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Editor’s Letter October 2024
As we move deeper into autumn, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the priorities that keep care homes thriving—particularly the wellbeing residents and the quality of training that underpins excellent care.
Wellbeing isn’t a buzzword; it’s the foundation of every resident’s quality of life. As the nights grow longer and the weather changes, it’s essential to maintain a warm, engaging environment for those in your care. This issue dives deep into the practical strategies and innovative approaches that care homes across the UK are implementing to enhance physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
From creative activities that inspire joy and movement to mental health initiatives that support residents through challenging times, we explore a broad spectrum of wellbeing practices. We also spotlight some success stories from homes that have fostered truly holistic care environments, balancing physical health with emotional fulfilment.
Equally critical is the training and development of care staff. As the sector evolves and faces increasing complexities, continuous learning and upskilling have never been more important. This month, we focus on how care homes are investing in their teams to ensure they’re equipped to deliver the highest standards of care as the skills gap continues to add complexity.
From the latest regulatory changes to hands-on training techniques, we examine how homes can empower their staff with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the diverse needs of residents. Training isn’t just about compliance; it’s about building confidence, compassion, and expertise within the workforce, ensuring that residents receive the care they deserve.
In this issue, we also feature our regular pieces – Care Home of the Month, Dishing Up, Activity of the Month, Essential 5 and more!
I hope you find this issue both inspiring and practical as we work together to raise the standard of care across the UK.
Jade Evans, Chief Editor
Table of Contents
6 Industry Update
The best spot to find out about the care sector’s latest industry events, news and advances.
12 Training
We address the skills gap in care homes. With commentary from experts, we focus on the challenges of finding staff with the right skills and strategies for upskilling existing staff and attracting new talent.
20 Care Home of the Month
Cinnamon’s Oakley Grange takes centre stage this October as we detail the home’s mission and how the team stays updated with the latest trends and best practices in elderly care.
24 Dishing Up
Providing yet another instalment of delicious inspiration, our Dishing Up feature shares a recipe from one Vfl – one not to be missed!
30 Resident Wellbeing
We delve into the need for holistic wellbeing in care homes and how to ensure you are integrating physical, mental, and emotional health.
36 Oral Health in Care Homes
In this article, Derbyshire Council share details on a pilot programme to improve oral health in local care homes.
Industry update
Care Home Managers Soar to New Heights for Charity
In a remarkable demonstration of courage and commitment, Jagpal Singh and Shona Bradbury, Care Home Managers from Care UK’s Liberham Lodge and Appleby House, undertook a skydive on the 2nd August, and are set to raise almost £3,000 for NAPA’s Living the Dream Fund.
Their daring sky-high adventure highlights their unwavering dedication to enhancing the quality of life for individuals in care settings, underscoring their belief in the power of extraordinary experiences to make a meaningful impact.
“The skydive was an amazing experience and I am so glad I did it. I was nervous and did ask myself just before the jump why I had agreed to do this but then it happens, and you are in absolute awe flying above the clouds. Once the parachute was opened, I loved
the spins the instructor made happen by pulling on the cords, it was like being on a fast funfair ride. It was exhilarating and so worthwhile, everyone there loves the Grow Old Disgracefully idea and making dreams come true.”
- Shona Bradbury Care Home Manger Appleby House
The Living the Dream Fund, part of this campaign, plays a crucial role in turning aspirations into reality. It provides financial support for innovative and meaningful activities that help individuals live their dreams, whether that’s pursuing a long-held hobby, experiencing new things, or engaging in special events. By supporting these dreams, the fund helps to enrich the lives of people in care, ensuring that their later years are as exciting and fulfilling as possible.
Jagpal and Shona’s fundraising efforts are directly contributing to these important goals. The monies
Avery Healthcare Regional Manager Named Finalist at NACC Awards
Greg Simmonds, Senior Regional Culinary and Hospitality Manager (South Region) at Avery Healthcare, has been announced as a finalist in the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Awards, a prestigious event celebrating excellence in care catering.
Greg, who has worked at Avery Healthcare since 2021 is in the running for the Catering Manager of the Year award.
The awards ceremony, held at East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham on the 3rd October, honours those who demonstrate exceptional dedication, innovation, and service across the care catering sector.
The NACC Awards are a true celebration of the care catering industry, shining a spotlight on the
many outstanding contributions made over the past 12 months.
The finalists, including Greg, have demonstrated an abundance of innovation, excellence, and dedication, along with resilience, agility, and care during what has continued to be a challenging period for the sector.
Greg Simmonds expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “It’s an incredible honour to be named a finalist at the NACC Awards. Being recognised alongside such talented professionals is truly humbling.”
Simon Lawrence, Director of Culinary and Hospitality at Avery Healthcare, expressed pride in Greg’s achievement, stating, “We are thrilled that Greg Simmonds has been recognised for his exceptional leadership and support
raised will go towards funding activities and experiences that align with NAPA’s vision of vibrant, engaged living for those in care.
The pair raised over £1,800 for the skydive and, in addition to this, applied for Care UK’s matched funding scheme. The provider’s internal matched funding scheme meets colleagues’ fundraising efforts up to £1,000 for UK-based charities. This ensures that Care UK supports charities in the areas in which their homes operate, as well as donating to national causes. So far in 2024, Care UK has raised more than £24,000 for 30 different charities.
over the last year.
“Greg has been an influential member of the Senior Hospitality Team since joining the group. His calm and professional approach to managing challenges is one of his greatest strengths.
“We see a very bright and positive future for Greg within the company and can only see him going from strength to strength in the long term. It’s an absolute pleasure to work with Greg, a true ambassador for Avery Healthcare.”
Looking Ahead
The future of older peoples’ care through an international lens, as told by Vic Rayner OBE, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Care Forum (NCF).
Earlier this year I took on the mantle of Chair of the Global Ageing Network, an organisation that seeks to bring together voices from the long term care sector all across the world. We share a collective ambition to challenge ageism, put pressure on the political prioritisation around long term care and to share best practice to enhance quality so that everyone can age well. I became interested in the organisation early in my tenure at NCF, understanding that if we do not look to learn from countries outside of the UK, then we will be missing out on both inspiration from the innovation happening elsewhere and the understanding
of how others were planning for the potential challenges on the horizon.
Fast forward six years, and I am really delighted that this early interest has borne such positive fruit. It has enabled me to forge partnerships with colleagues from across Europe, Australia, US, Canada, South America, Malawi, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, India, Dominican Republic, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore to name a few. These relationships have been instrumental in helping the team at NCF and the wider sector understand that the care we deliver in the UK is part of a global care economy, increasingly delivered by a global care workforce and
Vic together with Renate Kraus, MD of Austria’s Institute for Education in Healthcare who also spoke at the event
Vic and fellow presenters ahead of two days of idea exchange around older peoples’ care
underpinned by a global supply chain developing technology and solutions to address the ageing demographic across the world.
Last year, NCF worked with colleagues in Scotland to bring a phenomenal global ageing event to Glasgow. This incorporated a symposium on global workforce and two full days of workshops and speakers focussed on developing a sustainable future for care. It brought together practitioners, academics, policy makers and people using care and support and offered a positive vision for collaborative working. We continue to build on that legacy and have produced articles and reports, research publications and webinars to share the learning as widely as possible. It has been very positive to work with international colleagues to understand how they are experiencing transformations around the very ‘shifts’ that our new government sees as front and centre to the future. International exchanges around technology have been particularly insightful, as countries across the world grapple with agendas dominated by AI, robotics and technology to support independent living.
I have just returned from the European Ageing Network event in Athens, where I had an opportunity to present with an Austrian colleague on the subject of positive
leadership. The theme of the event was around 21st century skills in long term care and leadership in an increasingly complex and pressured environment was a strong theme.
For many who worked in long term care through the Covid 19 pandemic, there is a recognition that crisis response has become a dominant pattern for both leaders and the wider workforce. A reset
is needed to enable people to work positively within their own organisations and community. However, being with colleagues from many different countries again, I was reminded that the even bigger prize is to think positively about how we combine our voices to form a strong and coherent vision that every government across the globe will recognise.
I would be really delighted to talk to any providers who are interested in joining their voices to this global agenda and encourage you to recognise your potential to be an active part of this vibrant and stimulating community. If this is a conversation you would like to pick up with me, and you’d like to understand opportunities to think more globally as a provider, please do drop me an email: vic.rayner@ nationalcareforum.org.uk
Vic Rayner
Members of the Global Ageing Network board gather in Athens for the European Ageing Network symposium
Essential 5
This article outlines five key ethical considerations in care home training, highlighting the importance of regulatory standards, mandatory training modules, and the consequences of non-compliance.
1
Resident Dignity and Autonomy
A fundamental ethical principle in care homes is the preservation of resident dignity and autonomy. Training programs must teach staff to treat residents with respect, involve them in decision-making, and honour their preferences. Lack of training in this area can result in neglect, disregard for personal choices, and even abusive behaviour. Residents may feel dehumanised if their autonomy is not respected, leading to mental and emotional harm.
2
Informed Consent and Confidentiality
Care home residents, many of whom may have cognitive impairments, must be treated with a high degree of care when it comes to informed consent and confidentiality. Staff should be well-trained in understanding how to obtain valid consent and maintain confidentiality. Failure to ensure informed consent can lead to serious ethical breaches, such as forcing treatments or interventions on residents without their full understanding. Training must include clear guidance on when and how to seek consent, how to assess decisionmaking capacity, and what to do when a resident lacks capacity.
3
Non-Discrimination and Inclusivity
Care home training should instil an understanding of non-discrimination and inclusivity. This involves ensuring that residents receive equal care regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. Discrimination in care homes can lead to unequal access to services, subpar treatment, or even neglect of certain residents. A lack of inclusivity can exacerbate isolation and negatively affect the mental and physical health of residents from marginalised groups. Anti-discrimination laws, such as the Equality Act 2010 in the UK or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are crucial to compliance.
5 4
Professional Competence and Continuous Learning
Care home staff must be competent in their roles, which requires both initial training and ongoing professional development. Inadequate training can lead to errors, accidents, or harmful care practices. Residents can suffer from preventable injuries, poor hygiene, medication mismanagement, or even abuse due to staff incompetence. Ethical care cannot be ensured if the staff is not well-trained and continuously updated on best practices. Care homes should provide mandatory training in areas such as infection control, safe handling of medications, emergency response, and dementia care. Additionally, there should be mechanisms for regular assessment and retraining to ensure staff remain up-to-date with the latest standards and procedures. Many countries have mandatory training requirements for care home staff, like the Care Certificate in the UK, which provides essential skills for new workers.
Duty of Care and Reporting of Abuse
A core ethical responsibility of care home staff is the duty of care, which includes the timely reporting of abuse or neglect. Training programs must focus on identifying, preventing, and reporting abuse, ensuring that all staff are aware of their legal and moral obligations. Training should include clear guidelines on recognising signs of physical, emotional, or financial abuse and the correct procedures for reporting these concerns to management or regulatory bodies. Training should emphasise that there are zero tolerances for abuse and provide staff with the confidence to report any concerns without fear of retaliation.
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Bridging the Gap
Addressing the skills gap in care homes, we focus on the challenges care homes face in finding staff with the right skills. With help from experts, we discuss strategies for upskilling existing staff and attracting new talent.
The UK care sector stands at a crossroads, grappling with an increasingly evident skills gap while trying to meet the needs of an ageing population. As care homes navigate increasing demand, staff shortages, and the complexities of modern healthcare, addressing the skills gap has become more urgent than ever.
Dipinder Sehgal, HR and Workforce Director at Gold Care Homes, sees that this issue, compounded by recruitment challenges, threatens the quality of care provided in many homes. He said, “Despite these obstacles, the sector has a unique opportunity
to invest in staff development, enhance training programs, and rethink how it attracts and retains talent. By focusing on upskilling, attracting new talent, and embracing modern training techniques, care homes can ensure that residents receive exceptional care and look to build a futureready care workforce.”
Dipinder recognises the growing need for specialised care skills, particularly in dementia care, palliative care, and mental health support, as residents’ medical needs become more complex with age. “Moreover, soft skills like empathy, communication, and patience are equally crucial but
harder to teach. In many cases, staff lack adequate training in providing emotional support, conflict resolution, and understanding the unique needs of elderly residents,” he added.
The skills gap in some care homes encompasses a wide range of areas and there is a shortage of both technical skills and soft skills, but Dipinder acknowledges how this gap represents an opportunity for focused development. “There is also a growing need for specialised care skills, particularly in dementia care, palliative care, and mental health support, as residents’ medical needs become more complex with age.”
The good news is that these gaps can be addressed through targeted training programs and a renewed focus on person-centred care. By providing tailored training and continuous learning opportunities, Dipinder said, “Care homes can ensure that staff are equipped with both the practical and interpersonal skills needed to enhance residents’ quality of life.”
Over the past decade, the care sector has undergone significant shifts due to an ageing population, increasing complexity of residents’ needs, and the aftershocks of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. The introduction of new healthcare technologies, such as digital care management systems, presents an opportunity to enhance efficiency and care delivery. As a result, the demand for workers with digital literacy has grown, encouraging care homes to offer training in technology and digital care management, a skill set not traditionally required in the care sector but providing training in these skills that will future-proof the workforce and enable care homes to provide high-quality care.
There is also a growing need for specialised care skills.
The skills gap directly affects the quality of care provided to residents. Dipinder explained, “When staff lack the necessary skills, not only do residents not receive the specialised care they require, leading to an overall reduction in the standard of care and resident wellbeing, but as workers feel overwhelmed or underprepared for the demands of the job, many care homes find that this often leads to low job satisfaction and high staff turnover.”
There is significant potential to improve the care provided to the residents by investing in staff. When employees have the right skills, they can offer more personalised care, and by focusing on continuous professional development, care homes can ensure that their teams are equipped to meet the increasingly complex needs of the elderly.
“Training also boosts staff
confidence, helping them feel more competent and engaged in their roles,” added Dipinder - this not only improves the care experience for residents but also creates a more positive work environment, reducing turnover and burnout.
In terms of strategies to attract talent, Dipinder believes that care homes must focus on improving the overall perception of the sector and this can be done by highlighting the fulfilling nature of the work and the potential for long-term career growth. By highlighting success stories, offering competitive benefits, and building strong relationships with educational institutions, care homes can appeal to a broader range of applicants and could help promote care work as a viable and rewarding career option.
“Community outreach and career fairs, coupled with targeted social media campaigns, can also
help raise awareness about the opportunities in the care sector. Raising awareness about the rewarding aspects of care work and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives could also help change the narrative around the sector,” said Dipinder.
Although there is the option of attracting new talent, it can be difficult. In line with this, Dipinder sees that the most effective way to close the skills gap is by investing in upskilling the existing workforce. Training programs tailored to the specific needs of a care home, such as on-the-job learning, peer mentorship programmes, or by partnering with external stakeholders, care homes can offer specialised training in areas like dementia care, mental health, and advanced clinical skills, ensuring their workforce is well-rounded and competent. Not only will this improve the care provided, but it will also create a more motivated and satisfied workforce.
“Providing more accessible and frequent training opportunities can empower care workers with the technical and soft skills they need
to thrive. Flexible options such as e-learning and on-the-job training are practical methods for delivering this training without disrupting dayto-day care.
“Regular refresher courses and opportunities for continuous professional development (CPD) will be critical in maintaining high standards across the sector and enabling staff to move up the career ladder within the care sector,” said Dipinder.
Addressing the primary skill gaps currently affecting the care home sector, and just how detrimental the issue is, Andy Donnachie Chief Operating Officer of The CPD Group, said, “From my experience the Care industry has two main areas of concern, one being the shortage of skilled staff within, and joining the industry and two, a skills shortage of those currently employed in the sector. Identifying recruitment strategies, specifically focused on attracting specifically skilled candidates is one essential element that needs to be addressed; however, with a focus on upskilling the current workforce, key themes have emerged from
the sector as being areas that need to be focused on with regards to identified skills gaps.”
Andy revealed that the core themes that have emerged are: “Communication barriers between colleagues, cultural awareness, leadership and management skills, technological adaptation, more specialised clinical skills and soft skills.” These are all areas where high-quality CPD Training can be very effective. As the UK faces an aging population, it is essential that care providers have a fully competent, and compliant, team. Staff turnover in the care sector is also a major concern. Andy recognises that this is another area that can be impacted by highquality and frequent upskilling and training. “The more a company invests in its people, evidence shows that they are less likely they are to want to leave,” he said.
The CPD Group helps bridge the skills gap in care homes as they enable companies to be more agile when looking to upskill their staff, rather than enrolling members of the team on to qualifications or apprenticeships that can take
several months to complete.
CPD offers an expedited way for team members to gain the core knowledge of a subject and support the company to address skills shortages in a timely manner. The core message that The CPD Group constantly reinforce is that companies, across all sectors, looking to engage the services of a CPD Training Provider, is what measure of quality is there to show you that the course you wish to engage them for is fit for purpose and ultimately value for money. CPD Accreditation is one way to measure whether a course is of a particular standard.
Andy reminded us however, CPD Accreditation alone is not always a sign of quality and standards, and this is due to the nature of the CPD Accreditation services offered to the training provider. He said, “When looking to engage a training provider, companies must do their due diligence as budgets are tight and available funds must be spent wisely. Care companies must question their potential training partners to ensure their offering is of the highest standard.
The more a company invests in its people, evidence shows that they are less likely they are to want to leave
If they hold CPD Accreditation for their training, who provided it? What have their courses been scrutinised against? Have all of the courses been fully reviewed or has the CPD Accreditation service employed a ‘Blanket Accreditation’ methodology where only a sample of the training offered has been reviewed? These are essential questions that must be explored before engaging a training provider’s services. Care companies shouldn’t be afraid to ask these types of questions and make sure they are working with training providers who meet the grade!”
The CPD Group’s position is not to tell the training provider what they should be focusing on, but when courses are submitted for accreditation, the team pride themselves on their robust process that ensures the training provider’s
provision is the best it can be and the CPD consumer is gaining a quality learning experience, with learning outcomes that are fit the roles the training is designed to support.
The UK care sector faces undeniable challenges when it comes to addressing the skills gap and recruiting new talent. However, these challenges present an opportunity for growth and improvement. By focusing on targeted recruitment strategies, upskilling existing staff, creating a positive career trajectory for care workers, and working with outlets such as the CPD Group, the sector can rise to meet these demands. Investing in both current staff and future talent, particularly through apprenticeships and vocational training, is crucial to building a sustainable and skilled workforce.
Building Resilience in Leadership
A Guide for Managers, as told by Social Enterprise Kent (SEK).
Emotional intelligence (EI), the ability to recognise, understand, manage, and effectively use emotions, is a critical skill for healthcare professionals. As a Community Interest Company with four decades of experience training healthcare professionals, we’ve witnessed firsthand how the relentless pace of change and increasing demands are taking a toll on our frontline workers.
Employees are often juggling multiple responsibilities, adapting to new technologies, and striving to meet ever-higher performance standards. Sometimes a critical skill for personal and professional sustainability often gets overlooked: emotional intelligence. EI is no longer considered a soft skill but a fundamental component of successful organisations.
Employers are increasingly using EI assessment tools like Dr. Reuven Bar-On’s Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i) to hire and develop staff. Your ability to cope with stress, maintain strong relationships, regulate your emotions, and understand others’ emotions are daily requirements in the workplace, and even more so for Health and Social Care carers.
To maintain the well-being of our caregivers and ensure highquality patient care, we must invest in training programs that address these specific needs. At Social Enterprise Kent, our holistic approach focuses on all aspects of emotional intelligence and resilience, providing personalised support to enhance caregiver skills. This not only helps develop self-
awareness, empathy, and active listening skills but also covers essential skills such as:
Conflict Resolution:
By identifying conflict stages and applying resolution methods helps defuse challenging interactions. This enables more effective navigation of difficult situations and stronger relationships.
Stress Management
Recognising work-related stress is challenging. While teaching coping mechanisms is important, instilling a philosophy of self-care and boundary setting is equally crucial.
Non-Verbal Communication Skills:
Nonverbal cues like tone, body language, and gestures are as important as verbal communication. Mastering these reduces misinterpretation and improves relationship effectiveness.
Effective caregiver training requires more than just occasional workshops. It demands a cultural shift within healthcare organisations. Leaders must prioritise caregiver well-being, integrating it into the core values and daily practices of their institutions. This might involve regular check-ins, mentorship programs, and creating safe spaces for caregivers to express their needs and concerns.
When caregivers are wellsupported and trained with the tools to manage their own wellbeing, the quality of patient care inevitably improves. When patients
interact with caregivers who are more present, empathetic, and capable of providing nuanced, attentive care, it can lead to better health outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.
By investing in EI training and creating a supportive culture, healthcare organisations can encourage their caregivers to build resilience, enhance patient care, and foster a more positive work environment.
To book your free Training Needs Analysis Service or learn more our community projects, please don’t hesitate to contact us:
Email: info@sekgroup.org.uk
Telephone: 01227 469970
Revolutionising Safety
As AI becomes the new frontier in workplace safety, a piece from Graham Sharp, Managing Director of Stanley, delves into some of the AI wearable solutions on the market and how they work to prevent accident and injury in care homes via a case study.
Recent data from the Health and Safety Executive reveals that in 2022/23, 473,000 workers in the UK experienced work-related musculoskeletal disorders, leading to a loss of 6.6 million working days. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into wearable technology aims to reduce these numbers and shape future workplace health and safety policies.
Two prominent examples of this technology are exoskeleton suits and wearable devices. In UK workplaces, exoskeleton suits are increasingly recognised as essential for health and safety in high-impact, repetitive tasks. Detailed reporting on movements such as bending, twisting, stooping, crouching, reaching, and carrying can now be analysed extensively using AI, which helps identify weaknesses that can be addressed
through training or increased user awareness.
Exoskeleton technology in care homes
Clarendon House Care Home in Coventry sought solutions to prevent workplace injuries among care workers during their daily tasks. It employed WearHealth video scanning technology to evaluate specific tasks performed by the carers. One worker was recorded moving a patient in and out of bed, while another was filmed lifting a patient from a sitting position. The collected data was analysed to create a detailed report, which Stanley’s ergonomist used to recommend the use of a passive exoskeleton suit. The selected suit provided effective relief from up to 60kg of weight and enhanced stability during bending, lifting, repositioning, and transferring patients. A two-week trial, which included fitting sensors to track improvements in ergonomic tasks, reported a 30% reduction in risky movements.
Reducing injury risk with SmartBelt technology
SmartBelt technology produces haptic feedback to inform the user of
risky movements and encourage posture correction when bending, lifting, reaching, or twisting incorrectly. The Modjoul SmartBelt for example, analyses data from these movements using AI driven algorithms to build a risk index and identify and track any movements that heighten injury risk. The research indicates a rapid decline in such movements within hours of usage, as new muscle memories are formed.
Data-driven training and safety
The pivotal role of wearable technology is underscored by the invaluable data it provides, which serves as a cornerstone for informed health and safety training and decision-making, thereby revolutionising the management of staff health and retention as well as fostering improvement of health and wellbeing. stanleyhandling.co.uk
Graham Sharp
Care Home of the Month Oakley Grange, Warwick
Oakley Grange, conveniently situated between Warwick and Royal Leamington Spa ,is part of the exclusive Cinnamon Care Collection group of homes that aim to redefine later-life living by combining first-class care and assisted living, with exquisite surroundings and amenities.
“For our residents the ambition is for each day to be inspiring and full of new experiences. Every detail within Oakley Grange is designed to exceed expectations, from the stunning décor and superb hospitality, to our exciting activity programmes,” commented Rukmi Silva, Associate General Manager, Oakley Grange.
Cinnamon Care aim to set new standards in hospitality, particularly through their in-house dining, by offering restaurant-standard menu choices prepared by awardwinning chefs. Cinnamon’s talented chefs have been recognised by national catering groups, including the prestigious NACC (National Association of Care Catering), as well as, nutritional advocacy groups such as Vegetarian for Life
(VfL). Residents enjoy nutritious seasonal menu choices crafted with imagination and cooked to perfection. They can also experience fine dining with family and friends in the on-site exclusive private dining room, perfect for private parties and celebrating special occasions. If a resident requires a modified diet, they will still be able to have anything from the menu, as chefs are trained to
IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) and homes take part in regular IDDSI workshops, so kitchen and care staff understand textured and modified diet requirements.
The care at Oakley Grange is person-centred and follows an Individual Care Plan (ICP) tailored to each resident’s unique needs. This care can include assisting with daily activities such as mobility,
washing and dressing; the aim is to help maintain as much independence as possible.
Raymond Lewis, Oakley Grange resident, said, “I was the first resident at Oakley Grange, welcomed by a very friendly and helpful care team. The food is excellent, as is my room and all other on-site facilities. I feel very safe living in this beautiful care home.”
More specialist residential care as well as advanced dementia care is also available. Oakley Grange
has specialist dementia-friendly environments with themed spaces and music areas to stimulate resident engagement and to aid reminiscence. Additionally, shortstay respite care presents the perfect opportunity to experience the compassionate care at Oakley Grange, allowing family members and carers to take a well-earned break. A dedicated 24 hours-aday convalescent care team can enhance recovery in the comfort of the luxury care home facilities. Together with superb hospitality
and onsite amenities, Oakley Grange offers an activities programme that focuses on promoting connection, happiness, health and wellbeing. There are many activities to choose from at Oakley Grange including baking clubs, wine tasting and arts and crafts clubs, to gardening and grow-your-own clubs. Along with this, residents are also able to simply relax their mind to the soothing tones of visiting musicians, which include a talented local harpist and a vintage Jazz vocalist.
“We like to think we offer something special - the difference between good care and great care. Our aim is to help older people live happier, healthier, more fulfilled lives and give peace of mind to their families who entrust us with their wellbeing. We are determined to be the difference, both in the expert 24-hour care we provide and the luxurious quality of our environment. Our ethos is to shape care around the individual, from favourite foods and activities, to tailored events,” concluded Rukmi Silva, Associate General Manager, Oakley Grange.
cinnamoncc.com/care-homes/ oakley-grange/
Transforming Laundry Operations
WASHCO transform the laundry operations at Jewish Care, addressing their challenges with dependable, personal, and responsive service across their nine care homes and four retirement living schemes. The tailored solutions resulted in a reduction in annual laundry spend and enhanced operational efficiency.
Requirement
Jewish Care is the largest health and social care organisation serving the Jewish community in London and the South East. Having encountered several challenges with their previous supplier, they were keen to explore their options for a new commercial laundry partner to work with them across their nine care homes and four retirement living schemes.
As part of their wish list, Jason Cloete, Head of Food and Beverage at Jewish Care, highlighted that the organisation was looking for “a dependable laundry partner who understood and cared about the needs of our business.” They also needed transparency and full visibility of their machines, complete with audit trails.
With their previous solution, many homes were experiencing frequent breakdowns and the levels of service received on these occasions were disappointing, making this a crucial requirement to resolve with their new supplier.
Solution
Tailor-made service
It was important that WASHCO fully understood the requirements and challenges of the individual laundries from the outset, which particularly impressed Jason Cloete: “Right from the start, the meetings were always attended by the right people. They gathered all the information they needed.”
This process involved carrying out site surveys at each campus, during which areas for improvement were identified and agreed with Jewish Care. These included: upgrades to ducting at several sites, bespoke colour match to exterior ducting to blend seamlessly with properties
and relocation of internal ducting to reduce levels of cold air blown directly towards staff.
Complete visibility of processes
Following recommendations and discussions, a combination of
WASHCONNECT and Miele Little Giants equipment was agreed. WASHCONNECT could provide Jewish Care with the audit trails required to confirm thermal disinfection had been achieved in their cycles, along with data collection and analysis features that keep track of energy and water usage.
Seamless installation
In total, 52 machines were installed on a staggered schedule over a two-month period, minimising any potential disruption. Jason Cloete described the process as being handled “so smoothly and efficiently”, adding: “I can only praise the people involved. I had a sense right from the beginning that we were in safe hands. There was a lot to navigate around, including entry times and entry points, and it was just faultless. It’s very rare you can say that!”
Following installation, training was carried out with the management team to get them up to speed with the CONNECT portal, which would give them complete visibility of their laundry processes from start to finish.
washco.co.uk
Results
With their new laundry solution, Jewish Care have:
• Reduced their annual laundry spend by 14%
• Improved processes across all sites
• Gained complete visibility of laundry operations, including energy and water usage
• Introduced new tailored programmes, developed and installed remotely
Dishing Up
Supplying another delicious recipe, perfect as the temperature begins to drop – we share our instalment of Dishing Up from Vegetarian for Life.
In this article, we’re delighted to share a nourishing and easy-to-follow recipe from Vegetarian for Life (VfL), a leading organisation dedicated to promoting healthy and ethical vegetarian and vegan diets for older adults. Specially designed with care home residents in mind, this recipe emphasises both nutrition and taste, ensuring that mealtimes remain enjoyable and inclusive for all dietary preferences. Whether you’re catering for longterm vegetarians or simply looking to introduce more plant-based options, this dish offers a great starting point for delicious and wholesome dining.
The vegetable tagine is a super-easy dish that’s sure to warm
Ingredients:
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
• 2 large parsnips, peeled and cut into large chunks
• 1/2 medium butternut squash, seeds removed, peeled and cut into large chunks
• 1 medium cinnamon stick or 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger or 1/2 tsp of ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tin chopped tomatoes
• 5 dried apricots, quartered
• 400g tin chickpeas
• 2 tbsp freshly chopped coriander for garnish (optional)
• 2 tbsp flaked almonds for garnish (optional)
*Image from FlavourPhotos
up residents as we get into the colder autumn and winter months. Serve with herbed couscous or creamy mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables.
This recipe will serve 4–6 people, is vegan and can be gluten-free.*
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4.
2. Place all items except chickpeas
in a deep casserole dish (or tagine).
3. Place in the preheated oven. Cover and allow to cook for 45 minutes.
4. Add drained chickpeas and allow to cook for a further 20–30 minutes. (This can also be made in a slow cooker for 4 hours on a low heat.)
5. Garnish with flaked almonds and fresh coriander.
vforlife.org.uk
The Importance of Nutrition and Hydration
Food procurement specialists allmanhall, explore the importance of nutrition and hydration in older people, specifically considered for a dignified and person-centric dining experience.
Proper nutrition and hydration are critical in care homes, directly impacting the health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life for residents. Research by BAPEN reveals that malnutrition affects 35% of care home residents in the UK, leading to a variety of health issues including increased infections, poor wound healing, mental health decline, social isolation and increased frailty. This underlines the need for a comprehensive, person-centric approach to food and drink in these environments.
As people age, the risks of malnutrition and dehydration increase, compounded by the natural decline in thirst reflex and, in some cases, cognitive impairments such as dementia. These factors make it challenging for older individuals to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration. Therefore, it’s crucial that care home staff adopt a dignified approach to meals, recognising that the involvement in making choices about food remains important even when other capacities are diminished.
At a recent National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Seminar, care professionals emphasised the significance of creating a positive mealtime experience. Engaging residents in conversations about their food preferences, understanding their personal histories, and ensuring that texturemodified meals are both nutritious and appealing are vital steps in
enhancing mealtime satisfaction. Hydration is equally important, playing a key role in bodily functions and the prevention of conditions like urinary tract infections and chronic renal disease. Strategies to encourage fluid intake include offering a variety of beverages, promoting “hydration hour” with mocktails, and providing highfluid-content foods like soups and yogurts. It’s also important to educate care home staff on recognising signs of dehydration, which can manifest as tiredness, headaches, and poor concentration. Nutritionally, care homes should focus on nutrient-dense foods rather than calorie-dense ones. Incorporating ingredients like eggs, seeds, and Greek yogurt can help ensure that residents receive essential nutrients. Additionally, increasing dietary fibre through foods like whole grains, legumes, and unpeeled fruits can support digestive health and reduce the risk of conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. It’s important, however, to introduce fibre gradually to avoid digestive discomfort.
For residents with dysphagia, a condition that impairs swallowing, care homes must offer texturemodified diets that are both safe and nutritious. Providing adequate training for staff on preparing these meals, ensuring that they are nutritionally fortified, and enhancing flavours with herbs and spices can make these meals more enjoyable for residents.
In conclusion, providing a holistic, person-centric dining experience in care homes is essential for maintaining the health and dignity of residents. By focusing on nutrition, hydration, and individual preferences, care homes can significantly enhance the quality of life for their residents.
The mealtime experience is so much more than just food. Care establishments across the UK are partnering with allmanhall to manage their food procurement, achieve savings and improvements, and to access support to enhance the overall dining experience.
Get in touch hello@allmanhall.co.uk
An Ideal Water Solution
Stuart Turner is a trusted leader in water-boosting solutions and with over 115 years of expertise, they are perfectly positioned to support care homes. With a legacy of innovation, quality, and exceptional customer service, Stuart Turner ensures reliable water systems that meet the specific needs of care homes, where resident comfort, hygiene, and safety are critical.
Care homes face a range of challenges, including aging infrastructure, fluctuating water demands, and the need for consistent water quality. Stuart Turner addresses these challenges with reliable, tailored solutions that ensure optimal water pressure and performance. Their extensive product range is designed to provide dependable, high-quality systems that reduce maintenance needs and meet stringent health and safety standards.
Aquaboost:
A cold-water booster set range that ensures reliable water pressure across large, complex care home facilities, supporting critical services such as showers, taps, and laundry.
Mikrofill:
Specializing in sealed system pressurisation units and hot water systems, Mikrofill ensures consistent hot water supply while improving energy efficiency and reducing operational disruptions.
Aquatech Pressmain:
Providing comprehensive service packages, including system design, installation, and maintenance, helping care homes reduce longterm costs and ensure reliable water supply.
Service & Maintenance with AGM:
Extends Stuart Turner’s water boosting and pressurisation systems with a focus on service, maintenance, and emergency
repairs, ensuring care homes maintain uninterrupted water performance.
Stuart Turner has demonstrated its expertise in the care home sector with projects such as Libury Hall, a care home in Hertfordshire. The facility faced serious water quality issues due to an aging borehole system.
Stuart Turner provided a costeffective solution by installing a pressurized drinking water supply, significantly improving water quality and pressure while reducing maintenance costs. This project highlighted Stuart Turner’s ability to solve complex water challenges in care homes, ensuring safe, clean water for residents.
With their vast expertise in waterboosting solutions, commitment to
quality, and focus on customer care, Stuart Turner is the ideal partner for care homes. Their innovative systems offer reliable, cost-effective water performance, ensuring residents receive high standards of care while minimizing operational burdens for facility managers. By partnering with Stuart Turner, care homes gain access to tailored solutions that ensure consistent comfort, safety, and compliance. Interested in improving your care home’s water systems? Contact Stuart Turner today to discuss how their bespoke water solutions can support the unique needs of your facility, ensuring reliable, efficient water performance for the care and well-being of your residents.
stuart-turner.co.uk
SERVICE PLANS
▸ Fixed fee 1-3 year maintenance packages
▸ Nationwide cover 24/7
▸ Specialist advice
▸ Complete project support
▸ Dedicated after-sale support
▸ 24/7/365 days emergency call-outs
WATER SERVICES
▸ Nationwide cover 24/7
▸ 24/7/265 days call-outs
▸ Energy & water consumption edits
▸ Site surveys
▸ Legionella LB testing
▸ Rainwater harvesting
Holistic Wellbeing
With the help of industry experts, we explore the importance of addressing all aspects of a resident’s wellbeing, including physical health, mental health, and emotional fulfilment.
As we age, it’s important to stay active to continue to lead a healthy lifestyle. There are lots of ways to get active later in life. Some of the most popular care home activities often involve physical activity, such as gardening, dance classes, and seated activities like chair yoga.
Hannah Karim, Senior Care Expert Manager at Online Care Finder Lottie, explained that each of the above activities can be adapted to each resident’s ability to ensure everyone can get involved. For example, gardening can be modified by providing raised beds or ergonomic tools for those with limited mobility, allowing residents to engage without straining themselves.
Dance classes can be offered seated, ensuring residents with balance or mobility challenges can still enjoy movement to music.
Chair yoga and stretches can be tailored to accommodate various levels of flexibility and strength, with instructors offering different variations of each pose to meet individual needs.
Hannah said, “Incorporating a mix of physical and non-physical activities into a care home calendar ensures that all residents can participate in activities suited to their abilities and interests.”
Cognitive stimulation is also hugely important for keeping the brain active. It is a helpful support tool for those living with neurological conditions such as
dementia and Alzheimer’s. Hannah added, “For example, creative hobbies like knitting, crocheting, painting, and puzzles stimulate cognitive thinking. They can improve memory and problemsolving skills. These activities contribute to a more fulfilling and mentally active lifestyle and promote overall mental health.
“Some care homes offering specialised care for those living with dementia also have their own sensory gardens, which include various features such as water displays, plants, flowers, benches, and bird feeders to stimulate the five senses (touch, sight, scent, taste, and sound).”
At Lottie, they’ve partnered with several care homes that offer
amazing outdoor spaces, activities, and sensory gardens for residents across the UK. These include Bucklesham Grange in Ipswich and Shinfield View Care Home in Reading.
Whilst moving into a care home offers many benefits, it is also a big change later in life, so it’s important that every resident feels supported as they adjust to life in their new home.
Access to mental health professionals ensures residents receive tailored support matched to their unique needs. Mental health professionals not only create a safe space for residents to open up and share their feelings, but they can also advise care home professionals on how to adapt their care plans to support each resident.
Carers spend lots of time with residents and quickly get to know their personalities, likes, and dislikes. As a result, they’re often able to spot any changes in a resident’s mental health and learn key strategies to support them when they start to feel low.
What’s more, social activities such as coffee morning and events within the community encourage open communication and allow
residents to feel connected to their local community as they adjust to life in their new home.
A great example of this is an activity Lottie organised in partnership with Alston House Care Home (a Hamberley Care Home in Eastleigh), where they helped residents get involved with Southampton Boat Show 2023, a local community event that takes place each year.
Hannah revealed, “We worked closely with Lidia Nikolova Gjorgjieva, the Wellbeing and Lifestyle Coach at Alston House, to organise a week of activities for residents to enjoy, each based around the Southampton International Boat Show. This included a visit to race each resident’s boat at River Itchen Valley Park.
“The activity was great fun for everyone involved. 83-year-old Alison, a resident at Alston House, reminisced about bringing her two dogs, Benji and Gemma, for walks along the river and described the boat race as her ‘perfect day out’.”
It’s important to ensure, however, that strategies are put in place to ensure a balance between physical, mental, and emotional
health. Hannah, believes that when considering how to support residents’ physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, Care Home managers should take an allrounded approach, reviewing how each department of the care home is organised and how this can impact residents’ wellbeing.
“This includes collaboration and effective communication across all team and staff members and offering a mixture of activities that promote social interaction, physical activity, and mental wellbeing,” Hannah added.
At Four Seasons Health Care and brighterkind care homes, the Magic Moments teams in each of the group’s 50 care homes encourage our residents to take part in some physical activity every day. Leanne Walsh, National Wellbeing and Activities Manager, Four Seasons Health Care Group, said, “It can be something as small as a short walk to the dining room for lunch, to taking part in an armchair exercise session for 40 minutes.
“Physical activity benefits so many aspects of a resident’s health and is proven to not just help maintain or even regain strength and flexibility but also helps reduce
acute pain associated with ailments like arthritis. Exercise benefits sleep patterns, supports a healthy appetite and helps to reduce falls. The more we can encourage our residents to move around, keep the body fit and mobile and keep those joints nourished and oiled, the better.”
Many of us, will shy away from that sometimes-dreaded word ‘exercise’, so instead, Leanne revealed that Four Seasons Health Care they focus on things they already know their residents enjoy doing and try to add in a physical aspect. “Things like introducing a question ball to toss about in a ‘getting to know you’ session or handing out pom poms to shake while singing along to a favourite musical.
“We always consider a resident’s current health and ability, as we don’t want to push a resident to do more than they’re able or more than they want to, otherwise they might not join in the next time we try. It’s important to keep a close eye on our residents when doing any form of physical activity and ensured plenty of breaks and lots of hydration throughout.”
At Four Seasons Health Care, we
learned that most activities can be tailored so residents of all abilities can enjoy them. Leanne told us about the football game, ‘Slipper Soccer’, can be played while seated or a volleyball competition can be played using balloons. “A resident who isn’t feeling up to taking a trip to the coast can have the seaside brought to them with sensory items like sand, a box of shells, the sound of waves, the scent of suncream and the taste of fish and chips. Perhaps a resident is no longer able to knit but they can still feel like a valued part of the home’s Knit & Natter group if we provide a task like rewinding balls of wool and sorting them by colour,” said Leanne.
Looking at hoe a care home incorporate exercise and physical activities into daily routines to promote physical health –Leanne sees that this is all about independence. Residents must be encouraged to do as much as they can for themselves. Leanne offered a great example: “If it will take 100 steps to get to the lounge where a resident wants to sit and chat with a friend, but that resident doesn’t want to walk, we don’t just assist them straight into a wheelchair
and push them the whole way. We encourage them to take 10 steps and those 10 steps might turn into 15 and then to 20 and eventually maybe even the full 100.”
This can be applied to many aspects of living in a care home, making their own sandwich, hanging their own clothes up in their wardrobe. “The more we do for a resident that they’re able to do for themselves, the more independence we, bit by bit, take away from them, and that’s the last thing we should be doing,” said Leanne.
Promoting physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing is essential for residents in care homes.
Tailoring activities to individual abilities, whether through modified gardening, seated exercises, or cognitive stimulation, ensures that everyone can participate and enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle. Encouraging independence, even in small ways, fosters a sense of purpose and improves overall health. By taking an all-rounded approach that emphasises collaboration among care staff, care homes can create environments where residents thrive, both physically and mentally, while maintaining their dignity and independence.
Creative Expression
In this instalment of Activity of the Month, we share details on how centring your activity offering around creativity can positively impact your home, as we delve into implementing regular painting classes.
For care homes, creating a vibrant, supportive, and engaging environment is crucial to the overall wellbeing of residents. Activity coordinators are always looking for diverse and stimulating activities to cater to a variety of interests and abilities. This October, painting is taking centre stage as the Activity of the Month, offering not only a fun pastime but also a therapeutic experience that can significantly improve the mental, emotional, and social wellbeing of residents. Regular painting classes provide more than just a creative outlet; they encourage expression, reduce anxiety, improve motor skills, and foster a strong sense of community. One of the key benefits of regular painting classes in a care home setting is the opportunity for creative expression. Many
older adults may find themselves restricted by physical or cognitive challenges, and painting allows them to express their thoughts, emotions, and memories without the need for words. This is particularly beneficial for residents living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, as verbal communication can often become difficult. Painting provides them with a means to articulate their feelings, tell stories, and connect with others on an emotional level.
Studies have shown that creative activities like painting stimulate the brain and can slow cognitive decline. Regular participation in painting sessions activates different areas of the brain, helping residents maintain their cognitive abilities while offering mental stimulation. The act of selecting colours, making decisions on composition,
and engaging in the tactile experience of handling brushes or other painting tools keeps the mind active, which is essential for maintaining cognitive health.
The therapeutic nature of painting can help alleviate feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness that are common among elderly care home residents. The calm, repetitive strokes of a paintbrush can induce a meditative state, lowering stress levels and promoting relaxation. Many residents who participate in painting report a sense of calm and satisfaction as they focus on the task at hand, which can be especially helpful for those experiencing stress or anxiety. Moreover, painting fosters emotional expression. Residents who might struggle to articulate their emotions verbally can convey
their feelings through the use of colour, form, and texture. This can be particularly empowering for individuals dealing with complex emotions related to aging, illness, or separation from loved ones. Painting offers a safe space to process and release these feelings in a healthy and productive way, improving overall emotional health.
In addition to the cognitive and emotional benefits, painting can also improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, particularly for residents who may have conditions like arthritis or Parkinson’s disease. The act of holding a brush, mixing colours, and applying paint to canvas requires a level of physical precision, which helps maintain dexterity and coordination over time.
Regular painting sessions can be adapted to meet the physical abilities of all residents, ensuring that everyone can participate at their own level. Whether using a fine detail brush or larger, more accessible tools, painting allows residents to engage in an activity that encourages movement and strengthens hand muscles without it feeling like traditional exercise. This contributes to both physical wellbeing and a sense of accomplishment as residents complete their artwork.
Painting is not only an individual activity but also a social one,
particularly in a care home setting. Regular painting classes provide an opportunity for residents to gather, share ideas, and collaborate on projects. This fosters a sense of belonging and connection with others, which is vital for emotional wellbeing.
Group painting sessions can also encourage conversations and social interactions that may not occur otherwise. Sharing a creative space allows residents to bond over their artistic experiences, discuss their work, and offer support to one another. This sense of community can reduce feelings of isolation and
loneliness, helping residents form deeper relationships with both peers and staff.
A key part of the joy in regular painting classes is showcasing the residents’ artwork. Displaying their creations in communal areas or organising an art exhibition allows them to take pride in their achievements, boosting their selfesteem and confidence. Seeing their work appreciated by others validates their efforts and can give them a sense of purpose and accomplishment, something that is particularly important in later life.
Incorporating painting as a regular activity in care homes is not just about providing entertainment—it’s about enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. The cognitive, emotional, and physical benefits, combined with the social connections formed in these creative sessions, make painting a powerful tool in promoting holistic wellbeing.
As the Activity of the Month, painting offers an enriching, inclusive, and therapeutic experience that can transform the lives of residents. By encouraging self-expression, reducing stress, and fostering community, painting not only brightens the walls of care homes but also the lives of those who reside within them.
Their Smile Matters
A pilot programme to improve oral health in Derbyshire care homes.
Public Health in Derbyshire have commissioned an Oral Health Promotion Service since 2012 when responsibility for health improvement was allocated to local authorities. This service aims to improve, maintain, and reduce oral health inequalities within the population of Derbyshire. NHS England Oral Health Improvement Funding has enabled Public Health and partners to explore opportunities to expand the oral health promotion work to address a wider range of issues across targeted groups.
In 2018, Derbyshire Healthwatch identified oral health issues within the care homes citing gaps in staff training, delays accessing dental treatment and lack of awareness of the importance of good oral health
practices (Healthwatch Derbyshire, 2018)1. This was again highlighted in the later report by The Care Quality Commission (CQC,20192) regarding implementation of the NICE NG48 guidelines (NICE, 20163)
In response to this identified need, Derbyshire’s Oral Health Promotion Team established the Your Smile Matters (YSM) Accreditation programme. This offers a holistic approach to address gaps in oral health, using a simple accreditation model to enable care homes to offer quality oral health support for residents, underpinned by the NG48 guidance.
17 care homes took part in the pilot. The Oral Health toolkit for adults in care homes (Public Health England, 20204)YSM guidance was issued to each setting: The ‘Your
Smile Matters Oral Health Folder’. Staff were shown where this would be stored in each setting and directed to familiarise themselves with it.
The programme involved simple stages to progress through to gain YSM accreditation.
Staff training helped individuals understand the Oral Health Toolkit, removing barriers such as complex dental terminology. This was delivered face to face at a time that enabled maximum attendance. Staff were taught about oral health assessments, completing, and updating them and the importance of oral health within wider physical health including nutrition, hydration, and medicines management. 289 members of staff were trained across a 6-month period. The delivery style and support from the
oral health team received positive feedback.
To maintain knowledge and adopt a place-based approach to improving oral health, the settings promoted oral health using a key national oral health campaign such as National Smile Month. This ensured staff continued to actively promote oral health amongst their team, residents, their families and visitors.
Finally, each setting collated evidence in their YSM folders around changes made to support oral health needs, assessments and improvements in staff knowledge. Completion of these stages resulted in a visit to approve the folder and become a YSM Oral Health Accredited Care Home.
As a result of the pilot, 14 care homes in Derbyshire feel confident
to support oral health in line with national guidance at local level, with the support of the oral health promotion team. Outcomes include overall improvement in staff knowledge, awareness, and skills in oral health. All homes now have an oral health policy, shift handovers include oral health issues, there is greater detail of documentation of mouth care, sequence charts are present in bathrooms, and there is increased awareness of the NG48 guidance and where to find it.
The success of the pilot in its first year has led to it being extended for a further year in response to a waiting list of care homes being established for the scheme. We hope that the success of this pilot can inspire other care homes to improve their skills and awareness of oral health and implement a
similar programme. A good starting point would be to contact your local oral health promotion team.
For further information on the Your Smile Matters Pilot – please contact Julie Upton, Oral Health Promotion Lead at DCHS julie.upton@nhs.net or Emily Januszewski, Public Health Practitioner at Derbyshire County Council emily.januszewski@ derbyshire.gov.uk
1. Oral Hygiene in Care Homes across Derbyshire (healthwatchderbyshire.co.uk)
2. Smiling matters: oral health care in care homesCare Quality Commission (cqc.org.uk)
3. Overview | Oral health for adults in care homes | Guidance | NICE
4. Oral health toolkit for adults in care homes - GOV. UK (www.gov.uk)
Temperature Monitoring
A crucial but often overlooked aspect of health and safety.
At the heart of health and safety is the commitment to protecting the wellbeing of individuals by preventing harm and minimising risks. In a care home setting, this is heightened due to residents being more vulnerable. With health and safety being such a broad topic, it can be challenging for care homes to juggle the various aspects that fall under the umbrella term, leading to the de-prioritisation of key areas such as temperature control. Kirstie Jones, Head of Client Services and Environmental Health Expert at Navitas Safety, explains why this crucial element is often overlooked,
and how caregivers can keep on top of temperature monitoring within their provision.
Juggling priorities
There are a number of reasons why care home managers may omit temperature monitoring from their daily checks. Staff already have so many day-to-day tasks to complete that checking temperatures relating to rooms, baths and basins, medicine storage and food might not be seen as urgent in comparison. Staffing challenges can also affect which tasks get scratched off the list. Another possibility is that
Kirstie Jones
carers may not fully understand the importance of temperature monitoring in preventing health issues, and any health issues outlined during training may not be emphasised.
Danger ahead
Some caregivers may view temperature control as more of a matter of comfort, as opposed to health and safety, again not realising the dangers that may occur if temperatures are out of range.
Incorrect temperatures may result in an accident, illness, or worst case scenario, death. Not to mention the knock-on effect this would have on the care home’s reputation. Hypothermia can develop in vulnerable people even after a small drop in room temperature. The risk of hypothermia led to national headlines for a Shropshirebased care home (now closed), where care home residents were ‘knowingly’ left without
heating for 72 hours. It’s generally recommended to keep rooms between 18C and 20C.
In regards to food safety, it’s surprising how fast bacteria can grow, (multiplying at temperatures within the danger zone of 8C-63C) which is why The Food Standards Agency (FSA) states that fridges should be kept at 5C or below.
Specifically, for food business operators (FBOs) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, it is a legal requirement to store cold foods below 8C. Accidentally switching the appliance off, leaving the door open, or overfilling the fridge can all affect the temperature, leaving residents at risk of foodborne illnesses.
Mitigating risk
Manual checks should be done every single day. Smart sensors installed in fridges and freezers, and residents’ rooms, can automatically monitor temperatures at 30 minute intervals. If anything goes wrong,
the relevant team members will receive immediate alerts. This eradicates the need for routine manual checks, freeing up staff to dedicate more time to interacting and caring for residents.
Care home managers may also consider swapping paper-based processes for more robust digitised solutions. This may include:
• Checklists for food storage
• Kitchen cleaning routines
• Information on special diets and allergies
• Cleaning checks for mini-kitchens
• Hand washing procedures
Verification of completed temperature control records should be included within monthly ‘spot checks’ and twice-yearly internal audits. By doing so, care homes can ensure they have robust due diligence and are ‘inspection ready’ every day, by picking up on and rectifying any issues as soon as they arise. navitassafety.com
Connecting with Care
In this interview, we explore the story behind Pairly, a platform born out of the founders’ first-hand understanding of the challenges faced by care providers and the critical data gap that hinders efficiency in the sector. The conversation with Will Flint, CEO and Founder, delves into Pairly’s core mission, the development of tools like PairlyPro, and how these innovations are transforming care capacity management, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving customer satisfaction.
Can you share the story behind Pairly’s founding? What inspired the creation of the platform?
Pairly was founded by Mark and myself, who have over 40 years of combined experience in the care industry. As owners of large home care franchises and having worked across social care recruitment and in NHS social care, we witnessed significant challenges within the sector firsthand, including the enormous data gap, which hindered efficiency. Our experiences inspired us to create Pairly, which has been developed over the past 4 years. Their vision is to revolutionalise the care sector by providing better access to data, which will help solve many of the existing inefficiencies and challenges within the industry.
What is Pairly’s core mission, and how does it align with the needs of the care home industry?
Pairly’s core mission is to make care accessible to everyone.
By connecting real-time supply and demand data, Pairly aims to bridge the gap between care seekers and care providers.
The care industry has long struggled with a lack of reliable data, leading to challenges in filling capacity efficiently and maintaining profitability. At the same time, the NHS faces ongoing discharge issues, costing millions annually.
Finding care solutions is often a slow, complicated, and costly process.
Pairly’s mission is directly aligned with solving these industrywide issues, making the care process faster, more efficient, and transparent.
Can you tell us about PairlyPro and its benefits to care home managers and operators?
PairlyPro is a powerful tool designed to optimise care capacity management whilst enhancing customer service and increasing
revenue. It is a “Live Availability Search” tool that integrates directly into providers’ websites, allowing prospects to request care and receive quick responses. This tool replaces traditional web chat, offering a more efficient and cost-effective solution—96% of customers preferred PairlyPro over web chat (only 4%) (Pairly research)
Essentially, PairlyPro acts as a 24/7 instant care coordinator, providing numerous benefits: never miss an enquiry, fill vacancies immediately, reducing downtime and lost revenue, access quality leads from other providers when their capacity is full, save on staffing and system costs by automating enquiries and offer exceptional service with the ability to respond anytime, improving customer satisfaction and trust.
How do you ensure that a care home is right for the individual in question?
Pairly doesn’t directly participate in the selection process but acts as a facilitator by providing available options. Pairly’s role is to offer real-time data on care availability, empowering care seekers to make
informed decisions based on their specific needs and preferences.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the care industry, and how does Pairly address them?
The care in dustry faces several major challenges: for providers: operating efficiently, filling vacancies in a timely manner, capturing and closing quality leads. For local authorities: locating available care and managing timely discharges from hospitals, whilst ensuring sufficient care provision in local markets.
visibility into care capacity and matching supply with demand, the NHS can quickly find care options, addressing the ongoing discharge challenges and easing pressure on hospitals. Somerset County Council trialled Pairly and found that available care capacity can be identified in under 3 mins (with Pairly), compared to the average 5-20 hours, saving time, costs and resources.
Improving operations
Pairly addresses these by offering a real-time data platform that streamlines lead capture and enquiry management. This enables providers to respond faster to potential clients, helping them reduce empty beds and improve business efficiency. For local authorities, Pairly helps quickly identify available care options, supporting smoother discharges and adequate care provision.
How
does Pairlycontribute to
broader social goals, such as improving access to care or staffingaddressing shortages in the care sector?
Enhancing NHS efficiency
By providing real-time
With better capacity management and lead generation, providers can become more profitable and efficient, enabling investment into enhanced care solutions and service quality. Nurse Plus have experienced significantly quicker lead conversions since using Pairly, and a national homecare brand projected saving £78,000 per year from using Pairly vs their existing chat tool – and this excludes overall efficiency gains.
Making the industry more attractive
With enhanced efficiencies created, the sector will become a more appealing place to work, potentially helping to address staffing shortages. Pairly’s job finder connects care workers with available positions, making it easier for them to find opportunities that match their skills and availability, further addressing the workforce gap in the sector.
