Broadcaster Angela Rippon Champions Care UK’s Dementia Awareness Campaign CARER editor Peter Adams recently had the privilege of speaking with Angela Rippon, the celebrated broadcaster and ambassador for Care UK’s campaign, The Big Dementia Conversation, alongside Suzanne Mumford, Care UK’s Head of Dementia and Lifestyle. Together, they shared insights into the campaign and discussed the personal and societal impact of dementia, a condition affecting millions in the UK. Angela Rippon’s involvement in the campaign is deeply personal and she has long been a prominent advocate for dementia awareness, drawing deeply from her personal experiences. Her mother, Edna, was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2004, a journey that profoundly influenced Ms Rippon's commitment to the cause. Reflecting on her journey, she said: “When my late mother, Edna, was diagnosed with dementia in 2004, I knew virtually nothing about the disease, and there was little information available. The learning curve was steep as I sought to understand its progression, how it would affect her, and how I could best support her. Over the past 20 years, I’ve dedicated myself to having conversations about dementia—the very essence of what Care UK aims to achieve through this campaign”. Ms Rippon has used her platform and experience to raise awareness, speaking at conventions, in newspapers, and through documentaries, but she emphasized that her most meaningful conversations have often been with friends and family: “Many people have come to me with the same questions I had when my mother was first diagnosed” she said. Advocating for early diagnosis, Ms Rippon added that it “sets the foundation for effective care”, advising, "If you are worried about a loved one, you need to have that conversation, and if you can get them early diagnosis this sets you on the path of understanding how you can help that person live well with dementia." Understanding Dementia’s Emotional Impact Ms Rippon highlighted the importance of recognizing dementia symptoms beyond memory loss and responding with empathy: “Those living with dementia often experience emotional changes, such as sudden outbursts or fear of leaving home, my mother became very agoraphobic, and I remind carers that their loved ones are navigating a different reality. If they ask the same question repeatedly or seem angry, it’s the dementia speaking, not the person they once were. Accepting this can help carers respond with patience and compassion.” Her advice is simple yet profound: “Don’t ignore the signs. Start the conversation early. A diagnosis opens the door to understanding how to help those with dementia live well. The more we talk, the more we learn, and the more we can support those affected.” This point led was particularly poignant to editor Peter, reflecting on his own mother’s dementia diagnosis in the 1980s he said: “I am reminded of just how far awareness and understanding of Alzheimer’s and dementia have come. …
The Carer
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The leading digital and print publication for the independent social care sector.
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The Carer is a respected nursing and residential care home information resource, assembled by our team of experienced journalists and researchers. The Carer is published quarterly and distributed via direct mail throughout all of England and Wales. In addition to our press edition, we also feature a comprehensive online industry/ provider directory and current news stories on www.TheCarerUK.com as a resource for our core readership of care home proprietors, managers and directors.
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Updates
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Predictions for the UK Social Care Sector 2025 By Amrit Sumal, Director, Superior Care (buff.ly/3PC1hfS) The UK’s social care sector is bracing for significant changes in 2025, particularly following Labour’s Budget announcements last year, which introduced a range of measures with profound implications for care providers right across the country. Increased National Insurance (NI) contributions, a reduction in the payment threshold, and a rise in the National Living Wage (NLW) headline the fiscal adjustments that will no doubt ripple through an already strained industry – and combined with workforce challenges, regulatory shifts, and evolving societal needs – 2025 will be a year that will demand resilience. Financial pressures The Labour’s Budget has certainly compounded financial stress for care providers everywhere. Increased NI contributions will lead to higher employer costs, directly affecting budgets already stretched thin by rising operational expenses. The reduction in the payment threshold means that more low-income employees will fall within the NI tax bracket, further pressuring both workers and employers. And, additionally, the uplift in the NLW, while essential for supporting low-paid workers, will force many providers to rethink staffing structures and service delivery models. From speaking with other providers, we know that small and medium-sized care homes are likely to feel the sharpest impacts, as they lack the economies of scale to absorb these costs. A wave of consolidation could ensue, with smaller operators either merging with larger providers or exiting the market entirely, reduce consumer choice and further exacerbating regional disparities in care availability. Recruitment and retention The sector’s workforce issues, exacerbated by Brexit and COVID-19, still show no signs of abating. Labour’s policies, while aiming to improve worker pay, do not address the fundamental issues of burnout, limited career progression, and poor perceptions of the sector. The higher wage bill may force some providers to limit onboarding, increasing workloads for existing staff and perpetuating a vicious cycle of dissatisfaction and high turnover rates. Providers may need to invest more in non-monetary incentives such as training, mental health support, and career development programmes whilst emphasising purpose-driven work and fostering a supportive culture will be crucial in attracting and retaining talent in 2025.This is something that we focus on, in particular, and in 2024 our first staff awards became a truly memorable occasion celebrating the hard work, compassion, and the dedication of our team. It brought everyone together and became an event filled with laughter, recognition, and well-deserved celebrations, and importantly it marked the beginning of a new tradition that we’re already looking forward to continuing this year. Technology and ESG To mitigate rising costs and workforce shortages, the adoption of t…
Predictions for the UK Social Care Sector 2025
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Kent Care Home Champions Independence And Lifelong Learning For Residents In 2025 With this Friday (17th January) dubbed ‘Ditch Day’ due to the amount of people who give up on their New Year’s resolutions, residents at a Kent-based care home are showing no sign of stopping their pledges to build on and learn new skills – including Italian lessons and craft classes. Proving that age is no barrier to creativity, independence and community spirit, Sonya Lodge Residential Care Home in Wilmington, Dartford, is helping residents to engage with their favourite hobbies and interests while also encouraging them to adopt new skills. One resident, Margherita, is currently teaching her fellow residents Italian, exploring everyday phrases such as days of the week, common greetings and even incorporating singing into her lessons. Designed to stimulate the mind and encourage social interaction, these sessions provide an exciting opportunity for residents to challenge themselves and immerse in a new culture. The home also recently launched a new creative group, after Pam asked to start her own craft circle. Pam shared her skills by teaching others how to create delicate roses out of tissue paper, which were used to decorate cards, as well as making a sign and wool baubles. The group offers a relaxed and supportive environment where participants can express themselves through creative mediums, enjoying the therapeutic benefits of crafting while building stronger relationships within the home. John Hudson-Beddows, Home Manager of Sonya Lodge, which is part of the Nellsar care group, said: “We’re passionate about creating opportunities that help our residents feel fulfilled, connected, and empowered. Whether it’s learning a new language, picking up a paintbrush, or just sharing stories with one another, these activities are about much more than passing the time — they’re about building confidence, creating friendships, and celebrating the joy of lifelong learning.” Read More:
Kent Care Home Champions Independence And Lifelong Learning For Residents In 2025
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Care Home Residents Enjoy Visit From MP And Liberal Democrat Spokesperson For Health And Social Care HC-One’s Bluebell View Care Home in Oswestry, Shropshire, was visited on Friday 10th January by MP for North Shropshire and Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Health and Social Care, Helen Morgan. Residents and colleagues of the HC-One owned care home enjoyed meeting MP Helen Morgan and chatting to her about what life is like at Bluebell View Care Home – which is an integral part of the local Oswestry community. MP Helen Morgan enjoyed a tour round the residential, nursing and residential dementia care home by Michelle Middleton-Price, Home Manager of Bluebell View and James Tugendhat, Chief Executive Officer of HC-One, including the hair salon, lounge, premier and ensuite bedrooms and landscaped gardens. Michelle Middleton-Price, Home Manager at HC-One’s Bluebell View Care Home, commented: “We were delighted to welcome MP Helen Morgan to our home. Everyone had a great time, chatting and discussing key issues they care about and what actions can be taken to overcome them.” Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire, said: “It was lovely to visit Bluebell View Care Home in Oswestry earlier today to hear from the staff and residents and discuss the issues facing the care sector more generally. "The carers at Bluebell View work enormously hard to make sure that their residents are well taken care of, which furthers the point I've always made - that good care provision is integral to fixing our health service. "I'm always happy to visit organisations and businesses locally, and so please feel free to contact my office if you would like to discuss any issues or help me understand your sector better." Read More:
Care Home Residents Enjoy Visit From MP And Liberal Democrat Spokesperson For Health And Social Care
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Work Starts On Much Needed Complex Needs Care Home In Coalville Adult care provider Exemplar Health Care has begun construction for its latest care home located on Ashby Road, Coalville. Due for completion by February 2026, the new home will be named Primrose Place and will provide comprehensive support to adults living with complex mental health needs, dementia, neuro-disabilities, and physical disabilities. Midlands-based Deeley Group have now started work on site to build the home, the sixth care home delivered in partnership by Deeley Group and Exemplar Health Care. Featuring 36 spacious en-suite bedrooms split across three units, the home will follow Exemplar Health Care’s unique small group living model, which provides a more homely, supportive, and responsive care environment. The home will feature communal dining and living spaces, sensory bathrooms, a salon, and a dedicated therapy room. It will have its own multi-disciplinary team including an in-house Physiotherapist, an Occupational Therapist, Registered Nurses and Health Care Assistants, offering a holistic approach to care and support. Read More:
Work Starts On Much Needed Complex Needs Care Home In Coalville
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MPs Write To Health And Social Care Secretary On Winter Pressures The Health and Social Care Committee has written a letter to the Secretary of State, the Rt Hon Wes Streeting, to ask for an update on the steps that the Government is taking to support the NHS and the broader health and social care system, in light of the high demands they are facing, with the number of people in England's hospitals with flu quadrupling in the last month. Earlier this month the NHS reported that staff experienced the busiest year on record for A&E and ambulance services last year, new figures show today, as flu continues to pile pressure on hospitals into the beginning of the year. There was an average of 5,408 patients a day in hospital with flu last week, including 256 in critical care – 3.5 times higher than the same week last year (1,548 w/e 7 January 2024). A number of trusts this week have declared critical incidents, citing exceptional demand caused by the colder weather and respiratory viruses. Covid, RSV and norovirus cases remained high with more than 1,100 patients in hospital with Covid every day last week, as well as 626 patients with norovirus – up almost 50% on the same week last year (424). There was also an average of 72 children in hospital with RSV every day, up 47% from last year (49). The Committee’s letter asks what support will be provided to NHS Trusts that have declared a critical incident, including after the incidents end, to mitigate the impact on elective procedures. The Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee, Layla Moran MP, said: “It is very worrying to hear of the strain that A&E departments across the country are under and of NHS Trusts having to declare critical incidents because of the high number of people attending with winter illnesses and the spike in flu cases. “As a Committee, we have written to the Health Secretary today to ask what the Department is doing to support health services to cope with the exceptionally high demand they are facing.” Read More:
MPs Write To Health And Social Care Secretary On Winter Pressures
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New Scie Guidance To Help Tackle Inequalities For People With Learning Disabilities And Autistic People The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) has launched a new best practice resource for the adult social care workforce: ‘Tackling inequalities in care for people with learning disabilities and autistic people’. People with learning disabilities and autistic people continue to experience unacceptably poor health outcomes in comparison to the rest of the population, leading to lower life expectancy and a higher number of avoidable deaths. During the pandemic, a report from Public Health England found that people with learning disabilities were four times more likely to die from COVID-19—with researchers estimating the real rate may have been as high as six times once accounting for unreported deaths. Following the Public Health England report, SCIE was funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and other charitable foundations to produce guidance building on the experiences of people with learning disabilities and autistic people. SCIE’s new guidance aims to close the gap in skills and knowledge across the adult health and social care workforce. It gives commissioners and practitioners the practical steps, confidence, and legislative awareness needed to improve experiences of care and support. A video has also been created in collaboration with the SCIE Fliers to sit alongside the guidance as an audiovisual guide. The SCIE Fliers co-scripted and co-storyboarded the video and feature in it. Kathryn Smith OBE, Chief Executive of SCIE, said: “SCIE’s vision is for a society that enables people who draw on social care to live fulfilling lives; where good, high-quality care maximises people’s choices and removes social inequality. It must be accessible to everyone who needs it—and empower them to live the lives they want to live. “This guidance highlights the important steps we must take to achieve this vision and transform the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people. “We must address systemic barriers and ensure that co-production is central to the design and delivery of care and support services. Only then will we have a system that is fair, equitable, and fit for the future.” John Hersov, SCIE Fliers facilitator and consultant with over 40 years of experience in learning disability advocacy, said: “This guidance reminds us of what still needs to be done to ensure that health and social care services are truly responsive to the needs and requirements of this group of people.” “It reinforces the need to cut through organisational charts and jargon-filled terminology to impact meaningfully on the individuals that we are there to serve. “The video personalises these aims. Hearing from experienced self-advocates who know what they are talking about; emphasising again that you need to try to understand better the person you are supporting.” “We hope you watch, use it, and tell your friends.” Read More: h…
New Scie Guidance To Help Tackle Inequalities For People With Learning Disabilities And Autistic People
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“Leave Your Problems At The Door” Says Staff Member Receiving Long Service Award A staff member at a Letchworth home says you have to “leave your problem at the door” and give your full attention and commitment to residents. Kevin Pearson works at MHA Trembaths and marked his 20-year service by receiving his long service recognition award from Chief Executive, Sam Monaghan. Kevin, who works as a maintenance man started his journey at the home as a volunteer before moving into a care assistant role, senior carer and then his current position. MHA Trembaths provides nursing and specialist dementia care for up to 51 residents Kevin says the reason for his longevity is the atmosphere at the home and the togetherness of staff. He added: “First and foremost, you have to have the utmost respect for the residents, and remember you are visiting their home. “You have to leave any problems you have at the door and put a smile on your face and be happy around the residents. “I understand how important social care is as well as the maintenance work I do. “You have to have a caring personality to work in care and it's a very special area of work. “I was aware I had been here for 20 years, but it was a nice surprise when I received my long service award. “I really enjoy working at the home, it's a great atmosphere, everyone is caring and supportive and we all work together to ensure the needs of the residents are met. “It's definitely somewhere I can see myself retiring from and it's a fun place to work.” Read More:
“Leave Your Problems At The Door” Says Staff Member Receiving Long Service Award
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WWII Barrage Balloon Operator Celebrates 100th Birthday An Air Force veteran who helped bring down deadly Nazi rockets and later assisted with Allied attacks on occupied territory, has celebrated her 100th birthday. WWII veteran Amy Wein marked her centenary on Monday 13 January by having lunch with her three children, and grandsons who had come from Australia and New Zealand, at Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton, where she now lives. Staff at the care home then threw her a memorable afternoon tea party. The previous day, Amy had celebrated her special birthday in the Home’s garden room with family and friends, including her great-grandchildren. She said: “I had a lovely birthday spending it with family, and my grandsons who I don’t get to see often.” Amy was born in Northumberland on 13 January 1925. WWII had started by the time she left school, and she went straight to work at a factory which manufactured bomb tails. In 1942, at the age of 17, Amy joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). She was trained to operate barrage balloons − large tethered balloons which were used to help protect targets from enemy attack from the air. Later in the war, barrage balloons were used to help bring down the notorious V1 flying bombs, better known as doodlebugs. Amy then worked as a plotter at a station near Hastings as Allied nations gradually gained ascendancy over the enemy. She recalls: “It was a very interesting job. By then it was our planes that were going out in droves to bomb Berlin and industrial areas. We were plotting out hundreds of aircraft. And then, as so many of them struggled back, we plotted them back home.” After raising her family, she returned to work as a solicitors’ clerk. On her birthday, the Home’s dedicated Wellbeing Team arranged a party with other residents, which included live entertainment from popular crooner Vic Gilder. Daughter Kim said afterwards: “Mum really enjoyed her parties at Royal Star & Garter, and she was tapping her feet and singing along all the way through the concert. Royal Star & Garter have gone through a lot of effort to make mum’s 100th special, and we’re very grateful.” Read More:
WWII Barrage Balloon Operator Celebrates 100th Birthday
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NHS is Putting Homecare Providers at Risk of Failure Through “Unethical” Commissioning The Homecare Association have accused some NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) of "unethical commissioning practices". Grossly inadequate fee rates and late payments risk quality, safety and sustainability of homecare provision. Without immediate intervention, the government's promises to reduce NHS waiting lists will fail because the social care services it depends on will fail. A letter to NHS England's CEO, Amanda Pritchard, criticised some ICBs for failing to increase fees after the National Minimum Wage (NMW) increased by 9.8% in April 2024. Now providers face a further 10% rise in costs because of an increase in employment tax and a 6.7% increase in the NMW announced in the Autumn Budget. You can read the letter here. Homecare Association research published in August 2024 revealed 75% of NHS bodies had failed to communicate with providers about fee uplifts by June 2024, three months after the minimum wage increase. The letter comes amid warnings that the UK's care sector has reached a "tipping point," with evidence showing only 1% of public bodies are paying sustainable rates for care services. Industry analysis reveals that 80-85% of providers are small and medium enterprises which lack the financial resilience to absorb rising costs without corresponding fee increases. Dr Jane Townson OBE, CEO of the Homecare Association, said: "The approach of the NHS to commissioning homecare is nothing short of scandalous. Some ICBs haven't spoken to providers about fees since 2023, let alone offered increases to cover mandatory wage rises. They expect homecare providers to operate below cost, putting both care workers and older and disabled people at risk.” "When public bodies pay rates as low as £17 per hour for homecare – less than direct staff costs at the minimum wage with statutory on-costs – they increase risks of poor and unsafe care and create the conditions for labour exploitation. The NHS should be concerned about the safety and well-being of those receiving and giving care and support, but all they’re bothered about is saving money. Without urgent action, we face the very real prospect of widespread provider failures that will devastate care provision and pile even more pressure onto an already strained NHS." The Homecare Association calculates that providers need a Minimum Price for Homecare of £32.14 per hour for 2025-26 to ensure sustainability and compliance with regulations. This comes as recent market analysis shows homecare providers' average margins have fallen from 10.8% to just 7.6%. Many are operating on margins of 1-2% or at a loss. We urge ICBs to engage with homecare providers to understand their costs and provide fee uplifts to cover them. The Labour government claims to want fair pay for care workers. They must therefore ensure public bodies pay a fair price for care. The Homecare Association are calling on the government to: 1…
NHS is Putting Homecare Providers at Risk of Failure Through "Unethical" Commissioning
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