Cyclists ride 488km for Social Care
The Great British Care Cycle Relay marked the opening for Care Home Open Week 2026, covering ground in Edinburgh, Manchester, Newport, the Midlands and London.
The five-day event, hosted by Championing Social Care, saw groups of cyclists take on a series of one-day relays, making stops at pre-selected local care homes and providers along the way.
The aim of the Cycle Relay has long been to inspire, connect and unite, inviting experienced cyclists to combine their passion for cycling with their appreciation for the care sector and help us to promote the amazing social care work that lives at the heart of every community. Every year, we see more cyclists applying to take part in the relay, acknowledging not just the physical rewards but the huge impact that campaigns like this have on the care sector’s reputation and standing in local communities.
Each day’s ride was carefully designed and led by experienced cyclists, ensuring an enjoyable challenge for those taking part. And while some cyclists took part in a single leg of the relay, others rose to the full five-day challenge, lining up at every start line and travelling the length and breadth of the country.
Vishal Shah, Chair of Championing Social Care and a keen cyclist himself, was one of those who could be found on the start line every day of the relay.
“The cycle relay is not only a great physical challenge, but an opportunity to bring together enthusiastic cyclists from across the sector for an incredible cause. Stopping at various care homes throughout the relay, we’ve experienced countless displays of support and hospitality, while really showcasing our sector in all its glory.
This is one of the highlights of the year for me, and I love seeing the routes change and develop every year as we take in more of the landscape between care communities that are at the heart of society across the nation. Ending the 2026 great British Cycle Relay at Wandsworth Common Care Home, while raising a glass to the start of Care Home Open Week, was the perfect conclusion to five inspiring days.”
But it’s not all fun and physical endurance. The Great British Care Cycle Relay marks the start of Care Home Open Week; one of Championing Social Care’s most prolific annual campaigns. Running from 15th – 21st June, this year’s Care Home Open Week saw over 5,000 care homes across the UK sign up and open their doors to residents, families and visitors alike. Following a timely World Cup theme, just some of the standout events included football challenges, 1966 World Cup screening events, accessible tournaments, inter-generational activities and countless BBQs and picnics.
The Great British Care Cycle Relay and Care Home Open Week are both annual campaigns hosted by Championing Social Care, supported by fantastic organisations from across the care sector.
Care Home Open Week: Catwalk to Connection
Bridges Between Generations
Some of the most memorable care home events are those that bring the wider community in, and Pine Lodge Care Home in Sittingbourne’s fashion show during Care Home Open Week did exactly that. It was not simply a display of clothing. It was a thoughtfully created experience that brought residents, staff, families, and visitors together in a shared moment that reflected the energy of modern care.
Setting the scene
From the moment guests walked in, the atmosphere felt celebratory. Disco ball decorations shimmered overhead, silver streamers caught the light, and disco lighting transformed the space into something unexpected and immersive. But while the décor set the tone, it was only the beginning. The real shift happened when the live music started.
The power of live music and movement
What set Pine Lodge’s event apart was how it moved beyond a traditional fashion show format. It became something far more dynamic. A live singer performing ABBA’s Dancing Queen turned the runway into a shared space of movement and energy.
The room came alive. Residents dressed in their best outfits began moving to the music, encouraged by staff who supported those who wanted to join in. What stood out was how naturally it happened. Many residents were not prompted so much as drawn in by the atmosphere.
One particularly touching moment was seeing an elderly couple dancing together. It captured the essence of the afternoon: simple joy, shared movement, and connection that felt both spontaneous and meaningful.
Family engagement that sets the tone
One of the strongest aspects of the day was how actively families took part. They were not positioned as spectators. They were fully involved, laughing, and sharing in the experience alongside residents.
This kind of engagement matters. When families are included in a genuine way, it strengthens relationships and reinforces a sense of belonging. It sends a clear message that this is not just a place of care, but a living community where people continue to make memories together.
The team at Pine Lodge created the conditions for this naturally. Nothing felt forced, and that made participation feel easy for everyone involved.
The rhythm of everyday life
Residents waving to friends on the runway, conversations flowing between dances, and laughter filling the room all contributed to an atmosphere that felt real rather than staged.
It was not a tightly controlled performance. It felt like community life in motion, full of energy, interaction, and small moments of connection happening all at once.
Beyond the catwalk
After the dancing, party food was served, which helped extend the sense of occasion. It encouraged people to stay, talk, and continue sharing time together. It was a simple detail, but an important one. It turned the event from a scheduled activity into a natural, ongoing social experience.
What reminiscence really looks like
The event also highlighted something care professionals often aim for, but do not always fully capture. True reminiscence work is not only about revisiting the past. It is about reactivating identity, emotion, and enjoyment in the present.
The 1970s disco theme, the familiarity of ABBA, the chance to dress up, and the presence of live music all created touchpoints that connected residents to meaningful parts of their lives. More importantly, those feelings were not just remembered. They were experienced in real-time.
The care home as a community hub
Perhaps the clearest message from Pine Lodge’s fashion show is that care homes thrive when they operate as community spaces rather than closed settings.
When families are welcomed in, when residents are supported to participate in ways that feel natural, when staff are actively involved, and when entertainment is chosen with a real understanding of residents’ preferences, the atmosphere shifts.
At Pine Lodge, that shift was visible throughout the day. Visitors did not simply attend an event. They experienced a community at its most open, connected, and alive.
Founded in 1979, Eleanor Healthcare Group is one of London's largest independent health and social care providers, supporting thousands of people across the country. The group delivers a wide range of services, including residential and nursing care, home care, extra care housing, supported living, learning disability day centres, live-in care, prison social care and hospital logistics. With a strong focus on person-centred care, Eleanor is committed to helping people lead fulfilling lives through compassionate support, meaningful experiences and services tailored to individual needs.
The Power of Touch in Parkinson’s Care
An eight-week project led by Maida Care is highlighting the power of touch in care, demonstrating how massage therapy and other non-pharmaceutical approaches can significantly improve physical comfort, emotional wellbeing, and overall quality of life for residents living with Parkinson’s.
Providing person-centred care for individuals with Parkinson’s presents challenges and opportunities. While medication plays a vital role, there is growing recognition of holistic, non-pharmaceutical approaches in enhancing quality of life. An eight-week massage therapy project across four London care homes explored this, offering residents a programme supporting physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing.
Funded by Parkinson’s Care and Support UK, the only UK charity dedicated to non-drug approaches to Parkinson’s wellbeing, the project was delivered by Maida Care, a London-based agency bringing holistic therapies into care homes to enhance residents’ quality of life. Together, they aimed to show how accessible therapeutic interventions can complement traditional care.
The project involved eight residents diagnosed with Parkinson’s, each receiving one tailored massage session per week. Every session included a health consultation alongside the massage, ensuring a person-centred approach. Delivered by qualified practitioners experienced in complex health needs, the programme was carefully integrated into each home’s care framework, with clinical teams supporting consent and risk management. The outcomes proved both measurable and meaningful.
Physically, many participants experienced noticeable improvements. Around 75% reported reduced pain and muscular rigidity, a common Parkinson’s symptom. Some also showed improved mobility, with greater ease of movement. Better sleep often followed, linked to reduced discomfort and increased relaxation.
Emotionally, the impact was particularly significant. Anxiety, low mood and depression are common in Parkinson’s and are often difficult to address in routine care. In this project, all participants reported feeling more relaxed and less stressed after sessions, with many noting improved mood and reduced anxiety over time. For some, the sessions became a vital part of their week, offering comfort, calm and meaningful human connection, reducing feelings of isolation and distress.
“The sessions had a clear positive impact on our residents, improving relaxation, mood and overall wellbeing,” says Steve Williams, Hospitality Manager at Signature Senior Lifestyle, Hendon Hall.
“All participants looked forward to the massage sessions and found them beneficial, supporting both physical wellbeing and mental health. Such services could significantly improve the quality of life for residents with Parkinson’s,” says Nishma Haria, Development Manager at Candlewood House Care Home.
The project highlights the value of massage therapy in supporting physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing for people living with Parkinson’s. With all participants reporting improved wellbeing, this demonstrated how this intervention can make a meaningful difference in care home settings, even over a short period of time and may support wider adoption of holistic care approaches. Parkinson’s Care and Support UK and Charlotte Kahn, Founder of Maida Care, are now exploring how the project could be developed further and expanded to reach more care homes and residents living with Parkinson’s.
Dorset care home music lovers meet today’s top performers
A trio of long-standing music lovers from a Dorset care home, including a 99-year-old former chamber musician, met some of today’s top performers at a ‘wonderful’ orchestral concert.
The trip to Poole Lighthouse to watch the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) was a delight for Myrtle Smith, Muriel Brown and Tessa Cooper who live at Colten Care’s Bourne View home in the town.
The evening, which featured music by Beethoven, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Sir Arnold Bax, began with a private audience for the Colten party.
French Horn player Kevin Pritchard, trombonist Robb Tooley, violinist Jenni Curiel and viola player Judith Preston all spoke with the visitors just ahead of the performance.
The conversations naturally centred on music, with discussions about performing today compared to years gone by.
Myrtle, 99, was recognised for her musical skills as she grew up in 1930s London. At just 11 years old, she achieved the top Grade 8 on the piano.
After winning a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music on her 18th birthday, she went on to establish a successful career as a chamber musician.
She played hundreds of concerts accompanying fellow musicians and singers and in later life became a piano teacher.
A skilled harpsichord player, Muriel studied music at university and worked as a music teacher and lecturer at Aberdeen University. Several members of her family are classically trained musicians.
In her younger days, Tessa used to enjoy BSO performances at Poole Lighthouse and had long wished to return after not attending a concert for several years.
After the performance, all three ladies expressed their delight and thanks.
Muriel said: “It was so nice to meet the musicians, and my daughter, who used to be a member of the BSO, also joined, and she knew many of the musicians we met.”
Tessa said: “I was amazed we got to meet the musicians as well as see such a wonderful concert. We felt like royalty for the evening!”
Myrtle described the concert as ‘a very exciting evening’, adding: “I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful music and wonderful atmosphere inside the auditorium.”
Muriel, Tessa and Myrtle were accompanied by Bourne View staff including Richard Croft, a Companionship Team member.
Richard said: “The BSO musicians took the time to make the group feel welcome and included in the evening. Being back in a concert hall and immersed in music brought back many fond memories for our residents. It all went very smoothly, a truly special outing, and we sincerely thank the BSO members for their kindness in accommodating us.”
The best care home consultants are living in your building
Care homes are full of experts, they just don’t usually sit in the management office.
By Nadine van Dongen: Founder of CARE Market Research – an organisation that gives a voice to people in social care.
A call for care homes to do more research projects
Speaking to a CEO of an amazing care home in North London made me realise that the uptake and acceptance of introducing a new activity, app or dining initiative in a care home is not always self-evident and can encounter reluctance. Often, the problem isn’t the idea itself. It’s that residents weren’t involved early enough in shaping the idea.
That thought then brought me to a moment in the Care England conference on 12th March 2026, where Nuno Santos Lopes called all care providers in the room to do more research and- insights projects in care homes, to be part of innovation.
What the research actually says
One major review, ‘Participatory Design in Gerontechnology: A Systematic Literature Review’, examined dozens of studies exploring how older people are involved in designing products, services and technologies intended for later life. The conclusion was strikingly simple: services work better when older people help shape them.
Researchers call this “participatory design”. In practice, it means involving older adults earlier and more meaningfully in decisions that affect them — not simply asking for feedback once everything has already been decided.
Care homes conduct their yearly satisfaction surveys, and these might tell you residents dislike a new activity schedule. A deeper conversation might reveal why: perhaps the timing clashes with medication routines, perhaps the room feels too noisy, or perhaps residents feel the activity itself is unintentionally patronising.
These are the kinds of insights traditional feedback methods often miss and the new information streams with AI would definitely miss.
Designing with residents, not just for them
The review found that older adults frequently identify practical frustrations, emotional barriers and overlooked details that designers and providers simply do not see themselves. This includes everything from confusing technology and inaccessible interfaces to environmental stressors such as lighting, noise and signage.
Yet many services are still developed for older people rather than with them. In care settings, this often happens unintentionally. Pressured managers and stretched staff may rely on surveys or residents’ meetings — useful tools, but not always enough to uncover deeper insight.
The research review suggests there is an important difference between routine feedback and genuine co-design.
Some care homes are beginning to experiment with small resident listening groups focused on specific topics such as dining, activities, technology or daily routines. Others are using informal “walk-through” conversations, asking residents to describe moments of friction during an ordinary day. Instead of asking: “Did you enjoy lunch?”, they ask: “What would make mealtimes feel more comfortable?”. That distinction is very powerful.
Interestingly, studies show quieter residents are often the most important voices to reach. Traditional feedback systems tend to favour confident communicators, while people living with frailty, hearing loss, early cognitive decline or lower confidence may participate less frequently despite having equally important perspectives.
This is particularly relevant as care homes continue investing in new technologies. From digital care systems to resident apps and communication platforms, providers are increasingly expected to modernise services. But research repeatedly shows that technology adoption improves when older adults are involved before implementation rather than after problems emerge.
The issue is not whether older people can adapt. In fact, one of the most interesting findings from the research paper is that older adults are often more innovative than they are given credit for. Many develop creative workarounds, routines and coping strategies that can directly inform better service design.
What organisations sometimes mistake for “resistance” is actually expertise.
A resident declining to use a digital booking system may not be rejecting technology itself. They may be identifying a design flaw no one else has noticed: confusing navigation, poor contrast, unnecessary complexity or anxiety about getting something wrong.
When providers listen more carefully, these moments become opportunities for improvement rather than obstacles.
There is also a growing recognition that meaningful involvement supports dignity. Residents who feel listened to are more likely to feel respected, valued and emotionally connected to the community around them. Families notice this too.
None of this requires a major research department.
You can ask yourself the following 5 questions to start exploring this topic within your care home:
- Who do we hear from most and who do we rarely hear from?
- What assumptions are we making?
- What frustrates residents daily?
- What changes have residents directly shaped?
- How can we conduct more insights or research projects in the home?
Some care home managers are beginning to use more structured resident insight sessions using external facilitators to help gather deeper feedback, particularly where residents may feel more comfortable speaking openly to someone independent.
The strongest care organisations increasingly understand that listening is not simply about measuring satisfaction. It is about recognising residents as people with knowledge, judgement and lived expertise.
The research is clear on one point above all: older adults are not just users of services. They can be active contributors to improving them.
And in a sector facing rising expectations, financial pressure and changing demographics, that may be one of the most underused resources care homes already have.
A New Blueprint for Care: Designing Homes That Anticipate Higher Need
Signature, Boutique, Greetwell and Business Support Experts share how new care homes are being designed to meet rising acuity: combining flexibility, efficiency and a more future-proof approach from the outset.
Designing the next generation of care homes for a more complex resident profile
Across the UK, the profile of care home residents is evolving rapidly. Individuals are entering care later in life, often with more advanced conditions, increased clinical complexity, and elevated expectations for both the environment and the care experience. As a result, new care home projects are being redesigned from the ground up, not only to meet higher-acuity needs but also to proactively address them. For operators, developers, and suppliers, the focus has shifted from merely modifying existing buildings to creating environments that inherently accommodate future needs without requiring adaptation.
Designing out the need to retrofit
A prominent and consistent theme emerging from recent innovations is the shift towards embedded flexibility in care design. Instead of creating environments for a fixed care model, providers are embedding adaptability in response to residents' changing needs.
At Signature Care Homes, this principle is fundamental. Their newest developments focus on supporting an “elasticity of care,” allowing residents to age in place across a full continuum: from independent living to nursing, dementia, and palliative care. This impacts the building's design, with integrated clinical infrastructure, assisted bathroom features, and nurse call systems from the start, ensuring the environment can seamlessly scale to higher dependency levels. Similarly, Boutique Care Homes employs a subtle yet structured strategy. While offering a hospitality-focused setting, they include dedicated spaces, such as their “nostalgia community,” to cater to residents with higher care needs. Importantly, this does not create a visual break from the rest of the home. Design consistency is preserved, with only specific modifications such as dementia-friendly signage and themed navigation added where necessary. Overall, this results in a transition in care levels that doesn’t feel clinical or disruptive. This approach mirrors a wider industry trend: future-proofing is now about integrating capacity invisibly from the start, rather than adding it later.
The balance between hospitality and clinical care
As resident needs grow more complex, the clash between clinical practicality and hospitality-inspired design becomes more evident. Instead of choosing one over the other, leading providers are addressing this challenge by collaborating early.
Signature refers to this as a “productive tension” between disciplines. By involving clinical and design teams early in the concept phase, they ensure that neither aspect is an afterthought. The hospitality vision establishes the goals, high-quality interiors, lifestyle amenities, and a homely atmosphere, while clinical needs set the operational boundaries. Good design results from balancing these elements.
Similarly, Boutique adopts this approach by discreetly hiding clinical infrastructure in back-of-house areas. Residents enjoy themed interiors, local motifs, and welcoming communal spaces, rather than overtly medical settings. This approach is especially crucial as expectations evolve; residents now anticipate well-designed homes and demand the same quality in care environments. Ultimately, this leads to a new design language in care, where clinical functions are present but subtly integrated.
Planning for operational reality
While new developments often focus on resident experience, operational efficiency remains essential, especially as cost pressures grow. Floorplate design plays a strategic role; at Boutique, layouts are precisely arranged to match staffing ratios with bed counts, ensuring effective care and financial viability. Poor spatial planning can increase staffing needs, making it crucial to get this right during design.
Procurement strategies are also moving earlier in the process. Steve Gibson from Greetwell Purchasing Solutions notes that many operators still see procurement as a post-build step. In reality, decisions about kitchens, storage, and service flows impact long-term operational success. Data insights are increasingly important: analysing purchasing trends, such as demand for special diets or allergen-free products, can guide kitchen design, storage, and workflow before construction starts. This is especially vital in high-dependency settings with complex, less predictable nutritional needs.
Flexibility remains vital; kitchens and service systems must adapt to evolving resident profiles rather than being optimised for a single operating model.
Building in financial efficiency from the start
Alongside design and operations, financial structuring is increasingly shaping new developments. Business Support Experts emphasize a significant, often overlooked opportunity through Capital Allowances.
These tax reliefs can considerably lower the net cost of a project but are often underused because they aren't considered early enough. Incorporating tax planning into the design stage can influence key decisions, such as opting for demountable partitions instead of fixed ones, which can unlock higher tax relief. In high-demand settings where specialized equipment and flexible spaces are common, opportunities for optimization grow even more.
These changes have substantial effects: better cash flow and lower capital costs can be the difference between a project proceeding or not, especially in high-cost areas with strong demand for beds but tight margins. As development costs rise, financial efficiency becomes a crucial part of the overall strategy, not just an administrative concern.
Where is demand greatest?
Geography continues to significantly influence new care provision, but the situation is complex. In Greater London and the South East, providers highlight a clear shortage of purpose-built, high-quality homes.
Despite considerable development activity, demand surpasses supply due to dense, ageing populations and inadequate modern facilities. Signature’s focus on London reflects this, aiming at areas where families struggle to find appropriate care options. Similarly, Boutique recognises ongoing demand throughout the South East, noting that much of the current care home stock no longer meets modern standards. Features now standard, such as ensuite wetrooms, are often missing in older homes, indicating a need for both new capacity and upgrades to outdated facilities.
Nationally, the issue isn’t about pinpointing a single hotspot but about understanding localised pressure points. As Greetwell’s data indicates, relying solely on national averages can be misleading. The demand for higher-acuity care varies across regions, and new developments need to be tailored to local needs.
Sustainability beyond energy
Sustainability is becoming a more integral part of new care home developments, with the scope broadening from just energy efficiency. From a building performance standpoint, providers are adopting a fabric-first strategy, emphasising insulation and construction quality to reduce energy demand before adding mechanical solutions. Technologies like photovoltaic panels, battery storage, and heat pumps are increasingly common, along with LED lighting and smart controls.
Yet, sustainability also encompasses operational and experiential aspects. Efficient layouts can lessen staffing demands; streamlined supply chains reduce waste; and environments that promote wellbeing, through natural light and outdoor access, enhance long-term resident outcomes. Procurement also contributes, prioritising sustainable purchasing not for premium costs but for better visibility, less waste, and stronger supplier accountability. When integrated early, such practices support both environmental aims and cost efficiency.
The role of community integration
An often-overlooked element of new developments is how they connect with the local community. For Boutique, community engagement serves both wellbeing and business goals. By welcoming local groups and activities into their spaces, they foster environments that feel connected rather than isolated.
This approach benefits residents by keeping them engaged with the outside world and also enhances local reputation and referral opportunities. In competitive markets, such visibility can be as important as traditional marketing, as trust built through community involvement becomes a unique and hard-to-copy advantage.
A new baseline for care environments
As the sector develops, so do expectations. Features that once set premium care homes apart, such as private apartments, high-quality dining, and wellness amenities, are now becoming commonplace.
Meanwhile, residents' clinical needs are growing more complex, placing greater demands on buildings, systems, and staff. The sector's clear response is: build once, and build it right. This involves integrating clinical capabilities, operational efficiency, financial strategies, and sustainability from the beginning, all while creating environments that truly feel like home.
The next generation of care homes will be judged not just by their ability to adapt to change, but by how effectively they can anticipate it.
Major Healthcare Joint Venture Signals New Era for Later Life Living in Medway
Montpelier Estates and Hervines Group Partner on Flagship Chatham Waters Care Home to Set New Benchmark for Care
Award-winning specialists in healthcare development and care home operations have formed an official, strategic partnership to develop and manage the much-anticipated Chatham Waters Care Home, a new luxury care home opening in Medway, Kent this Summer 2026.
The joint venture brings together Montpelier Estates, a specialist healthcare developer with more than 20 years’ experience, and Hervines Group, whose directors are long-established, high-quality care home operators with a strong track record in delivering person-centred care services. With more than 25 completed care homes across the UK in locations including London, Manchester and Coventry by Montpelier Estates, this new joint venture with Hervines Group has been formed with both development and operational expertise in mind to better meet the needs of future residents, families, and care teams.
The Chatham Waters Care Home that is currently under construction, will be a flagship development for the new joint venture partnership. Once complete, the multi-million-pound care home will offer residential, dementia and respite care in a purpose-built setting with waterside views, ensuite rooms, a dementia-friendly bistro, cinema, gym, sanctuary, salon, library, and sensory rooftop garden. The home has been designed to combine clinical excellence with comfort, clarity, and emotional wellbeing, with a strong emphasis on dignity, connection, and transparent pricing. The purpose-built care home will sit at the centre of the emerging ‘Chatham Waters’ neighbourhood - a major mixed‑use regeneration project in Medway, led by Peel Waters, transforming former docklands into a new waterside district.
“We are thrilled to be opening such an exciting Care Home in the heart of Chatham Waters with Montpelier Estates as our joint venture partner. We really look forward to delivering our vision to create a true sanctuary where people feel safe, valued, and at home.”
“This project has been much more than delivering a care home; it is heart-warming to become a part of the fabric of the whole community and partnering with Hervines to develop and operate the best possible care home together has enabled this. We really look forward to welcoming the first residents later this summer.”
Montpelier Estates is known for designing outstanding healthcare environments that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, while Hervines Group offers significant operational expertise and service innovation in the social care sector. Together, the two organisations are aiming to set a new benchmark for later-life living in Medway.
Boutique Care Homes Named Finalist in Two Categories at the Dementia Care Awards 2026
Boutique Care Homes has been shortlisted in two categories at the Dementia Care Awards 2026, recognising the Southeast England care group's commitment to outstanding dementia care across both its workforce and its built environments.
Organised by Care Talk, the Dementia Care Awards celebrate outstanding practice in dementia services and recognise a commitment to delivering outcome-focused, person-centred care for people living with dementia. The ceremony takes place on 24 June 2026 at the Hilton Bankside, London, with special guest Angela Rippon CBE returning to host.
Boutique Care Homes has been named a finalist in the Dementia Care Employer Award, which recognises employers who have developed and implemented exceptional support for their workforce in relation to dementia, and the Creating Spaces for People Living with Dementia: Developer Award, which recognises developers creating innovative, dementia-friendly environments.
Ameet Kotecha, Founder and Managing Director of Boutique Care Homes, said
"Being recognised in two categories at the Dementia Care Awards is a real honour. Both reflect things we care about deeply: building teams who genuinely love what they do, and creating spaces where people living with dementia feel at home from the moment they arrive. These aren't programmes we've bolted on. They're built into the foundations of every decision we make."
Jodie Pike, HR Director at Boutique Care Homes, said
"I genuinely believe our teams are the best in the sector. Not because of their qualifications, though those matter, but because of who they are as people. When you get that right, everything else follows. The fact that our team choose to stay, year after year, tells you more about this organisation than any award could. It's really lovely to be recognised and I am so proud of everyone."
Tom Duck, Development Director at Boutique Care Homes, said,
"We lose sleep over the details other developers don't think about. Where does the light fall in the morning? Does this corridor give someone a reason to walk down it? We design and operate every home we build, which means we can't hide from the consequences of a bad decision. That accountability changes how you approach everything. None of this happens without an exceptional team who care as much about the finished home as the people who will live in it. Every brief, every build, every decision is made with that in mind.”
Boutique Care Homes currently operates four homes across Southeast England, with four further homes in development opening between 2026 and 2028. The group was named Care Home Group of the Year in 2023 and 2025. This year's double shortlisting builds on their 2025 Dementia Care Awards success, where they were finalists and won the Dementia Friendly Community Project Award.
CCFTV Bringing the Sector Together: Collaboration, Risk and Shared Understanding at Home House, London
In a sector facing increasing pressure, opportunities to come together, share perspectives, and build understanding have never been more important. Care Campaign for the Vulnerable (CCFTV) hosted a breakfast networking event at Home House in London on Tuesday 5th May - an occasion that reflected exactly that need.
Delivered in collaboration with valued partners Specialist Risk Group (SRG) and Abuela Technology, the event brought together a diverse group of professionals from across the care landscape. Attendees included care providers, representatives from provider associations, professionals from children’s services, and technology experts working within and alongside the sector.
At its heart, CCFTV has always believed that meaningful change in care does not come from working in isolation. It comes from collaboration, shared responsibility, and a willingness to listen. This event was a clear reflection of that ethos.
A Cross-Sector Conversation
One of the most notable aspects of the morning was the breadth of voices in the room. Too often, conversations in care remain within silos - providers speaking to providers, commissioners to commissioners, and others working in parallel rather than together Care providers spoke candidly about the operational pressures they face daily - staffing challenges, regulatory demands, funding constraints, and the increasing complexity of residents’ needs. Alongside them were professionals from children’s services, bringing a different but equally important perspective on safeguarding, risk, and accountability.
Technology experts contributed insight into how innovation can support - not replace- good care. These discussions were grounded and practical, focusing on how tools can enhance safety, improve communication, and provide reassurance to families without undermining dignity.
The presence of Specialist Risk Group added an important dimension to the conversation around risk and insurance. Their insight helped bridge the gap between care delivery and the realities of managing organisational risk.
Abuela Technology also contributed valuable perspective, particularly around technology, when implemented thoughtfully, can support care teams and build trust with families.
Understanding Risk in Today’s Care Environment
A central theme throughout the discussions was risk - how it is understood, how it is managed, and how it is communicated.
Risk in care is often misunderstood. It is not simply something to be avoided or eliminated; rather, it is something to be assessed, balanced, and managed in a way that supports both safety and independence. For providers, this is an ongoing challenge.
Jayne Connery, Director of Care Campaign for the Vulnerable, reflected:
“Risk in care is not something to fear - it’s something to understand. Providers are balancing complex decisions every day, and it’s vital we support them with the right conversations, the right partnerships, and a shared understanding of what good care really looks like.”
The conversations throughout the morning reinforced this point. Risk cannot be viewed in isolation; it sits within a broader context of workforce pressures, resource limitations, and increasing expectations from families and regulators alike.
Importantly, there was recognition that risk is not just a clinical or operational issue, it is also a communication issue. How risk is explained to families, how decisions are documented, and how transparency is maintained all play a crucial role in building trust.
Moving Beyond Misconceptions
One of the most constructive aspects of the event was the willingness of attendees to challenge assumptions.
There can sometimes be a perception that families have unrealistic expectations, or that providers are resistant to scrutiny. In reality, both perspectives are shaped by experience. Families are often navigating emotional and complex situations, while providers are operating within systems that are under significant strain.
By bringing these perspectives into the same room, the conversation shifted. It became less about opposing viewpoints and more about shared challenges.
This is where collaboration becomes essential. When sectors work in isolation, assumptions can grow. When they come together, those assumptions can be replaced with insight.
The Role of Technology in Supporting Care
Technology was another key area of discussion, particularly in relation to safety monitoring and risk management.
There is growing recognition across the sector that technology, when used appropriately, can support both residents and staff. This includes tools that enhance communication, improve oversight, and provide reassurance to families.
However, there was also a clear message that technology is not a solution in itself. It must sit alongside strong leadership, good culture, and well-trained staff. Without these foundations, even the most advanced systems will fall short.
Encouragingly, there is a noticeable shift in how technology is being viewed. Rather than being seen as intrusive or controversial, it is increasingly understood as part of a broader approach to transparency and safety - particularly when implemented with consent and clear communication.
A Shared Commitment to Improvement
Throughout the morning, there was a consistent theme of shared responsibility.
No single organisation or group can resolve the challenges facing social care. Whether it is providers, local authorities, technology partners, or organisations like CCFTV, progress depends on working together.
CCFTV’s event demonstrated what can be achieved when collaboration is approached in a constructive and open way. It created an opportunity not just to listen, but to engage, bringing different parts of the sector into meaningful dialogue.
Creating Space for Honest Dialogue
Perhaps the most valuable outcome of the event was the atmosphere it created. This informality encouraged honesty, which in turn led to more meaningful discussions.
It is often in these unstructured environments that the most important insights emerge. When professionals feel able to speak freely, the conversation becomes more authentic and ultimately more productive.
Looking Ahead
As the care sector continues to evolve, the need for collaboration will only grow. Events like this serve as a reminder that, despite the challenges, there is a strong willingness across the sector to work together. Providers, partners, and professionals are not standing still but they are actively seeking solutions, sharing ideas, and supporting one another.
For CCFTV, this remains central to its work - advocating for transparency, dignity, and safety in care, while supporting both families and providers.
The Home House event was not about delivering answers. It was about creating the conditions for better conversations and ensuring those conversations continue beyond the room.
KYN Announces Fifth London Care Home
KYN, London’s leading collection of residential and nursing care homes, has announced the commencement of construction on a new care home in Hammersmith, located on the River Thames. The development, named KYN Riverside, is scheduled to open in 2029.
Designed in collaboration with PRP Architects, KYN will transform a former office building on Chancellor’s Road, situated between Fulham Reach Boat Club and Riverside Studios. The redevelopment will upgrade the existing structure and create an elegant 45-bedroom care home reflecting KYN’s trademark design approach.
The design will prioritise river views, with bedrooms and communal areas on each floor orientated towards the Thames. A generous Walled Garden will provide seating and dining areas for residents and their families, with direct access to the Thames Path.
The site extends to approximately half an acre and is located close to Hammersmith Bridge and around 500 metres from the River Café.
KYN will continue to partner with esteemed interior designer Nina Campbell, with artwork curated by Adam Ellis and landscape design by Randle Siddeley. The variety of spaces will include large, vibrant areas for socialising and entertaining, as well as smaller semi-private spaces that complement the individual rooms.
Consistent with the existing residences in the collection, KYN Riverside will feature exceptional facilities, including The Great Room with garden access, the KYTH Spa and Rehab Studio, Home Cinema and Library. This considered design creates a sense of community while providing residents with peaceful retreats, enhancing overall comfort and wellbeing.
The development follows KYN’s ongoing expansion in London, including planned homes in Kensington and Highgate, due for completion in 2028, alongside its existing homes in Hurlingham and Bickley.
Caroline Naidoo, CEO at KYN, said: “At KYN, we are focused on redefining what later-life care can look and feel like. We design homes that combine high-quality nursing and residential care with thoughtful, residential environments that feel calm, private and familiar, while still enabling connection and community.”