Contents Volume 11 Issue 8 September 2026
CARE HOME
ENVIRONMENT
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com Volume 11 Issue 8 September 2026
CARE HOME
ENVIRONMENT
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com
Care Show Birmingham ‘26: Navigating change for a stronger future
Designing care homes for dignity, sustainability and quality
In this issue Regulars
5 Comment How to escape the circle.
4 Cover story: Arjo Minimising risk by optimising safe mobility A practical look at how safe mobility, suitable equipment and skilled care can reduce risk for people who live and work in care homes.
9 News
Minimising risk by optimising safe mobility
Features
15 Navigating change for a stronger future As adult social care adapts to a rapidly changing political, financial and operational landscape, Molly Benson explores the key themes shaping this year’s Care Show Birmingham at the NEC on 7-8 October.
21 Designing care homes for dignity, sustainability and quality Care home design priorities have evolved towards a greater focus on achieving better wellbeing outcomes alongside regulatory compliance. Clare Cameron explains how this shift was realised in a recent new development for Barchester in Stourbridge.
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26 Beyond luxury: Why purpose-led design must shape care home development
The care home sector is evolving rapidly to meet rising expectations from residents and families, but Rachael Sellers warns the rush towards creating luxury environments could risk undermining a need for purposeful, timeless design that continues to deliver value long after opening day.
31 Decaf by default: a simple change delivering big results As care homes’ role in supporting prevention grows under new government health and care policies on frailty and dementia, Ruth French describes how a simple switch to offering decaffeinated drinks can have a big impact.
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37 How care homes can prepare for the employment rights act phased rollout The first set of Employment Rights Act (ERA) reforms came into force earlier this year, and more changes are expected throughout the next two years. Gill McAteer explains how these changes could fundamentally shift the dynamics within care homes.
43 Leveraging legislation to enhance bathroom dignity safety and compliance Kate Sheehan explains how thoughtful application of legislation and regulation can enhance care home bathroom dignity, safety, independence and compliance for residents and staff.
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47 Why care home owners need to make wellbeing a governance priority Staffing pressures, financial uncertainty and growing regulatory demands are placing unprecedented strain on care home leaders. Jonathan Cooper explores the growing risk of burnout in the sector and outlines practical measures providers can take to protect both leadership wellbeing and organisational resilience.
September 2026
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 3
Cover image Arjo THE THE
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