Jessica Shiel

March 2022

Who Regulates UK Care Homes?

The Care Quality Commission regulates care homes in England. Periodic inspections are carried out to verify that CQC’s stringent standards are being met. Every care home is graded in five different areas, from ‘outstanding’ to ‘inadequate’.

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April 2022

What Activities Can You Do in a Care Home?

Scientific research shows that social, intellectual, and creative pursuits can help to improve morale, mood, and physical and mental health. This is why meaningful activities in care homes are so vital.

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May 2022

What Is Respite Care?

Caring for a loved one can be a rewarding and relationship-strengthening experience. Respite care can provide much-needed temporary relief for full-time caregivers and those requiring support with their care needs.

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May 2022

What Types of Care Homes Are There?

If you or your loved one no longer feel suited to independent living, you may be considering a care home. There are many types of care homes, each offering different facilities and levels of care for residents.

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May 2022

What Is a Nursing Home?

If you or your loved one can no longer live independently, you may be considering a nursing home. Nursing homes are ideal for anyone needing a higher level of care than a residential home would provide.

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May 2022

Are All Care Homes Private?

There are thousands of residential and nursing homes in the UK. Most care homes are privately owned by independent companies. Others are run by local authorities, NHS foundation trusts or charitable organisations.

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September 2022

A Guide to Moving from One Care Home to Another

There are many reasons to consider moving from one care home to another. KYN explain the process of changing care homes and how to get started.

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September 2022

How to Talk to a Loved One About Residential Care

Talking to loved ones about residential care can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. KYN discuss how to broach the subject of moving into a care home.

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October 2022

What Are Care Home Top-Up Fees?

If your chosen care home costs more than your personal budget allows, a third party can pay the difference. Learn more about care home top-up fees with KYN.

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October 2022

What Rights Do Residents Have in a Care Home?

In the UK, there is strict legislation outlining residents’ rights in care homes, and how these should be upheld. Learn more with KYN luxury care homes.

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October 2022

How to Choose a Care Home

If you’re considering residential living, it’s important to find a home that fits your needs and lifestyle. KYN discuss how to choose a care home that’s right for you.

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October 2022

What Is It Like Living in a Care Home?

Good care homes help residents to lead rich, fulfilling lives in every way possible. KYN discuss everything you need to know about living in a care home.

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December 2022

How to Check Care Home Ratings in England

It's important to choose a care home that offers a high standard of care. KYN explain how to find, check and compare care home ratings in England.

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December 2022

How Do Staff Support Residents' Wellbeing in Care Homes?

Transitioning to residential care can be enriching in many ways. KYN discuss how care homes support residents’ physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

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February 2023

How Are Dementia Care Homes Different?

When a loved one is living with dementia, family members are often faced with many challenges when it comes to providing at-home care and support.

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February 2023

What Is Palliative Care?

Palliative care refers to specialised care and support provided to those living with chronic or terminal illnesses. Learn more with KYN care homes.

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April 2023

How to Support a Family Member Moving into a Care Home

Moving into a care home can be a great opportunity to benefit from round-the-clock care, company and support. However, the transition to residential living can be a source of anxiety and worry for many older adults. Any major lifestyle chance can feel daunting, even if it will result in an improved quality of life. Here at KYN, our team of dedicated carers and nurses do everything they can to support new residents.

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May 2023

Top tips for visiting a person with dementia in a care home

Visiting someone living with dementia in a care home can be difficult at times. However, visits can be emotional highlights for you and your loved ones and it is important to know how to make the most of these.

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June 2023

What Kind of Care Home Does Your Loved One Need?

As our loved ones age, ensuring they receive appropriate care tailored to their needs becomes paramount. There are many types of accommodation and care services available for older adults, from assisted living facilities to nursing homes, each offering a different level of support. To determine the right kind of care home, you’ll need to consider various factors, from the person’s unique health needs, their preferred lifestyle to their personal care budget.

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June 2023

What Does the CQC Do?

If you are looking into care homes for older adults, you may have heard of the Care Quality Commission, or CQC. This independent regulatory body plays a pivotal role in regulating, maintaining and enhancing the quality of health and social care services in England, including residential and nursing homes. But what, exactly, does the CQC do? In this blog post, we will unravel the crucial workings of the CQC in healthcare regulation, delving into its roles, standards and inspection processes in care homes in England. We’ll explore exactly how the CQC ensures that the care delivered meets the standards of quality, safety, and dignity that every individual deserves.

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September 2023

Nina Campbell - The Creative Heart Behind KYN's Interior Design

At KYN, we believe a home is more than just a place – it's a sanctuary of comfort and belonging. That's why we proudly collaborated with the renowned British interior designer Nina Campbell to weave her magic into our spaces.

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January 2024

10 Tips to Refresh Your Health Routine at Any Age

The start of a new year is a wonderful time to explore new activities and take up good habits to focus on your health and wellbeing. Whether you are starting your wellness journey or looking to enhance your current routine, the experts at KYN can provide valuable guidance to support a healthier, more active lifestyle, regardless of your age. Samantha Thom, an independent physiotherapist at KYN, offers invaluable insights and tips to help you maintain your physical and mental health and agility throughout winter and beyond.

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January 2024

How Does the Power of Attorney Work When Someone Has Dementia?

At KYN care homes in London, we’re committed to helping our residents enjoy their lives in a safe, relaxing and luxury environment. However, even with the best dementia care in London only a few steps away, there will come a point in anyone’s dementia journey where they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves.

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February 2024

Strike the Right Balance: 5 Tips for Strength and Stability

As we age, building and maintaining our strength becomes increasingly important. It allows us to continue engaging in activities that enrich our lives, such as socialising, pursuing hobbies, and remaining self-supported. Samantha Thom, an independent physiotherapist working with KYN, has created some helpful tips you can try at home. These tips will help you enjoy a balanced life and stay agile at any age.

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March 2024

How to Move a Loved One into a Care Home

When caring for older adults at home becomes increasingly difficult due to circumstances such as health concerns, dementia, or mobility limitations, residential care can be a supportive option.

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July 2024

What Is A Residential Care Home?

At KYN, we know that finding the right care for yourself or a loved one can be a challenging process. There are many options to consider, and it's important to find a care setting that provides the necessary support while still enabling a fulfilling lifestyle.

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August 2024

What Is Nursing Care At Home?

Nursing care at home is a comprehensive service that allows individuals with various health needs to receive professional medical attention and support in the comfort of their own homes.

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August 2024

What Is A Respite Care Home?

A respite care home, also known as a respite care facility, is a care home that provides short-term care for older people or individuals living with dementia. Respite care offers family caregivers and loved ones a valuable break from caregiving responsibilities.

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January 2025

Tailored Care Solutions: Understanding Respite and Permanent Options

When it comes to caring for our loved ones, it's essential to understand the various care options available. Two primary types of care that often come into consideration are respite care and permanent care.

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January 2025

How Music Enhances Care for Older People

Music has long been celebrated as a powerful tool for enriching wellbeing and quality of life. In recent years, there's been growing interest in using music to support older people in their residential care, particularly for those living with age-related conditions such as arthritis, cardiovascular conditions, and dementia.

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May 2025

Seize the Season: A KYN Summer in London

Summer in London offers a wealth of opportunities to explore, learn and connect, especially for those who value stimulating and enriching experiences. At KYN, we believe that later life is an invitation to savour, reflect, and continue discovering—not only the city but yourself. In this selection, we recommend some of London’s most thoughtful activities, perfectly suited to connect with like-minded individuals and nourish mind, body, and soul. Whether you’re considering joining us at KYN Care Homes, or simply embracing life as it is, we hope our tips inspire you to step out and seize the season.

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July 2025

70 Up Study

In 2023 KYN commissioned a study ’70 Up’ to explore how people feel about age. Research was conducted by Thinks Insight & Strategy, featuring 1,663 respondents, 653 of which were over 70 (10th – 24th August 2023). Ageing is often seen through a lens of decline – frailty, dependency and loneliness. Yet our 70 Up study boldly challenges that narrative. It sheds light on an age group that defies stereotypes and turns societal taboos on their head. Far from the clichés of ageing, the findings in this report reveal a vibrant, nuanced picture of life at 70 and beyond, filled with confidence, passion and wisdom. A life that all of us at KYN recognise well from our interactions with our fascinating and inspiring residents.

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September 2025

What Can You Expect at a KYN Care Home Open Day?

Moving into residential care marks a significant life transition, and choosing the right care home deserves careful consideration. KYN's Open Days offer the perfect opportunity to experience our luxury care homes firsthand, allowing you to explore our beautiful residences, meet our dedicated teams, and discover how we enhance independence whilst providing unrivalled care.

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September 2025

The Art of Wellbeing

The transformative power of the arts extends far beyond entertainment, particularly in later life care where creative expression becomes a vital component of holistic wellbeing. At KYN, we understand that creativity and artistic engagement form essential pillars of comprehensive care, enriching the daily lives of our residents across our care homes in London.

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November 2025

What Happens at a Care Home CQC Inspection?

When choosing a care home in England, you’ll want to ensure that the residence provides a high standard of care, safety and support. Also, that residents will be treated properly and have the freedom to live as they prefer, wherever possible.

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December 2025

How to Talk About Care Options Without Causing Distress

Discussing care options with a loved one can feel overwhelming, yet it's one of the most important conversations families may face. For many of us, the very thought of broaching this subject brings a knot to the stomach - how can we express our concerns whilst respecting our loved one's desire for independence? It's perfectly natural to feel uncertain about navigating such emotionally charged territory.

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December 2025

Supporting Siblings When a Parent Moves Into Care

When the time comes for a parent to move into residential care, the emotional and practical difficulties extend far beyond the individual making the transition. Siblings often find themselves navigating complex dynamics, differing opinions, and shared responsibilities during what can be one of the most emotionally charged periods in family life.

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December 2025

21 Thoughtful Questions to Foster Deeper Connections with Your Older Loved Ones

A study commissioned by KYN's care homes in London shows that two-thirds of British people who have lost older loved ones wish they had engaged in more meaningful conversations to truly understand the essence of who they were.

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December 2025

Whom to Inform When Moving into a Care Home

When preparing to move into residential care, it’s important to be well-organised. Something you may have wondered is "if I am going into a care home, whom do I need to inform?" Besides friends and family, there are many authorities you'll need to advise about your move, from banks to government departments.

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December 2025

A Guide to Creating a Dementia-Friendly Christmas Feast

Festive season is a fantastic opportunity to bring friends and family together. If you have a loved one living with dementia, small adjustments to your Christmas table can significantly enhance their experience.

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December 2025

Why Does Community Support Matter in Later-Life Care?

True care extends far beyond the walls of any residence. At KYN, we believe that meaningful living is deeply intertwined with community connection, shared purpose and collective compassion. This belief shapes not only how we care for our residents, but how we engage with the wider world around us.

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February 2026

Private vs Not-for-Profit Care Homes: What's the Difference?

When searching for the right care home for yourself or a loved one, you may find yourself weighing up various options, including private and not-for-profit residences.

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February 2026

How Lighting and Colour Influence Wellbeing in Care Environments

The spaces we inhabit have a profound effect on how we feel, think and interact with the world around us. In care environments, where residents spend the majority of their time, the thoughtful design of lighting and colour schemes becomes particularly significant.

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February 2026

How Nature Therapy Supports Ageing Well

The natural world has a remarkable ability to restore, rejuvenate and reconnect us with ourselves. For those in their later years, contact with nature can improve wellbeing, help us feel less stressed, and stimulate our senses through experiences like listening to birdsong, watching wildlife or feeling leaves.

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February 2026

Emotional Intelligence in Care

When we think about outstanding care, we often focus on medical expertise and physical support. However, there's another crucial element that truly distinguishes exceptional care from adequate care: emotional intelligence.

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February 2026

Mental Health in Later Life

Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it's often overlooked when it comes to later life. Many people assume that low mood, anxiety or social withdrawal are natural parts of ageing, but this isn't the case.

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February 2026

10 Things to Do in London this Spring

Spring is a season of renewal and possibility, and there is no shortage of experiences to savour across London and beyond this Spring. Carefully selected with the older adult in mind, these experiences reflect the richness of later life - offering culture, connection and thoughtful enjoyment at a pace that feels just right. Whether your passion lies in the arts, music, food or nature, the coming months bring a wealth of rewarding moments to look forward to. From rare behind-the-scenes access at the Royal Opera House to dementia-friendly workshops at some of the capital's most beloved cultural institutions, there is something for everyone. At KYN, we believe that later life should be lived with curiosity, joy and enthusiasm, and we hope to inspire everyone to embrace all that this season has to offer. Here are ten wonderful things to explore this spring.

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April 2026

Keeping Fit in Later Life

Staying physically active is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself as you grow older. Whether you're already enjoying regular movement or wondering where to begin, there are so many wonderful ways to keep your body and mind feeling their best — whatever your ability or experience.

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May 2026

10 Ways to Enjoy London This Summer

Summer in London brings long, light-filled days and a wonderful wealth of experiences to enjoy across the capital and beyond. From world-class cultural events and rare art viewings to garden walks and sunset concerts, this season's highlights have been carefully selected with the older adult in mind — offering enriching, inspiring and thoroughly enjoyable ways to make the most of the warmer months. At KYN, we believe that later life should be filled with curiosity, connection and joy, and we hope this selection encourages everyone to embrace the season ahead. Here are ten wonderful things to explore this summer.

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Jessica Shiel

Articles

Who Regulates UK Care Homes?

What Activities Can You Do in a Care Home?

What Is Respite Care?

What Types of Care Homes Are There?

What Is a Nursing Home?

Are All Care Homes Private?

A Guide to Moving from One Care Home to Another

How to Talk to a Loved One About Residential Care

What Are Care Home Top-Up Fees?

What Rights Do Residents Have in a Care Home?

How to Choose a Care Home

What Is It Like Living in a Care Home?

How to Check Care Home Ratings in England

How Do Staff Support Residents' Wellbeing in Care Homes?

How Are Dementia Care Homes Different?

What Is Palliative Care?

How to Support a Family Member Moving into a Care Home

Top tips for visiting a person with dementia in a care home

What Kind of Care Home Does Your Loved One Need?

What Does the CQC Do?

Nina Campbell - The Creative Heart Behind KYN's Interior Design

10 Tips to Refresh Your Health Routine at Any Age

How Does the Power of Attorney Work When Someone Has Dementia?

Strike the Right Balance: 5 Tips for Strength and Stability

How to Move a Loved One into a Care Home

What Is A Residential Care Home?

What Is Nursing Care At Home?

What Is A Respite Care Home?

Tailored Care Solutions: Understanding Respite and Permanent Options

How Music Enhances Care for Older People

Seize the Season: A KYN Summer in London

70 Up Study

What Can You Expect at a KYN Care Home Open Day?

The Art of Wellbeing

What Happens at a Care Home CQC Inspection?

How to Talk About Care Options Without Causing Distress

Supporting Siblings When a Parent Moves Into Care

21 Thoughtful Questions to Foster Deeper Connections with Your Older Loved Ones

Whom to Inform When Moving into a Care Home

A Guide to Creating a Dementia-Friendly Christmas Feast

Why Does Community Support Matter in Later-Life Care?

Private vs Not-for-Profit Care Homes: What's the Difference?

How Lighting and Colour Influence Wellbeing in Care Environments

How Nature Therapy Supports Ageing Well

Emotional Intelligence in Care

Mental Health in Later Life

10 Things to Do in London this Spring

Keeping Fit in Later Life

10 Ways to Enjoy London This Summer