Veteran honoured for his war service
DENNIS Smith, a resident at Astune Rise care home in Eston, Middlesbrough has been appointed to the rank of Chevalier in the Order national de la Légion d’Honneur.
This prestigious award, France’s highest distinction, recognises the 98-year-old’s ‘military engagement and steadfast involvement’ in the Liberation of France during World War II.
Dennis received his insignia at a special ceremony attended by his family. The presentation was made by Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Mrs Jo Ropner and Brigadier General Armel Dirou, Deputy Commander of the 1st (UK) Division Allied Reaction Force Land Component Command.
He said: “It is a great honour to receive this medal. At the time, we just did what we had to do.
“I never expected anything like this, but I am very grateful. It brings back many memories, and I am proud to have played my part.”
Dennis’ journey in the armed forces began at 16 when he joined the Home Guard, despite the official age requirement being 18.
He said: “It was a little fib to get into the forces, and I don’t regret it.”
Dennis joined the Green
Howards in 1944 and was sent to France, where he later became part of the Black Watch Regiment.
His service took him through Belgium and the Netherlands before Germany, where he was based when the war ended.
He later served with the Lincoln Regiment and the Worcester Regiment, where he took part in peacekeeping operations in Italy before completing his military service in Germany.
After leaving the armed forces, Dennis trained as a sheet metal worker, but work in the industry became scarce.
He then found employment as a bus driver with United Buses, where he met Rose, a bus conductor known as a ‘clippy’.
The couple married in 1952 and welcomed their son, Paul, in 1953.
Today, Dennis is a proud grandfather of two and greatgrandfather to four.
Dennis later worked for ICI as a shift inspector for 17 years before finishing his career at Air Products, retiring in 1989.
Caroline Bowstead, home manager at Astune Rise, added: “Dennis is a much-loved resident and we are all incredibly proud of him. His stories of service and resilience inspire us all. It is wonderful to see him receive this recognition.”
Operator’s evolving partnership with IIP drives engagement
HOUSING 21 has strengthened its links with Investors in People – an initiative that is already shaping the organisation’s culture and employee experience.
In a move away from the traditional three-year accreditation model, the operator has transitioned to an annual partnership with IIP, embedding continuous development into its approach.
This new way of working ensures regular feedback, ongoing improvements, and a sharper focus on employee engagement – an approach reflected in its latest employee survey.
With a 91 per cent response rate from more than 4,000 employees (an increase of three percentage points from the previous year), the results show that 83 per cent are satisfied working for the organisation, while 91 per cent align with its values and 90 per cent feel proud and committed to their roles.
Ian Hodson, director of people and culture at Housing 21, said: “We exist to provide the best possible service to our residents, and that starts with engaged and motivated employees.
“The move to an annual IIP partnership allows us to act on feedback in real-time, making improvements that have a meaningful impact.
“This year’s survey saw a three per cent increase in participation – an important step forward, particularly given that not all our employees are digitally connected.
“We exist to provide the best possible service to our residents, and that starts with engaged and motivated employees.”
Our May front cover photograph shows a resident at Belong Wigan with a cockatiel as part of a special ‘mini safari’ meetand-greet afternoon for its customers to engage with animals from all over the world. If you have a portrait shaped image that you think would make the perfect front cover email it to Dominic Musgrave at dm@ scriptmediagroup.co.uk
Ian Hodson
“More voices are being heard, which is the first sign of an engaged workforce.
“This isn’t just about maintaining IIP Platinum status – it’s about embedding a culture of continuous improvement.
“By listening to our employees and working closely with IIP, we’re making Housing 21 an even better place to work, which in turn benefits the people we support.”
One key improvement introduced this year is the launch of employee focus groups, creating space for teams to discuss survey results, provide qualitative feedback, and shape action plans.
Housing 21’s partnership with IIP means these efforts are more structured and impactful.
Gwen Powell, international manager at IIP and Housing 21’s dedicated partner, added: “Traditionally, organisations would complete a three-year accreditation cycle, with a concentrated evaluation period.
“This approach was useful but limited in its ability to drive continuous change.
“By working more closely with Housing 21’s people and culture team, we’ve developed an ongoing framework that provides regular feedback, deeper engagement, and a stronger connection between accreditation and real workplace improvements.”
Lord-Lieutenant Jo Ropner, Paul Smith (Dennis’ son) Dennis Smith and Brigadier General Armel Dirou.
Castle View Retirement Living in Windsor hosted a day of operatic performances in the company of homeowners and special guests including Councillor Simon Bond, Mayor of Windsor, together with those representing local organisations such as Stepping Stones, Royal Ascot Golf Club, Probus, U3A and Windsor Rotary Club.
Residents of Simonsfield Care Home in Liverpool went on a whirlwind adventure to Rome, the Grand Canyon and were taken on a Kenyan safari. Thanks to virtual technology, these unforgettable journeys were brought to the residents without leaving the comfort of the Qualia Care facility.
Home manager Karen Evans said: “We strive to keep our residents interested and active. The virtual reality tour was a big success as the residents enjoyed it. Their adventures provided plenty of excited conversation.”
n Resident Alan Marten is pictured enjoying his VR ‘journey’.
Provider goes greener with solar panels installation
OAKLAND Care has installed 340 solar panels at two of its care homes as part of its ongoing sustainability strategy.
Woodland Grove in Loughton, Essex is the first to benefit from the investment in green technology, with 170 solar panels installed.
Alongside the capacity to generate 65,383KWh per annum and provide a meaningful reduction to the cost of the care home’s electricity bills, the panels also have the potential to save 17 tonnes of CO2 each year –equivalent to driving 85,000 miles in a petrol car.
Another 170 new solar panels will be added to the operator’s Beechwood Grove facility in East Sussex.
The work at both care homes has been undertaken in partnership with Volt Group.
Richard Dooley, director of development at Oakland Care, said: “We’re delighted to announce this investment into the retrofitting of solar panels at two of our care homes.
“It demonstrates a big step forward against our environmental strategy and is further evidence of our industry-leading approach to
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combatting the climate crisis.
“We are always looking at ways to reduce our impact on the environment and pursue a more sustainable way of operating as a care home provider.
“The addition of solar panels presents an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to this through the generation of green energy which will be used in its entirety.
“Alongside this it also presents an opportunity to create meaningful savings in our utility costs at each of the care homes, which can then be redirected into other impactful and purpose-
driven areas of operation.”
Following the completion of the work at both care homes, a period of in-depth analysis will be undertaken to understand the benefits of the installation before embarking on the next phase of work.
This announcement complements a strategy being deployed at Oakland Care’s new developments with the currently constructed Harpenden Springs in Hertfordshire set to see 125 solar installed on purposedesigned slanted roofs once complete, generating the required power for the care home.
Home recreates ‘The Red
Lion’ with its own pub
BURSCOUGH Manor near Ormskirk is bringing a taste of nostalgia and community spirit to its residents by opening its very own pub.
The Sandstone Care Group operated care home, which is built on the site of the former ‘The Red Lion’ pub, demolished in 2018, is paying homage to local history with the project.
“A lot of our residents are local to the area and have fond memories of spending time at The Red Lion,” said home manager Lizzie Brighouse.
“We wanted to create a space that would reignite those moments and foster a sense of togetherness.”
The initiative has received support from residents and their loved ones. Paul Lewis, whose
wife Dot has been a resident since August 2023, is lending his engineering expertise to help bring the project to life.
“Paul approached me with such enthusiasm about the project, and it’s been wonderful to see how much he’s enjoying it,” Lizzie added. “His daughter expressed her gratitude, saying it’s been fantastic for him to stay busy and feel engaged. Dot has also loved watching him at work; it’s bringing back fond memories of their shared past. The joy it’s brought to both of them is what makes this project so special.”
The pub will serve as a communal space for residents to socialise, reminisce and celebrate milestones, continuing the legacy of The Red Lion as a gathering place for good times.
Paul Lewis with his wife Dot in The Red Lion.
Navigating care software migration with confidence
FOR care homes across the UK, care management software is the digital backbone of daily operations—managing everything from resident records and medication to staffing and compliance.
But what happens when your current provider is no longer meeting your needs? Whether you’re seeking a more user-friendly interface, better support, or enhanced features, switching systems can feel like a major undertaking.
One of the biggest concerns? Data migration.
It’s not just about moving files from one place to another. It’s a complex process that involves extracting, transforming, and importing valuable information – safely and accurately – into your new software.
Done well, it sets your team up for success. Done poorly, it can lead to service disruptions, missing data, and compliance risks.
To help ensure a smooth transition, the NHS has introduced a game-changing solution: the Digital Social Care – Data Migration Standard.
Why it matters
Part of the NHS England Digitising Social Care Programme, this standard outlines how care data should be securely and accurately transferred between digital systems.
It’s now a requirement for all NHS Assured suppliers, giving care providers much-needed assurance that their data will be handled with consistency and care.
The standard focuses on more than just transferring files – it ensures the transformation of data into formats that are compatible with the new system.
This includes restructuring care plans and more so that they not only migrate but also
integrate meaningfully into your new platform.
What to ask your new provider
If you’re planning a switch, ask potential software suppliers:
n Do you follow the NHS Digital Social Care –Data Migration Standard?
n How do you handle data transformation and ensure it’s accurately imported into your system?
n What steps do you take to validate and reconcile the data post-migration?
n What kind of support do you provide during the transition?
Reputable providers will not only adhere to the standard – they’ll walk you through every step of the migration process, ensuring your team is confident and prepared.
Why switch to Fusion?
If you’re considering a move, Fusion eCare Solutions makes the decision even easier.
As a trusted NHS Assured supplier, Fusion combines robust functionality with a personal, responsive service—and some unbeatable benefits to help you get started:
n Three months free – introductory offer.
n Free training – full onboarding support for your team.
n Reduced cost – affordable pricing designed for care providers.
n No lengthy contracts – flexibility without long-term tie-ins.
n Personal account manager – one point of contact just for you.
n Excellent customer support – real people, real help, when you need it.
Fusion offers a full suite of digital tools across care planning, staff management, billing, and more – all developed with the needs of care homes in mind. And with secure, standards-compliant data migration, switching is simpler and safer than ever.
Moving forward
Migrating to a new digital care system doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
With the right approach – and the backing of a national standard that ensures security, accuracy, and consistency – care providers can make the switch without sacrificing safety or service quality.
If your current software is holding you back, it may be time to explore what’s next.
With Fusion, you don’t just get a new system – you get a supportive partner in care. Call us on 01133 979 555, email hello@fusioncare.co.uk or visit www.fusioncare.co.uk
Dementia home provides eye-opening placement for trainee nurse Elenya
A TRAINEE nurse who found her vocation when providing emergency first aid during her first career as cabin crew for British Airways has welcomed the ‘broadening of her horizons’ experienced during her training placement in a Wellington dementia nursing home.
Elenya Field, 26, who is currently working at Camelot House and Lodge as part of the second year of her Adult Nursing MSci with the University of Exeter, has assumed the role at the specialist dementia care home under guidance of the home’s clinical lead, Bincy John.
Elenya said: “My placement at Camelot house and Lodge is for a total of five weeks and I think it’s a great place for students to gain insight into caring for older adults with mental health challenges and dementia.
“Before I came here, I hadn’t had much exposure to working with individuals with advanced dementia, so this placement has provided me with great insight into the care needs of the residents and how dementia presents differently on an individual basis.
“I have been incredibly well supported by the friendly and welcoming staff here at Camelot House and feel they value the teaching provided to their students.
“It is no secret that student nurses are under a lot of pressure to achieve their competencies and work full time hours whilst completing assignments and further study in our spare time.
“But my colleagues here have been so understanding of this and given me lots of support.
“The most rewarding part of this placement for me is to spend time talking to the residents and engaging them in activities.
A ‘warm, fun-loving’ great grandmother has celebrated her 100th birthday at the Dorset care home where she has lived for the past three years. Inge Liell welcomed family, friends, fellow residents and team members to her party at Colten Care’s Amberwood House in Ferndown. The home’s café was decorated with flowers and balloons and when Inge entered, she was presented with a sparkly crown and bright pink ‘It’s my 100th birthday’ sash. Home staff and family members worked behind the scenes to research, gather and display a collection of photos from Inge’s long life. It prompted many memories and talking points for guests enjoying a buffet of Inge’s favourite foods, including treats such as mushroom vol-au-vents and quiche, ahead of a heartfelt toast proposed by her daughter Marilyn.
Mary Montagu
home
her 101st birthday in style at Wren House
Birthday wishes came from far and wide, but it was the surprise visit from Mary’s granddaughters – along with her new greatgranddaughter — that truly made her day. Four generations came together to share in the special milestone, creating treasured memories across the family. As a heartfelt gesture, Mary’s grandchildren presented her with a surprise Hamper of Memories, filled with items that evoked personal and cherished recollections of their beloved ‘Granny Mère’.
“It can be very emotional for all involved when caring for people living with dementia, however if I can help to make their day a little better, put a smile on their faces and relieve any discomfort, then I feel that I am fulfilling my purpose as a nurse.
“I also love to take the time to talk to the family members about their loved ones, as I love to hear their stories of how they were before their diagnosis and their life’s achievements.
“From what I have seen of Camelot House so far, I believe that the residents are very well looked after here: the staff truly care for their wellbeing, the atmosphere is calm and pleasant, and everyone is friendly.
“My attraction to nursing started from a young age as I watched my parents save the lives of many people in their careers, with my father being a well-respected firefighter and my mother being an incredible nurse and midwife.”
Elenya, who is due to qualify in the summer of 2027, previously worked as a healthcare assistant at an urgent treatment centre and then went on to work as a senior healthcare assistant at a minor injury and illness walk in centre, both of which she says helped her significantly to develop various clinical and non-clinical skills.
Elenya’s other placements to date have included working on a stroke ward, interventional radiology, forensic mental health and a community rehabilitation ward.
HC-One’s Park House Care Home in Guisborough, Redcar and Cleveland,was filled with warmth and joy as its eldest resident Beryl Ward celebrated her 101st birthday surrounded by her family. After the grand celebrations of her centenary last year, Beryl’s family opted for a more intimate gathering this time, with the support of the Park House team. The occasion was marked with a special family brunch in the memory care floor lounge, where Beryl enjoyed quality time with her daughter Margaret, son-in-law Charley, son Derek and daughter-in-law Michelle. Adding to the joy of the day, Beryl’s grandson also made a visit, bringing along her great-grandchild to share in the celebration.
The North West’s oldest person has celebrated her 111th birthday. Officially the ninth oldest person in the UK and one of a select group of only 206 supercentenarians (age 110 and above) in England, Marjorie Hodnett Aylward, or Aunt Marj as she is affectionately known, proves that age is no barrier to living life to the full and continues to thrive at Formby Manor Care Centre in Formby where she is an active and much loved part of the resident community. Reaching such a milestone was cause for a super celebration, with the team at Formby Manor pulling out all the stops to create a day to remember for Aunt Marj filled with her favourite people and things.
Elenya Field with Bincy John.
Resident
marked
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in Warminster.
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How one care home operator is building a culture of competence
PALVI and Jay Dodhia run multi-award-winning Serene Care and have spent over a decade in the care sector, taking underperforming homes and transforming them into thriving, person-centred environments.
In addition to operating care homes, Palvi and Jay provide operational and M&A advisory services to those entering or expanding within the care sector.
Recently, they’ve been piloting Confident Competence, the UK’s first digital competency platform, as part of their mission to improve standards and sustainability in care.
We sat down with Palvi to learn more about the challenges facing the sector, and why she believes measuring competence is at the heart of successful care delivery.
What kind of care homes do you typically work with?
We specialise in homes that are struggling, whether that’s financially, with occupancy, staffing or compliance.
These are often services with great potential but need significant support to unlock it.
My team and I step in to rebuild leadership, improve quality, and bring consistency to operational processes. It’s not just about improving the environment, it’s about reshaping the culture.
Why is competency such a key part of your approach?
Critically, we prioritise a people-first approach focusing on leadership, staff training, and culture transformation to create a care environment where both residents and employees thrive.
Our ability to balance financial sustainability with social impact ensures that we not only rescue care homes from decline but also establish them as long-term, high-quality providers within their communities.
You can refurbish a home and implement new systems, but if the team doesn’t have the right skills or support, it won’t stick.
Competency is how we know staff are not just trained, but confident and capable in their roles. It’s also a huge part of compliance.
Regulators want to see evidence that staff are competent, and not just on paper. Until now, there hasn’t been a straightforward way to do that.
You’ve been piloting Confident Competence, how has that supported your work?
It’s been a game-changer. We used the app as part of a recent turnaround project, and it allowed us to assess staff in real-time, in their day-to-day environment.
We weren’t just ticking boxes, we were having conversations, building confidence, and seeing skills in action.
From a governance point of view, it gave us a clear, digital audit trail. And from a team perspective, it made assessments feel supportive, not stressful.
What makes Confident Competence different from traditional methods?
It’s practical, not theoretical. The app lives in your pocket literally. It’s mobile-first, so assessments happen on the floor, not in a back office.
There’s a full library of compliant, standardised frameworks, but you can customise them too, which is really helpful in complex care settings.
And crucially, it encourages face-to-face conversation. It’s not just data, it’s dialogue.
What impact has it had on your team and service quality?
We’ve seen improvements in confidence, accountability, and consistency.
New starters get up to speed quicker, and experienced staff feel recognised for what they know.
As a manager, I have better oversight of where support is needed. We’ve also had positive feedback from inspectors, they can see the evidence of competency, live and up-to-date.
It’s helped us shift from reactive to proactive.
What advice would you give to care providers who are struggling right now?
Whatever your challenge, whether it’s to do with recruitment and retention, regulatory compliance, financial pressures, operational efficiency or reputation management, start with your people. Invest in your leadership, build a culture of openness and accountability, and give your team the tools they need to succeed.
Confident Competence isn’t just a compliance tool, it’s a catalyst for change. If you want to turn a home around, start by measuring what matters, competence.
To find out more about Confident Competence or to book a demo visit www.confidentcompetence.co.uk
CARINGDESIGN IN CARE
Operator receives keys to its seventh home
OYSTER Care Homes has received the keys to its newest facility – Collington Park Lodge in Bexhill-on-Sea.
The milestone marks the opening of the group’s seventh care home, with preparations underway to welcome residents in the coming weeks.
Led by general manager Bianca Wilson, the team has begun its induction, laying the groundwork for delivering the person-centred care that defines the operator’s approach.
“This is more than just a care home – it’s a community built with both people and the planet in mind,” said chief operating officer Em Dean.
“We’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved here.”
Developed in partnership with LNT Care Developments, the new, purpose-built home will offer residential, dementia and respite care in an environment that promotes comfort, dignity and wellbeing.
Collington Park Lodge not only provides top-tier care but also pioneers eco-friendly living.
Equipped with solar panels, a battery store capable of holding two days’ energy, and groundsource heating, the home reflects the operator’s long-term commitment to environmental sustainability and achieving netzero carbon emissions.
Choose uplifting designs for an environment that cares
SKOPOS is an ISO9001 accredited company and has more than 50 years’ specialist experience in the design and manufacture of high-performance FR contract fabrics and made-up soft furnishings (curtains, bedding, blinds and cushions) for the care sector.
Beautiful printed collections are available on a wide choice of base cloths, including antimicrobial, impervious, soil and stain-resist upholstery fabrics, linen-look drape fabrics, blackouts and more luxurious velvets.
With the launch of our new STUDIO design library, the vast choice of elegant designs enable the creation of a space which is stylish, cosy and relaxing.
Skopos offers a huge choice of designs in colourways which are intended specifically for care environments.
Each fabric is tested to ensure customer requirements are met and all fabrics are flame retardant as standard.
Luxury care home opens in Bristol
A NEW luxury care home has opened in Bristol thanks to a £6.6 million funding package from HSBC UK.
The funding was used for the construction, landscaping and internal decoration of Arlington Grove – a 64-bed nursing home that will specialise in residential, nursing and dementia care for the Bristol community.
It is located within the historic grounds once owned by the Hiatt Baker family, Ash Desai, director of Barker
Care, said: “The support from HSBC UK has allowed us to open our newest care home, providing much needed support for the elderly community, and their families, in Bristol.
“The funding allowed us to add facilities and details that help us truly stand out in the market and provide a space where residents can socialise and feel at home.”
The opening of the care home has resulted in 80 new jobs for the area, which the business is still recruiting for.
Quality, comfort and style for every space
Our skilled design team can also deliver bespoke options, changing the colour and scale of prints for the design of woven fabrics to help create standout brand solutions.
Alongside the choice of prints, Skopos also specialise in woven impervious upholstery fabrics, under the Skopos Protect+ banner.
With a highly-skilled production and installation team, projects can be as simple as fabric supply, or the team can manage every stage from design, measure, product make-up and installation.
Skopos is proud to have been recognised as a Carbon Neutral organisation, striving to create a sustainable future for contract textiles and bringing style without compromise.
For further information and to see the colour range visit the website skoposfabrics.com or email sales@ skopos.co.uk or call 01924 436666.
WITH over 50 years of expertise, Barons Contract Furniture is a leading provider of high-quality, durable, and stylish furniture, specialising in the senior living, care and challenging behaviour sectors.
Designed with comfort, safety, and functionality in mind, our furniture enhances living and care environments while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic.
At Barons, we go beyond furniture – we also offer a stunning range of accessories, soft furnishings, from curtains to cushions, helping to create a complete and cohesive interior.
Our express delivery service ensures that selected ranges are available quickly, providing fast, hassle-free solutions when time is of the essence.
With British craftsmanship at our core, we pride ourselves on using premium materials and expert design to create long-lasting, practical furniture.
Our in-house design, manufacturing, and delivery service guarantee a seamless experience from concept to completion.
Plus, our commitment to sustainability ensures responsible sourcing and ecoconscious production.
To help our customers make the best choices, we offer a free display van service, allowing you and your residents to see and feel our furniture before deciding.
Alternatively, visit our showroom in Leyland, where you can explore our extensive range and receive expert guidance from our friendly team.
For contract furniture that balances durability, style, and tailored solutions, Barons Contract Furniture is the name to trust.
If you want to find out more, contact our Sales team on sales@baronsfurniture.co.uk or call us on 01253 741 940.
Cedar Care Group CEO Ash Desai and COO Minal Desai at the opening.
Operator is named Emerging Franchise of The Year
WALFINCH has been named as the Worldpay Emerging Franchise of the Year in the HSBC Elite Franchise TOP 100 UK Awards.
The award follows the announcement in December that the homecare operator had risen eight places to reach number 50 in the Elite Franchise Top 100, from among hundreds of UK franchise organisations.
Amrit Dhaliwal, founder and CEO of Walfinch, said: “This is a celebration of the hard work and dedication of our care teams and franchisees who work so hard to change people’s lives and redefine home care.”
Last Autumn Walfinch launched its Time to Thrive initiative, to bring greater activity and mobility to all of its care clients – and extend it into the local communities covered by its 30 (and growing) number of offices.
All of the provider’s clients receiving an hour or more of care are offered at least 10 minutes of activity at each visit, and franchisees are now running local Thrive Clubs, offering free of charge activities such as chair yoga, arts and crafts and tailored physical exercise – plus chances to socialise.
Amrit added: “Activity improves physical and mental health, and it can help people meet personal goals, such as going to a family wedding, a trip to the shops, or doing a bit more gardening.
“Carers usually join in, which brings them greater job satisfaction as they see improvements in clients’ wellbeing.”
The clubs also mean local people know
Walfinch’s services, and the names of its carers, which takes the worry out of finding care support.
Walfinch also aims to change the image of the care sector. Amrit’s recently-launched book Time to Thrive: The Home Care Revolution, highlights the huge opportunities available, sets out 12 practical ways to solve its challenges and explains how to get into home care with a franchise.
Walfinch also offers franchisees one-to-one coaching to reach business and personal goals, ongoing training and support, and workshops focussing on recruitment and business development, plus compliance coaching, and staff mentoring.
Amrit added: “As a result of these practical strategies, our franchisee satisfaction benchmark shows that 96 per cent of our franchisees go the extra mile for their customers and 96 per cent see expansion possibilities, while 83 per cent of our franchisees believe their products and services are better than those of the competition.
“The turnover for our whole network increased by 34 per cent between 2023 and 2024 and in the first two months of 2025 turnover figures are up by more than 20 per cent. Walfinch has big plans for expansion –and awards such as the Emerging Franchisee of the Year help power our ambitions.”
Provider to reach more people after office move
A SOLIHULL care provider is hoping its progressive attitudes towards staff pay and a recent move to bigger offices, allowing them to train carers on site, will be a catalyst for growth.
Care Affair Solihull has recently moved into Blythe Valley Innovation Centre – owned by Solihull Council and managed by the University of Warwick Science Park – in a bid to help recruit more carers.
Julie Rowlands, owner and director of Care Affair Solihull, said the move will be an important step in helping the business add to its 22 members of staff and provide its services to more people across the borough.
She added: “We’ve always ensured our staff are paid significantly above minimum wage, and that their travel time is taken into account when calculating hours worked, which is not something all care providers do.
“But one of the biggest differences between us and other providers is that we pay a higher rate for caring time compared to travel time.
“This incentivises our staff to ensure the care they give to clients is of the highest quality
before leaving their home.
“These reasons have meant staff retention levels are high and the quality of the care they
give is better as a result.
“However, we’re at a stage now where we want to market ourselves more effectively and grow our business across Solihull.
“That’s where the move to Blythe Valley Innovation Centre has come in.”
The company, which currently provides care for 34 clients in their homes across the Solihull borough, now benefits from a dedicated training area next to its office, thanks to the Innovation Centre.
This new space offers a more structured and spacious environment for in-person training.
“Having a more attractive working environment for our staff, with better transport links and parking, as well as the ability to give our staff new training on-site, will help us to hire new carers and retain them,” Julie added.
“It also gives us great opportunities to collaborate with fellow tenants here, as well as nearby healthcare providers.
“We’re confident the move will help us hire new carers and keep them, and we’re excited to see what the future holds.”
From left: Julie Rowlands (owner and director of Care Affair Solihull), Jodie Toller (Blythe Valley Innovation Centre), Councillor Ian Courts (leader of Solihull Council) and Sue Jeavons (Care Affair Solihull).
Jobs are saved as care home sold out of administration
BLAIR Milne, Robert Young and James Fennessey, insolvency practitioners with accountancy firm Azets, have secured the sale of Bankhouse Care Home in Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire to Glasgow-based operator Bellerose Care Limited.
The deal, which is for an undisclosed sum, secures the ongoing care of 40 residents and preserves the jobs of 58 staff, all of whom transferred to the new owner upon completion of the sale.
Blair Milne, joint administrator and partner with Azets, added: “The joint administrators are delighted to have secured a going concern sale of Bankhouse Care Home, preserving the employment of all 58 staff and ensuring the continued care of all residents at Bankhouse.
“We wish the new owners and all staff every success for the future of Bankhouse Care Home.
“We remain focused on securing a going concern sale of the
remaining assets as early as possible.”
Bankhouse Care Home is a 49-bed nursing care home and was one of two in Lanarkshire operated by MHA Auchlochan, a company which has been trading under the control of administrators since May 2023.
The operator’s other assets
include Auchlochan Garden Village, a residential retirement complex near Lesmahagow which extends to 50 acres of grounds and includes 235 flats and bungalows and extensive facilities including a lake, woodland community centre and activities rooms.
The provider also operates
Lower Johnshill care home, which sits within the grounds of the garden village.
Sam McDonald, director of Bellrose Care said: “We are thrilled to have acquired Bankhouse Care Home and look forward to working alongside the dedicated team of 58 staff members to maintain and enhance the high standard of care our residents deserve.
“Bankhouse Care Home will now undergo improvements across all areas of the business under Bellerose Care.
“Bellerose Care, linked to Avonhaugh Care Home in Stonehouse, which is managed via Shandon Loch Limited, will invest to develop the potential of Bankhouse Care Home.
“We have ambitious plans to develop and grow Bankhouse Care Home so that it can continue to serve as a local asset in the Lesmahagow community for years to come.”
Investment in Uckfield care home expansion
SILVERLAKE Care is expanding its Coniston Court care home in Uckfield, East Sussex.
Drake Lodge, which will operate as an annexe to Coniston Court, forms part of a broader investment programme aimed at enhancing facilities and care provision at the home. This follows the successful opening of the Mallard unit in 2024.
Tony Stein, chief executive of Healthcare Management Solutions, which manages Silverlake Care, said: “This latest development at Coniston Court reinforces our dedication to continually improving the living environment and quality of care for our residents.
“Drake Lodge not only provides a modern and comfortable home for those who need support in later life, but also offers meaningful
employment opportunities for people who want to make a real difference in their community. We are proud to be investing in both people and place.”
Drake Lodge, which will open over the next few months, will introduce a modern 10-bedded residential wing, purpose-built to deliver care for older people in a homely, comfortable and supportive environment.
In addition to improving local care options, the expansion brings significant economic benefits, including the creation of 15 new jobs.
Designed with residents’ comfort and well-being as a priority, the new wing features en-suite wet rooms, wide corridors for easy accessibility, and a luxurious spa bath.
New bedrooms available to reserve
FIFTEEN new en-suite bedrooms are now available to reserve at Hartford Care’s Tegfield House care home in Winchester.
The new bedrooms will be located in a newly-built extension and will be available to move into in the near future.
Home manager Sarah Robertson said: “Our home is more than just a care home; it’s a family where we celebrate each individual – residents and team members – for their uniqueness, and everyone is treated with respect. Joy and laughter is at the heart of our ‘home from home’, and our residents feel valued, happy and well cared for.
“I’m very excited for our next chapter at Tegfield House with the additional 15 bedrooms and we very much look forward to welcoming our new residents.” Rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, Tegfield House currently has 24 bedrooms
and offers residential care, dementia care, respite breaks, day care and end-of-life care within its characterful home, nestled within its own landscaped gardens.
The new rooms will offer neutral, modern interiors and act as a perfect canvas to be personalised as residents wish, with their own furniture from home, family photographs or paintings.
All will have en suite wet rooms. Alongside the new rooms will be a new dining room and courtyard.
To celebrate the launch of the new rooms, Hartford Care is running a limited offer of up to £250 off per week for the first 24 weeks when moving in as a new permanent resident.
Hartford Care’s Tegfield House care home in Winchester.
Coniston Court care home in Uckfield, East Sussex.
Bankhouse Care Home in Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire
The Outstanding Society and OSDF: driving change in care
By Sanjay Dhrona
THE adult social care sector in the UK stands at a crucial turning point, facing a range of complex challenges that require urgent attention and collective action.
Recent government initiatives, such as the establishment of an independent commission led by Baroness Casey, aim to create a new national care service.
While this signals a commitment to reform, the proposed timeline has been criticised for lacking urgency, reinforcing the need for swift and decisive measures to support both care recipients and those working in the sector.
Amidst these challenges, The Outstanding Society continues to lead the way in championing excellence and inclusivity in adult social care.
The OS is FREE to join and was created to share best practice and raise standards across the sector, supporting providers in delivering outstanding care.
A key initiative under the OS umbrella is The Outstanding Diversity Forum, the first crosssector national diversity forum in adult social care.
OSDF is dedicated to improving inclusion for diverse and under-represented talent, as well as those that we support within the sector.
By providing a platform for best practice around diversity, equity, and inclusion, the OSDF
aims to foster knowledgesharing and drive meaningful change throughout ASC.
We are hoping to share our work from last year’s incredible round-table, held at the Birmingham Care Show, in the upcoming months. Exciting times.
Building on the momentum from our participation in London Pride in June 2024— where OSDF made its debut, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community’s contributions to adult social care—we are thrilled to announce that we will be marching at Manchester Pride this year.
This marks a significant step forward in our mission, ensuring representation and advocacy for inclusivity across the whole country, moving beyond a London-centric focus.
We invite everyone working in and utilising adult social care to get involved—register your interest to march alongside us at Manchester Pride, demonstrating our collective commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Early registration to join our Manchester Pride march was being launched on the OS Learning Lounge, Care
Show London. If you haven’t managed to sign up yet you can also express your interest by emailing info@ theoutstandingsociety.co.uk
Through initiatives like OSDF and our active participation in events such as Manchester Pride, we can tackle the challenges facing adult social care by prioritising the wellbeing of those we support and those who work in the sector.
While the world around us is changing at pace, and sometimes outside of our control, we can create meaningful impact within the sector. Join us in shaping the future of adult social care, championing inclusivity, and setting a new standard of excellence for all, while having a damn fine time too.
n Sanjay Dhrona is a director of the Outstanding Society.
The OS is a Community Interest Company, free to all providers irrelevant of their rating. It is a platform to share and celebrate best practice, help others to improve and promote careers in social care.
Please contact Sonia – info@ theoutstandingsociety.co.uk for more information or follow the links below:
Sanjay Dhrona
