When Fulcrum invited me to share my experiences and thoughts on the future of care, I saw it as an opportunity to reflect on my journey, the challenges we face as a sector, and what needs to change to drive meaningful progress.
I started my career in care because I wanted to make a difference. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that compassionate, well-delivered care can have. Not just on residents, but on families and staff, too.
In my interview, I talked about the moments that shaped my path, the mentors who influenced my leadership approach, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
One of the key topics we discussed was the purpose behind Optima Care, why we do what we do, and how we go beyond just providing care.
From specialist nursing support to wraparound services like physiotherapy, our focus is always on quality of life for residents and supporting families through their journey. But great care can’t happen without great people, and that’s why staff wellbeing, training, and recruitment remain central to everything we do.
The sector is facing big challenges, demand is growing, workforce shortages are increasing, and funding remains a constant pressure.
I talked about the need to attract more people into care careers, break down misconceptions about the sector, and ensure that those who work in care feel valued. Simple things like ensuring residents have privacy, independence, and dignity, with access to en-suites and well-designed spaces, make a real difference to quality of life.
Looking ahead, I shared my thoughts on where the sector is going, including the need for better collaboration with the NHS, smarter use of technology, and integrated care pathways that improve outcomes for residents.
The future of care will be shaped by innovation and digital transformation, but we also need to get the basics right: funding, workforce capacity, and regulatory reform.
At the end of the interview, I was asked: What advice would you give your 18-year-old self? My answer was simple: Edward Coombes, focus on making a difference, never stop learning, and always put people at the heart of everything you do.
This conversation was about more than just the past. It was about the future of care and how we can work together to build a stronger, more sustainable sector. I’m looking forward to continuing these discussions and, more importantly, turning words into action.