FEATURE ARTICLES

Silas Campbell at Blueleaf discusses how technology is impacting on and enhancing the way care homes are run; from smart home integration relieving stress and demand for staff to robots helping to fight loneliness in residents

The advances being made in applicable care home technology are extremely exciting, but more than that, innovation must be used to help alleviate a crisis that is only set to worsen, says Kirk Taylor, head of development at Kajima Partnerships

The cost of replacing a carpet is typically twice that of regular maintenance and inhouse cleaning will result in an even greater saving, says Howard O’Brien, joint managing director and head of sales and service partner relations, Traffik UK

While the winter weather may be unpredictable, plans should be put in place to protect residents, staff and visitors from potential hazards. Peter Fane, founding director of Nurture Landscapes, provides some tips to help care homes stay safe and operational

A homely environment can help residents settle, put them at ease and provides reassurance. It can also be beneficial for family members who may have complex feelings about their loved ones living in a care home, says David Shannon, New Vision

With calls to reduce pressure on social services and help enable those with dementia to live well for longer, Lisa Pilley, colour consultant at Dulux Trade, discusses how design and architecture are playing their part in tackling the challenge

While talking about a new starter’s ‘experience’ may seem ill-defined, we intuitively know what is required to create the best possible experience. Get onboarding right and it can deliver major benefits, says Simon Connell, sales manager, Webonboarding

Many of us will have experienced stress and anxiety when needing the toilet and being unable to locate one. In people with dementia, these feelings are multiplied, but a toilet strategy can help to alleviate the problem, says Catherine Ingleby, marketing executive, Find Memory Care

Thermal skirting systems can provide sufficient heat at lower temperatures for most of the year, while still working at higher flow temperatures during the worst days of winter, says Martin Wadsworth, managing director, Discrete Heat

Given that a relatively high proportion of workers in care homes come from other EU states, it is important that operators and employees regularly review any changes to Brexit arrangements, says Tom Lumsden, a partner at CooperBurnett LLP

If we cannot match local supply to local demand for elderly residential care, many people will continue to be cared for miles away from the area in which they lived, says Mike Short, founder and director of CSI Market Intelligence

Jim Lowther, sales director, Xtralite, discusses the positive impact that natural light can have on the wellbeing of care home residents and how this can be achieved in both new build and renovation projects

From Legionella control to environmentally efficient water systems, Clarke Bird, healthcare specialist at Clearwater Technology, explains how care homes can safely and reliably overcome significant risks and challenges when it comes to managing their water supplies

Paul Johnson, director of business development at Assa Abloy Door Hardware and Access Control, dispels the myths relating to ‘lifelong trademark protection’ on key profiles and offers guidance on choosing a master key cylinder system

Putting the right equipment in place – specifically care chairs – can help make residents feel more comfortable and supported in your care. Tristan Hulbert, managing director of Yorkshire Care Equipment, discusses care chairs and how to ensure they meet residents’ needs

Care home residents should expect to have baths or showers in a safe environment, despite the fact that other individuals may also be using the same facilities, says Jason Ashman, managing director of Reval Continuing Care

Rogier Donkersloot, managing director of DEX Property Management, explains why property guardianship can be an effective security solution that makes sense for owners and managers of empty and disused care home buildings

Investing time and resources into sensory planning for residents can deliver a range of benefits, helping them to regain confidence and ability and providing a ‘home from home’ experience, says Clare Long, business account manager for care within the professional division at Miele

In order to grow a successful care business, you need to invest in it, spend time looking at growth strategies and consider what contributes to your key performance indicators (KPIs), says James Thomas, commercial manager at d&t

Peter Moran, director, Todd Architects, looks at how well considered design and the use of light, colour and scale can promote wellbeing and enhance independence and quality of life in people with dementia