AI can support workers with dementia
Study challenges stereotype that dementia is incompatible with digital work Video: Dr James Fletcher on digitalization and dementia People with dementia can enjoy productive and rewarding working lives in the digital era, contrary to the widespread stereotype that dementia is incompatible with the use of modern technology, according to new research from the University of Bath. The study – Working lives with dementia: A digital futures perspective – argues that the digital revolution risks exacerbating inequalities amongst those with diverse needs but that organisations can and should develop, adapt and deploy digital technology and the working environment to help those with dementia to continue in employment. “The bottom line is that we have an ageing population and workforce in which dementia will feature and which should, and can be, accommodated by the judicious use of digital technology and adapting working conditions. The reality is, this is not dealt with in any meaningful way right now – there are very rarely strategies in place,” said Dr James Fletcher of the University of Bath School of Management. “There is widespread prejudice that those with dementia cannot cope with, or benefit from, digital technology, and they often get bundled into the same category as the oldest people. But it’s worth putting some perspective on this – an experienced 60-year-old employee with early stage dementia will have grown up through the digital, internet and social media revolutions – and with the right support, they will still have much to offer,” Dr Fletcher said. The study was published as the UK government announced its welfare reform plans, part of which is to encourage more disabled people into work. Dr Fletcher said he hoped the research could be a useful example of the prospects and challenges of fulfilling that goal. Dr Fletcher noted that quite simple adjustments to the working environment, such as improving workstation lighting, using appropriate fonts and colour schemes, and providing workers with calendars, voice activated controls, and automatic reminders could make a big difference for somebody diagnosed with dementia. “And AI offers really interesting opportunities – it is superb at solving many of the problems faced by those with dementia, such as finding words, organising text and putting words in the right sequence. Couple that with the potential offered by hybrid working for those with dementia, and you can see the benefits for both employees and companies,” he said. Dr Fletcher and his co-researcher Dr Olivia Brown argue that dementia is not inherently disabling and that its impact depends heavily on the environment and surroundings in which an employee is operating. Employers might consider, for example, that an employee with dementia may be able to access a building with a swipe card but may be foiled if access relies on codes that they have to remember. “We need to approach this in the way we already respond to people with diverse needs, which is already familiar to most employees. Also, there is a misplaced tendency to see a dementia diagnosis in black and white terms when the reality is, the effects can vary day-to-day and hour-to-hour depending on environment and relationships,” Dr Brown said. Dr Fletcher said that employees could suffer tremendous stress from diagnosis and disclosing this to their employer, with some developing strategies to conceal their condition. He said that, while we lack good statistics, it appears that the ‘vast majority’ of those diagnosed with dementia go into unemployment, often unwillingly. “There are many who could stay in the workforce and don’t. And this is not just an issue for older people – growing numbers of younger people are being diagnosed,” he said. The researchers noted that dementia is often considered to be a post-retirement phenomenon, but estimates suggest that 9% of the 35.6 million people worldwide with dementia are under 65 years of age, with around 370,000 new cases annually. mailto:press@bath.ac.uk
Residents at Harefield care home enjoy visit from MP
HC-One’s Cedar House Care Home in Harefield, Middlesex, was visited on Friday, March 21, by Member of Parliament (MP) for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, David Simmonds. Residents and colleagues of the HC-One owned care home enjoyed meeting their MP, David Simmonds, and chatting to him about what life is like at Cedar House Care Home – which is an integral part of the local Harefield community. MP David Simmonds enjoyed a tour round the 42 bedded residential, nursing and nursing dementia care home, including the hair salon, cinema, kitchenette, lounge, ensuite bedrooms and gardens. The team showcased the home’s recent refurbishment work in their lounges, their new electric powered bathtubs and bedrooms to MP, David Simmonds. Cedar House’s residents’ choir also sung a selection of songs to MP David Simmonds in the lounge. Patience Sibanda, HC-One’s Cedar House Care Home Manager, commented: “We were delighted to welcome MP David Simmonds to our home. Everyone had a great time, chatting and discussing key issues they care about and what actions can be taken to overcome them.” David Simmonds, Member of Parliament (MP) for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, said: “I am delighted to be invited back to Cedar House in Harefield to see the fantastic work being done by the care home staff to support residents. “I am grateful to the hard-working staff who care so passionately about the residents, their commitment to the highest standards is certainly commendable. The excellent work being done by Patience and her team is evident through not only their ‘good’ CQC rating but more importantly in the high spirits of the home’s residents.” For more information on HC-One homes in your area visit www.hc-one.co.uk/carehomes.
Torsion Care & Torsion Projects
Torsion Group has announced key leadership appointments within Torsion Care and Torsion Projects as the business continues to expand in line with its strategic growth plan. In 2024, Torsion Care was highly active, completing the acquisition of six new schemes and successfully delivering four care homes & 2 retirement living schemes. Since its inception in 2019, Torsion Care has delivered 423 care bedrooms across seven schemes and 264 retirement living apartments. The business has also secured a pipeline of 448 additional units, with a future pipeline of 1,898 beds and apartments, representing a total gross development value (GDV) of £364 million. Leadership Appointments Martin Hutson – CEO, Torsion Care & Torsion Projects Martin Hutson has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Torsion Care and Torsion Projects, following the continued expansion of the business. He steps into this role from his previous position as Managing Director of Torsion Care. Under Martin’s leadership, Torsion Care has experienced significant growth, establishing itself as a market leader in the care sector. He will continue to drive the company’s ambitious expansion in care and retirement living, strengthening investment partnerships and advancing its vertically integrated model of Invest, Develop, Construct, and Operate. John Currie continues his leadership as Managing Director of Torsion Projects, ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality developments across the business. Ian Ward – Managing Director, Torsion Care Ian Ward has been promoted to Managing Director of Torsion Care, recognising his outstanding contributions to the business. Since joining the business in 2021, Ian has played a key role in strengthening operations and driving expansion. In his new role, he will lead the day-to-day operations, strategic growth, and reporting functions of Torsion Care. Commenting on the promotions, Martin Hutson said: “I am thrilled to announce the well-deserved promotion of Ian Ward to Managing Director of Torsion Care. Ian has been an invaluable member of our team, demonstrating outstanding leadership and commitment to our vision. His expertise in care and retirement living developments, coupled with his deep understanding of operational oversight, makes him the perfect leader to drive the business forward in this next chapter.” Dan Spencer, Founder & CEO of Torsion Group, added: “Martin has been an exceptional business partner, driving the rapid growth of Torsion Care and establishing it as a market leader in the care and retirement living sector. His strategic vision and ability to deliver results have played a crucial role in the success of the business. With an exciting pipeline of developments ahead, I have every confidence that Martin and Ian will continue to build on this momentum, forging strong partnerships and delivering outstanding schemes that set new industry standards.” Following success across the Midlands and North as well as expansion into the South, Torsion Care has also announced the promotion of Chris Burns from Land Director to Investment & Acquisitions Director. Chris is an integral part of the senior management team at Torsion Care and is now focussed on driving forward new opportunities and partnerships in the sector. Torsion Care continues to establish itself as a leading care home developer in the UK, with a record-breaking pipeline and a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and strategic partnerships. Torsion Group of Companies delivers a fully vertically integrated model, combining expertise in investment, development, construction, operation, and value optimisation across residential, student accommodation, and care & retirement living. This approach enables land acquisition, maximised opportunities, and the seamless delivery of high-quality developments while ensuring long-term value creation. As a privately owned business, Torsion employs over 300 people and has successfully delivered more than £1 billion of real estate and 30,000 beds across all living sectors in the UK since 2015. Its solutions-driven approach ensures seamless project delivery, earning Property Week’s Developer of the Year award in both 2023 and 2024. In 2024, the business also received the Health and Wellbeing Award at the Excellence in Business Awards Yorkshire, while Dan Spencer was named Property Personality of the Year at the Insider Media Awards Yorkshire, recognising his leadership and contribution to the industry. Torsion Care has been shortlisted for Developer of the Year 2025 at the Health Investors Awards. With a strong focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability, Torsion Group continues to set new industry standards in care, retirement living, and residential development. For more information, visit: www.torsiongroup.co.uk
Pioneering immersive virtual dementia tour
FRIENDS OF THE ELDERLY’S CARE HOMES TAKE PART IN PIONEERING IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL DEMENTIA TOUR Care Teams from The Lawn, the Alton-based residential care home, and Redcot Residential Care Home in Haslemere, both run by charity, Friends of the Elderly, which is celebrating its 120th Anniversary this year, were joined by relatives and took part in an immersive Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT) experience, designed to give participants a more profound and clearer understanding of what it’s like to live with dementia. The care team members were keen to participate in the innovative and thought provoking event, and relatives of residents who are living with dementia at both care homes wanted to join in to learn more as well. “It was extremely important for the care teams to attend the virtual dementia tour experience, and great to have relatives join us for the training as well,” said Alina Gutu, the Registered Manager at The Lawn. “By taking part, everyone had a first-hand opportunity to experience and fully understand what daily life is like for the residents they care for, or relatives they love, who are living with dementia.” The VDT is delivered by Training 2 CARE, the UK’s sole provider the experiential training. “The VDT took place in a mobile simulator at The Lawn which allowed us to see and feel the challenges faced by the residents who are living with dementia,” added Redcot’s Interim Manager, Staci Abernethy. “The training was totally immersive and gave us all the experience of what the world of dementia is really like. Being shrouded in the sensory experience gave all the participants a deeper appreciation of dementia and what residents are feeling every day. “The VDT has really helped us to get a greater understand our residents’ daily dementia lives on a stronger, more meaningful level,” continued Alina. Through its Dementia Education Programme, the Charity now has 68 trained Dementia Champions who work in its care homes and day care services, providing the best support and care to those who are living with dementia. During the VDT, relatives and care team members experienced a detailed simulation, unlike anything they had experienced before. “It was as if the window blinds had been rolled up and we’d stepped out into the vast universe of dementia,” continued Alina. “Before we began the training, we were all given a range of items – sound distorting headphones, bulky gloves which created the sense of not being able to feel, sight altering glasses which altered and twisted our vision and lumpy, misshapen insoles which went in our shoes and created a nasty simulated pins and needles sensation as we walked around.” When the relatives and care team participants entered the VDT, they encountered total sensory disorientation. “Our vision, movements, hearing and sense of touch were totally warped and twisted to reflect and let us experience the senses and physical sensations of a person who is living with dementia,” added Staci. “Walking in the shoes of a person who is living with dementia and experiencing everyday life was very confusing. Feeling confused, vulnerable and scared all at once was very disconcerting and distressing – and humbling,” continued Alina. The participants were asked to complete a few simple tasks, but with sensory distractions such as loud noises and flashing lights coupled with the absence of touch, distorted vision and the incapacitating pins and needles, everyone agreed that it was hard – if not impossible – to complete the tasks, which left them feeling frustrated, angry and disheartened. “To have the opportunity to experience the emotions, feelings and sensations of a person living with dementia was very overwhelming,” added Staci. “I became anxious, nervous and apprehensive, all of which the Training 2 CARE team said were common feelings.” “Each member of the care teams at The Lawn and Redcot are passionate about their work and devoted to the residents. We are all completely focused on supporting and caring for our residents, 24/7. By participating in the VDT, we have all taken away a greater appreciation, understanding and comprehension of what the residents who are living with dementia experience every day. This, in turn, has helped us to ensure we make sure that each resident has the best experience we can provide, every minute of every day,” concluded Alina. www.fote.org.uk
Care home’s special friendship story
Friendship is s important at all stages in your life, and even more so in later life! Charlotte Scarrow, spokesperson for Elmfield Care, shares her thoughts on why friendship is so important amongst the care home residents. Charlotte explains: “For those in care homes, forging new friendships with other residents and care staff is integral to helping combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, which unfortunately can be very common in care home residents. Friendship also makes it easier to deal with difficult challenges and situations that may arise, providing advice, emotional support or simply just distraction. “Conversations, activities and laughter shared with friends doesn’t only help improve quality of life but it can also help with mental stimulation and help to keep cognitive functions sharp amongst an ageing population. “Giving residents the time and opportunities to form these strong bonds is important so socialising and using spare time for activities such as silent discos, bingo andsit-down exercise sessions can help the residents to feel a closeness and bond over shared experiences. Not to mention the physical and mental benefits of such activities.” A special bond between resident Max and care worker Gemma formed at Flowers Manor care home in Chippenham, and led them to get tattoos together. Max had always loved tattoos but his wife was against him getting one, but after seeing all the beautiful tattoos that staff and residents at the home had, he wanted to join the club! With Max having Parkinsons and Lewy body dementia, finding a tattoo artist proved slightly difficult, however, the pair found the perfect person for the job in Chippenham where they both got some ink. After always having Beagles in his life, Max sadly had to leave behind his beagle Brodie when he moved into the home, so he wanted a tattoo of his dog, meaning he was never far away from his best friend. The pair are continuing to discuss a bucket list of activities and achievements that Max can tick off during his time at Flowers Manor. One of these things was abungee jump in New Zealand, however, this may need a rethink to something more achievable!
Care Show London
With a deepened understanding of the importance of nutrition and hydration on health and well-being, a closer look at care catering has never been more important. This in mind, Care Show London will feature a brand-new Catering, Hydration & Nutrition Theatre on 30 April – 1 May at Excel London. A must-see for all chefs and procurement leads who are looking to stay ahead of the game, this new conference theatre will bring expert-led talks and cooking demonstrations to the front and centre of the social care sector. As resident-centred care and sustainable practices is being prioritised, innovative catering solutions will become crucial in improving both resident satisfaction and the reputation of care homes, raising the standard for nutrition and well-being throughout the sector. It’s well known that the CQC places a sharp focus on meeting nutritional needs under Regulation 14 of the Health and Social Care Act ensuring that care providers are required to deliver meals that promote good quality of life, promote health, and cater to individual dietary preferences, religious beliefs, and cultural needs. Government updates to the Buying Standards for Food and Catering Services (GBSF) also aim to ensure that meals served in care settings meet the latest dietary recommendations, including reducing salt and sugar while increasing essential nutrients, such as Omega 3s. The Catering, Hydration & Nutrition Theatre will provide insights into how to adapt your services to these evolving standards, bringing to the table practical demonstrations from industry-leading chefs and nutritional experts. No half-baked solutions here! Discover some of the session highlights: Wednesday 30 April | 13:30 – 14:00 Focusing on Omega 3 fats for cognition: should we be paying greater attention? Discover how Omega 3 fats boost memory, mood, and mental clarity in older adults. Thursday 1 May | 12:00 – 13:00 LIVE cooking demo: the power of nutrients Learn how to maximise nutrition in care meals without compromising on taste! Thursday 1 May | 13:30 – 14:00 Good care for vegetarians & vegans in later life Find out how to create balanced, ethical menus that cater to residents’ dietary needs. Thursday 1 May | 14:10 – 14:40 Better planning, better care: budgeting & menu planning Discover cost-effective strategies to deliver quality, nutritious meals on a budget. Catering in the care sector isn’t just about meeting regulations – it’s about creating an environment where nutrition and hydration can enhance the lives of those relying on care. From discovering the power of nutrients, improving provision for vegetarian/vegan residents, and cooking on a budget, to watching live demonstrations from the hottest chefs in the business, you’ll leave inspired to transform your approach to catering. Don’t miss this opportunity to see how catering services can be a game-changer in social care. Visit the Catering, Hydration & Nutrition Theatre at Care Show London, 30 April – 1 May 2025, and take your catering services to the next level. Delegates can register to attend for free online: https://care-show-london-2025.reg.buzz/cateringpr For exhibition and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Matthew Moore on m.moore@closerstillmedia.com
Free Health Checks with ‘Bluebird Care Assist’ Programme
The leading home care provider has announced the introduction of ‘Bluebird Care Assist’ which will give customers the opportunity to have free health checks at home. The Bluebird Care Assist free health check programme gives Bluebird Care’s Care Professionals the skills and tools needed to carry out essential NHS health checks traditionally reserved for clinical healthcare staff such as Nurses. Using the boxes, developed with Whzan, Care Professionals across Bluebird Care’s 209 UK offices can assess customers’ vital signs, activity and National Early Warning Signs (NEWS)2 – including blood pressure, oxygen levels, and hydration and nutrition levels. These health and wellbeing markers can be monitored in-person and remotely over time, analysing the data to spot and address potential issues at the first signs of concern. The Bluebird Care Assist boxes, launching across Bluebird Care’s UK offices through 2025, support Bluebird Care’s mission to help everyone to live life on their terms, in their own homes. The national rollout of the programme comes after several years of demonstrating the positive impact of this initiative in a number of Bluebird Care’s franchise businesses. During the initial testing phase of Bluebird Care Assist, the team have seen transformative results. One customer suffered regular Urinary Tract Infections, which saw her stay in hospital for two weeks at a time. Thanks to Bluebird Care Assist, as soon as the early warning signs of a UTI are picked up, via the GP, early treatment can prevent the infection from taking hold. The result is lessened pain and distress for the customer and her family – and a cost saving to the over-burdened hospital system by allowing her to remain at home. Thanks to the network-wide investment, Bluebird Care will now be able to introduce the complementary health checks from the first moment a customer joins them. The national roll out also gives people across the country greater access to healthcare services without the administrative and time burden it can take to visit in-person services. Customers and their families will be able to monitor their health remotely too, providing increased peace of mind. Using Bluebird Care Assist, Care Professionals are given the confidence and tools to ensure their care is truly evidence-based and bespoke. Sean & Jordan Byrne, Directors of Bluebird Care Medway and Swale, said: “We’ve fully integrated Bluebird Care Assist into our core offer for customers and the results have been remarkable. As well as preventing health conditions from worsening, it also gives families real peace of mind. Our Care Professionals walk through the front door with all the tools they need to look after their loved one’s health and wellbeing in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.” Lee Walsh, Director of Operations, Bluebird Care, said: “We’re proud to be bringing Bluebird Care Assist to our 209 UK offices in the latest step in our journey to transform our offer for customers who wish to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. We know that our Care Professionals are uniquely qualified to understand a person’s whole picture of care and so equipping them to carry out essential health checks simply makes sense. This integrated, digitally-supported model is the future of care – and after 20 years at the forefront of home care, we’re excited to be introducing it to tens of thousands of homes.” https://www.bluebirdcare.co.uk
Country Cousins Launches National Radio Campaign
Country Cousins Launches National Radio Campaign on Classic FM to Reach More Families in Need of Trusted Live-In Care London, UK – Country Cousins, the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency, is launching a national radio campaign on Classic FM from 10th February 2025. Running for 12 weeks, the campaign aims to reach over 3.62 million listeners, introducing more families to the benefits of live-in care and offering support to those who may not yet know where to turn. With a total of 1,661 ad spots airing across Classic FM London, Classic FM South, Classic FM Digital, Classic FM Calm, and Classic FM Movies, the campaign will ensure that Country Cousins’ message is heard by a highly relevant audience, each listener encountering the ad an average of 6.6 times. A Legacy of Trusted Live-In Care Since 1959 Founded in 1959 by Josephine McGregor, a Royal Navy Nursing Sister who served during World War II, Country Cousins has provided families across the UK with trusted live-in carers for over 60 years. Originally launched as ‘Country Cousins and Emergency Mothers’ from Josephine’s home in West Sussex, the agency has since grown into one of the country’s leading introductory live-in care providers, helping thousands of families find the right support for their loved ones. Making Live-In Care More Accessible As part of this campaign, Country Cousins is offering 50% off its Lifetime Membership fee—a move designed to make high-quality, one-to-one care more accessible to families at a time when home care is more important than ever. George Neel, Group Commercial Director at Trinity Homecare Group, said: “This campaign is an exciting milestone for Country Cousins. Many families aren’t aware that live-in care is an option, or they don’t know where to turn when a loved one needs support. The benefits of staying at home with the right care in place are significant—over 97% of older adults say they would prefer to remain in their own home rather than move into residential care , and studies show that home care can lead to better health outcomes, greater independence, and improved quality of life compared to moving into a care home. By launching this campaign on Classic FM, we’re ensuring that more people hear about the benefits of live-in care and the compassionate service that Country Cousins has been providing for over six decades. We’re confident this will help many families find the care solution they need.” Listen Out for the Campaign The campaign will run from 10th February 2025 for 12 weeks, with an initial A/B test of two creative variations before selecting the most effective ad to continue for the remainder of the campaign. https://www.trinityhomecare.co.uk
Legionella Companies – who/what are they?
Every company has the legal requirement to ensure that their water systems are managed to ensure that Legionella bacteria are controlled in a way that achieves a safe environment. Legionella Companies – who/what are they? They are companies that support those identified in Health and Safety Law as being responsible for the control of Legionella bacteria in all water systems subject to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH). The reference to Duty Holder and Responsible Person in ACoP L8 can be quite narrow but it can be much further reaching to those involved in this subject matter. The Duty Holder must ensure that competent persons, who have sufficient authority, competence and knowledge, are appointed to fulfil the required duties. These maybe from outside of their organisation and can include: – The HSE Approved Code of Practice L8 (ACoP L8) is the recognised approach to achieving compliance in controlling Legionella bacteria in water systems. Legionella companies can support you with your responsibility as they can provide one or more of the following services: – Why use Legionella Companies and what to be mindful of? Industry continues to learn that compliance is not just limited to the role of facilities management / maintenance teams and Legionella companies can help identify the wider requirement. Compliance includes all aspects from governance, through design phases of projects leading to the operational phases. Caution should be taken if appointing a single company to fulfil multiple requirements as independent reviews help to avoid teams ‘marking their own homework’ or generating work that is not required. Differences for large or small Client organisations / companies Your legionella risk assessment will advise what is required to be done and will vary depending on the complexity of your water systems. Large organisations with multiple facilities that could include water features, leisure, manufacturing, residential, or hospitality will need multiple robust Legionella written schemes of control, whereas a retail outlet with only a staff room and toilet facilities will need a less onerous management regime due to the level of risk. However, the regulations still apply, and Legionella companies can support with specialist knowledge and resources. Accreditations and Competency. Accreditation / affiliation to or membership of an industry organisation is a good benchmark for demonstrating competency, but organisations can differ somewhat on entry requirements. Some only require a Company to apply and pay a fee whereas others focus on the individual, offering different levels of membership based on qualifications and experience. It is still a requirement for the individual’s specific competency to be checked because there are many types and variations to water systems and roles to be fulfilled. Membership needs to be supported by individuals having sound knowledge of their area of work gained through experience and a wealth of supporting industry technical standards. Some recognised organisations are: – Demonstration your Legionella Company and individuals are competent in the work that they are appointed to complete will give assurance that you are fulfilling your legal responsibility as a Client, Duty Holder or Responsible Person. https://www.waterhygienecentre.com
