Show Notes
In this episode, Michael sits down with Ali George, Owner of Arcadia Care, to explore what happens when a care home completely rethinks its workforce model. Arcadia Care has raised pay well above competitors, eliminating agency staff, and building a stable, self-policing team. The conversation unpacks the risks, the financial realities, and the cultural shift that followed.
Together, Michael and Ali explore:
Why increasing staff pay became Arcadia Care’s core USP, and how it eliminated agency use almost overnight. The real-world impact of a 30%+ fee increase and how families responded to radical transparency. How higher pay changed team culture, retention, accountability and resident outcomes. Why “feel” and confidence matter more than sales scripts when families visit a care home. The emotional reality of supporting families through guilt, anxiety and major life transitions. Why recruitment marketing for young people in care is broken, and what needs to change. The financial and ethical tensions between private-pay models and local authority funding.
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“Welcome to Social Care” is a go-to resource for anyone starting a journey in Social Care. You may be seeking care for yourself or a relative, or you may be starting a career in the sector. Whichever the case, “Welcome to Social Care” is designed for you.
Hosted by Michael Butcher, this series dives into the realities of Social Care in England, unpacking questions that you may have, but also providing the inner secrets that Providers want you to know. Connect with Michael Butcher on LinkedIn and join the conversation.
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review and share it with your network.
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