Birthday card appeal for resident’s 100th birthday
Local Lydney care home has launched an appeal in the hope of receiving 100 birthday cards for their resident, Brenda, who reaches the milestone on the 1st of August. Wanting to make the 100th birthday as memorable as possible for Brenda, Nodens Manor Care Home, part of Elmfield care group, is appealing for members of the public to send birthday cards to their beloved resident. Brenda Beatrice Price grew up in Barry Island, and after tragically losing her son Gary to cancer at the young age of 34, she has lived everyday being grateful for what you do have and always being kind to others. Her secret to turning 100, drinking lots of coffee! The team at Nodens Manor are encouraging people to either hand deliver them by the 1st of August (Brenda’s birthday) or post them to the following address before July 25th. Brenda Price Nodens Manor, Naas Lane, Lydney, Gloucestershire GL15 5AU Naomi D’Andrea, manager at Nodens Manor said: “We always want to make the birthdays of our residents as memorable as possible, and with this one being especially significant, we decided to launch the appeal so we could give our resident as many birthday cards as we possibly can on the morning of her birthday. We can’t wait to see the look on her face when we give her the cards!”
Care expert reveals simple exercises
Building strength isn’t something we should only think about in later life. The habits we build throughout adulthood can help us stay mobile, independent and confident as we age.To help people of all ages build healthy movement habits, Naomi D’Andrea, General Manager at Nodens Manor Care Home, part of Elmfield Care Group, has teamed up with physio Fikri Fikriev from Physiotherapy Matters to share simple exercises that can help support strength, improve balance and keep you active throughout life. Three simple at home strength and balance exercises that help you stay independent longer. Fikri shares: “This exercise will make the thighs, hips and core muscles stronger, which are needed for standing, walking and climbing stairs. Stronger legs will make daily movements much easier and reduce the risk of falls. “Sit on a sturdy chair with feet flat on the floor, lean slightly forward and stand up without using your hands, if possible, then slowly sit back down. Perform 8–12 repetitions, one to two times a day, on alternate days. A higher seat makes it easier than a lower seat. Adjust the difficulty if needed. “Heel-to-toe walk challenges balance and coordination, improves stability and helps reduce the risk of falls. You can further increase the difficulty by walking backwards or walking with your eyes closed. “Perform the exercise by standing near a wall, kitchen bench or long handrail. Walk forward by placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of the other foot. Take 10–20 slow, controlled steps. Perform once or twice a day, three to four times a week. “These will help improve the strength of the calf muscles at the back of the shin, while the toe raises will target the muscle at the front of the shin. Together, these muscles are essential for standing, walking, running and lifting your ankle, especially when walking on uneven surfaces. “Perform the exercise combination by standing with feet shoulder-width apart, using support for safety. Slowly lift the heels up off the ground and hold for a few seconds, then slowly lower them back down. Following that, lift the toes and the front of your feet off the ground, hold for a few seconds, then lower them back down. Alternate between heel and toe raises. “Repeat back and forth for 8–12 repetitions, once or twice a day, 3–4 times a week.” Why strength and mobility matter as we age Naomi shares : “The most important thing is to keep moving. Finding exercises you enjoy means you’re much more likely to stick with them, and regular movement helps maintain strength, independence and confidence as you age. “You don’t need a gym to build strength. Just 15 minutes a few times a week can help. Try five minutes of brisk walking, five minutes of gentle chair-based exercises, followed by five minutes of gentle balance exercises. Small, consistent movements like these can help improve strength, balance and confidence over time.” Fikri adds: “We naturally lose muscle mass, strength, balance and reaction time as we age. These changes can significantly affect daily life and activities such as getting out of a chair, getting in and out of a car, walking up and down the stairs, going to the supermarket and many more. Creating a weekly routine that includes strength and balance exercises will help significantly delay muscle loss, and may even reverse it to some degree. “Older adults should aim to do strength and balance exercises a minimum of 2–3 times per week, alongside being active daily with activities like walking, gardening or swimming. “Nutrition also plays a significant role in slowing down muscle loss as we age. Eating enough protein daily helps maintain and build muscle, especially in combination with strength training. On average, there should be about 20–30g of protein per meal to support healthy ageing. “Having a weekly routine with regular strength and balance exercises is one of the best ways to stay independent and reduce the risk of falls. Pairing exercise with adequate protein intake, and if appropriate creatine, can significantly help the muscles stay strong, adapt to load and activities, and recover faster. “Families can make a big difference by encouraging their loved ones to stay active, sharing walks and exercises together, and supporting healthy eating habits. “Small, consistent changes to physical activity, over time, can have a significant impact on confidence, independence and strength, and can reduce the risk of falls and injuries.” https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/safe-mobility-falls-prevention
WWII Switchboard Operator remembers D-Day landings
A WWII veteran has recalled hearing the “sounds of hell” when she worked as a Switchboard Operator during the D-Day landings. Marie Scott was serving with the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) and passing coded messages between the front line and the leaders of Operation Overlord – the codename for the Normandy landings – when she was exposed firsthand to the horrors of warfare. The 99-year-old was speaking during a respite stay at Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton, and ahead of the 82nd anniversary of D-Day on 6 June. The charity provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their families living with disability or dementia, from Homes in Solihull, Surbiton, High Wycombe and Worthing. It also has services reaching out into the community including Day Care, Lunch Club and a national Telephone Friendship Service. Marie had joined the WRNS in March 1944 and in June that year was based at Fort Southwick, a secret underground communications centre near Portsmouth where the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), led by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, was operating ahead of D-Day. Aged just 17 at the time, she was tasked with using new VHF radio systems to verbally relay coded messages to frontline troops. It was during these exchanges that Marie was given her terrifying insight into the utter devastation unfolding across the Channel. She said: “When they gave their responses to me, I couldn’t believe my ears. Because what I heard was incessant machine gunfire, the sound of cannons, and bombs dropping. I could hear men shouting orders and I could hear men screaming. And I suddenly realised that what I was listening to was the actual invasion of the beaches. Those men were storming the beaches of Normandy, and I was hearing the accompaniment of war. I’ll never forget that day. Never. It was the sound of hell.” Marie left the Armed Forces in 1946. She would later receive the Légion d’honneur – France’s highest decoration – from the French Government, in recognition of the role she played in the liberation of the country from Nazi Germany. Eighty-two years later, Marie still finds herself thinking of that day and the lives that were lost. She said: “I remember all those desperately young men that didn’t survive D-Day. There were so many thousands killed on D-Day alone, it was an enormous number. For a few moments, I was there that day, listening to the hell those young men were in. I can’t help but think of them and their families – I often do.” The D-Day assault marked the start of the successful campaign to liberate Western Europe from Nazi occupation. Royal Star & Garter’s Homes mark special days in the Armed Forces calendar, such as D-Day, VE Day, Remembrance and Armed Forces Day. The charity’s Veterans’ Voice project also aims to give a platform to its residents and the people who use its services, ensuring they are not overlooked because of their disability or dementia. Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton is welcoming new residents. For more information on this, its other services or to work at the Home, go to www.starandgarter.org/surbiton
What rising temperatures mean for care staff
The UK has recently seen record-breaking spring temperatures, with many areas hitting over 30 degrees. These high temperatures create a challenge for care workers, whose physically demanding work can leave them feeling uncomfortable in extreme heat. Adam Halewood, Head of Sales at custom branded workwear supplier Clothes2order, explains what healthcare brands must consider when designing uniforms to ensure staff comfort during warm weather. Opt for short sleeves Whilst elements like short sleeves are primarily used to promote the ‘bare below the elbows’ policy to reduce the spread of infection, they are also effective at keeping staff cool. Adam says, “Most care environments are set to a consistent warm temperature to ensure the vulnerable groups inside are protected from the cold. Whilst this keeps residents from catching a chill, on hot days it can leave staff at risk of overheating whilst carrying out their physically demanding work. “Keeping air circulating across your arms helps to regulate temperature on a hot day by allowing for sweat to evaporate faster and creating a naturally cooling effect. Uniforms should therefore be designed with short sleeves to allow for sufficient ventilation and for heat to escape effectively. “The exception to using short sleeves is in the case of those who need sun protection. Sleeves can be used to cover up during high UV periods if going outside cannot be avoided, alongside applying SPF.” Choose breathable material “The material uniforms are made from should always be a consideration, but it becomes increasingly important in hot weather,” explains Adam. “Poly-cotton blends offer the best of both worlds, combining breathable and moisture-wicking properties in a lightweight fabric that is well ventilated and absorbs sweat away from the body to keep wearers dry and cool. Ideal for care environments, this fabric keeps staff comfortable whilst being durable enough to withstand frequent laundering and strict care home hygiene practices.” Consider a relaxed fit “For practicality, care staff need to be able to move freely to keep themselves protected from injury when carrying out their work. Tunics and scrubs are typically designed with a relaxed fit and use stretchy materials, allowing the wearer a full range of movement, for this reason. “Relaxed-fit garments also play a part in keeping staff cool, as air can flow more freely. By preventing the fabric from clinging to the skin, loose-fitting uniforms reduce the feeling of overheating and discomfort during long shifts, particularly in busy care home environments where staff are constantly moving between tasks.”
‘CARE IS COMING HOME’
‘CARE IS COMING HOME’ AT CHARITY’S NEW COPFORD PLACE CARE HOME Friends of the Elderly’s Colchester Residential Care Home Hosting Community Open Week to Champion this year’s Care Home Open Week and Celebrate the 2026 World Cup Tournament The residents and care team at New Copford Place, the Colchester-based residential care home run by charity, Friends of the Elderly, are looking forward to welcoming their families, friends and members of the local community to join them for a week of interactive, inclusive and engaging activities, plus the opportunity to take a tour of the beautiful care home, the place the residents call ‘Their Home’. “As part of our continuing promise to keep the residents engaged with, and part of, the local community, and to champion this year’s Care Home Open Week, we will be hosting a week of fun activities and be on hand to give visitors tours of the care home,” said Chelsey Leather, the Activities Coordinator at New Copford Place. “As Care Home Open Week falls during the World Cup Tournament, and it is the 60th Anniversary of England’s epic two, four win over Germany back in 1966, the activities taking place will have a ‘Footie-tastic’ focus,” added Daniel Sabau, the Registered Manager at New Copford Place. “Our slogan for the week will be ‘Care is Coming Home’.” Taking place on from Monday 15th June until Friday 19th June, visitors will be able to join the residents in a wide range of fun and inclusive activities. “We’ll have arts and crafts, gentle exercise classes, Cuppa and Chat sessions and, of course, the not to be missed Bingo! and, weather permitting, a selection of Garden Games – plus lots more,” continued Chelsey. “In addition to all the wonderful activities, we will also be hosting tours of our great facilities which will give us a wonderful opportunity to show visitors, first hand, what life is like at New Copford Place, and the care team and I will be on hand to answer any questions visitors may have,” added Daniel. The guided tours will take in New Copford Place’s light, airy rooms and comfortable communal areas, including the three lounges and a spacious dining room – plus the care home’s pretty gardens. “Visitors will also be able to see our devoted and caring care team in action as they deliver individualised bespoke, person-centred care to each resident and respite guest,” continued Chelsey. “At New Copford Place we are a family and have created a welcoming, caring and safe environment where our residents and respite guests can, and do, live well every day. In fact, we recently received a review from a resident’s family member which said that their Mother, who has been a resident with us for two years, has been lovingly looked after by our wonderful team of carers. It added that the carers make it a pleasure for the family to visit and that they have built up a lovely, friendly relationship with all the team and that they know that their Mother is receiving all the love and care that she deserves,” added Daniel. “We hope that during the Care Home Open Week from Monday 15th June to Friday 19th June, visitors to our Community Open Week, not only have a wonderful time, but see, first-hand just what a great place and a great team we are here at New Copford Place,” concluded Chelsey. Community Open Week at New Copford Place – Care is Coming Home Monday 15th June to Friday 19th June 2026 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each Day Location: New Copford Place Residential Care Home, London Road, Copford, Colchester, Essex, CO6 1YR. Telephone 01206 210397 Free Parking Available On Site https://www.carehome.co.uk/carehome.cfm/searchazref/10001030COPA
Care expert shares the importance of bonding with residents
Friendship is important at all stages of life, but even more so as you age and move into the later phases of life. Care experts at Elmfield care group share how important intergenerational friendships are, and the benefits they bring to all involved. Michael Berkley Blezard, General Manager of Old Sarum Manor care home, comments on the connection he sees forming between residents and staff: “Increasingly, we are seeing residents bonding with the care staff on a level that goes deeper than just acquaintances. It is really special to see these connections grow as they bond over shared experiences or show each other a unique perspective. “For older adults, connecting with younger generations can help them feel more youthful and for the younger adults, they gain a wider perspective on life that might be able to support them as they navigate the world.” Esther Cambridge, General Manager of Flowers Manor care home, highlights the emotional impact these friendships can have: “The most significant benefit for our residents is improved emotional wellbeing. Strong connections within the home make them far less susceptible to loneliness and social isolation. This then has a knock-on effect, helping to lower stress and fostering a sense of self-worth for both the resident and the member of staff. “Another benefit we see in the home, especially among the care staff, is increased empathy. When staff form bonds with residents outside of their typical social circles, they can develop a more inclusive worldview. At the same time, our residents are reminded that they still have so much to offer.” Naomi Griffith, General Manager of Nodens Manor care home, explains how the home actively creates the conditions for these friendships to flourish: “These friendships don’t happen by accident. In our homes, we create the environment for them through structured activities and more relaxed, informal socialisation time. “Our care staff are encouraged to be genuinely curious about residents, asking questions about their lives and passions to get to know them better. When residents feel heard, this helps them open up and allows conversations to become more free-flowing, which is where the real friendships begin.” One example of a special friendship at Elmfield care group comes from Nodens Manor: When Pam Ruck, 90, joined the Noden Manor community roughly two-and-a -half years ago, her journey has been defined by connection. She quickly formed a friendship with fellow residents, but it was with care team member Aimee Bowden, 32, that she found a truly unique bond. The pair instantly connected over their shared passions, a love for nature and gardening, and their mutual love for children gave them a foundation for endless conversation. Whether the sun is shining or there’s a morning chill, Aimee and Pam have a cherished daily ritual. Every shift begins with a warm hug, followed by ten minutes of coffee and a gentle stroll through the Nodens Manor gardens. These quiet moments have paved the way for a friendship so deep that Pam often describes Aimee as being ‘like a daughter to her’.
The Care & Occupational Therapy Show Returns
Exeter, UK – 23 June 2026 – The Care & Occupational Therapy Show, the South West’s largest and most established event dedicated to the care sector, is set to return for its 8th year on 23 June 2026 at Westpoint Arena, Exeter. Bringing together care professionals, occupational therapists, suppliers, and industry leaders from across the region and beyond, the event continues to serve as a vital platform for learning, networking, and innovation within the care community. Over the past seven years, The Care & Occupational Therapy Show has grown significantly, earning its reputation as the leading care-focused exhibition in the South West. The 2026 event promises to be its most comprehensive yet, featuring a diverse range of exhibitors showcasing the latest products, services, and solutions designed to improve care delivery and outcomes. Attendees can expect a full programme of expert-led seminars and workshops, offering valuable insights into current challenges, emerging trends, and best practices across the care and occupational therapy sectors. Topics will include workforce development, person-centred care, assistive technology, and regulatory updates. The event provides a unique opportunity for professionals to connect, share knowledge, and explore new approaches that enhance both care provision and patient wellbeing. Event Highlights Include: Extensive exhibition featuring leading care suppliers and service providers Educational seminar programme led by industry experts Networking opportunities with professionals from across the care sector Latest innovations in occupational therapy and assistive technologies With free attendance for care professionals, The Care & Occupational Therapy Show remains committed to supporting the sector by providing accessible, high-quality learning and development opportunities. Registration details and further information will be announced soon. https://www.careexhibition.co.uk
Looking for a job in Healthcare? Try learning German
In today’s economy, the ability to speak multiple languages is more valuable than ever. Building on original data from 2024, researchers at City Lit have analysed more than 20,000 UK job advertisements which are looking for multilingual professionals to identify the increasing demand for multilingual professionals in 2026. The research reveals that European languages remain in high demand across multiple industries, with German and French sitting in the top three, alongside Mandarin, for which demand has more than doubled. Top 5 languages Rank Language Percentage of jobs available Ranking change since 2024 1 German 32% No change 2 French 30% No change 3 Mandarin 15% +2 4 Spanish 12% -1 5 Portuguese 3% +3 The data reveals that German, French, and Mandarin are among the most sought-after languages across multiple industries. German remains top of the rankings, showing significant demand in sectors like Management, Sales, and Technology, with over 809 job openings requesting German speakers. French has 755 total multilingual jobs, also holding strong demand, again in Management, Sales, and Technology, with 124 job opportunities in Management alone. Portuguese, another European language, has moved up three places in the rankings, from 8th to 5th, since the original research was carried out in 2024. Mandarin, the most spoken native language across the world, is in high demand in sectors such as Management, Sales and Marketing, with 388 jobs requesting Mandarin speakers. Demand for Mandarin has increased by 114% since the original research was carried out, where it ranked 5th overall. These languages are key to unlocking career opportunities in international markets. Top 10 industries for multilingual applicants There are many industries which have a particularly high demand for multilingual professionals, with management, sales and technology taking the three top spots. Top 10 industries looking for multilingual applicants: Rank Industry Percentage of jobs available Ranking change since 2024 1 Management 15.7% No change 2 Sales 12.4% +2 3 Technology 7% No change 4 Recruitment 6.9% -2 5 Marketing 6.9% No change 6 Insurance 5.7% +1 7 Media 5% +5 8 Finance 4.8% No change 9 Education 4.1% -3 10 Bank 4.1% -1 Management, Sales, and Technology are industries where multilingual skills are highly valued, with thousands of job openings requiring proficiency in multiple languages. Management continues to hold the top spot, with over 401 jobs available for professionals who can speak languages like French, German, and Mandarin, offering pathways to leadership roles in global companies. Sales, a career path where language skills are crucial for pursuing customers to purchase products and generating leads, follows with 316 positions, increasing in demand to rise two places in the rankings. The Technology sector also continues to hold a notable demand, with 177 jobs, particularly for professionals fluent in German and French. Whilst it sits outside of the top 10 ranking at 13th, the healthcare industry shows the highest increased demand for multilingual applicants since 2024, moving up 12 places. German is in demand in this sector, with 40.7% of all healthcare jobs requesting German speakers. Claudio Guasti, Head of School Culture and Communication at City Lit, shared, “Our research clearly shows the growing importance of language skills in today’s global economy. China continues to have the second-largest economy worldwide, and is the biggest of the non-English speaking nations, so it’s not surprising to see increased demand for Mandarin speakers in job markets. At City Lit, we recognise that being multilingual is no longer an asset, but a necessity in many industries. Professionals looking to give themselves an advantage when searching for jobs should seriously consider learning an additional language; having the ability to communicate in multiple languages opens a wealth of opportunities. Beginner courses can be beneficial at a minimum, covering topics useful for the workplace, such as how to introduce yourself, ask for personal details and use numbers, but any of our online language courses can help to equip professionals with the language proficiency needed to thrive in these competitive sectors”
World Art Day: Painting a brighter future at Royal Star & Garter
Royal Star & Garter is celebrating World Art Day (15 April) by highlighting the transformative role creativity plays in the lives of residents in its care. The charity, which provides loving, compassionate care for veterans and their families, holds a number of arts activities each week in its Homes in Solihull, Surbiton, High Wycombe and Worthing. Those taking part range from beginners to people who have spent their whole lives creating art. Research shows these activities bring a range of benefits to residents – reducing stress and anxiety, improving fine motor skills and coordination, increasing cognitive function and combatting loneliness and depression – and is an integral part of the holistic care provided by Royal Star & Garter. Activities in the Homes are put on by dedicated Wellbeing Teams, and include painting, pottery, crafts, music and flower arranging. Group sessions such as these help residents to form new friendships within the Homes. Lucy Freud hosts regular painting classes at the Surbiton Home. She said: “I am amazed at just how talented the residents are. Their art is beautiful. Painting focuses the mind and is very meditative, and I see that with the residents during the sessions.” Royal Star & Garter also supports residents who have been making art long before coming to our Homes. In High Wycombe, staff put on an exhibition for resident Michael, featuring over 60 pieces of art. His daughter Sarah said: “Painting and sketching has been such an enjoyable and therapeutic part of my dad’s life. I love the fact that at his age he is still encouraged to be creative and stay connected to his earlier life.” Anne in Surbiton studied art at evening college and has been painting all her life. She has an easel set up in her room and said: “I love painting, and I’m very happy to be able to continue my hobby at Royal Star & Garter.” At Care for Veterans – A Royal Star & Garter Home, in Worthing, Wellbeing Day Care Supervisor Lisa Lampard said: “Art is more than a simple leisure activity, it’s essential care. It’s therapeutic and can help individuals come to terms with and deal with a wide range of issues, including PTSD. Residents tell me something as simple as colouring boosts their mental health and helps them get through the day. It helps them feel valued, heard, and inspired.” The celebration of World Art Day ties in with Royal Star & Garter’s Veterans’ Voice project, which aims to give a platform to its residents and the people who use its services, ensuring they are not overlooked because of their disability or dementia. Shirley Hall, the charity’s Director of Care & Wellbeing, said: “Art comes in many different mediums. In our Homes we have artists of varying abilities, but art gives them all a voice to express memories and emotions. It’s wonderful to witness it spark joy, boost mental health and wellbeing, build confidence and bring people together.” Royal Star & Garter is welcoming new residents in its Homes. For more information on this, services including Day Care and Lunch Club, or to work at the charity, go to www.starandgarter.org
