Meallmore Confirms 30th Care Home with Eaglesham House Development
Scotland’s leading provider of older person and specialist care, Meallmore, is set to open its 30th care home in spring 2027.
Located in Clarkston, East Renfrewshire, Eaglesham House Care Home will provide personalised nursing care and support for 50 people, including those with dementia and its related conditions.
The purpose-built, state-of-the-art care home will feature a range of amenities including private ensuite bedrooms, a cinema room, hair salon and champagne bar, all thoughtfully designed for residents to relax, socialise and enjoy everyday life.
Once open, Eaglesham House will provide in the region of 80 full-time equivalent jobs in a variety of roles, including nurses, care assistants, services team members, administrators, and managers. Recruitment for these roles will commence in September.
Built on the former grounds of Greenbank Church, the opening of Eaglesham House represents a £15m investment by Meallmore to the local community, supporting continued investment in local facilities. The development forms part of a wider approach to creating high-quality care homes that respond to Scotland’s ageing population and the growing need for modern care services.
Eaglesham House is Meallmore’s 30th care home in Scotland, and ninth within the Greater Glasgow and West Scotland region.
Earlier this year, Meallmore was named in the Top 20 Large Care Home Groups across the UK for the first time and is recognised for excellent standards of care for its residents, including those living with dementia.
Cillian Hennessey, CEO at Meallmore said:
“Eaglesham House is a fantastic addition to our care home portfolio. This modern, luxury home will be finished to the highest standards and is designed for people who want to live well, with the reassurance of expert 24-hour nursing care and support around them. It will provide a safe, comfortable and homely environment for residents, where they can feel part of a warm community. Our experience from managing eight other homes in this region of Scotland means we are very well-equipped with knowledge of the area and will look to continue building strong connections with local members of the public and community groups.
“We’re very proud to be opening what will be our 30th care home and look forward to welcoming residents to Eaglesham House next year.”
Meallmore currently operates 27 homes across Scotland: 21 for older people, five for adults with mental health needs and one for adults with learning or physical disability. Along with Eaglesham House, two other new homes are nearing completion, which will provide services for elderly people in Aberdeen City and Broughty Ferry.
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.
BARCHESTER HEALTHCARE RAISES OVER £64,000 FOR CHARITY
For the fifth consecutive year, colleagues from Barchester Healthcare’s care homes and hospitals have tackled the Tour de Barchester, a gruelling 200 mile cycling challenge, all in the name of charity. Their aim was to raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation which supports older people and other adults living with a disability or a mental health condition by helping them to connect or re-connect with others in their local communities.
Over four days in May a team of care home workers, suppliers and directors cycled across Barchester’s North East & Scotland Division from Thurso to Glasgow via Inverness, Dundee and Edinburgh calling at 16 care homes and a support office to meet well-wishers, have a well-earned break and refuel before continuing on their way. They were joined and supported by suppliers, sponsors, staff members and residents from different homes and teams as the Tour passed through. Representatives from local groups and charities that had recently received funding from the Foundation were also invited to join in the celebrations.
Shona Conway, Foundation Trustee, Tour de Barchester Organiser and team cyclist, said: “I am delighted to say that so far this year through our corporate sponsors and with the help of all our services supporting us we have raised a staggering £64,000 which is just wonderful and money is still coming in. I am so proud and so grateful to all the homes and colleagues that welcomed us en route and helped us fundraise. I also have to say a massive thank you to our superb support crew who are absolute legends and to our very generous corporate sponsors, without them Tour de Barchester wouldn’t be able to happen.”
Chair of Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, Chief Commercial Officer and Tour de Barchester team cyclist, Simon McCall, commented: “Everyone knows that the Tour is my favourite week of the year. It is an absolute pleasure and a privilege to get out on the open road, visit our wonderful homes and meet our fantastic residents, patients and teams to witness first hand all the crazy things they are getting up to in the name of charity. Being in the Highlands this year we had lots of bagpipes, kilts and Scottish dancing, my absolute highlight was the sensational wheelchair Scottish dancing with the residents at our Fordmill care home in Montrose, that was outstanding but everywhere we went gave us such a warm welcome.
“We have raised a phenomenal amount again this year and it will be put to such good use supporting individuals, community groups and small charities, helping to connect people and combat loneliness which is what the Foundation is all about. Thank you to every single person involved, you are all absolute superstars. Here’s to the Tour 2027, we’re already planning!”
Oakbank Care Home's Nutty & Rusty Bring Smiles Across Crieff
Two larger-than-life squirrels have been causing quite a stir across Crieff recently, as Oakbank Care Home's beloved mascots, Nutty and Rusty, take to the streets to spread smiles and strengthen community connections.
Named by children from Ardvreck Primary School, the cheerful squirrel duo have been visiting local landmarks, businesses and community organisations, delighting residents and members of the public wherever they appear.
Their adventures have already taken them to Crieff Hydro, local GP practices, pharmacies, schools and workplaces throughout the area. They have even ventured further afield, recently visiting Elcho Castle near Perth, one of the historic castles that inspires the names of Oakbank's seven resident communities.
The squirrels have also enjoyed some star-studded encounters along the way, including meeting members of Scottish music legends Deacon Blue, while Rusty recently took the helm of a canal boat during a visit with Seagull Trust Cruises on the Union Canal in Falkirk.
The initiative was created to celebrate Oakbank Care Home's strong links with the local community while bringing moments of fun, conversation and connection to people of all ages. Residents have been following the squirrels' adventures closely and sharing in the excitement.
Elma, a resident at Oakbank, said: "Rusty and Nutty bring warmth, fun and a little bit of magic wherever they go."
Jeanette added: "They may be ‘little’ squirrels, but they have brought huge smiles to Oakbank."
Margaret Ann Gavin, Home Manager at Oakbank Care Home, said: "We are incredibly proud to be part of the Crieff community. Nutty and Rusty have become wonderful ambassadors for friendship, kindness and community spirit. It has been fantastic to see the positive reactions from people of all ages and the conversations their visits have sparked."
Local residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for Nutty and Rusty as their adventures continue throughout the summer, with more surprise appearances planned across Perthshire. At the end of June, one lucky participant will be randomly selected from all tagged photographs and interactions to receive a special gift from Oakbank Care Home.
For more information on Oakbank Care Home please visit www.oakbankcare.co.uk
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.”
CMA publishes Welltower decision: Legal comment
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has proposed to accept remedies offered after publishing its decision into Welltower’s purchase of more than 600 UK care homes.
It said the undertakings by Welltower Inc. and Apex Healthcare Properties LLC might be accepted following its phase one investigation into a series of transactions involving properties operated by providers including Barchester Healthcare, HC-One, Aria Care and Danforth Care.
The decision was given on 21 May 2026, with the full text published on 27 May 2026. The CMA had previously decided on 7 May 2026 that each of the four transactions constituted a relevant merger situation and that each has resulted, or may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition in one or more markets in the United Kingdom, identifying competition concerns in 30 local areas across England and Scotland.
Matthew Woodford, Partner and Head of Competition at Browne Jacobson, said: “The CMA's formal decision that undertakings might be accepted confirms the regulator believes competition concerns in this complex set of transactions are capable of resolution at phase one rather than requiring a full phase two inquiry.
“The use of a 35% bed capacity threshold in local areas will serve as an important reference point for investors and operators structuring transactions in local markets where concentration is already high. Being alert to the possible use of this threshold from the outset of any transaction will be essential going forward.”
Vicky Tomlinson, Partner and Corporate Health Lead at Browne Jacobson, said: “The CMA's publication of the formal undertakings decision provides considerably more detail on how the regulator has approached these closely watched healthcare transactions.
“What is particularly notable is the dual focus on both ownership-level competition and operator-level competition as separate theories of harm. The CMA has treated the relationship between real estate ownership and operational influence as a distinct competition question in its own right, which has implications for how future transactions involving institutional landlords and care operators are structured.
“The inclusion of the Apex undertaking, preventing re-entry into operator arrangements at the reallocated homes, signals that the CMA is alive to the risk of competition concerns through contractual arrangements following a structural remedy. Investors and landlords will need to think carefully about how their ongoing commercial arrangements may affect resident choice, pricing and quality of care.
“The upfront buyer condition is also significant. The CMA will only accept the proposed undertakings once Welltower has entered into an agreement with a nominated buyer that the CMA considers suitable, and the CMA will consult publicly on the suitability of each nominated buyer before acceptance. This means that prospective acquirers of divestment homes will need to demonstrate credibility, operational experience and regulatory standing as part of that process — and should begin preparing now.
“The CMA has until 21 July 2026 to decide whether to accept the undertakings, with the possibility to extend this deadline to 17 September 2026 if there are special reasons for doing so. If no undertakings are ultimately accepted, the mergers will be referred for a phase two investigation.
“We will continue to monitor developments closely and advise clients as the consultation process unfolds.”
Remedies offered following CMA investigation
During the investigation, Welltower proposed undertakings comprising:
- The divestment of its freehold or leasehold interests in, and the operations of, certain care homes currently operated under a RIDEA structure (the freehold and leasehold divestments) to address concerns around ownership-level competition.
- The reallocation of operators at certain care homes (the Operator Reallocations) to address concerns around local operator competition.
- A separate undertaking from Apex that it will not re-enter into any operator contracts in relation to the reallocated homes.
Under the freehold and leasehold divestments, Welltower has also offered an upfront buyer condition, meaning it must enter into a purchase agreement with a CMA-approved buyer before the CMA will finally accept the proposed undertakings.
The investigation is widely regarded as a landmark case for how the CMA approaches complex healthcare transactions involving institutional investors, landlords and operators.
Aberdeen care home leading the way with innovative approach to resident care
Woodlands Care Home has introduced a series of evidence-based initiatives, combining research, technology and staff training to deliver measurable improvements in care.
One of its most notable innovations is the introduction of a caffeine-free environment for residents. The approach was developed in line with current academic research and the NHS Happy Bladder Campaign.
Staff carried out a six-month improvement cycle, beginning with a small pilot group before gradually rolling the change out across the home. Drinks were transitioned to caffeine-free options over a three-month period to ensure there were no adverse effects, while still allowing residents to opt in to caffeinated drinks if they wished.
Since introducing the ‘De-Caff by Default’ initiative, the home has reported a number of positive outcomes, including reduced falls, fewer urinary tract infections, improved sleep quality and a decrease in stress-related behaviours. There has also been a reduction in the use of certain medications, including those used to manage high blood pressure.
The success of the project has led to it being shared with other healthcare professionals, with adoption now growing across the city and in other services.
Alongside this, the home has embraced new technology to enhance care for residents who may struggle to communicate pain. The AI-based PainChek tool analyses facial expressions in a matter of seconds, helping staff to assess pain levels more accurately - particularly for those living with dementia.
While it does not replace clinical judgement, the system supports decision-making and has helped staff distinguish between distress and unreported pain. Its use has contributed to a reduction in antipsychotic and sedative medications, while also supporting palliative and end-of-life care. The technology can identify patterns in pain, inform medication timing and provide valuable information for GP reviews.
Woodlands Care Home has also introduced regular “Herbert Protocol” drills to strengthen resident safety. The protocol itself is widely used across care settings to respond quickly if a vulnerable person goes missing, but the home has taken the additional step of routinely practising it.
The drills involve coordinated searches of the building and surrounding area within a set timeframe, ensuring staff are fully prepared in the event of a real incident. Inspectors from the Care Inspectorate said they had not seen this approach used elsewhere and requested permission to share it more widely as an example of best practice. The home has since been referenced during inspections at other services, including in Edinburgh.
Home Manager Lesley Stewart comments “At Woodlands Care Home, we are always looking for ways to improve the quality of life for our residents through thoughtful, evidence-based care. Whether that’s introducing our ‘De-Caff by Default’ initiative, embracing innovative technology like PainChek, or strengthening safety procedures through regular Herbert Protocol drills, every decision we make is centred around resident wellbeing, dignity and comfort.
“What makes me especially proud is the commitment and compassion shown by our team every day. Having a stable, experienced workforce allows us to build meaningful relationships with residents and continually develop new ways of delivering outstanding care. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact these initiatives are having, not only within our own home, but across the wider care sector as well.”
A stable and experienced workforce underpins the home’s success, with no use of agency staff in the past three years. This consistency has helped build strong relationships and maintain high standards of care.
The home’s achievements have also been reflected in its most recent Care Inspectorate report, where it received top grades of 6.
Together, these initiatives are helping to position Woodlands Care Home as a leader in innovative, person-centred care in the north-east.
Newton Mearns Care Home Makes Wishes Come True
A Newton Mearns care home is making residents’ dreams come true, with the introduction of a Wishing Tree.
The activities team at Mearns House Care Home introduced the Wishing Tree at the start of the year, following ideas and feedback from meetings with residents.
Every resident has the chance to write down a wish, such as favourite activity, a trip out, a special meal, or reconnecting with a hobby, and place it on the tree. Throughout the year, the Mearns House team is selecting one or two wishes each month to make come true. All wishes are reviewed and approved to make sure they’re safe and achievable, then the team works together to bring them to life.
Over the last few months, residents have gone from the sea to the skies as their dreams have become a reality.
One of the first to have their wishes granted was Ian McNaught. Ian’s wish was to visit Deep Sea World, and he chose his friend Donald to share the experience with him. Ian and Donald explored the wonders beneath the waves, taking in all the marine life. A highlight of the day was a show and tell session, where they learned more about the animals up close, followed by the much-loved seal show.
Speaking about the experience, Ian said:
“I’ve always loved fishing and being by the sea, so getting the chance to visit Deep Sea World and see all the fish up close meant so much to me. The trip to North Queensferry was really special, and it’s a day I’ll never forget.”
Another special occasion was for Joan McCallum, Maureen Orr and Isobel Campbell who went for a visit to Ingliston Country Club to enjoy a horse tour together. With the Grand National taking place on the same day, the experience was extra special, bringing an added sense of excitement and atmosphere to the outing.
Following the animal theme, Alistair Mitchell, John Ferguson and Donald Mack wished to learn more about birds of prey. They took a trip to Strathblane Birds of Prey, where instructor, Graham, shared his knowledge and enthusiasm with them, before the gents had the opportunity to hold and fly the birds.
John said: “Seeing the birds of prey up close was a truly unforgettable experience and one that I’ll always remember with great happiness.”
While many of the wishes have included excursions, others have been focused on hobbies closer to home. John is also a proud member of the Queen’s Park Camera Club and has spent a lifetime capturing the world through his camera. For his wish, he requested the time to share his photo slides with others at Mearns House, inviting the team and residents to experience the world through his eyes.
John said:
“Photography has always been a huge passion of mine, especially through my camera club, so having the chance to capture such amazing moments made the day incredibly special for me.”
Resident, Donald joined the session and explained: “He has a terrific sense of colour… watching the slides makes me want to go to the places he’s photographed.”
The tree will stay up all year round, so new residents will always have the opportunity to take part, and everyone will continue to be included.
Kirsty Craig, Care Home Manager at Mearns House said:
“The Wishing Tree is something really special that we’ve introduced at the heart of our home. We invite every resident and their loved ones to take part - if there is something they’ve always wanted to do, see, taste, try, or experience, we suggest they write it down and place it on our tree. We love celebrating the passions, talents and life stories of the people who live with us, so getting to learn more about their wishes and then getting to make some of those come true is wonderful.
“This activity is all about creating joy, sharing experiences, and making meaningful memories together. It’s brought a real excitement to the home this year, and while not all residents get to take part in every wish, we all get to share the joy in hearing about it and discussing what we’ll do next. The activities team have done an incredible job creating this initiative and then working out how to make dreams come true – well done to all of them for their hard work and fairy dust!”
Mearns House is run by one of Scotland’s most trusted providers of elderly and specialist care, Meallmore Ltd. Last month, Meallmore was named in the Top 20 Large Care Home Groups across the UK for the first time and is recognised for excellent standards of care for its residents, including those living with dementia.
Celebrating its 40th year in business this year, Meallmore currently operates 27 homes across Scotland: 21 for older people, five for adults with mental health needs and one for adults with learning or physical disability. Three new homes are in development, which will provide services for elderly people in Aberdeen City, Broughty Ferry and Clarkston.
Completion of New Perth Care Home Enhances Local Care Provision
A new, purpose-built care home has officially been completed on the site of the former Hillside Hospital in Perth, transforming the area into a modern residence designed to meet the growing care needs of the local community.
Delivered by Morrison Community Care Group in partnership with CCG (Scotland), ‘Kingfisher House’ offers 24/7 residential, nursing, and dementia care services for people aged 65 and over.
The development features private en-suite bedrooms, a hair salon, a cinema, a visitor café, and living spaces offering panoramic views across the city.
Externally, a putting green and high-quality landscaped grounds are also provided, all aimed at enhancing residents’ quality of life.
Kingfisher House is part of a wider development programme between Morrison Community Care and CCG, which has delivered over 500 bed spaces across Scotland since 2017 and will deliver a further 110 beds by summer 2027.
Paul Sokhi, Managing Director of Morrison Community Care, said:
“We are delighted to mark the completion of Kingfisher House. This residence not only meets the immediate care needs of the community but also establishes a new benchmark for elderly care accommodation in the city and will create a wider positive impact by supporting up to 100 jobs.
“We are extremely proud to contribute to the local economy and enhance the quality of life for residents, and I give thanks to our much-valued contractor, CCG, and design team partners Holmes Miller, CRGP Surveyors, Cowal Design and Design Me for their efforts.”
David Wylie, Managing Director of CCG (Scotland), added:
“The completion of Kingfisher House marks another significant milestone in our partnership with Morrison Community Care. Despite the site’s steep, complex topography, strong collaboration between our in-house divisions and supply chain partners enabled us to deliver the project efficiently while maintaining quality standards.
“CCG remains committed to delivering modern, sustainable care facilities that not only meet today’s needs but also support the future of Scotland’s ageing population.”
From Layout to Lifestyle: Care UK’s Blueprint for Better Care Home Design
Interior design plays a far greater role in care homes than many realise. Care UK’s Sophia Wolsey Hurst explains how it shapes daily life, comfort and connection for residents.
A rewarding Process
When asked about the most rewarding part of her job, Sophia is clear: “Design is a long process, but when a home is completed, you finally get to see your vision come to life. The best part of that is seeing a resident move in and see them enjoy and interact with what you’ve created. To have designed a space that they and their loved ones feel at home and safe in, and a place where they can find joy, is really special. It’s what drives the design team to create the best environment possible.”
A tailored Approach
Care UK’s small but mighty team of interior designers are responsible for supporting not only new build homes, but also refurbishments of existing homes across England, Scotland and Wales, some of which have been with the provider since the 1980s.
The team recognise that each care home is individual and needs to be treated as such. Every new-build care home is inspired by the local area, helping residents feel a sense of familiarity from the minute they move into their new home. For example, a newly-opened care home in Southampton, The Wickets, is inspired by the county’s cricket scene. This theme is present throughout, particularly in the artwork, where specifically sourced images and 3D elements, including an old Hampshire cricket ball, bat, and wickets, are on display. These encourage conversations between residents, their loved ones and carers on a daily basis.
Collaboration at the Core
The designers work closely with the construction and development teams, but just as importantly, they engage operational colleagues by sharing plans from the outset. This collaborative approach helps them understand the practical needs of residents and colleagues, enabling them to shape thoughtfully designed spaces that support everyday living.
Inspired Designs
A welcoming impression is key in all Care UK homes, which is why the team take inspiration from the hospitality sector for key parts of their design. “You want someone to greet you straight away at a friendly but official front desk”, Sophia explains, “and then you want everything else to feel homely, not sterile and neutral, as has sometimes been the case with care homes.”
The team loves using texture and colour in their designs and is always looking for new inspiration, from their natural surroundings and, often, from bars, restaurants and hotels, which can inspire the cinema rooms, in-house pubs and bars, dining rooms or lounges at Care UK homes. The team always want to try different things: “this can range from designing a new piece of furniture, to simply re-colouring a pattern on a curtain fabric!” Sophia says.
Interior design is also moving on, the team notes. The post-war themes that have regularly been present in care homes are being updated for today’s residents, ensuring that artwork and accessories feel dynamic and engaging: shifting the dynamic towards familiar references from the 1970s and 1980s.
Functionality in Design
Functionality is a key consideration in any care home design and, as a result, bespoke joinery has become a significant part of the design process. From TV units, to the bar and its surroundings, and even built-in bookcases – the team must ensure the items are suitable and accessible for residents and colleagues to use, all whilst remaining aesthetically pleasing.
The team is also moving towards a more functional approach to dementia suites, experimenting with how to keep residents safe whilst they engage with familiar hobbies. Where non-operational sewing machines and typewriters have previously been on display to evoke residents’ memories, there are ongoing discussions about replacing such items with usable, tactile objects. Artwork is changing too, a cluster of vintage holiday posters asks the question “where have you visited on holiday?”, all of which benefit conversation and reminiscence.
Common challenges, particularly in older care homes, are a lack of day space. The three interior designers at Care UK, Sophia, Sarah Mossman and Katharine Shea, prioritise the creation and design of these new spaces wherever they can. Within dementia suites, they recognise that the need for additional spaces, such as a ‘quiet lounge’ or a space for care sessions, is crucial. In a recent refurbishment at Blossomfield Grange in Solihull, the team added an extra dining room to the dementia suite, helping residents enjoy calmer mealtimes.
Designing Suitability
There’s a lot to consider on dementia floors. Within the décor, strong patterns are avoided, and items must be carefully selected to ensure sufficient contrast between furniture, flooring, and walls, enabling residents to easily identify seating. Throughout the corridors, handrails will contrast with the wall colours, aiding with residents’ orientation, mobility and independence.
As well as innovative, personalised design, the team know that it is important for their work to speak to customers. Recently, they’ve worked with Care UK’s digital marketing team and Imagineer to create virtual marketing suite tours that walk you through all upcoming new-build homes in 3D. This will not only help relatives explore the intricacies of the design prior to the home’s completion, but will, most importantly, allow potential residents to familiarise themselves with their new home.
Sustainability at the Core
In keeping with Care UK’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship, the design team champions sustainable suppliers. During refurbishments, they will work with Shackletons to recycle furniture that the home no longer needs. Repurposed materials play a central role across our new builds and refurbishments; curtain and upholstery fabrics are made from recycled plastic bottles, and carpets are woven with reused fibres.
“Our job isn’t complete until residents feel at home. It’s a privilege to work on something as important as this.”