News

Camille Leavold, CEO of Abbots Care, has been awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours List in recognition of her outstanding contribution to homecare over the past three decades.

At Abbots Care, we want to raise awareness about a critical yet often overlooked issue: the vulnerability of older men in accessing social care.

Martin, a client of Abbots Care, highlights how easily older men can be overlooked in the social care system. Determined to remain independent, Martin struggled in silence until a hospital stay and a joint intervention from Abbots Care and local social services uncovered the extent of his challenges living alone.

We spoke with Rubie, one of our fantastic Abbots Friends volunteers, to hear why she got involved and what she’s learned through her experience delivering companionship.

At Abbots Care, we are proud to support the careers of dedicated and compassionate individuals looking to make a difference in people’s lives. This includes carers from overseas who want to further their knowledge and contribute meaningfully through high-quality live-in care services. Two such Care Workers are Kriti and Mary Jean…

At Abbots Care, we have seen a significant rise in the number of people needing support with dementia over the last five years. Back in 2020, 21% of the clients we supported had a dementia diagnosis; this has grown to 43% in 2025—an increase of 22%.

Although often used interchangeably, there are clear differences between senility and dementia. Senility refers to the general cognitive decline often experienced by people as they age. Whereas dementia refers to a specific group of brain disorders that affect memory, thinking, and behaviour.

Steve Duckett talks to us about being a full-time carer for his wife with Huntington’s Disease, and the support he receives from Abbots Care

As we age, keeping our minds and memories sharp becomes increasingly important. Many elderly individuals, including those with dementia, experience memory challenges that can lead to frustration and confusion. While memory loss in old age cannot be entirely prevented, certain activities and lifestyle changes can help slow its progression and keep the brain active.

We are proud to announce our new partnership with Youth Talk, a charity providing free, confidential mental health support for young people across Hertfordshire. By working alongside Youth Talk, we hope to raise awareness of the challenges young people face and help signpost those in need towards life-changing support.

Bailey, 22, is already making a huge impact in the health and social care sector. As the founder of BeGreatFitness, he’s dedicated to providing accessible exercise classes and promoting active lifestyles for older adults. But what sets him apart is his innovative use of social media, where he shares his journey, and the stories of elderly care home residents across the country, with over 90,000 TikTok followers.

At Abbots Care, we can give you peace of mind with our specialist respite care services for people with autism. Our Care Workers can offer vital support to individuals with autism, helping them feel safe and comfortable by maintaining their normal routines in a familiar environment.

Research by SIA (Spinal Injury Association) has found that 57% of people with SCI felt the health and care system doesn’t work for them, citing that bowel management is a ‘problem’. Living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) can dramatically alter every aspect of daily life, one such aspect is bowel management, an often overlooked element of SCI. Loss of control and independence in bowel function can be one of the most challenging and distressing outcomes.

Vicarage Road has been home to legendary Watford moments, but for some fans, dementia can cloud these cherished memories. Football, however, remains a powerful tool for connection and recall. Abbots Care spoke with Danny Buckley from the University of Hertfordshire about The Golden Memories Project, a reminiscence therapy initiative using football to support individuals with dementia. Discover how this project is bringing comfort, connection, and joy to those affected.

Among the many challenging symptoms associated with dementia is a phenomenon known as sundowning. The term refers to a pattern of increased confusion, agitation, anxiety, and restlessness that typically occurs in the late afternoon and evening. Sundowning symptoms can worsen during the winter months due to the shorter days and reduced exposure to sunlight.

Not surprisingly, plummeting temperatures force most of us to spend more time indoors. But for elderly or disabled people, winter weather can make venturing outdoors unsafe – with icy conditions increasing the risk of slips and falls. Prolonged periods indoors, however, can lead to isolation, which is closely linked to declines in mental health, such as increased anxiety, depression, or loneliness.

Winter poses significant challenges for the elderly, especially with recent changes to the UK’s winter fuel payment policies.

During the colder and darker winter months, many people experience changes in their mood and energy levels. For some, these seasonal changes go beyond the occasional “winter blues” and develop into a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Despite Christmas being a time for some of our favourite traditions; Christmas shopping, a festive pint at the pub, and of course, Christmas dinner with the family, these events can present unique challenges for wheelchair users.

Navigating busy shopping areas, finding accessible venues, and ensuring comfort during family gatherings are just a few hurdles. By taking thoughtful steps, wheelchair users and their loved ones can ensure an inclusive and enjoyable festive season.

Although Christmas is often celebrated as “the most wonderful time of the year,” for families impacted by dementia, it can bring about a host of difficult decisions and challenges related to planning and logistics for the holiday season. Here are some our top tips for helping a relative with dementia this Christmas.

Swallowing difficulties, medically known as dysphagia, can make eating a challenging task. This condition can affect people of all ages, but it’s more common in older adults. Dysphagia is often associated with other conditions including Motor Neurone Disease (90%), Multiple Sclerosis (81%), and Alzheimer’s (75%), and can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and even pneumonia.

With the latest budget announcement from the UK government, pensioners may be facing big changes to their Winter Fuel Allowance. From winter 2024/2025, this vital support will be available only to households receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits. Here’s what this means for you or your loved ones and practical steps to ensure a warm, safe home this winter.

Welcome to our final addition looking into the best accessible and inclusive Christmas activities across our regions. Today we have compiled a list of 5 activities in Buckinghamshire with some useful accessibility information and resources about each one to make this festive period as fun and as comfortable as possible! The list includes activities for all ages and abilities we hope you find something that interests you!

So far this festive period we have looked at accessible activities our clients can enjoy in Hertfordshire. This time we are looking at Dorset. With its picturesque landscapes and historic charm, Dorset offers a variety of Christmas activities that cater to individuals of all abilities. We have compiled a list of the top five festive events that ensure elderly and disabled visitors can join in the holiday cheer with ease.

At Abbots Care, we understand the importance of staying connected with your or your loved one’s care plan, which is why we are proud to introduce the Care Circle app!

This innovative tool is designed to keep you informed and involved in the caregiving process, ensuring that you have real-time updates and peace of mind, no matter where you are.

  Although Christmas is a time of fun and excitement, the icy conditions of the festive season can pose a challenge to people with additional care needs. Slippery steps, heavy […]

We know how difficult this time of year can be for some people,  many of whom live alone and need support at home.

With this in mind, we have made it our mission this winter to help combat loneliness. We will be donating 100+ hours for companionship care, giving gifts in our local community, and hosting Christmas tea parties across our communities.

This year, we were awarded the HCPA Care Culture Award for the second year in a row! The award recognises Abbots Care’s fantastic work place culture and the positive impact it has not only on our employees but also our clients.

Our CEO Camille Leavold won the Business Leadership Award at the St Albans District Chamber of Commerce Awards this week. The award recognises her exceptional vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to driving success and innovation in the sector to deliver high-quality, compassionate care services.

Last night marked the 5th official annual Abbots Care Awards. The ceremony at Tewinbury Farm provided an opportunity to celebrate the amazing achievements of our Care Workers.
The night began with welcome drinks for all the attendees, providing a chance for the Care Workers to socialise before moving into the main dining hall for an all-expenses paid 3-course meal.

Welcome to the second article in our thought leadership series on the evolving landscape of health care. In our first piece, we discussed how changing preferences in care have arisen from a new era of ageing.

Meet Paula, one of our Dorset Care Workers who dedicates her career to improving the lives of people in her community. Despite only working in the field since the start of 2023 she has taken quickly to a variety of care roles. In this blog Paula talks about her roles and what qualities it requires to become a successful Care Worker.

In an open letter to the government Our CEO and Co-Founder, Camille Leavold, emphasises the urgent need for action as over 400,000 elderly and disabled individuals remain on waiting lists for care assessments.

As we journey into the 21st century, we’re witnessing a remarkable transformation in the ageing population. People are living longer, healthier lives, and the elderly today are younger in spirit, energy, and outlook than previous generations.

A pressing issue in healthcare and elderly care, particularly impacting those living alone, is the phenomenon known as the ‘long lie’. This term is used to describe a situation where an individual falls and remains on the ground for an extended period, unable to get up without assistance. The implications of a long lie can be serious, ranging from physical injuries to psychological distress, and can exacerbate pre-existing health conditions.

During the Falls Prevention Awareness Week (23rd–27th September), we at Abbots Care are excited to announce our involvement in a cutting-edge pilot project using electric lifting cushions to aid fall recovery at home. This initiative is a result of our partnership with the Hertfordshire Care Providers Association (HCPA) and Winncare.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are often used interchangeably, but there are key differences. This article will clarify those distinctions.

Choosing a job after finishing school, college, or university can be challenging.

The reality of getting an office job and sitting in front of a screen for hours a day can be a scary thought. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

A career in care offers so much more, it’s a genuine opportunity to help people in the community.

Today marks the beginning of Professional Care Workers Week, and we are thrilled to announce that Abbots Care has been featured by both PsychReg and Home Care Insight! This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to enhancing the care sector through innovative approaches.

Our care workers are the backbone of the essential services we provide. Discover how we support our team this Professional Care Workers Week and every day.

When people think about care, they often picture elderly individuals needing assistance with mobility, memory, and medication.

This is one of the greatest misconceptions about care.

Swimming, Athletics, Boccia… What Will You Be Watching?
The summer of sport has entered its final chapter with the Paralympic games kicking off in Paris.
Team GB is stacked with talent and will be hopeful they can better their impressive medal tally of 124 medals (41 golds), that saw them finish second in the table at Tokyo 2020.

As we get older there are certain things we used to take for granted that become more difficult. When our bodies start to slow down and become weaker it can have knock-on effects for even simple things, and one of the most common problems faced by elderly people is losing the ability to swallow foods and liquids easily.

Meet Amber, our Recruitment Team Leader who is dedicated to building high-performing teams that provide exceptional care. Amber’s expertise lies in developing and executing strategic recruitment plans, identifying top talent, […]

Pet therapy has gained significant recognition over the last few years due to its numerous scientifically-proven mental health benefits. For elderly people, pet therapy has also started to gain popularity, not just for its mental health benefits, but also for the overall benefits that pets provide.

From mood-boosting and companionship to encouraging physical activity, the benefits of pet therapy for elderly people can be remarkable.

Whether you are looking to bridge a generational gap or find ways of including family members with complex care needs, we’ve put together some ideas to not only engage and entertain […]

It’s good to remember that while the warm weather invites us outdoors, it also comes with risks. This is especially true for individuals with additional care needs, who might be more vulnerable. Here’s a quick guide to help ensure everyone enjoys the sun safely!

As part of Learning Disability Week we met with Robbie, a long term Client of Abbots Care to find out more about his involvement with Purple All Stars – a drama and dance group for people with learning disabilities.

Tina is a dedicated Care Worker who goes above and beyond to support Clients with their care needs. Tina ensures her Clients live happily in their own homes by helping […]

Meet Monique, our dedicated Assistant Management Accountant. Starting as an apprentice, Monique quickly distinguished herself with her analytical skills and attention to detail. She has progressed through her career here […]

Coping with a parent who has dementia and refuses help can be incredibly challenging and emotional. Many families find themselves in this difficult situation, unsure of how to proceed.

As a Care Advisor Veiz is the first point of contact for our prospective new Clients, and brings a remarkable blend of empathy and professionalism to his role. His dedication […]

Water-based exercise offers numerous advantages, including muscle repair, mental wellbeing improvement and social opportunities. For our client Hannah, water therapy with her Care Worker and swim teacher is both enjoyable and beneficial for her wellbeing.

Caring for someone with dementia is a journey that requires immense compassion, patience, and resilience. Dementia not only affects memory but also brings about a range of behavioural changes that […]

For parents of children with disabilities, Easter represents a fantastic opportunity to plan some fun, inclusive activities that will brighten everyone’s day. From accessible easter egg hunts to messy play […]

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall health and quality of life in older adults […]

Meet Abbots Care’s Health & Social Care Trainer, Rachael, who specialises in Mental Health. Rachael’s main responsibilities include being our Mental Health First Aider and training our teams on the […]

Give the gift of time this Mother’s Day and do something you can enjoy together! Mother’s Day is about more than just gifts and cards. (They’re nice, though!) It’s an […]

When it comes to providing dedicated care and support for our loved ones, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Live-in care is a type of care arrangement where a professional care […]

Katie, who is our registered nurse here at Abbots Care. Katie works alongside our training team to ensure our care workers receive the best training in order to provide the best service to our clients.

As our loved ones age, their care needs often become more complex, requiring thoughtful consideration and planning. While traditional care homes are a viable option, there’s another compassionate and empowering […]

On Wednesday, 8th November, we celebrated our annual Abbots Care Awards and what a wonderful evening it was!

Christmas can be a stressful time for anyone. But for people living with dementia, the challenges – from disruptions to routine to overly noisy environments – can be particularly distressing. […]

Meet Abbots Care’s Health & Social Care Trainer, Rachael, who specialises in Mental Health. Rachael’s main responsibilities include being our Mental Health First Aider and training our teams on the […]

On Friday 3rd of November, Director General for Adult Social Care, Michelle Dyson paid a visit to Abbots Care, spending the morning seeing the ins and outs of delivering home care. 

Camille Leavold, Managing Director and co-founder, Abbots Care has won the Executive Home Care Leader Award at this year’s Social Care Leadership Awards

When it comes to providing dedicated care and support for our loved ones, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Live-in care is a type of care arrangement where a professional care […]

Meet Abbots Care’s Reablement & Specialist Care Manager, Jazz. Jazz is an essential part of the team and has been for the past 10 years. With many key responsibilities including […]

When it comes to providing dedicated care and support for our loved ones, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Live-in care is a type of care arrangement where a professional care […]

Let’s take a couple minutes to ask four questions with team members Michelle and Alix to find out more about the all-important role of a Care Worker Liaison Officer. Explain […]

As the temperature rises, we need to think of ways to stay safe and well in the heat. Heatstroke (sometimes known as heat hyperpyrexia) can affect anyone, but factors including […]

Simply put, a Care Worker performs a range of tasks, depending on the needs of the person they care for. It could be medical assistance, helping out with housework, preparing […]

Camille Leavold, Managing Director and co-founder of Abbots Care was recently featured in Homecare Association’s magazine. In the article Camille discusses the international recruitment process

Our Buckinghamshire branch has recently undergone a rigorous inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for the first time and we are happy to report we have secured a well-deserved […]

  It also connects us to ourselves, linking to positive emotions, improving cognition, and stimulating memory – each crucial for people living with dementia.   Studies indicate that music can trigger […]

On the 7th of June, Camille, MD of Abbots Care and the team attended The Social Care conference hosted by LaingBuisson events. The day commenced with insightful keynote speeches that […]

Training is something we’re passionate about at Abbots Care, because we know our Care Workers make us the amazing service we are, bringing joy and independence to each and every […]

Most of us are aware of the benefits of spending a certain amount of time outdoors each week and try to fit this into our daily routines. The same is […]

Why sunflowers? Not only are they beautiful, but they also have many benefits for both the environment and our well-being. Sunflowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are […]

Are you choosing between home care or care homes for yourself or a loved one? Finding care for a family member or friend is an important decision that requires time, […]

There are lots of simple tasks we can all take to keep ourselves and loved ones healthy and safe this winter.  From stocking up on warm clothing and slip-resistance shoes/slippers […]

With reports of a social care crisis featuring regularly in the news, it can be easy to get the wrong idea about the realities of a career as a care […]

On Thursday 10th November we celebrated the Abbots Care Awards and what a wonderful evening it was! It was an evening for our Care Workers for all the hard work they do every day that makes Abbots Care the outstanding provider it is.

Super organised, fast-thinking and compassionate – that’s how we describe our team of dedicated Care Coordinators here at Abbots Care. Ensuring care is well-planned and delivered in a timely manner, […]

From the beginning, Abbots Care has played a crucial part in the home care industry. This year, we celebrate 27 years in business and the amazing commitment to the community. In […]

Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care), MP Neil O’Brien spent the morning with Abbots Care on Thursday 13 October to see for himself home care delivered in the […]

Camille Leavold has been recognised as one of the most influential leaders in home care. Abbots Care Co-Founder and Managing Director, Camille Leavold has been recognised in the  Home Care Insight […]

If you could lift people’s sprits, just by showing up for work, would you do it? That’s literally what a domiciliary care worker does. But let’s delve deeper. Imagine knowing […]

A potentially devastating issue, carrying both physical and mental health implications, carer burnout is a genuine danger faced by carers. With effects including exhaustion, anxiety, and even high blood pressure, […]

The role of a care worker is a varied one; using a variety of amazing skills. And these skills change lives in a variety of ways. From empathy to dedication, […]

Being a carer is more than a job. And care workers make a genuine – and genuinely amazing – difference to the lives of their service users. In fact, it’s […]

Caring for a loved one can be a challenging and emotional task, especially when they are struggling with physical or cognitive issues that make it difficult for them to live […]

Carers are worth their weight in gold. They provide support, both physical and emotional, and occupy a vital role in the lives of their service users; frequently going above and […]

It may seem obvious, but careers in care require people who care. After all, people are at the heart of the care sector; staff and service users alike. So, if […]

Are you looking to start a career as a care worker but are not sure where to start? With decades of experience in Health and Social care and relevant care […]

Carers are truly extraordinary people. They are. Selfless, devoted and utterly dedicated to supporting people. It takes a specific type of person to offer so much of themselves while looking […]

An underexposed, but highly pertinent issue in elder care, loneliness in the elderly is extremely serious, and can contribute to anxiety and depression, as well as drastically reducing overall wellbeing. […]

Memory is precious. And finding ways to reminisce with someone living with dementia can be incredibly soothing. Dementia can be an isolating experience; and it can be particularly stressful for […]

Abbots Care Co-Founder and MD, Camille Leavold was rewarded the first ever Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care Gold Award. The awards were officially launched in May 2021 and mirrors […]

Find out everything you need to know about Dementia – from the different types, the stages and how to support a loved one with the disease at home.

What is End of Life Care? End of Life or Palliative Care is the support and care given to those who are nearing the end of their lives, helping them […]

What is Spinal Injury Care? Spinal Injury Care is designed for those who have suffered an injury to their spine or spinal cord. Spinal injury care often involves one or […]

Abbots Care Hertfordshire has received a fantastic report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC),  the independent regulator of health and social care in England. The Hertfordshire branch is rated as […]

It’s Dementia Week and the perfect time to spread awareness about this life-changing affliction whilst showing support for anyone affected. So if you’re currently caring for someone with dementia during […]

The festive season is just around the corner, and whether you work in care, or have a loved one who receives care, you can never be too prepared. We’re not […]

In the UK today, there are over 1.34 million social care workers [1] – that’s an incredibly huge amount of adults who are choosing a health and social career. For […]

Eating healthy meals is important at any stage of life. Following a few nutritional guidelines every day will help you and your family stay healthy and allow those at any […]

GLOBAL RISE IN DEMENTIA A number of reports have recently suggested that dementia and other neurological diseases are on the rise, and not just in the western world but globally. […]

With the rise in dementia and other neurological conditions as well as an ageing population, the health and care sector is one area where demand is rapidly increasing and set […]

Over recent decades, demand for home care services in the United Kingdom has increased significantly. In fact, according to the latest figures published by the King’s Fund, more than 350,000 older […]

People are living longer than ever, which is a great thing, as it means loved ones get to spend more time together. However, it does also mean that the number […]

It is well-established that the UK’s ageing population has led to a rise in instances of dementia and other complex, long-term health conditions. This, in turn, has increased hospital admissions and placed […]

Each year, especially in the winter months, we see headlines about NHS resources being stretched to breaking point, and the system being unable to adequately cope with hospital admissions. These […]

Much has been written about the current state of social care and the crisis facing the National Health Service. However, one problem which has flown under the radar with many […]

A standalone 90-minute drama from the BBC, entitled ‘Care’, has attracted widespread praise for its portrayal of the struggle that many families are faced with when a loved one falls […]

For many elderly and disabled people, in-home care is the best solution for their long-term care needs, as it means they are able to maintain a degree of personal independence […]

In recent years, those in the care sector have become increasingly concerned about a phenomenon known as ‘sandwich care’ and it is estimated that there are now 2.4 million sandwich […]

The National Health Service is facing a health and social care crisis at present, and the challenge is primarily caused by the fact that people are living longer than ever […]

Finding the right round-the-clock home care support is extremely important for those who require help around the house, but it is also a process that needs to be undertaken carefully. […]

Social care is an extremely rewarding career path, and one that is also becoming increasingly important in the United Kingdom, where an ageing population and increased strains on the National […]

After the festive season, winter time can not only feel a bit depressing, but frosty mornings, reduced daylight, ice and snow can increase the risk of physical injuries by falls, especially for the elderly. ..