The Carer Digital - Issue #239

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Issue 239

Social Care Commission Reforms Doomed to Fail…

Unless True Cost of Inaction is Revealed, Say MPs

Parliament’s cross-party Health and Social Care Committee have this week warned that the Government needs to measure the true cost of inaction on social care, to be able to present a robust financial case for reforms of the system, saying that “without this we fear that the reforms that come out of the Casey Commission will be doomed to failure, leaving everyone continuing to suffer under the current unsustainable system.”

The report comes just days after the formal launch of the Casey Commission into adult social care. Led by Baroness Louise Casey, the independent commission will comprise of two phases which are aimed at leading to the “transforma-

tion” of a sector which has long been said to be in need of reform. Low pay for workers, a reliance on unpaid family carers and high costs for those in need of care are among the issues facing the sector.

The Committee’s report cites the lack of official data held by the Government relating to social care and says it believes that the Government does not know what the potential monetary benefits of a reformed system might be and cannot assess which social care reform interventions would result in the highest returns.

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 3...)

PAGE 2 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239

EDITOR'S VIEWPOINT

Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

MEASURING THE COST OF INACTION ON SOCIAL CARE – A SYSTEM AT BREAKING POINT A hard-hitting new report (see our front page) from the Health and Social Care Committee delivers a stark and urgent message to Government: unless we fully measure and understand the true cost of inaction on social care, any future reform—including those expected from the Casey Commission—risks falling at the first hurdle.

As the Committee rightly warns, “without this, we fear that the reforms that come out of the Casey Commission will be doomed to failure, leaving everyone continuing to suffer under the current unsustainable system.”

Here at THE CARER, we have long reported on the deepening crisis facing adult social care in the UK. Chronic underfunding, ever-intensifying workforce pressures, and the growing burden placed on hospitals and local services have all combined to push the system perilously close to collapse. Sector leaders and frontline organisations, whose insights we feature regularly, have consistently voiced their concern—and this latest report echoes much of what we’ve heard for years.

What stands out most starkly is the revelation that the UK is spending £32 billion a year on a system that is simply not working. Even more astonishing is the contrast: unpaid carers—family, friends, and neighbours—contribute an estimated £184 billion worth of care annually. As MPs have pointed out, this is the equivalent of funding a second NHS. And yet, it is these very individuals who continue to bear the heaviest cost of successive governments’ failure to enact lasting reform.

Equally alarming is the decline in public satisfaction with the NHS. According to a recent survey (see page 18), only 21% of people in 2024 reported being satisfied with how the NHS is run. This should come as no surprise: the persistent underinvestment in adult social care has left the NHS overwhelmed, with hospital beds

Editor

Peter Adams

taken up by patients who cannot be discharged due to a lack of available care packages.

It is yet another illustration of how interconnected these systems are—and why failing to fix social care ultimately sabotages the entire health service.

As the implications of the Committee’s report ripple through the sector, we’ve seen a powerful response from care leaders and public health voices alike.

Their reactions, which we’ve featured on page 16, reflect a growing consensus: without immediate, meaningful investment and a long-term strategic plan, social care will continue to falter—with devastating consequences for the NHS, the economy, and above all, vulnerable individuals who rely on it.

The timing of this report is no coincidence. It comes just days after the Government published the terms of reference for Baroness Casey of Blackstock’s independent commission into adult social care.

While this marks a potentially historic first step towards establishing a national care service, the warning signs are clear. Without confronting the economic reality head-on, and without genuinely valuing both paid and unpaid carers, any new structure risks replicating the same systemic failures.

On a lighter note, VE Day is nearly upon us, and once again we are delighted to be producing our annual VE Day supplement.

We are calling on care homes and care environments across the UK to share your celebrations with us. Let’s come together to honour this important day—make it a celebration to remember and a supplement to be proud of!

As ever, thank you to all our readers, contributors, and care professionals for your tireless work and continued support.

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I can always be contacted at editor@thecareruk.com

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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239 | PAGE 3

Social Care Commission Reforms Doomed to Fail

(CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE)

MPs fear that reforms will continue to be frustrated by concerns about the expense, unless there is a robust understanding at the centre of government of the cost of doing nothing. They warn that ignoring the cost of the status quo would leave us all continuing to pay “a high price for a failing system”.

MPs want the Government to commission research to fully quantify the cost of continued inaction and call on it to publish data including an annual assessment of the level of unmet care needs for adults, as well as an annually published official estimate detailing how much delayed discharges are costing the NHS.

BROKEN SOCIAL CARE SYSTEM The Committee’s report sets out how the existing adult social care (ASC) system is not meeting the needs of the population and “the Government and taxpayers are currently paying £32 billion a year for a broken system”.

MPs highlight that this is despite the enormous contribution by unpaid carers, who provide care worth £184 billion a year, "equivalent to a second NHS", and who are bearing the highest cost from failures to reform adult social care.

The broken system is also straining local authorities’ budgets with an increasingly high proportion of spending on adult social care, which MPs state is crowding out spending on other services, such as fixing potholes, keeping libraries open and providing youth services.

The report expresses the Committee’s concern that there is a growing disconnect between where council tax revenue is being spent and what services residents expect to see delivered from their council tax – undermining trust in local democracy.

MPs also point to the impact of the status quo on the NHS and say that social care reform is an integral part of NHS reforms and cannot be a separate process. The Committee urges Baroness Casey, in her first report, to set out the immediate steps that the Government needs to take to ensure the adult social care sector can play its vital part in the three shifts for NHS reform.

POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH The Committee’s report highlights the social care sector’s potential to drive economic growth, contribute to regional rebalancing, and increase employment, but says that the economy is currently missing

out on this potential.

The report finds that every £1 invested in the sector would generate a £1.75 return to the wider economy and that an extra £1 billion spent on social care would create 50,000 jobs across the country.

Stressing the need for reforms, MPs call on the Government to produce a growth strategy for the adult social sector care sector, and say “the Government needs to fundamentally change how it views the social care sector, seeing it as an enabler and talking about it in those terms in the public debate.”

on the costs that the NHS and the wider economy are bearing as a result of failures in adult social care. Unless the Government measures the true cost of inaction and can make a convincing case to the Treasury, the recommended reforms that come out of the Casey Commission will be doomed to fail.

“We want this report to change the narrative on social care, and to act as a catalyst for building a strong and long-lasting case for reform.

It might seem that reforms will be costly and difficult but continuing with inaction will cost us all more.”

UNSUSTAINABLE PRESSURE

IMMEDIATE ATTENTION

The Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee, Layla Moran MP, said: “Successive governments have shied away from implementing meaningful reforms to the social care system. But this is an active choice that is no longer tenable. We are living with a broken social care system. It is not providing adequate care to the people who need it, it is creating ever increasing costs for local authorities and the NHS, and it is putting unsustainable pressure on unpaid carers, many of whom have to leave work to care for loved ones. Meanwhile, many paid carers are living in poverty and needing state support in the form of Universal Credit.

“Inaction, and the current state of affairs, are harming those who need care, the people delivering care, the NHS, local government, the Treasury, and the economy. But there is another side to the coin. The social care sector is rarely, if ever, discussed as a driver of economic activity, but it has enormous potential to contribute to the Government’s wider agenda on economic growth and employment.

“In our inquiry, we heard that an investment of £6.1 billion would provide full economic benefits of £10.7 billion - a return on investment of 175%.

“Alongside the strong economic potential of the sector, it is clear that the Government has to reform social care, if it is serious about making the NHS fit for the future. While social care is a vital public service in and of itself and should not be valued only for how it supports the NHS, the two systems are inextricably intertwined, and one cannot be reformed without the other.

“In order to achieve this, the Government needs solid data. Our inquiry has found that there is currently a severe lack of granular, numerical data on many aspects of the social care system. The Department of Health and Social Care needs to commission research

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England said the Committee has delivered a clear and damning verdict: adult social care in England is reaching breaking point, saying: “This report confirms the reality for millions of people across the country: the adult social care system is under immense strain and will soon prevent individuals at risk from receiving adequate care. Delaying reform until 2028 is simply not acceptable. The urgency of this crisis demands immediate attention - not further delays, while this report is welcomed, it emphasises what we already know. Every day without action places those who rely on care at greater risk.”

“Now the Terms of Reference has been published by the Casey Commission, the time to act is now - the Health and Social Care Committee could not be clearer: adult social care is on the brink. Their warning confirms what the sector has been saying for years - and the consequences of further delay will be devastating. We cannot afford to sit back and wait for the outcome of the Casey Commission before implementing urgent reforms.”

Professor Green OBE added: “We welcome the Committee’s honest assessment of the state of social care, however, this must serve as a wake-up call. The Committee’s report shows we already know what the problems are. What we need is political will and leadership to fix them. The longer we wait, the deeper the crisis becomes - and it is those who depend on care who suffer the consequences.”

"How many more reports, inquiries or commissions need to confirm what care providers, unpaid carers and people who use care services already know? The system is stretched to its limits - and the longer we wait, the more lives are put at risk.” Professor Green OBE concluded.

To see further industry reaction to the committee's report see page 16.

PAGE 4 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239

National Insurance Rise Piles Pressure On Care Homes – Advice For Employers Staff costs are the largest expense for most care homes – and they have just become even more costly. Ian Pace, partner in the employment law team at national law firm Weightmans (www.weightmans.com), outlines some of the steps care home operators can take to manage this pressure while protecting care standards.

Last month, a rise in employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) came into effect – increasing from 13.8% to 15% on salaries above £5,000. For care homes already under financial pressure, this increase has caused further strain, forcing operators to consider how they can manage higher staffing costs while continuing to deliver safe, high-quality care.

Understandably, this has caused concern for care associations, with some calling on the government to exempt social care providers from the National Insurance hike, as it has done for some public sector organisations and NHS hospital trusts.

Many businesses across the UK have responded to current mounting financial pressures by proposing redundancies, but for care home providers that are already battling staff shortages and growing patient demand, cutting jobs is a last resort.

Care home operators may need to explore alternative solutions to

manage costs while keeping services running smoothly.

ing non-essential hires while continuing to recruit necessary frontline

CONTRACT VARIATION EXERCISES

care staff. This can help strike a balance between managing financial

In some cases, care home operators may consider contract variation exercises as a way to restructure working arrangements and contain costs. Unlike redundancies, which reduce staff numbers, contract variation offers the potential to make savings while keeping people in work.

Some employee contracts contain variation clauses, which allow employers to make certain changes to the terms and conditions, such as adjusting working hours or pay – without needing to re-negotiate every detail with staff.

These clauses can offer much-needed flexibility in this challenging financial climate. For example, they might allow for a temporary reduction in hours, a short-term layoff period, or other efficiency measures that help care homes balance their books.

However, the use of variation clauses is not without legal risk. Even where such a clause exists, employers must proceed with caution.

If changes are imposed too quickly or without proper process, employees could bring claims for breach of contract or constructive dismissal. To avoid this, employers must ensure staff understand the purpose of the clause at the point of hire, and that any significant use of it is supported by a fair process and clear reasoning.

pressures and ensuring the home remains safely staffed.

HIRING FREEZES Another cost-control method some care homes may consider is implementing a temporary hiring freeze. This strategy is used by many organisations facing increased employment costs as a way to reduce overall payroll expenditure without implementing redundancies.

In the care sector, though, staffing levels are directly linked to regulatory compliance and resident safety. A blanket hiring freeze may have unintended consequences, especially in homes already struggling with recruitment and retention.

Instead, care homes might apply a more targeted approach by limit-

WHEN REDUNDANCIES ARE INEVITABLE For some operators, despite best efforts, the rise in employer NICs may tip the financial balance and leave them with no option but to consider redundancies.

If redundancies do become necessary, it is crucial that care home operators follow fair, transparent and lawful procedures. Failure to do so can result in costly legal claims, reputational damage, and low staff morale.

Any redundancy process must be based on a genuine need and follow a clear structure. Even where only a few roles are affected, individual consultation with each employee is required.

Where 20 or more redundancies are proposed within a 90-day period at one site, the law requires a formal collective consultation process. This involves consulting with elected staff representatives or trade union reps, and providing detailed information about the reasons for redundancies, the roles at risk, and the process for selecting employees.

Redundancy consultations must be meaningful and not a tick-box exercise. Staff should be given an opportunity to ask questions, offer feedback, and suggest alternative solutions, such as changes to hours or redeployment into other roles.

It is also vital that support for affected employees doesn’t end when the redundancy notice is issued. Employers should offer practical help such as paid time off for job searching, access to training, or career coaching. This not only reduces the legal risk of claims but also shows respect for those leaving the organisation through no fault of their own.

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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239 | PAGE 5

Government Publishes Terms of Reference For Independent Commission Into Adult Social Care The government has published the terms of reference for Baroness Casey of Blackstock’s independent commission into adult social care. The commission will form part of the critical first steps towards delivering a national care service.

The commission, announced in January, formally began earlier this week with a meeting between its chairwoman, Baroness Louise Casey, and those with lived experience in the sector.

The terms of reference set out that the commission will report directly to the Prime Minister and will be split over 2 phases:

PHASE 1 (MEDIUM TERM)

The purpose of the first phase of the commission is to set out the plan for how to implement a national care service, a government manifesto commitment. This should report in 2026.

The commission should start a national conversation about what adult social care should deliver for citizens and build consensus with the public on how best to meet the current and future needs of the population. It will consider older people’s care and support for working age disabled adults separately, recognising that these services meet different needs.

The commission should produce tangible, pragmatic recommendations that can be implemented in a phased way over a decade. It will aim to make adult social care more productive, preventative and to give people who draw on care, and their families and carers, more power in the system.

The commission should seek to understand the current adult social care landscape and identify a commonly agreed picture of the problems faced, before making recommendations for medium-term improvements, building on work being undertaken by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

The focus will be to support the delivery of the health mission, in the context of ongoing reforms relating to the NHS, local government and the Employment Rights Bill and Fair Pay Agreement for care workers, and deliver tangible improvements for the public with regards to adult social care.

The commission’s work on medium-term reform will be a datadriven deep-dive into the current system. It will focus specifically on existing funding for local authority adult social care services, together with NHS funding for services at the interface of health and care (for example, intermediate care), and whether they are being best used.

It will seek to identify what changes can be made to funding flows and accountability mechanisms to improve quality and productivity. It will recommend reforms that help government to hit the 18-week standard for elective care and deliver a neighbourhood health service – by reducing unnecessary hospital admissions and addressing delayed discharges. The commission’s recommendations must remain affordable, operating within the fiscal constraints of Spending Review settlements for the remainder of this Parliament.

PHASE 2 (LONG TERM)

The second phase should then make longer-term recommendations for the transformation of adult social care, reporting back by 2028. This should build on the commission’s medium-term recommendations to look at the model of care needed to address demographic change, how services must be organised to deliver this and discuss alternative models that could be considered in future to deliver a fair and affordable adult care system.

Baroness Casey will lead work fully independently with DHSC as the lead sponsor department and be based in the Cabinet Office.

The commission must also work closely with relevant other

government departments, including HM Treasury, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Work and Pensions to discuss findings. All relevant government departments will co-operate fully, be transparent and provide all data and analysis needed to support the commission.

Professor Fiona Carragher, Alzheimer’s Society’s Chief Policy and Research Officer, said: “Around one million people are living with dementia in the UK, making them one of the biggest groups relying on social care.

“Dementia is progressive and there is no cure. It affects people in different ways so it is essential that care is tailored to the individual. Around 70% of care home residents aged over 65 in England are living with dementia, yet only 29% of care home staff have received any dementia-specific training. This means that in a huge number of cases care home staff are unable to provide the tailored care that people with dementia deserve and rely on.

“Alzheimer’s Society is pleased to hear that Baroness Casey’s Commission is beginning to make progress, and we stand ready to offer our support and expertise. The Commission urgently needs to find solutions to some of the long-standing issues in adult social care such as the lack of dementia-specific training, high staff turnover and a lack of support for unpaid carers.

“People living with dementia must be able to easily access affordable, high-quality social care that meets their specialist needs, delivered by a well-trained and fairly-paid workforce.

Baroness Casey must keep dementia front and centre to her Commission – we simply cannot fix social care without fixing dementia care.”

Cllr David Fothergill, Chair of the LGA Community Wellbeing Board, said: “Today’s (02/05/25) announcement marks a crucial starting moment in securing the best possible future for adult social care.”

“Positive and meaningful reform of adult social care is something we should all be interested in. At its best, it helps adults live the lives they want, plays a crucial role alongside other public services, such as the NHS, and is a major employer in communities across the country.”

“However, the Commission faces a challenging task, with its work taking place amidst a landscape of budgetary and practical obstacles which must be overcome if we are to build a system we can all be proud of.”

“Crucial to achieving the Commission’s objectives will be drawing on the vast experience of councils, who play an essential role in designing and delivering these services in collaboration with many local partners. Most importantly, the views, experiences and hopes of people who draw on care – and their loved ones – must sit at the heart of this work.

“Key issues the Commission must address include establishing a far greater emphasis on prevention, earlier action and support.

Likewise, tackling the recruitment and retention challenges facing the workforce must be a priority. This will require looking at pay, and a fully funded Fair Pay Agreement is part of the solution, but focus must also be given to training, development, and progression for the workforce, with local government’s critical role in the Adult Social Care Negotiating Body clearly recognised.”

“Lastly, while we recognise the Commission’s timescales, we urge the Government to revisit these to reflect the urgency of the situation, and the reality that people and organisations have already waited long enough for real change.

Residents Go 'Back to School' Residents, staff, and family members at Rosedale Court Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes Group, enjoyed a delightful day of nostalgia as they were transported back in time for a special ‘Back to School’ reminiscence session with guest speaker Simon Waterfield.

The event took place in the home’s beautiful garden, where residents gathered to enjoy an engaging talk on school life in days gone by. Simon, dressed authentically as a traditional headmaster, brought along a fascinating collection of vintage school artefacts – including an old brown desk complete with inkwell, classic storybooks such as Janet & John, school reports, and even a skipping rope.

Simon has previously visited Rosedale Court to speak about

World War II and was such a hit with everyone that they couldn't wait to invite him back to take the residents on a trip back to their childhood.

The event was met with glowing praise from both residents and visitors.

Family member Joanne simply described it as “Fantastic," and resident Jean shared, “I love listening and reminiscing with this gentleman, he is so good.”

One of the standout moments came when residents enjoyed playing with traditional conkers – a cherished pastime for many. In a moment of laughter and light-hearted fun, residents nominated Louise to demonstrate the skipping rope, resulting in plenty of cheers and giggles

as she had a go.

PAGE 6 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239

Tile Charity Calls For Employment Rights Bill To Go Further In Supporting Unpaid Carers To Balance Paid Work And Unpaid Care As the Employment Rights Bill progresses through Committee Stage in the House of Lords, Carers UK is calling for Government to introduce measures within the Bill which would go further in supporting the 2.3 million employees balancing paid work with unpaid caring responsibilities for their disabled, older or ill relatives and friends.

Two key amendments to the Bill have been tabled, backed by Peers from different parties which, if successful, would increase unpaid carers’ support in the workplace. One amendment would change unpaid carers’ current right to unpaid leave to be made a paid leave entitlement. The other amendment would require employers with over 250 employees to consider what support unpaid carers are given in their workforce when publishing equality action plans.

Paid Carer’s Leave would make a significant difference to those on low incomes, particularly women. 80% of workers say it would better help them to balance work and care. Carers UK modelling estimates that this would only cost between £5.5 million and £32 million a year to

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deliver, but would ultimately save billions by increasing productivity and supporting carers to remain in the workplace.

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: “Every year the UK economy loses an estimated £37 billion due to unpaid carers being unable to work. Without adequate support, carers are often left with no choice but to give up paid work to care, impacting their own financial security and resulting in a loss of valuable skills and experience for employers.”

“The Bill contains some welcome measures to help unpaid carers, including stronger rights to flexible working, but we need to be ambitious for further change. There is a clear opportunity to lay the foundations for paid Carer’s Leave, which is critical for those unable to take up their existing, unpaid rights.”

“Carers who fall out of employment are at far higher risk of poverty and long-term financial hardship. We are encouraging this Government to use the positive momentum of the Carer’s Leave Act and go one step further to increase help for carers able to juggle work and care.”

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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239 | PAGE 7

European Commission Appeals Board Unable to Reach Verdict on lecanemab The European Commission’s appeals board has announced that they were unable to reach a verdict on the use of lecanemab in the treatment of early Alzheimer’s disease across the EU27 and EEA Member States.

Despite the European Medicines Agency (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) reaffirming their positive opinion; the European Commission’s Standing Committee on Medicinal Products for Human Use were unable to reach an agreement which led to its consideration by the European Commission’s Appeal Board. The matter will now be referred the European Commission for a final decision.

On their website, the European Commission said: The meeting was convened following the “no opinion” outcome of the vote that took place during the meeting of the Standing Committee on 21 March 2025.

The Committee was reminded that both draft Decisions concern the same medicinal product and are based on the same opinion of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) dated 14 November 2024, recommending the marketing authorisation of Leqembi.

The voting on each of the two draft decisions took place separately. The outcome of both votes was ‘no opinion’, i.e. no qualified majority in favour of the two draft decisions.

The Commission answered some questions on the next steps, referring to Regulation (EU) No 182/2011

and the Rules of Procedure of the Appeal Committee.

On the news, Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) CEO, Paola Barbarino said: “We are deeply concerned about the impact that ongoing delays are having on people living with Alzheimer’s disease across Europe. For over two years, individuals and their families have waited for access to a treatment that could offer improvements in quality of life at the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. For many, the progression of their disease during this time may now mean they are no longer eligible to benefit from these therapies.”

“While ADI does not take a position on the efficacy or safety of individual therapies, we strongly uphold the right of people living with Alzheimer’s to be fully informed and to choose whether such treatments should be part of their care.”

Lecanemab has already been approved for use in the U.S. Japan, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Macau, Oman and Taiwan, and is under regulatory review in 15 countries and regions including the EU. Today’s news emphasises the disparity between the EU and other countries and regions, risking growing health inequalities caused by the lack of access to treatment across Europe, and further increasing the risk of people travelling for treatment or so called, health tourism.

Care Home Presents Cheque to Local Charity Boroughbridge Manor care home in Boroughbridge recently presented Gail Donnan the CEO and founder of the ‘Wellness Gateway’ with a cheque for £1000 to towards the cost of a winter online book club for disadvantaged people with mental health issues.

The ‘Wellness Gateway’ aim is to promote and protect the mental and physical health and to relieve the needs of those in need by reason of age, ill-health or disability of persons living within a 20km radius of Ripon, North Yorkshire, through counselling, therapy and other support.

They are based across the Harrogate and Rural district area and have two therapy rooms at Community House on Allhallowgate in Ripon, North Yorkshire and other spaces over the district. They are a preventative service, hopefully stopping problems escalating to the point of needing more serious and costly intervention and support.

The grant had been awarded by Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, a charity that helps older people and adults with a disability or mental health problems across England, Scotland and Wales by offering grants to help people connect or re-connect with others in their local community.

The care home welcomed CEO and founder, Gail Donnan to a small gathering in the home’s lounge to receive the cheque and celebrate being awarded the grant.

Susan Carter, General Manager at Boroughbridge Manor, said: “We are always keen to show as much support as we can to local charities.

More so as a community group wishing to help those most in need across our towns and villages.”

PAGE 8 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239

Carer Calls For Kindness as Sector Faces Ongoing Mental Health Challenges As Carers Week approaches this June (9th - 15th), Lausa Biragi, founder of home care provider You & I Care, is speaking out about the ongoing mental health challenges faced by carers, calling for greater kindness and support for those working in the sector.

Lausa Biragi has worked in the adult care system for over two decades and is deeply committed to advocating for a care system that offers equal treatment for all and recognises caring as a professional career.

“Caring for someone is an incredibly demanding role, requiring a great deal of emotional and physical energy. Yet, the sector continues to face significant pressures, and carers are often left without the recognition and support they deserve,” says Lausa.

“What we are seeing now is an alarming number of carers leaving the profession, particularly those who take on additional responsibilities at home or face personal loss. This situation is exacerbated by a lack of resources, low pay, and a general lack of appreciation for the invaluable work they do.”

Lausa is now calling on the community to treat carers with more kindness and respect - and to remember the pressures these caring people face each day at work and also in their own lives.

“The challenges faced by carers are not just individual; they are systemic. Carers often work long hours, balancing their professional responsibilities with personal lives, all while managing the emotional strain that comes with their role. It’s no surprise that many are struggling,” she says. “I call on both the public and the government to recognise the pressures carers face, and to show them the kindness and respect they so deserve.”

Lausa also urges the government to address the root causes of carers' mental health struggles. “Rather than focusing solely on providing mental health support, we need to ensure that carers are financially supported and that the sector is adequately funded. A fair wage and better job security would significantly ease the burden on carers, enabling them to continue their important work with dignity.”

At You & I Care, Lausa has implemented a variety of initiatives to support the mental health and wellbeing of her team, including access to confidential mental health sessions, wellbeing training, and discounts for recreational activities. Despite these efforts, she stresses that these initiatives are just one part of a much larger issue.

She adds: “We offer mental health support, and we try to provide as many benefits as possible to ensure our carers feel valued. But we need broader, systemic change. The care sector can only thrive if carers are supported - not just in terms of mental health, but in terms of a fair working environment that values their contributions.”

You & I Care is also running a competition to offer a day of self care to a carer who is dedicating their time to looking after another. Entries can be made via their website.

As Carers Week approaches, Lausa is calling on everyone to recognise the vital role that carers play and to extend kindness and respect to those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.

Care Home Residents Tap, Clap, Step and Sway Along to Dance Celebration Fun-loving care home residents and team members across the south have come together to celebrate the joy and beauty of dance.

Movement, music and laughter were all on show as Colten Care homes held a series of activities inspired by International Dance Day 2025.

Linden House, a dedicated dementia care home in Lymington, hosted a performance of Latin and ballroom by a visiting professional duo who compete in dance events worldwide.

One half, Kamil Kuroczko, has been featured on Poland’s Dancing with the Stars, the country’s equivalent of Strictly Come Dancing.

His partner Caitlin Heasman is the granddaughter of Linden House resident Judy Rose who was given a front-row seat for the half-hour performance.

Caitlin said: “I was thrilled at the idea of being able to dance in front of my grandmother, something I haven’t done for ten years or so.”

The Linden House audience were joined by fellow Colten Care residents from nearby Lymington home Court Lodge.

They included 102-year-old former dancer Margaret Honeyman, who said: “It was great to see a live show like this.”

At Kingfishers in New Milton, the spirit of the Wild West lit up a lively and inclusive seated line dancing session.

Among those toe-tapping, clapping, and swaying along to the beat was resident Pam Brown who,

reflecting on the cheerful country and western tunes, said: “It brought me back down memory lane.”

There was a distinctly international approach at The Aldbury, a dedicated dementia care home in Poole, with team members performing Irish, Indonesian, Thai, Sri Lankan, Spanish, Nepalese and of course British dances.

Resident Margaret Fitton said: “What a great show, learning different dances from across the world.”

There was an equally global vibe at dementia care home Fernhill in Longham. Reflecting a range of cultures, staff there performed traditional dances from Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Philippines and Cyprus.

Resident Edie Loader said “I have never seen anything like it before. I really enjoyed the different dances and outfits of the staff.”

At Abbey View in Sherborne, residents shook pom poms to an energetic performance from visiting baton twirling troupe Enigma Twirl.

Resident Barbara Carne said: “It was absolutely lovely. I would watch it all over again.”

Companionship Team member Kia Redshaw, a majorette in the troupe, said: “The residents really embraced the moment, making the whole visit go very well. We enjoyed performing all the routines. It was a lovely way to share the joy of dance which is so effective in enhancing people’s moods and spreading cheer all round.”

The Pobroll: A Cost-Effective, Dignified, and Sustainable Solution for Care Homes ®

The pobroll® is the invention of Pat O’Brien, a physiotherapist, Moving and Handling trainer, and Conflict Management tutor with over two decades of experience in care homes and nursing homes Care home managers often face challenges in delivering intimate care while balancing efficiency and managing costs, particularly when these essential tasks provoke behaviours that can be challenging to safely manage.

Traditional methods—especially for bed-bound residents—often lead to lengthy processes and frequent linen changes, driving up costs and consuming valuable staff time. The pobroll® provides a transformative solution that supports dignified care, achieves significant cost savings, and reduces the need for additional staffing.

The pobroll® is an innovative bed-bathing wrap specifically designed to enhance comfort and dignity during personal washing for individuals who require in-bed care. Centred on the resident’s experience, it minimizes distress by providing sensory comfort. Crafted with two layers of high-quality cotton-terry toweling and a waterproof layer in between, it delivers a soothing, calming experience while keeping the bed completely dry. Sized for a standard single bed, the pobroll®’s dual-layer design offers warmth and a sense of security and privacy, allowing residents to maintain comfort and dignity during bed-based bathing routines.

BOOSTING COST SAVINGS AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY The pobroll®'s waterproof design enables caregivers to provide a complete wet wash without the risk of soaking the bed, minimising the need for frequent linen changes. This leads to fewer laundry loads, reducing labour and utility costs, as well as wear on linens. By reducing logistical tasks, caregivers have more time to focus on direct resident care, enhancing productivity overall. Additionally, reduced reliance on disposable wipes results in further cost savings and supports environmentally sustainable practices.

With its durable, reusable design, the pobroll® maintains hygiene standards and allows for extended use across multiple residents. As care homes face increased pressure to adopt sustainable practices, the

pobroll® provides an effective solution that supports both economic and environmental goals.

REDUCING STAFFING COSTS AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS Managing resident agitation—particularly for those with dementia—often requires specialised training in restraint techniques. The pobroll® significantly reduces the need for physical intervention by providing a warm, secure covering that alleviates resident distress. This gentle approach minimizes aggressive or defensive reactions, reducing the number of staff needed for these interactions. As a result, facilities can potentially lower staffing levels without compromising care quality, yielding substantial cost savings.

Additionally, reduced dependence on physical intervention decreases training costs associated with restraint techniques. By simplifying the process of intimate care, the pobroll® reduces the need for specialised training, making onboarding smoother and lowering turnover-related training expenses.

ENHANCING SAFETY, COMPLIANCE, AND RESIDENT SATISFACTION The pobroll® supports compliance with restraint reduction guidelines, helping facilities minimise documentation burdens and regulatory liabilities linked to physical interventions. This non-invasive solution improves safety for both residents and caregivers, fostering a culture of dignity and respect that boosts satisfaction among residents and their families.

CONCLUSION: A VALUABLE ASSET FOR QUALITY CARE AND COST MANAGEMENT For care homes, the pobroll® represents a strategic investment, offering measurable savings by reducing reliance on disposable products, lowering laundry and training costs, and enabling efficient staffing. Most importantly, it prioritises resident dignity and comfort, setting a high standard for compassionate, personcentred care. For facilities seeking to enhance financial performance and care quality, the pobroll® is an invaluable addition to their resources.

Fof further information, see the advert on the facing page.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239 | PAGE 9

Casey Commission Must Deliver Urgent Action, Not Just Long-Term Ambition Care England has responded to the publication of the Terms of Reference for the new Commission into the future of adult social care, chaired by Baroness Louise Casey, welcoming the Commission’s ambition to establish a National Care Service and its recognition that support for older people and working-age adults must be considered distinctly.

This is a thoughtful and necessary step, acknowledging the different challenges and approaches required across these groups, Care England said, but cautioned that the current structure — with final recommendations expected in 2028 and delivery envisaged over a decade — risks delaying vital action in a sector already at breaking point.

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, said: “We welcome the establishment of this Commission and Baroness Casey’s leadership. It is a significant moment to put adult social care where it belongs — at the heart of national policy. But for too long, adult social care has been overlooked, underfunded, and misunderstood.

This Commission must not become another exercise in managing decline or pushing reform into the political long grass and we must remember the adult social care sector is wide and diverse beyond older person and working age services.”

The Terms of Reference rightly speak to long-term transformation, but Care England is urging the Commission to set out clear interim steps to support the sector in the here and now — particularly on workforce pressures, provider sustainability, and the funding mechanisms that underpin access to care.”

“Hundreds of thousands of people rely on care services every day — many of whom, frankly, cannot wait years for change,” continued Professor Green. “Hundreds and thousands of those drawing on care today, especially older people, may not live to see the benefits of a transformed system unless the Commission brings forward immediate improvements alongside its longer-term vision. We need bold interim steps, not just plans for a decade from now.”

“The diversity of adult social care — spanning residential, nursing, supported living, home care, mental health, complex needs, and unpaid care — must also remain front and centre. While the division between older people and working-age adults is helpful and necessary, the Commission must recognise the full breadth and complexity of the sector and avoid one-size-fits-all solutions.”

“Care England is concerned that this structure implies reform is a distant prospect. If we continue to defer decisions, there is a real risk that the workforce will continue to dwindle, providers will exit the market, and access to care will become even more constrained. The Commission must lead the charge for immediate progress — not follow behind.”

Care England says that while ithas committed to fully engaging with the Commission and contributing constructively to its work, the message to Government is clear: the time for delivery is now.

“We don’t underestimate the scale of reform needed — and we welcome the principle of a ten-year plan,” said Professor Martin Green. “But if we’re not prepared to act in the short term, there may be little left to reform in the long term.”

Work/Life Balance: Evolve Care Group Support Team Leader's Cricket Aspirations At Heanton Nursing Home, part of the Evolve Care Group, team members are supported in pursuing their passions both inside and outside of the care home. Dinil Varghese, a Team Leader and avid cricketer, is a shining example of this support in action.

Dinil Varghese has been playing cricket for twenty years and is about to start his fourth at Braunton Cricket Club. "I am a bowler, but I really enjoy batting in the number 8 position" he shared. "Last year, our team became league champions and earned a promotion to a higher division. I am incredibly grateful for the sponsorship from Evolve Care Group this season to defend our title!"

In his two years working at the Barnstaple care home, he has progressed from a

Care Assistant to Team Leader and now aspires to become a Care Practitioner.

"Heanton has supported me hugely throughout my career, my colleagues, managers, and training leads have been so fantastic!" he added.

Heanton support not just personal development, but also the personal passions and well-being of their team. Whether it’s advancing in a care career or thriving on the cricket pitch, the team at Heanton believes that when individuals are supported holistically, everyone benefits — especially the people they care for. Dinil’s journey is just one of many inspiring stories that reflect the nurturing and empowering culture at Heanton Nursing Home.

PAGE 10 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239

Preparing for the Future: Why Dementia Training for Care Staff Cannot Wait As the UK faces a growing dementia crisis, with cases projected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040 care homes find themselves at a critical point. The alarming reality is that 71% of residential care home staff do not have dementia training (data from Alzheimer’s Society). This Dementia Action Week, we must ask ourselves: what if we could change this statistic and prepare our care workforce for the challenges ahead?

THE GROWING NEED FOR SPECIALISED CARE The dementia care landscape is changing rapidly. The number of care home residents living with dementia is growing, yet staff there often feel underprepared to provide the personcentred support required. This gap in dementia training not only affects the quality of care delivered but also impacts staff confidence and retention rate.

“With dementia prevalence ever increasing, the demands on the social care workforce are growing” highlights Frances Lawrence, CEO of Dementia Carers Count. “Our training and support can help equip carers with the confidence, skills and knowledge required to deliver much needed high quality dementia care.”

SPECIAL DEMENTIA ACTION WEEK OFFER To address this pressing need, the team at Dementia Carers Count is offering a CPD accredited introductory dementia training session with a special 30% discount during Dementia Action Week when booked before May 23rd. This training provides care staff with practical skills to: • Better understand the experiences of people living with dementia and their unpaid family carers • Develop effective and person-centred communication strategies • Create supportive environments that reduce anxiety and confusion • Recognise and respond to changing needs • Build meaningful connections with family carers

"WHAT IF...": PLANNING AHEAD FOR BETTER OUTCOMES Dementia Carers Count is here to support care providers who want to improve outcomes for residents living with dementia and their families. What if every care home staff member had the knowledge to provide personalised dementia care? What if care homes could build stronger partnerships with families, improving trust and communication? What if family carers choosing a residential home for their loved one knew they would be cared for with knowledge, confidence and empathy? What if we could prepare now for the increasing demand for specialised dementia support?

By investing in training today, care homes aren't just preparing for tomorrow. They're enhancing their current service delivery, improving CQC ratings, and building reputation as centres of excellence in dementia care.

The Invisible Carers: Supporting Families Behind the Scenes A critical yet often overlooked aspect of dementia care is supporting the family members who remain deeply involved in their loved one's journey. At Dementia Carers Count we are encouraging care homes to partner with us to provide interactive family support sessions and offer our counselling and advice services to their wider communities.

When care homes choose to engage with family carers, they're not just improving care for the resident, they're offering a lifeline to overwhelmed carers feeling isolated and invisible. This inspiring community approach leads to better outcomes for everyone at every stage of care.

SUCCESS STORY: A CLASS CARE TRANSFORMS THROUGH TRAINING A Class Care exemplifies how specialised dementia training can elevate care standards. After participating in DCC's training, their team of professional carers reported significant impact in confidence and capability.

Bethany, Care Quality Manager at A Class Care, shares: "The dementia training delivered by Dementia Carers Count was incredibly informative and insightful. It has enhanced our care team's understanding of those living with dementia, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to provide more compassionate and tailored support. They now feel more confident in creating a positive environment for the individuals they support."

Krystal, Care Quality Officer, adds: "The dementia training delivered by Dementia Carers Count was highly engaging and provided our team with practical, actionable tips on how best to support someone living with dementia. The session was both informative and interactive, leaving the team feeling more equipped and confident."

Even experienced staff found value in the training, with one professional carer noting: "I have a strong knowledge of dementia already, but I did learn new things, especially about how different coloured plates can determine how much a service user eats and other trigger points... I also enjoyed hearing other people's perspectives and experiences with dementia as it's different for everyone."

TAKE ACTION NOW With dementia cases rising and the care sector already stretched, there's never been a more critical time to invest in dementia training. Contact Dementia Carers Count today to take advantage of the 30% Dementia Action Week discount and join forward-thinking care providers like A Class Care who are preparing for the future by enhancing their care delivery today.

For more information about training sessions or to book, email Satya Cashman, partnerships manager on partnerships@dementiacarers.org.uk

Iris Court Celebrates Its 1st Anniversary!

Iris Court care home in Hitchin celebrated its 1st anniversary in style with a wonderful party attended by the North Hertfordshire Council Leader, Cllr Daniel Allen.

Staff, residents and guests marked the special occasion with celebrations all day, including live entertainment from a talented local act Ellie Rose, who entertained the residents and guests with her beautiful singing and dancing. Everyone joined in and had a fantastic singalong. Whilst on arrival guests enjoyed Champagne whilst the home thanked the community for attending, and a delicious selection of Canapes, Tapas, Mocktails and Pimm’s were served in the pop-up pub for Iris Court.

Councillor Daniel Allen, the North Hertfordshire Council Leader, joined in with the celebrations and gave a special speech, no one could believe that the home has already been open a whole year. The time has flown by.

Cassie Hinton the Homes Services Advisor said “We are extremely proud of Iris Court as a home, and our team here and the amazing awards and achievements we have been awarded this year, and the whole team are very excited to continue of this

pathway and look forward to many more years “ Iris Court has built up an excellent reputation within the local community.

The home regularly holds events and activities for its residents, their friends and families and its surrounding neighbours. Iris Court really likes to bring the community together and forms a central hub for many community groups.

General Manager, Babu Rangarajan, said: “We have all had such a fantastic first year here at Iris Court, it was lovely to be able to celebrate altogether. We are a family and we all support each other. It is testament to my wonderful team here who work so hard to care for our residents, that we have such a loving and caring home. I am so proud of them all and I want to thank them for all that they do to go above and beyond for our fabulous residents each and every day.”

Anne, a resident at Iris Court, added: “We had such a lovely day celebrating, it was so lovely seeing lots of members of the community come together to celebrate with us.”

Realise Secures New Partnership with Care Giant Growing training specialist Realise has formed a new partnership with one of the country’s largest independent care providers and developed a bespoke Level 3 apprenticeship for its staff.

Realise’s Health and Social Care division has been appointed by Barchester Healthcare to deliver the Senior Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship.

Barchester is one of the most respected care providers in the country, with more than 250 care homes from Inverness to Falmouth.

Realise will provide the apprenticeship to colleagues working within Barchester’s complex care and hospital care division, which covers 14 settings.

Realise will also offer other apprenticeship opportunities from Level 2 right through to Level 5.

Angela Kaine, Director of Health and Social Care at Realise, said the collaboration came after the training provider was able to demonstrate how it could adapt the programme for Barchester’s specific needs.

She said: “We are delighted to be entering into a new relationship with a care provider of Barchester’s calibre and reputation.

“The agreement follows in-depth discussions with Barchester’s leadership team where we were able to demonstrate our agility and ability to adapt the programme so that it best serves their employees within the complex care and hospital care division.

“This has meant us working alongside Barchester to create a bespoke curriculum that aligns with the company’s needs, values, language and behaviours.

“Consequently, the programme will have a significantly heightened focus on the mental health pathway,

including crisis intervention, mental capacity and de-escalation techniques.

“We are excited to begin work with Barchester and to be helping the business effectively to address its apprenticeship challenges.”

Realise will offer flexible solutions to accommodate off-the-job training and mentoring within varied shift patterns, including evenings and weekends.

A dedicated operations team from Realise will work on the partnership to ensure high standards of provision and good outcomes.

Other apprenticeships from Level 2 to Level 5 will also be adapted with specific pathways to meet Barchester’s needs.

Members of the Realise management team recently attended Barchester’s Quality First Conference to reinforce the new relationship, understand the business better and allow employees to sign up to the course.

A total of 33 staff are set to enrol on the 18-month Senior Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship in the coming weeks, with more to follow soon after.

Sarah Clifford, Head of Apprenticeships for Barchester Healthcare said: “From initial meetings and introductions, Realise showed their professionalism from day one.

“They listened to our current challenges, taking them away and sharing a bespoke apprenticeship design to support our career development specifically for our Hospitals and Complex Care division.

“This included a modern innovated style of delivery which was fit for purpose and role specific, with the golden thread of embedding the curriculum in the Barchester way of working.”

For more information, visit www.realisetraining.com

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239 | PAGE 11

St Peter’s Hospice Unveils Plan To Double Reach In Five Years Ahead of Dying Matters Week (5th – 11th May), St Peter’s Hospice in Bristol launched a new strategy which aims to double the number of people it supports within the next five years. Driven by research and stakeholder feedback, the strategy aims to address some of the key challenges and barriers faced by the Hospice: • Currently, St Peter’s are only reaching one in three people in the region who need end of life care. With an ageing population, the demand for support is only set to grow.

• On average, people are referred to the charity just 44 days before death, but research shows earlier support improves outcomes for patients, carers, and loved ones.

• Research carried out by St Peter’s showed that one in three people don’t know what the charity does, and 50% thought hospice care needed to be paid for.

• Research shows that some groups – such as people with non-cancer conditions and those from marginalised backgrounds, including individuals who are homeless – are less likely to receive hospice care.

The move is part of a renewed vision for St Peter’s, to ensure more individuals receive the end of life care they deserve. The new five-year strategy is also supported by a brand refresh, its first in over a decade.

As well as doubling their reach, St Peter’s is also aiming to extend the length of time it cares for patients, from the last weeks of life, to

the last 12 months. It will also focus on delivering more of its services in the community, with input from those communities, and health and social care professionals, about what they want and need.

“Our vision is to transform the experience of death by bringing understanding, compassion, and care to those navigating this difficult journey,” said St Peter’s CEO Susan Hamilton.

“The UK is at a critical juncture, with a significant rise in the demand for end of life care expected in the years ahead.

“As the number of people needing end of life care grows, we are committed to providing them and their families with the compassionate care they need.

“While recent years have been challenging, we’re now focused on an ambitious plan to expand our reach and support people earlier in their journey.”

St Peter’s provides free end of life care to adults in the Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset areas. Over 90% of care is delivered in the comfort of people’s own homes, the rest is delivered at the Hospice in Brentry.

The new strategy and look were developed in collaboration with employees, volunteers, supporters and the public, and aims to broaden the reach of the charity, which was founded in 1978, to address inequalities in end of life care.

The research which informed the new strategy highlighted the importance of earlier conversations about death and dying, and timely support to improve the experience of patients and their loved ones.

“Our priorities will include taking a leading role in conversations on death and dying, working in partnership with workplaces, schools, the NHS and the voluntary sector. We want to challenge myths about hospice care so everyone knows they can turn to us, and empower people to feel more able to talk about death and dying.

“We will also collaborate with other health and social care providers to identify and support patients earlier, and we’ll embrace new technologies and continue to focus on innovation, because we know people are increasingly looking for information and support on digital platforms.”

The new strategy has also led to a rebrand, which Susan says is a way to break down some of the barriers to people accessing the charity’s support or making donations.

“Our research showed that one in three people didn’t understand our work, many thought they had to pay for our services and nearly half didn’t realise we cared for people in their own homes, when in fact, that’s where 90% of our care is provided. Our brand was described as dated and not reflective of our range of services. By modernising how we look and sound, we can break down some of the misconceptions to increase our reach and income.”

“We have always received fantastic support from the local community, and this is going to be more important than ever in making our ambitious plans a reality. We can’t stop death. But together, we can make sure people get care that’s right for them, when they need it.”

Free Recreo VR Headsets Available to All Care Homes This Spring, Recreo VR is offering care homes an exciting opportunity to enhance resident wellbeing through the power of Virtual Reality (VR). By signing up for one of our 24-month Recreo Theatres packages, you’ll receive a free VR headset and staff training.

Our platform provides person-centred, budget-friendly activities that are fun, engaging, and accessible, especially for residents who are bedbound or socially isolated. Co-created with Alzheimer’s Society and individuals with dementia, our service empowers staff to deliver personalised reminiscence and one-to-one sessions that promote memory recall and connection.

Our VR headsets have been recognised as good practice by the Care Quality

Commission (CQC), further validating their impact on care. Regular use of Recreo VR has a proven positive effect on wellbeing, with residents reporting increased activity, engagement, and social connection, often leading to a reduction in the need for PRN medication.

Whether combating loneliness, promoting relaxation, or enhancing cognitive health, VR offers a non-pharmacological solution to enrich care and elevate quality of life.

Don’t miss out! Take advantage of this exclusive offer and see how VR can transform your care home experience.

For more information, visit recreovr.co.uk. Or contact us at info@recreovr.co.uk or 01482 526940.

PAGE 12 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239

“A Game Changer for Us” – How Technology Enabled Care Reconnected a Mother and Daughter Article supplied by The Access Group (www.theaccessgroup.com/en-gb/health-social-care) When Sharon’s mum Monica lost her partner and began struggling with her health, Sharon found herself trying to care from a distance—juggling a demanding job in Exeter with near-daily phone calls and constant worry about her mum, who lives alone with her two dogs in Barnstaple, Devon.

“Mum was always independent, but after losing her partner and being told she needed a hip replacement, she became withdrawn and physically frail. I was constantly worried,” said Sharon.

“I’d ring every morning to check she was up, had taken her pills, had something to eat. It was overwhelming.

“She didn’t want a carer. She insisted she didn’t ‘need care.’ But with living over an hour and a half away, I knew I needed to find some kind of support for both of us.”

Sharon learned about new technology being offered by her employer Bluebird Care N.E.W. Devon in partnership with Access Health, Support and Care (HSC), using discreet technology enabled care (TEC) to provide reassurance without intrusion.

The system, Access Assure, uses non-intrusive smart home devices – no cameras, no recordings – just sensors placed around the home to understand daily routines. Movements like opening a cupboard, boiling the kettle, and general mobility patterns are monitored, with alerts sent to family members if anything out of the ordinary occurs or daily living activity patterns change.

For Sharon, the reassurance was instant and the relief had an immediate positive impact on her own wellbeing.

“Suddenly, I wasn’t waking up worried. I knew Mum was up and moving, when the kettle went on, when she’d opened the medicine cupboard. And I knew I’d be alerted if anything changed for Mum. “It completely changed our dynamic. I could go back to being her daughter again, not just her carer.”

A Bluebird Care N.E.W Devon professional now visits once a week to check the equipment and provide some company.

What started as a technical check-in is now something Sharon’s mum actively enjoys, helping ease the path toward accepting future care, should she need it.

“I didn’t expect technology to bring us closer,” Sharon reflected. “But it has.

When I visit now, we go out, we laugh, we just enjoy each other’s company again.”

The smart system behind Sharon’s peace of mind uses AI to learn her mum’s typical routines and flag any irregularities, like missed medication or disrupted sleep, while preserving her Mum’s privacy.

It’s a lifeline that’s helping more families keep loved ones safe at home, without compromising their dignity or sense of autonomy.

“This has been a game changer for us,” Sharon said. “I’d recommend it to anyone.”

William Flint, Director for Bluebird Care N.E.W Devon said: “Using TEC has changed the way we think about care at home. It’s not just about early intervention or risk reduction, it’s about giving families space to reconnect, to be daughters and sons again for example, not just carers.

“It’s a powerful reminder that the right technology, used in the right way, can be deeply human.”

Andy Sparkes, Managing Director for Access TEC, added: “Access Assure is about more than sensors, smart technology, or even an intelligent dashboard that transforms data into meaningful action.

At its core, it’s about reassurance and restoring peace of mind. Families like Sharon’s shouldn’t have to choose between their loved ones living independently and their safety.

“This technology works quietly in the background, empowering individuals to live fulfilling and meaningful lives in the place they choose, while making sure someone’s always on hand if they need that extra layer of support.”

Following stories like Sharon’s, Bluebird Care N.E.W Devon is now preparing to roll out Access Assure across more of its services, bringing the benefits of technology enabled care to families across the region.

Friends Of The Elderly’s Winter Appeal Raises £18,778 To Support Vulnerable Older People Thanks to the kindness and generosity of its donors, charity Friends of the Elderly’s Winter Appeal has raised an amazing £18,778 to help support its Grants Programme, a service which is totally focused on helping and supporting vulnerable, older people living throughout England and Wales who are State Pension age and living on low incomes.

“The winter months are notoriously hard and tough for many older people, but thanks to the kind donations Friends of the Elderly received as part of its Winter Appeal, the Charity has been able to help and support over 352 older people through its Grants Programme,” said Mark Wilson, Friends of the Elderly’s Interim co-Chief Executive.

“Paul and Evelyn* are just one example of the many older people we have supported through our Winter Appeal,” continued Mark.

Paul and Evelyn, who are both in their seventies, were struggling with the cold. Each night they would sit huddled on the sofa in dressing gowns with duvets wrapped around their knees.

“We were struggling when the energy bills went up so much and our oven had also broken. We were both so worried and it made me feel depressed. You have to watch every penny. We are old, so we don’t eat a lot, but we were still having to decide between eating or turning on the heating.

“We would sit in dressing gowns with duvets around our knees. Sitting in the cold is so awful that we would just get into bed to try and keep warm. I would be grumpy with my Wife and constantly stressed, you get so in your head worrying. To be so cold and not be able to turn on your heating is soul destroying,

it affects your mental health. We don’t put the heating on as we don’t want to spend what we can’t afford; we don’t want to be in debt. That would be even more of a worry.”

Friends of the Elderly provided Paul and Evelyn with a grant of £500 to help with their heating costs. “The grant was a godsend, we felt so overwhelmed when we received it, I started crying. It has without a doubt eased our stress and anxiety. We felt relieved, we didn’t have to worry about food. continued Paul.

“Thanks to the generosity of all those who donated to the Winter Appeal, Friends of the Elderly has been able to help people by repairing or replacing cookers for hot meals, given grants to people to enable them to buy new warm clothes to stop them shivering as well as purchasing beds and bedding to provide grant recipients with warmth and comfort through the cold winter nights,” continued Mark. “In total, this winter, through its Winter Appeal, the Charity has been able to help 352 people, giving them the support they need and deserve.

“Helping older people like Paul and Evelyn is at the core of our Winter Appeal. It’s crucial that we continue to support as many older people as possible, helping them to keep warm, comfortable, and safe. The Winter Appeal is pivotal in helping us to support and make positive differences to many vulnerable older people they have nowhere else to turn.

“At Friends of the Elderly, we totally understand and appreciate just how tough and challenging times are for everyone, so we are extremely grateful for all the donations we received,” concluded Mark.

Sky’s the Limit: Park View’s Manager Raises Over £1,000 with Thrilling Skydive Park View Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes Group, is soaring with

skydive raised over £1,000. These funds will be used to enrich Park View’s

pride after Home Manager Alex completed a daring 10,000-foot parachute

residents’ daily lives, including purchasing new activity equipment, provid-

jump to raise funds for the home’s amenities fund.

ing live entertainment, and contributing to the home’s upcoming VE Day

Originally set for Saturday but postponed due to weather, the jump finally took place on Sunday 27th April at 5pm. With nerves of steel and a heart full of purpose, Alex leapt from the skies to support the residents of Park View.

“When that plane door opened and I jumped out, the adrenaline was unreal,” Alex shared. “It was an unforgettable experience—one I won’t rush to do again, but absolutely worth it for the cause.”

Thanks to the incredible generosity of sponsors and supporters, Alex’s

80th Anniversary Street Party.

The atmosphere throughout the event was filled with excitement and anticipation, with everyone rallying behind Alex’s brave leap for a meaningful cause.

“This fundraiser was all about giving back to our residents,” Alex added.

“We want to make sure they have plenty of opportunities to enjoy life, stay active, and feel part of a vibrant community.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239 | PAGE 13

Doctors And Hospital Bosses Back Blood Tests To Boost Dementia Diagnosis And Treatment New blood tests could transform dementia diagnosis – and NHS clinicians are excited by the prospect. With 94% of the UK public saying they would be willing to take a dementia blood test, new research from Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) and Alzheimer’s Society shows healthcare professionals are also supportive of the tests to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.

Currently, one in three people in the UK living with dementia do not receive a formal diagnosis, however, research is underway to produce new blood tests that can spot specific dementia-causing proteins and allow doctors to make quicker and more accurate diagnoses.

In the future, these tests will be used alongside current methods – such as cognitive assessments and brain scans – to give doctors and people with dementia a clearer picture of the disease.

A landmark initiative, the Blood Biomarkers Challenge, is accelerating progress.

Supported by ARUK, Alzheimer’s Society, the National Institute for Health and Care Research, Gates Ventures, and funded thanks to the People’s Postcode Lottery, this multi-million-pound programme aims to introduce dementia blood tests on the NHS within five years.

TO ASSESS THEIR EFFECTIVENESS IN REAL-WORLD SETTINGS, TWO MAJOR UK-WIDE CLINICAL TRIALS ARE UNDERWAY: • One examines multiple new and existing blood tests to determine their usefulness in diagnosing differ-

ent types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies.

• The other will focus on a clinical trial to see how effective a specific blood test is in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease in people with early-onset Alzheimer’s and mild memory problems.

Interviews with GPs, practice nurses, psychiatrists and NHS commissioners found strong enthusiasm for blood-based testing.

The respondents were based across the UK and had a range of knowledge about blood tests for dementia.

The clinicians were keen that blood tests should still be used in the future to help give the best diagnosis – enabling people to understand symptoms, make treatment adjustments and take part in relevant clinical trials – even if patients aren’t eligible for the latest developmental drugs.

Both clinicians and hospital bosses said that blood tests would be more efficient and a better use of NHS resources than having to wait for diagnostic scans, as well as being less stressful for patients. One commissioner said the tests would be an “absolute no brainer from both an economical point of view and a patient quality of care point of view”.

ARUK and Alzheimer’s Society are using the feedback we’ve had from this research when talking to politicians and NHS leaders about what needs to happen next to improve dementia diagnosis.

With the number of people living with dementia projected to rise by more than 40% by 2040, it is crucial they say that decision makers act now to improve diagnosis rates and treatment.

The Carer To Produce Special V-E Day Digital Supplement – Call For Resident Stories We are thrilled to announce that THE CARER will be producing a special digital supplement to commemorate Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) on May 8. This historic occasion marks the unconditional surrender of Germany’s military forces to the Allies in 1945, bringing an end to the conflict in Europe during World War II. Over the years, we have been honoured and privileged to share incredible stories from care homes and their residents from across the UK—stories of heroism, resilience, and dedication from residents who served our country in times of conflict and need. From D-Day to Remembrance Sunday, awards and honours these personal recollections have been a

testament to the courage and sacrifices of a remarkable generation.

To mark this momentous anniversary, we are calling on care homes to send in as many resident stories as possible, accompanied by photos, to help us create a bumper V-E Day supplement. Whether it’s firsthand memories of May 8, 1945, stories of service, or reflections on what V-E Day meant to them, we would love to share and celebrate these treasured accounts.

Submit your resident stories and photos to veday@thecareruk.com Let’s come together to honour and preserve the legacy of those who witnessed this historic day.

PAGE 14 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239

Food for Thought - The Implications of New Simpler Recycling Regulations on the Care Home Sector From March 31st, new waste disposal regulations came into effect as part of the Government’s Simpler Recycling initiative. Designed to reduce waste and increase recycling rates across the country, this has direct and potentially significant implications for the care home and nursing home sector. Anenta, the UK’s leading independent healthcare waste management specialist for the care home sector, explains to issues at hand.

Under the news Simpler Recycling regulations, in addition to segregating clinical waste and offensive waste into separate waste streams, care homes now have a legal duty to separate out all recyclable materials from general waste.

Paper and card, plastic, glass, metal, and food waste all need to be separated and stored in segregated waste collection streams, necessitating larger storage areas, more waste receptacles, and more waste collections.

Although this has implications and associated costs, the new regulations are important because incorrectly disposed waste not only puts a strain on England’s waste capacity – hampering sustainable waste targets – but also significantly adds to the cost of care home waste bills.

FOOD FRUSTRATION Of all the new waste streams, food waste is likely to be one of the biggest headaches for care homes. That’s because if you produce more than 5kg of food waste per week, you will need to implement a separate food waste disposal system.

Food is a particularly significant form of waste for most care homes as it’s almost impossible to avoid when catering for residents.

In some cases, care homes will have good protocols in place for uneaten or waste food, with collections for anaerobic digestion or composting in place. However, for many others this will not be the case, quite simply because it’s always been easier to put waste food into general waste.

And while food waste from canteens or communal eating areas may be relatively easy to collect and recycle, it’s important to remember

that a significant amount of other food waste – resulting from items being consumed by both staff and residents in other areas – have the potential to end up in general waste too. Under the new rules that cannot be allowed to happen and that means you now need to make separate food waste bins readily available in public areas.

WHAT IF YOU DON’T COMPLY? Under the new legislation, if you put food waste into the wrong bins, your supplier will not be permitted to collect them. However, you’ll still be charged, and repeated non-compliance could result in fines or other penalties, which could be as high as £5,000 or more.

To avoid this, you’ll not only need to have sufficient food waste bins in place within your care home, but appropriate training to ensure that all staff are aware of the importance of segregating waste correctly.

Here, appropriate signage is also advised to avoid any confusion.

You’ll also need to ensure that food waste collected within your care home – including inedible food parts such as bones, eggshells, fruit and vegetable skins, tea bags and coffee grounds – actually make it into the designated food waste bin for collection.

When you consider that general waste for care homes costs anything between £180 and £250 a tonne, whereas food waste – collected

for anaerobic digestion – costs between £105 to £190 per tonne, it simply doesn’t make sense to continue putting food in your general waste.

Quite apart from avoiding large fines – which could affect your reputation – switching from using the general waste stream for food disposal to anaerobic digestion will save your business anything between 8% and 16%. That’s a saving of £60-£120 per 1,100 litre bin per annum.

For care home groups with multiple locations, that’s a saving that soon mounts up.

So, far from being a bad thing financially, the new recycling regulations actually have the potential to bring about long-term cost savings for care homes throughout England. Viewed through that lens switching to segregation makes complete sense.

But it’s not the only benefit. By diverting your food waste from general waste into a separate food waste recycling stream, it can be reprocessed through anaerobic digestion to create organic fertiliser and biogas, helping your business move one step closer to becoming zeroto-landfill and achieving your environmental targets.

This avoids your care home food ending up in landfill where it would release methane, a gas which, according to the UN Environmental Programme, is 80 times more harmful than carbon dioxide Adopting this process will help to ensure that the correct waste goes into the correct channels, saving your care home money, keeping you compliant, minimising environmental impact, and avoiding inadvertent contamination that could cause issues with your waste collection, leading to extra cost, and stringent action by the authorities.

Far from being feared, the new Simpler Recycling regulations should be embraced, saving your care home money and playing a part in saving the future of the planet.

For guidance and advice on how to meet the Simpler Recycling Workplace Rules, and for information on the best systems to adopt for waste storage and collection, email Anenta at contact@anenta.com or call 033 0122 2143. www.anentawaste.com

Care Home Team Presents Cheque To Local Nursery Children Children from an Aberdeenshire nursery have received a visit from local care home staff to hand over a special gift.

Julie-Anne Thomson, home manager at Meallmore run Auchtercrag House Care Home in Ellon and Julie Stringfellow, Aberdeenshire Area Manager for Meallmore met some of the children from the nursery to pass on a cheque donation of £800.

The money was raised by the team at Auchtercrag House Care Home in Ellon, who completed a 98-mile virtual cycle in support of Auchterellon Nursery’s outdoor equipment fund.

The funds raised are going towards developing the outdoor nursery space for local children to learn, play, and grow, as well as providing high visibility vests to wear on trips into the surrounding areas.

Julie Stringfellow, Aberdeenshire Area Manager for Meallmore said: “We loved raising this money for Auchterellon Nursery and had a great time going along to the nursery to hand over the giant cheque to the children. We hope they have a wonderful time exploring the outdoors with their new equipment and very much hope they’ll pop in to see us and meet the residents at Auchtercrag.”

Michelle Greaves, nursery manager at Auchterellon Nursery said: “A huge thank you to the team at Auchtercrag for raising this money for us. We’re all really excited to get the new equipment, which will enable the children to have even more adventures. We all had a lovely morning meeting the team - we’ll be heading round to make some new friends and show off our new high-vis vests soon!”

Located in Ellon, Auchtercrag House Care Home is run by leading care home provider, Meallmore Ltd and provides excellent standards of care for its residents, including those living with dementia.

The cycle covered the distance between the six Meallmore care homes in Aberdeenshire - Auchtercrag House, Bayview Care Home in Cruden Bay, Crimond House Care Home in Crimond, Grove Care home in Inverurie, and Kynnaird House Care Home and St Modans Care Home in Fraserburgh.

Meallmore currently operates 27 homes across Scotland: 21 for elderly residents, five for adults with mental health needs and one for adults with learning or physical disability.

Bidfood Celebrates VE Day by Hosting Care Home Party Showcasing 1940s-Inspired Dishes As the country prepares for the 80-year milestone of Victory in Europe Day, Bidfood, one of the UK’s leading wholesalers, has revealed how care homes can include all of their residents in the celebrations by hosting a VE Day party at Anchor’s Moore Place Care Home.

Taking inspiration from the ingenuity and perseverance of wartime rationing and economic constraints, Bidfood’s Healthcare Culinary Development Chefs brought a series of recipes to life from their guide, ‘Swinging it back to the 40s’.

Approximately half a million people live in care homes in the UK[1], each living with specialised dietary requirements and health conditions such as diabetes and dysphagia. As well as this, many care homes are still having to operate on small budgets while facing high costs.

Hosting an afternoon tea, Bidfood presented nostalgic and costeffective dishes for the residents of Moore Place, with cutlery-free and fortified options to provide a more inclusive and enjoyable dining experience for those with swallowing difficulties or a reduced appetite. The spread included a selection of afternoon cakes, war time loaf cake, fresh fruit and a favourite of the residents, cherry and chocolate scones.

The recipes in Bidfood’s ‘Swinging it back to the 40s’ guide also take into consideration chef skill set and can be prepared by staff of all skill levels, aiding budget management and waste reduction, while also using affordable and readily available ingredients that can be changed seasonally.

Commenting on the VE Day party, Wayne Wright, Healthcare Culinary Development Chef at Bidfood said:

“VE Day holds a very special place in the hearts of many of our UK residents, who all deserve to celebrate this significant landmark, whether they follow a specific diet or suffer from a medical condition that hinders their ability to eat and drink.

“Our guide includes cocktail inspiration, an activity pack and a nostalgic playlist to really help get the party going! We hope that care home chefs and caterers will be inspired by our ‘Swinging it back to the 40s’ guide, just as I was inspired by my father-in-law’s cookbook, to host the perfect VE Day celebration.

“Food has an amazing ability to recreate cherished memories and bring people together in a meaningful way and our VE Day afternoon tea menu reflected the spirit and resilience of that time, bringing a smile to the residents and staff of Moore Place who could see just how easy it was put on a simple, yet delicious, cost-effective feast!”

‘Swinging it back to the 40s’ is just one of the multiple support tools created by Bidfood to help their care customers. This guide, along with many others, is available through Bidfood’s Interactive Care Home. With over 75 interactive elements to discover, users are able to access tools on specialist diets, product guides and increase their knowledge via Bidfood’s free e-learning site, Caterers Campus.

For more guidance, inspiration, and support on catering for the care sector, please visit: https://www.bidfood.co.uk/care-homes/ And click here to watch Bidfood’s 80th VE Day pop up party: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2f9XpYW8hc

PAGE 16 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239

Sector Reacts as New Report Warns of Looming Crisis in Adult Social Care A hard-hitting new report, Adult Social Care Reform: The Cost of Inaction, released on May 5, has sparked a wave of concern across the care sector, warning that government reforms are “doomed to fail” unless ministers urgently confront the true financial and human costs of inaction.

The report, backed by cross-party MPs and leading industry figures, highlights the deepening crisis facing adult social care in the UK—underscoring chronic underfunding, mounting workforce pressures, and the growing strain placed on hospitals and local services.

The findings suggest that unless meaningful investment and long-term strategy are prioritised, the social care system will continue to falter, with far-reaching consequences for the NHS, the wider economy, and vulnerable individuals.

As the implications of the report ripple through the sector, senior voices from care and public health have issued urgent calls for action.

Below, we share a selection of key industry responses to the report’s findings.

KATHRYN SMITH OBE SOCIAL CARE INSTITUTE FOR EXCELLENCE (SCIE) CHIEF EXECUTIVE SAID:

“Whilst the inquiry could not estimate the full cost that we, as a country, are paying for inaction, the case for change is clear.

“This report provides further sobering confirmation of the deep and systemic challenges facing the social care sector. This evidence is clear: inaction is not an option for the people who rely on care and support, unpaid carers, our NHS and the economy.

“When properly resourced and delivered with compassion and expertise, social care is not a burden on the economy—it is a vital investment in people’s lives and communities. High-quality social care transforms lives, enabling people to live with greater independence, dignity and purpose. Social care done well reduces pressure on the NHS, strengthens community ties, and helps people thrive.

“The social care system may be ‘broken’, but it is not beyond repair.

The Casey Commission gives us a real opportunity to get off the merrygo-round of reports and commissions, but nothing by way of lasting change. The Casey Commission has the opportunity to transform the social care sector into a robust, equitable, and efficient system.”

DOMINIC CARTER, CARERS TRUST DIRECTOR OF POLICY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS SAID:

“The committee’s report makes clear that the Casey Commission missed an early opportunity to recognise and value unpaid carers and the need to properly support them. Every day we hear how carers – and the vital services trying so hard to support them – are being pushed to the brink. Things have to change and fast.”

“A lack of support for carers comes at a cost to carers and the taxpayer. A failure to properly fund adult social care leaves millions of carers with no choice but to pick up the pieces of a broken system.

Carers, of all ages as highlighted by the Committee, deserve better.”

“It is vital now that Government and Commission both listen and act on the findings of this inquiry.”

DIRECTOR OF POLICY AT THE HEALTH FOUNDATION, HUGH ALDERWICK, SAID: “Today (May 5) , MPs have laid bare the high price of continued political inaction on social care. Under the current system, many people go without the care they need, staff pay and conditions are poor, reliance on unpaid carers is high, and people face potentially catastrophic care costs.”

“The report comes as the Casey Commission finally gets underway, almost a year after the government came to power promising social care reform. It is welcome that the Commission is taking a rounded view of social care and how to improve it. But we have been here before. Many of the options for reform are well known, and the Commission should build on the long line of previous pro-

posals on fixing the broken system.”

“Politicians have repeatedly promised social care reform, then ducked or delayed the changes needed.

The government’s timeline for the new Commission risks history repeating, with reforms not being implemented and people continuing to suffer.

“Louise Casey’s first act was to meet people with lived experience of the current system, so she will have already heard first hand the urgent need for reform.”

“We encourage her to move as quickly as possible to make recommendations to government and hold ministers to account for taking the action their predecessors have dodged.”

“Delivering lasting change will require political will and investment. Next month’s Spending Review is a chance for government to show their commitment to improving social care by providing a down payment on the long-term investment needed for reform.”

EMILY HOLZHAUSEN CBE, DIRECTOR OF POLICY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT CARERS UK, SAID:

“This report could not have come at a better time, at the start of the Casey Commission, providing robust analysis of the gaps that need to be tackled by Government. We hope that the Government will also act on its recommendations swiftly and consider the implications for investing more in social care in the forthcoming Spending Review.”

“Carers UK strongly welcomes the report’s recognition of unpaid carers’ role within the social care system, which our research estimated at £184 billion a year, and the huge impact that it has on them when social care falls short. Its recommendation of a dedicated workstream within the Casey Commission to focus on better support for unpaid carers is timely and necessary.”

“Carers UK has consistently made the case for the economic case for social care, looking at how it supports unpaid carers in the workplace, as well as disabled people. Our research has found that an estimated 600 unpaid carers give up work every day in order to care and two thirds didn’t have a choice about providing unpaid care because no care alternatives were available. As the Select Committee reflected, this impacts strongly on families’ incomes, as well as productivity for employers and employment rates.”

“For carers, change and better support cannot come soon enough. Our research effectively shows a health crisis amongst unpaid carers providing very substantial amounts of care and 1.2 million unpaid carers are in poverty, with 400,000 in deep poverty.”

NUFFIELD TRUST DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF POLICY NATASHA CURRY SAID:

“Doing nothing on social care is an active choice for governments, but the Committee’s report shows inaction is not sustainable and has severe consequences, not just for people who go without the care they need, but for the unpaid carers who lack support, and for the economy. With social care framed as a positive enabler of independence, quality of life and economic growth, the report strikes a different and welcome tone to so much commentary around social care that frames it as a drain on resources. Our research on social care in other countries such as Japan and Germany stresses that successful reform is possible, but only if social care is given status as a vital part of national infrastructure.”

“Pressures in the system are mounting. Unmet need is high, care worker pay is troublingly low, unpaid carers are inadequately supported, and providers are struggling with costs, particularly following the recent rises to the National Living Wage and National Insurance contributions which we estimate will add £2.8bn in additional wage costs in the sector this year. The report also makes clear the consequences of constrained council funding for social care with councils having to reduce other public services. Put simply, the situation is urgent, and reform cannot wait.”

“With the terms of reference for the Casey Commission now set out, there is an opportunity to confront and address inadequacies and dysfunctions in this integral system. The Select Committee echoes messages we have heard from the care sector for years. It urges the government to recognise the vital role that social care, when done well, could play not only in supporting individuals to live the lives they choose but also in supporting the government’s health mission and in fuelling economic growth.”

Leading UK Care Management Software Provider Launches Groundbreaking New Suite Of Data, AI and Automation Tools to Enhance Quality of Social Care PASS by everyLIFE has today (Wednesday, 30th April) announced the launch of PASSgenius™, a powerful new suite of data, AI and automation tools built into its award-winning care management software – marking a major step forward in digital innovation for social care.

Designed to turn complex data into clear, actionable insight, PASSgenius™ helps care providers make faster decisions, plan smarter rotas, reduce admin and stay ahead of risk – using the information they already collect.

As providers continue to face rising pressures - from tighter regulation to financial strain and staff shortages - the new innovative technology empowers care teams do more with less, improving quality, compliance and operational performance.

Commenting on the launch, Robin Batchelor, CEO of PASS by everyLIFE, said: “Care providers are under more pressure than ever. With PASSgenius™, we’re giving them the tools to unlock the power of the data they already hold, helping them make better decisions, deliver safer care and free up time for what really matters.”

One of the standout features of PASSgenius™ is its AI-powered care note summaries – a tool that can scan weeks of care logs in seconds and highlights key changes in behaviour, health or mobility, helping teams identify risks earlier and provide more responsive, person-centred support. Instead of reviewing long records manually, users receive concise summaries and recommendations that surface what’s changed and what needs attention, improving both care quality and continuity across shifts.

At the heart of the new suite is the PASSgenius™ Dashboard – a fully interactive, customisable dashboard that provides real-time oversight across key performance areas, such as:

• Required hours: Spot gaps in care hours early and plan ahead • Pending hours: See unassigned visits and fill them faster • Travel time: Flag long journeys and improve routing • Punctuality: Track lateness trends and take action sooner • Cancelled hours: See costly cancellations and reduce repeat offenders • Missed and overdue visits: Catch missed visits fast and protect care quality With live data in one view, managers can quickly spot where hours are missing, identify risks, and take action without digging through spreadsheets or switching between systems.

A full suite of automation tools has also been brought together under the PASSgenius™ banner, helping services streamline day-to-day tasks like timesheet verification, payroll calculations and invoicing. In-built reminders and alerts help keep teams on top of compliance, while automated workflows reduce paperwork and improve consistency across the board.

There is no need for bolt-ons or third-party software as all tools work seamlessly within PASS, and the suite will continue to expand throughout 2025, with planned updates including additional dashboard modules and exciting new AI tools.

Duncan Campbell, Commercial Director, PASS by everyLIFE, added: “This launch is more than a feature update. It’s a step change in how care services use technology. By bringing together live data, automation and AI, PASSgenius™ gives care teams the oversight and support they need to run stronger, more efficient services.”

PASSgenius™ is available now at no extra cost to All-in-one PASS users.

To learn more or see PASSgenius™ in action, visit: www.everylifetechnologies.com/passgenius

Heartfelt Care Heartfelt Care Heartfelt Care Every Step of the Way Every Step of the Way Every Step of the Way

We offer high-quality residential, nursing, dementia and respite care in a welcoming and engaging environment. Arrange a visit to discover comfort, companionship, and expert care.

Find your nearest care home at averyhealthcare.co.uk

PAGE 18 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239

Startling Collapse In NHS Satisfaction Since Pandemic, With Just 1 In 5 Satisfied The British public are deeply unhappy with the National Health Service – just 1 in 5 people (21%) in 2024 said they were satisfied with the way the NHS runs. That’s according to analysis of the latest British Social Attitudes survey (BSA) published by the Nuffield Trust and The King’s Fund.

Satisfaction has plummeted by 39 percentage points since the months before the pandemic.

6 in 10 people (59%) said they were ‘very’ or ‘quite’ dissatisfied with the NHS in 2024, a sharp rise from 52% in 2023. This is the highest level of dissatisfaction with the health service since the survey began in 1983. The survey, carried out by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) in September and October 2024, is seen as a gold-standard measure of public attitudes in Britain.

The Nuffield Trust and The King’s Fund say that just 12% of people were satisfied with A&E waiting times and 23% with GP waiting times. People are unhappy about waiting times even if they are satisfied with the NHS overall, regardless of age, political affiliation or nation.

NHS staffing and spending are also worrying the public. Only 11% agreed that “there are enough staff in the NHS these days”. While a strong majority (69%) said the government spends too little or far too little on the NHS, only 14% agreed that “The NHS spends the money it has efficiently”.

If forced to choose, the public would narrowly opt for increasing taxes and raising NHS spending (46%) over keeping them the same (41%). Only 8% would prefer tax reductions and lower NHS spending.

Despite low satisfaction with services, there remains strong majority support for the founding principles of the NHS: that it should “definitely or probably” be free at the point of use (90%), available to everyone (77%), and funded from general taxation (80%). However, the percentage of people saying that the NHS should “definitely” be available to everyone has decreased from 67% in 2023 to 56% in 2024.

OTHER FINDINGS FROM PUBLIC SATISFACTION WITH THE NHS AND SOCIAL CARE IN 2024 INCLUDE:

• There is a divide between generations, with satisfaction lower and falling in younger age groups. While the proportion of people who were satisfied rose slightly between 2023 and 2024 for those aged 65+ from 25% to 27%, among those under 65 it fell significantly from 24% to 19%.

• A significantly higher proportion of people in Wales (72%) were dissatisfied with the NHS compared to 59% in England and 60% in Scotland (the difference between England and Scotland is not statistically significant).

• Public views of A&E services have worsened dramatically, with satisfaction falling from 31% to just 19%, and dissatisfaction rising from 37% to 52%. These are the worst figures on record by a large margin and make A&E the service with the lowest satisfaction levels for the first time.

• Satisfaction with GP services continued to fall, mirroring the trend over the last few years, with 31% of members of the British public satisfied with GP services, compared with 34% in 2023.

• Satisfaction with NHS dentistry has continued to collapse. As recently as 2019 this was at 60%, but it has now fallen to a record low of 20%.

Dissatisfaction levels (55%) are the highest for any NHS service asked about.

• Inpatient and outpatient hospital care remains the part of the NHS with the highest levels of satisfaction, with 32% satisfied and only 28% dissatisfied.

• Satisfaction with social care remains worryingly low. In 2024, only 13% of respondents said they were ‘very’ or ‘quite’ satisfied with social care.

53% of respondents were ‘very’ or ‘quite’ dissatisfied.

Report author Bea Taylor, Fellow at The Nuffield Trust said: “Just five years after the British public were called on to “Protect the NHS” at the start of the pandemic, these findings reveal just how dismayed they are about the state of the NHS today. We found that every group in Britain is dissatisfied with access to vital services such as A&E and GP appointments.”

“The government says the NHS is broken, and the public agree. But support for the core principles of the NHS – free at the point of use, available to all and funded by taxation – endures despite the collapse in satisfaction. Harnessing this support and fixing the foundations of the NHS must be central to the government’s forthcoming reform programme.”

Dan Wellings, Senior Fellow at The King’s Fund said: “The latest results lay bare the extent of the problems faced by the NHS and the size of the challenge for the government. While the results are sobering, they should not be surprising. For too many people the NHS has become difficult to access: how can you be satisfied with a service you can’t get into?”

“In 2010, seven out of ten people were satisfied with the NHS – it is now down to only one in five. The scale of the decline over the last few years has been dramatic. The results show that people do not want a different funding model, but they do want the NHS to start working for them again and they want it to have the staff and the money it needs to ensure that happens. The public are also clear that the NHS needs to get better at spending the money it does get more efficiently.”

“The government’s focus on bringing down hospital waiting lists may address one area of the public’s concerns, but this year’s BSA shows that all areas are flashing red, particularly A&E. Voters are impatient for change, and Ministers will need to demonstrate rapid improvement, but that should not come at the cost of the bigger, whole-system reforms that are needed to create a truly sustainable health service. These results will form the baseline from which the new Labour government’s reform plans to ‘fix’ the NHS will be judged.”

Care Home Residents Take on 10-London-Bridge Challenge for Great Ormond Street Hospital Residents and team members at Chorleywood Manor Care Home are preparing for a charity event to raise crucial funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital’s new children’s cancer centre.

On Wednesday 21st May, the team will take on a 10-mile journey, crossing 10 London bridges, starting at Battersea Bridge and finishing at Tower Bridge.

The aim is to raise £2500 to support the hospital’s work in providing life-saving treatments for young cancer patients.

The event, organised by Chorleywood Manor Care Home, part of Avery Healthcare, one of the UK’s leading providers of residential, dementia, and respite care, demonstrates the care home residents’ incredible determination.

Despite their age, they are set to show that every effort counts when it comes to helping children in need.

Resident Eric Heather, aged 93, said, “This is about showing that we can still contribute, no matter our age or ability.”

Fellow resident Yvonne Field, aged 89, who has limited movement down one side following a stroke, said, “I’m not letting anything stop me from participating, I want to make a difference for these children.”

Training for the event has included regular exercise classes, designed to build stamina and confidence, with participants walking and using wheelchair support where needed.

“We’re doing this to make a real difference,” said Patrick, Well-being Manager at Chorleywood Manor Care Home. “Our residents are determined to help in any way they can.”

Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is one of the largest paediatric cancer centres in Europe, treating over 400 children with cancer each year.

Funds raised through this challenge will help create a state-of-the-art children’s cancer centre at GOSH, bringing together world-leading research and specialised care in one place.

The residents and team at Chorleywood Manor Care Home are calling on the local community to support them in reaching their fundraising target.

Eric continued by saying, “I’m proud to be part of this challenge and hope it inspires others to get involved.”

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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239 | PAGE 19

Braintree Care Home Residents Welcomed

By Woolly And Hooved Guests Residents at Aspen Grange Care Home in Braintree were treated to a delightful visit from blackwater alpacas and pygmy goats this week, an event that brought smiles, laughter, and a sense of calm connection.

Originally native to South America and West Africa respectively, alpacas and pygmy goats are known for their friendly temperaments and soothing presence.

Their visit provided residents with the rare opportunity to interact with these gentle animals, offering a welcome change of pace and a touch of nature.

A standout moment came with the arrival of a two-and-a-half-week-old baby goat, who quickly captured everyone’s hearts.

Residents enjoyed holding and petting the tiny kid, many remarking on how comforting it was to feel the warmth and softness of the animal.

The inter-

action sparked conversation, laughter, and even memories of time spent visiting farms in earlier life.

The visit forms part of Aspen Grange’s wider commitment to wellbeing through sensory and therapeutic activities.

Animal-assisted therapy is known to lower blood pressure, ease anxiety, encourage communication, and help unlock memories, particularly valuable for those living with dementia. Physical touch and interaction with animals promotes calm, and enhances mood.

Sharon Thompson, manager at Aspen Grange, said: “It is wonderful when our residents get to connect with animals.

The happiness they achieved by stroking the baby goat and spending time with the alpacas was very moving. Experiences like this don’t just lift spirits in the moment, they create memories that will last well beyond the visit.”

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PAGE 20 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239

Former Nurses Return To Cambridge Hospital After Qualifying 70 Years Ago Two Cambridgeshire care home residents recently had their wish fulfilled when they revisited the hospital where they both trained as nurses more than 70 years ago.

Pauline Wayman, 94, and Peri Mundell, 89, both residents at Care UK’s Field Lodge, on London Road, were delighted to return to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge to reconnect with their past and see how it has evolved over the years.

Pauline, from Rampton, Cambridgeshire, and Peri, originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, both began their nursing careers at Addenbrooke’s in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Pauline qualified in 1948, the same year the NHS was founded, while Peri trained in 1952, the year of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation. Their paths first crossed in the early stages of their training, with both women sharing fond memories of their time at the hospital.

Pauline went on to become a ward sister in various parts of the hospital and was involved in planning and training in Bloomsbury, London. She recalls that one of the most unusual parts of her career was her involvement in being a planning officer and chief nursing officer, which she never imagined doing.

Peri worked as a theatre sister and later became a nursing home Matron. She fondly remembers her time

training with Pauline – and even had the pleasure of interviewing Pauline during her training.

Their recent visit to Addenbrooke’s was an emotional and nostalgic occasion. Both Pauline and Peri had extensive careers in nursing, with Pauline later working with the homeless through the Bloomsbury Health Authority, and Peri dedicating her life to nursing before retiring to care for her husband.

Reflecting on their visit, Peri said, “It was such a wonderful experience to return to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where it all began for us, to reflect on our careers – and it was truly an emotional reunion. It felt like coming home.”

The visit was part of the Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put their wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying on a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Linda Martinez, Home Manager at Field Lodge, said: “Pauline and Peri’s visit to Addenbrooke’s Hospital was such a special moment for everyone at Field Lodge. It was an incredible opportunity for them to revisit a place that was so significant in their lives and careers.

Seeing the joy on their faces as they reflected on their time nursing there was truly heartwarming.”

Little Bramingham Farm Residents Celebrate This Year’s Global Intergenerational Week At Little Bramingham Farm, the Luton-based residential care home run by charity, Friends of the Elderly, which is celebrating its 120th Anniversary this year, the residents and care team have been having a wonderful time celebrating this year’s Global Intergenerational Week with their fun, interactive and engaging fortnightly, term-time, activity for their residents –intergenerational Musical Bumps.

The intergenerational sessions are run by Musical Bumps Central Bedfordshire, a small business which runs music groups with singing and fun for babies, toddlers and preschoolers with their parents and carers in a range of settings, one of which is care homes. The group visits Little Bramingham Farm every other Wednesday during school term times for a fun, inclusive and inspiring intergenerational Musical Bumps class.

“The Musical Bumps Team has been coming to Little Bramingham Farm for over two years now,” said Emma Lawrance, the Registered Manager at Little Bramingham Farm said: “The interactive sessions are a really wonderful sociable and uplifting activity for the residents to engage with and they all thoroughly enjoy and look forward to the time they spend with the toddlers.”

The fortnightly Musical Bumps sessions both energize and inspire the residents. “Interacting with the children, their parents and carers is a wonderful reminiscing exercise as well,” added Karen Charity, the Activities Coordinator at the care home. “The residents think it’s so lovely to interact with the group and you can see their faces light up when everyone arrives.

“The residents embrace spending time with the children and being able to bring the younger and older generations together in a creative way on a regular basis is delightful to see. The care home becomes even more lively, and seeing the group all making music together, playing instruments, singing, dancing, watching the puppet shows and taking part in activities such as bubble art is great.”

“There is so much joy in the room and they often talk about their own families growing up and their school years. They are quite fond of the bubble machine too and are smiling ear to ear from the time they arrive to the time they leave,” concluded Karen.

Winchester Care Home’s Green-Fingered Hit Squad Helps Tidy Children’s Garden A hit squad of volunteers from a Winchester dementia care home have done their bit to help improve a community centre’s garden so it can be used by nursery-age children.

The party from Colten Care’s St Catherines View, including resident Gill Swaby, went hands-on to clear and tidy up a green space outside Poppins Nursery, part of the nearby Carroll Centre in Stanmore.

Gill was joined by St Catherines View Home Manager Vanda Baker, Companionship Team Leader Laura Sheldrake, Gardener Ali Gaunt, Minibus Driver Martin Williams and Companion Evie Airs.

Also lending a hand was local Stanmore man Callum Pepper.

The clean-up involved weeding, trimming and other garden tasks and took place after St Catherines View residents chose the Carroll Centre as their main charity to support this year.

Poppins Nursery is attended by children aged two to five and the hope is that with the overgrown garden space beginning to be cleared up, they will soon be able to play there in safety.

Vanda said: “We know how much pleasure a great-looking garden gives our own residents and so we wanted to do our bit to help the Carroll Centre have a beautiful outdoor

space too. With peak-growing season all but upon us, we were only too happy to offer some help.”

Laura said: “We got to work clearing all the bushes and overgrown trees and cleaned all the ground up. It is going to take a couple of attempts to make it safe and user friendly for the nursery, but we made a great start.

“It was nice to be hands-on and doing something practical to help.

We are also working on building some bird houses and equipment the children can use so they are able to learn about being outdoors.

“This is one of many projects we will be doing to help the Carroll Centre throughout the year. We’re organising other activities to raise funds too including a family fete on Saturday 2 August.”

Centre Manager Steve Maloney said: “By improving the outdoor environment around our nursery, the garden clean-up will help children foster a stronger connection with nature.

“We are profoundly grateful for the generous backing from St Catherines View and the upcoming fete and other activities that will give us the opportunity to cultivate more robust partnerships within the community.”

FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS VISIT WWW.THECARERUK.COM

PAGE 22 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239

Care Home Resident, 87, Volunteers at Children’s Cancer Charity to Give Back An 87-year-old resident at Dukes Court Care Home in Wellingborough has begun volunteering at Niamh’s Next Step Charity Boutique, a local children’s cancer charity, showing that age is no barrier to making a difference.

Shirley Wolfe, who moved to Dukes Court Care Home, part of the Avery Healthcare group, in 2022, now visits the charity shop each month to support its mission of raising funds for children with neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that primarily affects children under the age of five.

The opportunity was arranged by the care home’s Well-being Team, who contacted Niamh’s Next Step charity shop owner, Sam Curry, to explore how Shirley could get involved.

Staff at the shop were happy to welcome Shirley, who brings over 30 years of retail experience to the role.

“I felt right at home straight away,” said Shirley. “Everyone was so kind and welcoming; it really reminded me of my old days in retail.”

Her duties include dressing mannequins, organising stock displays, and greeting customers.

But for Shirley, it’s about more than keeping busy.

“I wanted to do something meaningful with my time,” she said. “Helping a children’s cancer charity really

spoke to me. I’ve always believed in supporting others where you can.”

She added, “It gives me something to look forward to and makes me feel part of the community again.”

"We absolutely loved having Shirley volunteering at Niamh’s Charity Boutique," said Sam, Co Founder and Manager of Niamh’s Next Step CIO. "Her smile was just infectious and her laugh made us all smile."

Sam continued, "We loved hearing her tell us about her job at John Lewis. As a local charity we love to work with our community and having someone down from Dukes Court Care Home was amazing. Thank you Shirley for everything."

Claire Keen, Home Manager at Dukes Court Care Home, said, “At Dukes Court, we’re committed to supporting our residents in living active, purposeful lives. Shirley’s involvement with Niamh’s Next Step is a fantastic example of how we promote person-centred care, helping individuals stay engaged, pursue their interests, and remain connected to the local community in meaningful ways.”

Shirley’s monthly volunteering has become a cherished part of her routine, and both Dukes Court and Niamh’s Next Step hope her story will inspire more intergenerational collaboration and purposeful aging.

‘They Made Our Day Extra Special’: Visiting Lambs Spread Joy At Dorset Care Home Four visiting lambs delivered a springtime surprise for residents of a Dorset care home.

There were cuddles and bleats aplenty as Midnight, Trevor, Magic and Bounty delighted their hosts in the lounge of Colten Care’s Castle View in Poundbury.

The young delegation was brought along by Waitress Donna Peck, whose family run a farm north of Dorchester where the lambs were born.

Donna said: “They were welcomed with open arms. The residents loved stroking their soft wool and watching them run around and explore the room.”

Magic was even afforded the chance of a special detour to visit, with permission, some residents in their

bedrooms, spreading joy to them too.

Companionship Team Leader Hayley Legg said: “The remaining three lambs continued entertaining everyone in the lounge with their playful antics. It was a heartwarming and lively scene that brought smiles to everyone’s faces.

“The visit was wonderful pet therapy, lifting spirits and promoting engagement. Events like these give residents a chance to connect with animals and learn more about the lives of staff outside of work.”

Resident Mary Brayley said: “Donna’s thoughtful gesture made the day extra special for all of us.”

Realise Achieves 11 QACLS Endorsements A host of health and social care courses delivered by leading training provider Realise have received the new Quality Assurance Care Learning Services (QACLS) endorsement.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has taken on responsibility for reviewing the quality of individual courses and qualifications delivered by training providers within the sector.

Realise submitted 11 of its health and social care programmes to be quality assured – and all received the stamp of approval, including the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate.

Funding for health and social care qualifications is now provided through the Government’s Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS), which has replaced the Workforce Development Fund.

From April this year, only courses and qualifications delivered by training providers that have been QACLS endorsed will be identified as preferred options by LDSS. And from next year onwards, employers will only be able to claim LDSS funding for courses that have been quality assured.

Care providers currently have to replace almost a third of their workers each year due to staff leaving their jobs. This high turnover has a negative impact on the quality of care - and the DHSC hopes the QACLS endorsement will help boost retention.

Lesley O’Connor, Head of Strategic Development at Realise, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be one of the first training providers to achieve endorsements across a wide range of courses.

“This new system marks a step-change for the industry as it means, for the first time, individual courses are being reviewed rather than the training provider as a whole in an attempt to drive up standards.

“The approval process was thorough, looking at evidence of quality of delivery, testimonials, achievement rates and policies.

“Being QACLS endorsed is very important as it demonstrates quality and also allows employers to continue to claim LDSS funding. Soon employers will have to pay the full price for programmes that are not endorsed.

“We look forward to working with employers who can benefit from quality assured training.”

The QACLS endorsement lasts for three years, with regular monitoring every six to nine months.

Realise will strive to have all its health and social care programmes approved through QACLS during phase two and three of the process. Phase two runs from now until the end of the 2025-26 financial year, and phase three follows immediately after.

The Government says it is "fully committed to a professional, well supported social care workforce" with learning, development and training that is "of outstanding quality, relevant and accessible".

The full list of Realise’s 11 quality assured courses are: Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism, Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism, Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate, Level 2 Certificate in Understanding the Care and Management of Diabetes, Level 2 Certificate in Falls Prevention Awareness, Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Nutrition and Health, Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care, Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care, Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care, Level 2 Certificate in Understanding the Safe Handling of Medication in Health and Social Care and Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems For more information, visit www.realisetraining.com

FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS VISIT WWW.THECARERUK.COM

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239 | PAGE 23

Local Young People Bring Delight To Care Home Residents The Rose Lodge Care Home in Wisbech has been celebrating the remarkable contributions of two young volunteers, Amelia and Adrian, who have brought endless smiles and joy to the residents.

Amelia, who is pursuing a diploma in Health and Social Care and aspires to become a social worker at King’s Lynn College, and Adrian, a student of architecture at De Montfort University who also does bank work, have fully embraced life at the care home. Their dedication and enthusiasm have made a significant impact on the residents, providing companionship and participating in various activities.

Residents, their relatives, and staff have all praised the positive energy and community spirit fostered by Amelia and Adrian.

Amelia and Adrian spoke about their time in the home “I’ve loved every minute here, it has been wonderful to spend so much time with the residents and seeing how happy it makes them, you really feel like you’re making such a difference” Meg Jones, General Manager at Rose Lodge Care Home, said: “We are incredibly proud of Amelia and Adrian for their dedication and the compassion they have shown to our seniors. Their presence has brought so much joy and has truly enriched the lives of our residents.”

One of the residents shared their thoughts on Amelia and Adrian: “We are so grateful for Amelia and Adrian. Their kindness and enthusiasm have made a world of difference, bringing happiness and comfort to all of us, it’s reassuring to know that the next generation have so much compassion”

Elizabeth House Residents Go Rambling Through Westwood Forest Residents from Elizabeth House Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes Group, embraced the great outdoors in the beautiful Westwood Forest.

The outing, which was inspired by a group of residents who wanted to go for a ramble, was a pleasurable experience for all. They enjoyed the scenic views of the tall trees, listened to the birds sing, and appreciated the peaceful ambience of nature.

Karen, who is a Team Member at Elizabeth House, felt the forest’s natural beauty and variety of sounds would create a great sensory experience for the residents.

Valerie, a resident of Elizabeth House, shared that she loved to go on walks and hikes before she went to the care home

and going out rambling helps her to enjoy walking and getting her weekly exercise.

Danielle who also accompanied the group added "it was such a positive day with everyone talking about all the different things they could hear and see, which also encourages them to bond and create meaningful interactions”.

The outing was more than just a walk in the woods, it was an opportunity to support residents’ physical and emotional well-being, offering gentle exercise, fresh air, and a pleasurable moment.

At Elizabeth House, events like these serve as a beautiful reminder of the value in honouring and nurturing residents’ interests and prioritising their comfort every day.

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PAGE 24 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239

70% of Care Home Residents Have Dementia, But Are Staff Working Well With Their Families Too?

By Satya Cashman, Partnerships Manager for national charity Dementia Carers Count (www.dementiacarers.org.uk As Dementia Action Week approaches, we’re supporting professional carers, looking after increasing numbers of people with dementia.

Day in, day out, we provide emotional advice and practical support to family carers, as they cope with the challenges of dementia care.

Those challenges don’t stop when a loved one moves to a care home.

They change.

And what many families tell us is, they would like better support from the professional carers they meet.

In fact, of the 1,300 family dementia carers who responded to our 2023 survey, only one third agreed that paid carers understood their needs. This is worrying, given the best possible person-centred care is only possible through working in partnership with families With estimates of the number of professional carers receiving dementia training as low as 29%1, it could be that some carers just don’t have the training or practical experience to support families well. But most care homes invest in regular dementia training, and a host of other professional requirements. Despite this, many families are not confident about paid carers’ understanding of dementia. Only around a quarter (27%) of our 2024 survey respondents said that paid carers had a ‘good understanding of dementia and dementia care2.

So, what could you do differently to ensure your busy, committed and hard-working team have everything they need to support residents and families with the care and compassion you’d want?

Well, whilst you’re busy arranging shift patterns, cover, inspections, visits and the rest, it’s easy to overlook problems with the current basic

3. It’s tough getting carers together for a whole or half day of training.

Arranging shift patterns and cover, transport from other sites, or managing sickness and emergencies.

At Dementia Carers Count, we understand the pressures you face and the genuine commitment you have to your residents. As a dedicated charity, our mission is to improve support for anyone caring for someone with dementia. That’s why we’ve developed short, regular interventions, delivered live by trainers with experience and insight, to help your staff understand all the dimensions of expert dementia care for your clients and their families.

Our 90-minute format minimises disruption to your schedules, while maximising learning outcomes. These focused sessions share genuinely useful knowledge in an accessible and engaging way. And as all our CPD accredited training comes from years of experience supporting carers, you can feel confident you’re your staff will learn from the very training model: 1. Dementia has so many presentations, and no one prognosis, affecting every person differently. To provide high-quality, person-centred care for people with dementia, you need a wide range of knowledge from a broad practice base.

2. Staff churn is challenging for any care business. But all too often, staff move on because they don't feel confident or supported by low-quality training, when they do face those challenging situations.

best.

What’s more, proceeds from our training go to our work for family carers across the UK. When you work with us, you're supporting your team and your local community.

To speak to Satya and find out more about training– and receive a 30% discount when you enquire before Dementia Action Week – visit www.dementiacarers.org.uk/DAW

Former Teenage Sweethearts Mamie, 96, And Gerald, 95, Celebrate 75 Years Of Marriage One of the UK’s longest-married couples have celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary at the Chichester care home where they both live.

Sarah, known as ‘Mamie’, Openshaw, 96, and her husband Gerald, 95, marked their amazing milestone with a party at Colten Care’s Wellington Grange.

Mamie was just 15 and Gerald 14 when they first met at their local Baptist church in Dorking, Surrey.

Life went on to take the teenage sweethearts in different directions as Mamie moved to America for a year while Gerald studied hotel management at Westminster Catering College.

But fate had other plans.

When Mamie returned to England, she signed up with the Women’s Royal Naval Service and trained as an WRNS air mechanic in Cornwall.

Gerald was stationed in Aldershot during his National Service. They met by chance at Waterloo Station while they were both on leave.

Gerald managed to get a transfer to Bodmin to be closer to Mamie. With their paths crossing again, they

began to meet up on weekends or otherwise when their respective service commitments allowed.

Six months later they were engaged.

They married at St Paul’s Church in Dorking on a snowy day in spring 1950 and began their married life in Brighton.

The anniversary party was blessed by sunshine in the garden of the Broyle Road home and included a live performance of show tunes by singer Katie Brown.

When asked the secret to their 75 years together, Mamie said: “We made a pact never to go to bed on an argument. Always sort it out before sleep.”

The home’s Companionship Team leader Lana Harmon said: “We were honoured to throw a joyful celebration for Mamie and Gerald, a couple whose love has truly stood the test of time.”

While statistics on British 75th wedding anniversaries are not consistently collected, the US Census Bureau estimates there are only around 1,000 American couples who have currently reached the mile-

Former Luton Town Steward Relives Past Glories After Hatters’ Shock Victory HC-One’s Thorn Springs Care Home, in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, celebrated victory after residents Malcolm Rickard and Derek Buckingham attended a thrilling Luton Town match against Bristol City at Kenilworth Road .Accompanied by Katie Hughes (Thorn Springs Home Manager) and Tracy Davidson (Deputy Manager), the trip marked a special moment for Malcolm, a former Luton Town FC steward, who relived his passion for the Hatters. Malcolm’s journey with Luton Town began years ago when he secured a steward position through a family connection – his nephew married the daughter of the Chief Steward.

As a steward, Malcolm committed to regular Saturday matches, enjoying the perk of a free ticket, though he could not share it with others. Malcolm started working as a steward for Luton Town in the early 1980s and continued in that role for ten years.

While other clubs offered more generous benefits, Malcolm’s love for Luton Town kept him dedicated, even as the role demanded travel to away games. However, the last Hatters match Malcolm attended was more than ten years ago.

The recent match outing was a dream come true for Malcolm, who thought his days of cheering at Kenilworth Road were behind him. “Before the Easter weekend, my daughter told me I’d be going to see

Luton Town play. I was very excited,” Malcolm shared.

Joined by fellow resident Derek and avid Luton Town supporters Katie and Tracy, Malcolm enjoyed prime wheelchair-accessible seating at the front of the stand.

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions Luton scored first, sending fans into a frenzy, but Bristol City equalised. “I was not happy then and not looking forward to going home having lost,” Malcolm recalled.

The Hatters rallied past the Robins, scoring twice more, including a goal from the captain, to secure a shock 3-1 victory. The vital win against play-off contenders Bristol City boosts Luton Town’s hopes of Championship survival.

Katie Hughes, HC-One’s Thorn Springs Care Home Manager, reflected on the day’s significance: “It was amazing to support Malcolm in creating another memory in his Hatters journey! We were honoured by the incredible support from Luton Town FC, which made the day truly special. The win was the icing on the cake!”

Malcolm Rickard, Thorn Springs resident, added: “I had a wonderful day and would never have believed I’d get the chance to go to a Luton Town match again. I was speechless.”

MiCode: The Game-Changing Technology Keeping Vulnerable People Safe Caring for a loved one is a journey of commitment, love and dedication, but it also comes with profound challenge and responsibility.

A Carer’s Story at the Heart of MiCode MiCode wasn’t conceived in a boardroom; it was born from a place of love and necessity. Professor James Ohene-Djan, a leading technologist from Goldsmiths, University of London, and his sister Professor Louise Brown developed MiCode after witnessing the challenges faced by their brother, Anthony, who lived with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Whether it’s elderly relatives, individuals with dementia, people with disabilities, or those with complex medical needs, ensuring their safety – especially in emergencies – is a constant concern.

Your priority is always their safety and well-being. But what happens when you can’t be there?

If a person with dementia wanders, will responders know who they are and who to contact? If someone with epilepsy, diabetes, or a severe allergy experiences a medical crisis, will 昀rst responders have the right information to act quickly and safely?

MiCode, a British-made, NHS-backed innovation, understands these concerns.

It offers a simple yet powerful solution designed to bring peace of mind to carers and protect those they love.

As Anthony’s condition progressed, communicating his medical needs became increasingly dif昀cult. James and Louise saw 昀rsthand how a lack of instantly accessible medical details could put vulnerable individuals at risk. They used their expertise to create MiCode – a simple, effective, and affordable way to ensure people always have their vital medical information at hand. It’s a solution built by carers, for carers.

What is MiCode, and How Does it Help?

MiCode is a secure QR code system that provides immediate access to essential medical and emergency contact information. Unlike traditional medical ID bracelets, which can only hold a few words, MiCode acts as a digital lifeline and allows 昀rst responders, paramedics, and you to access a complete, up-to-date medical pro昀le in seconds.

Each MiCode securely stores: • Emergency contacts: Ensuring the right people are called 昀rst – including you.

• Medical conditions: Allowing paramedics and carers to make informed decisions.

• Allergy and medication details: Preventing potentially dangerous treatment errors.

• Care instructions: Supporting continuity of care across different carers and settings.

• Instant translation: Ensuring accessibility in diverse communities and while traveling abroad.

Designed for Real Life, Backed by the NHS MiCode is a proudly British company, using cutting-edge British technology to enhance safety and ef昀ciency in healthcare. It has been developed in close collaboration with the NHS, with a particular focus on supporting children, older adults, and individuals with complex care needs.

Find out more at www.micode.uk

Unlike many healthcare solutions that require expensive subscriptions or complicated apps, MiCode has been designed to be: • Affordable: At just £2 per month or £20 annually, MiCode is accessible to individuals, families, and care organisations.

MiCode Can Save Lives Emergencies happen when least expected.

Being prepared can mean the difference between life and death.

For families, MiCode offers reassurance that their loved ones are protected, even when they are not around.

• Easy to use: No apps, logins, or complicated passwords—just a simple scan with any smartphone.

• Practical for real-world emergencies: Whether at home, in a care facility, or traveling, medical and emergency details are always accessible.

For carers, it is a simple, affordable, and lifesaving tool that ensures 昀rst responders and healthcare providers have immediate access to accurate medical information.

How MiCode is Used in Everyday Care MiCode can be seamlessly integrated into daily life, making it a 昀exible and convenient tool for those receiving care, their families, and professional caregivers.

• Wearable options: MiCode can be worn as a bracelet, pendant, or keyring, ensuring it is always available in an emergency.

• Mobile integration: MiCode can be displayed on a mobile phone screen for instant access.

• Cards and stickers: Ideal for placement in wallets, on mobility aids, or in homes, ensuring carers and emergency responders can retrieve information immediately.

• Clothing and pre-printed items: MiCodes can be integrated into uniforms, lanyards, and ID badges, making them particularly bene昀cial for care home residents and individuals prone to wandering or confusion.

Unlike many digital health systems that require Wi-Fi, apps, or login credentials, MiCode is designed to work instantly with any smartphone camera. This makes it particularly useful for those who may not be comfortable with technology or who need a reliable, always-accessible solution.

For care companies, it is a scalale, costeffective solution that enhances patient safety, reduces risk, and improves communication between care teams.

And for those who rely on care, MiCode is a lifeline—ensuring that in any emergency, help arrives quickly, accurately, and ef昀ciently.

MiCode isn’t just technology; it’s a way to empower you, the carer, and protect the ones you love.

Learn more and 昀nd out how MiCode can bring peace of mind to your caring journey at micode.uk.

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PAGE 28 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239

The Joint Impact of Caregiving: New Research Reveals Over Half of Caregivers Live in Pain New survey insights reveal the far-reaching impact caregiving can have on physical and mental well-being, with over half (54%) of caregivers reporting weekly back, joint or muscle pain, and 1 in 5 (19%) experiencing daily stress or anxiety.[i] Dr Dawn Harper shares her tips to help cope.

There are approximately 4.7 million unpaid carers in the UK,[ii] defined as those who provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, disabled, older, has mental health issues or struggles with addiction.

However, this figure excludes the many who regularly care for children, neighbours or friends and family needing support beyond the traditional definitions. Carers UK estimates that the number of unpaid carers could be as high as 10.6 million, highlighting a significant lack of personal and societal recognition of what it truly means to provide care.[iii] A new survey, commissioned by GOPO® Joint Health – a leading supplement proven to reduce pain and stiffness and improve mobility – polled 1,001 self-defined caregivers. The findings reveal the true impact of caregiving on mental, emotional and physical health.

Over one-third (37%) have experienced significant strain, discomfort or injury to their joints as a result of assisting or lifting the person they care for, and almost half (47%) frequently endure persistent aches, stiffness or pain that lingers long after caregiving tasks.i As a result, one-third (32%) rely heavily on pain medication, putting their own long-term health at risk.

The mental toll of caregiving is profound, with almost half (46%) of caregivers feeling emotionally drained by the relentless stress it brings. One in seven (13%) rely on support services for their well-being, while nearly half (44%) experience loneliness or isolation at least once a week, often facing the demands of caregiving alone.

Despite these challenges, almost half (49%) of respondents cannot remember the last time they practiced self-care, admitting that their own needs always come last.i While caregivers devote themselves to others, acknowledging the importance of self-care, and setting aside time for their own well-being is vital.

Dr Dawn Harper, formerly a caregiver to her mother, NHS doctor for over 30 years and author of ‘Live Well to 101’, comments: “Caregiving is a labour of love, but the selfless nature of the role puts many caregivers at serious risk of poor health. As a GP I see first-hand the impact that caring can have on both physical and mental ill health. To continue supporting others, it’s vital to care for yourself first. Just like the safety advice on an aeroplane – put on your own oxygen mask before helping others. Prioritising your own wellbeing ensures you have the strength, resilience and capacity to provide the care your loved ones need in the long-term.”

Dr Dawn Harper provides her top tips to support caregivers’ health and well-being: Seek support from peers: “It can be easy to lose your identity when providing care, so it’s important to connect with peers who are in a similar situation. If you are unable to leave the house often, online forums or virtual coffee sessions can provide an outlet to enable you to open up to someone who understands exactly

what you’re going through. Their acceptance and understanding can be a great way to support your emotional health and leave you feeling less alone.”

Schedule self-care: “Caregiving often leaves little time for personal well-being, but self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Schedule self-care just like any essential appointment and if you’re struggling to find the time, start with small manageable breaks of just 5-10 minutes and commit to doing one thing that makes you feel recharged. This could be as simple as having a cup of tea in silence or reading a few chapters of your favourite book.”

Build your mental resilience: “Mental resilience helps caregivers manage stress, maintain emotional balance and continue providing care without burning out. Incorporate techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, yoga or meditation, all of which can be practiced in as little as 15 minutes. If you are struggling with your mental health, make sure to reach out to mental health helplines or listening services, or discuss your feelings with your GP or pharmacist.”

Prioritise your physical health: “Caregiving is a physically demanding role, and these survey findings reveal the true toll caregiving can take on your physical health. Protect your joints and posture by using proper lifting techniques when assisting with mobility, and address any aches and pains early to help prevent chronic conditions from appearing later down the line. A joint health supplement such as the galactolipid, GOPO, a compound derived from rose-hip, may be of great benefit, with research indicating that it can effectively relieve joint pain.[iv] The natural anti-inflammatory properties of GOPO make it a viable replacement to pain killers,iv without the risk of harmful side effects, and a sustainable way to manage pain long-term.”

Extensive studies involving over 400 patients with chronic pain conditions, such as osteoarthritis, have shown that GOPO® produces significant and consistent pain relief and improved joint function. In one study, 8 out of 10 patients reported a significant reduction in pain after just 3 weeks of GOPO®.[v] GOPO® Joint Health is available from Boots, Amazon, and independent chemists and retailers nationwide.

Visit www.gopo.co.uk for further information. [i] GOPO® Joint Health survey on 1,001 caregivers in the UK. January 2025. [ii] The Kings Fund. 2024. What are unpaid carers, who are they and how often do they provide care? Available at: https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/data-and-charts/unpaid-carersnutshell#:~:text=According%20to%20the%202021%20Census,females%20from%20the%202011%20Census. (Accessed: January 2024). [iii] Carers UK. 2023. Annual Report 2022-2023. Available at: https://www.carersuk.org/media/ynfpnjwk/carers-uk-annual-report-22_23 (Accessed: January 2025). [iv] Winther, K et al. “A powder made from seeds and shells of a rose-hip subspecies (Rosa canina) reduces symptoms of knee and hip osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.” Scandinavian journal of rheumatology vol. 34,4 (2005) [v] Winther, K et al. “A powder made from seeds and shells of a rose-hip subspecies (Rosa canina) reduces symptoms of knee and hip osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.” Scandinavian journal of rheumatology vol. 34,4 (2005) [vi] Rein E, Kharazmi A, Winther K. A herbal remedy, Hyben Vital (stand. Powder of a subspecies of Rosa canina fruits), reduces pain and improves general wellbeing in patients with OA – a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial. Phytomedicine 2004. [vii] Christensen R et al. Does the hip powder of Rose canina (rosehip) reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients? – a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials, Osteoarthritis Cartilage (2008) [viii] Schwager J, Richard N, Wolfram S. Anti-inflammatory and chondro-protective effects of rosehip powder and its constituent galactolipids GOPO Poster presentation at the World Congress of Osteoarthritis (OARSI) 2008

INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY

We have changed to a bigger 215g tin Same Formulation. Same Scoop Size.

SAME PRICE PER SCOOP^ Halal Certified

3Xs winner ‘Favourite Thickened Drink’ during the IDDSI festivals 2022, 2023 & 2024*

Kosher Certified

More Scoops Per Tin Means Fewer Tins Per Prescription Resource® ThickenUp® Clear tin size has updated on the GP prescribing systems. The 127g tin has been discontinued and replaced with a 215g tin, which has a new PIP code.

DISCONTINUED Product

DISCONTINUED PIP code

NEW Product

NEW PIP code

Resource® ThickenUp® Clear 127g

355-4433

Resource® ThickenUp® Clear 215g

433-7291

Sample Service

To request your FREE SAMPLE please scan the QR code. www.nhscsampleservice.co.uk

For more information visit nestlehealthscience.co.uk/brands/resource-dysphagia/resource-thickenup-clear or call our customer care line on 0800 000030 *Three times voted “Favourite Thickened Drink” during the one-day IDDSI Festival at Sheffield in 2022, Derby in 2023 and Middlesex in 2024 based on thickened IDDSI level 2 non-alcoholic mocktail prepared. Each event was attended by approximately 200 healthcare professionals including care home managers, speech and language therapists and dietitians. ^Price per scoop remains the same at £0.085. Resource® ThickenUp® Clear is a Food for Special Medical Purposes for the dietary management of patients with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) and must be used under medical supervision. ®Reg. Trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. NHSc 113a April 2025

PAGE 30 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239

CATERING FOR CARE icesupp – Nourishing Supplements In Frozen Format

A family business has launched the UK’s first frozen nutritional supplement, ideal for care home residents who may be struggling to eat or drink. icesupp are 100% plant-based frozen supplements, enriched with key vitamins, minerals, protein and calories, delivered in ice lolly formats to provide an easy-to-consume source of nutrition.

Amy Smith and her partner Robert Upton got the idea when they realised the lack of options for Amy’s father Ray as he struggled to build and maintain his weight during bowel cancer treatment.

Managing a conventional diet was very difficult, and the nutritional supplements available on prescription were unpalatable - too thick and sickly. However, Ray did discover that ice lollies were soothing and easier to consume.

“We were frustrated that the ice lollies Dad was having were just filled with sugar and water, and didn’t provide the nutrition and quality calories that he needed to keep his weight and strength up,” says Amy. “The idea for icesupp was born – and it became our mission to create something that would combine the nutritional elements of a supplement shake with the more palatable form of a soothing iced refreshment.”

BAPEN’s Malnutrition and Nutritional Care Survey (2023) highlighted that nearly well over half (48%) of adults screened across UK health and care settings were at risk of disease-related malnutrition.

This was particularly high amongst individuals with cancer, gastrointestinal conditions respiratory conditions, frailty and neurological diseases – so this is a very real issue for carers and families across the UK. Following two funding rounds, Amy and Rob worked Reading University’s Food Science Department and a team of specialist advisors including top dietitians, an oncologist and a GP to create their unique, first-tomarket products, which come in two flavours – Mango & Passionfruit and Mixed Berries.

100% plant-based, each 86ml supplement pouch contains 5g of protein, 2.5g of fibre and 150 calories -

helping those who are struggling to eat to build strength and energy. A box of 12 products costs £23.75 from icesupp or Amazon. The products are shipped in ambient liquid form to be conveniently frozen then deliver the soothing sorbet-like iced consistency.

Nick Dutton, of Primrose Bank Care Home, says: "Helping those we care for to maintain and increase their nutritional intake is no easy task, made even more challenging when coupled with other dietary requirements, palliative care needs and the general challenges the care sector faces.

“When we came across icesuspp we were interested straight away. Having seen our own relatives struggling to eat well during palliative care and facing malnutrition and knowing the difficulties faced with different nutritional supplements and changing taste, we knew that a different way to deliver nutrients and flavour was a great idea. “icesupps taste really good and we have had brilliant feedback from everyone in the home, residents, families and staff alike. We love that they are easy to store and also easy to eat without needing lots of preparation to make them enjoyable like some ONS. “It’s great to have another tool for our team to use to improve our residents’ lives."

Amy concludes: “We have created an iced supplement that soothes and nourishes, helping to provide a moment of refreshing relief for those in need. Our goal is to help families like ours, who have experienced the devastating effects of dramatic weight loss and malnutrition, which can impact anyone, however those that are particularly at risk include those with an illness like our Dad such as cancer, and those aged over the age of 65, especially if they are in a care home or have been recently admitted to hospital.”

Dietitian Corrine Toyn says: “Malnutrition can be caused by range of factors. In the case of Ray, it was the side effects of the illness and his treatment, which is very common – but we know it is a real issue in care homes, along with dehydration. Oral nutrition supplements have been part of the solution to malnutrition for a while, as long as patients find them palatable and are compliant, but the majority of the ‘ready to drink’ supplements are highly concentrated, with a thick consistency that can be difficult to consume. Improving the flavour, mouth-feel and variety is vital to prevent patients’ taste fatigue, provide choice, and ultimately improve their quality of life. icesupp is such a brilliant idea, created with love and expertise, to respond to a real problem. It’s been incredible to see the reviews from customers, saying that icesupp tastes great and is easy to consume.”

For further information, email info@icesupp.com or visit the website at www.icesupp.com Heathcare professionals can access the sample service at www.icesupp.com/pages/the-healthcare-professionals-hub

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

allmanhall Deliver Savings and Improvements For a Growing Care Group – Is It Time to Find Out How You Could Benefit Too?

Taylor & Taylor, a group of family-owned residential care homes approached food procurement experts, allmanhall to achieve scalable cost savings and efficiencies to support their growth plans. They needed to ensure no detrimental impact to the excellent quality of their food offering and their residents’ dining pleasure.

Their desire was to achieve a 5% food cost saving and to ensure ongoing effective management of catering budgets and invoicing. Operationally, access to reports and insights were key, as was ease of ordering and management of stock and deliveries. allmanhall undertook a like-for-like benchmark and identified achievable food cost savings of 11.4% - more than double the initial objective! allmanhall delivered tech demos of the catering control platform for Taylor and Taylor, ensuring it met their needs and provided training for the team. As well as providing useful operational functionality like stock taking and standing orders, the catering control platform proposed would also give access to management reports and facilitate central billing and conversion of all supplier invoices in to 1 per month. Samples and on-site supplier meetings were also arranged on behalf of the homes, to confirm that the quality was to the required standard. allmanhall have also supported Taylor and Taylor with the launch of a community engagement event for one of their newest homes.

A few months into the contract, the actual results were found to be an 18% food cost saving! You can watch this short video on You Tube to find out more… www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2QrrmaiG1Y “From day 1, the care and attention provided by allmanhall has been exceptional. The team truly listen to us, to what our challenges are and are always willing to help in any way they can. Their approach is thorough and responsive, meaning we feel fully supported. Everyone we’ve met from allmanhall has been hands-on, down to earth, genuine and considerate.

We’ve been impressed by the savings we’ve already seen, the flexibility regarding suppliers and by the excellent quality. The consolidation of invoices into 1 per month is a huge win.

We have relationships and contact with people across the allmanhall team – all there to help and to advise or resolve depending on what we need. With challenges around labour shortages and food inflation, this is hugely valued. It frees up the team and gives us peace of mind.

We would wholeheartedly recommend allmanhall’s services to others in the care sector and look forward to continuing to grow our offering and provide outstanding food for our residents, with allmanhall as our trusted partners.” allmanhall is an owner-managed, award-winning and trusted food procurement partner for care organisations across the UK. We help clients with a range of needs, including cost savings, administrative efficiencies, supplier management, dietetics and nutrition support, and sustainability goals. Get in touch to find out more: Email: hello@allmanhall.co.uk Telephone: 01225 745520 Website: allmanhall.co.uk LinkedIn: @allmanhall

PAGE 32 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL

Infection Control and Prevention: Safeguarding Health in Care Homes and Beyond

By Derek Aaronson, Founder & CEO of Hart Home Group (www.harthomegroup.co.uk) Infection control and prevention are critical components in safeguarding the health and well-being of individuals in medical, commercial, and domestic environments.

For the independent nursing and residential care home sector, maintaining stringent infection control measures is not just a matter of compliance, but a fundamental responsibility to ensure the safety of vulnerable residents. As the world continues to grapple with new and evolving health threats, the importance of infection prevention cannot be overstated.

THE IMPORTANCE OF INFECTION CONTROL IN CARE HOMES For nursing and residential care homes, infection control is especially crucial.

Residents often have weakened immune systems due to age or pre-existing conditions, making them more susceptible to infections. In such settings, even a minor lapse in hygiene protocols can lead to the rapid spread of pathogens, which can have devastating consequences. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) continue to be a significant risk in care homes, leading to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and, in severe cases, death.

Therefore, infection control in care homes requires a combination of effective policies, thorough cleaning routines, and specialised equipment.

Staff must be well-trained in infection prevention, and robust systems need to be in place to manage outbreaks when they occur. However, achieving a high standard of hygiene in care homes comes with its own set of challenges.

THE CHALLENGES OF INFECTION CONTROL IN CARE HOMES Maintaining high levels of hygiene in care homes can be difficult for several reasons. The close proximity of residents, especially in shared rooms, communal spaces, and bathrooms, increases the risk of cross-contamination. Frequent touching of high-contact surfaces such as handrails, doorknobs, and shared equipment can facilitate the spread of germs. In addition, staff turnover and the demanding nature of care work mean that infection control protocols may not always be followed consistently.

The traditional reliance on manual cleaning methods can also be timeconsuming and may not always be effective in eradicating harmful bacteria and viruses. With the rise of antimicrobial-resistant organisms (AROs), which are more difficult to treat, care homes must adopt more advanced solutions to combat the spread of infection.

SOLUTIONS TO ENHANCE INFECTION PREVENTION IN CARE HOMES The solution to these challenges lies in a combination of better practices, staff training, and, crucially, the use of advanced infection control technologies and equipment. Specialised hospital-grade fixtures, such as antimicrobial door handles, bed rails, and mobility aids, are invaluable in preventing the spread of infection in care homes. These fixtures are designed with non-porous materials that are easy to clean and resistant to microbial growth, ensuring that harmful pathogens have fewer places to thrive.

In addition, the use of touchless technologies is gaining traction in care homes as a way to reduce human contact with frequently touched surfaces. For example, touchless faucets, soap dispensers, and hand sanitisers can significantly minimise the risk of cross-contamination. These innovations not only make it easier to maintain hygiene but also improve the overall user experience for both staff and residents, especially for those with limited mobility.

Innovative cleaning solutions, such as UV-C sterilisation devices, are also helping care homes maintain higher standards of hygiene. UV-C light has been shown to be effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi on surfaces and in the air , providing an added layer of protection that manual cleaning alone cannot guarantee.

THE ROLE OF DESIGN AND PRODUCT INNOVATION The role of design and product innovation in infection control is crucial.

Products designed with infection prevention in mind—such as hospitalgrade furniture, non-porous flooring, and antimicrobial textiles—play a crucial role in reducing the potential for cross-contamination in care homes. By choosing products made from materials that are resistant to bacterial growth and easier to sanitise, care homes can significantly reduce the risk of infections spreading.

Mobility aids, including walkers, wheelchairs, and lift chairs, are another area where innovation is making a difference. Many of these products now come with antimicrobial coatings that help reduce the risk of pathogens accumulating on surfaces frequently touched by both residents and staff.

These small changes in the design of everyday equipment can contribute to a cleaner, safer environment for both residents and caregivers.

Moreover, the growing use of digital solutions, such as automated temperature monitoring, air quality control systems, and remote monitoring devices, is transforming infection control in care homes. These technologies allow staff to track and manage infection risks more efficiently, making it easier to identify potential outbreaks before they escalate.

EMERGING TRENDS: TOUCHLESS TECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS As the infection control industry evolves, there are two key trends that are gaining momentum: the integration of touchless technology and the use of sustainable materials. The increasing adoption of touchless systems, such as motion-activated doors and automated sanitation stations, is helping to prevent the transmission of pathogens, especially in hightraffic areas. These technologies not only improve infection control but also enhance the overall user experience by reducing the need for physical interaction, which is particularly beneficial in care settings where residents may have limited mobility or dexterity.

Sustainability is another important consideration in infection prevention.

The use of environmentally friendly materials—such as biodegradable cleaning products, sustainable textiles, and recyclable medical supplies— ensures that infection control measures are both effective and responsible. The growing demand for eco-friendly solutions in care homes is part of a larger global movement towards sustainability, where reducing environmental impact goes hand-in-hand with enhancing hygiene standards.

Infection control and prevention are vital to ensuring the health and safety of residents in care homes. While the challenges of maintaining hygiene in these environments are significant, the solutions are becoming increasingly effective with advancements in technology and product innovation. From hospital-grade fixtures and antimicrobial mobility aids to touchless technology and sustainable materials, these innovations are helping to reduce cross-contamination and improve overall safety. As the sector continues to evolve, adopting these innovations will be key to enhancing infection prevention protocols and safeguarding the health of vulnerable individuals across nursing and residential care homes. Through a combination of best practices, innovation, and thoughtful design, care homes can create a safer, cleaner, and more resilient environment for residents and staff alike.

The Evolution and Regulation of Cleaning Chemicals: A White Paper to Guide Buyers

How can buyers of cleaning chemicals find sustainable solutions that are also effective and safe to use. The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) has published a White Paper designed to help: The Evolution and Regulation of Cleaning Chemicals.

Buyers and end users of cleaning chemicals want environmentally sustainable, safe and effective cleaning chemicals. Environmental mes-

sages can be seductive, particularly when coupled with highly competitive prices. In the regulated arena of cleaning chemicals, it is difficult to produce products that are effective, have a minimal impact on the environment and are sustainable. It takes years of investment and testing to get the products right and clear the regulatory hurdles. It’s not surprising, therefore, that some organisations are looking for short cuts.

They argue technology is moving so fast there is no time for independent verification or regulation. Essentially, they are suggesting the need for some kind of environmentally sustainable solutions outweighs the need to know if the solution is indeed environmentally sustainable, if it works or how to use it to be certain it is safe.

Regulations, however, matter. They guarantee safety. They underpin transparency and ensure consistency. They provide a framework for comparison, so a buyer really knows if they are getting the product or solution they need. They also provide accountability, giving buyers a route to recourse if needed. In short, they underwrite an ethical approach.

The CHSA’s White Paper was written by Peter Thistlethwaite, Technical Manager – Cosmetics and Biocides at MSL Solution Providers. Peter is a Microbiologist and MSL Solution Providers offers an integrated regulatory and laboratory testing service. Its in-house accredited microbiology and virology laboratories provide a comprehensive range of standard tests, including efficacy testing against bacteria, fungi,

spores, viruses, mycobacteria, legionella, and algae.

The White Paper explains the evolution of cleaning chemicals. It explains how testing systems with recognised methodologies were introduced to “to prove chemicals were effective but hand-in-hand they gave a way to remove fraudulent products, offering better protections”.

Peter explains in the White Paper, “Regulations are intended to ensure a cleaning product is safe for the user and the environment when used correctly. The aim of enforcing regulatory requirements is to ensure products on the market can be trusted and that the companies selling them maintain the highest standards of integrity.”

Peter continues: “Product innovation means testing and regulatory requirements in the biocide market are becoming more complex, and the costs to enter markets are rising. This is expected to lead to a rise in fraudulent products, bypassing or ignoring regulations. Many are making claims about safety and efficacy without the proper technical support from correct testing. They are also using eco-friendly language to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Buyers need to beware.” @CHSACleaning www.CHSA.co.uk

Angloplas Dispensers Help Reduce the Risk of Cross Infection Angloplas are a UK manufacturer who specialise in producing dispensers for the health and hygiene industry. Although these are designed to keep the workplace tidy and uncluttered they are, more importantly, built knowing the control of healthcareassociated infections (HCAIs) are a priority for healthcare providers, and who are employing a combination of infection prevention and control strategies, including hand hygiene, cleaning, training and the adoption of new technologies, to tackle the problem.

As a result, a wide range of infection control products and technologies are emerging on the market, including antimicrobial technology. Angloplas’ range of dispensers are produced in the world’s

first proven Antimicrobial PVC with silver ion technology and which is exclusive to Angloplas. This helps reduce the risk of cross infection by stopping the growth of bacteria and mould and works continuously for the lifetime of the product, reducing levels of bacteria such as MRSA, E Coli, Legionella, Salmonella and mould by up to 99.99%.

For non-clinical environments Angloplas has recently launched its new Budget Range of products which are made to the same exacting standards as the antimicrobial protected ones but with lower price tags.

You can order Angloplas products directly from its website at www.angloplas.co.uk

PAGE 34 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS

Forbes Advises Upon WRAS Regulations and Infection Control Challenges Ensuring strict hygiene standards in care homes is a complex yet essential task, particularly when it comes to laundry processes. With infection control a top priority, operators must comply with stringent regulations, including CQC guidelines and WRAS Category 5 requirements. The latter classifies care environments as high risk due to the potential contamination of water supplies, necessitating specialist equipment and backflow prevention measures to safeguard residents and staff. Failure to meet these standards can not only compromise infection control but also lead to regulatory penalties and reputational damage.

Laundry plays a critical role in infection prevention, yet many care homes still rely on domestic machines that are not fit for purpose. Unlike commercial alternatives, these machines do not achieve the necessary wash temperatures, cycle durations, or thermal disinfection standards required to remove harmful pathogens effectively. This not only increases infection risks but also puts facilities at risk of non-compliance. Furthermore, improper segregation of laundry—such as mixing soiled items with general loads—can accelerate the spread of infections, a concern that has only intensified in recent

years. Best practice guidance advises that care homes implement a clear separation of clean and contaminated laundry, supported by colour-coded processes to avoid cross-contamination.

Forbes Professional, an expert in commercial laundry solutions, advises care home operators to invest in WRAS-approved, commercial-grade washing machines and sluice systems designed specifically for healthcare environments.

Miele’s hygiene-specific functionality, for example, ensures that thermal disinfection is achieved within every cycle, offering protection against bacteria and viruses. Additionally, hot water feeds, appropriate drainage, and compliance with Category 5 backflow prevention are crucial in preventing contamination.

With evolving compliance requirements and the ever-present risk of infection outbreaks, care homes need to ensure that their laundry operations are fully up to standard. Forbes provides expert guidance and tailored site surveys to help care operators navigate these challenges, ensuring their facilities remain both compliant and safe for residents and staff alike. forbespro.co.uk | info@forbes-professional.co.uk | 0345 070 2335

Lavamac Continues its Sustainability Drive!

In the past year, Lavamac have continued to grow our sustainability project, with focus on rebuilding and refurbishing existing washing machines and dryers rather than buying new, not only contributing to a greener way of life, but also saving our customers money!

We have recently set up a specialist facility in St. Neots, near Cambridge, in which we are going ahead with this specialist refurbishment programme.

This programme involves purchasing existing machines, and replacing the parts on them, so that they are as good as new, whilst retaining the look and feel that existed before, but with a massively increased lifespan, and a warranty on the machines that’s as good as a warranty on a new machine to go with the refurbishment too.

Our refurbishment programme in our specialist facility includes stripping down the machines, and giving them a check-over, to see which parts, if any, can be carried over the refurbishment. Lavamac will only carry over the highest-quality parts from the machine from pre to post

refurbishment. The machine then undergoes an extensive refurbishment, with almost all the parts being replaced, with the refurbished machines being given specialist parts based on the model type.

We recently have been awarded a bronze award in sustainability by the groundworks trust, affirming our commitment to the sustainability industry – however, as much of a compliment as it is, it does not mean that the hard work stops there! The next step on our journey is to hopefully be awarded the prestigious silver sustainability award! For this, we need to ensure that our carbon emissions are being cut down from our vans, continue our sustainability and refurbishment programme and to keep making green decisions within the company!

0151 317 3127 info@laundrytec.com www.lavamac.eu

AWARD-WINNING SUSTAINABLE LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT • New or refurbished Laundry equipment • Award-winning sustainability drive • washers, Dryers and Roller Irons • PPMs, Callouts and Installations • Fast and friendly service • Over 80 5* Trustpilot reviews

0151 317 3127 info@laundrytec.com www.lavamac.eu

PAGE 36 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Pinpoint P2 Alarm System Protects Staff in UK First Pinpoint ltd, the UK’s leading provider of staff alarm systems to high-risk workplaces, has seen its P2 System installed in the UK’s first safe drug consumption facility, The Thistle.

The facility opened its doors on 13 January 2025 to provide a clean, safe space for the public to use drugs safely under clinical supervision. It also provides drug users with access to a wide range of treatment and support.

Pinpoint’s P2 Staff Attack System was chosen as the preferred staff safety alarm system to ensure the swift delivery of assistance in high-risk medical situations.

Access to the Pinpoint P2 System ensures help can be summoned quickly providing staff with the peace of mind that help is forthcoming when they need it most.

Staff members at the Thistle will be given a personal alarm, or P2 PIT, at the start of each shift which can be activated if required with the simple press of a button.

Once activated, the P2 PIT communicates with receivers located throughout the building, which in turn notifies display devices of the exact location and severity of the alarm call. This provides vital information to enable colleagues to respond appropriately.

Daniel Waring, CEO of Pinpoint Limited, said: “Pinpoint is proud to be part of this UK first Safer Drug Consumption Facility.

Having worked with The Hunter Street Health Centre, where The Thistle is based, since 2003, we are well aware of the challenges staff may face in their day-to-day duties.

“The P2 System, chosen for its precision, reliability and durability, will ensure staff can access a response when they need it most, allowing them to carry out their duties without fear and provide the highest quality of care.”

Visit http://pinpoint.ltd.uk for further information or see the advert on page 19.

Skopos Studio: Providing the Perfect Design Fit for Your Home Furnishing Schemes Skopos Studio is a new design library idea from Skopos, enabling interior designers for Care to pick from a large range of designs to suit their project.

Categorised under different design types, such as ‘Botanical and floral, textures, stripes and checks’ this format provides choice for customers to select their end use and appropriate flame retardant base-cloth, and then select the designs and colourways which can bring their schemes to life.

The Studio collection provides a easy ‘go-to’ option containing design inspiration to create a Caring‘Home from Home’ experience. Skopos have a long history in print, with over 50 years of design experience which shines through in the Studio binder, with samples of all designs available via the

website.

Designs in Skopos Studio have been developed to work hand in hand with our beautiful accent collections and upholstery fabrics for a cross-section of projects. Choose from our fabric-only solution or a full-service option, including measure, product make-up (curtains, cushions, blinds and bed-throws) and installation. If you require something unique, our Bespoke service can offer custom colour options for a minimum meterage.

View the complete collection: www.skoposfabrics.com/studio-prints See the advert on page 4 for more information.

Expert Water Sampling Services Throughout The UK Chiltern Water & Environment was established in 1991 by Robert Hunt after gaining 25 years' experience as an operational and analytical scientist in the water supply industry. The company gained engineering and further management knowledge when David Hunt joined in 2012. Since then, other water industry professionals have added to the breadth of knowledge and experience within the company.

We have always provided high-quality consultancy, testing and remedial services in a professional but personable manner. Our steady growth has reflected our clients' trust in our services. Our current clients include large housing associations, pharmaceutical companies and facilities management companies, as well as individual landlords and small businesses. We ensure all our customers receive the same level of care and attention to detail.

Duty Holders of all commercial and public building premises are legally required to assess the risk from legionella to anyone using the water systems and put in place legionella control measures if required. The HSE has produced ACoP L8 and HSG274 as guidance for Duty Holders obligations.

We have clients throughout the South East, London and the Midlands, and carry out water tests nationally and internationally. We currently provide regular water sampling and testing for over 500 sites.

Tel: 01844 347678 Email: info@chilternwater.co.uk www.chilternwater.co.uk See the advert on page 21 for more information.

Consort Claudgen Introduces Wi-Fi Enabled Heaters to LST Range Consort Claudgen’s innovation in the electric heating industry takes another leap forward by introducing Wi-Fi-enabled heaters to their low surface temperature (LST) range. These cutting-edge heaters offer unparalleled convenience and efficiency.

The heaters connect directly to Wi-Fi, enabling users to control heating through the digital control panel on the heater or via the Consort Connect app.

With a comprehensive 7-day timer, which allows 24 individual heating periods per day, and features such as a lock function, open window detection, and custom automation, users can tailor their heating needs to their preferences.

Adding to the ease of use, users can view the energy consumption statistics of

all connected heaters, providing insights into usage patterns and potential savings. The LST heaters with Wi-Fi and occupancy sensors have a self-learning control ability. They utilise in-built occupancy sensors to detect and learn a user’s weekly presence in a room, creating an intuitive heating schedule. When the space is unoccupied, the heater conserves energy by switching to a setback temperature or frost protection mode.

BIM (Building Information Modelling) objects for the heaters are available for download from Consort’s website. 01646 692172 | sales@consortepl.com | www.consortepl.com See the advert on page 5 for more information..

CareZips Classic Adaptive Pants ®

CareZips® Classic are patented, easy dressing unisex adaptive pants designed for older and disabled people suffering with problems associated with continence, mobility, mental function and cognition. Suitable for persons living in care institutions, receiving care at home or living independently at home, CareZips® Classic enable people to dress themselves or with assistance from carers.

CareZips® Classic feature patented 3-zipper system, which opens the front of the pants from the waist to the knees for quicker access during toileting, continence pads changes and personal hygiene. The forward positioning of the two side zippers lessens pressure on sensitive hip areas, helping to eliminate discomfort. The third zipper facilitates simple full frontal opening for faster more dignified diaper changes, catheter adjustments, personal cleansing and hygiene routines.

CareZips® Classic have many benefits for the older and disabled users and their carers: • People dressing themselves enjoy the practical functionality and versatility of the

CareZips® Classic, all day comfort and easy garment care.

• People dependent on assisted dressing appreciate quick easy dressing process with less stress, embarrassment and greater dignity offered by CareZips® Classic.

• CareZips® Classic offer practical gains to the carers, helping them to provide better care, whilst reducing physical efforts and saving valuable time.

CareZips® Classic are unisex, available in 6 sizes and 3 practical colours (i.e. black, charcoal and navy). Tapered fit at the ankles gives a tidy appearance. Made from breathable moisture-wicking 4-way stretchy crease-free and easy-care durable fabric, CareZips® Classic are comfortable, practical and conveniently functional.

For more information, contact Win Health Medical Ltd - 01835 864866 www.win-health.com See the advert on page 3 for further information on Win Health’s product range.

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISERS

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239 | PAGE 37

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Rekindling Memories with Little Islands’ Themed Care Home Packages At Little Islands, we understand the power of nostalgia in bringing comfort and joy to care home residents. Familiar surroundings, evocative sights, and meaningful sensory experiences can unlock treasured memories, sparking conversation and connection. For years, we have been crafting bespoke themed rooms and areas that do exactly that—transporting residents back to fond moments in their lives. However, bespoke designs often come at a premium, making them inaccessible for some care homes.

That’s why we have developed a range of standard themed packages, making it easier than ever for care homes to create high-quality, engaging spaces that foster reminiscence. Many homes have the capability to build themed areas themselves but sourcing appropriate and authentic content can be a challenge. Too often, well-intentioned efforts result in spaces that feel more like children’s play areas rather than immersive environments tailored for adults.

Our themed packages take the guesswork out of the process. Each package includes everything needed to transform a space, allowing your maintenance and care staff to set it up with ease. Most homes already have suitable furniture and decorative items to complement the theme, but we also offer optional extras to enhance and expand each setting as required.

Whether it’s a traditional British high street, a 1950s tearoom, or a classic seaside retreat, Little Islands’ thoughtfully designed themes ensure that your residents can enjoy a truly meaningful and immersive

Activities to Share Since our founding in 2010, Activities to Share has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of those in care by providing thoughtfully designed activity products. Our mission is to support activity coordinators in delivering uplifting, engaging experiences that foster connection, joy, and well-being.

We achieve this by listening closely to your feedback and evolving with your needs. Whether over the phone, via email, WhatsApp, or Live Chat on our website, our team is always ready to offer advice and help you find just the right products to bring your ideas to life.

While we embrace the convenience of technology to expand our resources and share knowledge, we remain firm believers in the irreplaceable power of sensory

Serve in Style with Euroservice

Watch your resident's eyes light up when the trolley arrives!

Euroservice trolleys can also be used as a vending trolley or to sell personal care products to residents. How about a delicious snack/pastry trolley or even a drinks trolley for that afternoon tipple?

Your lovely trolley could do so much for you and your residents!

Visit the website at www.euroservice-uk.com to see the full range.

Or see the advert on page 25.

MOWOOT II for Constipation Free Life MOWOOT II – proven solution to chronic constipation without medication Developed by a team of doctors and other healthcare professionals, MOWOOT II performs gentle abdominal massage to speed up intestinal passage in people experiencing chronic constipation.

Clinically proven, safe and effective, relaxing and side-effects free, MOWOOT II Abdominal Massage Therapy System combats constipation and provides soothing relief to affected people.

Easy to use and comfortable, the MOWOOT II treats and manages constipation in people with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis sufferers, Parkinson’s Disease patients and people with constipation related to prescription medication.

MOWOOT II also helps to relieve idiopathic constipation experienced by menopausal and post-

menopausal women and older and elderly people.

In clinical studies MOWOOT II increased evacuation frequency, softened stools, improved regularity, reduced gasses, relieved bloating and eased off abdominal discomfort.

10 to 20 minutes daily of relaxing abdominal massage with MOWOOT II rapidly reduces symptoms of constipation.

Evident results are experienced only a few days after the first treatment. Regular abdominal massage with MOOWOOT II ensures lasting health benefits and better quality of life.

MOWOOT II – effective solution to chronic constipation for better quality of life!

Supplied by Win Health Medical Ltd - 01835 864866 - www.win-health.com See page 3 of this issue for other Win Health products.

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISERS

experience. By stimulating multiple senses in a focused direction, these environments help trigger happy memories, encourage social interaction, and improve overall well-being.

With our themed packages, creating an engaging reminiscence space has never been easier or more affordable. Let’s bring back those cherished moments—together.

Our S.M.A.R.T. Room packages include: • Unique interactive sensory railway sound box • Giant self-adhesive wall mural (2.4M wide x 1.8M high) • 8 off traditional 3D signage and posters of various sizes • Large printed 3D window (1.2M wide x 0.95M high) • Vintage suitcase storage table for games, jigsaws, room props • Vintage floor lamp • Traditional flame effect stove (For H&S the heat element is disabled) • Double sided railway wall clock • Themed Railway game and jigsaw puzzle • Interior design Specification sheet Contact us today on 01282 869802 or via hello@littleislands.org to discuss how we can help transform your care home.

See the advert on page 5 for more information.

engagement. That’s why we continue to make our Reminiscence Kits and Sensory Bags with real, tactile items that stimulate the senses. Some experiences—like popping bubbles for the splash, breathing in a familiar scent, or piecing together a puzzle with others—simply can’t be replicated on a screen. These sensory moments are invaluable in encouraging storytelling, sparking memories, and fostering conversation.

Our values remain rooted in this commitment to meaningful connection. We’re here to partner with you—the professionals on the front lines of care—to create a sense of structure, well-being, and fun for those who need it most.

Are you longing for your activity diary to be full? Look no further www.activitiestoshare.co.uk are here for you! See the advert on page 21 or: customers@activitiestoshare.co.uk 0117 966 6761 07900 6751 50

REM Care Range REM have been manufacturing furniture for the Hair & Beauty Sector for over 100 years and are now considered to be one of the largest manufacturers in both the UK & Europe. Our exclusive designs and meticulous British workmanship offer customers a wide range of furniture for every conceivable Salon environment.

Understanding the growing requirement for Care & Residential Home Salons the REM Design Team have produced the Pendle Care range for the small, compact Care Home Salon. This new range includes ergonomically designed, height adjustable styling chairs and

the Pendle Easy Wash Unit with two ceramic basins allowing frontwash with wheelchair access and a tilting backwash basin for the more able clientele.

Should the need arise, our experienced Design Team can help you create a stimulating Salon environment for your clients. The REM Salon Interior Design Package which includes 2D and 3D AutoCad plans and visuals can be ordered for only £295 +VAT and is fully refundable on an order placement of £3000 or more.

Contact us on 01282 619977 or email sales@rem.co.uk See the advert on page 17 for details.

Oxford Up

vides a means of generating forward momentum when moving a patient. Optimum positioning of the swing-away seat pads and knee support help ensure comfort for the patient. Adjustable leg opening allows closer access around furniture, promoting improved patient positioning and general ease of use.

Additionally, the enclosed footplate ensures no accidental foot or toe entrapment associated with mechanical components.

Where additional seated support is required, the Oxford Deluxe Standing sling (With Clips) is fully compatible with the Up and available in three standard sizes: small, medium, and large.

For more information including how and where to purchase, please contact the Oxford customer services team on 0344 811 1158, send an email to info@joerns.co.uk or visit our website at www.joerns.co.uk.

See the advert on page 13 for details.

The Oxford Up is an active manual stand aid, supporting assisted standing, seated transfers, and patient rehabilitation. Suitable for clients who require some assistance when standing but are able to participate and contribute effort to the process, the Up can also be deployed as a useful rehabilitation aid.

With a safe working load rating of 200kg (31st), the Up quickly disassembles into three separate components, significantly easing storage requirements and onward transportation. Reassembly takes a matter of seconds, and its ready for use again.

A large multi-point push handle aids manoeuvrability for the caregiver, and the foot push pad pro-

PAGE 38 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING Innovative Fall Prevention Solutions

by Medpage: A Comprehensive Look Falls are a significant concern for vulnerable individuals, especially seniors and patients at risk. Medpage, a leader in assistive technology, offers a range of cuttingedge products designed to enhance safety and provide peace of mind for caregivers and families. Here’s an indepth look at some of their standout solutions: MPRCG1 (2023) BED LEAVING DETECTION ALARM WITH CAREGIVER RADIO PAGER The MPRCG1 is a comprehensive system tailored for fall prevention in domestic, commercial, and NHS care settings. This all-inclusive kit includes a bed pressure mat sensor, a BTX21-MP alarm sensor transmitter, and an MP-PAG31 radio pager. The system is designed to alert caregivers when a patient leaves their bed, reducing the risk of falls. Key features include: • Wireless Alerts: Notifications are sent to the caregiver’s pager via tone or vibration.

• Customizable Alarm Delays: Options for instant, 15-minute, or 30-minute delays.

• Durable Design: Antimicrobial and disinfectantresistant materials ensure longevity.

• Ease of Use: Minimal installation required, making it user-friendly and portable.

HDKMB2 HOSPITAL DISCHARGE KIT FOR FALLS RISK PATIENTS The HDKMB2 is a thoughtfully curated kit aimed at supporting patients transitioning from hospital to home care. It includes essential tools to mitigate fall risks and promote recovery. This kit is ideal for caregivers seeking a comprehensive solution to enhance patient safety during the critical post-discharge period.

CMEX-21 MULTI-PORT WIRELESS SENSOR INPUT EXPANDER FOR NURSE CALL CONNECTION The CMEX-21 is Medpage’s latest innovation, designed to integrate seamlessly with existing

nurse call systems. This multiport expander allows for the connection of multiple wireless sensors, enhancing the monitoring capabilities of healthcare facilities. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to any care environment, ensuring timely responses to patient needs.

RON-WC2 WATERPROOF DISABLED PULL CORD ALARM TRANSMITTER WITH WIRELESS ALARM RECEIVER The RON-WC2 is a robust solution for disabled individuals requiring immediate assistance. This waterproof pull cord alarm is ideal for use in bathrooms and other high-risk areas. Paired with a wireless alarm receiver, it ensures that help is just a pull away. Features include: • Waterproof Design: Suitable for wet environments.

• Wireless Connectivity: Reliable transmission to the alarm receiver.

• Ease of Installation: Simple setup for quick deployment.

WHY CHOOSE MEDPAGE? Medpage’s commitment to innovation and quality is evident in their product range. Each solution is designed with the user’s safety and convenience in mind, making them a trusted choice for caregivers and healthcare providers alike.

By investing in these advanced fall prevention tools, families and facilities can create safer environments for those at risk. Medpage continues to lead the way in providing practical, reliable solutions that make a real difference.

For more information, visit Medpage’s official website or contact their team to explore these products further. Safety starts with the right tools, and Medpage delivers just that. www.easylinkuk.co.uk T: 01536 264 869

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239 | PAGE 39

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING Courtney Thorne Leads the Way in Wireless Nurse Call Technology for UK Care Homes Courtney Thorne, a long-standing innovator in healthcare communication systems, is setting new standards in the care home sector with its advanced wireless nurse call technology—designed to improve resident safety, enhance staff efficiency, and support a more responsive care environment.

With over 30 years of experience serving the UK healthcare market, Courtney Thorne’s systems are now trusted by thousands of care homes nationwide. Unlike traditional hardwired solutions, their wireless nurse call systems offer non-invasive installation, scalability, and smart analytics—making them ideal for both new builds and retrofit projects.

“At the heart of our technology is the belief that better communication leads to better care,” says Graham Vickrage, Managing Director at Courtney Thorne. “Our wireless systems not only

reduce response times but also empower staff with the tools they need to deliver safe, person-centred care.”

Care providers are increasingly choosing wireless systems for their flexibility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. With a full suite of accessories—including neck pendants, door monitors, fall detection, and bed sensors—Courtney Thorne systems can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each home and resident.

In an industry where compliance, safety, and staff pressures are always front of mind, Courtney Thorne provides more than just products—they offer ongoing support, training, and a commitment to innovation that helps care homes future-proof their operations.

For more information or to book a free demo, visit www.c-t.co.uk or contact

Blaucomm Ltd - Telecommunications & Networks Blaucomm’s Nurse Call Messaging Service (NMS) is the market leading solution to remove the dependency on noisy nurse call panels and pagers, through its intelligent software, which delivers the alerts straight to the care staff who need them.

Care homes are rapidly introducing smartphones for digital care planning and eMar - now, the same devices can be used to receive the nurse call alerts they need for the residents under their care.

Furthermore, Blaucomm NMS is deeply linked into Person Centred Software MCM, so call bell data is linked straight to care plans. This unlocks a huge benefit to care homes to enhance the staff performance with how they accept and respond to residents, which ultimately pro-

motes better response times and visibility for management to audit their performance.

The best part is that Blaucomm NMS links into your existing nurse call system - we work with all major brands such as Aidcall, ARM, Courtney Thorne, C-TEC, ENS, Intercall, Medicare, SAS and TeleAlarm.

Care operators are constantly recognising Blaucomm NMS for its reliability and dependability to their care operations, which is why we’ve been chosen time and time again over other solutions.

Head of IT Trudi Harrow at WCS Care had this to say about Blaucomm NMS: “We find Blaucomm is a genuinely fantastic company with a reliable

product.

"We would highly recommend this to anybody who wants to replace expensive pagers and silence those annoyingly loud nurse call screens!”

To find out more about Blaucomm NMS, visit www.blaucomm.co.uk/healthcare See the advert on the front cover for more details.

Fall Savers - Affordable Fall Monitoring Solutions Fall Savers®, are an experienced market leading healthcare provider of resident safety solutions for over 15 years.

FALL SAVERS ® WIRELESS MONITOR

Eliminate all cables with our new generation falls management solutions!

Upgrade your falls programme with the latest technology from Fall Savers®. The NEW Fall Savers® Wireless eliminates the cord between the monitor and sensor pad. This results in less work for nursing staff, improved safety for patients and reduced wear and tear on sensor pads. Wireless advantages include the ability to use one monitor with two sensor pads simultaneously and support for many new wireless devices.

BENEFITS INCLUDE: Safer for patients; less work for staff

Bed and chair pads available One monitor works with two sensor pads Integrates with most nurse call systems A variety of options, including: Call button Pager Floor sensor mat Wireless door/window exit alerts

TREADNOUGHT ®FLOOR SENSOR PAD The TreadNought® Floor Sensor Pad is built to last with a durable construction that far out lasts the competition. Our anti-bacterial floor sensor pad is compatible with most nurse call systems or can be used with a portable pager to sound an alert when a person steps on to the sensor pad. Caregivers typically place the sensor

pad at the bedside, in a doorway or other locations to monitor persons at risk for falls or wandering. An optional anti-slip mesh reduces the potential for slippage on hard surface floors.

FEATURES INCLUDE: Connects directly to most nurse call systems High Quality anti-bacterial Floor Sensor Pad Large Size Pad: Measures (L) 91cm x (H) 61cm Options (sold separately): Anti-slip mesh for hard surface floors See the advert on this page for further details or visit www.fallsavers.co.uk.

PAGE 40 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

First Ever Cyber Game for Social Care Cyber security is an increasing concern in social care, with data breaches, phishing scams, and cyber attacks putting sensitive information and essential services at risk. However, learning about cyber security can often feel overwhelming, full of jargon, and difficult to apply to everyday situations. That’s where the Digital Care Hub’s new Cyber Game comes in—an engaging, interactive way for adult social care providers to learn vital cyber security skills.

social care providers. The goal is to manage the crisis effectively—containing the damage, notifying the right people, and implementing steps to prevent future incidents. Decisions impact security, time, and cost, requiring players to balance risk and consequences.

WHY GAMIFY CYBER SECURITY TRAINING? Daniel O’Shaughnessy, from the Digital Care Hub, explains: “We created the Cyber Game to make cyber security training more accessible and engaging. Gamification encourages active participation and helps staff retain information better, making learning feel rewarding and practical.”

THE POWER OF GAMIFICATION IN SOCIAL CARE

Learning doesn’t have to be dull. In social care, where training is essential but time is scarce, gamification—using game-like elements such as quizzes, rewards, and interactive challenges—makes learning more engaging and memorable. It provides a safe space to learn and make mistakes, increasing engagement, motivation, and knowledge retention. Gamification also allows for instant feedback and supports long-term behaviour change, making it an effective tool for cyber security training.

THE FIRST-EVER CYBER GAME FOR SOCIAL CARE

The Digital Care Hub has launched the first-ever Cyber Game designed specifically for adult social care providers. It offers a fun and practical way to learn about cyber security and data protection, helping care managers, care workers, and other staff members develop the skills they need to keep their organisation safe.

The Cyber Game takes players through real-world scenarios relevant

WHAT CARE STAFF SAY to social care settings, making it easier to recognise and respond to cyber risks in a safe environment. Whether it’s identifying a phishing email, ensuring secure data sharing, or responding to a cyber incident, players gain hands-on experience that translates directly to their work environment.

One of the biggest challenges in cyber security training is making it relatable. The Cyber Game brings cyber risks to life through realistic characters and workplace situations. Players can take on the role of a registered manager, a data protection lead, or a care worker, each facing different cyber threats.

Each scenario is based on real cyber incidents that have affected

Care staff who tested the game found the scenarios helpful and realistic: “These are good scenarios – typical and indicative of what may occur and give people an idea of what they need to be thinking about.”

Through interactive decision-making, players experience the consequences of their choices, reinforcing key lessons in a way that traditional training cannot.

TRY THE CYBER GAME TODAY! The Cyber Game is available online, completely free to play. It’s a great way for care providers to improve their cyber security awareness in an engaging and practical way.

Play the game online at: www.digitalcarehub.co.uk/cyber-game

Policies and Procedures Within Social Care

The delivery of safe care is the paramount responsibility of social care providers. Central to achieving this is the governance framework adopted by service providers. And at the core of this framework are policies and procedures. These enable the provider to comply – and evidence compliance – with relevant legislation and regulations, as well as facilitating best practices, supporting business needs, and assisting in recognising and managing risks.

Providers have a legal duty of care to the people they employ. Policies and procedures should provide clear guidelines to staff on how the organisation operates, as well as informing them of best practices and processes to be followed.

Policies should be reviewed annually as a minimum to ensure they are still fit for purpose and align with legal and regulatory requirements. They should be reviewed not only by

employees of the business, but also by experts in various subject matters (e.g., infection control or medicines management).

For many small- to medium-sized providers, there may not be the in-house skills, knowledge, and experience to complete such a robust annual review.

Many choose instead to purchase their policies and procedures from a reputable provider like W&P Compliance & Training, who will also complete reviews and ensure their policies and procedures remain up to date. This way a provider not only ensures they remain compliant; they also benefit from best practice policies and procedures that provide a solid foundation for safe working practices and – ultimately – protect and support service users and staff.

Ben Erskine – Director at W&P Compliance & Training www.wandptraining.co.uk | Tel: 01305 767104 See the advert on page 2 for further information.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239 | PAGE 41

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Transforming Care Home Training: Rethinking Restrictive Practice Education Training care home staff is vital for delivering high-quality care, especially when managing complex resident needs such as dementia, frailty, and mental health challenges. However, traditional methods often fall short in engaging staff, leaving critical gaps in understanding and preparedness. Innovative approaches, such as game-based learning and peer-to-peer collaboration, are revolutionising training, particularly in addressing the ethical and legal challenges of restrictive practices.

Restrictive practices—measures that limit an individual’s freedom—are sometimes necessary to ensure safety. However, they must be applied with great care, adhering to legal frameworks and ethical guidelines to protect residents’ dignity. A groundbreaking digital training resource, co-designed by Queen’s University Belfast and Focus Games, exemplifies this innovation. The resource uses interactive, expert-driven content to help staff navigate restrictive practices responsibly and effectively.

Game-based learning plays a central role, transforming topics like restrictive practices into engaging,

real-world scenarios. Simulations allow staff to explore ethical dilemmas, practice decision-making, and test alternative solutions in a safe, low-pressure environment. This approach enhances critical thinking, teamwork, and retention of essential knowledge.

Peer-to-peer learning further strengthens the training by encouraging staff to share experiences and insights, fostering collaboration and practical problem-solving. This creates a dynamic learning environment where staff feel supported and empowered to deliver compassionate care.

By integrating these modern approaches, care homes can elevate training into a meaningful experience, equipping staff to balance safety with residents’ autonomy and dignity. At Focus Games, we are proud to offer tools designed to empower care home teams through innovative training. Visit www.FocusGames.com or email info@focusgames.com to learn more about our Restrictive Practice resource and how it can enhance care home outcomes for residents and staff alike.

For further information see the advert on the front of this issue

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Improving Care Through Technology and Feedback

By Chris Sparling, Senior Director, CX at Reputation (www.reputation.com) In the care industry, reputation is everything. Choosing a care facility or in-home provider is a deeply personal decision based on location, budget and individual needs.

It’s also based on trust.

Families rely on providers to deliver quality care, so a strong reputation is essential.

In the UK, adult care homes are rated by official bodies like the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and by residents and their families.

However, as the CQC undergoes reform, personal feedback and reviews have become critical in offering an unfiltered view of the resident experience.

Selecting a care facility or in-home provider is a deeply personal decision based on trust, location, budget, and individual needs.

Families rely on providers to deliver quality care, so a strong reputation is essential.

EMERGING TRENDS IN THE CARE INDUSTRY The growing reliance on authentic reviews offers facilities an opportunity to set themselves apart and offer the insights prospective patients seek. Yet, a recent research report reveals that in-home care providers average just nine reviews annually, with the top 20% receiving fourteen reviews. This indicates a gap in review engagement that providers can turn into an opportunity.

The difference between a trusted care facility and a questionable

one often comes down to how effectively a provider manages its reputation. Managing various listings and online reviews can weigh heavy on a facility with stretched resources.

ENCOURAGING AUTHENTIC REVIEWS The true measure of reputation comes from the experiences shared by current and former residents and their families. Proactively soliciting feedback is powerful - 22% of the public report they leave reviews when asked. A steady flow of fresh feedback prevents outdated sentiment from impacting perception. In a market with such high demand for care home places, this could have serious consequences.

Reviews need to be managed and cultivated as part of continuous improvement within customer service, as they’re one of the primary indicators of quality.

BUILDING TRUST WITHIN THE COMMUNITY It is important that reviews are managed transparently, so providers can build trust with their current and future patients. The same report found that top-performing care providers respond to over 80% of reviews, while the industry average lags at 68%. However, these numbers drop significantly for negative reviews, which is a missed opportunity.

Acknowledging both positive and negative feedback is crucial for building credibility. Doing this will reassure prospects that a facility is open to listening and proactively addressing concerns. Filtering reviews to exclude the negative ones presents an unrealistic image and will deter prospects evaluating whether a facility is the right one for them.

PROMOTING RESIDENT AND FAMILY SATISFACTION Responding to online feedback is an extension of customer service quality, and many prospective patients seek this level of engagement.

By providing thoughtful and timely responses, care providers can

increase customer satisfaction and strengthen their overall reputation.

Facilities that listen to residents and their families, and take proactive steps see improved satisfaction and stronger relationships with those they serve. Addressing negative reviews can even turn challenges into positive outcomes.

TECHNOLOGY AS A TOOL FOR CUSTOMER MANAGEMENT Industry leading providers are already leveraging technology to maximise the impact of online reviews. Many automate review responses, ensuring that every reviewer feels respected and appreciated. This approach also eases the pressure on internal resources by streamlining the feedback response process.

Moreover, facilities can use data from reviews to identify strengths and weaknesses, addressing areas of concern proactively. For those with smaller budgets, data-backed insights help allocate funds effectively, so that the focus remains on what matters most to residents and families. Whether that’s staff excellence or a provider’s welcoming environment, marketers should highlight these strengths in their promotional materials, and use customer feedback as a way to validate them.

Care providers should embody their commitment to people-centred service in their online interactions, regardless of whether feedback is positive or negative. Reputation management is a crucial part of this commitment, as it ensures that patients feel valued and heard, while offering sought-after insights to those trying to make big decisions.

With the right tools and strategies in place, care providers can harness the power of online reviews to build trust, improve satisfaction, and build a lasting reputation that resonates with both current and future residents.

Often Overlooked: SOC Systems in the Nonprofit and Charity Sector – Enhancing Cybersecurity In an age where data breaches and cyberattacks are increasingly common, cybersecurity is a critical priority for all organisations, including nonprofits and charities. Protecting sensitive data—such as donor records and beneficiary details—is a round-the-clock responsibility that demands both organisation and vigilance. This is where Security Operations Centre (SOC) systems come into play, offering a powerful way to strengthen your defences, even on a tight budget.

WHAT IS A SOC SYSTEM? A Security Operations Centre (SOC) is a centralised framework—often a combination of software, tools, and processes—designed to monitor, protect, and manage an organisation’s information systems and networks against cyber threats. Whether through in-house teams or external ser-

vices, a SOC uses advanced technologies to detect, analyse, respond to, and prevent cybersecurity incidents in real-time.

Why Are SOC Systems Important?

The consequences of a successful cyberattack can be catastrophic, from financial losses to reputational damage, and the risks are growing each year. Cybersecurity is no longer a one-off task but a complex, ongoing effort requiring expertise, proactive monitoring, and rapid response capabilities. For nonprofits and charities, where budgets are often stretched thin, a SOC system offers an efficient solution. It provides 24/7 network monitoring, identifies vulnerabilities before they’re exploited, and helps mitigate threats swiftly, reducing the likelihood of a breach.

BENEFITS OF SOC SYSTEMS FOR NONPROFITS AND CHARITIES 1. Proactive Threat Detection and Response: Equipped with sophisticated tools, SOCs can spot potential risks early and respond immediately, minimising damage.

2.Compliance Support: By monitoring data protection practices, SOC systems help charities meet standards like GDPR or CQC requirements, avoiding costly penalties.

3.Unified Security Management: Many SOC solutions integrate with popular antivirus and network security tools, letting you oversee everything from a single platform.

4.Scalable for All Sizes: Whether your organisation is large or small, SOC systems can adapt to your needs.

SES SOC FREE SYSTEM OFFER SES Computers, with over 20 years of success in the healthcare sector, believes it’s time to give back. We’re excited to announce a unique opportunity for UK charities and nonprofits: free access to our Security Operations Centre (SOC) services.

• No Cost: Completely free—no hidden fees or spending required.

• Fully Functional: A 100% operational system out of the box.

• Ongoing Offer: Available without an end date or catches.

• Expert Support: Includes assistance from our skilled engineers.

• Eligibility: Open to UK charities and nonprofit companies with an annual turnover under £1,000,000.

Ready to enhance your cybersecurity? Call us at 01305 820300 or visit our enquiry page at www.sescomputers.com to get started.

See the advert on the following page for details.

PAGE 42 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE How AP Automation Helped East Cheshire Hospice Save Time, Control Spend, and Streamline Purchasing East Cheshire Hospice plays a vital role in providing palliative care services to the community of Macclesfield and beyond. Like many organisations in the healthcare sector, the hospice needed to ensure that every pound was spent wisely and that internal processes supported rather than hindered their critical mission.

Faced with an increasing volume of invoices, a complex departmental structure, and the need for tighter financial controls, East Cheshire Hospice turned to Compleat Software for a solution. The result? Greater efficiency, full visibility into spend, and a major reduction in manual processing, freeing up valuable time and resources to focus on patient care.

THE CHALLENGE

Before adopting Compleat’s solution, East Cheshire Hospice was processing approximately 3,500 invoices each year manually. Each invoice needed to be coded, approved, and uploaded to their Sage 50 finance system. With over 35 departments, each with their own purchasing requirements, the process was time-consuming, prone to human error, and lacking in real-time visibility.

Manual AP processes made it difficult to track spending accurately, allocate costs appropriately, and ensure timely approvals. Staff often had to chase budget holders for signatures, delaying invoice processing and increasing administrative burden.

Recognising the need for a smarter, more streamlined approach, East Cheshire Hospice sought a solution that would integrate seamlessly with Sage 50, reduce manual workload, and provide better control and oversight of departmental spending.

THE SOLUTION

East Cheshire Hospice implemented iCompleat, Compleat Software’s purchase-to-pay (P2P) solution.

Designed to automate AP processes while offering a simple, intuitive user experience, iCompleat ticked all the boxes.

Amazon Business was the standout feature that allowed their 45 purchasers to order supplies directly through a familiar online shopping experience, whilst maintaining compliance with internal financial controls.

Orders placed via Amazon Business are automatically routed through iCompleat for approval, ensuring spend is tracked and coded correctly from the outset.

Additionally, 47 approvers across the organisation can now review and approve purchases in real-time, using any device, from any location. This level of flexibility has dramatically improved turnaround times and

empowered budget holders to make informed, responsible decisions based on live financial data.

From a technical perspective, the implementation was seamless. According to the Head of IT at East Cheshire Hospice: "From an IT and budget holder perspective, iCompleat is very user-friendly and efficient to use. Raising orders and integration with Amazon Business is a great feature that I regularly use. The platform is reliable, easy to set up with Sage 50, and Compleat are always releasing new features to make it better."

THE RESULT

The impact of AP automation has been significant for East Cheshire Hospice. By removing manual processes and digitising purchasing, they have: • Processed over 3,500 invoices annually automatically through iCompleat into Sage 50, saving hours of manual data entry.

• Empowered 45 purchasers across the hospice to buy what they need quickly, without compromising compliance or budget control.

• Enabled 47 approvers to review and authorise spend efficiently, with complete visibility over budgets and commitments.

• Streamlined purchasing across 35+ departments, ensuring spend is correctly allocated, coded, and reported in real-time.

Instead of chasing paper trails or struggling with manual approvals, finance staff now have a clear, consolidated view of all spend across the organisation. Purchasers get the supplies they need faster, whilst budget holders can make better-informed decisions without delays.

Most importantly, the hospice can redirect the time and money saved through process improvements back into delivering outstanding patient care.

THE FUTURE

East Cheshire Hospice’s success story shows that smart, user-friendly digital solutions can make a profound difference in healthcare settings. By partnering with Compleat, they have not only improved operational efficiency but also laid a strong foundation for future growth and innovation.

In a sector where every resource counts, East Cheshire Hospice has proven that automating AP processes is not just about saving money, it is about reclaiming time, improving control, and empowering their teams to focus on providing extraordinary care.

Download Full Success Story Here

PAGE 44 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

The Benefits of AI in Social Care The social care sector has come a long way when it comes to digital transformation, and artificial intelligence (AI) is a big part of its future.

While AI is still finding its place in many care settings, the impact it can have is huge.

Here’s a closer look at why AI is set to make waves in social care:

1. BOOSTING EFFICIENCY AI can help handle those resource-draining tasks in seconds.

Whether it’s crunching a mountain of data, summarising care notes, or suggesting next steps, it frees up your team to do what they do best.

It can also improve communication, such as helping new team members quickly access policies or answer routine questions without waiting for assistance. By handling these background tasks, AI allows organisations to redirect resources to other core priorities.

2. ENSURING PERSON-CENTRED CARE AI can support your teams when providing persona-centred care by analysing data over time, so they can build tailored plans that align with each individual’s goals, preferences, and abilities. It can even predict future needs, flagging issues before they arise so your team can act proactively.

3. ENHANCED MONITORING Care organisations often operate round-the-clock, and AI can offer

Pass by everyLIFE PASS supports over 1,000 care providers every day, giving them access to market leading care management tools hand in hand with unlimited 24/7/365 support from our dedicated and friendly PASS team.

Assured by NHS Transformation Directorate, PASS provides a secure platform that allows you to plan, record and evidence the care you deliver. The only assured solution built specifically for the home care sector, it provides comprehensive real-time functionality and allows you to share progress against outcomes with customisable, exportable reports.

CARE PLANNING AND ROSTERING FROM A SINGLE PLATFORM

real-time monitoring to support this. For example, AI can highlight subtle behavioural changes, like someone sleeping poorly or becoming more withdrawn. These insights can alert your teams to potential concerns early, which means better, faster decisions can be made to support your clients.

For organisations, this level of tracking ensures care quality stays high, without adding to the workload. It’s like having an extra layer of support that’s always on duty.

sures, which means savings on recruitment and training costs too. Plus, because AI solutions are scalable, it can adapt to your organisation's needs.

4. EMPOWERING TEAMS

AI in social care isn’t about replacing people with tech.

It’s about giving your teams the time, insights, and tools they need to focus on the people they care for. That’s why OneAdvanced AI, the first UK hosted fully secure, private AI tool for businesses, was created.

OneAdvanced AI can help care providers improve efficiency, deliver person-centred care, and empower teams, all while safeguarding your data. This marks a significant step towards a more innovative and sustainable future in social care.

Find out more at: www.oneadvanced.com/ai

AI is here to help empower your care teams, not replace them. AI tools can provide instant recommendations or resources, which could help your newer employees confidently manage unexpected situations. Similarly, AI can assist with summarising care notes or giving quick access to up-to-date best practices, helping your teams provide the high-quality care they work so hard to deliver.

5. OPTIMISING COSTS One of the big wins of AI is its ability to do more with less. By automating tasks and making resource allocation more efficient, it can help organisations manage tight budgets without compromising on care.

AI can even help reduce staff turnover by easing workload presTo meet the wider needs of the PASS community All-in-one PASS has recently been launched , bringing advanced rostering functionality to our established digital care planning platform. As a result advanced staff scheduling, payroll and invoicing functionality is now seamlessly linked with care planning and reporting, reducing the technical complexity, risk and overhead associated with integrating two separate systems.

As a result, PASS now provides an all-in-one suite of digital care management tools, available from a single platform, designed to: • Save you time • Increase the efficiency of your teams • Improve the quality of care • Deliver better outcomes

INTEGRATED HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE Our commitment to the continual evolution of PASS is further illustrated by the addition of GP Connect. The first product of its type to offer this feature, PASS is still one of only a handful of digital care

Celebrating 10 years of Innovation, Trust, and Quality everylifetechnologies.com/pass

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management solutions to have completed this NHS Digital integration, and is the only one offering it to the home care market.

PASS GP Connect provides authorised social care staff with realtime access to their client’s GP records. It makes medical information available when and where it is needed, leading to improvements in both care safety and outcomes: • Visibility of allergies, vaccinations and medications, especially useful for clients unable to reliably share their personal information • Using medical information to inform care planning • Ensuring that the right medication is delivered to the right person in the timeliest manner. In one case, this allowed the administration of antibiotics on a Friday evening, aiding the service user’s swift recovery from infection Available to all PASS users at no additional cost, PASS GP Connect is significantly more efficient than waiting for a GP response. It’s also a positive step forward on the path to the DHSC’s goal for widespread digitally enabled care and is in full alignment with their ambition for joined up care for everyone.

Get in touch: www.everylifetechnologies.com hello@everylifetechnologies.com

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THE FUTURE OF AI IN CARE

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Join us for the next 10 years!

Let’s succeed together 14/10/2024 10:27

PAGE 46 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239

FINANCE AND PROFESSIONAL

Protecting Overseas Workers: The Legal and Ethical Imperative for the UK Care Sector

By Fozia Iqbal, Senior Business Immigration Solicitor at law firm Harper James (www.harperjames.co.uk)

ADDRESSING EXPLOITATION IN THE CARE SECTOR Reports of exploitation, including unfair wages and poor working conditions, have drawn increased government attention to the treatment of overseas workers in the care sector. With a critical staff shortage, many businesses depend on international recruitment to fill vacancies, adding to concerns about worker welfare.

The Home Office has intensified its crackdown on non-compliant employers, with severe consequences for those who fail to meet legal and ethical obligations. Compliance with immigration and employment laws is no longer just an administrative requirement but an essential strategy for protecting business operations, reputations, and, most importantly, the wellbeing of workers.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES To hire overseas care workers legally, care business owners must navigate a complex regulatory framework. They must obtain a sponsor licence issued by the Home Office, through which they can sponsor overseas health and care workers for a Skilled Worker visa, which is the primary route for recruitment, but this visa comes with strict sponsorship obligations. Employers must make sure that all hired workers have valid visas and are working in compliance with their visa restrictions and their sponsorship. Employers would need to implement correct right to work check policies and ensure they are meeting minimum salary requirements, can provide work that meets the contractual hours of work offered, and the employees are undertaking duties which fall strictly within the role for which they have been sponsored.

Additionally, all employers must ensure that their employees’ employment conditions align with legal requirements, for instance, providing safe working environments, adequate training, and following proper recruitment procedures. Fundamentally, overseas workers must receive their full rights and entitlements such as fair pay, breaks and leave, with no discrimination. Any deviation from these standards can place a business at significant risk.

THE GOVERNMENT’S CRACKDOWN ON NON-COMPLIANCE The UK government is taking decisive action against care providers who fail to protect overseas staff.

Increased inspections and audits are being carried out, with penalties ranging from significant fines to licence revocations and outright business closures. Employers found guilty of exploitation or modern slavery

offences face criminal prosecution, and businesses that lose their sponsor licences will lose their sponsored workers and be unable to hire overseas staff in the future.

In addition to heightened inspections, the Home Office is working closely with other regulatory bodies to share intelligence and data on non-compliant practices. This collaboration enhances the government’s ability to detect irregularities and enforce penalties swiftly, ensuring that any rogue employer faces immediate consequences. Such coordinated efforts not only deter potential offenders but also reassure compliant businesses that the sector is being rigorously monitored.

This increased enforcement underscores the necessity for care home owners to maintain high standards of employment practice. Failing to comply with legal obligations does not only jeopardise individual businesses but also tarnishes the reputation of the sector as a whole.

ETHICAL EMPLOYMENT: MORE THAN JUST COMPLIANCE Beyond legal obligations, treating overseas workers ethically is a crucial element of running a successful business. Providing fair pay, ensuring reasonable working hours, and fostering a safe and supportive environment contribute to higher job satisfaction and better staff retention. In an industry where continuity of care is essential, a stable and motivated workforce is invaluable.

Ethical employment also enhances a business’s reputation. Care businesses known for fair treatment of staff find it easier to attract both workers and clients. By proactively adopting fair employment practices, organisations safeguard their operations from legal risks and cultivate a more committed and engaged workforce.

TAKING STEPS TO SAFEGUARD YOUR BUSINESS To protect your business and your staff, you should regularly review your employment practices. By conducting internal audits, training staff on compliance obligations, and seeking professional legal guidance, you can help ensure ongoing adherence to the law. Being proactive in compliance not only mitigates legal and financial risks but also encourages a positive workplace culture.

Looking to the future, it is vital for care providers to establish a culture of continuous improvement in compliance. Regular training sessions, clear communication of legal updates, and robust internal controls can help your business stay ahead of regulatory changes. Embracing technology to monitor recruitment and employment processes further supports transparency and accountability, ultimately benefiting both your staff and the reputation of your business.

As the government continues its strict stance on non-compliance, you should take immediate action to ensure your recruitment and employment processes align with legal and ethical standards. Now is the time to assess your business’s current practices, implement necessary improvements, and secure the future of your business by treating overseas workers with the fairness and dignity they deserve.

Dealing With A Deceased Resident’s Debt

By Katarina Morgan, Associate Solicitor at Taylor Walton Solicitors (www.taylorwalton.co.uk)

An issue which frequently arises for care home operators is when they need to make a financial claim against the estate of a deceased resident for unpaid or outstanding fees.

This can be complicated if the former resident was married but most of their assets are tied up in the marital home which their spouse still lives in. Another common situation is where there are insufficient funds left in the estate and the former resident would have qualified for Local Authority funding had they survived.

To manage these situations effectively, it is best practice to maintain good records of the contractual terms agreed, of fees due and invoices raised and what is outstanding. This helps prevent parties disputing the quantity of the bills, or where executors were unaware of what had been agreed.

It is hoped the care home operator has a good rapport with the deceased’s family so they can sensitively approach them with the outstanding invoices and ask them to be included as debts of the Estate. This helps probate practitioners and will assist with debt recovery when the Grant of probate has been obtained. Thankfully in recent months it is now a faster process following the delays which built up following the Covid pandemic.

If the deceased owned a property (either under marriage or not), then there may be a right to pursue the debt against their asset. It would need to be considered if they died with a Will, whether a life interest trust was created under that Will (i.e. if people are still living in the house), and how the property was

owned and how much of it was owned by the deceased, whether there is any outstanding mortgage or equity release scheme in place. It is for this reason why good contractual terms need to be set out clearly and what happens in these circumstances.

If there are insufficient funds in the Estate, then the Estate will be insolvent. This means that the debts will be paid in a certain order: o Secured creditors: mortgages or secured loans o Funeral expenses: reasonable and proportionate to the size of the Estate o Testamentary expenses: administrative costs o Preferred and preferential debts: employee wages for example (not likely to apply) o Unsecured creditors: care home fees, bank loans, other debts o Interest on unsecured loans o Deferred debts: informal loans between family members If Local Authority funding may have been available, then the administrator of the deceased’s Estate (executor or administrator) may be able to make a retrospective claim. They will have to apply to the Integrated Care Board (ICB) which is the NHS body that assesses eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding where there is a need. That person will need to contact the ICB for guidance on how to deal with previously unassessed periods of care. It is likely that this may take a number of weeks if not months to be resolved and it would likely to be challenged given the universal squeeze on public budgets.

Prevention of debts building up is always the best option, but it is not always avoidable. Ultimately having good, clear contractual terms which explain what has been agreed in terms of fees and when they can expect to be recovered and how is essential for every care home operator. Each case will of course depend on its own facts, and you may want to take legal advice to help you recover larger amounts.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 239 | PAGE 47

FINANCE AND PROFESSIONAL

Level’s On-Demand Pay Reduces Agency Spend On-Demand Pay is now offered by almost a third of care providers in the UK. But why?

For many employees, payday isn’t just about receiving their earnings – it’s about catching up. Covering overdue bills, managing unexpected expenses, and paying off debts such as credit cards. With nearly 1 in 4 workers unable to pay an unexpected bill of just £100, financial stress is a growing challenge directly impacting businesses and their employees alike.

On-Demand Pay, also known as Earned Wage Access, allows staff to access some of their earned wages before payday. All without impacting their employer’s cashflow or payroll processes.

In addition to supporting staff, there are many tangible business benefits for care providers who opt to introduce this fast-growing employee benefit. Notably, by rewarding overtime more quickly you incentivise uptake; significantly lowering agency spending as in-house staff are motivated to cover more of the shift rota themselves.

HELPING EMPLOYERS HELP THEIR EMPLOYEES Level are On-Demand Pay specialists for the care sector, working with the likes of Agincare, Home Instead, Bluebird, Hollybank Trust and Bracebridge Care Group, to name a few. We understand the unique

challenges of the sector – from managing high staff turnover, to the nuances of franchising and dealing with agencies.

“We are really loving Level so far and our staff have nothing but praise for it. It’s also helping to cover our rotas as staff now have instant access to any overtime they may do rather than having to wait” – Bluebird Care.

On-Demand Pay helps employees manage their finances without resorting to costly overdrafts, credit cards, or payday loans. For example, one of Agincare’s carers said that: “Things have been a struggle as I'm a single parent. When I had a car issue it became very useful to be able to access my pay early.”

SEAMLESS INTEGRATION WITH PAYROLL & WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Level’s On-Demand Pay is a market-leading solution. With existing integrations with many of the UK’s leading HR, rota and payroll systems, Level can offer a fully automated solution. Integrations with software like Sona, IRIS, Birdie, SAP, Humanforce and Planday make the setup and go-live process quick, simple and easy. This means you can offer staff flexibility without adding an extra administrative burden on your payroll team.

For further information, visit www.levelft.com

Eden Alternative - It’s Time to Care Home Finance from Change the Way We Care Global Business Finance "23 years, operating 4 Devon Nursing homes, has been pretty tough, as anyone in social care, knows, only too well. And if it was hard already, after 2024 budget, it's just got harder.

Anyway, at heart, I am just customer of Eden Alternative, and it was a stroke of luck to come across this whilst on holiday in New Zealand in 2009. It started in USA in 1994 and now runs in 22 countries.

The fact that I am now involved with this not-for-profit organisation (in the UK area) came about when one of the 2 main UK directors died suddenly just before Covid. But it's something I have run with for 11 years to help make 'vision' a reality, not a struggle. So, being both a customer and helping the admin seems quite natural.

It is a modern philosophy of care, but moreover, it's a pro-

gramme that is straight forward, tried and tested for 30 years and really works.

Its member care organisations generally become trainers for their own teams, and run it themselves.

The programme is run in person over 2-3 days or online 1 hr a wk for 7 weeks. You choose.

It addresses loneliness, helplessness and boredom and operates through 10 principles to underpin 7 critical domains of wellbeing.

Moreover, it's effective, transformational and really works.

As residents, and team members wellbeing, matter so much , it's a must, in my opinion.

Geoffrey Cox Southernhealthcare.co.uk eden-alternative.co.uk"

Global assists clients throughout the U.K. who specialise in the healthcare sector to achieve their objectives of purchase, development and refinance.

We have organised over £1.8bn for clients in the past 30 years, providing clients with competitively priced funding to refinance existing debt, ease cashflow and develop businesses further.

From helping clients make their first purchase through to allowing groups to grow significantly in size we assist at

every stage of your business expansion.

Every proposal is individual and deserves to be treated that way, so we hope you will allow us to be of assistance to you and call us to chat through your plans and requirements, I am sure we will be able to tailor a facility to your requirements.

Call us on 01242 227172 or e-mail us at enquiries@globalbusinessfinance.net