Welcome to Caring UK
Caring UK is the number one magazine for managers in the elderly care sector.
Our editorial pages feature top columnists, parliamentary and legal updates, news, people stories, event and exhibition previews, conference coverage, diary dates and business and property news.
The magazine goes directly to the people with buying power - the budget-holders and decision-makers - which is why it is so effective at delivering product and service information to the right people.
Our editorial pages feature top columnists, parliamentary and legal updates, news, people stories, event and exhibition previews, conference coverage, diary dates and business and property news.
The magazine goes directly to the people with buying power - the budget-holders and decision-makers - which is why it is so effective at delivering product and service information to the right people.
Top News Story From Caring UK
June 2013 | Mark scoops FD of the year award at ceremony
City and County Healthcare Group FD Mark Harrison was named private company FD of the year at the annual FDs' Excellence Awards. As a senior member of the management team, Mark has played a key role in the growth of the London-based home care provider, which has become the UK's fourth-largest care home group after making 13 acquisitions over the past four years. And Al-Karim Kachra, head of finance at Lincolnshire-based nursing home group Country Court Care, was highly commended in the Ernst & Young FD of the Future category at the London ceremony.
Mark Harrison from City and County Healthcare is pictured receiving his award from Michael Izza from event sponsor ICAEW and Debbie Farman from Jordans.
City and County Healthcare Group FD Mark Harrison was named private company FD of the year at the annual FDs' Excellence Awards. As a senior member of the management team, Mark has played a key role in the growth of the London-based home care provider, which has become the UK's fourth-largest care home group after making 13 acquisitions over the past four years. And Al-Karim Kachra, head of finance at Lincolnshire-based nursing home group Country Court Care, was highly commended in the Ernst & Young FD of the Future category at the London ceremony.
Mark Harrison from City and County Healthcare is pictured receiving his award from Michael Izza from event sponsor ICAEW and Debbie Farman from Jordans.
More News From Caring UK
June 2013 | Group's homes join in national day
BALHOUSIE Care Group homes throughout Scotland are opening the doors to the public and inviting them to join them at a series of special events as part of the inaugural National Care Home Open Day 2013.
National Care Home Open Day takes place on Friday, when Balhousie homes will host barbecues, fancy dress parties, craft fayres and various fun parties for local people.
Balhousie homes in Aberdeenshire, Perthshire, Dundee, Coupar Angus, Arbroath, Carnoustie, Blairgowrie, Fife, Bonnybridge and Kirriemuir will join thousands of homes across the country in the celebrations.
Tony Banks, chairman of Balhousie Care Group, said: 'National Care Home Open Day is a great new initiative to help bring residents closer to the local community. Feeling part of a community and being engaged with the local churches, schools, nurseries and other groups is important for wellbeing and social inclusion.'
BALHOUSIE Care Group homes throughout Scotland are opening the doors to the public and inviting them to join them at a series of special events as part of the inaugural National Care Home Open Day 2013.
National Care Home Open Day takes place on Friday, when Balhousie homes will host barbecues, fancy dress parties, craft fayres and various fun parties for local people.
Balhousie homes in Aberdeenshire, Perthshire, Dundee, Coupar Angus, Arbroath, Carnoustie, Blairgowrie, Fife, Bonnybridge and Kirriemuir will join thousands of homes across the country in the celebrations.
Tony Banks, chairman of Balhousie Care Group, said: 'National Care Home Open Day is a great new initiative to help bring residents closer to the local community. Feeling part of a community and being engaged with the local churches, schools, nurseries and other groups is important for wellbeing and social inclusion.'
June 2013 | Care group incorporates Stirling University Standard
A CARE group has shown its commitment to delivering the highest possible standards of care to people with dementia by incorporating the Stirling University Standard.
Eleven facilitators from across the Roseberry Group, chosen for their leadership ability and their special interest in dementia care, have been trained in the internationally recognised training programme developed by the University's Dementia Services Development Centre.
They in turn will be able to train eight staff members at a time at home level. Successful candidates will have to undertake an examination, which will be marked by the university, and will receive certificates from them.
Moorend Place Care Centre staff are pictured with their certificates and course facilitator Mark Smith. From the left: Hayley Blunkett, Katie Lister, Laura Jackson, Rachel Hudson, Emma Billingsley, Sam O'Grady, Tracy Walters and Charlotte Hulley.
A CARE group has shown its commitment to delivering the highest possible standards of care to people with dementia by incorporating the Stirling University Standard.
Eleven facilitators from across the Roseberry Group, chosen for their leadership ability and their special interest in dementia care, have been trained in the internationally recognised training programme developed by the University's Dementia Services Development Centre.
They in turn will be able to train eight staff members at a time at home level. Successful candidates will have to undertake an examination, which will be marked by the university, and will receive certificates from them.
Moorend Place Care Centre staff are pictured with their certificates and course facilitator Mark Smith. From the left: Hayley Blunkett, Katie Lister, Laura Jackson, Rachel Hudson, Emma Billingsley, Sam O'Grady, Tracy Walters and Charlotte Hulley.
June 2013 | Sonia completes millionth e-learning course
AN innovative e-learning initiative by Four Seasons Health Care has proved so successful that Sonia Van Bart, an employee at Guthrie House Care Home in Edinburgh, has completed the millionth course.
In addition, Margaret Rita Wong from St Catherines Care Home in Bolton was the first person to complete course number a million and one, setting Four Seasons on their way towards the second million. To celebrate this remarkable achievement and thank everyone for supporting e-learning, the company has presented Sonia and Margaret with an iPad each.
Launched across Four Seasons in August 2010, e-learning courses initially covered mandatory learning topics that are required by regulators and are essential for all staff within care homes and specialist units. Since then the number of courses available has steadily grown to include a wide range of optional modules that help support employees' personal and professional development and enable participants to acquire a national qualification that will help in their career advancement.
Ian Smith, chairman of Four Seasons Health Care, is pictured presenting winner Sonia Van Bart with her prize.
AN innovative e-learning initiative by Four Seasons Health Care has proved so successful that Sonia Van Bart, an employee at Guthrie House Care Home in Edinburgh, has completed the millionth course.
In addition, Margaret Rita Wong from St Catherines Care Home in Bolton was the first person to complete course number a million and one, setting Four Seasons on their way towards the second million. To celebrate this remarkable achievement and thank everyone for supporting e-learning, the company has presented Sonia and Margaret with an iPad each.
Launched across Four Seasons in August 2010, e-learning courses initially covered mandatory learning topics that are required by regulators and are essential for all staff within care homes and specialist units. Since then the number of courses available has steadily grown to include a wide range of optional modules that help support employees' personal and professional development and enable participants to acquire a national qualification that will help in their career advancement.
Ian Smith, chairman of Four Seasons Health Care, is pictured presenting winner Sonia Van Bart with her prize.
June 2013 | Residents take part in recipe competition
RESIDENTS at all 19 of a care group's homes are taking part in a recipe competition to mark the family-owned company's sponsorship of two prestigious food awards.
South coast operator Colten Care is headline sponsor of both the annual Taste of Dorset and Hampshire Life Food and Drink awards, reflecting a shared aim of promoting excellence in regional produce and cooking.
To celebrate its involvement, the care provider is inviting residents, relatives and team members at its entire family of homes to suggest ideas for their best home cooked recipes.
The 'Handpicked Excellence' competition will involve judging by a panel of culinary experts who will shortlist a winner for each home.
Prizes include a specially-laid on Taste of Dorset garden party and, in Hampshire, VIP tickets to the Hampshire Life awards ceremony.
Tim Wookey, marketing director of Colten Care; Fiona Dart, deputy editor of Blackmore Vale Media; Fergus Davitt, Colten Care's hotel services manager; and Rodelyn Thompson, Newstone House manager, are pictured at the launch of the Taste of Dorset Awards 2013.
RESIDENTS at all 19 of a care group's homes are taking part in a recipe competition to mark the family-owned company's sponsorship of two prestigious food awards.
South coast operator Colten Care is headline sponsor of both the annual Taste of Dorset and Hampshire Life Food and Drink awards, reflecting a shared aim of promoting excellence in regional produce and cooking.
To celebrate its involvement, the care provider is inviting residents, relatives and team members at its entire family of homes to suggest ideas for their best home cooked recipes.
The 'Handpicked Excellence' competition will involve judging by a panel of culinary experts who will shortlist a winner for each home.
Prizes include a specially-laid on Taste of Dorset garden party and, in Hampshire, VIP tickets to the Hampshire Life awards ceremony.
Tim Wookey, marketing director of Colten Care; Fiona Dart, deputy editor of Blackmore Vale Media; Fergus Davitt, Colten Care's hotel services manager; and Rodelyn Thompson, Newstone House manager, are pictured at the launch of the Taste of Dorset Awards 2013.
Property News From Caring UK
June 2013 | Karim adds Valley Lodge to his portfolio
HEALTHCARE operator Karim Rajan has completed the acquisition of Valley Lodge care home in Chandlers Ford thanks to loan facilities from The Royal Bank of Scotland
He plans to increase the facilities at the 30-bed specialist dementia facility by extending the existing property as well as undertaking a full refurbishment which will provide a better living environment for its current residents.
The work on the extension, which will take the registration up to 43, is expected to commence in September and will be carried out sensitively to ensure there is as little disruption as possible.
Other homes in Karim's portfolio include Grasmere Nursing Home in Worthing, West Sussex and Shangria-la Care Home in Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire.
HEALTHCARE operator Karim Rajan has completed the acquisition of Valley Lodge care home in Chandlers Ford thanks to loan facilities from The Royal Bank of Scotland
He plans to increase the facilities at the 30-bed specialist dementia facility by extending the existing property as well as undertaking a full refurbishment which will provide a better living environment for its current residents.
The work on the extension, which will take the registration up to 43, is expected to commence in September and will be carried out sensitively to ensure there is as little disruption as possible.
Other homes in Karim's portfolio include Grasmere Nursing Home in Worthing, West Sussex and Shangria-la Care Home in Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire.
June 2013 | MP cuts ribbon to open new dementia unit
Simon Hughes MP officially opened the new dementia unit at Tower Bridge Care Home which was purpose-built to provide some of the most advanced dementia care available in London. HC-One chairman Chai Patel and chief operating officer John Ivers also attended the opening. Kulvinder Sidhu, Tower Bridge manager, said: 'In the short time the unit has been running, we have already seen marked improvements in residents' sleeping patterns, communication skills and socialising. The early signs are that residents feel really comfortable and secure in their new home.'
Simon Hughes MP is pictured with HC-One chairman Chai Patel and Tower Bridge manager Kulvinder Sidhu.
Simon Hughes MP officially opened the new dementia unit at Tower Bridge Care Home which was purpose-built to provide some of the most advanced dementia care available in London. HC-One chairman Chai Patel and chief operating officer John Ivers also attended the opening. Kulvinder Sidhu, Tower Bridge manager, said: 'In the short time the unit has been running, we have already seen marked improvements in residents' sleeping patterns, communication skills and socialising. The early signs are that residents feel really comfortable and secure in their new home.'
Simon Hughes MP is pictured with HC-One chairman Chai Patel and Tower Bridge manager Kulvinder Sidhu.
June 2013 | Sanctuary earmarks Canterbury site for new home
SANCTUARY Group has acquired a site in Hersden, near Canterbury in Kent, with a view to operating a new 60-bed care home.
The transaction was brokered by specialist property adviser Christie and Co on behalf of Frontier Estates.
Planning consent has been granted for the new 60-bed care home, which when finished will create in the region of 50 new jobs. Construction is due to start later in the year.
SANCTUARY Group has acquired a site in Hersden, near Canterbury in Kent, with a view to operating a new 60-bed care home.
The transaction was brokered by specialist property adviser Christie and Co on behalf of Frontier Estates.
Planning consent has been granted for the new 60-bed care home, which when finished will create in the region of 50 new jobs. Construction is due to start later in the year.
June 2013 | Cabinet Secretary opens new Edinburgh care home
ALEX Neil MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Well-being, was the special guest at the opening of St. Margaret's Care Home in Edinburgh.
The home was previously St Margaret's Independent Girls School from 1890 to 1990. The Victorian property has been converted, extended and fully-refurbished by Four Seasons Health Care to create a welcoming and unique home for residents to live in.
Jean Akel, regional manager for Four Seasons Health Care, said: 'St Margaret's is a beautiful home with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The home has great attention to detail and will provide a welcoming environment where residents can feel at home in comfortable surroundings.'
MSP Alex Neil pictured with Marion Sutherland, a resident at St Margaret's Care Home.
ALEX Neil MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Well-being, was the special guest at the opening of St. Margaret's Care Home in Edinburgh.
The home was previously St Margaret's Independent Girls School from 1890 to 1990. The Victorian property has been converted, extended and fully-refurbished by Four Seasons Health Care to create a welcoming and unique home for residents to live in.
Jean Akel, regional manager for Four Seasons Health Care, said: 'St Margaret's is a beautiful home with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The home has great attention to detail and will provide a welcoming environment where residents can feel at home in comfortable surroundings.'
MSP Alex Neil pictured with Marion Sutherland, a resident at St Margaret's Care Home.
June 2013 | Barnwood to develop £5m home in Worcester
BARNWOOD Construction has won the £5m contract to build an 82-bed care home for Care UK in Worcester.
Lynda Appleby, operational projects director at Care UK, said: 'We're very excited that work has begun on site in Worcester. Once finished, this care home will offer residential and specialist dementia care in a state-of-the-art building designed to help people live calm, happy and fulfilled lives.
'The internal layout will be based around a village green and offer a restaurant, cafe, hairdressing salon and a cinema for residents to enjoy with family and friends. Landscaped gardens will also provide residents with a place to relax or enjoy walks in a stimulating environment.'
The home is due to be completed next April.
BARNWOOD Construction has won the £5m contract to build an 82-bed care home for Care UK in Worcester.
Lynda Appleby, operational projects director at Care UK, said: 'We're very excited that work has begun on site in Worcester. Once finished, this care home will offer residential and specialist dementia care in a state-of-the-art building designed to help people live calm, happy and fulfilled lives.
'The internal layout will be based around a village green and offer a restaurant, cafe, hairdressing salon and a cinema for residents to enjoy with family and friends. Landscaped gardens will also provide residents with a place to relax or enjoy walks in a stimulating environment.'
The home is due to be completed next April.
Other News
June 2013 | Maria Mallaband Care Group strike a deal with Shackletons Ltd to be the sole furniture provider for MMCG and Countrywide Care Homes
Shackletons Ltd have been in the furniture industry for over 50 years and are famous for designing, manufacturing and creating comfortable, long lasting craftsman-made furniture for the nursing and care home industry. The Maria Mallaband Care Group (MMCG) have been using Shackletons furniture since we began in 1996, so we know the quality is good and is specially designed for its functionality, practicality and comfort.
MMCG has recently taken over 35 Southern Cross care homes and launched Countrywide Care Homes to manage the homes. We felt that these homes also needed the special touch of Shackletons and we are now pleased to be able to announce this partnership.
Commenting on the deal, James Burgan, Commercial Director said: “We have grown quickly in a short space of time and they have always been committed and shown dedication and compassion to our own changing needs. The Countrywide Care Homes will take our group into a new sector - this is a very exciting time for both organisations. We expect the same high standards, quality and comfort from the furniture and furnishings we use in all our care homes, and we are positive that Shackletons will not only meet, but exceed our expectations. It has been a pleasure working with Shackletons over the years and long may this continue.”
Jason Bloom, National Sales Manager, commented: “Shackletons are very proud to be associated with a caring, progressive and superior quality care home group such as MMCG. Our corporate goals and that deserving of our furniture, is to align ourselves with the very best operators in the sector and MMCG and Countrywide Care Homes are certainly one of those. We look forward to extending our already successful relationship”.
For further information contact Clare Boitelle (clare.boitelle@mmcg.co.uk) on 0113 2382690.
Current & Upcoming Events
20/06/2013 | NASHiCS Learning and Development Forum, Concorde Centre, Manchester Airport17/07/2013 | Script Events Care Providers Conference., Park Inn Southend - on - Sea
18/07/2013 | Script Events Care Providers Conference.., Basingstoke Country Hotel
09/10/2013 | .Script Events Care Providers Conference, Cedar Court Hotel Wakefield
10/10/2013 | .Script Events Care Providers Conference., Hilton Hotel Blackpool
