Protecting Residents, Supporting Carers: Safety Through Technology.
Care Campaign for the Vulnerable (CCFTV), advocates for safer care environments through the use of modern independent, choice-led, safety monitoring solutions. We work with care providers to promote best practices that protect residents, support staff, and offer families peace of mind. From expert insights to real-life case studies, we help care homes implement effective safety measures that enhance care quality and transparency.
Join us in driving a culture of transparency and safety in care homes because every resident and care staff member deserves to feel safe, respected, and protected.
As the seasons shift and we move into March, our focus through this edition of Care Home Magazine turns to two crucial pillars of care home management: Cost Management and Catering. In an industry where every penny and every meal matters, ensuring financial efficiency and providing nutritious, highquality dining experiences go hand in hand in delivering outstanding care.
This March, we explore how smart financial management can alleviate administrative burdens and streamline operations. Our Essential 5 feature from Intracare unveils five key ways SFIncS r/3 simplifies fee income processing, reduces administrative strain, and ensures financial accuracy— allowing care home operators to focus on what truly matters: the wellbeing of residents.
Alongside financial management, we turn our attention to catering—an aspect of care that extends far beyond the dining table. The future of care home dining is evolving, embracing innovation to enhance nutrition, safety, and efficiency. Our second Essential 5 feature outlines five must-have appliances and tools that can transform kitchen operations, ensuring meals are not only delicious but also tailored to the needs of residents.
These unique topics are, as ever, complemented perfectly by our regular features, including Care Home of the Month and Dishing Up.
As ever, myself and the team remain committed to bringing you the insights, tools, and strategies that help your care home thrive. We hope this edition provides valuable takeaways and sparks new ideas for costeffective and high-quality care.
Enjoy the read!
Jade Evans, Chief Editor
Table of Contents
9 Cost Management
Sponsored by IntraCare, this feature explores how to manage costs in your care home effectively through technology.
14 Cover Story
Our Cover story this month comes from Jayne Connery, Founder of Care Campaign for the Vulnerable as we delve into why safety monitoring is the future of a compassionate care sector.
17 Catering
We step into the future and look at what’s to come for catering in care homes for the rest of 2025 and beyond.
26 Essential 5
As part of the wider Catering focus, our Kitchen Equipment article reveals five must have appliances and tools for efficiency, safety and nutrition.
32 Care Home of the Month
Taking centre stage this March is Laurel Place as we share an interview with the Home Manager, Luke Skelton, for this instalment of Care Home of the Month.
34
Business
Darren Edwards, Healthcare Agent at Montane reviews the care market in 2024 and offers an abundance of insights for care home operators.
Prioritising People
To open up a unique interview series with Aria Care where we will be delving into their Pillars of Success – People, Quality and Performance, we share an interview with Aria Care’s Chief People Officer Kelly Howell, in order to explore workforce, culture, and development at the care group.
People: What strategies does Aria Care use to attract, develop, and retain top talent?
We truly believe that Aria is a great place to work with our values being embedded into everything we do. Our employer brand continues to become stronger and we are committed to ensuring that our colleagues are given opportunities to grow, develop and be the best version of themselves. Our approach to growing our own talent is firmly cemented into our people strategy and we are very proud of our development programmes that enable personal and professional growth.
Recognition and reward are pivotal in ensuring colleagues remain motivated, engaged but also feel part of the Aria family. We are on a mission to ‘Make Care Cool’ - There is a plethora of opportunities to forge a career within the care sector and we encourage our colleagues to explore these options as well as actively promoting career pathways for future candidates.
Quality: How do you ensure colleagues are equipped with the right training and support to deliver excellent care?
We invest heavily in training and developing our colleagues to ensure that they have the right skills, knowledge and competency to deliver the best care to our residents. From robust inductions to a comprehensive mandatory training programme – we foster a culture of continuous learning which is key to us having a well-
supported and knowledgeable workforce. Our Support teams work in collaboration with homes to provide support, guidance and coaching to colleagues, ultimately improving confidence in their own abilities.
Our Leadership programmes continue to evolve and the feedback we receive from delegates is fantastic – the programmes hone existing skills whilst learning new skills, but equally as important, it helps them gain confidence and grow on a personal level.
Performance:
How do you measure employee engagement and its impact on overall business performance?
Our focus has very much been to turn the dial from recruitment to retention. Our open, transparent approach has been a critical part for us to ensure colleagues feel comfortable and confident to have a voice.
We have numerous channels to share information and we listen and respond – creating open, two-way communication allows us to get a true feel of colleague engagement. Our Employee Feedback Sessions allow one-to-one communications in a confidential space. We also hold a number of calls/meetings
that enables us to share important business updates and information. Our Leadership teams are very visible within our homes so we get a true feel and understanding of the challenges our colleagues and residents may encounter.
How do you foster a culture of inclusion within the organisation?
We are very proud to have a diverse workforce and we strive to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and included. Our people agenda ensures we have fair and inclusive recruitment practices - As a Disability Confident Employer and having signed the Armed Forces Covenant, we aim to widen the pool in which we attract individuals and keen to engage with candidates in that have the same values as Aria and are passionate as we are for delivering the highest standards of care.
A key element of our Inspiring Leaders Programme is a projectbased task. This year, we have a team that is driving Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and I am honoured to be their Executive Sponsor to support them to successfully embed DEI across our organisation. ariacare.co.uk
Kelly Howell
Cost Management
Section sponsored by Intracare
Essential 5
Care home finances shouldn’t feel like solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. Yet, traditional fee income processing is exactly that clunky, error-prone, and an administrative nightmare. Enter SFIncS r/3 a system that doesn’t just work but makes sense. The team at Intracare share five ways how it cuts through the chaos and makes financial management effortless.
Simplicity: Because Complexity Is the Enemy of Progress
Most systems operate under the illusion that complexity equals sophistication. SFIncS r/3 does the opposite. It takes an age-old, frustrating process and turns it into something seamless. No convoluted spreadsheets. No obscure reconciliation battles. Just a streamlined, intuitive system that reduces workload while increasing confidence. Think of it like switching from an old dial-up connection to fibre optic broadband once you experience the ease, there’s no going back.
Speed: Because Time Is Money (and Admin Time Is a Black Hole)
Billing errors, invoice disputes, and chasing unpaid fees these are productivity vampires. SFIncS r/3 automates the heavy lifting, cutting processing time dramatically. What once took hours (or worse, days) can now be done in minutes. Less time chasing numbers means more time focusing on what actually matters, delivering quality care. If fee processing used to feel like wading through treacle, this is like having a high-speed motorway built straight through it.
Flexibility: Because No Two Care Homes Are Alike
Traditional finance systems assume every care home operates identically. Reality check: they don’t. SFIncS r/3 is designed to bend, not break, adapting to different fee structures, funding sources, and payment schedules. Whether you’re handling private payers, local authority funding, or complex deferred payment plans, the system adjusts rather than forcing you to jump through hoops. It’s like having a suit tailor-made instead of wrestling into one off the rack.
Accuracy: Because “Near Enough” Is Never Good Enough
Rounding errors, misplaced decimals, and manual miscalculations might seem small until they snowball into serious financial headaches. SFIncS r/3 removes the human-error factor entirely, ensuring precise calculations every time. It doesn’t just check the numbers; it guarantees their accuracy. Imagine a chess grandmaster meticulously planning every move except this one never makes a mistake, ensuring every invoice, payment, and financial report is spot-on.
5 4 3 2 1
Confidence: Because Second-Guessing Finances Is Exhausting
A good system doesn’t just work it reassures. SFIncS r/3 gives you financial clarity, meaning no more latenight number crunching or panicked audits. Everything is tracked, documented, and accessible at a glance. It’s the difference between flying a plane with advanced autopilot versus constantly fighting turbulence with manual controls. When your finances are under control, your entire operation runs smoother. SFIncS r/3 isn’t about making incremental improvements it’s about revolutionizing how care homes handle their finances. If processing fee income still feels like a painful endurance test, it’s time to switch to something designed with you in mind. intracare.co
Better
by
Design:
A Fee Income System especially for Residential and Nursing Care Homes
We’ve analysed every aspect of fee income processing to the nth degree and developed a bespoke solution that delivers simplicity and ease of use coupled with speed, flexibility and accuracy – all in one outstanding application package.
SFIncS r/3 is the ultimate fee income management and control system.
• Unlimited sponsor and charge code assignments allow complete flexibility of service user billing profiles.
• Perfect for all types of care homes - Nursing, Residential, Mixed, Specialist.
• Unique continuous billing functionality provides the most efficient charge definition possible. Only charge start points need to be maintained and all sponsor charges for each service user (including historic) are shown on just one screen.
• Completely flexible invoicing. Invoice any sponsor at any time for any charges for any service user for any period of time.
• Super fast receipt entry including ‘Six clicks’ copy functionality.
• Balance forward accounting means you can forget laborious invoice matching.
• Ad hoc charges functionality.
• Cashbox module included.
• Works for multiple or single home operators.
• Integrates with any accounting system.
• Plus all the reports, views and graphs you’ll ever need.
• In use for over 12 years.
• Free training and help with system set up.
• Historic data loading option available (charges may apply).
• 30 day free trial.
For a demo, free trial or for further information please email benjones@intracare.co or visit https://intracare.co/get-started
Staying on Top of Things
Revolutionising fee income management for residential and nursing care homes with Intracare.
Managing finances in a care home is no easy feat. With funding structures that vary and manual processes prone to errors, keeping on top of invoicing and income management can feel like a constant uphill battle. Errors in billing, delays in payments, and reconciling multiple funding sources can lead to financial instability, impacting the quality of care delivered to residents. But what if there was a better way to navigate these financial complexities?
Enter SFIncS r/3, Intracare’s innovative cloud-based fee income system, designed exclusively for residential and nursing care homes. Combining speed, simplicity, and flexibility, SFIncS r/3 transforms financial workflows, reducing administrative burdens and ensuring accuracy—so care home operators can focus on what truly matters: providing outstanding care.
A Decade of Innovation in Care Home Finance
Originally developed as an MS Access database more than 12 years ago, SFIncS evolved into a cloud-based platform in 2017, bringing 24/7 global accessibility to its users. This transition not only modernised the system but also allowed Intracare to continually innovate and add features tailored to the care industry. SFIncS r/3 is a bespoke solution born from collaboration between expert software developers and professionals within the care sector, resulting in a robust system that
addresses the unique needs of care homes while minimizing the potential for errors or missed billing.
Key Features That Set SFIncS r/3 Apart
One of the system’s standout features is its handling of sponsor and service user relationships. Unlike generic accounting software, SFIncS r/3 allows unlimited relationships between sponsors, service users, and charge codes, offering maximum flexibility for facilities dealing with a mix of private and sponsored clients. This
means care homes can manage funding sources with ease, ensuring that every charge is accurately assigned and reconciled without manual intervention.
The system’s continuous billing function automates recurring charges—only requiring manual entry when changes arise—so operators can set up ongoing charges without constantly updating or adjusting records. Additionally, an ad hoc charge function and a cashbox module are available for incidental expenses, allowing care homes to handle
one-off fees or minor transactions seamlessly within the same system. This prevents revenue leakage and ensures every chargeable service is accounted for.
Real-World Impact: A Case Study
Consider Paula, the owner of Monkstone House Residential Home in Porthcawl. With 41 service users, each with unique and sometimes complex funding sources, she keeps her entire accounts and fee income up to date in just 30 to 40 minutes per week.
Paula praises SFIncS r/3 as “incredibly powerful” and explains, “I never worry about underpaid or overpaid fees—everything is always accurate. Plus, the invoices and statements make my financial documents look polished and professional.”
For care home owners like Paula, the ability to maintain financial accuracy with minimal effort
allows them to focus on improving resident care rather than getting bogged down in administrative chaos.
Seamless Integration and Ease of Use
Using a balance-forward accounting principle, SFIncS r/3 eliminates the need for invoice matching, ensuring accuracy without additional effort. Receipts entry is reduced to just six clicks, making it fast and user-friendly. The intuitive interface means that even staff without extensive accounting experience can navigate the system with confidence, reducing the dependency on external accountants.
Furthermore, SFIncS r/3 integrates smoothly with any existing accounting package, making it suitable for both singlelocation care homes and multi-site operators. This flexibility ensures that care homes of all sizes can benefit from a system that is
tailored to their specific financial workflows without requiring a complete overhaul of their current processes.
A Future-Proof Solution for Care Homes
In an era where care homes are under increasing financial pressure, having a system that simplifies and streamlines fee income management is more than just a convenience—it’s a necessity. With the potential to reduce administrative workload, eliminate billing errors, and improve cash flow, SFIncS r/3 is a transformative tool for the care sector.
The question is not whether care homes can afford to adopt this technology—but whether they can afford not to.
intracare.co
The Heart of Care
Why safety monitoring is the future of a compassionate care sector by Jayne Connery, Founder of Care Campaign for the Vulnerable.
Care Campaign for the Vulnerable (CCFTV) exists for a simple yet vital reason: to ensure greater transparency and safety for the elderly and vulnerable living in care settings. This journey is deeply personal to me, born from my own experiences and a determination to drive meaningful change in the UK care sector. CCFTV is shaped by influencing care providers with an unwavering belief in the good that can be achieved when they embrace greater transparency.
The memory of my wonderful mother, Ellen, is at the heart of everything CCFTV undertakes. My mother, in her final years, diagnosed with dementia, profoundly influenced my professional journey. Like so many families, we trusted the care sector to provide her with the support, care, and dignity she deserved. While there were moments of genuine compassion and dedication from carers, there were also instances that left us questioning whether her care could have been better, safer, and more transparent.
These experiences shaped me in ways I did not fully understand at the time. They gave me the confidence and purpose to found CCFTV, a not-for-profit organisation that honours my mother’s memory by advocating for those who, like her, rely on care homes and carers to live their lives with respect and dignity. They also taught me a valuable lesson: even in the face of shortcomings, there is always room for progress and recognition of the incredible work being done by
care staff, managers, and providers across the UK.
I am immensely proud of CCFTV. Every day, I am inspired by the families who come to me for support, by the dedicated carers who go above and beyond for their residents, and by the care providers who are open to exploring new ways to improve safety and care standards. Together, we are creating a culture of trust and transparency that benefits everyone who relies on care.
One of the most transformative solutions CCFTV champions is Care Protect, experts in the implementation of choice-led, independent safety monitoring in care homes. For many, the idea of safety monitoring may seem
intrusive at first. However, time and time again, we have seen how it can create a safer and more supportive environment for both residents and carers. It encourages trust between families and providers, offering peace of mind to relatives while protecting staff from unfounded allegations. Most importantly, it can prevent serious incidents, providing a clear and objective record that ensures the highest standards of care.
Partnering with the Care CommissionQuality and Local Authorities
To truly transform the care sector, CCFTV is committed to working in partnership with regulatory
bodies such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and local authorities. Collaboration is key to ensuring safety monitoring is implemented effectively and becomes a cornerstone of compassionate, high-quality care. By aligning our efforts with the CQC’s framework of monitoring, inspection, and improvement, CCFTV aims to strengthen the culture of transparency within care homes. We believe that safety monitoring can complement the CQC’s inspection processes, providing an additional layer of evidence that highlights areas of excellence while identifying opportunities for growth. Together, we can create a more robust regulatory environment that not only enforces standards but empowers providers to deliver exceptional care.
Local authorities also play a crucial role in supporting care providers, families, and residents. By working closely with councils, CCFTV seeks to ensure safety monitoring is recognised as a proactive measure that benefits all stakeholders. This includes exploring funding opportunities, addressing concerns about data security, and providing resources that enable care providers to make informed decisions.
CCFTV is determined to show how safety monitoring, when embraced collaboratively with regulatory bodies and local authorities, can enhance the safety, trust, and overall experience within care homes.
Supporting the Sector
I am determined to continue working with the care sector to expand the adoption of choiceled safety monitoring. Over the years, I have seen growing interest from providers who recognise the benefits it brings— not just in protecting residents, but in supporting their staff and operations. To those care providers who are already contemplating introducing safety monitoring, I want to say this: talk to us. Let us show you how monitoring can
transform your care home into a safer, more transparent, and ultimately more positive caring environment.
CCFTV understands that adopting monitoring is a significant decision. It requires providers to look closely at their practices, listen to feedback, and embrace a level of openness that can feel daunting. But we also know that the rewards are immense. Providers that collaborate with CCFTV and have implemented independent safety monitoring consistently report improved relationships with families, higher staff morale, fewer safeguard referrals, and a greater ability to address concerns proactively.
A Shared Mission
At the heart of CCFTV is a deep respect for carers and the incredible work they do under often challenging circumstances. My experiences with my mother’s care taught me that, despite the flaws in the system, countless carers show extraordinary compassion, kindness, and dedication every single day. Supporting these carers is instrumental to CCFTV. Safety monitoring is not just about protecting residents—it is also about protecting staff, recognising their hard work, and giving them the tools they need to thrive.
To families, carers, and providers, CCFTV exists to champion you. We are here to listen to your concerns, celebrate and promote your achievements, and work alongside you to create a better future for care. The journey is not always easy, but it is one worth taking. Every step we take toward greater transparency is a step toward a care sector we can all be proud of. Founding CCFTV over eleven years ago has been the greatest privilege. It is a tribute to my parents, Ellen and Padraig, to the countless families, carers, and residents who deserve to feel safe and valued. While there is still much work to be done, I am confident that, together, we can build a care sector that embodies the values of dignity, respect, and compassion.
I want to thank everyone who supports CCFTV on this journey, including our valued partners Signature Senior Living, MMCG, Care Protect, and Slater and Gordon. Their belief in our efforts fuels my determination to keep pushing for change, to keep advocating for the vulnerable, to influence choice-led, independent safety monitoring, and to keep working for a care sector that delivers safe and transparent care.
carecampaignforthevulnerable.com
Catering
A Taste ofInnovation
With help from industry experts, we explore the future of care home dining.
As the senior care industry evolves, so too does the approach to dining in care homes. Advances in nutrition, AI-driven meal planning, and automation are reshaping how residents receive and experience their meals. From personalised diets tailored to individual health needs to the use of technology in food preparation, the future of care home dining is becoming more efficient, nutritious, and engaging.
Mark Wetherill, QuornPro Executive Chef, recognises that nutrition and health are the key considerations when it comes to menu planning in healthcare. “Menus need to have a variety of protein options that taste, sound, and look amazing and vegan and vegetarian dishes are no exception to this,” he said.
Protein plays a huge role in creating the perfect menu and
whilst it’s an ingredient that has typically been linked to meat and fish, Quorn are showing healthcare chefs that there’s another option.
“Our mycoprotein is a nutritious and sustainable complete protein, making it easier for chefs to add dishes to menus with nutritional benefits, that taste great and have a positive impact on the planet.
“Whilst health and nutrition are front of mind, variety and taste are equally important. Chefs working in healthcare settings should try to offer a wide range of options, as it’s crucial for service users to retain some freedom and choice at mealtimes,” added Mark.
Quorn continually invest in research, both sensory and technical, to make sure they have the best taste, flavour and texture on the market. The versatility of QuornPro products means that there are so many delicious
ingredients and flavours that chefs can complement it with, to create a balanced meal option for all.
“We would always advise chefs to think about the key food groups to create a balanced meal option. Protein is really important, as are fats and carbohydrates to keep energy levels up. Fruit and vegetables should also be added into each meal for further vitamins and minerals.”
There has been an increased demand for plant-based and vegetarian options in care settings in recent years. It has always been important that care homes offer a range of meal options to meet dietary requirements, but through Quorn’s work in the channel, Mark revealed that he’s seeing a change in the variety and quality of those options. For many years, vegan and vegetarian dishes were on menus for those with dietary requirements,
but now, people are choosing to reduce their meat for a wide range of reasons – health, sustainability just two few of them.
“We’re showing care home operators that there is no compromise with QuornPro on menus. We have a taste and texture to helps replicate meat, but we bring better sustainability and nutritional benefits to the table too,” said Mark.
We asked Mark where he sees care home catering heading in the next five to ten years, to which he explained he believes it will be “shaped by several evolving trends driven by societal changes, the impact of technological advances and the increasing focus on health, wellbeing and sustainability.”
He continued, “We’re already working with operators to show them the health and environmental benefits of switching to our super protein on menus and we’re also support with the greater use of sustainable ingredients to help them bring down the carbon footprint of each dish they serve.”
Care homes are unfortunately also still facing staff shortages and skill challenges in kitchens. In line with this, specialists in healthcare dining, Simply Food Solutions, have highlighted the importance of resident and patient gratification in an event showcasing its textured modified range.
The current rate of prevalence of dysphagia affects between 50 to 75% of nursing home residents and 10% of acutely hospitalised older people1, who ultimately require a
texture-modified diet according to the IDDSI guidelines. However, achieving the perfect balance between safety and palatability in every meal can be time-consuming, wasteful and costly.
Simply Food Solutions’ recent event, ‘Rediscovering the Love of Food’, focused on its Simply Puree range of over 120 IDDSIcompliant products at levels 3, 4, 5 and 6. It also highlighted their convenience for chefs and caterers, who only need to heat and serve the ready-made meals in an oven or microwave, making them ideal for busy kitchens and out-of-hours service.
Yaqoob Ishaq, Managing Director at Simply Food Solutions said: “It’s our mission at Simply Food Solutions to keep the patients and residents who are eating our food happy, by providing the highest taste satisfaction possible. This also extends to healthcare chefs and caterers, as we aim to provide them
with a quick and easy meal solution that’s safe to eat without the hassle of strenuous kitchen prep.
“All of our food is crafted with care, but our Simply Puree range in particular demonstrates the impact food can have on the recovery, wellbeing and outlook of someone suffering from dysphagia.”
Looking to the future of care home catering, Yaqoob said, “Over the past 20 years we’ve seen a shift in people’s palates, seeking cuisines from around the world, as well as those from different cultural backgrounds longing for a taste of home. That’s why it’s so important for us to not only create dishes that adhere to various dietary needs and requirements, but dishes that also put a smile on their face, making them fall in love with food all over again from here on out.”
The future of care home catering is set to be more personalised, nutritious, and sustainable than ever before. With advancements in AI-driven meal planning, plantbased protein innovations, and improved solutions for texturemodified diets, residents will have greater choice and access to highquality, health-focused meals. As the industry continues to evolve, collaboration between chefs, nutritionists, and food providers will be key in ensuring that every meal not only meets dietary needs but also enhances overall wellbeing and enjoyment.
1. RCSLT, Dysphagia and eating, drinking and swallowing needs overview
QuornPro Pie, mash and peas
QuornPro Sausage and mash with gravy, carrots and broccoli
Ensuring Optimum Health
Nutrient dense or energy dense? What dietary approach should be taken?
Helen Ream, Healthcare and Food Service Dietitian at White Oaks, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, discusses the importance of Nutrient Density in meal and snacks served to older people in care homes and explains how providers can achieve this.
Nutritional requirements of older adults
Good nutrition and hydration, combined with being active is essential for everyone and is important throughout the entire lifespan; however the nutritional needs of older adults are slightly different from the rest of the adult population. Older adults need a nutrient rich diet containing slightly more protein, calcium, folate and vitamin B12 than younger adults (BDA Care Home Digest 2024). For older adults in care homes the risk of becoming malnourished is increased and this can heighten the risk of residents becoming unwell and taking longer to recover from illness. Where residents are at risk of malnutrition, food fortification using nutrient dense ingredients is often recommended alongside small frequent meals, snacks and nourishing drinks.
What is the difference between nutrient density and energy (calorie) density?
In the past, a traditional approach to increasing the nutritional intake of a resident is through food fortification using high-energy foods including butter, cream and sugar. Whilst these provide additional calories, they don’t provide any other nutrients such as protein, vitamins or minerals that the body needs to function well. The nutrient dense approach makes
use of ingredients that will fortify a meal with both energy and protein plus other nutrients, which the body can use to meet nutritional needs and improve the health and wellbeing of the individual.
Why is nutrient density so important?
Residents who are at risk of malnutrition can often only manage very small portions of food so it’s crucial that we make every mouthful count in terms of how it can contribute to their intake of all nutrients. Making someone feel full by eating lots of extra cream and sugar can mean that they miss out on the essential nutrients their body needs. Whilst cream can be added to a dessert for flavour if a resident likes this, we would recommend using skimmed milk powder as a fortifying ingredient
in custard, milk and milk puddings instead of cream.
Is nutrient density important for all residents or just those at risk of malnutrition?
All older adults in care homes should be offered a balanced diet containing all food groups in portion sizes that meet their nutrition needs. The BDA Care Home Digest provides guidance on what menus should contain to achieve this. Residents who eat well should not have their meals fortified with nutrient dense ingredients and this should be used only for those residents at risk of malnutrition.
Ref: Care Home Digest - British Dietetic Association (BDA)
compass-group.com
Helen Ream
Dishing Up
This month, Aria Care provide a stunning recipe for our Dishing Up instalment. Based on ‘Food is Medicine’ and ‘Wise up on Waste’, this piece comes from the Aria hospitality team - James Clear, Paul Wright and Steve Harding.
At Aria Care, we believe that food is more than just fuel—it’s an experience that brings comfort, connection, and joy. Mealtimes in our communities are vibrant social occasions where residents come together to enjoy delicious, nourishing dishes created with care. Our skilled chefs craft restaurant-quality menus that not only meet nutritional needs but also spark conversation and memories.
We are committed to culinary excellence, investing in the development of our chefs through mentorship and specialised training.
Indian Spice Glazed Chicken
Ingredients:
• 4 x Chicken Thighs boned and skinned
• 100g x spice mix (ground Chili, cumin, garlic powder, ginger, coriander and black pepper)
• 40ml Vegetable oil
Method:
• Marinate the chicken in some of the spice mix and allow to sit for 4-8 hours.
• Preheat oven to 180°C
• Roll the chicken tightly in cling film into a barrel shape, poach in simmering water for 20-25 minutes.
• Remove from the water, remove cling film and cover with the remaining spice mix blended with some oil to form a glaze.
• Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until cooked.
• Serve with rice.
Indian spiced glazed chicken with cauliflower and broccoli rice and a pea mint and coriander dressing
As part of our Aria Chef culinary skills days, we explore themes such as nutrition, hydration, sustainability, and the power of food as medicine. One of our key initiatives, Wise Up on Waste, encourages creative ways to reduce food waste while maximising flavour and nutrition.
We’re excited to share a recipe from our most recent Food is Medicine day—a dish that transforms overlooked ingredients into a delicious meal. By repurposing, vegetable peelings into bhajis, and adding nutrient-rich broccoli and cauliflower stalks into
the rice, our chefs have created a flavourful complement to spiceglazed chicken.
This delicious recipe explains how to make Indian spice glazed chicken served with cauliflower and broccoli root rice with coriander, red chilies and crispy onions, garnished with balsamic glaze and pea, mint and coriander dressing, with a side of vegetable shaving bhajis.
To find out more about Aria Care’s Hospitality from the heart offering, visit ariacare.co.uk/hospitality/
Vegetable shavings bhajis
Ingredients:
• 100g Carrot shavings/peelings
• 100g Parsnip shavings/peelings
• 50g Courgette shavings/ peelings
• 50g Onions finely sliced.
• 30g Spice mix (Chilli powder, turmeric, salt)
• 100g Gram flour
• 5g Baking Powder
Method:
• Mix the shavings into a bowl, moisten with a little cold water, add the spice mix and mix well.
• Mix the gram flour and baking powder together and stir gently into the mix, add more water if too dry, it should be dry enough to form a ball with your hands.
• Set the fryer to 180°C and carefully drop into the fryer, cook until golden and crispy.
Vegetable shaving bhajis
Looking Ahead
In a piece from allmanhall, we delve into how working with the food procurement experts can mitigate price increases at your care home.
What can you expect in 2025 when it comes to produce availability, supply challenges and food inflation?
Forecasting future food prices and inflation
UK food inflation is likely to be more settled in 2025 than it has been in recent years. The annual rate of CPI food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation has fallen from March 2023’s high of 19.1% to December 2024’s rate of 2%.
That said, we are expecting that food prices will rise in 2025. The BRC is anticipating 4.2% food inflation by the end of 2025, and allmanhall’s Procurement and Sustainability Director, Mike Meek, says: “Caterers can look to budget for 4% annual inflation during 2025 with optimism that it may be lower.”
What factors are impacting food prices and inflation?
Globally...
The energy and food supply shock caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, when gas prices tripled and electricity prices doubled and impacted global food systems, has stabilised.
There is now cause for optimism as improved supply and greater global resilience to food shortages, have created greater price stability.
Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns, which caused the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles in January, are intensifying drought conditions in California, potentially affecting the supply of fresh fruit
and vegetables. In the UK, we may think we are immune to such dramatic climatic disasters, but our global food supply chain means we will absolutely feel these threats to food security and food prices.
Closer to home?
Not only changes to UK trade but also Government policy impact food prices. Says allmanhall’s Managing Director, Oliver Hall: “Increases to the national minimum / living wage and employer National Insurance contributions will quickly force food producers and distributors to recover costs. Increases are expected to be seen from April.”
allmanhall are forecasting April price increases of between 1.5% and 3% made up of ingredient inflation plus cost to serve increases owing to labour costs. Oliver continues, “The combined effects of Government policy will likely be felt in the form of higher food prices in the coming years... choices made today will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of food security and affordability for all.”
What can you do to cope with food inflation?
While you can expect food inflation
of around 4% in 2025, there are things that you can do to mitigate price increases.
Oliver suggests that “There are three key areas for care home caterers to focus on: supply chain management; operational processes, and menus.”
Supply chain management
Supply chain management can ease food inflation costs by:
1. Tendering and consolidating your suppliers and deliveries
2. Reducing your cost to serve
3. Introducing range management
Operational practices
Consider the financial benefits of:
1. Multi- and up-skilling your team
2. Addressing food waste and reducing unnecessary spend - 30% of all food is wasted!
3. Investing in equipment to drive cost efficiencies and reduce waste.
Recipes and menus
Using smart and effective recipe and menu engineering can have a real impact on food costs by:
1. Flexing your recipes
2. Increase in-house production
3. Follow the seasons www.allmanhall.com
Trusted food procurement partner for the care sector
allmanhall is an owner-managed and award-winning food procurement partner for care homes, care groups and healthcare establishments across the UK. We specialise in supporting in-house catering teams.
9 Food cost savings and risk mitigation
9 Enhanced quality and retained flexibility
9 Admin efficiencies and greater visibility
9 Consolidated billing - fewer invoices
9 Hands-on support and consultancy
9 Allergen, nutrition and compliance training
9 Sustainability assessments and advice
“ From day 1, the care and attention provided by allmanhall has been exceptional. The team truly listen to us, to what our challenges are and are always willing to help in any way they can... ”
allmanhall.co.uk
Essential 5
By equipping a care home kitchen with essential appliances and tools, staff can create a safe, efficient, and nutrition-focused environment that enhances residents’ wellbeing. As part of our wider catering focus, we delve into all things kitchen equipment, as we highlight five must have appliances as prioritising hygiene, convenience, and dietary needs will ultimately lead to better care and meal quality within the facility.
Commercial-Grade Food Processor
A high-quality food processor is an essential tool for preparing meals that cater to residents with different dietary needs. It allows for quick chopping, pureeing, and blending, making it easier to create texturemodified meals for those with swallowing difficulties while also reducing meal prep time, meaning that time can be spent elsewhere within the home.
Industrial Dishwasher
Hygiene is paramount in any kitchen, especially in an environment where people may be vulnerable and more susceptible to illness. An industrial dishwasher ensures thorough cleaning and sanitisation of utensils, plates, and cookware. These machines work at high temperatures to kill bacteria efficiently, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
Temperature-Controlled Food Storage
Proper food storage is critical for both nutrition and safety. Commercial refrigerators and freezers with precise temperature controls help keep ingredients fresh, prevent foodborne illnesses, and minimise food waste. Some models even come with digital monitoring systems to alert staff if temperatures fluctuate beyond safe levels which can be hugely beneficial in care homes.
Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops provide a safer and more energy-efficient cooking option compared to traditional gas or electric stoves. They heat up quickly, offer precise temperature control, and reduce the risk of burns since the surface remains relatively cool. Additionally, they help maintain a comfortable kitchen environment by producing less heat, which is ideal for a care home environment.
5 4 3 2 1
Automated Meal Management System
Keeping track of residents’ dietary requirements, allergies, and meal preferences can be challenging for care home staff. Integrating an automated meal management system can help to streamline this process by helping kitchen staff plan and prepare meals according to individual needs. These systems can also track inventory, reducing food waste and ensuring meal consistency.
Making Choice Simple
How to choose the best dishwasher for your care home, as told by Gemma Christie, Business Account Manager at Miele Professional.
When choosing a commercial dishwasher for your care home’s kitchen, which factor takes priority—hygiene, efficiency, quick turnaround times, or durability?
In a busy care home kitchen, all these factors are essential. Staff must prepare and serve three meals a day using spotlessly clean cutlery, crockery, and glassware, ensuring everything is hygienically safe for residents. And while
finding a solution that meets these demands may seem challenging, it doesn’t have to be. Modern commercial dishwashers are built to handle multiple loads daily while maintaining strict hygiene standards—but where should you start?
Gemma Christie, Business Account Manager at Miele Professional, shares key considerations and expert tips to help you choose the best dishwasher for your care home so
staff can focus on what they do best; caring and not the washing up!
Choosing the right equipment
Domestic dishwashers, often chosen for their lower upfront cost, are not designed to handle the heavy workloads and frequent usage that care homes demand. Over time, these machines are more prone to breakdowns, which lead to costly repairs and replacements,
making them more expensive to operate in the long run. While commercial dishwashers come with a larger upfront cost, they provide excellent reliability and durability, reducing the need for frequent servicing and replacements.
Miele Professional’s MasterLine freshwater dishwashing range is tested for up to 28,000 cycles to withstand continuous commercial use. Combined with durable components made from recyclable materials, it offers a long-term, economical solution for professional dishwashing.
Hygiene and infection control
In care environments, where infections and outbreaks pose significant risks to vulnerable residents, strict measures must be in place to prevent crosscontamination. Dishwashers play a vital role in ensuring cutlery, crockery, glassware, and other items used by residents are thoroughly and hygienically cleaned after each use. Commercial dishwashers equipped with high-temperature wash cycles are effective at sterilising dishes and utensils,
protecting both residents and staff from potential infections.
Miele Professional has developed dishwashers with programmes specifically designed to handle critical soiling and pathogens. Our MasterLine range removes 99.999% of bacteria and features innovative Dry+ technology, which dries crockery (even plastic items) without the need for manual drying.
Quick cycle times
Timeliness is crucial in care homes, as quick meal services and efficient operations are essential. In the kitchen, where multiple loads of dishwashing need to be completed throughout the day, commercial dishwashers like Miele Professional’s MasterLine range offer quick turnaround times. With the ‘Super Short’ programme, dishes are hygienically cleaned and ready for use in just 5 minutes, reducing overhead costs and supporting your care home’s environmental footprint!
Reliable servicing
Unexpected maintenance or breakdowns in your care home’s dishwashing equipment can
disrupt daily routines, delay meal services, and compromise hygiene standards. Without a reliable dishwasher, it becomes challenging to ensure residents have clean, safe crockery and utensils for each meal. Should a breakdown does occur, Miele’s 90+% first-visit fix rate and UK-wide service network guarantee fast, efficient repairs. Plus, with spare parts available for up to 15 years after production ends, your dishwasher remains a reliable investment for the future.
A partner you can trust
At Miele Professional, we understand the unique challenges care homes face in maintaining high hygiene standards while keeping operations running smoothly. That’s why we offer a 360PRO holistic system solution designed to support infection control, efficiency, and compliance—all while easing the workload for your staff.
To see how Miele Professional can support your care home with commercial equipment, please visit our website at: www. miele.co.uk/p/retirement-carehomes-4053.htm
Effortless Hydration
The importance of hygienic, filtered water in care homes.
Water is the foundation of life, essential for maintaining health and well-being at any age. In care homes, where residents may not always feel thirsty or remember to drink regularly, ensuring proper access to hydration is a critical responsibility. Beyond keeping residents refreshed, providing clean, filtered water plays a crucial role in infection control, helping to protect vulnerable individuals from illness.
Inviting hydrationregular
A premium water dispenser is not only a practical solution but also enhances the overall environment of a care home, for patients, staff and visitors. By offering hygienic, great-tasting water from an aesthetically pleasing dispenser, staff can create an inviting hydration station that encourages residents to drink more frequently. Additionally, ensuring the safety and cleanliness of drinking water, particularly when taking pills and medication, is of the utmost importance to protect the vulnerable immune systems of elderly individuals who can be prone to infections.
Prioritising safety, hygiene, and infection control
Borg & Overström provides an industry-leading solution to meet these healthcare hygiene needs with their advanced water dispensers and integrated tap systems, ensuring drinking water is accessible to everyone. Their innovative 5-step methodology guarantees clean, hygienic, and safe drinking water for care home residents, utilising the latest
technology to create the cleanest water possible. This methodology includes a combination of highperformance filtration, antibacterial protection, and regular system maintenance to uphold the highest hygiene standards.
The NHS Technical Bulletin (NETB) No. 2024/3 outlines essential guidelines for safe drinking water in healthcare settings, particularly for immunocompromised patients and elderly care home residents, highlighting the need for strict measures to prevent the growth and spread of pathogens, including legionella. One key approach to mitigating these risks is ensuring the provision of safe drinking water in healthcare environments and to address this, Borg & Overström developed the E6 Chilled-only dispenser, designed for maximum hygiene and safety.
One of the stand-out features of Borg & Overström’s dispensers, including that of the E6 Chilled only, is their SensorBeam® touchless
dispense technology. This handsfree system eliminates the need for physical contact, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and ensuring optimal hygiene standards are maintained
Encourage well-being through hydration
The availability of filtered, fresh water is more than just a necessityit is a way to support the well-being of older individuals by encouraging hydration in a seamless and enjoyable manner. It tastes better than mains tap water and reduces exposure to microplastics and bacteria, especially in aging pipes. By investing in a high-quality, hygienic water dispensing system, care homes can provide residents with a safe, aesthetically appealing, and effortless way to stay hydrated. Borg & Overström’s commitment to excellence ensures that every sip is not only refreshing but also pure and protected.
borgandoverstrom.com
IPC built-in. Independently verified to eliminate harmful Legionella bacteria.
Lower dehydration risks. Minimise dehydrationrelated health issues and reduce hospital admissions.
Hygienic drinking water. Designed to meet the highest industry standards for safety and performance.
Wheelchair user-friendly. Accessible touch controls, allowing for comfortable, safe, self-service.
borgandoverstrom.com
Care Home of the Month Laurel Place Care Home
Laurel Place is a brand-new, purpose-built care home in Bishop Auckland, designed to support adults living with complex needs.
Part of Exemplar Health Care, one of the UK’s leading nursing care providers, Laurel Place offers nurse-led care for individuals with complex needs arising from dementia, mental health conditions, neuro-disabilities, and physical disabilities.
The home features 32 ensuite bedrooms and six singleoccupancy apartments, divided into three small units to create a homely environment. Each unit includes communal spaces, quiet lounges, and sensory bathrooms with Bluetooth and mood lighting.
Lauren Place also boasts a beauty salon, sensory and therapy rooms, a multi-faith space, and a large activities hub with an adapted kitchen.
Outdoor amenities include a wheelchair-accessible garden with wide paths and an allotment for gardening activities and a visitor suite is available to accommodate
family and friends who wish to stay overnight while visiting loved ones.
Home Manager of Laurel Place, Luke Skelton, explained that the home’s mission is “to make every day better for the people we support and the colleagues who provide care.”
Luke and his team focus on providing exceptional care in a welcoming, supportive environment, empowering people to achieve their goals while staying connected to loved ones. “We aim to foster dignity, independence, and fulfilment for all,” he said.
In terms of what sets Laurel Place apart from other care homes in the region, Luke explained that at Exemplar Health Care, “more than half of the people we support have previously experienced one or more failed placements.
“Our nurse-led team has the expertise to care for individuals with multiple diagnoses and co-morbidities, who often need a range of clinical interventions, providing truly person-centred care.
“Our holistic approach goes
beyond clinical care to support people’s emotional, social, and personal needs, enabling individuals to live meaningful lives and achieve better outcomes.”
By delivering the right care from the start, the team at Laurel Place aim to end the cycle of failed placements.
Laurel Place is also unique in its focus on community-based care. Many of the people the team support would otherwise be living in hospital or secure settings. Instead, they now have the opportunity to receive care closer to family and friends in a supportive home environment.
Ensuring high-quality care for its residents, the team pride themselves on the approach that starts with person-centred care.
Throughout the referral, assessment, and admission process, the assessments at Laurel Place go beyond clinical needs to consider 16 areas of care and support.
“We also conduct a ‘community fit’ assessment which ensures our home is the right ‘fit’ for the
individual, and the individual is the right fit for our home and its community.
“Engagement and co-production are at the heart of what we do, ensuring that people are involved in decisions that impact on their lives and on the running of the home,” added Luke.
In line with this and striving to offer something unique, people can become a Service User Ambassador, taking on roles in the home such as participating in peer mentoring, co-developing policies, running the tuck shop, or being the head gardener.
Luke added, “We also prioritise building a highly skilled team. Recruitment is values-based,
and our colleagues undergo a comprehensive four-week bespoke induction and extensive training programmes.
“These include role-specific training, apprenticeships, over 50 clinical skills modules, and leadership development through our Leadership Pathway.”
With technology playing a critical role in enhancing care, Laurel Place’s advanced digital systems streamline processes like care planning, incident reporting, and medication management work to free staff members focus on the people they support.
The home has also invested in innovative technology to meet individuals’ unique care needs,
including eye gaze systems, fall detection technology, and text-tospeech tools.
The team stays up-to-date with best practices through continuous learning and feedback.
With support from Exemplar Health Care’s clinical teams, quality specialists, and training initiatives, the Laurel Place team embed the latest evidence-based care into everything they do.
“Our work is further strengthened by the expertise of our Quality Team, Audit and Regulation Team, and a dedicated Link Nurse network specialising in areas such as continence, infection control, falls, end-of-life care, nutrition, and wound care,” added Luke.
In terms of future plans and goals at Laurel Place, as a new home, Luke explained that the primary goal is, “to build a team dedicated to delivering exceptional care.
“Over time, we aim to establish Laurel Place as a model of excellence in complex care, with a focus on continuous improvement.
“In the longer term, we hope to achieve an ‘Outstanding’ rating from Care Quality Commission (CQC).”
We look forward to following the home’s journey.
exemplarhc.com/care-homes/ laurel-place
Industry insights
Darren Edwards, Healthcare Agent at Montane reviews the care market in 2024 and offers an abundance of insights for care home operators.
As 2025 begins, the care home sector is at a critical juncture, influenced by shifting demographics, evolving regulations, and increasing expectations from residents and families. With over 11 million people aged 65 and older—a number set to rise sharply—the demand for high-quality care services is growing, especially for dementia care, complex medical support, and culturally inclusive facilities.
However, operators face challenges including workforce shortages, rising operational costs, and increasing regulatory scrutiny. Addressing these issues requires strategic innovation, from offering competitive pay and staff training to implementing advanced technologies like electronic health records and remote monitoring.
The market remains resilient, with strong investor interest in highquality, compliant facilities offering consistent financial performance.
Operators can seize opportunities by diversifying services, optimising operations, and adopting sustainable practices to futureproof their businesses.
This review highlights the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the sector in 2025, offering practical insights for care home operators to navigate a competitive and evolving industry successfully.
Rising Demand for Care Services
The UK’s ageing population continues to drive significant demand for residential and nursing care, making the sector a cornerstone of the nation’s healthcare system. By 2030, one in five people in the UK will be aged 65 or older, creating increased
pressure on care facilities to meet evolving needs. This rising demand is especially notable in specialised areas of care.
Key growth areas include dementia care, with nearly 1 million people in the UK currently living with the condition—a figure expected to rise significantly in the coming years. Similarly, there is growing demand for care homes offering complex medical support, which not only plays a critical role in healthcare delivery but also attracts higher revenue. Furthermore, culturally sensitive care homes addressing language, dietary, and lifestyle preferences are gaining attention as the UK’s population becomes more diverse.
To meet these needs, operators should invest in specialised staff training, upgrade facilities, and offer tailored care models, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Workforce Challenges and Practical Solutions
Staffing remains one of the most pressing issues for care home
operators, with recruitment and retention challenges continuing to impact the sector. Low unemployment, increasing competition for skilled healthcare professionals, and the demanding nature of care work have contributed to persistent staff shortages.
These shortages lead to higher costs associated with recruitment and training, inconsistent staffing levels that can compromise care quality, and regulatory risks if staffing ratios are not maintained. Addressing these challenges requires a proactive and strategic approach.
Offering competitive pay above industry averages and performance-based incentives can attract and retain skilled workers. Providing structured career progression pathways and leadership development opportunities fosters loyalty and reduces turnover. Additionally, prioritising workplace well-being through flexible schedules, mental health support, and staff recognition programs boosts
morale and addresses the emotional demands of care work.
Investing in workforce management technology can streamline scheduling, track performance, and reduce administrative burdens, allowing staff to focus on delivering highquality care and improving resident outcomes.
The Growing Role of Technology
Technology is now an essential tool for care home operators looking to enhance efficiency, improve care delivery, and boost resident satisfaction. Digital solutions are no longer optional—they are crucial for future-proofing businesses and appealing to both residents and investors.
Key areas of technological adoption include electronic health records (EHRs), which replace paper-based systems to reduce errors, streamline compliance, and allow staff to focus more on resident care. EHRs also enable real-time access to vital health information, improving decisionmaking.
Remote monitoring devices, such as wearable technology and IoT sensors, provide continuous health tracking, identifying early signs of health issues and reducing unnecessary hospital admissions. These tools lead to better outcomes for residents while easing operational demands.
Additionally, resident engagement platforms that facilitate video calls, virtual activities, and digital entertainment help combat social isolation and enhance emotional well-being. Operators who embrace these technologies will not only improve operational efficiency and resident outcomes but also position themselves as leaders in an increasingly modernised and competitive care sector.
Navigating Regulatory Changes Complianceand
The regulatory landscape for care homes is becoming more stringent,
with an increased focus on care quality, safety, and operational transparency. Regulatory bodies like the Care Quality Commission (CQC) are intensifying oversight, requiring operators to remain vigilant to avoid non-compliance and protect their reputation.
Key challenges include staying updated with evolving regulations, balancing resource limitations while maintaining compliance, and addressing greater scrutiny during inspections. Poor ratings can damage a care home’s reputation, reducing trust among residents and families, and potentially lowering occupancy rates.
Despite these challenges, regulatory requirements also present opportunities. Proactively aligning with standards can enhance a care home’s reputation and market appeal. Conducting regular internal audits helps identify and address potential issues before formal inspections. Continuous staff training on care standards, health and safety, and documentation ensures teams are well-prepared. Implementing clear policies creates consistency and accountability, improving care quality.
By embedding a culture of compliance and continuous improvement, operators can build trust, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen their competitive position.
Market Performance and Buyer Trends
The care home market has shown remarkable resilience despite economic pressures, with strong buyer interest from private equity firms, corporate groups, and individual investors. The sector’s long-term growth potential and stability make it an attractive investment opportunity.
Key trends driving buyer interest include high-quality facilities with modern amenities, good care ratings, and strong financial performance. Homes that require minimal post-acquisition investment are particularly appealing. Group acquisitions are also on the rise, as investors target multiple care homes to achieve economies of scale, streamline operations, and strengthen regional market presence. Additionally, facilities located in high-demand areas with ageing populations and strong infrastructure are highly sought after for their potential to maintain steady occupancy rates and profitability.
For operators considering a sale, preparation is essential. Ensuring financial transparency, maintaining occupancy stability, and optimising operational efficiencies can significantly boost a care home’s valuation. By aligning with these buyer preferences and addressing market trends, operators can
position their businesses as attractive opportunities in a competitive marketplace.
Sustainability in the Spotlight
Sustainability has become a central focus for care home operators, driven by regulatory requirements, cost-saving opportunities, and growing societal expectations.
Adopting eco-friendly practices is no longer optional—it is essential for future-proofing businesses and appealing to modern consumers and investors.
Key areas of sustainability include energy efficiency, such as installing solar panels, upgrading to LED lighting, and using energy-efficient heating systems. These measures not only reduce operational costs but also enhance a care home’s appeal to environmentally conscious buyers and residents.
Effective waste management, including recycling and waste reduction strategies, improves environmental performance and demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. For operators expanding or renovating facilities, using sustainable construction materials and incorporating energyefficient designs aligns with modern environmental standards while lowering long-term maintenance costs.
Sustainability initiatives provide both financial and reputational benefits. They reduce operational expenses, align with evolving regulations, and attract families and investors who prioritise ecoconscious practices. By integrating sustainability into operations, care homes can enhance their competitiveness and future-proof their businesses.
Opportunities for Growth
Despite challenges, 2025 presents significant growth opportunities for care home operators willing to innovate and adapt. By focusing on strategic pathways, operators can strengthen their market position and achieve long-term success.
Key growth strategies include
service diversification, such as introducing specialised care services like dementia care, respite care, or end-of-life support. These services meet specific resident needs while opening new revenue streams and enhancing a care home’s appeal.
Expanding existing facilities or undertaking refurbishments can improve occupancy rates and resident satisfaction. Modernising interiors, upgrading amenities, and increasing en-suite offerings make care homes more attractive to families seeking comfort and quality for their loved ones.
For larger operators, acquiring smaller or underperforming care homes offers opportunities to turn these facilities around through operational improvements, quality enhancements, and effective management. This approach allows operators to achieve economies of scale and grow their portfolios efficiently.
By embracing these strategies, care home operators can position themselves to thrive in an increasingly competitive and evolving market.
Conclusion: Navigating 2025 with Confidence
The care home sector in 2025 is a landscape of both challenges and opportunities, shaped by
innovation, resilience, and the growing demand for high-quality care. Operators who embrace change—whether through technology, workforce investment, sustainability initiatives, or regulatory alignment—will be wellpositioned for success.
Technology is driving operational efficiency and care quality, making it an essential investment for forward-thinking operators. Meanwhile, addressing workforce challenges through competitive pay, training, and well-being initiatives is critical to maintaining high standards of care.
Sustainability has moved to the forefront, offering both financial savings and increased appeal to environmentally conscious buyers and families. Aligning with green practices ensures compliance and strengthens a care home’s market position.
For those considering a sale, understanding market trends and buyer preferences—such as highquality facilities and operational efficiency—can maximise value and streamline transactions.
Montane Care is dedicated to guiding care home operators through these complexities. Whether you aim to grow, sell, or optimise your business, our team is here to support your success in a dynamic industry.
Changing the Future
Care Inspections UK (CIUK) is the UK’s only registered and accredited independent inspection body, dedicated to enhancing care home standards through evidencebased assessments. In this interview, Kevin Groombridge discusses CIUK’s mission, the inspection process, regulatory changes, and the future of care home inspections.
What is the primary role and mission of Care Inspections UK?
Care Inspections UK (CIUK) is the UK’s only registered and accredited inspection body. It conducts comprehensive, evidence-based inspections and issues reports with action plans. If standards are met, a certificate is issued. Reports contain clickable links to relevant laws,
Kevin Groombridge
regulations, and best practices, helping care homes improve care quality, commercial performance, and risk management.
How often are care homes inspected, and what factors influence frequency?
Care home providers determine inspection frequency. CIUK recommends at least two inspections per year. All CIUKinspected care homes and companies have unlimited access to support; this may be documents such as policies or forms or the opportunity to discuss a thorny issue with a specialist whose motivation is to promote continuous improvement.
Are there anyregulatory changes or updates that care homes should be aware
of?
UK regulators (CQC, CIW, CI, RQIA)
are evolving. International best practices indicate that combining regulation and inspection creates inefficiencies and removes a conflict of interest. Countries with independent accredited inspection bodies see more effective governance and at least annual evidence-based inspections. The UK should transition toward this model to enhance care quality and operational efficiency.
How does Care Inspections UK contribute to raising overall care standards?
CIUK has driven improvements in care home standards through evidence-based methodologies, action plans, and expert support. Kevin Groombridge, who led the development of British Standard BS8696:2019, is also spearheading ISO 25557, a global care standard expected in 2025. These frameworks promote better care
and financial sustainability while minimising risks.
Are there any upcoming changes or initiatives in how inspections are conducted?
The UK’s judgment-based inspection model is flawed, relying heavily on subjective opinions. The future lies in evidence-based
inspections, which reduce bias, particularly judgementalism and confirmation bias, which are rife amongst current UK systems.
Separating inspection and regulation: Independent bodies should handle inspections, while regulators focus on oversight.
Shifting to evidence-based continuous improvement: Inspections should drive positive
change, improving care standards, financial performance, and risk management rather than simply identifying faults.
These reforms will ensure regular, professional inspections that enhance care home quality and commercial performance and reduce risk.
careinspections.co.uk
The 4 phases in the CIUK inspection process
Pre-Inspection Information:
Information is requested before the visit to ensure the inspection runs smoothly.
The Inspection:
The onsite inspection takes one or two days with one inspector (sometimes there will be a second inspector). Comprehensive, evidence-based gathering of information using a 700-plus-item professional electronic system called CAREINSPECT®
The Report, Factual Accuracy Checking And Action Plan
The draft report is issued within five days of the visit, the home checks for factual accuracy, any inaccuracies or issues are addressed, and feedback is given to the home. The final report will be issued within five days of the return of factual accuracy. The action plan is issued to cover all non-conformances in two easy-touse formats.
Ongoing Support:
All care homes inspected by CIUK can access support and information to address nonconformances. This may, for example, involve sending the home a policy or a form or discussing specific issues with our team of experts. CIUK guarantees that care homes will improve their regulatory ratings (CQC, CIW, CI, RQIA) if they address the issues in the action plan and maintain performance in the compliant areas.
International Insights
Thanks to a “Global Explorers” grant from Innovate UK, the team at Audar Health had the opportunity to visit key international events and uncover cutting-edge developments in care technology. From AI-driven health solutions to interactive robotic companions, Reuben Howe shares key takeaways from events in Paris, Dusseldorf, Copenhagen, and beyond—highlighting what UK care providers might have missed and what the future could hold.
The months between November and March are filled with trade shows, industry talks and society meetings (not to mention award shows!) which serve to highlight the current state of the care sector, and shine a spotlight on its future.
These shows are valuable to the future of the sector, and yet the majority of UK care homes don’t have the time and staff to attend. Beyond the shores of the UK there are also many international care events, which UK care groups attend even more rarely.
Luckily, the team at Hertfordshirebased company Audar Health were able to attend a wide range
of these shows thanks to a “Global Explorers” grant from Innovate UK. A member of their team, Reuben Howe, shares the best (and strangest) finds that you might have missed from the last few months of international events in order to share international insights and new technologies:
Silver Economy Paris: Weird and Wonderful
The event I remember most vividly is Silver Economy, in Paris. The event covered recruitment and education as well as technology and the care providers themselves. Both care homes and home care providers took part, so there was
plenty of innovation that would be applicable to the UK care market too.
Blue Frog Robotics – Interactive Companions
When we walked in, one of the first stalls to the right featured a wheeled robot about 2 feet high, with a colourful animated face and chirpy sound effects!
This was the work of Blue Frog Robotics, and the “Buddy” project was more than just a funny robot frame. Buddy actually began as a remote learning aid for those with disabilities or immune disorders, but recently has found application in care homes.
Behind all the novelty of an interactive robot companion, Blue Frog have made Buddy a “Hub” which can connect vital sign monitors, location trackers and other peripheral devices. This means a home can store and collate a resident’s data in an attractive, interactive package that also provides stimulation and reactive engagement. If data is pointing to a user experiencing discomfort, not eating meals or some such, the robot can take an active role in “empathising” with the resident, which can help them report the issue to staff.
For us at Audar this sort of “hub” tech is really important because our watches are seamlessly integrable with IoT connection. This means we can send data to hubs like this robot, and add value to the device. In fact, our research with the University of Essex was focused on emotion recognition. In the future, we may see interactive robots that are equipped with peripherals that can monitor emotional states,
creating a reactive and engaging companion for residents.
Telecom Design – Resident-Based Hub Units
Building on that idea of a “hub” for multiple devices and purposes, the “Vibby” from Telecom Design is a unit which hosts health and wellbeing tracking.
Usable for both home care and care homes, Vibby units are particularly good for residents who are more independent and want an active engagement in their own care and health. We’ve seen, from working in the care sector, how sometimes people connote being old with being helpless but that’s not the reality for a lot of older residents.
A resident might have one very strict requirement in one area of their life, but actually the rest of the time they’re quite autonomous and need active involvement in their own care.
Vibby allows a resident to receive
messages, listen to radio, check things like the weather, track their activity and health, and all of this can be shared to the care home to keep peace of mind about the resident’s increased independence.
Vibby currently has watches in the UK, with the fancy base units only available in France for now. They are keen to expand that franchise over here, though, so it’s worth looking out for this sort of tech in the UK market in the year to come.
Medica Dusseldorf: Rules and Regulation
Medica is the largest international medical industry event. For those who haven’t been I really can’t begin to explain how vast Medica is. As a technology company, and one focused on care specifically, we were targeting just one hall of the 6+ available.
Medica is like a separate microcosm within Dusseldorf, and navigating it can actually feel like navigating a city!
Regulation and Reliability
Attending Medica really hammers home the amount of work it takes for a product or solution to be deployed. Not even internationally, just within one nation.
Of course, in the UK we have the NHS, they have an NHS suppliers list. But there are hoops of regulation and trials to pass before attempting to get to that stage, and private services detached from the NHS have their own set of rules.
Visiting Medica made it clear that the UK is “behind” when it comes to these initiatives. While our innovation levels are high, our follow-through is lower. Solutions are deployed sporadically and in individual boroughs or even individual care homes, with little integration across the wider nation.
Conversely, France and Germany have stuck with innovations through to completion and then enforced those successful factors as regulation. For example, a fall detection and SOS alarm device over there must be a specific size. The face has to be able to trigger the SOS when pressed at a specific pressure, and pressed from any individual point on the face.
In the UK, we don’t have that sort of specification, because we haven’t deployed solutions like this en masse yet.
The NHS 10 Year Plan aims to invest millions of pounds into wearable health monitors by 2035, so perhaps by the end of that process we can expect to see the UK “catch up” and form some regulatory specifications which help innovators like ourselves get our solutions deployed into the care sector, doing the good work that we built them to do.
in “AI for Healthcare”) event in Copenhagen helped refine the discussion on AI into one that actually addressed the care sector, and dispelled a lot of myths.
Hadrian Health – AI is New and Old
When some of you read “AI” just now you’ll immediately have thought of AI generated imagery and videos and music. It makes sense, since those are the audiovisual representations we have of AI, and certainly the most accessible to the public.
The truth is, though, that AI has existed for far longer than that. Machine learning has been pivotal to medical devices and programming for years. We ourselves at Audar have used AI in our emotion detection and fall detection algorithms.
A computer, processing data, would have no way of “knowing” that one value of 60bpm is good and the other value of 60bpm is bad.
This is where AI comes in. By “teaching” the system to check other data in addition to that 60bpm, and change the “good” or “bad” rating based on a collation of that information, the system “learns”. Over time, human input is required less and less, until the AI can operate with high enough efficiency that it can be deployed.
This is just one example of how AI is used in data handling for healthcare, and as you can see it’s not deciding what treatment someone gets or prescribing medication to a patient based on info that they put in a chat box!
AI seemed like the buzzword of 2024, no matter what sector you work in. We saw it in art, science, manufacturing, copywriting, marketing, even interior design. Visiting the AI4Healthcare (As
The simplest way I can contextualise AI in healthcare is this: As humans we know that one person having a heart rate of 60bpm is fine, while a different person having a heart rate of 60bpm is definitely not fine, based on the conditions they have and medical history and resting heart rate etc.
The biggest takeaway, based on my understanding of how many in the UK still view AI, is that it really won’t be as “in-your-face” as people think. AI will change how your quality management system works or how your data is handled, maybe even how the CQC operates, but on a day-to-day basis and in terms of staff working times there’ll be very little change due to AI at first.
It’s not that Copenhagen was
uninspiring, it’s just in terms of the care home sector in the UK specifically, I don’t think there’s as dramatic a change there as many people are expecting.
Arab Health – The Cutting Edge in Medical Tech
The final event of this globetrotting journey was Arab Health. This event was focussed more on the innovation side of healthcare, with less care home and home care information but much more research, technology and again: AI.
Alameda AI – Brain Diagnosis TreatmentandVia AI
While I did see that day-to-day use of AI in the care sector is unlikely to be the revolution people expect, I also saw evidence to the contrary. Alameda AI are working on AI diagnosis and healthcare for brain diseases. As a growing number of our elderly population develop Dementia (Now sitting at around 1 million individuals in the UK) brain diseases are more and more of a focus for innovative solutions. If breakthroughs in AI on the medical side can diagnose and care for these conditions, that could have a knock-on effect which sees fewer elderly people so quickly admitted into care facilities, instead staying independent or easily cared for at home.
So, while the developments I saw at Arab Health weren’t really
directly applicable to the UK care sector on the surface, the outcomes of this sort of tech nonetheless have the potential to revolutionise care.
Kinvent – Modular Muscular Measurement
One company that did catch my eye at Arab Health, whose technology is much more directly applicable to care, is Kinvent. A French company (Though strangely absent from Silver Economy Paris!), they have developed modular measurement devices for physiotherapy and muscle usage.
Rather than relying just on general statistics like weight or a step counter, they use specialised devices which measure pressure, exertion and strength in 40+ muscles. This means we could more accurately diagnose and identify muscle conditions such as muscular wastage.
Keeping active has always been vital to enhancing the lives of those in care, and with a modular solution like this, carers would be able to accurately plot the muscular health of residents, down to even if they have more function in their right arm compared to their left!
It’s intriguing to see such specialised data in real time, visualising how our muscles work and noticing differences we wouldn’t otherwise know about. For example, I discovered that I lift far more weight in a shorter time with my left arm, because I am
right-handed and therefore overcompensate when using my left for anything strenuous.
Combine this micro-level muscular data with more general passive measurement like vital sign information from our Audar E2, and I can see a complete health monitoring solution is actually accessible to the UK care market within the decade.
Participating in the Sector in 2025
With 2025 ahead of us, there’s still a chance for care homes in the UK to get involved with the sector at large. While it’s unlikely many of the UK care groups can spare the time and staff to attend these international events, local ones such as the Care Roadshows South at Epsom Downs are a great way to see these innovations and insights in our own country.
I’d be happy to talk in more detail with anyone interested in remote monitoring, regulations, research or anything else so if you see a Reuben Howe representing Audar Health at any event or social for the sector, do say “Hi”!
You can sign up to attend UK care sector events by region here: www.careroadshows.co.uk
You can find more information about Audar Health and the Audar E2 at their website here: www.audarhealth.com.
Wearable Devices
How new technologies are supporting care workers avoid injury in the workplace as told by Graham Sharp, Managing Director of Stanley.
Graham Sharp
Looking after residents in a care home environment is a physically demanding role. With carers often working 12-hour shifts, they are involved in a range of activities which can have a major impact on the body such as hoisting patients out of bed, bending to lower patients into seating and supporting patients to help dress and clean them. For those who have worked long term in the care industry, back injury is a common problem.
According to the latest Health and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics, Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) like back injuries, are one of the key reasons that workers take time off sick in the UK with
543,00 workers in the UK suffering from work-related musculoskeletal disorders in 2023/24 and 7.8 million working days lost due to workrelated musculoskeletal disorders. AI technology solutions are a game changer for many physically demanding job roles including care giving. Wearable technology like exoskeletons, are designed to provide extra support when lifting people and loads, allowing the user to move more safely and cutting the risk of injury dramatically. The technology is also able to analyse granular data on bends, twists, stooping, crouching, reaching and carrying, which can be processed in great detail to offer safety insights and risk analysis.
Exoskeleton technology
Products like WearHealth, an ergonomic AI system, provides data-driven insights that enables employers to select the optimal exoskeleton solution with the aim of ensuring that daily tasks can be performed without the risk of injury. It works by using video scanning technology to assess a particular task, make recommendations for possible exoskeleton suits and then report on this with sensor analysis of the activity. The sensors are worn by the worker to allow for analysis of an appropriate exosuit, and determine comfort and support based on real time data generated during the task. The right exoskeleton for that task can then be fitted and used as required based on the potential effectiveness and useability.
Exoskeletons in care homes – a case study
Clarendon House Care Home in Coventry contacted Stanley because it was looking at potential solutions to improve the health and safety of care workers and help prevent injury. Many of the care team at Clarendon House had been working in the industry for an average of eight years and often complained of lower back pain. Several care workers took part in a successful trial of exoskeleton suits. Ergonomic AI was used to help match the most appropriate exoskeleton suit to the physical task carried out by the carer and to ensure that it could assist in the usual daily tasks without the wearer finding it cumbersome or inhibiting in any way. Sensor analysis allowed Stanley’s health and safety consultant and the care home management team to view the before and after impact using data that was generated from wearing the suit and sensors.
At the end of a two week trial, the results showed that workers felt over 30% less tired while wearing the suit and no injuries were reported in the trial period. Care home Team Leader Agoritsa Karagiampa commented: “After
a while, it felt like I wasn’t even wearing the exoskeleton suit as it allowed me to confidently lift and move patients, knowing that I had the extra back support. It was easily adjustable, and I would love to be able to continue wearing the suit at work.”
The team at Stanley are now working with Clarendon House to introduce a wider implementation programme and rollout of the technology.
Stairclimbing technology
New technologies are also helping to overcome issues raised when moving patients between floors. Powered stairclimbers are now being used in a number of homes across the country to reduce the physical strain on caregivers and help prevent manual handling injuries. This not only protects the health and well-being of the staff but also allows them to focus more on providing high-quality care to the residents.
Powered mobility stairclimbers are designed to safely transport residents up and down stairs, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. This is particularly important in emergency situations such as fire evacuations or lift failures. The smooth and comfortable transportation provided by these devices, including wheelchair users, ensures that residents are
moved safely without causing them distress or discomfort. They work via an electric motor which powers a set of rotating tracks that allow the user to operate it easily and without the danger of injury. They are simple and easy to use, allowing staff to quickly and efficiently move residents without the need for extensive training.
The future of health and safety in the care sector
Technologies like exoskeletons and powered mobility stairclimbers are game changing for the care sector, allowing workers to protect themselves from potential injury, lengthening the amount of time that they are able to work injury free, and giving them confidence to tackle situations that otherwise might be considered unsafe. We can expect to see these technologies become a compulsory part of PPE and health and safety protocols in the near future.
Graham Sharp is Managing Director of Health and Safety Consultancy, Stanley (stanleyhandling.co.uk) who work with businesses to transform workplace safety, reduce manual handling injuries, improve efficiencies and reduce costs by matching them with the most effective solutions in AI data driven wearable safety technology.
Promoting quality rest
Ensure quality sleep amongst residents with trade mattresses from Mattressman’s.
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From care homes to hotels and student accommodations, the extensive collection includes bespoke options tailored to your needs. Whether you require waterproof, orthopaedic, or doublesided mattresses, Mattressman have the perfect solution.
Quality mattresses are essential
High-quality mattresses help prevent pressure ulcers, improve circulation, and promote restful sleep.
in care homes as they play a crucial role in ensuring the comfort, health, and wellbeing of residents. Many individuals in care homes have limited mobility or spend extended periods in bed, making it vital to provide mattresses that offer proper support and pressure relief. High-quality mattresses help prevent pressure ulcers,
Why Choose Mattressman?
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improve circulation, and promote restful sleep, which is essential for overall physical and mental health. Additionally, they contribute to infection control, as advanced materials can be easier to clean and more resistant to bacteria and allergens. Investing in durable, supportive mattresses enhances the quality of care, reduces health complications, and improves the overall experience for residents and caregivers alike.
For the best deals and expert advice, contact our trade sales team today: 0800 5677625
tradesales@mattressman.co.uk
Uniting the Care Community
The Alzheimer’s & Dementia Show and UK Care Week are co-located events taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 19-20 March 2025. This unique collaboration brings together a diverse community of health and social care professionals, caregivers, and industry leaders, offering a comprehensive platform for learning, networking, and discovering innovative solutions across the care sector.
UK Care Week
Exclusively for care professionals, UK Care Week empowers you with the skills and resources to enhance the lives of those in care.
Key Highlights:
• The Caring View Theatre: Engage in insightful discussions with industry leaders. Hosted by the passionate team behind the Caring View Podcast.
• 100+ Exhibitors
• Gain valuable insights and up to 12 CPD points.
• CQC Inspector Hub: Consult with CQC inspectors and address your queries.
Gain valuable insights from James Bullion, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care and Integrated Care - Care Quality Commission, Jane Townson, Chief executive officer - Homecare Association & Aneurin Brown, CEO - Hallmark Luxury Care Homes.
The Alzheimer’s & Dementia ShowCovering all aspects of the fight againstAlzheimer’s & dementia
This leading event provides a vital space for those involved in dementia care, from families and caregivers to healthcare professionals. Explore a wide range of exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services. Gain valuable insights from expert speakers like Prof. Fiona Ducotterd
and Hannah Gardner on topics ranging from early intervention to supporting children affected by dementia. Attend 1-to-1 clinics with Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses for personalised advice.
Key Highlights:
• Expert-Led Sessions
• Caregiver Support & Education
• Dementia-Friendly Environments
• Dementia UK 1-2-1 clinics: allow visitors to have a free 25-minute confidential consultation with an Admiral Nurse.
Exclusive OpportunitiesTraining
The Alzheimer’s & Dementia Show offers a unique range of training opportunities to enhance your understanding and skills in dementia care. These sessions are run by event partner Training2Care and include:
Virtual Dementia Tour: This immersive experience allows participants to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by people living with dementia.
Dementia Interpreters Workshop: This workshop focuses on developing communication skills and techniques to effectively interact with individuals with dementia.
Dining Immersive Experiential Training (DIET): This training
provides practical insights into creating dementia-friendly dining environments and improving mealtime experiences for people with dementia.
Autism Reality Experience: This immersive experience allows participants to gain a greater understanding of the sensory experiences of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, enhancing their ability to provide compassionate and inclusive care.
These sessions are limited and extremely popular – so book as soon as possible.
To book training sessions visit: www.alzheimersshow.co.uk/ training
Please ensure you have registered for a free ticket to attend either The Alzheimer’s & Dementia Show or UK Care Week to gain access to the training hall.
Co-located Events
Benefit from the synergy of additional co-located events, including the Neuro Convention and Naidex, creating a comprehensive platform that unites aspects of health, social care, rehabilitation, inclusion, and diversity.
Select the primary event you are interested in and gain access to all co-located events. Unlock a wealth of knowledge, connections, and opportunities. To book free tickets visit:
UK Care Week (Healthcare professionals only): www.ukcareweek.com
