The pandemic brought infection control to the forefront of our minds and many have considered, or even already installed, a visitor pod in the garden where relatives and friends can safely meet their loved ones without the risk of bringing infection into the home.

However, in these days of ever-increasing costs it is yet another cost to be absorbed, or is it?

When looking at a new care business or an existing one, having reliable reporting information immediately to hand helps a loan application progress faster with the potential lender. 

With the onset of a new year part of preparing financial lending proposals looks at historical performance, current management information and forward forecasting.

Looking at the pipeline of finance proposals for funding applications it is becoming clear that lenders are increasingly enquiring into how care businesses are including the pathway to net zero within their governance plans.

The race to net zero carbon highlighted at COP 26 is gathering momentum and as it establishes will be seen as an additional value enhancement to a care business.

For the last 10 years, the inheritance tax (IHT) nil rate band has remained static. During this time, markets, investments and property values have continued to rise, meaning that IHT is becoming more of an issue and affecting progressively more people.

With effect from Monday 31 January 2022, the Covid restrictions on adult social care will be eased, as announced by the Government in the latest rolling back of Plan B curbs in England.

John Ramsey, director of Ownacarehomes partner Social-ability has spoken out on Sky News today highlighting the increased need for therapies to help create better outcomes for people suffering with dementia.

As with any business, investment in the workforce is key.

This spans the whole social care spectrum from care home providers, domiciliary, live-in care and supported and assisted living.  

In partnership with Care England, Citation (Buyacarehome & Ownacarehome Partner) is running an exclusive, expert webinar on 31 January (10:30 – 12:00), discussing the must-know sector, CQC and HR updates and key considerations for 2022.

Skills for Care have launched a new campaign to support social care employers via their PrepareToCare22 programme showcasing top tips and insights across the social care sector, with emphasis on planning for learning and development, wellbeing support and workforce planning.

This merger is a significant step forward for both firms. For Royds Withy King it strengthens our position as a Top 100 UK practice enhancing and significantly extending the breadth and depth of expertise and specialist services available to clients, particularly in the areas of Corporate and Real Estate

A fresh new year is ahead of us with many care services looking at how they can build on delivering quality care this year. To help you get started, we have plenty of important updates for you to catch up on this month; Nuno's thoughts on CQC's new strategy, how to make your care more person-centred through Nourish and more.