The Carer

Priory Chief Executive Rebekah Cresswell To Become Member Of New Care England Policy Board Priory chief executive officer Rebekah Cresswell will become one of the founder members of a new Care England Working Age Adult Policy Board, ensuring that the needs of working-age adults in social care settings remain a priority at the highest levels of decision-making. Care England, the leading voice of adult social care providers in England, announced the establishment of the Working Age Adult Policy Board as a significant step in strengthening advocacy and shaping policy for one of the most underserved areas of the social care sector. The Working Age Adult Policy Board has been created to give a dedicated voice to providers supporting working-age adults and to tackle the distinct challenges this group faces within social care, which are different to those of older people. Cresswell said: “It is a privilege to represent the social care sector during this critical time to collaborate with likeminded colleagues for solutions to sustain these vital services for people of the UK.” Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, said: “The creation of the Working Age Adult Policy Board is a landmark moment in ensuring that the needs of working-age adults are fully recognised and addressed within social care policy. This dedicated board will provide a strong, united voice for providers and service users, helping to drive forward the reforms needed to improve care and support for this vital part of our society.” The new board – comprising leaders from across the sector - will provide a collaborative space for sharing expertise, identifying sector-wide challenges, and formulating impactful policy recommendations. It will also ensure that providers delivering services to working-age adults are properly represented in national and local advocacy efforts. Through her role on the Care England policy board, Cresswell will work to drive measurable sector wide improvements in policy and practice, to benefit working-age adults and the providers that support them. Through evidence-based advocacy and direct engagement with decision-makers, the board will translate discussion into tangible action, ensuring that this vital area of social care remains a national priority. Read More:

Anti-Amyloid Drug May Delay Symptoms For People With Rare Genetic Form Of Alzheimer’s A new study published today in the journal, Lancet Neurology looking at longer term use of the anti-amyloid drug, gantenerumab, may indicate it can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms in people with a genetic form of the disease. The new research follows previous studies of gantenerumab, which had failed to slow cognitive decline in people at risk of Alzheimer’s disease in earlier clinical trials. However, by treating people for longer and with an increased dose, the study offers new insights into the potential use of gantenerumab. “It suggests that extended use of anti-amyloid treatments may delay or prevent the onset of dementia symptoms”, said Dr Susan Kohlhaas, Executive Director of Research and Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Research UK. Dr. Kohlhaas cautioned that further research is needed to determine whether these findings apply to other approved anti-amyloid treatments. “But these results highlight the importance of early intervention and longer-term follow-up in determining the benefits and risks of dementia treatments.” The people involved were part of the DIAN-TU – the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network Trials Unit. Launched in 2012, DIAN-TU was the first international drug trial investigating the potential of anti-amyloid therapies in people with a rare genetic form of Alzheimer’s. “Everyone in this study was destined to develop Alzheimer’s disease and some of them haven’t yet,” said senior author Prof Randall J. Bateman, MD. “We don’t yet know how long they will remain symptom-free – maybe a few years or maybe decades. In order to give them the best opportunity to stay cognitively normal, we have continued treatment with another anti-amyloid antibody in hopes they will never develop symptoms at all.” While the findings are promising, experts caution that the study involved only 22 participants, and the results are specific to those with a rare genetic form of Alzheimer’s. More research will be needed to understand how these findings could impact the broader dementia community. “With people now receiving approved anti-amyloid therapies in health services around the globe, it will be vital to continue collecting data on how these medicines are working in real world settings, alongside clinical trials,” Dr Kohlhaas added. Alzheimer’s Research UK, in collaboration with other charities, has recently called for mandatory data collection within the NHS to deepen understanding of new treatments and guide their use in the NHS. Reflecting on the potential impact of the study, Prof. Bateman said, “I am highly optimistic now, as this could be the first clinical evidence of what will become preventions for people at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. One day soon, we may be delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease for millions.” The number of people living with dementia in the UK is predicted to increase from 982,000 today, to more than…

Dr Arun Chopra Appointed As CQC’s First Chief Inspector Of Mental Health Dr Arun Chopra has been appointed as the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC’s) first Chief Inspector of Mental Health. Arun was previously Medical Director of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (2020-2024) and is one of the most recent recipients of the President’s Medal, awarded annually by the Royal College of Psychiatrists to individuals who have made a significant contribution towards improving the lives of people with mental illness. He recently returned to frontline clinical work as a Consultant Inpatient Psychiatrist at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. The creation of the new role of Chief Inspector of Mental Health recognises the crucial importance of mental health services in supporting people to lead fuller, healthier lives, and the need for specialist expertise in regulating these services. It is the first of series of appointments to four CQC Chief Inspector roles leading on regulation and improvement across mental health, hospitals, primary and community care, and adult social care and integrated care - marking a realignment of the organisation around sector expertise. Commenting on the appointment, Sir Julian Hartley, Chief Executive of CQC, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Arun to CQC as our first Chief Inspector of Mental Health. He has extensive experience of working to improve mental health services for people in Scotland and England and I am confident that he will bring that experience to bear in leading our regulation of mental health services and encouraging improvement.” “The recruitment of the Chief Inspectors is a key part of reestablishing CQC’s expertise and is it crucial that mental health is properly represented as part of that process. Arun’s appointment will help shape our regulation of the mental health sector and support the delivery of better care as we continue our journey to becoming the strong effective regulator people need and deserve.” Dr Arun Chopra said: “I’m honoured to have been appointed as the first Chief Inspector of Mental Health and excited about joining CQC at a time of significant change for the organisation.” “My professional life has been dedicated to improving care for people who use mental health services; from the delivery of frontline clinical psychiatric care, to my role at the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland protecting the human rights of people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia and related conditions, to my work with mental health law reform for England, Wales and Scotland.” “I am absolutely committed to supporting mental health services to provide good, safe person-centred care that helps people to recover – and I look forward to working with people who use services and their families and carers, with providers and with CQC colleagues to do this.” Read More:

Northumberland Care Home Resident Cheers Newcastle United To Historic Carabao Cup Victory A resident at HC-One’s Hartford Court Care Home, in Cramlington, Northumberland, celebrated his beloved Newcastle United’s 2-1 Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool, marking their first trophy win in 70 years. The air was electric with excitement at HC-One’s Hartford Court Care Home as lifelong Newcastle United fan William “Bill” Stewart celebrated his beloved team’s triumphant 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. For Bill, this win was a moment of pure joy he had waited a lifetime to witness. Decked out in his black-and-white Newcastle scarf and shirt, Bill settled in on Sunday to watch the match alongside fellow residents and Toon Army supporters at Hartford Court. The room erupted when the goals went in, as Bill’s booming “Get in!” echoed through the care home as he waved a giant glow stick, one of many handed out to the cheering crowd. Together, they belted out the anthem “Toon Toon, Black and White Army,” filling the space with pride and camaraderie. The celebrations did not stop there, as Bill and his friends toasted the victory with beer and nibbles, savouring every second of the historic win. Fatima Trawally, HC-One’s Hartford Court Care Home Manager, commented: “We were absolutely thrilled to see Bill and our residents light up with joy as Newcastle United clinched the Carabao Cup – it’s a victory that brought our community together in the most wonderful way. We’re so proud to share in this historic moment with such passionate fans.” For Bill and the Hartford Court community, this was a memory to cherish forever. As Newcastle United basks in the glory of their long-awaited triumph, the passion of fans like Bill is the heartbeat of the club. This comes after a long-held dream became a reality for Bill, who was given the chance to watch Newcastle United play at St James’ Park. On January 12, lifelong fan Bill fulfilled his dream of experiencing a live match, cheering Newcastle United to a 3-0 victory over Bromley in the FA Cup third round at the stadium. Read More:

New Skills For Care Data Shows That 58% Of Care Workers Are Currently Paid Below The National Living Wage Care England, the leading voice of adult social care providers in England, has issued an urgent call to action regarding the financial challenges facing  the adult social care sector outlined in the latest Skills for Care Report. Today, it has been revealed that 58% of care workers are currently paid below the upcoming National Living Wage (NLW), highlighting the financial strain providers will face as they increase staff pay to keep up with the change, as well as try to compete with other sectors, and offer pay progression for senior workers. Earlier this year, Care England published their annual Sector Pulse Check in collaboration with Hft, which revealed that that 85% of providers said that local authority fee increases did not cover the costs of a higher NLW, underscoring the severe funding gap and the financial strain on providers who are struggling to deliver high-quality care while also ensuring their workforce is paid fairly. This funding shortfall is a critical factor hindering providers’ ability to offer competitive salaries and invest in workforce development. This, alongside the government's recent job-tax, which has seen the increase in Employer's National Insurance contributions, and the increase in costs and delayed processes in utilising international recruitment; providers are faced with constant challenges. Therefore, to relieve some of this pressure, the government needs to commit to an adequate funding solution to help ensure providers can stay afloat and continue to provide the high-quality care expected. Professor Martin Green OBE, CEO of Care England, commented: "Over recent years the workforce crisis in the adult social care sector has deepened. The annual increase in wage is vital for the millions of workers in social care. We know pay has been a longstanding battle, however, let's be clear that there is no funding to support this increase, which will continue to stretch an already overstretched sector. The sector is crying out for an adequate funding solution from the government, as without this, many providers will be pushed to the point of collapse. Providers are running to try and keep up with the National Living Wage increases, however, they are standing still due to competition from other sectors, and the lack of pay progression they can provide to their staff due to funding constraints. Care providers are caught between rising wage costs and insufficient money to fund them. Many are already struggling to recruit and retain staff, and with further financial pressures, the situation is only going to worsen. This is not just a problem for the providers themselves - it is a direct threat to the quality of care that millions rely on". The Skills for Care Report encapsulates the concerns within the workforce. In December 2024, there was only a 4p pay difference between individuals with over five years of exper…

Avery Healthcare Homes Recognised in Knight Frank’s Prestigious 2025 Luxury Care Home Guide Photo Caption: Mousehold View Care Home in Norwich Avery Healthcare is celebrating as three of its care homes have been included in the prestigious 2025 edition of Knight Frank’s Luxury Care Home Guide, which highlights the UK’s top 100 luxury care homes. This exclusive guide showcases the very best care homes in the country, recognised for offering exceptional service, world-class facilities, and personalised care in luxurious, comfortable environments. Mousehold View Care Home in Norwich, Beckenham Park Care Home in Beckenham, and Barnet Grange Care Home in Barnet, all operated by Avery Healthcare, have earned their place in this prestigious guide, reflecting their unwavering commitment to the highest standards of care, design, and service. The selection for the 2025 guide was highly competitive, with Knight Frank receiving a record number of submissions, underscoring the significance of Avery Healthcare’s inclusion in this exclusive list. Each of Avery Healthcare’s 102 care homes across the UK provide a welcoming, homely environment, modern facilities, and beautifully landscaped gardens that enhance the residents’ overall quality of life, as well as a wide range of activities designed to support the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of their residents. A spokesperson for Avery Healthcare said, “We are pleased to see Mousehold View, Beckenham Park, and Barnet Grange featured in The Luxury Care Home Guide 2025.” “This recognition is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our staff, who consistently provide a high standard of care in a welcoming and supportive environment.” “We are grateful for their continued commitment and would also like to thank our residents and their families for their trust in us.” In March 2025, Avery Healthcare was also awarded Carehome.co.uk’s Top 20 Large Care Home Groups in the UK. Read More:

Wedding Bells At Derbyshire Home Thanks To Livestream Of Staff Members Big Day There were wedding bells at a Derbyshire home thanks to modern technology allowing staff and residents to be a part of a colleague's big day. Matthew Hunt works as a carer at MHA Maple Leaf House and wanted to share his special day with staff and residents at the home. He decided to pay for a live stream service of the ceremony, which enabled the staff and residents at the home to not only watch the ceremony but enjoy the big day thanks to an afterparty. Staff at the home decided to make more of the day and arranged for wedding decorations, banners and balloons as well as a cake and had a wedding party. Wendy Pryor, activity coordinator said: “Matthew gets along really well with the residents and wanted them to be able to enjoy his big day. “We were all able to watch his wedding ceremony via Zoom on our big TV. “The tables were set and our residents enjoyed and engaged in the Wedding celebrations “We decorated our foyer area with wedding banners and balloons and enjoyed a glass of something fizzy and some cake. “It was an open event, we had some family members come in and enjoy the day which was lovely. “We had a great time, there was a great atmosphere at the home and are looking forward to seeing both Matthew and Gemma when they come back from their honeymoon.” Read More:

Welfare Reform Will Lead To “Unintended Consequences” To Social Care NCF Says In what has been called the “largest welfare reforms for a generation” the government has this week announced proposed changes to the welfare system which include changes to PIP, Work Capability Assessments and Universal Credit as part of a drive on getting more people into work and making £5bn worth of savings. The new measures are designed to ensure a welfare system that is “fit for purpose and available for future generations” – opening up, the government say, employment opportunities, boosting economic growth and tackling the spiralling benefits bill, while also ensuring those who cannot work get the support, they need as part of the government’s Plan for Change. This will, according to Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, the end years of inaction, which has led to one in eight young people not currently in work, education or training and 2.8 million people economically inactive due to long term sickness – one of the highest rates in the G7. The number of people receiving one of the main types of health and disability benefit, Personal Independence Payments (PIP), has also risen rapidly and is becoming unsustainable. The National Care Forum (NCF) - has responded to the publication of the government’s Green Paper on reforming the benefits system. Liz Jones, Policy Director at the National Care Forum said: “While we welcome the government’s ambition to support more people into work or to stay in work, the sheer scale of the envisioned £5bn of accompanying cuts is extremely concerning for everyone relying on PIP – a payment designed to help with the costs caused by a disability – and will lead to unintended consequences in terms of access to social care services.” “Many people use their PIP to help pay for adult social care support and social care charges from their local authorities. The Green Paper states that DHSC is planning to carry out research on the link between the adult social care system and PIP. This link must be fully understood before such far-reaching reforms are implemented. We must also recognise that there will always be people who need the support of a well-functioning social security system who cannot work for a variety of reasons.” “We worry that the ambition to reduce costs will undermine the drive to get more people into work as it doesn’t deal with the root problems. The government’s own analysis, as well as those by the Resolution Foundation and Joseph Rowntree Foundation, highlight growing levels of sickness together with poor mental and physical health – a cut to welfare doesn’t solve these underlying issues.” “If the government’s ambition is to support more people with learning and physical disabilities into work, it must recognise the power of adult social care to maintain people’s health and wellbeing, as well as support people into work, to return to work and to remain in work. Government should consider how it can make s…

Care Home Regional Directors Compete In Charity Cook Off Staff and residents at Hazel Lodge care home in Battle are celebrating because their Regional Directors, Maria Stefea and Jayne Holloway, from Barchester’s South Division, are stepping completely out of their comfort zones to compete in the Barchester Charitable Foundation Cook Off 2025. Swapping their business suits for chefs’ whites, Jayne and Maria are going head to head with two Regional Directors from each of Barchester’s four other divisions to cook up a storm and raise a vital funds for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation. The Foundation helps connect vulnerable people and those living with a disability to community groups in their local area by providing grants to improve mobility and quality of life. Each year the Foundation distributes thousands of pounds to individuals, small community groups and charities across England, Scotland and Wales.  In 2024 the Foundation achieved a donation milestone of £335,000 which enabled the charity to provide vital help to a staggering 239 small groups and charities, plus 104 individuals in one year alone. Maria and Jayne are keeping their cards very close to their chests regarding what they will be cooking but they have been practising hard.  Maria comments: “Jayne and I are passionate about the Foundation and we both jumped at the chance to be able to raise funds and give back.  We have always loved cooking, we were both taught by our families from a very young age.”  Jayne adds: “We’re both very competitive and love to win so we will give it our very best shot and raise as much as we possibly can into the bargain!” General Manager of Hazel Lodge care home, Rikki-Gene Bury, said: “We are all so proud of Jayne and Maria for taking part in this challenge, they really are amazing – is there nothing they can’t do!  Their dishes look absolutely fantastic and they will raise so much money for the Foundation, we think they are absolute super stars! Read More:

Care Home Raises Money For Local Nursery With 100-Mile Cycle Colleagues at an Aberdeenshire care home have cycled almost 100 miles to raise funds for local nursery children. The team at Auchtercrag House Care Home in Ellon, managed by one of Scotland’s most trusted providers of elderly and specialist care, Meallmore Ltd, took on a 98-mile virtual cycle in support of Auchterellon Nursery’s outdoor equipment fund. In just six hours, 26 minutes, 20 colleagues cycled the distance between the six Meallmore care homes across Aberdeenshire, cheered on by residents, and have raised an incredible £790. Complete with fancy-dress surprises, the activity provided a day of entertainment for residents and members of the local community who joined in to offer their support. Every penny of the fundraising effort is going towards developing the outdoor nursery space for local children to learn, play, and grow, as well as providing high visibility vests to wear on trips into the surrounding areas. Staff and children from the nursery have been invited to an open day to receive the donation and meet residents, with the opportunity to join in activities such as playing games, singalongs and arts and crafts. The cycle covered the distance between Auchtercrag House, Bayview Care Home in Cruden Bay, Crimond House Care Home in Crimond, Grove Care home in Inverurie, and Kynnaird House Care Home and St Modans Care Home in Fraserburgh. Julie Stringfellow, Aberdeenshire Area Manager at Auchtercrag Care Home said: “At Meallmore, we believe in the power of teamwork, community, and giving back – and our amazing Auchtercrag team really demonstrated this in style! “Auchterellon Nursery is just down the road from us, so when we heard they were looking for help, we couldn’t resist jumping on our bikes and doing our bit. We had a brilliant (and tiring!) day, turning the activity into an engaging event for everyone to enjoy. Our residents loved cheering us on and keeping us motivated. Thank you so much to everyone who took part, donated and supported us on this challenge. We’re thrilled to have beaten our target of £500 and hope to hear all about the new equipment from the kids in due course.” Michelle Greaves, nursery manager at Auchterellon Nursery said: “We were so thrilled that the team at Auchtercrag wanted to raise money for our nursery and have been blown away by the donations. This money is all being used to encourage the children to explore and enjoy the outdoor space around the nursery. We’re especially excited about getting high-vis vests, as the nursery hasn’t had these in the past and will be a great addition to enjoying our adventures in the local community and beyond. Thank you to everyone at Auchtercrag who took part and cheered on the cycle. We’re really looking forward to coming in to visit to say thank you in person!” Read More: