Company revolutionises care sector with affordability and innovation
THE care industry stands at a critical juncture.
Facing relentless pressure from soaring energy costs, staffing challenges, and ever-increasing demands for high-quality residential engagement, providers are desperately seeking ways to do more with less. Against this challenging backdrop, a game-changer has arrived.
Touchscreen Company has launched its innovative range of interactive touch screen products specifically into the care market, bringing not just technology, but transformative affordability and unique features.
A lifeline of affordability when it’s needed most
What truly sets Touchscreen Company apart is its staggering price advantage at £2,495 plus VAT
Their interactive touch solutions are priced a remarkable 60-to-75 per cent lower than comparable products from other providers. In concrete terms, this translates to savings of £4,000 to £5,000 per unit for care homes making a purchase.
At a time when every penny counts, especially with crippling energy bills devouring budgets, this level of saving isn’t just significant –it’s potentially revolutionary.
Touchscreen Company will save the care industry tens of thousands of pounds in purchasing costs for their interactive technology and for large organisations even more. Directly freeing up vital funds that can be redirected towards
frontline care, staff retention and initiatives, essential building maintenance, or simply weathering the storm of high operational costs.
Touchscreen Company isn’t just selling screens; they are actively fulfilling a mission to alleviate the immense financial burden on the care sector through accessible technology.
Affordable Price – superior design, unmatched warranty
The value proposition extends far beyond cost.
Touchscreen Company understands the practical realities of care environments:
1. Lighter and more manageable
Their products are between 40 per cent and 50 per cent lighter than competitor offerings.
This dramatically eases installation, repositioning,
and handling for staff, reducing physical strain and increasing flexibility in how the technology is deployed within communal areas or individual rooms.
2. Peace of mind guaranteed Demonstrating confidence in their quality and durability, Touchscreen Company backs every product with a comprehensive five-year warranty.
This provides crucial longterm security and reduces the worry of unexpected repair costs.
3. The immersive edge – curved screens
In a genuine industry first for care homes, Touchscreen Company offers curved interactive screens.
This isn’t just an aesthetic choice; the curvature creates a significantly more immersive and engaging experience for residents in both portrait and landscape modes
Whether used for reminiscence therapy, interactive games, virtual tours, or video calls with family, the curved screen draws users in, enhancing focus and enjoyment – a vital factor for cognitive stimulation and well-being.
Unprecedented flexibility –accessible to all
Recognising that upfront capital expenditure can be a barrier, Touchscreen Company offers unparalleled flexibility.
Every single product in their care range is also available for rental at £99 per month.
This low-cost entry point removes a major hurdle, allowing even smaller care providers or those with a limited cash flow to immediately benefit from this cutting-edge technology without a large initial outlay.
A bright spot in challenging times
The entry of Touchscreen Company into the care market is more than just a new product launch; it’s a beacon of practical support.
By delivering best-in-class interactive technology at a fraction of the usual cost, offering unique features like the immersive curved screen, ensuring long-term reliability with a five-year warranty, and providing ultra-flexible rental options, they are empowering care providers to enhance their residents experiences without crippling their finances.
At this crucial moment of high energy costs and intense budgetary constraints Touchscreen Company is providing a tangible solution. Their commitment to saving the care industry hundreds of thousands on essential technology is not just a mission statement; it’s a reality now within reach.
For care homes looking to innovate, engage residents meaningfully, and safeguard their financial stability, Touchscreen Company represents a vital and timely opportunity.
Now is the time for the sector to embrace this new standard in affordable, highquality interactive technology. For further information email enquiries@touchscreencompany. com or call 07715 327016.
Marathon man takes on new challenge for double birthday
A 91-year-old athlete who has run the London Marathon twice took on a new challenge to celebrate two major milestones at the care home where he now lives.
John Carson, a former member of the Eryri Harriers running club, volunteered to do a couple of laps around Pendine Park’s Bryn Seiont Newydd care home in Caernarfon.
He was among a team of residents and staff who walked around the landscaped grounds 40 times to mark Pendine’s 40th anniversary and Bryn Seiont Newydd’s 10th birthday.
Each circuit was a quarter of a mile in length so 40 laps when added together meant they would complete a total tally of 10 miles.
For his first lap John was joined by another Eryri Harriers veteran, Emyr Gibson, a leading Welsh actor and singer who works as the creative practitioner at the care home.
Emyr gained fame playing Meical for more than 18 years in the hit S4C Welsh language series Rownd a Rownd. He is also an accomplished tenor.
At Bryn Seiont Newydd he works
closely with the home’s musician-inresidence Nia Davies Williams and other enrichment staff to provide a varied and therapeutic programme of arts, crafts and music activities for residents living with dementia. Emyr, who loves his work at the home, was delighted to find common ground when he and
resident John chatted about their love of running.
It quickly emerged that they were both long-standing members of Eryri Harriers.
Originally from Matlock in Derbyshire, John first came to North Wales when he got a job at Trawsfynydd power station.
He quickly settled and fell in love with the panoramic scenery.
He added: “I grew up running in Derbyshire. When I was at school there was no such thing as school dinners so I had to run home every day for my lunch.
“We lived at the top of a very steep hill, so when it came to running mountains I found I was already well trained.”
John carried on running well into his 70s when he won several awards for notching up the best times in the veterans class.
He said he hugely enjoyed taking part in the Bryn Seiont Newydd walk: “It’s always good to get some exercise – it’s great therapy for the mind and the body.
“Doing this makes me feel like I’m 21 again.”
At Script Media, we try to get things right but occasionally, we make mistakes. If you have a complaint about a story featured in our magazine or on our website, please, in the first instance, contact us by email: dm@scriptmediagroup.co.uk We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice as demanded by the Independent Press Standards Organisation. For details on the code and what to do should you be unsatisfied with the way we handle your complaint, please visit www.ipso.co.uk
www.caringuk.co.uk
Advertising Healthcare Product Manager: Bev Green Tel: 01226 734288 bg@scriptmediagroup.co.uk
Editorial Operations Director: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmediagroup.co.uk
Studio Manager: Paul Hopkinson Tel: 01226 734711 ph@scriptmediagroup.co.uk
Assistant Studio Manager: Scott Firth Tel: 01226 734414 sf@scriptmediagroup.co.uk
Publishers Script Media 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS. info@caring-uk.co.uk
Database enquiries to: 01226 734473 returns@scriptmediagroup. co.uk
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all content, the publishers do not accept liability for error, printed or otherwise, that may occur.
Follow us on Twitter @caringuk
Creative practitioner Emyr Gibson walks with resident John Carson.
Marathon efforts raise more than £64k for charity
STAFF from Barchester Healthcare’s care homes and hospitals put themselves through the Tour de Barchester, a gruelling 242-mile cycling challenge, all in the name of charity.
Their aim was to raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation which supports older people and other adults living with a disability or a mental health condition by helping them to connect or re-connect with others in their local communities.
Set up in 2000, this year marks the Foundation’s 25th year supporting individuals, community groups and small charities all across the country.
Shona Conway, Tour de Barchester organiser and core team cyclist, said: “Last year the Tour de Barchester and Get Barchester Moving Week collectively raised more than £54,000, which was amazing, but we were determined to go one better.
“I am delighted to say that so far this year with the help of all our homes supporting us we have raised a staggering £64,000, which is just wonderful and money is still coming in.
“I am so proud and so grateful to all the homes and colleagues
Our September front cover photograph shows Hastings Residential Care Home resident and former café worker Gloria Allen scaling the heights of the Malvern Hills in a Land Rover offroad experience courtesy of Malvern Rotary Club and the Malvern Hills Access Partnership. If you have an image that you think would make the perfect front cover email it to dm@ scriptmediagroup.co.uk
Operator launches new mental health support service
CONNAUGHT Care Collection is offering free mental health and wellbeing support to both residents and their families.
This confidential service provides users with emotional support, bereavement guidance, nutrition and lifestyle advice, and even financial wellbeing tools whenever they need them.
Called ‘Connaught Connect’, the initiative gives participants access to a specially designed app loaded with health videos, webinars, guided workouts, virtual physiotherapy sessions and more.
Participants can also call a dedicated 24/7 helpline at any time to access these resources, or to book up to six solo counselling sessions with a qualified mental health professional.
that welcomed us en route and helped us fundraise.”
Over four days a team of care home workers, suppliers and directors cycled across Barchester’s North West and Midlands Division from Dumfries to Cheshire, calling at 17 care homes to meet well-wishers, have a well-earned break and refuel before continuing on their way. They were joined and supported by suppliers, sponsors, staff members and residents from different homes and teams as the Tour passed through.
Representatives from local groups and charities that had recently received funding from the Foundation were also invited to join in the celebrations.
For the second year running the Tour de Barchester coincided with a wider initiative for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, a week of fundraising activity called Get Barchester Moving where all of the operator’s 267 homes and hospitals plus support offices logged their ‘move minutes’ and got stuck into all kinds of different fundraising activities to show their support.
Barchester colleagues logged a total of 419,829 move minutes or 292 days in one week alone.
The scheme was designed in partnership with Health Assured, the UK’s largest provider of Employee Assistance Programmes. Its aim was to extend the standard suite of services available to staff to residents and their families as well.
Ultimately, the team wanted to ensure everyone at a Connaught home has the support and resources they need to truly thrive.
Andrew Winstanley, CEO of Connaught Care, said: “We are very proud to be launching ‘Connaught Connect’; which we hope will revolutionise health and wellbeing support across the care home sector.
“In partnership with Health Assured, we’ve reimagined traditional employee benefits programmes to make an accessible version for both residents and their loved ones.
“We believe this is a sector first – a truly inclusive wellbeing service designed to meet a wide range of needs and priorities.
“We can’t wait to see the results.”
The idea for Connaught Connect came from a conversation between Laurence Feather, the operator’s head of people, and a relative of one of the residents.
They were impressed by how the homes support the mental, physical, and financial wellbeing of staff, but wanted to know if similar options were available for residents and families.
Laurence thought this was an excellent idea, and so got to work with Health Assured to create an easy and accessible holistic wellbeing service.
Beyond round-the-clock telephone and app-based support, Connaught Connect also includes a suite of features designed to simplify access and improve user experience.
This includes:
n ‘Bright TV’ – a stream of uplifting and informative videos to support health and wellbeing.
n Guided Wellbeing Programmes – four-week plans to improve physical and mental health.
n Live chat options with trained mental health professionals.
n A booking page for digital GP Appointments (seven days a week).
n Regular health checks via selfassessments and screenings to monitor key indicators (i.e. BMI, blood pressure, mental wellness).
n A dedicated Family Mental HealthLine with specialist advice for parents and carers navigating complex emotional challenges.
n A comprehensive digital library with over 1,500 health and fitness classes, medical factsheets, health and wellness articles and more.
Laurence added: “It’s really heartening to see this project finally come to life.
“We’ve always viewed wellbeing as a whole-person experience –encompassing not just physical health, but also emotional, social and financial wellbeing.
“We know that when a loved one is going through something, it affects the whole family.
“That’s why we’ve chosen to extend our support to families as well; recognising them as an integral part of the care journey.
“This is another small but important step in ensuring that everyone in our community feels seen, supported, and valued.”
The scheme has already received positive feedback from both residents and relatives.
Andrew Winstanley, CEO of Connaught Care.
Championing LGBTQ+ inclusion in home care – a personal reflection
By Caroline Cosh
AS A homecare provider, I take our values seriously – inclusivity being one of the most important.
While I’m proud to support a diverse workforce aged 16 and up, there’s more we can do for the LGBTQ+ community.
There are more than one million older LGBTQ+ people in England and Wales. This isn’t a niche issue – it affects many. Yet, in health and social care, care planning often overlooks identity and relationships. That must change.
Language and person-centred care
Language is a major challenge. It evolves quickly, and as providers, we’re often focused on compliance, quality, and safety.
But simply asking someone how they wish to be addressed avoids assumptions and ensures truly person-centred care. What suits one may not suit another – so empathy and flexibility are key.
Taking pride in progress
This year I’m proud to support Manchester Pride alongside a service user.
We may be a small group, but it’s a meaningful step – wearing our T-shirts with pride and celebrating the uniqueness of everyone, LGBTQ+ or not.
Training and tools for change
The Skills for Care Relationships and Sexuality training is a valuable resource, but no single approach fits all in such a diverse field.
We need space for staff, service users, and families to reflect – and we must accept we won’t always get it right, especially with language. What matters is our willingness to listen, learn, and grow.
A promising research initiative
I’m excited to join a new research project led by Dr Jolie Keemink (University of Kent) and Prof Paul Willis (Cardiff University), studying LGBTQ+ inclusion in home care for older people in England and Wales, funded by NIHR and supported by Social Care Wales, Skills for Care, and the UK Homecare Association.
Running for two years from June 2025, the study explores how well home care workers are prepared to support older LGBTQ+ people—an area previous studies have shown many lack confidence and skills.
The research includes:
n A literature review.
n An online questionnaire.
n Interviews with care workers and LGBTQ+ service users.
n Letters from older people sharing their experiences.
Findings will help produce workforce guidance and resources for older LGBTQ+ individuals.
I’ll be promoting this project widely so other providers and teams can have their voices heard.
Final thoughts
Inclusivity isn’t a checkbox – it’s a journey. By listening, learning, and celebrating diversity, we can build care where everyone feels seen, respected, and valued. Let’s keep moving forward – together.
For further details of the Out Standing Diversity Forum; the first ever cross-sector diversity forum to support the adult social care sector please visit the OSDF webpage.
For further details of the LEAP study –LGBTQ+ Inclusive Home Provision for older people visit research.kent.ac.uk/leap-study/ n Caroline Cosh is a director of the Outstanding Society and Nominated Individual and Registered Manager for Clifton Homecare Limited.
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:
Caroline Cosh
In his latest in a series of regular columns, care provider Mike Padgham, who is chair of the Independent Care Group, gives us his personal take on the big issues facing social care.
Storm clouds gather over social care
THE SUN may be shining as I write this, but for social care the skies are anything but clear.
The latest ADASS Spring 2025 report tells a familiar story: a chasm between government rhetoric and the lived reality for providers, staff, and the people who draw on care.
Ministers talk of reform, sustainability and transformation – but on the ground, providers are still grappling with underfunding, workforce shortages, and constant uncertainty.
Take overseas recruitment. Without international staff, many services would not survive. Yet the sector is stuck in a cycle of political mixed messaging, shifting visa requirements, and negative rhetoric.
This is not a side issue – it is the lifeblood of our workforce. Without it, services collapse, families are left unsupported, and communities suffer.
And then there is the looming fair pay agreement. At last, there is recognition that our
Mike Padgham
workforce deserves proper reward – recognition we have long campaigned for.
But let’s be clear: unless government funds it, this agreement risks being another false dawn.
Providers cannot conjure up higher wages without the resources to pay them.
To promise fair pay without fair funding is to push providers closer to the brink.
Meanwhile, the government repeats its pledge to “move resources into the community”
and create a seamless system with the NHS.
A worthy ambition – but where is the delivery? Where is the investment? Where is the urgency? The lived experience remains one of stretched services, burnt-out staff, and families struggling to access the care they need.
That is why the Labour Party conference this autumn will matter. Providers Unite are organising a demonstration there to send a clear signal: social care cannot be ignored.
But this is about more than lobbying politicians. We must take our campaign to the public.
Only when the country sees that social care is its issue – that it affects every family, every community, every generation – will politicians sit up and act.
Governments only change direction when they see the weight of votes lined up behind an issue.
And here is the message we must hammer home, especially to the Treasury: social care is not just a cost – it is an
economic contributor.
A properly funded system would not only deliver better quality of life and dignity for those who need care, but also drive growth, create jobs, support families to stay in work, and reduce pressure on the NHS.
It is an investment in the country’s future prosperity as much as it is in people’s wellbeing.
The Chancellor must start to recognise that funding social care adequately is a winwin for both society and the economy.
The sun may be shining today, but storm clouds are gathering over our sector. The warning signs are everywhere. Unless urgent action is taken, we risk a collapse that will touch every family in Britain.
The real question is whether government will finally listen – and whether providers, families, and the public together can make them.
Because if we stand shoulder to shoulder, then and only then, will there be hope of real and lasting reform.
Reimagining the future of competency assessments
REGULATORS are asking providers to prove competency during inspections.
With budgets stretched and staff shortages ongoing, meeting this demand is challenging.
Confident Competence, the world’s first competency measurement platform, provides a simple, cost-effective solution.
Created by Paul Blane, care home owner and CEO of Care
Business Associate Training, the mobile app helps care providers evidence competency in real time, without adding to workloads.
He said: “Providers are being asked where their competency records are kept and how they’re used.
“We wanted to make it simple to evidence this while supporting care teams day-to-day.”
The Health and Social Care Act requires providers to ensure staff are suitably qualified, competent, skilled and experienced.
With regulators across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland increasing scrutiny, a clear system is now essential.
Confident Competence provides standardised, customisable frameworks, enabling assessments to be carried out during daily work.
The app supports open, supportive conversations around competence between managers, staff and people accessing services.
By identifying training gaps and balancing skills across teams, it
improves efficiency, strengthens compliance, and builds a culture of confidence in care.
Paul added: “As a care provider myself, I saw how complex measuring competence could be.
“Confident Competence is designed to make it easier, more authentic, and much more effective.”
See Confident Competence in action on stand O45 at the
Birmingham Care Show on October 8 and 9 where Paul will also be speaking on the future of competency.
Call 01772 816922, email support@ confidentcompetence.co.uk or visit www.confidentcompetence.co.uk
Advertiser’s announcement
Paul Blane
The importance of gardening in care homes – and beyond
By Lisa Harding
YOU can enjoy the emotional and physical benefits of gardening at any age, anywhere, and it’s particularly important for the residents in our care homes.
For many, gardening has long been a meaningful part of their lives, offering a sense of purpose, promoting well-being, and helping them stay active.
Some residents bring decades of gardening experience and relish in sharing tips and tricks with us and their neighbours.
Others are completely new to it but have really enjoyed being hands-on with planting and pruning for the first time.
It’s wonderful to see the happiness it brings our residents, and the pride they take in their garden spaces and the things they grow.
Being part of that experience is truly special, and I find real fulfilment in helping everyone in our community make the most of their outdoor environments.
We’ve recently been working on our Ground to Plate initiative, which celebrates sustainable living through homegrown
produce. It’s been amazing to see each care home growing a selection of fruit and vegetables which have been chosen and cared for by the residents, to later be used in the home’s kitchens.
To coincide with this, we’ve also had professional chef, Theo Michaels, visit several of our care homes to perform live cooking demonstrations using the produce grown by the residents he’s visiting.
Summer brings plenty of opportunities to get stuck into the garden, with sunshine and rain helping everything come to life. From tending to flower beds to
pruning, feeding and watering, there’s always something to keep green fingers busy, and many find great satisfaction in the daily rhythm of caring for a garden. However, gardening isn’t just about keeping things tidy, even the smallest tasks can be incredibly rewarding as they offer a great way to boost our mental and physical wellbeing.
Why is gardening good for our physical health?
Gardening is a great exercise for the full body. It builds strength in key muscles such as your quadriceps and your hamstrings, and enhances flexibility –stretching out your back, hips and shoulders. Gardening for even 10 minutes can be a full body work out.
Simple gardening tasks such as weeding and cutting the grass have you pushing, pulling and carrying – all of which add to your strength and your mobility.
It also gets you walking around, adding to your step count, which is great for your heart health.
Since it’s not exercise in the traditional sense, many people prefer it as it doesn’t feel like a
workout, and it can be as gentle or as challenging as you’d like.
You can see the fruits of your labour (sometimes literally), and this helps to keep people motivated. Keeping fit is almost a biproduct of tending to the garden.
Why is gardening good for our mental health?
There are many reasons gardening is so good for our minds. For example, sunshine reduces blood pressure and increases our vitamin D levels, which lifts our mood, and the physical exercise provides mind boosting endorphins as well.
The presence of plants and a natural landscape reduces our stress levels and improves our emotional outlook.
Gardening can also be a great social activity, which is something that works wonders for our mental wellbeing.
This aspect really benefits older people, keeping them fit, healthy and connected with their community.
n Lisa Harding is Danforth Care’s regional manager for three care homes in Yorkshire.
Garden open day raises money for nursing and health charities
GARDEN-lovers from across the north east helped to raise funds for healthcare charities when they visited this year’s National Garden Scheme open day at Middleton Hall Retirement Village.
The event gave horticultural enthusiasts a rare chance to explore the award-winning 45-acre grounds at the retirement community in Middleton St George, near Darlington.
Estates manager Bryan Moore: “It was a real pleasure to welcome visitors and share our estate with them in support of such an important cause.
“We’re very proud of the gardens and green spaces we’ve created, and the team worked tirelessly to make sure everything was looking its best for the day.”
This is the sixth year that Middleton Hall Retirement Village has hosted the open day, which is part of the nationwide National Garden Scheme initiative encouraging gardens to open in support of vital charitable healthcare causes.
Visitors enjoyed the opportunity to explore the wide variety of the green spaces, from the chicken coop and kitchen garden that supplies the home-grown
produce to the village’s kitchen team, to the resident-produced artworks in the ceramic garden and the Estates team’s abundant greenhouse.
There was also the opportunity to admire the green-fingered talents of the retirement village’s residents in the allotments as well as explore the delicate planting in the Japanese garden and wander
Stunning pink Cadillac pulls into Gateshead care home
CRAIGIELEA care home in Low Fell, Gateshead was transported back to the swinging 60s with smiles, music, community spirit and even an Elvis Presley style pink Cadillac as it hosted its annual summer fair.
With the home decked out in colourful decorations and a 1960s theme, the day kicked off with a visit from some exotic animals followed by an entertainer who took to the stage, keeping spirits high and the crowd dancing.
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the arrival of the pink Cadillac, a perfect nod to the swinging ‘60s, accompanied by an original gramophone playing hits from the era transporting residents back in time for the fun
filled afternoon.
The fair featured a wide range of activities and entertainment for all ages, including inflatables and craft stalls, and some lovely food.
Manager Sarah Johnson said: “It was an amazing day from start to finish.
“We were thrilled to welcome so many people from the local community to join our residents in the fun.
“The turnout was far beyond what we expected, and seeing everyone enjoying themselves made it all worth it.
“The pink Cadillac was fabulous and definitely the star of the show. You don’t see many cars like that on the roads around Gateshead.”
anniversary of Middleton Hall, signs across the estate explained the philosophy behind the landscaping, from traditional planting schemes around the reception area to biodiversityenhancing features like the lake, pond and wildlife-friendly wetlands.
The optional guided tours led by members of the Estates team and some of the village’s independent residents were popular, with visitors enjoying the horticultural insights and stories of Middleton Hall’s extensive history that brought the garden spaces to life.
Throughout the day there was also the chance to enjoy a cup of tea, scone and slice of cake, as well as afternoon tea in the village’s newly refurbished Orangery Bistro.
along the estate’s extensive woodland walks.
The Middleton Hall art studio was also open for people to view throughout the event and one of the village’s independent residents who teaches ceramics there spoke to visitors about the artworks on show.
As part of a heritage garden trail to mark this year’s 125th
Margaret Stamper, assistant county organiser, County Durham National Garden Scheme, added: “We would like to say a big thank you for the huge efforts that the Middleton Hall Retirement Village Estates team put in, including the excellent guided tours.
“With more than 140 tickets sold and plenty of cheerful volunteers, it was a wonderful day.”
Residents Joanne Cowie and Jenny Hawthorn in front of the pink Cadillac.
Visitors and residents at Middleton Hall Retirement Village’s National Garden Scheme open day.
Nursing home sale showcases Montane Care’s expertise
MONTANE Care is delighted to confirm the successful sale of Comberton Nursing Home, a wellestablished and highly regarded care facility in Stourbridge.
This transaction formed part of a wider, simultaneous multi-site sale coordinated on behalf of Mr Jay Patel of Astley Care Ltd, as he worked towards a carefully planned and well-executed transaction.
The successful completion of this sale reflects both the enduring strength of the care market and Montane Care’s expertise in delivering seamless, strategic transactions.
Comberton Nursing Home has long been a cornerstone of the local community, providing highquality nursing and residential care for elderly residents with a wide range of needs.
Under the experienced ownership of Astley Care Ltd, the home has earned a reputation for its compassionate approach, committed staff, and consistently high standards of compliance. These qualities, combined with its trusted standing in the local area, made Comberton an especially attractive acquisition opportunity for the right buyer.
The home has now been purchased by Mr Imran Mian, an expanding care operator
in the local area. Mr Mian approached the process with great commitment, clarity, and an appreciation for the responsibility that comes with operating a care home of this calibre.
He acknowledged that acquiring a care business can be complex and challenging, but credited Montane Care with making the experience straightforward and well-structured.
Mr Mian expressed his gratitude for the team’s guidance and expertise, stating that their clear communication, market insight, and calm approach provided reassurance throughout the process and gave him the confidence to move forward decisively.
Reflecting on the sale, Mr Jay Patel once again entrusted Montane Care with overseeing the process, having previously worked with us on another successful transaction.
He commented on the professionalism and strategic approach that defined the handling of the sale, highlighting the way the team proactively managed communication and coordination across all parties.
Mr Patel described the transaction as smooth, efficient, and well-managed from start to finish, noting that Montane
Care’s attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the process progressed as planned.
The transaction was supported by experienced legal teams who played a vital role in facilitating a timely and successful outcome.
Mr Patel was advised by Mr Kareem Baig and Mr Andrew Stilton of Newhall Solicitors.
Mr Stilton commented: “The time that you spent towards the end, in helping to drive the transaction forward, was extremely beneficial.”
His feedback underlines the value Montane Care brings in the later stages of a transaction, ensuring momentum is maintained and any potential obstacles are quickly resolved.
Acting for Mr Mian was Mr Jas Singh of Pickford Solicitors, who also commended the clear communication and structured approach that supported a seamless completion.
This sale represents a growing trend within the care sector, where established operators are choosing to exit the market with strategic support, while newer operators and entrants bring fresh energy and ambition to the industry.
The successful transfer of Comberton Nursing Home demonstrates that with the
right guidance, operators can confidently navigate the complexities of care home acquisition and take over a business that is both operationally sound and positioned for future success.
At Montane Care, we understand that selling or acquiring a care business involves far more than a financial transaction.
It is a moment of transition that affects residents, families, and staff, and requires a sensitive and considered approach.
We pride ourselves on offering a discreet, knowledgeable service backed by years of sectorspecific experience.
Whether managing the sale of a single home or coordinating multi-site exits, our focus is always on achieving the right result for all parties.
If you are considering selling your care business, exploring an acquisition, or seeking expert advice about the current market, we invite you to contact us for a confidential conversation.
Please reach out to Darren Edwards at Montane Care on 07546 932811 or email darren.edwards@montanecare. co.uk. We would be delighted to support you with your next steps and ensure the process is handled with care, professionalism, and confidence.
Mike leads National Cheese and Wine Day celebrations
A BRIE-LLIANT cheese and wine tasting event took place at a North Yorkshire care home –when resident Mike was named “Cheesemaster” for the evening.
James Michael Seatory, known as Mike at Hazelgrove Court in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, was bestowed the title due to his “grate” enthusiasm for all things cheese – from Edam to Emmental, Brie to Blue Stilton, Gouda to Gruyère.
Sharon Lewis, activities coordinator at Hazelgrove Court, added: “I loved seeing how Mike came to life. He was in his element, sharing something that clearly brings him immense joy. It was a brilliant way to celebrate his passion and bring everyone together.”
The former butcher travelled the world to compete with the best in his field during his younger years – often indulging his passion for dairy delicacies along the way.
Taking produce from his shop in Guisborough, Mike travelled to Mortagne-au-Perche in northwestern France to take part in the town’s famous Foire au Boudin (blood pudding fair) in 1983.
Just one of the many trips where he tasted the local cheeses. From New Zealand to France, Australia to Germany, his favourite remains Italy’s soft curd
Mike Seatory shows his “Fromage Board Cheesemaster” plaque during National Cheese and Wine Day.
cheese, ricotta.
He also showed his “Fromage Board” plaque and badge, naming him “Cheesemaster” – a role he fulfilled over the course of the evening, during which he shared his favourite cheesy tale.
Mike said: “A young cheesemaker left a batch of unfinished cheese out overnight when he went to meet his lover.
“The next day the cheese had turned blue with mould. He tried to cover it up with fresh curd but the whole wheel turned blue. When he tasted it, it was delicious. That’s how Gorgonzola was born.”
MP unveils significant investment at home
THE Rookery in Ebbw Vale has undergone a major refurbishment as part of a significant investment designed to enhance the comfort and wellbeing of its residents. Communal areas including corridors, the lounge, dining room and conservatory have been completely transformed, bringing a fresh, modern feel to the muchloved care home.
In addition, six of the bedrooms have been fully refurbished, with plans in place to upgrade the remainder on a rolling basis to ensure minimal disruption to residents.
The Rookery has established deep-rooted connections with local organisations, schools
and churches, helping residents maintain an active role in the wider community and enjoy a varied and fulfilling social life.
“There’s never a dull moment at
The Rookery,” said Alison Boote, operations director at HCMS, which operates the home.
“We’ve created a vibrant and engaging environment, both inside and out, that supports residents’ independence, interests and wellbeing.
“This refurbishment reflects our continued commitment to providing a home where people not only live but thrive.”
The refurbishment was unveiled by Nick Smith, MP for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney.
Donna Francis regional manager, Nick Smith MP, resident Alison and home manager Rebecca Ray
Boss invites First Minister to see damage caused by ban
A WELSH care home boss has invited the First Minister to come on a visit to see at first had the threat to services caused by the ban on overseas workers.
Kevin Edwards, a director of Gwynedd-based Meddyg Care, wrote to Eluned Morgan to warn of the “potentially devastating impact” of the UK Government’s decision to end the Health and Care Worker visa.
According to Kevin, whose company operates two care homes in Porthmadog and Criccieth and specialises in dementia care, there was a real risk of care homes and domiciliary care companies being forced to close.
The crisis, he said, was particularly acute in rural areas where it was increasingly difficult to recruit local workers.
The scale of the problem was underscored by official statistics which showed that 15 per cent of registered care workers in Wales were born outside the UK.
In his letter Kevin urged the First Minister to put pressure on the Westminster Government to either reverse the policy or introduce a transitional scheme for critical workers in social care.
At the same time, he wants to see more investment in training and pay levels to attract and retain local workers.
Kevin is also calling for stronger measures to safeguard international workers from
exploitation.
He said: “The social care sector in rural North Wales is already under significant strain, grappling with high vacancy rates, an ageing population, and limited local workforce availability.
“The Health and Care Worker visa has been a critical lifeline, enabling care providers to recruit international workers to fill staffing gaps.
“The withdrawal of this visa will exacerbate existing challenges in rural North Wales, where geographic isolation and a smaller pool of domestic workers make recruitment particularly difficult.”
Figures show the ban on care workers bringing dependants, which was implemented in March last year, has already
led to an 83 per cent decline in visa applications, with monthly applications dropping from 129,000 to 26,000 in a year.
Kevin added: “This sharp reduction demonstrates the policy’s immediate impact, and the complete termination of the visa route will likely deepen the crisis.
“Moreover, the care sector in rural areas faces unique challenges, including limited access to training facilities and higher costs for service delivery due to dispersed populations.
“The loss of international workers, who bring diverse skills and dedication, threatens to destabilise care homes and domiciliary services, potentially leading to closures.
“Such closures would not only disrupt care for vulnerable residents but also place additional pressure on NHS services in North Wales, as hospitals struggle to manage increased demand when social care support falters.
“The care sector in rural North Wales is at a critical juncture. Without urgent action, the withdrawal of the Health and Care Worker visa risks collapsing services that our most vulnerable citizens rely upon.”
“I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further with you and would like to extend an invitation to you, to visit our nursing homes so you can see firsthand the key role that we and
our migrant workers play in our community.
The issue has also been taken up by social care champions Care Forum Wales who described the policy as “half-baked”.
The organisation has warned the policy, which came into force in July, risks “extreme workforce shortages” and “potential harm to older and disabled individuals, who depend on consistent care to maintain their quality of life”.
CFW chair Mario Kreft MBE said: “This ill-thought through policy has come as a double whammy because it coincides with the increase in the employers’ National Insurance contributions which amounts to a 37 per cent rise.
“It’s particularly damaging here in Wales because most people who need social care – whether it’s in a care home or in their own homes – are publicly funded.
“It’s also counter-intuitive because there’s no point investing in the NHS unless you fund social care properly. If you don’t fix social care you can’t fix the NHS.
“I’d also like to quash the myth once and for all that international workers are cheap labour because the exact opposite is true.
“Recruiting overseas staff is always the last resort because it’s a lot more expensive than it is to employ local people which is always the first choice whenever that’s possible.”
Friendship and fun as homes promote peace
CARE homes in Dorset and Hampshire have done their bit to promote friendship, peace and unity among people of different cultures.
Residents and staff at five Colten Care homes in Poole, Ferndown, Sherborne and the New Forest staged a series of International Friendship Daythemed garden parties, several with a charity focus.
At The Aldbury, a dedicated dementia care home in Poole, residents had fun making Friendship Day bunting and painting flags of different countries which they used to decorate their garden summerhouse.
They also made and wore colourful tie-dye T-shirts bearing messages such as ‘Love & Friendship’, ‘Harmony’ and ‘Together’.
Residents and guests sang along as visiting entertainer Kelly Lorraine performed songs on the message of friendship while a raffle raised more than £100 for The Aldbury’s main charity for this year, Prama Life.
On minibus trips to Sandbanks
and Poole Park from their Poole home Bourne View, four residents – Wendy Barnes, Margaret Taylor, Mary Cadby and Christine Lorimar – handed out Friendship Day postcards and posies of flowers as free gifts to members of the public. Postcards were also exchanged between Bourne View staff and residents. Some recipients gathered in the dining room to read the messages out
to each other, prompting much discussion about friendship.
There was similar fun at Colten Care’s Amberwood House in Ferndown where residents and staff sang songs from different countries, wore national dress and sampled an international array of foods including German sausages, French cheeses and Welsh cakes.
Meanwhile, residents and staff at Abbey View in Sherborne
held a celebratory ‘friendship breakfast’.
Guests included Karen Howell from Canine Concern and her dog Bramble, both of whom are weekly visitors.
As a surprise, Karen was presented with a portrait of Bramble created at Abbey View and a poem, written by resident Jen Newcombe.
Abbey View’s hairdresser
Penny Flint sat with a former neighbour Alec Savidge to catch up on all the Bradford Abbas village gossip. Also at the Abbey View party was Yvonne Bright from regular visiting toddler group, Truth Be Told.
At Colten Care’s Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst, New Forest, residents took it in turns to recite poems about friendship.
They also listened to short stories and reminisced about friendships that had shaped their lives, some lasting decades and others formed in the most unexpected moments.
The International Day of Friendship was launched as an annual celebration by the United Nations in 2011.
Abbey View residents Sheila Yates, left, and Ken Worden with Karen Howell from Canine Concern and her dog Bramble, both of whom are weekly visitors to the Sherborne home.
Kevin Edwards
Competition is a piece of cake for kitchen assistant Caitlyn
A KITCHEN assistant from Crimond House Care Home in Fraserburgh has won a national baking competition with a hyperrealistic pie and mash cake design.
Caitlyn Mckenzie was voted champion of the 2025 Meallmore Bake Off competition, with more than 750 votes cast by the public.
Staff and residents from Meallmore care homes – one of Scotland’s leading providers of elderly and specialist care – took part in the annual ‘Bake Off’ competition, with entries coming from 10 of the group’s 27 sites.
Caitlyn, who is also studying Food Nutrition and Textiles Education at University of Highlands and Islands, set out to make a cake that fooled the eye.
The chocolate layer cake has a fondant icing, coloured to look like pastry, while the rich, glossy chocolate sauce was added to resemble gravy.
The ‘mash’ was made using butter icing, with the two veg portions created using fondant icing.
She said: “I wanted to make something fun and completely unexpected, so creating a cake that looked like pie and mash felt like the perfect challenge.
“I’m over the moon to have won, especially knowing how many incredible entries there were from across Scotland. It’s been a joy to share this with
Home raises £1,000 with charity climb
A TEAM of staff and volunteers from Brunelcare’s Little Heath Care Home successfully climbed Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales, raising more than £1,000 to support activities and enhance the living environment for their residents across the home.
Pen y Fan is situated in Brecon Beacons National Park and stands at 886 metres (2,907 ft) above sea-level.
Home manager Krishna Mullekattu said: “Climbing Pen y Fan in the wind, rain and mud was no easy feat, it was exhausting and, at times, even a little dangerous. But alongside an incredible team of staff and volunteers, we made it to the top.
“I’m proud that our determination helped raise funds for the meaningful activities we provide to our residents every day.”
The fundraising initiative, led by team members Jess Ward, business manager at Little Heath and Ruth Easton, homemaker at the care home, was launched with the aim of improving day-to-day life at the care home from funding new activities to enhancing the overall environment.
The challenge quickly gained momentum and was embraced by the wider team, becoming not just a charitable event, but a valuable team-building experience.
my colleagues and residents –they’ve all been so supportive and excited about the result.”
Following a public vote, the top three winners all came from Aberdeenshire, with Kynnaird House in Fraserburgh taking second place and Auchtercrag House in Ellon third.
The entry from Kynnaird House was a team effort. The vanilla and cream cake sponge was made by kitchen assistant Kasia Dollberg, with residents providing the decoration with support from care home manager Roselle Alberto and activities coordinator Chelsey Masson in honour of a culture and diversity event that took
place at the home.
Residents also helped with the highland cow shaped entry at Auchtercrag House. Activities coordinator Julie Crossen baked the four layered chocolate cake and covered it with chocolate buttercream, while residents created hair and flowers out of fondant for the decorations and all-important finishing touches.
The masterpiece took seven hours to complete from start to finish.
Cillian Hennessey, CEO of Meallmore, added: “The annual Meallmore Bake Off competition is one of the highlights of the year for us.
“It’s always fantastic to see the wonderful team spirit across the homes, as well as the incredible baking skills and creativity. This year’s winners were as inspirational as ever.
“We were blown away by Caitlyn’s pie and mash design – it was hard to believe it was actually cake. And we loved seeing the brilliant teamwork involved in the creations at Kynnaird and Auchtercrag.
“We’ve got a truly talented bunch in our homes – both in the team and our residents. It’s a joy to see this on display.”
Residents plant saplings to support National Tree Day
RESIDENTS Jean Flower and Dilys Moxham and activities coordinator Nicola Osborne helped plant saplings around the grounds of RMBI Care Co. Home Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court in Porthcawl To support National Tree Day.
The care home received 75 trees as part of the ‘3 Million Trees’ project by The Tree Council, on behalf of National Highways.
The government-owned company has pledged to donate up to 600,000 trees annually to plant three million trees by 2030.
Resident Jean said: “It was great fun getting stuck in and helping to plant a few trees. It’s good to get outdoors and get the body moving.
“I’ll be keeping an eye out on the trees and seeing how they flourish.”
The trees are being gifted to places where they can have the most impact.
The initiative demonstrates how low carbon initiatives can benefit both nature and communities.
According to the Woodland Trust, trees can reduce both outdoor and indoor pollution by up to 50 per cent.
“Our care home is blessed with an abundance of green space,
so receiving these trees, planting them and watching them grow is wonderful for both our residents and staff,” said home manager Teresa Picton.
“Involving our residents in practical and environmental activities make them feel proud about where they live. Spending time outdoors with fresh air and feeling the earth between your fingers is also therapeutic for the mind and soul.”.
RMBI Care Co. received 1,200 trees in spring, which were delivered to a number of its care homes.
Residents Jean Flower and Dilys Moxham plant trees alongside staff member Nicola Osborne at RMBI Care Co. Home Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court, in Porthcawl.
AI-powered Smart Care Home system to improve care quality
ASTON University is partnering with dementia care provider Lee Mount Healthcare to create the first ‘Smart Care Home’ system incorporating artificial intelligence.
The project will use machine learning to develop an intelligent system that can automate routine tasks and compliance reporting.
It will also draw on multiple sources of resident data –including health metrics, care needs and personal preferences – to inform high-quality care decisions, create individualised care plans and provide easy access to updates for residents’ next of kin.
The Smart Care Home system will allow for better care to be provided at lower cost, freeing up staff from administrative tasks so they can spend more time with residents.
Manjinder Boo Dhiman, director of Lee Mount Healthcare, said: “As a company,we’ve always focused on innovation and breaking barriers, and this KTP builds on many years of progress towards digitisation.
“We hope by taking the next step into AI, we’ll also help to improve the image of the care sector and overcome stereotypes,
to show that we are forward thinking and can attract the best talent.”
Dr Roberto Alamino, lecturer in Applied AI & Robotics with the School of Computer Science and Digital Technologies at Aston University, added: “The challenges of this KTP are both technical and human in nature.
“For practical applications of machine learning, it’s important to establish a common language between us as researchers and the users of the technology we are developing.
“We need to fully understand the problems they face so we can find feasible, practical solutions.”
For specialist AI expertise to
Advertiser’s announcement
develop the smart system, LMH is partnering with the Aston Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Application at Aston University, of which Dr Roberto Alamino is a member. ACAIRA is recognised internationally for high-quality research and teaching in computer science and artificial intelligence and is part of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.
The Centre’s aim is to develop AI-based solutions to address critical social, health, and environmental challenges, delivering transformational change with industry partners at regional, national and international levels.
The project is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership.
Funded by Innovate UK, KTPs are collaborations between a business, a university and a highly qualified research associate.
The UK-wide programme helps businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills.
Aston University is a sector leading KTP provider, ranked first for project quality, and joint first for the volume of active projects.
A safe pair of hands – the power of proven partnerships in care catering
By Richard Woodward
IN THE world of care home catering, supplier relationships should not just be transactional – they’re essential and provide a foundation for care.
The unique and sometimes complex nutritional needs of older adults must be understood to make sure that your home can consistently deliver safe, high-quality meals as well as meet all regulatory demands with confidence.
This level of trust not only enhances the service provided to those in your care but translates into peace of mind for staff at all levels.
Kitchen teams gain confidence in the meals they prepare and serve. Managers make budget decisions knowing they’re backed by reliability and consistency. The result?
A more resilient operation that puts residents first and gives staff the assurance needed to provide the best care possible.
With a 25-year partnership with the NHS and serving more than 600 care homes nationwide, apetito is proud to be a safe pair of hands – dedicated to the health and wellbeing of its customers and trusted for decades to deliver excellence. Through a core focus of enhancing the health and wellbeing of those we serve, and an unwavering passion for service, our partnerships have lasted the test of time.
One example of this comes from Shedfield Lodge, where
we’ve been delivering meals for well over 15 years.
Owner Andrew Geach said: “I first moved to apetito about 17 years ago. I believe that we were one of the first care homes to work with apetito, as the business was quite new to the care industry.
“There are many ways I have enhanced the running of my home over the years and apetito is one of them.
“The consistency of the products is very good, and the variety of meals is mind
blowing. I have tried most of the meals myself, and I can’t tell the difference between it and restaurant food.
“Compliance is another positive of working with apetito. For example, last week we had the kitchen inspector knock at the door unannounced and because we have apetito, it’s a lot easier for them to come in and see what we’re doing – it’s a lot quicker and they spend a lot less time in the kitchen.
“Ever since working with apetito, we’ve had a five-star compliance and we know that we don’t need to worry about the compliance side of things.
“I have been asked numerous times over the years “are you going to go back to having a chef?” I’ve dismissed it every time because there are too many pros to using this service that outweigh the cons.”
n Richard Woodward is the general manager of care homes at apetito.
To find out more about partnering with apetito, and how its full-service solution can enhance catering operations at your care home, visit apetito.link/CUK
Association make waves for charity at dragon boat race
A MILITARY association has made a splash and helped raise money for an Armed Forces charity.
The Royal Yeomanry Regimental Association put forward a team to represent Royal Star & Garter at the Kingston Dragon Boat Race and raised more than £800.
The team, consisting of 12 rowers and one drummer, reached the finals after plain sailing their way through three heats.
The Royal Yeomanry Regimental Association team was led by Sargent Chris Smith.
He said: “We were all happy to support Royal Star & Garter. We
had an amazing time, and we all discovered the joy of Dragon Boat racing. We’re looking forward to representing the charity again next year.”
The event took place on the River Thames near Canbury Gardens.
Halani Foulsham, partnerships manager at Royal Star & Garter, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Royal Yeomanry for their fantastic effort and team spirit at this year’s Dragon Boat race.
“Their energy and commitment made it a truly special day.
“Thank you to everyone who supported, donated, and helped make the event such a success.”
Friendships blossom as residents unite
FRIENDSHIPS bloomed in the North East when elderly care home residents from across the region came together for a national celebration of companionship.
The inaugural meeting of a new monthly social group took place at The Gables Care Home in Middlesbrough to mark Friendship Day in the UK.
Residents from Hazelgrove Court Care Home in Saltburnby-the-Sea, Ingleby Care Home in Ingleby Barwick, and The Beeches Care Home in Stocktonon-Tees, all travelled to The Gables for the first gathering.
The idea came from Samantha McCormick, activities coordinator at The Gables, who wanted to bring residents from Hill Care Group homes together to form new bonds and share stories.
She said: “All the activities coordinators agreed the event had been a great success.
“It just goes to show that no matter your age, you’re never too old to make new friends. We’re really looking forward to the next get-together.”
The day was filled with conversation and memories, including a surprise reunion between Joyce Tibbett, 91, from Hazelgrove Court, and Jean Parker, 84, from The Gables.
The pair discovered they had lived on the same street in Eston, at retirement housing complex Grosmont Place, in the Whale Hill area. They shared memories of a former neighbour and friend who they both knew.
Meanwhile, friendship sparked between Val Carswell, 91, from The Gables, and Ellen Else, 94, from Hazelgrove Court, when they learned they had both been teachers.
Val taught music at a secondary school in Acklam, while Ellen was headmistress at Green Gates Primary School in Redcar. They shared a laugh over the songs they used to teach, from “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” to “The Wheels on the Bus”.
Audrey Pluck, 93, from The Beeches Care Home, was delighted to see and catch up with Angela Hudson, activities coordinator from Ingleby, who had once been her carer when she lived at home.
Sandy Bell, 83, from The Beeches, enjoyed chatting with Pat Ward, 79, from The Gables, about her life in Spain. Pat and her husband moved there in their thirties, sparking plenty of holiday memories and conversation.
The group will now meet monthly, with the next event hosted at Hazelgrove Court.
Care Show Birmingham announces new evening networking event
CARE Show Birmingham has announced an exciting new addition to Care Show Birmingham 2025 – the official Care Show After Party.
For the first time they are bringing an evening networking event to Care Show Birmingham, taking place at the NEC Birmingham on Wednesday, October 8 from 5pm to 10pm.
After a full-on first day at Care Show Birmingham, attendees, exhibitors and speakers will be invited together for a chance to relax, recharge, and reconnect at
Care Show After Party.
It is shaping up to be a memorable night of live music, tasty street food, a host of drinks, and meaningful networking opportunities.
Whether attendees are looking for a place to continue the conversation, have a dance with their colleagues, or enjoy the new funfair theme this year, Care Show After Party is the place to be.
Highlights of the evening will include:
n A lively, welcoming atmosphere
to relax and socialise.
n Networking with fellow care professionals and sector leaders.
n Live music and entertainment from Big Ian and his band.
n A variety of fabulous food and drink options.
n A fun event theme, with more to be revealed soon...
This isn’t just a social, it’s where new ideas spark, relationships grow, and the Care Show community comes to life.
Attendees can look forward to an evening of celebration and connection.
Care Show Birmingham is free to attend for care and healthcare professionals, those working for a social care provider, allied healthcare, NHS, public sector professionals, chefs and caterers, architects and interior designers. For more information visit www. careshow.co.uk/afterpartypr
The 2025 edition of Care Show Birmingham takes place on October 8 and 9 at NEC Birmingham.
Delegates can register to attend for free online at www.careshow.co.uk/ afterparty-register
Advertiser’s announcement
A new chapter unveiled – Barons Furniture opens its doors in Leyland
BARONS Furniture has recently celebrated a significant milestone: the grand opening of its new showroom in Leyland, Lancashire.
The day brought together customers, partners, and industry peers to experience what the company does best – excellence in British craftsmanship.
Guests were treated to product showcases and exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses into Barons’ manufacturing process– an immersive experience steeped in heritage and quality.
A space crafted with purpose and pride
The new showroom was designed not just as a display venue, but as a living reflection of Barons’ ethos – combining creativity, precise craftsmanship, and comfort.
Barons aimed to ensure that every aspect, from layout to lighting, underscored the brand’s commitment to quality and its Britishmade identity.
Adding a touch of community spirit to the occasion, attendees also supported St Catherine’s Hospice, highlighting Barons’ commitment to charitable causes close to home.
Beyond the launch – the journey continues
While the day marked a milestone, the company framed it clearly as the beginning of an exciting new chapter—one driven by sustainability, dedication, and exceptional
service. Barons is not just growing in physical space but advancing in values and service excellence.
For those who couldn’t attend, the showroom remains open by appointment –inviting customers to explore the collection and engage personally with the Barons team.
Rooted in British craftsmanship
More than 50 years ago, a modest furniture workshop in Lancashire began crafting highquality pieces with a clear vision – to create comfortable and enduring furniture, proudly made in Britain.
As recognition of the team’s exceptional craftsmanship and commitment to customer service grew, Barons steadily established a strong reputation within the industry.
By engaging closely with clients – particularly within the care, healthcare, and senior living sectors – the company developed a specialist product range that seamlessly integrates safety, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.
Decades of evolution and quality
Barons has expanded its product range to cater to a range of different industries –introducing ergonomic, durable, fire-retardant, and antimicrobial designs that marry comfort with safety and aesthetics.
Sustainability has become a cornerstone, with ethically sourced materials and recycling initiatives reflecting their forward-looking manufacturing approach.
Innovative services and customer focus
Barons continues to demonstrate leadership in the sector, not only through its new showroom but also via its unique free display van service – a mobile showroom that delivers product samples and fabric options directly to clients, including care home residents.
This service highlights Barons’ ongoing commitment to accessibility and meaningful customer engagement. www.baronsfurniture.co.uk
Dream wedding comes true after father of the bride walks again
A STAFFORDSHIRE family has had their wedding dream come true after the bride’s father relearned to walk again, thanks to his persistence, dogged determination and the help of support workers at Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Francis Baylis has been living with Parkinson’s and suspected dementia for the past five years, meaning the 73-year-old is unsteady on his feet and requires assistance to aid movement in his everyday life, including the use of a wheelchair.
Upon receiving news of his middle daughter Lizzie’s engagement, the former sales manager made it his mission to take on the ceremonial tradition of escorting the bride down the aisle, unaided, enlisting the specialist care village’s in-house exercise and rehabilitation specialist and his carers to help.
The team reviewed Francis’ personal care plan available to all residents and designed bespoke to promote independence and quality of life. Building on the father of the bride’s tenacity, the goal was to increase strength and alleviate slower movement,
stiffness and rigidity commonly associated with Parkinson’s, whilst boosting confidence to achieve the feat.
With group workouts and oneto-one training in the village gym, progress was proving fruitful, especially thanks to virtual cycle visits to Cornwall and Ireland on specialist exercise bikes adapted for wheelchair users.
Meanwhile, carers encouraged him through daily walks to the wedding march tune of Here Comes the Bride, and in the
background made arrangements for the 160-mile round trip to the North Wales wedding, ultimately attending to support the family.
Lizzie said: “He absolutely smashed it. It had given him a sense of purpose, something to work towards, though Dad can really pull at your heartstrings to get out of doing things he knows he can do.
“The Belong team were amazing keeping his focus on track. They have a great relationship with him, being firm but fair, and they
put everything in place to make it happen.”
It was after a number of years being supported at home by a live-in caregiver and help from his three daughters Francis made the decision to move into Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Since then, he has immersed himself in village life, making much use of its bistro and the integrated Belong Heritage Gallery.
Lizzie added: “Initially, Dad had made a joke of it all – very much of his character. He then said he wouldn’t miss it for the world, and he was really determined.
“To see him rise to the challenge was very emotional; he loved being with his family and it was special moment for all of us.”
Josephine Mollison, general manager at Belong Newcastleunder-Lyme, said: “We are thrilled for the Baylis family and Francis’ achievement. They had thought it wouldn’t have been an option, but our ethos is to make moments like this happen and it goes to show that with a support network of dedicated carers and exercise expertise, you can achieve your dreams.”
Home goes the distance for hospice
STAFF at Eilean Dubh care home in Fortrose have successfully completed their ambitious Highland HeArt 500 challenge.
The care team originally set out to cover 500 miles over the course of July but exceeded their goal, clocking up a collective 560 miles by walking, cycling and swimming – all in their own time – in support of charity partner Highland Hospice.
Eilean Dubh wellbeing coordinator Fiona Stoddart said: “We are absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity and support we’ve received. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who donated, encouraged us, and shared
our journey. Your support has meant the world to us and made every step of this challenge worthwhile.
“I’d also like to thank our
amazing staff team, who took on this challenge in their own time with such commitment and energy. Balancing their daily responsibilities with this extra
effort shows just how much they care.”
The fundraising campaign brought in £2,148.94 through online donations and sponsorship. The funds will support the home’s bid for its Highland HeArt sculpture when it goes to auction in September, with every penny ultimately going to Highland Hospice.
The sculpture, designed in partnership with Highland artist Liz Peck, is one of 23 featured in the Hospice’s Highland HeArt Trail. It reflects contributions from residents and staff and features local landmarks, alongside a unique ‘Colours of Care’ tartan inspired by the colours of staff uniforms.
Significant investment brings new life to home
THE Rookery care home in Ebbw Vale has undergone a refurbishment as part of a significant investment designed to enhance the comfort and wellbeing of its residents.
Communal areas – including corridors, the lounge, dining room and conservatory – have been completely transformed, bringing a fresh, modern feel to the muchloved care home.
Alison Boote, operations director at HCMS, which operates the home, said: “We’ve
created a vibrant and engaging environment, both inside and out, that supports residents’ independence, interests and wellbeing. “This refurbishment reflects our continued commitment to providing a home where people not only live but thrive.”
In addition, six of the bedrooms have been fully refurbished, with plans in place to upgrade the remainder on a rolling basis to ensure minimal disruption to residents.
Francis with his daughters on Lizzie’s big day.
Community clubs launched to welcome locals into home life
WATERHAVEN Place in Chichester marked its first full month since opening by launching a series of free weekly ‘community clubs’ for residents, guests and members of the local community.
Their aim is to offer older adults a chance to experience the warmth and rhythm of life in a luxury care home, without needing to be a permanent resident themselves.
The three weekly clubs aim to create a warm and welcoming space where guests can get to know the home and hopefully make some new friends amongst the residents and staff as well.
Each will be free to attend for anyone who wants to join, and have been designed to support and engage older adults in various ways.
The line-up includes:
n Steady Strides Mondays – a gentle movement and balance class designed to help reduce falls risk and boost confidence through guided exercise.
n Mid-Week Roast Club (Wednesday) – a traditional roast lunch with all the trimmings. A chance to socialise, make new friends and take a break from cooking.
n Classic Films Fridays – a movie in the home’s on-site cinema,
a safe welcoming space with refreshments throughout.
Customer relations manager Cheryl Tyson said: “It feels great to be able to offer such an interesting and engaging schedule of activities so soon after opening.
“These clubs are a wonderful, no-pressure way for people to come in, get a feel for the home, and start building new
Legrand Care Smart Messaging
Smart Messaging integrates seamlessly with your existing nurse call system to push out event calls/alerts and critical alarms direct to a smart phone or smart device to alert your care team and assist them in prioritising calls, with the added benefit of no loud buzzers or alarms to disturb residents particularly in the night.
connections.
“It is also about creating a crucial bridge between local people and our residents.
“We want to show that life in a care home can be warm, welcoming, and full of life – and building a thriving community at Waterhaven Place is essential for that goal.”
The community clubs have proved a big hit so far, and have
already had positive feedback from guests.
Residents are already reporting the clubs have brought a fresh energy into the home by creating new conversations, connections, and routines.
Deputy manager Ruby Pratt added: “We know how overwhelming it can be to consider the move into care, especially when you don’t know what to expect. These community clubs give people a chance to see the home in action, make friends with some of our residents, and just generally get a feeling for the energy and rhythm of life at the home.
“Whether participants are considering moving in themselves or just want a friendly place to spend time each week; everyone is welcome to join in the fun.”
The home also has planned a series of exciting seasonal events aimed at growing its community calendar in the months ahead.
These include a Moroccanthemed evening filled with dancing and exotic cuisine, a Venetian Masquerade Ball and a glitzy Great Gatsby Evening featuring flapper dancers, a live jazz band, Charleston lessons and champagne towers.
Each event will be fully open to the public.
Understanding the impact and causes of falls in care settings
By Dr Lis Boulton
FALLS are one of the most common and serious health risks facing older people, and nowhere is this more evident than in residential care homes or through homecare services.
The consequences can be life-changing for older people, their families, and the staff who support them.
The health impact of falls Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions among older adults.
In the UK, one in three people aged 65 and over falls each year, rising to one in two among those aged 80 and over.
Among people over 75, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths, with over 5,000 fatalities annually. In care homes, where residents often live with frailty, dementia, or multiple long-term conditions, the risks are higher.
Up to 50 per cent of care home residents fall each year They are three times more likely to fall than older people living independently, and 10 times more likely to sustain a serious injury from a fall.
In homecare settings, the risks are just as serious.
Older people living alone may not be found quickly after a fall, leading to complications such as hypothermia, dehydration, or pressure injuries.
The psychological impact - fear, anxiety, and loss of confidence – can be profound, often leading to reduced activity and increased dependence.
Why falls happen
Falls are rarely caused by one factor. Several issues can contribute, like changes in their health, the environment around them, or how their care is managed.
n Age-related changes in strength and balance.
n Medication side effects – 40 per cent of care home residents aged between 65 and 69 are prescribed three or more medications that increase falls risk.
n Poor vision or hearing.
n Cognitive decline.
n Environmental hazards like clutter or poor lighting.
n Inadequate footwear or mobility aids.
In care homes, these risks are often
compounded by unfamiliar surroundings, frequent changes in medication, and communication challenges.
In homecare, homes may not be adapted for ageing—stairs without handrails, slippery bathrooms, or poor lighting are common risks.
How staff can help
Care staff, whether in residential or domiciliary settings, are central to preventing falls.
But they need support, training, and time to do this effectively.
Falls prevention isn’t just about removing trip hazards; it’s about understanding each person’s unique risks and responding proactively.
This means:
n Regular falls risk assessments.
n Recognising early warning signs.
n Encouraging movement and gentle exercise. Structured programmes can reduce falls by up to 43%.
n Monitoring hydration and nutrition.
n Supporting sensory health.
n Creating safe environments.
In homecare, staff often work alone and have limited time with each client.
This makes it vital to build trust quickly, observe carefully, and communicate concerns clearly with families and other professionals.
Supporting people with dementia Falls are particularly common among people with dementia due to changes in perception
and mobility. Understanding advice and accepting support can also sometimes be difficult.
Staff can help by:
n Using familiar routines.
n Offering gentle prompts.
n Involving families in care planning.
n Adapting environments with visual cues.
In homecare, this might mean working with families to adapt the home environment, simplify routines, and ensure regular checkins.
Challenges in care settings
Despite best efforts, care providers face real barriers:
n Staffing pressures can limit time for proactive care.
n High turnover means knowledge about individuals’ needs can be lost.
n Limited access to allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists or occupational therapists.
n Inconsistent access to falls services, especially in rural or underfunded areas.
A culture of prevention
Falls prevention works best when it’s part of the culture, not just a checklist.
This means involving everyone: care staff, managers, families, and older people themselves. Encouraging people to stay active, supporting staff with training and time, and working with local health services can all make a difference.
Conclusion
Falls are not inevitable. With the right approach, care providers can reduce risk, support recovery, and help older people live with confidence and dignity.
It takes commitment, collaboration, and compassion, but the impact is profound.
Age UK continues to campaign for better support for care providers and older people at risk of falls.
Our resources, including the Act Now Age Better campaign, offer practical advice for staying active and preventing falls.
Visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk/informationadvice/health-wellbeing/exercise/fallsprevention/ for more information.
n Dr Lis Boulton is the health and care policy manager at Age UK.
Dr Lis Boulton
Silver Shield: Beyond fall detection
IN CARE homes, falls are one of the biggest risks to resident safety. But the story rarely starts at the moment of impact.
Often, there are subtle signs hours or days before – a restless night, confusion, or sudden changes in health.
Traditional fall systems only react once the damage is done.
Silver Shield is different
Exclusively available in the UK through Spark Care, Silver Shield is the most advanced human sensing technology for care.
Using privacy-first mmWave sensors, it provides an invisible layer of protection across the entire room – delivering realtime insights that go far beyond simple fall detection.
A sixth sense for safer care
Where mats, pendants, and PIR sensors leave gaps, Silver Shield sees the whole picture.
One discreet sensor delivers full-room coverage, day and night, offering a level of awareness no traditional system can match.
It doesn’t just detect incidents – it anticipates them:
n Falls detected instantly - fast, slow, or even subtle slips from chairs.
n Bed exit alerts – flagging risk moments before a fall.
n Vital sign monitoring – continuous tracking for early health warnings.
n Multiple presence detection – highlighting
unexpected visitors in a room.
n Live location views – a real-time understanding of resident activity.
n AI-powered wellness reports – weekly insights into sleep, movement, and behaviour that reveal hidden risks and support proactive care planning.
Together, these features create more than a safety net.
They form a proactive layer of protection –helping care teams prevent incidents before
they happen, while responding faster and smarter when they do.
From insight to action
Silver Shield identifies early risk factors, such as:
n Restlessness disrupting sleep.
n Frequent night-time bathroom visits.
n Extended time out of bed.
These insights allow care teams to act sooner – adjusting care plans, investigating health issues, and preventing falls before they happen.
Smarter, simpler, more affordable
Silver Shield replaces outdated, piecemeal systems with a single, integrated solution that is:
n Fully private – no cameras, no wearables, no intrusion.
n Cost-effective – priced in line with legacy solutions.
n Interoperable – integrates with nurse call and digital care planning.
n Compliant – providing audit trails and reports for inspections.
More than technology
For residents it means safety without loss of dignity.
For families, it means reassurance.
For staff, it means insight that reduces stress and workload.
Silver Shield isn’t just fall detection. It’s a new standard in human sensing technology – helping care homes move from reactive to preventative care.
Residents don VR goggles for ‘magical journey’ by TV and film composer
A WELSH composer whose music has been used to promote blockbuster TV series like Game of Thrones has taken care home residents on a “magical journey”.
The faces of residents of Pendine Park’s Bryn Seiont Newydd care home, Caernarfon, lit up after they put on virtual reality goggles to experience the sounds of a woodland while sitting in their armchairs.
The immersive experience is the brainchild of award-winning composer and arranger Owain Llwyd, whose work has also been featured on other TV shows like X-Factor, Top Gear and Countryfile.
Owain’s original music was used in a trailer for the hit TV series Game of Thrones while another of his tracks popped up in a trailer promoting the Will Smith movie, Men in Black.
The residents were among the first ever to experience the new Wild Sounds of Wales project devised by Owain and a team of experts.
Other members include wildlife TV producer and director Jacinth Latta, wildlife sound recordist and spatial audio designer Axel Drioli,
of Sounding Wild, and virtual reality artist Domonic White, of Nature’s Racers.
The collaboration is piloting the first of what they hope will become a successful series of experiences where sight, sound and music converge to replicate unforgettable journeys through nature.
They chose Dinefwr Park, one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Wales, for the pilot project but Owain says their ambition is to develop similar virtual
reality journeys through beautiful landscapes across Wales.
Owain said: “I feel strongly that we must all work together to help reverse the man-made climate crisis which the world is now facing. Musically I’ve always been inspired by nature and the thought that we might lose treasured wildlife habitats forever is heartbreaking.
“The Wild Sounds of Wales project began because I wanted to do something innovative to reflect the importance of nature in
our lives.
“I realised that virtual reality could be combined with music to transport audiences into the very environment which inspired it.
“The project was developed around a unique collaboration with the WNO Orchestra, whose performance of the score is central to the experience.
“Axel and I set out to create a sonic experience where nature and orchestra would exist in perfect balance.
“The musical score draws inspiration from the calls of birds and other native Welsh wildlife, while the soundscape in turn responded to and was shaped by the music.”
Owain was excited about composing a musical score based on the sounds of birds, insects and other native wildlife of Wales, then overlaying the actual sounds of these animals onto that.
The idea evolved to include the creation of a 360 degree film made so people would be able to see that environment while listening to the music.
Support, including some funding for the project, was secured from a number of organisations.
How to respond to standard wording in draft CQC reports
By Lucy Bowker
OUR recent experience suggests that draft Care Quality Commission inspection reports issued under the CQC Assessment Framework are increasingly difficult to read, formulaic and repetitive in nature. We are often seeing cases where concerns are expressed in the report without adequate supporting evidence to enable providers to respond.
Recently, we have observed that CQC have increasingly been using generic standard working when drafting their inspection reports.
While this sometimes is convenient for the inspection teams and can be beneficial, in our experience this has led to inaccurate draft reports being shared with providers.
On a recent case, in the draft report under Well-led in the Capable, Compassionate and Inclusive Leaders section, stock wording was used.
The service had a score of two. The generic wording said “Not all leaders understood the context in which the provider delivered care, treatment and support. They did not always embody the culture and values of their workforce and organisation. Leaders did not always have the skills, knowledge, experience and credibility to lead effectively, or they did not always do so with integrity, openness and honesty.”
This is a very serious allegation and could have a significant
impact on the careers of the registered manager and the management team. Their skills, knowledge, experience, credibility, integrity, openness and honesty are called into question. In the specific case in question, we were extremely concerned about the use of language in the draft report and we were unable to see any evidence in the remainder of the section for that quality statement or indeed evidence elsewhere in the report that supported such serious allegations.
The provider in question
supported the registered manager admirably and instructed us to assist.
The provider got an experienced care consultant on board who did a review of the service and could not find any evidence to support CQC’s accusations in relation to this point.
We then requested clarification from the Inspector. We asked for detail about which leaders were being referred to.
We also asked for clarification as to whether the statement was referring to leaders not having “the skills, knowledge, experience and credibility to lead effectively” or “they did not always do so with integrity, openness and honesty”.
The allegations are very different and in order to address an allegation it is important first to understand what is being alleged.
The response we received from CQC failed to address the concerns and simply confirmed that it was a “generic standard statement used when scoring a two for this quality statement”.
Frankly, this was not a satisfactory response and did not provide enough information for our client to provide informed factual accuracy comments or make decisions about the management of the service.
We were instructed to write to the legal team at CQC and set out our serious concerns about the draft report in a letter.
While the CQC legal team looked into the matter, the factual accuracy process was paused.
Ultimately, the draft report was amended to remove the negative references to “credibility” and “integrity, openness and honesty”. This only happened because the draft wording was challenged by our client with our support.
A new draft report was issued allowing for 10 working days from receipt to submit factual accuracy comments.
We would encourage providers to always read through draft reports carefully as soon as they are received.
If any areas of the report are unclear from the feedback received or appear to be stock wording that has been used without being properly evidenced, we would urge providers to consider writing to CQC for clarification in good time prior to the deadline for factual accuracy comments to enable them to put in informed factual accuracy comments.
At Gordons Partnership Solicitors, we are experienced at helping providers to navigate situations like these in order to ensure that published reports are as accurate as possible and are based on the specific facts and the evidence found at the service. Please do not hesitate to contact us for an initial discussion to see if we may be able to assist on 01483 451 900 or email us at sols@gordonsols.co.uk. Our team would be happy to help.
n Lucy Bowker is an associate solicitor at Gordons Partnership Solicitors.
Doreen’s royal garden party honour
CHESTER resident, singer and ‘grandfriend’ Doreen Barnes had the adventure of a lifetime with a trip to Buckingham Palace to mingle with Their Majesties the King and Queen, thanks to her dedication to the development of the city’s children.
The reception saw the 89-yearold make her way to the capital from her home, Belong Chester care village, to represent the Sankofa Songsters, the city’s intergenerational choir featuring fellow residents, children and other members of the wider community.
Doreen said: “We walked into the Palace gardens to the sound of music from the band and then we saw the King and Queen on the garden steps, waving to everyone.
“It was a lovely day, and I’ve never had one like it – to sum it up in one word: unforgettable.”
The retired civil servant spends
much of her time fulfilling duties as a designated intergenerational champion and ‘grandfriend’, a moniker given to her by the
cohort of children at the Nursery in Belong, the early years care setting integrated within her home, operated by national
charity Ready Generations.
In addition to singing alongside the youngsters in the choir, Doreen plays and dines with them and shows them the ways of the world.
Joining her at the place were choir lead Amanda Wrigley, volunteer pianist Pete Legge and singer Hollie McDiarmid.
The invitation came after the choir performed at last year’s Royal Carols: Together at Christmas ceremony, the annual event hosted at Westminster Abbey by Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Caroline Ray, general manager at Belong Chester, added: “We are thrilled to have had Doreen representing us.
“We are all about community and since day one moving in, she has immersed herself in village life, encouraging others to join in and make it what it is.”
Lucy Bowker
Doreen Barnes, Belong Chester tenant (centre), Pete Legge, volunteer (left) and Amanda Wrigley, choir lead (right) represent the Sankofa Songsters
Green light for £2.2m home expansion
PLANS to expand a care home in Tain have been given the green light.
Parklands Care Homes has received approval from The Highland Council for a £2.2million extension to Innis Mhor.
The development will add 12 en-suite bedrooms across two floors, along with day/dining rooms, assisted bathrooms, nurse stations, and a range of clinical and staff support facilities.
The ground floor day/dining room will open onto a secure, landscaped garden, while the first-floor day/dining room and adjoining terrace will offer panoramic views across the Dornoch Firth.
Managing director Ron Taylor said: “This expansion reflects our long-term commitment to providing high-quality, community-based care in the Highlands.
“Innis Mhor has played a vital role in supporting older people in Tain and Easter Ross for over 10 years, and we’re proud that it has been rated very good by the Care Inspectorate.
“This investment will ensure that more people in Tain and the surrounding area can access high-quality care close to home.”
The investment forms part of Parklands’ wider strategy to expand care provision across the
Highlands.
Planning permission has already been granted for a four-bedroom extension at Eilean Dubh in Fortrose, while a 10-bedroom extension at Lynemore in Grantown is still under consideration.
Parklands also recently opened its largest purpose built care home to date – Pittyvaich in Inverness – providing 58 muchneeded beds for the Highland capital.
Innis Mhor holds a Care Inspectorate grade 5 (very good) rating for resident wellbeing, leadership, staffing, setting, and care planning.
The home opened in 2014 with 34 bedrooms and was later extended to accommodate 40 residents.
Lamont Johnson is delighted to confirm the recent completed sale of Goatacre Manor Care Centre in Calne, Wiltshire!
This charming Grade II listed building with modern enhancements, enjoys an idyllic setting overlooking the local cricket club and farmland, just 20 minutes or so from Chippenham.
The home was originally established by the O’Dea family as long ago as the mid 1980’s and over the past 40+ years has established an enviable local reputation in the community.
Presently registered for 48, benefitting from an overall CQC rating of “Good”, the home has been acquired by our long time retained client Mr Kandiah Vijaykumar. This is the fourth home that Vijay has acquired through Lamont Johnson over a five-year period.
12 bedrooms are set to be added to Innis Mhor care home in Tain.
L A M O N JOHNSON
L O D G E
R e g i s t e r e d 3 6
N O U P F R O N T F E E S S O L D K I M B O L T O N
L a m o n t J o h n s o n i s d e l i g h t e d t o c o n f i r m t h e r e c e n t l y c o m p l e t e d s a l e o f a l o n g - e s t a b l i s h e d N u r s i n g H o m e i n B e d f o r d s h i r e !
K i m b o l t o n L o d g e a t B e d f o r d , r e g i s t e r e d f o r 3 6 , h a s j u s t b e e n s o l d o n b e h a l f o f K i m b o l t o n
L o d g e L i m i t e d a n d s o l d t o a n e x p e r i e n c e d r e g i o n a l o p e r a t o r i n s u p p o r t o f t h e i r e x p a n s i o n p l a n s .
I f y o u a r e l o o k i n g f o r a d i s c r e e t s a l e o f y o u r
H o m e , i n w h a t r e m a i n s a v e r y a c t i v e m a r k e t , p l e a s e c o n t a c t d i r e c t l y o n
T h i s c h a r m i n g N u r s i n g H o m e w i t h a n e x c e l l e n t l o c a l r e p u t a t i o n , e n j o y s a p r o m i n e n t m a i n r o a d p o s i t i o n , s e t i n i t s o w n d e l i g h t f u l g a r d e n s a n d g r o u n d s , i s f u l l y m a n a g e m e n t o p e r a t e d a n d w i t h a C Q C r a t i n g o f “ G o o d ” i n a l l f i v e c a t e g o r i e s . T h e H o m e h a s 3 6 r e s i d e n t ’ s b e d r o o m s , 1 6 h a v i n g e n s u i t e f a c i l i t i e s . O V E R 4 4 Y E A R S E X P E R I E N
7 5
9 2
4
4 4 0 o f f i c e @ l a m o n t j o h n s o n . c o m
Provider rescues home from closure and launches new era
CENTRUM Care Homes Group has stepped in to save a Devon care home from closure, protecting the homes of vulnerable residents, safeguarding dozens of jobs, and restoring a vital community service.
The care home in Bishopsteignton, Teignmouth, formerly known as Moors Park, had been rated Inadequate by the Care Quality Commission and was at serious risk of closing after a notice of decision was issued.
With the support of local authorities and the previous provider, Centrum Care Homes Group was invited to acquire the home and lead its recovery.
Without this intervention, 22 residents would have lost their home, more than 15 team members would have lost their jobs, and 37 care beds would have been removed from the county.
The home has now been renamed Estuary View, with the new name chosen by residents, families and staff following a community vote.
This marks the beginning of a new chapter for the building, which has a long history in the local area, serving many roles over the years – including time as a manor house and even
as a Greek restaurant – before becoming a care home.
Tushar Shah and Mehul Shah, co-founders of Centrum Care Homes Group, said: “When we learned this home was at risk, we knew we had to step in.
The thought of residents being uprooted and losing their home, and staff losing their livelihoods, was unthinkable.
“Instead, we have given the home a new identity as Estuary View, and we are fully committed to bringing it back to life. We will invest in its people, its infrastructure and its spirit so that it can once again be a place the community is proud of.”
Centrum Care Homes Group’s turnaround work is already showing results.
A new care planning system, auditing process, HR platform and e-learning programme have been introduced.
Agency reliance has been dramatically reduced, and a focused recruitment drive has rebuilt the permanent team, restoring structure, stability and the caring culture that had been lost.
Centrum Care Homes Group will invest more than £150,000 into the home over the next two years, funding refurbishments, training and the introduction
of new systems. The top floor, which had to be closed under the previous provider due to regulatory issues, will reopen in September, restoring the home to full capacity.
Suzanne Gatrell, operations manager for Centrum Care Homes Group and acting registered manager at Estuary View, added: “This home had lost its way, but it had not lost its heart. It has always been part of the community, and we are determined to make it something the community can be proud of again.
“The team has embraced the changes, families have supported us, and we are already seeing improvements – better care, a stronger team and a real sense of pride returning to the home.”
From the front entrance, where historic photographs now celebrate the building’s past, to the plans for refurbishment and new activities, Centrum Care Homes Group is determined to honour the home’s legacy while giving it a renewed purpose.
Estuary View will remain primarily focused on dementia care, while also offering respite and longer-term residential care, both privately funded and through local authority placements.
Operator invests £5m in renovations at home
A £5MILLION extension and renovation has recently been completed at Hartford Care’s ‘Outstanding’ rated Tegfield House care home in Winchester.
It includes a dining room with lifestyle kitchen, an additional lounge overlooking the garden, a hair salon and a new courtyard, along with 16 new en suite bedrooms.
The bedrooms in the newly-built extension 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.
Sarah Robertson, home manager at Tegfield House, said: “We’re thrilled the new extension and refurbishment is now complete.
“We’re thoroughly looking forward to welcoming our new residents and we’re so pleased with the extra space, enabling our residents to enjoy a wider range of activities in an improved social environment for themselves and their visitors.”
Tegfield House offers residential care, dementia care, respite breaks, day care and end-of-life care within its characterful home, nestled within its own landscaped gardens.
Group acquires first home in Cumbria
SANDSTONE Care Group has acquired Dalton Court Care Home in Cockermouth, marking a significant milestone as the company’s first care service in Cumbria.
Formerly owned by the Priory Group, Dalton Court becomes the 11th home in the operator’s growing and further strengthens the Group’s commitment to providing high-quality, personcentred care across the North West and beyond.
Nestled on the edge of the Lake District National Park, Dalton Court is a 60-bed home offering specialist nursing, dementia,
palliative, and end-of-life care, as well as flexible respite support.
With 24-hour assistance from registered nurses and a dedicated care team, the home is known for its warm, welcoming environment and focus on independence and wellbeing.
Operations director Steven Hamblett said: “We’re proud to welcome Dalton Court to the Sandstone Care family. This acquisition represents our continued investment and growth in the North of England, and we’re proud to bring our
first-class care model to West Cumbria.
“Dalton Court is a home with real heart and purpose, and we’re excited to work with the team there to build on its strengths and ensure exceptional care for every resident.”
Dalton Court has been thoughtfully designed to offer a home-from-home atmosphere, with views of the surrounding area. It supports adults of all ages, including those under 65 living with early-onset dementia or complex medical needs, and remains deeply rooted in the local community.
Salutem Care and Education has appointed a new manager to oversee two of its Colchester services.
Joshua Klotia-Clottey, the new manager of Newlands and Stanway, has worked for Salutem for five years after moving away from the hospitality industry. His parents were foster carers so he was always aware of the care sector and the difference it can make to the lives of individuals. Joshua began working nights as a support worker, before being promoted to senior support worker, then deputy manager. His aim is to help individuals live life to the fullest and make sure their disabilities are never seen as setbacks.
Rashwood Care Home, an Elizabeth Finn home in Droitwich, has welcomed Rachel Wilson as the new general manager. A Registered Nurse, she brings more than 35 years of experience to her new role. Throughout her time in care, Rachel has gained a deep understanding of the complexities involved in providing compassionate care and is adept in leading a team focused on managing a holistic approach. Prior to joining Rashwood, Rachel worked as a Registered Manager in the Worcestershire area where she cared for residents with diverse individual needs. Taking up this frontline position in the 53-bed care home, Rachel will be managing a staff of 100 and continuing to build on the home’s reputation, embedding its core values to ensure each resident’s needs are met with dignity, respect and compassion.
Dawn Skippins has been appointed as manager of Morley Road and Henderson and Harvard in Tiptree, part of Salutem Care and Education. Dawn started her career in care 16 years ago when she was just 19 and fell in love with the sector, believing she was in a role where she could make a real difference to people’s lives. In her career at Salutem she has progressed to a managerial role from her initial position as senior support worker. Her goal is to encourage the individuals she supports to dream big and live their lives to the full no matter what. She is focused on person centred support to enable each individual to work towards their independence and have the best quality of care they need.
Barchester’s Charitable Foundation has announce the appointment of a new trustee to its board. Mitch Counsell, a recently retired project and operations manager from Cheltenham, brings a wealth of experience from his extensive work in both the public and private sectors. Many of Mitch’s roles throughout his 45-year career across sectors such as care, health, environment and hospitality have stood him in good stead for his new role as a trustee. Having project managed the building of several new hospital and care home settings, Mitch has gained a broad insight into the operating realities and opportunities. As a project manager for the ‘Walking the Way to Health’ Initiative, Mitch worked with his regional colleagues to assess, fund and monitor more than 200 community/local authority grants to create a health walks network with National Lottery, BHF and Countryside Agency funding.
Hamberley Care Homes has appointed Julia Landt as the company’s new director of quality. Julia, the UK’s first accredited consultant under the Care Consultant Accreditation Framework, brings decades of senior leadership experience in care governance, quality improvement and clinical transformation. Julia has held multiple leadership roles in the care sector, including director of quality at Gold Care Homes, where she was Nominated Individual for 18 of 34 services. As co-founder of Landt Consultancy Group, she was recognised for setting sector-leading standards in ethical, outcomes-focused consultancy. Her work included advising providers, regulators and commissioners on safeguarding, quality assurance and inspection readiness.
Ruddington Manor care centre has strengthened its management team with the appointment of Anne Mirasol as home manager. Anne, who was previously deputy manager at Ruddington Manor, had more recently worked in managerial roles in the region, and is a highly experienced nurse and clinical lead, having moved to the UK in 2013 to further her career in nursing. In her new role, Anne is now fully responsible for the provision of care and quality of life for residents at Ruddington Manor, overseeing all aspects of the home, from staff and training to compliance and wellbeing. She will also handle all new enquiries, personally meeting potential residents and their loved ones where possible when visiting and looking around the home.
Wallacea Living has bolstered its sales and marketing team with a duo of senior appointments, as activity gears up ahead of the first homeowners moving into its debut community early next year. Karolina Harvey joins the team as head of sales, having previously worked as a sales manager at Audley Villages for four years. With nearly a decade’s experience in the senior living and wider property sectors, Karolina has also worked at LifeCare Residences, Catalyst Housing Association and Churchill Retirement Living. She is joined by Georgina Hardy who has taken a new role as senior marketing manager. With more than a decade of experience across real estate, finance and digital product sectors, Georgina brings a proven track record in brand building, integrated campaigns and lead generation.
The Cotswold Home, an Elizabeth Finn care home in Burford, has welcomed Rares Pop as its new general manager. Rares has an established background in care, having worked up through the ranks from his initial role as a nurse, to his previous role as care home manager with the Maria Mallaband Care Group. Originally from Romania, Rares completed degrees in nursing and physiotherapy choosing to focus his career on general hospital nursing. Following his move to the UK in 2014, Rares has built a career in the care home sector, passionate about creating the best possible environment for those in later life. Going forward, part of Rares’s plans for the home is a special Palliative Unit to provide dedicated care for those with end-oflife and other special needs.
Doctors join forces to launch Rochdale home care service
TWO doctors have joined forces to set up a company providing home care services.
Noreena Iqbal and Shujhat Khan have launched SureCare Rochdale to make a difference to the care provision in their local community.
After working as doctors for a number of years, they have seen at first-hand how many people in hospitals are unable to return to their homes because they don’t have access to home care.
Noreena, 31, has worked as a hospital doctor in Oxford for six years and has extensive experience caring for older people. She is currently training to be a cardiologist at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading.
She met Shujhat after he graduated from Imperial College London, and they worked together in Milton Keynes University Hospital in elderly care for two years.
Shujhat, 31, has also specialised in neuro-rehabilitation at the University of Cambridge, and he hopes to bring this expertise to
the Rochdale community.
Noreena said: “Shujhat and I have talked about launching our own home care business for a number of years, so we’re delighted to be opening a SureCare franchise in Rochdale.
“As doctors, we have extensive experience working with patients with both acute and chronic conditions. We have seen patients
in the hospital waiting a long time to be discharged because they need social care when they return home.
“We think there’s a gap in the market for a different type of home care service, and we’re excited that we can provide it to the Rochdale community.
“Over the coming months, we will be building a team of care
workers, and we’ve just opened an office in Heywood in Rochdale to base ourselves.”
Shujhat added: “We’re both very keen to get non-clinical experience, develop our management skills and expand our experience outside of a hospital setting.
“Crucially for me, I also want to do something to help the local community, which has a high elderly population.
“The business will allow us to help people who are coming out of the hospital and want to stay living in their own homes.
“Noreena and I are very ambitious for the business and want to expand it into as many different fields as we can. We’ll be offering non-regulated services to start with, such as domestic cleaning and pet care.
“Once we receive our Care Quality Commission registration, we will be able to offer even more services, including domiciliary care, live-in care, respite and holiday care, and dementia and Alzheimer’s care.”
Operator opens new state-of-the-art home
HARTFORD Care has officially launched Alton Place, its state-of-the-art new care home in Alton.
It offers expert-led residential, dementia, day care, end-of-life care and respite breaks across its 67 en-suite bedrooms.
The neutral, modern bedroom interiors are a perfect canvas to be personalised as residents wish, with family photographs or paintings.
Emma Jones, operations director at Hartford Care, said: “We’re thrilled to have officially opened the doors at Alton Place and to be welcoming our very first residents and their families.
“Our team is looking forward to bringing our ‘home from home’ ethos to life and are busy helping everyone get
settled in to enjoy all the great facilities on offer. We’ve had lots of interest from families and potential new residents, and look forward to seeing our Alton Place community grow in the coming weeks.”
The home also includes a cinema room, café, hair and beauty salon, several spacious residents’ lounges and dining rooms with lifestyle kitchens, along with large landscaped gardens for residents and their families to enjoy.
Positioned alongside a new landscaped public open space, Alton Place has industry-leading sustainability credentials with significant renewable energy elements including solar panels, heat pumps and battery storage systems.
Home with cinema and beauty salon opens
ABBEYGATE Manor, a luxurious residential care home, is now welcoming senior citizens in Suffolk, with Councillor Donna Higgins, Mayor of Bury St Edmunds, guest of honour at the official opening.
The latest care home in the award-winning Morar Living portfolio, no expense has been spared in the development of the property, which has its own cinema, bar, restaurant, hair and beauty salon, library, music lounge and private dining room for residents to enjoy special events with their friends and family.
The opening ceremony and community open day, with live entertainment, refreshments, and guided tours of the home, was
attended by hundreds of visitors.
Paul Houldey, operations director of Morar Living, said:
“We are passionate about
creating an environment where residents feel truly at home.
“Abbeygate Manor offers five-star facilities combined
with outstanding care, ensuring residents enjoy both comfort and the highest quality of life.
“Our ethos is to provide a luxurious setting and dedicated staff, complemented by a comprehensive range of activities and visits, to enable every resident to enjoy their later years to the full.”
Abbeygate Manor has 81 bedrooms, each with WiFi and en-suite wet room.
The bedrooms at every Morar Living home are arranged in small clusters, each with its own lounge/dining room and quiet room to foster a close-knit community.
Morar Living has been shortlisted in numerous industry awards this year.
Shujhat Khan
Noreena Iqbal
Liz Darley, Julie Harkess, Ben Goddard, Elaine Rankin and Ben Maynard from Morar Living at Abbeygate Manor.
Marsden M-600 and M-605 Hoist Scales: Safe, dignified weighing for modern care
WEIGHING immobile residents can often present challenges for carers and clinicians.
Traditional methods may require repositioning, causing discomfort and anxiety for residents, while also placing additional strain on care staff.
The Marsden M-600 and M-605 Hoist Scales are designed to transform this experience, delivering a safer, more dignified approach to patient weighing.
Enhancing safety and comfort
By allowing residents to be weighed during routine hoist transfers, the M-600 and M-605 eliminate the need for additional handling.
This reduces the physical and emotional stress on residents, whilst minimising the manual effort required by care staff.
The result is a smoother, safer experience that prioritises dignity and wellbeing.
Designed for versatility
Both models are compatible with most hoists that use coat hanger-style spreader bars, making them highly versatile across different care environments, from residential care homes to hospitals and community
care settings. Their lightweight design makes them easy to transport and install, ensuring carers and nurses can use them whenever and wherever needed.
Accuracy you can trust
As Class III Approved medical devices, the M-600 and M-605 meet strict medical weighing standards, providing the precision required by clinicians for effective monitoring and decision-making.
Accurate weights are critical in medication dosing, nutritional planning, and ongoing health assessments – all essential elements of high-quality patient care.
Simple, user-friendly operation
Both models feature a clear, easy-to-read digital display with practical functions such as weight hold and tare, simplifying
the weighing process even in busy care environments.
With a generous 600kg capacity, these hoist scales are robust enough to meet the demands of a wide range of resident needs, ensuring flexibility and reliability in every use.
Streamlining care and compliance
Regular, precise weight monitoring is crucial in maintaining quality care records and meeting regulatory standards.
By integrating weighing into routine hoist transfers, the M-600 and M-605 support seamless documentation – enabling teams to capture essential health data without unnecessary interventions.
This not only promotes better outcomes for residents but also strengthens compliance with care quality frameworks.
A trusted name in medical weighing
Marsden has built a reputation for delivering reliable, innovative weighing solutions trusted by healthcare professionals across the UK and internationally.
The M-600 and M-605 Hoist Scales reflect this commitment, providing a practical, portable, and clinically accurate solution for modern care environments.
Call 01709 364296, email Sales@marsdengroup.co.uk or visit www.marsden-weighing.co.uk
SPECIALISTS IN INFECTION CON
SUPPLY & INSTALL
From initial consultation to expert installation, we deliver end-to-end solutions tailored to your setting, creating compliant care environments that support best practice infection prevention & control.
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
Expert support across all makes and models of bedpan washer disinfectors, with a focus on reliability and first time resolution.
SPEEDY RESPONSE TIMES
Emergency breakdown? With national coverage and prompt attendance, we ensure your bedpan washer disinfector isn’t out of action for long, minimising downtime and disruption to your operations.
Specialist testing in line with HTM 01-01 for bedpan washer disinfectors. Supporting hospitals and care homes in meeting essential decontamination standards.
Service and support on your terms and within your budget: no fixed term contracts required.
Book a no-obligation, strictly confidential sluice room survey: identify risks before they become costly problems. Act now to safeguard your compliance and protect those in your care.
Why log reduction matters for surface disinfection
IN THE realm of disinfection, terms like “log reduction” often surface, signifying the efficacy of a product in eliminating microorganisms.
The numbers associated with log reduction, such as 99.9 per cent or 99.999 per cent, might seem trivial, but they hold profound implications for the effectiveness of a disinfectant.
Log reduction measures the decrease in the number of microorganisms, expressed in powers of 10.
For instance, a 99.9 per cent reduction equates to a three-log reduction, while a 99.999 per cent reduction represents a fivelog reduction.
Each additional log reduction signifies a tenfold increase in effectiveness. Sounds complex? Let’s break it down.
The power of five-log A five-log reduction, or 99.999 per cent, is often considered the gold standard in disinfection.
Why? Imagine a surface teeming with harmful microbes.
Applying a five-log reduction product like our Antibacterial Spray means reducing the microbial count by a factor of 100,000.
In practical terms, if there were 100,000 harmful microorganisms on a surface, a fivelog reduction would leave just one behind.
Studies reveal that everyday objects, from doorknobs to smartphones, can harbour thousands to millions of bacteria and viruses per square inch.
For instance, an average kitchen sponge can host more than 54 billion bacteria per cubic centimetre.
Such microbial density underscores the need for robust disinfection practices.
Challenges with lower log reductions
Products with lower log reductions may leave
a substantial number of microorganisms behind. For instance, a three-log reduction (99.9 per cent) means one in 1,000 microorganisms survives.
This is why household cleaning chemicals such as Dettol Spray are not suitable for highrisk areas such as hospitals or care homes, where residual microorganisms could pose a risk for those who are Immunocompromised.
When choosing disinfectants, opting for a five-log reduction product ensures a more comprehensive and reliable defence against harmful microorganisms.
It is about going beyond basic cleanliness to achieve an exceptional standard of disinfection, where the potential for infection or contamination is reduced to an absolute minimum.
Why buy from Gompels?
BS EN1276 stands as a testament to the commitment to excellence in disinfection.
It establishes a robust framework for assessing the bactericidal performance of disinfectants, ensuring that products adhering to this standard contribute significantly to maintaining a hygienic and safe environment.
All disinfectants at Gompels are BS EN tested to ensure they are suitable for professional use, offering superior safety and peace of mind in environments where hygiene is non-negotiable.
Nurse call experts Research shows concern for specialist catering
MEDICARE Systems are experts in manufacturing and installing wireless nurse call systems.
Nurse call systems are an essential part of worldwide healthcare.
They provide a way for patients to communicate with staff and for staff to be alerted to patient needs.
Our systems and equipment can be found in nursing homes, hospitals, hospices and clinics worldwide.
Medicare Systems offers a professional service from initial consultation to the installation and commissioning of the nurse call system recommended to the client.
The HTM6500, Medicare’s latest range of wireless nurse call products, has been designed with aesthetics in mind.
While easy to use and highly durable, separate systems are designed to meet the varying requirements of both the private and the public sectors.
With the flexibility to cater to unlimited call points, the HTM6500 system incorporates the best in wireless radio technology.
It remains the most user-friendly radio nurse call system to use and maintain.
The HTM6500iBiR system is a nurse call system that provides specific data to meet CQC standards.
It allows care monitoring while providing an alarm system to raise the alarm for help and
assistance when required.
The HTM6500iBiR system offers versatility and many other options.
The system benefits from being addressable; it not only records response times, but it can also record the staff member who has attended to help and provide care or assistance.
Whatever your requirements, from the smallest to the largest site-wide networked systems, Medicare can tailor to suit your individual needs and budget.
After installation, you will have the reassurance of the Medicare service support team, which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Please call our free phone number 0800 849 5123 to arrange a demonstration or request a quote based on your needs.
NEW research carried out by meal provider apetito and Care England reveals that more than half of care homes find it difficult to provide residents living with dysphagia with adequate nutrition – a challenge still unresolved across the sector two years on.
Building on the insights from the ‘Nourishing Lives: A New Era of Care Home Dining’ Report released by the partners in early 2024, this new study aims to examine how the sector’s key challenges have evolved over the past two years and to identify how the market has changed and any emerging trends.
Readers can now download the latest insights focused on the current landscape on specialist nutrition and the challenges homes now face in delivering safe texture modified meals that meet residents’ nutritional needs – while ensuring that the joy of eating isn’t lost.
Richard Woodward, general manager at apetito and Wiltshire Farm Foods Professional, said: “It is clear from this data on specialist catering in care homes that there are still grave concerns and challenges across the sector, two years on.
“We understand the complexities involved in meeting individual resident needs with texture modified meals that are both safe and nutritious, whilst
simultaneously providing a full regular menu for others. And this is only exacerbated by the increasing economic pressures on labour and services.
“However, the consequences of getting this wrong are severe. Rising numbers of care homes are struggling to meet IDDSI guidelines when preparing meals, and with a high proportion finding it difficult to provide appropriate nutrition, the findings signal a concerning trend in the world of care catering.
“Our message to homes is that Wiltshire Farm Foods Professional service can support you by providing an easy-to-cook, nutritious and safe solution that works in harmony with kitchen teams cooking from scratch.
“Our extensive range of preprepared options are all made in line with IDDSI guidance and with expert Dietetic input, providing peace of mind for staff, residents and their families.”
Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of Care England, added: “This report clearly identifies the challenges but also offers some clear and tangible ways in which care providers can get specialist advice, and through working with apetito, can ensure that people receive the nutrition that they need for a good life”. To read the report visit https:// online.wffpro.co.uk/sn-research
the inside of a vintage train carriage including all the classic period memorabilia, and also featuring real bespoke footage of British Heritage steam railway journeys in surround sound.
‘The Jolly Journey’ is a powerful way to enhance and improve the well-being of people living with dementia. It creates a familiar and stimulating environment, enabling ‘passengers’ to awaken their fondest memories.
Reminisce about travel and holidays with loved ones, friends and family over afternoon tea in your exclusive cabin, then maybe top it off with a jolly good toe tapping ‘Sing Song’ on your merry way home.
