The Carer, 3, Carlton Mount, 2 Cranborne Road, Bournemouth (2026)

27/02/2026

New Registered Manager Appointed At Malsis Hall

Joy Handley has been appointed as service manager at Malsis Hall in Glusburn, near Keighley, bringing extensive clinical and leadership experience to the role.

Joy is a registered nurse with 20 years of clinical experience and a further eight years in management roles across health and social care. She first became aware of Malsis Hall through her professional work and was immediately impressed by both the setting and the carefully designed care pathway, which supports people to maximise their quality of life and independence.

She is passionate about delivering high-quality, person-centred care and is committed to ensuring services remain safe, effective and compassionate and places strong emphasis on open communication and operates an open-door policy, encouraging dialogue with staff, people using the service and their families.

Joy said: “Malsis Hall is a truly special place, not just because of its setting, but because of its clear commitment to supporting people to recover, grow and live as independently as possible. I am passionate about person-centred care and about creating a culture where people feel listened to, respected and safe. I believe open communication is vital, and my door will always be open to staff, the people we support and their families.”

Andrew Shelton-Murray, managing director of Malsis Hall Limited, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Joy as service manager at Malsis Hall. Her depth of clinical experience, combined with her strong leadership values and commitment to compassionate, person-centred care, make her an excellent fit for the service. Joy shares our vision of providing a clear, supportive care pathway that enables people to move forward in their recovery in the least restrictive way possible.”

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Joy Handley has been appointed as service manager at Malsis Hall in Glusburn, near Keighley, bringing extensive clinical and leadership experience to the role.

27/02/2026

Chesterfield Care Home Flies the Flag After Achieving Veteran Friendly Framework Accreditation

Residents, colleagues and guests at Riverdale Care Home in Chesterfield came together last week to celebrate a proud milestone as the home officially achieved accreditation under the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF).

The special occasion saw the Armed Forces flag raised in recognition of the home’s commitment to supporting veterans living within its community. The Veteran Friendly Framework is a national initiative designed to ensure that care homes better understand and respond to the unique social, emotional and physical needs of former members of the UK Armed Forces.

The celebration brought together residents, team members and guests to mark the achievement and honour those who have served their country. Entertainment, refreshments and a celebratory atmosphere helped mark the occasion, as the team proudly highlighted their commitment to providing tailored, person-centred care for veterans.

Adding to the authentic 1940s atmosphere was Claire from Razzle Dazzle, who performed classic hits from the wartime era, including Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again.

Denise West, Home Manager at Riverdale Care Home, said:
“Today has been a wonderful celebration of our VFF accreditation, and this is only the beginning. We’re planning to dedicate one of our quiet rooms to be a veteran memorabilia area, which not only helps educate people on the sacrifices people made during the war, but gives veterans a peaceful space to reflect on their time in the force. This is a really exciting step for us, and I’m honoured to help the armed forces community in any way we can.”

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Residents, colleagues and guests at Riverdale Care Home in Chesterfield came together last week to celebrate a proud milestone as the home officially achieved

27/02/2026

How Technology and Data Can Help Social Care Providers Navigate Workforce and Financial Pressures

By Barry Price, Content Operations and Delivery Manager of QCS, an RLDatix Company (www.qcs.co.uk)

Introduction

The Social Care sector remains stuck at a crossroads. Workforce shortages, regulatory uncertainty and rising financial pressures continue to provide unprecedented challenges for providers. According to Skills for Care, around 111,000 posts remain unfilled, representing an 7.0% vacancy rate, these figures are still high compared to other UK sectors. At the same time, providers face constrained fee rates, surging costs: utility bills and water rates have risen by up to 50%, alongside increases in the living wage and National Insurance contributions. Smaller operators are disproportionately affected, accelerating consolidation across the sector.

In this environment, the question is clear: how can providers maintain quality services whilst navigating these pressures? The answer partly lies in connected technology, joined-up data and intelligent systems that support teams to work smarter, not harder.

Workforce Pressures: A Sector Under Strain

Recruitment and retention have become critical pain points. With vacancy rates at historic highs, care and support teams are stretched thin, leading to burnout, increased risk and contract hand backs. Traditional approaches, manual processes, fragmented systems, and siloed data only compound the problem. Staff waste valuable time searching for compliance information or duplicating tasks, time that could be spent delivering face to face support.

Connected technology changes this dynamic. By integrating care management, compliance, and learning into one ecosystem, providers can streamline workflows and reduce administrative burden. Intelligent solutions like Lyra, our latest AI innovation, gives teams instant access to the information they need, whether it’s a compliance update, a care and support plan or a learning resource at the point of need.

According to the Department of Health and Social Care an estimated 30 million administrative hours will be saved per year through this digital-first approach so carers can spend more time looking after those with care needs, giving back at least 20 minutes per care worker per shift.

Financial Pressures: Doing More with Less

The financial strain on providers is intensifying. Many local authorities are increasing fees paid to providers, but only by modest amounts (typically mid-single digit % increases), Rising utility costs, wage increases and NI contributions are squeezing margins, particularly for smaller operators. Many are forced to consider consolidation or exit the market altogether. In this climate, efficiency isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Connected systems deliver measurable cost savings by reducing duplication, minimising risk and improving resource allocation. For example:
•Compliance automation reduces time spent on audits and inspections.
•Integrated learning tools cut training costs while improving staff capability.
•Real-time insights help managers make informed decisions, avoiding costly errors.

Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock, has said “A one-stop shop for a person’s care information - securely available to carers - cuts paperwork, helps reduce errors and gives carers more time to care”. Our one system approach exemplifies this. By bringing care management, compliance, and learning data together in a single platform, powered by Lyra’s intelligence, providers can unlock efficiencies that directly impact the bottom line. Instead of juggling multiple logins and disconnected tools, teams have one secure login, one source of truth and one partner committed to raising the standard of care everywhere.

The Power of Connected Care

The future of health and social care is connected, intelligent and human. Technology isn’t replacing people, it’s empowering them. When data flows seamlessly across systems, providers gain clarity and control. Risks are reduced, compliance is strengthened and staff are freed to focus on delivering compassionate person centred care.

AI technology like our own AI advisor Lyra, transforms how teams engage with content. Instead of searching through policies, they can simply ask questions and receive precise answers instantly. This not only saves time but builds confidence and capability, creating a more knowledgeable and resilient workforce.

As Skills for Care highlights, investment in workforce development and digital tools is key to sustainability. Providers who adopt connected technology today will be better positioned to thrive tomorrow.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The challenges facing the social care sector are real and urgent. Regulatory uncertainty, Workforce shortages and financial pressures won’t disappear overnight. But by embracing connected technology, joined-up data, and intelligent systems, providers can navigate complexity, protect margins and deli…

By Barry Price, Content Operations and Delivery Manager of QCS, an RLDatix Company (www.qcs.co.uk)

27/02/2026

Young Volunteers Help Abbots Care Smash 100-Hour Loneliness Target

Young people are helping to lead the fight against loneliness in Hertfordshire after home-care provider Abbots Care delivered more than 100 hours of volunteer companionship to vulnerable people in the community.

Nearly a third of the hours were provided by volunteers under the age of 29, as part of the organisation’s award-winning Tackling Loneliness campaign.

The milestone surpasses Abbots Care’s latest target and builds on its 2025 achievement of securing 100 hours of companionship, demonstrating growing cross-generational support to combat social isolation.

The announcement comes as the Liberal Democrats argue that hobbies and shared interests could be key to addressing the UK’s loneliness crisis. The party has proposed £42 million to extend opening hours at community spaces such as libraries and community centres, alongside a £40 million one-off fund to support hobby groups with outreach and equipment.

Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said:
“Sharing a passion with others in your community is one of the most powerful ways to fight loneliness.”

According to the Office for National Statistics, 33% of Britons aged 16 to 29 report feeling lonely “often, always or some of the time” – highlighting both the scale of the issue and the importance of intergenerational connection.

Abbots Care’s volunteers provide regular visits, conversation and shared activities for people who may otherwise have limited social contact – helping to boost confidence, wellbeing and independence at home.

Camille Leavold MBE, CEO of Abbots Care, said:“We are incredibly proud to have reached more than 100 hours of companionship – and especially proud that so many young people are stepping forward to make a difference.

“When generations connect through conversation, shared interests or hobbies, it can be transformative. Tackling loneliness isn’t just about care provision – it’s about community.”

The milestone follows a recent visit from Daisy Cooper MP, Member of Parliament for St Albans and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, who visited Abbots Care’s headquarters and joined care workers on community visits.

Following her visit, Daisy Cooper MP said:
“Care workers look after our loved ones with dignity and compassion, yet so much of what they do goes unseen.

“If we want every vulnerable person to receive the care they need, we must get serious about long-term funding for social care. Seeing Abbots Care’s work first-hand has strengthened my determination to push for reform.”

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Young people are helping to lead the fight against loneliness in Hertfordshire after home-care provider Abbots Care delivered more than 100 hours of volunteer

27/02/2026

Care England Calls for Adult Social Care Premises to Be Excluded from High Value Council Tax Surcharge

Care England has written to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, urging the Government to formally exclude adult social care premises from the proposed High Value Council Tax Surcharge, nicknamed the Mansion Tax.

In the letter, Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, makes clear that care homes are not high-value private housing assets but essential public service infrastructure, delivering statutory care and support predominantly funded by local authorities and the NHS.

Care England warns that including care homes within scope would impose an estimated £25 million to £33 million per year in additional costs nationally. As care homes deliver statutory services on behalf of the state and are largely funded through public commissioning, applying the surcharge would amount to levying a charge on public service infrastructure, rather than raising revenue from private wealth.

The organisation has called for explicit confirmation that adult social care premises will be excluded in full, rather than relying on a future consultation process.
The full open letter is available here High-Value-Council-Tax-Surcharge-and-adult-social-care-premises.pdf

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Care England has written to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, urging the Government to formally exclude adult social care

27/02/2026

UK Dementia Drug Discovery to Receive £45 Million Boost

Alzheimer's Research UK has announced a renewed five-year commitment to its flagship Drug Discovery Alliance (DDA), backed by up to £45 million of new investment, in what the charity describes as one of its most significant research pledges to date.

The announcement was made at the organisation's Annual Research Conference in Manchester by Director of Research Dr Sheona Scales, and will see the Alliance — first established in 2015 — enter its third consecutive five-year term.

The DDA brings together more than 80 specialist scientists across three world-leading university institutes at Cambridge, Oxford and University College London, forming the UK's largest drug discovery network focused on neurodegeneration.

Over the past decade, the Alliance has explored more than 80 potential drug targets, progressed 15 into animal studies, and established partnerships with 13 industry partners to help advance the most promising candidates towards clinical trials.

Dr Scales said the renewed investment would give "more brilliant ideas the chance to become tomorrow's treatments," adding that the Alliance was building "real momentum towards a cure."

For those working in care homes, where residents living with dementia represent a significant proportion of the population, the progress carries particular relevance. The Alliance's three institutes each focus on complementary areas of research — from helping brain cells clear faulty proteins, to targeting the brain's immune system and reducing neurological inflammation.

The renewed Alliance will see the three institutes collaborate more closely, sharing expertise, data and resources, with the stated aim of advancing at least one DDA-developed drug into clinical trials within five years.

The announcement comes as the first treatments capable of slowing Alzheimer's disease begin to reach patients, marking a significant shift in what has historically been a challenging treatment landscape.

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Alzheimer's Research UK has announced a renewed five-year commitment to its flagship Drug Discovery Alliance (DDA), backed by up to £45 million of new

26/02/2026

Councils To Get Exceptional Financial Support To Balance Books

Councils struggling to balance the books will be granted financial flexibility by the government to ensure vital services communities rely on will continue running the government has said.

The announcement follows news that one in five councils with social services responsibilities in England are likely to be given government bailouts to enable them to balance their books in 2026-27.

A number of local authorities will be issued with support, subject to meeting conditions, through a process known as Exceptional Financial Support allowing them to use their capital funding – including receipts from sales and borrowing – to cover day-to-day costs.

The Exceptional Financial Support process has existed since 2020 to help councils facing financial failure set balanced budgets. This government is committed to going further than before and will support councils to transform services and move towards sustainable recovery.

The need for councils to apply for this support reflects the worst of an outdated funding system which the government is taking steps to tackle. £78 billion is being made available to local authorities in the first multi-year funding settlement in over a decade, enabling more councils to restore local services.

The package also marked a turning point in the way local government is funded, using a new evidence-based approach – including the latest Indices of Multiple Deprivation – that properly recognises local need and the true costs of providing services in deprived areas.

Minister for Local Government and Homelessness, Alison McGovern said:
“People in deprived areas have been let down for too long, with councils in the poorest areas left on their knees and services cut back as a result.

“The support we’re announcing is critical for the councils, and we are doing everything we can to ensure councils can balance the books, including by making £78 billion available through the first multi-year settlement in a decade.”

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Councils struggling to balance the books will be granted financial flexibility by the government to ensure vital services communities rely on will continue

26/02/2026

Residents At Newcastle Care Homes Plant Time Capsules Be Opened In 2051

Residents at four Newcastle care homes have quite literally buried a piece of history by planting specially prepared time capsules that capture life in 2026, ready to be opened in 25 years’ time.

The capsules, which have been planted at Craigielea in Gateshead and Ashton court, Kenton Manor and Kenton Hall in Newcastle, have been carefully documented and recorded, ready to be unearthed in 2051. Residents, staff and families gathered in the homes’ garden to mark the occasion, reflecting on how quickly the world is changing and imagining what life might look like for future generations.

The project brought everyone together to decide what best represents daily life at the home and in Newcastle and Gateshead today. Items placed inside the capsule include photographs, resident notes and poems, “day in the life” reflections, predictions for 2051, maps and a history of the local area, local newspapers, sporting match programmes, shop receipts and price lists, bus tickets, menus, trinkets and even a USB containing voice recordings from residents, staff and relatives.

Local schools and sporting clubs also contributed items, ensuring the capsule reflects not only life inside the home, but the wider Eston community in 2026.

Steve Massey, operations manager at Solehawk, said:
“When you stop and think about it, the pace of change is extraordinary. Just 25 years ago, smartphones didn’t exist in the way they do today, and social media was in its infancy. It’s fascinating, and quite emotional, to imagine what life might be like in 2051.

“We’ve included everyday items like receipts, bus tickets and newspapers because they tell such a powerful story about ordinary life. Sometimes it’s the small details that show the biggest changes over time.

“Our residents have loved sharing their memories, writing poems and recording messages for the future. It’s been a wonderful way to reflect on today while looking ahead with hope and curiosity as to what life will be like for the next generation.”

Among the most treasured items are handwritten notes and future predictions from residents, offering insight into their hopes for technology, healthcare, sport and community life in 2051. The inclusion of voice recordings adds a deeply personal dimension, allowing future listeners to hear directly from those who helped create the capsule.

“Steve added: This project perfectly captures the spirit of our homes, celebrating history, embracing the present and looking forward to the future. It has been inspiring to see residents, families, staff, schools and local clubs all contribute.

“In 2051, when the capsule is opened, it won’t just be a collection of objects. It will be a snapshot of real lives, real voices and a community coming together. That’s something truly special.”

The time capsules have now been securely planted in the homes’ grounds, with clear records kept to ensure they can be rediscovered in 2051. For residents, the project has sparked lively conversations about how much has already changed within their lifetimes and how much more may change in the decades ahead.

As one resident remarked:
“We’ve seen so much already but who knows what the next 25 years will bring?”

https://youtu.be/_bjCBr17OLM

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Residents at four Newcastle care homes have quite literally buried a piece of history by planting specially prepared time capsules that capture life in 2026,

26/02/2026

Care Home Residents Enjoy Memorable Journey on Buckfastleigh Steam Train

Residents at Windward House, located in South Brent, part of Centrum Care Homes Group, recently enjoyed a truly memorable day out, taking part in a unique Memory Café experience aboard the Buckfastleigh Steam Train.

The special outing offered residents not only a scenic journey through the Devon countryside, but also an opportunity to reminisce, connect and share stories. As the steam train gently travelled through the landscape, the distinctive sights, sounds and even the nostalgic scent of steam sparked conversations and reflections among those on board.

The experience was organised with the support of Kathrine from Conversation Works, whose Memory Café initiative created a warm and welcoming environment designed to encourage social interaction, memory stimulation and simple enjoyment.

For many residents, the day left a lasting impression. Sylvia, aged 96, described the outing as a wonderful experience, while Barbara, aged 98, said it was the best day out she had enjoyed in a long time. Eileen, aged 83, who lives with dementia, spoke warmly of the trip, calling it a wonderful day.

Alice, aged 96, also living with dementia, shared that she clearly remembered the day and how lovely it had been. Gerald, aged 79, who lives with dementia, was full of smiles throughout the outing. While he was unable to fully recall the journey afterwards, team members reflected on the visible joy and engagement he showed during the experience itself.

Ambika Prasad, Registered Manager at Windward House, said:
“Days like this are incredibly important for our residents. The steam train journey created so many moments of happiness, conversation and connection. It was wonderful to see everyone relaxed, engaged and enjoying the experience in their own way. These outings are not just about a change of scenery, but about creating meaningful moments that support wellbeing, confidence and a sense of togetherness.”

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Residents at Windward House, located in South Brent, part of Centrum Care Homes Group, recently enjoyed a truly memorable day out, taking part in a unique

26/02/2026

Dorset Hospice Charity Thanks Care Home Team For Community Partnership

A Dorset hospice charity has thanked residents and team members at a nearby care home for their help in building a community partnership.

Colten Care’s Poole home Bourne View has been working with Forest Holme Hospice on various initiatives over the past two years.

The latest involved providing expert help and support on the design and refurbishment of a staff room and two counselling rooms at the hospice.

Juliana Clark, Assistant Interior Designer at the Colten Group, gave her time, design input and help on several visits to source fabrics, artwork and materials for the refreshed accommodation. Some items were brokered through Colten supply partners.

Juliana said: “They are all lovely people at the hospice, doing very important work. It’s a hard job they have and so it was great to be able to improve their working environment. At the same time, the counselling rooms are now a more conducive space for those receiving help. To see the end result of the refurbishment was fabulous. It’s great to give back.”

Thanking Juliana and her colleagues, Kirsty Perks, Corporate & Community Fundraiser at Forest Holme, said:
“From sourcing beautiful new soft furnishings and artwork at no cost to the charity, to hanging the curtains and blinds, and organising the upholstery of all the counselling chairs, your time, effort and attention to detail has been outstanding.

“These refreshed spaces have already had a real impact. Our staff now have a much more comfortable and welcoming place to take a moment, recharge and support one another during busy and emotional shifts.

“The counselling rooms also feel calmer and more inviting, helping to create a safe and soothing environment for patients and families at some of the most difficult times in their lives.

“The improvements have made such a difference, and we are incredibly grateful for your kindness and generosity.”

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A Dorset hospice charity has thanked residents and team members at a nearby care home for their help in building a community partnership.

26/02/2026

Valentine’s Day Celebration Fills Hearts with Joy at Karuna Manor Care Home

Karuna Manor Care Home marked Valentine’s Day with a heartwarming celebration that brought together residents, relatives, and staff for an afternoon filled with love, laughter, and togetherness.

The care home was beautifully decorated with red and pink themes, floral arrangements, and handmade cards created by residents.

The celebration featured live music, classic love songs, light refreshments, and a special Valentine’s-themed afternoon tea. Residents enjoyed sharing stories, dancing, and participating in fun activities designed to spread joy and companionship.

Families and friends joined their loved ones to celebrate the occasion, creating meaningful moments and cherished memories. Many residents expressed how special it felt to celebrate love in all its forms friendship, family, and community surrounded by familiar faces.

A spokesperson said: “Team members at Karuna Manor Care Home worked thoughtfully to ensure the event was inclusive and engaging for everyone, reflecting the home’s commitment to promoting wellbeing, connection, and happiness.”

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Karuna Manor Care Home marked Valentine’s Day with a heartwarming celebration that brought together residents, relatives, and staff for an afternoon filled

26/02/2026

Carers Fear A Pension Pinch: Four In 10 Expect To Be Poorer In Retirement Due To Their Caring Responsibilities

Unpaid carers aged 45 –75 are feeling the financial strain of caring for elderly relatives, with reduced income and pension contributions threatening their long -term financial security .

Research from the retirement specialist Just Group demonstrates the long -term financial impact of caring for elderly relatives with almost four in ten (38%) stating they will be poorer in retirement because of their caring responsibilities.

The survey of carers aged 45 -75 found that the majority (54%) said that they will be poorer in retirement because they are now contributing less to their pension in order to support their caring duties. Other reasons given were that almost half ( 49% ) have lost out on salary income, 39% have spent their savings to support their caring responsibilities and more than a third (36%) have had to quit their jobs or reduce their working hours .

It builds on recent research which shows that, on average, carers experience a £522 a month hit to their income - which equates to £6,268 per year – from reducing their work hours or leaving the workforce altogether. Meanwhile, n early a quarter (23%) of carers said that they had gone into debt due to providing care with additional credit card debt and a n increased reliance on overdraft allowances and personal loans all noted as consequences.

Emma Walker, director at the retirement specialist Just Group, commented:
“Caring for elderly relatives may begin as helping out with the odd extra trip to the supermarket or doctor, but the impact of providing this care can snowball to the point of jeopardising carers’ long -term financial security.

“We estimate that the average cost for this group of people of providing care for elderly relatives is now over £6,000 a year. This comes on top of their existing budgetary pressures whether that is the mortgage, helping the ir children or simply the escalating costs of everyday living. This research demonstrates the financial price of caring responsibilities – reducing pension contributions, dipping into lifetime savings and sometimes even getting into debt.

“It is important that people carefully consider how looking after their family could impact their financial future and explore what support may be available, such as carers’ benefits and flexible working options. “Caring for loved ones is often a choice made from the heart. But without proper support, that choice can have long -term consequences, leaving many carers facing a pension pinch long after their caring duties have ended.”

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Unpaid carers aged 45 –75 are feeling the financial strain of caring for elderly relatives, with reduced income and pension contributions threatening their

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