COSTS By conducting short, focused audits of


procurement practices, providers can achieve savings of 10–15 per cent without compromising on nutrition, cultural relevance, or resident satisfaction. Collective tendering and benchmarking also help ensure providers are getting value for money. This is a low-risk, high-return intervention that delivers cost benefits across all types of provision. Food wastage is a dead cost to care providers, and when disposed of incorrectly, it can contaminate and increase disposal costs. Segregating and monitoring food waste ensures lower purchase costs and reduced disposal costs.


Redesigning delivery: single-handed care Traditional care delivery models often default to two-person support for manual handling tasks, even when this may not be clinically necessary. With appropriate training and modern equipment,


many of these tasks can safely be carried out by one carer. This ‘single-handed care’ model has proven to


reduce care delivery costs by up to 20 per cent, often within just six months. It improves resident independence, enhances staff satisfaction, and increases service flexibility, all while maintaining or improving safety standards and balancing dignity, efficiency, and care quality.


Making technology work: pressure management


Pressure ulcers are a critical and costly challenge in care settings. Manual repositioning is resource- intensive and tiring for staff, especially overnight. Automated repositioning technology, such as


lateral turning systems, enables timed movement without manual intervention. Providers using such systems have saved up to two hours of carer time


Expert Legal Support for Care Providers


Stephensons Solicitors specialise in providing expert legal advice and representation to health and social care providers. Services include:


• • • • • • •


Challenging inspection reports and ratings Representations against enforcement action Appeals to the first-tier tribunal (care standards) Criminal investigations and prosecutions Representation at inquests Fitness to practise referrals


Investigations by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)


Why Choose Us? • • •


•


Recognised Excellence: Highly regarded by the Legal 500 Experienced Team: Extensive CQC, CIW & Ofsted experience


Nationwide Support: Full-service law firm with a network of offices providing in-person and remote support


Accessible: Timely and cost-effective advice at all stages Call us on 0333 344 4885 or visit our website www.stephensons.co.uk


THE CARE HOME INDUSTRY HANDBOOK 2026 11


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