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
Three Common Legionella Myths Busted
Written byGraham Clarke, Legionella Risk Assessor , Water Hygiene Centre Three Common Legionella Myths Busted Legionella bacteria can often be misunderstood, even by those working in building management or water safety. Misconceptions can lead to unnecessary panic – or worse, unsafe practices. In this blog we address three Legionella myths we have come across recently and provide practical guidance for managing water systems safely. Myth 1: “I can see Legionella in the water” Some people believe they can identify Legionella visually. One instance involved someone filling a glass with chalky water and claiming it contained the bacteria. FACT: Legionella bacteria are microscopic – between 0.3 and 0.9 μm wide and 2 to 20 μm long. To put this into perspective, a human hair typically measures between 50 and 120 μm in diameter. Legionella is far too small to be seen by the naked eye. Advice: Never assume water looks safe based on appearance alone. Regular water testing and a robust water safety plan are essential for detecting and controlling Legionella in any building. Myth 2: “I can smell Legionella” Another common misconception is that Legionella emits a noticeable odour. Some online sources suggest it’s possible, but the reality is more nuanced. FACT: Legionella itself doesn’t have a consistent smell detectable by humans. However, a rotten egg or sulphur-like odour may indicate contaminated water, often linked to hydrogen sulphide produced by bacterial activity. Water with an earthy smell when flushing taps can also signal stagnation or infrequent use, which increases the risk of Legionella growth. Advice: If you detect unusual odours while flushing a water outlet: Food for thought: Dogs have been trained to detect Pseudomonas bacteria by Imperial College London and the Medical Detection Dogs charity. While there’s no documented evidence of dogs detecting Legionella, their success with other pathogens highlights how alternative detection methods can supplement traditional water testing. Myth 3: “Flies lay legionella larvae” This one might sound like a bad sci-fi plot – but it’s a misconception that even some staff members have encountered. FACT: Flies do not lay Legionella larvae. However, flies can act as mechanical carriers, transporting bacteria from a contaminated source to other areas. Their body and feet can pick up Legionella bacteria and spread it, though they don’t create the bacteria themselves. Advice: Preventing Legionella spread via insects is mostly about good hygiene and environmental control: Bottom Line Legionella myths often stem from misunderstanding and lack of appropriate training, factors that can contribute to the growth and spread of Legionella are stagnation, heat gain, nutrient sources, over capacity, poor training and management. While visual inspection from outlets, taste, odour, or insects are not reliable indicators of Legionella, being aware of these helps building managers and water safety professionals respond appropriately. Key Takeaways: Understanding and debunking common Legionella myths isn’t just educational – it’s a crucial part of protecting your building, staff, and visitors from potential outbreaks. https://www.waterhygienecentre.com
More than 50% of care home enquiries are not care-related
More than 50% of enquiries submitted to care homes are not related to prospective residents, according to new analysis, exposing a growing disconnect between reported demand and actual admissions across the sector. The study, conducted by digital marketing agency Wolfenden, who work across a portfolio of independent care homes and multi-site groups, analysed anonymised data from a UK care home group operating 21 homes over a six-month period (September 2025 to February 2026). They found that just 18% of enquiries submitted through primary website contact routes related to care, with only 10% indicating a clear admission-ready need. In contrast, over 50% of enquiries were recruitment-related, despite more than 3,000 job applications being submitted through dedicated careers pathways during the same period. The findings point to a wider structural issue across the sector, where enquiry volume is often used as a proxy for demand, despite significant variation in intent. This raises questions over how care home operators are measuring demand and allocating marketing spend. Daisy Wolfenden, Managing Director at Wolfenden, commented: “Care homes are not struggling with a lack of enquiries, but with how those enquiries are being interpreted. When over half of incoming enquiries are not care-related, and only a small proportion reflect families ready to take the next step, treating all enquiries equally creates a distorted view of performance and occupancy pipelines.” “The analysis focused on primary online contact pathways, including website contact forms and manager-led enquiry routes. While these are typically reported as key conversion points, the underlying data shows a wide spectrum of user intent, from early-stage research through to recruitment enquiries and supplier contact. This distortion is being amplified by wider pressures across the sector.” “Ongoing workforce shortages are driving sustained recruitment demand, with candidates increasingly using any available contact route rather than dedicated careers pages. At the same time, families are completing more of their research journey through third-party platforms and aggregator websites such as carehome.co.uk before making direct contact, meaning enquiries often reflect a later, but more mixed, stage of intent.” “Against a backdrop of continued consolidation, with more homes being acquired into larger groups, the impact of misinterpreting demand is increasing. Budget allocation, forecasting and performance comparisons are now being made at portfolio level, where consistency and accuracy of data is critical. Small inaccuracies in how demand is classified are no longer just a reporting issue, they directly influence how budgets are allocated, how channels are optimised, and ultimately how occupancy is forecast. As groups scale, that risk compounds.” “Paid media strategies are also reinforcing the problem. Where enquiry volume is used as a primary optimisation metric, platforms will naturally prioritise the easiest conversions to generate, rather than those most likely to result in admissions. If enquiry data isn’t qualified, paid activity will scale lower-intent actions. No amount of optimisation at channel level can correct for that if the underlying signals are flawed.” “While full end-to-end tracking from enquiry through to admission is not always feasible within the care sector, operators need to move beyond volume-based reporting and adopt more sophisticated approaches to interpreting demand and performance. This includes weighting enquiry types based on intent, distinguishing between exploratory and admission-ready demand, and aligning channel performance with outcomes rather than raw conversion volume.” “The solution isn’t always more data. It’s a better interpretation of the data already available, and a clearer understanding that not all demand carries the same commercial value.”
New report exposes hidden realities of domiciliary care workers
The Care Workers’ Charity welcomes the publication of Homecare Voices’ report Behind Closed Doors: The Realities of Employment in Domiciliary Care, which highlights the challenges faced by many homecare workers across the UK. The worker-led research offers valuable insight into the day-to-day realities of domiciliary care and raises significant concerns about pay practices, rota instability and workforce wellbeing across the sector. The report finds that headline hourly rates in homecare can often mask the reality of unpaid travel and waiting time. According to the findings, 72% of respondents are paid only for ‘contact time’, meaning they are paid solely for the time spent delivering care rather than for the full working day. As a result, advertised hourly rates can appear significantly higher than workers’ actual earnings. The findings also raise important questions about oversight where local authorities commission homecare services but may not consistently monitor whether workers are paid for all working time. For many domiciliary care workers, this means spending long days travelling between visits while being paid for only a portion of that time. The report also highlights the impact this can have on rest and working conditions. A typical homecare day can begin early in the morning and finish late in the evening, raising concerns about legal rest entitlements. The report found that 87% of respondents do not always receive the required 11 hours’ rest between shifts, while 69% do not consistently receive their minimum legal days off. When discussing reform, it is essential to understand how changes will benefit both care workers, the people they support and the sector. The report highlights that 81% of respondents said the people they care for regularly experience loneliness, while 56% identified having enough time to meet social as well as practical needs as the most important factor in improving wellbeing. When care workers are restricted to short visit windows, the impact on people drawing on care can be significant. Reform for domiciliary care workers therefore has wider implications for the quality of care across the sector. Too often, discussions about adult social care take a one-size-fits-all approach. However, this report underlines the need for workforce reform that recognises the specific realities of domiciliary care. Around 70% of respondents said that payment for all working time would be the most important change to improve retention. Among migrant homecare workers, 67% reported that their main sponsor does not provide enough hours to meet minimum salary requirements. Ensuring care workers’ voices are heard is essential to delivering meaningful, long-term change in adult social care. Research such as this provides vital evidence that can help ensure policy decisions reflect the realities of the workforce Responding to the report, Karolina Gerlich, CEO of The Care Workers’ Charity, said: “This report shines an important light on the realities of domiciliary care work. There is growing recognition that the social care workforce must be better valued and supported, and reforms such as the forthcoming Fair Pay Agreement signal an intention to address long-standing inequalities. However, this research reminds us that pay alone does not tell the full story. Domiciliary care workers provide highly skilled, complex support that enables people to remain independent in their own homes and communities. The sector cannot function without them. Ensuring that workers are paid fairly for all the time they work, have stable hours, and can take proper rest is not only a workforce issue. It is fundamental to the quality, dignity and sustainability of care itself.” The Care Workers’ Charity supports the report’s recommendations and emphasises the need for stronger oversight and enforcement of employment standards within domiciliary care. We call on the Government to:
This is the reason why some care home staff wear purple uniforms
Most people working within the care sector will understand that their uniforms are designed to limit the spread of bacteria, with elements such as short sleeves and being able to be laundered at high temperatures to meet infection control standards being vital. However, there is a real science behind the way care uniforms are designed, from taking steps to improve wearer comfort right through to colour psychology. Adam Halewood, Head of Sales at Clothes2order, custom healthcare workwear supplier, explains some of the lesser-known thinking behind uniform design within the care industry. Colours are chosen to evoke emotions Whilst the colours of everyday clothing are typically linked to fashion trends, when it comes to care uniforms, colour psychology is used. Colour psychology is the understanding of how certain colours can affect moods and behaviours, whether those belong to the staff wearing the uniform or the residents who interact with them. Adam explains, “Care industry uniforms come in a variety of colours but are often seen in shades of blue and green, which are thought to reduce anxiety and provide a sense of calm to those receiving care. Purple is also frequently used, said to evoke compassion and empathy. In some care settings, brighter colours can be helpful too. Residents with dementia can experience issues with their sight and perception, so having a bright coloured uniform ensures staff are easily spotted against their surroundings. These colours can also make staff appear more friendly, cheerful and easier to approach for someone who may view them as a stranger due to their illness. In settings where spills and stains are frequent, darker colours can be more practical, allowing these to be disguised and ensuring staff remain looking as professional as possible whilst waiting to be able to change into clean clothing. Consistent colour use also helps with security within care facilities. If all staff wear the same colour, or each role uses the same colour uniform, staff are easy to identify when needed, whilst anyone out of place will be immediately obvious.” Materials are chosen to boost wearer comfort With care work generally being physically demanding, uniforms must be designed with staff comfort in mind. 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 great to help keep staff cool. Adam says, “Most care environments are set to a warm temperature to ensure the vulnerable groups inside are protected from the cold. Whilst this keeps residents from catching a chill, staff can be at risk of overheating whilst carrying out their physically demanding work. Uniforms are therefore designed with short sleeves and made from breathable and moisture-wicking materials, like poly-cotton blends, to help keep staff comfortable throughout their shifts. It’s also important for care staff to be able to move freely to keep them comfortable and 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.” Sustainability is a key consideration Care industry uniforms must withstand frequent laundering to ensure infection control, but this can lead to high energy use throughout the cleaning process. Adam explains, “The regular washing and drying process of care uniforms can be harsh on the environment due to the high energy levels used, so materials are often chosen during the design process to help reduce this. Polyester blends, such as poly-cotton, dry faster than 100% cotton fabrics due to their water-repelling properties, meaning less time in the tumble dryer and reduced energy use. These types of materials are also designed to be more durable, keeping their shape well and experiencing minimal shrinkage during laundering, which means they need to be replaced less frequently.” Adam concludes, “When it comes to care sector uniforms, clothing that might seem simply designed on the surface has actually been carefully created to benefit the wearer, people around them and the planet as much as possible. As clothing design and production technology continue to develop, factors like colour psychology, wearer comfort and sustainability are certain to influence new and improved design choices, further aiding care workers in their roles.”
Royal Patron to New Reading Care Home
Charity, Friends of the Elderly Honoured to Welcome Its Royal Patron to Its New Reading Care Home Charity, Friends of the Elderly, was honoured to welcome its Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, to officially open its new state-of-the-art residential care home in Calcot, Reading – Friends Place. The Princess Royal was received by Rachel Hill, Friends of the Elderly’s Chief Executive and Mark Wilson, the charity’s Chief Operation Officer who escorted Her Royal Highness on a tour of the care home. During her visit, The Princess Royal met with residents and care staff. She toured the home’s new facilities, including the cinema room, beauty salon, garden room, and sky bar, all of which residents are already enjoying. “It was an honour to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to Friends Place and to showcase our new state-of-the-art care home and the exceptional dedication of our care team,” said Rachel Hill, the charity’s Chief Executive. “2025 marks Friends of the Elderly’s 120th Anniversary which is a very important milestone for us and to have the official opening of Friends Place by HRH The Princess Royal, the charity’s patron was so greatly appreciated by all of us at Friends of the Elderly.” Offering residential, dementia, and respite care, Friends Place and is also home to a day care service, with all care delivered by a compassionate and experienced care team. The new care home reflects the charity’s long-standing commitment to providing high-quality care and the home has been thoughtfully designed to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where residents feel valued, secure and supported. Her Royal Highness takes up the important role as the charity’s Royal Patron which her Mother, Queen Elizabeth II held for over 60 years. As the Friends of the Elderly’s Royal Patron for many years, Her late Majesty’s support was extremely important to the many older people the charity has cared for throughout the years. The continued support of The Royal Family, through the ongoing Presidency of Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra and the new Patronage of The Princess Royal is greatly appreciated by Friends of the Elderly, its residents, beneficiaries and staff. “We take great pride in supporting the older people we care for in an environment where every individual feels valued, safe and engaged,” added Mark Wilson, Friends of the Elderly’s Chief Operating Officer. “We’re proud to offer a warm, modern home where every detail has been designed with residents’ wellbeing in mind. Friends Place not only brings high-quality care but will also bring 30 new jobs to the local area – and we’re thrilled to be part of the Calcot community.” “With over 120 years of experience, Friends of the Elderly is proud to continue its mission of providing personalised, compassionate care that supports older people to live full and dignified lives in a warm, homely environment where residents feel safe, supported and part of the community,” continued Rachel. “We are excited about the future and look forward to working with Her Royal Highness on our many important projects and initiatives that support older people.”www.fote.org.uk
World Sight Day: Blind Veterans UK praise for Surbiton care home
A care home has been praised for the care and support it is providing a blind RAF veteran on World Sight Day. Staff at Royal Star & Garter’s Surbiton Home invited Blind Veterans UK to give them support and advice after former RAF policeman Jeremy Sellwood became a resident. According to Jed, as he is known, and his family, it has helped him to settle in and enjoy life at the Home. The praise for Royal Star & Garter comes on World Sight Day, 9 October, and during World Blindness Awareness Month, which is running throughout October. Royal Star & Garter provides loving, compassionate care and support for veterans and their families, living with disability or dementia, through its Homes in Solihull, Surbiton, High Wycombe and Worthing. It also provides services reaching into the community, including Lunch Clubs, Day Care and a national Telephone Friendship Service. Blind Veterans UK supports anyone who has served in the Armed Forces and is now living with significant sight loss. Jed lost his sight after sustaining a serious head injury in 1987, aged 25. It happened while he was based at JHQ (Joint Headquarters) Rheindahlen in West Germany, and he was off-duty at the time. With the support of Blind Veterans UK, he was able to live independently for more than 20 years. However, a series of falls resulted in Jed, now 63, coming to Royal Star & Garter in 2024. It was after moving in that the Home’s dedicated Wellbeing Team reached out to the sight loss charity. Wellbeing Coordinator Lesley O’Driscoll said: “The team haven’t had to support someone who is totally blind and we wanted advice and to know what we can do to help his wellbeing.” Blind Veterans UK provided a box of activities and advised on the set-up of Jed’s room. A case worker also meets Jed each month and Lesley added: “We’ve definitely been able to improve the support and wellbeing we provide Jed since contacting Blind Veterans UK.” Jed said: “I think it’s excellent that Royal Star & Garter got in contact with Blind Veterans UK. It’s refreshing to see two organisations working together this way. Staff here always go the extra mile for every single resident.” Jed’s sister Kim said: “Blind Veterans UK has been supporting Jed for a long time, so I was thrilled when Royal Star & Garter reached out to them to help with the support they can provide him.” Mark Wheeler, from Blind Veterans UK said: “We are proud to have been supporting Jed for many years. It was fantastic to work with Royal Star & Garter to share our expertise and support them to provide the best care possible. It’s great to see two veterans’ charities working together for Jed’s benefit and we’re grateful that staff at the Home reached out to us. It’s good to know that Jed is now receiving such wonderful care and that he is happy.” Speaking about Royal Star & Garter, Jed added: “This place feels like home, it’s absolutely fantastic. Everybody’s friendly and helpful, and I feel lucky to be here.” Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton is also welcoming new residents. For more information on this, its other services or to work at the Home, go to: www.starandgarter.org/surbiton
