Bidfood set to strengthen operations with the opening of new Northeast depot
Bidfood, one of the UK’s leading foodservice providers, has added another string to its bow with the announcement of another addition to its depot network in Durham. This latest estate development marks a significant milestone in the company’s continued investment in long-term infrastructure and network growth and is expected to start operating this summer.
Located off Drum Road in Chester‑le‑Street, County Durham, the purpose-built facility will serve as Bidfood’s new Northeast hub, consolidating operations currently run from Gateshead and enhancing Bidfood’s ability to support customers across the region.
The new depot boasts 86,098 sq. ft. and has been designed to support the complex requirements of modern foodservice logistics, featuring cold and chilled storage, alongside a large ambient warehouse. The site also includes a two‑storey office building, and extensive external yard space to support efficient distribution operations.
As part of Bidfood’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and responsible development, the site has been designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, incorporating a range of low‑carbon design features. The development includes 50 cycle bays and electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support more sustainable travel options for employees and visitors.
The Durham depot will play a key role in strengthening Bidfood’s regional logistics network while creating opportunities for local employment as the business continues to support its customers in the Northeast.
“Opening our new Durham depot marks another important step in the continued development of Bidfood’s national network. This new facility will significantly strengthen our presence in the Northeast, allowing us to consolidate our operations, improve efficiencies and enhance the service we provide to our customers.
“Our ongoing investment in modern, purpose-built depots reflects our long-term commitment to building infrastructure that supports both our customers and our people. We’re excited to see this site come to life and the positive impact it will have on our team and the local community.”
The Durham depot represents Bidfood’s wider strategy to invest in modern facilities and will become the first of two new additions in the north of England, with construction for a second new opening underway in Manchester.
Spring into Sport
There’s nothing much better than live sport for bringing people together – and there’s much on the way this March. The TNT Sports schedule is jam-packed with options for sports fans of all ages, giving residents plenty of reasons to get together, watch the action and discuss the latest talking points.
March gets underway with a bumper schedule of live sport, led by an action-packed run of Premier League fixtures; ideal for care homes looking to bring residents together around shared viewing experiences.
The month opens with a Midweek Takeover in the first week of March, featuring 10 live Premier League matches and every top-flight side in action. Coverage begins on Tuesday, 4 March with four fixtures, including champions Liverpool FC travelling to relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers FC (8.15 pm).
Momentum continues on Wednesday with five further live games. Highlights include Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa FC and Chelsea FC meeting at Villa Park (7.30 pm), while title contenders Arsenal FC travel to face Brighton & Hove Albion FC. There is also a London derby between Fulham FC and West Ham United FC, before the pick of the evening sees Newcastle United FC host Manchester United FC at St James’ Park (8.15 pm).
The midweek programme concludes with another capital clash as Tottenham Hotspur FC welcome Crystal Palace FC (5 March, 8 pm).
Two additional Premier League fixtures follow later in the month in the popular Saturday lunchtime slot: West Ham United FC hosts Manchester City FC on 14 March, and Brighton & Hove Albion FC faces Liverpool FC on 21 March.
Football remains a major draw throughout the spring, with TNT Sports now the home of the FA Cup through to the May final. Immediately following the midweek Premier League fixtures, the FA Cup Fifth Round takes place across 7–9 March.
There is also significant British interest in European competition, with Round of 16 coverage from the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Conference League providing further opportunities for communal viewing.
However, football is far from the only entertainment for residents. March also brings two full rounds of live action from Premiership Rugby, arriving hot on the heels of the Six Nations, alongside the start of the new MotoGP season.
For homes seeking lower-intensity viewing, golf fans can follow every LIV Golf event after TNT Sports secured the rights, while cue sports enthusiasts can track the World Snooker Tour throughout the season, culminating at the World Championship at Crucible Theatre.
Alasdair Collis, Director of Commercial Customers, TNT Sports, said: “Live sport is something that can be enjoyed at every stage of life. There’s nothing quite like it for bringing people together to share the communal pleasure of watching the action and then discussing the calls and controversies afterwards. Our March line-up is packed with something for everyone. Whether it is football, rugby, golf, or motor sport, there are many reasons for residents to watch live sport together and share passions that last a lifetime. Live sport is for everyone at every stage of life, and there is something for all sports fans to enjoy in TNT Sports this spring.”
Care Home of the Month: Archer’s Court
Situated in Farringdon, Sunderland, Archer’s Court Nursing Care Home is part of the Orchard Care Homes Group and features 38 modern bedrooms designed to ensure comfort, dignity, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Easily accessible to local shops and amenities, the home has undergone a significant transformation since first opening as a general nursing and residential facility.
In September 2022, Archer’s Court launched its first Reconnect Dementia Community, “created to promote genuine inclusion by supporting people living with dementia to remain independent, engaged and involved in meaningful daily activities.” Following the success of this initiative and increasing local demand, a second Reconnect Community opened in December 2023, making Archer’s Court the first home in the group to be entirely dedicated to this specialist model.
“Our Reconnect model of specialist care is unique to our region and to the wider sector,” explained Sharon Easterbrook-Smith, the Home Manager. “Our innovative approach puts people at the heart of their own care, promoting independence, meaningful activities, choice, and inclusion, supported by a highly-skilled team of colleagues who have received extensive training in dementia care.”
The homely settings: kitchens, communal living areas, DIY spaces, laundry rooms, gardens and workshop rooms, enable residents to continue using them as they would in their own homes. This therapeutic, person-centred approach aims to understand the reasons behind certain behaviours associated with dementia and adapt support to help reduce distress.
Every resident receives “an individualised care plan tailored to their medical, physical and emotional needs and preferences.” Innovative technologies help the team “identify early signs of distress, allowing timely, compassionate intervention,” which has enabled many residents to settle quickly and thrive.
High standards are upheld through “enhanced dementia training for all colleagues and by ensuring higher staffing ratios.” The home’s Dementia Promise underpins everything, while “close collaboration with families and health professionals ensures consistency and a holistic experience – something that genuinely sets Archer’s Court apart within the region.”
A proactive partnership with a local GP surgery involves weekly in-person visits, ward rounds, and multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings. This approach guarantees continuity of care and ensures residents receive the quality service they deserve.
Archer’s Court recently collaborated with Northumbria University on the MEAD (Meaningful Engagement in Advanced Dementia) research project, trialling a prototype tablet designed “to record and assess short caregiver-resident interactions” and evaluate verbal and non-verbal signs of engagement. One inspiring example is a former marathon runner who, after losing confidence following her diagnosis, now “enjoys regular runs and even leads a weekly fitness class for residents and occasionally some of our colleagues too.” Sharon reflected: “Reconnecting her with something she loves has had a remarkable impact on her wellbeing, confidence and sense of purpose.”
Staff development is essential to the home’s success. “As a manager, I believe it is vital to support and cultivate our teams so they can deliver the highest standard of care each day,” Sharon stated. All Specialist Support Workers, nurses, and the management team complete a Level 3 qualification in dementia care, while ancillary colleagues achieve Level 2. “I take a proactive approach to colleague development, encouraging career progression, providing access to training opportunities and nurturing my team. By helping colleagues achieve their personal and professional goals, we develop a motivated, skilled, and compassionate team – something that has a direct and meaningful impact on the quality of care we deliver.”
The Reconnect Communities are specifically designed for residents “who may require one-to-one care, have previously experienced placements that did not work out, or have faced distress or detention under the Mental Health Act.” With higher colleague-to-resident ratios, the home can provide the personalised attention that allows even those with advanced dementia “to enjoy as normal a life as possible.”
Daily life is rich and varied: “We offer a wide range of daily activities from gardening, household chores and cooking to crafts, community outings, visits to local parks, religious support and even trips to the pub.” Special events include live entertainment, parties and movie nights – all tailored to residents' histories and preferences. “Our focus is on what residents can do, embracing positive risk-taking and encouraging them to stay active, engaged and connected.”
The manager, Sharon’s pride is evident: “What makes me most proud is the sense of compassion, connection, and engagement within the team. Seeing residents actively enjoy life, feel fulfilled, and be surrounded by love and care is incredibly heartwarming.”
Looking ahead, Sharon aims to further grow the Reconnect Communities, increasing chances for meaningful interactions and fostering new joyful memories for residents and their families.
For care home managers looking for a proven, innovative model that produces measurable results for those living with complex dementia, Archer’s Court demonstrates that specialist household communities – supported by exceptional training, technology, and clinical partnerships – can truly transform lives.
Running Again at 78: Sunderland Dementia Care Home Helps Resident Reignite Her Passion for Fitness
A former marathon runner and long-time member of the Sunderland Strollers Running Club, Caroline thought she had to put her running days behind her when she was diagnosed with dementia. That is, until she moved into Archer's Court Dementia Care Home, and a chance visit from Alex Greaves, Academy Trainer at Orchard Care Homes, reignited her passion. “I saw Caroline in running shoes and asked if she still ran,” said Alex. “When I heard about her love for it, I invited her out for a jog. Her eyes lit up, and we were off.”
Caroline was hesitant at first, “When we started the run, Caroline was unsure how far she’d be able to go, as she was worried she was out of practice,” Alex recalled. “But once we got going, her confidence grew, and we managed to complete over a mile and a half. After we returned to the home, she told me how much she had enjoyed it, so we planned another run a few days later. That time, we completed two miles.”
Since that first outing over a month ago, Caroline has gone from tentative steps to confidently leading ‘Fitness Fridays’, a weekly group exercise session tailored for residents of all abilities. Her energy, positivity and enthusiasm for staying active have made her a much-loved presence in the home.
Denise Sanderson (83), a fellow resident at Archers Court, has taken a particular liking to Caroline’s enthusiasm and positive energy during Fitness Friday classes. The pair have become great friends and can often be seen chatting and laughing together before and after the sessions, with Denise rarely missing a chance to join in and follow Caroline’s lead.
Caroline explains that she is ecstatic to have the chance to lead the fitness class every week: “I used to run three times a week, do spin classes and be very active,” said Caroline. “Getting out and about again feels fantastic. Now I get to share that with others here at Archer's Court.”
Caroline’s journey is a powerful example of Orchard Care Homes’ ‘Reconnect’ model of specialist dementia care, which supports people to maintain meaningful activities, routines, and lifelong passions.
“Caroline is naturally energetic and thrives when she’s engaged,” said Sharon Easterbrook-Smith, Home Manager at Archers Court. “Whether she’s running, dancing, or even helping keep things tidy, she brings joy to everything she does. Our job is to enable that and support her with activities of her choosing. We were overjoyed when she said she would like to create and lead a fitness group here at the home.”
Caroline’s husband of 42 years, Joe Turner, says the transformation has been emotional to watch. “It means everything to see Caroline doing what she loves again,” he said. “She’s always been at her best when she’s active, and the team here have brought that spark back.”
Alongside running, Caroline is also a talented pianist, a skill she was taught by her father. With the help of the care team and her husband bringing in her music books, she now regularly plays the organ, much to the delight of her friends at the home.
“These moments of reconnection, through music, movement, and community, are exactly what good care should look like,” added Alex Greaves. “It’s a privilege to see it in action.”
Caroline’s story is a shining example of how personalised, person-centred care can help people rediscover their passions, improve well-being, and lead fulfilling lives.
Archers Court holds a ‘good’ rating with the Care Quality Commission and is entirely dedicated to providing specialist dementia care, including vascular dementia, Alzheimer's Disease and frontotemporal dementia. For more information about the home, please visit: https://orchardcarehomes.com/carehomes/archers-court-farringdon-sunderland
It is part of the Orchard Care Homes Group, which looks after 23 care homes in the Midlands and the North of England.
For more information on Orchard Care Homes, please call 01423 859859. Every home across its portfolio has achieved a five-star food rating.
Fisher Care Group secures funding from Triodos Bank UK for the acquisition and development of new care homes
Longstanding care business Fisher Care Group has utilised a £21m loan from Triodos Bank UK to fund the purchase and development of two care homes, expanding its provision across the North of England. The homes will add 136 beds to the care group’s portfolio, as it seeks to increase its impact in the care sector.
Located in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, The Maltings Care Home will be a 59-bed care home designed to provide compassionate and personalised care. The building has been purchased complete and ready for use, however, Fisher Care plans to develop the facility to meet its specified standards and to deliver consistent, premium service quality. It is expected that the home will be operational by March 2026. Set in Leeds, Atkinson House will be a 76-bed care home designed for a mixture of care needs. Although the building is complete, Fisher Care plans to develop the home to a top-level standard for the new residents.
With Fisher Care’s head office in Newcastle and an existing two care homes in operation across Yorkshire, these two additions will bring its portfolio to four across the North of England.
Fisher Care’s Operations Director, Joshua Fisher (the son of John Fisher, who founded the care home group in 1986) said:
“Our commitment to providing kind, compassionate and safe care services forms the cornerstone of everything we do at Fisher Care Group. These two additions to our portfolio of homes means that we can expand on our mission of providing places that immediately feel like home, where residents and their families can spend precious time together.”
Triodos Bank UK is a specialist, impact-focused lender across social and environmental sectors, including healthcare, education, childcare, arts and culture and recreational sectors.
Ben Honeyman, Senior Relationship Manager at Triodos Bank UK, said:
“As part of our focus on wellbeing at Triodos Bank UK, we are committed to financing values-based care providers and supporting the changing needs of the healthcare sector. Fisher Care’s values as a care provider matches those that we carry with us at Triodos and so we are really pleased to be able to support them in their growth.”
Both Atkinson House and The Maltings have development plans which will improve their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings to ‘A’s in the future. Within this, biomass boilers, photovoltaic panels and ground source heat pumps will be installed in both homes.
Care homes are energy-intensive environments, and the energy market has been in crisis in recent years, with the prices rising significantly towards the end of 2021, hitting a peak over the winter of late 2022 and early 2023, before falling back over the last year or so. Despite this fall, prices are still staggeringly high, with many paying nearly double compared to pre-crisis levels. For Fisher Care, ensuring that its homes operate as efficiently as possible will help to decrease its costs as well as minimising its greenhouse gas emissions.
Alongside its commitment to green energy solutions, Fisher Care also prides itself on its social impact. The care group works to establish links across its surrounding communities and local schools and through this, brings together local children with the residents for time together doing craft activities, singing or just having a chat.
Healthcare Management Trust announces new executive team members
The Healthcare Management Trust (HMT) is pleased to announce new members to its leadership team.
Henry Dowlen, MBE, has been appointed as Executive Director of Hospitals and Acute Care, and Adam Bloor has been appointed Executive Director of Community and Complex Care.
Henry joins HMT from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, where he was Head of Health, Technology for Development. He has years of experience as a doctor in the NHS and the Royal Navy and was Chief of Staff at the NHS Nightingale North West hospital during the Covid pandemic.
Adam joins HMT from Schoen Clinic UK Group, a specialised service for mental health and wellbeing, eating disorders and dementia care, where he was Clinical Director. He brings a wealth of experience in operational management and multi-site development.
Henry and Adam are also joined at HMT by Kelly Chequer, who has been appointed as the new Head of Community Nursing. Kelly is currently Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and brings years of NHS experience.
Dr Nichola Stefanou, Chief Executive of Healthcare Management Trust, said: “We are delighted to welcome Henry, Adam, and Kelly to HMT at such a pivotal time in our journey. Their expertise, leadership, and dedication to improving patient care will strengthen our ability to deliver high-quality services across our hospitals and care homes. Each brings a wealth of experience which will be invaluable as we continue to grow.”
New data reveals stark regional differences in care home costs for self-funders
New figures from carehome.co.uk, the UK’s leading care reviews website, highlight significant regional disparities in the cost of care for older people who fund their own care.
The figures show the average weekly cost of a residential care home in the UK is £1,298 – the equivalent of £67,496 a year. But prices vary dramatically depending on where you live.
Key findings
- London: Residential care costs an average of £1,548 per week – £436 more than in the North East, where fees are just £1,112 per week.
- Nursing care is even higher, averaging £1,535 per week nationally, rising to £1,759 in London.
- People with dementia face higher care costs: £1,343 per week for residential dementia support and £1,564 for nursing dementia care.
Regional divide
- North East England: Cheapest region for self-funders, with residential care almost £200 below the UK average. Dementia nursing care costs £1,296 per week, nearly £300 less than the national figure.
- North West England: Residential care averages £1,143 per week.
- Wales: Residential care averages £1,156 per week.
- Scotland: Among the most expensive, with residential care at £1,539 per week, partly due to higher minimum wages for care workers.
- South East England: Residential care averages £1,446 per week.
The data highlights the ongoing North - South divide, with wealthier southern regions charging significantly higher care home fees.
The cost of care – Who pays?
Almost half of older people in care homes (49% in 2022–23) are self-funders (ONS). For those who cannot afford fees, local councils step in, but only after a financial assessment. Savings thresholds for state support:
- England – under £23,250
- Wales – under £50,000
- Scotland – under £35,000
Sue Learner, editor at carehome.co.uk, said:
“Our data reveals a huge disparity in care home costs across the UK, underlining how important it is for families to plan ahead – both for the type of care they may need and how to fund it.
“The average weekly cost of residential care is now £1,298, but prices vary dramatically depending on region and care type. Rising costs, driven by increases in the minimum wage and employers’ national insurance contributions, mean local authorities will inevitably have to scale back state-funded care, leaving more families under pressure to top up council funding.
“We have been waiting decades for meaningful social care reform. The government must act to ease the financial burden on families, many of whom are left with no choice but to sell their homes to cover care fees.
“At carehome.co.uk, our 390,000 genuine reviews and our free Care Help Line give families the knowledge and support they need to find a home that offers not just good care, but real value for money.”
| Region | Residential care |
Nursing care |
Residential dementia care |
Dementia nursing care |
| East Midlands | £1,197 | £1,380 | £1,243 | £1,415 |
| East of England | £1,359 | £1,606 | £1,394 | £1,573 |
| London | £1,548 | £1,759 | £1,599 | £1,767 |
| North East England | £1,112 | £1,264 | £1,147 | £1,296 |
| North West England | £1,143 | £1,422 | £1,184 | £1,470 |
| Scotland | £1,539 | £1,646 | £1,603 | £1,656 |
| South East England | £1,446 | £1,706 | £1,515 | £1,721 |
| South West England | £1,339 | £1,595 | £1,387 | £1,627 |
| Wales | £1,156 | £1,394 | £1,217 | £1,440 |
| West Midlands | £1,202 | £1,426 | £1,243 | £1,453 |
| Yorkshire & The Humber | £1,170 | £1,422 | £1,201 | £1,462 |
| UK average fee | £1,298 | £1,535 | £1,343 | £1,564 |
These average regional care home fees are based on self-funding care home fees data from carehome.co.uk dated 9th September 2025.
EMILY WHITEHURST NAMED AS NEW CONSTANTIA HEALTHCARE CEO
Care home company Constantia Healthcare Group has announced the appointment of Emily Whitehurst as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Emily steps into the CEO role effective from 1st October 2025 following a successful tenure as Chief Operating Officer, where she led a major programme of transformation across Constantia’s portfolio of residential, nursing homes and complex care home.
The nine homes are in Teesside (x3), Lancashire (x2) and Yorkshire (x4).
Under her operational leadership, the Group, which has its headquarters in West Yorkshire, has delivered significant financial improvements, rolled out pioneering digital solutions, and embedded a culture of excellence focused on residents’ wellbeing and staff empowerment.
“Emily is one of those very few people who has that quite rare combination of talent, skill and drive that has been instrumental in shaping the success and stability of Constantia Healthcare Group,” said Anthony Massouras, Chairman and the founder of the Constantia Healthcare Group. “
“Her ability to pair strategic vision with operational excellence has seen the Group strengthen financially, innovate continuously, and raise the bar for quality care. She has done all of this with a combination of kindness and empathy whilst still being embued with the right level of commercial acumen and intelligence. We are confident that under Emily’s leadership, Constantia will continue to grow and set new standards across the sector.”
Emily has been a driving force behind several key initiatives, including the introduction of advanced digitalisation, workforce management systems, the expansion of clinical capabilities across the Group’s homes, and the launch of the nationally recognised Find Your Evelyn anticholinergic burden campaign — a project influencing medication reviews and safer prescribing across health and social care.
Speaking about her appointment, Emily said: “I am honoured to lead Constantia Healthcare Group into this next chapter. I have a clear vision for the future — one where we continue to innovate, invest in our people, and deliver exceptional care that truly changes lives. My focus will be on building sustainable growth, strengthening our teams, and ensuring every home in the Group remains a place where residents, families, and colleagues feel proud to belong.”
Recruitment will shortly open to further strengthen the senior leadership team as Constantia continues to expand and develop its services.
Showing Live Sport
Making Moments
Live sport has a unique power to unite people, spark conversations, and build connections. For care home residents, watching matches together isn’t just about entertainment – it’s about creating moments of shared joy, reducing loneliness, and keeping lifelong passions alive. With research showing that watching sport boosts wellbeing, TNT Sports is helping care homes offer residents more than just a game – it’s a chance to feel part of the action, part of a community, and part of something bigger – we share the details.
How do you think watching live matches can support social interaction and reduce loneliness in care homes?
There is nothing quite like live sport to bring people together to enjoy entertainment in a communal setting. All of the thrills and spills of live sport are best shared, whether that is at the stadium, in a pub or bar or in a living room together in a care home. It gives residents a reason to meet, to watch and to share their passion for their sport and their teams. Sport is the ultimate ice-breaker and provides a starting point for conversations and meaningful friendship at all stages of life.
Studies by Anglia Ruskin University indicates that people who watch sports experience greater wellbeing than those who don’t – and that this is probably linked to the social aspects of watching sport [1].
There are opportunities to do this throughout the week on TNT Sports with our line-up including Premier League football, the UEFA Champions League, Autumn Nations Series Rugby, the Gallagher Prem, cycling, Grand Slam tennis, snooker and much more.
Many older fans have followed sports their whole lives. How important is it for TNT Sports to keep long-time fans connected to their favourite teams, especially if they now live in care settings?
Supporting a team can be a lifelong commitment, often one that has been passed down through the generations. Fans go through the highs and lows of their own lives alongside the successes and failures of their teams. Living in a care home should not be a barrier to staying connected to something that can be so central in people’s lives. TNT Sports provides sport throughout the week and regular opportunities for fans to watch their favourite teams.
This season there are more English teams than ever in the UEFA Champions League – Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea, Newcastle and Spurs. Rangers, Celtic, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are all in the UEFA Europa League while Crystal Palace and Aberdeen compete in the Conference League. Care home residents can closely follow their progress throughout the competitions alongside our extensive Premier League coverage. With more rugby, tennis, boxing, motorsport, cycling, tennis and cricket, there is something for everyone on TNT Sports.
How do you think live sport can help connect older people with younger generations, such as care staff or visiting family members?
There is no age barrier to watching live sport. There will be residents, staff and family members who all have an interest in watching the game or discussing the latest action. It is a conversation starter and something that can bring people from across generations and backgrounds together to share a passion.
It is also good for you. Research has shown that people who watch sports on TV or on the internet were also less depressed than those who did not, and depressive symptoms were even less likely for those who watched sports with increasing frequency.
Many care homes work with limited budgets—does TNT Sports offer any tailored packages or access options for group settings like these?
We also hope that we can offer premium live sport to care homes at a price that means it is a realistic option for their business to be able to offer this community led benefit to their residents. Prices start from as little as £250 per month for communal areas or just £4.99 for in room.
How can care homes effectively market the fact that they show live TNT Sports content to attract new residents?
TNT Sports has a suite of free marketing tools that can help care homes spread the word about all the live sport coming up. Throughout the season we send free poster packs to customers, containing all the latest fixture information in the biggest competitions. These can be displayed in communal areas to let everyone know what will be screened.
Our website www.tntsportsbusiness.co.uk lists all the latest fixtures to ensure staff can keep on top of the sporting calendar. Here you will also find a range of digital social assets that can promote live sport across digital channels. Our Support Squad team is also on hand to help you navigate the best ways to market live sport.
To find out more visit www.tntsportsbusiness.co.uk/care
[1] Taking Part Survey, 2023. https://www.aru.ac.uk/news/this-is-why-watching-sports-is-good-for-you
Orchard Care Homes Partners with Northumbria University on Groundbreaking Study into Meaningful Engagement in Advanced Dementia
Orchard Care Homes is proud to announce its participation in an exciting new research project in collaboration with Northumbria University, aimed at improving care for people living with advanced dementia.
The Orchard Care Home’s team pictured with Dr.Kandianos Emmanouil Sakalidis (centre)
Beginning on 22nd September 2025, the project, titled MEAD (Meaningful Engagement in Advanced Dementia), will trial a newly-developed prototype tool at Archers Court Nursing Home in Sunderland. The home is made up entirely of Orchard’s “Reconnect” specialist dementia care communities, providing innovative and person-centred support for residents living with acute dementia
Engagement is a vital part of wellbeing. Being occupied, involved, and connected to others improves day-to-day life for people living with dementia. However, in advanced stages, verbal communication becomes increasingly difficult, and traditional engagement opportunities become limited. Current tools used to assess engagement often fail to capture non-verbal communication, making it harder for carers to identify when and how meaningful interactions occur.
To address this, Northumbria University has developed the MEAD tool, a tablet-based application designed to record and assess short caregiver-resident interactions. The tool uses a tripod-mounted tablet to film approximately five minutes of interaction, which can then be reviewed to evaluate signs of meaningful engagement, including both verbal and non-verbal methods.
“Very few tools exist that properly measure meaningful engagement in people with advanced dementia,” said Dr Kandianos Emmanouil Sakalidis, lead researcher from Northumbria University. “Current methods don’t reflect the full spectrum of communication, especially when it becomes non-verbal. That’s what makes this research so important – and why we chose Archers Court, which has a strong reputation for person-centred dementia care and a team that is genuinely committed to improving residents’ lives.”
The completely voluntary study invited residents and care colleagues to participate at this stage. One family member, whose partner has been living with dementia for over ten years, welcomed the opportunity for their loved one to take part: “My partner also has a hearing impairment, so communication is incredibly limited. Before coming to Archer’s Court, I was always pushing for better, more personalised engagement tailored to her needs. Now, we’re proud to be part of a project that could help set a new standard for how the care sector understands and supports people like her.”
The pilot aims to test the MEAD tool in a real care setting – identifying what works well, what challenges arise, and how the tool can be refined to be simple, reliable and practical for frontline carers.
“It’s all about adaptation,” added Dr Kandianos. “We’re not just building a tool, we’re learning from those who use it, so we can shape something that genuinely improves practice.”
While the tool remains a prototype, the long-term ambition is to create a sector-wide standard for measuring engagement in advanced dementia care, something which is currently missing in most assessment frameworks.
Helen Baxendale, Director of Quality at Orchard Care Homes, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of this important research by Northumbria University. At Orchard, we’re always looking for ways to enhance the quality of life for people living with dementia, particularly in the later stages where communication becomes more complex. This study offers a real opportunity to develop practical tools that can help our teams better understand and support meaningful engagement - something we believe is at the heart of truly person-centred care.”
As the care sector continues to explore new ways to deliver person-centred support, this study represents a vital step toward understanding how meaningful engagement can be measured and improved for people living with dementia. By working closely with families, care colleagues, and researchers, Orchard Care Homes and Northumbria University hope to lay the foundations for a tool that could eventually shape best practice across the sector.