The Care Show 2019 is now just a memory for those who attended at the beginning of October, but the event delivered ideas and inspiration that will be of enduring benefit
From 9-10 October, thousands of visitors travelled to the NEC to attend the annual care sector gathering. This year’s edition was one of the busiest on record. Michael Corbett, show manager, says: “The Care Show was a carnival of inspiration, education and fun. This year it was amazing to partner with the UKHCA and Storm Care Managers Inner Circle, which both created thought provoking conferences during the show, attracting the ‘who’s who’ of the care sector.
“As well as providing leading content, the show looked the best it has in a long time, with exhibitors stepping up the quality and feel of their stands, which helped to create a strong buzz.”
This year has seen plenty of action in social care, with new care providers opening their doors, the number of outstanding providers increasing, the loss of some key providers and of course, Government talks about recruitment, funding and Brexit. This year’s show focused on a number of topics to help visitors make the most of their businesses, improve the environments they work in and boost Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings by helping deliver better care. With five theatres bursting with educational content, The Care Show had something for everyone.
Highlights
One of Show’s newest partners in 2019, STORM Care Inner Circle created an amazing digital community and delivered a fantastic educational programme offering an engaging hands-on conference for managers from across the country.
The Care Workers Charity and the Care Badge were also in evidence at the show. Delegates had the opportunity to purchase a Care Badge for their teams, which has brought The Care Show audience closer together by providing a symbol of support for those who are providing or receiving care outside of a hospital environment. There were also over 200 manufacturers and distributors supplying anything a care home might need; from flooring to furniture and from fire safety to the latest technology
Bogdan Mihalache, senior marketing manager, says: “We hope that every delegate, speaker, exhibitor and sponsor attending The Care Show made the most of this excellent opportunity to network, share problems with possible resolutions and gain clarity on complex solutions. We hope everyone went away with great ideas to implement into their businesses.”
With a programme line up that showcased industry leaders developing the care sector from the front, the Keynote Theatre was a true highlight of the event. Speakers such as Isaac Theophilos covered topics including ‘Why all care homes should aim to achieve an outstanding rating’, while Jonathan Cunningham discussed ‘Inspirational leadership to deliver inspirational care’.
Issac Theophilos, says: “Attending The Care Show has a lot of benefits in terms of understanding the services and products that are available to make my job easier. Listening to speakers who have already achieved what you are aspiring to achieve is a shortcut to reaching your goal. I did the same when I was a manager. Reach, listen, learn and improve!”
The Keynote Theatre wasn’t the only source of incredible seminars. The full programme was spread evenly across the remaining theatres, each one focussing on various challenges that are currently faced by the care sector.
In the Design, Dementia and Wellness Theatre sponsored by Bespoke by Evans, on day one, Lori Pinkerton-Rolet, director of Park Grove Design, reviewed contrasting approaches in care and dementia interiors. Day two also got off to a strong start with a fantastic panel delivered by Derek Breingan, head of health and social care sector, Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank, David McHattie, head of healthcare, Barclays Bank and Jeremy Huband, head of healthcare, HSBC. The panel considered what funding is available and how to work with banks to secure the best deal, as well as refinancing existing portfolios in the current financial crisis.
In the Business, Compliance and Regulation Theatre, Iain Dougall, head of power of attorney services at the Office of The Public Guardian shared his views on increasing awareness of LPAs and deputyships within the health and care home avoidance.
The world of technology was also addressed this year in the Technology and People Theatre where talks covered everything from electronic care management and the use of drones and robots to how technology can increase the productivity of your staff.
The Care Show 2020
The organisers of The Care Show have promised an even bigger and better event in 2020. The show will take place on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 October, again at the NEC Birmingham. You can register your interest at: www.careshow.co.uk/waiting-list
