Do It Your Way with Care
Management Software
Flexible. Scalable.
Fully Integrated & Designed for You
Every care provider is different—your software should reflect this. CarePoint 365 is designed to fit your processes, your teams and your unique approach to care—not the other way around.
From complex rostering and payroll integrations to employee self-service, referrals management, managerial oversight and customisable workflows for care planning, CarePoint 365 ensures seamless, scalable, and fully integrated care management that meets your specific needs.
Built on the Microsoft Power Platform, our system adapts to you—offering effortless control, automation and efficiency without forcing you into a rigid, one-size-fits-all SaaS model. Because great care deserves great technology –
Tackling the Care Sector’s Challenges
The care sector faces increasing pressures: high staff turnover, unpredictable scheduling, fragmented data management and ever-evolving compliance demands. These challenges not only affect workforce morale but also impact the quality of care delivered.
CarePoint 365 is a comprehensive, purpose-built solution that helps care providers streamline HR processes, optimise workforce management, manage client relationships and ensure compliance with ease.
A Complete Care Management Solution for Care Providers
Efficient Rostering & Workforce Management
Manage shift patterns for fair and optimised staff allocation.
Monitor attendance, absences and overtime in real-time.
Minimise scheduling conflicts with intelligent rostering.
View care hour commitments against rostered hours.
Accurate Payroll & Time Management
Automate payroll, track hours and manage pay structures.
Predefine pay periods and handle varying pay lengths.
Manage overtime calculations accurately for any pay period.
Calculate leave accurately and deduct correct days from staff shift patterns.
Minimise errors and administrative workload.
ResidentCentred Staffing & Care Planning
Assign the right staff based on skills and resident needs.
Link care plans, employee records and shift assignments.
Empower Staff & Enhance Work-Life Balance
Self-service mobile app for managing schedules, leave and records.
Instant notifications and real-time updates improve engagement.
Empower managers to oversee leave requests, staffing compliance and care allocation.
Comprehensive CRM & Referral Management
Centralise client records, communications and referral tracking.
Manage enquiries and admissions efficiently with automated workflows.
Native integration with the full Microsoft stack, including Outlook, Teams, and Power BI.
Unified data across departments for seamless client and staff management.
Facilities & Asset Oversight
Track work orders, equipment and planned preventative maintenance.
Ensure safe, compliant work environments with automated checks.
Coordinate repairs and contractor activity.
Chief Editor
Jade Evans
jade.evans@cimltd.co.uk
Editorial Assistant
Ailsa Newgreen ailsa@cimltd.co.uk
Publication Manager
James Davies
jamesd@cimltd.co.uk
Tel: 01795 509 112
Account Manager
Jazmine Davis
jazmine@cimltd.co.uk Tel: 01795 509 112
Administration Manager
Natalie Woollin admin@cimltd.co.uk Tel: 01795 509 103
Credit Facilities Manager
Gwen Lee creditcontrol@cimltd.co.uk Tel: 01795 509 103
Design and Production
James Taylor
james@cimltd.co.uk
Grant Waters grant@cimltd.co.uk
Marketing Manager
Lucas Payne lucas@cimltd.co.uk
Social Media Manager
Lily Lawson
socials@cimltd.co.uk
Sales Director
Tom Woollin tom@cimltd.co.uk
Chief Executive
John Denning
Editor’s Letter May 2025
As the days grow longer and spring edges into summer, we turn our attention outward—to nature, fresh air, and the powerful connection between green spaces and wellbeing. This May, Care Home Magazine is celebrating Outdoor Spaces and the essential role they play in the life of a care home, not just as a setting for activity, but as a vital source of healing, joy, and reconnection.
Our feature, The Healing Power of Nature: How Outdoor Spaces Improve Wellbeing in Care Homes, explores the science and stories behind the gardens and green havens transforming lives. Nowhere is this more evident than at our Care Home of the Month, Loveday Abbey Road. Their exceptional sensory garden is a masterclass in thoughtful design, where nature is more than a backdrop—it’s a therapeutic tool and a daily pleasure for residents and staff alike.
We’re also thrilled to bring you insights from Loveday’s resident horticulturist, Joshua Allen, in this month’s Essential 5. Joshua shares five practical, inspiring ways to design a garden that stimulates all the senses— sight, sound, touch, taste, and scent. Whether you’re planning a new outdoor project or enhancing an existing one, his tips are a must-read.
Alongside outdoor spaces, we’re taking a deep dive into the everevolving world of care home amenities. In The Future of Care Home Amenities, we look at the innovations and emerging trends shaping the environments where care is delivered—from tech-powered entertainment to wellness-focused design.
As always, you’ll also find a rich selection of our regular features—expert commentary, sector updates, and success stories that continue to inspire and inform.
Whether you’re paging through in the garden or by a sunny window, we hope this issue brings fresh perspective and ideas to help you nurture both your residents and your spaces.
Here’s to the season of growth, inside and out.
Jade Evans, Chief Editor
Table of Contents
6 Industry Update
Wondering what’s currently happening within the care sector?
We reveal all as we share insights into some of the latest news.
11 Outdoor Spaces
With experts on hand, we explore the healing power of nature for elderly individuals.
18 Care Home of the Month
Taking centre stage this May is Loveday’s Abbey Road as we share details on how the members club stands out from other care facilities.
20 Activity of the Month
In line with our Outdoor Spaces focus, in this Activity of the Month, we explore the growing popularity of gardening and how to get residents involved.
24 Food and Nutrition
We interview James Clear, Aria Care’s Hospitality Director, on the importance of food safety, nutrition, and why British Lion Eggs are a trusted staple across the brand’s homes.
31 Amenities
Looking to the future of care home amenities, we assess what’s next and how to keep up with emerging trends an expectations.
8 14 18 32
Industry update
Leading Midlands care group opens fifteenth home
Anew, state-of-the-art care home is set to open its doors in Great Wyrley this month - marking the fifteenth development by Midlandsbusiness Macc Care Group.
Wyrley Rose, will be the largest Macc Care facility to date, offering 90 bedrooms and an array of premium amenities including a cafe, cinema, gym and salon.
The home, located on Walsall Road in Great Wyrley village near Walsall, will provide high-quality nursing care alongside specialist dementia support and respite services.
Designed to address the growing demand for high quality local care, Wyrley Rose will offer tailored support across a spectrum of clinical needs, guided by an experienced manager and senior
management staff with a combined experience of over 30 years.
Wyrley Rose is expected to play a vital role in elderly care provision in the region, helping to alleviate local healthcare pressures and offer reassurance to families seeking trusted, long-term support for their loved ones.
Bhav Amlani, director of Macc Care Group, a top 20 care group and one of the Financial Times 2025 long-term Growth Champions, said: “Wyrley Rose marks an exciting new chapter for Macc Care. As our largest home to date, it reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering outstanding care within purpose-built environments that truly feel like home.
“We know communities across the Midlands are facing rising demand for high-quality, accessible
care, particularly for individuals living with complex or evolving needs. Wyrley Rose has been designed to help bridge that gap, offering compassionate, clinically informed care within a supportive and stimulating setting.”
www.macccare.com
The Burlington Partners with The Stroke Association to Host Empowering Awareness Event
The Burlington, part of the Boutique Care Homes family, has recently welcomed the local community and resident families to a heartfelt and informative Stroke Awareness Talk, hosted in partnership with The Stroke Association. Reflecting the home’s commitment to creating meaningful connections and enriching lives, the event provided invaluable insights into stroke prevention, recognition, and support.
Led by Arnold Matimba, Engagement Officer at The Stroke Association, the session offered clear, practical advice on understanding strokes, spotting the warning signs, and taking swift, effective action. Attendees were introduced to the essential FAST test — a simple yet life-saving method to identify strokes quickly and respond with confidence.
The Burlington’s warm and
inviting atmosphere provided the perfect setting for open conversation and shared learning. Attendees described the session as “eye-opening”, with many expressing surprise at how much they had learned. One participant reflected, “I didn’t realise how much there was to know about strokes and that there is so much we can do to try and avoid this happening to us.” Another shared, “My friend recently had a stroke and I had no idea how to support them. I now know what action to take if it happens again.”
To measure impact, a live poll was held before and after the talk. Prior to the session, half of attendees rated their stroke knowledge between 1 and 5 on a scale of 0 to 10. Following the event, every participant rated their understanding between 6 and 10 — a clear demonstration of the event’s success in raising awareness and
empowering the community.
Looking ahead, The Burlington and The Stroke Association are excited to build on this success with the launch of the Stroke Friendship Café — a welcoming, supportive space for stroke survivors and their families to connect, share, and receive ongoing support. More details will be shared soon, as The Burlington continues its mission to be a true hub for its community.
www.boutiquecarehomes.co.uk
A Balancing Act
In this exclusive interview, we speak with Antony Brister, Chief Financial Officer at Aria Care, to explore how the organisation balances financial sustainability with its mission to deliver exceptional care. From investing in team development and high-quality environments, to managing economic pressures and measuring success, Antony shares how thoughtful financial planning supports long-term stability and a residentfirst culture.
People: How does Aria Care invest in its people while ensuring financial sustainability?
As everyone will recognise, our people are our largest expense and the biggest area of continuous investment. Within all the financial commitments our business has, ensuring that we provide the right level of financial resources to recruit, train and retain great people, who will provide the very best care is our top priority.
Alongside ensuring we offer attractive rates of pay, we invest
in continuous training and professional development, ensuring our people have the skills and confidence to provide outstanding care. By supporting internal career progression, we not only help our colleagues build fulfilling careers but also reduce team member turnover and the high costs of recruitment and retraining, which makes complete financial sense.
As an established and yet expanding business, we have short to long term financial models and plans, which include varying assumptions around a range of
people related costs and how they could change over time, this enables us to continually evaluate the impact of decisions on the financial performance and therefore stability of the group.
Quality: What role does financial planning play in maintaining and improving the quality of care?
High-quality care requires ongoing investment in the right areas, primarily our people and our facilities. Robust financial planning allows us to continuously evaluate how we invest in our homes, and attract and retain the very best team members, by way of a compelling pay structure coupled with ongoing training and career development.
Since Aria was formed at the end of 2022, we have invested more than £20m in our homes, improving the quality of our environments for many of our team members and residents and we will continue to invest in our homes over the coming years.
We know the positive contribution that the surroundings can make as part of our overall care offering to residents. Robust financial planning, evaluating the impact of different scenarios and decision choices, enables us to make multi-year commitments around investment, whether it be for our people or our homes which ultimately will improve the care experience for our residents and their families.
Performance: How do you balance performancefinancial with the social responsibility of delivering exceptional care?
I have worked in social care since 2018 and cannot think of a financially related decision being made without consideration of the range of impacts it could have, most notably to residents and team members.
Financial performance is hugely important though. Aria is a large and growing business with large financial commitments as well as a very clearly understood desire to continue to invest in our homes, our people and the delivery of exceptional care.
Those investments ultimately require cash, which is created by the business being profitable.
However, financial success should never come at the cost of doing what’s right. We make responsible decisions - whether it’s ensuring fair pay for our colleagues, choosing suppliers who align with our values, or prioritising initiatives that enhance well-being over short-term financial gains.
We take a long-term view on financial performance, making sure we are on a sound financial footing, with the resources to adapt as the sector changes and provide peace of mind for our residents and their families.
Can you share insights into how Aria Care navigates challengeseconomic such as rising costs or funding changes?
In many respects this goes back to the answers to the previous questions and that it is about planning and trying to identify those matters that could impact the performance of the business, so that they are discussed well in advance with plans devised to address matters.
In terms of specifics, labour is our largest cost, and the coming year will see the financial impact of not only the annual increase in the National Living Wage, but also the changes to Employers National Insurance. Inflation has increased again and some of our larger suppliers are talking of higher than core inflation cost increases, which all play in to the discussions around fee levels for both existing and new residents.
The whole sector knows that securing the appropriate level of fee uplift for funded residents this year is going to be challenging and time consuming.
Internally, we do our utmost to control costs within our business and set firm budgets in key spending areas. We conduct regular financial reviews of both specific cost areas as well as individual homes and are increasingly looking
to technology to enable efficiencies and lower costs.
What key indicatorsfinancial do you use to assess whether the company is achieving its strategic
goals?
We monitor and report a wide range of financial and operational measures to continually assess the performance of the company and each individual home.
Alongside the monthly reporting of overall financial performance and profitability, we review areas such as occupancy and the factors that impact it, as well as labour utilisation on a daily basis, with structured discussion of the data being produced, what it means and where matters are off track, what corrective actions need to be taken.
We review different parts of the cost base in different ways, for example some costs are on a Per Resident Per Day (PRPD) basis which allows for both internal and external benchmarking, using external data from organisations we subscribe to which can either corroborate that we are performing well as a whole or in certain areas, or that there are areas where improvement can be made.
The aim of all this is to have a total view of what is happening across the business and how that is positioning us to achieve our overarching financial goals.
Outdoor Spaces
Essential 5
Joshua Allen (Hort BSc Hons), Resident Horticulturist at Loveday shares five ways a care home can design a garden to stimulate the senses of its residents.
Enriching Sight Through Colourful Planting Schemes
A visually stimulating garden begins with a thoughtful, vibrant palette. Incorporating a variety of richly coloured blooms such as Lavender, Verbena and Echinacea, can evoke joy and spark reminiscence. Contrasting textures and seasonal interest ensure year-round appeal, while pathways framed by visual focal points like sculptures or ornamental grasses encourage exploration. Importantly, all plants should be carefully selected to be safe and non-toxic, ensuring both beauty and peace of mind in a care environment. Colourful, wellplanned gardens not only delight the eye but can also enhance mood and support cognitive function, offering a daily visual retreat for Members.
Engaging the Sense of Smell with Fragrant Planting
Scent has a powerful connection to memory and emotion. A sensory garden designed with fragrant, nontoxic plants such as rosemary, jasmine, and Edgeworthia chrysantha can awaken nostalgia, soothe anxiety, and promote relaxation. Aromatic herbs and flowers should be strategically placed along walkways or near seating areas, allowing members to experience their scent up close. Raised beds and vertical planters ensure accessibility, even for those with limited mobility. By creating pockets of gentle, calming fragrance throughout the space, care residences can transform a garden into a therapeutic environment that nurtures emotional wellbeing..
Stimulating Sound with Natural and Interactive Elements
The subtle sounds of nature can have a calming and grounding effect. Incorporating rustling plants like bamboo or ornamental grasses, along with gentle water features, can introduce a soothing auditory backdrop. Bird-friendly plantings and feeders invite birdsong, adding to the tranquil ambiance. Wind chimes with soft, melodic tones can provide additional auditory interest without overwhelming the senses. Sound-focused elements offer stimulation without screens or devices, creating presence and mindfulness. Thoughtful sound scaping not only enhances sensory engagement but can also support relaxation and reduce agitation.
Awakening Taste with Edible and Aromatic Herbs
Edible gardens offer a delightful way to engage the sense of taste while promoting interaction and purpose. By growing safe, aromatic herbs, such as mint, basil, thyme and chives, Members are invited to touch, smell and taste the freshness of their surroundings. Expanding the garden to include fruits and vegetables like apples, strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes and even potatoes enhances both the culinary and therapeutic value. These ingredients can be freshly picked and used in meals by the chefs, enriching flavour and nutrition and are always very rewarding for Members to see their produce on the menus! Raised beds ensure accessibility, while group gardening sessions foster connection and purpose.
5 4 3 2 1
Creating Focal Points and Views for Visual Engagement
A well-designed garden should provide visual interest from every angle, even for those enjoying it from indoors. Strategically placed focal points such as water features, flowering trellises or birdbaths draw the eye and invite gentle contemplation. Seasonal changes in plantings offer ongoing visual stimulation, while contrasting shapes, textures and forms enrich the sensory landscape. Clear sightlines and accessible pathways allow Members to explore comfortably and safely. Importantly, all plants must be non-toxic, ensuring a secure environment for all. lovedayandco.com
WHY US
We pride ourselves on being the “good Sage guys to deal with”, having a team with decades worth of combined experience and the capability to manage the project in-house.
COMPLEXITY
Say goodbye to complex income streams. Report across multiple entities and locations. Reduce human error with machine learning, automation and AI.
Users say Sage Intacct has made their roles easier, helped them make “smarter and faster decisions” and enabled them to have more impact.
of Intacct customers say their competitive advantage has improve 94%
BUDGETING
Reliable real-time views, customisable reports, and dashboards. Integrate financial and non-financial data. Enhanced strategic planning and decision-making. AI
Automate repetitive accounting tasks. Process invoices and match to purchase orders. Focus on growth objectives and strategic planning.
SECURITY
Eliminate on-premise risks. Frequent backups, automatic updates and 24/7 monitoring. Seamless integration with other systems.
Scan to learn more or contact us at 01332 959 008
Email: sage@pkfscs.co.uk
The Power of Nature
How outdoor spaces improve wellbeing in care homes, as told by Roger Daniel, CEO of Red Homes Care.
Our focus is always on improving the quality of life for our care home residents, creating a family-like environment where residents, their families, and our dedicated staff feel truly at home. As we look to enhance outdoor spaces, we aim to foster an atmosphere of peace, connection, and comfort. With the support from our care home community – this includes our staff, residents and their families - we ensure that our outdoor areas are more than just spaces—they are extensions of our home’s warmth and personal care.
There is always a concern from families that their loved ones could become institutionalised and disconnect from the outside world. We know that having access to
gardens and nature can help our residents feel connected and yet provide a sense of freedom.
The benefits of spending time in the outdoors are well-documented. It can lessen stress and anxiety: Time spent in nature has been shown to reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and promote a sense of calm. It can also improve mood, alleviate depression, and lower anxiety.
Cognitive Benefits: Exposure to nature is linked to improved cognitive function, such as memory and attention. This can be particularly beneficial for people with cognitive decline or dementia. As fully inclusive homes, we provide a range of care services for residents with varying physical, mental and emotional needs.
Therefore, there are several key factors that need to be considered when designing and enhancing our outdoor spaces to ensure they benefit all of our residents.
Accessibility and safety: Ensuring everyone can enjoy the outdoors
Two of the most important considerations when designing outdoor spaces in care homes are safety and accessibility. Pathways need to be smooth, wide, and free from obstacles to ensure that all residents, regardless of mobility, can easily navigate the space. Wheelchair-friendly ramps, handrails, and seating areas are crucial for creating a welcoming environment where everyone can feel included and independent. Heights are extremely important – what is the view from their beds, their wheelchairs? Has this been considered? Visibility from inside and outside the home is really important. When tending to the gardens, are there raised beds or table-level planters? The design must take into account the specific needs of residents with varying mobility levels, ensuring that everyone has access to nature. We want our outdoor spaces to be places for relaxation and social interaction. Features like secure natural fencing, sturdy hedges (without prickles) can help prevent wandering and provide peace of mind for both residents and families. Soft surfaces, such as grass or rubber mats, reduce the risk of falls.
Sunlight helps the body produce Vitamin D, which is important for bone health and immune function. But we also have shaded areas to protect residents from too much exposure under harmful UV rays, ensuring that outdoor time can be enjoyed safely all year-round. And if space allows, greenhouses are a great accessory for green-fingered fun in the cooler months.
Variety of Spaces: Catering to different needs and desires
Our outdoor spaces include a
variety of areas to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of care home residents. Sometimes our residents prefer quiet, peaceful spaces for reflection, while others enjoy socialising or participating in group activities. By incorporating a mix of shaded seating areas, garden spaces, and open lawns, care homes can provide residents with opportunities to engage in different types of outdoor experiences, from leisurely walks to gardening or group exercises and activities such as garden skittles or arts and crafts. Our residents love to create seasonal collages with foliage from the garden – and we all like to hold tea parties outside, whenever the weather permits!
Nature Elements: Stimulating the senses and enhancing wellbeing
Nature has a massively positive impact on health and wellbeing. From reducing stress to boosting physical and mental health, our outdoor environments are not just a luxury; they are essential to the overall care experience. Nature can offer a sense of connection to the environment and something greater than oneself. This can be deeply fulfilling, especially for those who have limited mobility or less interaction with the outside world. Nature also provides multisensory
experiences, from the smell of flowers to the sounds of birds or wind, which can stimulate the senses and evoke positive memories, especially for people with dementia. We try and integrate natural elements into our outdoor spaces to promote sensory engagement. Native trees, flowers and shrubs provide visual beauty and also stimulate the senses of smell and touch. We know that many of our residents like to feel they have a role to play, whether that be planting or watering flowers, or working together in creative spaces. Some of our residents help us grow and harvest a variety of herbs, fruits and vegetables that we make use of in our kitchens. Raised garden beds or accessible sensory gardens allow residents to engage with nature, whether by planting flowers, touching the leaves, or enjoying the fragrances. We have found that nature-based activities, such as birdwatching or simply observing the changing seasons, can improve mental health, providing residents with moments of peace and joy.
A variety of Encouragingareas:social interaction or restful contemplation
Providing an array of comfortable chairs, benches, or even softcushioned lounge areas encourages
residents to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and engage with others. We ensure that seating is spread throughout the space, with some areas for individual relaxation and others for socialising. This helps create a dynamic outdoor environment where residents can feel both independent and connected to their community. Our outdoor spaces also cater for our wider care home community. We encourage our families to feel very much at home when they visit their loved ones, and that includes the four-legged furry members of the family, too.
Investing wisely for long-term benefits
Creative care is the future. People are looking for a wow factor – from kerb appeal to the overall outdoor look and feel, it’s important to keep your spaces looking cared for.
While budgets for care homes can often be tight, investing in outdoor spaces is a cost-effective way to improve residents’ wellbeing in the long run. Simple changes, such as adding accessible pathways, seating, and sensory
gardens, can make a significant difference without requiring large financial outlays. Furthermore, investing in outdoor spaces can lead to lower healthcare costs over time by improving residents’ physical and mental health, reducing the need for medical interventions and creating a more positive care environment.
For those managing care homes on a tight budget, partnering with local organisations, applying for grants, or involving the community in small-scale gardening projects can help maximize resources. By offering residents and their families a place to relax, engage with nature, and spend meaningful time together, you are prioritising their well-being, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and at ease.
By focusing on creating accessible, safe, and engaging outdoor spaces, care homes can provide residents with the best possible quality of life.
At Red Rose, husband and wife team, Barrie and Cynthia, were among our residents helping to rejuvenate our ample garden. This
green-fingered couple used to grow and sell hundreds of flowers each year before moving to Red Rose, and now they enjoy sharing their knowledge and passion with their fellow residents and staff.
We love that so many of our residents want to be involved in getting our garden ready for the summer. There is something so special about creating something together for all of us to enjoy.
At Red Roofs, we have Pearl who came to live with us after her husband died after 64 years of marriage. She told us stories about their shared love of gardening and the beautiful garden they created together, and how their children and grandchildren enjoyed it so much. We wanted Pearl to feel at home, so we cleared a space in our garden beds and transported her roses for her to embed. They have given her so much pleasure, and her enthusiasm for the outdoors has brought such joy to our home. Pearl’s love of flowers is infectious, and she now creates hanging baskets for our home and gives regular masterclasses for our residents.
Insurance you can trust, made
Phoenix Specialist Risk Solutions
We understand that the nature of the care industry can be unpredictable. We want to make sure you’re covered when it matters most. Our industry experience means we know what types of risks you face, so speak to us today to discover how we can keep your business protected. At Phoenix we work with you to tailor a sustainable solution to your insurance to deliver improved risk management and savings.
Care Home of the Month Loveday Abbey Road
Nestled in the iconic surrounds of St John’s Wood, Loveday Abbey Road is redefining luxury living and dementia care in the heart of London and has rapidly established itself as a beacon of excellence since its opening in 2023.
As part of Loveday’s growing portfolio, the residence is a shining example of how innovation, compassion and dignity can seamlessly blend with five-star hospitality. We spoke with General Manager Izabela Klaczkiewicz about what makes this exceptional residence stand out.
“Loveday Abbey Road opened as part of our vision to redefine luxury care,” said Izabela. “The idea was to create a residence where people living with dementia or requiring nursing and respite care could continue to live life to the fullest, supported by expert care in an elegant, homely setting.”
Everything at Abbey Road, from its thoughtfully designed interiors
to its personalised approach to care, embodies Loveday’s mission to transform perceptions of later life living. This is care reimagined— warm, joyful and deeply human.
The cornerstone of Abbey Road’s offering is its highly personalised and holistic approach to care.
“Every Member has a bespoke care plan developed in partnership with their loved ones and our award-winning team,” explained Izabela. “We focus on enabling independence, promoting purpose and supporting each Member’s unique identity.”
Whether offering advanced dementia support, palliative care, or day-to-day nursing, the team at Abbey Road champions dignity, choice and wellbeing. It’s an ethos that permeates the entire home— from the way care is delivered to the carefully curated activities programme.
What truly sets Loveday Abbey Road apart is its unique combination of clinical excellence and high-end hospitality. The
residence is housed in a beautifully restored heritage building, bringing together classic charm with modern innovation.
“Our attention to detail is what makes Abbey Road special,” said Izabela. “Every aspect is tailored— from therapies and daily routines to meals and music—so that each Member can continue living a meaningful, enriched life.”
The home boasts industryleading dementia care, curated wellness and cultural programming, and an unwavering commitment to quality in every interaction.
Among the many standout features of Loveday Abbey Road is its enchanting sensory garden. Accessible and secure, the garden is a tranquil haven filled with aromatic herbs, textured walkways, seasonal blooms and a calming water feature.
“It’s the heart of the residence,” said Izabela. “Members enjoy it year-round, whether they’re relaxing outdoors or taking in the views from the dining room.”
Beyond its beauty, the garden fosters connection and engagement. BBQs, garden parties, pet therapy sessions and the ever-popular gardening club keep the space alive with activity—and produce from Members’ vegetable beds often finds its way into dishes prepared by the residence’s chefs.
Abbey Road offers a collection of private suites, each beautifully designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind. Spacious layouts, bespoke lighting, and en-suite wet rooms create a hotellike atmosphere while ensuring accessibility and comfort.
Members have access to an array of premium amenities including a spa, fitness studio, beauty salon, private dining rooms and a restaurant-style dining space. “Each area has been designed to feel like home, but better—comforting, luxurious and safe,” Izabela added.
A key part of Abbey Road’s ethos is supporting continuity between pre-care life and residential living. Residents are encouraged to personalise their suites with treasured belongings, furniture, photographs and artwork.
“This not only supports emotional wellbeing but strengthens memory and identity,” explained Izabela. “Our goal is to extend life, not limit it. By surrounding our Members with what’s familiar and meaningful, we
help ease transitions and promote independence.”
Dining at Abbey Road is far more than a necessity—it’s a highlight of the day. Overseen by an awardwinning Executive Chef, the culinary programme delivers restaurantquality meals tailored to each Member’s tastes and dietary needs.
“We believe food should nourish both the body and the spirit,” Izabela explained. “We host themed nights, family-style events, and even chef-led tasting sessions. Every detail—from the table settings to the presentation of texture-
modified dishes—is considered.”
The result is a dining experience that’s joyful, social and deeply personalised.
True to its holistic philosophy, Abbey Road integrates wellness into every aspect of life. From physiotherapy and occupational therapy to reflexology, massage and mindfulness, services are tailored to meet each Member’s needs.
“Our dedicated wellness team creates individual plans to support physical, emotional and cognitive wellbeing,” said Izabela. “And with features like a spa bath, therapy rooms and fitness studio, Members have everything they need to feel their best.”
Wellness extends beyond physical health too, with music therapy, pet visits, art sessions and sensory stimulation enriching daily life.
Loveday Abbey Road is more than a care home—it’s a vibrant, supportive community where people continue to live with purpose, dignity and joy. With its award-winning team, thoughtfully curated environment and dedication to excellence, we are proud to share the extraordinary residence as out Care Home of the Month.
lovedayandco.com/lovedayabbey-road
Gardening
This May as we step into spring, we focus on bringing life to care homes. Our focus activity of the month is gardening as we access the transformative power it can often have.
As care homes strive to create more engaging, fulfilling environments for residents, introducing gardening as a regular activity is emerging as a highly effective way to enhance wellbeing. More than just a hobby, gardening can offer a powerful combination of physical, emotional, and social benefits for older adults. Whether tending a few potted plants on a balcony or developing a larger communal garden, this simple activity can enrich the daily lives of residents in profound ways.
Gardening is a gentle form of exercise that encourages movement, flexibility, and coordination. Tasks like planting, watering, or pruning can help residents maintain joint mobility and muscle strength, particularly beneficial for those managing arthritis or recovering from injury. Ensure you implement wheelchairaccessible raised beds in order to allow those with limited mobility to take part, keeping everyone included and active.
There’s something deeply calming about being close to nature. Studies have shown that gardening reduces stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. The act of nurturing plants can foster a sense of purpose, pride, and accomplishment. For residents living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, the sensory experience—touching soil, smelling herbs, seeing vibrant flowers—can stimulate memory and emotional responses.
A shared garden project promotes interaction among residents, staff, and even visiting families. It offers a natural opportunity for conversation and teamwork, helping to reduce
feelings of loneliness or isolation. Residents can share tips, reminisce about gardens they once kept, or simply enjoy working side by side with others.
When looking to implement gardening into a care home setting, remember to start small. You don’t need a large garden to begin, it’s about making the most of the space you have. A few pots of herbs on a windowsill, hanging baskets, or small planters can serve as a manageable introduction. Once interest grows, you can expand to raised beds or container gardens in a courtyard or patio.
Ensure the gardening space is safe and accessible. Raised beds, wide paths, comfortable seating,
and shaded areas help residents of all abilities participate comfortably. Use lightweight tools designed for older hands, and avoid plants with thorns or those that may cause allergic reactions.
Plan for the seasons and create a year-round plan that includes seasonal planting and indoor gardening during colder months. Spring might involve sowing seeds and planting flowers, while autumn can be a time to harvest herbs or craft with dried flowers. Indoor activities like growing succulents or making terrariums can keep the momentum going through winter.
For added benefits, encourage staff to join in, not just as supervisors but as fellow
gardeners! Their enthusiasm can be contagious for the residents. Look to partner with local garden centres, schools, or volunteer groups to bring in fresh energy, materials, and knowledge.
It’s essential to remember, like anything, that not all residents will be eager to jump in right away. Some may be hesitant due to physical limitations or a lack of experience. It’s important to approach participation with flexibility and encouragement. Offer a variety of roles: some may prefer planting, while others enjoy watering, designing layouts, or simply observing and giving feedback. Make gardening a regular, scheduled activity in order to create routine as this will offer residents structure and build anticipation. Finally, remember to celebrate progress: Show off the fruits of the residents’ labour—literally and figuratively. A garden tea party, a photo board of growing plants, or using harvested herbs in the kitchen can reinforce the value of their efforts.
For gardening to truly benefit residents, it should be more than a one-off event. Integrate it into the home’s culture and weekly rhythm. Assign “garden champions” among staff or volunteers who can lead sessions, keep plants maintained, and encourage ongoing involvement.
Moreover, use the garden as a multifunctional space—a setting for music sessions, afternoon tea, or quiet reflection. The more integrated the garden becomes in daily life, the more meaningful it will be for everyone involved.
Gardening offers something uniquely nurturing—not just for the plants, but for the people who care for them. In care homes, where residents may face significant life transitions, it brings a sense of normalcy, vitality, and joy. By planting the seeds of gardening in your care home, you’re not just growing flowers or vegetables— you’re cultivating a deeper sense of community, connection, and purpose.
Consistent Results
In care home kitchens, quality ingredients are essential for creating meals that are both nourishing and enjoyable. Millac Gold Double Cream from Lakeland Dairies offers the rich taste of real dairy with the added benefits of versatility, stability, and nutrition—making it an ideal choice for chefs in care settings. This article introduces a series of delicious, occasion-based recipes designed specifically for care residents, featuring Millac Gold’s all-round culinary performance. From hearty breakfasts to comforting dinners, discover how this premium cream supports nutritious and satisfying care home menus.
In care settings, delicious, nutritional and reliable ingredients are key. The culinary cream, Millac Gold offers the taste of real dairy cream with enhanced stability and versatility, making it the perfect allrounder for care home catering.
Millac has created a series of occasion-based recipes using Millac Gold Double Cream, it’s versatility and consistency enables care chefs to effortlessly create an all-day menu covering breakfast, mid-morning snacks, light meals/ starters, lunch and dinner, specially designed for care residence.
Here’s a sneak peek of one of the mouthwatering Millac Gold recipes. Now available is a selection of straightforward, nutritional dishes including top tips from Paul Jennings, Head of Food at Lakeland Dairies, for effortlessly creating these dishes.
Whether used for cooking, whipping, pouring, or piping, Millac Gold Double delivers consistent, effortless results. With added benefits such as freeze-thaw stability when whipped and a long nine-month shelf life.
Paul Jennings, Head of Food at Lakeland Dairies said, “We understand the challenges faced when catering in care home settings and the difference good food makes to resident’s overall wellbeing. So, to help inspire chefs we’ve created a bank of recipes using our best-selling blended cream, Millac Gold Double.
Enriched with vitamin D to help chefs add a little extra goodness to each plate, Millac Gold Double is incredibly versatile and supports chefs when creating comforting, feel-good food for all occasions –from hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners and everything in between.”
Did you know?
Millac Gold Double is brought to you by Lakeland Dairies Foodservice. Lakeland Dairies is a 100% farmer-owned Irish co-op that has been producing nutritious milk for over 130 years. From lush green pastures, it offers a trusted range of dairy products for chefs across the care sector, including its premium culinary cream Millac Gold, which is the perfect solution for whipping, cooking and pouring.
lakelanddairies.com
Mid-Morning: Cherry Bakewell High Calorie Milkshake (Makes 10 servings)
Ingredients:
• 200ml Millac Gold Double
• 300g red cherry pie filling
• 200ml fresh whole milk
• Lakeland Dairies 100% Skimmed Milk Powder
• 1 litre almond milk
• 200ml vanilla ice cream
Instructions:
1. Add all the ingredients into a blender.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Paul Jennings Head of Food, Lakeland Dairies
A Taste of Quality
At Albany Lodge in Croydon, Head Chef Adam Huxley is on a mission to transform the perception of care home food. With over 15 years of experience, Adam is dedicated to delivering nutritious, restaurant-quality meals that cater to residents’ preferences and dietary needs. In this article, Adam shares how his personal connection to care inspires his commitment to excellence, and how versatile ingredients like British Lion eggs play a key role in his menus. We also hear from James Clear, Aria Care’s Hospitality Director, on the importance of food safety, nutrition, and why British Lion eggs are a trusted staple across Aria Care homes.
Adam Huxley is the Head Chef at Albany Lodge in Croydon and has a role to provide high-quality, nutritious meals that enhance residents’ wellbeing. With over 15 years in care home catering, Adam is passionate about reshaping perceptions of care home food and making mealtimes enjoyable.
“I take the time to speak with residents, understanding their likes and dislikes to create meals they
know and enjoy,” Adam said. He sees that offering choice is key so ensures that each service includes a variety of starters, mains, desserts, and an alternative menu. “Our three-week menu cycle includes multicultural dishes to cater to all backgrounds.”
Every meal Adam offers can be texture-modified or fortified to meet dietary needs. Having had a family member in care, he said, “I always ask myself—would I serve
this meal to my own parents? That personal connection drives me to maintain restaurant-quality standards.”
Adam explained that eggs are an essential part of his menus, providing versatility and key nutrients. “Whether it’s a simple devilled egg or within a hearty spinach and potato curry, eggs enhance both nutrition and variety. Using British Lion eggs ensures the highest quality and safety, helping
James Clear
me deliver meals that support residents’ health while keeping them delicious and satisfying.”
We then caught up with Aria Care’s Hospitality Director, James Clear, to find out the significance of using high-quality ingredients at Aria Care and the importance of British Lion eggs.
How
important are eggs in the diet of older adults, and what nutritional benefits do they offer?
Eggs are an essential part of an older adult’s diet due to their high protein content and nutrient density. They are rich in vitamins
such as Vitamin D, B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B12, and also contain Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. These nutrients are crucial for supporting the immune system, brain and eye health, and maintaining muscle strength. Vitamin D helps top up natural levels that may be low due to reduced sun exposure, which is especially important as we age. Vitamin D also contributes to strong bones and teeth, as well as the proper absorption of calcium and phosphate. Without enough Vitamin D, there is a greater risk of bone-related issues, including fractures and osteoporosis, particularly in women after menopause.
Why is food safety
particularly
critical in a care home setting?
Food safety is vital in a care home setting because we are responsible for the wellbeing of vulnerable adults. Our food safety management systems, including HACCP (Hazard analysis and critical control points), are highly stringent, ensuring we consistently perform the necessary
checks. We also source our food from reputable suppliers that provide full traceability and follow rigorous food safety practices. Additionally, our chefs are trained to the highest standards to always guarantee safe meal preparation.
Why
does Aria Care Group choose to use only British Lion eggs in its kitchens?
Aria Care Group exclusively uses British Lion Eggs because they provide reliable sourcing and full traceability, which is crucial for ensuring the highest standards of food safety. We also value the welfare of the animals, and British Lion Eggs adhere to the highest standards of animal care. They are also certified with the ISO 17065 international accreditation, ensuring we are consistently meeting the most stringent food safety standards.
What makes British Lion eggs a safer choice for care home residents compared to other eggs?
At Aria Care, the safety and wellbeing of our residents are our top priorities. British Lion eggs provide an extra layer of reassurance as they meet the highest food safety standards in the UK. This
significantly reduces the risk of food related illnesses, which is especially crucial when catering for older adults.
How does using British Lion eggs help with meeting food safety regulations and best practices in care home catering?
Compliance with food safety regulations is essential in care home catering, and British Lion eggs make this easier. They align with Food Standards Agency (FSA) guidelines, allowing us to serve raw or lightly cooked eggs safely to the elderly or those with weaker immune systems. By choosing British Lion Eggs, we ensure we are following best practices while providing nutritious and highquality meals that our residents enjoy.
What advice would you give to other care homes when it comes to choosing eggs and ensuring the highest food safety standards?
Eggs play a vital role in care home catering, from hearty breakfasts to baked goods, snacks, and both sweet and savoury meals. I would strongly recommend that care homes always choose British Lion eggs to guarantee the highest standards of food safety and traceability. Additionally, maintaining proper storage, handling eggs hygienically, and training kitchen teams on food
safety protocols are key steps in ensuring residents receive safe and nutritious meals every day.
Finally, what is your personal favourite way to prepare eggs?
My personal favourite is the classic scrambled egg. It’s all about getting the temperature just right to avoid overcooking. I like to cook them slowly with fresh butter over a low heat, adding a touch of double cream or crème fraiche for a bit of
indulgence. I gently stir the eggs on and off the heat until they’re perfectly soft and creamy. After cooking, I season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavour—adding salt too early can make the eggs tough. I like to finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives and serve them on lightly toasted sourdough. It’s delicious!
lioneggfarms.co.uk
ariacare.co.uk www.egginfo.co.uk
INSPECTION
CiUK is the only Registered Inspection Body in the UK and will undertake your inspection professionally and comprehensively to all applicable standards. This is much more than just a ‘mock inspection.
REPORT
The CiUK report is confidential and will provide a complete analysis of all compliant and non-compliant aspects of the care home. All evidence is available to the customer and supported by source data to improve the care home.
ACTION PLAN
The action plan contains detailed information to correct all non-compliances that can be used as they are or added to the home’s action plan.
SUPPORT
The CiUK team will provide advice, information, and documents to support the care home in continuous improvement and resolving non-compliance after the inspection.
only Registered and Accredited Inspection Body for Care Homes in the UK.
Transforming Care Home Finance
As the care home sector continues to navigate increasing regulatory demands, staffing challenges, and the growing need for financial transparency, technology is playing a pivotal role in helping providers streamline operations and make informed decisions. In this interview, we speak with Philippa Leonard, Sage Intacct Team Leader at PKF Smith Cooper Systems, to explore how their cloud-based finance solutions are specifically tailored to the needs of care homes.
Could you provide an overview of the software solutions PKF Smith Cooper Systems offers specifically for the care home sector?
Sage Intacct is a cloud-based finance system which offers multi-entity consolidations, best of class interactive reporting tools, multi-dimensional analysis of data, automatic quarterly updates, integrated budgeting and planning tools, plus collaborative working with its live update functionality.
How does Sage Intacct cater to the unique financial management needs of care homes?
Sage Intacct is a multi-entity platform. Its use of dimensions allows you to have multiple locations (i.e. homes) and filter out reporting in seconds on a care home by care home basis. As well as instant consolidations, Sage Intacct has built in approval policies. This allows care home managers to put in spend requests for approval, giving the finance team complete oversight and control of the purchasing process. Permissions are managed on a user basis so you can control which elements of the system users can see and which tasks they perform. Furthermore, invoice layouts can be tailored on a customer basis so each customer can have
bespoke invoices with the logo and details they are familiar with rather than a ‘one size fits all’. Bank reconciliations are collaborative, so no more waiting for team members to complete before you can log in. You get live updates and data from the bank feed and can work in the system alongside various users to
complete the bank reconciliation efficiently. Your budgets can be added on a location basis or combined to a whole group, resulting in better reporting and allocation of funds. Lastly, tailored reporting dashboards can be instantly filtered and shared (or not shared) with user groups.
What are the key benefits of back-officeautomating operations in care homes using your software?
Full visibility and control across care homes allows more live insight for your head office. Increased automation of office tasks for your care home staff frees up their time, allowing them to spend it with staff and clients on the day-to-day goings on of the homes or strategic work and not tied up in back office paperwork.
How does your software integrate with other systems commonly used in care homes, such as patient management or payroll systems?
Sage Intacct have a suite of Marketplace Partners, this is growing and constantly updating, across a broad range of areas such as payroll, patient management, AP automation, expenses etc. Also, Sage Intacct uses an open API, so if there is not a native integration with
your other systems, we can look to build a bespoke one.
Can your solutions be tailored to fit the specific needs of individual care homes, and how do they scale with the growth of an organisation?
Yes, the system is completely customisable with built-in features such as smart rules, smart events, triggers, custom reports, individual entity settings, user restrictions, report restrictions, customer/ supplier layouts. As mentioned previously, Sage Intacct’s open API allows us to tailor your system in-house as well as connect it with 3rd-parties. In terms of growth, in Sage Intacct you can easily add entities, dimensions and users independently, without the help of your provider. If global expansion is your aim, Sage Intacct seamlessly crosses over into different countries and currencies. Lastly, Sage Intacct is designed to scale with you. You can add additional modules and
integrate with new software as and when the time comes.
Are there any upcoming features or developments in your software that will further enhance backoffice automation for care homes?
Being in the cloud means that tedious and expensive software upgrades are a distant memory. Sage Intacct has automatic, quarterly, system updates that occur overnight; meaning you are never on an old version. The enhancements include additional features or improved processes and are often based on what Sage Intacct users are directly requesting as new functionality or features. User feedback is being listened to, and suggested improvements can be taken into account on future releases. The PKF Smith Cooper Systems Account Managers get full oversight of Sage’s roadmap and are able to share this with you also. www.pkfscs.co.uk
A Purposeful Mission
We explore the meaningful collaboration between GROUND, an inclusive spa brand specialising in therapeutic massage, and Loveday, a leading private members’ care residence dedicated to exceptional nursing, residential, respite and memory care.
How did you come to work with Loveday?
At GROUND we pride ourselves in being an inclusive spa brand - we train massage therapists in accredited oncology massage with specialist products and a gift offering for cancer care. We also developed our storytelling massage for anxious children which further grew into accredited soothing therapies for neuro diverse children and their parents. When Loveday approached us on developing hands-on techniques to relax and restore their members - we were thrilled and delighted to get to work.
The team at Loveday were a joy to work with and beyond helpful in giving us a strong understanding of the needs of their members. Their request was simple - they wished to offer treatments that not only foster happiness but also boost mind, memory and the senses. Their mission was purposeful and sincere and ours aligned with that.
How do you differ in your approach for the clients at Loveday compared to your guests in Spa?
Current studies suggest that massage, particularly hand, foot, and back massages, can reduce agitation, improve relaxation, and potentially enhance quality of life, but, this offering is different to what you’d usually expect. The massages we would be offering is not your typical private room, fully undressed under a towel set up, these hand-on therapies are delivered fully clothed, often in the company of others on an ad-hoc basis.
We loved designing these GROUND touch therapies, incorporating hand and foot rituals and a specialist back massage that we call ‘The Hug of the Hands’.
The carers at Loveday loved the training and were deeply connected with the new learnings, giving great feedback from their
experiences looking after their members. Comments from Loveday members included that the carers work was helping to minimise feelings of confusion and anxiety.
Why is scent important to mood and wellbeing?
Essential oils are long trusted to soothe anxiety, enhance sleep and boost focus and memory. When they are woven into rituals that wake us up in the morning and calm our systems down at night - they begin to anchor us to routines - helping us feel safe and understand what is happening next. At the core of our work with Loveday was their heartfelt wish to teach their teams to understand the language of touch and scent in order to soothe and relax their members. This was one of our favourite projects and remains one of our proudest partnerships.
groundwellbeing.com lovedayandco.com
ENHANCING CARE HOMES WITH PREMIUM SCENTING SOLUTIONS
Levelling Up
An inside look at Next Level Tea (and the future of food services) at Care UK.
When Andrew Mussett, one of Care UK’s hotel services managers, walked into last year’s National Association of Care Catering Awards, he hadn’t been thinking about tea.
A self-confessed coffee drinker, tea wasn’t on his mind until he met prospective supplier, the enigmatic James Green of Tea from the Manor, at the conference prior to the awards ceremony.
Later that evening, during a conversation with his colleague, friend, and the night’s winner of Our Care Catering Hero award, Anna Sudak, Andrew mentioned the team were looking into thickened drinks in more detail.
Anna mentioned that when she had undertaken an IDDSI diet for a week to better understand her catering offer, she found the drinks a challenge: “[They] didn’t leave me feeling refreshed and hot drinks were the worst.”
With Andrew’s colleague, Sam Mort, having undertaken IDDSI food workshops for leaders across Care UK earlier in the year, there was no
doubt that the food offering was exceptional when modified, but drinks needed more attention.
Add in unexpected car trouble the following day, and during his wait, Andrew started to put together a rough plan for what would become Next Level Tea: a tea that is designed to taste better as it is thickened for those on modified diets.
The tea – developed jointly with
the boutique, family-run Tea from the Manor – is now exclusively available in four bespoke flavours in Care UK homes, and can be thickened between IDDSI levels 1-4 to assist the 21% of residents who need it.
The flavours are green tea and mint, red berries, English breakfast and Earl Grey, with the herbal and fruit flavours being decaffeinated.
Andrew said: “I used every bit of
Andrew Mussett
James Green
knowledge I had in this venture, but none of it would’ve been possible without James’ expertise. Everything we both knew about baking, flavour profiles, acidity, and – most importantly – residents’ preferences, went into the finished products. We understood that strong aroma was important to help promote flavour, as was having a ‘clean’ palate afterwards, which is why there is an acidic bottom note to the flavours.”
“With James, we were able to create a series of teas that brew more quickly than regular teas. This means, even with the additional time needed to ensure that the tea is thickened correctly, the liquid remains hot, which is better for residents who may drink more slowly.”
Having run Tea from the Manor since 2011, with his daughter Charlotte, James Green has loved tea since the age of 16, when he joined the army and was posted to Hong Kong to serve with the Gurkhas. He regards designing bespoke teas for clients as one of the highlights of his job, and he relished the challenge to support care home residents with holding on to their all-important taste memory.
“At Tea from the Manor, we are extremely proud to have partnered with Care UK to create a tea that will change the lives of so many. Tea is much more than just a drink, and that’s what I love about it. It’s such
a strong part of our lives, that holds memories for so many, I love the stories you discover over a cup of tea – especially in care homes.”
Ensuring that residents not only have a choice of their favourite meals, but are also introduced to new flavours and textures, is a priority for Care UK’s kitchen teams. As encouraged by Food and Hotel Services Director, Jon Bicknell, many host ‘around the world’ themed food days – with locations varying from India to the Caribbean isles, France to Nepal and, of course, focusing on regional favourites.
As part of encouraging taste memory, Care UK launched their Recipes to Remember campaign in
2024. The provider gathered dishes beloved by residents to preserve them in a free-to-download recipe book. Residents reminisced about their culinary lives – whether it was a traditional family recipe, or a dish they loved to make themselves. Meals included Gloria’s Burmese khow suey and Muriel’s singing hinnies.
Jon said: “Next Level Tea and Recipes to Remember are just a few examples of how Care UK chefs are empowered to be creative. Through getting to know residents and their personal and collective tastes, they’re able to see what can be enhanced within the home. For example, colleagues at Chandler Court in Bromsgrove created their own delivery service – Chandler Chow – to deliver homemade fish and chips to residents. I’m sure that this will be something that’s looked at by other homes over the next few years, particularly with the ease and availability of food delivery services in most areas of the country.
“We are already working on what’s next, so watch this space!”
You can find out more about Next Level Tea on the Care UK website.
To find out more about Tea from the Manor, please visit their website.
The Power of Scent
Create calming, welcoming spaces with sustainable scenting solutions.
Scent is a powerful tool, one that can comfort, calm, and connect with residents, visitors and carers alike.
In care homes, where creating a nurturing atmosphere is essential, EcoScent provides advanced, sustainable scenting systems designed to enhance wellbeing, elevate experiences, and leave a lasting impression.
Creating a Sense of Comfort and Familiarity
Fragrance is closely tied to memory and emotion. In a care home setting, the right scent can ease anxiety, spark positive memories, and create a sense of safety and home. Familiar aromas such as lavender or vanilla have been shown to reduce stress and bring joy, especially important for residents adapting to new surroundings or living with memory-related conditions. By introducing a consistent and comforting scent throughout your care home, you can help to foster an environment that feels personal, safe, and familiar for both residents and their loved ones.
Our state-ofthe-art diffusion systems feature:
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
• LCD timers for precise scheduling
• Manual touch controls for easy use
• HVAC compatibility for seamless integration in largescale environments
Scent can also help support routine and familiarity, with certain aromas used to define specific areas, such as lavender in relaxation zones or citrus in activity rooms.
Supporting Wellbeing Through Therapeutic Fragrance
Scent is more than a sensory pleasure; it has powerful emotional and psychological benefits.
• Enhances mood: Uplifting scents like citrus or mint can help improve residents’ moods and reduce feelings of loneliness or sadness.
• Reduces anxiety and stress: Calming fragrances such as lavender, chamomile, or sandalwood can create a soothing environment, particularly beneficial for those living with dementia or anxiety.
• Triggers positive memories: Familiar scents can evoke cherished
memories and offer comfort, especially valuable for residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
• Improves sleep quality: Gentle, calming scents in bedrooms can promote deeper, more restful sleep, contributing to overall wellbeing. When thoughtfully applied, therapeutic fragrances can uplift not just residents, but also staff and visiting families. Whether you’re aiming to create a tranquil lounge, a lively activity space, or a calm and restful bedroom, EcoScent offers a fragrance solution tailored to every corner of your care environment.
Physical & Environmental Benefits
In addition to emotional support, scenting also provides practical benefits within a care home setting.
• Neutralises unwanted odours: Care homes can be subject to odours from medication,
incontinence, or food preparation. A carefully designed scenting system helps maintain a clean, fresh, and welcoming atmosphere.
• Creates a more homely environment: Pleasant, familiar scents can make shared spaces feel warm, lived-in, and comforting for residents, staff, and visitors alike.
• Supports infection control: Some scent systems can incorporate antimicrobial properties, adding an extra layer of protection to your hygiene protocols.
EcoScent’s solutions offer both aesthetic and functional improvements, helping care homes maintain high standards of cleanliness while creating beautiful, serene spaces.
Sensory Stimulation in Gentle, Meaningful Ways
Scent can also be an important part of sensory care, particularly for residents with cognitive or physical impairments.
• Encourages sensory engagement: Fragrance provides gentle, noninvasive stimulation, supporting a multi-sensory approach to care.
• Supports routine and orientation: Specific scents can help residents distinguish between different areas and times of day, aiding in daily routines and easing transitions. These small, thoughtful touches can make a significant difference to how residents experience their environment, and how they interact with the world around them.
Making Your Care Home Stand Out
In a competitive sector, it’s the details that make all the difference. A clean, inviting environment with a subtle, pleasant fragrance is instantly more appealing and memorable to visitors and prospective residents. A signature scent can even become part of your care home’s identity, reinforcing a commitment to warmth, comfort, and quality care.
Scent leaves a lasting impression. Families are more likely to choose a care home that feels thoughtful and welcoming from the very first
moment they walk through the door.
Luxurious, Sustainable, and Smart: The EcoScent Advantage
EcoScent is proud to offer scenting solutions that are not only luxurious but also environmentally responsible. Our fragrances are crafted using high-quality, ecofriendly ingredients that reflect your care home’s values around sustainability and conscious living. This technology allows you to deliver a consistent, tailored fragrance experience throughout your care home, enhancing the atmosphere without overwhelming it. Whether you’re scenting a single lounge or an entire facility, our systems are scalable, smart, and easy to maintain.
Create a Unique Identity with Private Labelling and Bespoke Scents
Looking to personalise your scenting experience?
EcoScent offers bespoke fragrance development and Private Label services. Collaborate with our expert perfumers to create a scent that captures your care home’s unique personality, cosy, fresh,
calming, or something entirely your own.
Your signature scent can also be extended into branded products such as room sprays, pillow mists, reed diffusers, or candles, creating a cohesive sensory identity across every touchpoint in your home.
A Scented Space is a Thoughtful Space
At its core, scenting is about more than just pleasant aromas, it’s about creating an environment where people feel safe, cared for, and truly at home.
For residents, it can mean improved mood, better sleep, and a greater sense of peace. For staff, it creates a more pleasant workplace that supports morale and focus. And for families, it signals a high standard of care and attention to the meaningful details that matter.
With EcoScent, you can transform your care home into a place that smells as good as it feels, where every breath carries comfort, dignity, and warmth.
To learn more about how EcoScent can enhance your care home, visit www.ecoscent. co.uk or contact our team for a consultation. Let’s create a space where scent supports care— beautifully and sustainably.
Care Home Equipment Accounting
Intracare
benjones@intracare.co https://intracare.co Intracare Ltd
Care Supply Store
01375 651 609
www.caresupplystore.co.uk @caresupplystore Care-SupplyStore-708536899310571 care-supply-store
Coffee Solutions
JDE Professional UK
0808 100 1030
www.jacobsdouweegberts professional.co.uk
Food Services
allmanhall
01225 745520
hello@allmanhall.co.uk www.allmanhall.co.uk allmanhall
Interior Design
REM 01282 619977
sales@rem.co.uk www.rem.co.uk @remuklimited remuklimited rem-1
Laundry
Gillman’s
0800 014 1474
commercial@gillmans.co.uk www.gillmans-commercial.co.uk
@gillmans_appliances gillmansappliances gillmans-commercial-laundry
Girbau
01462 427780
sales.uk@girbau.com www.girbau.com Girbau girbau-uk
Miele
0333 230 1347
professional.sales@miele.co.uk www.miele.co.uk/pro/care miele-professional
Procurement
EF-group
07837 212719
stevewalker@ef-group.co.uk ef-group.co.uk/healthcare ef-group-social
Remote Health Monitoring
August International
01920 487700
audarhealth@augustint.com www.audarhealth.com/home/ carehome
@august_lab
AugustInternational august-international
GET IN TOUCH
We’d love to hear from you on how your business is progressing in 2025. 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. www.carehomemagazine.co.uk
