News, Articles and Insights from French & Co care consulting
News: What does it take to run an outstanding care home?
Ruth French, director of French & Co Care Consulting, has worked in social care for about 16 years, having previously owned a group of award-winning care homes in East Anglia. She advises care homes on maximising their potential and said the key to the rating was that "You must assume that every day is an inspection day, and you're not trying to be outstanding for the sake of the CQC".
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The Outstanding Society Guest Column Article: People need people
As Benjamin Zephaniah reminded us, “People need people.” In an era dominated by conversations about AI, tech innovation, and change, this truth has never been more relevant
Ruth shares thoughtful conversations on responsible innovation and cybersecurity to celebrations of diversity and shared learning across the sector. . Click the image to read more.
Article: The Social Care Safari: Reflecting on 15 years as a care provider
Article: The Social Care Safari: Reflecting on 15 years as a care provider
Ruth French and Roger Catchpole reflect on their 15 years as award-winning care providers.
"As we step back from the front line having sold our business, we offer some reflections on how to navigate this social care safari – one of the greatest trips you’ll ever take, ripe with wonderful experiences and heart-warming moments, but with risk and uncertainty lurking round every twist in the track."
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Podcast: I'm a dictate obsessive
Article: The Social Care Safari: Reflecting on 15 years as a care provider
In this episode of Skills for Care's Care Exchange podcast, Ruth talks about the importance of recognising that everyone is human and that we all make mistakes.
She shares her tips on colour-coded improvement plans, time-saving dictation, and why it’s important to have your voice heard by sharing your story and positive messages about social care in the media.
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Article: Can you own the room when you're not in the room?
As social care leaders we equally need to empower our own teams so our services can run effectively without us overseeing every step – the most successful companies will be those who encourage decision making and innovation at all levels. Companies with aspirations to grow must deliberately create a culture that promotes agile leadership – respectful, collaborative and trusting.
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Project: Preventative Care: Decaffeination & Reduced Falls
Care England is delighted to have partnered with University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL) and Ruth French and the team at Stow Healthcare to champion the provision of decaffeinated tea and coffee in care home settings. In a first-of-its-kind trial, care home residents were offered decaffeinated hot drinks in a bid to reduce falls experienced rushing to the toilet. If scaled across the sector, the results would mean thousands of falls prevented and NHS savings of up to £85m per year.
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