FEATURE ARTICLES

The Active Ageing Research Group at the University of Cumbria is conducting some innovative research into how gaze and walking impact on balance in older adults. Using the latest in eye tracking technology, the aim is to explore how eye movement affects balance during walking

As our climate changes, alongside the focus on keeping residents warm in the winter, the risk of overheating during the summer months is becoming an equally significant threat. Carl Davison, technical services manager, Kingspan Industrial Insulation, explains

Catering provision in a care home environment should not be viewed in isolation. The chef and catering team are a vital part of the care team and should be treated as such, says Neel Radia, national chair, National Association of Care Catering (NACC)

Ed Warner, founder of Motionspot, explains how using design principles to create beautiful, accessible bathrooms can positively impact on the health and wellbeing of care home residents, their families and carers

The Dementia Care & Nursing Home Expo, an event dedicated to care home growth and achieving a sustainable social care model, will be held at the NEC, Birmingham from 25 to 26 April, but what can you expect from this years’ event?

Many people still have negative views about care homes, associating them with a sense of dread and loss, which is reinforced by sensationalist journalism and isolated issues, but this has to change, says Avnish Goyal, managing director of Hallmark Care Homes and chair of Care England

Call systems have come a long way. While their primary function remains the same, they offer so much more than communication, says Derek Timoney, managing director, Medicare Systems

Is the use of murals in a care home a positive thing? If you follow certain guidelines, they can have a number of positive benefits for residents, staff and visitors, says Karen Clayton, dementia environment specialist, Find Memory Care

If you haven’t done it before, now is the time to check your care home property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to find out how energy efficient your building is, advises Tom Lumsden, partner at CooperBurnett LLP

Laura Hannah, CQC regulation specialist and solicitor, Stephensons, explains why care home providers must challenge decisions that are not accurate or consistent with the CQC’s strategy and framework in order to protect their businesses and reputations

Despite significant interest in downsizing and buying a retirement property and the wealth of many older people, there is a distinct lack of innovative schemes in the UK, says David Sinclair, director, The International Longevity Centre – UK (ILC-UK)

There has never been a wider range of fire retardant fabrics and all care homes should make sure that fire retardant soft furnishings are an integral part of their safety provision, says Christine Willis, managing director, Furnish

Tony Rheinberg, Armitage Shanks, discusses how new technology can help to make care home bathrooms fit for purpose and how these care home spaces can help reduce the risk posed to residents by bacteria

Designing with sight loss in mind does not necessarily involve spending huge amounts of money; it’s about applying the principles of colour contrast, lighting rooms properly and giving consideration to acoustics, says Jacqui Smith, co-director, HomeSmiths

David Hulton, health and safety manager at HC-One, provides a brief overview of the most basic of fire safety preparations that should be taken in a care home environment and points to sources of further advice, guidance and support

Avnish Goyal, managing director of Hallmark Care Homes and chair of Care England, discusses the role of personal development in empowering staff teams to reach their full potential, while providing the best possible care to elderly residents

Lisa Rickman, senior director of HR at Sunrise Senior Living UK and Gracewell Healthcare, considers the role of resident ambassadors and the benefits they can bring to the home as well as the individual

Edward James, workstream lead, Estates, Facilities and Professional Services Workstream, NHS London Procurement Partnership, explains how care home providers can ensure they secure the highest quality services at the best prices

Sue Goldsmith, director of care quality and dementia, The Care Home Coach, considers how those moving into residential care might feel and how, with a little more consideration and understanding from staff, that experience may be enhanced

Keith Taylor, director and founder of AMA Research, provides an overview of the long term care market, which includes care homes, nursing homes and residential homes, and considers the opportunities for new build and refurbishment in the sector