Social Care Nursing Conference 2025 – 3 September

Wednesday 3 September 2025
Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4JP
Free event – registration required

Scottish Care is delighted to announce the 2025 Social Care Nursing Conference, titled ‘Unique Voice, Shared Purpose’, taking place on Wednesday 3 September 2025 at the Renfield Centre in Glasgow.

This free, in-person event is open to all nurses working in or supporting social care across Scotland. The programme includes:

  • Keynote speakers and sector leaders
  • Interactive workshops and breakout sessions
  • Networking opportunities and sector updates
  • A chance to explore nursing pathways, innovation in dementia care, and wellbeing support

The first draft of the event programme and the registration form are now available.

Register and view the programme here

Please note: While this is a free event, cancellations must be made by 27 August. Non-attendance without notice will incur a £25 fee to cover catering costs.

We look forward to welcoming you to a day of reflection, learning, and connection as we champion the voice and value of nurses in social care.

Tickets Launched – Care Home Conference 2025

Tickets are now live for the Care Home Conference & Exhibition 2025, taking place Friday 14th November at the Hilton Hotel, Glasgow.

Book before 13th September 2025 to secure our Early Bird rates – the best prices of the year:

Members: £80 + VAT (Standard: £99 + VAT)
Non-Members: £125 + VAT (Standard: £160 + VAT)

Join us for a day of sector insights, practical sessions, and networking with care professionals, policy makers, and suppliers.

Don’t miss your chance to save – once Early Bird ends, standard rates apply.

Find out more about this conference and book your tickets here

Care Inspectorate – Digital Transformation Project

Please see below for the latest updates from the Care Inspectorate on Stage 2 of their Digital Transformation Project.


We’re on a digital transformation journey 

At the Care Inspectorate, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. That same approach is guiding us as we move through our Stage 2 Digital Transformation Project, a major step forward in building a more efficient, secure, and sustainable way of working.

We’re replacing outdated systems with a modern, easy-to-use digital platform that will support key functions like registration, complaints, notifications, and inspections.

It will:

  • make collaboration easier
  • improve how we manage and use data
  • help us spot issues early and respond faster
  • strengthen public confidence in care services.

We’re currently testing early versions of the new platform with real users to make sure it meets your needs. This is a shared journey, and your input is helping shape a system that works better for everyone across the sector.

Benefits at a glance

Designed with you, informed by you

We’ve followed the Scottish Approach to Service Design, starting by mapping how things work now, then listening to providers to understand what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change.

Your feedback has shaped the new platform, especially the Service Portal, which will be your main hub for working with us.

What’s coming next

 

What you told us during Notifications service design

When we carried out service design on the notifications system, you told us it’s hard to search, unclear, and not mobile-friendly. Here’s what you said you need:2

  • a simple way to find past notifications
  • clearer language and guidance
  • mobile access and a more intuitive layout
  • smart tools to help pick the right form.

We’re using your insights to build a system that’s easier, faster, and works the way you do.

How to get involved

Your voice has shaped this work, and we want to keep it that way.

We’re keen to hear from anyone with an interest in shaping the future of our digital services. Whether you’re a care provider, a manager, someone who’s recently registered a service, or someone with accessibility needs, your perspective matters.

If you’d like to take part in our user research or testing, we’d love to hear from you.

To get involved, just email us at [email protected] or complete our short form on Microsoft Forms.

We’ll keep you updated throughout the project and continue to involve you as we build and improve. We can’t wait to hear what you have to say!

Flower Arranging at Abercorn House Care Home

A big thank you to Asda Hamilton for helping make a recent flower arranging day at Abercorn House Care Home truly special. Residents, families, and staff filled the home with colour, conversation, and creativity, all thanks to the kind support of local store manager Gillian, who personally delivered the flowers and joined in the fun.


Bringing Joy in Bloom: A Special Day of Flower Arranging at Abercorn House Care Home

On Tuesday 23rd of July 2025, Abercorn House Care Home was filled with colour, fragrance, and joyful conversation as we hosted a special flower arranging day for our residents and their loved ones, a heartwarming event made possible through the generous support of Asda Hamilton Branch.

Thanks to the kindness and community spirit of Gillian, the store manager at Asda Hamilton, the day became more than just an activity. Gillian personally delivered a beautiful selection of fresh flowers and supplies to the home, and took the time to chat with our residents, bringing smiles and warmth that stayed long after the flowers were arranged.

Residents from both of our units participated in the event, joined by their families and the care team, turning our lounge into a vibrant workshop of creativity and laughter. For many, the activity stirred fond memories of gardens, favourite flowers, and times spent arranging blooms in years gone by. The presence of loved ones made the occasion even more meaningful, reinforcing the connection between care, community and personal well-being.

This event is perfect example of how partnership with local organisations can create special moments for those we care for. We are truly grateful to Gillian and the Asda Hamilton team for helping us make the day so memorable.

At Abercorn House, we believe that everyday offers an opportunity to enrich lives, and on this day, we did just that, one flower at a time.

A Winning Day Out for Abercorn House Residents

We’re thrilled to share a joyful story from Abercorn House, where residents enjoyed a fantastic day at Hamilton Racecourse, joined by the dedicated activities team.


A Day at the Races-Bella, Tom, Jim and Joan Join the Betting Bachelors at Hamilton Racecourse!

Last Friday (18 July 2025), spirits were high as Abercorn House residents Bella, Tom and Jim enjoyed an unforgettable day out at Hamilton Racecourse, joined by our fantastic activities team members Von and Rohwell. The outing brought joy, laughter, and a special kind of magic that made it a truly memorable day for all involved.

Tom, who hadn’t been feeling his best in the days leading up to the trip, had a noticeable lift in his mood. Being out in the fresh air, surrounded by good friends, and soaking in the lively atmosphere of the races truly brought a spark back to him. And that spark turned into full blown cheer when he and Rohwell picked the winning horse in one of the races! With cheeky grins, the pair proudly dubbed themselves the “betting bachelors” and they’ve been reminding us of their victory ever since!

Jim was joined by his loving wife Joan, and seeing them together was a joy. They held hands, cheered on the horses, and shared warm moments that reminded everyone of the strength of their bond. Joan beamed as she said, “It feels just like the old days”.

Bella brought her usual sunshine to the group. Elegant and engaging, she made new friends among the crowd and encouraged others to clap and cheer along. She later shared, “I haven’t laughed this much in a long time”.

Von made sure the day ran smoothly, supporting everyone while capturing special moments and sharing in the laughter. His energy and compassion helped make the trip not just an outing, but a truly meaningful experience.

After the races, the group gathered for drinks and treats, reflecting on the day with smiles and stories. Jim called it a “perfect day”, joked that he’s now officially Abercorn’s racing expert.

This day out wasn’t just about horses, it was about connection, joy and the simple moments that make life special. We’re so proud to see our residents living life to the fullest, and we’re already looking forward to the next adventure with the Betting Bachelors leading the way!

Abbotsford Nursing Home – Namaste Care

We’re delighted to share how Abbotsford Nursing Home has been delivering the Namaste Care programme, please read below to find out more.


In Abbotsford Nursing Home we have implemented a Namaste Care programme, founded by Joyce Simard. ‘Namaste’ comes from the Hindu greeting and expresses a wish to honour the essence of an individual person.  Namaste Care believes, that despite the ravages of dementia on the brain, the ‘essence’ and ‘spirit’ of the person remains.  The challenge is to find ways to connect to the individual’s spirit, to enrich everyday life experiences and doing so improve quality of life.

The principles of the Namaste Care programme include creating a calm and comfortable environment, providing activities and interactions with an unhurried, loving touch approach, and using other elements to engage the senses. This all leads to creating an environment and atmosphere to allow space for positive and meaningful connection.

Abbotsford nursing home was the second home in Scotland to implement Namaste Care following a supportive educational programme developed initially in 2011 by Dr Lorna Reid, formally of Accord Hospice and now Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice, in 2013 Fiona Irvine joined form the Ayrshire Hospice.

In 2013 Lorna and Fiona further developed the Education Programme resulting in a four day face to face experiential pilot course.  Part of this course provided a placement day within the only care home in Scotland to have successfully implemented Namaste Care with the support of Lorna.

Due to Abbotsford attending palliative care courses run by the Ayrshire Hospice we were asked to join the pilot.  The successful implementation of Namaste Care was initially supported by the Ayrshire Hospice through regular support meetings from Fiona.  Our activity organiser, Lianne Lieser attended the pilot and immediately saw the benefit that Namaste Care would bring to our residents who did not actively participate or engage in activities within the Home.  Through, trial and error we adapted the criteria on occasions to suit the needs of our residents, we have looked at residents with levels of distress, anxiety, low mood.  The feedback from residents, families and staff were very positive and encouraging. Staff have also reported that residents appear more alert, more relaxed and eat and drink more after a session at Namaste.

Margaret Chisolm, aged 83 lives with Parkinson’s disease which affects her dexterity causing her to be stiff and sore at times, she is unable to lift a glass independently.  However, after a session of Namaste, she is able to pick her glass up and with the use of a straw take a drink independently.  “I feel much more relaxed after Namaste, I especially enjoy the massage

One relative said, “My wife is more alert and smiling, which I haven’t seen for a long time”.

We have been committed in implementing Namaste Care with the residents since, 2014 and pre-pandemic they welcomed participants from future courses on placement days.  The project has demonstrated the effectiveness of collaborative working between hospices and care homes to improve the quality of life for residents and their families living and dying with various life limiting co-morbidities including advanced dementia.

We are now one of the few homes who continue to provide Namaste Care in Ayrshire and recently we were approached by Fiona Irvine and Dr Lorna Reid who were looking to restart the Namaste Care training following the unsettling time after the pandemic. We were asked by them to  get involved, by making a sort film as a testimonial to improve communication about Namaste Care and inform others about the benefits of  Namaste care so they could promote their new training programme and encourage other care homes to develop Namaste Care within their homes.

Intergenerational Connections at Abbotsford Care Home Ardrossan

Busy Bees and Abbotsford Care Home have worked together for many years to create an age inclusive group where children and older adults can make social connections to enhance their wellbeing and self-confidence (incorporating Curriculum for Excellence and SHANARRI).

Busy Bees offer a friendly and professional childcare services for all children aged 6 weeks to 5 years old. Since being established in 1994, the Busy Bees team put the children in their care at the top of their priority every day.  Both groups recognised the opportunity of coming together with older adults in the care home and the benefits intergenerational activities could have for all participants.

The Busy Bee friends have been visiting Abbotsford Care Home since 2001, and in the last couple of years it’s become  every Thursday morning.  Participants include seven children between the age of three to five and around seven to ten of our residents . Since the group started, children, their teachers/carers and older adults have created a special bond, shown through the children’s excitement coming to Abbotsford each week, and the laughs they share together. Abbotsford staffs’ children and grandchildren have been part of this journey over the years and they share fond memories of visiting the home.  These relationships were not made overnight, but through consistency in the sessions which allowed everyone to get to know each over time. Each session follows a theme such as gardening, families and friendships, seasons, etc, singing songs together and storytelling, followed by an activity such as board games, jigsaws and parachute games.

They celebrate cultural events together to promote diversity and inclusion and understanding among the children and older adults.  It helps them develop a sense of respect and appreciation for different cultures and traditions, it also offers the opportunity for everyone to learn history, geography and social studies.

A staff member has said:  “My grandson was in the Nativity play and it was lovely to see how he interacted with everyone, and the joy the children brought to the residents”.

Lucy’s mum said that “Lucy loved going to Abbotsford and telling me all about what she got to do there.  This is a really valuable experience for the children, getting to interact with older people”.

On 23rd June, 2025,  they celebrated the Busy Bees childrens’ graduation, where the children end their chapter at Busy Bess and move on to primary school, but their story is not over as we have close links to the local primary schools Caledonia and Stanley Primary school and we continue to foster these relationships.

Freya a Busy Bee pupil said, “I liked we were getting to read a book with Marion

Freya’s mum commented, “ Freya has really enjoyed her visits to Abbotsford and talks about the ladies and gentlemen she has met and what she has done”.

Heather, a Busy Bees staff member said, “This has been an incredible experience for all involved.  Such a great way to bring generations of people together to form positive relationships.  An amazing learning opportunity for our early years class and you can really see the importance of these visits for the residents”.  Heather herself hopes to further her relationship with the residents who do not have many visitors by writing them letters and popping in with her own daughter for a visit.

To understand the benefits that intergenerational connections brings to both parties Carol-Ann and her sister Jillian (owners of Busy Bees nursery), state:

Personally, Jillian and I have a very strong connection with the staff and residents of Abbotsford as we have been part of their family for so many years now.  We have been working in partnership for 20+ years and we would be lost without our visits.

When we visit and we see a friend (resident) who may be feeling sad/low…, the children walk in and their mood lifts almost instantly.  The glow on the faces are priceless and the fun begins.

When the children get to know the residents through our weekly visits the bonds that are made are unbreakable.  When we draw up in our ‘Bee Bus’, the children are so excited to get into see which friends they will be spending time with today.

The intergenerational learning where the children and friends (residents) learn from each other is an important part of life long learning, where the generations work together to gain skills, values and knowledge providing opportunities for unrelated people different generations to interact with each other.

Through our connections with the residents of Abbotsford we feel this :- helps reduce ageism and stereotyping between generations and improves relationships between early years and the older generation, brings joy and happiness to all  involved…..Residents, Children, Nursery staff and Care home staff.

We all love our visits/work with Abbotsford staff and residents and hope it continues for many more years”.

Pauline’s from Birch House Races For Life

Scottish Care is delighted to share an inspiring story from Birch House in Peterculter, Aberdeen, where resident Pauline recently completed the Race for Life, which is a remarkable personal achievement.

Pauline first expressed interest in taking part in the Race for Life in May 2024. However, with only a few weeks until the event and no time to train, the team at Birch House encouraged her to aim for the June 2025 race instead, giving her a full year to prepare.

Living with ataxia and using a walking stick, Pauline took on what she describes as one of the hardest challenges she has ever faced. She committed herself to a year of training, with regular exercise and going on long walks at least three times a week to build up her stamina and strength.

The team at Birch House actively promote positive risk-taking, encourage residents to push through barriers, and foster a mindset focused on growth, wellbeing and achieving goals. On race day, Pauline was cheered on by ‘Team Pauline’, a supportive group including fellow residents Laura Will and Matthew Watt, Support Worker Pimjuta McNamara, and Deputy Manager Kasia Grimble. The team all wore t-shirts with the message: “Support Squad – You Are Not Alone.”

Pauline proudly crossed the finish line and shared,

“It was hard, but it felt good to go through the finishing line.”

She raised £320 for Cancer Research UK, a cause that means a great deal to her. Her close friend Alison is currently undergoing treatment for bowel cancer, and Birch House’s Home Manager is a breast cancer survivor. Pauline wanted to give back to an organisation that helps so many affected by cancer  and now wears her medal with pride around the home.

 A huge well done to Pauline and the team at Birch House. All of us at Scottish Care are incredibly proud of you!

Scottish Care/Wagestream Webinar – 14 August 2025

Upcoming Webinar for Scottish Care Members

Beyond the Paycheck: Strengthening Your Care Workforce Through Financial Wellbeing

Date: Thursday 14th August, 12:15pm – 1:00 pm
45-minute session with Q&A

Join us for an exclusive Scottish Care member webinar in partnership with Wagestream, our commercial partner, focused on building a resilient, empowered care workforce.

This session will explore how investing in employee financial wellbeing can help address sector-wide workforce challenges from high turnover and recruitment struggles to absenteeism and burnout. Discover practical tools, proven outcomes, and real-life impact stories from care providers.

What you’ll learn:

  • Why financial stress is driving disengagement and turnover in care
  • How Wagestream’s tools, from flexible pay to budgeting and savings, are improving workforce stability
  • Case study insights: 16% lower turnover, 27% faster recruitment, and up to 32% reduction in agency spend

Who should attend?
CEOs, owners, HR and Finance Directors, and senior leaders in Scottish Care member organisations.

Don’t miss this opportunity to future-proof your workforce.

Register via the Members Area to secure your place!