FEATURE ARTICLES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the first in a new series of legal updates, Tom Lumsden, partner at CooperBurnett LLP, discusses the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), how it will affect the running of your care home and how to ensure you are prepared to be compliant

If we are to support an increasing number of older people, we also need to look beyond our shores and examine care practices and evidence gained from the implementation of innovative approaches throughout the world, says Andrew Larpent, chair, CommonAge

Fire safety is at the forefront of many people’s minds at the moment, and in the care sector, this is no different. Here, Richard Sutton, general manager at Horbury Property Services, looks at fire risk assessments and why it is so important that fire compartmentation is properly inspected

There’s no room for egos in care home interior design – it isn’t personal, research tells us ‘fit for purpose’ is the priority, says Tina Profit, product manager at Camira Fabrics

Madison McCormack, public relations officer, Find Memory Care, explains how wellbeing can be improved in people with dementia by incorporating points of interest into the care home environment, which help with orientation, thereby promoting independence

Working to improve healthcare environments has meant being exposed to a disheartening range of commonly found ‘way finding’ products – especially those aimed at people living with dementia, says Lucy Richards, founder and creative director, StudioLR