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Issue 301
Ministers Pause Local Government Reorganisation… And Restores Representation on ICBs
The Government has announced a review of its plans to reorganise local government in England, while also restoring the statutory role of councils on Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) — two developments with potentially significant implications for the future delivery of health and social care. The decisions follow updated legal advice and a wider assessment of how local government reform fits with the Government’s ambitions to devolve power
and reshape public services. Announcing the review in Parliament, Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner said the Government wanted to ensure that the reorganisation process was legally robust and aligned with the priorities of the new administration.
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PAGE 2 | ISSUE 301 | THE CARER DIGITAL
EDITOR'S VIEWPOINT
Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital! ONE STEP FORWARD, ONE STEP BACK? The government's Local Government Reorganisation programme was always going to be a seismic undertaking. Editor At its heart, the plan would sweep away England's remaining two-tier councils — the large county authorities and their constellation of smaller district and borough councils, currently sharing responsibility for everything from housing to public health — and replace them with single unitary authorities. These, in turn, would sit beneath new Strategic Authorities, each headed by a directly elected mayor. That, at least, was the plan. As our lead story reports, the government has now hit the pause button, citing fresh legal advice that has cast doubt on whether the current process can withstand scrutiny, and a wave of legal challenges from councils unwilling to go quietly. I won't pretend to be qualified to referee the legal arguments — that's a matter for lawyers and, quite possibly, the courts. But it doesn't take a legal background to see that this reform has become bogged down. With several councils now pursuing or preparing judicial review action, ministers are facing exactly the kind of prolonged legal wrangling that reorganisations are supposed to avoid, not invite. What's harder to ignore, from where we sit in the care sector, is the timing. Reform of this scale inevitably brings winners and losers, and social care — already stretched to breaking point in many areas — can ill afford to become collateral damage in a structural tug-of-war. According to the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, planned adult social care spending for 2026–27 has reached £25.7 billion, now accounting for close to 38% of total council budgets. That is not a rounding error in a council's finances; it is, for many authorities, the single biggest line item they manage. Which makes the financial case for reorganisation all the more important to get right — and all the more concerning that it appears shakier than first advertised.
Peter Adams
The County Councils Network has pointed to newer analysis suggesting that, far from delivering the significant savings originally promised, restructuring could end up costing taxpayers more, at a moment when household budgets are already under pressure from the wider cost-of-living squeeze. So where does that leave us? Back at the drawing board, or simply pausing to catch our breath before pressing on? I suspect we'll have a clearer answer within the next few months, once the review concludes. It's also worth drawing out a connection that doesn't always get made explicitly. Baroness Casey's national commission is looking at something distinct but closely related: not how councils are drawn on a map, but how adult social care itself should be organised — who qualifies for support, how a future National Care Service might work, and how the country pays for it. Local Government Reorganisation, by contrast, is about the architecture of councils themselves — merging districts and counties into unitary authorities, building combined mayoral structures. Different questions, on paper. But in practice, the two are perhaps inseparable. Adult social care is already the dominant financial pressure facing upper-tier councils. Redrawing council boundaries or restructuring their hierarchy will count for little — and may not deliver the efficiencies ministers are banking on — if it isn't matched by genuine reform of how social care itself is funded and delivered. Move the furniture around all you like; if the foundations underneath are still unstable, the building won't stand any straighter. For providers and care leaders reading this, the message from this week's developments is one of watchful patience rather than alarm. The restoration of statutory council representation on Integrated Care Boards is a welcome and sensible correction — one that reaffirms, rightly, that councils have a distinct and irreplaceable role in overseeing how health and care money is spent locally. But the wider reorganisation picture remains unsettled, and will likely stay that way for some time yet. We will, as ever, keep watching this space closely on your behalf. I would also 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
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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 301 | PAGE 3
Ministers Pause Local Government Reorganisation And Restores Representation on ICBs (CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER) Proposals affecting Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk have been withdrawn, while plans in a further 14 areas, together with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and West Sussex, have been paused pending the review. The Government has confirmed that local elections scheduled for May 2027 will proceed on existing council boundaries while the review is completed.
“SEEN SENSE” The original proposal to strip local authorities of their oversight role was drawn up under former care minister Stephen Kinnock. Alison McGovern, previously local government minister, has since (July 2026) taken over the care brief. The Commons Health and Social Care Committee had earlier hit out at plans to sideline councils from this process, arguing that the Department of Health and Social Care had failed to grasp the distinct role local authorities play — pointing out that, unlike strategic authorities, councils carry statutory responsibility for social care. Committee chair Layla Moran, the Liberal Democrat MP, welcomed the reversal, saying the government had "seen sense" after repeated exchanges with the committee and had restored councils' key function in scrutinising how Integrated Care Boards spend money and make decisions. She added that councils understand the health and care needs of their local populations first-hand, and that removing their scrutiny role risked deepening the divide between health and social care services — further disconnecting decision-making from the voices of patients themselves.
WHITE PAPER The announcement comes as ministers prepare the forthcoming Rewiring the State White Paper, which is expected to set out a new approach to devolution and local governance. Ms Rayner said: “I want to satisfy myself firstly that the right process is in place, that it is robust, and of course complies with the law. And secondly, I want to fully test whether our proposals for local government reorganisation meet the priorities of a new administration and the new Prime Minister and any additional considerations.” She acknowledged the substantial work already undertaken by councils and said the Government’s decision was not being taken lightly. The County Councils Network (CCN) welcomed the pause and review. Cllr Sean Matthews, Chair-Elect of the County Councils
Network, said: “Since the reorganisation programme was announced, the County Councils Network (CCN) has been clear that it would support reorganisation where it generated significant savings, protected local services, preserved local identity and provided a strong impetus for economic growth.
SERIOUS CONCERNS “Many of our members had serious concerns and felt the decisions taken over the last six months would not deliver any of these aims – with the previous Starmer government shifting substantially from its own criteria to create new authorities covering populations of 500,000 or more. Others were concerned how decisions were made, the robustness of the process and the underpinning evidence. “The CCN called on the new administration in government to take ownership of the programme – reviewing the decisions made and only proceeding with proposals that can deliver sustainable councils and protect services. We pleased they have taken ours, and our councils’ concerns on board by announcing a pause and review of the programme today. “Many of our members will be relieved that the decisions they viewed as damaging to local services and financially unsustainable have been withdrawn or are being reviewed. For our councils that do want to proceed with reorganisation in their area, we will support them in their next steps and we will be seeking further clarity from government in the coming days. “With the government clearly listening to our concerns, we now stand ready to work with ministers. Where reorganisation is desired, this review must ensure a robust, legally compliment process in line with the original criteria.
REALISTIC TIMESCALES “This should include establishing realistic implementation timescales, and ensuring that any further decisions only create sustainable new unitary councils capable of improving local services. It is also vital that this pause does not mean the momentum is lost on devolution and rewiring the state, with county councils the vital building blocks for growth. Agreement must be reached by consent, and for areas that want devolution, government should continue with its pledged timescales of establishing strategic authorities in all places by the end of 2028.”.
U-TURN Separately, the Government has U-turned on Health Bill proposals to remove mandated council representation from integrated care boards (ICBs)
An amendment to the Health Bill restores the requirement for ICBs to include at least one member nominated jointly by local authorities, alongside any new mayoral-nominated member. The change follows concerns raised by the Health and Social Care Committee, which had previously questioned the proposed removal of council representation. A committee spokesperson said the decision recognised the importance of councils’ role in scrutinising ICB spending and decisions, adding that local authorities understand the health and care needs of the communities they represent.
LOCAL REALITIES The Local Government Association (LGA) also welcomed the move. Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor, chair of the LGA’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, ‘Restoring local authority representation on ICBs is the right move, and one that the LGA has called for and supported. ‘Local authorities know and understand their communities. Giving a meaningful voice to councils through ICBs will support effective neighbourhood working, ensure decisions reflect local realities, and that services are strengthened and shaped around communities and the way local people live their lives, rather than around organisational boundaries.'
STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP Phil Holmes, President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), said the change was particularly important because local government holds key statutory responsibilities for social care. “Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) work best when the NHS, local government and adult social care work together to improve outcomes for people and communities,” he said. “We welcome proposals that strengthen partnership working across health and care. It is important that the Health Bill does not water down the essential connection between local government and ICBs.” For care providers, both developments underline the importance of effective local leadership and joined-up decision-making. While the reorganisation review leaves the future shape of councils uncertain in affected areas, the restoration of council representation on ICBs reinforces the principle that health and social care should be planned around the needs of local communities. The Government’s next steps will be closely watched by councils, care leaders and the wider sector, particularly as ministers seek to balance structural reform with the need to maintain sustainable services and strengthen integration between health and social care.
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Beyond Activities: Why Intergenerational Connection Belongs at the Heart of Care By Pauline Vuyelwa Muswere-Enagbonma, Co- Founder and Group Chief Executive, Jessamy Care Ecosystem (www.jessamystaffing.co.uk) When we talk about quality in care homes, the conversation understandably begins with safety, dignity, clinical competence and personalised support. But a good life requires more than being well cared for. It requires belonging, it requires relationships, it requires continuing to feel part of the world rather than observing it from a distance. That is why intergenerational activity deserves to be understood as far more than an addition to an activities calendar. At its best, bringing younger and older people together can help preserve something fundamental to human wellbeing: the ability to contribute, to be curious about another person and to remain connected to generations beyond our own. The evidence is encouraging, although we should resist overstating it. Research into intergenerational programmes has identified positive socio-emotional outcomes, including improvements in wellbeing and perceptions of social inclusion, alongside reduced ageist attitudes. More recent systematic reviews also point towards potential benefits for mental health, self-esteem and community connection, while acknowledging that the research base remains heterogeneous and that stronger longitudinal evidence is still required. That nuance matters. Care providers should not introduce intergenerational programmes simply because they sound wholesome. They should ask a more demanding question: what meaningful human need are we trying to meet? For some residents, the value may lie in conversation and companionship. For another person, it may be an opportunity to teach a young person how to cook something they have made for fifty years, discuss a profession they once practised, share music, garden, read together, explore technology or simply exchange perspectives. The important word is exchange. Too often, ageing is unconsciously framed through deficit. Older people become the people we “do things for”. Yet many residents have spent decades raising families, building organisations, mastering trades, caring
for communities and accumulating knowledge that cannot be replicated by a training manual. Intergenerational practice becomes much more powerful when older people are positioned not simply as recipients of somebody else’s kindness, but as teachers, mentors, storytellers, critics, collaborators and citizens. That distinction also protects against tokenism. A school visit followed by photographs may create a pleasant afternoon, but genuine intergenerational practice asks whether relationships are being built, whether participation reflects residents’ preferences and whether both generations are gaining something meaningful. Young people benefit too. Sustained contact with older adults can challenge stereotypes about ageing and allow children and young adults to encounter older people as individuals rather than as an abstract demographic. Evidence from programmes involving adolescents and older adults has reported benefits around social inclusion and reduced ageism for participants on both sides of the generational divide. There is an important regulatory principle underneath this. CQC’s person-centred care requirements emphasise that care should reflect an individual’s needs and preferences, while its dignity and respect requirements include supporting people’s autonomy, independence and involvement within their communities. Intergenerational activity can contribute to those objectives, but only when it remains genuinely personcentred. Not every resident will want children visiting. Some people may find noise overwhelming. Others may require communication support, environmental adaptations or carefully paced interaction. Consent, safeguarding, infection prevention, supervision, accessibility and privacy cannot become secondary simply because an initiative has a positive intention. The answer is therefore not more intergenerational activity at any cost, it is better-designed intergenerational connection. Care homes should know who their residents were before they arrived, who they still are, what they know, what they enjoy and what they would like to contribute. From there, relationships with schools, colleges, youth organisations and community groups can be built around shared purpose rather than occasional entertainment. Perhaps the broader question for our sector is this: what is a care home for? If it becomes an island separated from the ordinary rhythms of community life, we may successfully provide care while inadvertently shrinking a person’s world. A good care home should do the opposite. It should not simply keep people safe within its walls. It should help keep them connected to the generations, relationships and communities beyond them. Because morale is not created by an activities timetable. It is created when people continue to know that they matter, and that they still have something meaningful to give.
New £15m Care Home Will Be “World Class” and Create 200 Jobs More than 200 new jobs are set to be created by a new £15 million care home planned for North Wales as demand for dementia care continues to grow. The award-winning Pendine Park care organisation has unveiled plans for the 77-bed facility which will provide “world class” care at its 12-acre site on the outskirts of Wrexham. The two-storey home will be designed around small, family-sized units for eight to 10 residents and will feature the latest technology, including artificial intelligence, radar movement monitors and systems designed to reduce the spread of viruses. The project is a “next generation” version of Pendine’s Bryn Seiont Newydd home in Caernarfon, which was named the UK’s best new care home at the prestigious Pinders Healthcare Design Awards in 2016. Construction is due to start in 2027 and it’s hoped it will be ready for the first residents to arrive around 15 months later. Since it was founded by social care pioneer Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, Pendine Park has grown into the largest provider of residential and nursing care services in North Wales with nine existing homes and a particular expertise in dementia care. The new care home take Pendine’s total workforce to over 1,000 staff and increase the overall number of beds to more than 500.
It will be called Pen-y-Don after the hotel in Rhyl run by Mr Kreft’s beloved grandparents, Fred and Rene Warburton. Mr Kreft said: “We’re finalising our plans and seeking a developer to build the home to our specification and it will create 200 new jobs which is so important at a time when a lot of people are looking for fulfilled work that makes a real difference and the care sector offers that. “Care is a long term investment in people and facilities and provides vitally needed long term support for people and their families who need care whilst at the same time underpinning the NHS. “This is a particularly meaningful milestone for us because we are in the midst of our 40th anniversary celebrations and we have named the new home in honour of my beloved grandmother. “Pen-y-Don was my grandparents’ hotel in Rhyl and we became involved in the care sector because we were looking after grandparents including my grandmother who had dementia when she was in her 90s. “It’s rather lovely to back to the future in the sense because Pen-y-Don means crest of the wave and it is that after 40 years because we want to provide Wrexham with a premiership facility, fit for the future. “We want Pen-y-Don to be the flagship, not just for Wrexham but for the whole region. “Our ambition after four decades serving our local communities in Wrexham and Caernarfon where we provide care that is recognised as the premiership leader in the whole of Wales.”
Care Sector’s Got Talent Final: Book Your Ticket Now To Avoid Disappointment The care sector is being urged to save the date, book a ticket and get ready to cheer on its own as Care Sector’s Got Talent heads towards its biggest-ever final at the Care Show Birmingham at the NEC Birmingham on Wednesday 7 October. More than twice as many applicants entered this year’s competition, and the eight finalists will be announced shortly – setting the stage for what promises to be a high-energy celebration of the talent, creativity and personality of people working across the sector. Organised by Championing Social Care, Care Sector’s Got Talent gives people working in care the chance to step out of their day jobs and into the spotlight, showcasing talents ranging from music and performance to skills and passions from beyond the workplace. Now, with the live final fast approaching, colleagues across the sector are being encouraged to book their tickets early via Eventbrite to avoid disappointment. Tickets for the live show are limited to 500, and already over 100 have been snapped up in the first two weeks of being available, so anyone wanting to experience the excitement in person is being encouraged not to leave it until the last minute. The audience will be made up of care sector colleagues, friends, supporters and industry figures, all coming together to champion the people who work in social care and cheer on the finalists as they compete for the title. And for those who cannot make it to Birmingham, there is another way to be part of the action. The full final will be available to watch on Care Sector’s Got Talent’s YouTube channel on Friday 9 October at 2.30pm, giving care homes and organisations across the country the chance to gather their teams and resi-
dents together and experience the show from wherever they are. Whether watching from the NEC or gathering around a screen in a care setting, the message is the same: don’t miss the chance to get behind the people who make up the care sector. Angela Boxall, Co-Chair of Care Sector’s Got Talent, says: “This year’s response has shown us just how much talent there is across social care, and we’re incredibly excited to reveal our eight finalists and see them take to the stage. “We want people across the sector to make Care Sector’s Got Talent part of their plans. Come along to Birmingham, bring your colleagues, make some noise and support your fellow care professionals – or get together in your workplace and watch the show online. “It’s going to be a brilliant celebration of the people behind social care, so if you want to be in the room, book your ticket now. We’d hate for anyone to miss out.” Nye Brown, Co-Chair of Care Sector’s Got Talent, says: “Care Sector’s Got Talent is all about celebrating the people who work in care and showing the talent, creativity, humour and individuality that exists right across our sector. “This year’s competition has had an incredible response, and we’re looking forward to announcing the eight finalists very soon. Then it’s over to the sector to get behind them. “Whether you’re at the NEC on 7 October or watching together online on 9 October, we want people to join in, cheer loudly and celebrate our colleagues. This is our sector’s show – and we want as many people as possible to be part of it.”
THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 301 | PAGE 5
Care Home Occupancy Edges Up as Digital Records Reach Record Levels, Latest DHSC Figures Show Care home occupancy across England has continued a gradual climb through the summer, according to the latest quarterly adult social care provider statistics published by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) on 3 September 2026. The data, drawn from the Capacity Tracker system and CQC provider information returns, shows that 86.8% of total care home beds were occupied in the week ending 14 August 2026 — nudging above the 12month average of 86.2%. The figure had dipped below that average between December 2025 and May 2026 before beginning a steady rise from June onwards. Of the remaining beds, 10.2% were vacant and admittable, while 3.0% were vacant but unavailable for admission. Both figures have remained broadly stable over the past year.
The proportion of care homes able to accommodate visitors held steady at 99.0% for the week in question, continuing a trend of stability seen since September 2022. Regional variation was modest, ranging from 98.5% in the East Midlands to 99.3% in the South East.
COVID-RELATED STAFF ABSENCE STAYS LOW Staff absence linked to COVID-19 remained minimal, with 0.1% of both care home and domiciliary care staff absent for COVID-related reasons in the week ending 14 August 2026 — consistent with rates recorded over the past two years. Regional variation was negligible, with rates in care homes ranging from 0.0% to 0.1%, and in domiciliary care from 0.0% to 0.2%.
DIGITAL RECORDS UPTAKE CONTINUES TO GROW
REGIONAL DIVIDE PERSISTS As has been the pattern in previous reports, occupancy varied considerably by region. London recorded the highest occupancy rate at 90.9%, while the East Midlands lagged behind at 82.9% — a gap that was mirrored in vacancy figures, with the East Midlands reporting the highest proportion of admittable vacant beds (13.4%) and London the lowest (6.9%). Across bed types, occupancy was broadly consistent: 86.5% for non-specialist residential beds, 87.4% for non-specialist nursing beds, and 86.9% for specialist and other beds.
RESIDENT AND DOMICILIARY CARE NUMBERS There were 355,809 residents recorded in the 91.9% of care home providers that responded to the survey in the week ending 14 August 2026. This included 331,055 residents in older adult care homes and 24,754 in younger adult settings. Separately, 489,732 people were recorded as receiving CQC-regulated domiciliary care, based on responses from 81.2% of domiciliary care providers.
Perhaps the most notable development in this quarter’s release is the continued expansion of digital social care records (DSCRs). As of June 2026, an estimated 83.6% of CQC-registered provider locations had adopted a DSCR, up from 79.3% a year earlier. The proportion of people receiving care from providers with a DSCR in place also rose, reaching 91.9% in June 2026, compared with 88.3% in June 2025. A further 5.9% of provider locations were reported to be in the process of implementing a digital system, suggesting further gains are likely in the coming months.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE SECTOR The figures, according to the DHSC update point to a sector that remains under sustained occupancy pressure but is showing signs of resilience, with bed occupancy rising modestly and staff absence at historically low levels. The continued growth in digital records adoption — now approaching the mid-80s in percentage terms — reflects the ongoing shift away from paper-based systems across the residential and nursing care landscape, a transition DHSC has consistently highlighted as a priority. The next quarterly update is due for publication on 3 December 2026.
VISITING REMAINS STRONG
Boroughbridge Manor Marks Onam with Colourful Pookalam Celebration Boroughbridge Manor, a care home in Boroughbridge, recently came together to celebrate Onam, the vibrant ten-day harvest festival celebrated in Kerala, India. Residents, relatives and staff joined forces for the occasion, taking part in the creation of a beautiful Pookalam — a traditional circular floral design that lies at the heart of Onam celebrations. Throughout the festival, families across Kerala create these intricate arrangements using freshly gathered flowers, and the Boroughbridge Manor community embraced the tradition wholeheartedly, working together to design and lay out their own colourful display.
The event proved to be a wonderful opportunity for everyone at the home to learn more about the customs and history behind Onam, while enjoying some quality time together. Jodie Muir Activities Lead at Boroughbridge Manor, said: “This has been a huge amount of fun, and our residents, colleagues and relatives all enjoyed finding out the history of Onam and the Pookalam.” One resident was equally enthusiastic about the day, saying: “The flowers were absolutely beautiful, and the time and patience it took to make the Pookalam was amazing!”
PAGE 6 | ISSUE 301 | THE CARER DIGITAL
How Care Homes Create Meaningful Dining Experiences – And Why It Matters Dining experiences are extremely important in care settings, as they provide excitement, nourishment, and companionship for residents. Giles Sampson, Regional Head Chef in the South West for Crystal Care Collection (www.crystalcarecollection.co.uk) explains how the care teams work with residents to personalise their mealtimes, how community dining enhances the experience, and the importance of fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Prioritising brands residents know and love “Food can be both exciting and comforting, and it’s very important to provide both for residents,” says Giles. “To ensure contentment, we prioritise brands residents both know and love in the kitchen, to provide homely, nostalgic flavours. These include products such as Robinsons squash, Weetabix, Quaker oats, and Flora spread." Residents can bond over these shared experiences with each other, and with staff, who always love to discuss and compare their favourite brands and go to home-cooked meals with residents. “It’s not just at mealtimes care homes provide this comfort; it’s during the rest of the day as well. Residents have access to fresh baking and daily treats in their home – these can range from Somerset Apple Cake to cream teas, to knickerbocker glories if the sun is shining! Food has a special way of tapping into people’s emotions and making them feel at ease, and for this reason much of what we provide is hearty, traditional and homemade.”
HOW RESIDENTS CAN TRY NEW FLAVOURS AND MEALS “On the flip side to food being nostalgic, it can also be a source of exploration. Food allows residents to travel all around the world without leaving the comfort their home!” says Giles. “From different cuisines to full themed nights, residents are given the opportunity to explore a myriad of
spices, flavours and ingredients. This is not only mentally stimulating, but it’s also great from a sustenance point of view, with food variety providing a wider range of nutrients. This helps keep bones and muscles strong and helps with both immune and cognitive function.”
WHY RESIDENTS SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN CHOOSING THEIR MEALS “One of the most important aspects of supporting residents’ independence is their involvement in choosing what to eat and what a dining experience looks like. To achieve this, staff will hold regular meetings with residents to plan upcoming menus. We also have multiple choices at mealtimes, so residents don’t all have to eat the same thing. Additionally, they have a choice of where and when they eat. “Every care home is different, and what residents want their dining experiences to look like and what meals they’d like to see on the menu differs. From Caesar salad to Homity Pie to fish and chips, the requests are varied, and the meals residents request nearly always ends up on the menu, with everyone listened to. “For example, Veri, who celebrated her 101st birthday at Tudor House in Thornbury, requested a vegetarian buffet, and the chef team pulled out all the stops for this special occasion. This included homemade pizzas, which Veri had enjoyed at cinema nights so many times before. “Teams also love recreating the exotic dishes residents have enjoyed on their travels. For example, resident Tom from Gillingham Grange in Chard spoke of his fondness for Pad Mee Kao, a Thai dish, and this was recreated for him.”
HOW COMMUNITY DINING ENHANCES MEALTIMES “There’s nothing like sharing food, drink and laughter together with loved ones. Shared dining experiences strengthen social connection and elevate mealtimes, which is why we encourage residents to invite family and friends to join them, creating an inclusive and enjoyable environment,” says Giles. "The ability for residents to share meals with their loved ones makes a lovely addition to our dining experiences, and it’s always a lovely sight to see families of all ages enjoying the chef’s latest menu!”
THE IMPORTANCE OF FRESH, LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS “Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are fundamental to delivering high-quality dining experiences. The less food has travelled, the fresher it is – and the fresher the food is, the healthier and tastier it is,” says Giles. “All aspects of the dining experience are very important to us, and nutrition is no exception. The food can be exciting, wholesome, delicious, but we aim to make it highly nutritious as well, to best serve our residents and their health.”
Gloucestershire Cheese-Rolling Tradition Comes to County Care Home for Second Year Stratton Court retirement village and care home in Cirencester, is bringing back its wonderfully whacky Gloucestershire cheese-rolling event for a second year, and this time anyone can enter. The great cheese chase will take place on Saturday 12 September 2026, when residents, relatives, staff, local families and members of the public will be invited to throw themselves into the action and race down Stratton Court’s specially constructed three-metre cheese-rolling ramp. And there’s something for everyone, with a children’s category, adult races and a special category for guests, meaning you don’t have to be a resident of Stratton Court to get involved. Forget Coopers Hill and the famous nine-pound wheel of Double Gloucester – this is the Cotswolds’ rather more manageable version. Competitors will be chasing Babybel cheeses down the purpose-built slope, complete with artificial grass, rocks and miniature trees creating a miniature Gloucestershire obstacle course. It may not be quite the same as hurtling down Coopers Hill – but the aim is identical: get to the bottom first and claim cheese-rolling glory. The event proved a huge hit when Stratton Court staged its inaugural competition, attracting residents, families, staff and local visitors, with last year’s VIP spectators including the Mayor of Cirencester and then High Sheriff of Gloucestershire Julie Kent MBE. There will also be plenty of traditional Gloucestershire fare to keep competitors and spectators fuelled, including Old Spot sausage baps and cider, while winners in each category will
have the chance to take home a wheel of traditional Gloucestershire cheese supplied by Smart’s Traditional Gloucestershire Cheese, whose cheese is also associated with the famous Coopers Hill event. Peter Lloyd, Director of Stratton Court and Aura Care Living, said: “Last year we discovered that you don’t need a nine-pound wheel of Double Gloucester or a very steep hill to create a proper Gloucestershire spectacle! The response from our residents, families, staff and the local community was fantastic, so we simply had to bring the cheese rolling back. “This year we want to make it even more inclusive, so anyone can enter – from children to adults and our own residents and guests. It’s completely bonkers, brilliantly British and a great excuse for different generations to come together, have a laugh and enjoy a proper Gloucestershire day out. “We’re expecting some serious competition, particularly from last year’s winner, who will no doubt be keen to defend his title. The question is whether anyone can stop him, or whether the cheese will once again prove too slippery to catch.” The event will take place at Stratton Court, Cirencester, on Saturday 12 September 2026, with entry open to residents, families, guests and members of the public. The first race will be at 12:30pm. “So, whether you’re eight or eighty, a seasoned cheese chaser or someone who simply enjoys the prospect of throwing themselves down a ramp in pursuit of a Babybel, Stratton Court wants you on the starting line,” said home manager, Jared Mein.
Dishwashing Advice for Care Homes What are the biggest challenges in care homes when it comes to dishwashing? Infection control and compliance. But they’re not the only challenges. Winterhalter’s team of warewashing experts has put together a comprehensive advice guide for care home dishwashing. From the five key considerations when specifying a dishwasher through handling chemicals safely to budgeting and running costs, it gives care homes and the companies that supply them the information they need to select the best warewashing solution, whatever the site’s requirements may be. Care Homes: advice on dishwashing is available right now to download from the dedicated Care Home section at tinyurl.com/carehomedishwashing. It shows how to help care home staff get dishwashing right, focusing on areas such as simple operations and training. It considers how to protect the most vulnerable patients, for example by using features like Winterhalter’s Thermo option, which disinfects the ware being washed. Ergonomics, workflows, managing critical hygiene risks, specifying for care homes with limited space –
the Guide has it covered. And for care homes on limited budgets, there’s information on finance options. “Care homes have very specific requirements from their warewashing systems,” says Paul Crowley, marketing development manager at Winterhalter UK. “This guide is designed to give users and specifiers the information they need to ensure they are operating as safely, efficiently and hygienically as possible.” The guide is available as a free downloads from the Winterhalter UK website. Anyone interested in advice for other particular sectors can contact info@winterhalter.co.uk. Winterhalter provides a total solution for dishwashing and glasswashing, from pre-sales advice to after-sales service, training and maintenance, with sustainability fitted as standard. Alongside its market-leading dish washers and glass washers, the company’s range includes utensil washers, advanced water treatment machines, and cleaning detergents and rinse aids. For further details, call Winterhalter on 01908 359000, visit www.winterhalter.com/uk-en/ or email info@winterhalter.co.uk.
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Incoming CQC Chair Faces MPs on How She Will Turn Troubled Regulator Around The government’s preferred candidate to become Chair of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will face questions on her suitability for the role by MPs on the Health and Social Care Committee. Crossbench peer Baroness Julia Neuberger will be asked how she would help the CQC, which regulates and inspects front line health and social care services, regain credibility and trust among patients and professionals. Pre-appointment hearings are held by select committees for certain public appointments before the appointment is formally made. They areusuallyfollowed by a report that either endorses or raises concerns about the appointment.Committees do not have the authority to stop a candidate from being offered a post by the Secretary of State. This session comes after years of scrutiny of the CQC for serious failings. Two reviews into the regulator in 2024 by Dr Penny Dash and Sir Mike Richards found a track record of producing poor quality reports and delays in producing them, as well as poor application of its Single Assessment Framework for carrying out inspections and a loss of expertise
due to restructuring. In early 2025 the CQC agreed to provide the Committee with quarterly updates on its progress with tackling a backlog of hundreds of reports and other performance indicators. The first update was provided in May that year. Baroness Neuberger currently serves as Chair of Whittington Health NHS Trust, Joint Chair of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and as Rabbi Emerita at West London Synagogue. She has previously been CEO of the King’s Fund and Chair of the Camden and Islington Community NHS Trust. The role ofCQCwould entail working two to three days a week with a salary of £63,000. The Baroness would take over from Kay Boycott, a CQC non-executive director who has served as interim Chair since June. Boycott’s appointment came after Sir Mike Richards announced he would step down in February. Sir Mike became Chair less than a year earlier, having led one of the reviews into problems facing the organisation.
Warrington Care Home Throws Festival to Celebrate Much-Loved Resident Residents, relatives, members of the local community and the care team came together at Three Bridges Care Home for ‘Cliff Fest’, a special summer celebration inspired by Cliff, a much-loved member of the Three Bridges community who sadly passed away earlier this year. Known for his love of the outdoors and spending time with the people around him, Cliff inspired the team to create a celebration that reflected his personality and the things he enjoyed most. The afternoon had all the ingredients of a summer festival, with music, food, games and plenty of laughter. Residents and their families took part in races, face painting, a raffle, and a tombola, while the everpopular ‘Splash the Staff’ gave everyone the chance to throw watersoaked sponges at members of the care team. An ice cream van provided a refreshing treat, while Al Hart from Music in Mind had residents and guests singing along to classic favourites including ‘Sweet Caroline’. Jackie’s Baps mobile catering van also kept everyone fuelled throughout the celebrations. The event was made possible in part by money Cliff had left to Three Bridges Care Home, adding an extra personal connection to a day created in his memory.
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Among those taking part was Cliff’s daughter-in-law, Jill, who said: ‘I had a wonderful time. Cliff would have loved seeing all his friends and the care team having such a good time. It was lovely to see everyone coming together to remember him and enjoy themselves.’ Whitney Sampson, Home Manager at Three Bridges Care Home, said: ‘Cliff was a truly wonderful gentleman and someone who is very much missed by everyone at Three Bridges. He loved being outside, so Cliff Fest was the perfect way to remember him. ‘He would have loved seeing everyone together, enjoying the music, food and sunshine. There was plenty of laughter throughout the day, and that felt like a very fitting way to celebrate Cliff and the character he brought to the home.’ From singing along to Sweet Caroline to soaking up the sunshine, Cliff Fest was a celebration filled with the things Cliff enjoyed most – good company, being outdoors and having fun. The celebration also gave residents, relatives and colleagues the chance to share memories, enjoy one another’s company and create new memories together, bringing the Three Bridges community together for a memorable summer afternoon.
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The Benefits Of Activities In Care Home Life By Karen Case, a UK-based specialist in older-adult movement and functional independence Activities in care homes have many benefits for residents. They can improve physical and mental health, while creating a sense of community, purpose, structure and routine. Regular physical activity can help maintain mobility, improve balance and help prevent falls even for frail elderly people. Mental health can be supported through stimulation and social opportunities that help combat isolation and loneliness. For residents with cognitive impairments, activities can also provide mental stimulation and help with memory and cognitive function. Activities can have benefits for staff too. Seeing their positive impact on residents can provide a real sense of fulfilment and satisfaction. I remember leading a chair-based Charleston routine in a care home. One lady had not engaged at all and looked like she was sleeping. Suddenly, she got out of her chair and began dancing, flapper style! It was amazing and the staff were buzzing at how she had suddenly ‘come alive’. The more staff can interact with residents through activities, the more likely it is that a sense of community will develop, improving the experience for residents and staff alike. Music should be compulsory! Most people exercise to some form of music and there is also a powerful
relationship between music and memory. Our teenage years and twenties are times when we experience many things for the first time, and our musical preferences are formed during these years and become attached to those experiences.Music stimulates the production of dopamine – the feel-good hormone – and joyful, uplifting music can change our mood. It is one tool to which we all have access and quite possibly one of the simplest, cheapest and easiest ways to create joy, laughter and engagement in care homes. There is a significant body of research into why exercise and music are such an effective pairing. During exercise, music can distract from pain and fatigue, elevate mood, increase endurance and reduce perceived effort. Importantly for older people, evidence also suggests that exercising to music can have greater physical and cognitive benefits than exercising without it. Physical activity in care homes has a different focus. We are not necessarily trying to make people fitter. We are promoting mobility, balance, cognitive function and independence. The goal is for people to live better for longer. I’ve always tried not to use the word ‘exercise’ around older adults – I prefer to talk about moving. Moving is less scary, and movement is natural! When a resident gets up to go from the lounge to the dining room they are moving! And movement leads to more movement if we can present it in a way that feels achievable and enjoyable. Even chair based exercise can have significant health benefits if done consistently. Ultimately, movement can bring joy and connection to care home life while supporting mobility, helping to manage pain and enabling residents to maintain their independence for as long as possible. I believe it should be valued as an essential part of care, rather than simply an activity to fill the day.
Herefordshire Care Homes Raise Over £2,350 For Local Charities In Community Partnership Drive Three Ashberry Healthcare care homes in Herefordshire have raised over £2,350 for local causes and built lasting community partnerships as part of a Charity of the Year initiative running throughout 2026. Holmer Court Care Home, Broomy Hill Nursing Home and The Weir Nursing Home each chose a charity with personal meaning to their residents: The Royal British Legion, Herefordshire Mind, and We Are Farming Minds. At Holmer Court, residents completed 135 laps of the garden in a sponsored walk on 21 August, more than doubling their £250 target and raising £593 for the Poppy Appeal. Families, friends and staff joined in, adding a further 350 laps between them. 97-year-old resident Pat shared how The Royal British Legion supported her and her family when she was a child: “They were helping everybody they looked after you – not because of your name, but because of your condition.” Darren Maynard, The Royal British Legion’s Appeal Manager for Herefordshire, attended the home’s employee awards ceremony and received a £500 donation from Ashberry Healthcare. He said: “Thank you very much for everything that you do. But that’s not just the staff – that’s the residents, that’s families as well, who indirectly help the RBL Poppy Appeal and donate.” At Broomy Hill, staff and residents chose Herefordshire Mind, a charity providing mental health support across the county for decades. Administrator Steph has trained as a Herefordshire Mind Ambassador, helping colleagues and residents access support and open up conversations around mental health. She
said: “It’s very humbling to know I am thought of as someone who can be trusted to offer support and help others with their mental health.” Staff, residents’ families and friends collectively cycled 123.3 miles for the Move for Mental Health challenge, while a further walking challenge raised £248.40. Alicia Potter from Herefordshire Mind received a £500 donation at the home’s employee awards ceremony. She said: “I just wanted to say a massive thank you to you for your kind and generous donation to Mind. It is hard to put into words the value that donations like yours bring, but truly the impact they make is incredible.” At The Weir, residents chose We Are Farming Minds, reflecting the home’s strong ties to the local farming community. The charity supports farmers and their families, tackling isolation and stigma around mental health in agriculture. The home has hosted monthly “One Foot in the Grain” gatherings, bringing residents and the charity’s team together over homemade cakes and scones. Sam Stabels, Founder and Charity Director at We Are Farming Minds, said: “There’s such a huge stigma surrounding mental health in the farming community, and it’s incredibly unfair that we face the challenges we face on a daily basis, often in isolation. So coming together like this is fantastic.” Claire Fry, Operations Director at Ashberry Healthcare, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the connections our homes have built with these charities this year. It’s a brilliant reminder that supporting a cause isn’t just about fundraising, it’s about the relationships and awareness that come with it too.”
More Than 100 UK Care Homes Recognised For Excellence In End Of Life Care More than 100 care homes across the UK have been recognised for their commitment to high-quality end of life care, with 102 homes achieving Gold Standards Framework (GSF) accreditation or reaccreditation in 2026. Of these, 49 care homes have achieved Platinum status, recognising continued commitment to the GSF approach through successful reaccreditation every three years. Nine care homes have also been nominated for the GSF Care Home of the Year award, with the winner to be announced at the GSF Awards Ceremony in Birmingham on 22 September. The achievements form part of a wider programme of GSF accreditation across health and social care, with organisations in hospitals, primary care, domiciliary care, hospices and retirement villages also recognised this year. The GSF approach supports frontline teams to identify people who may be approaching the end of life, understand their needs and wishes, plan care proactively and coordinate support across teams and services. For care homes, this can help ensure that residents receive personalised care in the final stages of life, while families are supported and staff have the confidence to provide high-quality care. Recognition across health and social care Alongside the 102 care homes, GSF's 2026 programme has recognised: • 14 Platinum hospital wards, alongside five newly accredited hospital teams • Eight Platinum domiciliary care organisations, alongside four newly accredited organisations • Seven reaccredited retirement villages, all part of The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, with six achieving Platinum status • Five GP practices, including three achieving Platinum status • Two hospices, including GSF's first accredited Welsh hospice, St Davids Hospice (Hafan Dewi Sant) in Llandudno Julie Armstrong-Wilson, COO at Gold Standards Framework, said: “These achievements show the difference that can be made when end of life care becomes part of everyday practice. Across care homes and other health and care settings, teams are becoming more confident identifying people earlier, understanding what matters to them and planning care around their wishes. “We are incredibly proud of all the organisations that have committed to embedding this approach and continuing to improve the experience of people and families at an important time in their lives.”
CARE PROVIDERS HIGHLIGHT THE DIFFERENCE The achievements also demonstrate how GSF can become embedded within individual care organisations, with providers highlighting the importance of teamwork, personalised care and early planning. Kingsley Healthcare Group has five homes recognised this year. Eversley Lodge achieved a Platinum Award and have been nominated for care home of the year, while Branksome Heights, Highcliffe Nursing
Home, Queen Charlotte Nursing Home and Thorp House achieved GSF accreditation. Nellsar is celebrating five care homes being recognised, including Abbotsleigh Care Home, which achieved Platinum status. Lukestone Care Home and St Winifreds Care Home achieved the maximum assessment score. For Camelot Care, this year's accreditation at Chestnut Lodge follows previous achievements across the group, including Camelot House and Lodge achieving its fifth accreditation. At Hunters Lodge Care Home, part of English Oak Care Homes, the team is also celebrating after achieving GSF accreditation. At Potters Grange, part of family-run Ardale Care Homes, manager Evan Arceo highlighted the contribution of the whole team: “This achievement represents the sweat and tears that have gone into ensuring our residents receive the very best care possible.” At Cliveden Manor, part of Avery Healthcare, accreditation has been welcomed as recognition of the team's commitment to person-centred care. At Bupa Aylesham Court, part of Bupa Care Homes, accreditation has strengthened the team’s approach to advance care planning and conversations with residents and their families. A growing focus on quality end of life care For many care providers, accreditation is not simply an award but part of a longer-term process of embedding good end of life care into everyday practice. The impact reported by GSF-accredited organisations is reflected in the GSF Impact Survey where, 97% reported improved experiences of care and 95% said that using GSF had improved staff morale and teamwork. The findings highlight the benefits of embedding a structured approach to end of life care not only for the people receiving care and their families, but also for the teams providing it. “Enabling a good death gives a sense of pride to the teams delivering comfort care, with compassion, to ensure the experience is the best it can be.” – Julie Armstrong-Wilson, COO, GSF. Through training, reflection and accreditation, GSF supports teams to develop a consistent approach to identifying people who may be approaching the end of life, discussing their needs and wishes, planning ahead and coordinating care. The 2026 achievements highlight the growing commitment across health and social care to ensuring that people receive care that reflects what matters to them and their families. The GSF Quality Hallmark Awards will bring together representatives from organisations achieving accreditation and reaccreditation in 2026 at the GSF Awards Ceremony in Birmingham on 22 September.
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Fewer Than 1 In 10 Dementia Carers Offered Early Support For The Condition This World Alzheimer’s Month, Dementia UK is calling on Andy Burnham’s Government to deliver on its promise to fix health and social care for people living with dementia, their families and carers. New research conducted by the charity examines the experiences of those who have cared for someone with dementia as well as the expectations of those who haven’t, revealing stark differences in the levels of support available when carers need to access it for a loved one. Half (50%) of people without first-hand experience of caring for someone with dementia expected professional support to be in place following diagnosis, yet Dementia UK finds that just 9% of carers they surveyed said professional support was offered at an early stage. Two thirds (65%) of people with experience of dementia said that family carers were mostly or entirely responsible for organising professional support. Only 12% of people without experience of dementia said they thought that families should carry this responsibility. Families are being left to coordinate care themselves, with many not receiving any proactive support until they reach crisis point, with 49% of carers reporting breakdown or exhaustion. Almost half (46%) of carers said they did not know who to contact when support needs changed or increased. The new findings are published as Dementia UK launches its new Promise to Care campaign at a critical moment for the future of dementia care. The Government is currently developing the Modern Service Framework for Frailty and Dementia, which will set out how people affected by dementia should be supported in England and is expected to be published by the end of the year. The campaign combines research findings with clinical expertise and lived experience to offer the Government three key tests to ensure health and care reforms deliver practical improvements for people affected by dementia: • Coordinated care, underpinned by a named professional and access to dementia specialists – so families know where to turn and are not left navigating a complex system alone • Proactive, personalised support from diagnosis through to end of life – so help arrives before people reach crisis point, not afterwards • Dedicated support for families and unpaid carers – recognising the enormous responsibility families currently take on
As part of the campaign, the charity will meet with MPs from all major parties to discuss how changes to health and social care can help reduce the burden placed on unpaid carers and improve conditions for people living with dementia. Trish, a carer for her husband Mike who is living with young onset dementia, said: “Proactive, coordinated support is critical, and a huge unmet need for carers like me, to prevent us from reaching crisis point, as currently happens in supporting our loved ones with dementia. I’m supporting this campaign because I am passionate about those living with dementia getting urgent access to the specialist support needed.” Former newsreader and journalist Alastair Stewart OBE, who is backing the campaign, said: “I have read and reflected on Dementia UK’s excellent Promise to Care campaign and its key tests for the Government, and I am pleased to support this thoughtful, practical and comprehensive campaign. The underlying themes of coordinated care and specialist support from diagnosis to end of life are spot on. “Since my diagnosis of vascular dementia, I have been lucky to be able to access excellent support from my GP, but the lack of psychiatric support for the depression I have developed is a growing concern for me. My wife and children are loving but unsupported carers – and I know this is a familiar situation for many families across the UK. I urge the Government to embrace Dementia UK’s three key tests and take positive action for people living with dementia.” Dr Hilda Hayo OBE, Dementia UK’s Chief Admiral Nurse and CEO said: “As these findings show, the millions of people affected by dementia are left to navigate disjointed systems and difficult-to-access services on their own, leaving families and carers exhausted. Every family affected by dementia should have access to specialist support, but as this research highlights, people often don’t know where to turn and hospitals and GPs don’t always have the specialist dementia knowledge people need. “This Government has a real opportunity to deliver positive change and improve the lives of millions of people by pledging to deliver coordinated, proactive care for people with dementia and their carers, from diagnosis through to end of life.”
Lymington Care Home Welcomes Walker With A Difference A care home in Lymington received a special visitor in the form of an Alzheimer’s survivor walking across the United Kingdom to raise awareness. Dr Judy Benjamin, from Virginia, USA, was welcomed by residents, families and staff at Colten Care’s dementia care home Linden House in New Street. Now in her 80s, she is undertaking a 550-mile trek from Land’s End to London, raising awareness of Alzheimer’s and opening up conversations around brain health, prevention, early intervention and lifestyle. She was treated to some well-deserved tea and cake in the Malt Room and a chance to recharge her batteries literally and figuratively before continuing on her journey. Judy spoke with residents, relatives and staff about her journey and what changes she had made to her life to help address the progression of Alzheimer’s. The octogenarian is aiming to become the first Alzheimer’s survivor to walk the width of England. The former medical anthropologist was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 67, having previously watched her mother live with the disease for 20 years and succumb to it. Throughout the walk, Judy and her supporters are sharing updates, interviews, and educational content focused on brain health, healthy aging, and Alzheimer’s prevention. The journey is also supporting the mission of the Alzheimer’s Survivors Foundation, which she founded to advocate for individuals living with cognitive decline and amplify stories of recovery, resilience, and hope. Judy’s vision and energy have attracted prominent cognitive brain health and wellbeing brands such as Apollo Health, Vielight, Wigwam Wellness, UCAN, Xero Shoes, and CareScout. Judy said: “It meant a great deal to spend time with the residents, families and staff at Linden House. “When you’ve lived with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis yourself, conversations like these are very personal. I wanted to share what I’ve learned from my own experience and, most of all, let people know that there are things we can do to support our brain health. “I’m grateful to everyone at Linden House for welcoming me so warmly and for being willing to have that conversation.” Linden House Home Manager Priya Joseph said: “We were delighted to meet Judy and find out about her remarkable story and continuing adventures as she raises awareness of Alzheimer’s. “It was a powerful and moving talk, hearing what she has been doing the last few years to help raise awareness and push herself. “We salute both her steadfastness in undertaking this marathon walk and he commitment to the cause of keeping the incredibly important issue of brain health firmly in the public eye.” Resident Pamela Bradley said: “It was lovely to have Judy come and talk and I wish her luck with the rest of her walking.” Lisa, daughter of resident Jane Lavis, said: “It was great to hear from someone who is going through Alzheimer’s and to see what changes she had made and how she is doing 15 years after her diagnosis.” Colten Companionship Team Leader Laura Sheldrake added: “To have Dr Judy come and talk to residents, relatives and staff was very touching, hearing her story was very powerful. I can’t believe how much she has walked not only at her age but with Alzheimer’s too.” Following her diagnosis, Judy made significant changes to her diet and lifestyle, reversed her cognitive decline, and went on to become an advocate for greater awareness around cognitive health. She met specialist Dr. Dale Bredesen in 200X and became “patient zero” for his revolutionary and clinically proven protocol (ReCODE) to treat and prevent cognitive decline. Today, Judy is living, lively proof
that cognitive decline is no longer a death sentence. Judy is undertaking this latest challenge – she previously walked the 2,790-mile width of the USA – to share her own experience and, importantly, a message of hope with others affected by cognitive decline.
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Why Care Providers Must Take A New Approach To Deprivation Of Liberty By Kella Bowers, a Partner and Head of Insurance at Forbes Solicitors (www.forbessolicitors.co.uk) A recent Supreme Court judgement changes the definition of deprivation of liberty, requiring health and social care staff to now take a multifactorial approach.
MOVING AWAY FROM THE ‘ACID TEST’ The Supreme Court has moved away from the ‘acid test’ as the single means of determining whether someone is confined and has their freedom taken away. The ‘acid test’ stated that a person is deprived of their liberty if they are under continuous supervision and control, and not free to leave. It originated from a Supreme Court ruling in 2014 (P v Cheshire West and Chester Council [2014] UKSC 19, known as Cheshire West 2014) and proceeded on the basis that, if someone lacks the mental capacity to consent to their care and living arrangements under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, they cannot give valid consent to their confinement. Practically, care professionals relied on the ‘acid test’ as a basis for applying Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), helping to ensure the removal of an individual’s freedom was lawful and compliant with Article 5 of the European Convention of Human Rights. Care providers had a legal benchmark for identifying potential deprivations of liberty and managing the risks of liability associated with unlawfully restricting a person’s freedom. This process has now changed after the Supreme Court ruled the Cheshire west 2014 judgement was incorrect.
A NEW MULTIFACTORIAL APPROACH
On 2 June 2026, the Supreme Court handed down a judgement in a case brought by the Attorney General of Northern Ireland, which changes how deprivation of liberty is assessed. Rather than focusing solely on whether a person is under continuous supervision and control, and not free to leave, deprivation of liberty must now consider multiple factors. The multifactorial approach is in effect and places greater emphasis on an individual’s particular circumstances, including giving significant weight to their wishes and feelings. This could prove complex for care providers, especially in cases where a person’s cognitive impairment affects their ability to express preferences or wholly understand their situation. Care professionals are best placed undertaking a detailed and formalised evaluation of proposed restrictions, considering their nature, purpose, duration, implementation and overall impact when determining whether a deprivation of liberty exists. When assessing a person’s wishes and feelings, care professionals will need to clearly show how they’ve considered any objections. In some instances, where a person lacks the legal mental capacity to consent to their care and residence under the Mental Health Act 2005, objections may take different forms. For example, a person may make attempts to leave care settings, or they may refuse care treatment. Similarly, an individual may appear discontented or distressed. Care professionals will need to show how a multifactorial assessment has accounted for objections, including alternative options of care and the relative normality of care provision. It may be the case that greater restrictions would be placed on an individual when receiving care in a different environment. An important aspect of the new multifactorial approach is that it acknowledges that not all restrictions associated with care will amount to a deprivation of liberty. For example, it’s unlikely to be considered a deprivation where a person’s liberty is constrained by their own illness, condition and impairment. In many senses, there’s now a greater acceptance that any form of restrictions will be imposed on a person against their will. With this in mind, it’s crucial that care professionals adopt a personalised approach to assessing each person’s circumstances to clearly determine that a deprivation of liberty supports care requirements and provision.
Anchor Chef Of The Year Announced A Morecambe chef has won Anchor’s annual Chef of the Year competition, now in its 10th year, following one final showdown at The Artisans Kitchen & Cookery School. James Conroy, Chef Manager at Anchor’s Eric Morecambe House care home, went up against fellow chefs from across the care home portfolio of Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit care and housing provider. Entrants in Anchor’s prestigious Chef of the Year competition submitted a three-course recipe – starter, main course, and dessert. The judges looked at the nutritional value of the meals, as well as their sustainability, complexity, taste and presentation, and how residents had been involved in choosing the menu. The menus were also judged against how they aligned with Anchor’s Year of Culture. The finalists then came together to produce their recipes in a cook off at The Artisans Kitchen & Cookery School. In the end though, there could only be one winner. For his menu, James served a starter of black pudding scotch egg, a main of elevated fish and chips, and sticky toffee pudding with crème anglaise for dessert. Anchor’s Director of Care Quality, Danielle Abernethy, said: “Many congratulations to James on this fantastic achievement, which truly demonstrated his remarkable skill, commitment and determination. The standard of this year’s competition was exceptional, and every finalist displayed passion, creativity and professionalism, making the judges’ decision incredibly difficult.
“Chef of the Year is always a highlight in the Anchor calendar, offering a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the talent, commitment and care our chefs bring to creating enjoyable dining experiences for residents every day. We are extremely proud of our chefs and the positive impact they have on residents’ daily lives through their hard work, creativity and focus on quality. I’d also like to extend my sincere thanks to our suppliers, Efoods and Bidfood, whose continued support helps make the competition possible.” James was delighted to win, saying: “I’m absolutely thrilled to win. I first entered the competition three years ago, and after coming back each year because I enjoy it so much, it feels incredible to finally be crowned Chef of the Year 2026. I suppose the fourth time really was the charm!” Alongside the Chef of the Year competition, Anchor held its annual Catering Challenge at The Artisans Kitchen & Cookery School, with Anchor Catering Assistants and Apprentices going head-to-head, demonstrating Anchor’s commitment to inspire and support colleagues to develop their career providing a clear pathway to successfully becoming our chefs of the future. Those involved worked with a Development Chef to produce a two-course meal and a snack with ingredients sourced at the location, which they then had 60 minutes to cook and serve. The winner was Shannon Sprules-Hayden representing Ferendune Court care home in Faringdon, Oxfordshire.
TauRx Welcomes Summit with UK’s Top Patient Advocacy Groups Leading Scottish life sciences firm TauRx Therapeutics Management Ltd. has hailed the influence of patient advocacy groups on the Alzheimer’s disease community after bringing together top organisations from across the UK and beyond at a summit in London. The meeting, which outlined the impact TauRx’s potential oral treatment for Alzheimer’s disease could have, helped agree shared priorities for improving outcomes for those living with Alzheimer's, as well as patient access and the challenge of ensuring innovation reaches those who could benefit. The Aberdeen-based company is currently awaiting the outcome of a marketing authorisation application to the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in relation to its lead drug, an oral tablet which could target early Alzheimer’s disease. Senior figures from TauRx welcomed representatives from groups including Alzheimer Europe, Alzheimer Scotland and Alzheimer's Disease International to Scotland House in London to discuss the Alzheimer’s treatment landscape. Professor Claude Wischik, TauRx Co-Founder and Chairman, said: “We are grateful for everyone sharing their time to discuss this important topic. The opportunity to gather leading patient advocacy groups in one place is rare, and it is an excellent illustration of the dedication that exists in trying to solve the global healthcare crisis that is Alzheimer’s disease. “The conversation around our potential oral treatment was robust, as it should be, given the potential impact we believe it could have. Everyone present is working towards fulfilling the hope of slowing the decline of those impacted by Alzheimer’s.” The groups present at the event represent the interests of people affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias and serve as key bridge between patients, caregivers, healthcare providers,
researchers, policymakers and industry. Dr Glenn Corr, TauRx’s Chief Operations Officer and Chief Business Officer, added: “Improving outcomes for people living with Alzheimer's will require collaboration across all sectors. This excellent meeting was a real opportunity for us to do just that, and we are committed to continuing to work with all stakeholders. “The importance of patient advocacy groups like those who joined us in London cannot be understated. For many people affected by dementia, these groups are the first place they turn to for guidance, and they do a wonderful and compassionate job assisting those who seek their help. “We are committed to facilitating ongoing dialogue across the Alzheimer's community to help shape a future where scientific progress can be translated into real-world patient benefit.” Peer-reviewed publications report that TauRx’s existing drug targeting the tau protein – a key hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease – halted progression of neurodegeneration, and that participants with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) who received 16 mg/day experienced statistically significant cognitive improvement over 18 months. Participants also displayed no evidence of statistically significant cognitive or functional decline over a period of two years. Trials also confirmed the drug has a benign safety profile, with headache (1.5%) and diarrhoea (1.2%) reported as the most frequent adverse effects at the 16 mg/day dose. A decision on the company’s MHRA application is expected this year. For more information, visit www.taurx.com
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‘Social Care Stealth Tax’: 15 Years of Frozen Thresholds Can Set Some Care Users Back £12,400 A social care support threshold freeze since 2010/11 means that some people must spend an additional £12,400 of their own money before qualifying for state support, according to new analysis from The King’s Fund. Unlike healthcare, social care is means tested and only people with assets and savings below £23,250 qualify for state-funded support when they need it. But this figure has been frozen since 2010/11 – if it had been uprated in line with inflation, it would have been over £35,600 in 2026/27, finds the analysis. The King’s Fund is calling for this ‘stealth tax’ to be addressed as part of the major reform of the social care system in England promised by the Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, who has brought forward Baroness Casey’s independent review by a year, to report in 2027. The King’s Fund says it demonstrates the need for reform to tackle the problems faced by around 220,000 ‘self-funders’ in England who must pay all their own social care costs, which can run into hundreds of thousands of pounds. As well as the ‘stealth tax’ The King’s Fund’s analysis found that ‘self-funders’ have been subject to further injustices created by the system. People who pay for their own care face much higher fees than those funded by the local authority. Social care providers often raise charges for self funders to make up for lower rates paid for care by councils. The Competition and Markets Authority in 2017 found a 41% difference between self-funder rates and local authority rates and there is nothing to suggest that this gap has been addressed. This means self funders not only keep less of their savings but also see them disappear more
quickly because they are charged significantly more than people receiving state support. An immediate option to improve the social care system available to the Prime Minister would be to revise this threshold and bring it in line with inflation, The King’s Fund said. In fact, it has urged Andy Burnham to go much further and press ahead with a fundamental overhaul of the social care system, one that addressed the fundamental issues of access, catastrophic cost, quality, workforce variation, market failures and integration. Simon Bottery, Senior Fellow for Social Care at The King’s Fund, said: ‘The 15-year freeze to the thresholds is just one symptom of an unfair social care system resulting from reform being put off for decades. Governments have talked about change and even legislated for it but have not had the courage to implement it. ‘We welcome the new Prime Minister’s aim to buck this decades long trend. His words and actions have shown a renewed drive from the centre to force reform through, something that had been sorely lacking, and has put this issue near the top of the political agenda. ‘Wholesale reform is now needed. Currently, the system leads to a loss of dignity and independence for those in need of care. It also creates stress and anxiety for loved ones supporting people in need and worries about catastrophic care costs, whilst piling pressure on an already creaking NHS.’
Heathlands Chef Crowned Winner at Care Awards A chef who has elevated the dining experience at a Sanctuary Care home in Pershore has won a prestigious Worcestershire Health and Social Care Award. Ruaan Prins, Chef Manager at Heathlands Residential Care Home in Pershore, was named winner of the Care Home Worker Award, recognising individuals who make an outstanding contribution to care. While Ruaan's role centres on food, judges recognised that his impact reaches far beyond the kitchen. During his three years at Heathlands, he has worked closely with residents and care colleagues to understand people's preferences, routines and life stories, helping him create meaningful dining experiences tailored to those who live at the not-for-profit Sanctuary Care home. One of his most successful initiatives has been the introduction of regular fine dining evenings, after residents shared memories of enjoying meals out at restaurants. The events see Heathlands transformed into an elegant restaurant setting, complete with beautifully dressed tables, waiter service and a drinks reception. The evenings have become a highlight for residents and their families, recreating
the atmosphere and enjoyment of dining out. Building on their success, Ruaan expanded the concept to welcome family carers, their loved ones and members of the local community, providing a dementia-friendly environment where guests can enjoy restaurant-quality food and companionship. Ruaan's commitment to enriching lives through food has already earned recognition across Sanctuary Care. He was named Best Performing Chef across the organisation's Worcestershire homes before going on to win Sanctuary Care's national MasterChef competition last year, which was open to chefs across its 109 care homes in England and Scotland. Speaking after receiving the award, Ruaan said: "I am incredibly honoured and grateful to have won this award. It means so much to me. "Working at Heathlands reminds me every day that care is about people first, our residents, their stories, preferences and experiences, not just the food we serve. "A huge thank you to my amazing colleagues and everyone who has supported me along the way. I am so proud to do what I do and proud to be part of Sanctuary Care."
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AI Could Lead To Surge Clinical Negligence Claims As Lawyers Warn of Concerning Liability Gap to a patient, at the moment it is still the doctor who is likely to be responsible for that decision,” she said. “But as these products become more advanced and start doing more technical jobs, the question is whether liability should also sit with the developers of those systems. It is their product producing the information, so there is an interesting issue around where that accountability should ultimately sit.”
CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE
THE growing use of artificial intelligence by doctors could lead to a surge in clinical negligence claims, a leading expert has warned. Anna McLeod, Partner at clinical negligence lawyers Smith Partnership (www.smithpartnership.co.uk), said doctors are already using AI for everything from recording consultations to helping inform diagnosis and treatment decisions. And Ms McLeod thinks this paves the way for a fundamentally shift in the clinical negligence landscape, and that questions remain over who should be responsible when AI-supported decisions go wrong. However, while the technology is advancing quickly, the legal position remains relatively clear. “At the moment, regardless of how a doctor reaches their decision or what tools they use, the doctor remains liable for the advice they give,” Anna said. “AI currently sits alongside all of the other resources available to a doctor. “They can use NICE guidelines, NHS care pathways, their own experience and other sources of information, but ultimately they still have to apply that to the individual patient sitting in front of them and make their own decision.”
COMPLICATED The position becomes more complicated when an AI system itself produces inaccurate information and presents it as fact, which could give a doctor false confidence in using the AI generated information. Anna said this creates a developing “gap” between the responsibility carried by healthcare professionals and that of the companies developing AI products. “If a doctor relies on inaccurate AI information and that causes harm
Anna believes this could eventually lead to more clinical negligence claims involving multiple defendants. “We may start to see claims where both the healthcare professional and the AI developer are involved. I don’t think we will necessarily reach a point where a doctor can simply step away and say, ‘That was the AI’s fault and nothing to do with me’, because ultimately they can still review the information, disagree with it and use their own clinical judgement. “But you can certainly see circumstances where there is an AI error that hasn’t been recognised or overruled by a clinician, and responsibility becomes more complicated.” The issue also works in reverse. A doctor could potentially face criticism for choosing not to follow an AI recommendation if that recommendation later proves to have been appropriate. “If an AI system suggested that a patient should have an X-ray, for example, and the doctor decided against it, but it later transpired that imaging would have identified the patient’s condition, the doctor may then have to justify why they ignored that recommendation. “There may be perfectly sensible, patient-specific reasons for doing that. But if the recommendation was reasonable in the circumstances and was wrongly ignored, then there could potentially be criticism. “It is similar to the way doctors already have to consider guidelines and clinical pathways. There can be good reasons for departing from them, but they need to be able to explain why.” Another area likely to attract increasing attention is whether patients should know when AI has been involved in their care. Transparency around AI use could become particularly important where technology has influenced a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. “If a doctor says that AI has been involved in reaching a particular conclusion, that could open up an interesting conversation between the doctor and patient,” she continued. “The patient may want to understand how much influence the AI has had and whether the doctor independently agrees with it. “At the moment, though, a doctor could not simply defend a decision by saying, ‘The AI told me to do it’. The doctor is still responsible for
their actions. “The problem is that AI can give you information very confidently and parcel it up as though it is completely factual. That means there always has to be a sense-checking process and a healthy level of scepticism from the person using it. “In healthcare, the consequences of failing to recognise that an answer is wrong could obviously be very serious.” Despite the risks, Anna believes AI has the potential to deliver significant benefits to both doctors and patients. The technology can help prioritise patients, suggest diagnostic tests, flag possible diagnoses, highlight prescribing conflicts and potentially reduce administrative pressure on healthcare professionals, as well as communication.
BETTER INFORMED “One interesting example is AI listening to a consultation and then generating the clinic letter that goes to the patient afterwards,” Anna said. “That could actually be really beneficial because AI could help explain the position more clearly while making sure key points aren’t missed, potentially leaving the patient feeling much better informed. “There is going to be a role for AI in healthcare in the future. That is just a fact. The important question is how junior doctors are educated to understand the risks and balance what the technology is telling them against their own real-world experience. “Every patient is different. Conditions can have common features, but the way illnesses and injuries present can still vary enormously from person to person. That experience of seeing and treating patients throughout a medical career remains incredibly valuable.” Rather than reducing the number of clinical negligence claims, Anna believes AI is more likely to change the nature of them. “I don’t necessarily think we will see fewer claims,” she explained. “What we may see is a shift in the issues that have to be considered and potentially in who the defendants are. “Humans are fallible, but at the moment AI is fallible too. It can make mistakes. As its use increases, the legal landscape is going to have to develop alongside it. “The technology is already being used, so the focus has to be on making sure it is being deployed safely, ethically and transparently. As AI becomes more advanced, there will inevitably be questions about whether the current balance of responsibility remains appropriate. “We are not at the point where those questions have all been answered yet, but they are increasingly going to become part of the clinical negligence landscape.”
Topping Out Ceremony Marks Milestone For Broughty Ferry Care Home A special event has taken place to mark a milestone in the construction of a new Broughty Ferry care home. The ‘topping out’ ceremony was held by Meallmore at the Sutherland House Care Home site on Dalhousie Road, which is due to open in spring 2027. The team was joined by Lara Bird, Member of Parliament (MP) for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry. Ms Bird met senior members of the team from Meallmore, as well as the construction team from CHAP Group to speak about the plans for the future of Sutherland House and what it means for the local community. The £14 million care home care home is being developed by Meallmore, one of Scotland’s leading providers of older person and specialist care. On completion, Sutherland House will provide residential, nursing and dementia care, supporting individuals living with frailty, dementia and age-related health needs. The purpose-built luxury care home will feature private en-suite rooms for 54 residents and will create 60-70 jobs full-time equivalent jobs in the local area, including nurses, care assistants, administrators and managers. Cillian Hennessey, CEO at Meallmore said: “We’re thrilled to have reached this significant milestone in
the construction of Sutherland House, bringing us one step closer to opening our doors. We’d like to thank Lara Bird MP for coming along to see the work in progress and hearing about our company ethos and our plans for the future. “Sutherland House has been designed with care in mind for the long term. Our aim is to create a first-class example of excellent standards of care in a great building and within a great community – a home that becomes a welcoming part of Broughty Ferry, helping residents stay connected to the people and places that matter to them. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming local residents and their families and seeing this building really start to come to life.” Lara Bird, Member of Parliament (MP) for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry said: “Investment such as this is huge for Broughty Ferry. Not only is it bringing jobs into the area, but it’s bringing a real sense of community. I was so delighted to meet with the team to see how invested they are in giving back to the community whilst they’re going through the project. “Projects like Southerland House are important because their focus is on providing really high-quality care that is tailored to the individual; putting the family at the heart of that care and making sure that there is a positive experience. This is exactly what social care should look like.”
Surrey and Borders Leads European Alzheimer’s Prevention Trial Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has this week become the first site in the UK and Europe and the third in the world to offer adults a groundbreaking Alzheimer’s drug that could stop the disease before symptoms appear. The phase III PrevenTRON study will investigate whether the new drug, Trontinemab can help delay or prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s. It will be trialled by people at high risk of developing the disease, before memory and thinking problems begin. The launch coincides with World Alzheimer’s Month. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, making up 60-80% of one million dementia cases in the UK. About 1600 healthy adults aged 55-80 who have no symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or memory problems will be recruited at research sites around the world. Surrey and Borders Partnership is the lead recruitment site in the UK and can recruit participants from anywhere in the country.
Trontinemab works by removing amyloid plaques that build up in the brain and are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Blood tests will be used as part of the screening process to identify people who are most likely to benefit from participating in the trial. Surrey and Borders Partnership was the top-recruiter in England for dementia studies in 2026. Professor Ramin Nilforooshan, Consultant psychiatrist and Chief Investigator for PrevenTRON,said: “Being the first site across Europe and the third in the world to open PrevenTRON is a proud moment for our Research and Development team and for the communities we serve. “For decades, research has focused on treating Alzheimer’s disease after symptoms appear. PrevenTRON addresses a different question, whether we can act earlier, before symptoms begin. Through research and trials like PrevenTRON, we are very excited for the potential to help millions of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease.”
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Care Homes Invited to Take Part in Macmillan Coffee Morning Care homes across the UK are being encouraged to take part in Macmillan Coffee Morning and share their fundraising celebrations with THE CARER. Macmillan Coffee Morning is one of the charity’s biggest annual fundraising events, bringing people together across the UK to enjoy coffee, cake and good company while raising vital funds for people living with cancer. The first Coffee Morning took place in 1990, when a small group of people were invited to get together over coffee and donate the cost of their drink to Macmillan. The idea proved such a success that it was repeated the following year on a national scale. More than three decades later, Coffee Mornings take place in all kinds of settings, from homes and workplaces to schools and, increasingly, residential and nursing care homes. For care homes, the event provides an opportunity not only to raise money for an important cause, but also to bring residents, relatives, staff and the wider community together for a fun and sociable occasion. Macmillan says its Coffee Mornings help raise funds to support the almost 3.5 million people living with cancer in the UK, helping the charity provide practical, emotional and financial support when it is needed most.
THE CARER WANTS TO SEE YOUR COFFEE MORNING! With Macmillan Coffee Morning proving particularly popular with care homes, THE CARER is inviting homes across the country to share their celebrations with our readers. Whether you are holding a traditional coffee morning, organising a cake sale, hosting a themed event or coming up with your own creative fundraising idea, we want to hear from you. Send us photographs from your event, along with a few details about what you did, who took part, and we may feature your care home in a forthcoming edition of THE CARER. And there is an added incentive: one participating care home will be selected from our tombola to win a £50 Marks & Spencer voucher. So, if your care home is planning a Macmillan Coffee Morning, get your cameras ready, gather your residents, staff and families, and make sure you share your celebrations with THE CARER! Send your photographs and details to THE CARER today – we look forward to seeing how care homes across the UK are supporting Macmillan and making a difference.
Sandstone Care Group Team Takes on 18km Challenge for Dementia UK Colleagues from across Sandstone Care Group have completed an 18km walking challenge along Cheshire’s Sandstone Trail to raise vital funds for Dementia UK. Walkers from the group’s care homes and head office came together to tackle the Sandstone Trail and Delamere Way Loop, walking all the way out to Frodsham War Memorial. The six-hour challenge began with a little rain, but the clouds soon cleared and the team enjoyed sunshine for much of the walk, as well as panoramic views across the Cheshire countryside. They were joined by four-legged companions Peggy and Rocco, who completed the entire route alongside the walkers. The challenge was organised as part of Sandstone Care Group’s support for Dementia UK, its Charity of the Year for 2026, and gave colleagues from across the organisation the opportunity to come together outside of work for a cause closely connected to the people and families they support. Together, the walkers have raised more than £2700 so far for Dementia UK, with donations continuing following completion of the challenge. Cathie Bostock, carer at Priesty Fields in Congleton, was among those who took part. She said: “Thank you for making us feel welcome. We really appreciate it and enjoyed everyone who we met. We came as strangers and left as friends.”
Lucy Holl, managing director of Sandstone Care Group, said: “It was fantastic to see colleagues from across Sandstone come together and take on the Sandstone Trail for such an important cause. “Walking 18km is no small challenge, but there was a great sense of camaraderie throughout the day and everyone was determined to complete it and raise as much as possible for Dementia UK. “Dementia touches the lives of so many of the residents and families we support, which is why Dementia UK was such a natural choice as our Charity of the Year. We are incredibly proud of everyone who took part and grateful to all those who have supported and sponsored the team.” Joanna Sullivan, deputy director of Fundraising at Dementia UK, said: “We are so grateful to Sandstone Care Group for organising this fundraiser for Dementia UK. One in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime – either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both. It can be exhausting and overwhelming, not only for the person with dementia, but also for the people caring for them, and their wider family and friends. “Thanks to the hard work of our amazing fundraisers like Sandstone Care Group, more families than ever will be able to access the life-changing support offered by our Admiral Nurses.”
Jon Snow Fronts New Push For Faster Dementia Diagnosis As Care Sector Calls Grow Louder Broadcaster Jon Snow has put his name to a new campaign calling on the Government At the heart of the campaign is a call for ministers to introduce a new, nationally recogto speed up dementia diagnosis times, adding his voice to growing concern within the care nised standard guaranteeing that anyone referred by a GP for suspected dementia sector about long delays facing families. receives an accurate diagnosis within 18 weeks — alongside a personalised care plan and Snow, who confirmed earlier this year that he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in access to appropriate treatment. The Alzheimer’s Society points out that comparable diag2023, has joined a group of high-profile Alzheimer’s Society ambassadors — including Sir nostic waiting-time standards already exist for most other major health conditions, and Jonathan Pryce, Dame Meera Syal, Suranne Jones and Vicky McClure — in signing an open argues there is no reason dementia should be treated any differently. letter due to be delivered to Downing Street this week. The letter sets out a series of The letter to Downing Street also urges the Government to commit to reducing demendemands aimed at improving outcomes for people living with dementia and those who tia deaths, to prepare the health and care system for the rollout of future disease-modifycare for them. ing treatments, to fund high-quality dementia training across the social care workforce, and The campaign is backed by new polling commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Society, which to guarantee early and accurate diagnosis for all. surveyed just over 1,000 unpaid carers of people with dementia across the UK. The findings The workforce training element is likely to resonate strongly with care home operators paint a troubling picture for care providers already grappling with rising dementia and staff, many of whom have long argued that consistent, well-funded dementia training caseloads: close to half of respondents (45%) said it took more than six months from first is essential to delivering safe, person-centred care. Credit: Alzheimer’s Society raising concerns with a GP to receiving a diagnosis. Michelle Dyson, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, argued that patients diagAmong the 868 carers whose loved one had gone on to receive a formal diagnosis, the nosed with other serious illnesses, such as cancer, would never be expected to navigate knock-on effects were significant. Nearly half (46%) said the wait had an impact on their working life, more the system unsupported — yet she said that is too often exactly what happens to families affected by than a third (35%) said it made planning ahead more difficult, and almost one in three said their lives had dementia. She said timely diagnosis opens the door to support, treatment and care, but stressed that people effectively been put on hold while they waited for answers. affected by dementia deserve to be “so much better” served by the system than they currently are. For care homes and domiciliary care providers, such delays often translate into residents and clients arrivThe campaign adds to mounting pressure on the Government to prioritise dementia within wider NHS and ing into services later than they might otherwise, with less time to benefit from early intervention, care plan- social care reform, at a time when the care sector continues to call for clearer diagnostic pathways, better intening or access to appropriate treatment. gration between health and social care, and sustained investment in dementia-specific training and support.
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Meet Emily Harvey, Care Assistant at MHA Langholme Who Found Calling to Care After Being Inspired By Carers Supporting Her Family Emily Harvey has been working at MHA Langholme for over a year and credits the work she saw carers provide for nana as the inspiration behind her joining the home. Emily has plans to further develop and become a senior care assistant and is keen to stay and develop in her career at MHA Langholme. We spoke with Emily as part of our 30 under 30 initiative which aims to celebrate and highlight at least 30 staff members across the organisation in a bid to promote the social care industry as a place of work for people aged 30 and below MHA Langholme provides residential and residential dementia care for up to 40 residents. Speaking on her time at the home and her role, the 27-yearold said: “I have always seen myself as a very caring person, and someone who has a lot of empathy. “I also had a relative, my nana, who was looked after by carers when she had dementia. “I saw everything they did for her every day and how they really became her second family, and it inspired me to be that person for somebody else's relatives. “I want to be the person that residents' families can trust to look after them when they aren't around, and I think that's what made me decide on a career in care. “On a typical 12-hour shift, I usually start by looking over the daily notes passed over from the night team to see who needs their morning personal care and breakfast.
“I start getting residents ready for the day, this can include assisting with bed baths, showering and getting breakfast for residents that prefer to stay in their rooms. “Once breakfast is done I usually then go around with a lunch list and offer residents the two choices on the lunch menu that day - and deliver it to them once it's lunch time. “This also gives me a chance to have a chat with some of the residents once the morning rush has calmed down a little bit. “We then see if there are any activities throughout the day that we can help some residents attend if they struggle with mobility - this could be singing, a church service, or just watching a film in the living room. “What I enjoy most about working in care is that no day is the same, you're always busy and it's a very sociable role where you talk to many different types of people every day. “Having said that sometimes it can be quite physically strenuous, you do a lot of steps and movement throughout the day with repositioning residents and going from one end of the building to the other answering bells. “My career goals would be to become an experienced carer and hopefully eventually become a senior carer in the future. “I know this is currently a long way off and I wouldn't want to rush into anything like this without the experience, but with the direction I'm headed in now I can see that as a real possibility as I'm learning more and more each day. “For someone thinking of starting a career in care, I would say go for it, you'll never know if it's for you until you try it. “I think you have to be a strong willed, empathetic and kind person with a lot of patience. “The hard work definitely pays off in this job when you see the difference it makes to residents and their families.”
MP and Under-Secretary of State in the Department of Health and Social Care Visits Bury Home The MP for Bury North visited a Bury home to have a conversation with residents and hear firsthand some of the challenges that social care providers are facing. James Firth, who was recently appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department of Health and Social Care visited MHA Epworth Grange where he spent just over an hour speaking with residents. The visit included a question-and-answer session where James took on board the questions residents and their loved ones had. Some of the topics that were discussed included social care, the challenges around getting support for people living with dementia, tax on pension age incomes and the treatment of women in Afghanistan. MHA Epworth Grange provides residential and dementia care for 41 people. Kay-Allenby Carr, administration manager said: “We have had James visit before, but it has been a while and naturally staff and residents have changed since then.
“It was a great visit, our residents really enjoyed it and asked a lot of very important questions. “We had some of the relatives of our residents here as well, so it was nice to have questions from both sides. “The event was very engaging, and it certainly showed how our residents feel about some of the challenges facing social care. “The conversations were very open and honest, and we spoke about several subjects including care needs, the challenges surrounding social care, including residents getting to see dentists and defence spending. “With James recently being appointed as the new dental minister, we spoke about the importance of oral hygiene and the links it has with heart issues. “James had definitely taken some points with him, and we look forward to seeing him again.”
QCS Expands Care Sector Support Through Strategic Partnership with Weightmans Quality Compliance Systems (QCS) has announced a strategic partnership with leading law firm Weightmans, strengthening the support available to care providers as they navigate workforce challenges, new employment legislation and broader legal and regulatory change. QCS, an RLDatix company, is the UK’s leading provider of compliance, care management and learning for the care sector, supporting over 335,000 care providers and staff across more than 7,200 care locations. Weightmans has one of the largest specialist, full-service health and care sector legal practices in the country, with 200 sector-specialist lawyers acting for independent sector providers nationwide, as well as NHS providers and commissioners, local authorities, regulators and indemnifiers. Through the partnership, QCS and Weightmans will provide access to adult social care-specific guidance, practical resources, specialist legal knowledge and care sector insight, helping care leaders, HR professionals, and service providers navigate the full range of legal and regulatory challenges with confidence, consistency and evidencebased support. Nikki Walker, QCS CEO, commented: "As the adult social care sector continues to face legal, regulatory and practical challenges - including workforce pressures, changing employment legislation, evolving health and safety requirements and increasing regulatory scrutiny - managing people, compliance and operational risk has become more complex
than ever. At QCS, we're continually evolving our solutions to help providers meet these challenges and changes with confidence. “Our mission has always been to help organisations deliver safe, high-quality care through confidence, consistency and evidence-based best practice. By partnering with Weightmans, we're strengthening that commitment, combining trusted compliance support with specialist legal expertise to give care leaders the practical guidance they need to make informed decisions, reduce risk and support their teams effectively. “Together, we're creating an even stronger support network for care
providers as they adapt to an increasingly complex operating environment." Ben Troke, Partner in Weightmans’ healthcare team, commented: “There has never been a more challenging environment for health and care providers, dealing with workplace pressures, changing legislation and an evolving regulatory regime, in a very tight financial climate, and under greater scrutiny than ever. Our collaboration with QCS is a step change in equipping care providers to better respond to these challenges head-on. “Weightmans has a deep understanding of the health and social care sector, with a long-standing track record supporting regulated providers on the legal, regulatory, employment and commercial issues that affect care services every day, as well as dealing with acquisitions and disposals. Working alongside QCS, providers will now receive a full and enhanced provision of specialist legal and compliance support, when they need it the most.” The partnership strengthens QCS's role as a trusted compliance and operational partner to the care sector, providing organisations with the guidance, expertise, and support needed to manage challenges and focus on delivering outstanding care. The company’s own AI technology, Lyra, is the latest innovation in the QCS platform, providing users with instant answers to policy-related questions, pulling together trusted data from 100 QCS care experts. For more information, visit: https://www.qcs.co.uk/
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How Blue Light Card Rewards Carers With Savings On Everyday Life Blue Light Card, the well-known rewards service for key workers across the UK, recognises care as vital frontline work. If you’ve already heard of Blue Light Card, you probably know it as the discount card used by your friends in the NHS to save on shopping and meals out. What you may not have heard? Carers across the UK are eligible for Blue Light Card membership too – including residential and home care workers, foster carers, social workers and retired care professionals. Blue Light Card recognises that care workers help to keep the country ticking. That’s why carers can sign up to join Blue Light Card’s community of 6 million frontline workers across the UK and get rewarded with perks that make life a little more affordable. In recognition of vital care workers, Blue Light Card offers discounts at over 15,000 top brands in store and online, helping carers save money and live more comfortably. One support worker and Blue Light Card member says that “you get praised for your hard work with Blue Light Card,” adding that “my job in general makes me so proud. When I use my discount, it’s like a ‘thank you’ for your service.” Members can save on everyday costs like grocery shopping and household bills, as well as bigger purchases including cars, technology, holidays and more. Blue Light Card’s brand partners include Sainsbury’s, JD Sports, Currys, Debenhams, Argos, Deliveroo, Jet2holidays, to name a few.
ets. Carers can also attend Member Days, where attractions like zoos and theme parks open their doors only to Blue Light Card members and offer discounted tickets and free parking. A care worker shared that “these days out are really important for those who spend a lot of their time caring for other people. It's a really good way to get a break, spend time with your family and have a good day enjoying yourself, instead of thinking about the work you do all the time.” Membership is just £4.99 for two years of discounts. Take it from a Blue Light Card member and care professional: “you’ll make your money back the first time you use it.”
HOW TO SIGN UP TO BLUE LIGHT CARD
One support worker recently saved £300 using Blue Light Card: “I purchased a fridge-freezer by following the Blue Light Card discount link. The item should have been £600, but I got it for £300 with free delivery. Blue Light Card makes a difference because my money goes that little bit further in a time when costs are increasing.” Beyond savings on shopping, Blue Light Card rewards members with exclusive VIP events and discounted cinema, theatre and concert tick-
Current and retired care workers in the UK are eligible to become Blue Light Card members. To sign up, visit www.bluelightcard.co.uk. You will need to provide evidence of your status as a carer during the sign-up process. Once your evidence has been reviewed, you’ll receive your Blue Light Card in the post and get access to your virtual card immediately via the app, ready to start saving.
SCIE and Centre for Care to Co-Host Labour Party Conference Panel on Care Equity During the 2026 Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) and the Centre for Care will jointly host a panel exploring why care equity should be a core component of a National Care Service. The panel, ‘Placing care equity at the centre of adult social care reform’, will examine the inequities that continue to shape people’s experiences of social care in England and consider how stronger use of evidence can support fairer policy, practice and reform. Social care in England is marked by stark variation. People with similar needs can have very different experiences depending on where they live, from timely, personalised support that enables independence and dignity, to long waiting lists, high eligibility thresholds and unmet needs. But geography is only part of the picture. People’s experiences of social care can also be shaped by income, age, ethnicity, gender, disability, health conditions, digital access, informal support and wider structural pressures. These factors can interact and compound over time, creating unequal experiences of finding, accessing and sustaining care. The panel will bring together political voices, researchers and sector leaders to consider where these inequities exist, how they affect people drawing on care and support and unpaid carers, and what needs to change. Chaired by Baroness Thornton, Chair of SCIE, the panel will include Kate Hamblin, Professor of Social Policy at the University of Sheffield and Director of the Centre for Care; Phil Holmes, President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS); Sojan Joseph MP; and Anna Dixon MP. Alison McGovern MP, Minister for Care, has also been invited to join the discussion. The discussion comes at an important point for adult social care reform. As work continues towards a National Care Service, questions of fairness, consistency and equity are increasingly important. The panel will explore how evidence, including the experiences of people who draw on care and support, can help policymakers identify and address unjustified variation while protecting the personal and local nature of good social care. It will also consider how reform can move beyond unequal access alone. Recent research commis-
sioned by SCIE found that inequity can be experienced through the amount of work people have to do to secure support, from repeatedly explaining their circumstances and chasing information to coordinating services, proving need and challenging decisions. The event will explore what government, local authorities, providers and the wider sector can do to reduce those unequal burdens, strengthen choice and control, and ensure that good care is available more consistently to everyone who needs it. Baroness Thornton, Chair of SCIE, said: “The evidence shows us that inequity is rarely caused by one thing. Different barriers interact and build over time, and too often the burden falls on people drawing on care and unpaid carers to chase, coordinate and fight for the support they need. “As we reform the adult social care system, we have an opportunity to tackle these inequities. We will be tinkering at the edges unless there’s a clear focus on reducing unjustified variation and ensuring that everyone can access good quality care, wherever they live and whatever their circumstances. “I am delighted to be chairing this discussion with the Centre for Care and such an experienced panel. I look forward to exploring how we can put equity at the heart of reform and turn the evidence we already have into practical improvements in people’s lives.” Kate Hamblin, Director of the Centre for Care, said: “Social care is essential civic infrastructure: it enables people to live the lives they value and sustains families and communities. Yet gaps, complexity and local variation too often shift costs and responsibility onto people who draw on care and unpaid carers, deepening existing inequalities. “Centre for Care research consistently shows that inequity is built into the system – not only in who gets support, but in what people pay, who is expected to provide care and whether services reflect the lives people actually lead. These disadvantages intersect and accumulate over time. “A National Care Service offers a vital opportunity to tackle these connected inequalities. That requires sustainable investment and greater national consistency, alongside personalised, locally responsive support shaped by robust evidence and the lived expertise of those who draw on and provide care.”
Could Your Care Home's Infection Control Strategy Do More Than A Pulp Macerator? PROTECTING RESIDENTS EVERY DAY Maintaining high standards of hygiene is a daily priority for care homes. With residents often more vulnerable to infection, the way care utensils are cleaned and disinfected plays an important role in protecting residents, staff and visitors, while supporting safe, dignified care.
IS IT TIME TO REVIEW YOUR CURRENT APPROACH? For many care homes, pulp macerators have been a familiar part of the sluice room for years. However, increasing pressure to improve infection prevention, reduce waste and control costs is encouraging providers to take a fresh look at alternative approaches. Modern bedpan washer disinfectors help care homes maintain high standards of hygiene, while reducing waste and supporting more efficient sluice room routines.
RELIABLE HYGIENE AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON MEIKO's TOPLINE bedpan washer disinfectors have been developed for demanding care environments, where reliable hygiene and ease of use are essential. Trusted in healthcare and care settings across the UK and Europe, TOPLINE machines provide consistent cleaning and disinfection at the touch of a button.
Highly effective against bacteria, viruses and even C. difficile spores, TOPLINE helps provide reassurance that care utensils are being processed to consistently high standards. Built for long-term reliability, the machines are designed to support care teams day after day.
BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND YOUR BUDGET Reusable systems can help reduce the waste associated with disposable products, supporting sustainability goals while maintaining excellent hygiene standards. To make investment easier, MEIKO SMARTPAY offers all-inclusive packages including service and support, helping care homes access proven infection control technology without significant upfront capital expenditure. As care homes continue to balance resident safety, staff pressures and rising costs, many are taking a fresh look at how care utensils are cleaned and disinfected. For those considering an alternative to pulp macerators, washer disinfector technology offers a proven route to improved hygiene, sustainability and operational efficiency. See the advert on the facing page for further details or visit www.meiko.com
THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 301 | PAGE 19
Dementia a Factor in of Position-ofTrust Fraud Cases, Police Figures Reveal New data released by the City of London Police shows that dementia was noted as a factor in 337 fraud reports involving abuse of a position of trust during 2025/26, underlining growing concerns about the financial exploitation of vulnerable older people across the UK. According to the force, which leads national policing efforts on fraud, a total of £93.8 million was reported stolen through this category of offending over the year. Victims aged 70 and above accounted for more than £51 million of those losses, while people in their 80s were the group most frequently targeted and suffered the greatest financial harm overall, with losses approaching £24 million. In total, 3,812 reports of fraud involving abuse of a position of trust were logged during the period. This offence covers situations where someone misuses a role of responsibility or authority — such as a family member, friend, paid carer, employee, or a person managing another individual’s financial affairs — to unlawfully access or take money, property or other assets belonging to the person they are meant to be supporting.
POWERS OF ATTORNEY A KEY CONCERN Officers highlighted particular unease around the misuse of powers of attorney, which featured in 764 reports and were linked to losses of £34.6 million. Reported cases included individuals allegedly using their legal authority to make withdrawals without permission or to take control of a victim’s finances for personal gain.
Investigators also noted a number of cases in which alleged financial abuse did not stop when the victim died, with some reports involving the improper handling of wills, estates and property after death.
POLICE RESPONSE Detective Superintendent Oliver Little of the City of London Police’s Lead Force Operations Room said the offences were especially damaging because they were carried out by individuals the victim had trusted to act in their interests. He pointed to the scale of losses among people aged 70 and over as evidence of how serious a threat this form of fraud presents to older and more vulnerable members of the public. Det Supt Little said the force wants families, carers and anyone responsible for managing another person’s finances to be alert to the warning signs of this type of abuse and to come forward with concerns, so that those most at risk can be better protected.
LEGAL SECTOR BACKING AWARENESS CAMPAIGN The Law Society of England and Wales has thrown its support behind the City of London Police’s efforts to raise public awareness of abuse-of-position fraud. Its president, Mark Evans, said the harm caused by such offending goes well beyond financial loss, particularly given that it is often carried out by someone the victim trusted. Mr Evans said the Society was pleased to back the campaign and urged the public to remain alert to warning signs and to act promptly if something did not seem right, adding that shared awareness and vigilance would help protect communities from this type of abuse.
Admirals Reach Residents Take a Walk for a Good Cause, Raising £1,374 for Alzheimer’s Society Around 20 residents from Admirals Reach took part in the annual Memory Walk, alongside members of the care home team, family members and friends. The group set off from the car park at Admirals Reach before making their way to nearby Admirals Park, with residents supported throughout the walk using wheelchairs and walking frames. With the weather on their side, the group enjoyed getting out into the local community while raising money for a cause that is particularly meaningful to many of those at the care home. Armed with collection buckets, the team welcomed donations on the day, while further funds were raised through the care home’s JustGiving page. A resident’s family also helped boost the fundraising
total, alongside money raised through the sale of Alzheimer’s Society pins. Together, the efforts have raised £1,374 for the Alzheimer’s Society – an incredible achievement and a fantastic reflection of the generosity of residents, relatives, staff and the local community. Maxine Gower, Senior Wellbeing Coordinator at Admirals Reach Care Home, said: “What an amazing day we had at our annual Memory Walk. It was wonderful to see so many residents, staff, family and friends come together to support such an important cause. “We are absolutely thrilled to have raised £1,374 for the Alzheimer’s Society. It was a fantastic day, and we are so grateful to everyone who took part, donated and helped us reach such an incredible total.”
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Care Workers Warned Over Hidden Blood Pressure Risk Linked to Heart Attack and Stroke
Care bosses are being warned that staff working long and irregular shifts could have dangerously high blood pressure without knowing it, putting them at greater risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. With high blood pressure often causing no obvious symptoms, the Primary Care Cardiovascular Society – which represents more than 7,700 healthcare professionals across primary care, nursing and pharmacy – is calling on more employers to offer workplace blood pressure checks for people who may struggle to access routine appointments around long or irregular working patterns. President of the Society, Professor Raj Thakkar, warns “Most of us know what is in our bank account, but far fewer know what our blood pressure is, and it’s just as important. High blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney disease, yet many peo-
ple simply do not know their numbers. For people working long or irregular shifts, we need to make checking it as easy as possible.” The Society is also urging people not to wait until they feel unwell before getting their blood pressure checked.” The stats • There are around 1.7 million adult social care posts in England. • Around 5 million people provide unpaid care, including 1.5 million giving 50 hours or more each week. • 15.2% of GP patients in England are recorded as having high blood pressure. • 85% support free blood pressure testing in everyday locations such as pharmacies, workplaces, gyms, supermarkets and community venues. • 80% believe the Government should do more to raise awareness that high blood pressure can affect adults of all ages, not just older people.
MiCode Launches Free Dementia Programme for Overlooked Local Organisations The health-tech company, MiCode, is giving 5,000 free emergency information codes to small dementia charities, care providers, and community organisations across the UK. One hundred organisations will each receive 50 MiCodes to distribute to people living with dementia and their families, together with posters and leaflets explaining how the system works. The programme is deliberately focused on smaller, local organisations that are often overlooked. They know their communities, understand local needs and provide the everyday help that enables people to remain independent and connected. Professor James Ohene-Djan, founder of MiCode, said: “Small local organisations often do extraordinary work with very limited resources. They are frequently the first place families turn to, yet they can easily be missed when funding, new technology and national campaigns are distributed. “We want this programme to recognise their importance and give them something practical to offer directly to their communities.” The initiative builds on successful work with Dementia Jersey and trials involving NHS services, where accessible information proved valuable when people became confused, distressed or unwell.
WHAT IS MICODE? MiCode is a QR code carried on a keyring, wallet card, wristband, badge, pendant or sticker. It can be scanned using any ordinary smartphone, with no app to download and no special equipment required. When scanned, the code opens an information page containing details selected by the person, their family or carer. This can include emergency contacts, medical conditions, allergies, medication, communication preferences and advice about how best to offer reassurance. For someone living with dementia, the information might explain that they need more time to answer questions, become anxious in unfamiliar surroundings or respond well to a particular form of reassurance. It can also identify who should be contacted and help others understand the person’s needs.
“MiCode may reduce one fear,” Professor Ohene-Djan said: “that the person you care about will become lost, confused or unwell and nobody will know who they are, what they need or who should be called.”
WHY I CREATED MICODE
Information can be updated when circumstances change and displayed in different languages. “MiCode is not designed to replace professional care or human judgement,” Professor Ohene-Djan said. “It is simply a way of making the right information available at the right time.”
MORE THAN EMERGENCY INFORMATION Each free MiCode will also be pre-loaded with useful advice about living with dementia and supporting someone with the condition. This may include guidance for families and carers, communication advice and links to relevant sources of help. Participating organisations will be able to include details of their own services and other support available locally. MiCode can therefore act not only as an emergency information tool, but also as a gateway to ongoing support. A person or family scanning the code may be directed towards a local dementia café, carers’ group, advice service, helpline or community organisation. “People often do not know what support is available until they reach a crisis,” Professor Ohene-Djan said. “By including dementia advice and links to local services, MiCode can help people find support earlier.”
SUPPORTING FAMILIES AND CARERS Much of the knowledge needed to support a person living with dementia is held by those closest to them. But carers cannot always be present. MiCode allows some of that knowledge to travel with the person.
The idea for MiCode grew from Professor Ohene-Djan’s experience of supporting his brother Anthony, who lived with multiple sclerosis. “My brother was never simply an MS patient to me,” he said. “He was my brother, with his own personality, humour, frustrations and hopes. But there was always a quiet worry about what might happen if he became unwell when we were not there.” Professor Ohene-Djan’s own experience of cancer also shaped MiCode. “When you are well, a medication list or emergency contact number can feel like paperwork,” he said. “When you are ill, those details become part of your safety.”
APPLYING FOR A FREE PACK Dementia charities, local community groups and care providers can now get in touch to receive 50 free MiCodes pre-loaded with dementia information and advice. With 100 local groups being supported across the UK, we are giving away 5,000 free codes in total, complete with printed posters and leaflets. MiCode is particularly keen to hear from small and locally based organisations that are often overlooked by larger initiatives. To apply, visit www.micode.uk/dementia or email dementia@micode.uk “This programme is about helping people living with dementia remain safer, better understood and more connected to the support around them,” Professor Ohene-Djan said. “It is also about recognising the small local organisations that quietly hold communities together and making sure they are not left behind.”
Professor James Ohene-Djan is Professor of Computer Science at Goldsmiths, University of London, and founder of MiCode.
IVC Commercial Shows its Caring Side at the Care Show Birmingham Discover the affordable floors that show you care from IVC Commercial at the Care Show. IVC Commercial is exhibiting at the Care Show Birmingham, the UK’s leading event for the care community. It will use the show to demonstrate how its European-made sheet vinyl floors can support the wellbeing and independence of care residents while delivering excellent long-term value, durability and ease of maintenance. Jake Parks, national sales manager commercial, says, “As the UK’s leading event for the sector, the Care Show is a fantastic opportunity for us to spend time with specifiers and explain how our sheet vinyl floors can deliver the durability, safety and hygiene they need while also ensuring residents benefit from welcoming designs that help them to feel settled in their environment. We’re looking forward to meeting delegates and hearing from the sector on what they need from their choice of flooring.” Through ranges with a highly durable and long-lasting 0.70mm wear layer that delivers class 34 perfor-
mance, IVC Commercial’s floors can withstand intense use, including from wheeled traffic such as wheelchairs, mobility aids and care equipment. They are also finished with Hyperguard+, a permanent PUR coating that resists stains and scuffs and makes cleaning easier. Selected floors include Sanitec anti-bacterial protection to inhibit the growth of bacteria and mould and improve hygiene. Specialist slip-resistant safety and acoustic specifications are also available. Across all its collections, IVC Commercial delivers a wide range of natural wood designs that offer a homely, welcoming feel for care settings. With LRV available for all its designs and different planks sizes, grain effects and colours; they can be used to aid navigation and help residents to understand their space, while also creating a ‘sense of home’. Helping residents to feel calmer, IVC Commercial floors support their wellbeing and independence. IVC Commercial, Stand M25, Care Show Birmingham, NEC, Birmingham, 7-8 October 2026 For further information, please visit www.ivc-commercial.com
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Better Ratings Begin Before The Regulator Arrives By Kevin Groombridge – Chief Executive, Care Inspections UK (www.careinspections.co.uk) For a care provider, a regulatory rating is more than a judgement published online. It influences the confidence of people choosing care, families, commissioners, lenders, insurers and potential employees. A disappointing rating can damage a service's reputation and commercial performance, but it need not define its future. Improvement begins with knowing precisely where the service stands. That requires much more than a brief “mock inspection” or a checklist designed only around the most obvious regulatory questions. Care Inspections UK (CIUK) provides a comprehensive, independent assessment of the entire service, examining the factors that determine quality, compliance, safety and organisational resilience.
rarely exist in isolation. A training gap may affect practice; poor oversight may allow it to persist; incomplete records may then make it difficult to demonstrate good care. CIUK’s professional inspectors triangulate their findings from observation, interviews, records and other evidence. The resulting report does not simply identify what is wrong. It explains the evidence, the applicable requirement and the significance of each finding, while also recognising strengths and good practice.
ACTION PLAN AND SUPPORT Crucially, the report is followed by a detailed action plan. This converts findings into clear, prioritised steps, identifying what must be done to achieve compliance and strengthen performance. Providers are not left with a list of problems and no route forward. CIUK offers continuing support as actions are implemented, helping leaders address root causes, evidence-based improvements and embed changes that will withstand future scrutiny. Used proactively, the process also gives providers time to address weaknesses before the regulator visits,
PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION
reducing avoidable surprises and allowing improvement to be evidenced in everyday practice rather than in
CIUK is the UK’s only UKAS-accredited care service inspection body. Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17020 means that its competence, impartiality, methodology and consistency are independently assessed. This matters because providers need findings they can trust, based on verifiable evidence rather than opinion or reassur-
last-minute preparation.
ance.
This creates a disciplined improvement cycle: inspect, understand, act, verify and sustain. It enables boards, owners and managers to deploy resources where they will have the greatest effect, while giving staff clarity about expectations and accountability.
CIUK GUARANTEE CIUK guarantees that a service’s rating will improve when the complete process is followed and the
PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION Each inspection looks across the whole operation. Depending on the service, this includes governance and leadership, safeguarding, medicines, staffing, recruitment, training, care planning, consent, infection prevention and control, health and safety, premises, record keeping, quality assurance and the experience of people receiving care. Broader risk management and commercial issues are also considered, as weaknesses
agreed action plan is implemented. That confidence comes from experience: detailed inspection exposes the issues holding a service back, while structured support ensures they are properly corrected. A better rating should never be achieved through presentation alone. It must reflect safer systems, stronger leadership and demonstrably better care. CIUK helps providers deliver exactly that, turning independent inspection into measurable improvement and lasting assurance.
Nurses Release Song to Raise Funds for Hospice Care A palliative care nurse who works at St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Eastbourne has written and released a song with friends and colleagues in a bid to raise £10,000 for the charity. The song, called Unbroken, is the brainchild of Oli Nazer, who also plays guitar on the track. It was produced by friend of the hospice, psychiatric nurse Ben Davidson, who is also the lead singer, bass and mandolin player, and producer of the song. The line-up is completed by St Wilfrid’s nurse Karen Connor on backing vocals. The song reflects the experience of people on their journey through terminal illness, from the shock of diagnosis, fear and uncertainty, towards connection, gratitude for their life and the people in it, and a determination to keep living fully. “As well as a passion for nursing, one of my greatest loves is
music,” Oli said. “Unbroken was created to honour the extraordinary courage, love and humanity witnessed every day in palliative and hospice care. “With the hospice hitting challenging times recently, I had the idea of trying to write a song that would shine a light on the world of hospice care, particularly on the incredibly inspiring patients, loved ones and carers I have the privilege of meeting every day. Their strength is humbling and a source of constant inspiration. “The song is intended to be a reflection of our patients’ incredible capacity to ‘see sunshine, even when it feels like rain’,” Oli added. Visit unbroken4stwilfridshospice.org to find out more and download the song.
Log my Care Appoints Matt Russell as CEO to Lead Its Next Phase of Growth Log my Care, the digital care management platform supporting care providers across the UK, has appointed Matt Russell as Chief Executive Officer, to support its next phase of growth. Co-founder and current CEO, Sam Hussain, will step into a new role as Founder Director. Sam Hussain, Co-founder of Log my Care, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Matt to Log my Care. We’ve built an incredible business and thanks to our success we’re ready to strengthen our leadership for the next chapter. “Matt has an impressive track record of building successful software companies, centred on people. This is particularly relevant to Log my Care’s purpose and journey. I look forward to working closely with Matt to propel our purpose and software to the next level.” Matt Russell, CEO of Log my Care, said: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining Log my Care. It’s a business with a brilliant team, a strong sense of purpose and huge potential for what comes next.
“I’ve spent my career thinking about how technology can help people and that’s what makes the opportunity at Log my Care so compelling. Every day, thousands of people go to work with the responsibility of helping someone else live a better life. I’m excited to play a part in making that experience easier and better, by delivering software to better support carers and the people they care for.” Arlene Adams, Chair of Log my Care, said: “The social care market is at a critical crossroads, as political change and AI reshape how the market evolves. The appointment of Matt as CEO will further strengthen the leadership team of Log my Care as we continue to lead the way in shaping the future of social care technology, and specifically AI.” Matt joins Log my Care following more than 20 years working across HR and workplace technology. Most recently, he was CEO of employee benefits technology platform Zest, leading the business through a period of significant growth and its subsequent acquisition by European employee benefits provider Epassi Group, after which he took the helm as CEO of both Zest and Epassi UK. Prior to Zest, Matt held senior commercial leadership roles at CIPHR and Benifex.
Admirals Reach Residents Take a Walk for a Good Cause, Raising £1,374 for Alzheimer’s Society Around 20 residents from Admirals Reach took part in the annual Memory Walk, alongside members of the care home team, family members and friends. The group set off from the car park at Admirals Reach before making their way to nearby Admirals Park, with residents supported throughout the walk using wheelchairs and walking frames. With the weather on their side, the group enjoyed getting out into the local community while raising money for a cause that is particularly meaningful to many of those at the care home. Armed with collection buckets, the team welcomed donations on the day, while further funds were raised through the care home’s JustGiving page. A resident’s family also helped boost the fundraising
total, alongside money raised through the sale of Alzheimer’s Society pins. Together, the efforts have raised £1,374 for the Alzheimer’s Society – an incredible achievement and a fantastic reflection of the generosity of residents, relatives, staff and the local community. Maxine Gower, Senior Wellbeing Coordinator at Admirals Reach Care Home, said: “What an amazing day we had at our annual Memory Walk. It was wonderful to see so many residents, staff, family and friends come together to support such an important cause. “We are absolutely thrilled to have raised £1,374 for the Alzheimer’s Society. It was a fantastic day, and we are so grateful to everyone who took part, donated and helped us reach such an incredible total.”
FOR ALL THE LATEST CARE SECTOR NEWS VISIT WWW.THECARERUK.COM
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Supporting Care Through Change: What to Expect at Care Show Birmingham 2026 • Future of care • Workforce sustainability • Funding pressures • Compliance and regulation • Technology and digital transformation The conference also welcomes an impressive line-up of speakers, including Chris Badger, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care and Integrated Care at CQC; Sarah McClinton, Chief Social Worker from the Department of Health and Social Care; Jeremy Richardson, CEO of Avery Healthcare; Raina Summerson, Group CEO of Agincare; Nitesh Somani, CEO of Kara Healthcare; Nye Brown, CEO of Hallmark Luxury Care Homes; Amrit Dhaliwal, CEO of Walfinch; and Baroness Glenys Thornton, Chair of the Social Care Institute of Excellence.
NEW FOR 2026
The social care sector continues to navigate funding pressures, workforce shortages, evolving regulation and rapid advances in technology. That's why bringing the sector together has never been more important. On 7–8 October 2026, Care Show Birmingham returns to the NEC Birmingham, bringing together the people, insights and innovations helping to support care through change. As the UK's leading event for the care community, Care Show Birmingham brings together practical learning, the latest innovations and thousands of care professionals. Whether you're an owner, director, registered manager or care professional, you'll leave with ideas, inspiration and valuable new connections.
PRACTICAL LEARNING FOR TODAY'S CARE LEADERS With more than 200 expert speakers delivering an extensive CPDaccredited conference programme, Care Show Birmingham focuses on providing practical advice. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions and solution-focused sessions, delegates will hear directly from sector leaders, regulators and providers tackling the biggest issues affecting care today. This year's programme centres around five key themes:
The Carer's
This year's event introduces several exciting new features designed specifically for senior leaders and business owners. The brand-new Owners' & Directors' Forum has been created exclusively for strategic decision-makers. Dedicated to the realities of running a care business, the theatre explores everything from occupancy and commissioning to investment, business growth, funding challenges and long-term sustainability. It offers high-level content tailored specifically to those responsible for leading care organisations through change. Alongside the forum, visitors can take advantage of the new Care Business Clinics. These informal drop-in sessions give care leaders the opportunity to speak directly with some of the sector's most experienced business experts, ask pressing questions and gain practical advice from professionals who have successfully built and grown care businesses themselves. When the exhibition closes on day one, the excitement continues with the return of Care Sector's Got Talent, hosted at the Care Show for the very first time. This much-loved evening event promises entertainment, networking and the chance to celebrate the incredible personalities that make the care sector so special.
DISCOVER THE LATEST INNOVATIONS
Beyond the conference programme, visitors can explore more than 300 exhibitors showcasing the latest products, services and technologies supporting care providers. From digital care planning and AI-powered solutions to recruitment, compliance, facilities management and resident wellbeing, the exhibition provides a unique opportunity to compare suppliers, experience live demonstrations and speak directly with the organisations driving innovation across the sector.
BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION Care Show Birmingham brings together people from every corner of the sector because some of the best ideas don't come from presentations - they come from conversations. Whether that's with a speaker, another provider or an exhibitor, every discussion has the potential to spark something you can take back to your organisation. Join us at the NEC Birmingham on 7–8 October 2026 and be part of the conversations shaping the future of care. Register for your free pass today: https://forms.reg.buzz/care-show-birmingham-2026/carer
Care Show Birmingham Showcase READ IT ONLINE TODAY!
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PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Waste Management Specialist Appointed To Help Care Homes Save Thousands Of Pounds A Year Anenta, the leading independent healthcare waste management specialist, has appointed waste expert Jonathan Sandford as Business Development Manager dedicated to the care home sector. Brought on board to boost Anenta’s growing care home client base, Jonathan brings more than 35 years of waste industry experience – from running his own document shredding business to leading nationwide sales teams at a plc level. His appointment comes as Anenta accelerates its mission to help care homes eliminate unnecessary costs that can run into thousands of pounds a year. In his new role, Jonathan will oversee the management of Anenta’s existing waste contracts, ensuring that care home waste logistics, service delivery, and waste disposal performance levels are industry leading. He will also be responsible for delivering bespoke, affordable and professional end-to-end waste management solutions to the care and nursing home sector. Commenting on his new role, Jonathan said: “Our research shows that individual care homes are wasting up to £8,000 a year through poor waste management process and procurement. Across multiple sites, that adds up fast — and it's largely avoidable. “My role is to help care homes put a stop to that by changing poor waste disposal habits and practices, so that we can deliver a better service that saves them time and money. “I’ll be working with care homes to identify overbilling, reform waste disposal habits, deliver better staff training, and provide guidance on conducting complex pre-acceptance audits – all designed to take the
CareZips Classic Adaptive Pants ®
CareZips® Classic are patented, easy dressing unisex adaptive pants designed for older and disabled people suffering with problems associated with continence, mobility, mental function and cognition. Suitable for persons living in care institutions, receiving care at home or living independently at home, CareZips® Classic enable people to dress themselves or with assistance from carers. CareZips® Classic feature patented 3-zipper system, which opens the front of the pants from the waist to the knees for quicker access during toileting, continence pads changes and personal hygiene. The forward positioning of the two side zippers lessens pressure on sensitive hip areas, helping to eliminate discomfort. The third zipper facilitates simple full frontal opening for faster more dignified diaper changes, catheter adjustments, personal cleansing and hygiene routines. CareZips® Classic have many benefits for the older and disabled users and their carers: • People dressing themselves enjoy the practical functionality and versatility of the CareZips® Classic, all day comfort and easy garment care.
administrative burden off care home teams so they can focus on what matters: resident care.” Using Anenta's real-time smart technology, care homes, their waste collection providers, and other stakeholders are brought together onto a single, unified management platform that provides full transparency. This allows efficiencies to be identified, implemented and measured, delivering significant and meaningful cost savings year after year. Commenting on Jonathan’s appointment, Graham Flynn, Managing Director of Anenta, said: "Jonathan has the perfect combination of sector knowledge, commercial expertise, and an unwavering commitment to delivering added value to our customers. “Alongside his expertise in waste management, Jonathan is perfectly placed to help care homes streamline their processes saving time, hassle and money." As part of its service, Anenta offers care homes a free healthcare waste audit designed to identify areas for improvement that could save care home groups many thousands of pounds a year. These can be booked by calling 0330 122 2143. Anenta supports customers across more than 20,000 locations nationwide, including individual care homes and large care home groups. Over the past five years, the company has saved its clients more than £13 million through smarter, more efficient waste management. For more information about Anenta, visit www.anentawaste.com or call 030 122 2143. • People dependent on assisted dressing appreciate quick easy dressing process with less stress, embarrassment and greater dignity offered by CareZips® Classic. • CareZips® Classic offer practical gains to the carers, helping them to provide better care, whilst reducing physical efforts and saving valuable time. CareZips® Classic are unisex, available in 6 sizes and 3 practical colours (i.e. black, charcoal and navy). Tapered fit at the ankles gives a tidy appearance. Made from breathable moisture-wicking 4-way stretchy crease-free and easy-care durable fabric, CareZips® Classic are comfortable, practical and conveniently functional. For more information, contact Win Health Medical Ltd - 01835 864866 www.win-health.com See the advert on page 3 for further information on Win Health’s product range.
Serve in Style with Euroservice Trolleys Watch your resident's eyes light up when the trolley arrives! Euroservice trolleys can also be used as a vending trolley or to sell personal care products to residents. How about a delicious snack/pastry trolley or even a drinks trolley for that afternoon tipple? Your lovely trolley could do so much for you and your residents! Visit the website at www.euroservice-uk.com to see the full range. See the advert on page 9 for further information.
Dinan Way - Professional Laundry and Linen Support for Care Homes and Local Businesses Laundry and linen management are essential parts of running a professional care setting or hospitality business. From fresh bed linen and towels to uniforms and regular textile care, standards must be maintained every day. Dinan Way offers a dependable laundry and linen service designed to support organisations that need consistency, quality and a practical approach. Based in Exmouth, Dinan Way operates from a location that has been associated with laundry services for more than 20 years. This local background is matched by a service that continues to grow as more businesses look for reliable support with their laundry and linen needs. The company provides commercial laundry services, linen care, towel laundry, uniform washing, textile support and linen rental. Its linen rental service is particularly useful for care homes, nursing homes, guest accommodation, serviced apartments, hotels, restaurants, cafés, salons and gyms, helping them accessfresh, well-presented linen without the need to purchase, store or manage large quanti-
ties themselves. For nursing homes and care homes, reliable laundry support is especially important. Clean linen, fresh towels and well-maintained textiles help protect hygiene standards, support resident comfort and make day-to-day operations easier for staff. Dinan Way understands that these services are not just about presentation; they are part of the smooth running of a professional environment. Collection and return are also available, making the process straightforward for organisations with regular requirements. By taking care of linen and laundry needs, Dinan Way helps businesses save time, reduce pressure on staff and maintain the standards their customers, residents and clients expect. Although its main focus is commercial laundry and linen support, Dinan Way also assists private customers with household laundry, bedding, towels and everyday clothing. More information can be found at www.dinanway.com See the advert on page 9.
Angloplas Dispensers Help Reduce the Risk of Cross Infection Angloplas are a UK manufacturer who specialise in producing dispensers for the health and hygiene industry. Although these are designed to keep the workplace tidy and uncluttered they are, more importantly, built knowing the control of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are a priority for healthcare providers, and who are employing a combination of infection prevention and control strategies, including hand hygiene, cleaning, training and the adoption of new technologies, to tackle the problem. As a result, a wide range of infection control products and technologies are emerging on the market, including antimicrobial technology. Angloplas’ range of dispensers are produced in the world’s first proven Antimicrobial PVC with silver ion technology and which is exclusive to Angloplas. This helps reduce the risk of cross infection by stopping the growth of bacteria and mould and works continuously for the lifetime of the product, reducing levels of bacteria such as MRSA, E Coli, Legionella, Salmonella and mould by up to 99.99%. For non-clinical environments Angloplas has recently launched its new Budget Range of products which are made to the same exacting standards as the antimicrobial protected ones but with lower price tags. You can order Angloplas products directly from its website at www.angloplas.co.uk See the advert on page 6.
THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 301 | PAGE 27
HYDRATION AND NUTRITION
Just One Month to Go: Don’t Miss the NACC Training & Development Forum 2026 Inspiration, innovation and leadership take centre stage at this year’s NACC Training & Development Forum and with the event now just one month away, there’s still time to secure your place. On 14 - 15 October 2026, the Hilton at St George’s Park, Burtonupon-Trent, will become the meeting place for care catering professionals from across the sector, with two packed days of expert insight, practical learning, innovation and networking. And it’s the programme that really sets this year’s Forum apart, designed to inspire, challenge and deliver practical ideas. From keynote presentations and interactive masterclasses to live cookery demonstrations, the 2026 programme has been carefully designed to give delegates ideas and inspiration they can take straight back into their organisations. A major highlight will be Michael Caulfield, Performance Psychologist, whose keynote promises to challenge delegates to think differently, embrace innovation and consider new approaches to leadership and positive change. Michael is joined by an outstanding speaker lineup, including Sachin Parmer, exploring AI and digital visibility; Sarah Restall, focusing on workplace wellbeing; Suzi Payton, sharing insights on neurodiversity; Toby Porter from Hospice UK, bringing insight and experience from the hospice sector; and the Seasons Care Dietitian Network from Canada. The lineup also features leading dietitians and care professionals exploring key topics including food allergy safety, blood sugar management, texture-modified meals, emerging technologies and much more. With such a diverse programme, there is something for every professional working to improve nutrition, wellbeing, dining experiences and standards of care.
The Forum isn't simply about listening to presentations. It is about connecting with colleagues, discovering new solutions, sharing experiences and gaining practical knowledge that can make a real difference. Alongside the expert programme, delegates can experience interactive masterclasses, live cookery demonstrations and valuable opportunities to meet and network with fellow care catering professionals and industry experts. And don’t forget the Supplier Exhibition. If you can't attend the full Forum, the NACC Supplier Exhibition on Thursday 15th October provides a fantastic FREE* opportunity for health and social care catering professionals. With the NACC Training & Development Forum 2026 now just one month away, now is the time to make sure you’re part of this must-attend event. Whether you join us for the full Forum or visit the Supplier Exhibition, you'll have the opportunity to discover new ideas, hear from leading voices, explore innovative solutions and leave inspired to raise standards across care catering. Find out more and register for the NACC Training & Development Forum 2026 at www.nacctraininganddevelopmentforum.co.uk *Exhibition-only registration provides access to the Supplier Exhibition and live cookery demonstrations only. It does not include entry to keynote presentations or interactive masterclasses, which are exclusive to full Forum delegates.
A Tale From The Manor The beginnings of Tea From The Manor is a delightfully simple story. The proprietor, James Green was in the 3rd Royal Horse Artillery in the Army where he spent many years in active service. Spending time in Northern Ireland, Cyprus and Hong Kong. It was while in Hong Kong, stationed with the Ghurkhas, he learnt all about tea. A passion that has stayed with him for many years. James began Tea From The Manor in 2011 when, along with his daughter Charlotte, they took a few different flavoured teas to a farmer's market. Over a decade later we have grown as a company, bringing you the finest full leaf teas from the best tea gardens around the world. We provide loose leaf, tea bags and tea envelopes along with accessories such as tea presentation boxes and tea pots. We supply the finest restaurants, cafes, garden centres and care homes all across the UK. Recently Tea From The Manor was awarded the Best Initiative in Care Award at the 2025 Caring UK Awards for its development of tea specially created for people who have dysphagia.
Four different flavours have been produced to provide a wide range of flavours for residents with dysphagia. Green Tea and Mint, Red Berry, English Breakfast and Earl Grey are all on the menu, giving residents of care homes a diverse selection. With the herbal and fruit tea options being decaffeinated, this further adds to a varied choice for residents. Although making a drink which would be safe and nutritious for residents with dysphagia was vital, making sure that it tasted nice and would be a drink that could be enjoyed was of equal importance. With decades of experience in tasting and developing the finest teas, James was able to bring his knowledge and passion to the process. "I was particularly excited by this project in terms of finding flavours that would work well with the thickening agents used in drinks. We tried a lot of combinations to get every blend just right. Residents each have their own taste memory so we wanted to make sure we could represent as many of them as we could." We are a proud family run business that cares for our customers and our environment, all of our silky tea bags are biodegradable. We are Green by name and Green by nature. Call 01477 771 811 or visit www.teafromthemanor.co.uk for more information.
Serve in Style with Euroservice Trolleys Watch your residents' eyes light up when the trolley arrives! Whether it's a freshly brewed cup of tea, an afternoon treat or a favourite drink, an attractive service trolley can transform everyday refreshments into a memorable part of the day. Euroservice's British-made trolleys combine style with practicality, offering a durable alternative to traditional metal trolleys while being suitable for cleaning with antibacterial sprays. Beyond food and drink service, Euroservice trolleys provide care homes with a versatile solution that can enhance both resident wellbeing and operational efficiency. When not being used for meal or beverage service, they can be quickly repurposed as mobile vending stations offering toiletries and personal care products, or as snack and pastry trolleys for residents and visitors. Their elegant appearance helps create a more welcoming, homely
environment while supporting person-centred care through flexible, accessible service. With more than 40 years' experience manufacturing high-quality trolleys in the UK, Euroservice offers an extensive range for the care sector, including tea, drinks, dessert, chilled and clearing trolleys, alongside bespoke options tailored to individual care home requirements. Combining robust construction with attractive design, they are built to enhance daily service while complementing the surroundings of modern residential and nursing homes. Visit the website at www.euroservice-uk.com to see the full range. See the advert on page 2 for further information.
PAGE 28 | ISSUE 301 | THE CARER DIGITAL
NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING From Analogue to Action: Rethinking Digital Nurse Call for Better Care By Stuart Barclay, healthcare technology specialist at Syndora Alto (https://syndoraalto.com) The analogue-to-digital transition in health and social care is not simply a technology refresh. It is a chance to rethink how help is requested, how staff respond, and how care is coordinated across a home. Too often, procurement still begins with a like-for-like mindset: replace the old panel, keep the old workflow, and hope for a better result. But digital nurse call should not be bought as a newer version of an old problem. It should be purchased as part of a wider care model that improves visibility, response, accountability, and resident experience.
START WITH THE OUTCOME Before comparing systems, providers should define the problem they are trying to solve. Is the issue slow response times, poor escalation, noisy environments, duplicated paperwork, or a lack of oversight? The right solution should be judged against those outcomes, not against a checklist of features. This matters because modern nurse call is no longer just about a resident pressing a button and a sounder going off. In better-designed systems, alerts can be routed directly to staff mobile devices, calls can be prioritised, and managers can see patterns in demand and response. That creates a more responsive and less fragmented way of working.
TEST IT IN REAL LIFE A presentation is not a demonstration. A brochure cannot show how a system behaves during a busy morning shift, when several alerts happen at once and staff are moving across different parts of the home. That is why live testing in a real care environment is essential. Staff should be able to use the system, question it, and pressure-test it before any decision is made. If the workflow is clunky in practice, the promise of digital efficiency disappears very quickly.
INTEGRATION IS THE REAL VALUE One of the biggest mistakes in purchasing technology is treating integration as a nice-to-have. In reality, it is central to whether the system adds value. When nurse call works alongside care records, mobility devices, alarm management, and internal communi-
cation tools, the result is less duplication and faster decision-making. When systems do not connect, staff are left repeating tasks, chasing information, and working around the technology rather than with it. For care providers, that means the question should not be, “What does this system do on its own?” The better question is, “How well does it fit into everything else we already use?”
BUY SUPPORT, NOT JUST HARDWARE Digital systems do not end at installation. They begin there. Any provider selecting a nurse call platform should think carefully about what happens after go-live: training, maintenance, updates, fault resolution, and ongoing optimisation. Care homes need suppliers who understand the realities of the sector, not just the technology. A strong supplier relationship should include responsive support, practical training, and a willingness to adapt as the home’s needs change. In digital care, support is not an extra service; it is part of the product.
CHOOSE FLEXIBILITY OVER LOCK-IN The biggest risk in this transition is buying something that cannot evolve. Care homes are operating in a fastchanging environment, and technology that cannot scale or adapt soon becomes a constraint rather than an asset. Future-ready systems should be designed to expand, integrate, and respond to changing needs without requiring a complete replacement every few years. That flexibility is especially important in a sector facing pressure to modernise ahead of the 2027 digital switchover.
A BETTER QUESTION TO ASK The analogue era encouraged a narrow question: does the system work? The digital era demands a better one: does the system help us deliver safer, smarter, more person-centred care? That shift in mindset changes everything. It moves procurement away from hardware replacement and towards care improvement. It encourages providers to look for visibility, integration, responsiveness, and longterm support rather than simply ticking a technical box. The homes that get this right will not just be compliant with the digital transition. They will be better equipped to use technology as part of everyday care, supporting staff and improving the experience of residents.
Fall Savers - Affordable Fall Monitoring Solutions Fall Savers®, are an experienced market leading healthcare provider of resident safety solutions for over 15 years.
FALL SAVERS ® WIRELESS MONITOR
Eliminate all cables with our new generation falls management solutions! Upgrade your falls programme with the latest technology from Fall Savers®. The NEW Fall Savers® Wireless eliminates the cord between the monitor and sensor pad. This results in less work for nursing staff, improved safety for patients and reduced wear and tear on sensor pads. Wireless advantages include the ability to use one monitor with two sensor pads simultaneously and support for many new wireless devices. BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Safer for patients; less work for staff Bed and chair pads available One monitor works with two sensor pads Integrates with most nurse call systems A variety of options, including: Call button Pager Floor sensor mat Wireless door/window exit alerts
TREADNOUGHT ®FLOOR SENSOR PAD The TreadNought® Floor Sensor Pad is built to last with a durable con-
struction that far out lasts the competition. Our anti-bacterial floor sensor pad is compatible with most nurse call systems or can be used with a portable pager to sound an alert when a person steps on to the sensor pad. Caregivers typically place the sensor pad at the bedside, in a doorway or other locations to monitor persons at risk for falls or wandering. An optional anti-slip mesh reduces the potential for slippage on hard surface floors. FEATURES INCLUDE: Connects directly to most nurse call systems High Quality anti-bacterial Floor Sensor Pad Large Size Pad: Measures (L) 91cm x (H) 61cm Options (sold separately): Anti-slip mesh for hard surface floors See the advert on this page for further details or visit www.fallsavers.co.uk.
THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 301 | PAGE 29
NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING
Courtney Thorne Leads the Way in Wireless Nurse Call Technology for UK Care Homes In today’s complex care environment, we understand that choosing the right technology is about far more than functionality alone. For care providers, reliability, sustainability, and supply chain resilience are critical factors—especially when it comes to nurse call systems that play such a vital role in resident safety and day-to-day operations. At Courtney Thorne, we are proud to champion the “Made in Britain” mark. For us, this is not simply about where our systems are manufactured; it reflects our commitment to quality, accountability, and supporting the UK care sector. By designing and building our nurse call systems here in Britain, we can ensure they are developed with a deep understanding of the real challenges faced by care homes, resulting in solutions that are practical, reliable, and easy to use. Manufacturing in the UK also allows us to maintain close control over our supply chain—something that has become increasingly important in recent years. Global disruptions have highlighted the risks of relying on complex, overseas supply networks. By keeping our production local, we are able to offer greater consistency, shorter lead times, and improved access to parts and upgrades. This means our customers can rely on continuity, even in uncertain times, with minimal risk of disruption to their services.
Sustainability is another area where we believe local manufacturing makes a meaningful difference. By reducing the need for long-distance transportation and focusing on robust, long-lasting system design, we help care providers lower their environmental impact. We are committed to creating solutions that not only meet today’s needs but are built to last—reducing waste and supporting more sustainable care environments over the long term. Of course, delivering high-quality technology is only part of the picture. We know that ongoing support is essential. That’s why our UK-based technical team is on hand to provide expert assistance, from installation and training through to maintenance and rapid response when it matters most. Our proximity allows us to respond quickly and effectively, giving our customers the confidence that support is always within reach. At Courtney Thorne, we believe that care homes deserve technology they can depend on—both now and in the future. By combining British manufacturing, sustainable practices, a resilient supply chain, and dedicated local support, we are proud to deliver nurse call systems that underpin safe, effective, and reliable care every day. For more information or to book a free demo, visit www.c-t.co.uk or contact info@c-t.co.uk.
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 cutting-edge 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.
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. 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 or T: 01536 264 869 See the advert on page 2 for more information.
PAGE 30 | ISSUE 301 | THE CARER DIGITAL
TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE
The Changing Face of Telephony in the UK: A Survival Guide for Care Providers
By Eric Toll, MD, 123Telecom Limited (www.123telecom.co.uk)
Almost 10 years ago, Openreach announced a definitive shift: the UK telecoms industry would transition entirely to digital VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephony. This is not merely an upgrade; it is a total replacement of all traditional analogue and ISDN lines. With the official "switch-off" of traditional telephony planned for January 2027, every business in the UK— especially those in the care sector—must now treat digital transformation as an immediate operational priority. For care homes, this is not just about technology; it is about resilience, safety, and continuity.
daily investment to ensure your home remains connected. 3.Redundancy is Key: Avoid providers offering "dual FTTP" services, as they usually share the same fibre route back to the exchange. If that optic fails, both lines go down simultaneously. Instead, combine FTTP with a secondary technology, like a 4G/5G mobile SIM backup or StarLink satellite service. 4.Hardware Matters: Consider Resilience VoIP handsets with integral SIM cards. These devices can be switched to mobile data if the wired internet drops. Furthermore, install mini-UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) on all critical desk phones and Internet equipment to ensure your phones remain operational in the event of a power outage.
UNDERSTANDING VOIP: MORE THAN JUST INTERNET CALLS At its core, VoIP is simple: your voice is converted into digital data packets and sent across the internet to your provider, who then routes it to the receiver. It is efficient, cost-effective, and flexible. However, unlike traditional landlines that draw power from the exchange, VoIP relies entirely on your local internet connection. When you disconnect from the old copper network, you disconnect from the traditional safety net of "always-on" power. This is where resilience planning moves from an IT concern to a safeguarding necessity.
RESILIENCE PLANNING: SAFEGUARDING YOUR HOME Reliable communication is the heartbeat of a care home. If your internet fails, your phones should continue to work. When planning for this transition to VoIP, you must prepare for the unexpected: total loss of your main Internet connection, power outages and maybe even router or switch failures. 1. Prioritise Physical Stability: Avoid relying on Wi-Fi for your desk phones. Wi-Fi can introduce unnecessary problems and failure points. Use physical Ethernet cabling to connect handsets directly to your network. 2.The Gold Standard of Internet Connectivity: Ideally, you should secure a dedicated "Leased Line" with auto failover to Fibre-To-The-Premises (FTTP) backup. While Leased Lines are a premium service, consider the cost against the daily operational risk—it often amounts to a modest
they are reachable whether they are at the nurses' station, in the garden, or on the move. On-Premises systems can carry heavy upfront equipment and setup costs, ongoing support fees, and rigid licensing. Conversely, Cloud solutions operate on a simple "per-user" model, typically including unlimited calls, analytics, and CRM integration. Because the "system" lives in the cloud, it is inherently easier to update and maintain. Your telephony system should work wherever you have an internet connection, allowing you to manage communications across an entire care group from a single dashboard.
BUYER BEWARE: NAVIGATING THE MARKET As the 2027 deadline approaches, you may encounter aggressive sales tactics. Here are a few golden rules to protect your business: • Avoid Long Contracts: There is no industry justification for a five-year or seven-year contract. Two or three years is becoming the new standard. Be wary of providers using high-pressure tactics or offering "extra discounts" to sign immediately on the spot. • Clarify Ownership: Ensure the contract explicitly states who owns the equipment. Avoid lease contracts if possible; if the suåpplier stops trading, the lease company will still expect payment in full. Ideally, buy the equipment outright or arrange credit terms with a defined ownership outcome. • Look for All-In Packages: Avoid hidden management fees or extra costs for features like call recording or analytics, as many providers offer them included within a transparent, inclusive price. • Do Your Due Diligence: Always check the provider’s reputation on independent sites like Google Reviews and consult the Ofcom website to ensure you are dealing with a regulated, reputable entity.
CONCLUSION CLOUD VS. ON-PREMISES: THE GREAT SHIFT The last decade has seen a seismic movement away from traditional On-Premises PABX systems. With industry giants like Panasonic, Samsung, and NEC exiting the marketplace, these outdated systems are becoming increasingly unsupported and difficult to maintain. For the vast majority of care providers, Cloud Telephony is now regarded as the superior solution. It offers seamless integration across any number of locations—perfect for care groups managing several homes—and allows staff to use mobile Apps as extensions, ensuring
The transition to digital telephony is inevitable, but it does not have to be painful. By treating this transition as a strategic opportunity to build resilience and improve mobile working, care providers can ensure their homes are better connected and safer than ever before. Take the time to audit your infrastructure now, avoid long-term traps, and ensure that your care home remains the reliable, communicative environment your residents and their families depend on. Find a service provider who offers both phones and connectivity with an established reputation in the industry. See the advert on page 11.
Smarter Workforce Management: Supporting Better Care Every Day Care providers across the UK and Ireland are facing increasing pressure. Rising costs, recruitment challenges, changing workforce expectations and growing compliance requirements all make it harder to deliver high quality care while maintaining efficient day to day operations. As these challenges continue, more organisations are investing in workforce management technology to reduce manual administration, improve workforce visibility and give managers the tools they need to make informed decisions. Today’s workforce management solutions do far more than record hours worked. They help care providers simplify scheduling, manage absence, support compliance and improve communication across the organisation, freeing up valuable time for managers to focus on their people and residents.
SMARTER SCHEDULING Creating and maintaining rotas is one of the most time consuming responsibilities for care managers. Balancing staffing levels, employee availability, skills and compliance while responding to last minute changes can quickly become a daily challenge. Modern workforce management systems simplify the process through intelligent scheduling, automated rostering and real time visibility of staffing levels. Employee self service also allows staff to view their schedules, request leave and swap shifts, reducing the administrative burden on managers while giving employees greater flexibility.
BETTER VISIBILITY OF YOUR WORKFORCE Managing absence is about more than filling shifts. Without clear insight into workforce trends, organisations often find themselves reacting to issues rather than preventing them.
With accurate workforce data and reporting, managers can monitor absence patterns, identify recurring issues and make better workforce planning decisions. This proactive approach helps reduce disruption, control costs and support continuity of care.
LESS ADMINISTRATION, MORE TIME FOR CARE Administrative tasks are an essential part of running a care organisation, but they shouldn’t take time away from supporting staff and residents. By bringing time and attendance, scheduling, leave management and workforce reporting together in one system, providers can reduce manual processes, improve payroll accuracy and maintain the records needed for compliance with confidence. The result is a more efficient operation where managers spend less time on paperwork and more time supporting their teams.
TECHNOLOGY THAT SUPPORTS PEOPLE Technology will never replace the people who deliver care. Its role is to remove unnecessary administration, provide better visibility and make everyday workforce management simpler. As the care sector continues to evolve, organisations need solutions that are flexible enough to adapt to changing demands while helping them maintain the highest standards of care. For more than 35 years, Softworks has worked with organisations across the UK and Ireland to simplify workforce management, improve operational efficiency and support better outcomes for employees, managers and the people they care for. To find out how Softworks can support your organisation, visit www.softworks.com, email hello@softworks.com or speak to our team on +44 (0)1527 888 060.
PAGE 32 | ISSUE 301 | THE CARER DIGITAL
TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL
Cyber Security In Social Care: Progress Is Real, But So Is The Threat
By Daniel O’Shaughnessy, Head of Programme Delivery, Digital Care Hub (www.digitalcarehub.co.uk)
REAL PROGRESS, RISING RISK
WHY THE SUPPLY CHAIN MATTERS
There is a positive story to tell about cyber security in adult social care. Across England, more providers than ever are engaging with data protection and cyber resilience. By the 30 June 2026 deadline, almost 76.5% of CQC-registered adult social care services had an up-to-date Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) in place. That includes 22,429 services, with almost 14,500 publishing for at least three years in a row. At Digital Care Hub, we believe that record completion rate reflects genuine awareness and engagement. More providers are reviewing policies, training staff and improving systems. But the DSPT is a foundation, not a finish line. Cyber security depends on everyday habits: spotting suspicious emails, removing old accounts, installing updates, checking backups and reporting problems quickly.
Supply chain risk is particularly important in social care. Providers increasingly rely on digital care records, eMAR systems, rostering tools, finance platforms, NHSmail, shared care records and data sharing with NHS and local authority partners. These links support safer, faster and more joined-up care, but they also make providers part of a much larger digital network. You may not be the target, but you may still be the victim. If a supplier, shared system or partner organisation is compromised, your service may be disrupted. Providers need to know who they rely on, what access those organisations have, what data they hold and how quickly they would notify you if something went wrong.
INCIDENTS ARE CHANGING The threat is changing too. Not every cyber incident is a deliberate attack. Many begin with an ordinary mistake, such as information being sent to the wrong person, a weak password, a lost device or access left open after someone changes role. At the same time, criminal attacks are becoming more convincing. The UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025/2026 found that 43% of UK businesses had experienced a cyber breach or attack in the previous 12 months, with phishing still the most common type. AI is accelerating the problem. Scam emails, fake invoices, cloned voices and impersonation attempts are becoming easier to produce and harder to spot. We recently warned care providers about a fake Home Office email designed to steal login details for the UK Visas and Immigration Sponsor Management System. It looked official, used urgent compliance language and directed providers to log in. In some cases, a provider’s certificates were assigned to workers in return for large payments. The consequences can be serious: disrupted care, exposed confidential information, financial loss, identity fraud and problems with staffing or sponsorship. A ransomware attack can also block access to care plans, medication records or rotas when staff need them most.
BUILD CYBER SECURITY INTO EVERYDAY CARE Good cyber security protects people’s privacy and dignity, supports safer care and reduces disruption. It also builds confidence with families, commissioners, regulators and NHS partners. The basics need to become routine. Keep the DSPT up to date. Train staff regularly. Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. Remove access when people leave. Update devices and software. Back up important information and test that it can be restored. Access to digital data must also be part of every business continuity plan. If care planning, medication records, rotas, payroll, email or the internet went down, how would you continue safely? Where are emergency contacts kept? How would staff access the information they need? Some risks are easy to overlook. Shared tablets, old accounts, personal devices, printer trays, paper files and supplier remote access can all create weaknesses. Managers do not need to become technical experts, but they do need to ask practical questions and make it easy for staff to report mistakes quickly.
FREE SUPPORT FOR PROVIDERS We are expanding our free support through Digital Health Checks, helping adult social care providers test whether their data protection and cyber security arrangements are working in practice. After a successful pilot in early 2026, the service is being rolled out across England through 32 local support organisations. The checks are practical and judgement-free, with clear recommendations to help providers improve. Record DSPT completion is a brilliant achievement, but the next step is turning those commitments into everyday practice. Cyber security is strongest when it becomes part of how care services work every day – protecting people, supporting staff and building trust. The sector should be proud of its progress. The next challenge is consistency: making sure safe habits are built into every service, every supplier relationship and every continuity plan. Visit www.digitalcarehub.co.uk/cybersecurity
77% Adoption In Month One: The Business Case For On-Demand Pay In Care For registered managers, operations directors and finance leaders across home care and care homes, most new employee benefits get judged on one thing: will staff actually use it? When Prosperity Care launched Level FT's OnDemand Pay app to its workforce last year, 77% of carers had logged in and used it within the first month. That's not a soft engagement metric buried in a quarterly report; it's a workforce telling ownership, within weeks, that a benefit is worth having. "We are really loving Level FT so far and our staff have nothing but praise for it. It's also helping to cover our rotas, as staff now have quicker access to any overtime they do rather than having to wait." — Bluebird Care On-Demand Pay is now offered by almost a third of care providers in the UK. For leadership teams weighing it up, the case isn't just about staff wellbeing, it's a workforce cost and retention lever with a fast, measurable return.
THE BUSINESS CASE, NOT JUST THE BENEFIT On-Demand Pay, also known as Earned Wage Access, lets staff draw down a portion of wages they've already earned, ahead of payday, without touching an employer's cashflow or disrupting existing payroll processes. For care providers, the appeal sits in three places leadership teams already track closely: recruitment and retention, agency spend, and staff engagement. When staff can access overtime pay sooner, demand for extra shifts tends to rise. Financial flexibility makes staff less likely to look elsewhere for small pay rises. And same-day access to earned pay is linked to lower next-day absence. The agency spend impact is the one that gets finance directors' attention fastest. By rewarding overtime more quickly, providers encourage their own staff to pick up extra shifts, rather than reaching for
costly agency cover to fill the rota. In a sector where agency spend is often one of the largest controllable costs on the P&L, that shift in behaviour compounds quickly.
TRUSTED ACROSS THE SECTOR Level FT is an On-Demand Pay specialist in the care sector, working with providers including Agincare, Home Instead, Bluebird Care, MACC Care, EQ Care Group and Prosperity Care. We understand the pressures facing ownership and senior leadership in this sector directly: managing high staff turnover, the nuances of franchise operating models, and reducing reliance on agency staff. "Our employees really like having access to their pay through Level FT." — Prosperity Care Seamless integration with payroll and workforce management systems Part of why rollouts like Prosperity Care's move quickly is integration. Level FT's On-Demand Pay connects directly with many of the UK's leading HR, rota and payroll systems, including Nourish, Birdie, Sona, IRIS, SAP, Humanforce,and many more, making setup and go-live quick and straightforward for operations teams. Staff get flexibility from day one, without adding administrative burden to payroll. For leadership teams still weighing up whether On-Demand Pay is worth the change, the Prosperity Care numbers make the point simply: when the benefit is introduced well, staff don't need convincing, and the business case builds itself.
ABOUT LEVEL FT Level FT is a UK financial wellbeing platform offering On-Demand Pay, Payroll Savings and more. We're a founding member of the CIPP's official On-Demand Pay Code of Practice, and power the service for many of the UK's biggest employers and HR technology providers. Learn more at www.levelft.com.
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TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL Why Care Home Training Needs to Move Beyond Tick-Box Learning Care home staff today face increasingly complex responsibilities. Supporting residents with dementia, autism, frailty, safeguarding concerns, and communication difficulties requires far more than theoretical knowledge. Staff need confidence, judgement, teamwork, and the ability to respond compassionately in challenging situations. However, much care home training still relies heavily on passive e-learning and compliance-focused approaches. While online modules may meet mandatory requirements, they often do little to improve reflective practice, communication, or real-world decision-making. Care home managers are increasingly recognising the need for more engaging and practical approaches to workforce development. Gamification, game-based learning, and facilitated group activities offer an important opportunity to improve staff learning and engagement. Instead of simply completing quizzes or reading policies, staff work together through realistic scenarios, discussion exercises, and collaborative problem-solving activities. This encourages active participation and helps teams apply learning directly to everyday care situations. Research increasingly supports these methods. Studies examining simulation-based learning in nursing homes have shown improvements in staff confidence, communication skills, leadership, and reflective practice. Dementia care simulations, for example, have helped staff develop more person-centred approaches
and greater confidence in responding to distressed behaviours. These approaches also strengthen teamwork and workplace culture. Much mandatory training is completed individually, often in isolation. Group-based learning encourages discussion, peer learning, and shared reflection, helping teams develop more consistent approaches to care. This aligns closely with the growing emphasis from the Care Quality Commission on learning cultures, staff understanding, and continuous improvement. Importantly, game-based learning is not about replacing professional standards or mandatory training. It is about making learning more meaningful, memorable, and practical. As pressures on the care sector continue to grow, providers need training approaches that build confidence, communication, and real-world capability — not simply certificate completion. To explore practical, evidence-based training tools designed specifically for care teams, see the Focus Games advertisement on the front page of this issue, including a special reader discount offer for physical and digital team-learning resources that support communication, teamwork, decision-making, and improved CQC outcomes. See the advert on the front cover or visit www.FocusGames.com
Don’t Let Cyber Criminals Catch Your Care Team Off Guard
AI is making scams harder to spot A member of staff receives an email that appears to come from a regular supplier. At first glance, everything looks familiar: the logo, the wording and the request to update payment details, reset a password or open a document before the end of the day. A few years ago, staff may have spotted warning signs such as poor spelling, odd formatting or a message that did not sound quite right. Now, AI tools can help criminals create convincing emails, fake documents and messages in seconds, making scams look more professional, personal and relevant to a care setting. A single click could affect care records, staff rotas, payroll, medication information, family communications or confidential resident data. With care homes now using more digital systems — from care records and eMAR to staff platforms, shared devices and video calls — there are more places where information needs to be protected.
TRAINING TURNS AWARENESS INTO ACTION This is not a reason to panic. Care homes do not need to become cyber security experts overnight; often, the most effective protections are simple habits built into everyday routines. Training and regular updates help staff understand how to spot something suspicious, who to tell and what to do next. October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, making it a good moment to refresh knowledge and upskill
your team. Short reminders in handovers, team meetings and supervision can help reinforce everyday habits: pausing before clicking, checking unexpected requests through a trusted contact route, using strong passwords and individual logins, and reporting concerns early.
FREE SUPPORT FOR CARE PROVIDERS Digital Care Hub offers free elearning and an interactive Cyber Game for adult social care staff on data protection and cyber security, with practical examples drawn from care settings. Providers can also share NHS England’s Keep I.T. Confidential campaign materials to keep cyber safety visible throughout October and beyond. Providers looking for practical, judgement-free support can also contact Digital Care Hub about a free Digital Health Check. It can help identify what is working well, spot gaps early and provide clear recommendations to strengthen your approach. And keep an eye out: new training resources are coming soon to help staff learn on the job. Find out more: www.digitalcarehub.co.uk/cyber-security
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Making A Difference Through Partnership, Not Provision The UK adult social care sector is facing a severe workforce development crisis driven by outdated, ‘transactional’ training models, a national sector specialist has warned. Speaking at the Care Management Show in Birmingham, Lesley O’Connor, Head of Strategic Development for Health and Social Care at training provider Realise, said that treating staff development as an administrative, box-ticking exercise is directly damaging staff retention and leaving workers unprepared for increasingly complex care demands. She said: “A lot of training is still transactional: standard programmes, short-term focus, and limited alignment to actual job roles. And despite completely different workforce demands, we’re still seeing exactly the same training delivered across residential care, domiciliary care, mental health services and community-based care.” Lesley revealed that a demographic cliff-edge is compounding the problem, with 50% of adult social care registered managers now aged 50 or older. With 31% to 32% of these leaders projected to retire within the next 10 to 15 years, she issued a stark warning that providers expose themselves to ‘massive succession risks’ unless standard, off-the-shelf training provision is abandoned in favour of deep, co-designed employer partnerships The major flaw in the current system, she pointed out, is the systemic failure to connect educational delivery with actual workplace performance. She said: “Training is still treated as a process, something that is merely delivered and evidenced. But if that training doesn’t change outcomes in the workplace, then it doesn’t add any real value. “Are we really developing the health and social care workforce of the future, or are we merely getting better at delivering training?” While the industry frequently attributes its operational stress to external market pressures, the internal
strategy requires immediate scrutiny. “We all recognise the pressures of hard to fill vacancies and staff retention, with the added factor of increasingly complex care needs,” Lesley added “But what we’re hearing from the employers we work with is that this isn’t just a recruitment crisis, it’s a workforce development crisis.” To break the cycle of high turnover, Realise - which works nationally supporting workforce development across the adult social care sector - advocates for a structural pivot away from generic ‘programme delivery’ towards deep operational collaboration. In practice, this means giving staff a visible, clear future which in turn can transform retention. “Because,” says Lesley, “when care workers see an explicit pathway for career progression, their likelihood of remaining with an employer increases dramatically.” The sector can no longer afford to rely on incremental changes. “If we continue to treat training as provision, we will continue to see the exact same challenges,” said Lesley. “But if we move to true partnership, where providers and employers work together to build workforces rather than just deliver programmes, we have an opportunity to significantly change the future approach to workforce. Not incrementally, but meaningfully.” The Care Management Show, held at the NEC, is the largest event for care management and senior leadership and featured more than 60 sector experts including CEOs, directors and managers across residential care, home care and complex. Realise is a leading national training provider in UK, delivering specialised workforce development, accredited diplomas and apprenticeships across the health and social care sectors. For more information, visit www.realisetraining.com
Westgate Healthcare Qualified to Deliver Specialist Dementia Dining Training Westgate Healthcare has strengthened its dementia care training programme after becoming one of only three UK care providers authorised to deliver Dining Immersive Experiential Training (DIET) in-house. The milestone follows the qualification of Westgate Healthcare’s Group Training Manager, Maria Fagen, as a facilitator for the DIET programme, developed by Training2Care. The training helps care teams better understand the challenges people living with dementia can experience during mealtimes, including changes in perception, sensory processing, coordination and cognition. Using specialist sensory equipment, colleagues are guided through a simulated dining experience to help them experience first-hand how eating and drinking can become confusing, frustrating or overwhelming for residents living with dementia. Westgate Healthcare has now embedded DIET training into its threeday induction programme, alongside the Virtual Dementia Experience, another immersive Training2Care programme completed by Maria earlier
this year. Maria said: “Delivering outstanding dementia care starts with understanding the person behind the diagnosis. By introducing this training into our programme, every colleague begins their journey with greater empathy, confidence and understanding. “I’m incredibly proud that Westgate Healthcare is one of only three organisations able to deliver this training internally, allowing us to continually develop our teams and ultimately improve the lives of our residents.” Maintaining good nutrition and hydration can be one of the greatest challenges for people living with dementia. Westgate Healthcare says the training is designed to help colleagues make meaningful changes to mealtime support, with the aim of improving residents’ nutritional intake, wellbeing and overall quality of care. Tel: 0208 953 7600 Email: info@westgatehc.co.uk Website: www.westgatehealthcare.co.uk
External Compliance Audits – Are They Worth It? Working in social care is demanding. It is one of the most heavily regulated yet underfunded sectors, with providers expected to comply with regulations, meet Quality Statements, follow good practice guidance, respond to local authority monitoring, and operate under constant scrutiny. Regulation itself isn’t the problem — it protects people and improves standards. The challenge is capacity. Larger organisations may have in-house quality assurance teams, but smaller providers rarely have the time or budget to review compliance in depth. Many owners and managers tell us they feel overwhelmed and unsure how well their service is really performing, especially since the introduction of the Single Assessment Framework. For many, confidence in compliance is the number one concern — not because standards are poor, but because there simply isn’t time to step back and take a full, objective view. CAN AN EXTERNAL AUDIT HELP? In short, yes — when it’s done properly. A high-quality external audit provides: • A clear snapshot of current performance • Identification of good practice and priority risks • Practical advice on how to improve
• Evidence to support action plans and improvement journeys • Demonstration of good governance and continuous improvement — a key CQC focus • Reassurance for owners, directors, and managers HOW W&P CAN HELP W&P have supported health and social care providers for nearly 25 years, completing hundreds of audits across a wide range of services. This experience gives us deep insight into what regulators look for — and what genuinely improves outcomes. Our audits are supportive, non-judgmental, and practical. They typically include around six hours on-site, followed by a detailed report that links evidence to regulations and Quality Statements. Reports also include clear guidance, tips, and sources to help you respond confidently. Every audit is tailored to your needs — whether that’s safeguarding, medication management, or overall governance — ensuring it is truly fit for purpose. If you would like to know more, then please contact us on audits@wandptrainng.co.uk or call 01305 767104 for a no-obligation chat on how our audits can help you. See the advert on page 5.
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Advance Care Planning Advance Care Planning is a very simple process. However, the term Advance Care Planning itself can often be misunderstood. Recently, the phrase “What Matters to You?” has become more commonly used and is certainly the way we, at The Gold Standards Framework (GSF), encourage health and social care teams to open conversations about the future wishes and preferences of every individual they care for. Truly getting to the heart of what is most important to people helps us deliver the best care possible. This ensures that when people reach the end of their own journey, their experience reflects what was important to them, and as care professionals, we get to experience what we term to be “a good death”. For us, a good death is a good outcome. Starting the conversation and giving people the time and a safe space to explore what is important to them is the first step. For care staff, engaging in conversations about the future and the prospect of dying may seem a daunting undertaking. However, you may be surprised by the reception you receive. It is important to recognise that some people will not want to discuss the future or openly talk about death, and this must be respected. Advance Care Planning is a voluntary process that we cannot impose upon people. However, we do need to initiate these difficult conversations and document that this has been done. It is then essential that we continue to seek opportunities for engagement so that everyone involved in supporting the individual’s care journey is aware of their wishes and can work towards ensuring their needs, preferences, and priorities are met. As health needs change, people often become more receptive to Advance Care Planning discussions, and care staff should seize any opportunity to encourage individuals to participate in these significant conversations. There are others who will openly engage in the process and freely discuss their funeral plans, including their chosen funeral director, where important documents are kept, whether the funeral has been paid for in
advance, and whether they wish to be buried or cremated. The initial focus is often on care after death. The peace of mind that comes from knowing these arrangements have been made, and that they will not create a personal or financial burden for their family, enables many people to speak candidly about these aspects associated with their death. However, the actual dying phase often gets overlooked, and that is what is most important. In the final weeks, days, and hours of our lives, individuals need to consider what matters most to them. They may have a fear of dying or of being alone at the time of death, and simple reassurance from care staff can help alleviate these fears and concerns. Some people have complex family dynamics and wish to reconnect with relatives they have not spoken to for many years. Others may simply want to be read to from a favourite book, spend time outdoors, listen to treasured pieces of music, or have a beloved pet by their side to provide a sense of peace and comfort. Whatever the wishes of the individual, ensuring that these are documented in an Advance Care Plan helps make certain that their values, preferences, and priorities are understood and respected. This supports personalised, coordinated care and leads to better outcomes for the individual, their loved ones, and those providing their care.
SUPPORTING BETTER ADVANCE CARE PLANNING The Gold Standards Framework (GSF) offers a range of free Advance Care Planning resources to help health and social care providers build confidence in having meaningful conversations, support person-centred care, and improve the recording and sharing of people’s wishes and preferences. Explore the free resources and tools available to support your organisation and the people you care for: www.goldstandardsframework.org.uk/training-accreditation/free-resources-professionals/
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. The fact that I am now involved with this not-for-profit organisation (in the UK area) came about when one of the 2 main UK directors died suddenly just before Covid. But it's something I have run with for 11 years to help make 'vision' a reality, not a struggle. So, being both a customer and helping the admin seems quite natural. It is a modern philosophy of care, but moreover, it's a programme that is straight
forward, tried and tested for 30 years and really works. Its member care organisations generally become trainers for their own teams, and run it themselves. The programme is run in person over 2-3 days or online 1 hr a wk for 7 weeks. You choose. It addresses loneliness, helplessness and boredom and operates through 10 principles to underpin 7 critical domains of wellbeing. Moreover, it's effective, transformational and really works. As residents, and team members wellbeing, matter so much , it's a must, in my opinion. Geoffrey Cox Southernhealthcare.co.uk eden-alternative.co.uk
PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING
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How to Help Your Health and Care Business Grow in 2026
Health and care businesses are critical to support UK communities. They help provide a safe place for some of the most vulnerable people in society. But this safety relies heavily on the cash in the bank, as without this, there would be no way to provide this vital support.
WHAT STEPS SHOULD HEALTH AND CARE BUSINESSES TAKE TO ENSURE THEIR BUSINESS GROWTH? Health and care businesses face constant cash flow pressures, whether it’s staffing requirements, rising costs or complying with regulatory requirements, they all put pressure on the books. But don’t worry, there are practical methods you can manage these risks, while building a stronger, more resilient business. There are 5 key things you should identify and action to build a resilient health and care business: 1. Know where the growth will come from – look at your current operation and assess where investment or improvement will help increase profits 2.Strengthen cash flow before you need it – it’s a well-known fact that growth consumes cash, that’s why it’s important to have access to working capital or speedy funding so you can jump on these growth opportunities 3.Invest in areas that create competitive advantage – There are many ways to invest in a business, but the ones that make you stand out are where you should invest first 4.Build resilience into the business – the strongest businesses aren’t the ones with the highest growth, they’re the ones who can make it through tough economic climates 5.Make sure the funding supports the strategy – having a good strategy is key, but without the funding to support it, it’s useless
HOW CAN HEALTH AND CARE BUSINESSES IDENTIFY THE OPPORTUNITIES? The above information may be insightful to you, but without practical step-by-step advice , it’s hard to
take actionable steps to implement this into your business. That’s where Capify’s Health & Care Growth Blueprint 2026 comes in. It’s full of practical and actionable information and advice for small and medium health and care businesses across the UK. What’s even better is it’s completely free! All you need to do is pop in your email and a copy will be sent straight to your inbox. Download the Growth Blueprint.
HOW CAN HEALTH AND CARE BUSINESSES ACCESS THE FUNDING THEY NEED TO SUPPORT THEIR GROWTH? The most obvious and cost-effective way to access funding is by utilising the working capital you already have, but if you’re struggling with cash flow, this may no longer be possible. The next best thing is looking for a business loan, but who do you choose as the provider? This depends on your personal circumstances; things such as speed, credit score, trading history, and turnover can all affect which provider will be best for you. If you have an immediate need for cash, or your credit score is less than perfect, then the traditional banking route may not be for you. But don’t worry, alternative finance providers such as Capify are here to provide funding at the speed the growth demands. Since 2008, Capify has been supporting health and care businesses across the UK access the funding they need to grow. We understand the day-to-day pressures of running a business and know that a poor credit score does not mean you have a poor business. We are proud to have a human-led underwriting process, and we look at more than just the numbers to give you the funding that is best suited to your business needs. If you would like to see if you could unlock up to £3M in funding, all you need to do is take 30 seconds out of your day to complete Capify’s Eligibility Check at https://tinyurl.com/navpx9mu or see the advert on the back cover.
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