AgeCare, which manages Millway House in Andover, has been named as winner of ‘Best Care Home Development’ at this year’s prestigious Care Home Awards.
The care home provider has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last 12 months, positioning itself as a notable presence in the care industry, and was awarded with the highly acclaimed Care Home Award at a glittering ceremony in London earlier in May.
A strategic acquisition of seven care homes from two separate operators in February 2023, laid the foundation for AgeCare’s commitment to delivering exceptional care. And, in July 2023, the acquisition of two additional nursing homes, strengthened its operation in the care sector.
With seven of its nine acquired homes previously operating solely on paper, then came a challenging move to a digital way of working, something which was fully embraced by the care home operator.
Chief Executive, Dr Vishen Ramkisson, said: “We have been going through an ambitious digital transformation, and over the last 12 months we have implemented new ways of doing things that could normally take three to five years. I’m delighted that my team’s hard work has now been recognised with this prestigious award.
“This is our 2nd award in our first year of operations, and I’m immensely proud.”
AgeCare looks after homes in North London, Essex, Cambridge, Dorset and Hampshire. It has now rolled out several digital systems to ensure it can deliver the best care possible to its residents.
CoolCare has been adopted as the company’s core management system provider, and it is also in the process of rolling out Person Centred Software’s digital care planning system. Compliance is managed through Quality Compliance Systems (QCS) and AgeCare has also introduced digital accounting, payroll and staff rostering systems.
Dr Ramkisson added: “We don’t do anything with rotas on paper now, and we operate a digital clock-in. This means we can understand where we have gaps in staffing ahead of time and can plan cover when needed.”
Radar Healthcare’s incident management system is being rolled out, with all systems stored securely on the cloud via Microsoft 365. AgeCare has also developed and is installing its own in-house HR, maintenance, invoice approval and leave planning systems. Integration with pharmacies through a digital medicine system is being put in place across its nine homes, and its staff, from deputy managers upwards, will all be formally appraised digitally. The company is also developing a digital skills training programme for all its colleagues.
Dr Ramkisson added: “We are here to transform the delivery of care. We want to make it more sustainable and environmentally friendly but also give back time to our residents.”
Technology has also enabled real-time communication across AgeCare’s business, with manager meetings taking place over Microsoft Teams. The care home operator has also employed a dedicated in-house network and IT systems specialist, as well as a digital marketing expert.
The Care Home Awards are an annual benchmark of excellence and innovation for care home management, operations, and delivery, celebrating the business of owning and running care homes in the UK.
AgeCare looks after nine care homes across the country and has a mission to create places where residents are honoured as individuals and where the best quality of life experience is provided with the support of team members and families.
Situated on the outskirts of Weyhill near Andover, Millway House offers excellent accommodation for nursing, dementia, and end of life care.
For more information, visit https://agecare.uk.com/care-homes/millway-house/
