Group receives Platinum status for second year
ANCHOR, England’s largest not-forprofit provider of housing and care for people in later life, has received platinum status in the RSPCA’s annual PawPrints Awards for the second year in a row, in recognition of an outstanding commitment to animal welfare.
In 2023, Anchor became the first national housing provider to receive platinum status, having secured a gold award, in housing, for five years prior.
The RSPCA PawPrints Awards, the only scheme of its kind, celebrates local authorities and public bodies for their pioneering work in animal welfare across England and Wales. Anchor’s chief executive Sarah Jones said: “I’m delighted that Anchor has achieved platinum status in the RSPCA PawPrints Awards for a second year. This is a great honour and recognises our ongoing commitment and dedication to supporting pet ownership at our locations.
“Domestic pets can provide fantastic companionship, comfort and love and we pride ourselves on creating homes where people can continue to love living in later life and supporting pet ownership is a big part of that.”
Research conducted by Anchor in 2020 by Censuswide, of
1,001 people aged 65 and over, highlighted the important role pets play in the lives of older people, with a quarter (24 per cent) saying they rely on their pets for companionship. The wellbeing benefits are clear too, with 64 per cent saying having a pet reduces feelings of loneliness, and 39 per cent saying pets help ease anxiety. Furthermore, nearly half (48 per cent) of people in later life say that owning a pet gets them up and about the house more often, contributing to their overall wellbeing and physical activity. Furthermore, in a survey of people who self-identified as having a mental health problem, 58 per cent of respondents stated that love and loyalty was the most beneficial aspect for their mental health of owning a pet – the most popular reason cited. Fifty per cent said company was the most important aspect, while 55 per cent agreed that “they are my best friend.”
Anchor encourages residents who want a pet, or already own pets, to bring them to their properties. A compassionate pet policy was created in partnership with residents to ensure their accommodation is suitable and the needs of domestic pets living at Anchor properties are being met.
Tickets to this year’s Caring UK Awards at the Athena, Leicester on Thursday, December 5th are now available. For more information and to book your tickets visit https://script-events.co.uk/cuk-awards-tickets/
A Highland care home has celebrated its 10th anniversary with a community party. Innis Mhor care home in Tain was opened in 2014 by then Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty, Janet Bowen. Her successor, Joanie Whiteford, was a guest at the celebration, marking the milestone alongside residents, staff, relatives and friends. The event featured live music from singer Margo Fraser, a performance by Tain Pipe Band and a special appearance from Tain Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. The anniversary was also recognised in the Scottish Parliament by Highlands and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant, who praised the high standard of care at Innis Mhor and its sister home Urray House in Muir of Ord, which is also marking its 10th anniversary.
Residents and children enjoy fun day
MEADOWBROOK, an all-inclusive care home in the Connaught Care Collection, welcomed children from across Bishops Stortford to spend a memorable day interacting with the older generation.
The youngsters brought a batch of freshly baked cookies as gifts, and made friends with the residents by swapping stories, games, laughter and songs. The visit, organised with the Happy Kids Childminders Service, was an opportunity for residents to relive memories of interacting with their own children when they were young.
Chloe Graur, general manager at Meadowbrook, said: “We believe any activity which bridges the generational divide is hugely valuable in itself.
“Too often, residents in care homes
can feel disconnected from the wider community; particularly younger people as they first explore the world. Activities like these give them a welcome chance to spend quality time with some energetic youngsters.
“We believe it takes a whole community to offer the kind of ‘complete care’ our residents deserve.
“That’s why it was so wonderful to see them interacting with the children, and we look forward to welcoming Happy Kids Childminders back for regular visits. This is just the start of the initiatives we have planned for promoting intergenerational bonds.”
Many residents reported a strong sense of fulfilment being able to take an active and nurturing role in looking after children again.
Group reaches 10,000 extra care properties with latest acquisition
HOUSING 21 has completed its largest acquisition to date with the transfer of 1,567 properties from Midland Heart.
The not-for-profit provider of extra care and retirement living completed the purchase of 23 schemes from Midland Heart, welcoming more than 1,600 residents and 137 employees.
As a direct result of the acquisition, Housing 21 has now achieved the milestone of more than 10,000 extra care properties, which will be a managed alongside its 14,000-strong retirement living portfolio.
Tony Tench, deputy chief executive of Housing 21, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome our new residents and employees to Housing 21 in what represents the biggest acquisition in the provider’s 60-year history.
“Acquisitions are a key part of our growth agenda; in the past 18 months we have purchased more than 970 properties from other landlords and are still committed to developing up to 400 new extra care and retirement living properties every year.
“As some housing associations are choosing to re-focus on general needs, Housing 21, as a specialist provider of housing for older people, is keen to acquire properties and ensure they remain a positive choice for residents, providing the safe, quality and affordable homes they deserve.
“Through acquisitions such as this, residents can feel reassured they are moving to a specialist provider of extra care and retirement living, who is entirely focused on meeting their needs.
“It also means these properties are retained to support the growing population of older people not just now, but in the future.”
Following the acquisition, Housing 21 now manages more than 650 schemes across England with a total
of more than 24,000 properties.
Care at the transferring schemes is delivered by third party providers and will remain unaffected.
Joe Reeves, executive director of finance and growth at Midland Heart, added: “We’re confident that the transfer of these 23 schemes to a specialist provider will build on the high-quality services we have provided to our residents and offer colleagues more opportunities to develop in their chosen careers.
“We are sure all residents will continue to enjoy living in their homes, and we wish all colleagues transferring the best with their new employer and in their future careers.
“This transfer, which is one of the largest to have been undertaken in our sector, will give us valuable additional resource to make our next corporate plan our most ambitious yet. This plan will focus on our core purpose as a landlord of general needs homes.
“The resources from this transfer will be directed back into the organisation, enabling us to continue to build new, affordable homes that are needed in the Midlands.
“We will also invest in our existing homes to ensure that more than 6,000 homes are fit for modern living with greater levels of energy efficiency, all at an EPC rating of C by 2030.”
Home hosts bikers
RESIDENTS at Diamond House in Downham Market are still revving with excitement after 40 motorcyclists descended on the care home to show off their rides.
Motorcyclists from the community, including the local Triumph owners club, roared into action, bringing joy to the residents.
The event was designed to evoke cherished memories for many of the residents, some of whom have a long history with motorcycles, while also providing a unique sensory experience with the sight, smell, and sound of dozens of bikes. The care home had received a fantastic response from local bikers ahead of the event, with 40 riders attending.
On arrival, the visiting bikers were warmly welcomed by residents with sausage sandwiches, tea, and coffee, before displaying their bikes and
answering questions.
Allison Webster, activities coordinator at the Larchwood Care managed Diamond House, said: “We are extremely grateful to the local bikers who participated.
“The classic and retro bikes, in particular the Triumphs, were of great interest to our residents, as those are the models they remember best.
“This event was truly special for our residents. Many of them have a deep connection to motorcycles, and seeing these beautiful machines up close sparked fond memories.
“We love offering different activities and experiences for our residents. Alongside events like this we have also put together a 2025 calendar to sell and raise money for lots of adventures and events. We are already working on our 2026 calendar and I’m certain this event will make for a brilliant photo.”
Residents at Barchester’s Ashcombe House in Basingstoke celebrated a senior carer’s upcoming wedding with a hen party at the home. Residents and staff all got involved by decorating the room with balloons and banners. Residents dressed up with hen party boppers and sashes for the’ Bride Tribe’. Senior carer Mellisia Irwin was shocked as she entered the room to residents singing well-known song ‘Love and marriage’. The afternoon was filled with hen party games such as pin the ring on the finger, and staff and residents enjoyed snacks and drinks.
Resident Joan Howes is pictured with Mellisia.
Boxing initiative is a knockout success
A VISIT to Spynie Care Home by Elgin Amateur Boxing Club to introduce the benefits of ‘neuroboxing’ was a knockout success for residents.
Neuroboxing, a non-contact form of boxing, is designed to help individuals with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
It focuses on improving strength, hand-eye coordination and cognitive function, while also triggering the release of dopamine, a brain chemical often reduced in people with neurological issues.
The visit was the brainchild of Jason Grant, whose business JG Building Contractors provides maintenance services at the care home.
Jason has been a member of the boxing club since he was seven and also teaches two inclusive classes at the club, welcoming participants of all ages, genders and abilities.
Jason was inspired to bring neuroboxing to Spynie Care Home after seeing its positive impact on
residents in social media videos.
After chatting to the registered manager Maggie Scott and deputy manager Liz Jamieson, Jason arranged for himself and some of the Club’s coaches, including 82-year-old international judging and referee
Donald Campbell, to run a session with residents.
He said: “After seeing the incredible benefits of neuroboxing online, I knew it was something that could be really enjoyable for the residents at Spynie, some of who I know from my
work there. Maggie and Liz jumped at the opportunity, and we all had a great couple of hours.
“It was really fun for everyone involved and it was good to see how they progressed during the session.
“The Elgin Amateur Boxing Club is a community club and we love getting out and showing people that boxing is an accessible sport and a great way to keep fit.
“I run all ages, all genders, all ability classes to introduce people to it and stay healthy – this is just another extension of that ethos.”
Maggie added: “We are always looking for new ways to enhance the wellbeing of our residents with engaging activities.
“Neuroboxing was really fun and we were lucky to have such experienced boxers in to engage with residents.
“It was great to see smiles on their faces and getting right into it – I think we had a few Rocky Balboas among them.”
Tony Tench
Continuous quality improvement –driving clinical excellence in homes
By Amaan Sadiq
IN THE context of residential and nursing care, the quest for outstanding clinical excellence is a continuous journey fuelled by a commitment to improvement and a genuine passion for providing the best possible care for residents.
This journey requires a shift in perspective—from simply offering “good” care to aiming for “great” care. It emphasises a person-centred approach that places residents at the heart of every decision, ensuring their voices are heard, their choices respected, and their well-being prioritised.
To embark on this journey towards clinical excellence, it’s crucial to cultivate a culture of ongoing quality improvement within care homes.
CQI is all about regularly evaluating practices, spotting areas for enhancement, and putting evidencebased interventions in place to inspire positive change.
Effective communication and teamwork are key elements of the CQI journey. Encouraging open, honest, and respectful conversations among staff, residents, and their families creates a space for shared learning and growth.
Regular team meetings, resident and family councils, and staff forums
David Moore has joined Hamberley Care Homes as its head of dementia. David, who has held multiple leadership roles in the field of dementia care and dementia
education, said he was thrilled to be joining the rapidly growing luxury care provider. His 27-year career has been dedicated to collaborating with people living with dementia, challenging misguided and outdated ideas about the condition – and advocating for the rights of individuals and their families. David has worked at the University of Worcester as the head of education, dementia lead at West Sussex County Council and has also led dementia strategies at other care operators. In addition, he has written 10 books on dementia, had numerous research articles published and is a regular speaker at conferences.
offer opportunities to exchange ideas, address concerns, and collaboratively develop solutions that elevate the quality of care.
By nurturing a culture of open communication, care homes can break down barriers, promote collaboration among different disciplines, and ensure everyone is actively involved in the care process.
Data-driven decision-making is another essential piece of the CQI puzzle. By implementing strong quality assurance and improvement processes, care homes can consistently evaluate their performance against established standards, identifying areas for growth.
This involves gathering and analysing data on key quality
Venelle has appointed a new client experience manager who is tasked with further elevating its bespoke approach of care. The newly introduced role has been taken up by Angela Stewart, who will be instrumental in supporting the homecare provider’s clients and care team, ensuring that every interaction meets the standards the company is known for.
A key requirement will see Angela lead Venelle’s bespoke lifestyle programme, as she looks to ensure extraordinary experiences that enhance the wellbeing of clients. Angela takes on the role having joined the care sector during the Covid19 pandemic when she transitioned from her previous career to pursue her passion for helping others. Starting as a community caregiver, she quickly excelled, gaining extensive hands-on experience. Her dedication to enriching the lives of those she cared for led to her role as life enrichment and wellbeing coordinator at a luxury care home.
indicators, like resident satisfaction, clinical outcomes, and staff competencies. With this information, care homes can make informed choices, allocate resources wisely, and track their progress toward clinical excellence.
Regular audits, surveys, and feedback channels provide valuable insights into what’s working well and what needs improvement.
Investing in the ongoing professional development of staff is a cornerstone of CQI. Offering continuous training, mentorship, and support equips teams with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to deliver top-notch care.
This investment not only boosts staff competence but also encourages a culture of lifelong learning and innovation. By keeping teams updated on the latest advancements in clinical practice, care homes ensure that residents receive care grounded in evidence and aligned with industry standards.
Celebrating successes and sharing best practices are vital parts of the CQI journey. Acknowledging and rewarding staff who go above and beyond in delivering excellent care reinforces the importance of CQI and motivates others to follow suit.
Sharing achievements and lessons learned with the broader
care community not only enriches collective knowledge but also positions care homes as pioneers in the journey toward clinical excellence. Engaging in industry conferences, publishing case studies, and participating in benchmarking initiatives allows care homes to showcase their successes and learn from others.
Weaving CQI into the very fabric of care homes means nurturing a culture of continuous learning, improvement, and innovation. It’s about breaking down barriers, challenging the norm, and embracing change as a chance for growth.
By consistently delivering care that exceeds expectations and sets new benchmarks for the industry, care homes can truly transform residents’ lives and make a lasting impact on the quality of care overall.
The journey toward clinical excellence isn’t a final destination; it’s an ongoing adventure that demands the dedication and collaboration of every team member. With a firm commitment to CQI, care homes can successfully navigate the everevolving healthcare landscape, ensuring that residents receive toptier care every single day.
n Amaan Sadiq is the director of compliance and auditing at Langdale Care Homes Group.
Sir Julian Hartley has been appointed as CQC’s new chief executive. He has been the chief executive of NHS Providers since February 2023, prior to which he had a distinguished career as chief executive of several organisations, most recently 10 years as chief executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals. Sir Julian said: “I am delighted to be joining CQC at a time when effective regulation which supports improvement across the health and care sector and good, safe care for people who use services has never been more important. I have spent my career in the NHS and I will do my utmost to bring all I have learned to serve people who use services and to work with CQC staff and with providers to deliver high quality regulation which drives improvement across the health and care system.” His start date is yet to be confirmed.
Care home provider Elizabeth Finn Homes has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of James Hamilton as operations director. Originally from Dorset, James has worked in the care sector for nearly 20 years in various organisations and positions, both regional and national. Over this time he has worked across nursing, residential, dementia, learning disability, autism, and complex injury and has a proven track record of delivering quality and profitability across this wide range of care settings. James’ previous roles include managing director at Autonomy Care Group, where he led the transformation of the organisation’s culture, performance, and growth. Prior to this he held operations director roles at Priory Group and Encore Care Homes.
Amaan Sadiq
Getting down to business
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Here are some of the sectors we work with:
• Aged, specialist and childcare facilities
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07818 454674
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Operator rebrands amidst ambitious expansion plans
HOMECARE provider Vivant has announced a significant rebrand as it transitions to a new identity, Venelle.
The rebrand, which primarily centres on a change in name, comes as it looks to expand its offering and move into the care home market.
At a pivotal moment for the company, the decision to rename was taken to help mark the distinction between its old offering and its new direction – which will see it offer home care alongside bricks and mortar-based care provision.
Venelle, derived from the French word meaning “alley,” embodies the company’s philosophy of guiding individuals through the many stages of life with grace and care.
This subtle yet meaningful name change reflects the brand’s evolution from providing home care to offering comprehensive care solutions.
Louise Blezzard, CEO and founder of Venelle, said: “We are excited to introduce Venelle, a name that resonates deeply with our mission to support life’s journeys – whether you’re running a business in your 30s or enjoying retirement in your 70s.
“People from all walks of life and backgrounds can be in need of care support, and much like a beautiful French alleyway, our aim is to make every step of that journey as enriching and enjoyable as possible.”
The rebrand to Venelle comes at a time of rapid growth and ambitious expansion.
With funding secured and a property search well underway, Venelle is poised to bring its blend of personalised care and luxury services to a wider audience.
The transition from Vivant to Venelle is more than a change of name; it signifies the company’s commitment
to enhancing the quality of life for its clients by expanding its care offerings to include residential care homes.
Louise added, “We’ve always believed that life is about the journey, and we’re here to ensure that journey is as beautiful and fulfilling as possible.
“This new chapter allows us to continue empowering individuals to live life on their terms, now with the added support of dedicated care environments that reflect our high standards of service.”
The name Venelle was carefully chosen to maintain the Frenchinspired elegance associated with the former brand, Vivant, while also reflecting the company’s growing physical presence in the care sector.
The official rebranding has now been completed, with a seamless transition across all its platforms and communications.
Homecare provider launches physical activity division
Care2Care (Yorkshire) Ltd, has launched a new division to provide bespoke physical activity programmes in the clients’ own homes.
The domiciliary care company’s chief operating officer Phill Lautman said the decision to establish a dedicated division specifically for physical activity programmes is in response to increasing demand.
Understanding the impact of health and wellbeing on individuals who are unable to access physical activity or, in many cases, even leave their own homes, is at the forefront of the thinking behind the new provision.
“At the beginning of this year we trialled the development of individual physical activity programmes for some of our clients,” he added.
“The idea was to provide additional support based on the proven benefits of a range of physical activity in helping with a variety of issues from client wellbeing to specific physical challenges.”
Phill says the trial quickly proved incredibly popular and the company realised just how much demand there is for this kind of provision.
“Initial feedback from clients who engaged was that it made a real and positive difference to their lives,” he added.
“We’ve since rolled it out across our customer cohort and the decision to now create a dedicated team is in response to an ever-increasing demand.”
The new department is headed up by physical activity manager Rosie Walker.
“Care2Care is already known in the local area for providing really comprehensive and complex support,” she added.
“Making the decision to further build this team and create a dedicated department is a brilliant example of how being able to offer a wide range of support can make such a huge difference to people’s lives. I’m really excited about what it means for the people we support.”
The bespoke programmes can be as high or as low intensity as required, are directed towards specific goals and targets agreed with the individual and are approved by health professionals.
Home sets tails wagging with charity dog show
A FUN-FILLED community dog show set tails wagging in the garden of a Dorset care home.
Residents, relatives, friends, staff and prize pooches came together to enjoy the popular annual crowdpleaser at Colten Care’s Amberwood House in Ferndown.
Across 10 categories, owners showed off their handling skills as canine competitors vied to win the titles of loveliest lady, most handsome man, fanciest dressed, fastest recall, waggiest tail, best biscuit catcher, golden oldie, best trick, best ball retriever and dog egg and spoon.
Winners included Izzy, resplendent in crown and sash, for loveliest lady and Roly in a tuxedo for most handsome man.
A pair of cowboy hat-wearing dachshunds, Freya and Heidi, won the judge’s hearts to take the fanciest dressed title.
Companionship team leader Kirsty Richmond Cole said: “Our golden oldie award was won by Bertie, a
regular visitor to the home with his owner Mandy.
“He loves a fuss and makes himself at home whenever he visits.
“You could hear ‘aww’ coming from the crowd as Bertie did his runway walk.”
The competitions culminated in an egg and spoon race in which owners had to run round a circuit without dropping their egg and while keeping their dog on the lead as they went.
The show was hosted by home manager Diane Nicholls and judged
by resident John Hyde, home volunteer Hayden O’Neill and Colten Care’s chief operating officer Elaine Farrer.
As the categories progressed, winners and competitors were rewarded with rosettes, certificates and treats prepared by residents.
Ahead of the show, residents made dog toys, bandanas, treat jars, resin tags and other crafts that were available to purchase on the day, with proceeds going to the home’s charity of the year, High Mead Farm.
Along with entry fees, the sales helped to raise nearly £140.
High Mead is a four-acre community therapy farm in Ferndown offering a supported work environment for people who live with mental health issues, physical disabilities, addiction or dementia.
Its staff and volunteers provide day services and a range of therapeutic activities including arts, crafts and the opportunity to work with animals, soil and nature.
Competitors, owners, judges and Colten Care residents at the Amberwood House, Ferndown, dog show.
Louise Blezzard
Care2Care (Yorkshire) Ltd’s Gillian Smith (CEO), Phill Lautman (COO) and Zoe Sedgwick (operations director).
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