Cover story – advertising feature


Navigating the rising costs of running a care home


Terry Ashmore, sales & marketing manager at family-owned care home furniture manufacturer Edison & Day, explains why investing in stylish, functional, and sustainable design ought to play a key part in unlocking the potential of your home


The care sector is facing an unprecedented challenge. Rising energy and food costs on top of the National Insurance increase are putting pressure on care home groups across the country. Balancing quality care provision with financial sustainability has never been more complex. However, there are practical strategies to help reduce these financial pressures, with one key focus being room occupancy. By maximising the use of available rooms, care homes can generate significant additional income without proportionally increasing their overheads.


The hidden potential in your care home Take a moment to assess your care home group. How many rooms currently sit empty? Perhaps some are being used as storage spaces or makeshift offices. These rooms represent untapped revenue. Even converting two or three of these spaces back into rentable rooms could lead to a significant monthly income boost. Crucially, this increase in revenue has minimal impact on overheads – food costs may marginally increase, but staffing requirements and other operational expenses remain largely unchanged, bringing an increase straight to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation). Maximising room occupancy is not just a financial strategy; it is an opportunity to bring more people into a well-supported and caring environment. But filling those rooms requires a combination of thoughtful design, cleanliness, and a welcoming atmosphere. Can this be done without spiralling costs? The answer is yes – our


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damage, and maintain a fresh and pleasant environment for longer. This, in turn, enhances the experience for both residents and staff.


design support team along with our interior design partners are trained in designing to budget, specifying products that our designed for each area of a home and ensuring every element has a purpose in each space.


The impact of rising costs The increase in operational costs could make it harder for care homes to maintain high-quality care. Budget constraints often lead to difficult decisions, and if care home design and furniture are neglected, it can have far-reaching consequences. Addressing these challenges with investments in design and functionality is essential for maintaining both standards and reputation.


Creating a ‘home from home’ A care home that feels warm, inviting, and impeccably maintained will naturally stand out. While aesthetics play a role, the functionality of the design is equally critical. Well-designed interiors and furniture are easier to clean, more resistant to


Edison & Day are the creators of the hidden cupboard, a system designed to keep items such as medication out of sight. Hidden at the back of a bookcase, carers have access to what they need to suitably care for a resident, improving the experience not only for the resident but also for their visitors, giving the room that home-from-home feeling. Rooms with hidden cupboards tend to be more desirable to potential residents.


With our quick turnaround times, we can help you transform empty rooms into desirable spaces ready for new residents, fast.


Supporting your team Staff wellbeing and retention are also closely linked to the working environment. Providing clean, comfortable, and well- equipped team rooms can significantly improve staff morale and job satisfaction. Happier staff lead to better care, which in turn attracts more residents and creates a more efficient care home operation. Investing in your team is, therefore, an investment in the overall quality of your care home and brand. We often work with care groups to create these team spaces that help carers relax and unwind when they have the chance.


Stylish, functional design that lasts Edison & Day understands the unique challenges care homes face. Our range of stylish and functional products is designed


www.thecarehomeenvironment.com February 2025


Volume 10 Issue 2 February 2025 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com


Healthcare Management Trust: a commitment to innovation


How acoustic monitoring is transforming care


Navigating the rising costs of running a care home


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