The Carer Digital - Issue #255

First Cross-Party Social Care Talks A

Step”...

according to attendee

Conservative shadow health and social care secretary Stuart Andrew.

Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

A WELCOME STEP TOWARDS CROSS-PARTY CONSENSUS

Finally, Progress Beyond Political Point-Scoring!

Baroness Casey's recent cross-party roundtable discussion, bringing together representatives from Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrats, Green, and Reform UK parties, represents genuinely positive news for our sector.

After years of watching adult social care being kicked around like a political football, with each party using it to score points against their opponents, this collaborative approach is both long overdue and warmly welcomed.

Cross-party cooperation, rather than the tired old partisan politics we've endured, is undoubtedly the way forward.

The challenges facing social care are far too complex and urgent to be held hostage to electoral cycles and party-political posturing.

However, whilst I celebrate this development, I must also sound a note of caution - the road ahead is littered with significant hurdles that will, I suspect, test this newfound spirit of cooperation.

During these early discussions, we've already heard calls for social care to be made "free for all," funded through taxation.

I'm certain I'm not alone in seeing the glaring impracticalities of this approach. Let's be brutally honest here - if people are being taxed to pay for it, it's not free!

It's simply a different payment mechanism, and one that risks creating unsustainable fiscal pressures.

The account will have to be settled by someone, an approach that I suspect even Chancellor Rachel Reeves recognised when she made some difficult early decisions.

We saw this reality check play out in real time during the recent election campaign. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting committed Labour to implementing the Conservative predecessor's changes, including the October 2025 commencement of reforms, because he wanted to give our sector "certainty" about the future.

Yet within weeks of taking office, Chancellor Reeves cancelled the policy that would have set an £86,000 cap on personal care costs, saving £1.1bn by the end of 2025-26. This swift reversal demonstrates the harsh fiscal realities any government faces.

I cannot envisage a completely free-for-all national care service mirroring the NHS model, I may be wrong and would welcome any input to the contrary.

We will all need to contribute something meaningful until a genuine long-term solution is found.

I hope this doesn’t sound pessimistic – but rather a pragmatic realism based on observing repeated policy failures and funding crises.

The vision of a care service on par with the NHS, offering free or universally accessible support, contrasts sharply with the realities of public funding limitations and workforce challenges.

Even our beloved NHS, free at the point of use, struggles with chronic underfunding and capacity issues. How can we realistically expect to create an entirely parallel system without similar or worse problems?

Some may view the complete removal of financial barriers as an admirable goal, but when compared to the funding struggles of even the free-at-the-point-of-use NHS, it appears increasingly unrealistic.

The evidence is there in the premature abandonment of past initiatives for a national care service - this reinforces the uncomfortable truth that a fully realised, free national system remains an extremely difficult, perhaps impossible, goal to achieve within current fiscal constraints.

The first phase of the commission's work is expected to report in 2026, with recommendations implemented in phases over the course of 10 years. Social care leaders have already raised concerns over the potential timeline of 2036 for some reforms to be introduced. That's more than a decade away - a sobering reminder of just how complex these challenges are.

I do I applaud Baroness Casey's cross-party approach, but we must prepare ourselves for a long journey filled with difficult compromises, tough funding decisions, and the inevitable resistance that comes with meaningful change. The sector has waited too long for comprehensive reform to settle for quick fixes or unrealistic promises.

What we need now is sustained political will, honest conversations about funding realities, and a commitment to evidence-based solutions rather than idealistic rhetoric. Cross-party consensus is the essential first step, but it's only the beginning.

I would also urge readers to support Leeds Beckett University's Centre for Dementia Research in their vital work exploring dementia training for the social care workforce.

(See page 13) They are seeking participation from care home and home care staff in a survey about dementia-specific training experiences. This project, commissioned by the Alzheimer's Society, will explore the current landscape of dementia education across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Such research is precisely what we need to inform evidence-based policy making. If you can contribute to this important work, please do so. Real progress in social care will come from understanding what actually works on the ground, not just what sounds good in political speeches.

The cross-party talks are a welcome start, but the real work begins now.

I can always be contacted at editor@thecareruk.com

Editor Peter Adams

First Cross-Party Social Care Talks A “Positive Step”

(CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER)

The Casey Commission which was launched earlier this year will set out a plan for implementing Labour’s vision of a national care service.

The first phase is expected to report in 2026, although recommendations from the initial probe will be implemented in phases over the course of 10 years.

TIMELINE CONCERNS

Social care leaders have repeatedly raised concerns over the potential timeline of 2036 for some reforms to be introduced.

The second phase of the commission, setting out longer-term reforms, is due to report by 2028.

Analysis from the Health Foundation earlier this year revealed that an additional £3.4 billion a year would be needed by 2028/29 to avoid adult social care services from declining.

The analysis estimates the funding required to meet social care needs over the next decade as we live longer and to improve people’s care. It estimates additional funding that would be needed under three scenarios:

£3.4 billion to meet the growing demand for social care and cover rising costs to employers in 2028/29. By 2034/35 this rises to £9.1bn

£6.4 billion to meet demand, cover rising costs, and improve access to care in 2028/29. By 2034/35 this rises to £12.7bn

£8.7 billion to meet demand, cover rising costs, improve access, and boost pay in 2028/29. By 2034/35 this rises to £15.4bn

And added that beyond investing in the current system, more fundamental reform is needed, including funding reform to provide people with fairer and more generous state protection against care costs.

CROSS-PARTY DISCUSSION

Monday’s meeting was the first cross-party discussion Baroness Casey has chaired with representatives from all of the main parties.

She said: “I was delighted to bring together representatives from political parties today to discuss our shared commitment to reforming adult social care.

“I look forward to continuing to work with party representatives throughout the Independent Commission as we endeavour to shape a social care system that is fit for the future.”

Baroness Casey committed to continuing to involve party representatives at key moments in the Independent Commission’s programme of work.

So far, the Independent Commission has met with over 180 people including those drawing on care and support, national organisations and delivery or provider organisations.

Over the coming months, the Independent Commission will invite members of the public, people drawing on care and support and organisations to submit evidence and to share their stories and ideas for improvement of the existing adult social care system. Details of how the public can engage with this work will be

set out by the Commission in due course.

NEW WAY FORWARD

Health Secretary Wes Streeting thanked attendees for “putting politics aside to find a way forward”.

He said: “We’ve hit the ground running on social care and are delivering on our Plan for Change by legislating for the first-ever Fair Pay Agreement for care workers, boosting unpaid carers’ allowance by £2,000, and investing £172 million in the Disabled Facilities Grant to fund 15,000 home adaptations.

“But there’s still a long way to go to guarantee dignified care for all.

“Our ageing society demands fundamental reform in social care which is why the Prime Minister appointed Baroness Louise Casey to lead an independent commission on adult social care and build consensus for a new National Care Service fit for the 21st century.

“I thank Baroness Casey for arranging today’s meeting, and to cross-party representatives for putting politics aside to find a way forward.

“I am determined that this Government will build a National Care Service worthy of the name.”

FUNDING “LOTTERY”

Green Party MP Ellie Chowns, who also attended the talks, said it is “clear that Baroness Casey means business which is good”.

Ms Chowns said the issue is urgent and reiterated her party’s stance that social care must be free for all, paid for through a tax “rather than some people being hit with catastrophic costs, losing their house etc, and others managing to dodge the care costs bullet entirely – it’s a lottery at the moment”.

POSITIVE STEP

National Care Forum CEO Vic Rayner said: “These talks are a positive step forward and we also welcome the confirmation that a programme of engagement is on its way so people drawing on care and support can put in their own words how this vital public service enables them to live the lives they want to live.

“It has been positive that over the summer our not-for-profit members have begun to engage with the Commission, and we have been struck by the desire of the team to listen and explore the landscape through stories and discussion.

“They have heard from our members, and the people they support, about the current pressures the social care and support sector is under and also the innovative approaches many are exploring around new models of care and technology. Members were pleased to host meetings on location, as well as join virtual discussions with CEOs and senior leaders. We remain committed to engaging in the work of the Commission and continuing to create opportunities for members’ voices to be heard.

“It is vital that cross party talks happen so that the future direction of this vital public service is underpinned by a set of commitments that transcend party politics. Social care is central to each and every community up and down the country, and we need to see a sustainable future that everyone can rely on. Social care matters to us all.”

Employment Rights Bill –Measures to Watch Out For

particularly significant for the adult social care sector.

The much-debated Employment Rights Bill promises to bring widespread reforms to employment law. As it reaches the final stages of the Parliamentary process, Rebecca Pallot, employment lawyer at Mills & Reeve, looks at three groups of measures which will have a particularly significant impact on employment relationships in the adult social care sector.

DAY ONE UNFAIR DISMISSAL RIGHTS

The Government intends to use the Bill to abolish the two-year qualifying period for unfair dismissal, making the entitlement to bring a claim effective from the first day of employment. It also proposes to introduce a new framework for a lighter touch unfair dismissal regime during an “initial period of employment”. That lighter touch process has been described as a “probationary period exemption”.

Under the proposals, a care home provider will be able to dismiss fairly during the initial period if they can demonstrate a potentially fair reason for dismissal which relates to the individual employee. It will also be possible to bring claims in respect of dismissals for redundancy from the first day of employment.

Regulations will define the length of the initial period of employment and how it is calculated. This is likely to be a minimum of six months and could be as long as a year, with the Government currently supporting a compromise of nine months.

It remains to be seen what the exact process will be to make a dismissal fair in the initial period but it is clear, that there is growing concern amongst care home operators about the increased risk of unfair dismissal claims. While some think that this change could be cost-neutral, because it will give employers a greater incentive to manage probationary periods effectively, much will depend on the design of the regulations, on which the Government will be consulting shortly.

ZERO HOURS CONTRACTS

There are three groups of measures to protect zero-hours and low hours workers, as well as agency workers employed in the adult care sector on similar arrangements:

• the right to guaranteed hours after the end of every reference period, which reflects the hours worked during that period

• the right to reasonable notice of shifts (including change and cancellation), and the right to payment for cancelled, moved and curtailed shifts where sufficient notice has not been given

The new regulations will define the reference period for calculating guaranteed hours and other conditions of entitlement, as well as the procedural requirements around the offer of a new contract. They will also specify the minimum notice period for the cancellation of shifts, the compensation due and when it must be paid.

According to the Bill’s impact assessment, these measures will have a disproportionate impact on the social care sector, where over a fifth of its workforce are believed to be engaged on zero-hours contracts or similar arrangements which would be in scope.

There will be significant direct and indirect costs in complying with these measures, which are among the most complex in the Bill.

STATUTORY SICK PAY (SSP)

The three-day waiting period to qualify for SSP will be abolished so that it is paid from the first day of sickness. The Lower Earnings Limit, which prevents those who earn below a certain amount from claiming SSP, will also be removed. Once these changes take effect, SSP will be

paid at 80% of average weekly earnings or the current flat rate, whichever is lower.

As with the measures in respect of zero hour contracts, the Government’s plans to reform SSP will have a significant effect on the social care sector, because of its relatively high proportion of lower paid workers. However, it is possible that the resulting improvements in staff welfare will bring productivity gains to offset at least some of the additional costs.

IMPLEMENTATION

According to the Government’s implementation timetable, published in July, changes to SSP eligibility will be brought into effect in April 2026, giving care home providers a small window in which to prepare for these reforms.

Other measures in respect of zero hours contracts and unfair dismissal will not be brought into force until 2027. As such, employers have more time to implement any necessary changes. In the meantime, it’s important for providers to keep an eye on this constantly evolving area of law, while engaging with the Government’s consultation on the regulations required to implement these measures, which is expected shortly.

Employers could consider taking the following steps: assess your organisation’s dependence on workers who are not permanent employees with predictable hours review procedures for probationary periods and ensure that line-managers are trained to implement them, and align your sickness absence procedures with the changes to SSP being introduced in April.

While the Bill also creates the framework for establishing a negotiating body to set pay and conditions across the entire adult care sector in England, it remains to be seen what impact the proposed measures will have on the sector. For an overview of other employment rights measures, in what will prove to be the longest ever piece of employment-related legislation, see Mills & Reeve’s separate briefing here.

Rosedale Court Resident Ivy Smith

Celebrates Her 102nd Birthday in Style

The team at Rosedale Court Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes Group, came together to celebrate the incredible birthday of much-loved resident Ivy Smith, who turned 102 years old.

The Lifestyle Team arranged a lovely party on the top floor of the home, where Ivy’s friends, carers, and fellow residents joined her. There was music, dancing and plenty of hugs. The team also presented Ivy with balloons, flowers, thoughtful gifts, and of course a birthday cake. Everyone joined in singing Happy Birthday and She’s a Jolly Good Fellow to mark the special occasion. The day was made even more memorable by a visit from seven-year-old Heath Chatern, who lives next door to Rosedale Court, and has a very special bond with Ivy. Heath surprised Ivy at her party, delighting her with a dance as they held a giant balloon together.

Ivy commented on the day: “I’ve had a lovely day, thank you so much for organising my special party. It was wonderful that Heath came to see me too. I am a very lucky lady.”

Heath Chatern (age 7) said: “Thank you for letting me come and see Ivy for her birthday today. I hope she liked my dance at her party! I had a lovely time and can’t believe she is 102!”

Louise Healy, Lifestyle Lead at Rosedale Court,, said: “Reaching the age of 102 is an incredible achievement, and Ivy is a truly remarkable lady who still loves to party and share stories about her life. It was important to us to make this day as special as possible for her, surrounded by friends and with a wonderful surprise from Heath, who means so much to her.”

How pobroll® Is Transforming Bed Bathing for Dementia Patients

In April 2025, the Supporting the Provider Market (STPM) team in County Durham published a new report evaluating the use of pobroll® — a waterproof bed-bathing wrap designed to improve dignity, comfort, and ease during personal care.

This evaluation was carried out across 10 care homes with high numbers of residents living with dementia. Each setting was given one or more pobroll® units and invited to share feedback through a structured survey. The findings reveal how even simple tools can make a significant difference in everyday care.

How was pobroll® used?

Most care homes used pobroll® daily or several times per week, showing it quickly became part of regular practice. Staff noted that one of the biggest challenges was not having enough units — all homes requested additional stock after the trial, highlighting a clear appetite for wider adoption. What did care teams think?

Feedback from the care homes showed strong support for the tool:

Ease of use was rated highly, with an average score of 4.4 out of 5. Staff found pobroll® straightforward to incorporate into care routines.

Training was rated slightly lower, at 3.8 out of 5, suggesting that while the wrap is easy to use, additional training resources could improve onboarding for new users. Resident response was positive. Three in ten care homes reported improved mood or behaviour during bed

Written by Pat O’Brien of pobroll

bathing for dementia patients.

• Key benefits included greater warmth, coverage, and dignity for residents, especially those who might find conventional methods distressing. Some teams also found it particularly useful for end-of-life care

Would they recommend pobroll® for bed bathing for dementia patients?

Absolutely. Homes rated their likelihood to recommend pobroll® at 4.3 out of 5, with half of respondents giving it a full 5 out of 5. The overall feedback was clear: this is a valued, meaningful addition to personal care.

Would they recommend pobroll® for bed bathing for dementia patients?

The results of this trial reinforce what many professionals already believe — that small, thoughtful design changes can significantly improve care. For residents who are bedbound or living with dementia, personal care can often be a distressing experience. But with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be.

The pobroll® isn’t a complex device. It’s a simple, dual-layered cotton towelling wrap. But its thoughtful design — offering full coverage, comfort, and support — makes a real difference where it matters most.

If you’re part of a care home, hospice, or hospital and would like to explore how pobroll® could benefit your residents or service users, get in touch. We’re here to support compassionate, dignified care — one small change at a time.

See the advert on the facing page for details, or visit www.pobroll.co.uk

Rebecca Pallot, a partner and employment lawyer at Mills & Reeve (www.mills-reeve.com) assesses three groups of measures in the Bill which are

UK Think-Tank Calls for “Radical and Urgent Reform” of Britain’s “Broken” Social Care System

The Social Care Foundation (SCF), a UK-wide think tank, today publishes a wide-ranging report on the state and future of social care in Britain.

Damian Green, a former Conservative deputy prime minister and author of the report, Who Cares?

Solutions for the Social Care Review, warns that successive Tory and Labour governments have left social care “in limbo” and that Britain can no longer afford to ignore an unfolding crisis.

Aimed at informing the Independent Commission into Adult Social Care, chaired by Baroness Louise Casey, the report calls for bold and decisive action to transform how adult care is funded, delivered - and how it integrates with the NHS - with 35 key recommendations, including:

• the creation of a National Care System with money awarded to individuals on the basis of a standardised assessment of entitlement to care.

• the abolition of funding and care provision by local authorities

• the introduction of a Health and Care Levy and/or a pension-style Care Supplement

• a “massive” increase in later life housing provision with planning policies “strengthened” to meet the needs of Britain’s ageing population.

The report also advocates an elder care commissioner to champion change and a national “My Care” portal to eliminate confusion in navigating the care system.

In his foreword to the report, Damian Green, the SCF Chair, argues that for several decades, successive governments have grappled with the problems of social care but failed to deliver meaningful reform. He believes change is not only urgent but must be radical, adding: “Social care cannot wait years for a solution to its crisis. It needs radical change in the way it is funded, the way it works with the NHS, the way it uses technology and the way its workforce is valued. These changes need to come quickly.”

Dr Robert D. Kilgour, founder of the SCF, said: “This report is not just another diagnosis of the challenges facing social care – it is a blueprint for meaningful reform. The Social Care Foundation has brought together practical, evidence-based solutions that can be implemented now to build a fairer, more sustainable system. We invite policymakers across the UK to engage with these ideas and help turn ambition into action.”

Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of Care England, added: “The Social Care Foundation’s report provides a route map for the long-term sustainability of social care. Millions of people rely on social care, and this report gives clear and deliverable recommendations for the sector’s long-term future.

I hope it will be received positively by the Government, and by Baroness Louise Casey, and used as the foundation of her policy review.”

Sam Monaghan, chief executive of Methodist Homes (MHA), the UK’s largest charity care provider, said:

“This report offers a clear and timely set of solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in adult social care. It reflects the lived realities of those who draw on care and those who deliver it, and it points the way toward a system that is fairer, more joined-up, and rooted in dignity. I hope policymakers will take this opportunity to act with urgency and ambition.”

A Sweet Day Out For Manchester Care Home Resident Jessie

Jessie Pickwick, a resident of Beckdale House in Sale, Manchester, part of Milewood, enjoyed a trip to the home of British chocolate at Cadbury World in Birmingham.

Jessie is well known among her fellow residents and staff for her love of chocolate so when the opportunity came to visit the world-famous attraction in Birmingham, excitement was in the air from the very start.

From interactive exhibits to immersive chocolate-making demonstrations, Jessie was buzzing throughout the entire experience. Free samples along the way only added to her delight as she patiently waited in the queues.

Cadbury World first opened its doors in Birmingham in August 1990 as a family-friendly visitor centre dedicated to the history and magic of chocolate. Built on the site of the original Cadbury factory in Bournville, the attraction was designed to showcase the heritage of the Cadbury brand, founded by John Cadbury in 1824. Over the years, Cadbury World has expanded with interactive zones, themed rides, 4D

cinema experiences, and hands-on demonstrations, attracting more than 600,000 visitors annually. It remains one of the UK’s most popular leisure destinations, combining education, entertainment, and, of course, plenty of chocolate!

One highlight of the day was the extensive Cadbury Gift Shop, which Jessie visited both before and after the tour. With a keen eye on her favourites, she picked out a range of goodies including chocolates, a fridge magnet, pen, tea mug, and a cuddly Freddo toy. She even had the chance to ger her photo taken with the Freddo mascot who was spotted during the day.

Tatiana Mironova, Jessie’s senior support worker who accompanied her on the chocolatey trip said: “It was a really special day out for Jessie and her enthusiasm was infectious throughout the day. It was wonderful to see her enjoying something she’s so passionate about and we are very happy to be able to support her in trips like this that mean so much to her and her growing independence.”

Using Technology And Data To Prevent Heat Harm To The Most Vulnerable

By Ian Burgess, Managing Director and Chief Technology Officer at Canary Care

Hot spells have become a fixture of UK summers, with four heatwaves recorded just this year. As the climate shifts and heat-health alerts become increasingly routine, the risks faced by older and vulnerable people living at home are rising at a troubling pace. In 2024 alone, the House of Commons Library estimates that 1,311 people in England died due to heat-related causes, with hundreds of them being in their own residence. Behind these sobering figures are thousands more who suffer in silence, with their wellbeing threatened and services stretched to breaking point. With extreme weather now the rule rather than the exception, it’s critical that our care system adapts to this new reality by proactively protecting those most at risk. What happens inside the home during a heatwave can mean the difference between safety and tragedy. For someone living alone, a hot flat can become dangerous long before anyone notices. What we do before temperatures peak matters most.

THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF REAL-TIME, IN-HOME DATA

Despite the frequency of extreme temperatures, prevention remains not only possible, but essential. The key lies in a resource that is often overlooked: real-time, in-home data collected by assistive technology. Recent advances mean that passive, privacy-preserving sensors can now monitor room temperature, movement associated with daily routine, and even monitor if windows have been opened, which can indicate the ability of a resident to self-regulate temperature. Crucially, this is done without cameras and without asking people to change how they live. This data, when shared with families, councils and care providers, transforms the way that we can respond to heat risk, without intruding on personal privacy.

Unlike sporadic welfare calls or visual checks, continuous data provides the earliest possible warning for overheating, dehydration, and night-time distress. These sensors show not only that indoor heat is building up, but also whether crucial night-time cooling is happening. They can detect deviations from a person’s normal routine in real time, well before a crisis triggers a 999 call. This makes it easier for teams to step in early with small, sensible adjustments rather than urgent, disruptive responses.

EARLY WARNINGS: WHAT CHANGES FIRST AND WHY IT MATTERS

The value of passive data lies in its ability to highlight subtle but significant changes. For example, data

might show that night-time temperatures are not dropping as they should, or that a person is experiencing broken sleep and rising later in the morning. Fewer kettle or fridge uses may suggest a drop in fluid intake, a particular concern during heatwaves, when dehydration can set in rapidly. Conversely, a change in toilet visits could provide an indication of dehydration. These are the small clues that often appear before a crisis and they are easy to miss without real-time visibility.

These patterns can be detected and flagged by assistive technology, triggering timely welfare checks or targeted visits. Crucially, this allows responders to act with proportionate, preventative steps, such as steadying routines, encouraging hydration, or adjusting the environment, before a crisis develops. In this way, the right intervention at the right time can prevent a cascade of problems that might otherwise result in ambulance call-outs or hospital admissions. That saves time, targets effort, and respects people’s independence.

WHAT LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND PROVIDERS NEED NOW

If we are to scale these benefits across the country, local authorities and care providers need solutions that are practical, rapid and impactful. First, simple installations are essential and technology that can be set up in minutes, not hours or days, ensures that vulnerable residents are protected without delay. Interoperability is also key: data from sensors must provide care teams with immediate access to a real-time picture of risk. Procurement should focus on outcomes, not just features, so teams invest in what will reduce risk fastest.

Simple triage dashboards, designed for ease of use, are another critical requirement. Staff and carers need to be able to see at a glance who is most at risk and why, enabling them to prioritise visits and interventions efficiently. Plain-language alerts beat jargon every time, especially in a busy service where seconds matter. Finally, clear measures of impact, such as reductions in ambulance conveyances and hospital admissions, are vital for building the business case and sustaining investment. Sharing those results with partners and families also builds trust and momentum.

LOOKING AHEAD

Ultimately, responding to the new normal of frequent heatwaves requires more than just awareness, it demands early, targeted action grounded in real-time insights. There needs to be a proactive and not just reactive approach. By embracing passive, discreet in-home data, councils and care providers can offer families peace of mind and ensure that the most vulnerable are not left to face rising temperatures alone. Families get reassurance, professionals get clear priorities, and residents keep control.

It is no longer enough to wait for a crisis before acting. With the right technology and processes in place, prevention can be built into the fabric of our care system. The technology is ready, what is needed now is consistent adoption.

Former Police Officer Reconnects With His Past At Braintree Police Open Day

A resident from RMBI Care Co. Home Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court, in Braintree, has recently enjoyed a very special day out when he attended a Community Open Day hosted by Braintree Police Station.

The event welcomed local people to explore the world of emergency services, with opportunities to look inside an ambulance and police car, try on police hats and helmets, and even take a look at police firearms from a safe distance.

Despite the rainy weather, the day was buzzing with activity, laughter and community spirit.

The care home resident, Steve, is a retired Essex Police officer with over 30 years of service. During his distinguished career, Steve held a variety of roles, including dog handler, traffic officer and serving in the firearms unit.

One of his proudest moments was working on the motorbike escort team during Princess Diana’s funeral, a

story he shared proudly with officers on the day. Steve was in his element, exchanging stories, smiles and memories with fellow officers. “I was once one of you,” he told them, sparking warm and meaningful conversations throughout the visit.

A highlight for Steve was meeting a retired police dog who had lost a leg due to injury and now works as a police therapy dog, supporting people living with PTSD and trauma.

“I was deeply touched by the dog’s resilience and the comfort she continues to bring to others,” he said after the visit.

Sophie George, Activities Coordinator at Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court, said: “It was wonderful to see Steve so happy and sharing so many stories.

The event really gave him the chance to reconnect with his past in such a meaningful way.”

Croner-i Navigate-Care Using Decades of Experience and Expert Knowledge to Support Thousands of UK Care Providers with CQC And Regulatory Compliance

Croner-i was founded in 2017 as a proud part of the Peninsula Group. Since its beginning, it has supported thousands of care providers across the UK to stay compliant with Care Quality Commission (CQC) requirements and wider regulatory obligations, setting a standard in the industry.

Through their Navigate-Care platform, Croner-i specialises in providing practical, accessible and easy-to-understand guidance that enables care services to exceed their compliance responsibilities. From residential care homes, and domiciliary care agencies to supported living providers and other care services, thousands of care providers rely on Croner-i’s resources to maintain quality, safety, and best practice across their operation.

“We understand that compliance can be a challenging and time-consuming process for care providers,” said Andrew Murphy, Head of Content at Croner-i. “Our mission is to take the complexity out of CQC and regulatory requirements, giving providers the clarity and confidence they need to deliver outstanding care.” With Croner-i’s Navigate-Care platform, care services have access to a comprehensive library of policies,

toolkits, and expert guidance written by industry and care specialists. This includes practical step-by-step advice on preparing for CQC inspections, meeting the new Single Assessment Framework (SAF) and implementing robust quality assurance processes.

Being part of Peninsula Group allows Croner-i to

from decades of experience in

and business compliance. This ensures the advice and support given is both legally and operationally practical. With the care sector under increasing scrutiny and public pressures, Croner-i remains committed to empowering providers with the tools they need most, to operate efficiently, protect service users, achieve inspection success and grow their care service.

Look out for more details from Croner-i in the coming weeks.

For more information about Croner-i Navigate-Care, get in touch with the partnership team at partnerships@croneri.co.uk.

Providers Unite to Peacefully Walk Through Liverpool on the 29th September 2025

WHY MUST WE RISE AGAIN?

To shine a light on the human impact of the most significant legislative change our sector has ever faced: the Employment Rights Bill and the Social Care Fair Pay Agreement.

We believe this legislation will affect over 10 million people, including supported individuals, unpaid carers and the providers who serve them. We are inviting everyone involved in community care and support; charities, care homes, drug and alcohol services, mental health providers, children’s homes, day services, advocacy groups, and more to stand with us to demonstrate that we are stronger together.

The Providers Unite movement is not just about the statistics and funding, it’s about real people. This is our opportunity to show the government and the public why we are more than just carers, and to share the real human stories from our sector.

Watch our campaign documentary here The Backbone of Care.

Register for Liverpool here; https://lnkd.in/e3-TNSKW WHAT’S CHANGED?

At our last Day of Action on the 25th February, we faced the Chancellor’s budget challenges, including National Insurance and National Minimum Wage increases.

However, from this Autumn, the new legislation will impose further wage costs that neither providers nor the people we support can afford. How much more can we be squeezed?

WHY WE WALK?

This government continues to add new responsibilities on social care without providing the investment required to deliver. The irony is stark; the NHS 10 year Plan mentions social care only three times, yet relies on us to deliver its goals.

We cannot continue as the invisible support system for the health and wellbeing for millions in our communities. We must be seen. We must be heard. And we invite the government to engage meaningfully with us.

With a reported £50 billion gap in public finances, the social care sector fears the axe will fall on us again in this Autumn’s Budget. But this isn’t just about budgets it’s about real lives. There must be a national conversation about what it truly costs to keep people safe, independent, and well.

The Providers Unite Peaceful Walk - Liverpool on the 29th September will bring together care providers and allies to affirm the essential role of social care in our society and demand the urgent investment we desperately need.

With 200 providers each bringing 20 colleagues, at least 4000 individuals will be showing up and making our voices impossible to ignore.

OUR DEMANDS: THE 29TH SEPTEMBER DAY OF ACTION

As part of our #CareCannotWait campaign, we are calling on the government to:

1. RECOGNISE AND RESPECT SOCIAL CARE

Social care is essential to our society. 4 in 5 people will need care in their lifetime. We ensure dignity and independence for millions. It’s time policymakers acknowledged our true value.

2. DELIVER A FULLY FUNDED FAIR PAY AGREEMENT FOR SOCIAL CARE WORKERS

With 5.8% of the UK workforce in social care, more than in the NHS, our staff deserve fair pay that reflects their skill, dedication, and essential role.

3. SECURE SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENT FOR COMMUNITY CARE

Rising costs and changes to local government and health finances threaten the future of care. Without urgent investment, millions risk losing access to vital support.

JOIN US. WALK WITH US. DEMAND CHANGE. Invest in community care now to protect lives and futures.

Why Care Homes Need to Stay Vigilant About Energy Scams

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported 3.9 million fraud incidents in England and Wales in the year ending September 2024, marking a 19% rise from the year before. With high energy consumption, continuous service needs, and time-constrained staff, care homes can be particularly susceptible to energy scams.

To help protect organisations, let’s look at the types of energy scams currently circulating, what to look out for and industry best practices.

SPOTTING SCAMS

While the majority of third party intermediaries are there to support customers to find suitable contracts and energy services, like any industry there are some rogue players ..We have seen instances where a third-party intermediary exploits organisations by presenting as a legitimate energy supplier, when actually they are sourcing the energy from elsewhere and inflating costs by adding a markup.

This deceptive practice could burden care homes with unnecessary expenses, straining margins in a sector where cost efficiency is critical. In this scenario, the care home would have saved money by sourcing their energy from a supplier directly or via a vetted, legitimate thirdparty intermediary.

This doesn’t mean we should avoid third-party suppliers all together as reputable organisations, like Energy Consultants Association members, provide competitive pricing and tailored solutions. However, we should exercise caution and carefully vet third parties to ensure transparency.

Ahead of entering a legally binding contract with a new supplier, care homes should do their due diligence and make sure they fully understand all the arrangements, whether you are engaging a supplier directly or working with a third-party intermediary.

KEY WATCHOUTS

There are several watchouts that care and nursing homes should be

By Nathan Smith, Head of Mid Market and Deemed

aware of when agreeing their energy supply. They should: Check for Accreditation: All legitimate energy suppliers are included on Ofgem’s approved list of Gas and Electricity Suppliers, which can be found on the Ofgem website.

Avoid Hidden Fees: Always request a detailed breakdown of costs and confirm there are no additional charges buried in fine print. Since October 2024, any commissions included in an energy supply contract for a third-party intermediary’s fees must be clearly displayed on the supplier’s contract paperwork.

Ascertain Contract Length and Auto-Renewals: Be mindful of lengthy contracts or clauses that automatically renew at higher rates, refusing any flexibility. Additionally, consider notice periods for termination or renegotiation to avoid being tied to unfavourable terms.

BEST PRACTICES

Energy scams can be challenging for any business, but they are particularly concerning for care homes, where dependable energy is essential to safeguard the wellbeing of residents.

This is why it’s important to:

Educate Yourself: Take the time to find out who your energy supplier is and who is working on behalf of you.

Thoroughly Check the Contract: Examine energy contracts to identify hidden pricing terms and ensure it is specifically referencing the goods and services you are purchasing, not anything broader or unrelated. Where possible, consult legal or energy experts to confirm transparent, fair terms that meet the care home’s requirements.

Vet Suppliers and Partners: Utilise resources, such as the Energy Consultants Association, Energy Ombudsman Broker Register, Ofgem and Citizens Advice bureau to verify trusted partners.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Energy scams can be subtle, often disguised as unmissable deals or with unreasonable conditions hidden in the fine print.

Businesses don’t receive the same level of protection when switching energy supplier as domestic users do. For example, domestic customers receive a built-in 14-day cooling-off period, but this does not exist for business energy deals. This is why it is so important to make the right decision, the first-time round – utilising support where possible to help find the best solution for the business.

Care homes can avoid costly pitfall by thoroughly vetting suppliers, reviewing contracts and staying up to date on best practices. By following these steps, care homes can ensure they are getting a fair energy deal, allowing them to focus on their mission of delivering quality care to residents.

New Apprenticeship Launched with Mental Health Pathway

A new apprenticeship has been launched for adult care support workers who assist people with mental health challenges, including dementia and neurodiversity.

Leading training provider Realise has revealed its new Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship which features a specialist mental health pathway.

The apprenticeship aligns with The Care Workforce Pathway - developed by Skills for Care and the Department of Health and Social Care –which emphasises the importance of equipping staff who support people with mental ill health with the right knowledge and skills. The programme’s focus on mental health makes it ideal for those working in complex care services or supporting individuals living with dementia or mental health conditions. It also benefits those supporting individuals with a dual diagnosis.

Standard apprenticeship funding rules apply with no age restrictions. However, learners aged 16–22 are eligible for 100% government funding, meaning non-levy employers are not required to pay the usual 5% co-investment. This is available in England only.

While a few other providers offer the Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship in Mental Health Pathway, the Realise progamme was developed in collaboration with leading industry provider Barchester Healthcare, ensuring it is closely aligned with the real-world demands of the role, particularly in complex care.

Angela Kaine, Director of Health & Social Care at Realise, said: “We fully support The Care Workforce Pathway, which emphasises the importance of people being able to receive training in areas in which they

specialise.

“Care workers supporting individuals with dementia or other mental health conditions benefit greatly from targeted training in crisis intervention, mental capacity and de-escalation techniques.

“Offering this apprenticeship can help adult care providers recruit individuals for specialised roles and improve retention - two major challenges within the sector.

“There is a wide variety of opportunities within adult care, and we’re proud to support those looking to develop both their technical skills and their chosen specialism.”

This comprehensive 18-month apprenticeship is designed to provide a rich and supportive learning experience. Learners will benefit from a blend of face-to-face support and interactive webinars, creating the perfect balance between in-person guidance and flexible online learning.

These sessions not only enhance understanding but also offer valuable opportunities to connect, collaborate, and network with peers from across the sector- helping to build confidence, share best practices, and develop lasting professional relationships.

Modules include quality improvement - where learners are challenged to identify small changes to enhance performance - and team leadership, which encourages them to take on more responsibilities.

Realise can tailor programmes to suit the employer’s needs by utilising unit selection through the diploma.

The apprenticeship is available throughout England.

For more information, visit www.realisetraining.com

Kendal Care Home Celebrates International Grandparents Day with Heartfelt

Residents at HC-One’s Summerhill Care Home in Kendal, Cumbria, came together to mark International Grandparents Day with a day full of fond memories, shared stories, and heartwarming conversations about the joys of being a grandparent.

The wellbeing team, led by Wellbeing Coordinator Lynsey Wood and Senior Wellbeing Coordinator Sean Moore, created a relaxed and welcoming environment where residents could chat about their families and reflect on their cherished role as grandparents.

Throughout the day, residents were invited to share their favourite memories and experiences of being grandparents. From the joy of watching their grandchildren take their first steps, to seeing them grow into adults with families of their own, the stories sparked laughter, smiles, and even a few happy tears.

One resident described being a grandparent as “having all the fun of children again, but with the wisdom to enjoy every little moment.” Another added, “It’s lovely to see your children become parents themselves, it makes you proud.”

The celebration encouraged residents to connect over their shared experiences, creating a strong sense

of community within the home. Family photographs and keepsakes were brought out, sparking even more conversation and giving residents the chance to reminisce about family gatherings, holidays, and special milestones.

Sean Moore, Senior Wellbeing Coordinator at HCOne’s Summerhill Care Home, said:

“Our residents love to speak about their families and days like this give them the perfect chance to do so. It’s such a privilege to hear their stories, there’s so much love, wisdom, and pride in the way they talk about their grandchildren.”

Wellbeing Coordinator at HC-One’s Summerhill Care Home, Lynsey Wood added:

“International Grandparents Day is all about celebrating the unique role grandparents play in family life. At Summerhill, we see every day how much joy family connections bring to our residents, so it was wonderful to dedicate a day to honouring those relationships.”

The day was enjoyed by all, leaving residents and colleagues feeling uplifted and inspired by

of family bonds across generations.

Adult Social Care Sector Unprepared for Terminally Ill Adults Bill, Warns Care England

Care England, the largest representative body for independent adult social care providers, has stressed that the adult social care sector urgently requires a clear roadmap for the implementation of the Terminally Ill Adults (TIA) Bill. Care England takes no position on the principle of the Bill itself. However, as the leading voice for adult social care providers, it has a duty to ensure the concerns of the sector are heard. Unless implementation is carefully planned, the Bill could introduce challenges for providers and staff supporting people in care.

Ahead of the Bill’s second reading in the House of Lords on 12 September, Care England surveyed providers across the country to assess preparedness. The findings point to a sector that is largely under consulted, uncertain, and unprepared for the Bill in its current

form.

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, said:

“Our role is not to debate the principle of the Terminally Ill Adults Bill, but to ensure the care sector is ready should the legislation proceed.

In its current form, and without clear guidance from Government, the Bill could present significant challenges for providers and staff working with people in care settings. Engagement with the sector so far has been minimal, as our survey demonstrates.

What is needed now is not rhetoric, but a precise, coherent, and actionable roadmap for delivery.

The sector cannot afford to wait until after the Bill passes to begin these critical discussions.”

KEY SURVEY RESULTS:

• 84% of providers said they had not been consulted on the Bill or its implications.

• 24% of providers said staffing would become very difficult as many staff would conscientiously object, with a further 16% expressing similar concerns.

• Only 14% reported staff being willing to participate in the whole

procedure; 34% reported their staff not being willing to participate at all.

• Only 13% said they could manage assisted dying in their Homes.

• 16% of respondents were unsure whether the purpose of care homes would be undermined, with many requesting more information about implementation before commenting further.

While staff have a right to opt out, respondents raised concerns about division within the workforce and the challenges of rigid shift patterns. This comes on top of existing pressures caused by high vacancy rates and low retention across the sector.

Professor Martin Green OBE concluded: “We urge the Government to take these survey results as a serious reflection of the sector’s concerns. Care England does not take a stance on the Bill itself. Our concern is ensuring that, if Parliament chooses to legislate, the sector is given the clarity, consultation, and support needed to deliver it safely and fairly. Without a detailed plan of implementation that recognises the sector’s existing challenges and complexities, providers remain uncertain of their role and dangerously unprepared for what lies ahead.”

Meallmore Supports Parkinson’s UK With Special Celebration

A Scottish provider of older person and specialist care has made a donation to Parkinson’s UK, while also honouring two residents’ fundrais ing legacy in the local community.

The donation of £5,000 from Meallmore was presented to Parkinson’s UK representatives at a special event at Parklands Care Home in Alloa. Parklands Care Home was chosen to host the event in recognition of residents, Jack and Margaret Gilchrist, who have a close relationship with the charity.

Jack was treasurer at the Stirling and Clackmannanshire branch of Parkinson’s UK for many years, and the couple have regularly raised money for the charity, especially during Parkinson’s Week when they would go to Sterling Mills at weekends and easily raise £500 for the cause.

Jack was proudly nominated to become the treasurer by one of the founder members of Parkinson’s UK.

Residents, colleagues, and family members gathered to celebrate the cheque presentation, along with drinks, nibbles and entertainment.

Cillian Hennessey, CEO of Meallmore, said: “Parkinson’s UK is one of a number of charities that we support. Sadly, around 13,000 people have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s in Scotland, and half of these are people living with more advanced Parkinson’s, dealing with complex symptoms.

“Parkinson’s UK does brilliant work across the country, and I’m thrilled that we can offer them some support. It was moving to see Jack and Margaret’s passion for this charity. When we learned about their history with Parkinson’s UK, we knew Parklands was the perfect place to present this donation.”

We were really pleased to be able to include Jack and Margaret as part of the donation presentation, as it’s a charity very close to their hearts and one they’ve worked with for many years in the local community. It made for an extra special event that residents thoroughly enjoyed, as well as giving something back to this important cause.”

Bruce Port, Community Fundraiser for Parkinsons UK who accepted the cheque at the event said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Meallmore for this generous donation. It was great to be with everyone at Parklands Care Home, especially Jack and Margaret, who have done so much to support our work.

“We’re here to make every day better, for everybody living with Parkinson’s. We campaign for better health and care, fund research into groundbreaking new treatments, and run life-changing support services. But, we couldn’t do any of this without our supporters. This kind donation from Meallmore will help us in our mission to be there for every Parkinson’s journey.”

PROVIDING PRACTICAL AND STYLISH TROLLEYS TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS

Watch your resident's eyes light up when the beautiful tea 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!

Bridging the Digital Divide: Why Empathy Is Key to Empowering Our Seniors

By Sally Wilse, Co-Founder of Seniors Helping Seniors

Digital exclusion is a quiet crisis, a “silent killer” of connection and independence that's leaving millions of older adults behind. It's a problem that, as the cofounder of Seniors Helping Seniors, I see every day. Age UK’s analysis paints a stark picture: 2.4 million people aged 65 and over - a staggering 19% - have limited or no internet access. This isn't just a matter of convenience; it’s a fundamental issue of wellbeing, especially for those in care settings where physical isolation can already be a significant challenge.

The loneliness exacerbated by digital exclusion is particularly acute. For many older adults, the world has shrunk, and without the ability to connect digitally, they're cut off from the lifeline that many of us take for granted. This is a problem with a disproportionate impact, affecting older Black and Asian people at even higher rates, at 32% and 26% respectively. These numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent people - our parents, grandparents, and neighbourswho are missing out on the rich tapestry of modern life. The benefits of digital inclusion are vast and transformative, particularly within a care context. The most profound is enhanced communication. Digital tools, from video calls to simple messaging apps, can serve as a powerful antidote to loneliness. For a senior living in a care home, a video call with a grandchild can be as important as a physical visit, offering a much-needed dose of emotional connection that keeps them feeling seen and loved. These tools don't replace human interaction, but they expand it, making it possible for relationships to thrive across geographical distances and physical limitations.

Beyond communication, technology offers a gateway to lifelong learning and mental stimulation. The internet is a boundless library of knowledge and experience. For an older adult, this might mean taking an online course on a topic they've always been curious about, or taking a virtual tour of a world-famous muse-

um from the comfort of their armchair. It’s about keeping the mind active and engaged, staving off cognitive decline, and nurturing a sense of purpose. This access to new information and skills isn’t just a perk; it's a vital component of holistic well-being.

Technology also provides a source of entertainment and enjoyment. For those with limited mobility, a smart device can unlock a world of entertainment, from streaming their favourite shows and listening to music to playing mentally stimulating games and puzzles. Even virtual reality experiences are now being used in some settings to transport seniors to new and exciting places, offering a level of stimulation and joy that might otherwise be impossible.

In a more practical sense, technology can empower older adults by giving them greater control over their care. For self-funding clients, digital platforms can facilitate seamless communication with care providers, allowing for easy management of appointments and access to health information. This level of transparency and control gives both seniors and their unpaid carers a greater sense of peace of mind. It’s about shifting the dynamic from passive recipient to active participant in their own care journey.

So, how do we bridge this gap? The answer isn't a one-size-fits-all solution; it requires a blend of patience and personalisation. We can’t just hand someone a tablet and expect them to become an expert overnight. We need to sit with them, understand their anxieties and their needs, and provide one-on-one, tailored support. The focus should always be on immediate benefits. Instead of talking about the abstract concept of 'being online,' show them how a simple app can let them see pictures of their new great-grandchild or how they can listen to their favourite music with a simple command.

The peer-to-peer learning model is particularly effective. At Seniors Helping Seniors, we've found that having an older adult teach another can be incredibly empowering. There’s a shared language and an inherent understanding of the challenges involved. When a peer says, “I used to be nervous about this too, but look how easy it is to video call my daughter now,” it resonates in a way that advice from a younger person simply can't.

In essence, the solution to digital exclusion is not just about technology; it’s about empathy. It's about seeing the person behind the statistic and understanding that everyone deserves the opportunity to stay connected, engaged, and independent. By focusing on patient, personalised, and peer-led support, we can ensure that our seniors don’t just get online—they thrive there.

Skills for Care Highlights How Digital Technology is Empowering Care

Throughout September Skills for Care is highlighting the benefits of digital technology in care with our ‘Digital technology: empowering care’ spotlight.

The campaign will look at how digital technology is being used in social care, and how this benefits care organisations, care workers and people who draw on support.

Digital technology in adult social care can significantly improve how people are supported by enhancing the quality, efficiency, and personalisation of care. Technology can be used to automate administrative tasks, allowing care workers to focus on more personalised and meaningful interactions with the people they support. Technology also offers opportunities to help people drawing on care and support to maintain independence.

For social care employers and the workforce, digital technology can streamline services and offers opportunities for staff learning and development. This means a more stable, skilled and motivated workforce and more efficient ways of working.

From digital care records to the use of robotics, to helping people who draw on care with tasks such as

online banking – digital technology can mean many things in care. By improving digital skills and confidence for care workers we can take full advantage of the innovative ways in which technology can and is being used in social care.

Running across the Skills for Care website, social media and other communications channels, the spotlight will showcase real life examples from care organisations and people supported about how technology benefits them, as well as sharing resources to support with using more technology in your organisation.

Michelle Corrigan, Programme Director, Digital Care Hub, speaking in support of the Skills for Care, campaign says: “I’m proud to support the Skills for Care digital campaign this September. As the health and social care sector continues to evolve, embracing digitisation and strengthening our approach to cyber security is more important than ever. A digital-first mindset enables us to deliver safer, more effective, and truly joined-up care for the people we support. By investing in digital skills and protecting the systems we rely on, we’re not just improving services—we’re building a more resilient and responsive future for the entire sector.”

Residents At Ilkley Home Can Go On Tour Of The UK From

The Comfort Of A Seat Thanks To New Train Experience

Residents at an Ilkley home can visit places such as Scotland and the North York Moors without leaving their home thanks to a new train experience.

MHA Glen Rosa have installed the Jolly Journey Train Experience, a new initiative by Little Islands, who specialise in creating unique interactive environments.

The train experience showcases journeys across the UK from the viewpoint of a passenger looking out of the window.

The team from Little Islands installed and decorated a part of the home’s dementia unit and converted it into a train carriage with props such as suitcases, train times and journey information displays.

MHA Glen Rosa provides residential and residential dementia care for 47 residents.

Adam Carling, home manager said: “The Jolly Journey Train experience is a new initiative and one that is proving to be very popular here.

“We have received some great feedback since the experience has been installed. “Our residents love it, you will often see a number of them sat in the carriage and watching a journey.

“The idea came to me from my area who forwarded it to me, and I decided to look into it.

“I then contacted the team at Little Islands and the whole process took a couple of months from start to finish.

“We are quite privileged here at MHA Glen Rosa, where thanks to the generosity of the local community we are able to provide services such as this for our residents.

“We received a very generous donation via our Legacy Fund which enabled us to go for this experience.

“The location of the experience is really good as it’s in a high footfall area, where both residents and their relatives can sit and enjoy it.

“Alongside the Train Experience, we have also prepared a sensory garden thanks to funds we received.

“I do think this is something other MHA homes can look into having, it’s something quite unique and I

Learning Disability and Autistic People Report is a Clear Signal That More Work Still Needed

People with learning disabilities and autism in England are dying almost 20 years younger than the rest of the population, a long-awaited report has revealed.

The 2023 Learning from Lives and Deaths – People with a Learning Disability and Autistic People (LeDeR) report , which examines the circumstances surrounding the deaths of people who have a learning disability (and/or autism) in England, analysed the deaths of 3,556 people, notified between January and December 2023, and established a number of findings.

Amidst the concerning picture of premature or avoidable deaths, delayed treatments, lack of reasonable adjustments, gaps in care and where diagnosis and treatment guidelines were not met, there are, the report says, some improvements to acknowledge.

The average age of death has increased slightly on previous years and the numbers of individuals who experienced care that was noted to be good has risen. The percentage of “avoidable deaths”, where death occurs in someone under the age of 75 to a condition deemed preventable, treatable, or both, has fallen from 46 per cent in 2021 to 39 per cent in 2023.

Professor Andre Strydom, the report’s Chief Investigator and a Professor in Intellectual Disabilities said, “Our analysis of this year’s data has once again established that the number of avoidable deaths in people with a learning disability has fallen. While this improvement is undeniably heartening, we cannot overlook the context, as the rate is almost double that of avoidable deaths in the general population (21 per cent).”

The analysis also found that 37 per cent of cases reported some form of delay in care or treatment, while 28 percent reported instances where diagnosis and treatment guidelines were not met.

Rebecca Gray, mental health director at the NHS Confederation, said: “This report lays clear that despite improvements in the rates of preventive deaths for people with learning disabilities, significant inequalities still remain – particularly for those from ethnic minority groups.

“It will take sustained effort from across the health sector to ensure these gaps are closed further and faster, through early monitoring and preventive interventions. Physical health checks for people with learning disabilities are an important part of this, and we must ensure that all people with learning disabilities are offered and able to access annual health checks.

“While the new data on preventable deaths of autistic people needs to be interpreted with caution due to low numbers, it reflects the high levels of co-existing mental health issues for people with autism. Members are increasingly recognising the need to adapt services for autistic people to better meet their needs.”

Kathryn Marsden OBE, Chief Executive of SCIE, said: “This report is a stark reminder of the profound inequalities in health and social care outcomes facing people with a learning disability and autistic people. It is indefensible that people with a learning disability still die, on average, almost 20 years earlier than the general population and are three times more likely to die from a condition which could have been treated. These are not just numbers; they are lives cut short.

“SCIE has analysed the CQC’s reports of local authority performance and found that the Mental Capacity Act isn’t being applied consistently. This leaves people without the protections they are entitled to. The LeDeR report confirms these concerns. The lesson is clear: we must stop treating these failings as inevitable and start treating them as urgent priorities.

What’s needed now is action.

“We need government, commissioners, providers and frontline professionals to pull together to eradicate these inequalities and close the gap in life expectancy. That means delivering on the basics: ensuring social care packages genuinely meet people’s needs, the Mental Capacity Act is upheld in every case, and highquality care is accessible to everyone who needs it, when they need it.”

Public Reporting A Better Hospital Experience Than Last Year, But Satisfaction Still Lower Than Five Years Ago

The results of the latest annual survey of hospital inpatients published today (9 September) by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) reveal that patient satisfaction levels have improved slightly in the past year with a greater number of respondents rating their overall experience as nine or ten out of ten.

However, the results still indicate that many aspects of inpatient care are worse than pre pandemic and show that waiting times and access to treatment are a continued frustration.

The 2024 adult inpatient survey captures the views and experience of more than 62,000 people who stayed in one of 131 acute and specialist NHS trusts in England for at least one night during November* last year. It has been carried out annually since 2002.

The survey asked people to give their opinions on the care they received, including quality of information and communication with staff, whether they were given enough privacy, the amount of support given to help them eat and drink, and on their discharge arrangements.

The majority of respondents were positive about their interactions with doctors and nurses – as has been the case in previous years. A high proportion of people surveyed (80.1%) said they ‘always’ had confidence and trust in the doctors treating them (80.2% in 2023) and more than four fifths (82%) felt they were ‘always’ treated with dignity and respect (unchanged from 2023).

Most respondents felt that they were able to talk to hospital staff about their worries and fears to some extent (60.4% ‘always’, and 30% ‘sometimes’) and over a third (36.8%) of respondents said that staff involved them ‘a great deal’ in decisions about their care and treatment – up from 34.7% who said this in 2023.

The proportion who felt that there were ‘always’ enough nurses on duty has also increased – from 55.7% in 2023 to 57.9% in 2024. And most people surveyed in 2024 said that they were able to get a member of staff to help them when they needed attention – either ‘always’ (64.5%) or ‘sometimes’ (33.1%). This compares to 63.1% who said they could ‘always’ get help and 34.2% who said they could ‘sometimes’ get help in the 2023 survey.

However, despite indications of improvement since 2023, the 2024 survey results show several areas where people’s inpatient experience fell short of expectations, and the long-term trend reveals that satisfaction levels have fallen over time for many questions where a year-on-year comparison is available.

In 2024, two in five respondents who were in hospital for elective care said they would have liked to have been admitted either ‘a lot sooner’ (19.9%) or a ‘bit sooner’ (22.2%). And around four in 10 (43%) said their health deteriorated while waiting to be admitted, with 25.5% saying it got ‘a bit worse’ and 17.7% who said their health got ‘much worse’ (no comparable data available).

The proportion of people who felt that they waited ‘a bit too long’ (15.4%) or ‘far too long’ (17.8%) to get a bed after arriving at hospital has changed little since 2023 (15.1% and 17.8%, respectively). However, results for this question over time show a downward trend since 2020 when 12.2% said they waited ‘a bit too long’ and only 7.9% ‘far too long’.

A quarter (25.5%) of all patients surveyed (elective and emergency) who had to wait to be admitted onto a ward did so for 6 hours or more, with 17.5% of patients waiting for 12 hours or more, and 9.8% waiting for more than 24 hours (no comparable data available).

Of those who said they had to wait for a bed on a ward, 45.6% waited in a treatment bay, 30.8% in a waiting room, and 18% in a corridor or hallway. And for respondents that said they had to change wards during the

night, only a fifth (20%) were given a clear and understandable explanation for the reason.

More than three quarters (77.8%) of people surveyed did say they received the right amount of information about their condition or treatment while in hospital (compared to 77.5% in 2023). However, responses to questions about information and support provided at discharge were less positive.

One in 5 (19.9%) respondents said that hospital staff did not discuss whether they would need any additional equipment or changes to their home after leaving the hospital but would have liked them to. Furthermore, less than a half (47.5%) of respondents felt they ‘definitely’ got enough support from health or social care services to help them manage their condition after leaving hospital, and 23.1% said they did not receive enough support.

Responses to the 2024 survey show that people with a disability and those who were considered frail reported poorer than average experiences for all questions analysed. Worse than average experiences were also described by respondents who had been admitted as an emergency, those who had dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or another long-term condition for most questions analysed.

As well as a report of the national findings, CQC has published the results for each of the 131 individual trusts that took part, and a report identifying those trusts that have scored better or worse across the survey overall, so that people can see how their local services performed.

Dr Toli Onon, CQC’s Chief Inspector of Hospitals, said: “Despite the pressures facing the NHS, most people surveyed continue to report positively about their interactions with hospital staff. That feedback is a testament to the efforts of frontline healthcare professionals working tirelessly to provide high quality care to those that need it.

“Results relating to the availability of staff and people receiving help when they needed it, show encouraging improvements since 2023 and that is great to see.

“However, the lack of progress in areas such as discharge arrangements and in people feeling they received enough information – particularly when leaving hospital – is disappointing. There are also some worrying reports of lengthy waits and the proportion of people whose health deteriorated while waiting for elective care is a real concern.

“Equally, waits to be transferred to a ward when in hospital are an issue. Patients should receive safe and effective care in an environment that allows for their privacy and dignity to be protected. ‘Corridor care’ must not become normalised – however, these survey results demonstrate that in some cases the short-term use of temporary escalation spaces to relieve pressure on the ambulance sector is a regrettable reality. Hospitals must have in place the processes and culture to ensure that patients receive the care and attention they need in every environment.

“We know that trusts are working incredibly hard to see people as quickly as possible and to manage the flow of patients from admission through to discharge, in order to maximise capacity for care provision. The latest NHS Performance figures indicate an improvement against the 18-week target – but overall, waiting lists remain stubbornly high.

“As pressures continue to mount heading into winter, ensuring safety, effectiveness of care and the best possible experience throughout the entirety of the patient journey must be a priority for all parts of the health and care system.”

• We specialise in the sale and purchase of quality used wheelchair accessible vehicles and ambulances.

• They can be bought as seen or refurbished and sign-written to your own requirements.

• Fully serviced, new mot & warranty

• Engineers inspection supplied if required.

• Free delivery

•

Help Needed For Research About Dementia Training For The Social Care Workforce

Leeds Beckett University’s Centre for Dementia Research are seeking help from staff within the social care workforce who provide care for people living with dementia to engage with their latest research about dementia training for the social care workforce.

We are asking social care staff to help us by completing a survey about their experience.

The project has been commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Society to explore the current landscape of dementia education and training among the adult social care workforce in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is asking care home and home care staff to complete a survey about their experience of dementia specific training.

The findings will be used to inform Alzheimer’s Society’s future policy and campaigning work in their mission to ensure the adult social care workforce is fully equipped to provide high-quality, person-centred care for people living with dementia.

Participation is in the form of an anonymous online survey and should take around 20 minutes to complete.

The survey will be open until Thursday 18 September.

Professor Smith said: “This is an important piece of research that will help us, for the first time, to understand the reach of dementia specific training for social care staff across the three nations. Knowing whether staff have received training to enable them to deliver appropriate personcentred care for people with dementia is critical in making the case for improvements in the future.

“The social care workforce is an invaluable resource for supporting people living with dementia – knowing what support they have, and need, to deliver good person centred care, as well as the barriers and support they need to access training, is the only way to make sure that this workforce is equipped to deliver the standard of care that is needed.

We need as many staff as possible to complete this survey so that we can understand the landscape of dementia training and make the case for best supporting this workforce in the future”

The Gold Standards Framework - A Special 50% Off Offer

The Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Charity equips your team with the skills, confidence, and compassion to deliver person-centred care that truly makes a difference.

For a limited time, the GSF Care Homes Training & Accreditation Programme is available at 50% off – now only £1,095 + VAT. This affordable, high-impact training is designed for your whole organisation (offer expires October 2025). GSF Accreditation is CQC-recognised, endorsed by leading care organisations, and more than 97% of accredited teams report better experiences for people and their families.

For more information, visit: www.goldstandardsframework.org.uk / 020 7789 3740 Future-proof your care. Empower your workforce. See the advert below for more information.

The research is being conducted by Centre for Dementia Research academics Professor Sarah Smith and Professor Claire Surr, in partnership with IFF Research.

Summer Fun In The UK's Care Homes

Summer Celebrations Bring Joy and Community Spirit to UK Care Homes

The UK's care home sector embraced the summer months with remarkable enthusiasm, hosting a vibrant array of celebrations that brought residents, families, and local communities together in joyous gatherings.

These events have showcased the warmth and vitality at the heart of residential care. Recent festivities have featured everything from tombola stalls and face painting to bouncy castles, live music, barbecues, and pony rides, creating memorable experiences that span generations.

These summer celebrations have not only provided entertainment and engagement for residents but have also strengthened the vital connections between care homes and their surrounding communities, demonstrating the sector's commitment to creating inclusive, joyful environments where residents can thrive and maintain meaningful relationships with the wider world.

We at The Carer would like to share some of these uplifting events across the next weeks and would like to thank all of those who sent in stories across the Summer months.

Community Spirit Shines for Braintree Care Home Residents at Teddy Bears’ Picnic

Residents, staff and volunteers from RMBI Care Co. Home Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court, in Braintree, recently enjoyed a delightful day at the Teddy Bears Picnic held at Earls Colne Recreational Centre, in Colchester. The event, brimming with stalls, games and a welcoming community spirit, was the perfect setting for residents Doreen and Bill to soak up the summer atmosphere. Doreen, a lifelong teddy bear enthusiast, was especially thrilled to be surrounded by cuddly bears of all shapes and sizes. It is a passion that she also shares at the Home with her much-loved, oversized teddy that sits proudly on her bed.

Bill, well-known at Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court for his friendly nature, made plenty of new acquaintances during the outing. One particularly special moment came when he met a fellow Irish visitor. The pair quickly struck up a conversation in Gaelic, a language the lady said she

thought she had forgotten. She was delighted to reconnect with her roots, and Bill said the experience had truly made his day.

The group was joined by dedicated volunteers Alison and Annette, who both agreed the outing was a joyful occasion. The afternoon concluded with a treat of homemade ice cream from a local vendor, the perfect sweet ending to a day filled with smiles, conversation and intergenerational connections.

Activities Coordinator Sophie George says: “It was such a special day for everyone. Seeing Doreen and Bill enjoying themselves and making new connections in the community was truly heart-warming. There were lots of children around too, who both Doreen and Bill really enjoyed interacting with. And we’re so grateful to our volunteers for helping to make these experiences possible!”

Kenton Care Home Hosts Fun-Filled Summer

Fayre for Residents, Families and the Community

Residents, families, and members of the local community came together at HC-One’s Kirkwood Court Care Home, Kenton, Newcastle upon Tyne, for a joyful summer fayre, filled with fun, laughter, and community spirit.

The event, held in the home’s gardens, was designed to bring everyone together to enjoy the summer sunshine and celebrate with a variety of entertainment and activities. The fayre was warmly welcomed by the local community, thanks in part to a colourful banner displayed outside the home inviting everyone to join in the celebrations.

Guests enjoyed a variety of activities including a bouncy castle,

face painting, and a wide range of stalls such as a tombola, bottled bag tombola, raffle, and a bake sale offering delicious cakes and scones. A sizzling barbecue added to the summer atmosphere, with plenty of food for residents, families, and community visitors to enjoy.

The fayre was praised by those who attended, and Lauren Proctor, Wellbeing Coordinator at HC-One’s Kirkwood Court Care Home, shared:

“It was lovely to see the community come together to support our summer fayre. The atmosphere was fantastic, and it means so much to our residents to have this support.”

Park View Care Home Hosts Summer Fete, Raising £276 for Residents’ Activity Fund

Park View Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes Group, recently brought the community together for a lovely Summer Fete. The event, filled with fun activities, games, and delicious refreshments, raised an impressive £276 to support the residents’ activity fund, helping to promote social inclusion and enhance quality of life for those living at Park View.

The fete featured a variety of stalls, raffles, and donated treats, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere for residents, staff, families, and volunteers. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to connect, share laughter, and enjoy a sunny afternoon in great company.

Lifestyle Coordinator at Park View, Bridie commented:

"It was a great day, a real celebration of community spirit. We were so pleased to see so many familiar and new faces supporting our cause. The generosity and spirit of everyone involved were truly heart-warming."

The Home Manager added:

"This event really showed the strength of our Park View community. We are incredibly

proud of the team and grateful for the amazing support we received."

Residents at Park View Care Home also shared their joy:

Grace said “it was lovely to see so many people and described the atmosphere as brilliant”, adding that she loved and thoroughly enjoyed the event. Barbara shared that “the cakes and coffee were amazing” and highlighted that it was all for such a great cause. Janet commented that “it was a lovely afternoon filled with fun, giggles, and plenty of refreshments”.

The idea for the Summer Fete came from a shared desire among staff, residents, and families to host an event that celebrated summer, encouraged social connection, and raised funds for meaningful resident activities.

The day was full of highlights, including raffle prizes, lucky stall winners, and generous contributions from local supporters such as Melissa at Tesco and Forest Coffee House.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and supported the event.

Mappleborough Green Care Home’s Summer Carnival Brings Sunshine, Smiles and Community Spirit

of

HC-One’s Haywood Lodge Care Home, in Mappleborough Green, Studley, Warwickshire, hosted a spectacular Summer Carnival on Saturday, August 9, 2025, that delivered an unforgettable afternoon filled with sunshine, laughter, and fun for residents, families, and the local community.

The event kicked off with an impressive performance from Magic Russ, whose incredible tricks and illusions left both young and old astounded. Children bounced their energy away on the colourful bouncy castle, while everyone indulged in delicious candy floss treats.

Guests also enjoyed exciting tombola and raf-

donkeys, who quickly became the stars of the

Brummie, whose

tunes brought

joy and had everyone tapping their feet.

Worcester Guide Dogs Trust and Studley First Responders joined with engaging stalls to raise awareness and funds for their worthy causes. The guide dogs received plenty of love and attention from attendees, which created a heartwarming atmosphere.

Residents relished the chance to soak up the sunshine and spend quality time with their families. Sarah and Luke from Studley First Responders shared their delight at meeting the donkeys and guide dogs, thanking everyone for their generous support.

John Moore, HC-One’s Haywood Lodge resident, commented: “It was an excellent, joyful event with great weather. I especially enjoyed the music and dancing – it was an extremely good social occasion.”

Community Spirit Shines at Crossby Care Home Festival

Thornton Hall and Lodge Care Home in Crosby, Liverpool, was alive with music, laughter, and local pride last Friday as Thornton Fest returned for its second year – and what a day it was!

The festival kicked off with a show-stopping performance from the Young at Heart Choir, whose lively set of classic tunes got the crowd going before they ended on a stirring rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone. The atmosphere was electric, and the emotional finale had everyone singing along, leaving many with misty eyes and full hearts.

The afternoon continued with a lively performance by Bill from Happy Days Entertainment, a talented local singer who had everyone up and dancing to his infectious tunes.

Stalls from Mencap and local artisans filled the space with handmade gifts, t-shirts, and delicious treats. Guests tucked into classic fairground snacks like hot dogs and candy floss, while being entertained by balloon artists, fairground games, and much more. There was no shortage of family-friendly fun, with activities that appealed to everyone.

Jimmy, a resident at Thornton Hall and Lodge, summed it up perfectly: “It went too quickly, but that just means time flies when you’re having fun! Singing You’ll Never Walk Alone to everyone was definitely my favourite part.”

Michelle Duvall, Home Manager, shared: “It’s been a fantastic day, and I’m incredibly proud of our activities team who’ve worked so hard to bring this to life for the second year running. We have been blown away by the support from our local community. We’ve had hundreds of people visit today.”

The event brought together visitors of all ages – from care home residents and their families to colleagues and neighbours – creating a truly intergenerational celebration of joy and

Thornton Fest once again proved that community, music, and shared experiences make for the best kind of celebration. We can’t wait to see what next year has in store!

Whitegates Care Centre Hosts Summer Fair in Laleham, Bringing Joy to Residents and Community

Whitegates Care Centre in Laleham, part of CHD Living’s award-winning group of care services, recently welcomed residents, relatives, and the local community for a vibrant summer fair filled with live music, food and fundraising.

The event was planned by Whitegates’ dedicated wellbeing coordinators following a resident-led meeting where the idea of a traditional summer fair was first suggested. With input from residents and support from the wider CHD Living team, the team created a lively day of entertainment that brought together people of all ages for a memorable celebration.

Guests enjoyed performances from professional musicians, including Matthew, who performed singalong favourites and upbeat rock and roll classics, and Pauline, whose wide repertoire ranged from 1930s hits to modern chart-toppers. The atmosphere was relaxed and joyful, with residents and guests clapping along, sharing stories and soaking up the sunshine.

A BBQ was laid on by the in-house chef, offering a full summer menu with both meat and vegetarian options, complemented by a selection of refreshments including non-alcoholic Pimms, rum punch, and wine donated by a local shop.

The event also featured garden games and stalls, including a handmade craft table hosted by a

All

the

Whitegates team member who donated her own crochet and jewellery creations for sale. A hook-a-duck game proved especially popular with visiting children, while a raffle - with prizes donated by local businesses - raised additional funds for the home. Residents like Frank Day (95) even pitched in with the preparations, helping fold raffle tickets on the day.

In total, the event raised £400 for Whitegates’ ongoing fundraising efforts, and feedback from residents and their families has been overwhelmingly positive.

Pam Hewitt (91) said, “The whole day was a lot of fun,” while Andy Duncan (84) and his wife added, “It really was a wonderful day.” Fellow resident Paul Barallet (82) commented, “The atmosphere with the music was lovely,” and Tony Moonan (58) shared, “The staff worked really hard to put on a great event.”

Sally-Anne Cowdrey, Wellbeing Coordinator at Whitegates, said:

“We’re so proud of the day we created. Our residents asked for a summer fair and it was important to us that they felt fully part of the process. Everyone pulled together - staff, families, local businesses - and the result was a truly joyful afternoon. Events like this remind us of the power of community and the importance of creating meaningful moments.”

Fun of the Carnival at Frank Foster House Care Home

Frank Foster House Care Home, part of Runwood Homes Group, came alive as the community gathered for their very own Carnival-themed Summer Fete. The home was transformed into a colourful celebration full of games and activities.

Residents joined in the fun, with Joan commenting, “Lovely parties, they surprised us!” The event included a wide variety of activities for all ages and a well-supported raffle,

The entire Frank Foster House team, from care staff to housekeeping and admin, contributed to creating a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

The event provided a great opportunity for residents, families, and the wider community to come together and Frank Foster House looks forward to hosting more celebrations in the future.

Monmouth Nursing Home Celebrates Summer Festival

Gibraltar Nursing Home recently hosted their annual Summer Festival, a day that brought together residents (known as family members), relatives, team members, and the wider community in a celebration of fun and community.

Weeks in the making, the festival came to life through the shared efforts and spirit of the Monmouth community. Local shop owners kindly set up stalls featuring handmade jewellery, crocheted pieces, and other crafts, while family members joined in by creating colourful windsocks and painting sculptures to brighten the day. Any contributions raised will help support future activities and celebrations for family members.

The festival held in the grounds of the home was transformed with bunting, gazebos and hay bales (generously provided by a family member’s husband) to create an animal petting area –where children and adults alike met a meerkat, skunk, owl, guinea pigs, and a tortoise, courtesy of Animals Interactive.

The day was full of wonderful highlights, beginning with singer Christine in the Pillars Restaurant. Dressed in 1940’s style, Christine entertained beautifully, joined as always by her husband. We first met her when she helped with our Holy Communion and learned about her entertaining skills! She will return on September 26th for our Macmillan Cake Bake Day, when we’ll host a barbeque and cake sale alongside her performance.

Christine was followed by Sam, granddaughter of a family member who sadly passed away recently. Sam sang for us as a heartfelt thank you for the care given to her Grandmother, and kept the music flowing perfectly.

Later, Tracey Evan’s (Team Member) enthusiasm shone through as she hosted the raffle draw, having gathered fantastic prizes from local shops and businesses, including hampers, vouchers, and dining experiences. Right after the raffle, everyone enjoyed the fun of the ‘Name the Bear’ competition, which brought plenty of smiles and laughter.

Meanwhile, there was a BBQ, ice cream stall and cake table, alongside an activity corner, offering pebble painting, lucky dips, and temporary tattoos. Home Administrator Bridget took on the role of face painter, creating butterfly, tiger and rainbow looks to name a few, whilst Care Assistant Batul created henna tattoos with ink brought from India!

Helping make the festival such a success was our ‘Creating Occupation in Gibraltar to Support Social Skills’ team. They bring people together each week through activities that spark creativity, give a sense of purpose and encourage social interactionmuch like the hobbies and get-togethers you’d enjoy at home with family and friends.

For Gibraltar Nursing Home, the annual festival was about much more than entertainment, it was an opportunity to strengthen the connections between family members, their relatives, the team, and the wider Monmouth community. Bridget shared ‘our summer festival is an inclusive day where all ages are welcome and we can have fun and laugh together, the idea behind the event was to create a festival rather than a traditional fete, the word ‘festival’ capturing the happiness and energy that we wanted to share. Thank you to all who contributed to the day’

Edna, who also lives at Thornton Hall and Lodge, shared her thoughts on the day: “I love festivals and this is the real deal.”

connection.

Care England Report Highlights Transformative Impact of Physical Activity in Care Homes

A new report published by Care England shines a spotlight on how regular, inclusive physical activity is improving the health, confidence, and wellbeing of older adults in care homes, and could deliver savings of up to £96 million to the NHS.

The findings are based on a near year-long partnership between Be Great Fitness and Tanglewood Care Homes, where weekly seated exercise sessions have been delivered to residents since August 2024. These sessions, tailored for accessibility, have led to increased mobility, emotional resilience, reduced isolation, and stronger relationships between residents and staff.

The report shares powerful resident stories, including individuals recovering from strokes, coping with visual impairments, or living with dementia, all of whom experienced noticeable benefits from the consistent, low-impact group sessions, which makes the following recommendations:

• Recognise Physical Activity as Essential, Not Optional, in Adult Social Care

• Support Workforce Development Through Physical Activity Training

• Empower GPs and social prescribers to refer care home residents to in-house exercise programmes and commission delivery partners as part of the local health strategy

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, said:

“This report shows that movement in care is about far more than fitness. It restores purpose, dignity, and joy. We’ve seen residents reconnect with themselves and others through these sessions, and that is the true meaning of person-centred care, which also delivers

a significant financial benefit to the NHS”.

Delivered by Bailey Greetham-Clark, of Be Great Fitness, the programme uses music, colourful equipment, and engaging, seated routines to stimulate physical and cognitive health. Importantly, the sessions are collaborative, with care staff participating alongside residents, helping to create a vibrant, social environment.

Bailey Greetham-Clark, Founder of Be Great Fitness, said:

“Our goal has always been to meet people where they are. We’re not trying to push perfection, we celebrate every bit of progress, every smile, every moment of connection. These sessions prove that even small movements can have a big impact on someone’s confidence and wellbeing.”

Daniel Rowark, Chief Executive at Tanglewood Care Homes, added:

“What we’ve seen across our homes is incredible. Residents are not only more active, but more sociable, more engaged, and more positive. These sessions have brought our teams and residents closer together, and we’re proud to see the difference this collaboration has made.”

The report also highlights how physical activity has supported cognitive stimulation, particularly through the use of colour-coded equipment, and created informal opportunities for early identification of health changes. Additionally, the presence of trusted instructors, familiar routines, and shared humour has helped residents feel safe, included, and motivated to participate week after week.

By embedding physical activity into everyday life, the Be Great Fitness and Tanglewood partnership demonstrates how care homes can improve both quality of life and care culture, not through radical change, but through consistent, compassionate movement.

To read the full report, please visit https://www.careengland.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/BGF-7.pdf

Care Home Given A £7m Luxury Lifeline After Being Just 48 Hours From Closure

A £7 million transformation that’s creating 60 new jobs has just been completed at a care home that came within 48 hours of closure.

The Caron Group, which also operates 16 other care homes across South Wales, came to the rescue with a dramatic last-minute intervention when the former Ely Court Care Home in St Fagan’s, near Cardiff, was on the verge of closure.

Before they stepped in the home’s future had been under threat because of fears over the safety of the 32 vulnerable residents under the old regime.

Industry champions Care Forum Wales say Caron Group’s actions at the 50-bed home “saved lives” because some of the residents would have been unable to cope with moving to a new home which would have had a “devastating outcome”.

The home has now been rebranded as The Court Care Home with the huge investment said to be adding a “new level of luxury”.

In the process 40 existing jobs have been saved, 35 new ones have been created and a further 25 staff will be taken on when the recently modernised rooms are opened.

Work at the historic listed building, once owned by the aristocratic Llewellyn family, has also included a new landscaped garden which was completed this summer.

The garden has just been officially opened by former First Minister Mark Drakeford, the home’s local Senedd member, who praised the investment by the Caron Group.

Prof Drakeford said: “I was very pleased to visit The Court again and to see the wonderful work which has been carried out there.

“The investment made by the Caron Group has not only restored a landmark building to its former glory, it has provided a high standard of care to residents.

“The direct involvement of public services show how, through a genuine sense of partnership, so much can be achieved.”

The company was also commended by Mario Kreft MBE, chair Care Forum Wales, who said: “Without a shadow of doubt, lives were saved back in 2017 when the Caron Group rescued the home and prevent the need for residents to be moved.

“And the transformation of the site over the last eight years is nothing short of remarkable.”

Caron Group chair Sanjiv Joshi described the eight-year project as a “labour of love” and said he firmly believes the company’s decision to ride to the rescue of the home had saved lives.

He said: “This home was literally 48 hours away from being shut down because of quality issues. It was literally at the cliff edge of closure.

“There were 32 residents about to be moved out on the Monday

morning.

“We stepped in on the Friday before that and committed to the home by the Monday, which stopped the closure of the home.

“There was going to be an order from the magistrates court to shut it down, social services were already talking to the families and would be turning up and moving all the residents out because the home was considered so unsafe.

“We stepped in on that Monday and we saved the lives of some of the residents because residents when they are moved, whatever the condition they are in, don’t travel well.

“We took over the home several months later but we actually put management in even before we took the home over to guide the existing staff so we didn’t have any high risk incidents.

“We have taken it from there to now a home which is of excellent quality, serving the community at the luxury end.”

“We have got some incredible staff and our incredible manager Becci Roberts has been there from day one, she is the star of this.

“She has led the staff and made sure the quality of care is excellent but also in a sense worked on a building site because we did all this work while the home was running.”

Becci Roberts joined the Caron Group, fortuitously, about the time of the threatened closure and has led the care team through the transformation of the home.

Becci said: “We know that when people move, that often triggers a decline in their health, particularly if they have a cognitive decline.

“Some of the residents were the most vulnerable nursing residents.

“Some were very frail and causing us a lot of concern.

“I am very proud of how our team cared for them and improved their lives.”

“Joined Up” Social Care Recycling Collaboration

Social care collaboration and use of an “outside the box” approach to recycling of community equipment means daily life is now safe for teenager Rhianna Maness.

The 17 year-old has complex disabilities, including seizures and being non-verbal. Her parents Melissa and Darren themselves have health issues.

Getting Rhianna up and down stairs was becoming a risk, but the conventional solutionsa stairlift or through-floor lift- were not viable.

Rhianna’s Occupational Therapist at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust found out about AAT’s Sella stairclimber, and reached out for assessment support. It worked!

A Sella was available at Medequip’s stores for Kirklees’ Council, as were some of the accessories needed to ensure Rhianna was sat secure and properly supported as she needed. As a result, using the re-issue capability of the stairclimber, Rhianna’s carers can now transfer her up and down the stairs without risk to her or themselves. Should Rhianna have a seizure en route, the stairclimbing process can be safely paused for as long as required.

“It’s been a real life saver,” says Melissa. “Rhianna’s face shows that she enjoys it, and it’s

made the world of difference to us all.

“It was a bit scarey to start with at the top of the stairs, but AAT trained us fully in how to use the stairclimber safely. If Rhianna has a seizure, we just stop until it’s passed and we can resume.”

Adds Gareth Brown of AAT, “Rhianna requires significant support to sit. We had most of the accessories she needed in stores @ Kirklees, so there was only need to purchase a couple of small additions. Her access to all levels of the family home has been made safe, including assessment, equipment and training, for around £1000- a fraction of the cost of other solutions, had they been viable.”

AAT’s re-issue facility for stairclimbers is unique within the sector. It means that- where appropriate- necessary, reasonable and practical changes can be made to make stairs safe for someone with reduced mobility, for <£1000/ £650 pa(1). There are no structural alterations nor permanent restriction of the stairs for other members of the household.

Full details can be found

How Music Therapy Is Transforming Dementia Care At Belong Warrington

When 86-year-old Val Fryer, who lives with vascular dementia, first visited Belong Warrington, she had never played an instrument and had little interest in music. Two years later, she is playing the piano weekly, supporting fellow residents to join in and describing music therapy as the highlight of her week – thanks to the home’s collaboration with Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity.

Val’s daughter, Jane explained, “It's just been a beautiful thing to see, because while she's never been musical before, in terms of playing an instrument, when we leave here after the music therapy sessions, it's a lovely journey home. She's just so happy. We just chat about the music that mum's played and how she feels, and she can't believe how lucky she is.”

For Jane, the benefits extend beyond her mother’s wellbeing. “It’s changed the atmosphere at home too. Dementia is difficult, but now we have something positive to share. The joy she brings back from sessions flows through the family.”

Pam, a trained Nordoff and Robbins music therapist who has worked with Val for two years, highlighted the clinical and social impact, “Music therapy has been vital for her emotional well-being and mental health. She says it ‘lifts her up’. Dementia can lead to a huge loss of self-confidence, but experiencing yourself making a social contribution to a group is vital for self-esteem and in Val’s case, she supports those sitting next to her to play and contribute too.”

Jane recalled one particularly moving example: “There was a lady who isn’t very verbal, and Mum helped her to join in on percussion at just the right point. Afterward they smiled at each other and they touched hands in a kind of support gesture. And mum feels that lady is wanting to speak more now. I got a lump in my throat when Mum told me because she’s always been quite shy.”

For staff at Belong Warrington, the sessions have become an integral part of the home’s culture of care.

Louise Kelly, experience coordinator, said: “Music therapy sessions have been well-received, particularly by our customers who are less able to access social connection or are non-verbal and find it hard to express themselves. We find that music and the arts help to unlock memories, reduce isolation and helps people regain a sense of identity. We’ve had some wonderful outcomes, and this is why it is so special.”

Val herself explains: “If I'm not feeling so well, it just lifts me up altogether. I go out of here dreaming about it, I feel so lucky.”

As homes across the country continue to look for meaningful ways to improve quality of life for residents with dementia, Belong Warrington’s partnership with Nordoff and Robbins shows how music can be a powerful therapeutic tool with demonstrable impact.

For more information about Nordoff and Robbins’ work in creative health and social care, visit www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk.

Brunelcare Wins Key Contract To Provide Support To Older People In The Community

Brunelcare, a Bristol-based charity supporting older people in the Southwest, has been successfully awarded the contract for “Help When You Need It: Older People in the Community”.

The contract forms part of Bristol City Council’s Adult Social Care provision and enables Brunelcare to support people over the age of 55 within the community.

Help When You Need It (HWYNI) is a free and confidential service designed to support adults aged 55 and over, both within the Brunelcare network and across the wider community.

The project aims to promote independence and wellbeing, reduce social isolation, help with debts, financial struggles and benefits, and strengthen community connections for older people. Thanks to dedicated funding, Brunelcare can provide a skilled team who work closely with individuals to achieve this.

Support is offered through a short-term programme, typically lasting up to three months, beginning with a tailored plan created after a referral. Referrals

A family-run West Devon care home has joined the elite few UK social care settings to have adopted of the acclaimed ‘Butterfly Approach’ – establishing an exemplary dementia care culture where people can thrive.

West View Care Home, in Bere Alston, recently completed the significant 18-month transformation to provide a more personcentred care model and elevate its “excellent” offering even further.

Following rigorous monthly support with the team at the 28-bed home, along with those who live there, West View received accreditation in the prestigious Butterfly Approach from Meaningful Care Matters. The care and culture consultancy group specialise in focusing on the development of resilient, relationship-centred cultures of care shaped by the people living and working within them.

The Butterfly Approach has a meticulous focus on creating a culture where people are ‘free to be me’. It values emotional intelligence and the core belief that everyone has a unique story that has meaning and matters. It also encourages care providers to put the focus back on the people they care for and their emotions, by engaging in the reality of people’s lived experience in the ‘here and now’.

The transformation at West View included splitting the home into two separate living areas – Wren and Robin – where people with earlyonset dementia or without dementia live together and people who experience more complex needs or later stage dementia live together. This fundamental change to a small household approach has enabled holistic care to flourish, where emotions-based care is balanced with clinical care best practice.

The home has also been decorated with vibrant colours and murals to bring warmth, with items of interest all around representing each individual and their life story – what Meaningful Care Matters calls the

can be made by individuals, family members, or professionals. This flexible service allows people to return for additional support when needed and plays a vital role in the community. By reducing demand on health and social care services and making support more accessible, HWYNI delivers lasting impact for both individuals and public services.

Jane, a Brunelcare resident and recipient of HWYNI support, shared her experience: “Thanks to the Help When You Need It team, I’ve been able to stay independent without having to rely so much on family and friends. The team are fantastic; they support me with everything from monetary advice to helping with letters. They’re always just a phone call away, and their support means I can truly relax and feel content while living at Brunelcare.”

Janice Clements, Brunelcare’s HWYNI Manager, commented: “I’m proud to be leading the HWYNI project alongside Sue Northall, and we are both truly inspired to hear how it’s helping people like Jane thrive while living with us. It’s a meaningful and important initiative, and I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve secured the funding to continue making a real difference in people’s lives.

‘stuff of life’, creating a family atmosphere.

Diane Kehoe, Manager at West View Care Home, said: “As a secondgeneration family-run business, we always aspire to create a stimulating, engaging and enjoyable environment – and the Butterfly Approach has provided us with the platform to offer that around the clock. I was already familiar with the approach and saw the potential West View had in achieving it. The transformation was not easy, and we had a few challenges along the way, but the rewards upon completion have made it so worthwhile.

“We believed in the whole process from the outset and the staff embraced it – showing so much patience and kindness. They treat the residents like family, enjoying life together with lots of laughter and fun. When you step into the home now you can really sense the buzz of the place, and the level of care is both phenomenal and heartwarm-

ing.”

The overall findings from Meaningful Care Matters during a final audit last month identified the home as “excellent”, offering a highly engaged service that prioritises meaningful moments and where emotion-focused care is consistently seen, felt and heard in interactions with people. It also reported that individuality and self-expression are encouraged within the home, allowing people to freely be themselves.

Peter Bewert, Managing Director of Meaningful Care Matters, said: “West View has transformed into a truly wonderful home. The team have clearly embraced the desire to change and have achieved amazing results, being guided and supported by Diane. They have also lifted their CQC rating from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’ and are aiming over the course of the year to reach ‘Outstanding’. They have also been supported by the local service improvements team, who were so impressed at the transformation that they plan to use West View as a role model for other homes.”

Peter continued: “The journey has been incredible. From what we would call a ‘traditional’ care home, West View has come alive and now has a genuine feeling of family, togetherness, love and purpose for the people living there.”

The home aims to continue elevating its high standard of care, with ambitious plans to be acknowledged and approved by the National Dementia Care Accreditation Scheme. It also plans to achieve the ‘gold standard’ for end-of-life care by the Gold Standards Framework.

For more information on West View Care Home, please visit https://westviewcarehome.co.uk/.

For more information on Meaningful Care Matters and its cultural transformation models, visit https://meaningfulcarematters.com/.

Photo credit: Ed Hill

UK Trial Launches To Transform Alzheimer’s Diagnosis With Simple Blood Test

A major clinical trial, aiming to transform the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease through a simple blood test, is now welcoming its first participants who will be recruited via memory clinics across the UK.

The ADAPT (Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis and Plasma pTau217) team, led by Professor Jonathan Schott and Dr Ashvini Keshavan at University College London (UCL), is investigating whether a blood test that measures the protein p-tau217 can improve the early and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Demonstrating its value in clinical practice could help deliver earlier and fairer access to diagnosis and future treatments across the NHS.

The trial will examine whether providing the blood test results to patients and their clinicians near the start of an assessment for memory and thinking concerns is able to aid diagnosis and guide decisions on further investigations and treatments. The study will recruit participants through NHS memory services and will include people from diverse geographic, ethnic and economic backgrounds, and those living with other health conditions to ensure the findings are relevant and inclusive of the broader population.

will receive their blood test results within three months of being assessed for the first time in their memory service, while the other half will receive theirs after 12 months.

The team will assess whether providing results earlier helps speed up diagnosis, guides decisions about further investigations, and influences how both patients and clinicians interpret and respond to the results. Researchers will also assess the impact of blood test results on quality of life using a system called the EQ5D-5L, a standardised instrument for measuring health-related quality of life**, as well as healthcare costs, and their relevance to people from diverse ethnic backgrounds or with conditions like kidney disease.

Professor Jonathan Schott, Professor of Neurology at University College London, and Chief Medical Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We are thrilled to welcome participants onto the ADAPT trial – a critical part of the Blood Biomarker Challenge, which we hope will take us a step forward in revolutionising the way we diagnose dementia.

The trial forms part of the Blood Biomarker Challenge, a multi-million-pound programme supported by Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK and players of People’s Postcode Lottery*. The initiative aims to determine if the blood test is reliable in a broad range of patients that would make it a form of diagnostics that matches the accuracy of current methods.

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia, is linked to the build-up of two key proteins in the brain called amyloid and tau. One of the most promising biomarkers in the blood, p-tau217, reflects the presence of both amyloid and tau in the brain. Emerging evidence suggests that blood tests such as plasma p-tau217 can detect these proteins as accurately as current methods such as amyloid PET scans and lumbar punctures.

Although these blood tests are not standalone diagnostic tools, they could be used as part of a wider clinical assessment to confirm the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease for people who already have memory or thinking problems. As a blood test has the potential to offer a less invasive, more accessible, and cost-effective alternative to current specific tests for Alzheimer’s (PET scans or lumbar punctures).

The ADAPT team have already assessed and validated the accuracy and performance of the p-tau217 blood test which is now established in the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery’s NHS clinical laboratory. The team is now running a clinical trial to demonstrate that the test is accurate, cost-effective, and suitable for integration into routine care across NHS memory services.

The first ADAPT trial location began recruitment in Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust on 28 August 2025 with 19 additional specialist NHS Centres planned across the UK. All participants in the ADAPT study will receive standard diagnostic assessments and care. Of the 1,100 planned participants, half

“After decades of research, we now have a blood test for Alzheimer’s disease that is backed by strong scientific evidence and provides comparable information to other gold-standard diagnostic tests such as PET scans and lumbar punctures yet is far more accessible, and cheaper.

“Currently only about 2% of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s have access to one of these gold-standard diagnostic tests. While identifying Alzheimer’s disease early and accurately is already important for enabling access to current therapies and planning care, it will become even more critical as a new generation of treatments emerge that can slow down the decline of memory and thinking. Timely diagnosis will be key to ensuring these advances reach the people who need them most.”

Professor Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Our recent Lived Experience Survey revealed that only a third of people with dementia felt their experience of the diagnosis process was positive, while many reported being afraid of receiving a diagnosis. As a result, too often, dementia is diagnosed late, limiting access to support, treatment, and opportunities to plan ahead. For many across the UK, getting that diagnosis remains a major challenge – one that it will take society, researchers and governments working together to fix.

“The launch of the ADAPT trial – part of the Blood Biomarker Challenge collaboration – marks a critical step towards that. Blood tests could offer a faster and more accessible route to diagnosis. The Blood Biomarker Challenge is committed to building the evidence needed to bring these innovative tests into NHS care, delivering real benefits for people living with dementia and their families.”

Dr Sheona Scales, Director of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, added: “Today, one in three people with dementia do not have a diagnosis. The ADAPT trial is an important opportunity to change this and transform the way dementia is diagnosed across the UK. It shows how sustained investment in research is leading to breakthroughs in dementia.”

NHS Kicks Off Winter Vaccine

Roll Out With Flu Jabs

Vaccine teams across the country are ramping up efforts to make it as easy as possible for those eligible to get their jabs, including family dropin clinics in the community.

The NHS National Booking System has opened for all eligible individuals to book their winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, with appointments starting from Wednesday 1 October.

This year, COVID-19 vaccinations are available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed, and the flu vaccination is being offered to everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline social care workers, and health and social care staff.

The flu vaccine is estimated to have prevented around 100,000 people from being hospitalised in England last winter by helping protect those at risk from getting seriously ill, particularly during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.

Despite this, there were more than 300,000 hospital bed days taken up by patients with flu last winter –almost double the previous winter (175,062 in 2023-24) and close to 50% higher than the year before (216,120 in 2022-23) – adding pressure to NHS services during the busy period.

The NHS is sending out millions of invitations this month to remind eligible people to come forward as soon as they can, but they do not need to wait for an invitation to book. Those eligible can book quickly and easily on the NHS website, NHS App or by calling 119.

Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said: “The threat from getting seriously ill from flu and COVID-19 is all too real and each year we see hundreds of thousands of people hospitalised due to these nasty viruses – especially across the winter months.”

“Vaccination is our best defence against these viruses and can be lifesaving – so I would urge mums-to-be, parents of young children and teens, and others who are eligible to come forward or book appointments for their jabs as soon possible, to help protect themselves and loved ones.

“Flu and covid vaccines are free to those at greatest risk and teams across the country are working hard to make it as quick and easy as possible to get them via local GP practices, pharmacies, in schools and other community clinics, so please do book an appointment today – it could keep you out of hospital this winter.”

For adults eligible for both vaccines the NHS will make flu and COVID19 jabs available at the same time, providing protection from both viruses in one visit.

Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock said: “We’re taking action now to protect the most vulnerable and build our defences before seasonal viruses take hold.”

“Last winter showed us the significant impact the flu vaccination programme has with over 100,000 hospitalisations prevented, protecting patients from disease and the NHS from winter pressures.”

“I urge all eligible families to come forward as soon as possible. Getting vaccinated now means you’ll be protected before peak flu season hits.”

Appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations will be available until Friday 30 January 2026, with flu jabs offered until the end of March 2026, in line with the typical seasons for the viruses.

Those eligible are being urged to take up the offer as soon as they can to ensure protection ahead of the peak winter virus season, with evidence from UKHSA suggesting the flu season usually peaks in December and January. This means starting adult vaccinations from October will ensure those most at risk are protected during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.

Surrey Heights Dementia Care Centre Hosts Key Meeting to Shape Future of Intermediate Care

Surrey Heights Dementia Care Centre, part of the CHD Living, proudly hosted an important meeting with Surrey Care Association and Ian Smith, Chair of Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board (ICB), to help shape the future of intermediate care in the region.

The session brought together care home and home care providers from across Surrey to address long-standing challenges in hospital discharge and community-based care. At the heart of the discussion was a shared ambition to ensure that people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

Key themes included improving commissioning and contracting processes, strengthening accountability, and better integrating health and social care services. The meeting also explored practical solutions to improve patient flow, ease pressure on hospitals, and enhance quality of life for those living in care settings.

Speaking after the event, Shaleeza Hasham, Commercial Director at CHD Living, said:

“We were delighted to host this vital conversation at Surrey Heights. Intermediate care is one of the most pressing challenges facing our sector. By bringing leaders together, we are moving closer to building systems that ensure people recover in the right environment, rather than staying in hospital unnecessarily. This dialogue is a vital step towards real, lasting change.”

Jon Stanley, Chief Operating Officer at CHD Living, added:

“As a family-run organisation, we see first-hand the impact of delayed discharges on residents, families and frontline staff. The solutions explored herefrom clearer commissioning models to stronger integration between health and social care - will help create smoother pathways for patients and more sustainable services for providers. CHD Living is proud to play a part in driving that agenda forward.”

Nicola McLeish, CEO of the Surrey Care Association, commented:

“Care providers across Surrey are ready and willing to be part of the solution, but too often their role in intermediate care is overlooked. This meeting was an opportunity to demonstrate the sector’s capacity and commitment to supporting people at a critical point in their care journey. Working in partnership with the NHS and local authorities is essential if we are to unlock that potential.”

Ian Smith, Chair of Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board, said:

“Intermediate care sits at the crossroads of health and social care. When it works well, it keeps people out of hospital, speeds up recovery, and supports independence. What I heard at this meeting was a shared determination to strengthen these pathways in Surrey. By aligning our commissioning and working more collaboratively, we can deliver better outcomes for patients and reduce pressures on acute services.”

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 highestquality 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.”

Visit www.careinspections.co.uk or see the advert on the facing page for details.

Smarter, Safer, Simpler.

The Power of Integrated Care

By Nikki Walker - CEO of QCS, an RLDatix Company (www.qcs.co.uk)

The social care sector stands at a turning point. With rising demand, increasing regulatory scrutiny, and ongoing staffing pressures, providers are being asked to do more, with less. In this environment, the way forward isn’t just about working harder it’s about working smarter.

One of the most transformative shifts on the horizon is the move towards truly integrated care systems: digital platforms that bring together compliance, care planning, risk management, training and quality monitoring in one unified place. More than just a convenience, this integration is fast becoming essential.

Currently, many providers juggle multiple systems or rely on a mix of digital tools and paper-based processes. Information is scattered. Teams duplicate effort. Vital data goes unnoticed.

The result? Frustration, inefficiency and risk.

A connected system solves this by creating a single source of truth, where care delivery and compliance are not just stored, but actively linked. Changes in a policy can automatically update associated risk assessments. Notes in a care plan can prompt training needs. Audit trails are clear and accessible. For staff, it means less time on admin. For managers, better visibility. For individuals receiving care, more consistent, safer support.

Adding artificial intelligence (AI) into the mix elevates this even further. AI can help spot patterns in care records, prompt best practice actions and reduce the burden of documentation. Crucially, AI isn’t there to replace human decision-making it’s there to support it. By giving frontline teams real-time, intelligent guidance, it helps ensure nothing is missed and quality remains high.

Of course, technology alone isn’t enough. These systems must be built on deep sector knowledge and shaped by those working in care. Platforms like QCS, for instance, combine expert-backed content with intelligent tools to provide not just data, but insight. It’s this fusion of trusted information and digital innovation that’s beginning to change how care is delivered.

But a connected future is about more than software. It’s a cultural shift towards a care environment that is proactive rather than reactive, where data drives improvement, and where teams feel confident and supported.

In a sector where every moment counts, integrated systems offer more than efficiency, they offer the chance to focus on what matters most: people. When technology works seamlessly in the background, it frees carers to do the deeply human work that technology can’t replicate.

The future of care is not just digital. It’s intelligent. And most importantly, it’s integrated.

To see how QCS are integrating care planning, rostering. audits, mock inspection, surveys, training, compliance, dementia care and more into one integrated system backed by AI technology, follow the link. www.qcs.co.uk/what-we-do/

Sign Language Ambitions Get Thumbs Up For Belong Warrington Carers

Carers at dementia specialist, Belong, have earned a big thumbs up from residents after taking on the challenge of learning British Sign Language (BSL) to support older people who are hard of hearing at the Loushers Lane care village.

Prompted by the imminent arrival of new resident and deaf Warringtonian, Sybil Ward, colleagues enrolled on their entry level BSL certification under the tuition of Warrington & Vale Royal College. The course was tailored specially to meet the aim of being able to communicate with and assist Sybil to enjoy everything Belong life has to offer.

Louise Kelly, experience coordinator at Belong Warrington, shares more: “We were really touched when we met our Sybil, and it was important to include her warmth and personality in our family as it’s our goal to be inclusive of everyone’s needs. The Greenall House team and key colleagues embraced the BSL challenge and we’re now looking to sign up more to keep our signing culture going indefinitely.”

92-year-old Sybil chose to reside on one of Belong Warrington’s six ‘households’, a family-sized cohort of a dozen older people whose independence is assisted with 24-hour carers whilst they enjoy a shared communal lounge, kitchen and outdoor space. The approach is designed to facilitate relationships with fellow residents and support workers, meaning the preferences and needs of individuals can be met

whilst building a community around them.

Communicating her thoughts of her home and carers, Sybil signed: “I love you all. Thank you.”

The team took inspiration from Old Hands: New Tricks, the recent, heartening TV documentary featuring care village residents learning to sign. As a not-for-profit operator, Belong Warrington continually reinvests to enhance its care provision, including exploring ideas and opportunities to make life better for those in its care.

With an estimated 75% of older people in care environments living with hearing loss, rising to 80% by 20321, the introduction of BSL is anticipated as another measure to reduce loneliness and social isolation, as well improve customers’ overall health and wellbeing.

The news comes as the world recognises September’s deaf awareness month, shining a spotlight on both International Week of Deaf People, and International Day of Sign Languages, later culminating in World Deaf Day.

Louise continues: “The feedback from our residents has been fantastic – they really appreciate our efforts. We’re super proud of all our colleagues who’ve earned their certificates, and in turn, they are pleased to have learned a new skill to use in their everyday work. It goes to show that communication really is more than just words; it’s about connection.”

Biggest Isn’t Always Best – Especially in Continence Care

In retail, bigger is often equated with better. But in continence care, size alone does not equal performance. What matters is fit, appropriateness, and clinical suitability. At Ontex, we believe continence care should be clinically sound, cost-conscious, and centred on the individual. We support care providers through practical training, formulary-aligned product design, and assessment-led solutions that preserve dignity and comfort.

Addressing Common Misconceptions in Care Settings

Here are some frequently encountered misconceptions about absorbent continence solutions:

1. "The bigger the resident, the bigger the pad."

This is a frequent misunderstanding. Correct sizing depends on accurate waist, hip, and thigh measurements. In many cases, a smaller, well-fitted solution provides better containment. Selection should also be based on the individual’s continence profile and type- not just physical stature.

2. "Belted products fit anyone if tightened enough." Tightening at the waist does not guarantee security around the legs. A proper fit should allow a one-finger gap at the leg and a two-finger gap at the waist. Belted options are often higher-cost items and should be used only when clinically appropriate.

3. "Double padding keeps residents drier."

Layering pads undermines containment. Once fluid reaches the

waterproof backing of the upper pad, it is diverted laterally often leading to leaks, moisture-related skin compromise, and reactive containment changes that increase staff burden. A single, well-matched product is always the safer choice.

4. "Pull-ups are the best option for everyone."

Pull-on formats suit some profiles but may hinder others. They are not ideal for individuals with reduced dexterity or limited mobility. Two-piece systems offer greater flexibility and allow for the use of personal underwear—supporting comfort, autonomy, and dignity.

Why Assessment Is Essential

A thorough continence assessment rather than assumption-based product selection is key to improving outcomes, optimising cost, and protecting resident wellbeing.

Key Assessment Components:

- Measurements: Capture accurate waist, hip, and thigh data. Always refer to product-specific sizing guidance.

- Bladder Diaries: Maintain a 3-day fluid intake and output record to determine actual absorbency needs. This often reveals a lighter option may suffice.

Clinical and Operational Benefits:

- Prevents unnecessary product usage

- Reduces reactive containment changes

- Minimises moisture-related skin issues and infection risk

- Improves comfort, dignity, and independence for residents

Our guidance aligns with NHS England policy on absorbent containment: assessment-led provision, a maximum of four pads per 24 hours unless clinically justified, and prioritisation of adaptable two-piece systems wherever appropriate.

Broader Considerations

- Infection Risk: Continuous use of containment products without regular reassessment can increase the likelihood of urinary tract infections. A structured, assessment-led approach helps mitigate this risk.

- Skin Health: Selecting the right containment format supports skin preservation. Regular skin checks should accompany each pad change.

- Cost and Resource Efficiency: Product selection tailored to individual need reduces waste, optimises staff time, and supports broader NHS resource stewardship. NHS formularies consistently prioritise flexible, fit-for-purpose solutions.

Final Thought

In continence care, assumptions cost more than time they impact dignity, safety, and outcomes. Assessment-led, evidence-based selection reflects best practice and ensures the right solution, for the right person, at the right time. Want to support your team with continence product fit checks or product training delivered by our Nurse Advisors? Ontex provides practical resources and training, tailored to your care setting. Contact your local nurse advisor to arrange a session.

For further information visit www.ontex.com email

New Research Reveals Stark Regional

Disparities for Wheelchair User Homeseekers

Wheelchair users in England still fare worst in the search for a home, with one new wheelchair user home being planned for every 2,006 people in the North West in the next decade compared with one for every 210 Londoners, new research reveals.

Habinteg Housing Association’s forecast for accessible homes 2025 also shows that the ambition for delivery of M4(2) accessible and adaptable homes in London is around 7.6 times higher than the region with the lowest ambition – the North East – with one home planned per 24 people in London and just one per 184 people in the North East.

The forecast analysed accessible housing policies across 311 local plans in England.

The report shows that the percentage of all affordable homes due to be M4(3) wheelchair user standard is 8.9%, but the percentage in the open market is less than half that at just 3.3%. Moreover, some local authorities aren’t planning to build wheelchair user homes in the open market at all.

Four in 10 (41%) of all new homes being planned over the next 10 years will not be built to the M4(2) accessible and adaptable standard or the M4(3) wheelchair user standard.

Of all regions, the North East currently makes the least provision of homes for its disabled population with just one new accessible home of any kind proposed per 156 residents over the next decade.

Habinteg’s Insight Group member and disability rights campaigner, Kerry Thompson, said: “As a disabled person living in an accessible property that meets my needs it scares me to think we are no closer to seeing a light at the end of something that should not be seen as a luxury.

“A roof over our heads should never be a privilege, it’s a fundamental human right. Every person deserves a place to call home. The numbers may tell a grim story, but our voices can rewrite the narrative. It’s crucial we work towards equitable housing for every individual, regardless of ability.”

There is some good news. If the country builds all the new homes currently planned under the optimum possible conditions, Habinteg calculates that 1.39 million more accessible and adaptable homes could be built by the end of the decade, which is a rise of 163% from 2020 when the forecast stood at 530,504.

The best-case scenario would also see over 106,119 new M4(3) wheelchair accessible homes built by 2035 compared to 45,000 in 2020, a 136% increase.

Habinteg’s Director of Social Impact and External Affairs, Christina McGill, said: “While it’s disappointing to see large variances regionally, it’s positive news that there is planning for greater numbers of both accessible and adaptable and wheelchair user homes.”

“This progress is likely due to the previous government’s pledge in 2022 to raise the accessibility standard of all new homes to the accessible and adaptable standard.

“This plan has not been implemented, so the current default for all new homes remains the M4(1) ‘visitable’ standard, which is not going to be adequate to meet the changing needs of the population.”

The forecast reveals an increase in use of the optional M4(2) accessible and adaptable and M4(3) wheelchair user dwelling standards over the past five years. And, in 2025, there are more accessible homes planned per head of population compared with the 2020 forecast.

The majority of local plans now include some requirement for M4(2) and M4(3) access standards.

Ms. McGill said: “It’s good news that newer local plans show greater determination to provide appropriate homes for disabled and older people but nevertheless the forecast shows a patchy outlook. This is why we need the government to make the M4(2) accessible and adaptable standard the baseline for all new homes in England and for local planning authorities to ensure targets are set and met for new accessible homes, including wheelchair user homes.

“This will be key in ensuring disabled and older people can live, not just exist, in their own home with the dignity and independence much of us take for granted, and ensure our future housing stock provides generations to come with a home for life.”

Fiona Howie, Chief Executive of the Town and Country Planning Association, said: “It’s astonishing than two fifths of new homes will not meet the basic accessibility requirements in M4(2) and wheelchair access (M4(3) – especially with our ageing population.”

“There’s a wealth of guidance and good schemes that demonstrate how to meet those standards, and produce beautiful, inclusive and healthy homes. To help address regional variation, M4(2) must be applied comprehensively for all new homes. Furthermore, a set proportion of wheelchair accessible homes –defined by local need – should be applied for all tenures of new homes.”

Launton Care Home Hosts Charity Football Match To Support Firefighters Charity

HC-One’s Launton Grange Care Home in Launton, near Bicester, Oxfordshire, proudly hosted a charity football match on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Launton Sports and Social Club to raise funds for the Firefighters Charity.

This event was held in heartfelt remembrance of the tragic incident at Bicester Motion in May, where two firefighters and a member of the public sadly lost their lives. Both teams consisted of colleagues, family members, and friends of Launton Grange, coming together to honour the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters.

Before the match kicked off, all attendees observed a respectful one-minute silence. Despite a brief downpour at the start of the day, the weather brightened just in time for the match, allowing players and spectators to enjoy the afternoon under clear skies.

Excitement was high as everyone cheered on the teams in a spirited and friendly competition. Attendees savoured a delicious hog roast and enjoyed live jazz music performed by Avelia Moisey.

A raffle with generously donated prizes from various local businesses added to the festive atmosphere. Thanks to the generosity of players, attendees, and supporters, Launton Grange raised a total of £402.12 for the Firefighters Charity.

Zoe Spillane, HC-One’s Launton Grange Care Home Manager, expressed her gratitude: “Thank you so much to all of the players who gave up their Sunday to play the match, and to all of our friends of the home who joined us and made the day such fun. We're very proud to have raised money for such an important charity, and we had fun doing it which is a bonus!”

Carers Rights Day 2025 Theme Announced

As ‘Know Your Rights, Use Your Rights’

Carers UK has launched the theme for this year’s Carers Rights Day on Thursday 20 November 2025 which is ‘Know your rights, use your rights’. Carers Rights Day is a national campaign raising awareness to help the UK’s 5.8 million unpaid carers better understand their legal rights and the support they’re entitled to.

The average person has a 50:50 chance of caring for a family member or friend by the age of 50 – long before retirement age. This can have a considerable impact on your health, finances, employment and education opportunities.

Knowing your rights as a carer can help if you’re juggling work and care or trying to access health and social care services. However, many people don’t realise that they are caring and miss out on vital support as a result.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Carers UK. Carers UK has constantly campaigned for better rights for the UK’s unpaid carers and a key moment in its history was the foundation of Carers Rights Day 25 years ago in November 2000. For Carers Rights Day, the charity would like members of the public, organisations and businesses to join

in by helping to raise awareness within local communities.

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: “57% of carers feel overwhelmed often or always. Many carers tell us that the burnout they feel doesn’t come from caring for someone, it comes from the battle to access support.

“If you’re caring for someone, it’s important to know about your rights –this includes your employment rights, your right to request a Carer’s Assessment and to be consulted when the person you care for is discharged from hospital.

“Unpaid carers play a crucial role in society. It’s widely agreed that our struggling health and social care system would collapse without them. Therefore, we need to see proper recognition and support in return.

“We want unpaid carers to feel confident asking for what they need, and to have the ability to challenge things in circumstances when their rights are not being met.”

For more information go to www.carersuk.org/news-and-campaigns/our-campaigns/carers-rights-day/

Meet Victoria Templer, Who Splits Her Time With Dual Roles At Oxford Home And “Loves Every Minute Of It”

Victoria Templer splits her time at MHA Brookfield working as an activity coordinator and care assistant and says she “loves every minute of it”

Victoria joined the home two years ago working three days a week as an activity coordinator and as a care assistant on a zero-hour contract.

The 30-year-old says she really enjoys planning various activities and trips with residents as well caring for their needs.

The dual role allows her to learn new skill sets and utilise what she has learnt across both her roles.

We spoke with her as part of our 30 under 30 initiative which aims to celebrate and highlight at least 30 staff members across the organisation in a bid to promote the social care industry as a place of work for people aged 30 and below.

MHA Brookfield provides nursing and nursing dementia care for 66 residents.

Speaking about her roles she said: “I really enjoy having the luxury of working two roles and it keeps me busy and allows me to always learn new things.

“I have learnt so much from our residents, and thankfully in both roles I can spend time with them.

“I enjoy going out with them and planning trips and activities, which always go down well with them.

“I don't like seeing our residents upset, so I always make sure I try not to do that.

“For me I treat our residents like they are my friends, and I do think that goes a long way in gaining their

trust.

“You do build a bond with them as time progresses and it's something that I really enjoy.

“Our residents are all from a very different generation to the one we currently live in, and you can learn so much from them.

“I had never worked in a care home prior to MHA Brookfield, and to be honest I love every minute of it.

“The support here is immense, I still recall when I joined, I was given a lot of help and support, the induction process was great, and I would 100% recommend MHA as an employer

“You do get some days where it's slightly tricky and can be overwhelming, but you soon realise that our residents are not always in control of what they are doing.

“Fo me working in care is a huge opportunity for you to develop, and my advice to anyone thinking of joining would be to use it as an opportunity to grow.

“It is a challenging industry, but one that's very rewarding, and that's the way I see it.

“You had to be a team player, have a caring nature and be able to get along well with your team and the residents.

“This experience will help me immensely for the future, as I do have plans to become a nurse.”

Double Celebration As The Moors Wins Care

Home Of The Year And Marks Tenth Anniversary

A Ripon care home is celebrating a summer of success, having been crowned Care Home of the Year as it marks a decade of service.

The Moors, a modern, purpose-built 70-bed home providing high-quali ty residential, nursing and dementia care, was recognised in the internal 2025 Maria Mallaband Care Group Awards for its dedication to person-cen tred care, team spirit and commitment to wellbeing.

The team saw off competition from three other finalists to scoop the top award, with judges praising their compassion, strong leadership, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere created throughout the home.

This latest achievement comes as The Moors celebrates 10 years since opening its doors. Both milestones were marked with a Summer Festival, bringing together those living at the home and their families for an after

“Don’t

noon of live entertainment, food, and fun.

Home Manager Sue Simpkin said: “Winning Home of the Year was an amazing feeling – for me as a manager and for my fabulous team – and to do it as we celebrate our tenth anniversary was even more special. It is a testament to the wonderful community we’ve built over the past decade –and to bring everyone together for a double celebration was wonderful.

“My team give their all every day to make sure every individual is supported with the respect and warmth they deserve – they are winners every day in my eyes.

“With ten proud years behind us and a major award under our belts, we are looking ahead and continuing to innovate, evolve, and ensure everyone living with us feels truly at home.”

Listen To Your Husband” And “Keep Fit”: Danforth

Care Residents Share Their Secrets To A Long, Happy Life

As a society we often turn to those older than us for advice and guidance, as their life experiences offer perspectives and clarity we can apply to our own lives. Danforth Care have asked their residents across some of their care homes to share their advice on the secret to a long, happy life?

The residents had some great pearls of wisdom, with tips such as “don’t listen to your husband”, “get a good job”, and “keep fit” being shared.

ORCHARD MANOR CARE HOME IN WINDLESHAM, SURREY

Human connection was key for Ena, 81, from Orchard Manor care home in Surrey, who said, “having good people in your life.”

Rosemary, 91, offered a cheekier perspective and joked that her secret to a long, happy life was “not listening to her husband”.

Eric, 96, also had a great piece of advice for those wanting a long and happy life: “keep fit!”

HEATH LODGE CARE HOME IN HOLT, NORFOLK

The residents at Heath Lodge care home in Norfolk had a range of tips for the next generation, from spending time with loved ones to careers.

Gwen, 94, encouraged the younger generation to “keep in touch with people”, whilst Ann, 94, advised to “spend time with your friends and family”.

Maree, 82, shared the importance of “understanding and listening to each other”, and Beryl, 90, suggested a practical path and encouraged the younger generation to “get a good job!” Roy, 84, had a very simple yet powerful secret to a long, happy life: “be kind!”

BROOK LODGE CARE HOME IN BASILDON, ESSEX

Brook Lodge care home in Essex approached the question imagining advice they would have for their younger selves.

Both gave inspiring answers, with Les, 95, reflecting that it was important “to make the most of life and every moment”, and Brenda, 78, echoed this and said, “to live life to the full and enjoy every moment”.

Overall, the Danforth residents are urging people to stay connected to the people who matter most to them, cherish every moment and live life to the full. They want the younger generation to be independent, well qualified and as healthy as they can be.

Kate Desmond, Managing director at Danforth Care said: : “Our residents have lived long, interesting lives and have a wealth of life experience meaning they have lots of wonderful advice to share. All the residents who took part had great fun thinking of their secrets to share, from the sentimental to the instructive, funny to sensible. Their advice is excellent and we hope they inspire people of all ages!”

How Commercial Laundry Could Help During Future Pandemics

The commercial laundry industry has enormous potential to help the UK’s response to any future public health crisis, is the message of the statement given by the Textile Services Association (TSA) to the UK government’s Covid 19 inquiry. Despite initial contact being made by the Government, the newly published statement also shows that there are important lessons to learn from how the industry was dismissed during the pandemic of 2020.

The inquiry is a wide ranging examination of the UK’s response to the Covid 19 crisis and is, in part, attempting to identify areas of the response that could be improved during potential future crises. The TSA was requested to provide information on the potential for using reusable personal protective equipment (PPE), the ways the laundry industry helps maintain hygiene in healthcare environments, and how the government of the time failed to fully harness the capabilities of the industry at a critical point.

The statement, which was presented by David Stevens, CEO of TSA, outlines the nature of the TSA’s work in supporting the laundry industry as well as the importance of commercial laundries to the UK’s economy and institutions like the NHS. It considered the situation before the pandemic, as well as how that relationship evolved as the crisis unfolded.

The statement’s key message highlights the lack of a joined up, centralised approach to creating a specification for reusable surgical gowns and other PPE. If this had been in place it could have eliminated, or at minimum significantly reduced the need for disposable PPE products.

Data showing the commercial benefits in 2021 demonstrated savings of £1.2 billion a year of reusable over single use gowns, which in real terms would be much higher due to the inflationary pressures being exerted

on the supply chains of single use products during 2020.

Many commercial laundries already provide services to the NHS as well as private health, social care and other care based industries, and are set up to meet the high standards of hygiene these sectors require as well as meet demand. The commercial laundry industry currently processes and delivers up to 75 million pieces a week and at the peak of the pandemic, the demand for gowns would have been 3 million per week.

While the Covid 19 pandemic was an unprecedented challenge to the UK, it did reveal potential improvements that could be made for infrastructure and support to ensure that the response to future events is smoother and more efficient, and the TSA’s statement clearly shows that opportunities were missed by the government at the time.

“The commercial laundry sector is vital to the smooth running of the NHS and has been for many years,” says David. “We need to learn from the events of 2020, to ensure that the responses are lead by evidence and make full use of the capabilities of the UK’s commercial laundry sector,”

“Our statement to the inquiry demonstrates that our industry has the capability to ensure that PPE can be reused, helping to create a more resilient system during times of crisis – and saving hundreds of millions pounds worth of public money, as well as reducing carbon emissions. We could be “pandemic ready" in a matter of weeks should the need arise again”

The TSA alongside their members, are willing to drive the expansion of the existing reusable gown solution forward with the right support and commitment as it will not only assist the UK in being pandemic ready by solving supply issues for healthcare frontline workers on a long-term basis, but it will also deliver environmental and commercial benefits.

The TSA statement was made as part of Module 5 of the inquiry, which related to issues surrounding procurement. It can be read in full on the inquiry’s website.

The TSA is the trade association for the textile care services industry. The TSA represents commercial laundry and textile rental businesses. Membership ranges from family-run operations through to large, multi-national companies. Visit www.tsa-uk.org for more information.

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 allinclusive 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. forbespro.co.uk | info@forbes-professional.co.uk | 0345 070 2335

See the advert on the facing page for more information.

C&S Seating Ltd

Serve in Style with Euroservice PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors

HipSaver Soft Hip

Protectors protect the elderly and disabled people from fall-related hip fractures.

Designed to protect elderly people

Available as comfortable underwear or long casual pants in several sizes for men and women, HipSavers feature soft protective airPads permanently sewn into the garments over the hip areas prone to injuries and fractures. HipSaver TailBone models have an additional protective airPad over the coccyx on

Activities to Share

Since our founding in 2010, Activities to Share has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of those in care by providing thoughtfully designed activity products. Our mission is to support activity coordinators in delivering uplifting, engaging experiences that foster connection, joy, and well-being. We achieve this by listening closely to your feedback and evolving with your needs. Whether over the phone, via email, WhatsApp, or

hip fractures.

CATERING FOR CARE

More Than A Meal: The Role of Catering in Care Homes

In a care home, catering can be the difference between mealtimes that are anticipated with pleasure and those that are simply endured. Care itself is rightly personalised, tailored to the needs and preferences of each resident. The same principle should apply to the food they eat. Residents and their families are entitled to expect meals which reflect dietary needs, medical conditions, and personal tastes. But delivering that level of personalisation at scale, within budget, is no small task.

The Healthcare Management Trust acquired St Quentin Care Homes almost a year ago and has made significant improvements in care delivery, infrastructure, and leadership. Catering was a big area of focus and has brought tangible results: residents returning for second helpings, heartfelt thanks from families, and a noticeable reduction in food waste. These results haven’t happened by chance; they are the outcome of deliberate choices in how we source ingredients, design menus, and create the overall dining experience.

FRESH INGREDIENTS AND A VARIED MENU

The value of using fresh ingredients over pre-packaged or heavily processed alternatives cannot be overstated. Fresh produce boosts nutritional quality, enhances flavour, and increases the likelihood that residents will eat and enjoy their meals. Variety is equally important. A repetitive or bland menu fails to tempt people to the dining room. Similarly, introducing a rotating weekly menu with diverse flavours and textures, including vegetarian and vegan options, will create something for everyone, which is especially important where care homes support residents of varying ages and cultural backgrounds.

PRESENTATION MATTERS

Style should never overtake substance, but presentation matters and plays a vital role in whether a meal

By Charlotte McKay,

is eaten. An unappealing plate can lead to food being left untouched, no matter how nutritious it is.

Small touches make a big difference. Balancing colours on the plate, arranging food attractively, and serving it on crockery that complements the meal will encourage meals to be finished. Even something as simple as offering a platter of sandwiches with varied fillings, so residents first see vibrant colours rather than just bread, can boost appetite and engagement.

A DINING EXPERIENCE

Many care home residents are unable to visit restaurants, and for them, mealtimes are often the closest equivalent to dining out. Recreating elements of that experience can lift the mood and turn a necessary routine into a highlight of the day.

Printed menus with clear, attractive typography help residents feel they have real choice and control. For some, reading a menu may even stir fond memories of past outings and family meals. This small detail reinforces the dignity and pleasure of the dining experience.

A SOCIAL OCCASION

Sharing food is a social occasion. In care homes, shared meals can foster community spirit, reduce loneliness, and spark conversation. Making mealtimes engaging and enjoyable benefits both emotional wellbeing and nutritional intake.

This means paying attention to more than just the food. Lighting, music, table layout, and staff interaction all contribute to the atmosphere. A team that works seamlessly from kitchen to dining room by greeting residents warmly, knowing their preferences, and encouraging participation can transform mealtime into a joyful daily event.

COLLABORATION

Great catering doesn’t happen in isolation. It relies on strong collaboration between chefs, care staff, activities teams, administrators, residents, and families. Open communication ensures dietary needs are met, allergies are avoided, and preferences are respected.

When everyone takes shared responsibility, residents benefit from meals that are not only safe and nourishing, but also deeply satisfying. The catering team gains valuable insight from care staff who know residents well, while residents themselves feel heard and valued.

Ultimately, catering in a care home is about far more than providing three meals a day. It’s about respecting individuality, supporting health, and creating moments of joy. When meals are thoughtfully planned, beautifully presented, and shared in a warm environment, they nourish the body and the mind.

Never Settle for Less in Care Catering

In the care sector, food is more than just nutrition - it’s comfort, dignity, and a way of bringing joy to residents every day. That’s why chefs can’t afford to compromise. From flavour and safety to consistency and versatility, every ingredient has to deliver. When it comes to bouillon, Knorr Professional refuses to settle for anything less than the best and so do the chefs who use it.

Knorr Professional Bouillon is the UK’s number one bouillon brand*, trusted in kitchens nationwide for its rich depth of flavour, outstanding versatility, and chef-trusted consistency. It’s made to work hard in every service, withno allergens to declare¹ options that give chefs peace of mind when catering for residents with diverse needs.

NEVER SETTLE FOR BLAND DISHES

As residents age, their sense of taste can diminish. That’s why flavour has to work harder in care - it’s not just about nutrition, it’s about enjoyment. Knorr Professional Paste Bouillon brings bold, balanced flavour that cuts through reduced senses, ensuring dishes remain satisfying and memorable. Whether it’s used as a base, rub, seasoning, glaze, or marinade, it delivers the same consistent, chefapproved results. From soups and stews to roasted vegetables and marinades, this is one product that performs across the menu - helping chefs adapt quickly without losing quality. NEVER SETTLE FOR UNCERTAINTY

In care kitchens, allergen safety isn’t negotiable. Theno allergens to declareoptions in Knorr Professional Paste Bouillon make it simple to create inclusive dishes without sacrificing flavour. This helps reduce the risk

of cross-contamination and ensures every resident can enjoy the same great taste.

For Knorr Professional Care Ambassador Preston Walker, that confidence is invaluable:

“With ‘no allergens to declare’ options available across the range, Knorr Professional Paste Bouillon is easy to introduce into dishes that need to be suitable for varying needs and preferences,” says Preston. “It gives me peace of mind that I can create flavourpacked dishes for all residents, without excluding anyone due to allergens.”

NEVER SETTLE FOR INCONSISTENCY

Care kitchens can be high-pressure environments, where time is short and the need for consistency is constant. Knorr Professional Bouillon’s paste format makes it easy to store, measure, and use, ensuring the same flavour profile in every batch. Its consistent yield also helps with budget control - delivering premium quality without waste.

Preston sums it up simply:

“We use the Knorr Professional Bouillon paste range for one simple reason - it delivers. Quality, flavour, consistency, and the confidence of knowing exactly what you’re going to get, every time.”

NEVER SETTLE FOR SECOND BEST

Every plate in a care home matters. It’s an opportunity to provide comfort, joy, and nourishment - and that means every ingredient has to earn its place. With Knorr Professional Bouillon, chefs can be sure they’re serving the very best in flavour, safety, and reliability. Because when it comes to care catering, settling for less is never an option.

Head Chef at St Quentin Care Homes (https://hmtstquentin.org)

CATERING FOR CARE

Dehydration in Care Homes: A Hidden But Preventable Threat

How one simple training game is helping care homes improve outcomes for residents—and staff

In care homes dehydration remains a quietly persistent danger. While often invisible on the surface, its effects can be devastating—both for older adults and for the staff who care for them.

Despite being entirely preventable, dehydration continues to cause avoidable harm, hospital admissions, and even deaths among vulnerable care home residents. It can also impact staff wellbeing, concentration, and performance—making it a risk that affects the entire care environment. So why does dehydration still slip under the radar? And what practical steps can care homes take to tackle it head-on?

A QUIET EPIDEMIC IN CARE SETTINGS

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to dehydration for a range of reasons. As we age, our sense of thirst diminishes, and many residents have underlying conditions—such as dementia, stroke, or mobility impairments—that make it harder to ask for, reach, or consume drinks. Medications like diuretics or laxatives increase fluid loss, while difficulties swallowing (dysphagia) make drinking unpleasant or risky.

A study published in Age and Ageing (El-Sharkawy et al., 2015) found that over a third of older adults admitted to hospital were already dehydrated on arrival, and two-thirds remained so 48 hours later. More recent studies confirm that this remains a pressing issue. For example, care home residents are still five times more likely than community-dwelling older adults to arrive at hospital with dehydration, particularly with dangerously elevated sodium levels—known as hypernatremia—which significantly increases the risk of in-hospital death.

Despite public health campaigns and growing awareness, more recent reviews suggest the problem has not improved. As recently as 2022, a UKwide review of hydration practices in residential care estimated that around 20% of older adults remain clinically dehydrated at any given time. Some studies, depending on the criteria used, report prevalence rates as high as 34%.

Put simply, dehydration in care homes hasn’t gone away. It remains a widespread, under-addressed issue that continues to harm some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

IT’S NOT JUST THE RESIDENTS

While most dehydration efforts focus (rightly) on residents, it's important to recognise that care home staff are also at risk.

Working long shifts in hot, fast-paced environments, care staff often delay drinking water or miss breaks altogether. Some worry about not having time for toilet breaks. Others are simply too focused on their residents’ needs to think about their own.

The effects of even mild dehydration on staff can include fatigue, headaches, poor concentration, irritability, and slower decision-making— none of which is ideal in a safety-critical setting. Dehydrated staff may not perform at their best, and over time this can impact both care quality and wellbeing.

Supporting hydration in care homes, then, means supporting everyone—residents and staff alike.

A SIMPLE GAME, A BIG IMPACT

So how can care homes raise awareness of hydration risks, improve practice, and make learning more engaging?

One increasingly popular approach is The Hydration Game, developed by Focus Games. Designed specifically for health and social care staff, the game takes the form of a fun, team-based learning session that helps players explore the causes, risks, and solutions related to dehydration in care settings.

The Hydration Game prompts discussion, sparks reflection, and encourages staff to share their experiences and insights in a relaxed, collaborative way.

Players take turns answering questions, tackling realistic scenarios, and discussing how they might handle various hydration-related situations— from supporting a resident who refuses drinks, to spotting early signs of dehydration, to thinking about their own hydration habits during shifts.

The game typically lasts 45–60 minutes and is suitable for 2–12 players. It works well across all roles—care assistants, nurses, kitchen staff, cleaners, and even admin or maintenance teams—because everyone in a care home can play a part in hydration care.

There’s also an online version (ZeST) for teams who work remotely or across multiple sites.

REAL-WORLD RESULTS

Beyond awareness and engagement, hydration-focused training can produce measurable results. A notable example comes from Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust, which in 2021–2022 supported a hydration project across 33 care homes. The results were striking: a 63% reduction in falls requiring hospitalisation, an 18.5% decrease in urinary tract infections (UTIs), and zero UTI-related hospital admissions during the project period. What made the difference? A blend of simple changes: structured drink

Simply Food Solutions

At Simply Food Solutions, we believe that everyone deserves access to delicious meals tailored to their specific dietary requirements. Founded over 20 years ago, the company began with a vision to provide high-quality halal meals to hospital patients. Today, as part of the Bidfood family, Simply Food Solutions offers an extensive range of food solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of healthcare providers, care homes and individuals across the UK.

Our Product Ranges

SIMPLY PUREE

Designed for individuals with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), the Simply Puree range offers texture-modified meals compliant with IDDSI guidelines. From Level 3 (Liquidised) to Level 7 (Regular), our meals ensure safety without compromising on taste. Options include soups, main courses, desserts and snacks, all crafted to the highest safety standards. Additionally, the Simply Puree Junior line caters to paediatric needs, providing

rounds, flavour and temperature choices, staff reminders, visual prompts, and team training.

The Hydration Game fits perfectly into this approach, helping staff explore and embed hydration-friendly practices in a way that’s memorable and motivating.

IDEAS FOR USING THE HYDRATION GAME IN YOUR HOME

Care homes that adopt The Hydration Game often find that it quickly becomes a flexible, well-used tool across their organisation. Here are some creative and effective ways it can be used:

As part of induction or refresher training, the game helps new staff understand hydration risks from day one—and makes mandatory learning more enjoyable. Many homes use it during Care Certificate sessions. During staff meetings or team huddles, a few game cards can be used to prompt a five-minute discussion. These quick conversations often uncover issues or ideas that otherwise go unspoken.

To promote staff wellbeing, the game can also prompt teams to think about their own hydration habits. “When did you last drink water?” or “How do you remind yourself to hydrate?” are simple but important questions that encourage better self-care.

Some care homes even use the game to identify “hydration champions”—staff members who demonstrate a real interest in promoting better hydration, and who can lead initiatives, monitor intake, or coach colleagues.

SHIFTING THE CULTURE

Ultimately, hydration in care homes is not just about checking drink charts or offering fluids at mealtimes. It’s about embedding a culture of attentiveness—where hydration is seen as an essential act of care, not an afterthought.

Games like The Hydration Game make this easier by turning serious issues into opportunities for learning, connection, and shared responsibility. They give staff the space to speak, reflect, and come up with practical ideas that make sense in their setting.

And when residents are better hydrated, they are safer, happier, more comfortable, and more independent. Staff are sharper, more resilient, and more engaged. Everyone benefits.

FINAL THOUGHTS

By making learning enjoyable and practical, The Hydration Game is helping care homes across the UK improve hydration outcomes and build stronger, more confident teams.

Want to learn more or get started? See the advert on the front cover and use the code for a 20% discount.

Visit www.hydrationgame.com for details and ordering options.

meals that are both safe and appealing for children.

SIMPLY HEALTHCARE

Meeting the needs of patients with allergies, intolerances, or specific dietary requirements, the Simply Healthcare range includes gluten-free, allergen-aware and renal-suitable meals. Each dish is pre-plated and ready to serve, ensuring convenience and consistency in meal preparation. The range encompasses a variety of meat, fish and vegetarian options, all designed to support patient health and satisfaction.

SIMPLY WORLDFOODS

Reflecting the UK's rich cultural diversity, Simply Worldfoods offers a selection of cultural meals, including halal, kosher and AfroCaribbean meals. This range allows healthcare providers to offer patients a taste of home, enhancing mealtime experiences and promoting cultural inclusivity.The range also provide multiportion dishes that are ideal for staff or visitor feeding cafes.

Explore our full range of products and discover how Simply Food Solutions can enhance your mealtime offerings, please visit https://simplyfoodsolutions.co.uk

Feeding Rune: How Real Food Helped Our Son Thrive - and Sparked a Movement

Our son Rune is nearly six. He lives with a rare neuromuscular condition called Nemaline Myopathy, which affects his movement and strength. He needs round-theclock care, someone awake even through the night to manage his ventilator, medication, and medical equipment.

But the biggest threat to Rune’s health hasn’t been his condition. It’s been what he was being fed.

FORMULA NEARLY BROKE HIM

For the first few years of his life, Rune was in and out of hospital. He suffered from constant vomiting, painful tummy issues, repeated chest infections, and dangerous aspiration (when food or liquid enters the lungs). These episodes were terrifying, and they were all made worse by the “nutritionally complete” formula feeds he was given through his feeding tube. These formulas, the kind given to most tube-fed children and adults in the UK, are ultra-processed and heavy in dairy. For Rune, they made everything worse. He was deeply unwell, and we were told this was just part of his condition. But what if it wasn’t?

calories are made of, how they digest, and how they make you feel. Think about how you eat. Smelling, tasting, chewing, it all signals your body to start digesting. Tube-fed individuals miss out on that entirely, which means their bodies have to work harder. And if all they’re being given is sweetened shakes or oil-heavy blends, it’s no wonder they struggle to thrive.

TRIAL, ERROR, AND TRANSFORMATION

We had a lot to learn. Creating tubefriendly meals isn’t just about chucking leftovers in a blender. It takes careful attention to texture, nutrition, timing, and safety. But with help from open-minded professionals and a lot of research, we began to build blends tailored for Rune’s needs.

And the change was incredible.

The vomiting stopped. The chest infections slowed. His bowels started to work more normally. He had more energy for therapy. And for the first time in a long while, Rune felt more like himself.

Now, Rune shops with us. He picks out vegetables by smell and colour. He helps decide what goes into his blends. And incredibly, he’s even started tasting small amounts of purée by mouth, something we never imagined would be possible. He’ll always use his feeding button, but now he calls it his “powerup button.” He’s proud of it. And so are we.

FROM PERSONAL JOURNEY TO SHARED PURPOSE

Rune’s journey changed how we think about food, not just as nutrition, but as comfort, culture, and connection. We began to see how many tube-fed people, like him, are offered only one option: formula. For many, it’s essential. But it shouldn’t be the only choice.

Let’s be clear formula isn’t the enemy. For many people, it’s an absolute lifeline. It saves lives. It provides critical nutrition in a manageable, measurable, and medically supported way. This isn’t about demonising formula, it’s about recognising that one size doesn’t fit all. And for too long, that fact has been overlooked.

THE REAL FOOD REVELATION

After one particularly rough hospital stay, we started researching alternatives, and that’s when we discovered the blended diet. In simple terms, it means blending real, cooked food so it can go through a feeding tube. It’s more common in places like the US, but at the time it was almost unheard of in the UK due to old guidelines and fears around safety. That’s changed in recent years. New evidence and updated NICE guidance now support the use of real food blends in medical care. Why? Because people do better. It's not just about calories, it’s about what those

This wasn’t just a lucky break. Study after study shows that real food can offer major benefits for tube-fed people, especially children, where most of the research has focused so far. But the logic applies to adults too. Imagine being used to eating normal food your whole life, only to be switched to synthetic-tasting formula with no smell, no flavour, no connection to the food you once loved. What does that do to your appetite? Your wellbeing? Your sense of self?

FOOD IS CONNECTION

In our home, food isn’t just fuel. It’s comfort. It’s an experience. It’s care. When Rune first started tube feeding, his feeds were done in private, away from the dinner table. That’s what his school and carers had been taught, to keep it discreet, hidden. But we didn’t want Rune to feel ashamed about how he eats. He deserves variety, flavour, and choice just like everyone else.

So we brought him into the heart of mealtimes.

Plenty of tube-fed people can still taste, smell, and even enjoy small amounts of food by mouth. So why shouldn’t they have access to real ingredients, varied flavours, and meals that reflect the same dignity as those who eat by mouth?

Together with a close family friend, we’ve started a small company Food Untethered, not just to create meals, but to rethink what it means to eat when you're tube-fed. Our aim is to support those on liquid diets to live fully, with options that nourish both body and spirit.

This all started with Rune, but it’s something so many others deserve too.

Sophia Johnston Co-founder of Food Untethered Parent carer for Rune Johnston www.fooduntethered.com contact@fooduntethered.com 07846690988

CATERING FOR CARE

Eat Less, Eat Differently – Still Deserve the Best

We’ve

But

Temporary Catering Facilities from

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, Warewashing 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.

HYGIENE & ODOUR CONTROL

A Fresh Take On Care Home Odour Management

By Gill Ireson, Head Of Sales at cleaning manufacturer Robert Scott

Strong odours in care homes don’t just offend the nose –they can significantly affect the mental and emotional wellbeing of residents. Gill Ireson from Robert Scott explores how businesses can win the battle with advanced hygiene technologies.

Care homes should be places of comfort, dignity, and well-being for elderly residents.

Yet unpleasant odours can quickly erode that sense of home, creating an environment that feels unwelcoming and unhygienic. Care home managers face a complex mix of challenges - ranging from incontinence and bodily fluids to poor ventilation, food waste, and certain medical treatments. All of these can contribute to persistent odour problems, especially in communal areas where residents spend most of their time.

These lingering smells compromise air quality and can deeply affect residents’ emotional and mental well-being, often causing discomfort,

distress, and feelings of neglect. Visitors and staff, too, may interpret persistent odours as a sign of poor hygiene or substandard care, potentially harming the facility’s reputation.

For cleaning professionals, maintaining high standards of hygiene in this environment is no easy task. Regular cleaning alone is often not enough. Tackling the root causes of unpleasant odours, while also preventing the spread of germs in enclosed, high-use areas, requires both consistency and innovation.

Even spaces that appear clean can still suffer from foul smells caused by airborne bacteria, hidden contaminants, or poor drainage. To truly overcome these issues, care homes may need to go beyond traditional cleaning methods and adopt more advanced, targeted solutions. Ventilation and odour control technologies

While regular cleaning routines play a vital role in hygiene, they often fall short when it comes to long-lasting odour control in care homes. Odours can build up quickly, and traditional methods rarely offer continuous protection. To effectively manage this challenge, facilities managers are increasingly turning to advanced, automated solutions.

Precision fragrance systems provide consistent and controlled scent delivery, maintaining a fresh environment throughout the lifespan of each cartridge. These systems, based on fuel cell technology used in the pharmaceutical sector, ensure a steady and precise release of fragrance, making them a reliable, low-maintenance option for odour

management.

The technology operates through a generator that delivers a measured dose of oxygen, compressing a fragrance-filled pouch. This releases scent onto a cellulose pad, which gradually disperses a pure, clean fragrance into the space - ensuring consistent freshness without manual intervention.

In addition to scent systems, care homes are also adopting advanced air and surface purification technologies that neutralise odours and pathogens at their source. These environmentally friendly systems use UV light to treat airborne contaminants, combined with ozone disinfection and photoplasma generation to break down organic matter both in the air and on surfaces.

Such innovations can reduce airborne micro-organisms by up to 70%, effectively targeting viruses like influenza, E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella, as well as bacteria, fungi, and algae. By removing odours and contaminants directly at the source, without relying on harsh chemicals, these systems provide a powerful, eco-conscious solution for maintaining cleaner, fresher environments, especially in high-use areas like washrooms or canteens.

FEELING FRESH

Maintaining a fresh, welcoming environment has a lasting impact on the well-being of both residents and visitors in care homes. By integrating advanced odour control technologies, facilities can ensure a consistently pleasant and hygienic atmosphere - supporting emotional comfort, promoting dignity, and reinforcing a sense of home.

Smell Away® Launches Dual-Action HEPA Filter to Improve Air Quality in Residential Care Homes

Smell Away Ltd. has unveiled its latest innovation: a dual-action HEPA air purifier designed homes and residential care homes across the UK and Ireland. Combining advanced allergen filtration with trusted odour control, this new solution promotes cleaner, fresher indoor air – crucial for the health and comfort of vulnerable residents and staff alike

As hay fever season intensifies and indoor air quality becomes a growing concern, the Smell Away® purifier addresses both allergen exposure and persistent odours in care environments. Its High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter captures 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 3 microns, effectively removing pollen, dust and mould spores. For elderly residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, this protection can ease symptoms and enhance wellbeing.

Long praised for its odour-neutralising technology, Smell Away® now integrates its premium RC412 Australian activated carbon with a proprietary additive to tackle common

care home smells – from food and cleaning agents to incontinence and smoke – discreetly and efficiently.

Designed for ease of use, the compact, quiet unit fits seamlessly into bedrooms, treatment rooms, and communal areas. It requires no installation, operates with low energy consumption, and offers a long filter life of up to two years. Free delivery is available across the UK and Ireland, with special rates for care homes purchasing multiple units. "Air quality has a direct impact on wellbeing," says Gareth Williams of Smell Away Ltd. "This filter isn’t just about cleaner air – it’s about creating a more dignified, comfortable environment for residents and staff."

With growing attention on indoor air standards, Smell Away® provides a practical, cost-effective tool for care homes committed to delivering safer, more pleasant living spaces – one breath at a time.

For further information see the advert below or visit www.smellaway.com/carer

HYGIENE & ODOUR CONTROL

Oxy-Gen Powered® Air-Care Range

Part of Velair Group Limited, established 2012. Enviro-Save supplies costeffective and environmentally friendly washroom solutions, as well as being the Master Distributor for the Oxy-Gen Powered® air-care range in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Oxy-Gen Powered® is the only technology that harnesses the power of pure oxygen to guarantee the delivery of fragrance into the air continuously, consistently and accurately for the entire duration of the cartridge life.

This innovative system is based on fuel cell technology that is used in the pharmaceutical industry to deliver drugs to human beings and animals.

Oxy-Gen Powered® technology is simple, reliable and cost-effective.

All Oxy-Gen Powered® fragrance cartridges contain Neutra-Lox, our proprietary odour eliminating ingredient that is extremely effective against the smell of urine, faeces, body odour, tobacco, pet malodour, kitchen odour, mould, mildew and more. Unlike other systems that only mask odours, Oxy-Gen Powered® cartridges eliminate odours and release fragrance effectively and continuously. Carbon footprint approved, and 100% recyclable cartridges; choose Oxy-Gen Powered® for cleaner air and a cleaner earth.

With no added solvents, alcohols, CFCs, VOCs or propellants, our Oxy-Gen Powered® cartridges contain 100% pure fragrance oil and are a safe choice for any facility.

See the advert on this page for further information.

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.

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

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

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

CALL AND FALLS

Alarm Radio Monitoring - Wireless Nurse Call & Staff Alarm Systems

Alarm Radio Monitoring is the market leader in the design, manufacture and installation of bespoke, endto-end, wireless alarm systems and solutions for the healthcare, leisure, custodial and education industries.

We have been providing wireless alarm and nurse call systems for over 30 years. Supplying care homes and hospitals with an essential lifeline that supports the delivery of outstanding care.

We believe in excellence which translates into:

Advanced Technology

Industry-leading wireless alarm technologies and software

Bespoke Solutions

We design systems to your needs rather than your team having to work around the system

Innovative Design

Pushing boundaries with the reliability that comes from decades in the industry

Flexible Finance Options

Ensuring organisations of any size can provide safety for their staff and clients

24 Hours a Day, 365 Days a Year Service

Your ARM service team is on hand, on the phone, on-site or return to base, whether you have a service contract or not

For further information, see the advert below or visit www.arm.uk.com

Innovative Fall Prevention Solutions by Medpage

Modern nurse call monitoring systems represent a transformative advancement in residential care, bridging the gap between resident independence and professional oversight. These sophisticated platforms extend far beyond traditional emergency buttons, offering comprehensive monitoring solutions that support dignity whilst ensuring safety and prompt response to care needs.

The fundamental purpose of nurse call systems lies in empowering residents to maintain control over their care environment. When individuals can easily summon assistance, anxiety decreases and confidence increases, directly supporting psychological wellbeing and independence. This empowerment proves particularly vital for residents with mobility limitations or cognitive concerns who may otherwise feel vulnerable or isolated.

Recent Care Quality Commission reports consistently highlight response times to resident calls as key indicators of care quality. Effective monitoring

systems provide objective data demonstrating compliance with regulatory requirements whilst supporting continuous quality improvement initiatives.

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

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

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

For more information, see later in this feature.

Wireless Nurse Call & Staff Alarm Systems

Data Analysis software provides a full audit trail of events

The all-new call logging software from ARM enhances the functionality of your care call system dramatically.

• It can help you track the quality of your service to your residents.

• It can help you demonstrate compliance with your aims and best practices, both to relatives and to authorities.

• It can help you find bottlenecks in service provision, track staffing requirements, and allow you to ensure staff are meeting expectations.

• Most importantly, it provides assurance that you know and can demonstrate what is happening in your care home.

The wireless ARM Nurse Call system has been developed over 30 years with both the client and user in mind.

It enables staff to efficiently answer calls, making the management of resources more flexible and provides the functionality you would expect of any nurse call system.

The system is quick and easy to install and works wirelessly, using radio communication between both the call points and the system infrastructure.

Call messages can be sent direct to staff to speed up response times and can also be integrated to work with smart phones & messaging.

NURSE CALL AND FALLS

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:

Floor sensor mat

Wireless door/window exit alerts

TREADNOUGHT

®FLOOR SENSOR PAD

The TreadNought® Floor Sensor Pad is built to last with a durable construction that far out lasts the competition. Our anti-bacterial floor sensor pad is compatible with most nurse call systems or can be used with a portable pager to sound an alert when a person steps on to the sensor pad. Caregivers typically place the sensor pad at the bedside, in a doorway or other locations to monitor persons at risk for falls or wandering. An optional anti-slip mesh reduces the potential for slippage on hard surface floors.

FEATURES INCLUDE:

Connects directly to most nurse call systems

High Quality anti-bacterial Floor Sensor Pad

Large Size Pad: Measures (L)

Blaucomm Ltd - Telecommunications & Networks

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

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

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

MENTION

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

CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISERS

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

Innovative Fall Prevention Solutions by Medpage: A Comprehensive Look

Falls are a significant concern for vulnerable individuals, especially seniors and patients at risk. Medpage, a leader in assistive technology, offers a range of cuttingedge products designed to enhance safety and provide peace of mind for caregivers and families. Here’s an 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

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

monitoring capabilities of healthcare facilities. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to any care environment, ensuring timely responses to patient needs.

RON-WC2 WATERPROOF DISABLED PULL CORD ALARM TRANSMITTER WITH WIRELESS ALARM RECEIVER

The RON-WC2 is a robust solution for disabled individuals requiring immediate assistance. This waterproof pull cord alarm is ideal for use in bathrooms and other high-risk areas. Paired with a wireless alarm receiver, it ensures that help is just a pull away. Features include:

• Waterproof Design: Suitable for wet environments.

Wireless Connectivity: Reliable transmission to the alarm receiver.

• Ease of Installation: Simple setup for quick deployment.

WHY CHOOSE MEDPAGE?

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

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

For more information, visit Medpage’s official website or contact their team to explore these products further. Safety starts with the right tools, and Medpage delivers just that. www.easylinkuk.co.uk

T: 01536 264 869

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.

From Survival To Stability: Why Financial Health Is

Key To Social Care’s

Every day, care organisations are working tirelessly to deliver essential support in the face of growing needs and rising costs. However, too many providers are stuck balancing tight budgets, having ‘just enough’ to stay afloat. The hard truth is, just enough isn’t enough—not for the providers, not for the employees, and certainly not for the clients who depend on them.

Rising operational costs—from wages and the Fair Pay Agreement to energy bills—compound historic underfunding and financial pressures. And demand for care continues to increase, creating a widening gap that organisations are often forced to fill with limited resources.

Providers then end up in survival mode, unable to invest in improving their services for today and the future.

THE NEED TO RETHINK FINANCIAL STABILITY

Care providers need to have healthy finances in social care, and that doesn’t come at odds with delivering compassionate care.

A financially strong organisation has the breathing room to improve services, retain employees, and innovate to make a meaningful difference to the lives of people they support. And having this financial security means providers can actually plan for the future rather than constantly reacting to the present.

BENEATH THE SURFACE

Future

how financial pressures continue to challenge social care providers.

Social care organisations face a web of financial intricacies. Local authority support often comes with layers of red tape. Managing aged debt and resolving invoicing errors take a significant amount of time that few organisations can spare. Regulation and compliance require meticulous reporting, and the sheer volume of admin work to manage all these leaves teams stretched thin.

At the same time, there’s an expectation for providers to keep doing more. But without the right tools and systems in place, these compounded financial struggles threaten to overwhelm this indispensable sector.

PAVING A SUSTAINABLE WAY FORWARD

Social care providers aren’t just keeping their organisations alive; they’re safeguarding the wellbeing of countless individuals and families.

Providers need to be able to prioritise long-term financial resilience. And part of this means having the tools—including robust financial management softwaresimplify manual processes, optimise resources, and reduce inefficiencies.

By championing financial sustainability, we’re creating conditions where employees can thrive, where clients receive the quality of care they deserve, and where the sector can confidently meet future challenges.

Find out more at: www.oneadvanced.com/ai

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

Primera Healthcare’s Digital Leap with PASS

Adult social care is changing fast. Across England, providers are swapping paper and patched-together systems for complete digital records, in step with the government’s Digitising Social Care programme.

Primera Healthcare, which supports people at home in Birmingham and London, has moved early and decisively.

The team started 2025 by upgrading their older care system to All-in-one PASS, adding digital care planning, rostering and finance tools so that every part of the service now sits under a single platform.

The switch felt less like a software update and more like turning on the lights. Travel times, staff skills and visit continuity now feed automatically into the rota, so late or missed calls are spotted and fixed before they become problems.

Medication notes flow straight into electronic MAR charts, and live GPS data shows managers exactly where carers are, cutting the need for frantic phone calls on busy shifts.

Most striking of all is GP Connect. With one tap, authorised staff can see up-to-date diagnoses and pre-

scriptions, saving time and keeping visits focused on the person rather than the paperwork.

“The transition was seamless,” says Shaelene Dewar, Quality Assurance Auditor. “The journal view gives us a live window on the whole business, and the Data Creation Team at PASS built our new forms in record time. GP Connect is brilliant. Reliable information in seconds, and the new charts help us spot patterns we never saw before.”

Those changes have delivered quick, concrete gains. Oversight is tighter, risk is lower, and staff spend more minutes each day with the people they support.

Everything is logged, time-stamped and ready for inspection, which reassures families and pleases regulators.

As everyLIFE Technologies marks ten years of PASS, Primera’s experience shows what the next decade can look like when digital tools are placed at the heart of care.

Good care can always get better, and better starts with digital.

Ready to explore your own next step? Visit www.everylifetechnologies.com or call the everyLIFE team to see how PASS can help your service.

Fran Kirke, VP of Care

at OneAdvanced, discusses

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Online But Unsupported: How Care Providers Can Help People Stay Safe Online

A new report from the Digital Care Hub, Online But Unsupported, highlights the vital role care homes and other care providers play in supporting people with learning disabilities to stay safe online.

Digital access is now a routine part of life. People use the internet to keep in touch with family and friends, follow hobbies, do their shopping, and increase their independence. But alongside the many benefits come real risks—and people need the right support to manage them.

The research, commissioned by Better Security, Better Care and delivered by Cyber Champions, found that while many people with learning disabilities feel confident using the internet, fewer feel confident about keeping themselves safe.

Key challenges identified include:

• Only 31% of people knew how to spot a fake email or scam

Nearly 30% didn’t know how to change privacy settings on social media

Almost a quarter weren’t sure how to update device security

Some people had been tricked into sharing inappropriate images, not realising the risks or consequences

Others struggled to tell the difference between online and real-life friends

Carers also raised concerns about online grooming, sexting, bullying via messaging apps, and people oversharing personal information.

Care home staff, volunteers and family members are central to helping people manage these risks. But the report found that carers often don’t get the practical training or support they need.

• 89% of staff support people online at least once a month

25% had received little or no training in digital safety

• 69% said their training was annual but not tailored to real-life situations

• Around 30% said they didn’t know how to set up two-factor authentication or update device security

“We need to make online safety part of everyday conversations in care,” said Samantha Leonard, new Director of ARC England. “Staff need to be seen as the experts, but they do not need to feel confident talking about online risks, noticing red flags, and knowing where to go for trusted support.”

Anu Khurmi, CEO of Cyber Champions, added: “Cyber Champions is a notfor-profit initiative encompassing organisations from the private, voluntary and public sectors. Its goal is to make a difference to local communities and future generations by promoting best practices in digital literacy, online safety and cyber skills.”

The report calls for care providers to invest in regular, scenario-based training for staff—moving beyond tick-box approaches. It recommends using roleplay and real-life stories to help people with learning disabilities understand online safety in simple, everyday terms.

“We need to make online safety part of everyday conversations in care,” said Samantha Leonard, CoDirector of Cyber Champions. “Staff don’t need to be tech experts, but they do need to feel confident talking about online risks, noticing red flags, and knowing where to go for trusted support.”

The report also encourages care organisations to build a culture where staff can share new threats, ask questions, and learn together. By doing so, care providers can help people with learning disabilities enjoy the digital world safely and confidently.

Free resources and guidance are available at: www.digitalcarehub.co.uk/OnlineButUnsupported

CQC Compliance: The Importance of Up-to-Date Policies and Procedures

In today’s regulated care environment, having clear, current, and wellcommunicated health and social care policies is essential for delivering safe, compliant services. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) now places increasing emphasis on how policies are implemented and understood—especially during registration and inspections.

Outdated or poorly communicated policies can significantly impact your CQC rating. Even if documentation is comprehensive, failure to ensure staff understand and follow procedures may lead to a “Requires Improvement” or even “Inadequate” rating under the ‘Effective’ domain. Well-maintained policies promote consistent standards across care teams and help safeguard services when incidents arise. In regulatory investigations, the first request is often to review relevant policies—making accuracy and accessibility key to reducing legal and compliance risks.

However, keeping policies up to date is challenging. Constant changes in legislation, best practice guid-

ance, and case law mean that policies can quickly become obsolete. W&P has been a trusted provider of CQC-ready care policies and procedures for over 20 years. Our expert team monitors industry developments to ensure your policies remain fully compliant.

Our Online Policy Portal simplifies policy management. With just a few clicks, providers can update content, distribute documents to staff, track confirmations, and monitor compliance via a real-time dashboard. You can even provide temporary read-only access to inspectors—demonstrating transparency and accountability instantly.

Ensure your care service meets CQC expectations with fully up-to-date, easily accessible, and well-communicated policies.

Email: info@wandptraining.co.uk

Call: 01305 767104

for details.

Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

Lost Time and Costs Start with Your Rotas

By Becky Mundie, RotaCloud (https://rotacloud.com)

How much time do you spend on admin?

How long are you locked away in your office to make the rota, only having to go back again and again for amends? How often have you realised you’re understaffed, resulting in overspending on agency staff? How frequently do payroll errors, messy audit trails, and chasing staff who missed a shift update occur?

It’s constant, the stress of it all. It’s enough to carry the care of your service users on your shoulders without being overwhelmed every day by repetitive admin and errors. You never thought you’d be spending more time amending schedules, chasing for cover, and correcting issues than your actual job.

But those inefficiencies — staff shortages, payroll errors, missed shift updates, and multiple spreadsheets you juggle — cost you money, time, staff retention, and, in some cases, compliance.

It’s easy to suggest investing in budgeting tools or certain tech to help you understand spending before it happens and to automate certain processes. Budgets are tight in care, after all. But there are simple fixes to cut your operating costs without cutting back on care if you can’t yet turn to digital systems.

Cutting costs doesn’t just mean spending less. It’s about making smarter decisions – reacting to and fixing

the cause of the problem, not the effect. And it all starts with your rota.

There are ways to take better care of your rota, which will, in turn, improve efficiency and staff morale.

One main way: putting your staff first.

First, give your team more say in when they work by allowing them to submit their availability. Try making a rolling rota with a mix of most and least preferred shifts so everyone gets a fair share of them. It means far less admin for you when the rota repeats, far fewer last-minute amends, a more accurate payroll, an easier audit trail, and no more miscommunications on when everyone’s working.

Second. Share rotas at least two weeks in advance. Doing so allows enough time to make amends and for everyone affected to be updated. Sticking to this process is more efficient, which means less admin – which means more time to focus on service users.

Third. Put in a more seamless process for holiday requests. Whether a submitted form or limiting to one means of messaging, sticking to one process means fewer lost or forgotten requests and much less paperwork. Plus, allow staff to arrange shift swaps themselves, leaving managers to simply approve or deny. Again, less time on admin means more time for service users.

All in all, your saviour is flexibility. Flexibility in rotas means less admin for managers, more efficient teams and safe staffing levels, happier staff (and higher retention rates), and, in return, happier service users – all saving costs in the process. After all, when you aren’t making last-minute changes or relying on agency staff to cover no-shows, you stick to the staffing levels and labour budgets you’ve forecast. So long, overspending, lost time, and inefficient processes.

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

Vision for Smarter, Stronger Care

Learn with

Purpose. Care

QCS x Carebeans, the UK’s leading digital provider of compliance, care management and workforce solutions for the adult social care and support sector, announces the launch of QCS Learning Centre - a powerful new addition to their growing ecosystem of connected tools built to help providers deliver safer, smarter care.

Developed in partnership with CareTutor, a trusted training expert with over 20 years’ experience in the care sector, QCS Learning Centre offers accessible, accredited and engaging video-based training designed specifically for frontline care teams.

“We’re building the future of digital care,” says Nikki Walker, CEO at QCS. “The QCS platform is about more than just ticking boxes. We’re creating an intelligent, joined-up system where compliance, care management and training all work together – backed by rich data that powers our AI integrations, all driven by realworld care and support challenges, designed to give time back to providers when they need it most.”

A CONNECTED ECOSYSTEM – SMARTER TOGETHER

with

Confidence. Build for the Future

QCS Learning Centre is fully integrated into the wider QCS x Carebeans platform, which brings together care planning, rostering, audits, mock inspections, policies and training into one seamless digital experience. This connected approach means that care and support teams can respond faster, train smarter and make better decisions - all in one place.

Whether you’re running a care home, a domiciliary service or supported living provision. Every part of the system works together to reduce admin, keep you inspection-ready and support better outcomes for the

people you care and support for.

Luke Bond, Managing Director at CareTutor, adds “QCS Learning Centre is more than just another training tool. It’s the next step in supporting a stronger, more confident workforce - providing engaging and interactive, video-led courses designed and created by CareTutor specifically for the adult social care sector”.

What QCS Learning Centre Delivers:

Accredited, video-led training developed by sector experts

• Smart tracking and reporting to keep training up to date and inspection-ready

Designed for real-world care and support - simple to use and quick to deploy

Supports staff development, retention and quality improvement

Future integration roadmap with the full QCS x Carebeans system planned BUILT FOR THE SECTOR. BACKED BY AI.

With AI-powered features running across QCS x Carebeans platforms – the rich data within the system enables intelligent audit tools to real-time alerts and automated policy updates - QCS Learning Centre is part of a long-term vision to reduce admin, raise care quality and give providers back the time they need to provide and evidence quality care and support.

READY TO SEE IT IN ACTION?

Explore the QCS Learning Centre today and see how it can support your service so you can be assured your team is skilled, confident, and able to provide higher-quality care and support.

https://www.qcs.co.uk/qcs-learning-centre/

PROFESSIONAL AND FINANCE

Is Your Care Home Struggling Financially? Here Are The Options Available To You

By Eleanor Stephens, Senior Solicitor – Insolvency at law firm Harper James

The UK care sector is under significant financial pressure with rising costs, workforce shortages, and longterm underfunding pushing many care providers towards breaking point. These challenges have only intensified following recent Budget announcements, with increases in the National Living Wage and National Insurance placing further pressure on already resource-stretched organisations.

Recent findings from the Care Provider Alliance paint a stark picture.

A survey of over 1,100 care providers revealed that 73% expect to refuse new care packages, 77% are drawing on reserves, 64% anticipate redundancies, and 22% are considering closing altogether. These figures represent more than just operational strain; they signal a threat to vulnerable adults who rely on essential care, families who depend on support, and dedicated staff who risk losing their livelihoods.

Despite the severity of these challenges, care providers are not powerless. There are practical steps and strategies that can help navigate financial distress and build resilience for the future. In this article, Insolvency Solicitor Eleanor Stephens discusses how you can identify if there are cash flow issues in your business and the steps you can take as a care home provider.

HOW CAN CARE HOME OPERATORS RECOGNISE THE EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF FINANCIAL DISTRESS?

Financial distress rarely arrives without warning, recognising the signs early allows care providers to take action before problems escalate. Common warning signs include difficulties managing cashflow, increasing reliance on short-term borrowing or reserves, and delays in paying suppliers, landlords or HMRC. Indirect indicators, such as rising staff turnover, difficulties recruiting, or pressures around meeting regulatory standards, can also point to underlying financial stress. Directors, no matter the sector, have a legal duty to act in the best interests of creditors once a business faces potential insolvency. Ignoring warning signs not only reduces the chance of recovery but also increases the risk of wrongful trading, which can lead to personal liability.

What steps can care home providers take?

Start with a detailed financial health check, this includes reviewing cashflow forecasts, profit margins, and liabilities. Identify immediate pressures and longer-term risks. This step is not just for the finance team, senior leadership, including operations and HR, should understand the business’s financial position to work together on solutions. Its imperative to ensure you maintain an accurate and up to date financial picture so all directors are aware of the realistic financial situation and

can make decisions based on up to date information.

Engaging with key stakeholders early is an important step. Open conversations with lenders, landlords, suppliers, and local authority commissioners can create opportunities to renegotiate terms, extend payment deadlines, or secure additional support. Many stakeholders would rather help a business recover than see it fail.

Cost structures should be reviewed carefully. Are there areas of spend that can be reduced without affecting care quality? Are contracts still fit for purpose, or could they be renegotiated? Are there opportunities to refinance or access new funding?

UNDERSTANDING YOUR BUSINESS’ RESTRUCTURING AND INSOLVENCY OPTIONS

In the care sector, financial pressure can build gradually, rising operating costs, staffing shortages, and delayed local authority payments can impact cash flow. For many business owners, the word ‘insolvency’ can feel like a last resort, or something to be avoided at all costs. But in reality, insolvency and restructuring processes are there to help businesses, not punish them.

If your care home is facing financial difficulties, understanding your options early can make all the difference. A legal process such as administration is designed to give viable businesses the breathing space they need to stabilise, restructure, and recover.

Here are the most common routes and options: COMPANY VOLUNTARY ARRANGEMENT (CVA)

A CVA is a legally binding agreement between a company and its unsecured creditors, typically to repay debts over a fixed period, often at reduced amounts.

The key advantage is that the business can continue trading while the CVA is in place. Directors stay in control, and staff, residents, and suppliers can experience minimal disruption.

How it works:

• The company proposes a repayment plan, usually spread over 3–5 years

• Creditors vote on the proposal at least 75% (by value) must agree for it to proceed

• Once approved, all unsecured creditors are bound by the terms

• The business continues to operate under the supervision of an insolvency practitioner

Why it works well in the care sector:

• Preserves continuity of care and minimises disruption for residents

• Retains jobs and protects staff morale

• Can prevent reputational damage by avoiding formal insolvency proceedings like liquidation

• Shows creditors that you’re taking proactive steps to meet obligations ADMINISTRATION

Administration is a formal insolvency process where control of the business passes to a licensed insolvency practitioner (the administrator). Their role is to act in the best interest of creditors and try to rescue

the business where possible.

During administration, the company is protected by a legal “moratorium”, meaning creditors can’t take enforcement action without the administrator’s consent or court approval.

What administration can achieve:

• Restructure the business to cut costs or exit loss-making contracts

• Sell the business as a going concern, preserving value and jobs

• Deliver a better return to creditors than an immediate liquidation Why this matters for care homes:

• Resident care can continue while the administrator explores rescue or sale

• It creates space to secure investment, agree a pre-pack sale, or restructure leases and liabilities

• Essential suppliers (e.g. food, utilities, medical services) are more likely to continue supply during a managed process LIQUIDATION

Liquidation is the process of closing down a company in a structured and lawful way. Assets are sold, creditors are repaid in order of priority, and the business is removed from the Companies House register. There are two main types:

• Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL): initiated by directors when the business is insolvent and can’t continue trading

• Compulsory Liquidation: initiated by a creditor via court proceedings

What happens in liquidation:

• All trading ceases

• A liquidator is appointed to sell assets, settle debts, and distribute any remaining funds

• Employees are made redundant (with access to redundancy pay and other statutory entitlements)

• Directors’ duties continue during the process and are reviewed by the liquidator

When liquidation is appropriate:

• The business has no realistic prospect of recovery

• There are more liabilities than assets

• Continuing to trade would risk further losses or wrongful trading by directors

For care businesses, liquidation should be a last resort, but if recovery isn’t possible, it can allow directors to close the company in a way that meets legal obligations and limits personal risk.

SUMMARY

Many care homes in the UK are under real financial pressure. Rising costs and cash flow issues are making it harder to keep things running smoothly. Acting early is key: review your finances, talk to lenders and suppliers, and seek professional advice. Options like CVAs and administration can help restructure and protect your business, while liquidation should only be a last resort. Throughout the process, maintain clear communication with residents, families, and staff prioritising their wellbeing.

New Immigration Rules A Huge Setback For The Social Care Sector As Overseas Care Worker Route Closes

The Home Office has announced major reform of the Immigration Rules and the changes came into effect on 22 July 2025.

New rules were laid in Parliament on the 1st July 2025, which see skills and salary thresholds rise to the previously set RQF level 6, overseas recruitment for care workers to end, and between 100 and 180 occupations no longer eligible under the skilled worker visa route.

The new Immigration Rules came into force on 22 July 2025.

There is no doubt that the UK’s social care system will suffer from the UK government tightened immigration rules.

One of the major changes which will directly affect the social care sector is the Skilled Worker entry clearance applications for care workers (SOC code 6135) and senior care workers (SOC code 6136) being closed on 22 July 2025.

The government’s position is that care providers can recruit from the regional care partnerships which have a significant pool of displaced care workers. Furthermore, the government believe that resident workers can be trained to carry out these roles. However, both of these approaches are flawed.

The displaced workers pool will eventually diminish and there is no real plan to identify where the social scare sector will recruit for the carer and senior carer roles.

Key Takeaways: What Steps Should Care Providers Take Now

Providers holding a sponsor licence should carry out a full audit of their HR processes and the five areas of compliance under the sponsor guidance. Take advantage of the Aston Brooke Solicitors UKVI mock audit service. Please contact Mr Kashif Majeed and email km@astonbrooke.co.uk to book an appointment.

In addition to the above, the following action must be undertaken as a matter of urgency:

Care Home Finance from Global Business Finance

Global assists clients throughout the U.K. who specialise in the healthcare sector to achieve their objectives of purchase, development and refinance.

We have organised over £1.8bn for clients in the past 30 years, providing clients with competitively priced funding to refinance existing debt, ease cashflow and develop businesses further. From helping clients make their first purchase through to allowing groups to grow significantly in size we assist at every stage of your business expansion.

Every proposal is individual and deserves to be treated that way, so we hope you will allow us to be of assistance to you and call us to chat through your plans and requirements, I am sure we will be able to tailor a facility to your requirements. Call us on 01242 227172 or e-mail us at enquiries@globalbusinessfinance.net

1. Sponsored Migrants Salary Audit

As there are no transitional arrangements for the new salary thresholds, employers must review the salaries of all sponsored workers. If you are assigning CoSs on or after the 22 July 2025, you must meet the new salary thresholds to ensure compliance of the rules.

2.Compliance of the Skill Level Threshold

Please ensure compliance of any roles filled which fall below RQF level 6 and that they also appear on the Temporary Shortage List and the Immigration Salary List.

Please ensure that any roles sponsored under SOC code 6135 and 6136 are for existing staff who have been employed in the business for at least three months.

There are more changes to come later this year which include:

1. Increasing the immigration skills charge

2. Increasing the English language requirements across the immigration system.

For clear and comprehensive advice on the new rules, its implementation and how it affects your business,

please contact Mr Kashif Majeed, Director at Aston Brooke Solicitors. Email: km@astonbrooke.co.uk

Eden Alternative - It’s Time to Change the Way We Care

"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.

it's 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.

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 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"