98% of Care Homes Facing Rising Costs – How Do We Stand Together?

The latest report shared by Care Home Professional revealed a striking headline: 98% of UK care homes have seen rapid cost increases over the past year.
For those of us working in and around the care sector, this is more than just another industry statistic. It is a stark reminder of the daily pressures our care homes face — and a call for us as a community to think carefully about how we support each other in challenging times.

Why this matters so deeply right now

Care homes are not just businesses; they are lifelines for thousands of residents, families, and staff. Rising costs in energy, food, staffing, and consumables are not abstract figures on a spreadsheet — they impact the quality of life for residents and the wellbeing of the staff who care for them.

When almost every home in the country is affected, it creates a ripple effect:

• Managers are forced to reassess budgets and look for savings where they can.
• Teams feel the strain of doing more with less.
• Suppliers are under pressure to hold pricing despite their own increased costs.

At Care Express, we feel a real sense of concern reading reports like this. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge the numbers; we must also consider how the care home community responds.

A time to share knowledge, not compete in silos

One of the most powerful assets our sector has is its willingness to share experience. In times like these, care homes that talk to one another often find solutions faster.
Imagine a network of managers exchanging tips on energy efficiency, or procurement leads collaborating on bulk purchasing agreements that benefit multiple sites. That’s the kind of practical support that can make a difference.

Rather than quietly struggling with rising costs, now is the time to:

·       Start conversations with neighboring homes.

·       Join regional care groups or forums and openly discuss challenges.

·       Share trusted suppliers who are transparent on pricing.

·       Swap ideas on staffing efficiencies or menu planning.

These aren’t competitive secrets — they’re lifelines.

Suppliers must step up alongside care homes

The report makes it clear: pressure is rising everywhere. But this is also where suppliers like us need to step up. We believe suppliers have a responsibility to offer clarity, fairness, and stability wherever possible.
It’s why we closely monitor our own pricing and look for ways to help customers buy smarter — whether that’s through multi‑case deals, free equipment with bulk purchases, or simple advice on product selection.

We encourage every supplier in the sector to do the same: be transparent, be flexible, and be willing to work with care homes rather than simply selling to them.

Innovation in the face of rising costs

Cost pressures, while difficult, can also spark new ways of working. Many care homes are already trialling:

• Energy‑saving initiatives: from LED lighting to better boiler management.
• Smarter ordering systems: reducing waste on perishable consumables.
• Collaborative buying groups: joining forces with other homes to negotiate better deals.
• Staff wellbeing initiatives: that focus on retention and reduce the cost of turnover.

When these ideas are shared widely, their impact multiplies across the sector.

Our view: concern, but also hope

At Care Express, we won’t pretend that the situation isn’t worrying. It is.
But we also know from experience that care homes are remarkably resilient. The very heart of this sector is built on compassion and teamwork — not just for residents, but among professionals too.

So let’s treat this news not as an end point, but as a prompt to act:

• To look after each other as well as our residents.
• To challenge suppliers (including us) to be better partners.
• To make space for open discussion about the pressures we’re all feeling.

The months ahead won’t be easy, but they don’t have to be faced alone. By sharing knowledge, standing together, and supporting each other through change, the care home community can weather this storm with the same strength and dignity that defines it.

If you’re a care home manager, supplier, or part of a care group with ideas to share, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep the conversation going — because together, we can do more than just react to rising costs; we can shape a stronger future for our sector.