Case study: You & I Care streamlines operations across three counties using Access Care software
You & I Care is an award-winning home care provider operating across Essex, Surrey, and Hertfordshire. With a mission to consistently provide safe, effective and compassionate care, building a responsive and well-led service that prioritises the well-being of service users, the organisation has built a digital-first care model with person-centred care at its heart.
A key enabler of this model is its long-standing relationship with The Access Group, a care sector software provider whose technology supports the operational and compliance needs of You & I Care.
Digital partnership rooted in service user needs
For Lausa Biragi, Founder and Director of You & I Care, the motivation behind this partnership is clear: “We are digital-first because our focus must always be the service user. The less time we spend on admin, the more time we have to care – and care well.”
You & I Care has worked with The Access Group for eight years, using their full suite of care-specific software (excluding HR).
These tools support every element of care provision: from rostering and care planning to compliance, payroll and communications. Importantly, these systems centralise key data, reduce manual entry, and provide carers and managers with real-time access to essential information. This gives more time back to teams – time that is redirected to those receiving care.
Time saved is care gained
PeoplePlanner has proven critical in achieving this. As a multi-functional system that combines employee, client and funder management with planning, finance and real-time monitoring, the software simplifies complex processes. Managers gain an instant overview of operations, and carers benefit from immediate access to their schedules and care notes – even while on the move.
“The tools help us to be agile, proactive, comprehensive and consistent,” said Lausa. “Digitally enabled care means we can act early when a service user’s needs change, make faster decisions, and spend more time on what matters – building relationships and delivering high-quality care.”
The impact extends beyond internal efficiencies. By reducing time spent on administrative and back-office tasks, You & I Care has been able to limit cost increases for service users and pass on savings to its workforce, helping to support its goal of equitable care for all.
Equity and excellence in home care
Equity is a principle embedded across all You & I Care services. From driving to recruit more UK-based staff with cultural alignment, to tailoring care plans for individual preferences, the organisation strives to offer consistent quality regardless of postcode or pay bracket.
Digital tools support this by standardising processes and documentation, ensuring all clients receive the same level of attention and care planning regardless of their circumstances.
For example, Access Care Planning allows staff to keep the individual at the centre of the care journey – offering mobile access to digitised care plans and real-time updates. This facilitates seamless transitions between carers, clearer family communication, and timely responses to evolving care needs.
Anisa Byrne, Managing Director at Access Care, comments “We're delighted to support You & I Care in their digital transformation journey. Their commitment to person-centred care aligns perfectly with our mission to give care providers the freedom to focus on what matters most - delivering exceptional care. We look forward to continuing our partnership, ensuring their care professionals have the tools they need to deliver compassionate, high-quality care.”
Facing sector challenges with a strong digital foundation
COVID-19 magnified the importance of flexibility and digital infrastructure. As a business already operating digitally, You & I Care adapted quickly to remote reporting and mobile recordkeeping. Today, these systems remain in place and continue to support hybrid working, staff wellbeing and improved care continuity.
Amid ongoing recruitment challenges in the sector, tools such as Access Screening have also streamlined safer hiring practices and improved compliance, helping to address workforce shortages without compromising on standards.
The partnership between You & I Care and The Access Group demonstrates how digital systems can elevate home care delivery – not by replacing the human touch, but by reinforcing it.
With a shared commitment to quality and innovation, both organisations are helping to shape a future where care is always equitable, responsive and person-centred.
Luton Care Home Witching The Local Community A Happy Halloween
Luton Care Home Witching The Local Community A Happy Halloween
On the creepiest night of the year - All Hallows Eve - there will be a Hocus Pocus range of spooky goings on at Little Bramingham Farm, the Luton-based residential care home run by charity, Friends of the Elderly, as the care team and residents will be hosting an enchanted community Halloween Spooktacular.
On Friday 31st October from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Little Bramingham Farm will transform into a bewitching, festival of frights, which will send chills even through the ghosts of Luton’s Someries Castle.
“Our Halloween Spooktacular is going to be an ‘errie-sistable’, ‘fang-tastic’ community event,” said Emma Lawrance, the Registered Manager at Little Bramingham Farm. “The residents adore celebrating Halloween, so we thought it would be a ‘fang-bulous’ idea to invite our local community to join us for a ‘Happy Howl-oween’ party.”
Emma and her team will ‘Let the Ghoul Times Roll’ with a cauldron filled with lots of activities for a frightfully fun time. “There will be a wide range of ‘terror-ific’ things for everyone to take part in and enjoy,” said Karen Charity, Little Bramingham Farm’s Activities Coordinator. “There will be Halloween arts and crafts, our very own haunted ‘Photo Boo-th’ and a spookily, spellbinding magic show by Krisgar (aka Chris Garside), one of Bedfordshire’s most sorcering Magicians.”
“We also have an extra ‘fang-tabulous’ special guest joining us,” continued Emma. “Our very own Vampire – ‘Count Bramingham’ will be flying into to the care home to spend time with everyone.
“We are hoping he will bring his magic with him to cast a few spells and tell everyone how things are going back in Transylvania. The Count has said he’d love to see everybody in their creepiest and spookiest Halloween costumes and is especially looking forward to meeting any mini Vampires.”
However, the Beastly Bash doesn’t end there…..Susie's Tea Room - which is located in the care home's ‘boo-tiful’ gardens - will be open serving hot and cold drinks and an array of Halloween-themed, devilishly tasty goodies.
“The Little Bramingham Farm Halloween ‘Beyond The Grave Rave’ Spooktacular is open to everyone and only £1 to attend. It will be full of tricks, lots of treats and ‘eerie-sistible’ fun. So, if you’re fancy a ‘Friday Freak Night’, would like to ‘eat, drink and be scary’ this Halloween, come ‘fright’ this way – we look forward to ‘web-welcoming’ you to Little Bramingham Farm on 31st October,” concluded Emma.
Huntington care home opens dedicated 24/7 nursing community honouring residents’ legacy
In September, The Chase Care Home in Huntingdon officially unveiled its brand-new ‘nursing community’ which was marked by a celebratory launch event on Medway Road. The first of its kind in Huntingdon, the service provides round-the-clock nursing care alongside residential and dementia support; ensuring residents and their families have access to the highest level of care at all times.
A heartfelt moment came with the announcement that the new community will be dedicated to two of The Chase’s own residents, Angela Owen-Smith OBE and Sonja Allerton, both of whom devoted their lives to medicine before retirement. In recognition of their service, commemorative plaques have been placed within the community as lasting tributes to the wisdom, compassion, and the inspiration they brought to their medical careers.
This development enhances the already extensive residential and dementia care services at The Chase with the introduction of dedicated, 24/7 nursing support. The project was led by General Manager Jessa Avila, a registered nurse with decades of frontline medical experience. She reflected:
"When we created this nursing community, we wanted it to be built on genuine insight from those who have lived and breathed medical care. By working closely with nurses, doctors, and carers — including Angela and Sonja — we’ve been able to shape a service that truly puts best practice and compassion at its heart. I’m incredibly proud of our team and delighted we can now provide an even deeper level of support for residents and their families.”
Both Angela and Sonja were consulted during the design process for the floor to ensure their decades of medical expertise would shape how the service is run.
Angela, a doctor of acute medicine, began her career in rural Malaysia before returning to the UK. She later founded Dreamdrops, a Huntingdonshire charity providing support to families navigating hospital or home-based care. Her outstanding contributions earned her an OBE at Buckingham Palace, where she was awarded her OBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Sonja, who moved to the UK from Wolfsburg, Germany in 1949, worked in a sanatorium in Cambridge before becoming a nurse at the Royal Papworth Hospital. There, she assisted with the UK’s very first successful heart transplant operation, and went on to become a beloved mentor and role model for hundreds of young nurses.
Reflecting on the new nursing community, Connaught Care’s Chief Operating Officer Amanda Smith shares her thoughts:
"Having started my own journey in care as a carer, I know how much dedication, compassion and teamwork it takes to make a difference in someone’s life. That’s why opening this new nursing community at The Chase feels so special. I couldn’t be prouder of the team who brought this vision to life, and I know the community here in Huntingdon will feel its impact for years to come.”
The launch was attended by colleagues, residents, families, and local dignitaries. In her speech, the Mayor of Huntingdon Cllr Audrey McAdam praised the opening as a milestone for the town:
“This expansion is great news for Huntingdon. It means more career opportunities and progression for nurses locally. It means stronger support for our hospitals, working hand in hand to meet the growing needs of our community. And it means that families right here in Huntingdon can be assured that their loved ones will receive the very best care, in a beautiful environment, from highly trained professionals they know and trust.”
The Chase’s new nursing community floor officially opened on 5 September 2025. It is part of the Connaught Care Collection, an award-winning provider of luxury care homes. It offers state-of-the-art facilities, compassionate care, and a strong commitment to community engagement.
For more information, please contact CRM@thechasecarehome.co.uk or call 01223 081752.
Proof Is The New Partnership: Omne Reveals How Operator Expectations Have Shifted in New ‘Brands Away From Home 2’ Report
Omne, Europe’s largest integrated specialist foodservice marketing agency, has unveiled the next phase of its landmark research series, Brands Away From Home 2 (BAFH2), at an exclusive client event held at LinkedIn’s new Experience Centre in London.
Following on from 2024’s Brands Away From Home 1, which captured operator sentiment during a period of volatility and uncertainty, BAFH2 explores how those relationships have evolved in today’s tougher, more evidence-driven marketplace.
The study – built on qualitative insight from a cross-section of operators – reveals that the ‘age of reassurance’ has now passed, and the ‘age of proof’ is firmly upon us. And it’s impacting what branded manufacturers in foodservice and hospitality need to offer customers in order to thrive, not just survive.
A Market Under Pressure, but Full of Clarity
According to Omne’s report, the UK foodservice sector enters late 2025 facing a perfect storm: higher labour costs, persistent inflation, tighter compliance requirements, and increasingly demanding consumers. Yet, rather than a story of contraction, BAFH2 paints a picture of clarity. Operators now articulate precisely what they expect from suppliers:
- Margin protection through measurable efficiency
- Compliance simplicity via digital, audit-ready data
- Menu energy that drives cultural relevance and excitement
- Health delivery without sacrificing gross profit
From Reassurance to Proof
These expectations are expressed through four dominant “Operator Realities” that now define how buying decisions are made:
- The Optimiser: Focused on protecting margin through efficiency and waste reduction.
- The Guardian: Concerned with compliance, risk, and audit readiness.
- The Creator: Driven by differentiation and cultural relevance on menus.
- The Balancer: Tasked with delivering health and nutrition targets without eroding profitability.
Operators anchor in one reality but flex across the others, depending on circumstance – meaning suppliers must be both focused and flexible. Omne describes this as the “Anchor + Flex” model: anchoring in one dominant proof area while credibly flexing into the others to remain indispensable.
Proof Packs: The New Standard for Suppliers
The report highlights a seismic change in the expectations operators place on their suppliers. No longer content with product assurances or brand heritage, operators now expect what Omne calls “proof packs” – tangible, data-driven evidence of value.
These might include ROI calculators, digital compliance dashboards, nutrition planning tools, and activation playbooks. Brands are no longer judged solely on product quality but on their ability to deliver measurable performance across multiple fronts: efficiency, compliance, differentiation, and health.
Expert Perspective
“Operators are no longer buying reassurance,” says Michael Gividen, CEO at Omne. “They’re buying evidence – proof that a brand saves time, cuts waste, ensures compliance or drives demand”.
“BAFH2 signals a turning point,” Michael Gividen continues. “Operators aren’t rejecting brands - they’re just redefining what value means. In this new environment, reassurance must be proven. The suppliers that can show up with evidence, data and real partnership behaviours won’t just keep their listings - they’ll thrive.”
Report Key Findings:
- 68% of large operators say suppliers offering digital compliance or operational tools are more attractive to list.
- Own label competition is rising, but operators remain willing to pay a brand premium only when value is evidenced through data, savings, or health delivery.
- Health has become contractual, not optional: workplace, education, and healthcare operators now face formal nutrition KPIs.
- Emotional trust remains, but it is now earned through proof, not assumed through heritage.
About Omne
Omne is Europe’s largest integrated specialist foodservice marketing agency, partnering with leading manufacturers and brands to drive performance across the foodservice and hospitality sector. With offices in Bedfordshire and Manchester, Omne delivers strategy, insight, creative, and activation services internationally, to help clients understand and engage the operators who buy, cook, and serve branded food and drink out of home.
For more information contact Chris.Davies@omne.agency.
Much-Loved Housekeeper, 69, Honoured for 35 Years of Dedication at Local Care Home
A love of laundry has seen 69-year-old, Linda Nicholson, named as Regional Finalist for the Ancillary Worker Awards at the East of England Care Awards, following 35 years of dedicated service.
Linda, who lives locally and has three children and one grandson, has dedicated her life to laundry at Toray Pines care home in Lincolnshire. She joined the home in 1990 and has taken just one sick day in 35 years.
Her recent award nomination came as a complete surprise.
Linda said, “I couldn’t believe it when they told me about the award, I feel really appreciated. Winning would mean the world to me. It would feel like everything I’ve done has truly made a difference—and I could retire with a memory I’d cherish forever.”
Her commitment to care goes far beyond linen and laundry—she's a beloved presence among residents and staff alike. Despite recently reaching retirement age, Linda decided to continue her career in care.
Linda added, “I could have retired three years ago, but I love what I do. I would miss the residents too much.”
Home manager, Nicola Eadsforth said, “We are all delighted that Linda’s long-standing laundry service at Toray Pines has been recognised by such a prestigious award.
“Linda is the heart of our home, she doesn’t just do a job—she makes a difference every single day and we’re so proud of her.”
Linda recalls an early memory of cycling to work, she said, “I remember cycling from Woodhall Spa to Coningsby one very cold winters day – it was so cold that I arrived at work with icicles in my hair. Luckily, I drive a little Smart Car now, so I walk into the home nice and warm.”
Outside of work, Linda enjoys gardening and knitting—simple pleasures that reflect her kind, down-to-earth nature.
Administrator at Toray Pines care home, Jo Johnson, has also been shortlisted for the ‘Care Home Activity Organiser Award’ in the East of England Care Awards.
Toray Pines care home is owned and managed by Lincolnshire-based, family-run care provider, Tanglewood Care Homes. Other local care homes and team members in the group have also been shortlisted in the East of England Care Awards, these include:
- Care Team Awards – Holbeach Meadows, Spalding
- The Ancillary Worker Award – Wendy Trotter at Tanglewood Care Homes Head Office
- Care Home Activity Organiser Award – Hayley Jackson, Cloverleaf Care Home, Lincoln
- The Palliative Care/End of Life Award – Katie More, Regional Manager at Tanglewood Care Homes
‘IT’S NOT UNUSUAL’ FOR NEW COPFORD PLACE RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME TO MAKE RESIDENTS’ DREAMS COME TRUE
Residents at Friends of the Elderly’s Colchester Care Home Celebrate This Year’s International Day of Older Persons at Tom Jones Concert
In support of this year’s International Day of Older Persons, the care team at New Copford Place, the Colchester-based residential care home run by charity Friends of the Elderly, which is celebrating its 120th Anniversary this year, has demonstrated its commitment to the residents by making long held dreams a reality.
“All our meaningful activities are designed to meet, and exceed, the residents individual needs,” said Daniel Sabau, the Registered Manager at New Copford Place. “All the care team make it a priority to get to know each resident on a deeper level, finding out their favourite interests, hobbies and pastimes to ensure all our activities are tailored to what they want to do - when they want to do it.”
During one of the care home’s regular reminiscing sessions, Chelsey Leather, New Copford Place’s Activities Coordinator, discovered that four residents – Pauline Wilkinson, Pam Skipp, Sylvia Edwards and Pat Linscott – were life-long, devoted Tom Jones fans. “We were all chatting about our favourite songs and singers when the ladies all said their absolutely favourite of all time was the one and only, Tom Jones,” continued Chelsey. “None of them had ever seen Mr Jones perform live, so the seed was planted and I just knew I had to make their dreams come true.”
Chelsey wasted no time and, after doing some research, found out that Tom Jones was performing at Colchester Castle Park. “I contacted the organisers who could not have been more helpful. They gave us reduced entry tickets and disabled access for the wheelchairs. When I told the ladies, they couldn’t believe it, they were so happy. It didn’t take long for them to break into a lovely rendition of ‘What’s New Pussycat?’ which left them all in fits of giggles.”
In the lead up to the concert, Chelsey found out just how much Pauline, Sylvia, Pam and Pat knew about Mr Jones. “Their knowledge about Tom Jones is off the chart – they really are his Number One Fans,” continued Chelsey. “For a few weeks before the big event, every conversation was of ‘All Things Tom’. I had no idea that Tom Jones and Elvis Prestley were good friends. Pauline said that they met at the Paramount stage, where Elvis was filming the movie Paradise, Hawaiian Style and became good friends and spent time together in Las Vegas. Pauline added that Elvis thought Tom was the greatest singer in the world and would sometimes walk out on stage when Tom was performing and say exactly that to the audience.”
However, the ladies’ Tom Trivia didn’t stop there. “Pam told me that Tom Jones has sold over 100 million records and has had – so far - 36 Top 40 Hits in the UK and 19 in the US. Sylvia impressed me too by saying that he sung the theme song to the James Bond film Thunderball back in 1965, but Pat stole the show for me by adding that one of his number one songs was a duet of ‘Islands In The Stream’ with actors Ruth Jones and Rob Brydon, in their characters from the show ‘Gavin & Stacey’ TV series for Comic Relief and, even more that the song featured Robin Gibb, who was a co-writer of the original song, as a backing singer. They absolutely amazed me – and actually amaze me every day.”
On the evening of the concert, Chelsey arranged for the New Copford Place mini bus to take the ladies and a few of the care team who were accompanying them to Colchester Castle Park. “The organisers had arranged for us to be able to park right outside the entrance, so getting into the Castle Park was totally hassle free,” continued Chelsey.
Once inside, Pauline, Pam, Sylvia and Pat made sure they had the perfect viewpoint to see their hero perform. Pauline also made sure she got to know the Security Team who were stationed nearby as she needed a ‘proper’ dance partner to cut a rug with during the show.
Sylvia, Pauline, Pat and Pam didn’t stop singing along with Tom. “He sang all my favourites,” said 90-year-old Sylvia. “Delilah, It’s Not Unusual, Mama Told Me and so many more, it was amazing.” “He’s a real Showman and didn’t disappoint us,” added Pauline. “I’ve been to concerts before, but this was definitely the best one without a doubt.”
“Everyone had an absolutely fantastic night and Pauline kept to her word and danced not only her own socks off, but mine as well,” added Chelsey.
“The Tom Jones concert was a huge success with the residents. Chelsey’s compassion and dedication to all the residents always goes above and beyond. She is not only their Activities Coordinator, but also their friend who listens, understands and gives 100% to make sure they live life to the full, every day,” said Daniel.
“Since the concert and hearing about it from the ladies, all the residents are keen to go to a concert and have a boogie. I’m now busy finding out what’s coming up and planning the next musical adventure. Who knows, it could be Take That, The Rolling Stones, Neil Diamond or even Billy Joel – the list is endless. I’ll have to see who the residents fancy seeing next,” concluded Chelsey.
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.
Heath Lodge Care Home in Holt Crowned Champion in National 'Danforth in Bloom' Gardening Competition
Heath Lodge Care Home, Holt, Norfolk, is celebrating a magnificent win after being crowned the champion of the national ‘Danforth in Bloom’ gardening competition.
The competition, organised by Danforth Care Homes, was created to champion the profound well-being benefits of gardening and spending time outdoors for care home residents.
Heath Lodge impressed the judges with its exceptional dedication to creating a vibrant, sustainable and engaging outdoor space that involved residents at every stage.
The winning project was a true community effort within the home. The team and residents designed and built accessible raised planters, cultivated a productive vegetable patch yielding fresh produce for the kitchen and made a significant commitment to local biodiversity by planting a wide array of bee and butterfly-friendly flowers.
The ‘Danforth in Bloom’ initiative is inspired by principles of horticultural therapy, which emphasises the importance of connecting with nature for mental and physical well-being. The judges noted that the high quality and creativity of all entries demonstrated a powerful commitment to these values across the Danforth Care group.
This focus on home-grown produce is reflected in Danforth Care Homes' 'Ground to Plate' initiative, developed in partnership with celebrity chef Theo Michaels, who presented the team at Health Lodge with their winners’ plaque.
The Ground to Plate is designed to enrich the culinary experience for residents by encouraging residents to grow and incorporate fresh, home-grown ingredients from care home gardens into seasonal menus, celebrating the journey from soil to supper.
“We are absolutely thrilled for the team and residents at Heath Lodge,” said Matthew Knott, Head of Hospitality & Lifestyle for Danforth Care Homes. “Their entry was a shining example of what ‘Danforth in Bloom’ is all about. It wasn’t just about creating a beautiful garden, it was about the teamwork, the sensory stimulation and the fun that comes with nurturing life from the soil. The benefits for resident well-being are immeasurable, and we were inspired by the passion shown in every home.”
Hazel Madden, Home Manager at Heath Lodge Care Home, added: “This win is a testament to the hard work and enthusiasm of everyone here. Our garden is a therapeutic space, a social hub and a source of immense pride. To see our residents planning, planting and then enjoying the fruits of their labour has been incredibly rewarding.”
A video tour of the award-winning garden at Heath Lodge can be viewed here: https://animoto.com/play/JJx3aeFpDieC6k7PLt6u2Q
MUSICAL MEMORIES CAPTURED IN UNIQUE INTERACTIVE CARE HOME BOOK
In a UK first, a luxury care home group has published an interactive book containing the musical memories of the people living in its five homes – and charities are set to benefit from the sales.
Magical Musical Memories is the name of the book, which is a compilation of songs chosen by the ladies and gentlemen who live in Dormy Care Communities’ homes in Dorset, Hampshire, Wales and Herefordshire.
People who buy the book won’t only be able to read why a song has particularly special memories for residents, they will also be able to watch and listen to the song on YouTube by pointing their smartphone camera on the QR reader on each page.
From classical music by greats such as Mozart and Beethoven to more modern songs by the likes of Queen, Tom Jones and Cyndi Lauper, the book includes residents' favourite songs and any particular anecdotes/stories about them.
These were collated following interviews conducted with people who live in Foxhunters Care Community in Abergavenny, Brockington House Care Community in Hereford, Pine Martin Grange Care Community in Wareham, Dorset, Bramshott Grange Care Community in Liphook, Hampshire; and Glenburnie Lodge Care Community in Wenvoe.
It comes as a study by a UK university (Anglia Ruskin in Cambridge) reveals how music can reduce stress in people living with dementia and after former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and the daughter of singer Tony Christie revealed how music has helped prompt memories for their loved ones.
Dormy Care Communities Chief Executive Helen Davies-Parsons said: “We are thrilled to have been able to produce this book showcasing the musical memories of the ladies and gentlemen in our care communities.
“From the songs that we danced to at our first school dance, to the albums that became the soundtrack of our lives, each memory is a testament to the ways in which music has shaped who we are and the moments that have defined us.
“Music has the unique ability to transport us back to a specific time and place, stirring up memories that we may have long forgotten and through the recollections of these wonderful people, these memories will now live on forever.”
Among the residents whose musical memories have been captured are Doreen Binks, from Bramshott Grange, who tells how she and her husband Gary got to see John Denver perform live in the front row of a concert in Reno, Nevada, despite not having tickets; John Deadman, from Pine Martin Grange, selects Lady in Red by Chris de Burgh as it reminds him of a dress his late wife used to wear; Jane Harding, from Foxhunters, reveals her Elvis obsession; Cherill Forster, from Brockington House, explains why she was Cliff Richard’s number one fan and Peter and Diana Andrews, from Glenburnie Lodge, recall their road trip to the USA when Cyndi Lauper’s True Colours was constantly played on the radio.
Copies of the coffee table style book are being sold at £15 each and anyone interested in purchasing a copy can do so by contacting any of the homes. The homes can take card payments over the phone and post the book out.
A donation from all sales will be made to local charities.
Home numbers:
Bramshott Grange: 01428 732042
Brockington House: 01432 482177
Foxhunters: 01873 593075
Glenburnie Lodge: 02920 035343
Pine Martin Grange: 01929 768219
‘KORMA DOWN AND CARRY ON’ AT COMMUNITY CURRY AND QUIZ NIGHT AT CHARITY’S NEW COPFORD PLACE RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME
Friends of the Elderly’s Essex Care Home Spicing Things Up with a Community Evening of Trivia and Delicious Curry
At New Copford Place, the Colchester-based residential care home run by charity Friends of the Elderly, which is celebrating its 120th Anniversary this year, the care team is getting ready to spice things up with a community Curry and Quiz Night.
“The residents thoroughly enjoy our regular quizzes and different community-orientated events - and like nothing more than tucking into one of our Chef’s ‘Dal-icious’ curries, so we thought we’d bring three of their favourite things together in a fun-filled community evening,” said Daniel Sabau, the Registered Manager at New Copford Place.
On Saturday 11th October 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the care home will host an entertaining community evening, full of tasty trivia and curry. “You could call it ‘Korma’,” continued Chelsey Leather, New Copford Place’s Activity Coordinator. “Along with the residents and care team, we are inviting relatives, friends and members of our local community to come along and team up to test their knowledge in a light-hearted and amusing quiz and, of course, enjoy a selection of scrumptious curries, hand-made by our care home Chef.”
Quizzes are a regular activity on New Copford Place’s meaningful and inclusive activities calendar as they not only stimulate cognitive functions, enhance memory and recall, but boost overall well-being and mood.
“The residents really look forward to and enjoy our regular quizzes, which cover a range of topics,” added Chelsey. “By taking part, they provide a sense of accomplishment, are great for social interaction, starting conversations, laughing together, discussing possible answers and promoting memory recall. All our meaningful activities are designed to meet the residents individual needs and incorporate their likes, preferences and favourite pastimes, and quizzes are definitely one of their favourites.”
“Quizzes act as a great brain exercise as they stimulate cognitive functions,” added Daniel. “The range of different quiz subjects and questions can act as positive triggers, bringing up memories and sparking conversations, especially for older people who are living with dementia.”
Curries can also be good for older people due to the Curcumin, a member of the Ginger family, which is in Turmeric, as it offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. “The anti-inflammatory spices in curries can improve heart health by boosting blood flow and may help regulate blood glucose and lipids,” continued Chelsey. “Spicy curries can cause digestive issues, so we are opting for less spicy versions at our Curry and Quiz Night.
“To make sure the spice levels are perfect, not too hot, fiery or spicy, our Chef will serve a Chicken Curry and a Vegetable Curry which will be accompanied by rice and tasty sides of Naan Bread, Onion Bhajis and Samosas – and, of course, Mango Chutney.”
Teams at New Copford Place’s Community Curry and Quiz Night can be up to six people and the entry fee is only £5 per person, which includes the fantastic curry and accompaniments – and all drinks. To book your place at this ‘Rogan Joshing’ night, please email Chelsey at chelsey.leather@fote.org.uk or call the care home on 01206 210397.
“We’d love for as many people to join the residents and care team for the evening. It’s the perfect opportunity to come together as a community, share laughs, make memories and enjoy something special together,” concluded Daniel.
New Copford Place’s Community Curry and Quiz Night
Saturday 11th October 2025 – 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
New Copford Place Residential Care Home, Willow Park, London Road, Copford, Colchester, Essex, CO6 1YR.
RSVP: Please email chelsey.leather@fote.org.uk or call 01206 210397.
To find out more, please visit: https://ow.ly/z9ml50WQlwj