is heard, and an amber LED begins to flash. If no one reacts to this, and the temperature continues to rise, the beeping becomes more intense and the LED changes to flash red for a short time before cutting the power, making it safe.
Can you tell us about the ease of the fitting process?
There are two units, both are standard double gang size. The Sensor Head is mounted on the wall, centrally, 600mm above the hob. The Power Switching Unit is usually located close to, and connects to the hob isolator, or it could be below the worktop in a cupboard. Low voltage wire connects the Power Unit to the Sensor Head. Where this is impractical, because of splashbacks etc. the Sensor Head can be powered with batteries. The two units use Bluetooth to communicate. It usually takes a competent electrician about 45 minutes to fit.
But if the timer turns off after 15 minutes, couldn’t a lot of damage already be done? No,
because if the temperature
reaches dangerous levels before the timer turns off, the Sensor will already have cut the power.
What maintenance is required to ensure it is always performing to the best of its capability?
A wipe over with a damp cloth every now and then will remove grease and dust from the Sensor, that inevitably accumulates above a hob. Apart from that, if need be, changing the batteries every couple of years.
Where is HobSensus being used?
There are a lot in student kitchens, but we are also having enquiries from care homes, assisted living and social housing, and holiday lodges. We’ve also sold quite a few to the domestic market to carers and relatives of people who are elderly, or maybe living with dementia.
Is it easy to use?
Very easy. Just press one button and then use the hob as normal.
For more info, visit prefectcontrols.com
A WATCHED POT NEVER...
Make your kitchens safer.
HobSensus prevents hobs from being left on when the person preparing food is distracted or leaves the kitchen. The sensor monitors the pans on the cooking surface and if temperatures reach dangerous levels or the pre-determined ‘on’ time elapses, the power to the hob is cut, resulting in safer kitchens.
Keeping a close eye
In a thought-provoking discussion piece by Jayne Connery, Director of Care Campaign for The Vulnerable (CCFTV) we look in to whether cameras should be mandatory in care homes.
CCFTV has been campaigning for the use of camera led safety monitoring systems for more than ten years and yet the uptake by Care Providers has been minimal. This, despite the fact that abuse exposes continue, safeguarding referrals remain high and many homes are still being rated as inadequate or requiring improvement. Those facts combined with the ongoing recruitment and retention crisis have had an impact on vulnerable people seeking a consistent standard of care.
The sad reality is that the regulator for many years has not got to grips with oversight of the sector in any meaningful way. We have had various incarnations of that regulator but with little improvement in outcomes, principally because their systems are not designed to provide 24/7 visibility around any service. The CQC has ended up being a reactive regulator, usually responding to a complaint to a concern raised after an event has taken place. On many occasions, harm has already occurred.
It’s clear to CCFTV that most providers do not want to create an environment of openness and transparency for both the vulnerable and their care staff, as for years they have continued to resist the introduction of the very thing that would promote visibility. They and others have persistently raised the issue of privacy/choice/ dignity as the reasons cameras should not be mandatory. They quote articles 5 and 8 from the ECHR but have ignored article 3 and give it less parity than the
selectively used articles they raise as a reason to ignore the use of safety monitoring systems. Such systems would in very short order, remove all ambiguity from care homes in terms of ‘unexplained injury’ and substantiation (or not) of reported concerns.
For the avoidance of doubt, article 3 states that everyone has the right not to be tortured or treated in an inhumane or degrading way.
That statement is a basic human right in any democratic society and one that is closely aligned to the wish to preserve human dignity. Yet we have witnessed abuses for many years, many of which could easily be classified as inhumane and degrading. The regulator and care provider response to such has been poor, with many of the latter simply believing those things could never happen in their homes. The sad reality is they have no idea what is occurring in their homes because no systems exist at all to provide 24/7 oversight of their service (unless a camera is deployed). Other acoustic and radar devices might have their place, but in the event of an incident, it is only a visual system that can confirm beyond any doubt as to what happened.
The equally sad reality is many of the social services Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS) team members who have the ability to permit the use of cameras in locations where vulnerable people live, also seek to prevent their use. That is beyond our comprehension, given that safety monitoring systems can be used for randomised audit purposes at any point during a 24-hour period.
They can be used for incident management, staff training and one to one observation of vulnerable people without the room intrusion of a staff member etc.
In closing, it is our belief that much needs to change. The regulators fixation with compliant documentation as evidence of care delivery is misguided. The idea that every staff member reads care notes is not true. Cameras in care would bear witness to the actual service older people receive and confirm beyond doubt whether a service is fit for purpose. We have had many examples of highly rated homes being quickly downgraded after a serious incident which simply supports the view that regulatory oversight is retrospective. Camera systems would allow assessment of care on an everyday consistent basis, ensuring visual evidence is available to support any assessed rating and above all else, remove the secrecy around care delivery and outcomes once and for all.
The Care & Occupational Therapy Show
As the fields of care and occupational therapy continues to evolve, staying up to date with the latest advancements and best practices becomes crucial. There are so many reasons to attend events like this, but here are the top five reasons to attend Westpoint Arena, Exeter on the 12th July!
Informative Workshops and Seminars
The Care & Occupational Therapy Show is renowned for its comprehensive program of keynote and seminar speakers led by industry experts. These sessions cover a diverse range of topics, including: evidence-based practices, therapeutic techniques, mental health interventions, assistive technology advancements, and more. Attending these educational sessions empowers attendees with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver the highest standard of care to their service users. Additionally, gaining insights into research findings and case studies can inspire fresh approaches and promote professional growth.
Unlimited OpportunitiesNetworking
This event brings together a diverse array of professionals, including healthcare practitioners, therapists, educators, researchers, and industry leaders. This event provides an excellent platform to forge connections, engage in meaningful conversations, and expand professional networks. Sharing experiences and insights with like-minded individuals can inspire fresh ideas, collaborations, and partnerships that drive positive change in the industry.
Industry-leading Exhibitors
The Care & Occupational Therapy Show features a wide range of exhibitors showcasing the latest products, technologies, and services in the field of care and occupational therapy. From assistive devices and adaptive equipment to digital healthcare solutions and therapeutic innovations, attendees have the chance to explore first-hand the tools that can revolutionise patient care and optimise occupational therapy interventions. Engaging
with exhibitors can provide valuable insights into emerging trends, allowing attendees to stay ahead of the curve.
Continuing DevelopmentProfessional (CPD)
For healthcare professionals, maintaining continuous professional development is essential. The Care & Occupational Therapy Show offers a prime opportunity to earn CPD points through participation in various educational activities, such as workshops and seminars. By attending, participants can further their professional qualifications, demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning, and enhance their career prospects.
Inspiration and Motivation
The event is designed to inspire and motivate attendees by showcasing success stories, innovations, and breakthroughs in the field of care and occupational therapy. Engaging with passionate speakers and fellow professionals can reignite enthusiasm for the profession, provide new perspectives, and reinforce the importance of the work being done.
This renewed motivation can have a positive impact on patient care, fostering improved outcomes and overall satisfaction.
So this is your invitation to attend The Care & Occupational Therapy Show on July 12th at Westpoint Arena and gain valuable insight for healthcare
professionals and individuals passionate about enhancing care and occupational therapy practices. Through unparalleled networking opportunities, access to cuttingedge exhibitors, educational seminars, CPD opportunities, and the potential for inspiration and motivation, attendees can stay at the forefront of their profession and contribute to the advancement of patient care. Make sure to mark your calendars for this exceptional event and prepare to immerse yourself in the latest trends and developments in care and occupational therapy.
Tickets can be obtained for free at careexhibition.co.uk
The Residential & Home Care Show
The Residential & Home Care Show delivered two fantastic days for the care sector, we’re sharing some of the highlights in case you missed it!
Delegate’s Testimonials
Delegate 1 – Care Director
“We’ve been coming to the show for several years and this time round we’ve seen some new companies offering new products.”
“We come to this event to look for new solutions to improve our business and I think we’ve found some very good solutions that will make us more effective.”
Delegate 2 – Care Director
“It’s been really informative. I’ve got a lot of information for our team to look at including different providers and areas of improvement for our patients and clients.”
In April 2023 thousands of professionals from the social care and healthcare communities came together at ExCeL London for Health Plus Care.
The Residential & Home Care Show, co-located with The Healthcare Show and The Digital Healthcare Show, proved to be the home to the most innovative technologies for the care sector. With over 200 exhibitors, delegates were ecstatic, exploring all the new options available for their business. The conference programme was an unquestionable success, inspiring the attendees, who filled the theatres on both days to hear our admired speakers and care leaders, including Neil Eastwood,
Vic Rayner, Claire Johnsen, Dudley Sawyer and many more.
At this year’s event, there were many new features brought by our partners to provide a greater experience for our delegates, who responded very positively to the new additions. Some of the most popular educational features such as the IHSCM conference, CQC “Meet the inspector” hub and The Outstanding Society Learning Lounge saw extraordinary levels of audience participation across the two days.
In addition to all the learning, exploring and networking, attendees were able to relax in the quiet room, get a free massage, grab breakfast or drinks from some
“It’s been very useful for me to see all the different service providers so that I can implement the best.”
“I’m here to absorb all the information and find the best providers to grow my company.”
Delegate 3 –Professional/Care Recruitment Assistant
“I’ve found the talks really factual, I’ve taken so many notes in the last two days and I have so much to take back to the team. I love that all the stalls are keen to get you involved, it’s been great.”
of our exhibitors, and interact with therapy animals including two ponies, a friendly Labrador, and a very cuddly bearded dragon! The Residential & Home Care Show 2023 had something for everybody who attended, but we build from success, and that is why we are rebranding for next year and
returning as Care Show London, expanding CloserStill Media’s award-winning Care Show brand.
Michael Corbett, Portfolio Director, Closerstill Media said: “In true Care Show-style, Care Show London will be a mix of practical sessions, high-profile speakers, and inspirational panel debates, without
Exhibitor’s Testimonials
Birdie
“We have had a lot of exciting new prospects and one of our partners are here as well, so we’re very happy with how things are going.”
FaultFixers
“It’s been really good and busy. We’ve had lots of good conversations with different people.”
Grey Matter Learnings
“We’ve probably spoken to over 200 people, so we think we’ve seen more people engaging with the stand this year than any other event that we’ve previously been to – it’s been so positive.”
“We’ve met loads of great stands and had great conversations with customers. Hopefully, we get some really good returns on the investment.”
Unique IQ
“It’s been really good. It’s a good opportunity to catch up with partners and I’m actually in customer success, so I’ve met up with loads of existing customers today, which is great. And we’ve had a good number of new contacts as well.”
forgetting the joyous energy that defines the Care Show and celebrates the care sector itself.”
Register your interest for Care Show London 2024 by visiting www.careshowlondon.co.uk/ register-interest-attending-careshow-2024
apetito 0808 239 2399
carehomes@apetito.co.uk
carehomes.apetito.co.uk
apetitocarehomes
@apetitouk
apetito-uk
Borderless 0800 001 6942
hello@getborderless.co.uk
www.getborderless.co.uk/sign-up get-borderless
Famileo Pro 0117 205 1185
sales@famileo.com
www.famileopro.com
@famileo_uk
FamileoUK
famileo
Care Supply Store 01375 651 609
www.caresupplystore.co.uk
@caresupplystore
Care-SupplyStore-708536899310571
@caresupplyuk
care-supply-store
Castra Solutions 0300 124 5005
sales@castrasolutions.co.uk
www.castrasolutions.co.uk
castraltd
@CastraLtd
castra-solutions-ltd
HobSensus 01787 320604
mail@prefectcontrols.com
www.prefectcontrols.com/ products/hob-safety-products/ about-hobsensus/ prefect-controls
Girbau 01462 427780
sales.uk@girbau.com
www.girbau.com
Girbau
@girbaugroup
@GirbauGroup
girbau-uk
The Eden Alternative 01626 868192 07483 359 472
admin@eden-alternative.co.uk
www.eden-alternative.co.uk
the.eden.alternative.uk
the-eden-alternative
REM 01282 619977
sales@rem.co.uk
www.rem.co.uk
@remuklimited remuklimited
@remuksalons rem-1
The Mobility Furniture Company
0800 810 8656
www.mobilityfurniturecompany. co.uk/sale
@themobilityfurniturecompany
TheMobilityFurnitureCompany
@MobilityFurnCo