The Carer Digital - Issue #256

Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

THE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL: WHY OLDER WORKERS ARE THE KEY TO SOLVING CARE'S STAFFING CRISIS

As we celebrate Professional Care Workers' Week 2025, it's impossible to ignore the perfect storm of opportunity that has emerged for our sector.

The International Longevity Centre's groundbreaking Better Lives Index has revealed that getting more people in their 50s and early 60s back into work could deliver a £109 billion boost to Britain's economy.

For a care sector grappling with 152,000 daily vacancies, this represents not just an economic opportunity, but a potential lifeline

I do accept that we are all aware of the long-standing staffing issues and the untapped potential of the over 50’s but the current economic landscape may be the perfect time to “sow the seeds” and get the message out….the sector needs you!

The timing couldn't be more fortuitous. As we mark Professional Care Workers' Week – a celebration dedicated to "celebrating the skilled and essential work of care professionals across the UK" – we must recognise that solving our staffing crisis requires more than just celebrating existing workers.

We need to actively recruit from the vast pool of experienced, mature workers who could bring invaluable skills to our sector.

CARE

THE COMPELLING CASE FOR OLDER WORKERS IN

The benefits of employing older workers in care are well-documented and numerous. Research consistently shows that mature workers bring enhanced emotional intelligence, patience, and life experience – qualities that are absolutely fundamental to quality care delivery.

They demonstrate lower turnover rates, reduced absenteeism, and often possess the interpersonal skills that can't be taught in training programmes. In a sector where building trust and rapport with vulnerable residents is paramount, these attributes are worth their weight in gold.

Moreover, many over-50s are seeking meaningful work that provides purpose and allows them to make a real difference. Care work offers exactly that – the opportunity to directly impact lives whilst utilising decades of accumulated wisdom and people skills.

The government's decision to effectively close the door on overseas recruitment has undeniably compounded our staffing crisis.

With this policy choice came, In my opinion, a moral obligation to provide viable alter-

natives. The Better Lives Index findings present government with a clear roadmap: invest in supporting older workers back into employment, particularly in sectors like ours where their skills are desperately needed.

However, this must be achieved through incentives, not penalties. The "carrot, not stick" approach is crucial. We need targeted support programmes, flexible working arrangements, age-friendly recruitment practices, and perhaps most importantly, the kind of professional recognition that Professional Care Workers' Week champions.

This year's PCWW theme couldn't be more relevant. The push to recognise that "care work is indeed professional work and should be recognised as such" is fundamental to attracting older workers who have built careers in other sectors. These potential recruits need to see that moving into care represents a step forward in their professional journey, not a step down.

The professionalisation agenda – encompassing fair wages, clear career pathways, and genuine recognition of skills – is exactly what will appeal to mature workers considering a career change. They're looking for respect, appropriate compensation for their experience, and the dignity that comes with being recognised as skilled professionals.

The convergence of economic evidence, Professional Care Workers' Week, and our sector's critical staffing needs creates an unprecedented opportunity. We have the research showing older workers could unlock billions for the economy, we have a week dedicated to elevating the professional status of care work, and we have a government that has limited its overseas recruitment options.

What we need now is coordinated action. This means sector leaders working with government to create targeted programmes that make care attractive to over-50s. It means providers reviewing their recruitment practices to eliminate age bias and embrace the value of experience. It means unions and professional bodies advocating for the kind of working conditions and pay scales that reflect the professional status we claim for care work.

As Professional Care Workers' Week 2025 celebrates the "skilled and essential" nature of care work, we must extend that celebration into concrete action..

In closing overseas recruitment pathways, government created a challenge. In identifying the economic potential of older workers, researchers have provided the solution. In celebrating professional care work, PCWW has created the platform for change.

The question isn't whether we can afford to recruit older workers into care – it's whether we can afford not to. With the right approach, incentives, and professional recognition, we can tap into this vast reservoir of talent and begin to solve our staffing crisis!

I would encourage our readers to sign up for our bi-weekly digital newsletter at www.thecareruk.com and follow us on social media for all the latest news.

I can always be contacted at editor@thecareruk.com

Editor

Peter Adams

Over-50s into Work Could Unlock £109 Billion for UK Economy... And Help Resolve Sector Staffing Crisis

(CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER)

The OakNorth Care Sector Tracker revealed that the sector’s staffing crisis has reached alarming proportions, with over 131,000 vacancies – triple the UK average – now plaguing care providers.

The impact has, the OakNorth report said been immediate and severe. An 81% drop in overseas care worker visas, coupled with the closure of the care worker visa route, has left providers scrambling to fill essential roles.

The Department of Health & Social Care’s April 2025 workforce survey also painted a stark picture: 71% of adult social care providers now find recruitment challenging, with 37% expressing serious concerns about sustaining service levels over the next six months.

From July 22nd the UK government banned new overseas recruits for care worker and senior care worker roles via the Skilled Worker visa, closing the Health and Care visa route to new international applications for these specific roles.

While existing overseas care workers can stay until 2028, and some "in-country switching" is allowed until then, the change aims to encourage UK care providers to recruit domestically.

“Better pay in other sectors was cited as a primary factor affecting both recruitment and retention,” the report notes, highlighting the sector’s struggle to compete with other industries for staff.

WORKFORCE PRESSURES

Furthermore, recent data revealed that despite a 4.2% rise in filled posts in 2023-2024, reaching 1.705 million positions, this apparent growth masks deeper structural problems. Care England has warned that these figures represent "unsustainable workforce pressures" as demand continues to outstrip supply.

Care England noted that while 70,000 additional positions were filled over the past year, the sector continues to struggle with recruitment and retention challenges that undermine service quality and sustainability.

However, helping more people in their 50s and early 60s stay in work could deliver a significant boost to Britain’s economy, and help alleviate the sectors staffing crisis.

UNTAPPED POTENTIAL

The Better Lives Index has collated robust official data from across the four nations to give a new picture of how health, wealth and opportunity vary by place – and how those differences shape people’s lives from childhood to later life.

One striking finding is the untapped potential of older workers: If every area matched the employment rate of the best in its peer group, the economic contribution of 50–64year-olds would rise by 19% – worth £109 billion.

Even under a more modest scenario, where lagging areas simply caught up to the average, the UK would still gain nearly £20 billion.

The potential isn’t confined to prosperous areas. In Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, matching peer averages could increase local output from older workers by 46% (£211 million). In Burnley, Lancashire, the increase would be 37% (£154 million).

With labour shortages and economic growth high on the policy agenda, the findings show that supporting longer working lives could deliver meaningful benefits for individuals, local communities, and the wider UK economy.

BREAK “DOOM LOOP”

Ben Franklin, ILC Deputy Chief Executive and project lead, commented: “The Better Lives Index shows why we must look beyond headline growth sectors and pay attention to the basics that shape people’s lives – from life expectancy to child poverty to housing affordability.

“When we get policy and support right, the payoff can be huge. Enabling more people in their 50s and 60s to stay in work could unlock over £100 billion for the UK economy – proving we can break the economic doom loop by investing in people and places, including those too often mislabelled ‘left behind’.”

AGE DISADVANTAGE

The government's own '50 PLUS: Choices' agenda also highlighted recognition of the challenges faced by the over-50s in the labour market and renewed commitment to retain, retrain and recruit more older workers.

The potential, the government says is significant, yet largely untapped, with research revealing that 36% of 50-69 year-olds feel at a disadvantage applying for jobs due to their age, suggesting a substantial pool of experienced workers facing barriers to employment.

NHS Employers recently highlighted the missed opportunity, noting that "there is a lot more employers could do to make work more attractive and accessible for over 50s".

“RETURNERSHIP INITIATIVE”

The Centre for Ageing Better's Good Recruitment for Older Workers (GROW) project is currently examining ways to reduce age bias in recruitment processes. Their research, part of a series beginning with the report "Shut out: How employers and recruiters are overlooking the talents of over 50s workers", demonstrates the scope for improvement.

Meanwhile, innovative government schemes are showing promise. The UK government launched a "returnership" initiative to inspire those over 50 to return to work or seek career changes, involving three programs that help older workers retrain and learn new skills, providing a clear roadmap back into employment.

AI in Care: A Partnership, Not a Replacement

about the transformative potential of AI in addressing the sector's most pressing challenges.

The care sector stands at a crossroads. With demand for services growing and workforce challenges intensifying, the question isn't whether to adopt AI - it's how quickly we can harness its potential to transform care delivery.

BEYOND THE FEAR FACTOR

There is a concern among care workers and people who draw on care and support that AI will be used to replace care workers: Anisa and Daniel felt that this way of thinking misses the fundamental point. Care is about human connection. No algorithm can replicate the compassion in a carer's touch or the comfort of genuine human presence. What AI can do is free carers from administrative burdens that keep them from doing what they do best - caring.

Consider this: carers currently spend significant time on documentation, searching for policies, and administrative tasks. AI-driven solutions like voice-to-text documentation can capture care notes instantly, saving precious minutes that can be redirected to service users. When a

carer needs to reference a moving and handling procedure, AI can provide instant, contextual guidance - even translating it for the many care workers whose first language isn't English.

THE SECURITY IMPERATIVE

Data protection concerns are valid and must be addressed head-on. Care providers handle deeply personal information, "Without proper data protection measures, care providers shouldn't use AI," Byrne states firmly. The key is ensuring systems don't share information with external AI models for learning purposes - data must remain confidential and controlled.

Industry standards like ISO 42001 accreditation provide frameworks for responsible implementation. With permission replication ensuring AI only accesses data based on existing user permissions, providers can implement AI without compromising service user privacy.

TRANSFORMING CARE DELIVERY AT EVERY LEVEL

AI's impact extends far beyond individual tasks. By connecting data across the care continuum - from hospital discharge to home care rostering - AI creates unprecedented opportunities for integrated care delivery.

Byrne shares a powerful example from her own family: "My sister's mother-in-law recently spent 16 weeks in hospital in an NHS bed because nobody could agree where she was going to go or what support she needed. That was four months of letters between the hospital, the GP, and care providers and back again."

The situation became even more frustrating when discharge was finally arranged. "She came out and went home until they realised that actually everything she needed in terms of hygiene requirements was not in place. Within 12 hours she was put back into the NHS bed again."

This illustrates a broader system failure. "Her needs could have been properly assessed and scheduled using better connected systems," Byrne argues. "When information flows properly between organisations, people get the right support at the right time."

For preventative care, AI analyses patterns from sensors and wearables to identify changes before they become critical. A drop in fluid intake or altered movement patterns triggers proactive interventions, potentially preventing hospital admissions entirely.

SUPPORTING, NOT SUPPLANTING, PROFESSIONAL JUDGEMENT

AI provides what Anisa Byrne calls "contextual decision support" (i.e. information that helps carers make better decisions without removing their autonomy or expertise). Like a mobile device that enhances but doesn't replace human capabilities, AI augments care delivery while preserving the essential human elements.

Alongside technology, carers still possess their training, experience, and judgement. AI doesn't create dependency; it creates capacity. THE PATH FORWARD

The integration of AI in care requires thoughtful and gradual implementation to ensure it achieves what a care organisation wants it to achieve. Anisa and Daniel championed the role of technology in care provider organisations who can bridge traditional care practices with digital innovation.

We're not approaching a revolution in care - we're in one. AI is enabling person-centred care, creating integrated intelligence platforms that follow the individual rather than institutional boundaries. It's allowing predictive care management that keeps people healthier at home while streamlining hospital discharge when care is needed.

This isn't about replacing human compassion with algorithms. It's about giving care professionals the tools to deliver the care and support that make all the difference. In a sector where every resource counts and every minute matters, AI isn't just an option, it's an essential partner in delivering the care our society needs and deserves.

The future of care remains fundamentally human. AI simply ensures that humanity has the time and resources to achieve real person-centred care.

Charity Buys Land In Crawley To Build Care Home For Older People

Pilgrims’ Friend Society is purchasing land in Crawley with plans to build a brand-new care home.

The land, which is being sold by Hazelwick School, will become the location for a 72-bed home for older people in Crawley.

As part of the Pilgrims’ Friend Society family, the home will provide the Christian care and community which enables older people to flourish in their later years.

Stephen Hammersley, Chief Executive of Pilgrims’ Friend Society, said, “I am delighted that we are buying land in Crawley in order to build a brand-new care home for older people in the town. Our mission is to ensure that as many older people as possible can experience the Christian care and community that is the hallmark of Pilgrims’ Friend Society’s care homes, and I am very much looking forward to seeing this provision established in Crawley.”

The new home will provide for 72 older people and will be designed according to the household model of 12 rooms in six households. Hugh Lambourne, Director of Property Services at Pilgrims’ Friend Society, said, “As we embark on the planning application for this project, I am pleased that we’re continuing to work with Northstar Projects whose award-winning work on Middlefields House in Chippenham will be put to good use in creating a building which enables great care and vibrant family-like community as well

as being a satisfying place for many local people to work.”

The site is being sold by Hazelwick School and will turn underused land around the former caretaker’s cottage into a hub of care and community which is projected to provide up to 200 jobs for local people alongside a number of volunteering opportunities.

Samuel Sargeant of Savills development team in Guildford said, “We are pleased to have agreed the sale of this former caretaker’s house, paving the way for continued community use while breathing new life into an underused part of the site. The proposed project will result in numerous ongoing benefits for the school, the care home and the wider community.”

Pilgrims’ Friend Society and Hazelwick School anticipate growing intergenerational connections between the home and the school as well as exploring ways of providing volunteering and career development opportunities for students. The venture will be a chance for considerable investment in the future of Crawley and the charity hopes that investment in volunteering and links with local churches will be good news for many older people still living at home.

The building will be subject to planning permission and the application process will get underway in due course.

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

Daniel Casson, Managing Director at Casson Consulting and joint coordinator of the Oxford Generative AI in Social Care Project, interviewed Anisa Byrne, General Manager at Access Care,

Government Launches Major Survey to Capture Care Workers’ Experiences

A comprehensive national survey has been launched to gather insights from care professionals across England, offering workers the opportunity to influence future policy decisions.

The initiative, developed through collaboration between Skills for Care, the Department of Health and Social Care, Ipsos research organisation, and the University of Kent, aims to capture detailed feedback on key workplace issues affecting the adult social care sector.

Care professionals working in all environments – from residential homes and nursing facilities to community settings – are invited to participate in the research. The survey welcomes responses from staff in various roles, including care assistants, senior carers, nurses, managers, personal assistants, and council adult social care employees.

THE RESEARCH EXPLORES SEVERAL CRITICAL ASPECTS OF CARE WORK, INCLUDING:

• Compensation and employment terms

• Working environment and conditions

• Staff wellbeing and job satisfaction

• Professional development and training opportunities

•Team dynamics and collaborative working

“This survey provides a vital platform for care workers to influence improvements in our sector. The insights gathered will help shape decisions that benefit both care professionals and the people who rely on their support.”

The research has also received backing from Professor Deborah Sturdy, England’s Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, who highlighted the survey’s potential to drive meaningful change. She noted that responses will directly inform government understanding of what care workers value in their roles and which areas require attention.

The survey is open to anyone who works in a care-related role in adult social care – no matter what your job is. That includes personal assistants too. The more people who take part, the better we can understand what it’s really like to work in care.

If you’re a manager, supervisor or help hire staff, please share the survey with your team too.

This survey was created in partnership with Skills for Care, Department of Health and Social Care, Ipsos and the University of Kent. Care workers interested in participating can access the survey through here https://insights.ipsosinteractive.com/mrIWeb/mrIWeb.dll

Oonagh Smyth, Chief Executive of Skills for Care, emphasised the importance of widespread participation:

The research is expected to provide valuable data to support evidence-based policy decisions affecting the care workforce.

Up The Reds – Chester Residents Have An An-Field Day In Liverpool

A care home in Chester organised a pitch perfect outing for three

92 William ‘Ritchie’ Thomas, 79 Jack Finney and 89 Gerry Cummings, who live at Care UK’s Deewater Grange, on Chester Road, were taken on a special tour of Anfield.

Ritchie’s love for football and the Red Devils has been a lifelong affair, one that runs in the family. Going back, he remembers meeting up with his brother Alfie at the iconic Ma Egerton’s pub, before heading on to the game. Later, he also began to take his son Frank with him, and even travelled down to Wembley in the 1980s to watch Liverpool take on Everton with a friend of his. In his younger years, Ritchie was also a keen football player himself.

Jack and Gerry are both Liverpool FC fans and have been to Anfield to watch their team play.

On the day, Ritchie, Jack and Gerry were taken on a private tour of Anfield, making their way through

the iconic trophy and changing rooms. The visit ended in the stands, giving everyone a stunning view of the legendary pitch.

Jack said: “It was a great day, you forget how big the Stadium is when you haven’t been in a while and how big the trophies are, they looked heavy.”

Donna Howard, Home Manager at Deewater Grange, said: “Ritchie, Jack and Gerry are all lifelong Liverpool FC fans, so we knew just how meaningful a trip to Anfield would be to them.

“Sundays to them were always for football, so the visit brought back countless memories of taking their children to games in their younger years. The look on their faces as we walked through the corridors of the stadium was truly priceless.

“We’d like to say a big thank you to Liverpool FC for making the day so special and treating Ritchie, Jack and Gerry like VIPs: it truly made for an unforgettable experience. Now that the season is in full swing, we’ll be cheering on the Reds to take on the league title again!”

lifelong Liverpool FC fans.

“No Experience Doesn't Mean You Don't Have The Quality”

Admin Manager At Pontefract Home Shares What They Look For In People Wanting To

During this time of the year, a lot of people, especially those who have finished with further education, are at a crossroads on what they want to do next.

At MHA, we thrive on giving people a chance, and where we know it might not work for everyone, it's giving those that show an interest and willingness to learn, an opportunity to work out for themselves, whether or not working in care is for them.

We spoke with Pam Smithurst, administration manager at MHA Warde Aldam, in Pontefract, about what they look for in an individual when they come for an interview, especially those who have no experience of working in a care home setting.

MHA Warde Aldam provides dementia nursing and nursing care for 60 residents

Pam has been working at MHA Warde Aldam for 24 years and says where experience is preferred it's not the be all and end all, and you can pick up the skills needed whilst on the job, so long as you have the right attitude and mindset.

She added: “For us just like many of our care homes, we want people who resonate with our values.

Start A Career In Care

“You don't have to work in a care home, to have the attributes to care, you might care for a friend or a loved one at home.

“Compassion, respect and confidentiality are key attributes that go a long way when working in social care.

“Of course, experience is preferred, but that doesn't mean you don't have the quality to do the job that is required.

“We have amazing training that we offer to our colleagues and as long as they are willing to give it a go, we won't turn them away.

“Someone has to be prepared to give someone a chance, which is something I believe we are very good at here at MHA.

“You can learn so much from another and that's what makes working in social care so special.

“I believe we would miss out on so many amazing people if we stuck to just experience.

“In my time here at MHA Warde Aldam, we have had plenty of examples of people coming to join us with no experience and then making a career in care.

“You do need to have a good mix of the two, experienced and some lesser experienced staff, who can learn from one another and that is what I feel makes a successful care home.

“I would definitely urge those thinking about starting a career in care to go for it, you may like it, you may not, but only you can make that decision.”

Care Home Leaders Need Further Support To Achieve Heat Decarbonisation Goals Survey Reveals

A new survey by heating manufacturer BAXI has revealed that while an overwhelming 94% of care home managers expect to have a budget for decarbonisation initiatives, significant barriers remain in the sector’s journey toward carbon neutrality.

The research highlights that cost considerations dominate decisionmaking, with 85% of respondents citing running costs as a crucial factor when replacing heating systems. Despite this financial focus, the survey identifies a clear pathway forward, as 40% of care home managers believe that improved access to technical advice, streamlined funding opportunities, and real-world case studies from peer facilities would serve as strong enablers for their decarbonisation efforts, suggesting that knowledge and resource gaps, rather than willingness, may be the primary obstacles facing the care sector.

Baxi surveyed over 400 senior and middle management care home managers in both the private and public sector this summer in an effort to understand the enablers required to help decarbonise the sector.

The survey found a strong appetite for decarbonisation from those who responded. A promising 46% of respondents said they had already decarbonised their heating systems, with 50% indicating they are taking steps to do so.

Care homes are a vital sector to consider as we move towards greener and more efficient homes and buildings. However, despite the positive outlook on low carbon tech among care home bosses, Baxi found that gas boilers are still a prominent technology in the sector, with 42% of respondents listing them as their main heating system.

Baxi’s survey revealed a number of barriers that are preventing further exploration of decarbonisation options in the care home sector. The survey also preceded an industry-led focus group, with care home energy managers and a mechanical and electrical contractor, with the aim of exploring the topics raised in more detail.

Running costs were viewed as a key consideration when exploring decarbonisation options for 85% of respondents, meaning that any low carbon solutions will need to consider affordability as a priority. System efficiency and ease of installation were also marked as key drivers of decarbonisation for 42% and 39% of respondents respectively. The focus group emphasised that continuity and reliability of heating systems are essential.

Baxi’s survey indicated that care home managers are keen to find out more about decarbonisation and to access support. 76% of respondents stated they were interested in reviewing their options for low car-

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.

bon heating and hot water. Over 40% of the survey’s participants agreed that technical advice, easier access to funding support, and being granted access to case studies from other care homes would help to accelerate the pace of decarbonisation across the nation’s care homes.

The focus group clearly highlighted the need for guidance on both the options available to decarbonise their facilities, and how to develop an achievable plan for decarbonising their heating provision.

In the private sector, respondents experience challenges with funding application processes, and struggle with strict eligibility criteria and resource requirements. In the public sector, care homes tend to struggle more with competition delays to funding and what they felt was ‘bias and discrimination’ throughout the process.

POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

Baxi understands the importance of reliable and efficient heating systems across the care home sector. The heating and hot water specialist has laid out five clear steps for the Government to help ramp up the decarbonisation of the UK’s care homes, removing barriers that are preventing some facilities from making the switch.

• Introduce funding schemes and ringfence specific funding for care home heating system decarbonisation to ensure clarity and funding certainty to care homes

• Provide specific guidance to care homes to help them to better understand eligibility and application processes for funding

• Address the specific skills gap in the care homes sector to help deliver heat decarbonisation projects

• Create databases of contractors and developers with expertise of the care sector

• Address the imbalance in price between gas and electricity to lower the cost of electrical heating systems by accelerating plans for rebalancing levies

Jeff House, Director of External Affairs and Policy at Baxi, said:“It’s encouraging to see from the survey that there is clear appetite among care home leaders to decarbonise their heating and hot water provision, but the evidence of some clear barriers mean there is plenty to be done in order to make this ambition a reality.

“We’d like to see the Government give the care sector some much needed focus through funding dedicated to heating decarbonisation, and specific guidance around eligibility and access. Doing so will not only ensure the sector benefits from clarity and certainty, but will also ensure the wider supply chain can be mobilised in a bid to tackle what has felt like something of a net zero blind spot up to now.”

The full findings of Baxi’s survey have been published in a report, which can be downloaded here

“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 benefit from decades of experience in employment law, HR, 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.

Rehabilitation Must Be at the Heart of Dementia Care in the UK, Urges New World Alzheimer Report

With almost 1 million people living with dementia in the United Kingdom, rehabilitation remains the missing link in dementia care, leaving thousands of Britons without the support they need to live with dignity and independence for longer.

That is the central warning of the World Alzheimer Report, coming this Thursday, by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI).

Dementia rehabilitation is a person-centred, collaborative approach to care that enables people to maintain or rebuild skills that are important to them, from making tea and shopping independently to mobility, speech, hygiene and self-care. By focusing on what matters most to the person, rehabilitation helps people remain independent, stay connected with their communities and workplaces, and reduce strain on families and health services.

Although dementia is acknowledged in the UK’s health and care strategies, the report finds rehabilitation is rarely prioritised. Only around a quarter of WHO Member States have a national dementia plan, and of those, just over half mention rehabilitation. In the UK, the breakdown of health and social care integration often means people are denied access to support like rehabilitation.

With the number of cases – and associated costs – both projected to continue to rise, ADI argues rehabilitation must be proactively offered and delivered as a standard part of care to help people live well while potentially reducing costs.

“Rehabilitation is not an optional add-on, it is a right,” said Paola Barbarino, Chief Executive of ADI. “When you are diagnosed with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, treatment and rehabilitation are provided as a matter of course. Why should dementia be treated differently? People living with dementia deserve the same opportunity for support and recovery as anyone facing a major health condition.”

The report, “Reimagining life with dementia – the power of rehabilitation,” (an embargoed version is available for download here) notes that in the UK, allied health professionals such as occupational therapists and physiotherapists have the expertise to deliver rehabilitation, but their role in dementia care is underused.

It also presents evidence of rehabilitation’s potential economic value, showing how people who received rehabilitation were able to remain at home for an average of six months longer before moving into residential care, compared to those who did not have access to such interventions. With global dementia costs projected to reach $2.8 trillion USD a year by 2030, such outcomes could be key to easing pressure on the NHS by reducing hospitalisations and costs.

ADI is urging the UK governments to better embed rehabilitation into national dementia planning, ensure NHS professionals receive training, and provide families with the knowledge and tools to support loved ones.

It calls on healthcare professionals to more readily offer rehabilitation as part of post-diagnostic support.

“Rehabilitation restores a sense of identity and purpose,” Barbarino added. “Even the smallest gains can transform lives.

Too often, we hear that clinicians will tell someone newly diagnosed with dementia to ‘go home and get your end-of-life affairs in order.’ But people can live well with a diagnosis for many years with the correct support in place, and rehabilitation can facilitate this.

ADI is demanding that healthcare systems proactively offer rehabilitation for dementia as they would for any other condition, like respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. It is time to make rehabilitation a routine part of dementia care in the UK.”

Care Expert Reveals 5 Seated Exercises

To Help Older People Improve Mobility

As we get older, staying active is key to maintaining independence. However, traditional exercise often becomes more difficult due to reduced mobility, loss of muscle strength, and joint pain. The good news is that chair-based exercise is a great low-impact activity that helps older adults keep moving and build strength from the comfort of home.

Sophie Dales from The Leeds United Foundation, who runs the exercise class at Weavers Court Care Home, shares why it’s important to stay mobile and 5 armchair exercises that can improve strength and flexibility later in life.

WHY ARE MOBILITY AND STRENGTH SO IMPORTANT LATER IN LIFE?

“As we age, walking and getting around can become more difficult, which can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. That is why exercises that target mobility are important to help improve strength and flexibility. Regular exercise also supports overall health, helping to reduce the risk of age-related conditions such as osteoporosis and heart disease,” explains Sophie, who runs regular exercise classes at the care home in Leeds.

“Aging looks different for everyone, but for older adults over 60 who are already be experiencing mobility issues and joint pain, strenuous exercises may not be feasible. That is why we encourage armchair exercise as a low-impact alternative that still effectively builds muscle strength, enhances flexibility, and gently raises their heart rate.”

“Research has shown that armchair exercises can help us as we age and assist in some of the everyday tasks and challenges that we may face later in life. Whether that’s walking short distances, getting up and down stairs, or carrying heavier objects around the house.”

5 SEATED EXERCISES TO IMPROVE STRENGTH AND MOBILITY

Chest Stretch

• Begin by sitting upright and forward in the chair so that your back is not supported by the chair.

• Roll your shoulders back and down while extending your arms to the side.

• In this position, gently push your chest forward until you feel a stretch across your chest.

• Hold this for 5-10 seconds and release; you can repeat this 5 times.

Upper-Body Twist

• Sit up straight, planting both feet firmly on the floor. Cross your arms

across your chest, reaching for your shoulders.

• Keeping your hips straight, carefully turn your upper body to the right as far as is safe and comfortable, and hold there for 5 seconds. Repeat this for the left side to complete the set. You can repeat this set 5 times.

Hip Marching

• Sit upright and forward in the chair so that your back is not leaning on the back of the chair. You can hold onto the sides of the chair for extra support.

• With your knees bent, lift one of your legs as high as comfortable, placing your foot back down in a controlled manner.

• Repeat this for the other side to complete the set. You can repeat this set 5 times.

Ankle Stretch

• Sitting upright and again holding the side of the chair for support, straighten your left leg, raising your foot off the floor. You can use a resistance band to support your foot if you are finding this tricky.

• Once your leg is straight and raised, point your toes away from you before slowly bringing them back towards you. Repeat this twice.

• For each foot, repeat 5 times.

Neck Rotation

• Begin by sitting upright and relaxing your shoulders down, looking directly ahead.

• Slowly twist your head towards your right shoulder as far as is safe to do so. Hold here for 5 seconds before slowly rotating back to the starting position.

• Do the same on the left side to complete the set. Repeat the set 5 times.

Health And Social Care Training Provider Backs Residency Rules Relaxation

A relaxation of rules to allow overseas health and social care professionals now residing in the UK earlier access to funded training will be a boost to the struggling sector, according to an industry expert.

The Government’s Department for Education recently announced simplification of the residency rules for Adult Skills funding.

It means health and social care workers with Ordinarily Resident status in non-devolved areas will no longer have to wait three years to be able to claim funding for training as they had to before.

A number of devolved areas have already followed suit, including Tees Valley, Liverpool City Region, West Midlands and West Yorkshire.

Angela Kaine, Director of Health & Social Care at leading training provider Realise, said a relaxation of long-standing residency rules is one step closer to creating greater equality of opportunity and would allow care homes to develop their people.

Angela said: “This is a valuable improvement and extremely welcome news for both health and social care workers from overseas and care providers.

“This will help ensure that individuals who have come to the UK to perform vital roles in health and social care can access the same training opportunities as others and potentially remain longer in their roles once they have secured Ordinarily Resident status.

“Previously, people in the UK with Ordinarily Resident status were expected to fund the training them-

selves for the first three years - or secure employer backing - which was clearly a barrier for many.

“Care managers have huge concerns over deficits in staffing. This offers a short-term solution that eases the problem. It’s a relief for the sector, which relies heavily on large numbers of committed and skilled workers from overseas, and the increasing number of people who are being granted residency status.”

Realise can deliver funded staff training in the West Midlands, West Yorkshire, Tees Valley, Liverpool City Region, as well as all non-devolved areas. The most recent figures showed there are around 300,000 non-EU nationals working within health and social care.

Angela said many people who come to the UK to work within health and social care already have years of valuable experience in the sector.

“Many have worked in care in their country of origin,” said Angela. “Legislation and practices might differ, but they have a fantastic basis of knowledge and they are keen to forge a career with the right values and compassion.”

Realise is one of the largest and most respected providers of health and social care training providers in the UK and holds the new Quality Assurance Care Learning Services (QACLS) endorsement for many of its programmes, including the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate.

For more information, visit www.realisetraining.com

“I Never Thought Care Would Be Like This”: Trevor Settles into Dale Brook Care Home

Dale Brook care home in Clay Cross has welcomed its first resident, 89year-old Trevor Barnett.

Dale Brook is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art home designed to offer person-centred care in a welcoming and comfortable environment.

The new home features 66 en-suite bedrooms, landscaped gardens, a cinema room, a beauty salon, and the latest in care technology to support residents' wellbeing and independence.

Trevor spent most of his life working as a welder, mechanical engineer and HGV driver. When he retired in 2000, Trevor celebrated with an around the world trip to Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and New York. Since moving to Dale Brook, Trevor has enjoyed sharing memories with staff by watching recordings of his travels on the big screen. He said, “It was lovely showing everyone where I’ve been, and we’ve also been out to Costa and attended a church coffee afternoon.”

When asked about a typical day at Dale Brook, Trevor explained:

“In the morning, I wake up, get washed, then I pick my outfit. I like to sit and have a chat before breakfast. After, sometimes I’ll go out with the carers to a café or see my family and friends.

“Afternoons and evenings are more relaxed — I like to watch TV or my travel recordings. Dinner is always so tasty and home-cooked, and I enjoy sitting with the carers chatting before heading to bed.”

Reflecting on his move to Dale Brook, Trevor added:

“The people are my favourite thing. I never thought being in care would be like this, but the staff are wonderful.”

Donal McFadden, the General Manager at Dale Brook, commented, “Welcoming Trevor as our very first resident has been such a special moment for us.

“It’s been amazing to see him settle in so well and feel at home. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Dale Brook, and we’re excited to welcome more residents over the coming months.”

SCIE And The Access Group Lead Sector Drive To Define National Standards Of Care

The government has outlined ambitious plans to transform the adult social care system through the establishment of a National Care Service supported by comprehensive national standards, aimed at ensuring consistent, high-quality care delivery nationwide. While the manifesto commitment represents a significant policy direction, the specific parameters and implementation mechanisms for these standards remain under development.

In response to this policy imperative, the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) and The Access Group have initiated a collaborative series of policy roundtables designed to establish a comprehensive framework for national care standards. This strategic initiative seeks to forge consensus among key stakeholders and develop a unified vision for how national standards can effectively deliver consistency, equity, and quality improvements across England’s social care landscape.

The four roundtables, which will take place in October and November, will explore key themes including purpose and personalisation, data and technology, integration across health and housing and accountability. Insights from these discussions will be published in a report in January 2026 and submitted to the Casey Commission to inform Phase One of its work.

Kathryn Marsden OBE (Formerly Kathryn Smith OBE), SCIE’s Chief Executive, said: “Good social care supports people of all ages to live with dignity, independence, and confidence—but its availability is determined by a postcode lottery that leaves too many behind. National standards can act as a levelling force, clarifying expectations for people drawing on care, providers, and commissioners alike, without undermining local innovation.

“Through these roundtables, we are doing the work to build the framework in which national standards can be developed—turning ambition into practical, actional proposals that are grounded in lived experience, evidence and frontline practice.

“If this government’s vision of a National Care Service is to succeed, it cannot be another top-down exercise in Whitehall design. These standards must be co-produced with the people who use and deliver care every day. By bringing together voices from across the sector, we have a real chance to break the cycle of short-term fixes and create a lasting settlement; one that is consistent, equitable and, above all, focused on what really matters to people’s lives.”

Anisa Byrne, Managing Director at Access Care, said: “National standards of care represent a pivotal opportunity to transform how social care operates across England. Technology and data are fundamental to making these standards work in practice – from enabling real-time monitoring of care quality to ensuring accountability and transparency across the sector.

“The Access Group is proud to partner with SCIE on these roundtables. By bringing together operational insights from the care sector with the latest technological capabilities, we can help shape standards that are both ambitious and achievable.

“This isn’t about imposing rigid systems or creating more bureaucracy. It’s about building a framework where technology supports continuous improvement, where data drives better decisions, and where every person receiving care benefits from the collective learning of the entire sector. We look forward to contributing our expertise and ensuring the national standards are equipped for the digital future of social care.”

Care Home Team Building Goes Beyond the Ordinary with Murder Mystery Masquerade

Millard House care home recently hosted an evening that proved team building can be both meaningful and memorable, combining cultural celebration with interactive entertainment.

The care home's diverse staff came together for what has become a hallmark of their workplace culture—events that strengthen bonds while celebrating their multicultural team.

Staff members prepared an impressive international feast featuring English, Indian, Polish, and Filipino cuisine, reflecting the rich cultural backgrounds of the Millard House team.

The evening's centrepiece was an innovative Masquerade Ball with a detective twist. Staff members donned costumes and masks while participating in a murder mystery game that kept everyone guessing until the dramatic reveal of the "murderer" at night's end.

"Together we can create a fun atmosphere," explains home manager Konrad Ludkowski, referencing one of Millard House's core values of Shared Responsibility. This philosophy extends beyond daily care duties to encompass team morale and workplace culture.

The interactive evening concluded with awards recognising staff participation, including prizes for Best Costume, Best Detective, and Best Guess at the Murderer—ensuring everyone felt acknowledged for their involvement.

For Millard House, events like these represent more than simple entertainment, for us “ effective teamwork extends well beyond working hours, with shared experiences like these helping to build the collaborative spirit that defines our approach to care,” added Konrad

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Q&A: Why Patient Data Breaches Are The Same As Clinical Harm

Cyberattacks are typically seen as a technical failure, but for health and care organisations, the effects can reach far deeper.

Ty Greenhalgh, Healthcare Industry Principal at Claroty, argues that cyberattacks targeting patient data must be treated as clinical harm. In this Q&A, he explains why care homes must see cybersecurity as a matter of patient safety, and what practical steps can be taken to protect residents.

Q1. WHY DO YOU DESCRIBE HEALTHCARE DATA BREACHES AS A FORM OF CLINICAL HARM?

Clinical harm is usually thought of in physical terms –the impact of a fall, misdiagnosis, incorrect medication, and so on. But we need to widen that definition to fit the digital age. Care providers aren’t just trusted with their patients’ physical well-being – they also safeguard large amounts of personal and sensitive information. These records often contain the most private details of a person’s life — mental health notes, medical histories, or family circumstances. If this information is exposed to the world, residents can experience profound emotional stress .

We're in a new age of healthcare, where the threat to a patient's well-being isn't just a physical fall or a missed diagnosis, it's a digital one. In some tragic cases, such as the breach of a mental health clinic in Finland, patients felt so exposed and helpless that they took their own lives.

Just as a wrong diagnosis can damage health, a data breach can damage trust, dignity, and well-being. Protecting patient data must be seen as part of safe, ethical care. Q2. YOU MENTIONED A BREACH IN FINLAND? WHAT HAPPENED? WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM IT?

The Vastaamo case in Finland is one of the clearest examples of the dangers facing all health and care providers. It was a cruel extortion plot that weaponised people's most intimate fears.

In 2020, hackers broke into the mental health clinic’s network and stole thousands of private therapy notes. Health records have become a popular commodity in cybercriminal circles for use in fraud and targeted cyberattacks. Whereas financial data can change every few years, your health details offer much more longevity for exploitation.

In this case, the perpetrators went a step further and threatened to publish it unless patients paid a ransom. For many, the fear and humiliation were overwhelming, and some were driven to despair and suicide. For care homes, the lesson is that personal records represent the trust that residents and families place in you. If that trust is broken, the harm is every bit as serious as a medical error.

The incident also goes to show that no organisation is “too small” to be targeted. Attackers are often look-

ing for the easiest way in, not the biggest prize. Care homes hold sensitive information that can be exploited, and that makes them a viable target to these callous criminals.

Q3. WHY SHOULD NURSING AND CARE HOMES TREAT CYBERSECURITY LIKE INFECTION CONTROL?

Infection control is second nature in care. Staff wash hands, follow hygiene protocols, and act quickly if there are any health concerns like a virus outbreak. Cybersecurity should be viewed in exactly the same way.

Framing cybersecurity in these familiar terms makes it easier to see that every staff member has a part to play, and it isn’t just an issue for the IT team. Simple habits, such as caution around unexpected emails or ensuring sensitive records are only accessed by the right people, are the digital equivalent of hand hygiene. By treating cyber threats with the same discipline as infection control, care homes can better protect their residents’ dignity, safety, and well-being. It becomes part of everyday care, not an afterthought.

Q4. WHAT PRACTICAL STEPS CAN CARE PROVIDERS TAKE TO PROTECT RESIDENTS’ DATA?

The majority of cybercriminals are opportunists looking for the path of least resistance. The good news is that many of the attack paths exploited in these attacks can be closed with relatively simple steps that don’t require large budgets.

First, exploiting outdated software is one of the most common ways for cybercriminals to enter a network.

Just as carers keep track of vital resources like medication, there needs to be a central inventory of all devices used by the business, tracking that everything is kept updated and secure.

This can be particularly challenging in fields like health and care due to the larger number of cyber-physical assets like imaging systems and health monitoring devices. Known as ‘Internet of Medical Things’ devices, their online connectivity means they can be exploited in cyber attacks, and disrupted to harm patient care.

Phishing and other social engineering attacks are another common issue, so staff awareness must also be a priority. Most breaches begin with a simple mistake, like clicking on a suspicious link. Regular reminders and short training sessions can help staff spot warning signs and avoid common tactics.

Tightly managing access control will also make a big difference. Not everyone needs to see every record, so limit sensitive information to those who genuinely need it. This reduces the risk if an account is compromised.

Next, don’t forget about partners and suppliers. The care industry makes fairly extensive use of third parties, and their network access can be exploited in attacks. If they connect to your systems, hold them to the same standards you expect of your own staff.

Finally, have a plan for what to do if something goes wrong. Just as you would have clear procedures for an infection outbreak, a response plan for cyber incidents ensures the team knows how to act quickly and minimise harm.

By taking these steps, you're not just protecting data, you're upholding the trust that is the very foundation of care.

‘Sunshine Space’ Created With Teddy Bears’ Picnic

Residents at a Plymouth dementia care home said goodbye to summer with a fun-filled teddy bears’ picnic in the lounge at Butterfly Lodge.

Deputy manager Sarah McCaffrey said: “We were all a bit fed up with the recent rain, so decided to create our own ‘sunshine space’ indoors by having a picnic, and thought: what better than a teddy bears’ picnic?

“My colleague Kelly Tennant organised all the logistics, and our chef Elaine Blunt made an amazing teddy bear cake.

“Our ladies and gents enjoyed listening to a teddy bear-themed playlist, doing colouring activities and reminiscing about childhood toys.

“In the afternoon we had a screening of the film Paddington, and it was so lovely to see folks engrossed in the film and munching away on fresh popcorn.

“We’ve got a great programme of activities lined up for them in the autumn, and this was a really fun way to say goodbye to summer, surrounded by our favourite bears.”

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

An ivterview with Ty Greenhalgh, Healthcare Industry Principal, Claroty (https://claroty.com)

It’s Professional Care Workers’ Week 2025!

The Care Workers’ Charity is proudly marking its eighth annual Professional Care Workers’ Week (PCWW), running from Friday 12 to Friday 19 September 2025, a week dedicated to celebrating the skilled and essential work of care professionals across the UK.

In a sector confronted by low pay, funding issues and high vacancy rates, PCWW aims to shift the narrative by affirming that care work is indeed professional work and should be recognised as such. Co-produced with the Care Worker Advisory Board, this year’s week-long programme brings frontline voices to the forefront, featuring free, online, and in-person panels, information sessions, and collaborative discussions with care workers, managers and sector leaders.

WHY “PROFESSIONAL” MATTERS

The term “Professional” is central to PCWW, as it highlights the skilled and essential nature of care work. Despite their critical roles, care workers often face challenges such as low pay, inconsistent training, and high turnover, with 152,000 vacancies in the sector each day. It’s time to change this narrative. PROFESSIONALISATION IS ABOUT:

• Acknowledging the diverse skills and expertise of care workers.

• Offering fair wages and pay progression in line with training and responsibilities

Providing clear career pathways and professional development.

• Recognising the immense societal value of care workers.

For those receiving care, professionalisation brings trust, safety, accountability, and transparency. Professional Care Workers’ Week is not just a celebration; it’s a movement to elevate the status of care workers, showcase their achievements, and foster best practice sharing across the UK.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING PCWW 2025?

This year’s event will feature sessions on:

• The future of adult social care

• The role of AI and technology in the sector

Why ESG matters

• Wellbeing (emotional, financial and physical)

• Workforce safety

• Care worker and migrant care workers rights

Alongside these discussions, PCWW is a celebration of care workers who support those in need every day, regardless of circumstances. The week promises rich opportunities for collaboration, learning, and planning the future of social care.

PCWW is encouraging care providers to show appreciation for their teams with small tokens of thanks like cards, cakes, parties, or certificates. For more ideas, download a Afternoon Tea for the CWC Fundraising Pack, the PCWW Information Pack and a Wear It Orange Day Information and Fundraising Pack.

The ‘professional’ framing underscores a pressing need: care workers deserve recognition for their skill, fair wages, clearer career progression and respect. Professionalisation promises to boost trust, accountability and safety for those receiving care.

This initiative comes amid a broader push for greater recognition of social care’s societal value. Ahead of the 2024 General Election, key voices across the sector emphasised how adult social care underpins health outcomes, local economies, community cohesion, unpaid carers and rights; arguing the sector deserves to be viewed not merely as “broken,” but as the key to transforming health and social care. By combining celebration with advocacy, PCWW 2025 contributes to the ongoing effort to shift social care from the background into the mainstream. It’s not just a week of events: it’s a statement that care is a profession, and society must recognise and respect it accordingly.

Check out The Care Workers’ Charity page for more information on how to get involved: https://www.thecareworkerscharity.org.uk/professional-care-workers-week-2025/

Land Of Hope And Glory – Hitchin Care Home

Residents Enjoy The Last Night Of The Proms

Residents and staff at Iris Court care home in Gosmore got out their Union Jack flags ready to wave whilst they enjoyed the there very own Last Night of the Proms Concert celebrated in style with the home decorated to match the occasion.

Residents and staff joined together to watch their own Last Night of the Proms Concert performed by Fiona Harrison who performed her Happy and Glorious show! Everyone sang and clapped along to the classics and thor-

oughly enjoyed themselves.

Natalie Robinson, Activities Co-ordinator at the home, said: “We’ve had a fantastic time celebrating the Last Night of the Proms, it’s a fantastic event and wonderful to see everyone come together to sing along and celebrate.

Many residents had commented: “I love the Proms and singing along to Jerusalem and Land of Hope & Glory, it is such good fun. And by having our own concert here gave us a double celebration to enjoy.

Alzheimer’s Society Tackles Healthcare

Inequalities For People Living With Dementia

The Alzheimer’s Society has awarded £2m to a groundbreaking research project designed to tackle healthcare inequalities and improve access to care for people living with dementia in the UK.

The announcement was made at Alzheimer’s Society’s Annual Conference, where the Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock, made a keynote speech.

Around one million people are living with dementia in the UK and over a third do not have a diagnosis so cannot access the support, care and treatments they desperately need. A report* commissioned by Alzheimer’s Society from the Office of Health Economics highlighted a staggering 110 healthcare inequalities faced by people living with dementia and 28 that specifically affect carers – including gender, financial pressures, health and well-being.

Alzheimer’s Society called on research teams to come forward with big, bold ideas to ensure a fairer deal for people living with dementia and have awarded the £2m in funding to the GRACE** Programme: Better Dementia Care for Everyone.

The programme, led by Professor Claudia Cooper and Jessica Budgett from Queen Mary University of London, aims to make sure that good quality, evidence-based care is available routinely in the UK, starting with areas with the highest needs.

GRACE will adapt resources for under-served groups to ensure they are accessible – for example considering language barriers and culturally appropriate care. The research team will explore how this new care programme can support people living with dementia in areas which have among the worst national levels of health inequalities, working initially in Belfast, Humber and North Yorkshire, North East London, and Kent and Medway. Working with people living with dementia and their families in these areas, the researchers will uncover the unique barriers they face when seeking support.

The GRACE programme aims to make the UK the best place in the world for people with dementia to receive care and support, wherever they live and whatever their background – so no-one is left behind. It follows on from the NIDUS-Family programme***, also led by Professor Cooper and funded by Alzheimer’s Society. NIDUS-Family is a package of care and support which focuses on practical changes people can make, with sessions built around the specific priorities of the person with dementia – such as increasing time spent in enjoyable activities, improving sleep or for carers to have more time to focus on their own wellbeing. It can be delivered to the person with dementia and family carer together, or the family carer alone, by phone, video-call or in person.

Professor Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Dementia hits hardest where health inequalities run deepest. Early and accurate diagnoses, access to specialist, personalised dementia care and dedicated support for carers must be a priority – so that everyone receives the help they deserve.

“Alzheimer’s Society has brought together decision makers from Government, the NHS and local authorities to discuss how we can do better. No one must be left behind.

“That’s why we’re funding research like the GRACE programme, which will bring much-needed support to

underserved communities that historically haven’t had easy access to good dementia care. We must continue to work together to tackle health inequalities barriers. It will take a society to succeed.”

Stephen Kinnock, Minister of State for Care, who spoke at today’s Alzheimer’s Society’s Annual Conference said: “I know all too well the terrible toll dementia takes on families and how demanding caring can be – I saw how much my own dad did to look after my mum.

“The government remains committed to shifting the dial on diagnosis and we’ve already stopped the downward trajectory on diagnosis rates. Our Modern Service Framework for Dementia will seek to end unwarranted variation in care, putting a floor in and making access to care fairer.

“I know none of us will rest until everyone in our country with dementia is diagnosed on time. This is a once in a generation chance to transcend party politics to build cross-party support. Social care is too important to be used as a political football. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.”

Professor Claudia Cooper, GRACE programme lead, said: “This opportunity to roll out our suite of psychological support programmes to people with dementia and their families living in some of the most deprived areas, where health inequalities are highest, across the UK is so important.

“It is a huge challenge, but working alongside Alzheimer’s Society, people affected by dementia and the NHS, we can transform how family carers and people with dementia receive support after a diagnosis. My grandmother died with dementia – we were very close and caring for her has been an experience I have drawn on in this work.”

Sarah Simmonds, who cared for her father when he was living with dementia with Lewy bodies and took part in the NIDUS programme, said: “We found that there really wasn’t much structured support once we’d received a diagnosis. NIDUS gave us a direction through the swamp of symptoms and supported us as carers – a role we’d never had before as a family. It was as if I was receiving a kind of therapy in a way – being understood, reassured and guided.

That support just wasn’t available through GPs or the NHS.”

The GRACE programme, which starts in spring next year, will work with people living with dementia from underserved communities to adapt these care resources to fit their unique needs

THE PROJECT WILL:

• Translate versions of NIDUS-Family, an online course and booklets which help family carers to support people living with dementia to remain living independently at home.

• Adapt modules within NIDUS-Family to support people caring for loved ones with learning disabilities as well as dementia.

• Create a new module which helps carers navigate moving their loved one into a care home. This can be an emotional time, particularly for minoritised groups, including those who don’t speak English.

The GRACE team are keen to hear from people affected by dementia in the regions listed above (Belfast, Humber and North Yorkshire, North East London, and Kent and Medway) who may be interested in working with the research team to develop these resources to ensure they are adapted for these specific regions and populations. To find out more, contact graceqm@qmul.ac.uk.

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Young Voices At The Heart Of Mental Health Research

A new research project is being highlighted on World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) as it aims to transform understanding of self-harm and suicide among children and young people, particularly those in contact with social care and explore ways in which vulnerable young people can be better supported.

Drawing on over a decade of experience in suicide prevention and self-harm research, Dr Amanda Marchant, a Research Fellow at Swansea University Medical School, will bring together health, social care data online insights and lived experience to inform better mental health support and policy.

She said: “We’ve seen big advances in understanding self-harm in healthcare settings. Now we want to apply that same evidence-based approach to social care, where there is huge potential to support some of the most vulnerable young people in our society.”

Dr Marchant has been awarded a Social Care Research Fellowship by the Health and Care Research Wales Faculty to lead the study.

She is supported by mentors Professor Ann John, Director of the National Centre for Suicide Prevention and Self-Harm Research and Professor Jonathan Scourfield, Deputy Director of the Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre (CASCADE) Partnership. Both centres are also funded by Health and Care Research Wales.

The research uses anonymised health, social care and education data from the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank, alongside insights from the peer support app TalkLife, which is popular among young people seeking mental health support online.

The project will also expand the SHARE UK Research Register, a register of more than 2,000 people who have consented to be contacted for self-harm research. The register will be extended to include young people with lived experience of social care and self-harm, enabling them to contribute directly to this and future studies.

Participants will co-design surveys and interviews, help interpret findings and shape policy recommendations. SHARE UK has already supported studies internationally.

Dr Marchant said: “Engaging young people meaningfully is at the heart of this work.

“We’re not just analysing data, we’re listening to young people and they want to be heard.”

A newly expanded research panel of young people will play a central role in the project, helping to shape the research design and provide insight into the findings.

While the study is still in its early stages, Dr Marchant hopes the findings will lead to improvements in how mental health services are delivered, particularly through schools and social care.

She added: “This fellowship is just the starting point. We want to build an evidence base that can inform long-term change for young people, whether that’s in schools, social care or digital spaces.”

“Our ultimate goal is to influence policy and make lasting change for vulnerable youth in Wales and beyond.”

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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 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 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.

With Autumn rolling in we at The Carer are sharing these stories as a reminder of the warmer weather and would like to thank all of those who sent in stories across the Summer months.

Sunny Melodies And Ice Lollies: Elm Bank Care Home Residents Enjoy August Bank Holiday Concert

The residents at Elm Bank care home in

Kettering enjoyed a delightful afternoon of music, sunshine, and ice lollies this Bank Holiday Monday, as the homes garden was transformed in to lovely outdoor concert.

The event, which took place under clear blue skies, was met with smiles and happy chatter from residents. Seated comfortably in the garden, they tapped their feet and swayed to the music and even danced the afternoon away. Residents also enjoyed a lovely ice lollies which was a refreshing compliment to the afternoon.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “It is

really important to us all here at the home that we celebrate key days throughout the year. Bank holidays are important here at the home and we love to have entertainment on for our residents and their loved ones to enjoy. Events like this really provide significant benefits for our residents, offering a wonderful opportunity for social engagement and mental stimulation. Live music can trigger positive memories and emotions, while the shared experience of the outdoor event can help combat feelings of loneliness, promoting a sense of community.”

Middleshaw Hills Summer Fair Raises Funds for Global Education

Middleshaw Hills care home in Clitheroe welcomed the community to its much-anticipated Summer Fair on Saturday 17th August, with residents, families, and locals enjoying a lively day of fun and entertainment.

The event was filled with activities, including games, stalls, live music from local duo Amethyst Acoustic, a BBQ, sweetie cart, and an ice cream van.

Handmade crafts created by Middleshaw Hills residents proved especially popular, with items such as air plants, dried flower bookmarks, and origami birds.

Local Clitheroe businesses also played a big part in the day, running their own stalls and generously donating raffle prizes, such as a night in a luxury lodge, and a tasting meal for two at Kaji in Manchester.

Thanks to the fantastic support of the community, the raffle has raised over £300 so far in aid of Barrow

Care home residents in Wrexham were treated to a magical day of colour, music and circus antics at their summer fun day.

The show stopping spectacle at Pendine Park’s five homes in Summerhill Road was a feast for the senses – complete with a life-size baby elephant float, clowns, strongmen, music and even a young musician dazzling the crowd.

Led by the ever-enthusiastic maintenance man Paul Morris – aka the Ring Master – a parade weaved its way around the beautifully maintained grounds, drawing cheers, waves and beaming smiles from residents, families and staff alike.

For those unable to step outside, the cavalcade made sure no-one missed out, with residents watching from windows as music from The Greatest Showman and a blast of bubbles filled the air.

The colourful extravaganza also celebrated a major milestone –Pendine Park’s 40th anniversary – with similar events also being held at the organisation’s other care homes, Hillbury and Gwern Alyn in Wrexham and Bryn Seiont Newydd, in Caernarfon, at the same time.

Primary School’s fundraising efforts for the Bethany Project, which is supporting the construction of a library block at a girls’ secondary school in Tanzania.

87-year-old resident Mike Haworth said, ‘It was a great day and luckily the weather pulled through. My family came along to enjoy the fun.’

Charlotte Pardon, General Manager at Middleshaw Hills, added, “We are absolutely thrilled with how our Summer Fair turned out.

“It was wonderful to see the whole community come together, enjoy themselves, and raise money for such an important cause. We’re so grateful to everyone who came along and supported the event.”

It was a particularly poignant theme as Pendine founder Mario Kreft MBE has a personal connection to the Big Top.

His late father Franz was a professional bear and lion trainer who performed around the world.

In 1953 the dashing young Slovenian arrived in Rhyl where he was contracted for the summer season to Prince Cox's Circus.

He met and fell in love with a vivacious 17-year-old, Pamela Warburton, the daughter of Fred and Rene Warburton, who ran the former Pen-y-Don Hotel, on the promenade.

The young couple toured the world and Mario was born in Durban, South Africa, and Christened in a circus tent by the Bishop of Durban.

While his parents were working in the circus, Mario moved to North Wales to live with his beloved grandparents who retired to Trefnant, near Denbigh, where he grew up and attended school.

In 1985 Mario and his wife Gill established Pendine Park with a vision to provide enriching care inspired by their own family experiences – a mission that’s grown into a care group known for pioneering arts and music therapy.

Artistic spirit was on full display during the gala, with consultant artist-in-residence Sarah Edwards leading residents in crafting decorations, including the standout wooden baby elephant float – cut out by the maintenance team and painted with residents’ help.

“The residents were hands-on in bringing the magic to life,” said Sarah. “The whole day had a joyful, uplifting energy – it was unmissable.”

Resident and local legend Steve “Speedy” Roberts brought extra charm, riding in a donkey-shaped float fashioned from his wheelchair. Speedy, who helps the maintenance team with regular tasks, was a crowd favourite.

Maintenance team members George Woodward and Mark Jones dressed as a strongman and clown, respectively, adding to the carnival spirit alongside Paul Morris, who also happens to be a skilled chainsaw sculptor with more than 150 carvings displayed across the grounds.

“It’s a real privilege to do this for the residents,” said Paul. “To see their smiles – that’s what it’s all about.”

Each care home embraced the circus theme in style: at Penybryn, soapy bubbles rained down; at Highfield, clown costumes and photo ops kept residents entertained; and at Cae Bryn, activities co-ordinator Denise Roth got fully into character in a rainbow wig and full face paint.

Sarah Edwards praised everyone involved for making the summer gala such a fun-filled occasion.

She said: “As ever our gardens and maintenance team have gone the extra mile to make sure we had a wonderfully uplifting parade in the build up to the party-fare and games activities which were then held in each of our homes.

“In the run up to the day a number of our residents also helped me with the dazzling artwork which made up the baby elephant float. The wooden elephant was designed by me but cut out by the maintenance team. Then myself and some of the residents painted it during our regular arts sessions.”

Carer Jerry Sevilla entertained residents with a hilarious clown dance while Astrid Elano, daughter of Bodlondeb deputy manager Arlene Elano, set up a table on which she performed magic tricks.

Belinda Roberts, whose daughter Coral Lister, is a Pendine resident, said: “It is such a fun, vibrant atmosphere, everyone has worked so hard to make it a great day. They have really done the residents and families proud.”

Hilton Park Care Home Brings The Local Community Together

Staff, residents, relatives and the local community came together at Hilton Park Care Home to enjoy an open day that was held at the home on Saturday 30th August. Hilton Park hosted a variety of activities throughout the day, including a performance from local choir ‘Cloud Nine’, which were enjoyed by everyone who came to the event.

Staff at Hilton Park made everyone feel welcome and were delighted to see different generations having fun together. Visitors enjoyed plenty of refreshments, which were all freshly prepared by the catering team, who were hard at work making sure that a great time was had by all

– it really was a team effort!

Resident, Patricia James, said, “I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was surrounded by lots of great people, and the refreshments kept flowing. The choir were amazing and it was my favourite part of the day. Staff did a great job, not just on the day, but organising the event and getting everyone together.”

Geanina Tinca, General Manager at the home, said: “Staff at Hilton Park Care Home are dedicated to making sure that the home is a hub of the local community, and this event, along with all their hard work, has definitely paid off. It was a resounding success!”

Care Home’s Community BBQ Brings The Local Community Together

Staff, residents, relatives and the local community came together at Lindum House to enjoy a community BBQ & Music Festival event that was held in the home’s grounds on Thursday 21st August.

Lindum House hosted a variety of activities throughout the day, including a BBQ, tombola stall, live enternainment and games which were enjoyed by everyone who came to the event.

The home was delighted to welcome Mayor Alison Healy, representatives from Beverley in Bloom, the Humberside Police, Beverley FM and the Smile Foundation.

Staff at Lindum House made everyone feel welcome and were delighted to see different generations having fun together. Visitors enjoyed plenty of

refreshments, such as Cheese Burgers, Hot Dogs and a variety of BBQ themed snacks and refreshments prepared by the catering team, who were hard at work making sure that a great time was had by all – it really was a team effort!

Resident, Betty, said, “I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was surrounded by lots of great people, and the refreshments kept flowing. The weather held out until we finished. Staff did a great job, not just on the day, but organising the event and getting everyone together.”

Jayne Clarke, General Manager at the home, said:

“Staff at Lindum House are dedicated to making sure that the home is a hub of the local community, and this event, along with all their hard work, has definitely paid off. It was

Lytham St Annes Home Attracts Over 100 People

During Summer Fair And Raises Over £800

More than 100 people visited the home throughout the day

A Lytham St Annes home opened its doors to the community and welcomed over 100 guests into their home and managed to raise over £800.

MHA Starr Hills held their summer fair and managed to raise a total of £863.00.

The fair was packed full of activities and various stalls, as well as live entertainment and a bouncy castle.

There were hot dogs, cakes and various refreshments to keep residents and guests hydrated.

The funds raised will go towards the homes amenities fund, and the home is already planning some animal visits for the residents.

MHA Starr Hills offers residential care and support for up to 36 people.

Emma Falkingham, activity coordinator said: “ The summer fair was very successful, and I believe it was bigger than the one we held last year.

“We wanted an open event, and were very happy with the turnout, the local community really supported us and we are very grateful.

“It was very intergenerational, and it was nice to see so many families come and attend.

“We received some excellent prizes in the form of donations from businesses in the area, which were very popular.

“It was a real team effort, we had volunteers manning the stalls and we couldn't have achieved what we did, without the additional support.

“The funds raised will go towards the homes amenities fund, from which we are planning some exciting activities, including some animal visits for our residents.

“I want to thank everyone for their support on the day, whether that's volunteering or contributing towards the funds raised, we appreciate it all.”

Nottinghamshire Home Raises Over £1300 Thanks To Very Successful Summer Fayre

A Nottinghamshire home managed to raise over £1300 thanks to a very successful summer fayre.

MHA The Herons, in Toton opened its doors and welcomed in the community, with more than 60 people coming in to support them.

There were plenty of activities and games for visitors to get stuck into such as a raffle, tombola, and a silent auction.

The home was well supported by local businesses in the area, who gave some very generous donations and prizes.

The final amount raised was £1,308.48, which will go towards the homes amenities fund, from which trips and activities will be arranged for residents.

MHA The Herons provides residential care for 39 residents.

Claire Belshaw, administration manager said: “The summer fayre was very successful and all of us had a great time.

“We received a lot of support from businesses in the area, who donated some fantastic prizes and there was some tough competition for them.

“To reach the figure we did is truly remarkable and we are all very grateful for the support shown to us.

“We had a really good turnout, we had family members of our residents come to support us as well as the members of the community.

“It was a real intergenerational event, and it was nice to see people of all ages throughout the day.

“The stocks came out again, and me, Loren and Alex were the volunteers, which was a big hit with our residents.

“The money raised will go into the homes amenities fund, we are not quite sure how we are going to use it yet, but it will definitely be something our residents want to do.

“On behalf of the home, I want to thank everyone for their support in making the event what it was.

“I want to give a huge shout out to Claire, the community champion from Tesco in Toton, for her wonderful donation as well as another Claire, from Claire's Ice Cream who donated a percentage of her takings to us.”

Wetherby Care Home in Wetherby Hosts Successful Annual Summer Fayre

Windsor Court Care Home in Wetherby, West Yorkshire, part of HC-One, was filled with sunshine, laughter, and community spirit as residents, families, and colleagues came together to celebrate the home’s much-loved annual Summer Fayre.

The event, held across the home’s garden, garden rooms, and main lounge, offered a wide variety of fun-filled activities for all ages. Guests enjoyed a bouncy castle, face painting, “Hook a Duck,” “Guess the Name of the Teddy,” lucky dips, and a raffle with fantastic prizes. Live entertainment was provided by a jazz band, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Visitors were also treated to a delicious buffet, refreshments, and an array of homemade cakes and

desserts, all lovingly prepared by the Windsor Court team.

The Summer Fayre was attended by residents, their families, and colleagues, who all came together to enjoy the afternoon in the sun. The event was led by Windsor Court’s dedicated team, including Front of House lead Alex Keeble, Deputy Manager Jodie Jessop, and Home Manager Angela Shutt.

Home Manager at HC-One’s Windsor Court Care Home, Angela Shutt, said: “It was wonderful to see our residents and their loved ones enjoying such a joyful afternoon together. Our Summer Fayre is always a highlight of the year, and we’re delighted it was such a success once again. A big thank you to everyone who came along and to our fantastic team who worked so hard to make it possible.”

Meet 19-Year-Old Pria Giles-Moncrieff Working at Toton Home

Pria Giles-Moncrieff had several options to choose from when she was in the process of applying for care homes in the Nottinghamshire area for her work placement, but it was the "warmth and welcome” she got when enquiring at MHA The Herons, that lead to her picking this home.

Pria started her journey with the MHA The Herons in November 2024 as a placement student whilst studying Health and Social Care at Inspire Learning.

Following a nine-month placement, Pria applied for a care assistant role and successfully got the position, a role she has been in since June 2025.

Pria always had a passion for health and social care and has been studying it since she was at school.

Her introduction to care homes came quite early on, as both her grandparents lived in care homes, however this is the first care home she has worked in.

MHA The Herons provides residential care for 39 residents.

We spoke with Pria about her journey so far, and what working in a care home means to her as part of our 30 under 30 initiative.

This initiative 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.

She said: “ My time with MHA The Herons started once I made the inquiry to come and do a work placement.

“The warmth and welcome I got on the phone and when I visited, was enough for

me to decide that this was the place for me.

“Initially it was a challenge as it was the first care home I have ever worked in, but there was plenty of help for me.

“I was really happy when I saw the job opportunity for a care assistant became available and I applied for it immediately.

“I really enjoy my job, and it's a great place to work and learn.

“Everyone at the home is really supportive and always on hand to offer support should anyone need it.

“My role involves preparing residents for breakfast, lunch and tea as well as arranging showers and personal care for them, and towards the end of the shift, we have to prepare them for bed.

“The shift patterns work for me really well as I have enough time to rest and recover.

“The pay/benefits at MHA are great, and I regularly use Vivup to get discounts on various things.

““For now, I am very happy with where I am, but moving forward, I do want to progress, stay at MHA The Herons and work my way up into a senior carer.

“Working in care has taught me a lot, my advice to anyone thinking of joining the industry would be to go for it and you won't know what it's like until you try it.”

Springwood Corner Care Home Celebrates Grand Opening with Nostalgic Event

Springwood Corner Care Home, a new state-ofthe-art care home in Gravesend, celebrated its grand opening with a lively and nostalgic 1940s themed event on Thursday 11th September 2025.

The newly built 62-bed Avery Healthcare-owned care home represents a significant investment in the local community, providing exceptional residential, respite, and dementia care services in a high-quality and comfortable environment for older adults.

The grand opening welcomed over 200 guests, including Avery Healthcare executives, local residents, and community leaders, and featured a special plaque unveiling by Mayor Jenny Wallis.

Attendees enjoyed an elegant event featuring a red-carpet welcome, canapés, live entertainment, a classic car show and a stilt walker, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

Guests were dazzled by energetic performances from The Memphis Belles, Shane Milligan, and Myrtle, all dressed in authentic 1940s attire.

Speaking of the event, resident Joan Bennett stated, “I had a wonderful time at the grand opening. It was amazing, and I saw lots of familiar faces come along from the community. The entertainment was first-rate, and the canapés and prosecco were a lovely touch. Well done to everyone for arranging this special event.”

Nicola Pike, Home Manager at Springwood Corner Care Home, said, “Thank you to everyone who joined us for the grand opening. It was a pleasure to welcome so many members of the local community to celebrate this special occasion with us. This event not only marked a significant milestone for the home but also strengthened our connection with the local community.”

“Providing exceptional care and supporting the well-being of our residents is at the heart of everything we do, and we are proud to have an amazing team dedicated to making a real difference every day.”

D-Day Veteran Celebrates 100th Birthday At Salisbury Care Home

A Royal Navy veteran who served in the D-Day landings in 1945 has celebrated his 100th birthday with military gifts and tributes.

Commander Douglas Parish was the centre of attention on his centenary weekend at Salisbury care home Braemar Lodge where he has lived for more than two years.

The father-of-four welcomed 55 family guests including his daughter Alison Larkham and most of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were joined by several uniformed officers from the Royal Naval Association, of which Douglas is a life member.

He was presented with a framed birthday message from the First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkin, the professional head of the Royal Navy and its highest-ranking officer.

And despite being teetotal, Douglas was delighted to receive a keepsake bottle of Pussers Rum, the traditional rum of the Royal Navy for centuries. There was a personal birthday message from the Admiral of the Fleet Air Arm hand delivered by Lt Noel Ennis and a framed picture of 820 Squadron, in which Douglas served, presented by Commander Andy Betts of HMS Seahawk.

With smiles all round, guests watched as Douglas cut his birthday cake, baked by daughter Alison, using his naval sword.

Douglas joined the Royal Navy as an engineer and was a 19-year-old midshipman on D-Day, the biggest naval, air and land operation in military history.

He was off the Normandy coast on the cruiser HMS Mauritius below decks in the engine room while the ship was exchanging fire with enemy gun positions.

Luckily, torpedoes fired by German fast-attack E-boats, while coming close, ultimately missed their target.

Douglas has spoken of the unforgettable sight of thousands of allied vessels heading towards the French beaches to help begin the liberation of Europe.

“They were so close you felt you could almost step out and walk across them,” he said.

A wartime diary and the Légion d’honneur medal, awarded to veterans who helped liberate France, are among his treasured mementos of the time.

After the war, Douglas and his fiancée Betty married in 1947 and lived in various parts of the country before moving to Salisbury.

Betty was already in the British Red Cross when the Second World War broke out and volunteered for a civil defence first aid post, treating those caught in air raids during the Blitz.

After retiring from the navy in 1967, Douglas retrained as a technical college lecturer and took a post at the Aircraft Engineering Training Wing in Middle Wallop, where he worked for 17 years.

This was an ideal opportunity to share the skills he had gained in avionics engineering during his naval service.

Douglas was lay pastor at Porton Baptist Church for many years and has also had a long association with the Salisbury Sea cadets.

Betty, who was five years older than Douglas, passed away in 2017 at the age of 97.

Reflecting on her father’s centenary, Alison said: “At the age of 100, he’s not sitting back, he’s getting on with writing his life story. He keeps himself busy. He has an incredible brain, a very active mind.”

Present at the birthday celebration were two Braemar Lodge team members with service histories of their own: Home Manager Jackie Cash, who was in the Princess Mary Royal Air Force Nursing Service; and Companionship Team Leader Graham Ballard, a former Staff Sergeant in the Royal Horse Artillery.

Jackie said: “It was a poignant occasion for both of us as ex-military people. We are very proud to know Douglas. I never thought I would ever be helping a D-Day veteran celebrate their 100th birthday. It’s extra special.”

Asked for any recommendations for living to a great age, Douglas has: “I really enjoy being the patriarch of such a large family. I love to see everyone together. I was particularly delighted to see the youngsters playing at the party and the remainder chatting with one another excitedly.”

The Double Prejudice Facing Disabled Older Workers

The Supporting Disabled Older Workers Project has been published in time for National Inclusion Week, an annual event dedicated to celebrating inclusion and taking action to build inclusive workplaces.

Disabled older workers are almost twice as likely to experience negative treatment when applying for jobs or promotions than their peers without disabilities, new research from the Centre for Ageing Better published in National Inclusion Week reveals.

More than two in five (44%) Disabled people aged between 50 and 66 years old felt they had experienced negative treatment when applying for jobs or promotions in the past five years, compared to one in four (25%) non-Disabled people of the same age, the newly published Supporting Disabled Older Workers project report details.

Of all UK adults aged 50-66, more than two in three (69%) feel that older age is a disadvantage in the UK job market, the research project in partnership with The Policy Institute at King’s College London found. Three in four (75%) thought having disability or a health condition put applicants at a disadvantage.

Only around one in 20 (6%) UK adults 50-66 thought that having a disability or a health condition represented an advantage in the workplace while around one in ten (11%) thought being over 50 was an advantage.

Previous analysis has shown that the UK has a 50% higher rate of economic inactivity due to illness among people both aged 50-64 and who want to work compared to Germany.

Closing this gap would see around 192,000 additional older workers in the labour market, yielding approximately £13billion in gross domestic product (GDP) a year and £2.5billion in additional income tax and national insurance revenues.

The Supporting Disabled Older Workers project report, delivered by the Centre for Ageing Better and funded by Columbia Threadneedle Foundation, develops new policy and practice to improve support for Disabled people and people with long-term health conditions in their 50s and 60s to find and stay in work. It has been shaped by a nine-person “Experts by Experience” Steering Group of Disabled older people.

THE REPORT HAS A RAFT OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GOVERNMENT AND EMPLOYERS

INCLUDING:

• Employers should be supported and encouraged to consider the active involvement of Disabled older workers in shaping and co-producing workplace policies and practices.

• Employers should be supported and encouraged to consider ensuring Disabled older people feel confident in communicating their workplace needs, for instance by promoting the use of ‘adjustment passports’.

• Government needs to reform Jobcentre Plus and the National Careers Service, with a focus on culture, including specialist disability and age inclusive training.

• Government should commission further research on how to best reduce the burden on ‘sandwich generations’, for instance through reforms to childcare and social care.

John Holme, Experts by Experience Steering Group member, said: “I hope the report will help show employers that older and Disabled people can still offer real value in the workplace, especially when we are given the right support.”

Rebecca Lines, Project and Change Manager for Work at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “The UK labour market is failing Disabled older people. Among 50-64-year-olds, the employment gap rate between Disabled and non-Disabled people is more than 30 percentage points. Our new research highlights how age and disability discrimination often overlap, creating deeper disadvantages for these workers and making it harder to stay in jobs or find new opportunities.”

“Disabled older workers told our researchers how they are navigating a constant minefield, weighing up whether to declare health conditions, how to ask for adjustments and how to present themselves in a labour market that often overlooks them or undervalues them. This takes a toll on confidence, wellbeing and longterm health, likely exacerbating the disadvantages they face.

“What is clear from this project is that employers and government cannot tackle the barriers facing Disabled older workers without working directly with them. This project has shown just how vital it is to listen to the voices of Disabled older workers to understand the challenges in a way that is impossible without lived experience.”

The report also lays bare the higher rates of dissatisfaction that Disabled older people are experiencing in their workplace.

THE REPORT’S SURVEY SHOWS THAT DISABLED OLDER WORKERS REPORT LOWER LEVELS OF SATISFACTION WITHIN THEIR WORKPLACE COMPARED TO NON-DISABLED PEOPLE AGED 5066 INCLUDING:

• With pay and progression (30% vs 40%)

• Training and development (39% vs 51%)

• Roles and responsibilities (51% vs 62%

• Line managers (43% vs 55%)

Almost two in five (39%) Disabled people aged 50-66 said they did not feel their workplace was inclusive, compared to around one in four (23%) non-disabled people.

Milford House Marks 40 Years Of Care With Special Celebration

Milford House, the very first home in the Milford Care group, has celebrated its 40th anniversary with a joyful summer party that brought together residents, families, staff and friends for a day of music, laughter and community spirit.

The celebration – held recently in the grounds of the Belper-based home – was everything a summer fair should be. There was live music from local bands and DJs, plenty of dancing, wood-fired pizzas, traditional ice creams, homemade cakes, craft stalls and a busy bar. Children played on the lawns, families came together across the generations, and residents joined in the festivities, reflecting the strong sense of belonging that has always been at the heart of Milford House.

One resident, James Gregory, said: “It was such a wonderful day. The music, the food, the laughter – it felt like a real celebration of everything Milford House means to us. I loved sharing it with my family and friends here – it’s a memory I’ll treasure.”

“Excellent”

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.

Care Home

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

‘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-

The journey began when Milford House was first purchased in 1985. After extensive renovations to the Grade II listed building, it opened its doors to residents in 1985 – laying the foundation for what would grow into a family-run group of six homes across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, all built on the same ethos of compassion, community and purpose.

Pierre Falleth, Director at Milford Care, said: “Milford House is where it all began for us, so this anniversary is deeply personal. My father-in-law had the vision to create something different – care that wasn’t just about providing a bed, but about creating a real sense of home and purpose for people. Forty years later, we’re still carrying that vision forward. The summer celebration was the perfect way to bring residents, families and staff together to honour that legacy. We’re enormously proud of everything Milford House represents, and the difference it has made to thousands of lives over the years.”

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/.

CQC’S Homecare Regulation Deteriorates Further As Inspection Backlog Grows

A new Homecare Association report warns that the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) regulation of homecare has worsened in the past 12 months. The new analysis reveals over 70% of homecare providers lack current ratings, with the situation worsening since the Association’s 2024 report.

The Homecare Association said its report showed that people with complex needs were at risk from “unsafe, poor-quality care” and that good providers were being squeezed out of the market by “cheap, unrated competitors”.

The report, CQC regulatory performance in homecare one year on, reveals that 70.3% of community social care providers now have either never been rated by the CQC (33.5%) or have ratings that are four-eight plus years old (36.8%). This represents a worsening from the 60% reported in the Association’s August 2024 analysis.

PERFORMANCE HAS WORSENED RATHER THAN IMPROVED.

As of August 2025, 70.3% of community social care providers had either never been rated by the CQC (33.5%) or had a rating of 4 to 8+ years old (36.8%). This represents a deterioration from the 60% we reported in 2024, when 23% had never been inspected and 37% had ratings 4 to 8+ years old.

THE INSPECTION BACKLOG HAS GROWN SUBSTANTIALLY.

The number of registered community social care locations increased from 12,574 in June 2024 to 14,137 in August 2025. More concerning, the number of uninspected locations rose by 64%, from 2,879 to 4,727 over this period.

THE SCALE OF THE CHALLENGE IS NOW GREATER.

We calculate 9933 locations currently lack a recent rating (uninspected plus those with ratings 4+ years old). At current inspection rates (1052 homecare inspections over 13 months = 81 per month), the backlog would never be cleared and is growing by about 312 locations every month, assuming no increase in locations. If growth of locations continues at the same rate of c. 112 per month, the backlog will increase by 424 per month. Today, only 29.7% of homecare locations have up-to-date CQC ratings. At the current inspection pace, that falls to 22% by 2030 and 21% by 2035 (assuming no market growth). If the market keeps expanding, coverage drops to 15% by 2030 and c.11% by 2035 – meaning almost nine in ten services will lack a current, independent quality assessment. CQC must increase throughput by 5× just to stop inspection coverage from deteriorating, and by 8-14× to clear the backlog within 3-12 months while maintaining a 3-year review cycle. If not, it will fall further behind each month, with the proportion of unrated or outdated services continuing to increase indefinitely.

The CQC’s risk-based approach continues to identify underperforming providers. However, the fundamental problem remains: too few assessments are being conducted to provide adequate assurance on quality and safety across the sector.

THE IMPACT ON PROVIDERS AND PEOPLE NEEDING CARE HAS INTENSIFIED.

People continue to be at risk of harm from unsafe and poor-quality homebased care and support, which goes undetected. Councils continue to struggle with procurement decisions when a third of potential providers lack current ratings. Some are contracting with unrated providers, which is a risk, whilst others exclude them, leading to commercial detriment and market distortions.

Research analysed over 1,000 inspection reports from homecare providers across a 13-month period spanning 2024-2025.

The findings demonstrated that regulatory assessments effectively distinguish service quality levels when conducted – ranging from exemplary providers delivering personalized, empathetic care to failing services exhibiting critical deficiencies in safety protocols and organizational oversight.

The data highlights ongoing challenges for local authorities in procurement processes, as approximately one-third of potential service providers operate without current quality ratings. This regulatory gap forces commissioners into difficult positions: some authorities accept contracts with unassessed providers despite inherent risks, while others implement exclusionary policies that may inadvertently prevent quality providers from participating in the market, ultimately disrupting competitive balance.

Commenting on the new analysis, Dr Jane Townson OBE, Chief Executive of the Homecare Association, said, ‘One year on, the picture is stark – the CQC is falling further behind in regulating homecare.

People relying on care at home, their families and councils commissioning services cannot make safe, informed choices when most providers have no current rating and good providers are being squeezed out of the market in some places by cheap, unrated competitors.

‘The CQC must increase inspection throughput at least fivefold just to prevent coverage declining further – and by 8 to 14 times to clear the backlog quickly while maintaining a three-year review cycle.

‘Evidence shows that when CQC inspections do take place, they identify important quality differences –from excellent services that ‘go above and beyond’ to those with serious safety failings. This makes the current inspection gaps even more concerning for public protection.

‘At current rates, we are heading towards a future where 9 in 10 homecare services will lack a current quality rating.

This is simply unacceptable for a sector supporting hundreds of thousands of people with complex needs who are at risk of harm from unsafe, poor-quality care. Urgent intervention is needed before the situation deteriorates beyond repair.’

The report makes recommendations for urgent action, including implementing surge capacity to clear the backlog and conducting an independent review of resources needed for effective regulation.

The analysis follows the Government’s ongoing review into the CQC’s operational effectiveness, led by Dr Penny Dash, which published a final report in October 2024 highlighting similar concerns about poor operational performance and IT system challenges.

NACC Training & Development Forum 2025 Programme Confirmed

The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) once again returns to the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham, 1 – 2 October, for the NACC Training & Development Forum 2025.

The theme for the Forum this year is ‘Future Proofing Your Care Catering Operations’ and will cover everything someone working in the care catering sector will need to know now and for the future. The Forum will provide a wide range of keynote speakers, masterclasses, live cookery demonstrations, meet the buyer/supplier meetings, exhibition viewing and networking.

This year’s programme, reflects the issues that are topical within the care sector including a look at how the Care Home Catering market will evolve over the next decade and asking the question ‘are central production kitchen’s the way forward for the sector?

The first day will commence with the popular meet the buyer/supplier meetings. A number of new and returning premier partners and exhibitors will be on hand to talk about their products and offers. These will include names such as Atosa

The day will conclude with a celebration of the 2025 Care Chef of the Year finalists, with the crowning of this year’s winner. This is a change from previous years and allows the chef to receive the attention that they truly deserve.

Neel Radia, National Chair of the NACC will kick off the second day with opening remarks, followed by plenary sessions exploring how to future-proof your care home kitchen and leverage AI and technology to enhance your services.

Other sessions will reflect on the first year under the new government, examine the caterer’s role in supporting resident wellbeing, and explore the risks associated with feeding residents who have allergies or other dietary challenges.

SEE THE VIEW FORUM PROGRAM BELOW:

The Forum will be chaired by Phil Raynsford and the expert keynote speakers set to inform and inspire include:

Simon Stenning, Founder, Future Foodservice – How will Britain eat in the care home catering market over the next 10 years. The presentation will explore all the developments for the future of care home catering, the key trends, drivers of change and emerging consumer demands. Simon will outline the most relevant food trends and consumer behaviours over the next 10 years and how they will affect the provision of services in care home catering.

Josh Hawker, Head of Operations, Ablecare Homes Ltd – Are Care central production kitchen’s the way forward in the Care Sector? Josh will explain how a regional care home group with a young and dynamic team, now have a central production kitchen to feed all their homes – the team will discuss the benefits to management, operations, kitchen staff and ultimately residents.

David Mulcahy, Vice President, The Craft Guild of Chefs – Future proofing your Care Home Kitchen –David will look at how adopting sustainable practices can help care providers future-proof their operations against potential risks associated with climate change, resource shortages, and economic fluctuations. The session will look at practical sustainability practices from across the Hospitality Sector.

Vic Rayner OBE, Chief Executive Officer, The National Care Forum – Adult Social care –Where are we now? – Vic will bring you right up to date with the latest policy and practice across adult social care. She will talk through the very significant impacts of new legislation and policy as well as ensuring that you have a flavour of how care is changing in relation to the use of technology, latest models of delivery and what is coming over the horizon!

Dr Jane Townsend OBE, CEO, Homecare Association – Use of AI and technology in Care Services – This session will look at how AI and technology is used, where it works best and the benefits to the care business. As businesses prepare for the future, the importance of technology, sustainability and AI in hospitality will only grow. Adopting AI-driven solutions is no longer a question of “if,” but “when”.

INSPIRING COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS

Following on from the success of last year, there will be four demonstrations. Special celebrity Chef, Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL, Saturday Kitchen and Chef Proprietor of Café Spice Namasté will be cooking some delicious small plate dishes for the delegates to take inspiration from and share with their residents.

Richard Clark, North England Area Manager, Robot Coupe – will give ideas to increase residents’ hydration and fibre intake through a range of great tasting drinks.

James Brown, Development Chef, Unilever Food Solutions and Samuel Sewell, Head Chef, Cinnamon Care Collection & NACC Care Chef of the Year 2024 will demonstrate Desserts with Benefits. This cookery demonstration will serve up some fabulous dessert ideas on how to give residents the tastiest, and naughtiest looking sweet treat at the end of their meal, which is, in fact packed with as much goodness and nutrition as possible.

Continuing the sustainability theme, Respect the ingredient – will see Jamie Clews, Key Account Manager and Development Chef, Metcalfe Catering looking at reducing food waste one item at a time.

EDUCATIONAL AND INTERACTIVE MASTERCLASSES

Delegates will have the opportunity of attending two of the dynamic masterclasses, including: DRY STORE INNOVATIONS

Danny Silcock, Development Chef, Brakes In this presentation, Brakes care development chef Danny Silcock shares his insights and ideas around the unsung heroes of care home catering – dry-store ingredients. He’ll outline his list of core ingredients, selected for cost-effectiveness, low waste and suitability for different skill levels, and discuss the importance of creating and enhancing base flavours and textures to add variety and avoid menu fatigue. He’ll also reveal his own top three ingredients; two of them very familiar, and the third a potential surprise!

FERMENTATION – HELP YOUR RESIDENTS MAINTAIN A HEALTHY GUT

Colin Wheeler-James, Founder, Ground up Cookery School will give tips on how to help residents maintain a healthy gut and overall well-being, whilst also reducing food waste.

ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO RECRUITMENT & RETENTION

Andrew Stokes, Service Manager, Fife This presentation outlines the key recruitment and retention challenges within our division, including geographical and contractual barriers. It highlights the innovative strategies we’ve implemented to attract and retain staff and shares future plans to strengthen our workforce. Our goal is to ensure we have the capacity and resilience to continue delivering high-quality public services to the people of Fife.

Local Care Home Celebrates Emergency Services Day

Residents and staff at Hazel Lodge care home in Battle, honoured their local emergency services by inviting their local fire crews to the home to enjoy a delicious Fish and Chip Lunch prepared by the home’s hospitality team and to thank them all for their selfless service keeping the community safe.

September 9th is the UK’s Emergency Services Day, or 999 Day. The day gives people a chance to show their appreciation for the two million people serving communities in the emergency services either as employees or volunteers.

Rikki-Gene Bury, General Manager at the home, said: “Our local

police officers, ambulance crews and firefighters put their lives on the line every day to save our lives, loved ones and homes, so we wanted to take the opportunity to let them know just how much we appreciate all that they do for us. We think they are truly wonderful human beings.”

Alan, who lives at Hazel Lodge, said: “I can’t imagine how terrifying it must be to go into a burning building to rescue someone or having to deal with a major incident, I think all our emergency services are amazing and I can’t thank them enough for their service. What would we do without them?”

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/

Home Manager At Nottinghamshire Home Jumps

Out Of Plane At 14,000 Ft And Raises Over £2000

A home manager at a Nottinghamshire home decided to really get out of her comfort zone by jumping out of a plane to raise funds for her home.

Loren Roseberry works as home manager at MHA The Herons and wanted to do a challenge that would really test her to raise funds for the home’s garden project.

She took part in a Skydive on the 13th of September at the Langer Airfield in Nottingham.

So far Loren has managed to raise over £2000, with donations still coming in, much to her delight.

Speaking after the challenge Loren said: “During the build up to the day I was completely blanked out and didn’t think about what I was doing at all.

“It really hit home when I arrived at the airfield, and I did start to get nervous.

“You are in the plane for about 20 minutes before you reach the right height of 14,000 ft and that was nerve wracking.

“Once I made the jump it did take a little while before I settled down, and I was so happy when it was over, and it’s definitely something I won’t do again!.

“The team at Langer Airfield were very supportive and professional, and I was very impressed with the way they work.

“When I came back into the office, I was greeted with an office full of balloons and a card from the staff.

“I went around and spoke with the residents, who were all very proud of me and gave me lots of hugs.

“The plan is to start to get the ball rolling with the garden. I am hoping to have some conversations with residents to see what flowers they want and will survive the cold weather we will have coming up.

“I am very happy with the money raised so far, part of me doing a challenge such as a skydive was I knew my friends and family would pay good money to see me do something like this.

“I want to thank everyone who supported and donated to the cause, we all really appreciate it and I am sure it will go a long way.”

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

'Stress Tests' and Pre Winter Check-Ins

As NHS Ramps Up Winter Prep

The NHS is running ‘stress test’ exercises and providing targeted care for vulnerable patients, as it strengthens its plans to winter-proof the health service.

Throughout September, local NHS leaders will test the robustness of their winter plans by participating in scenario exercises such as staff shortages, rapid increase in demand, and multiple virus outbreaks.

Local teams are also being asked to identify patients who are most vulnerable to winter viruses and at risk of a hospital admission, to provide targeted care and ensure they have the appropriate vaccinations.

The health service is predicting another pressured winter with 2025 currently on track to be the busiest on record for A&Es and ambulance services.

There will be a different approach to winter this year, with more power for NHS leaders on-the-ground to deliver bespoke plans for their local population. The NHS is also working closely with local authority and social care colleagues, so that discharge capacity can surge at times of peak demand.

Half of all ambulance services also now have access to shared care records, allowing paramedics and other clinicians to access a patient’s full medical history wherever they are.

The fresh approach follows the publication of the Urgent and emergency care plan in June, which was backed by £450 million of funding.

New government vaccination campaigns, urging people to protect themselves against winter viruses, will launch from 22 September. The first will encourage pregnant women to ‘Stay strong. Get vaccinated’ for flu, RSV and whooping cough.

Further activity will then follow in October to support uptake of flu vaccination amongst people with longterm health conditions. This bold new campaign uses familiar protective imagery like bubble wrap to illustrate vaccination benefits. Activity runs across TV, video on demand, radio, outdoor and social channels.

Since the start of September, pregnant women and millions of children have been able to get their flu vaccinations. As of 1 October older adults, those at clinical risk and other eligible groups will also be able to get their flu and COIVD jabs.

The health service will also be ensuring vital medication like Tamiflu is easily available for those at high risk of developing complications from flu.

The NHS is also increasing the number of patients receiving care on virtual wards or through Urgent Community Response teams. Over £370 million of capital investment is being allocated to deliver around 40 new same day emergency care centres and urgent treatment centres.

The NHS is also ramping up staff vaccination programmes with the aim of increasing uptake of the flu

vaccine for frontline staff by at least five percentage points ahead of winter. It will be easier than ever for staff to get vaccinated with onsite bookable and walk-in appointments.

Mental health trusts will proactively identify frequent attenders and high-risk patients to ensure crisis and relapse plans are in place ahead of winter. The NHS is opening mental health crisis assessment centres and additional mental health inpatient capacity to reduce the number of these patients having to seek treatment in traditional A&Es.

Sir Jim Mackey, NHS chief executive, said: “Despite record demand this year NHS teams have worked hard to improve waiting times, with last month’s Category 2 ambulance response times the fastest for four years – but we know the coming colder months will be much more challenging.

“The NHS has done more preparation to be ready for the winter months than ever before, because we know the last few winters have been particularly tough for patients and staff, and we are determined for this year to be better”.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Winter is always tough for the NHS, but this year we’re ramping up preparations and doing more to protect the country. From ‘war game’ exercises to extra checks for the most vulnerable, we’re making sure the health service is ready for whatever comes its way.

“But the public has a crucial role too. The single best way you can protect yourself, your family, and the NHS is by getting vaccinated. It takes pressure off hardworking staff and helps ensure care is there for patients when they need it most.

“By preparing together – government, NHS staff and the public – we can give the health service the best chance to weather the winter ahead”.

Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said: “Patients and staff are at the heart of our prep for winter, with a focus on providing the safest possible care and giving support closer to people’s homes.

“Our clinical plans include providing targeted support for those most vulnerable to viruses to keep them out of hospital, easier access to rescue medicine, and greater use of services like urgent response teams, virtual wards, and same day emergency care.

“While our preparations for winter are being stress-tested to support both patients and staff, without a doubt the most important thing the public can do ahead of winter is to get vaccinated.

“The NHS now offers protection against a greater number of viruses than ever before and so if you are eligible for RSV, Covid or flu jabs please do come forward as soon as possible – it could save your life”.

Miniature Horses And Country Music Tribute Stars Of The Show

As Chippenham Home Raises Over £300 From Autumn Fayre

The residents enjoyed spending time both Bryan and Vino, the horses from Happy Hooves Therapy Horses

A Chippenham home welcomed in the autumn season by hosting a fayre, from which they managed to raise over £300.

MHA The Fairways opened its doors to the community and managed to attract more than 60 people to the home.

The home arranged for some live entertainment in the form of a Dolly Parton tribute act as well as having two special guests Bryan and Vino, two miniature horses from Happy Hooves Therapy Horses. There were also various stalls including a honey and sewing stall as well as a raffle and tombola.

The total amount raised was £304.00 which will go towards the homes amenities fund, from which trips and activities will be arranged.

MHA The Fairways provides residential and residential dementia care for 60 residents.

Tracey Curd, administration manager said: “Our residents really enjoyed the autumn fayre.

“Having the entertainer singing some classic country music mixed with Bryan and Vino visiting was definitely the highlight.

“We had a good turnout, and it was nice to see so many people enjoying themselves.

“Family members of residents were very happy with how it was arranged and gave us some lovely feedback.

“It was a real team effort, and I want to thank everyone for their support on the day.

“The weather was good which always helps, and we are very proud of the amount we managed to raise

“The funds will go straight into our amenities fund, and we are planning some trips for our residents.

Wigan Care Home Team Take on Charity

Walk in Support of Kidney Research UK

Colleagues from HC-One’s Ash Tree House Care Home in Hinley, Wigan, took part in the Wigan Pub Walk to raise vital funds for Kidney Research UK, a charity very close to their hearts.

The fundraiser has a deeply personal meaning for the team. In June 2023, Deputy Home Manager, Joni Bramwell’s sister, Vicky, was diagnosed with stage 5 kidney failure. After months of tests, Joni was found to be a match and made the life-changing decision to donate her kidney. Following six months of intensive screening, the sisters underwent surgery on 20th May 2024.

Just four weeks later, Joni was back at work at Ash Tree House, and both she and Vicky have made a full recovery. Inspired by their journey, Joni and her colleagues were determined to raise awareness and funds to support the ongoing work of Kidney Research UK.

The walk began at Formby’s in Hindley, before stopping at The

Donations were collected along the route, with additional fundraising through sponsorships and a fun “Guess the Kidney Donations” activity. Joining Joni on the walk was her sister Vicky; Marie Phillips, Front of House Manager; Carer Kelly Orme, and staff from Wigan Renal Unit, who supported Vicky throughout her treatment. The fundraising effort has so far raised a total of £1370.06 so far.

Speaking about the event, Deputy Home Manager at HC-One’s Ash Tree House Care Home, Joni Bramwell said: “Kidney Research is a cause that means everything to me and my family. I’m so grateful to have been able to help my sister, and we want to raise as much as possible to support research that can give hope to others facing kidney disease. I’m proud to have done this alongside my colleagues, friends, and family.”

HC-One Ash Tree House’s Home Manager, Ben Lee, added: “We are all incredibly proud of Joni’s bravery and the strength shown by both her and Vicky throughout their journey. Our whole home was behind them in this fundraiser and thank you to our local community for their support too.”

Kirkless Hall Inn; The Crown at New Springs; The Colliers Arms; Two Left Feet at Haigh; The Boars Head at Standish; Forbes on the Lane, Wigan; The Cherry Gardens; The Millstone; Real Crafty; Charles Dickens and Finishing at Wigan Central.

Government Needs Better Oversight To Tackle Market Failures In Children’s Residential Care

Residential care costs for looked-after children have almost doubled in five years, reaching £3.1 billion in 2023-24, driven by rising demand, limited placements – especially for children with complex needs – and a profit-driven market.

The NAO’s latest report, Managing children’s residential care, assesses DfE’s response to challenges faced by local authorities in placing looked-after children in residential care in England.

Although most children’s homes are rated good or outstanding1 many children are not in a setting that meets their needs contributing to worse outcomes. In March 2024, 67% of children in children’s homes were placed outside their local authority, with 49% placed more than 20 miles from home. Children may also move frequently, be confined without consent2 or placed in illegal, unregistered homes. In the longer term, care leavers face higher risks of being out of education or work.

A shortage of places within foster care and for looked-after children with more complex needs are among factors driving up costs and creating a dysfunctional market.4 DfE and councils do not know how decisions made in health and justice settings affect children with the most complex needs, which makes it harder to plan and respond to demand.

Councils are competing for spaces in a mostly private market (84%) with mismatched supply and demand across local areas. This can allow providers to decide which children to home based on how much support the child needs or the profit levels available. In 2022-23 and 2023-24, DfE assessed failure of the children’s home market as one of its most significant risks.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has estimated that from 2016 to 2020, the 15 largest private providers had average profit rates of 22.6% for children’s homes with prices increasing above inflation.

DfE does not have adequate data on providers’ and councils’ costs, which makes it hard to judge fair charges, or take effective action to tackle excessive profits. DfE plans to improve cost transparency and introduce oversight measures by 2028–29.

In response to the challenges, DfE has focused efforts on prevention, to avoid children needing to be

looked after.5 It has also started to make changes to the residential care system, such as with the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which include implementing recommendations from the CMA and MacAlister reviews (2022). However, changes are taking time to implement.

As the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill passes through the House of Lords, the NAO report outlines what DfE must consider for measures impacting children’s residential care to be effective. DfE has started piloting regional commissioning, with some areas starting to work effectively together, but it has not yet committed to when regional commissioning will be rolled out more widely.

The NAO has several recommendations to support DfE to establish a productive and resilient residential care system.

These include:

• Provide clarity on its vision for the residential and foster care market, and define and develop its role overseeing the operation and resilience of private providers

• Give local authorities further guidance and support so they can more effectively maintain homes and reduce the need for expensive repairs or new buildings6

• Agree with the Department for Health and Social Care and the Ministry of Justice a cross-government approach to ensure looked-after children with the most complex needs are provided the most appropriate setting and care

• Bring together a package of interventions to support providers in having enough staff with the right skills

Gareth Davies, head of the NAO said: “The residential care system for looked-after children is currently not delivering value for money, with many children placed in settings that don’t meet their needs. Local authorities are forced to compete for limited places in an under-supplied market, driving high costs. Our recommendations are designed to help DfE, and local authorities find better solutions for looked-after children whilst they tackle this market failure.”

New JV Targets Pipeline of High-Quality Care Homes

Park Lane Healthcare has joined forces with developer Torsion Care to launch Burghley Care, a new joint venture focused on delivering highquality, purpose-built care homes across the UK.

Operating under the newly formed Burghley Care brand, the partnership aims to deliver a new generation of sustainable, purpose-built care homes that reflect changing resident expectations and increasing clinical complexity. The first scheme, a £14.5 million, 72-bed development, Crosslee Manor, in Hipperholme, Halifax, has secured forward funding from Octopus Real Estate, and is expected to complete in August 2026. Crosslee Manor will serve as a flagship for the JV’s broader development pipeline, targeting regions with significant undersupply and growing demand for high-acuity care.

Park Lane Healthcare, a family-run operator based in East Yorkshire, has been delivering residential, nursing, and dementia care since 2005 across six existing homes in Yorkshire and Lancashire. Known for its homely environments and clinical quality, Park Lane is now scaling its approach through a developer-led model that puts operational expertise at the forefront of design and delivery.

Chris Lane, chairman of Park Lane Healthcare, said: “This project marks an exciting milestone for Park Lane Healthcare as part of our joint venture with Torsion Care.

“Through Burghley Care, we’re combining decades of operational expertise with innovative development capability to deliver a new standard of care.

“The purpose-built home in Hipperholme is just the beginning of what we believe will be a transformational pipeline across the region, offering the highest quality care and addressing increasing demand for residential support.”

Ian Ward, managing director at Torsion Care, said: “We are proud to announce this forward funding deal with our funding partner Octopus Real Estate and the formation of a new joint venture partnership with Park Lane Healthcare under the Burghley Care brand.

“Together, we’re creating care environments that are not only fit for the future but designed around the needs of residents and care teams today. We’re committed to delivering homes where people feel safe, supported, and genuinely at home.”

Easier GP Access Continues To Be Public’s Top Priority For The NHS

New polling from the Health Foundation and Ipsos has highlighted that the public’s top priority for the NHS is making it easier to get GP appointments.

The survey, conducted in May 2025, found that GP access (39%) sits above improving A&E waiting times (34%) and reducing the number of staff leaving the NHS by improving working conditions (29%) among the public’s biggest priorities. Despite it being the government’s flagship health commitment, cutting waiting times for routine hospital services ranks only fifth for the public.

Access to GP services has consistently topped the public’s priorities over the last year of the survey. And there is increasing public concern about the pressures GPs are under – 82% of the public (the highest recorded) are concerned about the level of pressure that GP practices are facing (up from 78% in May 2024 and 73% in May 2022).

The biggest challenges people believe their GP practice is facing are to there not being enough doctors (41%), followed by the pressures from an ageing population (29%) and due to a lack of funding (27%).

The poll also shows that public confidence in the government’s handling of the NHS remains stubbornly low, even as some key performance indicators begin to improve. Just 16% of people agree that the government has the right policies in place for the NHS, which is unchanged since November 2024. However, the poll took place before publication of the 10 year health plan. It also remains more positive than immediately before the election, when just 8% supported the government’s plans for the NHS.

While public views of the standard of care in the health service remain negative overall, there are some signs that perceptions of NHS care are slowly improving. 13% think that the general standard of care got better in the last 12 months (slightly up from 9% in May 2024), which is the highest recorded since 2020. Views of local services are more positive, with 46% of the public agreeing that their local NHS is providing them with a good service and 28% disagreeing, which is down from 32% in November 2024.

The government has made recovering the 18-week standard for routine care its top priority for the NHS in England by the end of the parliament. There are signs that progress is being made with the waiting list falling to its lowest in over two years, from 7.6 million to 7.4 million. Despite this, more people in England

believe the waiting list has increased in the 12 months since the election (37%) than decreased (24%) – highlighting that people are yet to feel that things are going in the right direction.

Consistently low levels of public satisfaction in the NHS have not, however, resulted in a loss of faith in the NHS model – a universal, tax-funded health service freely available to all. While there have been some recent high-profile calls to consider alternative funding models, this view is not shared by voters across the political spectrum in the UK. 86% think the NHS should be free at the point of delivery, 85% think the NHS should provide a comprehensive service available to everyone, and 83% think it should be primarily funded through taxation.

For social care, levels of public confidence remain negative overall. Only 8% agree that the government has the right policies for social care, with 51% disagreeing (compared with 43% in November 2024). However, this marks an improvement in the public’s perception of the previous government’s approach to social care, with 63% disagreeing that the government had the right policies in May 2024, prior to the general election.

People in England generally think the state should have bigger role in funding care than it does now, but low public awareness and understanding of social care – including uncertainty about who should pay for it –remain significant barriers to reform.

Tim Gardner, Assistant Director of Policy at the Health Foundation, said, ‘Overall, the public mood on health and care remains largely downbeat but there are signs that perceptions are slowly improving. Views of local health services are more positive than perceptions of how the NHS is performing overall, especially among people with recent experience of accessing care.

‘The challenge for government will be convincing the public that their plans will deliver tangible improvements in the areas they care most about. While the government has made improving NHS waiting times its headline pledge, the public’s top priority remains easier access to GP services with tackling elective waiting times only fifth among their biggest concerns. Tackling unacceptably long waits for routine hospital treatment is essential, but resources are constrained and trade-offs are inevitable, so the risk is that slower progress is made on delivering the priorities that matter most to the public.’

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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meals that are both safe and appealing for children.

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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.

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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"