The Carer Digital - Issue #244

Deliver on Promise Of A National Care Service... Government Urged

The government has once again been urged to deliver on its promise top create a national Care Service.

In its 2024 manifesto in the lead up to July 2024’s general election, Labour set out a longer-term plan to create a “national care service”, which it said would deliver “consistency of care across the country” through national standards that ensured “high-quality care and ongoing sustainability”. Its manifesto pledged that ““Labour will undertake a programme of reform to create a national care service, underpinned by national standards, delivering consistency of care across the country. Services will be locally delivered, with a principle of ‘home first’ that supports people to live independently for as long as possible. Our new standards will ensure high-quality care and ongoing sustainability, and ensure providers behave responsibly. Labour will develop local partnership working between the NHS and social care on hospital discharge.” (CONTINUED ON PAGE 3...)

EDITOR'S VIEWPOINT

Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

Editor

Peter Adams

A NATIONAL CARE SERVICE - PROMISE OR PIPE DREAM?

The drumbeat grows louder. UNISON's renewed campaign for a National Care Service, culminating in their recent motion passed at the Liverpool conference, represents more than trade union posturing—it's a clarion call for systemic transformation of our fragmented care landscape.

The union's demand for a service that is "publicly funded, publicly delivered, and free at the point of use" echoes the founding principles of the NHS, contrasting however the fact is that the care sector is a multi-billion pound industry accountable to stakeholders.

UNISON's timing is calculated. The Labour government's 2024 manifesto promised progress on social care reform, but as the union pointedly notes, there's a troubling pattern of "kicking the promise back into the long grass".

Political memory is short, but the care sector's institutional memory is long. We've witnessed this cycle before—grand promises in opposition followed by the sobering realities of governance.

The precedent from Scotland should give Westminster pause for thought. After years of parliamentary debate, mounting opposition from councils and trade unions led to the withdrawal of support for the National Care Service Bill, with the Scottish government ultimately abandoning key structural reforms in January 2025.

This wasn't ideological opposition, at least in my opinion—it was pragmatic recognition that restructuring an entire care ecosystem is exponentially more complex than political rhetoric suggests.

Yet would dismissing the concept entirely would be equally myopic?

Our current system's clear issues are undeniable: postcode lotteries in care quality, workforce shortages, pay and conditions, and families financially dev-

astated by care costs.

The principle that "quality of care is of the same high standard, no matter where in the country it was being provided" shouldn't be revolutionary—it should be foundational.

The fundamental question isn't whether reform is needed, but whether a National Care Service is the right vehicle.

The NHS comparison is attractive no doubt, but potentially misleading. Healthcare needs, while complex, follow more predictable patterns than social care requirements, which are deeply personalised and sensitive. Creating a massive structure for such individualised provision may risk losing the very flexibility that effective care demands.

Perhaps the answer lies not in wholesale structural revolution but in evolutionary change: national standards without national control, fair funding mechanisms that don't require nationalisation, and workforce strategies that professionalise care without bureaucratising it.

The Scottish experience suggests that attempting to replicate the NHS model for social care may be politically and practically unworkable.

UNISON's pressure serves a vital purpose—keeping social care reform on the political agenda and holding the government accountable to its promises. But the sector would benefit from a more nuanced debate about what constitutes genuine reform versus what amounts to expensive reorganisation.

The care crisis demands urgent action, but rushed solutions risk creating new problems while failing to solve existing ones. Perhaps it's time to move beyond the binary choice of national service or status quo, and explore more innovative approaches that could deliver the outcomes we all want: dignity for those who need care, fair conditions for those who provide it, and sustainability for the families and communities who depend on both.

The promise is easy to make; the delivery is where political careers and vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

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Deliver on Promise Of A National Care Service... Government Urged

(CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER)

However, it did not set out further detail on what this would look like nor how it would be funded.

In January this year Ministers launched an independent commission, led by Baroness Casey, to "transform social care" - with its “terms of reference” set out in May.

The commission reports directly to the Prime Minister and is split over two phases:

• Phase 1, reporting in 2026, will focus on making the most of existing resources to improve people’s lives over the medium term

• Phase 2, reporting by 2028, will then consider the long-term transformation of adult social care, setting the road to fundamental reform that will build a social care system fit for the future

PROMISE “KICKED INTO LONG GRASS”

In the absence of a clear timescale trade union Unison has this week stepped up its call by passing a motion for the government to meet its pledge for a national care service, rather than “kicking the promise back into the long grass”.

The motion passed at UNISON’s local government conference in Liverpool on Sunday and is calling for a national care service that is publicly funded, publicly delivered, and free at the point of use, ensuring high-quality care for all and fair terms and conditions for care workers.

“The care sector is a huge, multi-billion pound industry, which is worth more than the NHS, but you wouldn’t think so from the priority being given it by the government,” said Glen Williams, chair of the local government service group executive.

The motion was brought by the East Midlands region, whose proposer said that the current social care model “has seen a drive to the bottom. We’ve seen pay destroyed across the sector, and we’ve seen terrible work conditions for our members, some of whom are the most vulnerable in society.

RECONNECT WITH COMMUNITIES

“The government’s announcement for a new review into social care, which will report back in 2028, is simply wasteful. Everyone in this room knows that the only real way to improve services is to bring them inhouse, bring them back into local government and to reconnect with communities and scrutiny.”

At present, there are 40,000 different private agencies operating in adult and child social care in the UK.

“The social care system in the UK is in crisis, characterised by chronic underfunding, fragmented services, and a workforce that is undervalued, underpaid, and overworked,” the delegate continued.

“We have the devastating consequences of a privatised and marketdriven care system, which prioritises profit over people and fails to deliver the quality care that individuals and communities deserve.

“Unscrupulous employers are using tactics that are tantamount to modern-day slavery to control their workforce. Workers are under threat constantly, not just at risk of being sacked, but of losing their place in this country.”

“PRESSURE FOR PROFIT”

Speaking to delegates, UNISON member and domiciliary care worker Rachel Kelso said: “I have been a care worker for seven years. It’s my vocation. I love doing it. We hear all the time that more care workers are needed, but in fact, this is because there are more than 30,000 care companies operating in England alone.”

“Yet if you speak to people on the ground like myself, we often don’t get the hours we need. There are just too many care providers competing for packages. The pressure for profit is being taken out on people like me, the people with the quietest voices.”

“It’s standard that we’re not paid for the time between visits, although gaps up to 60 minutes should be paid. I’m supposedly paid £14 an hour, which looks good, but when unpaid working time is taken into account, some workers are earning £9 or £10 an hour and unscrupulous employers are not topping this up to the national minimum wage.”

‘This isn’t efficiency, it’s erosion’ she added.

BETTER CARE SYSTEM

Becky Everett from the Midlands said: “This is about the future of our communities and the dignity of the people we serve.”

“Year after year, workers have endured cuts and a further £18 million of cuts or ‘savings’ have just been announced. In Nottingham the cost of outsourcing has led to low wages, inconsistent care and exhausted staff.”

“In Leicestershire, we saw private contractors coming out of contracts, leaving the local authority to step in and pick up the pieces. And in Northampton, when the previous financial collapse made national headlines, it was the most vulnerable who paid the price of failed outsourcing and mismanagement. This isn’t efficiency. It’s erosion, it’s the harrowing running down of a service, which should provide dignity, safety and support.”

“A better care system must start with valuing every worker, and that is not dependent upon immigration status. All workers should receive the same rights and pay. No more contracts to the lowest bidder. No more profit before people. No more patchwork of provision that leaves workers overstretched and communities underserved. This is about justice. Care can’t wait.”

SCOTLAND’S FLAGSHIP PLANS ABANDONED

Scottish parliament has long advocated its own National Care Service, however in January this year, the Scottish Government formally abandoned its flagship National Care Service (NCS) plans after years of mounting opposition and parliamentary gridlock.

Social care minister Maree Todd said at the time that she was scrapping the flagship Scottish National Party (SNP) policy because of a lack of support within the Scottish Parliament

The decision represented a significant retreat from the original 2021 proposals, which aimed to centralize Scotland's social care system under a new national framework.

The National Care Service Bill had been struggling for years before its final abandonment. The original proposals, first published in 2021, were intended to create a unified approach to social care delivery similar to the NHS model for healthcare.

However, the initiative faced consistent delays and modifications as opposition mounted from multiple stakeholders.

The delivery date was also changed by three years, with a roll-out set for 2028-29, indicating the scale of implementation challenges the government faced. By November 2024, it became clear that the proposals lacked sufficient support to proceed, leading to the formal announcement of their abandonment in early 2025.

ALTERNATIVE MEANS

Throughout the debate, critics argued that many of the NCS's stated objectives could be achieved through alternative means that avoided the risks and complexities of wholesale structural reform.

Opposition Members argued that these things could have been introduced without the Bill, and much sooner, suggesting that improvements to care standards, worker conditions, and service integration could be pursued through existing frameworks.

Some stakeholders advocated for incremental reforms that would strengthen existing partnership arrangements between local authorities, health boards, and care providers rather than creating entirely new structures.

This approach would potentially allow for faster implementation of practical improvements while avoiding the disruption associated with major organizational change.

CURRENT STATUS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

While the structural reform elements of the NCS have been abandoned, the Scottish Government maintains that it remains committed to improving social care. The focus has now shifted toward alternative approaches that can achieve policy objectives without the controversial centralization elements.

The Employment Rights Bill - What the Adult Social Care Negotiating Body Means For Care Business and Other Reforms

By Ben Stepney, Partner, and James Woollard, Trainee Solicitor,

One of the Labour Party’s manifesto commitments was to ensure ‘fair pay’ in the social care sector. The Employment Rights Bill (ERB) has set out plans for an Adult Social Care Negotiating Body, along with a number of other reforms affecting the care sector.

This article considers the proposed Negotiating Body and then provides an overview of other aspects of the ERB that are expected to have the biggest impact on the sector.

ADULT SOCIAL CARE NEGOTIATING BODY

The proposed Negotiating Body will comprise of trade unions and employer representatives to bargain on behalf of social care workers and employers. Its purpose is to address recruitment and retention issues by empowering worker, employer and sector representatives to negotiate collectively.

This new institution will decide ‘fair pay’ agreements in the social care sector. Other than pay, it is unclear what other terms of employment will be within the Negotiating Body’s remit.

We consider that there are some fundamental ‘unknowns’ with this proposal:

The proposal assumes that social care workers want or need trade unions negotiating on their behalf. There are over 1.5 million social care workers in the UK but it is estimated that fewer than 2% are trade unions members

Unlike the more centralised NHS England, there are thousands of private organisations providing social care across the UK. They consisting of different structures and objectives, e.g. charitable, profit making, owner-run small business through to foreign owned large corporations. It is unclear what organisation would have the authority to represent

social care employers in any negotiations and how they would represent the interests of such diverse organisations

It is not clear which social care workers will be covered. If the likes of cleaners and kitchen staff are not covered, might their voices be marginalised?

The social care sector continues to grapple with high labour turnover and high job vacancy rates. Employers are already struggling to absorb recent increases to the minimum wage and employer’s national insurance rates. Any increases to employment costs on top will make running a financially viable business even more challenging.

If the outcomes of fair pay agreements are ratified by the Secretary of State they would become mandatory across the sector, in the same way as the minimum wage. The government must therefore ensure that any increases to pay and conditions in the social care sector are properly funded. Otherwise many private sector social care providers will simply not be able to afford to continue operating. If the government’s failure to fully fund teachers’ pay increase is anything to go by, full funding to match promises seems unlikely.

More consultations and detailed legislation will be forthcoming, which we hope will provide more detail about the Negotiating Body and its remit.

ZERO HOURS CONTRACTS

The ERB will bring in a right to guaranteed hours of work for workers on zero hours contracts and will require employers to compensate workers if shifts are cancelled without ‘reasonable’ notice. Employers will also be required to give workers ‘reasonable’ notice of shifts to be worked.

The effect of these changes is to transfer much of the risk associated with unpredictable labour requirements from employer to employee. It removes much of the flexibility that care operators enjoy, as do some workers, through the use of zero hours or similar arrangements.

The proposals are complex, but essentially require employers to make an offer of guaranteed hours to a zero hours worker after the end of every 12 week reference period. Guaranteed hours of work will be calculated based on the average number of hours worked over a 12 week ‘reference period’, with the calculation repeated every 12 weeks.

The changes to zero hours contracts in the ERB will likely cause huge challenges across social care in a similar way to those highlighted by operators in the hospitality sector.

Some workers will turn down guaranteed hours as many people –second jobbers and students – enjoy the flexibility offered by zero hours contracts. But it is unclear what percentage that will be.

We recommend that organisations start planning for these reforms now. You will need to assess if you can take on the risk of having to provide guaranteed hours when there may not always be a need for work to be carried out. But if you take a too restrictive approach to this, you may find that you cannot call upon labour at short notice, which may detrimentally affect the service you provide.

OTHER EMPLOYMENT REFORMS

The ERB would also remove the two-year qualifying period for protection from unfair dismissal, meaning that employers would only be able to dismiss staff for a fair reason that falls under any of five categories (conduct, capability, redundancy, statutory restriction, or some other substantial reason) from the start of their employment. However, employers would have more flexibility to dismiss during an initial probationary period set by regulations, which is likely to be nine months, though will be subject to consultation.

Other key measures in the ERB include:

Flexible working - reducing employers’ scope to reject flexible working requests only to cases where accepting the request were not reasonable;

Harassment - requiring employers to protect their staff from harassment from third parties such as suppliers, relatives, customers and the general public;

• Trade unions - making it easier for trade unions to gain recognition from employers to collectively bargain on behalf of staff.

Statutory Sick Pay - workers will be entitled to claim statutory sick pay from day one of sickness.

The majority of reforms are anticipated to take effect from 2026, with consultations already underway and the ERB currently being considered by the House of Lords.

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Stephen Kinnock Leads a Host of MPs Supporting This Year’s Care Home Open Week

The Minister of State of Health for Health and Social Care, Stephen Kinnock, has lent his support for Care Home Open Week, which kicks off Monday June 16.

In a letter to participating care homes published in Music for Dementia’s Music Matters Magazine, Kinnock says:

“During this Care Home Open Week, I want to personally thank each and every one of you working in care homes across the country. Your dedication, compassion and warmth make a real difference to the lives of so many people.

“Every day you go above and beyond to provide not only essential support but kindness and dignity to those who rely on you. You create vibrant communities in your care homes, helping residents to thrive.

“I wish you well this Care Home Open Week as you open your doors and show people the fantastic services you have to offer.”

Care Home Open Week is Championing Social Care’s leading engagement event. Running from 16-22 June 2025, the hugely popular event aims to shine a positive light on the phenomenal work of the care sector by encouraging care homes across the UK to open their doors to the public, and showcase them as being warm, friendly places open for visitors.

Over 90 MPs are expected to visit their local care home, a substantial increase in previous years.

Pauline Hamilton MP, Chair of Parliament’s Health and Social Care Select Committee, will feature in a special film created for the launch event of Care Home Open Week at Loveday Care Home in Belgravia. Josh Fenton-Glynn MP, who is also in the Select Committee, is expected to attend the launch event.

Championing Social Care has partnered this year with The Utley Foundation’s Music for Dementia campaign for a ‘Power of Music’ theme. Music for Dementia created a special Music Matters magazine that has been posted to 4,000 registered care homes filled with inspiration and ideas of musical activities to take part in during the week. It is here that Stephen’s letter of support was published.

As part of the partnership, Music for Dementia has also produced a one-off radio Singalong hosted by actress Sian Reeves and featuring singer Tony Christie and The Bakewell and District Community Choir. The 40-minute radio show will be broadcast three times a day on m4dRadio.com, Music for Dementia’s free online radio station, with the hope that care home residents across the UK, as well as at home carers, will join in singing.

This year, Care Home Open Week is also teaming up with the Glad to Care campaign. Glad to Care is a week of fun activities for care services to access. Activity resources from Glad to Care and Care Home Open Week will be available for care homes to download once they have registered to take part in Care Home Open Week via the Championing Social Care website. Care Home Open Week will be supported again by Championing Social Care’s epic Great British Care Cycle Relay, which promotes community connections and the importance of care and wellbeing. Over 70 cyclists will take part this year, covering a combined 500km via five individual cycle relays around different UK regions: Edinburgh, Wales, York, East Midlands and London.

Last year saw over 5,500 care services take part in Care Home Open Week, which represents around a third of the total number of homes in the country. It is hoped this year’s event will have even higher partici-

pation from care services, communities and government ministers.

Mitesh Dhanak, board member of Championing Social Care and chair of the Care Home Open Week committee says: “We’re delighted by the response we’ve had to this year’s Care Home Open Week. It’s great to see so MPs getting behind the event and visiting their local care home to see for themselves the high standard of care our inspiring workforce deliver.”

Sarah Metcalfe, MD at Music for Dementia says: “Music for Dementia has long admired the spirit and ethos of Championing Social Care and its Care Home Open Week event. Its mission feels closely aligned with our own ambition to make music an integral part of dementia care, as a way to support care staff deliver person-centred care and build strong communities within care homes.”

“We know that music can bring a care home alive, and we hope this year’s power of music theme will encourage care staff around the UK to give it a go.”

A Commission for Change: SCIE’s Vision for the Casey Commission

The launch of the independent commission to transform social care marks a rare and urgent opportunity to shape the future of a system that is too often synonymous with fragility, fragmentation and failure to meet needs.

The Health and Social Care Committee’s inquiry, ‘Adult social care reform: The cost of inaction’, made the stakes abundantly clear: delay has come at a cost, not only to public finances and the NHS, but to millions of lives constrained by services that fail to enable them to live the lives they want – in homes they love, connected to their communities, with control and dignity.

The Casey Commission must be different. It must be bold where others have been cautious, inclusive where others have excluded, and rooted in evidence and experience from the outset.

THE FRAMEWORK

The Commission’s terms of reference, published with little fanfare, offer a mixed bag. There are encouraging signs – a commitment to phased, implementable recommendations and to giving people who draw on care, and their families and carers, more power in the system. Yet the omissions are as significant as the inclusions.

There is no clarity on how the social care sector will be engaged, nor any tangible mechanism for ensuring the voices of people who draw on care and support, and unpaid carers, will shape the process. This is not a minor technical oversight. It risks repeating the core failing of past reform efforts: designing solutions without those most affected by the problem.

Neither do we have clarity about how the public’s views will be considered, nor how public consensus for a National Care Service will be built. Failure to galvanise public support has meant the many previous efforts to reform social care never took hold.

The Commission’s ambition to improve funding flows and accountability mechanisms is welcomed. These are difficult problems to address. However, a narrow focus on funding would overlook the opportunities for reforming how we organise care to deliver the greatest benefits. As part of its work, the Commission should take a more expansive view of what social care is for, who it is for, and its value to society at large, such as essential infrastructure of an inclusive society.

A VISION FOR CHANGE

SCIE supports the Social Care Future vision. To achieve this, the Commission must embed five priorities as it undertakes its important work:

1. Co-production must underpin the Commission

Co-production must be baked into the Commission’s way of working. Co-production – where people who draw on care and support, including unpaid carers, work in genuine partnership with decision-makers to design and deliver services that are informed by and recognise the power of lived experience – must not be a retrospective and not a ‘light touch’ engagement exercise.

SCIE’s report, ‘Experiences and understandings of co-production in adult social care’, highlights the gap: only 59% of people with lived experience say they have had any opportunity to co-produce their own care.

The Commission must set a new standard: co-production not as con-

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By Kathryn Smith OBE, SCIE Chief Executive Officer (www.scie.org.uk)

sultation, but as governance. Dedicated resourcing, regional co-production panels, and a public commitment to acting on insights must follow.

2. Widening the lens: housing, mental health and community

The current terms of reference risk a blinkered view that treats social care as a standalone service. This would be a mistake. We recommend that the Commission take a holistic view of the care system because the social care sector interfaces with other public services and the voluntary sector.

Housing: Housing is directly tied to health and wellbeing, especially for older adults and those with disabilities. Better housing options prevent care needs from escalating and reduce the demand for social care and NHS services by preventing falls, reducing loneliness and improving wellbeing. SCIE’s ‘Commission on the Future of Housing with Care and Support’ and the Government’s ‘The Older People Housing Taskforce Report’ both show how integrated housing and care planning improves wellbeing and reduces demand on crisis services.

Mental health: Without accessible, community-based mental health services, people are more likely to experience crisis, hospitalisation, and long-term dependency on care. Investment in early intervention, supported housing and integrated mental health support is essential for enabling recovery and participation.

Healthcare: The forthcoming 10-Year Health Plan lays out three key shifts for the health service, all of which require attention to the points of intersection and dependence on the social care system. Integration remains a key feature of the emerging proposals, especially in community services and primary care. As Lord Darzi recognised in his report last Autumn, we cannot reform the health service without also tackling the poorly resourced social care system.

Community support: Expanding community-based models of care are vital to improving outcomes for people who need care and support, as well as the NHS’s financial and operational sustainability. SCIE’s ‘Supporting engagement with reablement: a practice guidance resource for reablement services’ shows the effectiveness of reablement services in promoting recovery, independence, and continuity of care post-hospitalisation. Whilst SCIE’s ‘Intermediate care guide’ indicates that 70% of people who received intermediate care after a hospital stay returned to their own home, and 72% did not move to a more dependent care setting. Maximising the potential for the community voluntary sector is just as crucial as ensuring alignment with other local public services.

3. A clear roadmap for prevention and early support

The first phase of the Commission, due to report in 2026, should make a compelling strategic and fiscal case for prevention and early support. Too often, prevention is promised but underfunded; that may partly be because it is poorly understood. The Time to Act Reform Board’s 2024 publication ‘Earlier action and support: The case for prevention in adult social care and beyond’, lays out a sound business case for rebalancing resources.

Without a prevention-first funding model, we will remain locked in reactive cycles that cost more and deliver less. The economic case is persuasive: every £1 spent on early intervention generates an average ROI of £3.17. Investing in recovery-focused and preventative services reduces demand on acute care, promotes independence, and improves quality of life.

With the forthcoming 10-Year Health Plan, the Commission has a timely policy window to position early intervention and the interdependency between health and care systems as a national imperative. The health system cannot meet its ambitions for prevention, digital transformation or integrated community services without equivalent shifts in

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4. Support for paid and unpaid carers

The social care workforce crisis is unsustainable; characterised by a significant vacancy rate, high turnover and poor retention, there is a knock-on effect on people’s care experiences and care outcomes, from poor care coordination to safety risks. Fair pay, career development, and parity of esteem are not optional extras, they are preconditions for a sustainable system.

The current state of the system is placing huge pressures on unpaid carers. The Accelerating Reform Fund showcases how innovation can flourish when local areas are supported to pilot new models of support for unpaid carers. The Commission should expand and embed such initiatives.

5. Clarity, accountability and long-term planning

The Commission must ensure its recommendations are not lost to the political tides. This means proposing mechanisms for long-term accountability – including an independent implementation body, crossparty oversight, and transparent progress tracking against outcomes for people, not just budgets.

DESIGN PRINCIPLES FOR CHANGE

The Commission should embrace design thinking as its guiding approach to reform, one grounded in co-production, system integration, and radical collaboration. Design thinking enables bold, visionary aims to be translated into practical, iterative change. It is a fitting model for the kind of ‘moonshot’ ambition needed to avoid repeating the incrementalism and fragmentation of past reform efforts.

Moonshot thinking involves setting an ambitious North Star, a shared vision for a care system that supports people to live “gloriously ordinary lives”, while paving the way for clear, staged pathways to navigate the political and operational realities of delivery.

This approach should not shy away from the hard questions. Instead, the moonshot should explicitly address the historical sticking points where previous efforts have faltered, including:

• How do we fund the social care system?

• What are fair and reasonable eligibility criteria for publicly funded care?

• How do we end the postcode lottery in access and quality?

Unresolved, these challenges have consistently impeded previous attempts at reform, leading to party-political divergence and reflecting a lack of public consensus. By using design thinking, the Commission can frame these not just as policy questions, but as system co-design challenges – ones that require testing solutions at local level, with those who draw on and deliver care, before scaling them nationally.

Building from consensus

There is already a broad consensus across the care sector about what needs to change. The Commission should not waste time reinventing what is already well supported as a North Star. Instead, it must focus on the interventions that will lead to effective change, including proposals that are feasible and affordable to implement in the near term. This would include identifying the policy levers for change, funding mechanisms, partnerships with communities and a wide range of providers, and the appropriate sequencing of changes that will lead to the shared vision over time.

This is a once-in-a-generation moment. The Commission must engage widely, act boldly, and think about the short-term pressures which need to be addressed, balanced against the long-term transformation goals.

SCIE stands ready to support its work, ensuring it is grounded in evidence, centred on people, and delivered in partnership with those who know social care best.

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Care Providers are ‘Working in the Dark’ According to a Sector Trends Report

The third annual Care Trends Report 2025 from OneAdvanced, in partnership with Care England, shines a light on the realities facing the care sector today. Based on a survey of 404 multi-site care providers, the findings lay bare the challenges providers say are holding them back, often directly impacting the workforce management and the delivery of care and support.

Staggeringly, almost half (48%) of care providers report they are now effectively ‘working in the dark’ –having insufficient advanced visibility of their organisation – a figure that has more than doubled from 21% last year. This blind spot is forcing many into backward-looking strategies, addressing historical inefficiencies rather than pursuing future-focused solutions.

Nearly half (47%) of providers struggle to track move-ins and move-outs, a critical operational blocker directly impacting the timeliness of care delivery. Administrative errors are also draining valuable resources, with 78% of providers spending three to- six hours each month amending payroll errors.

That’s a sharp increase from 49% the previous year, reflecting a growing burden on already overstretched back-office teams, often pulling focus from more critical care priorities.

It seems that employees themselves are bearing the brunt.

Almost a third (32%) of providers say they’re unable to offer their employees the right number of hours. Another 22% struggle with scheduling shifts at times that work for staff. These figures clearly indicate a vital opportunity to support care providers to offer much needed flexibility, to boost employee satisfaction, meet care demand, and comply with the upcoming changes to employment laws.

Professor Martin Green OBE, CEO at Care England reflected on

the findings:

‘This year’s Care Trends Report is a wake-up call for everyone invested in the future of social care. It exposes the pressures faced by providers, from operational challenges to workforce demands, it importantly, highlights the extraordinary resilience and commitment of care provider’s most valuable asset—their people! The highly skilled individuals who work tirelessly caring for some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Care providers are already facing significant operational challenges in delivering services, upcoming legislative changes are expected to introduce further complexities, putting additional pressure on providers who are already struggling to maintain the status quo. It is essential that we amplify their voices to ensure they receive the right support and solutions needed to sustain their future.’

Ric Thompson, SVP - Health & Care at OneAdvanced, comments:

‘The Care Trends Report 2025 does more than highlight challenges—it amplifies the voices of the millions of people working in care and advocates for decisive action across the sector. The encouraging news is that the report reveals strong momentum and a clear appetite for change. And with the right support and technology, care providers can shift from reactive firefighting to proactive, future-ready care.’

Access the full Care Trends Report 2025 to explore key insights and understand the pressing challenges facing the care sector today.

Please click the link to read the report in full.

Frank Foster House Team To Take On 2025 Care Innovation

Frank Foster House Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes Group, has announced that Deputy Manager Ade, along with team members Eunice and Yash, have been selected to represent the home at the 2025 Care Innovation Challenge.

This annual event celebrates innovation and creativity within the care sector, inviting professionals, students, and entrepreneurs to tackle the industry’s biggest challenges.

The Care Innovation Challenge will take place in July, with the creative Challenge Weekend scheduled for the 29th and 30th

June at Coventry University’s Techno Centre. Participants will develop solutions that promote dignity and enhance the role of technology in care.

The trio from Frank Foster House will work on innovative project ideas aimed at improving the lives of those receiving care.

Notably, the team’s inspiration came from Frank Foster House’s Home Manager Nicolas, a previous finalist in 2019, showing how past success continues to inspire the next generation of changemakers.

Caring For The Environment Improves Human Care

By Steve McGregor, Executive Chairman of the DMA Group

Improving sustainability while reducing costs are two challenges facing all buildings. In the care sector, which manages a fine balance between bottom-lines and patient/resident experience, drives to reduce carbon footprints through technology adoption and operational improvements can in-fact enhance the end user experience. Kevin Mcguane, Energy Services Director for the DMA Group, discusses the right approach to balancing these often complex aims.

Comfort and wellbeing is particularly important in the care environment, which means HVAC and other building services must be operating efficiently. This should be the priority for care home owners and their facilities management teams, followed by a focus on sustainability and reducing carbon – the two aims are not mutually exclusive, however.

IDENTIFY QUICK WINS…

Any effective sustainability drive should begin with an audit, providing a benchmark to work against. Identifying energy wasters, and therefore reducing energy demand as a priority, will help fund more significant changes. To help balance books and contribute to future activities, care homes should start with the path of least resistance, looking for quick wins that will save such as LED lighting and how the main plant is controlled, which can save a significant amount of money.

…AND LOOK TO THE SUN!

The big win from a renewables point of view is solar photovoltaics (PV) combined with a battery. The price of the hardware has come down significantly in recent years, making a return on investment fairly swift, as demonstrated by Five Villages Home Association in Icklesham, East Sussex, which provides safe and affordable housing for people aged 60 and over.

Comprising several flats designed for independent living, Five Villages residents live completely self-sufficiently with communal hubs to socialise and connect with their neighbours. To cut energy usage in these communal areas and improve the overall sustainability of the development, we designed an innovative energy solution comprising solar photovoltaic (PV) panels alongside a robust battery storage system. This process first began by analysing existing energy consumption patterns.

The finished scheme consists of 87, state-ofthe-art PV panels alongside two Tesla Powerwall batteries, which store up to 81kWhs of surplus energy between them. Installed in phases across two buildings, since 13th March 2024, the panels have generated 52.7 MWh of solar energy, and exported 18.8 MWh, resulting in a 57% grid dependence (80% of which is at night) and a C02 reduction of 38.2 tones, the equivalent of planting 631 trees.

The batteries were fitted on 3rd October 2024 and since their installation, have provided an additional 6.5 MWh of energy, which would have been exported back to the grid. Battery storage also mean that Five Villages has days where it imports very little energy, as low as 8% this spring.

What’s particularly good for residents is that the reductions in utility bills will be passed on to them in reduced fees. The cost of care is a concern for residents, their families and the government, so this ‘win win’ scenario could be a model that more establishments employ.

SAVING ‘PEOPLE’ ENERGY

A wholistic approach to carbon reduction should focus on staff too, preventing unnecessary site visits and the consequent travel involved, ensuring right first time works by using workflow management software that can track the experience and qualifications of maintenance teams sent to a job, will all contribute positively. For large organisations with multiple sites, the impact can be significant.

I advise any care home going down the automation route to start with a pilot project focussing on one area at a time, testing the key features and gather feedback from everyone involved. A word of caution here, not all workflow management solutions are created equal, make sure you choose one that is future proof with the potential to integrate with AI – even if you’re not using this tool yet, it’s likely you will in the future.

INVEST WISELY, SAVE IN THE LONG-TERM

What’s crucial, is that businesses invest wisely and scale-up the right way. Whether an energy saving drive or any other strategy, the first step must be to define the problem. This is where audits are so essential in highlighting what’s not working, what data is required while defining what the upgrades and any new technologies needs to do.

Pints, Plaques And Pampering Brighten Up The Day For Dorset Care Home Dads

A Dorset dementia care home dedicated a whole week to celebrating the dads among its residents.

Team members at Colten Care’s Fernhill in Longham were inspired by Father’s Day to stage activities focused on both reminiscence and special treats.

It began with a grooming and pamper session in the in-home hair salon, which was transformed into a 1950s-style barbershop complete with vintage posters, hair products, nostalgic advertisements and assistants dressed in striped jackets, bow ties and hats.

A visiting professional stylist, Anna Parsons, cut the gents’ hair, tided up sideburns and trimmed beards as the assistants delivered gentle hand massages.

The relaxation was heightened by the offer of warm lemon-scented towels to soften the skin before applying moisturiser.

Anna, from Wild & Co Barbers in Parkstone, chatted with the residents about their fondest memories of

being a dad and the first time they visited a barbers with their own parents.

At the same time, they were invited to choose favourite songs to listen to from a background soundtrack.

Ronald Howes said: “I had a lovely afternoon and enjoyed the pamper so much”, while fellow resident Robert Simpson said: “I’d be happy coming back here again.”

Fernhill also hosted a ‘men’s club’ afternoon which saw residents begin to create their own garden plaques.

With sandpaper and paintbrushes in hand, participants enthusiastically sanded and painted their designs, ready to varnish another day.

A ‘happy hour in the Fernhill tavern’ was also on offer, with a pub scene created featuring ales, beers and classic bar snacks.

Companion Ann Marie Knight said: “It was an opportunity to reminisce about having your first pint. We played a few rounds of Subbuteo and ended with a traditional pub singalong.”

Residents Enjoy New Activities And Gardening Areas At Melbourn Care Home

Staff at Southwell Court care home in Melbourn, near Royston have created a new activities room and garden room area for residents to enjoy all year round.

Keeping residents’ minds and bodies active has always been a high priority for the team at the Black Swan Care Group home on Hinkins Close. So, when the team were reviewing how best to improve those aspects of life at the home, two areas of the home were identified as areas to develop. Previously, the home had a dedicated cinema room. Residents said they preferred to watch movies in the larger living room, so the cinema room had become less used. It has now been converted into a dedicated crafts and activities area with large murals and neat storage areas for different arts and crafts. Additionally, residents at the home have always enjoyed a love for growing plants, vegetables and flowers, which have been displayed around the home and in the large gardens at the home. But now an area of the home previously used as a small reading lounge has been lovingly converted into a garden room, with access to a private courtyard where residents can plant, potter and propagate to their hearts’ content.

Lisa King is

how they want to use these

areas of the home differently.

“So, with the fantastic ideas and practicality of Susan, one of our domestic assistants and Jai who does a bit of everything at the home – care, maintenance, domestic duties, we’ve created an incredible place for them to enjoy their passions. In the Garden Room, we’ve created a potting table, storage cabinets, murals on the walls and a display area for indoor plants. Patio doors lead out onto the enclosed private courtyard, which is a really peaceful, inspiring place where residents can nurture their plants and flowers. It’s already blooming with creativity and its so lovely to see residents pottering about, planting, watering and seeing their plants and seeds grow. We can’t wait for the colourful blooms to display in the summer.”

Environmental sustainability has been at the heart of the transformation. Most of the items of furniture and materials used in the new spaces were upcycled from existing items within the home or sourced locally from the surrounding community – reducing waste and supporting eco-friendly practices. Jai, a passionate advocate and our environmental sustainability champion, led the initiative to ensure that these improvements not only benefit residents but also respect and protect the environment.

Looking ahead, the home will be introducing more projects where residents can get hands-on with nature, including bug houses, hedgehog hotels and other creative activities designed to enhance biodiversity and keep the garden at the home thriving as a sustainable and welcoming space for wildlife.

the home manager at Southwell Court: “We’re really pleased with our fantastic new additions at the home – the Activities room and the Garden Room! The old cinema and library room were lovely spaces for residents to use, but we’ve listened to what they’ve told us about

NHS Waiting List Hits Two-Year Low

As Staff Work To ‘Turn The Tide’

The NHS waiting list has fallen to its lowest level in two years, the first April drop since 2008, as health chiefs hailed staff for continuing to tackle demand and drive progress for patients.

New data published this week shows that the NHS waiting list has fallen to 7.39 million, down from 7.42 million – the first time the waiting list has seen a reduction in April in 17 years (excluding the first year of the pandemic).

England’s top doctor praised staff delivering record numbers of tests and checks and as they faced the second busiest month ever in A&E, with more planned treatments being delivered to help ‘turn the tide’ for patients as the NHS drives reform across elective and emergency care.

Health service staff made further strides to clear the backlog with 1.45 million treatments delivered in April – equivalent to around 72,500 planned treatments each day and 3% more than last year.

Patients are being seen faster thanks to an NHS productivity drive which has seen hospitals working differently, with more evening and weekend appointments, and GPs and community services delivering more appointments.

The average time patients had been waiting for planned treatment

fell to the lowest level since July 2022 – 13.3 weeks – despite services facing greater demand, with 2.3% more patients being added to the waiting list per working day on last year.

Further investment announced by the Chancellor today could also deliver a further 4 million diagnostic tests, scans and procedures over the next five years.

Meghana Pandit, NHS England’s Co-National Medical Director (Secondary Care), said: “Despite another huge wave of demand across NHS services, today’s data suggests that reform and the hard work of our staff is helping to buck the seasonal trend, with an atypical April drop, seeing waiting lists hit a two-year low.

“Thanks to NHS staff who have delivered another record month of tests and checks while facing the second busiest month ever recorded in A&E, continuing to make progress in treating patients faster as we work to drive reform across elective and emergency care.

“We are determined to continue on this trajectory for patients as staff work to turn the tide for patients waiting for care, and while huge pressure on services remains, we are starting to see a real difference across our services – this is

Frank Rothwell Awarded OBE For Charitable Services To Dementia Research

Alzheimer’s Research UK supporter, Frank Rothwell, has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List for his charitable services to dementia research.

The Oldham Athletic owner was recognised for raising over £1.4 million for Alzheimer’s Research UK through two solo rows across the Atlantic Ocean, both over the age of 70.

Frank first took on the 3,000-mile row from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when dementia research progress was at risk.

In December 2023, at the age of 73, Frank set off again on a second solo crossing. After 64 days at sea, he completed the journey in February 2024 and became the oldest person to row any ocean solo.

Frank’s motivation stemmed from personal loss. He dedicated

both challenges to the memory of his brother-in-law Roger and best friend Phil, who both died with dementia.

“Everyone at Alzheimer’s Research UK is so proud to see Frank Rothwell recognised with an OBE for his services to dementia research. His strength, optimism, and generosity have had an incredible impact on bringing us closer to a cure for dementia.” said Hilary Evans-Newton, Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Frank named his boat ‘For A Cure’ – a reflection of his mission to support the charity’s efforts in revolutionising the way dementia is treated, prevented, and diagnosed. If nothing changes, one in two of us will be directly affected by dementia – either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both.

just the start of the work we’re doing to reform care and deliver improvements for patients.”

This progress for patients follows measures in the ambitious Elective care reform plan, backed by a record £26 billion investment, focusing on improving patience experience and convenience, empowering people with choice and control over when and where they will be treated. Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said: “We are putting the NHS on the road to recovery after years of soaring waiting times, by providing record investment and fundamental NHS reform.

“Thanks to our interventions and the hard work of NHS staff, the overall waiting list has now fallen in April for the first time in 17 years –dropping by almost a quarter of a million since we took office.

“This is just the start. We’ve delivered millions of extra appointments since July, we are pushing on with our mission to get the NHS working for patients once again as we deliver our Plan for Change.”

Let’s Talk About Conversation –

Inclusive Communication in Social Care

By Dr Firle Beckley, specialist speech and language

Conversation is a bit like blinking – something we all do daily without thinking, until it goes wrong. It’s how we connect, how we express ourselves, how we’re seen and understood. It’s a vital part of life, yet for many people in our care homes, conversation is a daily struggle. Imagine your world without casual chats with friends, sharing laughs over TV, or unloading your worries with a loved one. Take conversation away, and the emotional fallout is fast – isolation, loneliness, and depression (Azios et al., 2022; Hilari & Northcott, 2016). In social care, the awareness of dementia – especially its impact on communication and relationships – has grown enormously in recent years. The Alzheimer’s Society’s call for mandatory dementia training is a step in the right direction. But dementia is not the only narrative that affects communication in our care environments. Conditions like aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia, and cognitive-communication disorders drastically alter a person’s ability to speak and or understand, yet they remain largely invisible and misunderstood.

Let’s start with aphasia. It’s a condition that changes a person’s ability to use language, in one or all it’s forms (understanding words, saying words, writing words and or reading words). Just pause for a minute. Can you think of all the ways you’ve used language today- not including reading this article? Language is literally our gateway into everything we do! Aphasia is typically caused by a brain injury, such as stroke. As a care leader or frontline staff member, you may already support residents who’ve had one or multiple strokes since 70% of strokes occur in those over 65 (Kelly-Hayes., 2010). It is more than likely that over half of those people have a communication difference as a result (Mitchell et al., 2020). These numbers are not small. In fact, they suggest that many residents are living with communication difficulties unrelated to dementia.

350,000 people in England live with aphasia—that’s more than those living with Parkinson’s, MND, and MS combined. Yet shockingly, fewer than 3% of people have even heard of aphasia (Simmons-Mackie et al.,

)

2020) and awareness in healthcare settings is also low (Bennington et al., 2024). This lack of awareness matters. We know how to build ramps for physical access but can you say you know how to build bridges for communication access? It is difficult to make the reasonable adjustments required by the Equality Act 2010, if you are not aware of them in the first place.

But why should this be a priority for your care organisation?

According to Popiolek’s report (2024) 88% of complaints about care involve poor communication, particularly with vulnerable residents, such as those who’ve had a stroke. Emotionally intelligent care as advocated by Professor David Sheard must include equipping staff with the awareness and capability to have “good conversations” regardless of communication differences.

One powerful tool we can implement is Communication Partner Training (CPT)—the best-evidenced intervention for improving daily communication with people who have communication differences after stroke (Cruice et al., 2018; Simmons-Mackie et al., 2016). CPT works by shifting the onus of responsibility for “successful” conversations away from the person with the communication difference and into a shared responsibility between that person and their conversation partner (so you, me, care staff etc).

Communication partner training can empower care staff to recognise communication differences, adjust their own communication style and environment, and create space for meaningful conversation. These aren’t high-tech solutions—they’re simple, low-cost, and transformative. They allow us to see the person, not the condition. They support residents in expressing their needs, maintaining their dignity, and feeling connected to others.

Social care is about people. And people need to talk, to laugh, to share and be heard. Communication is at the heart of quality care. But quality care is only possible when we make room for all forms of communication. Let’s build care environments where conversations don’t end with a stroke, dementia, or brain injury—but are instead supported, celebrated, and shared.

Nimble-Fingered Care Home Residents

Help Older People One Stitch At A Time

A crafty team of nimble-fingered ‘woolly warriors’ at a New Forest care home have knitted 500 little bobble hats as part of a campaign to support much-needed services for older people.

Residents and staff members at Colten Care’s Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst took up their knitting needles in support of the Big Knit.

The national initiative, a partnership between charity Age UK and drinks brand innocent, aims to raise funds to provide information, companionship and friendship to enable people in later life to enjoy more fulfilling and independent lives.

For every hat knitted, ready to be placed on the top of an innocent smoothie bottle, 30p is donated to Age UK, meaning Woodpeckers has raised £150.

The home’s knitters have spent more than 400 hours producing their woolly masterpieces, each one unique in its design. They have worked their way through more than 20,000 grams of wool sourced through community donations.

Resident Dawn Pearson said: “We love knitting and have all enjoyed taking part, knowing at the same time that the money raised would go to help people perhaps facing loneliness or worries about money and how to cope.”

Woodpeckers Companionship Team Leader Jane Bunker said: “Knitting is a great way to relax, be creative and come together with others for chats and shared time. Our residents needed no excuse to turn woolly warriors for the Big Knit. We’ve had a lot of fun supporting this worthy cause.”

As with hats knitted across the country, Woodpeckers’ contribution will be sent to innocent for use on ‘behatted’ smoothie bottles on sale in the shops.

The firm says hats are widely repurposed as desk ornaments, gear stick warmers, Christmas tree decorations, bunting and in many other fun applications.

Since 2003, the Big Knit has raised £3.2 million to support Age UK services.

Sundial Care Home Opens its Gardens for Tipton St John

Sundial Care Home near Sidmouth, Devon, welcomed local green thumbs, garden enthusiasts and members of the community into their beautiful three acre grounds, for the Tipton St John Open Gardens event. The event invites members of the community to explore the village gardens and greenery, whilst enjoying plant stalls, coffee and cake, and browsing small local businesses.

Sundial’s landscaped garden features sweeping countryside views across the River Otter and East Hill, a putting green, and a wide variety of plants and flowers that attract local wildlife. One particular plant the home takes pride in, is their impressive 8-foot, pink rhododendron shrub, now over 20 years old. Planted by the home's late gardener, it has continued to attract attention ever since.

Visitors admired the displays of roses, foxgloves, geraniums, lobelia, fuchsia, hydrangeas, and mature trees, as well as the work of the gardening club, where family members (residents) have been growing tomatoes, sweet peas and beans in the greenhouse.

A Sundial event wouldn’t be complete without a visit from therapy llamas, Harry and George from Llamas4Good CIC. As family members, visitors and other members of the community gathered, the llamas relaxed in the sunshine, grazing on the grass and enjoyed plenty of fuss. The home was also included in the children’s scavenger hunt across the village, seeing visitors of all ages coming and going.

This year’s Open Gardens event also coincided with Care Home Open Week, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about Sundial and explore the home further if they wish.

“The Open Gardens was such a huge success! Thank you to all who came to visit us to look around our gardens, we are very lucky to have such wonderful views on our doorstep.” – Liz Thompson, Home Manager Sundial Care Home’s participation in Tipton St John’s Open Gardens event reflected their focus on maintaining caring connections within the local community. Well-led events and opportunities for family members to engage with visitors, neighbours and local organisations help encourage social interaction, promote independence and a sense of belonging.

Social Care Institute For Excellence Trustee, Isaac

Samuels, Awarded An Order Of The British Empire (OBE)

On 13 June 2025, Isaac Samuels, Trustee at the Social Care Institute for Excellence, was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in The King’s Birthday Honours List 2025.

In response, Isaac Samuels OBE said: “I am humbled and honoured to receive this recognition. This award is not just for me, it’s for every person whose voice has been marginalised or silenced, and for every community fighting for dignity, fairness, and equity. My lived experience has taught me that the best solutions come from those who have faced the greatest challenges. This OBE affirms the power of co-production and the importance of centring lived experience in shaping the services that affect our lives.”

With over 25 years of service across the health, social care, and housing sectors, Isaac has been a transformative force in the fight against inequality, stigma, and systemic injustice. Their work has championed co-production, anti-racism, and inclusive practice, placing the voices of people with lived experience at the heart of decision-making. As the first person with lived experience to co-chair the All-Party Parliamentary Group on

Adult Social Care working group, Isaac has helped bring authentic voices of people who draw on care and support into national policymaking and helped to embed co-production as a core principle.

Isaac’s leadership has spanned local and national initiatives, tackling health inequalities, advancing mental health advocacy, and fostering inclusive communities where all individuals can thrive. Their rights-based approach and relentless pursuit of social justice have made a significant and lasting impact on the lives of countless people, particularly those experiencing poverty, disability, and systemic discrimination.

Kathryn Smith OBE, Chief Executive of SCIE, offered her congratulations: “We are incredibly proud of Isaac and all they have achieved. Their OBE is a well-deserved recognition of decades of commitment to making social care fairer, more inclusive, and truly person-centred. Isaac brings not only powerful lived experience but also unmatched dedication to coproduction and justice. They remind us every day that services work best when shaped with the people who use them. We are honoured to have Isaac as part of the SCIE community.”

Elm Bank Care Home Brings London Fashion Week To Kettering With Exclusive Pop-Up Shop

The residents and staff at Elm Bank care home in Kettering were treated to a truly unique and glamorous experience as they hosted their very own London Fashion Week pop-up shop.

Residents welcomed Anne and Julie from ‘Count down Cares’, who have been bringing fashion to care homes and surrounding communities for over 12 years.

Anne and Julie’s passion for style and their devoted commitment to reaching diverse communities shone through as they transformed a section of Elm Bank care home in to a treasure trove of delightful clothes.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “The residents had a truly wonderful time browsing through the racks of colourful clothes, all within the comfort of their homes surroundings. It was lovely to see residents dis-

cussing colours, patterns and reminiscing about their own fashion choices throughout their lives. It was not just about the clothes, it was about the joy and the fun residents had, the chance for them to indulge in some personal pampering and self-expression. I think that it is important to say that even within the confines of a care home life can be lived with flair and fashion.”

Marvellous Bindura, General Manager at Elm Bank said: “It is lovely to see everyone together, and celebrating London Fashion Week was important here at the home, and to have Anne and Julie bring the whole shopping experience to Elm Bank was brilliant.”

From Young Carer to Dementia Care CEO: Devika’s Story

My career journey to becoming CEO of Brain+ –a company dedicated to improving the lives of people living with dementia – was shaped by my formative experience of being a young dementia carer for my Nani for 12 years. A DEMENTIA CARE MISSION FORMED OUT OF LOVE AND LOSS

My Nani looked after me when I was little, up until I was about ten years old. My parents were always really busy and both working full-time, so in many ways, she was like my mum to me. We were incredibly close, and she was everything to me. I still feel that I owe a lot of who I am today to her and the way she raised me.

When I was ten, our relationship changed forever. She had her first stroke, and not long after, she moved in with us. The effects of the stroke were sadly quite severe. Around that time, we also began noticing early signs of dementia. It took about a year before she was formally diagnosed with vascular dementia.

At such a young age, it was incredibly difficult to make sense of what was happening, to watch someone I loved so deeply change so dramatically in front of me. I threw myself into caring for her. I’d often come home from school at lunchtime to check on her, a complete role reversal from the woman who had once raised me. As a child, you don’t fully understand it all, but I loved her so much, I wanted to do everything I could to help.

Her symptoms progressed quickly. She became disoriented, confused, and had aggressive outbursts, sadly, all common symptoms of dementia.

She was a truly incredible woman — someone I deeply admired. A qualified teacher, she had survived two wars, escaped the India-

Pakistan partition, moved to Zanzibar in Africa, and later, as a refugee, fled to England when my mum was ten. Her resilience was unmatched. To see someone who had been through so much, who had always been so strong, gradually become a shadow of her former self, was heartbreaking. To witness her lose control in ways that were so unlike her, was devastating.

THE CHALLENGES OF CARING FOR A LOVED ONE WITH DEMENTIA

We tried to get some care from the local authority through social care funding, but that led to having so many different carers turn up at our door to try and help. At that time, they were only allowed 15minute visits, so they would come in, not have much time to help, and in some cases wouldn’t even speak to her, which was disappointing to say the least. As time went on, my Nani’s dementia got progressively worse, and she was given antipsychotic medication and antidepressants.

We were not alone, though, so many families around the world experience this. As the leading cause of death in women in the UK, and one of the leading causes of death worldwide, dementia leaves a profound impact on people’s lives. As a family, we began to learn the tips and tricks that would help bring my Nani out of her shell and show glimpses of her old self. Some of those things were Bollywood and Indian music, talking to her about her past and history, and how she loved cooking Indian food.

Towards the end of her life, she was in and out of the hospital, had more strokes, mini-strokes, and sadly, she had a lot of psychotic incidents where she would self-harm. We felt that a care home was best placed to look after her, however, she sadly passed away within two months. Her passing left a huge mark on my life and really drove me to change the way people access dementia care. I’m a firm believer that as you age, you deserve the respect to age gracefully and have access to care and support, and so my career journey has really been focused on supporting aged care in whatever way I possibly can.

How personal experience inspired me to develop new approaches to improve dementia care

When I was 26, I co-founded my first business, a domiciliary care agency powered by technology. The idea was born from personal experience: after seeing countless carers come through our home and

everything being recorded on paper, I wanted to build a system that made care more seamless, transparent, and human. We developed an electronic care record that integrated directly with our platform and back-office systems, allowing care notes to be updated and tracked in real time.

We also created a matching algorithm that paired patients with carers based on factors like skills, language, and cultural background, helping ensure that people received care from someone they could truly connect with. For families like mine, being able to speak the same language or share similar cultural experiences made all the difference. Now, with Brain+, our work with the NICE-recommended Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) feels deeply aligned with my personal journey. It echoes everything I instinctively did with my Nani, using conversation, Indian cooking, and Bollywood music to gently bring her out of herself. CST takes those kinds of interactions and turns them into a structured, evidence-based therapy that has measurable outcomes, including a four- to six-month delay in cognitive decline. What makes it so powerful is that we have developed Ayla, which enables CST to be effective and scalable. That means more people, from more backgrounds, can access meaningful, validated dementia care that truly makes a difference.

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) has been proven to deliver positive outcomes for people with mild to moderate dementia, including improved communication, social interaction, and, in recent studies, even reductions in anxiety and aggression. One of the most impactful aspects of CST is the way it empowers care staff. Through our training, we don’t just train care staff to be CST facilitators and deliver sessions with confidence, we also equip them with the skills to understand dementia more holistically. That includes working with different modalities and, crucially, learning how to support people living with dementia in a compassionate, person-centred way. It's about giving carers the confidence and competence to truly connect.

My personal and professional journey has always been about making a meaningful impact on people affected by dementia. This is work I am proud to continue at Brain+, where we hope to enable the delivery of best-in-class dementia care, so that every individual living with dementia can lead a life with dignity, connection, and purpose.

National Care Group Opens New Supported Living Scheme in Sheffield

A new adult supported living scheme, developed by leading social care provider National Care Group in response to local demand, has opened its doors in Sheffield.

The development will support up to eight adults with learning disabilities and additional support needs who are ready to take their next steps toward living more independently and achieving goals. Thirteen new jobs have also been created. Working in partnership with specialist housing provider Lets for Life, local authority Sheffield City Council, and developer IMC Developments, the properties have been carefully adapted to meet the needs of each tenant. They are now ready for individuals to thrive in their new homes and become active members of the local community.

Belinda Robinson, Director of Development at National Care Group, said: “The new supported living provision addresses a shortage of spe-

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

cialist accommodation in Yorkshire. Our successful partnership with Sheffield City Council and blossoming partnerships with Lets for Life and IMC Developments have enabled us to create a service that perfectly matches the requirements of the people who will call it home. We look forward to working on future projects together and developing more schemes that will enable the people we support to live their best lives.”

Councillor Angela Argenzio, Chair of Adult Health and Social Care Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “We are so thrilled to support National Care Group with the opening of its new adult supported living scheme in Sheffield.

“Through working in a partnership with Lets for Life and IMC Developments, we have now created homes carefully adapted to each tenant, which will help individuals thrive and feel like an active part of our city.”

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.

For further information, see the advert on page 5 or visit www.pobroll.co.uk

Insurance United Against Dementia Appoints New Chair To Drive The Campaign Forward

The award-winning Insurance United Against Dementia (IUAD) campaign has announced the appointment of Chris Lay, CEO of Marsh McLennan UK, as its new Campaign Chair, as it enters an ambitious second phase following the achievement of its initial £10 million fundraising target.

This new chapter comes at a critical moment for dementia research, following the approval by the MHRA in late 2024 of two drugs shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease – lecanemab and donanemab. It marks a turning point in the fight against dementia, but lasting impact will depend on sustained momentum, investment and industry collaboration.

Under Chris’s leadership, IUAD aims to propel the campaign into its next chapter – continuing to unite the industry behind the cause to accelerate progress towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.

Chris brings with him a wealth of experience having held a variety of senior leadership positions in the UK and globally during his career. Chris currently serves on The Leadership Council of The CityUK, and The President’s Committee of The Confederation of British Business (CBI), as well as being a former President of The Insurance Institute of London.

Chris says: “When I was asked to take on this role, I felt a deep sense of pride, having seen firsthand what the campaign has already achieved across the industry. I want to congratulate and thank Richard Dudley, Chris Wallace, the IUAD board members, and all the supporters to date for their terrific achievements.”

“We’re at a truly pivotal moment, not just for IUAD, but for the wider dementia landscape.”

“In the past year, we’ve seen groundbreaking developments, including the approval of two drugs that can successfully slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. These breakthroughs bring real

hope.”

“Now is the time for our industry to double down, building on this momentum and continuing to drive meaningful change for the nearly one million people living with dementia in the UK. I’m excited and honoured to be part of the IUAD mission.”

Richard Dudley, Group Chief Broking Officer at BMS Group and outgoing Chair of the IUAD Board said:

“IUAD is a wonderful example of how the insurance industry can come together to drive real change for people living with dementia – both now and in the future. Reaching the £10 million milestone is a hugely proud moment, and being part of this campaign has brought me great personal reward.

“It’s been an honour to chair such a passionate and committed board over the past three and a half years. I want to sincerely thank them and the fantastic team at Alzheimer’s Society – as well as the many colleagues across the industry who’ve united with us. Their passion for building a future free from the devastation of dementia is truly inspiring.

I look forward to seeing IUAD reach new heights under Chris’s leadership and will remain a proud supporter of the campaign.

Chris Wallace, Executive Director, UK Insurance at QBE and founding member and past Chair of IUAD said: “Richard Dudley has done an incredible job in leading IUAD to the £10 million milestone, and I want to personally thank him for his unwavering dedication and commitment throughout his tenure.

“This is a big moment for the IUAD campaign. The industry is not prepared to stop now, having reached our initial milestone. Dementia remains the UK’s biggest killer, and until it becomes a condition people can live well with, not die from, we’ll continue to unite across the industry to raise vital funds and awareness. Watching the campaign grow from a seedling of an idea back in 2017, to where it is today is truly phenomenal and I am incredibly proud to have been a part of it.”

On behalf of the board, I want to thank Richard for his outstanding leadership, and warmly welcome Chris Lay as he takes the campaign into its next exciting phase. I look forward to seeing his vision come to life.

PROVIDING PRACTICAL AND STYLISH TROLLEYS TO SUIT

your resident's eyes light up when the

Looking For A New Care Home Site - Practical and Legal Considerations For Securing A New Site

By James Khakpour-Smith is a partner at Taylor Walton

Increasingly care home operators are looking for new sites to build care homes and are entering into a land option agreement with the landowner, to give them the security of applying for planning permission which if successful, leads to the acquisition of the site for an agreed price or lease terms.

Changes to local plans, updates to national planning policy including the new “Grey Belt’ as part of the government’s plan to encourage more house building means sites which previously were ruled out might now be successful in gaining planning permission.

When care home owners consider entering into land option agreements (i.e. the option to purchase or lease land at a future date), there are several important legal, commercial, planning, and operational factors to think about.

PURPOSE AND STRATEGIC FIT FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Consider your long-term strategy and if the land is suitable for expansion, new build, or relocation. Is there the demographic need in the area for additional care home facilities (e.g. aging population, NHS discharge rates). Does the site offer regulatory alignment, and will the location meet Care Quality Commission (or equivalent) registration

requirements.

DUE DILIGENCE ON THE LAND

Once the site has been selected then it is essential to carry out thorough due diligence to ensure the landowner has clean legal title and ownership of the whole site, including access and the capacity to grant the option to you.

Consider if there are any third-party interests such as restrictions, covenants, easements, or rights of way that might affect your development and use of the land. Consider what the site was previously used for and if there are any contamination/environmental issues. It can be expensive to carry out remedial work to the land.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL

Look at the planning potential for the site and if the site has planning permission already and if not, how likely is it to be granted by the local authority. Consider if there will be any local opposition.

Look at the Local Plan inclusion and if the site is on an area earmarked for development under the Local Authority’s plan. Consider access to the site for the construction phase and beyond and if the general infrastructure roads, utilities, and public transport are available and suitable. It can add considerable cost to get services to a site.

TERMS OF THE OPTION AGREEMENT

Once you have found the site you need to consider how long will the option last and will there be an ability to extend it if the planning process is delayed.

Decide what are the trigger events that allows you to exercise the option. Is it when the full or outline planning permission is obtained.

Is there an option fee to be paid upfront to secure the option and is this deductible from the final fee or in addition to it.

Confirm what the purchase price is and if it is fixed now, or to be calculated on exercise (e.g. market value at the time), which some landowners prefer.

Are there any overage/uplift provisions and will the landowner seek a share in the future development value.

FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL IMPACT

Look at options for financing the acquisition and build-out of the home. Interest rates are expected to fall further over the next 12

months, which will see some increased competitive lending options available.

As part of the business model and to support the investment, the home operator needs to think about if the care home residents will be privately funded, NHS-linked, or a mixed model and how does this location support this and ensure the fit out is consistent.

Also as part of the business model what are the interruption risks and will the new site cannibalise your existing homes or create logistical issues and how long will this last.

EXIT AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Risk is a significant factor with applying for planning permission on a new site, so you need to consider what happens if planning permission is refused or if you change your mind and don’t want to proceed. In this scenario it is advisable to have an assignment/sub-sale clause, so the option be assigned to another operator or developer.

Are there any clawback clauses in the terms of the agreement and what is the risk of financial penalties or obligations post-exercise.

REGULATORY AND LOCAL STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Not everyone will be happy with a new care home being built near where they live so community consultations are essential, and early engagement may help with achieving planning consent and longerterm goodwill from local residents.

Liaise early with the regulatory bodies such as CQC, environmental authorities, and planning officers as many of these agencies have stretched resources and there may be some delay in them coming back to you.

PROFESSIONAL INPUT

Finally it’s important to have the right team in place to support you on this journey from the beginning. As well as having an experienced solicitor to draft and negotiate the option agreement and carry out the due diligence, you will need a planning consultant to advise on likelihood of obtaining planning permission, a valuer/surveyor to appraise the site and advise on commercial viability and architects and care home specialists for designs that meets regulatory and practical care needs.

Penrith Care Home Celebrates World Music Day With A Joyful Performance By Billy Burrell

Residents and colleagues at HC-One’s Cold Springs Park Care Home in Penrith, Cumbria, came together for an uplifting celebration of World Music Day (21st June), enjoying an afternoon of live music performed by beloved local singer and regular visitor, Billy Burrell. World Music Day is celebrated annually on June 21st and is a global celebration of the universal language of music. The day encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to come together through the joy of music—whether by performing, listening, or simply appreciating its powerful ability to connect and uplift. Cold Springs Park Care Home proudly embraces this tradition, recognising the positive impact music has on the wellbeing and happiness of its residents.

Billy’s energetic performance lit up the home as residents clapped, danced, and sang along to well-loved tunes, filling the home with joy and community spirit. The afternoon was a heartwarming reminder of

the power of music to bring people together.

Alison Lucas, Wellbeing Coordinator at HC-One’s Cold Springs Park Care Home, said: “We all love Billy and his energetic performances. This performance was as great as ever, and our residents and staff really enjoyed it.”

After the lively musical session, residents took a break to enjoy some well-earned refreshments, sharing stories and laughter with one another.

Also in attendance was Sean Moore, Senior Wellbeing Coordinator at HC-One’s Cold Springs Park Care Home, who helped ensure the event ran smoothly and was enjoyed by all who added:

“Events like these form part of HC-One’s commitment to providing engaging and enriching experiences for its residents, supporting wellbeing and connection within the home.”

Venelle Welcomes New Deputy Manager with Clinical Compassion, Global Perspective and Leadership Spark

London care provider Venelle, has welcomed a new Deputy Manager whose career spans continents, disciplines and a deep devotion to care that is both clinically excellent and deeply personal.

Stephanie Blenkinsop joins the leadership team at a pivotal moment of growth and ambition for Venelle. A Registered Nurse by background, with an MBA and Masters in Global Project Management, she brings a rare blend of clinical precision and strategic finesse.

From her early days delivering care in high-pressure hospital environments in Australia and the UK – including Alfred Health in Melbourne – Stephanie has never lost sight of the human heartbeat behind healthcare. Her time in acute and trauma services laid the foundations for her calm, people-first approach to leadership – one that values both responsiveness and reflection.

But it’s her continued curiosity that has truly set her apart. Pursuing further academic study while honing her operational expertise, Stephanie has consistently looked for ways to deliver better care – not only safer, but smarter; not only effective, but enriching. Most recently, she led the Live-In Service division at SweetTree Home Care Services,

overseeing a team of more than 50 carers. There, she helped co-create an innovative, tech-enabled model of home care that prioritised continuity, flexibility and above all –client dignity.

Stephanie said: “Care should never feel transactional – it should feel like trust, like presence, like home. That’s what drew me to Venelle. It’s a place where care is crafted –not just delivered – and where every detail is designed around the life someone wants to lead. I’m excited to be part of a team that truly sees the person, not just the need.” Stephanie’s appointment reflects Venelle’s growing vision: to reimagine what luxury home care can be in a city as diverse, dynamic and demanding as London. With her global perspective and grounding in both frontline care and complex service delivery, she brings a leadership style that’s as intuitive as it is intentional.

Louise Blezzard, Founder and CEO of Venelle, said: “Stephanie embodies the balance we strive for – care that is clinically informed, emotionally intelligent and beautifully delivered. She brings a sense of grace and clarity to every challenge, and an ability to lead with both empathy and excellence. We’re thrilled to have her with us as we continue to grow.”

Heartfelt Care

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

A Career in Care: Highlighting the Power of Progression in Social Care

Amie Porter - From Care Assistant to Home Manager

In the world of social care, career progression is not just a possibility, it’s a shining reality that transforms not only individual lives but also the lives of the residents we serve, and Ashberry Healthcare “spotlight’s” the incredible journey of Amie Porter, Home Manager at Blaenos House Nursing Home, to showcase just how far a career in care can take you.

Amie began her career in care back in 2012, joining Allt Y Mynydd as a Care Assistant. Though she had never worked in elder care before, she was drawn to the field because she knew she wanted to make a difference. Amie’s story demonstrates that it doesn’t matter where you start, with dedication, passion, and a commitment to learning, the sky is the limit.

2012: CARE ASSISTANT

Amie joined Ashberry Healthcare and quickly embraced every opportunity to grow. She loved being part of the team and always offered to take on extra responsibilities.

2013: TEAM LEADER

Her enthusiasm and commitment paid off when she was promoted to Team Leader. She thrived in this role, enjoying the extra responsibility and the chance to take charge.

2014: DEPUTY MANAGER

By 2014, Amie’s dedication and leadership qualities were evident, and she was promoted to Deputy Manager. She worked closely with her manager to ensure a happy, successful home environment for both residents and staff.

2015: HOME MANAGER

Amie’s hard work continued to shine, and in 2015 she was promoted to Home Manager.

2018: WELSH WOMAN IN BUSINESS

She celebrated a personal milestone by winning the Welsh Woman in Business Award, a testament to her incredible achievements. Amie’s journey didn’t stop there. In 2024, she moved to Blaenos House, another Ashberry Healthcare home, where she continues to lead with compassion and excellence. And in 2025, Blaenos House was named one of the top 20 Care Homes in Wales by Carehome.co.uk — a well-deserved recognition of Amie’s dedication and the incredible team around her.

WHY HIGHLIGHT A CAREER IN CARE?

There’s often misunderstanding about what a career in care entails. Too often, it’s viewed as unskilled work, but the reality is quite the opposite. Care work requires deep compassion, empathy, and the ability to truly step into someone else’s shoes. It’s not for everyone, but for those who choose it, like Amie, it’s one of the most rewarding careers imaginable.

Amie herself puts it best: “I’ve faced criticism for choosing this career, but I genuinely can’t think of a more rewarding job. It’s a privilege to care for someone’s loved one and to build such meaningful connections with residents.”

Three Brothers Reunite After 20 Years At Loughborough Care Home

HC-One’s Woodthorpe Lodge Care Home in Loughborough, Leicestershire, witnessed an emotional milestone as resident George Lucas, 84, reunited with his brothers John, 85, and Peter, 86, after two decades apart.

The trio, who had not been together since their mother’s funeral in 1995, shared a joyous day filled with laughter, memories, and family bonds, joined by Peter’s son Stuart and John’s son Christopher.

The reunion was especially poignant, bringing together the brothers who were last captured together in a cherished black-and-white photograph taken when George was 6, John was 7, and Peter was 8.

The three brothers recreated the same photograph in the same position almost eight decades later – a snapshot of a

bond that time and distance could not break. George, born in 1941, has been a beloved resident at Woodthorpe Lodge, and his family arranged for the three brothers to reunite at the care home.

John, who has lived in St. Lucia since the early 1970s, travelled across the Atlantic to join his brothers. Peter, residing in Wigan, also made the journey to share in this special moment.

Natasha Birkin, HC-One’s Woodthorpe Lodge Care Home Manager, said:

“This reunion was a beautiful reminder of the power of family. Seeing George, John, and Peter together again, surrounded by their loved ones, was truly moving. We’re honoured to have played a part in making this day happen.”

Movement and Motivation at Bolton Care Home

Residents at HC-One’s Meadow Bank House Care Home in Bolton, Manchester, are staying active and uplifted after a special weekly exercise session led by their Head of Housekeeping, Maria Petevinou.

Maria joined the team in July 2021 and plays a vital role as Head of Housekeeping ensuring a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for residents, colleagues, and visitors is maintained at Meadow Bank House Care Home. However, her responsibilities go beyond the role of routine cleaning, as

she also maintains the overall wellbeing in the home. Each week, Maria brings her energy and enthusiasm to a fun, engaging fitness session designed to promote physical activity and boost resident’s wellbeing.

Her sessions have quickly become a highlight on the home’s activity calendar, providing a perfect mix of movement, motivation, and smiles. From maracas to pompoms, there is something for every resident to entertain themselves and move along to the rhythm to.

Jincy Lukose, HC-One’s Meadow Bank House Care Home Manager, said:

“Maria is a real inspiration. She goes above and beyond her housekeeping duties to make a meaningful difference in our residents’ lives. These weekly sessions are not just good for the body, but for the soul too.

“These initiatives reflect our team’s commitment to supporting residents in living active, fulfilled lives through person-centred care and community spirit.”

Residents At Wallasey Care Home Enjoy Visit From MP

Eagle.

Residents and colleagues of the HC-One owned care home enjoyed meeting their MP, Dame Angela Eagle, and chatting to her about what life is like at Leighton Court Care Home – which is an integral part of the local Wallasey community.

MP Dame Angela Eagle enjoyed a tour round the 47 bedded residential, nursing and nursing dementia care home, including the hair salon, lounge, ensuite bedrooms and gardens.

Marie Keating, Home Manager at HC-One’s Leighton Court Care Home, commented: “We were delighted to welcome MP Dame Angela Eagle to our home. Everyone had a great time, chatting and discussing key issues they care about and what actions can be taken to overcome them.” MP for Wallasey & Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, said: “It was a pleasure

to visit Leighton Court and discuss with residents and staff how they ensure high standards of care and community. The dedication and joy that I saw from staff was inspiring.

“I particularly appreciated listening to some wonderful piano playing from one of the residents, which staff and residents alike were enjoying together.

“Leighton Court provides a variety of activities and excursions for residents to enjoy with one another. Care Home Open Week continues that ethos of community-based fun and engagement by allowing members of the public to come in and spend time together, ensuring that residents can continue to feel connected to their neighbourhood.

“I would encourage people to pop down on Friday for some tea and biscuits, or to take part in the raffle and enjoy the entertainment. It is

important that we show our appreciation for the older members of our society, and this initiative gives us that very opportunity.”

HC-One’s Leighton Court Care Home in Wallasey, Wirral, was visited on Friday 13th June by MP for Wallasey & Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela

Parklands Launches New Era Of Care In Inverness

A new multi-million-pound care home has opened in Inverness, marking the first step in an ambitious vision to create a new care community for the city.

Pittyvaich Care Home is the 13th home in the Parklands Care Homes group. With 58 en-suite bedrooms, the £11 million project is the largest purpose-built care facility in the Parklands group and the first new care home to open in Inverness in five years.

Residents will enjoy access to a café, salon, lounges, activities room, quiet spaces and landscaped gardens. Many of the home’s spacious rooms offer commanding views over the Moray Firth. Located close to a school, nursery and several churches, Pittyvaich is intended to become an integral part of the local community.

The care home is the first stage in Parklands’ plan to develop an integrated care community in Inverness – the first of its kind in the Highlands. Future phases will include a later living village, designed to support independent living for older people, and key worker apartments, helping to ease pressure on local housing and support recruitment.

Ron Taylor, Managing Director of Parklands Care Homes, said: “Pittyvaich is more than just a care home –it’s a symbol of our long-term commitment to the Highlands. At a time when the region has lost over 200 care beds, this investment is more urgent than ever.”

“We’re responding to that need by investing in the future of care – creating jobs, supporting families, and building something that will serve this community for years to come.”

“This is just the first step in our ambitious vision for a new care community in Inverness – a place where older people can live with dignity, independence and support, and where key workers have access to affordable accommodation.”

He added: “We’re looking forward to working with our new team to bring the Parklands standard of care to Inverness – compassionate, person-centred and rooted in the local community.”

Angus MacDonald, MP for Inverness, Skye and West Ross-Shire, said: “It is a rare and wonderful occasion when a new care home opens in the Highlands after a decade of others closing. Huge thanks and congratulations to Parklands for their courage and foresight in opening Pittyvaich in Inverness. Many families will have good reason to celebrate this essential extra care bed capacity in the north.”

Donald Macaskill, CEO of Scottish Care said: “At a time of very real economic challenge to the social care sector, the investment of the Parklands Group in the creation of the new care home at Pittyvaich is great news indeed. To commit to the local community and its people, to enable the employment of many people, and to recognise the value of offering quality care and support in the local area is so critical and Parklands have done this par excellence. I hope the future residents and staff will come to see Pittyvaich as a key part of the local community and I wish everyone every success.”

The new care home will be led by Jaime McNab, an experienced care professional who joins Parklands from NHS Highland, where she was Lead Nurse for Care Homes and Care at Home services.

Chinese Dancers Make Their Moves at Belong Warrington

International, intergenerational relations are at an all-time high in Warrington as young, budding entertainers show off their Chinese dance talents with a special performance for the town’s older community at dementia specialist, Belong.

Older people residing at the Loushers Lane care village were joined by others living locally for the inspiring display. Courtesy of Manchester Chinese Academy of Dance (MCAD), the 28-strong troupe twisted and twirled their way through Chinese Classical and Chinese folk dance to rousing encouragement from their audience.

The colourful spectacle proved to be a huge success, with the shimmering of traditional silk outfits capturing the imagination of June Doxey, resident at Belong Warrington. She said: “It was fantastic. I loved all the different colours and outfits.”

Pat Palmer, apartment tenant at the village, added: “Amazing! You would usually pay a lot to see something like this; we’re so lucky to have them here, performing for us.”

The showcase coincided with China’s annual Dragon Boat Festival, the traditional holiday commemorating the life and death of poet and minister, Qu Yuan.

With Chinese dance widely considered to be a demanding form of the medium, akin to the likes of ballet, a number of the youngsters were said to feel apprehensive at the prospect of performing in front of others. Belong Warrington was approached specially to support them, thanks to its reputation of working with young people both in and outside of their home, for example, welcoming schools for shared crafts, baking and games workshops.

Louise Kelly, experience coordinator at Belong Warrington, said: “We are honoured to host the Manchester Chinese Academy of Dance. Our customers loved it; they were truly in awe of the talents of our guests. We were pleased to extend the invite to people living locally so they could have the opportunity to enjoy the show. What a treat for the community!”

Experience Trusted Protection with Jangro’s Professional Nitrile Disposable Gloves

In care environments where hygiene and safety are paramount, Jangro’s Professional Nitrile disposable gloves (DG130) offer a dependable solution, meeting the rigorous demands of daily care tasks. Designed with caregivers in mind, these gloves provide a comfortable fit without compromising on protection.

Made from high-quality nitrile, these gloves are both powder and latexfree, making them an ideal choice for individuals with latex sensitivities. Nitrile technology provides an exceptionally soft and pliable material that conforms naturally to the shape of the hand. This flexibility reduces hand fatigue during prolonged use and extended wear, allowing caregivers to perform tasks with comfort and ease. Textured fingertips enhance grip, even when wet, ensuring precision during delicate procedures. Whether assisting with personal care, handling food, or performing cleaning duties, these gloves support a wide range of applications within care settings. They’re more than just protective, these gloves are fully compliant with EN455 standards for medical use and EN ISO 374-5 for protection against bacteria, fungi and viruses, underscoring their suitability for infec-

tion control protocols. They also comply with the Medical Devices Regulation (EU) 2017/745 Class I and are manufactured in accordance with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation (EU) 2016/425. Plus, they’ve been tested for food safety compliance under Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, meaning these gloves are as versatile as they are protective.

The design features, including ambidextrous fitting and ridged cuffs for easy removal and their vibrant blue colour to aid visibility, have been carefully considered to streamline workflow for busy care professionals.

At Jangro, we understand that the right protective equipment isn’t just about meeting standards, it’s about supporting the people who care for others every day. That is why our nitrile gloves are manufactured under stringent quality controls to meet the demands of healthcare environments, providing peace of mind for both staff and residents.

For more information or to view the full range of disposable gloves visit Jangro’s official website. www.jangro.net

New Inspection Service Launches To Counter Rising Costs Facing The Care Sector

Care Inspections UK (CIUK), the UK’s only accredited inspection body for care homes, has launched a pay-as-you-go inspection service aimed at helping care homes improve quality, performance, risk management, and regulatory ratings in the face of the increasing costs affecting the social care sector.

To ease cash flow during rising National Insurance and wage pressures, the subscription service offers care homes structured, evidence-based support to navigate compliance challenges effectively. To add to this support, CIUK is offering up to £100 per month off all new subscriptions for twelve months for sign-ups in May 2025.

Designed to accommodate a range of operational needs and budgets, the three-tiered subscription model, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, offers varying levels of inspection frequency, expert guidance, and action plans tailored to each home’s requirements.

Under the Silver plan, care homes receive an annual comprehensive inspection carried out by experienced, accredited professionals. The resulting detailed report includes a full breakdown of every aspect of the care home, along with easy click-through access to relevant standards, regulations, and best practices. An action plan is provided to cover any non-conformances, with ongoing review and support to ensure continuous progress. Homes that meet the required thresholds will be awarded a certification, signifying excellence in care provision. Additional benefits include advisory support before and after inspections, access to exclusive online events and forums for networking and best practice sharing, and participation in CIUK-led publicity initiatives designed to highlight high standards of care. CIUK also guarantees that, by fully implementing all aspects of the action plan, homes will see improvements in their regulatory ratings (CQC, CI, CIW, RQIA), giving providers added assurance that their investment in quality improvement will yield tangible results.

The Gold tier builds upon the Silver plan by offering additional regulatory and commissioning pre-

inspection tools. This deeper level of service helps care providers prepare more effectively for formal inspections, giving them an edge in demonstrating compliance with industry standards. Gold members benefit from an in-depth assessment of their readiness for external regulatory visits, with tailored support that helps anticipate potential concerns and address them proactively. In addition to all the features of the Silver package, Gold subscribers receive a more comprehensive level of preparatory guidance, ensuring that homes meet and exceed industry expectations.

The Platinum package is the most comprehensive offering, providing two inspections per year to ensure that care homes maintain consistently high standards throughout the year. Alongside the core benefits found in the Gold and Silver plans, Platinum members gain access to detailed analysis of inspection trends, helping care homes identify recurring issues and implement long-term solutions for sustained compliance and excellence. Additional advisory support is extended to Platinum members, ensuring they have ongoing expert guidance in regulatory matters, risk management, and quality improvement. This elite tier is particularly beneficial for larger care providers or those undergoing transitions, such as ownership changes or expansion, who require higher scrutiny and support.

Kevin Groombridge, chief executive at Care Inspections UK, said: “Our mission is to raise standards in the care sector by providing accessible, evidence-based support. This subscription model equips care homes with the tools to enhance compliance and deliver the highest-quality care.

With rising costs placing additional pressure on the sector, for only a couple hundred pounds a month, our service offers expert guidance and regular inspections to help providers navigate these challenges. By following our structured action plan, care homes can guarantee an improvement in their regulatory ratings, ensuring better outcomes for both residents and staff.”

See the advert on the facing page for further information.

Centenarian Celebrated In Style: Irene Turns 100 With Over 370 Cards From Around The World At Cradley Heath Care Home

HC-One’s Roxburgh House Care Home in Cradley Heath was filled with joy and celebration on Wednesday 28th May, as resident Irene Weaver marked her 100th birthday surrounded by family, fellow residents, and dedicated care colleagues.

In the lead-up to her milestone birthday, the care team at Roxburgh House launched a heartfelt appeal asking the public to help make Irene’s day extra special by sending birthday cards – and the response was overwhelming. Over 370 cards poured in from well-wishers across the UK and even internationally including New Jersey in America, with messages of love, laughter, and admiration.

To celebrate Irene’s birthday, the local fire service made a special visit to the home in a fire engine to personally extend their well wishes. In a heartwarming show of community spirit, local schools and members of the public from around the world also sent birthday cards, ensuring Irene’s special day was filled with joy and international goodwill.

Born in Birmingham on 28th May 1925, Irene has lived a life full of love, friendship, and community spirit.

One of six siblings, she worked in a warehouse in her younger years and was a familiar face in her local

church. She later married Thomas (Tom) and together they raised three children. Irene’s family has since grown to include six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, all of whom joined in celebrating her special day.

To mark the occasion, a party was held at Roxburgh House, where Irene was showered with cards, flowers, and birthday wishes. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and celebration as everyone gathered to honour her remarkable life.

Nicola Oldham, Home Manager at Roxburgh House, said:

“From everyone here at Roxburgh House, we want to thank everyone who wished Irene the happiest of 100th birthdays. It’s been truly heartwarming to see the outpouring of kindness from so many people near and far. The look on Irene’s face as she opened card after card was priceless – it’s a birthday none of us will ever forget.”

Irene moved into Roxburgh House in March 2025 and has quickly become a cherished member of the home’s community. The team continues to support her with compassion and care, ensuring she enjoys the dignity, respect, and joy she so deserves.

Edinburgh Care Home Celebrates the Richness of Indian Culture

Residents and colleagues at HC-One Scotland’s Victoria Manor Care Home in Edinburgh, Lothian, came together to celebrate the vibrant traditions of Indian culture in a joyful and engaging event that brought colour, connection, and cultural appreciation to the heart of the home.

The day began with an Indian-themed morning, featuring delicious traditional dishes that residents, including Raymond Farrel and Janice Gibson, were delighted to sample. The home was transformed with beautiful decorations reflecting the rich colours and aesthetics of Indian heritage, creating an immersive and festive atmosphere.

Adding to the authenticity of the experience, Carers Sai

and Ashitha led the celebration by sharing insights into the significance of traditional Indian dress. Their personal stories and explanations sparked meaningful conversations among residents and colleagues, deepening understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity.

Patricia Charlton, Wellbeing Coordinator at HC-One Scotland’s Victoria Manor Care Home said:

“This celebration is a wonderful example of how we honour and embrace the cultures represented within our home. It’s these shared experiences that help strengthen our community and create a truly inclusive environment.”

Automeds Pharmacy: Care Homes Trusted Partner in Care and Convenience

Say Goodbye to long lines, chasing down prescriptions or scrambling to find you medications in store!

At Automeds Pharmacy, we’re reshaping the way healthcare is delivered. Serving the South of England with over a decade of expertise, we’re proud to be a distance-selling pharmacy that is truly dedicated to the evolving needs of our patients alongside specialising in care home dispensing.

Whether you’re a care home looking for reliable medication management or are in need of hassle-free prescriptions, Automeds Pharmacy is here to streamline your experience. Our team is specially trained to provide bespoke, efficient medication solutions tailored to your needs.

We partner with a range of eMAR providers, offering flexibility and variety—because every patient deserves a solution that fits just right. From same-day deliveries to bulk dispensing for care homes, we ensure you get the medications you need, when you need them.

We understand that repeat prescription ordering can be a hassle. That’s why our experienced team takes the pressure off our care home staff by handling this process for them. No more wasting time hunting down prescriptions—just more time for what matters most: quality care for residents.

With a daily cut-off time Monday to Friday, urgent items are delivered the same day, so no one has to wait.

As Automeds Pharmacy continues to grow, our mission remains steadfast: to offer tailored medication solutions that make a real difference in the lives of our patients.

We’re not just a pharmacy—we’re a partner in your healthcare journey, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Enquire today for your bespoke package!

01305 230091 or wecare@automeds.co.uk or visit www.automeds.co.uk

Sanaway’s New Reusable & Recyclable

Sanaway, a leading clinical waste, sharps, and washroom hygiene service provider, has introduced new reusable and recyclable sharps containers as part of its auditable ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’ service commitment.

The initiative is part of Sanaway’s ongoing focus to reduce environmental impact for both the company, and its nursing and residential care home customers.

The new reusable recyclable sharps container enables one container to be reused 10 times before being recycled into new reusable sharps containers. The container’s VisiLOCK system optimises safety by eliminating the risk of content spills that may lead to cross-contamination or accidental needlestick injury.

The family-owned business operates across the South of England, servicing customers that demand a reliable, personal and high standard of service at a competitive price.

Co-founder and director, Patrick Martin says: “We are exceptionally proud of our environmental philosophy and commitment, which has been at the core of the company since day one.

“Providing the new reusable sharps service is now standard for all our customers, and at no extra cost. This not only demonstrates our dedication to help minimise the impact our industry has on the environment, but can also help customers achieve up to an 87% carbon saving. This being in line with the NHS’s targets for a 50% reduction in emissions by 2026.”

REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE

Each sharps container has a VisiLOCK closing mechanism to ensure optimum user safety. Once full:

• The containers are collected by Sanaway delivered to the processing facility.

• A robot opens and photographs the contents before:

o Sharps are incinerated.

o Containers are sanitised and recovered.

• The sharps containers are thoroughly checked before being returned for reuse.

• Containers are tracked using barcode scanning to monitor their usage cycles, after 10 uses, the container is granulated and remanufactured into a new sharps container.

• This process is repeated 10 times, meaning the original plastic is reused 100 times.

• After completing 10 full cycles, the plastic is granulated again and repurposed into non-medical products, such as road traffic cones.

Sanaway’s Zero Waste to Landfill philosophy is a market leading standard, based on Energy from Waste (EFW) technology, which means it is a sustainable solution for both waste management and energy production. 99.995% of the process is recyclable and all the recyclable elements are removed before the incineration process leaving only 0.005% nonrecyclable. The company’s auditable Zero Waste to Landfill service diverts all of the 50 plus tonnes of waste the company collects from its customers every year from landfill, and contributes towards the power supply for more than 50,000 homes. The company’s ISO 9001 accreditation also gives the added peace of mind from a day to day management perspective, providing a benefit for nursing and residential care homes with ISO 14001 certification, enabling them to fulfil their continuous improvement requirements.

Commenting on the new service, Martin concludes: “We believe considered improvements like these to our customer first, high service standards are the main

Camille Leavold, CEO Of Abbots Care, Awarded MBE

In King’s Honours List For Services To Homecare

Camille Leavold, CEO of Abbots Care, has been awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours List, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to homecare over the past three decades.

The honour comes as Abbots Care, Hertfordshire County Council’s lead provider of homecare services, celebrates its 30th year of operation.

Camille’s recognition arrives at a pivotal time for the care sector. In the past year alone, Abbots Care has seen a 66% increase in calls to its Hertfordshire HQ and a 54% rise in private client enquiries – a stark reflection of the escalating demand for home-based care.

Speaking about her MBE, Camille said: “This has been a complete surprise, and I am utterly thrilled first of all that a leader in

the caring profession has been recognised in this way, because social care is a crucial part of a caring society and is becoming ever more critical to us all every day, as the population ages.

“On a personal level I am deeply honoured, and proud, to accept this award, but it belongs to every care worker who shows up every day for those who need us most. This award is for them – the people on the front line of care, providing dignity, comfort and companionship in homes across the UK. Our sector is under incredible pressure, but it is also full of incredible people.”

Camille has been an outspoken advocate for sustainable reform in homecare, warning that the current system is at breaking point without urgent government intervention. She continues to call for increased funding and long-term policy support to safeguard the sector’s future.

Residential Home In Hertfordshire Shines

As Morar Living Earns Industry Accolades

Morar Living, a leading provider of premium residential care, has been shortlisted for several prestigious industry awards in 2025, highlighting the organisation’s continued excellence in architectural design, dementia care innovation, and outstanding service in residential care for older people across its homes in England.

Hatfield Manor, a luxury, purpose built 81-bedroom home in Hatfield, Hertfordshire provides bright, spacious interiors, modern amenities and exciting programme of activities for residents.

Hatfield Manor’s Activity Coordinator, Errin Lunney, has been recognised in both the Dementia Care Awards 2025 and The Stars of Social Care Awards 2025 and is a finalist in The Activity Coordinator Award and the Amazing Activities Coordinator Award respectively.

The Dementia Care Awards recognise the importance of meaningful engagement in dementia care, whilst The Stars of Social Care Awards

shine a light on the workforce in the care sector who go above and beyond to support those most vulnerable.

In the 2025 Health Investor Awards, Morar Living has been named a finalist for Residential Elderly Care Provider of the Year (Medium Group). This recognition affirms the organisation’s dedication to creating personcentred care environments that enhance quality of life for residents.

Paul Houldey, Operations Director of Morar Living, commented: “To be recognised across respected industry platforms is a testament to the dedication of our teams, the vision of our designers and our commitment to providing homes where residents feel truly valued.

“These accolades reflect our belief that exceptional care begins with bespoke design, thoughtful innovation and an unwavering focus on people.”

Harefield Care Home Welcomes Exotic Guests From Silver Scales Animal Rescue

Residents and colleagues at HC-One’s Cedar House Care Home in Harefield, Middlesex, were thrilled to welcome some very special guests this week in the form of a variety of exotic animals brought in by local charity group Silver Scales, who rescue and rehome exotic pets.

The visit was arranged by the Cedar House’s wellbeing team and proved to be a huge success, with residents having the rare opportunity to interact closely with an array of animals, including lizards, snakes, and “Steve” the skunk – a particularly cuddly and much-loved guest.

The highlight of the visit was Waffle, a gentle six-year-old tortoise who wandered freely among the residents, much to their delight.

The hands-on experience brought plenty of smiles, laugh-

ter, and curiosity, as everyone learned about the animals and enjoyed a unique form of animal therapy.

Samantha Dreelan, HC-One Cedar House Care Home’s Wellbeing Coordinator, said: “It was so lovely to see our residents fully embracing the experience – the joy and smiles on their faces were priceless. Steve the skunk was definitely a favourite!”

Colleagues also got involved, enjoying the opportunity to handle the animals and pose for photos.

Jomy Joseph, Home Administrator at HC-One’s Cedar House Care Home, was especially impressed by the visit: “It was a real pleasure to meet the team from Silver Scales.

You can tell they truly care about the welfare of the animals it’s not just a business to them, it’s a passion.”

Former RAF Sergeant Living At Hathersage Home Celebrates 105th Birthday With Intimate Party

A former RAF sergeant living at a Hathersage home celebrated her 105th birthday with an intimate party.

Biddy Hilton lives at MHA Moorland House and celebrated her birthday with her close family including her daughter Marilyn and son John.

Biddy was born in Essex and was a sergeant in the Royal Air Force Bomber Command during the second World War and later worked as a shorthand typist.

After the war she settled in Bakewell and has been living at MHA Moorland House for nine years.

The kitchen team at the home prepared a birthday cake for the family to enjoy.

MHA Moorland House provides residential care for 48 residents.

Speaking after the celebrations Marilyn said: “The home put in a lot of effort in making sure my mum’s birthday was celebrated.

“It was nice for her to have her family around to celebrate her big day.

“All the staff came in to wish her a happy birthday and it was very nice to see.

“Our mum is looked after really well at MHA Moorland House, and she is definitely in really good shape and health for her age.

“We had a great time celebrating her birthday and really appreciate what was arranged for her.”

Resilience-based Clinical Supervision (RBCS) Programme for Social Care Registered Nurses

The Foundation of Nursing Studies (FoNS) is an independent charity that focuses its energies, knowledge and expertise around compassionate, person-centred cultures of care. The vision of the charity is that all individuals should experience health and social care as person-centred, safe and effective. This includes those who are both giving and receiving care.

FoNS is delighted to be able to offer a programme of clinical supervision for all registered nurses and registered nursing associates working in social care.

The RBCS programme is a form of restorative supervision where nurses understand how to listen, support and challenge themselves and their colleagues to be able to improve their capacity to manage the difficult and stressful situations they experience.

RBCS is a participative programme which runs over five sessions. Each session builds upon the knowledge and confidence of the nurses, so they will, by the end, feel able to hold supervision sessions with colleagues.

It is an evidence-based model of clinical supervision which focuses on the ‘emotional systems motivating the response to a situation’.

It includes elements of mindfulness-based exercises with a view to ‘enhancing wellbeing, resilience and improving patient care’.

RBCS isn’t about solving problems for others. In fact, one of the most powerful shifts participants report is

learning to let go of the need to fix. Instead, supervision becomes a space for reflective listening—helping colleagues find their own insights, rather than giving advice.

For care home managers, this is an opportunity to invest in the emotional resilience and leadership potential of their teams. Participants leave the programme not only better equipped to lead and support others but more grounded and resilient themselves.

Comments from past participants include: -

Seeing other nurses from different parts of the country and diversity, all sharing similar experiences in a safe environment, knowing they understand, and do not judge was awesome!

Being compassionate to oneself makes it easier the many tools out there to create a positive environment for supervision, break the ice, create calm, trust and respect.

We are there to listen, not necessarily to "fix". Supervision does not have to be purely work related.

It’s a small commitment with lasting benefits for individuals, teams, and people.

Registered nurses and registered nursing associates from any social care setting are welcome to attend the RBCS programme. All that is needed is agreement from their manager, time to attend, a quiet space and a laptop with a camera. It is a participative and interactive facilitated online programme.

The programme is currently fully funded for all social care nurses.

For more information, please visit our website www.fons.org or email rbcs.socialcare@fons.org

Why You Can’t Miss The Care & Occupational Therapy Show

The South West’s Leading Care & Occupational Therapy Event – Are You In?

Here’s 5 Reasons You Need to Be at The Care & Occupational Therapy Show!

On 16th July at Westpoint, Exeter, The Care & Occupational Therapy Show is bringing together the best in the Care and Occupational Therapy industries for a game-changing event. We will be there, here’s why you need to be there too: �� Unmissable keynote sessions from industry leaders like The Homecare Associations, Care

CPD-accredited seminars and workshops to level up your skills.

Robbie Moore MP, Cadets and Steeton Court Join Forces for Spellman Care’s Biggest Veterans Café Yet

The fifth monthly Spellman Care Veterans Cafe, held at Steeton Court Nursing Home, was a fantastic gathering that brought together veterans, community members, and special guests for an afternoon of camaraderie and connection.

The event was honoured by the presence of Robbie Moore MP and the enthusiastic Keighley Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets. Residents from across the four Spellman Care homes thoroughly enjoyed engaging in lively conversations with their local Member of Parliament and learning more about the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

A particular highlight of the cafe was the interactive session led by the cadets, who generously taught some of the residents how to tie various naval knots. This proved to be a delightful activity for all involved, with both cadets and residents thoroughly enjoying the hands-on experience and the shared learning opportunity. The sight of nimble fingers, both young and old, mastering the intricacies of a reef knot or a

clove hitch created a truly heartwarming atmosphere.

Beyond the engaging activities, attendees were treated to a wide array of delicious buffet food, ensuring there was something to satisfy every palate.

The extensive selection included traditional favourites such as scones, cookies, and pork pies, alongside more substantial options like eclairs, quiche, and even flavourful onion bhajis, and much more. This diverse spread further enhanced the convivial atmosphere, encouraging relaxed conversation and enjoyment.

"These cafes are always so special, bringing our community together and creating wonderful memories," Caroline Cowland, Steeton Court’s Home Manager stated. "It truly warmed our hearts to see everyone enjoying themselves and connecting, whether it was through a shared laugh over a tricky knot or simply enjoying the fantastic food and company."

Boogie Wonderland - Care Home Launches Dementia Disco

Staff and residents at Tewkesbury Fields Care home in Tewkesbury dusted off their dancing shoes for the launch of their new Dementia Disco initiative. Knowing how much their residents love to dance, the activities team at Tewkesbury Fields care home came up with the genius idea of a dementia-friendly disco. The team invited along members of the local community and friends of the home to the first official dementia-friendly disco which went down an absolute storm.

Building on their success, the home has decided to make it a regular thing and will now be hosting bi-monthly Dementia Discos throughout the coming year. If you and your loved ones or community group would like to attend, please contact the home to book a place, call 01684 850311 or email tewkesburyfields@barchester.com The next Dementia Disco will take place on 24th July @ 2.30pm

General Manager, Edrianne Baluyut commented: “The Dementia Disco is a fantastic way to connect with others in a relaxed and supportive environment. It’s wonderful to see the power of music bring joy and reminiscence for those living with dementia, their families and caregivers. Everyone is welcome - we’re really looking forward to making more friends in our local community. If anyone is unable to make it on the day but would like to pop in for a chat and a cup of tea, our doors are always open.”

A family member added: “We enjoyed the Dementia Disco so much and we are really looking forward to the next one! Everyone had an amazing time and it was a wonderful and rare opportunity to turn back the clock and have some fun with our loved ones!”

Long-Serving Team Member Celebrates 10 Years at Oakland Care

Leading care home provider, Oakland Care, has celebrated the milestone 10-year anniversary of its People Development Partner, Michelle Walker. Operating as part of the Head Office team, Michelle plays a crucial role within the business with a responsibility for helping to support and shape the training and personal development of team members spanning across Oakland Care’s 10 care homes in the South East and London.

Whilst first joining as a Night Care Assistant, following this point Michelle was given the opportunity to transition into a role more centred on supporting the progression of colleagues.

This move has not only allowed Michelle to thrive in her personal career – achieving promotions to more senior positions over the years – but hugely benefitted the business as well which has been able to sustain its high standards for professional development and support as it has continued to grow as a care home provider.

Oakland Care operates with a philosophy that is based on the values of Live, Love and Be Loved. This guides the businesses approach to both residents and team members, to treat them as the individuals they are and to do everything to nurture and celebrate them.

Part of the strategy for achieving this is investment in their teams through a sustained universal commitment to internal growth and support which promotes great career and development opportunities which allow team members to achieve their potential, in an open and inclusive environment.

As a member of the Head Office team, Michelle has helped champion this philosophy and strategy and contributed to the creation of positive and productive work environments for Oakland Care’s teams. This has

included at the very start of a new care homes journey, where she has helped to get to know the team and help them to build their friendships with each other before the care home has even welcomed its first resident.

To celebrate her years of service and remarkable achievement, Michelle was rewarded with additional time off from Oakland Care, which she has enjoyed with her family.

Reflecting on her journey, Michelle Walker, said:

“I’m extremely proud of the journey I have been on with Oakland Care. There are so many things I love about this job, from the residents who I have the pleasure of spending time with, to the teams who are happy in their jobs and work incredibly hard every single day.

“To operate an excellent and outstanding care home requires everybody – from the front-line care teams, through to catering, and maintenance – to be happy, motivated, and pushing in the same direction. I’m proud to help play my part in creating an environment that allows us to achieve this across our homes.”

Speaking about Michelle, Joanne Balmer BEM, Chief Executive Officer at Oakland Care, said:

“Congratulations on your achievement, Michelle. Over the last 10 years you have grown to be an invaluable part of the Oakland Care family who has proudly championed our philosophy through your work as People Development Partner.

“You have been an important reason behind the success of our industry-leading approach as an employer that is committed to internal growth and support and why year on year we continue to thrive as a care home provider. Across Oakland Care we are all incredibly grateful for the work you have done over the last decade.”

Forbes Professional’s Complete Care for Laundry Equipment

In care homes, where hygiene, safety, and reliability are paramount, it’s essential that laundry operations run seamlessly. Forbes Professional’s Complete Care solution is tailored to meet the specific demands of this environment, offering fully supported and cost-effective laundry systems.

With Complete Care, care homes benefit from access to premium commercial laundry appliances without upfront capital expenditure. The all-inclusive rental plan covers installation, routine servicing, maintenance, and repairs; enabling staff to focus on resident care rather than laundry appliance logistics. Unexpected breakdowns can severely disrupt operations, which is why Forbes provides nationwide, award-winning support with a same or next-day engineer response to minimise downtime.

Preventative servicing is central to Forbes’ approach. Their offering includes routine maintenance, full certification, annual gas safety checks, and professional dryer duct cleaning - ensuring systems meet all legal and regulatory standards. Whether supporting existing machines or those rented through Forbes, this proactive strategy improves

operational efficiency and reduces risk.

Under Regulation 35 of the Gas Safety Regulations 1998, annual gas inspections are mandatory. Forbes’ Gas Safe-registered engineers conduct these checks to ensure safe, legally compliant environments. Additionally, regular duct cleaning - often overlooked - is vital not only for performance but also for fire prevention. Forbes’ nationwide service mitigates these risks while optimising dryer efficiency.

Whether you need new rental equipment, service and maintenance for existing appliances, or a full purchase, Forbes offers flexible procurement routes to suit different operational models and budgets. Their expert consultants work closely with care providers to design tailored solutions for each setting.

With decades of experience in the care sector, Forbes Professional is a trusted partner to care homes across the UK; delivering dependable, fully supported laundry solutions that prioritise safety, compliance, and peace of mind.

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Bringing Dignity and Colour to Daily Living: How

Thoughtful Design is Supporting Care Communities

At Rosa Lifestyle, we believe that daily living aids should do more than just meet functional needs - they should spark joy, preserve dignity and reflect individuals’ personalities. This belief is at the heart of every product we create, and it’s a vision born from a very personal place.

Our founder, Sarah, established Rosa Lifestyle after experiencing first-hand the lack of practical yet dignified and stylish solutions available for her own grandmother, who was living with dementia. She found that too often, the market was saturated with clinical-looking, uninspired products that did little to support wellbeing or enhance the experience of those living with cognitive or physical challenges. Rosa Lifestyle was created to change that.

We design products that support people to continue eating and drinking more independently, but also with more confidence and comfort. Our core range of produces includes lightweight, two-handled mugs, compatible mug lids, and matching snack trays - all made from high-quality melamine to give the look of a china or ceramic mug but importantly, without the weight. Each item is carefully developed to be functional, durable, and attractive - bringing a sense of warmth and homeliness to mealtimes.

WHAT THOUGHTFUL DESIGN CAN DO

The impact of beautifully considered daily living aids extends far beyond aesthetics. As a resident living with early-onset dementia shared in her heartfelt response: “I am a youngster in a care home and was needing to use their plastic two-handled beakers which I hated! Found your beautiful, colourful mugs! They are great and don't remind me of my disabilities and much nicer when visitors join me for afternoon tea!” This testimonial cuts to the very heart of our mission - creating products that people are proud to use, that support their needs without highlighting their limitations and fostering greater social connections and inclusion. Our two-handled mugs, for example, are specifically designed to offer greater stability for individuals with limited grip strength, tremors, reduced vision, or reduced dexterity. The dual handles allow for a balanced, secure grip, reducing the risk of spills and burns. This not only improves safety but can dramatically reduce anxiety around drinking - both for users and their caregivers.

Meanwhile, our mug lids help prevent spills and keep beverages warmer for longer, while our snack trays are perfect for that lunchtime sandwich or afternoon cake and have an integrated cup holder for greater

stability, are lightweight, and easy to clean. Together, these products support better hydration and nutrition - two essential but potentially challenging areas in care environments.

REAL IMPACT, REAL VOICES

The most powerful endorsements of our work come from those who use our products every day. One care home manager told us: “The mugs are being well utilised and have been a wonderful addition to the home.” While at a dementia day centre in Fife, the team shared how Rosa Lifestyle mugs have transformed daily routines: “We use the mugs every day for our clients who love them! With these mugs being lighter than others, we’ve noticed that not only do our clients drink more fluids (and soup) than they otherwise would - which really helps their overall fluid and nutrition intake - it also promotes their independence and dignity as well.” These kinds of outcomes are why we do what we do.

SUPPORTING CAREGIVERS, ENHANCING LIVES

For caregivers, whether professionals or family members, our products are more than tools. They are part of a broader culture of care that values choice, dignity, and self-expression. When a resident or loved one feels more confident and capable using a product that respects their tastes and abilities, the knock-on effects are enormous: greater participation in mealtimes, improved mood, and fewer incidents of frustration or distress.

Our hope is that Rosa Lifestyle products are seen as adaptive homeware rather than clinical aids and become staples in care homes, day centres, and private homes alike - not only because they’re functional, but because they bring a dignified positivity to people’s everyday lives.

In an ever faster moving and busy world, small moments matter. A warm cup of tea enjoyed without fear of spilling. The comfort of a snack on a familiar tray. The joy of choosing a mug that feels personal. These are the moments that build dignity, connection, and overall wellbeing.

To learn more about Rosa Lifestyle or explore our product range, please visit www.rosalifestyle.co.uk or see the advert on page 5

Rosedale Court Hosts Country & Western Hoedown

Residents, families, and staff at Rosedale Court Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes Group, came together for a lively and heartwarming Country & Western Hoedown, an event filled with music, dancing, and community spirit.

The garden was transformed with colourful country & western banners, balloons, and a life-sized cardboard cut-out cow, setting the perfect scene. Guests were treated to live performances by singer Jodie McKay alongside the talented daughters of resident Mary, who delighted the crowd with popular songs like "Country Roads" and "Sweet Caroline." The event included burgers and hot dogs, a sweet stall, and a bar to keep everyone refreshed.

A special visit from a Shetland pony, provided by the Ramblers Riding Club, brought smiles as the pony made rounds visiting residents, including those in their rooms. The Alzheimer’s Society also had a stall at the event, offering valuable community engagement and raising awareness during Dementia Awareness Week.

Family members expressed their appreciation, with Diane sharing, "Thank you to everyone for such a fun afternoon. We had a great time." Marion added it was the "Best afternoon we had for a long time together, and the singing sisters were great!"

Residents also shared their joy, with Clifford commenting, "What a fantastic day; it was fabulous." Dolly, a country music fan, fondly remembered, "Country music is my favourite and I used to go to Country & Western nights at the caravan with my husband Jim. We used to dress up too!"

This event was the creation of Rosedale Court’s Lifestyle Team, Louise and Pauline, who built on the success of a similar event held in 2024. Residents also enjoyed preparing sweet bags together, enhancing their sense of involvement and community spirit. The event’s lively, energetic atmosphere fostered camaraderie among all attendees, making it a memorable day for families and residents alike.

Little Bramingham Farm Residential Care Home Welcomes Brent And Trent

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 celebrating this year’s National Hedgehog Week with a special talk by Kate Dimmock who works at Harlington Hogspital, which has links to The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS).

Harlington Hogspital is the village’s animal hospital which has connections to The BHPS, the registered UK Charity, which is dedicated to helping and protecting Erinaceus Europaeus, the European Hedgehog, which is also known as the West European Hedgehog or Common Hedgehog.

“We met Kate when she visited Little Bramingham Farm to have a tour as she was looking for a care home for her Mother,” said Emma Lawrance, the Registered Manager at Little Bramingham Farm. “We got chatting and we were so interested in what Kate said and her passion for safeguarding Hedgehogs, we became very eager to help in any way we could to continue to protect as many Hedgehogs as possible.

“We invited Kate to come along and give a talk to the residents as they love all animals and are very animal-orientated, so we knew this would be something they would be interested in and keen to hear about.”

“The residents found Kate’s talk fascinating,” continued Karen Charity, the Activities Coordinator at the care home. “After Kate’s talk and presentation we spoke to the residents and they were extremely enthusiastic about the idea of having Hedgehogs in the area and supporting their release. It was also a wonderful reminiscing exercise as some of the residents shared lovely memories of seeing Hedgehogs in their gardens when they were younger or when their children were small.”

Emma and Karen wasted no time and, after liaising with Kate, decided to release a ‘Pickle’ of Hedgehogs into the care homes grounds. “We purchased two build-your-own Hedgehog houses which the residents helped to build and got the wild area ready for Brent and Trent’s arrival,” added Emma.

Cuties Brent and Trent arrived at Little Bramingham on Wednesday 4th June and wasted no time meeting the residents and making the care home’s garden and their new Hedgehog houses their own. “When our new family members arrived, a group of residents joined Emma, Kate and I to say hello to the prickly pair before releasing them to enjoy their new abodes,” said Karen. “The residents adored the Hedgehogs, they thought they were so sweet and cute and they are now eager to spend time relaxing in the garden to keep an eye out for the two cheeky chappies.”

“Hedgehogs are one of Britain’s most loved wild animals, but they are sadly in decline. By creating safe spaces in our gardens and local areas, leaving wild corners, providing access through fences, and avoiding pesticides, we can all help these wonderful creatures thrive again,” added Kate.

“It’s such an important thing to do as Hedgehogs are vital parts of the ecosystem as they are an 'indicator species', if they're doing well then, the environment is doing ok,” continued Emma.

“Everyone at The BHPS works tirelessly to raise awareness of the realistic and sensible steps we can all take to help reverse the decline of Hedgehogs in the wild. Knowing that Emma, Karen and the residents will be releasing Hedgehogs back into their natural environment at Little Bramingham Farm, and building a safe habitat for them is wonderful news,” concluded Kate.

More Scoops Per Tin Means Fewer Tins Per Prescription

CATERING FOR CARE

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 uneat-

en 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

Temporary Catering Facilities from MK

Mobile Kitchens Ltd specialises in the hire or sale of temporary catering facilities and foodservice equipment. Ideal for events or to provide temporary catering facilities during your kitchen refurbishment, our versatile units and equipment offer an efficient and economic solution to the caterers’ needs.

Production Kitchens, Preparation Kitchens, Ware-washing Units, Dry Store Units, Cold Rooms and Restaurant Units are available as individual units in their own right or they can be linked together on site to form a complete complex.

Alternatively, we can offer modular, open-plan facilities, usually for larger, longer-term hires.

We offer a free design service, and project management from concept through to delivery and installation on site, plus full technical support throughout the hire period.

The standard specification of our smallest Production Kitchen unit includes a six burner oven range, sala-

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 zero-to-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

mander grill, twin basket fryer, upright fridge, hot cupboard, single bowl sink unit with integral hand wash basin, plus ample power points to plug in Microwaves, Food Processors, Toasters etc. Internal equipment can be interchanged and clients can effectively specify their preferred layout.

We have many tried and tested design layouts and would be pleased to put forward our recommendations for your project.

So if you’re planning a refurbishment or need to cater for an event then why not give us a call and we’ll be happy to provide advice and put forward a competitive proposal.

For further information or to arrange a site visit, email: sales@mk-hire.co.uk or call us on 0345 812 0800, or visit our website: www.mk-hire.co.uk

Bidfood Launches Industry

Following the British Dietetic Association’s (BDA) rollout of the Care Home Digest last year, Bidfood, one of the UK’s leading wholesalers, has produced an industry-leading, four-weekly menu cycle, aligned with the Care Home Digest.

Designed to support care operators in implementing the guidelines, the menu cycle offers unrivalled inspiration for Bidfood’s care customers, featuring over 300 Care Home Digest-aligned recipes available for download.

Until last year, healthcare foodservice guidelines were mainly aimed at hospitals, leaving care operators, many of which don’t have access to a dietitian, without tailored resource to support with menu planning.

However, using the new Digest, Bidfood’s expert chef and nutrition team have collaborated to develop this extensive bank of recipes and four-week menu cycle. The cycle demonstrates how operators can align their menus to meet the unique needs and preferences of their individual residents, incorporating food waste tips and a variety of dish types to suit a range of kitchen skill levels.

The menu plan features a balance of food groups including both animal and plant-based proteins, higher-fibre carbohydrates, “healthy” fats and plenty of fruit and vegetables, maximising levels of key nutrients such as protein, fibre and essential vitamins and minerals. The team have also worked hard to reduce sources of saturated fat, free sugars and salt where

possible.

What’s more, every recipe has been nutritionally analysed and adjusted, tweaking both the ingredients used and the quantities, to ensure that nutrition is prioritised whilst also balancing taste, cost and other factors.

Nutrition Manager, Heather Dolan said “At Bidfood we pride ourselves on an evidence-based approach to nutrition, so we were delighted when the BDA’s Care Home Digest was released. We’ve been working on this menu ever since, with the aim of helping care homes to implement the Digest, and ultimately, supporting them in meeting residents’ nutrition and hydration needs.

“It’s been a pleasure collaborating with our healthcare chefs on this project. They’ve brought a wealth of culinary expertise and creative flair to the project. Together, I believe we’ve struck the perfect balance of classic dishes and fresh, innovative concepts.”

To view the four week menu cycle, please visit https://view.bidfood.co.uk/bidfoods-four-weeklymenu-cycle/?page=1

The British Dietetic Association’s Care Home Digest was created to support care homes in developing varied and balanced menus that will tempt residents to eat and drink well, whilst being designed as a toolkit that makes it easy for care operators to dip in and out of chapters as needed. For more information on the Care Home Digest, visit www.bidfood.co.uk/blog/what-you-need-to-knowabout-the-new-bda-care-home-digest/

CATERING FOR CARE

Birchall Foodservice Launches 62-Page

Activity Pack To Support The Care Sector

Burnley-based wholesaler and founder Country Range member, Birchall Foodservice, has launched its first-ever Care Home Activity Pack — a 62-page guide designed to support activity coordinators and caterers working within the healthcare sectors.

Recognising the challenges that care home teams face in delivering engaging, enjoyable, and meaningful activities for residents, the pack offers a comprehensive range of creative ideas built around food. Its aim is simple: to spark joy and connection through shared experiences that centre on mealtimes, cultural celebrations, and interactive activities.

At the heart of the pack is a month-by-month events calendar, highlighting key seasonal dates such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Remembrance Sunday — each paired with activity suggestions, food ideas, games, and even suggested decorations. These are supported by easy-to-follow recipes and product recommendations.

Popular food-themed games include Biscuit Jenga, Build Your Own Pizza nights, and Food Bingo, which are designed to encourage motor skills, social interaction, and laughter. There's also a "World on a Plate" section, offering immersive cultural experiences for countries including Italy, Mexico, Spain, France, China, and the UK — complete with themed menus, music ideas, and crafts.

To help tackle hydration in fun and engaging ways, the pack features ideas such as mocktail parties, milkshake decorating, and “Guess the Drink” challenges — all designed to improve fluid intake without it feeling like a chore.

Joe Moulton, Marketing Manager at Birchall Foodservice, said: "This pack combines food and fun to help care homes deliver meaningful activities that residents will genuinely enjoy. It’s all about sparking joy through shared experiences, whether that’s a themed afternoon tea or a game of Food Bingo."

The pack has been developed with support from trusted foodservice brands including Albany, Soreen, McVitie’s, Kellogg’s, Lakeland Dairies, and Nestlé. It offers a mix of inspiration and practicality, helping care teams save valuable planning time while delivering enriching experiences. Available now to all Birchall Foodservice customers and care homes across the UK, the pack is free to download.

To access the Care Home Activity Pack, visit: www.birchallfoodservice.co.uk/resources or get in touch with the Birchall team by calling 01282 429446.

Good Health Starts with Good Hydration

Jelly Drops (backed by the Alzheimer's Society through their Innovation Accelerator programme) have announced a new 288 pot ‘bulk’ pack for the care sector allowing care homes and in-home agencies to buy in bulk at a reduced rate, ahead of the anticipated warmer summer weather. These award-winning water sweets with added electrolytes boost hydration for people living with dementia and others that struggle to adequately hydrate. By eating two to three pots of Jelly Drops throughout the day, residents with hydration challenges can easily top up their fluid intake in a dignified and independent way.

Dehydration is a common challenge for people living with dementia and aspects like memory problems, potential lack of dexterity and/or avoiding drinks due to fear of incontinence or confusion about where

the toilet is, can all make individuals more susceptible to the dangers of dehydration. Conversely, being well hydrated supports brain function, reduces the risk of urinary tract infections (UTI’s) and unnecessary hospital visits. Even mild dehydration can significantly impact an individual’s wellbeing when they are already dealing with cognitive challenges like dementia.

Jelly Drops have supported over 100,000 families since being developed by Lewis Hornby for his late Grandma Pat who struggled with staying hydrated whilst living with dementia.

If you are interested in learning more about the 288 pot ‘bulk’ case of Jelly Drops to support hydration for your residents or clients,, please contact hello@jellydrops.com or visit www.jellydrops.com

Introducing the Treat-Eezi Pressure Relieving Mattress Overlay from Dan Medica South Ltd

The Treat-Eezi full length pressure relieving mattress overlay (very high risk to stage 4 pressure ulcers) is designed to be laid on top of mattresses. It naturally and gently moves with the patient creating an almost zero chafing area allowing the patient a silent, comfortable sleep along with the assurance any pressure sores present are given the best possible chance to breathe and heal.

Quotations available via checkout.

£241.40p (Exclusive of VAT)

PRODUCT BENEFITS

• Precision Relief: Using advanced 3D pressure sensor mapping, our pressure-relieving mattress overlays provide targeted relief by accurately identifying pressure points, ensuring optimal support for patients.

• Pressure Relief: Our unique 4-layer pressure-relieving mattress overlays offer unique pressure sore prevention, trusted by over 10,000 medical professionals since 2016.

• Sleep Benefits: No noisy pump systems; our static solution guarantees a peaceful sleep environment, free from disruptions or maintenance hassles and allows the patient to sleep with their partner.

• Breathability: Enhanced breathability ensures optimal airflow for keeping patients comfortable and cool.

• Endorsements and Warranty: Backed by endorsements from NHS community services and a full two-year warranty.

• Easy Application: Our pressure-relieving mattress overlays have easy-to-follow instructions.

WHO IS IT FOR

The Treat-Eezi full-length pressure relieving mattress overlay is ideal for individuals who spend prolonged periods in bed or seated, including:

• Elderly individuals with limited mobility

• Patients recovering from surgery or injury

• Those at risk of developing pressure sores

• Caregivers looking to enhance comfort for their loved

ones

Sales/General Inquiries: 0208 133 2851 www.danmedicasouth.co.uk

See the advert on page 11 for more information.

Novamed - Incontinence and Healthcare Products

At Novamed, we understand the daily challenges that incontinence brings.

With that in mind, our specialist team, which includes a retired NHS continence nurse, have developed a premium product range designed to give users comfort, protection, and dignity, as well as being manufactured to ISO 13485 quality standards. Our comprehensive incontinence care solutions include: All-in-one (slips) for moderate to heavy use Pull-up pants for light to moderate needs Disposable underpads to protect beds and furniture

• Biodegradable bamboo pads for light protection with an eco-conscious approach Each product provides skin-friendliness, odour

control, and ease of use. With consistent quality and comfort, Novamed are trusted by care professionals across the UK. Our Devon-based warehouse ensures fast, discreet delivery throughout the country. We offer free samples to help you assess the best fit. Novamed products are also trusted internationally, with distribution in Gibraltar, Montenegro, the Middle East, and Europe. For continence care you can depend on, contact Novamed today to learn more or request your free samples 0808 196 2070 www.novamedpads.co.uk info@novamedeurope.com

See the advert on page 4 for details.

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

TDP Outdoor Furniture

Based in Derbyshire, we’re a family-run business with over 30 years of experience committed to helping care homes create safe, welcoming outdoor spaces for residents, staff and visitors.

We offer a wide range of garden furniture, including benches, companion seats, dining sets, picnic tables and planters, all crafted to be strong, durable and splinter-free. Unlike traditional timber, our furniture won’t rot, warp, or require painting, making it a low-maintenance, long-term solution for care environments.

Our products support the circular economy by transforming waste plastic into something both functional and stylish. Each piece is made here in the UK and built to withstand all weathers, year after year. In recognition of our sustainable practices, we’ve been awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development. Here’s what Darley Hall Care Home had to say

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 13.

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 healthcare-associated 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

See the advert on page 9.

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 easycare durable fabric, CareZips® Classic are comfortable, practical and conveniently functional. For more information, contact Win Health Medical Ltd - 01835 864866www.win-health.com

See the advert on page 3 for further information on Win Health’s product range.

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 engagement. That’s why we continue to

Share

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.

for your activity diary

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

The Vital Role of Healthcare Nurse Call Monitoring Systems in Care Homes

In the evolving landscape of residential and nursing home care, technology now plays an increasingly pivotal role in enhancing said patient safety, staff responsiveness, and overall operational efficiency.

One of the most critical technologies at the heart of this transformation is the nurse call monitoring system. These systems serve as the backbone of communication between residents and care staff, and their importance cannot be overstated in delivering timely and effective care.

UNDERSTANDING NURSE CALL MONITORING SYSTEMS

A nurse call system enables residents to quickly and easily summon assistance. However, modern systems have evolved far beyond simple buzzers. Today, care facilities can choose from wireless, integrated, and modular systems—each designed to meet different operational needs, with modern solutions now connecting with fall detection sensors, electronic patient records (EPR), and mobile caregiver apps. This integration not only streamlines workflows but also helps care homes meet Care Quality Commission (CQC) compliance requirements while delivering faster, more personalised care.

Wireless Systems are ideal for facilities seeking flexibility and ease of installation. Without the need for extensive cabling, these systems can be deployed rapidly and expanded as needed.

Integrated Systems tie into a facility’s broader infrastructure—such as fire alarms, CCTV, and building management systems—allowing for a holistic response to emergencies and enhanced safety protocols.

Modular Systems provide a customisable solution, enabling care homes to scale up or down based on the size of the facility or changing care requirements.

TANGIBLE BENEFITS FOR RESIDENTS AND STAFF

The implementation of an advanced nurse call monitoring system delivers measurable benefits across multiple areas:

• Improved Staff Efficiency: With real-time alerts and data analytics, care teams can streamline workflows and focus attention where it’s most needed, reducing unnecessary checks and overlaps.

• Enhanced Patient Safety: Immediate access to assistance reduces the risk of falls, unattended health episodes, and delayed medication administration.

• Greater Resident Satisfaction: Prompt responses foster a sense of security and dignity among residents, improving their overall experience.

Operational Cost Savings: Efficient use of staff resources and reduced emergency incidents contribute to long-term financial sustainability for care providers.

LOOKING AHEAD: A STANDARD FOR QUALITY CARE

As regulatory expectations and resident needs continue to rise, nurse call monitoring systems are no longer a luxury but a necessity. They not only support compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards but also set the tone for a culture of responsive, resident-centred care.

Implementing a nurse call system offers numerous benefits, including improved communication, enhanced safety, increased staff efficiency, better resource allocation, and improved documentation. These advantages contribute to a higher quality of care, improved patient/resident satisfaction, and a more efficient and effective healthcare environment

Investing in the right system requires careful evaluation of a care home’s size, staffing levels, and longterm care strategy. However, the return on investment—in terms of safety, efficiency, and satisfaction—makes it one of the most impactful upgrades a care home can undertake.

In today’s care environment, technology must work in harmony with human compassion.

Nurse call monitoring systems exemplify this synergy, serving as a quiet but powerful ally in the mission to deliver safe, dignified, and effective care.

Frequency Precision - Sensors and Pressure Mats to Monitor Those in Care

Technology has made people more connected with the world around them and the revolution in assistive care devices has made it possible for the elderly to spend their last years in a comfortable and familiar environment. These devices have also made it easier for home carers to provide quality care for their loved ones while managing their own lives. They allow you to care for your elderly whether they are travelling in the city for errands, staying alone at home, or staying in the same home as you. They are also helping nursing homes provide better care for them with discrete monitoring and quick responses to emergencies.

If you’re looking for these kinds of assistive care devices for your loved ones or nursing home, Frequency Precision produce some of the best systems available to help you with elderly care and mobility monitoring, ranging from bed, chair and floor sensor mats through fall monitoring and GPS tracking to fully integrated nurse call plug or wireless systems.

Phone: 01837 810590

Email: contact@frequencyprecision.com

Website: www.frequencyprecision.com

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 ultimate-

ly promotes 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

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

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.

NURSE CALL AND FALLS

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 in-depth 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 disinfectant-resistant materials ensure longevity.

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

HDKMB2 HOSPITAL DISCHARGE KIT FOR FALLS RISK PATIENTS

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.

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 multi-port expander allows for the connection of multiple wireless sensors, enhancing the

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

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 futureproof their operations.

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

Shaking Up Social Care with PASSgenius™: The Future of Care Management

The social care sector is under increasing pressure. Tightening regulations, financial strain and staff shortages are leading providers to rethink their approach.

In response, PASS by everyLIFE has launched PASSgenius™, a transformative suite of AI, data and automation tools built directly into its award-winning care management software. This innovation is set to revolutionise how care businesses operate, making it easier to deliver safe, person-centred care while driving efficiency.

At its core, PASSgenius™ is built to simplify complex roster and care data and quickly turn it into actionable insights, like when your next staffing gap is, concerning changes in customer wellbeing, and what routes can be optimised to reduce travel times.

Care operators already hold great amounts of information, and through this new suite they can leverage its full power to make smarter, faster decisions to run a better, more efficient care business.

EMPOWERING CARE TEAMS WITH AI AND AUTOMATION

One of the standout features of PASSgenius™ is its AI-powered care note summaries. This tool can scan weeks of care logs in seconds, highlighting crucial changes in a client's health or behaviour. It enables care teams to identify potential risks earlier and act swiftly. Instead of manually combing through records, users get concise summaries and smart recommendations, ensuring more efficient and responsive care. This not only promotes continuity of care between shifts but also provides care staff and clients with an enhanced experience.

REAL-TIME OVERSIGHT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

At the heart of PASSgenius™ is the Dashboard, a fully interactive and customisable tool that gives managers real-time oversight across key performance areas. Whether it's tracking required care hours, spotting gaps in rosters, managing unassigned visits, or monitoring travel time and punctuality, this feature makes it easy to stay on top of the daily demands of care management. With live data in one view, managers can address issues immediately, without the need for multiple systems or spreadsheets.

STREAMLINING ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS

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 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.

4. EMPOWERING TEAMS

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

Beyond care delivery, the feature also includes a suite of automation tools that help with time-consuming tasks such as payroll calculations, invoicing and timesheet verification. In-built reminders and alerts help keep teams on top of compliance, while automated workflows reduce paperwork and improve consistency across the board. This reduces paperwork and administrative burden, freeing up time for what really matters – providing the best care possible.

A PLATFORM THAT EVOLVES WITH YOU

PASSgenius™ is built directly within the PASS platform, eliminating the need for additional software or bolt-ons. This powerful suite is available at no extra cost to existing All-in-one PASS users, with new features and updates set for release throughout 2025.

Duncan Campbell, Commercial Director at PASS by everyLIFE, said: “PASSgenius™ is more than just a feature update – it’s a transformative shift in how care services operate. By combining live data, automation and AI, we are providing care teams with the tools they need to run stronger, more efficient services.”

For more information and to see PASSgenius™ in action, visit www.everylifetechnologies.com/passgenius.

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 pressures, which means savings on recruitment and training costs too. Plus, because AI solutions are scalable, it can adapt to your organisation's needs.

THE FUTURE OF AI IN CARE

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

See the advert on the back cover of this issue for further info.

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Digital Technology and AI Can Support Workers with Dementia

People with dementia can enjoy productive and rewarding working lives in the digital era, contrary to the widespread stereotype that dementia is incompatible with the use of modern technology, according to new research from the University of Bath.

The study - Working lives with dementia: A digital futures perspective – argues that the digital revolution risks exacerbating inequalities amongst those with diverse needs but that organisations can and should develop, adapt and deploy digital technology and the working environment to help those with dementia to continue in employment.

“The bottom line is that we have an ageing population and workforce in which dementia will feature and which should, and can be, accommodated by the judicious use of digital technology and adapting working conditions. The reality is, this is not dealt with in any meaningful way right now – there are very rarely strategies in place,” said Dr James Fletcher of the University of Bath School of Management.

“There is widespread prejudice that those with dementia cannot cope with, or benefit from, digital technology, and they often get bundled into the same category as the oldest people. But it’s worth putting some perspective on this – an experienced 60-year-old employee with early stage dementia will have grown up through the digital, internet and social media revolutions – and with the right support, they will still have much to offer,” Dr Fletcher said.

The study was published as the UK government announced its welfare reform plans, part of which is to encourage more disabled people into work. Dr Fletcher said he hoped the research could be a useful example of the prospects and challenges of fulfilling that goal.

Dr Fletcher noted that quite simple adjustments to the working environment, such as improving workstation lighting, using appropriate fonts and colour schemes, and providing workers with calendars, voice activated controls, and automatic reminders could make a big difference for somebody diagnosed with dementia.

“And AI offers really interesting opportunities – it is superb at solving many of the problems faced by those with dementia, such as finding words, organising text and putting words in the right sequence. Couple that with the potential offered by hybrid working for those with dementia, and you can see the benefits for both employees and companies,” he said.

Dr Fletcher and his co-researcher Dr Olivia Brown argue that dementia is not inherently disabling and that its impact depends heavily on the environment and surroundings in which an employee is operating. Employers might consider, for example, that an employee with dementia may be able to access a building with a swipe card but may be foiled if access relies on codes that they have to remember.

“We need to approach this in the way we already respond to people with diverse needs, which is already familiar to most employees. Also, there is a misplaced tendency to see a dementia diagnosis in black and white terms when the reality is, the effects can vary day-to-day and hour-to-hour depending on environment and relationships,” Dr Brown said.

Dr Fletcher said that employees could suffer tremendous stress from a dementia diagnosis and disclosing this to their employer, with some developing strategies to conceal their condition. He said that, while we lack good statistics, it appears that the ‘vast majority’ of those diagnosed with dementia go into unemployment, often unwillingly.

“There are many who could stay in the workforce and don’t. And this is not just an issue for older people –growing numbers of younger people are being diagnosed,” he said.

The researchers noted that dementia is often considered to be a post-retirement phenomenon, but estimates suggest that 9% of the 35.6 million people worldwide with dementia are under 65 years of age, with around 370,000 new cases of young onset dementia annually.

Care Audit Tool the Next Generation of Audit Software

Technology is a key part of the CQC’s improvement agenda; especially when it comes to how care services record performance during inspections.

THE PROBLEM

Many care providers want to move away from pen and paper-based audits and spreadsheets, but most software lacks the capability and flexibility to handle the complexity of the CQC requirements and ratings structure – leading to gaps in oversight and accountability.

THE SOLUTION

Drawing on our experience providing CQC improvement support, we developed an easy-to-use care audit platform designed to help care providers stay on top of their compliance obligations with the user in mind and the CQC framework at its core.

Our Enterprise Care Audit Tool enables care providers to improve oversight and respond to CQC requirements with confidence — delivering greater visibility, accountability, and control.

Now, we’ve made that same expertise and capability more accessible.

Our new cloud-based version is built on the same trusted foundation, giving providers of all sizes a faster, more flexible way to manage compliance with ease.

KEY FEATURES

• CQC-Aligned Dashboard - View audit outcomes and actions against CQC rating thresholds, with drill-down visibility for full organisational oversight.

• 100+ Ready-to-Use Audits - Covering all core operational areas including Care, Health & Safety, Estates, Catering, HR, and more.

• 2,000+ Question Library - Choose from a comprehensive library of questions, each aligned to statutory regulations and the CQC inspection framework.

• Automated Action Management - Audit outcomes that require follow-up are automatically fed into the dashboard and actions portal for clear accountability and tracking.

Reporting - Access a suite of structured reports to support internal reviews and inspection readiness.

• Engagement Surveys - Collect feedback from staff, service users, and relatives

STRESS LESS. TRACK MORE. BE READY.

If you’re spending hours chasing paperwork or stressed about being prepared for any inspection any day

- Care Audit Tool can help.

Website: careaudittool.co.uk

Email: info@careaudittool.co.uk

Phone: 0333 577 0807

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

“A Game Changer for Us” – How Technology Enabled Care Reconnected a Mother and Daughter

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.

Article supplied by The Access Group

“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.

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 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.

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

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

Gen-Z & Care: Improving the Workplace to Attract the Under-25s

Under-25s (Generation Z) have much to offer the world of care, especially as it progresses. In a constantly adapting industry, young people are key to helping care companies grow with the times, especially surrounding technology.

However, young people make up only 11% of care workers. Why is this? What is keeping Gen-Z from joining and staying in the world of care?

With the average care worker aged 45 and over a quarter of the workforce potentially choosing retirement in the next 10 years, there aren’t enough young workers to pick up the many mantles left behind. With social care already having the highest number of vacancies in the UK, care providers cannot afford for this number to grow and for their workforces to decrease.

Supporting service users is no 9-5 or Monday to Friday job. This alone can be off-putting to the under-25s, who may juggle education and prioritise a larger social life.

This is what Gen-Z values. They have entered the career world understanding the importance of mental health and their worth in the workplace - and they are often viewed negatively for this. But they couldn’t be more correct.

Just as care services get a bad rep for offering a poor work-life balance, Gen-Z gets a bad rep for prioritising a healthy one. You can see the dilemma. So, how can this be fixed?

Irregular, unsociable hours, poor workload management, and low resources can easily lead to poor staff retention. From the most recent

findings in 2021-2022, care saw a high turnover rate of 53% for those under 20 years old while care workers over 60 had a rate of 24%. It’s common for shift-based workers to feel they have very little control over their working lives, leading them to accommodate the shifts they have no say over. Especially due to last-minute scheduling and changes, many shift workers often must change or completely scrap personal plans - or wait until after shifts are allocated - resulting in lives only revolving around work.

As much as someone can be a work-first individual, removing time

By Becky Mundie, RotaCloud (www.rotacloud.com)

for personal and social lives - and simply downtime - can be damaging in the long run, causing stress and mental health issues. Factor in graveyard shifts or being on-call, and the feeling is greatly exacerbated.

Is there any wonder, when combining this with the high workload and responsibility that comes with care, that the under-25s - the generation valuing mental health - make up so few care workers?

There are simple ways to remedy this, however.

Simply offering flexibility, allowing staff to have a say in the days and hours they work, and offering the ability to oversee shifts further in advance, can make all the difference.

Implementing digital automation allows staff to feel more in control of their work and lives. This alone can greatly improve employee experience.

Surprisingly, employee experience can go hand-in-hand with updated technology - and what goes hand-in-hand with technology? The generation that has grown up with it.

Not only does digital automation benefit your service users, employees, and overall business growth, but it will also make your workplace more attractive to the new generation - who, once joining, can make adopting these new technologies and processes all the smoother. Under-25s are the future, as well as new technologies. It’s time to start investing in both.

For further information on RotaCloud, please see facing page.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Empowering Care Staff and Residents Through Aligned Training

By Elena Martin, Director of Operations and Commissioning, Langdale Care

Homes Group (www.langdalecarehomes.co.uk)

In the ever-evolving landscape of adult social care, it is essential to ensure that training initiatives not only equip care professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills but also nurture an environment where they feel confident and supported to deliver their best.

As a Registered General Nurse with over two decades of experience in the care industry, I have seen first-hand how thoughtfully designed training programmes can bring about meaningful changes that resonate with both staff and residents. These programmes, when aligned with the real-world needs of care professionals, have the power to transform not only the quality of care but also the overall morale and satisfaction within the care setting.

One of the key features of impactful training is its accessibility, relevance, and applicability to the challenges faced by care staff on a daily basis. From comprehensive first aid instruction to specialised courses on dementia care, well-designed training modules can provide care professionals with the tools and techniques required to respond effectively to a variety of situations. By prioritising the development of our staff's clinical proficiency, we enable them to deliver high-quality, person-centred care that focuses on the well-being and dignity of residents.

However, building confidence and capability goes beyond technical skills alone. It is equally vital to focus on the interpersonal skills that underpin meaningful relationships with residents and contribute to their overall happiness and fulfilment. Training programmes that emphasise relational care, for instance, can help care staff appreciate the importance of creating an atmosphere of trust and understanding. By encouraging

staff to focus on these human aspects of care, we cultivate a setting that radiates warmth and kindness, ensuring that residents feel valued and respected.

Moreover, to ensure that staff can consistently provide the best possible care, our training must remain adaptable and responsive to emerging trends and best practices in the sector. By implementing regular refresher courses, we reinforce foundational knowledge, address any skill gaps, and ensure that care professionals are up to date with the latest advancements. Similarly, ongoing supervision and performance evaluations play a vital role in identifying opportunities for professional growth, creating a framework of accountability and continuous development. This commitment to lifelong learning not only enhances the quality of care but also reinforces a sense of purpose and pride among staff.

The ripple effect of robust training programmes extends far beyond individual care professionals. When staff feel confident, valued, and well-equipped, they are better positioned to deliver exceptional care that is tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each resident. This, in turn, results in improved well-being for residents, greater peace of mind for their families, and stronger outcomes for the care community as a whole.

At the core of our training philosophy lies the understanding that empowered staff lead to empowered residents. When care professionals are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and assurance to excel in their roles, they are better able to encourage residents to maintain their independence, involve them in decisionmaking, and take the time to truly listen to their stories and concerns.

In conclusion, aligning training with the practical needs of both staff and residents goes far beyond fulfilling regulatory requirements—it is the foundation for fostering confidence, compassion, and excellence in adult social care. As we look ahead to the challenges and opportunities of the future, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to investing in our staff, enabling them to make a lasting difference in the lives of those they care for.

Game-Based Learning: A Smart, Flexible Solution for Care Home Training

In today’s care home environment, staff training is under constant pressure. Limited time, tight budgets, and high workloads mean traditional training methods often struggle to keep up. Yet, with complex conditions like diabetes affecting up to one in four residents, there’s never been a greater need for effective, accessible learning.

Game-based learning (GBL) offers a powerful way forward. Whether through board games, card games, or digital tools, GBL turns essential training topics into engaging, memorable learning experiences that fit seamlessly into busy care home routines. It’s proven to boost knowledge retention, spark discussion, and improve practical understanding.

Focus Games (www.focusgames.com) leads the way in this space, with a wide range of evidence-based games developed for health and social care. Their innovative Virtual Care Home is a standout example—a digital environment where staff can explore realistic care scenarios, click on hotspots, and practise deci-

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sion-making in a safe, simulated setting. From managing blood glucose to identifying signs of hypoglycaemia, staff gain confidence in handling real-world challenges. All on their pc or smart pnone!

Best of all, these ready-to-use resources are designed to be flexible. Maximising every learning opportunity. With options tailored to your setting, including customisable content and multi-modal learning styles, there's a solution for every home. In a sector facing increasing demands, GBL offers a costeffective, forward-thinking way to build skills and confidence. Whether you're new to game-based learning or ready to take it further, now’s the time to explore the difference it can make. To discuss our virtual care home resource contact info@focusgames.com.

See our cover advert for a special discount code to get started today. Visit www.focusgames.com

Raising Standards in End of Life Care

As our population ages, the need for compassionate, high-quality end of life care is more pressing than ever. The Gold Standards Framework (GSF)

Charity is helping to meet this challenge by supporting health and social care teams to deliver care that truly makes a difference.

Through its nationally recognised Service Improvement Programme, GSF equips staff with the skills, confidence, and structure to provide proactive, person-centred end of life care. The results speak for themselves: 97% of organisations report better experiences for residents and families.

GSF Accreditation is more than recognition - it’s a mark of quality that is CQC-recognised, sectorendorsed, and impactful across entire organisations.

Whether you're in a care home, GP practice, hospital, or community service, GSF helps embed a culture of dignity, compassion, and coordinated care. Hundreds of organisations have already joined the GSF community, raising the standard of care for those nearing the end of life.

Find out how your team can get involved at: www.goldstandardsframework.org.uk

Future-proof your care. Empower your workforce. Everyone deserves Gold Standard end of life care.

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.

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

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

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

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.”

WHAT CARE STAFF SAY

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 EDUCATION AND TRAINING

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

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

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

Here at Dementia Carers Count 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 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.

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 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 – visit www.dementiacarers.org.uk/what-we-do/dementia-training

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

"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-forprofit 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

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

a programme 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"

RECRUITMENT

What The End Of The Care Visa Route Means – And What Comes Next

From April 2022, the Health and Care Worker visa route gave UK care providers a desperately needed pipeline to international talent. But with the current Labour Government signalling an end to this route, providers are once again staring into the eye of a workforce storm.

It’s a pivotal moment. The social care sector already faces more than 150,000 vacancies. Labour costs are rising sharply, up to 10% in 2025 alone, driven by increases in the National Living Wage and employer National Insurance contributions. Now, with international recruitment under threat, many operators will see their already narrow options for staffing become even tighter.

Ending the care worker visa route is more than a headline, it has real operational consequences. It’s no secret that providers have leaned heavily on overseas hires to fill roles that remain persistently unattractive to the domestic workforce due to pay, flexibility and public perception.

Cutting off this access will likely drive greater dependence on agency staff, which are not only costly, often commanding 30% premiums, but also disrupt continuity of care and team morale.

Even before this immigration shift, providers were bracing for significant

financial pressure. A typical organisation with a £100m income is already facing £5.5m in additional labour-related costs, including £7m from wage increases and £5m from higher employer NI contributions.

And that’s without factoring in the operational impact of the upcoming Employment Rights Bill. Since April, predictable scheduling, compensation for last-minute changes and stricter zero-hours rules have become mandatory. That means more administrative load, less flexibility and higher staffing costs.

In short, the financial squeeze is very real. And the traditional cost-cutting playbook, reducing staff ratios, asking councils for more funds, or freezing employee benefits, is no longer viable, especially when quality of care and compliance are non-negotiable.

A modern response: smarter operations. So what now?

The good news is that providers aren’t powerless. The most resilient organisations are shifting from reactive crisis management to strategic operational transformation. That means investing in systems that make labour smarter, not just cheaper.

In our latest industry report, we break down how providers are already unlocking significant savings and efficiencies through smarter operations.

Modern shift management platforms, for instance, allow providers to surface open shifts to existing team members quickly, reducing the need to fill gaps with costly agency staff. In one example, agency spend dropped by 38% within four weeks of deploying a new digital scheduling solution.

Additionally, better time tracking tools with geo-fenced clock-ins and payroll integrations have helped providers save up to £4.2m annually by avoiding overpayments and automating manual processes.

Intelligent scheduling systems now also use commissioned hours and

By Abbey Milne, Social Care Lead of Sona (www.getsona.com)

real-time staffing data to avoid both understaffing and costly overstaffing. This has led to 2–5% savings in total labour costs, equivalent to up to £3m for some organisations.

With new compliance demands arriving this year, reducing the administrative burden is critical. Tools that consolidate scheduling, HR and payroll into one workflow can free up hundreds of hours per year, allowing managers to focus on team support and care quality.

This isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about survival. According to a recent Hft and Care England report, a third of providers are now considering exiting the market due to cost pressures and long-term uncertainty. But those who embrace operational transformation stand a chance not just to weather this shift, but to emerge stronger.

At Sona, we help social care providers meet today’s challenges head on, with solutions that drive efficiency, empower teams and elevate care. Advinia, a residential care provider with over 4,000 employees, was spending between £35,000 and £40,000 a week on agency cover. After transforming their internal scheduling strategy, they brought that figure down to £16,000 a week, a change that’s not just financial but operationally transformational.

As leaders, we need to view this moment not just as a policy change but as a call to action. The gap between those who invest in smart systems and those who don’t is widening, and fast. Providers that digitise their operations, empower their teams, and deliver consistently high-quality care will be the ones who thrive in this new era.

While we can’t control the economic landscape, we can control how we adapt. The providers who do so with agility and foresight will help shape the future of social care, not just survive in it.

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SOCIAL CARE EXPERTS LAUNCH AN ONLINE MARKETPLACE TO DISRUPT A SECTOR IN CRISIS

Introducing AgoraStaff

A TEAM of experts have come together to disrupt the expensive and complex social care system by launching an ‘app’ to bring care homes/providers and carers together using AI.

AgoraStaff, a temporary staffing app for the social care sector, is the brainchild of Richard Williams-Pears, a longstanding Cornwall councillor and former mayor of St Austell, who saw firsthand the rising costs and inefficiencies in social care.

He teamed up with his wife Jolene, AgoraStaff’s Director of Outstanding Compliance, who has an extensive background in operating theatres, and Janet Shreeve, who brings hands-on care sector experience from running Shreeve Care Services, based in Wiltshire.

Together, they partnered with tech experts Ben Grave and Simon Wetherell —creators of the UK’s leading asbestos management system - to bring the app to life.

Richard said: “Providing care is expensive and it’s even more expensive if a care home, local authority, or other care provider has to pay an agency to find carers, particularly at the last minute. The carer gets minimum wage, or just above and the agency takes a hefty cut on

average around 30% of the fee from the provider.

“We felt there had to be a better way, using modern technology, to speed up this process leaving more money available for carers and providers. So much money is lost on agencies sitting in the middle between providers and carers, our app is designed to cut through this inefficiency.

“We have therefore combined deep sector knowledge with smart tech.”

Janet Shreeve is the Chief Business Development Officer

for AgoraStaff. She said:

“Many carers throughout the UK are self-employed and rely upon agencies to find them suitable shifts. Our marketplace gives them the opportunity to not only register for free but have complete control over the shifts they apply for and undertake.

“We are committed to ensuring the carers within our marketplace are the best professionals for individual roles. We achieve this with a vetting process to ensure they are legally entitled to work in the UK (if relevant) and must register their relevant training. They will also have the option to undertake more training to enhance their rolesa concept not commonly found within traditional agencies.”

AgoraStaff goes live week commencing May 19th in Somerset and the surrounding counties.

Care providers can sign up for the app for a monthly fee of £34.99 per location (plus five per cent from the agreed daily shift fee) and trained carers sign up FREE once they have completed the vetting process.

Why It Has Never Been More Important For Nursing And Care Homes To Background Screen Gig Workers

Conducting full employment screening and vetting is recognised as a fundamental element of the hiring process, particularly when working with vulnerable groups in the nursing and care market. However, these processes may be occasionally overlooked, or elements may be missed by some employers looking to quickly recruit and onboard new staff to fill critical gaps in their workforces. However, even in what remains a highly skills-short environment, failing to carry out thorough checks on people employed in any capacity could open the door to a range of risks that can have a critical impact on vulnerable populations. Perhaps more concerning is the fact that this trend is growing as more care facilities are turning to the gig workforce — a notoriously complex segment to vet and screen.

THE GROWTH OF GIG

The gig workforce has grown in parallel with seismic shifts in the nature of employment in the UK. Fewer people are seeking ‘a job for life’ than ever before, and the number of those operating on a gig basis has more than doubled in size in recent years. In fact, data suggests that an estimated 7.25 million people (around 22% of the workforce) participated in some form of gig work in the UK in 2024, and there are 1.7 million professionals who work solely in this way.

Gig models are also highly popular in the care industry, and there is evidence that the workforce in this sector may actually be the largest one across the entire market. In addition, recruitment services for the gig workforce are increasingly being delivered via digital platforms, but according to a recent UK Government report, only 41% of gig platforms require enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and fewer still verify qualifications or conduct ongoing vetting.

While there’s no doubt that the gig model provides greater flexibility to both individuals and employers, and may help to tackle staff shortages seen in the child and social care markets, it has also opened the door to increased risks, particularly when it comes to fraud, misconduct, and exploitation if workers are not thoroughly vetted.

RISING THREATS

The rising risks in not carefully screening gig workers are only intensifying. A study from 2023 by CIFAS, the UK’s fraud prevention service, revealed a 22% rise in ‘insider threats’ and employee fraud compared to the previous year. Perhaps most alarmingly, one in five of those frauds were committed within the first three months of employment.

By Rolf Bezemer, Executive VP and General Manager International at First Advantage

In the care sector especially, mitigating risk such as fraud could and should be tackled through a thorough and careful inspection of candidate backgrounds and working history. However, employers may be under significant pressure to rapidly fill workforce gaps to meet rising demands for care. At the same time, they must maintain high standards for residents and their families, which inadvertently leads to some processes being overlooked.

This would be a challenge in any working environment, but with roles in care and nursing that support vulnerable populations, this oversight could have drastic consequences. Providers that don’t fully vet or screen staff risk the wellbeing of their populations, the safety of their facilities, and may face potential for consequences (reputational damage, heightened legal liabilities, financial losses, and lost public trust).

On top of the potential damage caused by these risks, failure to prevent fraud is also likely to become a corporate offence once the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 is fully enacted. And, on March 30 2025, the Home Office announced a further crackdown on illegal working in the gig economy by those without the necessary right to work status. These emerging rulings place a greater onus on the employer, meaning those that fail to vet staff — inadvertently or not — who then go on to commit fraud, could be criminally liable for their inaction and face major fines or even potential prison sentences.

THOROUGH VETTING IS KEY

The strength and quality of care provided by any home is also dependent on its employees – no matter how short or temporary their contract or assignment. Conducting the fundamental elements of screening and completing thorough background checks on gig workers, not only when an individual starts a position, but also at any point they are engaged by the facility, is critical.

The digitalisation of modern society, alongside the growth of gig working models, makes it far easier for ‘bad actors’ to slip through the net. However, tech-backed screening processes and the use of digital identities to verify information also make it easier for companies to make well-informed, confident hiring decisions. Crucially, leveraging a modern, tech-first screening provider also supports the employers with their screening needs and helps them manage their compliance requirements.

It’s undeniable that the UK is in the midst of a major staffing crisis in this sector, with speed of hiring a top concern. It’s crucial to acknowledge, however, that screening and vetting gig staff is critical, and while it’s important to hire workers quickly, it’s even more critical to hire them safely and compliantly. That means that conducting adequate DBS checks, digital identity, right to work, credit and financial checks, as well as verifying references and carrying out ongoing monitoring on all gig workers may be important considerations for hiring organisations. It can be a significant undertaking, but partnering with the right screening vendor can help the hiring organisations with their compliance requirements

Skilled Worker Visas for the UK Care Sector

By Ben Stepney, Partner, and James Woollard, Trainee Solicitor,

in the Employment team at Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP (www.ts-p.co.uk)

The care sector in the UK provides essential support for the elderly, disabled, and vulnerable individuals.

In recent years, the industry has faced acute staff shortages, exacerbated by an ageing population, increased demand for care services, and reductions in funding from Local Authorities. The care sector is often not seen as an attractive place to work, with a perception of poor pay and conditions. As a result, visas have become a crucial mechanism for recruiting overseas workers to meet the staffing needs of care homes and other health and social care providers.

The UK social care sector employs over 1.5 million people, but there are approximately 131,000 vacancies in the adult social care workforce in England, a vacancy rate of 8.3%. Domestic recruitment has not kept pace with rising demand.

THE HEATH AND CARE WORKER VISA

In response to mounting pressure on from employers, the UK Government expanded the Health and Care Worker visa in early 2022. This visa allows eligible foreign nationals to work in specific roles within the NHS and adult social care. It is a subcategory of the Skilled Worker visa and offers several benefits: Reduced visa fees compared to other Skilled Worker routes

• Exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge Faster processing times

• Eligibility for dependants (partners and children)

A route to settlement after five years.

To qualify, applicants must:

Have a confirmed job offer from a licensed UK sponsor (such as a care home or care agency)

Be employed in an eligible occupation (e.g., care worker, senior care worker)

• Be paid a minimum salary, generally £20,960 per year or £10.75 per hour (subject to change)

Meet English language requirements.

In March 2025, the government announced significant changes to the immigration system, particularly affecting the care sector. These reforms aim to reduce net migration to the UK generally but also address issues with recruitment in social care.

KEY CHANGES TO HEALTH AND CARE WORKER VISAS

Recruitment Prioritisation: From 9 April 2025, care providers in England must first attempt to recruit workers already residing in the UK before seeking overseas candidates. This policy encourages the employment of British citizens or those with Skilled Worker Visas already resident in the UK and aims to reduce reliance on immigration.

Employers must demonstrate they have attempted to recruit those already in the UK before trying to hire overseas. This requires employers to work with regional partnerships to identify suitable candidates before looking abroad. Employers must obtain confirmation from these partnerships that genuine efforts were made to recruit from within the UK and that no suitable candidates were available

Those already in the UK on Health and Care Worker Visas will be able to continue to work, extend their visas and switch to other visa routes including switching employers. Those already in the UK already will be able to switch into Health and Care Worker Visas until 2028.

Salary Threshold Increase: The minimum salary for those on Health and Social Care Visas has risen from £23,200 to £25,000 per year (£12.82 per hour). This adjustment aligns with the latest national pay scales and applies to new Certificates of Sponsorship issued from 9 April 2025.

Dependants: Care workers and senior care workers recruited after 11 March 2024 are no longer permitted to bring dependants to the UK. This measure addresses concerns over the high number of dependants accompanying care workers.

Employer Registration: Only Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered providers can sponsor care workers in England. Additionally, employers must demonstrate efforts to recruit from the existing UK workforce before hiring overseas notwithstanding the other changes announced.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CARE SECTOR

These changes are part of a broader strategy to reform the UK's immigration system, aiming to reduce net migration. While the government asserts that these measures will encourage domestic recruitment and improve working conditions, critics argue that they may exacerbate existing staffing shortages in the care sector.

The Government's approach reflects a shift towards what it calls a more controlled and skills-focused immigration policy, with an emphasis employing UK citizens rather than relying on immigration.

These changes have raised concerns among social care providers and unions, who worry about potential workforce shortages and the impact on care services. The government is also proposing to increase the time required for immigrants to qualify for permanent settlement from five years to ten years, which may discourage some potential overseas workers.

The government has agreed to introduce an EU ‘youth mobility’ scheme, so employers may be able to make up any shortfall in their workforces from the changes to the Health and Care Worker Visas by recruiting from the European Union. Details of the ‘youth mobility’ scheme are still being outlined at the time of going to print.

ACTIONS FOR EMPLOYERS

The penalties for illegally employing someone remain severe and do not require fault on the employer’s part. So stay up to date on developments and periodically review your right to work compliance. Be prepared to provide information to existing employees who are on a visa and may be concerned about their right to work and how this impacts their dependents. Just being able to signpost them to guidance or further information may help reassure them.

Review your workplace planning. Are there visas expiring soon that may require sponsorship or additional checks before they can renewed.

A Kinder Exit: Why More Care Business Owners Are Choosing Employee Ownership Trusts

Jennifer Moore, Director at Leonard Curtis Legal (www.leonardcurtis.co.uk)

Succession is one of the most pressing and personal decisions a care business owner will make. For many founders, particularly those who have built a service rooted in compassion, community and quality of care, handing over the reins is far more than a financial transaction. It’s also about legacy.

Increasingly, owners in the care sector are choosing to exit through Employee Ownership Trust (EOT); a structure that avoids the disruption that can often accompany third party sales, while simultaneously safeguarding their values, rewarding their team and securing long-term continuity.

At Leonard Curtis Legal, we’ve supported a growing number of businesses through the transition to employee ownership. In our experience, it’s not just a legal process, it’s a cultural shift that is transforming how businesses plan for the future.

WHAT IS AN EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP TRUST?

An EOT is a government-backed ownership model that allows a business owner to sell a controlling interest (more than 50%) of their company to a trust set up for the benefit of all employees. If certain conditions are met, the sale is then exempt from Capital Gains Tax

discusses the growing number of care home businesses choosing Employee Ownership Trusts and explores the benefits for founders within the care industry.

(CGT), which is an obvious benefit for those planning retirement or succession.

While the trust doesn’t run the business, it does own it on behalf of the workforce. Decisions continue to be made by a management team, but under a new structure where the staff are the ultimate beneficiaries. In an industry where staff retention, engagement and continuity of care are vital, EOTs offer a compelling alternative to trade sales or private equity investment.

WHY

THE MODEL FITS THE CARE SECTOR

The values behind employee ownership align closely with the realities of social care. Businesses succeed here because of their people –the carers who turn up day after day to deliver life-changing support. Yet many of these same staff face limited recognition or reward. EOTs done well can help to rebalance that.

Businesses adopting the EOT model often benefit from improved staff retention and morale, a stronger sense of shared purpose and an increased perception of trust and credibility both internally and externally.

EOT-owned companies can also pay staff annual tax-free bonuses of up to £3,600, providing a meaningful benefit in a sector struggling to compete on wages alone.

LEGAL AND PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

It’s important to remember that this is a legal transaction and one that must be carefully structured. To qualify for CGT relief, several conditions must be met. The EOT must acquire more than 50% of shares and voting rights, and the company must be a trading business and not an investment vehicle. It must also benefit all employees on equal terms and the former owners must not retain control.

Time is Care: Why Streamlining Payments is Critical for the Care Sector

In the care sector, time is one of the most precious—and limited—resources. Whether it’s a nurse supporting an elderly resident or a finance officer reconciling invoices across multiple funding streams, every hour counts. Yet while much attention is given to frontline care, a quieter crisis is unfolding behind the scenes: payment inefficiencies.

Care providers operate in one of the most complex funding landscapes in the UK. Between over 150 local authorities, 42 Integrated Care Boards, and thousands of self-funders, the process of paying and being paid is often fragmented and manual. That complexity doesn’t just create paperwork—it creates risk. Late supplier payments can disrupt services. Missed payroll deadlines can cause stress for care workers, many of whom live paycheque to paycheque. In a sector where emotional labour is high and financial stability is rare, a delayed or inaccurate payslip can tip the balance from just coping to burning out. When the back office falters, it impacts the front line.

As Victoria Ramsay, founder of Aequalis Accountancy, put it: “There’s a vicious circle. Late invoices mean poor cash flow, which means providers can’t afford to invest in the very systems that would solve the problem.”

And with care workers under unprecedented strain, payroll isn’t just an admin task—it’s a matter of respect. Timely, accurate payments send a clear message: we value you. Delays or errors, on the other

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hand, erode morale and trust at a time when retention is already a challenge.

The good news? Change doesn’t always require sweeping reform. One of the biggest wins can come from automating payroll and payments. Faster Payments, for example, allow providers to process transactions in seconds—not days—giving finance teams the flexibility to act quickly and confidently.

Crucially, automation frees up time. According to industry data, automating care payroll can reduce processing time by up to 90%. That’s hours saved every week—time that can be redirected back into care, strategy, and staff support.

What’s often missing from transformation conversations is this: operational efficiency is human efficiency. Every error avoided, every minute saved, helps build a care system that’s not just compliant, but compassionate.

In a sector stretched thin, improving payments isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s a foundation for dignity, stability, and sustainable care.

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

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

Once established, the trust is governed by a board of trustees usually including independent members and employee representatives. It’s vital that the governance structure reflects both the legal requirements and operational needs of a care provider.

However, in the care industry it’s not only about meeting technical criteria, we must also think about designing governance models that work for regulated services. That means considering CQC implications, continuity of leadership and long-term financial planning.

FUNDING THE TRANSITION

A common concern is whether a care business can afford to buy itself. In most cases, the purchase is funded through future profits of the company with the outgoing owner receiving deferred payments over time. Some providers also access third-party lending to accelerate the process.

Robust cash flow forecasting is key. Margins in the sector are often tight, so careful modelling is essential to ensure the business remains stable while making repayments. We work alongside accountants and lenders to manage this risk.

A FUTURE-PROOF MODEL FOR VALUES-LED CARE

What sets EOTs apart is the ability to exit and secure a fair financial return while keeping the culture and purpose of the business intact. In a sector increasingly shaped by scale and commercial pressure, that’s a powerful proposition.

For owners who have built care services with love and long hours and who want to leave something meaningful behind, employee ownership is more than a tax-efficient exit. It’s a legacy model.

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING