The Carer, 3, Carlton Mount, 2 Cranborne Road, Bournemouth (2025)

01/12/2025

Care Home Finance from Global Business Finance

Global assists clients throughout the U.K. who specialise in the healthcare sector to achieve their objectives of purchase, development and refinance.

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Global assists clients throughout the U.K. who specialise in the healthcare sector to achieve their objectives of purchase, development and refinance.

01/12/2025

Eden Alternative – It’s Time to Change the Way We Care

"23 years, operating 4 Devon Nursing homes, has been pretty tough, as anyone in social care, knows, only too well. And if it was hard already, after 2024 budget, it's just got harder.

Anyway, at heart, I am just customer of Eden Alternative, and it was a stroke of luck to come across this whilst on holiday in New Zealand in 2009. It started in USA in 1994 and now runs in 22 countries.

The fact that I am now involved with this not-for-profit organisation (in the UK area) came about when one of the 2 main UK directors died suddenly just before Covid. But it's something I have run with for 11 years to help make 'vision' a reality, not a struggle. So, being both a customer and helping the admin seems quite natural.

It is a modern philosophy of care, but moreover, it's a programme that is straight forward, tried and tested for 30 years and really works.

Its member care organisations generally become trainers for their own teams, and run it themselves.

The programme is run in person over 2-3 days or online 1 hr a wk for 7 weeks. You choose.

It addresses loneliness, helplessness and boredom and operates through 10 principles to underpin 7 critical domains of wellbeing.

Moreover, it's effective, transformational and really works. As residents, and team members wellbeing, matter so much , it's a must, in my opinion.

Geoffrey Cox
Southernhealthcare.co.uk
eden-alternative.co.uk

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"23 years, operating 4 Devon Nursing homes, has been pretty tough, as anyone in social care, knows, only too well. And if it was hard already, after 2024

01/12/2025

Serve in Style with Euroservice Trolleys

Watch your resident's eyes light up when the trolley arrives!

Euroservice trolleys can also be used as a vending trolley or to sell personal care products to residents.

How about a delicious snack/pastry trolley or even a drinks trolley for that afternoon tipple?

Your lovely trolley could do so much for you and your residents!

Visit the website at www.euroservice-uk.com to see the full range.

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Watch your resident's eyes light up when the trolley arrives!

01/12/2025

Care Inspections UK: Professional, Independent, and Comprehensive

In today’s highly regulated health and social care environment, providers face the dual challenge of ensuring compliance while striving to deliver safe, high-quality, and commercially sustainable services. Care Inspections UK Limited (CiUK) has emerged as a trusted partner in this landscape, providing a professional and independent inspection service that goes beyond the standard requirements of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), The Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) and the Care Inspectorate (Scotland), collectively “The Inspectorates”
What sets CiUK apart is its status as a registered inspection body, operating with the highest levels of professionalism and governance. This official recognition imbues care providers with confidence that inspections are carried out with rigour, objectivity, and an unwavering focus on evidence. Every report is underpinned by validated, research-based methodology, ensuring the outcomes are credible, balanced, and practical.

Beyond CQC/ CIW/ CI Standards
While CQC/ CIW/ CI inspections focus on fundamental areas such as safety, effectiveness, responsiveness, and leadership, CiUK’s approach extends further. Each CiUK inspection covers all the domains CQC/ CIW/ CI would expect, but also incorporates additional layers of analysis essential for continuous improvement. This Includes:
• Operational risk management involves identifying risks before they become incidents, reducing exposure for service users and providers.
• Quality enhancement: Assessing opportunities to raise standards in care delivery, staff engagement, and governance.
• Commercial sustainability: Offering insight into how operational practices influence financial performance, helping providers balance compliance with business viability.
The result is an inspection report that is not only regulatory-ready but also a strategic tool for improvement.

A Professional and Independent Eye
Professionalism is at the heart of CiUK’s ethos. Inspections are conducted by highly experienced professionals who bring frontline expertise from clinical, managerial, and governance roles in the care sector. This depth of knowledge allows CiUK to deliver meaningful feedback that resonates with staff at every level, from frontline carers to boardroom directors.

Independence is equally vital. As an external registered inspection body, CiUK reassures providers that its findings are unbiased and transparent. In a sector where credibility matters, this impartiality is invaluable in preparing for CQC inspections and demonstrating accountability to commissioners, investors, and the wider community.

Driving Improvement and Reducing Risk
Care providers today operate in an environment of heightened scrutiny and rising expectations. CIUK’s inspections do more than highlight compliance gaps; they provide a clear roadmap for reducing risk, enhancing quality, and driving organisational improvement.

By identifying weaknesses early, providers can take corrective action before issues escalate. At the same time, CiUK’s focus on strengths and opportunities supports a culture of positive development. This balanced approach ensures that inspection outcomes are constructive, not punitive, fostering continuous organisational improvement.

Supporting Commercial Performance
One of the most overlooked aspects of care provision is its commercial dimension. Poor compliance and weak governance inevitably carry financial consequences, from reputational damage to contract loss. CiUK recognises this and integrates commercial insight into every inspection. CiUK helps providers achieve operational excellence and commercial resilience by aligning care quality with business performance.

The CiUK Difference
Choosing Care Inspections UK Limited means selecting a partner committed to professionalism, independence, and comprehensive excellence. CiUK inspections do more than prepare organisations for regulatory visits—they empower providers to deliver safer, higher-quality care while protecting their reputation and commercial future.
CiUK delivers evidence-based assurance and actionable insight for providers who want more than compliance.

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Independence is equally vital. As an external registered inspection body, CiUK reassures providers that its findings are unbiased and transparent. In a sector

01/12/2025

SyndoraAlto Sets a New Standard for Connected Care Technology

Care homes across the UK are transforming how they deliver care thanks to SyndoraAlto, the newly rebranded name behind CHARIS, the UK’s most advanced digital nurse call system.

Fully supplied, installed, and maintained from just £6.40 per bed, per month, CHARIS delivers smarter, safer, and more connected care through real-time alerts, mobile integration, and intuitive smart displays that help staff respond faster when residents need them most.

Every CHARIS system comes fully inclusive with 15” smart displays, help buttons, pull cords, guaranteed radio coverage, and 24/7 UK technical support, all backed by SyndoraAlto’s trusted installation and maintenance team.

For care providers not yet ready to replace their existing nurse call system, AltoEnhance offers the perfect first step into digital care.

Available from just £129.00 per month, AltoEnhance seamlessly connects to your current nurse call system, bringing digital reporting, mobile alerts, and actionable insights without the need for a full system upgrade.

“Technology should make care easier, not harder,” says Louis Johnson, Managing Director. “CHARIS and AltoEnhance connect people, information, and action empowering care teams to deliver truly person-centred care.”

Meet the team & learn more at www.syndoraalto.com.

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Care homes across the UK are transforming how they deliver care thanks to SyndoraAlto, the newly rebranded name behind CHARIS, the UK’s most advanced digital

01/12/2025

A New Approach to Nutrition Support in NHS Care Homes

Disease-related malnutrition remains one of the most persistent challenges in UK residential and nursing care. It affects millions, increases vulnerability to illness, slows recovery, drives hospital admissions, and places strain on already stretched care teams. Yet despite the scale of the problem, the tools available to homes have not kept pace with the needs of increasingly complex residents.

Hiquid Food, a Norwegian medical nutrition company, is entering the UK market with a clear mission: to make effective nutritional support simpler, more acceptable for residents, and easier for staff to deliver.

Simple, seamless meal enrichment
Many residents struggle to consume enough calories and protein, even with carefully prepared meals. Hiquid Food’s freeze-dried powders, made from organic whole foods, allow caregivers to enrich everyday dishes like porridge, soups, puddings, purees, and drinks. This discreet approach reduces refusals and preserves dignity, helping residents receive the nutrition they need through meals they already enjoy.

Oral nutritional supplements with high acceptance
For individuals at greater nutritional risk, Hiquid Food offers compact, nutrient-dense oral nutritional supplements designed for those with low appetite or increased medical demands. They are easy to consume, well tolerated, and provide balanced support in small volumes.

Whole food gastrostomy nutrition
For residents requiring enteral feeding, Hiquid Food’s whole-food gastrostomy products offer a gentle, reliable option created with a focus on tolerance, safety, and long-term stability.

Better outcomes and operational efficiency
Care providers face rising acuity and workforce pressure. Hiquid Food products reduce complexity through easy mixing, no additives, and no large volumes while supporting improved resident strength, immunity, and recovery. Better nutritional status means improved wellbeing and lower overall care costs. With long shelf-life, low weight, and high versatility, the products are also environmentally responsible and easily integrated into a wide variety of meals.

As Hiquid Food launches in the UK through Food Untethered, they look forward to working closely with care homes, clinicians, and NHS commissioners to strengthen nutritional care in a practical, resident-centred way.
For more information: contact@fooduntethered.com

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Disease-related malnutrition remains one of the most persistent challenges in UK residential and nursing care. It affects millions, increases vulnerability to

01/12/2025

ProSauce®: The Future of Gravy

In the world of care catering, gravy is often an after though – adding some flavour and moisture to food but it can be nutritionally empty. At ProSauce, gravy is the starting point for a quiet revolution.

ProSauce Gravy is more than a condiment. It’s a nutrient-rich, flavour-forward solution designed to meet the complex needs of care homes and hospitals. Developed by Stella West-Harling MBE, in conjunction with dietitians from the NHS and top UK universities, the gravy reflects lived experience and professional insight: meals should provide good nutrition and flavour, whilst being cost-effective.

Crafted for operational ease, ProSauce Gravy is shelf-stable, easy to portion, and compatible with diverse dietary needs. It delivers 12g of plant-based protein per serving, whilst being gluten-free and nutrient dense. Whether served in or over meat, or plant-based dishes, it makes supporting nutritional goals easy in a way that is familiar to the diners.

Early adopters are using ProSauce in care homes and hospices with feedback highlighting ease of use for kitchen staff and it’s cost effectiveness. With the additional protein in the gravy, chefs can use less meat in meals to reach the same nutritional standards, which in turn saves costs and improves the stainability credentials of the kitchen.

In a sector defined by improving health and care, whilst managing increasing costs, ProSauce Gravy offers possibility. It’s a small change with big impact: maintaining flavour, supporting health, and reminding us that every meal is an opportunity to care.

Visit the ProSauce website to order your free 20 portion sample box and experience how ProSauce Gravy can help transform mealtimes in care settings.

www.prosauce.co.uk

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In the world of care catering, gravy is often an after though – adding some flavour and moisture to food but it can be nutritionally empty. At ProSauce, gravy

01/12/2025

Guarding Against Malnutrition in Care Homes: Spotting Early Signs and Using Nutrition to Combat Frailty

By Zoe Cottrell, registered dietitian, member of the British Dietetic Association and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council

Malnutrition remains a significant issue in care homes, where the elderly are particularly vulnerable. As a registered dietitian working in the community and in hospital wards, often with elderly people who have experienced fall, I wish more people knew about the prevalence of malnutrition and how to combat it before they ended up in hospital.

Recent statistics paint a stark picture: Around one in 10 people over the age of 65 are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition , and this figure rises alarmingly to 45% among those in their 90s. According to the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN) , malnutrition costs the UK approximately £23.5 billion annually, with older adults being disproportionately affected.

As the population ages, addressing malnutrition and its associated complications, such as frailty and sarcopenia, becomes ever more critical. By focusing on early detection and strategic nutritional interventions, including the use of protein, care homes can play a vital role in safeguarding the health of their residents.

Spotting the Early Signs of Malnutrition
The first step in combating malnutrition is recognizing its early signs. The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) is a valuable resource for this purpose, enabling caregivers to systematically assess the risk of malnutrition in residents by considering factors such as Body Mass Index (BMI), unintentional weight loss, and the impact of acute illness on nutritional intake.

Key Early Signs to Monitor:

1. Unintentional Weight Loss: A significant early indicator of malnutrition is unintentional weight loss. Regularly monitoring residents' weight and comparing it to previous measurements is essential. A loss of even 5% of body weight over a few months can signal malnutrition and warrants immediate attention.

2. Decreased Appetite: A reduced appetite is often a precursor to malnutrition. Residents may skip meals, eat smaller portions, or show a lack of interest in food. It's important to understand the reasons behind these changes, which could be linked to dental issues, depression, or medication side effects.

3. Physical Changes: Signs such as muscle wasting, thinning hair, dry skin, or dental problems may indicate nutritional deficiencies. These physical symptoms are often subtle but crucial indicators of potential malnutrition.

4. Fatigue and Weakness: Increased tiredness or difficulty performing daily activities can be related to inadequate nutrition. This could also signal the onset of sarcopenia, where the loss of muscle mass and strength makes everyday tasks increasingly challenging.

The Role of Nutrition in Preventing and Managing Frailty
Frailty, a condition characterized by decreased strength, endurance, and physiological function, is closely linked to malnutrition and is a major concern in care homes. Proper nutrition is key to preventing and managing frailty, particularly through the adequate intake of protein, which is essential for maintaining muscle mass and function.

Strategies for Nutritional Interventions:

1. Prioritize Whole Foods: Ensuring a diet rich in whole foods is foundational. Protein-rich foods like eggs, lean meats, fish, dairy products, and legumes should be emphasized, as they not only support muscle health but also provide essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall well-being.

2. Incorporate Protein Supplements When Necessary: In cases where residents struggle to meet their protein needs through diet alone—perhaps due to a lack of appetite or difficulty chewing—protein powders or fortified drinks can be effective. These supplements can be easily added to meals, snacks, or beverages, ensuring that residents receive the protein they need without overwhelming them with large portions of food.

3. Distribute Protein Throughout the Day: Research shows that distributing protein intake evenly across all meals is more effective for muscle protein synthesis than consuming large amounts at a single meal. Caregivers should ensure that residents receive adequate protein at breakfast, lunch, and dinner to maximize the benefits for muscle maintenance and frailty prevention.

Addressing Barriers to Adequate Nutrition
While boosting protein intake is essential, we should also address the barriers that may prevent residents from consuming enough nutrients. Factors such as taste preferences, difficulties with swallowing, or digestive issues can all impact nutritional intake. Caregivers should work closely with dietitians to develop personalized nutrition plans that accommodate these challenges, potentially incorporating protein powders and other supplements in palatable and easy-to-digest forms.

Nutrition is key to Increasing Health…

By Zoe Cottrell, registered dietitian, member of the British Dietetic Association and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council

01/12/2025

Adaptations Budgets Optimised with Extended Recycling Capability

Home adaptations teams have a unique tool to help expediate fast, efficient aids to help people be safe at home.
The number of, and wait time for, adaptations continues to grow, with stairs being the second most common hazard in the home. In conjunction with Occupational Therapists, AAT has developed its Universal Seat System for its brand-leading S-Max Sella stairclimber.

The combination amplifies adaptations teams’ ability to optimise use of budgets- usually without even requiring DFG funding- to deliver a safe stairway transfer solution within days, by recycling (re-issuing) the equipment.
The S-Max Sella provides a safe stair transfer solution in 99+% of cases which AAT assesses. The portable Class 1 Medical device certified kit requires no installation nor structural alteration to the home. The addition of the Universal Seat System means the Sella can be easily set up to ensure almost every potential user is safe and supported when using the Sella, irrespective of their physical and/or mental impairment. It is achieved without the need to purchase extra accessories. No other stairway transfer system offers such flexibility.

As part of the offering, AAT will also support the adaptation team in the assessment process, to ensure the relevance of the solution for the person, the occupation and the environment, and personally train the carer in the Sella’s safe operation.

“We have numerous examples of community equipment services (eg Nottinghamshire & Nottingham City) now buying not just additional Sella stairclimbers, but Universal Seat Systems, to have in equipment stores ready to go, so they can quickly deliver a solution for a client,” says Peter Wingrave, AAT Director.

“Even if it is a short-term solution whilst a larger and/or more permanent adaptation is undertaken, our Sella/Universal Seat System and re-issue capability gives a highly cost-effective and fast way to manage the potential risk of someone falling on the stairs: a genuine adaptation without delay.”

Full details of the Sella and Universal Seat System can be found on AAT’s website @ https://www.aatgb.com/s-max-sella/, where adaptations teams can also book a free, no obligation client assessment or team demonstration session.

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As part of the offering, AAT will also support the adaptation team in the assessment process, to ensure the relevance of the solution for the person, the

01/12/2025

Blue Rain Activity Store

At Blue Rain, our mission is simple: to provide everyday activity products that spark joy and enrich lives — whether for those who need a little extra support, a burst of motivation, or simply a reason to have fun.

We take pride in listening to our customers, understanding what truly matters to them, and sourcing or creating products that meet those needs perfectly. Many of our items are available as ready-to-go activity kits and bundles — complete with everything you need — so you can skip the preparation and focus on the joy of the moment.

As Blue Rain Activity Store continues to grow, our heart remains the same: creating meaningful moments of happiness, connection, and creativity for people of all ages and abilities.

From rainy-day craft sessions to sunny outdoor adventures — or simply time spent together — we’re here to make every experience easy, special, and unforgettable.

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At Blue Rain, our mission is simple: to provide everyday activity products that spark joy and enrich lives — whether for those who need a little extra

01/12/2025

New Report Warns Care Sector May Be Unprepared For Ageing Population Living With HIV

A recent report from Terrence Higgins Trust and KPMG UK suggests that the UK care system may need to adapt to meet the requirements of a growing number of people ageing with HIV.

The findings indicate areas where improvements could be made in training, consistency of care, and in reducing the widespread stigma that continues to influence access to health and social care services.

The report, based on a roundtable of clinical, policy and community experts, shows that more than half of people accessing specialist HIV care in England are now over 50. Many live with complex long-term conditions linked to both ageing, years of untreated HIV and early HIV treatment.

Yet care homes, primary care and community services often lack the knowledge needed to meet their needs.

Care home staff often receive little or no HIV training, which can lead to stigma, unnecessary “infection-control” measures, and reluctance among residents to disclose their status or having their status revealed without their consent. The report highlighted that older women living with HIV face particular challenges, such as poor access to menopause support, incorrectly adjusted medication and heightened stigma.

The report calls for mandatory HIV training across health and social care, improved multidisciplinary working, and age-inclusive standards in both clinical and care home settings. It also recommends routine opt-out HIV testing as part of NHS Health Checks for over-40s to improve diagnosis and engagement in care.

The recommendations arrive at a key moment, as HIV commissioning has recently shifted to Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) and the Government prepares a new national HIV Action Plan. The report urges ICSs, care providers and local authorities to work together to make sure older people living with HIV can access joined-up, respectful and informed care.

Richard Angell OBE, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said:
“For many people living with HIV, the stigma is more harmful than the virus. As this report makes clear, we need action to ensure that everyone ageing with HIV can rely on a care system that understands their needs and treats them with dignity. Too many older people are facing unnecessary barriers because staff aren’t trained, services aren’t joined up, and outdated attitudes persist.”

Guillaume Favier, Partner, Healthcare and Life Science Strategy at KPMG UK, said:
“Remarkable advances in HIV treatment now mean that people living with HIV can enjoy the same life expectancy as those without, and there’s an inspiring shift towards effective prevention. Yet, as this community ages, it’s vital that our health and social care systems adapt in tandem to meet their evolving needs.”

The full report, Towards an inclusive and integrated approach to care delivery for people growing older with HIV, is available on KPMG UK’s website.

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A recent report from Terrence Higgins Trust and KPMG UK suggests that the UK care system may need to adapt to meet the requirements of a growing number of

01/12/2025

Target Healthcare Announces Acquisition Of Three Operational Care Homes

Target Healthcare (LSE: THRL), the UK listed specialist investor in modern, purpose-built care homes, has completed the acquisition of a portfolio of three strongly performing modern operational care homes, and contracted on a forward commitment to acquire a fourth, all in prime Central Scotland locations.

The total investment across the two transactions of £45 million, including costs (i) reflects a blended acquisition net initial yield in excess of 6%; (ii) equates to a reinvestment of more than 50% of the recent disposal proceeds; and (iii) is immediately earnings accretive.

The three existing operational care homes, acquired via sale and leaseback from an experienced operator with an unparalleled knowledge of its local market, feature 100 per cent en suite wet-room provision and have delivered consistently strong rent cover generation greater than 2x. Serving a private-pay client base and underpinned by compelling local demographics, the properties benefit from 35-year, full repairing and insuring occupational leases with RPI-linked caps and collars. The commercial terms of each of the occupational leases are consistent with equivalent leases in place across the Group and include green provisions such as energy-usage data collection.

The development of the fourth property, a forward commitment pre-let to the same operator, is already well advanced and is expected to reach practical completion in summer 2026. It will feature 100% en suite wet-room provision, exceptional ESG standards targeting the highest certifications, and will offer net zero carbon operational capability.

In September the Company announced the disposal of nine care homes for £85.9 million, representing its largest disposal since IPO, which was transacted at a 11.6% premium to the Group's carrying value as at 30 June 2025. As planned, the disposal completed subsequent to the September quarter end.

John Flannelly, Head of Investment at Target Fund Managers, commented:

“These acquisitions for £45 million, which were part of the pipeline of assets referenced in the September disposal announcement, demonstrate our deal ex*****on capabilities and the efficient redeployment of capital into high quality real estate at an attractive and accretive blended net initial yield.

“The strong level of profitability and rent cover generated from the three operational care homes underpins the security of long-term rental income, together with the addition of a fourth best-in-class care home during 2026. We are very pleased to be partnering with this highly-experienced operator who evidences a strong regulatory track record as well as representing a new tenant to the Group.

“We have a number of further transactions currently in due diligence and expect to be in a position to make further announcements regarding additional redeployment in due course.”

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Target Healthcare (LSE: THRL), the UK listed specialist investor in modern, purpose-built care homes, has completed the acquisition of a portfolio of three

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