Are two people always required for moving and handling?

Nightingale Hammerson, A1 Risk Solutions, and Care England have today launched a landmark report exploring the benefits of Single-Handed Care and detailing how providers can implement it.

Nightingale Hammerson, renowned for its expertise in residential, nursing, respite, dementia, and palliative care, began adopting this innovative approach in 2024, with support from A1 Risk Solutions, a leading provider of specialist Moving and Handling training and implementation of Single-Handed Care programmes. Since its implementation, the initiative has demonstrated increased dignity for residents and significant advantages for care delivery and operational efficiency.

Drawing on their success, we collaborated to develop this report, ‘Are two people always required for Moving and Handling?’, which offers care providers across the sector valuable insights and practical guidance to implement the strategy in their own services, helping residents to remain independent for as long as possible.

The report is available to read here.

Commenting on the launch of the report, Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, stated:

“Single-Handed Care marks a significant advancement in the personalisation of care services. By tailoring support to individual needs, this approach not only upholds the dignity of residents but also ensures their care is closely aligned with their unique preferences and circumstances. The success achieved by Nightingale Hammerson, in partnership with A1 Risk Solutions, is a testament to the wide-reaching potential of Single-Handed Care to transform both the quality of care and operational efficiency of care across the sector.

This approach represents the future of compassionate and responsive care, where the needs of each person are met with greater flexibility and precision. It’s incredibly encouraging to see its positive impact on residents, who benefit from more personalised support, as well as on care providers, who can operate more efficiently while maintaining high standards. Single-Handed Care is a game-changer for the sector, offering a sustainable and innovative way to improve outcomes for all involved.”

Benefits for residents include improved dignity, enhanced well-being, and social connection and for providers, increased capacity and admissions as well as greater efficiency.

Rosalind Gray, Head of Therapies, Nightingale Hammerson, said:

“Combining single-handed or proportionate care with our rehabilitation and relationship-centred care approaches allows us to deliver excellent, timely and compassionate care for our Residents whilst also optimising their functional ability and increasing their well-being and quality of life.”

Deborah Harrison, Managing Director, A1 Risk Solutions said:

“Single-Handed Care (SHC) represents a vital consideration for modern Moving and Handling practices in social care. When appropriately applied, SHC not only improves the dignity and privacy of residents but also enhances efficiency for care providers, enabling more meaningful interactions. As care practices evolve, the traditional two-caregiver requirement must be reassessed to align with evidence-based practices that truly prioritise the needs of individuals. To support the care giver and the care homes the correct training and support is required.”

Nuno Santos Lopes Director of Research, Innovation and Community Engagement, Nightingale Hammerson, said:

“Compassion, dignity and proportionate care are the base for outstanding care. The moving and handling policies applied by care providers should follow the same principles to provide the right level of support according to the residents’ needs.”

Jenny Pattinson, Chief Executive, Nightingale Hammerson, said:

“I continue to be incredibly proud to lead the team at Nightingale Hammerson. Using research based innovation to improve the lives of the people we have the privilege to care for and then sharing what we have learned delivers better outcomes for the whole social care sector.”

Care England encourages all care providers to explore the findings of this report and consider how Single-Handed Care can be adopted to enhance both the quality of care and operational outcomes within their services. If you require any further information, please email Policy@careengland.org.uk.