Residents enjoy visit from local fire department
ALBANY Care Home in Headington, part of the Healthcare Homes Group, recently hosted an exciting visit from The Slade Fire Station, offering residents and team an engaging and educational experience.
Led by chief fire officer Tom Martin, the crew provided a fascinating glimpse into the vital work they carry out, bringing along their fire engine, essential firefighting equipment, and sharing stories from their frontline experiences.
The visit had eager residents gathered to see the fire engine up close and meet the firefighters. The event began with the crew showcasing their protective uniforms and equipment, explaining the purpose of each piece, from helmets to hoses.
Tom described the importance of their safety gear, and the extensive preparation required for handling fire emergencies. Residents listened intently, gaining an appreciation for the physical and technical demands of the role.
“Our residents found the visit
both exciting and informative,” said home manager Lynn Gray. “It was a wonderful opportunity for them to see the dedication of our local fire brigade up close and to understand more about the vital work they do to keep our community safe.”
One of the highlights of the event was a live demonstration of the firefighters’ rapid-response capabilities. Residents watched with admiration as the crew quickly suited up, demonstrating how they prepare for an emergency call in mere seconds. This display
underscored the speed and readiness essential to their work and gave everyone a greater appreciation of the commitment and skill required of modern firefighters. Another highlight was the demonstration of the fire hose. The firefighters unrolled the hoses and showed the powerful range of water the hose can reach, giving residents a chance to see firsthand how their equipment functions in real-life scenarios. Some residents even had the chance to hold the hose, under the supervision of the firefighters.
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Broadcaster Kate Garraway launches ID card for sector
ITV Good Morning Britain star Kate Garraway hailed the UK’s first ID and discount card for carers as “positive and practical” when she attended its official launch at the Houses of Parliament.
The event took place to promote the Blue Sky Social Care Card, which is being rolled out across the country to benefit the millions of people working both paid and unpaid across the social care sector.
It is designed to recognise the role carers play in the lives of the people they look after by acting as an employee or carer ID badge, as well as offering perks and discounts for all social care staff and their employees.
The event was hosted by Catherine Atkinson MP, who represents Derby North, where the organisation behind the card, Blue Sky Brokers, is based.
She said: “It’s an honour to support the launch of the Blue Sky Social Card in Parliament, especially as we recently celebrated Carers Rights Day – a day that shines a light on the immeasurable contributions of our carers.
“Across the country, carers are the backbone of our communities. Whether in paid or unpaid roles, carers offer unwavering support all year around.
“This initiative helps those who are helping others, so often unseen, unacknowledged and unappreciated. The contributions of the carers at the event and those who are supporting this initiative were powerful and real.
“As a Derby MP I’m so proud that initiative, which supports carers across the country began in Derby and it was a privilege to host this event in Parliament.”
Kate has taken on the role of championing the cause of the millions of paid and unpaid carers following her husband Derek Draper’s very public illness from Covid, which sadly ended with his death at the age of 56 earlier this year.
She was one of the first people to be issued with a Blue Sky Social Card and praised the invaluable role carers play in society, describing how when she and her family were caring for Derek, whose health battle against Covid lasted for four years, she felt a mixture of isolation, love and pride.
Resident presented with British Empire Medal for charity work
TOM Long, a resident at Housing 21’s Box Tree Court in Boston Spa has been presented with the British Empire Medal.
The British Empire Medal is awarded for ‘hands on’ service in the local community, and in Wakefield, Tom has helped make a significant difference.
He said: “I opened a letter from the cabinet office and thought it was a scam. It said I had been nominated for the British Empire Medal for services to the community in Wakefield.
“I am extremely proud to be recognised for my work in the community, although this is not why I chose to do it.”
Tom has been involved with and continued to support numerous local charities over 20 years.
He started his charity work at Reconnect, an older person’s charity, where he drove a minibus to take people to the local supermarket who were unable to get there themselves.
He then became treasurer and later chair of the charity over the course of his time there.
Tom’s charity work didn’t stop there. He chaired the Senior Citizen Support Group, helping to launch it in 2010 with four members.
There are now more than 600 members tackling loneliness amongst older people with coffee mornings, chair exercises, bingo and socials.
Tom left his role as chair to form the group’s choir, becoming chair of the choir, and was nominated for the BEM by the music director.
Kate said: “Caring is the most precious experience you can have. It’s a gift to be able to care for someone you love and it’s a great profession, but it’s also very isolating and very challenging, emotionally and physically, and can be very lonely.
“When I was really low, I took huge comfort from the sense that there were millions of people around the world doing the same thing as me and that I wasn’t alone, which was fantastic, because it felt like a web of love around the globe of people caring for the people they love.
“But in reality that doesn’t help you when you’re trying to get access for the things you need, so this card is doing something really positive and practical.
“Sadly, I’m no longer a carer,
but I’m a carer’s champion and I see how this card formally recognises the role of carer. It’s a wonderful thing to honour that role and I see how it is incredibly powerful for carers.”
Other attendees at the event include representatives from the National Association of Care and Support Workers, workforce development organisation Skills for Care and Derby charity Disability Direct.
Around 500 people have signed up for their Blue Sky Social Care Card, which is now being recognised by employers, retailers and restaurants, including the nationwide casual dining chain Oodles.
Raj Johal, managing director of the Blue Sky Social Care Card, said: “We are hugely grateful to Kate for attending our launch and to Catherine for hosting our event, which will officially put the Blue Sky Social Care card on the map.
“It’s very clear what a huge difference this card will make to the millions of professional and unpaid carers who dedicate their lives to looking after others, day in, day out. It’s a thankless task which often involves huge sacrifice and financial hardship at a time when everybody is feeling the pinch.
“Our card will help them access discounts to help ease the cost but perhaps more importantly it’s recognition for the work they do. It is their own identity card, which validates the important role they play to the people they care for and for the wider society.”
The red carpet has been rolled out for lifelong Middlesbrough FC fans at a Teesside care home for the 2024/25 season. Residents at Mandale House in Stockton-on-Tees have received two season tickets from the club’s elite partner, Perco Foods. They have also been treated to a hospitality package that includes access via the executive entrance, an arrival drink, two-course dining with house drinks, executive padded match seating, complimentary official matchday magazine, and a guest appearance and interview. Home manager Anita Clarkson said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to Perco for their generous donation. We have plenty of Boro fans in the home and it will be a great experience for them to come and watch home games.”
Raj Johal, managing director of the Blue Sky Social Care Card, left, with ITV Good Morning Britain star Kate Garraway at the official launch at the Houses of Parliament.
Home helps to bring community together
ANCHOR’S Canterbury House in Ipswich has helped bring the local community together through both knitting and gardening.
The care home opened its door to members of the Hadleigh Home Knitters group.
The result was a communal lounge full of lively chatter, clinking teacups, and clicking knitting needles, as both residents and members of the community socialised over coffee and cake.
Resident have also been involved in a gardening project, organised by maintenance contractor Bell.
Staff joined in to provide the care home’s garden with some much needed love and care.
The result is on view for all the residents using Canterbury House’s dining room.
Home manager Carolina Carvalho said: “We loved having members of the Hadleigh Home Knitters group visit. It was amazing to see everyone smiling and having a good time. We hope this will become a regular event moving forward.
“We’d also like to thank Bell for organising the gardening project. Residents deserve a garden they can be proud of.”
Theatre show promotes hydration at care home
THE magic of theatre came to the bedsides of Teesside care home residents for an immersive multisensory performance designed to entertain as well as hydrate.
Elderly residents at two Hill Care Group homes in Middlesbrough and Saltburn were treated to a show called “Milk, Two Sugars” by the Woven Nest Theatre Company.
The sensory-focussed experienced is designed specifically for older people with dementia living in care homes, combining storytelling and performance with live music and puppetry to promote and aid hydration.
The show is based on a touring tea-trolley, which is operated by Clementine and Johnny, who invite the audience to join in on their tea-party cabaret.
This involved a puppet called Pip, who performed a tight rope walk, a set of musical teaspoons, and the serving of strawberry infused tea to the audience, as well as other theatrical and sensory surprises.
The visits were organised by Sharon Lewis and Samantha McCormick, activities coordinators at Hazelgrove Court and The Gables respectively.
Sharon said: “This was such a wonderful experience for our residents. They all loved the show and the delightful strawberry tea
was an added bonus and placed perfectly in the show.
“The bedside shows were so personal and made the residents so happy. We can’t thank the Woven Nest Theatre Company enough for visiting.”
The Woven Nest Theatre “Milk, Two Sugars” show has been funded by Arts Council England, Cultural Spring, The Allan Lane Foundation, The Barbour Foundation and Northumbria University, and was co-created with support from several North East care homes.
Kate Silver, director of people and Military Champion at Royal Star & Garter.
Veterans’ charity wins Gold Award
A VETERANS’ charity has been recognised by the government for its outstanding support for the Armed Forces community.
Royal Star & Garter has achieved the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. To be awarded a gold recognition from the MoD, organisations must offer exceptional support and advocacy for the Armed Forces community and veterans’ employment, aligning their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
Kate Silver, director of people, and Military Champion at Royal Star & Garter, played a key role in working towards the charity’s Gold Award recognition.
She said: “Not only do we
provide outstanding care to veterans and their partners, we are also proud to have veterans working in our homes and in our central services team too.
“The Armed Forces community has made tremendous sacrifices for us, and providing veterans who work at Royal Star & Garter with additional support is the right thing to do. It is an honour that we have been recognised with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award.”
Royal Star & Garter was one of 193 organisations recognised with the highest badge of honour this year. The charity had previously received the ERS Silver Award in 2023.
Sheila O’Neill, 84, from Hazelgrove Court Care Home, plays with musical spoons during a performance of “Milk, Two Sugars” by the Woven Nest Theatre Company.
Will 2025 be the year for social care?
WILL 2025 finally be the year when social care takes action against three decades of wilful neglect and destruction of the sector?
Certainly, as we draw a grateful veil over a disappointing 2024, there is a palpable sense of anger and frustration amongst social care providers that I have not known in 35 years.
And they are asking, for the first time, what serious action can we take that will make the Government sit up and listen and, more importantly, take action to save the care of older, vulnerable and disabled people?
That anger is borne out of a deep frustration not just with this Government but with successive governments, of all different political hue, who have all promised a new dawn for social care but have all, in the end, left us in the dark.
And providers have seen the stand taken by GPs, doctors, nurses and train drivers and by farmers protesting over changes to inheritance tax.
Social care providers, reflecting on more than 30 years’ of frustration at a lack of reform, feel they are being backed into a corner and are wondering what
Our success in the sale of Care Homes is second to none in the care sector, and has been achieved through the 44 years experience of principal directors, Grayson and Dawn Taylor specialising solely in the discreet sale of Care Homes, Learning Disability Homes and sites/developments for C2 use nationwide
they have to do to be heard. They are particularly angry that a new Labour government, elected on promises of being better than what went before, have so far let us down.
Providers, me amongst them, hoped that the positive noises made about the importance of social care before the election would translate into action once they were given the keys to number 10.
But the axing of the cap on care costs, cuts to care staff training and a reluctance to help the sector over the increase in Employer’s National Insurance Contributions have all left a bitter taste. This new administration, just like the last one, seems intent on standing by and watching social care fail.
It defies comprehension really. After all, so much of Labour’s 10-year plan for NHS reform depends upon having readily available social care. You cannot move ‘from hospital to community’ or from ‘sickness to prevention’ without having care in place. And it isn’t there at the moment – ask the 2m people who currently can’t get the care they need.
Protestations are falling on deaf
ears, with ministers promising a National Care Service but no sign yet of the foundations being laid.
So what are social care providers to do?
As I say, the call to take up the cudgels has never been stronger in social care than it is now.
There is talk of withholding CQC registration fees, refusing or handing back contracts and even withdrawing care.
Aside from CQC fees, all of these actions would have an impact on care and I know that would be a very last resort for most, if not all, providers.
And to have any success, any action would have to have very strong support.
There would be little point in some providers taking a stand whilst others rode it out. That would be just the type of divide and conquer that all governments like. The other enemy to concerted action is apathy.
As I write this, a petition calling on the Government to make social care providers exempt from the rise in Employer’s National Insurance Contributions (ENICs) is just shy of 34,000 – well short of the 100,000 needed to seek a debate on the issue. When it passed 10,000 it prompted a
Government response. In that response, the Government said help in meeting the extra National Insurance costs will only go to public sector organisations. It said extra funding had been made available to local authorities to support social care and that further reform of the sector “will not happen overnight”.
This response didn’t help and for some it deepened their frustration with the Government. Only some £680m extra has been allocated for social care – that won’t go anywhere near meeting the extra £2.8bn increase in costs the social care sector is facing due to the National Insurance increase and rises in the National Living and National Minimum wages.
The petition is still a long way off that 100,000 target and from a workforce of 1.6m, that isn’t very encouraging to those who seek a mandate to make a collective stand. But who knows.
This spring is when the full impact of the rise in National Insurance and wage payments will be felt. Taken together these will hit many providers hard and might just stir even the most reluctant to say, ‘enough is enough, we have to take a stand’.
Care Providers Conferences 2025
Navigate Your Way to Outstanding
Delivering the lastest news, information and products that will enable owners, managers and staff to be at the forefront of delivering Care Excellence.
St Mellion International Resort, PL12 6SD – Wednesday 5th March 2025
Webbington Hotel & Spa, BS26 2HU - Thursday 6th March 2025
Dunston Hall, Norwich, NR14 8PQ - Tuesday 20th May 2025
The Bridge Hotel and Spa, LS22 5HS - Tuesday 8th July 2025
Listen to National speakers and experts, network with like minded operators, enjoy the chance to demonstrate in the exhibition hall with your latest products and technology that are designed to enhance quality in care homes
Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, Blackburn BB5 5JP - Tuesday 21st October 2025
Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham DH1 1TD - Wednesday 22nd October 2025
Bournemouth Football Club BH7 7AF - Tuesday 18th November 2025
Home celebrates Dementia Accreditation accolade
STAFF at Prince George Duke of Kent Court care home in Chislehurst, Kent have received an EMBRACE Dementia Accreditation for outstanding support, care and attention dedicated to residents living with the condition and their loved ones.
The home is the second to receive the accreditation, awarded by care provider RMBI Care Co., with Zetland Court in Bournemouth the first to receive it earlier this year.
Nina Stephens, Prince George Duke of Kent Court’s home manager, said: “We are delighted to be awarded with the dementia accreditation.
“We wouldn’t have obtained this accreditation without the continuous support from our team of staff. They run our dementia house with absolute dedication, making sure that our residents have meaningful experiences at every stage of life.”
The Dementia Accreditation has been created by Anne Child, RMBI Care Co.’s pharmacy and dementia Specialist Lead. Anne has received an MBE for her services to dementia and is a special advisor to the Care
Quality Commission.
Together with Lucy Tupenny, RMBI Care Co.’s assistant director of quality and governance, they aim to raise and maintain high standards of dementia care using a suite of dementia modules to support care staff. Some of the modules have also been externally accredited by the CPD
Charities collaborate to combat social isolation
WORTHING-based social care charity Guild Care,has partnered with Henna Foundation to foster an inclusive and supportive community for all.
Both charities are dedicated to reaching new communities and reducing social isolation.
Warren Fabes, CEO of Guild Care, said: “Our goal is for all people in need of care to live fulfilling, safe and secure lives, so we are delighted to collaborate with the Henna Foundation to extend our reach and support more individuals in need. Our joint initiative brings together our complementary skills and resources, helping to foster greater cultural awareness at a local level.
“This partnership will also help to ensure care and support services are accessible to everyone, including underrepresented groups. We look forward to working with Henna and her team to combat social isolation.”
Henna Chowdhury, founder of the Henna Foundation, became a patron of Guild Care earlier this year and has long championed its work. She is a former Mayor of Worthing. Elected in 2019, now serves as the borough councillor for Gaisford Ward and as county
Warren Fabes, CEO of Guild Care, and Henna Foundation founder Henna Chowdhury.
councillor for Tarring.
She added: “Our collaboration with Guild Care is a pivotal moment for the Henna Foundation, which seeks to empower women from South Asian and other minority communities by providing them with the resources and support they need to overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. I’m delighted to collaborate more with Guild Care as we work together to make a meaningful and lasting impact, building a future where everyone can thrive.”
The Henna Foundation will host women’s groups at Guild Care’s offices, providing a central space for people to come together in a safe space for mutual support and discussion. Joint programmes will focus on inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.
have created strong emotional connections with them.”
In 2022, Prince George Duke of Kent Court invested £250,000 to enhance the environment for people living with dementia. The area has an open lounge and a dining room, creating a central point for residents to go to for socialising, relaxing or to enjoy different activities.
Other spaces that have been created include a country kitchen, sensory zone, technology zone and an ‘outside inside’ area. The ‘outside inside’ area is designed to bring the ‘outdoors indoors’, from the wall décor to the furniture and the friendly pets.
Certification Service.
Anne added: “The accreditation process has been a great opportunity for us to evaluate what we do to support our residents who are living with dementia.
“We have found our residents have found a new lease of life during this culture and environment change and we
To keep enhancing their services, the staff at the Home organise social gatherings and activities for people living with dementia, families and friends in the local area. One example is an intergenerational partnership with a local parents and toddlers group where they come and visit the residents. This helps to increase wellbeing and reduce loneliness and depression.
Another intergenerational partnership is with a group of talented dance students from the local community.
Group refurbishes PCs
RADIS Community Care has refurbished a number of computers in order to help the people they support stay connected with loved ones.
The IT team has been busy refurbishing computers that were no longer being used by staff to both improve the IT and online skills of residents, as well as providing further opportunities to enhance feelings of independence and for them to connect with family and friends.
As part of the care provider’s latest social responsibility scheme, the refurbished computers have been distributed to three extra care services, all of which are based in Reading.
The care team and staff at Cedar Court, Huntley Place and Oak Tree House have been volunteering to spend time with the residents, ensuring they
have access to the internet, and improving their digital skillset.
Lorna Regan, social values lead at Radis Community Care said: “We understand just how important it is for people to stay connected – for both the residents and their families.
“Not everybody has loved ones nearby, meaning that the need for digital aids is even more prevalent.
“And now that we have been able to provide these refurbished computers to our residents, we can provide them with even more online access.”
Not all residents are completely mobile and, with this in mind, Radis encourage the use of technology to promote further independence, including smart devices to help with calling loved ones as well as using the television, and setting reminders.
Resident Jean Mountford at RMBI Home Prince George Duke of Kent Court, in Chislehurst is delighted to meet and hold baby Polly.
Supporting our care workers through the loss of a client
AS WE recognised National Grief Awareness Week in December it made us reflect on how grief is managed in the sector as this is an everyday occurrence rather than a rare, individual circumstance.
Care work is known as a profession that requires compassion, empathy, and resilience.
Care workers – whether in nursing homes, hospitals, private homes, or other settings – dedicate themselves to providing physical, emotional, and often spiritual support to individuals facing illness, disability, or end-of-life challenges.
However, while their work is essential and deeply rewarding, it also exposes them to emotional strain, especially when clients pass away.
The loss of a client can be a profoundly emotional experience for care workers, as they frequently form strong bonds with those they support.
Recognising and addressing the impact of this loss is crucial for the well-being of care workers and the quality of care they provide.
For care workers, the loss of a client can feel like losing a family member or friend. Over weeks, months, or even years, they build close relationships with clients, learning their histories, preferences, hopes, and fears.
These connections often transcend professional boundaries, making it hard for care workers to maintain emotional distance.
Many care workers report feeling a mix of grief, sadness, but where grief over a “professional” loss is seen as inappropriate or even unprofessional this can be difficult.
For these workers, moving on to care for other clients immediately after a loss is the norm, sometimes with little to no time or support to process their emotions.
Over time, unprocessed grief can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, and a diminished ability to provide the compassionate care that defines their profession.
Supporting care workers in their grief isn’t just about helping individuals; it’s also about creating a sustainable, compassionate healthcare environment.
People who feel supported are better able to cope with the demands of their roles, experience higher job satisfaction, and are less likely to suffer from burnout.
By promoting mental and emotional resilience, we can make sure that care workers can continue to provide highquality support to their clients without compromising their well-being.
Practical ways to support care workers through client loss
n Provide access to grief counselling and peer support
Grief counselling and peer support groups are vital resources for care workers. Employers should offer counselling services that specifically address the unique aspects of grief in a care setting. Additionally, peer support groups create a safe space for care workers to share their experiences with colleagues who understand. These groups often help individuals feel less isolated and provide validation for their feelings of grief.
n Encourage reflection and remembrance
Organising small, respectful remembrance ceremonies or memorials allows care workers to honour the lives of their clients and say goodbye in a supportive setting. This could be as simple as a quiet moment of reflection, a shared memory, or lighting a candle in the client’s memory. Such rituals can offer closure, making it easier for care workers to move forward while still acknowledging the importance of their connection with the client.
n Implement training on coping with loss and resilience building
Training sessions focused on coping mechanisms, emotional resilience, and self-care strategies can empower care workers to better handle the emotional demands of their work. Resilience training offers workers tools to process their grief in healthy ways and reduces the risk of long-term burnout. Training should also cover ways to recognise symptoms of compassion fatigue and burnout, so care workers know when to seek additional support.
n Promote an open culture around grief
Acknowledging grief openly within the workplace can be liberating for
care workers. This means allowing care workers to share their feelings without fear of judgment or repercussions. Managers and team leaders can model this openness by checking in on staff after a loss, providing words of support, and normalising conversations about grief in the workplace.
n Recognise the contribution and emotional labour of care work
Care work requires an immense amount of emotional labour, which often goes unrecognised. Regularly acknowledging the challenges of care work, especially following the loss of a client, can remind workers that they are seen, respected, and valued. Public or private words of appreciation from supervisors can affirm the worker’s emotional investment, making the grieving process feel less lonely and more respected.
Supporting care workers through the loss of a client is an essential component of building resilience in a demanding profession. As caregivers pour their energy and empathy into their roles, it’s crucial that they receive support to navigate the emotional toll of client loss.
A supportive approach to grief acknowledges the profound emotional investment care workers make and helps prevent the burnout that can drive valuable workers away from the profession.
By fostering a culture of compassion, openness, and support, we can empower care workers to continue their essential work with renewed strength and purpose.
Please contact Sonia – info@ theoutstandingsociety.co.uk for more information or follow the links below:
CQC’s assessment process – what to expect and how to challenge
By Samantha Burges
OVER the past year there have been significant changes to how CQC assesses registered services following the roll-out of the Single Assessment Framework (SAF) and the subsequent reviews into the SAF’s effectiveness.
Most recently, on December 2, CQC began formally implementing its ‘hybrid’ approach to assessments.
In short, CQC will now stop scoring services at the evidence category level and will only provide scores for the quality statements.
Evidence categories will however still be used by inspectors to direct their assessment activity and percentage scores will continue to be produced at key question level to determine the ratings.
What to expect from a CQC assessment
Not much has changed in relation to how CQC carries out assessments under the SAF.
The most significant change relates to the use of ‘inspectors’ and ‘assessors’.
CQC has scrapped the ‘assessor’ role and moved back to the use of inspectors to carry out assessments and write reports.
Inspectors continue to carry out site visits, however these are much shorter than preSAF inspections.
Please note there have been examples of assessments being carried out without a site visit but these are rare.
Providers should expect to receive more extensive requests for documentation to be sent to CQC remotely – such requests may be received before, during and after the site visit.
Providers should ensure they are clear which quality statements CQC plans to look at during an assessment and can request that this be expanded in certain circumstances.
In our experience, limited verbal feedback is provided at the end of an assessment. However, CQC continues
Samantha Burges
to produce formal written feedback and may follow this up with a call with the provider.
How can providers challenge CQC assessments?
There are two formal processes available to challenge CQC assessment report findings: the factual accuracy comments process (FACs) and the rating review process.
Providers have 10 working days from the date of receipt of the draft report to submit FACs to CQC.
In practice, as a result of how CQC calculates deadlines through the portal, providers are actually receiving a couple of extra days to do this.
Through the FAC process providers can challenge the factual accuracy of statements made in a report.
They can also provide additional evidence to help inform judgements and challenge scores and ratings on this basis.
The rating review process can only be pursued after the final report has been published. At this stage the content of the report is taken as fact.
Providers have 15 working days from the date of publication to submit a challenge and they can only challenge on the basis that CQC has failed to follow its process for making ratings decisions.
The grounds are extremely narrow and its notoriously difficult to get any traction through this process,
therefore providers are encouraged to do all they can through the FAC process if they disagree with the content of their assessment report.
How have challenges worked in practice?
At Gordons Partnership, we have noticed a reluctance on CQC’s part to make changes to the scores awarded at evidence category level without clear direct evidence being provided to counter any conclusions.
Given the recent removal of evidence category scores, it remains to be seen how new challenges could translate to changes in quality statement scores.
One particular pinch point is in relation to the quality and quantity of evidence collected by CQC.
As has always been the case, it is difficult to challenge statements made by people spoken to during an assessment, particularly if you don’t know who made the statement.
However, under the SAF, it has become apparent that inspectors may be relying on feedback provided by a single individual to inform its judgement on a particular quality statement.
Such ‘evidence’ can also permeate throughout a whole report, impacting multiple scores.
While it might be difficult to get opinions removed from reports in all instances, what we’ve found can be helpful is evidence to counteract these views.
Our January front cover photograph shows SureCare Central Cheshire client Gary on his red motorised scooter alongside care manager Sarah Castelow as part of a professional photoshoot to celebrate the individual lives of the clients the homecare provider cares for. If you have a portrait shaped image that you think would make the perfect front cover then email it to Dominic Musgrave at dm@scriptmediagroup.co.uk
This could include positive feedback collected around the same time through surveys or testimonials or evidence of audits completed to protect from the matter complained of.
All evidence must relate to the time of the assessment for it to have a chance of impacting the scores and ratings.
However, we have also had success in getting CQC to temper its wording with acknowledgements of steps taken since an assessment to address noted areas for improvement.
While this may not impact the scores and ratings, it can provide reassurance as to a provider’s responsiveness to criticism.
Once CQC has reviewed a provider’s FACs it should provide a response and send a link to the final report before publication. In practice, we have seen CQC stating they cannot do this.
This isn‘t in line with CQC’s published guidance and providers should push for a copy to be provided.
We have had successes in accessing final reports prior to publication even when inspectors have previously stated this was not possible.
If you are seeking to challenge CQC assessment findings or enforcement or have concerns about CQC’s processes please don’t hesitate to contact us at Gordons Partnership.
n Samantha Burges is a Senior Associate Solicitor at Gordons Partnership Solicitors.
THE 2024 CARING UK AWARDS
Activities Team of the Year
Badgers Wood Care Home, Drayton
Our judges found this one a really tough decision with all the finalists being outstanding. Our winner has developed community links, intergenerational projects and everyday meaningful pastimes by gaining insights from residents, then planning how to make their dreams come true.
Best Outdoor Environment
Broadlands Care Home, Lowestoft
Our judge describes this finalist’s submission as heart-warming. The outdoor environment has been developed from residents’ feedback and their wellbeing is at the heart of everything the home does. The home’s gardeners are very special. They listen to residents and make their suggestions come to life.
Catering Team of the Year
The Chase Care Home, Huntingdon
Eating and drinking is obviously essential to sustain life, however it is much more than that, and tonight’s winning team are the life and soul of the entire home. Culinary activities are planned on a daily basis and capture recipes that are kept in every resident’s memory.
Quality in Housekeeping
Nynehead Court Care Home, Wellington
The winning housekeeping team are described as ‘unsung heroes’ who do not stop from the minute they start work. They clean and maintain the home in a quiet and sensitive way and have special relationships with the residents. They are often confided in and praised for their friendliness, kindness and dedication.
Dementia Care Team of the Year
Douglas Bank Nursing Home, Wigan
Dignity and respect are at the heart of our winning care home. From aesthetics to training, this home provides entirely person-centred dementia care. To our winning home dignity is lots of things including: supporting privacy, wellbeing, communication, clothes, hygiene, appearance and maintaining people’s personal life standards. Entering care – fundamentally – does not mean losing choice.
Community Involvement Award
The Knoll Care Partnership, Manchester
The winner of this award not only offers an exceptional place to live for its local community, but also open its doors to its neighbours on a regular. The residents have better social lives than most of the staff! The huge range of activities offered both within the community and within the home mean they are regularly kept in the public consciousness.
Management Team of the Year
Halstead Hall Care Home, Halstead
The management team at our winning care home focuses on education and empowerment. A recent project has seen the team drive forward improved falls management. Learning from past events, the team has developed a structured approach with clear expectations around prevention, triaging and safe care. As a result, falls have hugely reduced due to better risk management, and health outcomes post falls are also better.
End-of-Life Team of the Year
Trentham House Care Home, Stoke-on-Trent
The winner in this category stands out through its commitment to the many aspects of caring for those at end of life including holistic care, family involvement and emotional support for families. They find the smallest detail makes a big difference, including a resident’s comfort box which is filled with numerous personal items.
Excellence and Innovation in Dementia Care
Brandon Park Care Home, Bury St Edmunds
Our winning home is a place of empowerment where life is truly lived. The team ensure that life at the home is not designed and delivered for residents, but designed and delivered by residents. Staff have gained confidence from seeing how simple solutions can have such powerful outcomes.
Commitment to Training and Development
Southern Healthcare (Wessex) Ltd
The finalists in this section have all demonstrated their commitment to training, but the overall winner has shown not only a commitment to the training for the service but also developing a holistic approach with its Chrysalis programme including the Butterfly/Dragonfly, Eden and Namaste elements to bring out the very best in what they do.
Care Team of the Year
Belmont House Care Home, Sutton
This was an extremely difficult category to judge. The winning home was able to demonstrate its exceptional teamwork and shared commitment to going above and beyond to support service users. The judges were also pleased to read about the way in which staff are celebrated.
Regional Care Home of the Year South
Appleby House Care Home, Epsom
Our winning home offers a warm, home-like environment where residents are treated with the utmost dignity and respect. The team is constantly innovating to improve residents’ wellbeing by offering more choice and individualising care.
Regional Care Home
of the Year
North sponsored by Fusion
Thornhill House Care Home, Barnsley
The staff at our winning home are very friendly and truly care for the residents or ‘family’. They also build a good rapport with their friends and families to make them feel more welcome. Staff go above and beyond for the residents on a daily basis, and what some people may consider a chore, they consider a challenge and will stop at nothing to make them happy.
Regional Care
Home of the Year Midlands and Wales sponsored by NGA Care
Hendra House Care Home, Ludlow
Our winning care home stood out as it puts people at the heart of its business strategy – most notably its staffing team. The significant investment and support they provide to staff permeates throughout the service, positively impacting the quality of care for residents.
Regional Care Home of the Year Scotland
Kirk Lane Nursing Home, Livingston
All the finalists in this category have shown that they have commitment, compassion and innovation in the way they care for their residents and staff. But the winner has shown that they go above and beyond to ensure their care home stands out from others. There are many ways in which they do this.
Care Employer of the Year
Southern Healthcare (Wessex) Ltd, Dawlish
The winner of the Care Employer of the Year category demonstrated a genuine culture of learning and reflection across its services. The judges were particularly impressed by the commitment to staff development including the in-house training programmes provided. The bespoke workbooks used in these training programmes are informed by up-to-date research and expert opinions.
Best Initiative
in
Care sponsored by Orta (joint winners)
Stow Healthcare Group, Bury St Edmunds
Small change, big difference is how we can some up this project. Our winner has taken resident wellbeing research to a new level by studying the impact of introducing decaffeinated drink on falls. The winning group loves experimenting and looking for ways to improve residents’ lives. Since this project started almost 30 other NHS and social care providers have started their own decaf journeys.
Best Initiative in Care sponsored by Orta
(joint winners)
Amaan Sadiq, Langdale Care Homes
Our winner has created many initiatives to improve the lives of not only the residents but their relatives, visitors and staff by introducing better social media, QR codes for communication and newsletters. There are many more initiatives he has created to show his dedication to helping anyone in need, and his constant pursuit of better ideas has created a positive and supportive environment for both residents and staff.
Care Group of the Year sponsored by Virgin Money
Adept Care Homes, Burbage
Our judges were bowled over by this care group. Its commitment to exceptional care weaves a rich tapestry that focuses on residents, their loved ones, the dedicated staff team and the local community. The group’s dedication to sustainability, learning, development and inclusivity creates a thriving environment for all.
Care Employee of the Year
Horace Boston, Jewish Care, London
Tonight’s winner is dedicated, caring and passionate about supporting each person across the group’s resources to live independently in later life and to be part of an active, vibrant community where they can follow their passions and find new ones. He builds strong, positive relationships with tenants and their families who often say how much they appreciate his kindness and the way he supports people to maintain their independence and identity.
Outstanding Achievement Award
Margot Whittaker, Southern Healthcare (Wessex) Ltd, Dawlish
Our winner has worked in the industry in a variety of positions for more than 40 years. In her current role she has not only developed the wider team of more than 250 hands-on, but a nursing team of 25, compliance audits of the homes and developed a course with Bolton University for the further progression of social care nurses nationally – the Advanced Diploma in Social Care Nursing. She developed this mostly in her own time using all of her experience. In 2022 she became a Queen’s Nurse and was awarded the Chief Nurse of England’s Award for Excellence for development of this course.
National
Care Home of the Year sponsored by Fulcrum – Thornhill House, Barnsley
to our runners up
Activities Team Of The Year
Saltshouse Haven
Walstead Place
Best Outdoor Environment
Rashwood
Keate House
Catering Team Of The Year
Alexandra House
Mahogany Care Home
Quality in Housekeeping
Coppice Lea – Magda
The Chase
Dementia Care Team of the Year
Langdale Care Homes
Amberley Lodge
Community Involvement Award
Grove Court St. John’s House
Management Team of the Year
Murrayside Briarscroft
End of Life Team of the Year
Monkscroft Care Centre
Amberley Lodge
Excellence and Innovation in Dementia Care
Mundy House
Oakdale Care Home
Commitment to Training and Development
Nexus
Hendra Healthcare
Care Team of the Year
Cwm Celyn Broadlands
Regional Care Home of the Year South
Manson House
Sefton Hall
Regional Care Home of the Year North
Tudor Bank
Halecroft Grange
Regional Care Home of the Year
Midlands and Wales
Isle Court
Tuxford Manor
Regional Care Home of the Year Scotland
Abercorn House Murrayside
Care Employer of the Year
Ebury Court
Elizabeth Finn Homes
Best Initiative in Care
Janet Beech, Trentham House
Care Group of the Year
Connaught Care Collection
Amicura Care Group
Care Employee of the Year
Andrew Cowling, The Old Rectory
Darren King, The Chase
Outstanding Achievement Award
Daisy Richards
Caroline Roberts
PHOTOGRAPHY
Thanks to everyone who attended the event, it was a wonderful evening and we’d like to congratulate all our winners plus those runners up who were all worthy of being winners, there was a lot of tough decisions for our judges!If you had your photo taken and would like to see this and purchase copies to share and remember the occasion, please visit our online photography portal: www.script-events.co.uk/caring-uk-awards-photography/
You can view a low resolution, watermarked version of your images on our online platform.Any images purchased will be supplied as a high resolution print, with no watermark present either by selecting a physical or digital copy
If you’d like to purchase images please visit: www.script-events.co.uk/caring-uk-awards-photography/ or scan the QR code below
Staff support in winter: Is the care sector doing enough?
By Tinga Umera
AS THE weather gets colder and the days get shorter, employee wellbeing is more important than ever, with many employers stepping up year-round support programmes to meet the additional pressure of winter.
In the care sector, we hold staff wellbeing to be particularly important.
As a family-run business, we treat our team members like part of the family.
This helps us in delivering outstanding, personalised care to our clients and helping them stay safe in winter – something which we should absolutely extend to our staff.
By embracing employee wellbeing in winter, we’re taking the lead to make sure that everyone, not just our clients, is safe and warm as the temperature drops.
Practical support
Speaking from experience, educating our team on staying warm and safe during winter is a great first step – but practical
help and support is where the real value lies.
We successfully introduced our ‘winter kits’ to great effect, providing ice scrapers, de-icer and other handy items to keep safe on the roads in winter, and it has made a huge difference to how our carers start their shifts in winter.
We all know how stressful it can be to spend time defrosting the car, particularly when the roads are icy and you are expected at a client’s home – so we have endeavoured to alleviate this stress and make our team’s commute safer.
We also recently introduced our ‘night safety kits’ to keep our carers safe in darker months.
These include torches and a panic alarm, so that our carers can feel safe while carrying out their job after dark.
The role of family values
Our family values and family-first approach to operating are at the core of the support we offer to staff.
Every one of our team members is part of the family, reflecting and
How to make sitting comfortable, plus….
Sitting: we spend at least a third of the day doing it, even if we are able(1) If limited in mobility, long periods sat can at least cause discomfort, at worst lead to pressure sores, muscle atrophy, weight gain.
Yet simple prescription of an infinitely variable, vacuum posture cushion –AAT’s Comfortable Plus Duo – can easily eliminate discomfort in almost every seated activity at home. It even supports in the bath(1). It can open the door to trying a raft of activities – aquatherapy, sailing, canoeing, swinging, zip lining, ski-boarding, sand buggying, sledging to name a few.
It can shape to fit seats on your travels – whether car, plane, boat.
Comfortable Plus Duo is essentially a bean bag that can be fixed into shape to support and stabilise the head and torso without pressure points, thereby effectively reducing the risk of pressure sores.
Once moulded to the contours required, air within is extracted via pump to fix the “beans” into shape. The process means it can be quickly and easily adjusted, at home by a trained carer, to accommodate finite adjustments to comfort, whether on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Comfortable Duo Plus can be similarly moulded to provide the required stabilisation to hips and pelvis. It even allows formation of a pommel.
Made from an advanced neoprene material, Comfortable Plus Duo is waterproof and can be wiped clean to address spills or maintain hygiene.
Importantly, it is also breathable, so no over-heating, sweaty patches if sat for a while in one position.
AAT’s nationwide team of sales managers are trained to support healthcare professionals in undertaking postural assessments, free of charge and with no obligation.
As part of the purchase process AAT will train care-givers in appropriate adjustment of Comfortable Plus Duo.
As the system can be wiped clean, it can be taken into equipment stores if/ when no longer needed, and re-issued, thereby delivering further positive amortisation and optimisation of care budgets.
Reference: https://www.independentliving.co.uk/ advice/too-much-sitting-down/ Enquiries: To find out more about Comfortable Plus Duo, and book a free, no obligation assessment, visit www.aatgb.com/comfortable-plus-duo/
championing our commitment to independence, personal development and help and support when it’s needed.
A major element of this success, however, is Nexus as an employer as well as a care provider.
Our approach to supporting the safety, wellbeing and development of our team is at the forefront of what we do, and this is nowhere more apparent than in the winter months, when extra support and flexibility may be required.
Could the care sector be doing more?
We pride ourselves on not only providing excellent care, but also in creating a culture of trust, support and professional development, as well as standing out as thought leaders in the sector.
We know that particular challenges are faced by carers in winter, including working early or late hours when it is more likely to be cold and dark.
Additionally, it’s clear that travel and travelling safely can be more difficult when it is icy or wet.
Our team has taken steps to
address these challenges, but the care sector as a whole could certainly be doing more.
Although the safety and comfort of our clients are paramount, the sector must recognise the importance of safe and healthy carers.
Initiatives such as safety packs are an excellent way of taking steps to protect caring staff, as they are highly scalable and could be standardised across the entire sector.
This is something we would love to see, particularly as a way of boosting career satisfaction and retention across the sector.
Providers ought to consider the view that keeping staff safe and warm in winter is not at all secondary to client care – in fact, it is an integral part of it.
A safe team is able to provide more efficient, effective and personalised care with consistency, which is far better for client wellbeing and satisfaction than a team that does not feel supported or cared for.
n Tinga Umera is the managing director of Nexus Care Services based in Sutton Coldfield.
Home celebrates 10 years at the heart of the community
URRAY House Care Home in Muir of Ord marked its 10th anniversary with a lively celebration attended by residents, families and members of the local community.
Purpose-built by Parklands Care Homes, Urray House opened in 2014, replacing the original facility of the same name. Initially, it had 34 beds and was later expanded to 40.
Residents, families, and local community members joined in the 10th anniversary celebrations as residents, including Donald Macaskill, who has lived at Urray House since it first opened,
enjoyed an afternoon of live music and entertainment.
Manager Debbie Young said: “Celebrating this milestone with our residents, families, and local community has been truly special. Over the years, we’ve worked hard to make this a welcoming home at the heart of the local community, and it’s clear how much Urray House means to so many people.
“We’re grateful to be a part of such a supportive community and remain dedicated to delivering the highest standard of care for our residents in the years to come.”
HC-One’s Fosse Way View care home in Bingham, Nottinghamshire, helped bring a 100-year-old resident’s wish come true with a nostalgic trip to Skegness beach that brought back memories of past holidays. One of Brenda Young’s birthday wishes was to enjoy the sights, smells and delights of the seaside. Nine residents and seven members of the care team also took part in the trip, which was organised by wellbeing coordinator Fiona Benning. She said: “To see the smiles on all of the residents’ faces was priceless, to hear how much of a good time they all had and to make Brenda’s wish come true is why I love my job.”
Provider wins contract for service
of 38 one and two bedroom apartments, all of which have walk-in showers and kitchenettes.
Located within stunning grounds, the extra care housing service offers independent living with personalised support.
Also offering emergency response, security and peace of mind to all residents, the additional benefit of flexible on-site care from Radis’ expert care team allows for a calm and relaxing environment.
The Cannons and Radis Community Care will be providing more than 600 hours of quality, flexible care each week.
Sarah Brown, service manager
at The Cannons, said: “We’re delighted to have won this care contract, adding another fantastic service to our care offerings. We are proud to be able to provide more care to those who need it in Essex. Our entire team is passionate about the services that we provide, and we can’t wait to care for even more people.”
A Colchester City Council extra care sheltered scheme, The
Cannons is part of the council’s commitment to providing highquality housing and care services for its residents.
Colchester Borough Homes works closely with care providers like Radis Community Care to ensure that residents receive the support they need to live independently in their own homes.
The Cannons provides residents with a communal dining area and a range of amenities, including a lounge, laundry room, gardens and a hairdressing salon.
To reassure both residents and loved ones, the entire service is accessible by wheelchair, with local facilities and public transport also in close proximity.
The Cannons joins Radis’ existing Essex-based services, Honey Tree Court, Freemans Court and Helen Court.
GROUP OF TWO ESTABLISHED AND VERY PROFITABLE
43 YEARS OVER EXPERIENCE
SELLING CARE HOMES
REG 37
RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME WREXHAM
Spacious and well-decorated, Cherry Tree House is set in the small village of Coedpoeth on the outskirts of Wrexham.
The home offers 24-hour EMH (Elderly Mental Health) residential care, intermediate care and respite and daycare in the newly refurbished and comfortable home.
Finished to a high standard, the home offers 37 bedrooms (32 are en-suite rooms) and a number of delightful communal areas for residents to enjoy.
Cherry Tree also features three relaxing lounges, a quiet area, a dining room, a ‘pub room’ and gardens including a sensory garden. All are wheelchair accessible
Dear Grayson
CherryHouseTree SOLD WELSH BORDERS CARE HOMES SOLD BY LAMONT JOHNSON
“ I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the outstanding service you have provided.”
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the outstanding service you have provided during the aquisition of our two new Care Homes.
This marks the third deal we have completed together, and once again, your expertise, professionalism and dedication, have played a crucial role in making the process seamless and successful.
Your deep understanding of the Care Home sector, along with your ability to navigate complex negotiations, has been invaluable to us. In addition, your grasp of our ethos and values has enabled you to target exactly the type of homes we look for.
Thanks to your support, we have been able to continue expanding our group confidently knowing that we are in good hands.
As we continue our journey to expand and create a substantial foothold in this sector, we look forward to working with you again in the future, and will not hesitate to recommend your services to others in the industry.
Thank you once again for your excellent work.
Warm regards
Michael Outmezguine Managing Director, Sfera Care
Dear Grayson and Dawn,
BayTree House
We would like to thank you both so much for handling the sale of our homes and finding the right buyer and the right price.
For the first phone call I made I knew you were people I could deal with and I had a really good feeling speaking to Grayson.
We had a difficult situation as you knew, we had signed up with a different firm who charged us an upfront fee and were unable to get a sale for us so I approached you in somewhat of an awkward situation and you gave us advice and were so helpful it was really refreshing. Grayson, you said you would find a buyer and were so confident and you did exactly as you said you would. You both made the whole process so much easier for us and as anyone selling a business knows that it is never straight forward and smooth but anytime we hit a bump with the solicitors or buyer you stepped in to help resolve the situation and get things moving again. We are so pleased you found a suitable buyer that had the right attitude and commitment and were the right fit for our homes.
It has been great to work with people so experienced and approachable, it’s a shame it’s all come to an end for us but we couldn’t be happier as we have now completed on the sale, Grayson, Dawn and the team, you delivered! Thank you so much!
We would highly recommend you to anyone and would be happy to speak to any prospective clients. Thank you so much and all the best for the future.
Dave & Gemma Atkins
Directors
RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME WREXHAM
The home features two relaxing lounges, a peaceful library, a cinema room, a tea room with enclosed courtyard, hair and nail salon and a garden as well as a varied activity programme.
Finished to a high standard, with an incredible attention to detail, the home offers 46 en-suite rooms and a number of delightful communal areas for residents to enjoy.
Left to right: Kate Gledhill and Stephen Lopeman, Kuits Solicitors, Manchester. Gemma and Dave Atkins, vendors, Orchard Care Group. Dawn Taylor,Director, Lamont Johnson. Grayson Taylor, Managing Director, Lamont Johnson.
Operator completes purchase on 70-bedroom care scheme
OAKLAND Care has completed the purchase of a 70-bedroom, sustainable, care home development site in Fleet, Hampshire.
Planning consent has been granted for the state-of-theart scheme, which has been designed to offer residents fully equipped accommodation and amenities such as a café bistro, hair salon, lounge and dining rooms, balcony and terraces, alongside extensive landscape gardens.
Richard Dooley, director of development of Oakland Care, said: “We are delighted to acquire this well-located opportunity.
“Over the years we have become well-recognised for the outstanding care we deliver to our residents, and this site provides us with a great opportunity to support more people over the coming years as part of an expanding portfolio of home across the wider southeast area.
“The new home will also form
part of our new strategy of developing all electric-powered, net zero homes which will be BREEAM accredited.
This is a key strand of our ambitions as a care home provider who is committed to leading the way in our approach to combatting the climate crisis.
“It demonstrates a big step forward against our environmental strategy with sustainability not only championed by our team members, residents, and their
friends and family, but placed within the very build and function of our care homes.”
As part of Oakland Care’s continued strategic growth as a care home provider it has now finalised the purchase of the site from Frontier Estates Ltd, with the development becoming the 13th addition to the business’ growing portfolio of care homes across the South East and London. With work set to commence shortly towards a target
completion date of 2027, the new home will also form part of the operator’s strategy towards developing all electric-powered, net-zero homes which will be BREEAM accredited – the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for buildings and organisations.
Oakland Care are a carbon neutral care home group recognised as the ‘greener choice’ of homes in the UK for their pioneering approach to sustainability.
Futureproofing its existing portfolio and delivering new, industry-leading, care homes which place sustainability and the environment at their forefront is key to the provider’s ongoing efforts.
This announcement is just the latest net-zero home to come forward, with construction on its 11th and 12th care home in Harpenden and Bracknell commencing in the last several months.
Group acquires newly built care home in Fordingbridge
HARTFORD Care has entered into a partnership with the Highwood Group to develop a state-of-the-art residential care home in Fordingbridge, Hampshire.
The new 70-bedroom facility will be the operator’s 10th in the county, and 22nd in the South of England, with construction of the property to commence in Spring 2025.
Kevin Shaw, chief executive of Hartford Care, said: “We are delighted to continue our growing partnership with Highwood with the development of another state-of-the-art care home.
“The addition of the Fordingbridge home brings us to 22 homes, with more than 1,200 bedrooms, allowing us to extend our expert specialist care and ‘home from home’ environment
to as many people as possible.”
Highwood will be developing the home in a continuing partnership between the two
companies, which already has two new schemes currently under construction in Alton and Southampton.
The new site will offer dementia care, residential care, nursing care, respite breaks and end-oflife care, and will be positioned alongside eight newly built houses, and landscaped public open space.
It will be built with industryleading sustainability credentials and will be rated BREEAM Excellent, with significant renewable energy elements including solar panels, heat pumps and smart energy systems.
Phil Prosser, managing director of Highwood, added: “Having built a solid partnership that spans back over a decade, we are excited to add Fordingbridge to a growing portfolio of best-inclass care homes delivered for Hartford Care, with several more already in the pipeline”
New home care company secures its registration and rolls out its services
A NEW home care business in Glasgow can provide a full range of personal care services after securing its registration with the Care Inspectorate.
SureCare Glasgow is run by sisters-in-law Sammira and Sumaira Iqbal and Anne Marie Gill, who is the registered manager.
Anne Marie, who has more than 30 years of experience in the home care sector, recently joined the company.
Originally from Falkirk, she began her career as a care
worker and has worked her way up.
Anne Marie said: “I started in the care industry when I was 16 after being inspired by my mum who worked as a social services manager for the council.
“I love what I do and I’m passionate about developing our brilliant – and growing – team of home care workers and really making a difference to the lives of the people we look after at SureCare.
“We want to be seen as providing the best possible care
in the area.”
The business offers a range of regulated and non-regulated services, including domiciliary care, live-in care, respite and holiday care, and dementia and Alzheimer’s care.
Other services on offer include home services, light housekeeping, cleaning, shopping, companionship, gardening and handyman work.
Sammira added: “We are delighted to now be registered with the Care Inspectorate and to be able to roll out a full range of
home care services.
“We’re also excited to welcome Anne Marie on board as we grow our care services throughout the city of Glasgow and its surrounding areas, including North and South Lanarkshire, East and West Dunbartonshire and Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire.
“We’re looking to help a wide range of people, including older or vulnerable people who need reliable home care services as well as busy parents needing childcare support.”
School pupils get crafty
SCHOOLCHILDREN in Southampton have created eyecatching artwork to decorate the hoardings of the city’s newest care home.
Students from Banister Primary School were invited by Care UK to get creative with drawings around the theme, ‘who do you care about?’ The artwork is now on display on the hoardings surrounding The Wickets as the building begins to take shape.
Once complete, the multimillion-pound purpose-built care home will provide full-time residential, nursing, respite and specialist dementia care for up to 80 older people in Southampton, along with creating 97 new jobs.
Justin Daley, development project manager for Care UK, said: “We were delighted to be able to collaborate with Banister Primary School on a lovely art project to brighten up our hoardings.
“It was great to welcome the children to see their pictures displayed and we look forward to working with the school on future projects.”
Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives while promoting independence, The Wickets will incorporate space for hobby and leisure activities.
The new home, which is expected to welcome the first residents in December 2025, will feature a cinema, pub and its own coffee shop. Secure and wheelchair friendly landscaped outdoor space will include sensory gardens, water features and seating to give residents the opportunity to spend quality time outdoors.
The layout of the building will be configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.
Elizabeth Finn Homes has appointed a people director to shape and implement human resource strategies across the group. Peter Norgate brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in human resource management and organisational development. He will be instrumental in shaping and executing people strategies that align with the care home group’s five-year plan. This is based on three key objectives, one of which is to provide outstanding, inclusive careers in care with exemplary working conditions. Peter was previously director of people and corporate services for the Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK’s largest HIV and sexual health charity, and prior to this he held senior managerial roles in mental health with the charity Mind.
A woman who trained as a dancer and choreographer is bringing her expertise as a dance music therapist to her new appointment as activities co-ordinator at St Benedict’s Nursing Home in Glastonbury. Juliet Binning had already trained and established herself as a professional dancer and choreographer when she discovered dance movement therapy and the lifechanging benefits it can offer people with special needs.
Homes acquired by healthcare charity with bank’s support
THREE Staffordshire care homes have been acquired by Swanseabased charity Healthcare Management Trust in a deal funded by a seven-figure package from HSBC UK.
The acquisition of St Quentin’s Care Homes marks the next step in the operator’s growth strategy and mission to provide marketleading care.
St Quentin’s has three residential care homes – St Quentin’s, The Hawthorns and Langley House – all based in Newcastle-under-Lyme. The three sites join the operator’s portfolio of three other care homes and two private hospitals.
Dr Nichola Stefanou, chief executive officer at Healthcare Management Trust, said: “This acquisition represents a wonderful opportunity to integrate St Quentin Care Homes into the HMT fold. We are committed to maintaining the high standards of care that St Quentin is known for, while also encouraging further innovation and resourcing to enhance the wellbeing of the people in our home.
“HSBC UK’s support in the acquisition process has been invaluable in delivering this deal,
which will significantly contribute to our future growth across the UK.”
The new care homes will help Healthcare Management Trust diversify its revenue stream, with the business expecting to generate an 18 per cent increase in revenue as a result of the acquisition.
Alex Brown, relationship director at HSBC UK, added: “Healthcare Management Trust has had a fiveyear relationship with HSBC UK and we’re proud to support the business in the next chapter of its growth story.”
Not-for-profit care group
Greensleeves Care’s chief executive Paul Newman will be stepping down in late February to take up a similar role at We Care Group and Summit Care Group. During his time at Greensleeves Care, Paul led the organisation through a transformative period of growth and innovation. Under his leadership the operator was recognised as one of the UK’s Top 20 Large Care Providers, achieved numerous accolades for highquality care, and expanded its portfolio to support more older people than ever before. In 2019, Paul was voted Care Executive of the Year by sector peers at the inaugural Leaders in Care Awards.
Home Meadow, part of the Healthcare Homes Group, has announced the appointment of Noby Jacobs as its new manager. Noby brings more than a decade of experience in nursing and healthcare to the Toft care home, which holds a ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission. As a Registered Nurse with an NVQ Level 5 in Leadership and Management for Health and Social Care, Noby is well-equipped to lead Home Meadow’s team in providing person-centred care. Having completed mentorship training, Noby is passionate about supporting staff development and fostering a compassionate care environment.
Montane Care completes Blackpool care home sale
Montane Care is pleased to announce the successful sale of Hollins Bank Care Home, a highly regarded residential facility in Blackpool.
Acting on behalf of joint administrators, Montane Care successfully facilitated the transfer of ownership to Bernie Suresparan of We Care Group.
Featuring 44 well-appointed bedrooms across two floors, Hollins Bank Care Home is a prime example of Montane Care’s commitment to delivering smooth, effective sales solutions within the healthcare and care home sectors.
Bernie Suresparan, the new operator of Hollins Bank Care Home, was equally pleased with Montane Care’s professionalism and the seamless acquisition process.
He said: “Darren’s commitment to the acquisition of Hollins Bank was outstanding.
“His deep knowledge of the care home sector, combined with his proactive and professional approach, ensured that every phase of the acquisition was managed with precision.
“Darren’s involvement was crucial in completing the transition, and I am
thankful for his insight and the significant role he played in making this acquisition a success.”
Darren Edwards, a healthcare agent at Montane Care, was instrumental in facilitating the sale and ensuring a stress-free experience for both parties.
Reflecting on the outcome, he added: “Establishing a strong rapport with my client allowed me to present an offer from a reputable operator with solid
financial backing.
“At Montane Care we pride ourselves on our extensive expertise across both local and national markets, which enables us to connect sellers with wellqualified buyers who are actively seeking similar opportunities.”
Montane Care’s expertise and market knowledge continue to attract investors interested in high-quality care homes like Hollins Bank.
With a deep understanding of the complexities involved in care home sales, Montane Care ensures that each transaction is conducted with professionalism, helping sellers and buyers achieve their goals efficiently and effectively.
For care home owners considering a sale or seeking insights into their business’s market value, Montane Care offers confidential consultations.
Darren Edwards is available to discuss specific needs and explore potential opportunities. Contact him at 07720 653322 or via email at darren.edwards@ montanecare.co.uk
For more information on Montane Care’s services visit www.montanecare.co.uk
Devon chef takes home gold in ‘MasterChef’ showdown
A CARE home chef from Devon has cooked his way to victory in not-for-profit Sanctuary Care’s annual ‘MasterChef’ competition.
Joe Fower, assistant chef at Ivydene Residential and Nursing Home in Ivybridge, wowed judges with his culinary skills and took home the coveted gold medal among 16 finalists.
Joe, who scooped £1,000 prize for his win, said: “I’m really proud of the close bond I have with my residents at Ivydene.
“They mean a lot to me, and it makes my day when I get positive feedback.
“They were all super excited for me before the awards evening, and I got loads of good luck wishes.
“Every day they motivate me to cook the best food I can. The best part of my day is seeing the dining room full of their happy, smiling faces.
“I was very surprised to have won. The standard set by everyone was so high – I am very pleased.”
Going head-to-head with top chefs from more than 100 facilities across England and Scotland, Joe battled through the final round of the competition, which mirrors the format of the popular BBC show, producing
a two-course menu including a main and dessert in under 90 minutes.
The competition, which was held at Brakes Innovation Kitchen in Reading, saw a panel of judges assess the dishes for taste, culinary flair, creativity and
presentation.
These were Sanctuary’s chief operating officer – commercial, Sarah Clarke-Kuehn, Louise Palmer, deputy director of operations at Sanctuary Care and Danny Silcock, development chef at Brakes.
Joe’s winning menu of plantbased scallops wrapped in plant-based bacon served on a smoky puy lentil ragu, paired with grilled asparagus and a creamy garlic reduction, were a hit for the judges.
For dessert he served up a white chocolate and raspberry crème brûlée accompanied by raspberry coulis and shortbread fingers.
The results of the competition were announced at Sanctuary Care’s recent annual chef conference.
Following Joe in the MasterChef competition were Rowena Graham from Camilla House in second and Lisa Warrington from Westmead in third.
Home Instead employee awarded Queen’s Nurse accolade
MICHELLE Tennant, clinical governance lead at Home Instead UK, was recently named a Queen’s Nurse by The Queen’s Nursing Institute, collecting her award at a special awards ceremony.
Becoming a Queen’s Nurse, Michelle has been recognised for developing Home Instead’s ‘healthcare at home’ service, supporting franchise offices as they deliver complex care in the community. Hosted at the Millennium Gloucester
Hotel in London, the awards were attended by many people including trustees and fellows from the QNI and representatives from the Department of Health and Social Care.
Michelle said: “What an honour to become a Queen’s Nurse: an accolade held by people who have made a significant difference to their communities. I was blown away by the other winners and the achievements
they have made.
“There’s no doubt that the home care sector is changing for the better. Healthcare needs will increasingly be met at home and delivered by the person delivering other aspects of care. It’s exciting seeing Home Instead lead the way with this.”
Vice president of the QNI, Dame Elizabeth Anionwu, presented Michelle with her certificate (pictured).
It is time to switch and save
IN THE world of care homes, choosing the right supplier for your essential needs can be a crucial decision.
It is a decision that directly impacts the quality of care provided to residents and the efficiency of daily operations.
Among the many options available, Gompels shines as a beacon of excellence.
With a deep commitment to quality, a wide range of products, and a track record of reliability, Gompels has rightfully earned its place as the best choice for care homes.
Spend 20 per cent less at Gompels At Gompels we are known for our competitive pricing and offering quality products at affordable rates without the fancy branding. This enables care homes to make the most of their budgets without compromising on the quality of care provided to residents.
Our free online tools will drive efficiency across your business
helping you make substantial cost and time savings.
Why not let us complete a price comparison against your supplier and we can demonstrate how much you could save.
Email keyaccounts@gompels. co.uk to request your price comparison and we can have it back within 24 hours.
Greener at Gompels
In an era where sustainability and
ethical business practices are becoming increasingly important, we stand out by prioritising these values.
We have implemented ecofriendly practices and offer a selection of sustainable products, helping care homes reduce their environmental footprint.
Furthermore, at Gompels we are committed to ethical sourcing and fair labour practices, ensuring that the products care homes use have been produced in a socially responsible manner.
Our carbon neutral head office in Melksham generates 10x the amount of electricity we need, making us a net contributor to the grid.
We are ambitious and ready for change. Come and find out more in our sustainability section on the website https://www.gompels. co.uk/eco/
Better service as standard
Not only do we offer top-quality products but we also provide exceptional customer service.
We have a dedicated team that is ready to assist care homes with their needs and queries.
Whether it is product information, order tracking, or support with special requests, our customer service is there to help and ensure a smooth experience for care home professionals.
No matter if you have 10 bedrooms or 500 bedrooms across multiple sites, you will always get the best service at Gompels.
We have more than 98 per cent of products in stock every week and you can rely on our speedy next-day delivery service with over 99.7 per cent of orders arriving on-time.
Care homes can trust us to provide the support they need to deliver outstanding care to their residents and to operate efficiently in an increasingly challenging environment.
Let’s talk soon and discuss your requirements in more detail.
Email sam.paines@gompels.co.uk or call 0345 450 2420.
Joe pictured alongside Sanctuary Care’s head of hospitality services Mark Ord, chief operating officer – commercial Sarah Clarke-Kuehn and director of operations Sheila O’Connor at the chefs’ conference.
Experience gives participants opportunity to better understand life with dementia
ALIVE, a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of older people, has always used technology in innovative ways to push the boundaries of care.
Alive has recently developed The Empathy Suit Experience, which offers participants the opportunity to understand life with dementia and age-related physical impairments.
The suit is made up of 13 components which work to inhibit mobility, motor skills, vision and hearing – giving the wearer a unique sense of how it may feel to be an older person living with dementia – literally ‘putting them in the shoes,’ of the people they support.
Alive has collaborated with care homes, charities, and various organisations and individuals to provide a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by those living with dementia.
This year, with the Alzheimer’s Society they recorded a video featuring three England male
football players, which has been shared across their social media platforms, reaching hundreds of thousands of people.
Alive CEO Isobel Jones said:
“The dementia empathy suit truly helps people gain a genuine experience of dementia and understand how daily activities can be impacted.
“It was eye-opening to watch the England team members struggle with everyday tasks.
“They began to grasp the isolation and frustration that people living with dementia might feel, and they expressed a commitment to being more
patient and understanding.
“We really enjoy training care staff, as they truly get to feel what it can be like and adjust their activity and care routines as a result. It’s quite an emotional experience.
“Care staff have commented that this type of training should be mandatory as it gives such an insight.”
Alive has been delivering a range of training courses for over 15 years, by staff who have over 30 years of hands on experience in the care industry.
As well as the empathy suit, courses cover topics such as communication, engagement and activity, horticultural therapy. These have been delivered on line and all over the UK.
Alive Activities has embraced a vision and mission to improve the lives of older people since the charity was founded 15 years ago.
As well as continuing to support the care home sector, Alive has
expanded into the community too, so has a deep understanding of the care at home and care home experience delivering support groups and horticultural gardens in hospitals, care homes and community settings.
“Alive strives to engage older people living in care, train carers, connect care homes to their wider community, and work with older people still living at home to combat social isolation,” Isobel added.
“Alive stand up for the rights of older people and try to give a voice to those who may otherwise not be heard.
“We are passionate about ensuring older people, wherever they are, and whatever they needs are, get the right level of support tailored to them”.
If you would like to book a training course, or find out more about our work, contact us on 0117 377 4756, email info@aliveactivities.org or visit www.aliveactivities.org
