Dedicated Luxury Care Apartments Launched to Halt ‘Forced Separation’ of Couples in Care
Family care provider Ardale has announced the launch of The Ashridge Apartments at Welwyn Grange, a collection of purpose-designed care suites created to support couples who wish to continue living together while receiving personalised care.
Comprising 13 penthouse-style care suites, the apartments provide couples with the opportunity to maintain shared routines and enjoy greater privacy and independence, while benefiting from access to tailored care and nursing support as their individual needs evolve.
The launch reflects the challenges many couples face when one partner's care needs become more complex. Differences in health needs, such as when one partner develops dementia while the other requires minimal support, can make finding suitable accommodation difficult. The Ashridge Apartments have been designed to provide an option for couples who want to remain together while each receiving the level of support they need.
A Home Designed for Couples
Located on the top floor of Welwyn Grange, The Ashridge Apartments combine independent living with access to 24/7 nurse-led care. Residents have their own private accommodation while remaining connected to the wider care community and professional support whenever required.
Key Features of The Ashridge Apartments
- Private apartment layouts: Each penthouse-style suite includes a separate bedroom, private lounge, kitchenette, and most feature a private balcony.
- 24/7 clinical support: Residents have access to an on-site nursing and care team, with support tailored to each person's individual needs.
- Shared amenities: Couples can enjoy Welwyn Grange's facilities, including a cinema room, hair and beauty salon, bar/café, interactive digital touch table and landscaped courtyard garden.
- All-inclusive fees: A single monthly fee covers care, meals, laundry, utilities and security.
"For many couples, moving into care can bring understandable concerns about whether they will be able to continue living together as their needs change.
"The Ashridge Apartments have been designed to offer couples a home where they can continue sharing everyday life while receiving flexible care that can adapt to each person's individual requirements.
"By bringing together private living space with access to round-the-clock support, we hope to provide reassurance for couples and their families as care needs evolve."
Robert Myers, Head of Care Pathways at Welwyn Grange
Jayne Connery, Founder of Care Campaign for the Vulnerable, welcomed the initiative, saying:
"I have visited Ardale care homes many times over the years through my work with Care Campaign for the Vulnerable, and I have always been impressed by their commitment to transparency, safety, dignity and truly person-centred care.
"The new Ashridge Apartments at Welwyn Grange are a wonderful example of thinking differently about later life. Too many older couples face the heartbreaking prospect of being separated when one partner's care needs become more complex, particularly following a dementia diagnosis or the need for nursing care.
"It is encouraging to see the Ashridge Apartments offering couples the opportunity to remain together while receiving the care and support they each need, with privacy, independence and 24-hour nursing available whenever required.
"At Care Campaign for the Vulnerable, we believe safety, dignity and quality care must always go hand in hand with compassion. Love, familiarity, routine and the comfort of remaining together are just as important to wellbeing."
The Ashridge Apartments are now open for viewings and immediate occupancy. Couples, families and healthcare professionals interested in learning more can explore the apartment layouts and arrange a viewing via Welwyn Grange.
When quality matters most: why more care facilities are offering premium dining experiences for their residents
A transformation is happening in the kitchens and dining areas of care facilities across the UK. Rather than simply providing food and drink to keep residents fed and hydrated, providers are beginning to focus more on the variety and quality of the dishes on offer – and a growing number of high-end settings are offering premium dining experiences akin to that of a top-class restaurant or hotel, with some notable locations even hiring Michelin-starred chefs to curate their cuisine.
Naturally, financial considerations must be brought into the mix when considering how to structure menus; but, especially among the increasing number of providers selling the dream of luxury living in later years, their nutritional offering is geared towards high-quality ingredients, wide-ranging options, and meals which are more fantastic than functional.
Premium living, premium dining
Care provision as we know it is changing, with strong growth in the high-end segment of the market, where residents receive service and amenities mirroring a boutique hotel or private members’ club rather than a traditional healthcare setting. Spas, gyms, cinema rooms and concierges have become commonplace in these settings, and those which operate on an ‘independent living’ basis (where the person buys or rents their own accommodation within a location, and receives a level of care to match their requirements – ranging from minimal to high-acuity) are more akin to gated communities than care homes.
Given these locations often have premium price tags attached to their premium provision, it is only natural that every detail has been thoughtfully curated - not only the spaces such as the dining and socialising rooms, but also the food and drink being served too. And it is not just the premium end of the industry making this move towards restaurant-style settings, quality ingredients, and a wider variety of options: as our understanding about the importance of food beyond its nutritional make-up increases, so too does the desire to ensure mealtimes are a pleasant experience in all residential care facilities.
Expectations shifting across the sector
A freshly-prepared meal, multiple tempting dishes to choose between at each mealtime, and quality ingredients which collectively provide a balanced diet are now the norm within care. But for many providers, it is not about simply offering ‘standard’. No matter the cost challenges associated with rising food prices, supply chain disruptions, and the wider economic outlook, there is a real desire across the sector to enhance choice and taste.
Recipes which may once have been considered ‘global cuisine’ have now become standard dishes for the UK population – meaning experimental flavours, exotic ingredients and innovative combinations have a firm place alongside more traditional meals. Comforting favourites (especially those which evoke memories for older residents) like roast dinners, cottage pies and casseroles may not have disappeared from the menu yet, but in 2026 we are more likely than ever to see them listed alongside meals lovingly adopted from across the globe like tikka masala, Thai curry or a stir fry.
The key of course, is offering a wealth of options for residents whilst also ensuring that ingredients do not go to waste and that the total number of different products needed across the entire menu does not become unwieldly, either in quantity or price.
Sourcing supplies
For providers, being able to procure more premium ingredients without blowing the budget ultimately comes down to forging strong relationships with suppliers. Long-term partnerships often give rise to the kind of two-way communication which helps catering teams glean insights. These can help them shape menus around ingredients which have plentiful availability and are higher in quality, as well as sustainable and seasonal options, and plant-based alternatives (which are currently sought-after whilst also being more affordable) such as lentil, bean or soy products which can be offered alongside animal-based protein choices.
Ultimately, while the premium end of the care market may be showing strong growth, there are still plenty of more traditional residential providers for whom financial considerations may limit their ability to hire a well-known chef, source extravagant ingredients, or style their dining area like a Michelin-starred restaurant. Yet these settings are still able to provide quality and choice, with careful planning, supply chain optimisation, and a determination to offer not just a meal, but a proper dining experience for all their residents.
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.
Care Sector Stalwart Retires After Thirty Years Championing Older People's Care
The CEO of not-for-profit care provider, Harrogate Neighbours and former National Chair of the NACC, Sue Cawthray, has retired after a career dedicated to improving care, nutrition and community support.
One of the care sector's most respected leaders, Sue, has spent more than 35 years working across social care, housing, care catering and community services.
Sue’s departure as Chief Executive of Harrogate Neighbours, brings to a close a remarkable career that has seen her influence national policy, champion older people's nutrition and wellbeing, lead award-winning services, and become one of the most recognised voices in care catering and community care.
Stepping into the role as CEO of Harrogate Neighbours is Helena Evans, who brings more than 20 years’ experience across the housing, supported housing, support and care sectors, including almost a decade serving as CEO within community-based housing and support organisations.
Since joining Harrogate Neighbours in 2005, Sue has overseen a period of significant growth and transformation, including the development of extra care housing, expansion of domiciliary care services, the creation of the award-winning Harrogate Food Angels meals-on-wheels service, and the opening of the organisation's Community Hub in Starbeck, North Yorkshire.
Her contribution to the wider care sector has been equally significant. A long-standing volunteer and leader within the National Association of Care Catering (NACC), Sue served two terms as National Chair and played a leading role in advancing nutritional standards for older people, contributing to national guidance, government initiatives and campaigns tackling malnutrition and loneliness.
In 2023, Sue received the Public Sector Catering Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of 30 years of service to care catering. She has also been named among the UK's most influential figures in public sector catering for five consecutive years and was recognised with the Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award at the Yorkshire and Humber Great Care Awards.
Reflecting on her retirement, Sue said, "It has been the privilege of my life to work in the care sector and alongside some truly extraordinary people. Care is about far more than services – it is about dignity, compassion, relationships and helping people live the best lives they can.
"Over the years I have seen incredible commitment from care professionals, volunteers and support staff who go above and beyond every day, often without the recognition they deserve. I am immensely proud to have been part of a sector that continually rises to challenges and puts people first.
"The pandemic demonstrated beyond doubt the vital role social care plays in our communities. Yet despite that, the sector continues to face significant challenges around funding, workforce pressures and resources. My hope is that social care receives the investment, recognition and support it needs in the years ahead because the people who rely on these services, and those who deliver them, deserve nothing less.
"I leave the sector with enormous pride in what has been achieved and complete confidence in the passionate, talented people who will continue to drive positive change. Although I am retiring from executive leadership, I will always remain a proud advocate for social care and for older people."
Under Sue's leadership, Harrogate Neighbours has become recognised as one of North Yorkshire's most innovative charitable care organisations. Her achievements include leading the development of Greenfield Court into an Extra Care facility, project managing the £7.7 million development of The Cuttings Extra Care scheme, securing The Queens Award for Voluntary Service for the Harrogate Food Angels, and helping the organisation achieve and maintain Customer Service Excellence accreditation with Compliance Plus status year after year.
Her wider influence extended beyond Harrogate. Sue helped launch national nutritional initiatives, worked alongside government and healthcare stakeholders on hydration and malnutrition campaigns, contributed to industry guidance launched at the House of Commons, and played a key role in raising the profile of Meals on Wheels services across the UK.
Commenting on Sue's retirement, Chair of Harrogate Neighbours, Judith Bell said, "Sue's contribution to Harrogate Neighbours, and to the wider care sector, has been exceptional. Her vision, determination and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of older people have shaped not only our organisation but influenced services and standards nationally.
"Her legacy can be seen in the services she has created, the communities she has strengthened and the countless people whose lives have been improved through her leadership. We thank Sue for her extraordinary service and wish her every happiness in her retirement."
Reducing Falls Through Nutrition and Hydration
White Oaks Dietitian, Valentina Giannelli, discusses the role of nutrition and hydration in falls prevention.
Falls and fractures are common and serious health issues faced by older people. According to UK Government statistics, around a third of people aged 65 and over fall at least once each year. By the time they reach 80, that rises to half. These falls lead to distress, pain, loss of confidence, loss of independence, and in too many cases, loss of life.
Falls are the most common preventable cause of injury and death in care homes, so understandably, we talk a great deal about falls prevention in care settings. While physical activity is a key strategy for falls prevention to improve strength and balance, an often-underestimated strategy operates in the background of everyday life: the food and drink being served. Proper hydration and nutrition are critical.
The Power of Protein
Calcium, vitamin D, and protein play important roles in muscle and bone strength. Calcium supports bone strength and mineralisation; vitamin D improves calcium absorption and supports muscle strength and balance; and protein is the foundation of muscle strength, which is fundamental for balance.
After the age of 65, protein needs increase significantly - by up to 50% compared to younger adults. Older people need at least 1 to 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day which for most people translates to roughly 70 to 90g daily.
When residents do not consume enough protein, their muscles weaken. The margin between walking confidently and losing footing becomes much smaller. Not only are they at a higher risk of falling, but residents who are protein and calcium-deficient are at far greater risk of fracture if they do fall. Hip fractures alone cost the NHS approximately £2 billion per year, and around 20% of hip fracture patients enter long-term care within the first year following their injury.
One of the biggest challenges we face is that, at this age, appetite decreases, and the portions people can comfortably eat become smaller. For catering teams, it’s not just about understanding the importance of these nutrients, because most already do, but about delivering enough of them in smaller, more palatable portions, within menus that residents enjoy. This requires strategic thinking as well as nutritional awareness.
At White Oaks, this has led us to rethink our protein and calcium sources. An example of where we’ve altered our menus to meet this need is the introduction of venison. Venison provides around 22g of protein per 100g, is naturally lean, rich in iron and B vitamins, and significantly lower in saturated fat than equivalent cuts of beef.
What works well here is that venison is not an unfamiliar ingredient. It works beautifully in the dishes residents already love, such as stews, pies, mince-based meals, and lasagne. Rather than asking residents to adapt to ‘new’ food, we are improving the nutritional value of the meals they already look forward to, and feedback from our residents has been excellent.
For calcium, we factor in nutrient-dense desserts, such as rice pudding and cheesecake, and always having cheese and biscuits available - it doesn’t need to be fancy. Fortified milk or milkshake with skim powder provides extra protein and calcium, and it's a source of fluid too!
The Hidden Epidemic of Dehydration
While nutrition is often under-discussed, dehydration is often invisible and a major contributor to falls in older people.
Along with a reduced appetite, the body's thirst mechanism also becomes less sensitive with age. Residents may be clinically dehydrated without feeling thirsty at all. Over 65, the target is to drink 3 to 3.5 pints of fluids per day. But if thirst has declined and drinks are repetitive or uninspiring, intake can quickly drop well below what the body needs to function safely.
The consequences are serious and mimic other conditions. Dehydration causes confusion, dizziness and fatigue - all of which dramatically increase fall risk. It also contributes to urinary tract infections, which in older adults frequently present not with obvious symptoms but with sudden disorientation and unsteadiness. Residents can be admitted to the hospital following a fall that was, at its root, caused by not drinking enough water.
For catering and care teams, the response must be proactive rather than reactive. Structured drink rounds, variety in what is offered, and an appreciation that all fluids - including soups, juicy fruits, teas, coffee, smoothies - can meaningfully shift daily intake. Encouraging residents to keep hydrated to the level they need requires deliberate effort and creativity.
A Nuanced Approach
Older adults are not one single group. Needs, priorities and goals vary significantly depending on the setting.
In care homes, the focus must be restorative: high-protein, calorie-dense foods served in smaller, more frequent portions. Hydration needs to be built into the structure of the day, not left to chance.
In more independent living environments, the approach shifts towards the preventative. Here, the goal is sustaining health over the long term: adequate protein and fibre, heart-healthy fats, calcium and vitamin D, and the dignity of choosing what and when to eat.
What cuts across both settings is enjoyment. If food and drink are not enjoyed, they are not consumed. The most carefully designed menu in the world is pointless if the food and drink is left untouched. This is where creativity and versatility are key.
The Cost of Fragility
The NHS spends enormous sums responding to falls. Ambulance services attend around 700,000 calls from older people who have fallen each year, and emergency admissions top 220,000 annually for the over-65s. The total cost of fragility fractures in the UK is estimated at £4.4 billion per year. Much of this is preventable.
Of course, not all of this can be avoided through nutrition and hydration changes, but they have a critical role to play. Catering decisions made in care home kitchens can have long-term consequences that reach hospitals and long-term care placements.
The conversation about falls prevention must become one about what we put on the table. Great food and drink are at the heart of great care - it brings not just nutrition, hydration and improved health, but also comfort, joy and a sense of community to residents every day. The importance of good food and drink should never be underestimated.
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.
AVE partners with independent living facility to optimise supply chain
Procurement and consultancy specialists, Added Value Enterprises (AVE), are set to support an independent living facility to optimise its supply chain.
As part of the company’s expansion into the care sector, AVE has partnered with Eastbank Court and Lodge in Worcestershire, a gated development of 79 one- and two-bed apartments exclusively for over-65s.
The AVE team will utilise their extensive network of food and non-food suppliers to ensure the retirement facility is able to access the highest quality products at affordable prices.
Allan Peart, Head of New Business, said: “We are delighted to be working with the team at Eastbank Court and Lodge. It is a truly stunning gated development which offers over-65s the independence of living in their own home, a wide range of social activities, and the peace of mind of knowing support is close at hand if needed.
“I was really impressed when I visited the Eastbank development, and it’s great to be able to help them improve even further by optimising their supply chain. We’ll be working with them to ensure all of the food and non-food products they need meet their quality requirements while also keeping costs reasonable.
“Whilst we have clients up and down the UK, we are headquartered in Worcestershire ourselves so it’s lovely to be partnering with another thriving county business!”
Eastbank Court manager Nicki Ratcliffe added: “We are delighted to be working with the AVE team. They listened to what we wanted to achieve and then helped us do exactly that. They supported us through the change process and have constantly checked in with us along the way. Ultimately, they are a great fit for our business because they have a tailored approach. We are looking forward to working with them on other projects."
Established in 2021, AVE has grown by an impressive 225% in the past 12 months and scaled its headcount to 25 – with a significant portion of this growth having been concentrated within the care sector. In addition to sustainable purchasing and outsourced finance solutions, AVE provides nutritional consultancy – with its ISO 9001 accreditation showcasing its high standards and commitment to ethical sourcing, smarter purchasing and long-term value for clients.
Visit https://a-v-e.com for more information
Britannic and Vocala launch UK’s First Alexa Smart Voice and Telephony Solution
Transforming Adult Social Care and Connecting Residents
Britannic Technologies, a leading provider of business communications, and Vocala, a smart properties solutions provider, today announced the UK’s first Amazon Alexa smart voice and telephony solution, NetX SmartLink™ for two-way calls with an identifiable UK number, through an exclusive partnership agreement.
Previously, calls from fleet managed Alexa devices appeared as unidentifiable US numbers and could not be linked to a resident, room, or property record. There was also no way for a landline or mobile to call into the Alexa device directly, and any outbound calls could not be returned.
Now with NetX SmartLink™, Amazon’s WebRTC calls are converted to SIP calls via Britannic’s NetX SIP platform, assigning each device with a dedicated UK number (DDI) where two-way calls can integrate directly with contact centres, call management systems, and alarm receiving centres, with no additional software required.
Residents can now make and receive secure, trusted and identifiable calls from Alexa, enabling call management, continuity of care, and seamless connection to the services they need.
Transforming Resident Care
Councils put residents first, continually striving to enable proactive, personalised care in supported living and care home environments, aiming to support residents’ independent living.
The NetX SmartLink™ solution combines Vocala's fleet-managed Alexa devices and custom voice skills with Britannic's telephony expertise to deliver a voice-activated intuitive solution where residents don't have to navigate apps or learn a new technology. Connecting residents to friends and family, helping them stay in touch regularly and avoid isolation. Age UK (2024) revealed that 7% of people aged 65+ are often lonely and 3% often go a week without speaking to a friend or family member.
It also acts as a virtual companion so residents can ask it to play their favourite song, listen to the news, the radio, or an audiobook, or even play games. As a virtual PA, it can deliver reminders about medication or appointments and enable residents to report a maintenance issue without picking up a phone.
It is not a replacement for certified telecare systems but provides an additional, accessible method of communication through hands-free voice activation using Alexa's far-field microphones and speakers to enable residents to connect to the people and services they require.
Eases the Pressures
Councils are always under pressure to do more with less and the NetX SmartLink™ solution streamlines daily communication tasks and reduces unnecessary burden on care staff. Supporting the sector's shift from reactive to proactive care without increasing operational overhead.
"We are excited to bring the NetX SmartLink™, the UK's first Alexa two-way calling solution with DDIs, to market. Combining Vocala's voice and smart device expertise with Britannic's telephony capabilities to transform adult social care, empower independent living and help residents stay connected to the people and services they need," said Rob Stanbridge, Managing Director, Vocala.
£75,000 GRANT POWERS MORE ACTIVE LIVES FOR VETERANS AT BROUGHTON HOUSE
A five-figure grant is helping residents at Broughton House Veteran Care Village to enjoy more active and fulfilling lives, with boxing, gym workouts, arts and crafts, a cookery club and a choir among a growing leisure programme.
The Salford care home has been awarded £75,000 over three years by the Veterans’ Foundation to support the running costs of its wellbeing and activities team.
The grant has enabled Broughton House to employ Niamh Chebouli as a full-time activities team coordinator, working alongside specialist activity instructors and volunteers from the community to expand the range of sessions available at the care home.
As a result, residents can now take part in gym sessions three times a week, boxing, gentle chair aerobics and stretch-and-strengthen classes.
Creative and social options include arts and crafts, cookery, nature and walking clubs, a choir, meditation, bingo, quizzes, pamper sessions, medal-polishing, dog therapy and dementia-friendly games.
Jane Green, director of care at Broughton House, said:
“It’s hard to overstate the positive impact that our wellbeing and activities team is having on our residents’ quality of life.
“The sessions are proving hugely popular and help residents across the care home and independent living apartments to stay physically active and socially connected, while supporting cognitive wellbeing for those living with dementia.
“The breadth of activities made possible by this grant allows our residents to continue living life well, irrespective of the challenges that come with age.
“This grant builds on previous support from the Veterans’ Foundation, and we’re extremely grateful for the opportunities this latest funding has created.”
Broughton House resident Jean Mack, 93, who served in the Royal Navy and the Fleet Air Arm, has taken up boxing as part of her keep-fit routine.
Jean said: “I’d never previously put on a pair of boxing gloves in my life, but now I really look forward to putting them on and doing pad work. I really enjoy having a laugh and the interaction in the gym.”
Fellow resident Peter Hickson, 90, who served in the Royal Navy and later in the Territorial Army, also enjoys boxing alongside lifting weights and using the exercise machines.
“I’d never done boxing before but I can really feel myself getting stronger as time goes by,” he said.
“It’s given me a new challenge and keeps me motivated to stay active.”
The Veterans’ Foundation supports charities and organisations that assist serving and former members of the Armed Forces, and their dependants, who are in need. It raises money through the Veterans’ Lottery and donations.
Chief executive Jane Gurney said:
“We’re delighted to support Broughton House with a grant of £75,000 over three years to fund the wellbeing and activities team for residents.
“Wellbeing is at the heart of supporting veterans and their families, and Broughton House is leading the way in providing not just exceptional residential care, but also a vibrant, supportive environment through its pioneering village model.
“It’s inspiring to see such innovation in care for the Armed Forces community, and we’re proud to help them continue this vital work.”
Broughton House has cared for more than 8,000 veterans since it opened its doors to the ex-service community in 1916. It is the only home offering veteran-specific residential, nursing, specialist dementia and respite care in the north west.
Following redevelopment, it is now a 64-bed care home, with two 16-bed households dedicated to veterans with dementia and six independent living apartments.
£75,000 GRANT POWERS MORE ACTIVE LIVES FOR VETERANS AT BROUGHTON HOUSE
A five-figure grant is helping residents at Broughton House Veteran Care Village to enjoy more active and fulfilling lives, with boxing, gym workouts, arts and crafts, a cookery club and a choir among a growing leisure programme.
The Salford care home has been awarded £75,000 over three years by the Veterans’ Foundation to support the running costs of its wellbeing and activities team.
The grant has enabled Broughton House to employ Niamh Chebouli as a full-time activities team coordinator, working alongside specialist activity instructors and volunteers from the community to expand the range of sessions available at the care home.
As a result, residents can now take part in gym sessions three times a week, boxing, gentle chair aerobics and stretch-and-strengthen classes.
Creative and social options include arts and crafts, cookery, nature and walking clubs, a choir, meditation, bingo, quizzes, pamper sessions, medal-polishing, dog therapy and dementia-friendly games.
Jane Green, director of care at Broughton House, said: “It’s hard to overstate the positive impact that our wellbeing and activities team is having on our residents’ quality of life.
“The sessions are proving hugely popular and help residents across the care home and independent living apartments to stay physically active and socially connected, while supporting cognitive wellbeing for those living with dementia.
“The breadth of activities made possible by this grant allows our residents to continue living life well, irrespective of the challenges that come with age.
“This grant builds on previous support from the Veterans’ Foundation, and we’re extremely grateful for the opportunities this latest funding has created.”
Broughton House resident Jean Mack, 93, who served in the Royal Navy and the Fleet Air Arm, has taken up boxing as part of her keep-fit routine.
Jean said: “I’d never previously put on a pair of boxing gloves in my life, but now I really look forward to putting them on and doing pad work. I really enjoy having a laugh and the interaction in the gym.”
Fellow resident Peter Hickson, 90, who served in the Royal Navy and later in the Territorial Army, also enjoys boxing alongside lifting weights and using the exercise machines.
“I’d never done boxing before but I can really feel myself getting stronger as time goes by,” he said.
“It’s given me a new challenge and keeps me motivated to stay active.”
The Veterans’ Foundation supports charities and organisations that assist serving and former members of the Armed Forces, and their dependants, who are in need. It raises money through the Veterans’ Lottery and donations.
Chief executive Jane Gurney said: “We’re delighted to support Broughton House with a grant of £75,000 over three years to fund the wellbeing and activities team for residents.
“Wellbeing is at the heart of supporting veterans and their families, and Broughton House is leading the way in providing not just exceptional residential care, but also a vibrant, supportive environment through its pioneering village model.
“It’s inspiring to see such innovation in care for the Armed Forces community, and we’re proud to help them continue this vital work.”
Broughton House has cared for more than 8,000 veterans since it opened its doors to the ex-service community in 1916. It is the only home offering veteran-specific residential, nursing, specialist dementia and respite care in the north west.
Following redevelopment, it is now a 64-bed care home, with two 16-bed households dedicated to veterans with dementia and six independent living apartments.