Survey finds providers set to close down
CAMPAIGNERS are calling on the Government to wake up to dire warnings over the imminent collapse of care for older, vulnerable and disabled adults.
The call to act follows a major survey which found that 22 per cent of providers were planning to close their businesses entirely with more set to make staff redundant.
The warning comes after the Government announced a rise in employer National Insurance payments and increases in the national living and minimum wages.
The Independent Care Group says the Government has to wake up to the situation.
“I think there is a danger that the Government is sleepwalking into a very dangerous situation for care in this country,” ICG chair Mike Padgham warned.
“I fear it seriously underestimated the impact the National Insurance and wage increases would have on a sector that has been brutally neglected for three decades.
“With the survey results warning of dire consequences, the Government has to act and either make the sector exempt from the ENIC increase or ensure that there is funding ring-fenced with local authorities to help us pay it.”
Earlier research by the Nuffield Trust estimated that
social care providers would face an increase of £2.8bn in costs due to National Insurance and wage increases.
It warned that the “… combined financial impact of the ENIC rise and the new minimum wage level might see not just single providers going out of business but large swathes of the market collapsing.”
The survey of 1,180 care providers, carried out by the Care Provider Alliance, found that 22 per cent of those who responded were planning to close their business; 73 per cent will have to refuse new referrals from local authorities or the NHS; 57 per cent planned to hand back some contracts and 64 per cent feared having to make staff redundant.
Mike added: “We have long argued that the social care sector was teetering on the brink of collapse and feared that it might just take one thing to tip it over the edge – we might just have reached that point.
“Whilst government after government have been able to ignore the quiet erosion of the sector through the loss of smaller providers over the years, they will not be able to turn a deaf ear on an avalanche of provider closure, if the results of this survey are borne out.”
Residents and staff from Woodthorpe Lodge in Loughborough celebrated the care home’s fifth anniversary with a party to remember, joined by family, friends and the local community. Opening its doors in 2019 with the help of Strictly Come Dancing’s Flavia Cacace, Woodthorpe Lodge has since become a pillar of the community, caring for its residents with dignity and respect whilst also regularly welcoming neighbours events. Home manager Kate Day said: “It’s been such a pleasure to watch Woodthorpe Lodge blossom into the warm and welcoming home it is today. The relationships built between residents, team members,and the community over the last five years are truly incredible, and we can’t wait to see what the next five years bring.”
Manager marks 20 years of service
CELEBRATIONS have taken place at HC-One’s Rose Court in Radcliffe, Manchester as manager Leanne BattenSmith marked 20 years working at the care home.
Her first role was in the kitchen as bank staff. Following that she moved into working as a care assistant before developing to progress to become a senior care assistant with activities coordination being her second shared job.
Leanne still shows a huge passion for activities to this day, and often gets involved with the wellbeing team to create an enhanced programme for residents to enjoy.
She then worked her way to become unit manager on the residential dementia and
nursing community at Rose Court. Leanne’s career soon progressed as she took on the role of deputy home manager and then home manager when Karen Davies retired in 2022.
She said: “I have loved every minute of my 20 years working here. Every day is different and supporting our older generation is an absolute honour that I am proud to be a part of each day.
“I work with the best team of people both within the home and within the wider organisation. Rose Court really is my second family.”
A celebration event for staff and residents was held at the home, with Leanne presented with gifts and flowers by area director Anthony Byrne.
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Business aiming to be 50-strong in first year
A NEW home care business in Stoke-on-Trent has set its sights on becoming the leading provider in the area.
Businesswoman Lily Man recently set up SureCare Stoke-on-Trent and the company has just secured its registration with the Care Quality Commission.
It means that Lily and registered manager Michelle Blunt can now provide a complete range of regulated and non-regulated home care services to people in Stoke, Newcastle-underLyme, Hanley and Tunstall. The company is based at Trent House in the city.
The pair have already recruited a senior care worker and two further care workers and expect to grow their team to 50 within the next 12 months to meet the needs of local people which they anticipate will be a mix of private paying and local authority clients.
Lily was inspired to launch her own business after being cared for by her family when she had a chronic health condition. Before moving into the care sector, Lily had a successful career in financial services.
She said: “I am delighted to welcome Michelle to the SureCare team. She has a wealth of experience, great local knowledge and shares my drive to deliver high quality home care to people in Stoke, Newcastle-underLyme, Hanley and Tunstall.
“We have spent the last couple of months putting in place all our systems and processes and we are now starting to onboard clients.
“We can offer full domiciliary care packages as well as non-regulated services such as cleaning, shopping and helping clients to continue living as independent a life as possible, for example attending functions and other activities.
“We are there not only for the client, but also for the wider family, such as allowing a son or daughter to focus on spending quality time with a parent
while we take care of the day-to-day requirements.
“I want SureCare Stoke-on-Trent to be known for providing great care, the best possible communication, innovation and, where appropriate, using technology to enhance a client’s experience.”
Michelle, who joined SureCare Stoke-on-Trent earlier this month, previously worked for another national home care provider in the region for over 10 years rising to the position of general manager.
She added: “I am excited to help Lily establish SureCare Stoke-on-Trent as the leading provider of home care services. We are passionate about reaching out to clients across the whole of our area, ensuring that everyone can access the best possible care no matter where they live. There is an older demographic in Stoke and the surrounding areas with many people having previously worked in industries such as mining, potteries and steel.
“We are also looking forward to creating jobs in the area and are looking for care workers with the same passion to deliver true personcentred care. We want SureCare to be the go-to company for all your home care services.”
Home to raise funds with 2025 calendar
with a photographer to create a 2025 calendar – the sales of which will support the residents’ love of horticulture.
Created in collaboration with Sauvage Photography and sponsored by local businesses, the fundraising initiative uses images captured across a year during different themed activities at the home and showcases residents’ vibrant lives, including celebrations from Valentine’s Day, Easter Sunday and Halloween.
With an initial run of 100 prints, the home hopes to raise £900 for its activity fund which will be spent primarily on expanding the gardening offering following the popularity of its kitchen garden amongst residents.
Allison Webster, activities coordinator at Diamond House, said: “We are so excited to have finally finished our calendar.
“Thanks to the support of Sauvage
Photography and sponsorship from local businesses we have been able to produce it without cost, meaning the entire proceeds will go to the activity fund. This year we bought three large raised beds, and the residents have been growing a variety of vegetables and fruits, including carrots, potatoes, radishes, parsnips, lettuce, strawberries and tomatoes.
“They’ve been really popular, and we’d love to be able to offer more spaces for residents to enjoy growing their own vegetables and fruit.
“We would really like to buy more raised beds. They are quite expensive, so we are raising this money because residents are very keen to increase what they are growing, and the calendar sales would really help us with this.”
The Diamond House 2025 calendar is available for purchase at £8.99 each. For more information or to buy a calendar, contact diamond.admin@ larchwoodcare.co.uk
Recalling memories through music
THE joys of music are playing an instrumental role in the lives of Cheshire’s older community, with residents and tenants at Belong care villages in Crewe and Macclesfield reliving happy memories from special life moments thanks to funfilled music workshops designed to promote wellbeing.
The interactive sessions comprise a mix of activities incorporating a range of percussion instruments to explore rhythms and sounds from different genres and decades, all while benefitting the health of participants, including those living with dementia.
Delivered by West End theatretrained Vicky Thornton of Musical Moments, the fully inclusive sessions feature tambourines, bells and maracas, and even the chance to play a ukelele.
A wide variety of songs are used to meet participants’ taste in music, with favourite tunes from the ‘60s and ‘70s, classical, stage, television and film all popular requests making for
conversational topics and the chance to reminisce.
Anna Seaton, experience coordinator at Belong Macclesfield, said: “Music can help to unlock memories, foster feelings of connection and help our customers to
regain their sense of identity.
“This is particularly beneficial for our customers living with dementia, with even those with little or no verbal communication able to join in.”
The group sessions provide the opportunity for companionship
without the pressure of conversation or the need to pick up on social cues, with some residents instead participating by whistling to songs or dancing.
Vicky Thornton, Musical Moments franchisee for Cheshire and North Staffordshire, added: “Music is an exceptionally powerful medium, particularly for evoking happy memories. Sometimes participants may not remember me from previous sessions, but they can recall the music.
“Everyone is very much encouraged to unleash their inner George Formby but often it’s the smallest moments of engagement, like tapping their fingers or raising an eyebrow, that communicates how much they are enjoying themselves.”
Other musical highlights in Belong’s experience programmes include visiting entertainers, specialist singing and dancing workshops, as well as meet-ups for shared intergenerational activities with local schools.
DIAMOND House Care Home in Downham Market has worked
SureCare Stoke-on-Trent’s Lily Man with registered manager Michelle Blunt.
Belong Crewe customers Dorothy and Margaret enjoy a music session.
Diamond House residents Pamela Haylett and Pat Stevens with the home’s calendar.
Deer Park Care Home in Holsworthy, which was acquired in September by Camelot Care, is to re-open in early 2025 as Deer Park Nursing Home under the management of Suzanne Evans. Suzanne, who has spent the past decade managing Halwill Manor Nursing Home in Beaworthy, comes to Deer Park with a total of 20 years in the care sector behind her. Before moving into the care sector, Suzanne had a career in human resources within banking corporations in London. In her spare time she started doing voluntary work with The Samaritans, which she says she found very rewarding and inspired her to consider a change of career. She is currently working with other members of Camelot Care’s management to recruit a full staff team ahead of the opening of Deer Park Nursing Home next year.
Blandford Grange, part of Healthcare Homes Group, has announced the appointment of Rachel Smith-Harrison as its manager. With more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector and a dedication to enhancing care services, Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her new role. She began her career in healthcare as a nurse n 1997, progressing through various roles to become a respected leader in care home management. Since 2020 she has focused on ensuring residents in nursing homes receive the highest standard of care, with a strong emphasis on creating supportive, fulfilling environments for both residents and staff.
Handford House Care Home, part of the Healthcare Homes Group, has announced the appointment of Renata Sulugiuc as its new manager. With more than 14 years of experience as a registered nurse, and a wealth of expertise managing nursing homes, Renata brings a compassionate and family-oriented approach to Handford House. She said: “I am thrilled to have officially started as manager at Handford House and would like to thank everyone for the warm welcome. It has been wonderful meeting the team, residents and families, and I am eager to get to know everyone better.” Her aim is to maintain the close-knit, family feel that has always made Handford House such a special place, while also introducing fresh ideas and opportunities to enrich the lives of its residents.
Healthcare Management Trust has welcome Andrea Barker as its new area home manager for the south. In this new role she will manage Norden House in Littlehampton, West Sussex and Marie Louise House in Romsey, Hampshire. Andrea will be responsible for maintaining excellent standards of personalised care across both sites, as well as ensuring a safe and positive environment for staff. She brings nearly 40 years of experience as a registered nurse in various organisations such as the Royal Navy, Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth and community care homes. In many of these roles she developed new care pathways, improved patient outcomes and supported and developed staff to deliver meaningful and individualised care to all patients.
Care worker Alice Jacobs is relishing her new role as activities co-ordinator at Camelot House and Lodge in Wellington, after 10 years’ experience as a healthcare assistant. Alice, 29, whose mother Debra Jacobs is deputy manager at the same home, has worked for most of the past decade at a nursing home in Exeter, as part of a team that also included Zillah Oakes, who now manages Camelot House and Lodge, as well as her own mum. She said: “I was excited when Mum told me about the activities co-ordinator vacancy at Camelot House and Lodge, because Zillah and Mum make a great management team and they’re both already familiar with my skills and personality, so if they thought I was the right person for the job I didn’t need much convincing.”
Claremont House and Lodge care home in Caister-on-Sea, part of the Healthcare Homes Group, has announced the appointment of Alison Fallowfield as its new manager. With more than four decades of experience in healthcare, Alison brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion and leadership to her new role, where she will lead efforts to implement positive changes and ensure highquality care for residents. She began her career in 1981 as an enrolled nurse and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Adult Nursing. Alison also holds certifications in ophthalmology, dementia care and mentorship. A key focus for her will be working closely with residents, their families, and the care team, as well as external healthcare professionals, to enhance the dayto-day experience at Claremont House.
An expanding homecare provider has taken on two new staff as it looks to further increase its client base in the Preston and South Ribble area. Westmorland Homecare’s Preston branch is also aiming to soon being able to offer clients nighttime care as well as services during the day. Holly Carruthers is one of two new homecare assistants, taking the branch’s total to six. She spent time as a dog groomer and worked at a pharmacy in Preston before joining Westmorland Homecare. The second new homecare assistant is Rodlyn Sharkey. Rodlyn grew up in the Philippines. She moved to England with her husband in 2015, working in hotels in Preston before moving into homecare.
Oyster Care Homes has announced the appointment of Scott Wilkinson as the new general manager of Lake View Lodge, a state-of-the-art care home scheduled to open its doors in 2025 in Halling. Scott brings more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector, ensuring that the new care facility is led by someone with exceptional leadership, industry insight, and a passion for person-centred care. Scott’s career is marked by a diverse journey that has shaped his leadership approach. Starting his professional life in the British Army, he gained invaluable organisational and leadership skills, which later served him well when he transitioned into the hospitality industry, working in both restaurants and hotels. His commitment to delivering outstanding service, paired with a desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, ultimately led him into the healthcare sector. Since then, Scott has built a strong track record in residential and dementia care.
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Manager celebrates 40 years of dedication to caring for other people
ANNE Ruttle, home manager at Eaton Court in Grimsby, is celebrating an impressive four decades of service in the healthcare sector, a career defined by dedication to caring for others.
Anne’s care journey began as a volunteer in hospitals in Oxford and Leicester while juggling her schoolwork and working towards her Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
She said: “My mother was a nurse, and we lived in Kenya for a time during my childhood. From a young age, I helped her run vaccination clinics in rural areas.”
Anne began her formal training as a nurse in Doncaster in September 1984 as an 18-year-old. As one of eight children, she was eager to “spread her wings” and carve out her own path in the world.
After completing her training, Anne held a range of nursing roles before moving into care homes in 1997, where she found her true calling. She added: “I worked as a scrub nurse in theatres and as a nurse in high-dependency and intensive care units which were very different, yet equally challenging and rewarding roles.”
Moving into management in 1999, Anne was daunted by her lack of experience but she adapted fast. She said: “I worked as a night nurse for a while so that I could be at home with my children. Then I moved from nights to days and then I was offered a deputy manager role.
“I agreed, but said I’d like to do my registered manager’s award training so I could do it properly when the opportunity came back around.”
Anne managed five different care homes thereafter, learning different values and skills at each one. She became part of the Orchard Care Homes group in 2019 when she took on the role of home manager at Eaton Court.
Anne said: “I had heard of Orchard Care Homes before and their magnificent reputation. I have really enjoyed every minute of the past five years; Eaton Court is just one big family.
“Every team member feels valued and heard, and that is something really special and different than working anywhere else.”
Santa walk raises more than £400 for charity
THE festive season started early at a Hull-based dementia care home with a sponsored Santa fun walk.
The event at Overton House saw 40 participants, including 10 residents, staff members, family and friends, all donning their best festive attire for a short walk around Cottingham. Even dogs joined in the fun, making it a memorable day for all involved which raised £403 in total.
The walk, which was organised to raise money for the residents’ fund, was followed by a tombola and refreshments back at Overton House, where residents, their relatives, staff and other members of the community continued the festive inspired
Operator sponsors local Shopmobility
PEOPLE living in High Wycombe will be able to get around and get free information more easily now that Walfinch home care has sponsored the local Shopmobility charity.
Greg Renk, managing director of Walfinch home care in Mid and South Buckinghamshire, said: “Shopmobility provides electric mobility scooters and powered and manual wheelchairs for hire, from its shop in the Eden Shopping Centre, High Wycombe.
“People can use them for shopping and to get around town, including visiting the nearby Wycombe Hospital, the library, or the opticians.
“Our sponsorship will help keep this valuable service going. We know these vehicles will be useful for our home care clients – it’s likely that some already use them – but as sponsors our logos will be on the vehicles, so that everyone will know who we are and how to reach us.
“It’s great that we can support Shopmobility’s community services.”
The vehicles can also be hired for longer periods so people can go away for weekends. The Shopmobility shop will stock Walfinch leaflets, display its posters, put information and the Walfinch logo on its website and digital media, and add the Walfinch logo to the livery of the vehicles.
Posters and leaflets about Walfinch will be displayed at Shopmobility’s local events, such as quiz nights, that Shopmobility puts on, and Walfinch can have a table at Shopmobility displays in the shopping centre.
“It’s mobile marketing for our services, which will make it easier for people to find out about what we can do to improve their lives,” added Greg. The scooters and wheelchairs are available to anyone who considers themselves to have mobility issues, whether through disability, illness or injury, for a £10 annual membership fee and then daily charges of £3 for electric vehicles and £2 for manual wheelchairs.
Hundreds raised for cancer charity with coffee morning
HUNDREDS of pounds were raised for a cancer charity when care home residents from across Teesside got together for coffee and games.
Elderly residents, staff and family members from four Hill Care Group care homes in Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, and Saltburn-bythe-Sea got together to fundraise for Macmillan Cancer Support.
afternoon.
Margaret Walker, home manager of Overton House, which is owned and managed by Yorkshire headquartered social care group HICA, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with how many people came to support the Santa fun walk. It’s wonderful to see our residents, staff and the community come together to raise funds that will directly benefit our residents.
“The festive spirit was truly in the air, and we’re looking forward to putting the funds raised to good use.”
The money raised will go towards organising specialised activities for the residents, from day trips to inhouse entertainment.
Eston Lodge Care Home, Hazelgrove Court Care Home, The Gables Care Home, and Ingleby Care Home held the joint coffee afternoon event at St Francis of Assisi Church Hall in Thornaby.
The event was organised by activities coordinators Sharon Lewis, Angela Hudson and Sam McCormick from Hazelgrove Court, Ingleby Care Home, and The Gables respectively.
She said: “All the activities coordinators, the residents and their loved ones agreed it was a wonderful event. It was great to do something as a group and to raise such a fabulous amount for Macmillan. Our thanks go out to all those who donated a prize, bought raffle tickets and put donations into the collection tin.”
Attendees enjoyed games of tombola, a raffle, guess the number of sweets in the jar, guess the name of the dog, and lots of cakes, scones, quiches, sandwiches, coffee and tea. The highlight of the afternoon was a game of Spanish bingo and a singalong. In total the event raised more than £350 for the charity.
Anne Ruttle
Hazelgrove Court Care Home activities coordinator Sharon Lewis and resident Mike Reay.
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