Care sector is being forced to take action
CAMPAIGNERS say social care will have to take some form of action if changes do not come quickly enough to save the sector.
They are angry that repeated warnings over the crisis in the care of older, vulnerable and disabled adults are continuing to go unheeded.
This comes after the Local Government Association called for a 10-year plan for social care to enable the Government’s 10-year NHS plan to succeed.
Mike Padgham, chair of the Independent Care Group (ICG), welcomed the LGA call and urged the Government to agree.
“It is very clear that the Government’s 10-year plan for NHS reform is doomed to fail if it is not matched by similar reform of social care,” he said.
“You cannot fix the NHS without fixing social care. You cannot move from hospital to community if there is no community there to look after you.
“Here we have a very stark warning from the LGA that councils are having to dip into their reserves in their struggle to keep pace with the rising demand for social care.
“The LGA is 100 per cent correct in saying that we need a standalone plan for social care with the people who need care at the heart of it.”
Mike said the sector was sick of being pushed further and further down government priorities and the time was fast approaching when it would have to take action as that was the only way to get its case heard.
“I think providers feel they have been ignored for too long and that they are being backed into a corner,” he added.
“It is sad, but they are looking at what GPs, nurses, doctors and most recently, farmers, have done to protest at their situation.”
The proposed increase in Employer’s National Insurance contributions, along with increases in the National Living and National Minimum wages, are pushing many providers to fear for the future.
Last month a 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% feared having to make staff redundant.
“If those things happen as the survey predicts, more and more people will end up going without the care they need, adding to the 2m who currently can’t access care,” Mike added.
Portrait photographer Ray Lowe visited Bullsmoor Lodge in Enfield recently and took some magical festive photos for residents to share with their loved ones this Christmas. Ray, whose family portrait business has been established for nearly 50 years in Cheshunt, has visited the care home on several occasions for family photo shoots, but this was the first time he’d been asked to photograph all 44 residents at Christmas. “We were booked by activities co-ordinator Sandy, who wanted each resident photographed as a Christmas gift for their families as a keepsake,” he said. “We thought this was a wonderful idea. Sandy and her colleagues put together a corner in the residents’ lounge with a Christmas tree and beautiful decorations to make the whole area feel special.”
Resident celebrated with surprise gift
ALEXANDRA Care Home in Hemel Hempstead was filled with joy and pride as resident Joyce Smith MBE received a special gift from British Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah.
In an intimate ceremony attended by her husband and daughter, she was presented with a signed photo and a handwritten letter from the British running legend.
Joyce, who boasts a remarkable career that includes breaking the world record for the 3,000 metres in 1971 and twice winning the London Marathon, was visibly moved when she read Sir Mo’s note: “Thank you for being the one who showed us it could be done. Congratulations on a wonderful career.”
Home manager Gina Gadek said: “It was a privilege to present Joyce with Sir Mo’s
message. Having her family by her side during this moment made it even more special, highlighting the impact she has made not just on the world of athletics but on those who know and love her.”
Joyce’s illustrious journey began in the 1950s, culminating in significant milestones such as winning gold at the 1972 International Cross Country Championships, setting multiple British records, and competing at the Munich and Los Angeles Olympics.
Her groundbreaking performance at the inaugural London Marathon in 1981, where she became the first British woman to run under 2:30, remains a beacon of inspiration.
Joyce was awarded an MBE in 1984 for her services to athletics.
PHOTOGRAPHY
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Charities achieve Learning at Work Week Awards
RMBI Care Co. and the Masonic Charitable Foundation have become the Small to Medium Enterprise winner in the category of Supporting Business and Organisational Goals at the Learning at Work Week Impact Awards 2024.
The charities were recognised for their commitment to lifelong learning, with a focus this year on employee wellbeing, reducing mental health-related absences and creating an inclusive atmosphere for remote workers. By facilitating targeted and accessible activities, both charities aimed to promote continuous learning and cultivate a culture of openness around mental health.
Claire Dodd, assistant director for learning and development at RMBI Care Co., said: “Investing in our staff is a key priority for us at RMBI Care Co.
“We do this by providing engaging activities for staff and by listening to their feedback. We’re thrilled to be recognised for our continuous efforts, which have made our Learning at Work Week to be of award winning status.”
RMBI Care Co. and the MCF’s primary goal during Learning at Work Week was recognising a pressing need to raise awareness of the mental health support available to all employees, both at head office and remotely. They aimed to ensure employees knew that help was available not only during crises, but at all times.
To support this, both charities established three key objectives: to increase engagement with health benefits, encouraging staff to access available mental health support; to ensure remote workers had equal opportunities to participate, alleviating isolation and demonstrating inclusivity; and to foster open conversations about mental health to reduce stigma and
sickness absence.
The two charities used a planned promotional strategy for Learning at Work Week, sharing information via newsletters, posters and management support. Themed days and a clear schedule helped staff plan, while competitions boosted engagement. Success was tracked through event attendance and activity engagement, with participation higher than in previous years.
Learning at Work Week positively impacted employees by increasing their confidence in talking about mental health and deepening their understanding of health benefits, contributing to improved wellbeing. Remote workers were included to help reduce feelings of isolation, strengthen social connections, and ensure awareness of available training resources.
For RMBI Care Co. and the MCF, the benefits included more open conversations around mental health and a greater uptake of health benefits, indicating that employees were more actively managing their health.
Pathway Fund reopens for community projects
PARKLANDS Care Homes has reopened its Pathway Fund, which is dedicated to helping community groups and charities in the Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire.
The operator has been supporting local community projects for 30 years, and the Pathway Fund – introduced at the end of 2023 – continues this long-standing commitment to strengthening communities.
Since its launch, the Pathway Fund has supported a variety of local initiatives, including Grantown Tennis Club and Craigellachie Primary School Parent Partnership, both of which are highlighted in a new promotional video showcasing the positive impact of the Fund.
Other recipients include Black Isle Cares, Cromarty Youth Café, Highlands and Islands Blood Bikes, Fortrose and Rosemarkie Bowling Club, Inverness Highlanders Junior Ice Hockey Club, Eclipse Taekwondo, The Fiddler of Strathspey Festival and Buckie Men’s Shed.
Eligible projects include those that
focus on older people, education, sport and wellbeing, young people and sustainability.
Ron Taylor, managing director of Parklands Care Homes, said: “The Pathway Fund reflects our commitment to the communities we serve.
“By supporting local groups that make a real difference, we aim to help create a lasting positive impact across the Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire. We’re excited to see the new projects that will benefit in this next round of funding.”
Parklands was recently recognised for its support for local communities, winning the Community Engagement by a Business award at the Highland Business Awards.
Ron added: “We’re incredibly proud of the impact the Pathway Fund has had so far, and this recognition from the Highland Business Awards only strengthens our commitment to giving back. We look forward to supporting more projects that make a real difference in our communities.”
Resident meets singing stars on ‘wish come true’ night
A BIRTHDAY wish came true for a 98-year-old dementia care home resident when she saw her favourite operatic pop stars perform live and met them backstage.
Olwen Davies told carers at Colten Care’s St Catherines View in Winchester that she loved male vocal groups and in particular the globally renowned Il Divo.
When she heard of Olwen’s wish to see the quartet live and knowing her 99th birthday was coming up, the home’s companionship team leader Laura Sheldrake arranged tickets for a show at the Bournemouth International Centre on the group’s 20th anniversary tour.
A representative of Il Divo’s management spoke with Laura and said they would do all they could to welcome Olwen and make the occasion special for her.
Laura kept it as a surprise but once she, Olwen and Olwen’s daughter Jennifer arrived at the BIC, they were invited to meet all four members of Il
Divo before the show. Dressed in their trademark Giorgio Armani suits, they were happy to chat and pose for a photo before going on stage.
Olwen said: “This was such a surprise. I am so happy, they are good looking and have wonderful voices.”
In a thank-you note to St Catherines
View after the 80-mile round trip, Jennifer praised Laura for arranging an ‘epic day out for mum’ and ‘thinking of everything’.
To break up the journey time for Olwen, Laura arranged for the party to call in at Colten Care’s Bournemouth care home Avon Cliff, just a mile-anda-half from the BIC, for supper.
Laura said: “We were warmly welcomed there on our detour, had a lovely meal and then went on our way again for the five-minute trip to the show.
“On arrival, Olwen couldn’t believe that not only was she going to watch Il Divo live, she was going to meet them too.
“When we went backstage they were all very happy and chatty with Olwen and only too pleased to pose for a picture with her.
“The show was brilliant and Olwen could not stop smiling.
“The trip was made even more special with Jennifer joining us for the evening.”
Jenny Goodchild, assistant director for HR services; Zoe Nash, HR officer and wellbeing champion; and Claire Dodd, assistant director for learning and development co-hosting the “Mindful Fest” for RMBI Care Co. and MCF staff members.
lwen Davies, seated, backstage at the Bournemouth International Centre with daughter Jennifer and members of Il Divo.
Grantown Tennis Club members.
Widow of man who suffered up to 40 falls at Cornwall care home is awarded £28,000
THE widow of an elderly man who suffered up to 40 falls – including one in which he suffered a broken leg – at a care home in Cornwall has been awarded £28,000 in an out-of-court settlement.
Mr. E had been living with his wife at home until 2017 and had been at Trevaylor Manor care home, at Gulval near Penzance, after being diagnosed with severe dementia.
In April 2020 Mr. E broke his femur in a fall at the home, which required surgery. He never regained his mobility and was reliant on a hoist and wheelchair up until his death at the age of 87 in June 2022.
An internal investigation found that Mr. E had suffered a total of 40 falls over a three-and-a-half-year period at the home, most of them occurring between December 2018 and April 2020.
Trevaylor Manor is operated by Swallowcourt, which runs four other homes for elderly people and those with special needs in Cornwall: The Poldhu in Mullion, Ponsandane in Penzance, Station Villa in Hayle and Cross Keys in Penryn.
Swallowcourt eventually settled the case in May this year, agreeing to pay Mrs. E a sum of £28,000.
Mrs. E was represented by Vanessa Harris, a senior associate in national law firm Clarke Willmott’s clinical negligence team in Bristol.
“Mr. E had received respite care since 2012 but his condition had deteriorated, and he’d been a full-time care home resident since April 2017,” she said.
“In May 2018 he was moved to Trevaylor Care Home to receive more specialised dementia care.
“In April 2020 Mr. E fell, fracturing his femur. He was admitted to hospital and surgery was undertaken to repair the fracture but unfortunately, following discharge from hospital, he never regained his
Marjorie Foyston, a resident at Weavers Court Care Home in Rawdon, celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends, and a few unexpected guests. Before the big day, staff asked Marjorie if she wanted a party, to which she cheekily remarked, “So long as there is plenty of good-looking men there”. And the staff delivered. Marjorie’s birthday wish came true when the local fire brigade visited the home. One of the firefighters, dressed in full uniform, presented her with a bouquet of flowers. The festivities continued with a live performance by singer Amy, who entertained Marjorie and the other residents. The staff joined in, encouraging residents, including the birthday girl, to get up and dance, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Reginald Page, a longstanding member of the Woking community and now a resident at the town’s Kettlewell House, recently marked his 100th birthday with a heartwarming celebration. Reg was honoured with a special card from their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla, congratulating him on his incredible milestone and enjoyed a party, surrounded by his family and friends. Reg built a strong connection to the Woking area through his job at James Walker’s Lion Works, where he dedicated 40 years and retired as a factory foreman. He also served his country during the Second World War as a mechanic in the Royal Navy and Fleet Air Arm.
mobility and was reliant on a hoist and wheelchair up until his death in June 2022.
“The fact that the fall happened during the Covid-19 lockdown period, with his family not being able to visit him, caused a great deal of additional anxiety to the family.”
Following receipt of supportive expert evidence, the claim was presented to Swallowcourt in November 2022.
Vanessa said that eventually, in August last year, Swallowcourt admitted breach of duty in relation to the 2020 fall, without fully addressing the allegations. The admission was a single line email admitting breach of duty “subject to causation”. Despite requests for clarification of the position on causation no further response was received from Swallowcourt.
A barrister was then instructed to draft a claim and issue proceedings, after which Swallowcourt filed a defence arguing that Mr. E was elderly and suffering from various co-morbidities, and that he may have suffered repeated falls anyway, regardless of whether or not he was being closely monitored.
It accepted that following return to the care home his mobility had decreased but did not accept that the fall in April 2020 was causative of the decreased mobility.
Despite the denial in relation to causation, the defendant put forward an offer of settlement in the sum of £28,000, which was accepted.
“The family had raised their concerns about other falls that Mr. E had suffered and an internal investigation found that he had fallen 40 times – and that not all of them had been documented,” added Vanessa.
“Another of the criticisms from our own expert was that there didn’t appear to have been the proper level of escalation after his fall in 2020, because Mr. E clearly required one-toone care in order to get mobile.
“There was clearly a general lack of care and the fall in which Mr. E broke his leg was significant – there had been no proper risk assessment and it was the overall culture at Trevaylor Manor that was the problem.
“We saw the final settlement as being broadly fair, but this was not a financial matter. The family merely wanted some sort of admission of failure from the defendant but they did not engage with us at all.
“I wrote to Trevaylor Manor multiple times giving them the chance to engage, but without success, and the whole process took three years from when we first made a claim. The fact that the defendant did not respond led to a whole year of additional litigation and costs that could easily have been avoided.”
Albert ‘Dixie’ Dean, a former boxer and resident at HC-One’s Aston House care home in Hillingdon, has celebrated his 100th birthday. Albert received more than 100 cards from boxing clubs, care homes and well-wishers from as far as Scotland and Ireland. The centenarian’s celebration was made possible through the efforts of the home’s activity team, who launched social media and newspaper appeals for birthday cards. The response was overwhelming, with a coach at Hayes ABC boxing club providing Albert with a laminated copy of his fighting records from his boxing days. Albert’s sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons presented him with a boxing-themed cake and a grey tracksuit, evoking fond memories of his boxing days. The highlight of the main event was a special visit by the Mayor of Hillingdon.
Rosslyn (Ros) Osbourne, a resident living at HC-One’s Sheraton Court Care Home in Hartlepool, Teesside, has recently celebrated her 104th birthday surrounded by friends and family. Ros was born in South Shields. She spent her years working in the local biscuit factory, before moving on to the tobacco industry and then back to confectionary. Once the war started, Ros moved to Manchester and then moved back up north to work for a mail order company, and then worked in Lewis’s department store. During this time, Ros married the love of her life, Edwin, in 1943, and they had a son called Norman. Ros also has two grandsons, one great grandson and one great granddaughter, who she loves to spend time with.
Vanessa Harris
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Home’s residents and children join for arts project
A PROJECT bringing elderly care home residents and pre-school children together through a shared love of arts and crafts has proved a success in North Yorkshire.
Residents at Hazelgrove Court in Saltburn-by-the-Sea have been interacting with five and six year old children through Crafting Connections, a project bridging the generational gap to provide benefits for both groups.
The initiative sees arty activities sent out to the participants each month, which they are encouraged to complete in their own time, before sending their creations to each other in the post.
Hazelgrove Court has been participating in The Crafting Connections project for over twoand-a-half years, with more than 20 residents registered.
Sharon Lewis, activities coordinator at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, said: “Our residents have built up some amazing friendships over the years we have been taking part in Crafting Connections.
“The FaceTime calls for International Friendship Day was a wonderful experience for both our residents and the children, helping
their connections to get stronger.
”We’ve even had a resident who has left the home continue with the project, allowing him to keep the bond with Hazelgrove Court and his arts and crafts pen pal. We have also had a resident pass away, but his wife continues with the friendship that has built up, providing her with a wonderful bond.
“I love Crafting Connections. It has been a great success. It truly helps with our residents’ wellbeing and is a great talking point with their families during visits.”
The scheme is run by The Together Project, a charity that creates intergenerational connections through community activities.
Group celebrates milestone with topping out ceremony
OYSTER Care Homes has announced significant progress in the development of Potter House in Yeovil, scheduled to open in March 2025 as the group’s sixth facility.
CEO Tim Buckley, COO Em Dean, regional director Carol Britton and general manager Callum Pearce recently gathered to celebrate the topping out ceremony.
Em said: “We couldn’t be more excited to see Potter House coming to life. This care home is a testament to our commitment to expanding our reach and continuing to provide the best possible care for our residents.”
Designed and constructed by LNT Construction, Potter House promises to offer more than just residentcentred care; it represents a leap forward in sustainable living and ecofriendly design.
Equipped with solar panels, a battery storage system that holds two days of energy, and ground-source heating, Potter House aligns with the operator’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
With only a few months until the grand opening, the team eagerly anticipates the final phase of the project.
From passion to purpose – the journey of the UK’s youngest CQC registered manager
IN THE realm of health and social care, age is often associated with experience and wisdom.
However, one young leader is defying conventions and proving that passion, dedication and commitment to making a difference know no age limit.
Meet Amaan Sadiq, one of the youngest CQC registered managers in the United Kingdom and the youngest at Langdale Care Homes, whose journey is an inspiration to aspiring care professionals everywhere.
At just 22 years old, Amaan has already made an indelible mark on the care sector.
His story begins with a childhood immersed in the world of care, thanks to his mother, Neemat Sadiq, a registered nominated individual with the CQC since 2004.
Growing up within the family business, Langdale Care Homes, Amaan witnessed firsthand the transformative power of compassion and the importance of providing quality care to those who need it most.
While his peers were enjoying the frivolities of youth, Amaan found his calling in the smiles and stories of the elderly residents he supported. He spent his holidays volunteering at the care homes; learning valuable lessons about empathy, patience, and the profound impact one person can make in the lives of others.
As Amaan progressed through his
academic journey, he realised that to truly make a difference in the care sector, he needed to arm himself with knowledge and practical skills.
He pursued A Levels in Economics, Politics, and History, honing his critical thinking abilities.
However, his true passion lay in care leadership, which led him to complete a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care.
This qualification has equipped him with the strategic tools necessary to drive excellence in care provision and provided a solid foundation for understanding compliance and quality assurance frameworks.
Amaan’s journey within Langdale Care Homes began as part of the branding and marketing team,
where he managed social media and developed business strategies.
His keen understanding of operational dynamics soon led him to the role of operational support officer.
In this capacity he supported management while conducting audits across various homes to ensure compliance and quality standards were met.
His dedication propelled him to the position of junior director, where he honed his leadership skills.
Amaan then advanced to the director of compliance and quality assurance, where he implemented robust auditing systems and best practices, along with innovative solutions to go above and beyond regulatory compliance.
His commitment to excellence has led him to become the director of compliance and auditing.
Amaan is furthering his expertise by enrolling in a combined Level 6 & Level 7 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management.
He is a qualified moving and handling train the trainer, enabling him to upskill his staff in safe and compassionate care practices.
He has earned the title of health care practitioner, enhancing his clinical knowledge to better support the homes.
As a CQC registered manager and director of compliance and auditing, Amaan has made significant strides in ensuring the highest standards of care
across Langdale Care Homes.
He has strategically assembled an operational compliance and quality assurance team, comprising experts in various fields, including an in-house pharmacist, an advanced clinical practitioner, a clinical development lead, and professionals with extensive clinical nursing knowledge, health and safety expertise, as well as CIPD and FCPID accreditations, to maintain and exceed CQC regulations.
The results speak for themselves, with the homes consistently achieving impressive inspection results from ICB and local authorities. Amaan prioritises staff happiness, introducing initiatives like “Just Us” time for private sessions with managers to discuss concerns and suggestions.
Regular well-being sessions further foster a supportive environment, promoting open communication and team cohesion.
Amaan’s dedication and innovative approach have not gone unnoticed. However, for Amaan, the true reward lies not in the awards or recognition, but in the smiles of the residents and the knowledge that he is making a tangible difference in their lives.
His journey as one of the youngest CQC registered managers in the UK serves as a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to leadership, innovation, and the ability to drive positive change.
Amaan Sadiq
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