Care Home Magazine September 2023

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Chief Editor

Jade Evans jade.evans@cimltd.co.uk

Editorial Assistant

Brooke Tremain bt@cimltd.co.uk

Publication Manager

James Davies jamesd@cimltd.co.uk

Tel: 01795 509 112

Account Manager

Hannah Moody hannah@cimltd.co.uk

Tel: 01795 509 112

Administration Manager

Natalie Murray admin@cimltd.co.uk

Tel: 01795 509 103

Credit Facilities Manager

Gwen Lee creditcontrol@cimltd.co.uk

Tel: 01795 509 103

Design and Production

James Taylor james@cimltd.co.uk

Grant Waters grant@cimltd.co.uk

Marketing Manager

Lucas Payne lucas@cimltd.co.uk

Sales Director

Tom Woollin tom@cimltd.co.uk

Chief Executive

John Denning

Editor’s Letter September 2023

Unfortunately the cost of living is still rising, having noticeable effects on many sectors across the country, and care is no exception. Navigating your way through what is proving as a testing time can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure where to turn for help. Whilst the current crisis shows no signs of slowing down, there are measures which can be implemented to your home in order to manage your expenses. In the extensive feature in this month’s instalment of Care Home Magazine, we delve into Cost Management, looking at how you can balance quality and affordability as we highlight five brands you can partner with in order to manage fiscal matters.

Speaking of quality, with this being such an important contributing factor to the lifestyle of care home residents, we share an in-depth feature on lifestyle as a whole this month. Delving into areas including creating a home away from home, promoting active ageing and cultivating social connections and looking at the benefits they have, we share a glimpse into the fulfilling way of life at care homes and why this should centre your marketing strategy.

A stimulating Activity of the Month and a deliciously enticing Dishing Up feature makes up the latter half of this insightful September edition, along with a preview of the highly anticipated Care Show which will be returning to Birmingham’s NEC this October.

Don’t forget to reach out if there’s something in particular you’d like to see more of!

Jade Evans, Chief Editor

Table of Contents

6 Industry Update

Providing insights into the latest happenings within the care sector, we share a plethora of Industry news pieces.

11 Cost Management

In an exhaustive edit surrounding cost management, with the help of industry experts we look at balancing quality and affordability in care homes.

24 Dishing Up

Providing yet another instalment of delicious inspiration, we share our Dishing Up feature, this month, coming from one of the UK’s leading foodservice providers, Bidfood.

27 Lifestyle

Looking at areas including how you can create a home away from home through your interior and much more, we showcase a glimpse into the fulfilling lifestyle of care homes.

32 Activity of the Month

Getting quizzical this month, our September issue reveals the numerous benefits quizzes can have in care homes, including enhancing the general quality of life amongst residents.

34 Care Show Preview

Get inspired this October as the highly anticipated Care Show is back! Returning to Birmingham’s NEC, the event will bring together individuals, teams and organisations who share a common vision to improve the quality of care in the UK. Read our preview for all the details.

Industry update

Care South enters 9th year of successful partnership with AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust

Care South, a not-forprofit charity and leading provider of residential and home care across the south of England, is celebrating the 9th year of its partnership with AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust and is pleased to announce another three seasons working with the Trust.

The partnership with the Trust enables residents, home care clients and staff to get involved in a variety of activities including meeting players, coffee mornings, walking football and visits to the Vitality Stadium.

Now entering its 9th year, the partnership has been going from strength to strength and is always looking to provide richer experiences for Care South residents and Care at Home clients, creating stimulating and lasting memories through the power of

football. The partnership sees members of the Trust regularly visiting Care South’s homes across Dorset, running sessions for residents including seated football.

Last season delivered special family and friend football days at the residential homes, VIP resident stadium visits, a Christmas coffee morning for residents at the Vitality Stadium, residents attending a players dinner and the AFC Bournemouth club captain, Neto, visited Castle Dene care home in Bournemouth as residents got to speak with him about his life in professional football and how he looks after himself on and off the pitch.

Simon Bird, Chief Executive at Care South, said: “The key to our successful partnership is that we have a shared objective; to provide a real benefit to the residents and care at home clients in our care.

When you see it in action, you realise why it works. Everyone involved enjoys it – which is why the initiatives within the partnership are so successful”.

Care South is a not-for-profit charity and leading provider of residential and home care across the south of England. The charity comprises of 15 care homes in Dorset, Devon, Somerset and West Sussex, plus care at home services across Dorset and Somerset.

2nd In Series - The Future of Care Home Catering Guide to Catering For Specialist Diets In Your Care Home

Good nutrition and hydration play a critical role in the health and wellbeing of care home residents. However, ensuring residents receive the necessary nutrition and hydration is not always easy, especially when catering for residents with specialist nutrition dietary requirements.

This new FREE guide from apetito is packed with useful information and guidance for care homes, looking at best practice on catering for residents with dysphagia, dementia, and allergies, whilst maintaining high quality, delicious mealtimes.

The Guide to Catering for Specialist Diets in your Care Home also explores how Nightingale Hall, a 40-bed care home made serving residents safe, nutritious, specialist nutrition meals straightforward and

achieved remarkable results.

Richard Woodward, General Manager for Care Homes, said the guide has been developed to give homes helpful advice and support.

“As a market leader in specialist nutrition meals, we want to use this guide to share the knowledge and expertise we’ve developed since the launch of our first texture modified range, over 13 years ago.

“We know catering for residents with specialist nutrition

requirements can be a real challenge for care homes.

“This guide has been created to help you, and your care home, ensure residents with special dietary requirements are enjoying high-quality, nutritious meals, whilst still getting the nutrition and hydration they need.”

Get your FREE guide to catering for specialist diets: https://apetito.link/specialistdiets-guide

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Hull dementia care home appoints experienced manager

Acare home in Hull, Yorkshire that specialises in the provision of dementia care has announced the appointment of a new manager.

With a strong background in health and social care, Joycelyn Tsekpo brings a wealth of experience to Wilton Lodge, having worked extensively in both the NHS and the social care sector for over 15 years.

During her career, Joycelyn has progressed through various positions, including senior care assistant and deputy manager. Most recently, Joycelyn was the manager of Alderson House Care Home in Bridlington. With her

extensive experience and expertise, Joycelyn complements the existing care team at Wilton Lodge and provision of high quality, personcentred care.

Terry Peel, CEO of HICA Group, which owns and manages Wilton Lodge, said: “We are thrilled to have Joycelyn join us as the new manager at Wilton Lodge.

“Her extensive background in the social care sector, combined with her passion for making a difference in people’s lives, makes her an invaluable addition to our team.

“With her leadership, we are confident that Wilton Lodge will continue to thrive and provide exceptional care to our residents.”

Based in the heart of Hull, Wilton

Lodge is a 48 bed care home providing specialist residential care services for older people and those living with dementia.

Care home residents sing praises of school choirs

The rooms and corridors of Dorset House, a Care South care home in Poole, were filled with song and laughter as residents were treated to performances from two school choirs.

In a series of visits across a week in July, the students of Cornerstone Academy and Hamworthy Park Junior School visited the home, singing to residents whilst intergenerational friendships blossomed.

Cornerstone Academy was the first school to entertain staff and residents. The choir sang a handful of songs, whilst some children sat with the residents and recited poems. One mini-rockstar brought his guitar and impressed everyone with his talent, with one resident calling him a ‘future star.’

Hamworthy Park Junior School visited the following day. The attending students form part of the extra-curricular school choir club and came well prepared. They gave their best effort, despite having another end-of-year performance later that day. After serenading

everyone, students took the time to bond with residents and discuss all things summer holidays, from Disney cruises, trips to Australia and camping.

Speaking on the choir performances, resident, Thelma, said: “The children brought tears to my eyes,” and Paul, another resident, said: “You could see how much they have practiced. They must have an excellent teacher.”

Dorset House has long-standing partnerships with schools and nursery groups, all with the aim of forging intergenerational friendship which help residents’ wellbeing.

Dorset House care home in Hamworthy, Poole, accommodates 50 residents and is part of Care South, a not-for-profit charity and leading provider of residential and home care across the south of England.

Cost Management

1

A Perfect Match

We share five brands your care home can partner with to effectively manage expenses.

Keenan Recycling

Providers of a nationwide commercial food waste collection service – Keenan Recycling collect food waste from businesses, brokers and local authorities. Some of the businesses include restaurants, hotels, care homes, hospitals, prisons and cafes. The food waste collected is then transformed into electricity, heat and fuel. The brand supports the circular economy in the process that their food waste undergoes, which helps to drive greater resource productivity. Keenan Recycling are developing a Net Zero Transition Plan with a clear aim of creating a sustainable zero-carbon food waste collection business by 2030. keenanrecycling.co.uk

2

Fletcher Oils

Fletcher Oils are a UK based independent broker of used and fresh cooking oils. Having built up a comprehensive knowledge of the Used Cooking Oil marketplace over the past fifteen years, Fletcher Oils is able to invite offers from all interested buyers achieving the highest available rebate for your oil. The way it works is that a care home will save their used oil and organise it to be collected by Fletcher Oils. Upon collection, your home will receive a fee and the oil is taken to be recycled into fuel. fletcheroils.co.uk

3

Sage

Care homes operate as businesses, and like any business, they need to generate revenue and manage expenses effectively to remain financially sustainable. Proper financial management ensures that the care home can cover its operating costs, staff salaries, facility maintenance, and other expenses, while also potentially generating profits. Sage is a popular accounting software used by businesses to manage finances, invoicing, payroll, and other financial tasks. It offers specialised solutions for various industries, including healthcare and care homes, to help streamline expense management, in a time where this is essential. sage.com

4

KareInn

Digital care management platforms in care homes refer to software solutions that facilitate the management and coordination of care services for residents or patients in care homes or long-term care facilities and KareInn does just that. The digital care management platform helps care homes manage resident care plans, medication administration, and other aspects of daily operations. While it may not directly handle financial management, it can assist in tracking care-related expenses, proving crucial in the current cost of living crisis. kareinn.com

5

QCS Quality Compliance System

QCS provides compliance management solutions for care homes, including policies, procedures, and quality assurance tools. While its primary focus is on compliance, it can indirectly contribute to efficient expense management by helping you avoid potential penalties or fines. With instant updates and an easy-touse online interface, the system provides fast access to up-to-date policies and procedures. With up to 2,300 jargon-free and user friendly pages, the system contains a comprehensive set of policies and procedures as well as protocols care plans and supporting documentation. With QCS you can always find what you require and generate originals of documents via their easy to use search and print functions. qcs.co.uk

Work with a business you can trust. Get people who really want to work with you. Get OSCE-ready nurses and experienced carers who really want to build careers in health and social care in the UK.

Do all this, with no risk while making real savings and building a sustainable workforce.

Don’t jeopardse your reputation - talk to us about affordable and ethical recruitment.

With over 20 years experience and thousands of successful placements, BA Healthcare is the choice of providers, care associations and professional bodies across the UK.

www.ba-healthcare.org

affordable, intelligent, international recruitment.

Laundry Innovation

Girbau’s new generation GENIUS Series of smart washers are designed to lower water, detergent and energy consumption while boosting productivity. These improvements support the sustainability of care home laundries that need to operate day in day out.

The innovative high spin washers can achieve up to 450G extract force for astounding levels of water extraction, faster drying and lower energy use. Tests on the Genius GS7018 found that it used 2.5 kWh for a full 18kg load cycle, compared to 3.5kWh for a comparable washer from a leading competitor. For a typical machine completing eight cycles per day, that’s a saving of over £900 a year, based on an electricity price of 31p per kWh.

An optional integral weighing system measures every load and automatically adjusts programs to further optimise cycle time, lower water and chemical usage and improve productivity. The new unique Care Plus Drum extends linen life and decreases tangling. The drum perforations also provide faster dispersion of water.

Genius washers offer unmatched durability and a high degree of programmability with high-speed spinning and automatic chemical dosing. The impact-resistant, full colour 10.5-inch waterproof screen is the industry’s largest. It features user-friendly icons that can be used while wearing gloves.

Sapphire remote-control software gives easy, flexible and versatile control. You can manage the laundry, compile production reports and analyse data remotely in real time from any device. Sapphire can also be used to configure washers to operate and record the use of thermal disinfection programs, essential in every care home.

For energy efficient drying, Girbau’s premium ED series dryers ensure all items are dried safely, uniformly, efficiently and costeffectively. Their unique Transflow

technology combines radial and axial airflow for maximum efficiency, reduced cycle times and lower energy costs. Cabinet insulation and a double-glazed door also prevent heat escaping.

Girbau also now offers professional grade under counter washers and dryers that fit underneath standard height counters. Both machines combine energy efficiency, ease of use and compact size with high quality, durable construction. The dryer can be stacked on top to save floor space. Its Sensi Dry system automatically determines the right drying time, saving energy and assuring fabric care.

Maintenance and servicing remain key considerations for care home laundries. With a team of companytrained engineers and direct access to the factory for spare parts, Girbau can respond quickly to any urgent customer calls with high levels of first-time fixes.

Tel: 01462 427780

Email: sales.uk@girbau.com

Website: www.girbau.com

The Balancing Act

In a time where keeping an eye on expenditure is essential, with the help of some industry experts, we look into balancing quality and affordability in your care home.

Balancing quality and affordability in care homes is a critical aspect when addressing the costof-living crisis, particularly in the context of an aging population. As people are living longer, the demand for long-term care services has increased, leading to a higher demand for care homes and other related services.

The UK’s care sector crisis has reached an all-time high. After a tough few years with the pandemic, and staff retention, it’s facing a new crisis, with care homes losing almost £11,000 per day in paper wastage, according to new research from Found CRM.

The social care sector, which has consistently been underfunded over the last decade, must now prioritise transforming its technology, or face losing over £4 million each year. New research from Found CRM has revealed care homes across the UK are losing £11,000 a day in paper wasteequivalent to the weight of 158

double decker buses (1,900 tonnes) each year.

This amount of paper costs the care sector over £4 million annually and is used to manage care home enquiries, occupancy and visitsbefore any marketing materials are considered.

There is an urgent need for care homes across the UK to transform their technology by investing in paperless systems, according to Found’s latest research.

Although care homes are already feeling the pressure of a limited social care budget, Government spending on public healthcare is set to be reduced by 5.3 billion in 2023, despite previous plans to increase NHS and social care funding over the next few years - placing homes at even greater risk of losing more money.

Chris Donnelly, CEO at Found CRM said: “The care sector is infamous for its use of paper to

Adopting innovative digital solutions, such as electronic medical records, digitised documentation systems, and advanced communication technologies, can significantly reduce paper consumption.

make notes, track care home enquiries, create care plans, organise staff rotas, and much more.” So, it’s no surprise that Found CRM research has revealed care homes across the UK use an amount of paper equivalent to 1,900 tonnes each year - costing £11,000 each day and over £4 million annually!

“Adopting innovative digital solutions, such as electronic medical records, digitised documentation systems, and advanced communication technologies, can significantly reduce paper consumption and costs in the care sector, while improving efficiency and streamlining operations,” shared Chris Donnelly, CEO at Found CRM.

Co-Owner of BA Healthcare, Rick Canavan, sees that balancing quality and affordability in care homes is vital to success, as he said: “There are always ways that a provider can innovate and improve and right now, for example, we’re seeing so many advances in technology that are making a huge difference in the way we care for people, but all of those things come at a cost, and very often it’s an extra cost. At the same time, many providers are really constrained in their ability to pass those costs on, so the focus has to be ensuring financial sustainability while also looking at how quality can be improved.”

Staffing and recruitment massively contribute to the increasing costs of running a care home, and Rick goes as far to say: “it’s a big, if not the biggest, cost for many providers, and of course there are also additional costs as soon as bank or agency staff are being used.”

Noticing even where care providers keep that specific spend to a minimum, it can really add up. In the tight labour market we have at the moment, providers are having to pay more to compete in the job market: they’re having to offer sign-on and retention bonuses just to get people through the door, and it isn’t necessarily keeping them.

The solution from BA Healthcare helps to maintain quality while keeping costs reasonable.

International recruitment means providers can operate at full capacity with all the staff they need. Rick explained how a lot of the company’s clients cannot reliably staff the capacity they have, but need to utilise all their capacity to be financially sustainable.

“International recruitment, done well, should also result in excellent retention. Most providers who we work with are also able to almost completely eliminate bank and agency spend - take all of that together and our solution pays for itself in a matter of months, and then it’s about paying the provider back.”

High staff turnover at a care establishment can have a huge knock-on effect on expenses, and Rick explained that many homes often don’t understand the extent of the issue because it’s not looked into, or talked about, enough: “It’s often a hidden cost, or a cost they haven’t sat down and worked out fully. When they do, they realise that replacing a single carer could be costing them £2,000.”

If you turnover 20-30% of the workforce each year, which is the sector average, that is a lot of money and has a real impact on

the quality of care, and a home’s financial stability.

Finding a solution which works for your home, as a means of staying on top of expenses, comes with research, and perhaps trial and error, too. Peter Hucker, CEO, Xledger UK, notices that one of the main challenges within care homes is actually having visibility over expenses. Xledger provides all relevant stakeholders real-time visibility of all expenses which have been incurred in care homes, with the ability to drill down to the invoice level.

“Another solution to help support care homes stay on top of their expenses is utilising digital workflows, where all expenditure needs to be approved when a purchase order has been raised, this allows budget holders/care home operators to control what expenses occur within the home before committing to the expense,” added Peter.

By implementing thoughtful policies, innovative solutions and community-based support systems, societies can work towards providing quality care that is accessible and financially sustainable for all, thereby easing the burden on families and individuals struggling with the rising costs of living.

Making a Difference

Whilst their core business is within the hospitality sector, Fletcher Oils offer multiple services to ensure your care home is making a sustainable name for itself, whilst boosting profits. We caught up with Rob Murphy, Owner of Fletcher Oils, as he details how your home can partner with the brand and the benefits this collaboration could offer.

We are passionate about helping our care home partners because of the wonderful work they do for residents and their families. We are also aware that they have always been overlooked by the used cooking oil collection sector, thus missing out on a revenue stream they deserve.

Essentially, we offer two services to the care sector – Fletcher Oils and Fletcher Recycling:

Fletcher Oils

Fletcher Oils collect used cooking oil from many care homes across the UK. Waste oil has a value and the Fletcher Oils goal is to ensure all our care home partners receive a fair and correct payment.

We pay 25p per litre for oil based on a minimum collected volume of 60 litres. We lock in this excellent rebate for six months at a time: next period is September 2023 through to February 2024 with the fuel market being reviewed twice per year and adjusting the rebate if required.

We also ensure every drop of a care home’s used cooking oil it is recovered into clean, green biofuel.

We can provide homes with an oil container if required (blue barrel, no charge) or the oil can be put back into the containers it was purchased in. Collections are simple to arrange, once the home has 60 litres ready, they can reach out whichever way is convenient to them and we will organise everything for them. All regulatory paperwork is completed and

payments are made by BACs.

In addition to purchasing clients’ used cooking oil, we can also provide a range of fresh cooking oils for in-home use. Due to the very large volume of oils we supply, we are able to deliver 20 litre Rapeseed Oil and 20 litre Vegetable Oil at excellent prices. We fix our fresh oil prices for three months at a time and for September through November, care homes can purchase Rapeseed for £32.99 and Vegetable Oil for just £29.99 (both based on a minimum order of four tubs).

Fletcher Recycling

After being regularly asked by many of our care home partners if we can help them with recycling their waste batteries, we teamed up with a large UK waste battery

For

• Deliver a Battery Recycling Box to your care home(s).

• When your box is full, you call the number printed on the box.

contractor to offer our care home partners a very affordable solution. It had never occurred to us that care homes get through a lot of batteries and I’m sure we all share the desire to ensure these are recycled sustainably and efficiently. Waste Battery Collections are free of charge, every time. This is achievable due to the Government’s Battery Waste: Retailer and Distributor Responsibilities Scheme; sometimes known as the ‘takeback’ scheme.

In 2020, around 40,000 tonnes of portable batteries were sold in the UK, but only around 18,000 tonnes being recycled. We all need to do our bit to increase that number and we can help.

To find out more about initiating a partnership with us, visit www.fletcheroils.co.uk

• Our partner will empty your box.

• If your box has become damaged, our partner will give you a free replacement.

a one-off initial fee of £25 per box, Fletcher Oils will:

Tech Saves the Day

Here’s five ways technology will save the care sector millions over the next few years, as told by Chris Donnelly, CEO at Found CRM.

Improve the quality of care

With an ever-increasing pressure on care home staff to carry out all administrative tasks, there has never been a more suitable time to invest in technology to lift the workload.

From budgeting apps to care home software that tracks new enquiries, these types of technology can help to reduce the pressure on employees. Tasks that may have previously taken a few hours could be reduced to minutes, as a result care workers can focus more attention on resident care.

What’s more, our need for a diverse selection of residential, nursing and specialist care homes will increase as we get older. Digital records mean carers can provide crucial information about any hobbies, likes, dislikes, or important memories, which is particularly important for anyone living with dementia. Care workers can access an array of information through a digitised care plan, and this could lead to new, creative ways of communicating with residents.

Reduce care home costs

Found’s new research has found the care sector is spending over £4 million on paper costs each year.

Adopting care home software or digital technologies eliminates the need for paper-based systems and processes, and can improve resource allocation, ultimately optimising operational efficiency and reducing overall care home costs.

Found’s research has also shown care homes are struggling with the pressure of coping with new enquiries more than ever before, with 68% of all care enquiries not

responded to by care homes, and a shocking 92% of enquiries weren’t followed up within a 7-day period**. Technology like Found can help care home managers to stay on top of enquiries ultimately boosting occupancy levels in their homes.

Improve sustainability

Technology plays a vital role in improving sustainability in care homes by enabling paperless documentation and implementing energy-efficient systems, ultimately reducing waste, minimising environmental impact, and promoting a greener and more sustainable care home environment.

Reduce staff turnover levels

Retaining the right staff has never been more important for care providers. Working in care can be challenging – but also very rewarding – and giving staff more

time to spend with residents can help.

Removing the barriers where staff feel burned out or stressed – for instance handling all new care enquiries or manually writing up all notes – can help create an environment where staff want to stay.

The correct training for any new software will ensure they feel empowered, too.

Increased privacy control over personal information and records

Technology advancements in the care sector will improve the privacy and security of residents’ records and personal information, through secure data software and access controls. Ensuring confidentiality and compliance with data protection regulations.

foundcrm.care

Green later living

Why does ESG matter in a care home environment? As told by Matthew Taylor, Alternative Markets Lead at Utopi.

The care sector has tackled unique challenges in the past few years alone, with the COVID-19 pandemic and its repercussions continuing to be felt across this industry. According to new research, the £2.1 billion of governmental financial support to the care industry in 2020 has only postponed - rather than prevented - a financial crisis for the sector. Along with workforce shortages, inflation, and soaring energy costs, 2023 has been no easier.

Amidst these issues, there are increasing conversations around ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) in care homes. So why - whilst there are so many other obstacles to overcome - does ESG

matter in healthcare?

From improving patient wellbeing, staffing issues, and asset value to helping the industry reduce energy costs and raise funding, ESG can play a vital role in helping the care sector overcome its unique challenges.

Cost-saving in an energy crisis

As energy costs continue to escalate, it is crucial for care home operators to explore innovative strategies that can help mitigate these financial burdens. One of the most effective strategies could be to reduce energy wastage. Organisations need real-time data showing where their energy is being consumed,

and this information can further enable them to analyse and cut unnecessary energy consumptionsuch as in communal areas.

With the advent of real-time data reporting, care homes now have the opportunity to gain increased visibility into their energy usage patterns and make informed decisions to reduce energy waste. By bringing together ESG data, care homes are provided with easyto-use reports that can help boost their Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and enable them to monitor their ongoing environmental performance.

Giving back control over resident wellbeing

In the ever-evolving landscape of

care homes, incorporating the latest innovations is essential to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents. With the introduction of real-time alert systems, care homes can proactively safeguard against avoidable harm and respond swiftly to any potential risks with the ability to track and control various aspects including temperature, air quality, and humidity levels of individual rooms as well as communal spaces. This allows them to turn off the heating system when it gets too hot, helping them improve patients’ wellbeing, elevate their standards of care and provide a secure and nurturing environment for their residents.

Without this technology in place, often residents need to open windows to cool down the temperature, which not only is harmful but also keeps heating systems running around the clock, leading to energy waste. Crucially, the ability of residents and operators to manage various aspects of a room raises both their comfort and CQC ratings.

Funding, investment, and asset value

According to Forbes, investors now acknowledge the significance of investing in socially responsible

companies, including those in the social care sector. Embracing sustainability and incorporating ESG principles can not only attract investment but also assist in achieving long-term financial stability, allowing care homes to gain access to funding and investment opportunities that align with sustainable and responsible principles.

Moreover, by improving their ESG performance, care homes can directly increase the value of their assets. This not only allows them to act financially conscious but also contributes to reducing the environmental impact of their real estate holdings.

One powerful tool that has emerged is the use of comprehensive data sets, which provide evidence and impact measurement. By leveraging these real-time data sets, investors can showcase their value and progress in understanding the responsible use of resources. This contributes to combating climate change and leads to tangible benefits such as reduced operating costs and optimised resource allocation.

The demand for talent

The issue of staffing in care homes has become a pressing concern

in recent years. According to the Skills for Care 2022 report, there has been a 52% rise in vacancies in the adult social care industry over recent years. As the demand for quality care services continues to rise, care homes are faced with the challenge of attracting and retaining talented professionals.

In today’s rapidly changing world, sustainability has become a top priority for individuals and organisations alike. The new generation of talent is placing increasing importance on environmentally conscious practices. As an integral part of society, care homes have the opportunity to attract this passionate and forward-thinking talent by driving ESG initiatives within their operations.

The social care industry plays a vital role in the well-being and support of individuals in society. As we navigate through an era of rapid technology advancements and increasing awareness about ESG issues, the industry must acknowledge the significance of sustainability and ESG practices and proactively work towards integrating these into their operations to pave the way towards a brighter, more sustainable and responsible future.

Dishing Up

At Bidfood they share their customers’ passion for great food. In fact, as one of the UK’s leading foodservice providers and experts within the care sector, it’s of paramount importance to the team to ensure that this passion filters through not just to our customers, but to care home residents too. In line with this, Bidfood shared yet another delicious recipe to spark inspiration in your home.

Ingredients

86162 Sunflower Oil 30ml

75585 Onion 200g

76566 Chestnut Mushrooms

300g

93350 Button Mushrooms 300g

16900 Garlic 20g

75129 Thyme 10g

75453 Lemons 10g

63072 Plant Based Double Cream 200ml

40019 Sourdough Country Loaf

300g

75687 Parlsey 10g

Providing industry knowledge, nutritional advice and guidance on food standards and legislation is all part of our mission to provide service excellence and help to keep our care customers ahead of the curve.

Our dedicated care team come with an array of knowledge and experience within the care sector, providing operators with tools on hydration, dementia and diabetes as well keeping up to date with the date’s trends in care. And with a catalogue of over 500 care specific recipes, we’re sure to have something tasty to give your residents.

Across the UK more and more people are choosing to become vegan and vegetarian, or at the very least reduce their meat consumption. It’s been established that 12% of UK adults now follow a meat-free diet, while a further 25% are planning to reduce their meat consumption .

With more and more of the UK population turning to a meat-free diet it’s likely that care homes will

start to see an increased number of residents arriving who require a vegan and vegetarian offering. With this in mind it’s important that care operators not only factor in a suitable option to the menu, but are fully clued up about what vegans and vegetarians do and don’t eat.

It’s also worth remembering that how and where a resident is served their meal can influence how much they enjoy it as well. Dining acts as an important social occasion where they can catch up with friends and enjoy a shared routine together. And as the end of summer approaches, meal times can act as the ideal way for residents to take advantage of the remaining sunshine. Some alfresco dining can allow residents to reminisce about past family picnics, outside dining on holidays and special meals from years gone by.

Our creamy mushroom on sourdough toast recipe is a great meat-free option that works perfectly as a summer brunch that residents can enjoy outside on a sunny morning. bidfood.co.uk

29279 Edamame Soya Beans

400g

Method

1. Place 20ml of oil in a pan and heat on the stove.

2. Add the onions and cook until tender. Slice the mushrooms and add to the pan. Continue to cook until it has wilted.

3. Add the garlic, thyme and fold through. Zest the lemon and add to the pan.

4. Gently pour in the cream and bring to a simmer, cook until the consistency has thickened and is piping hot.

5. Toast the sourdough bread. Once toasted place on a plate and ladle your mixture on top. Chop up the parsley and sprinkle it over the dish.

6. Finally, put the remaining oil in a pan and gently heat. Add the beans to the pan and fry until toasted, then sprinkle the beans over the dish.

Serves: 10

Time to prepare: 10 minutes

Time to cook: 15 minutes

The Eden Alternative Training

Enhancing the wellbeing and quality of life for all in any care setting through:

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Eden is a not-for-profit training programme sharing decades of experience and knowledge. Together we will address the challenges of loneliness, helplessness and boredom within care.

How life in care ought to be Team - Residents - Families

Hosted Live by Geoffrey Cox MSc LLb and Margot Whittaker RGN BSc sharing over 20 years experience as care home owners.

Geoffrey Cox Margot Whittaker

Lifestyle

Embracing Enriched Lives

Thanks to the insightful commentary from some industry giants, we share a glimpse into a fulfilling lifestyle within a care home.

As individuals journey through the various stages of life, the notion of a fulfilling and vibrant lifestyle should remain constant, irrespective of age or circumstance. Care homes have undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Today, they offer more than just medical assistance; they provide a holistic and engaging environment, that fosters a truly enriching lifestyle for their residents.

Creating a home away from home is essential in ensuring residents are comfortable and, with an increasing amount of modern care homes shifting their focus from being mere facilities to becoming warm, inviting communities, this is becoming

easier. In order to create a homely haven, carefully curated interiors, cosy communal spaces, and personalised living arrangements should be considered, to create an ambiance that resonates with a sense of belonging and comfort.

In order to create that feeling of ‘home’, and ensuring the adjustment is seamless for new residents, keeping up with elements of routine is key. For example, many of the older generation are used to receiving a regular daily or weekly newspaper to keep up-to-date with happenings.

Famileo are a brand who aim to improve the quality of life of care home residents, by making them feel as included by, and

connected to their families as possible. Nadine Callcutt, Head of UK Communications at Famileo, explained: “We do this by automatically converting residents’ family’s uploaded photos and messages into a large font, colour printed newspaper that they receive weekly or fortnightly.

“By bridging the digital divide, and making it as easy as possible for family members to share news online and for care homes to distribute it in ‘hard copy’, residents can receive regular updates, photos and well wishes from the whole family, near and far.”

Keeping up-to-date with current events through a regular newspaper can massively enhance

the wellbeing and overall quality of life of an individual in a care home, and the team at Famileo are understanding more and more the negative effects of social isolation on health and wellbeing.

As families share more and more of their news online, via social messaging apps, older generations risk missing out and being further isolated. By regularly providing residents with a printed family newspaper, the format that they are most familiar with, they stay ‘in the loop’ and feel connected, appreciated and empowered. Nadine explained the positive benefits Famileo has had so far, as she commented: “This in turn has a positive impact on their relationships (with both their family and care staff), their motivation, resilience and general health and wellbeing.”

An essential aspect of the lifestyle in care homes is the emphasis on active aging. Engaging activities and programs, tailored to residents’ interests and abilities, contribute to their physical, mental and emotional well-being. Regular exercise classes, art workshops, gardening and even tech-savvy clubs ensure that residents continue to explore their passions and maintain a sense of purpose.

Along with this, human connections play a pivotal role in the lives of care home residents. These communities offer numerous opportunities for residents to

build and nurture relationships. Communal dining experiences, social events and outings create a sense of camaraderie that alleviates feelings of isolation. Friendships formed in care homes often become a source of comfort and joy for residents, enriching their lives in meaningful ways.

With the culinary aspect of care home living having evolved significantly, there is now a greater focus than ever before on providing balanced and appetising meals. Nutritional needs should be carefully considered, and dietary restrictions accommodated, while offering a variety of delicious options. Investing time and money in not only your chefs, but also your produce can help to boast restaurant-style dining experiences, where residents are able to savour gourmet meals, making for a much more enjoyable meal time. apetito note how good nutrition and hydration play a critical role in the health and wellbeing of care home residents. However, ensuring residents receive the necessary nutrition and hydration is not always easy, especially when catering for residents with specialist nutrition dietary requirements.

In line with this, apetito have launched a new free guide, which is packed with useful information and guidance for care homes, looking at best practice on catering for residents with dysphagia, dementia, and allergies, whilst maintaining

high quality, delicious mealtimes.

The Guide to Catering for Specialist Diets in your Care Home also explores how Nightingale Hall, a 40-bed care home, made serving residents safe, nutritious, specialist nutrition meals straightforward and achieved remarkable results.

Richard Woodward, General Manager for Care Homes, said the guide has been developed to give homes helpful advice and support.

“As a market leader in specialist nutritional meals, we want to use this guide to share the knowledge and expertise we’ve developed since the launch of our first texture modified range, over 13 years ago.

“We know catering for residents with specialist nutrition requirements can be a real challenge for care homes.

“This guide has been created to help you, and your care home, ensure residents with special dietary requirements are enjoying high-quality, tasty meals, whilst still getting the nutrition and hydration they need.”

It’s apparent that the lifestyle in care homes has evolved from a stereotype of institutionalised living to a dynamic, fulfilling experience that champions holistic well-being, social connections, and personal growth. As society continues to recognise the value of senior citizens and their vibrant contributions, care homes stand as a testament to the commitment to providing a life worth living.

TV to inspire & connect

Introducing My Life TV, the dementia-friendly streaming service. We chat with Rachel Addley, Executive Director of the charity My Life Films, about how the service can enhance the wellbeing of your residents and support person-centred care.

Please introduce us to My Life Films and what the charity strives to achieve

We work to help people affected by dementia, using film and TV. For 10 years, we’ve been providing comfort, reminiscence and improving mental health for individuals, through our biographical film service. Since 2020, in response to the scale of the need for wellbeing and care support, we’ve developed My Life TV - a streaming service designed to meet the needs of people living with dementia, the elderly, their care staff and families.

We work with industry partners like Alzheimers’ Society and NAPA and encouragingly clinical research and CQC citations have all recognised our work in supporting dementia care.

So, tell us why My Life TV is great for care homes

We all enjoy TV, it keeps us engaged, learning and connected to each other and the world. But older people, especially those with dementia, often disengage from TV, due to the drama, adverts and noise/speed of programming. We wanted to offer this audience an alternative, engaging TV experience, whilst providing a resource to support their allimportant and wonderful carers.

My Life TV has been developed putting the needs of older viewers at its heart. All content has been specially created or selected to help relax, engage, stimulate or entertain elderly viewers and people living with dementia, and we now have over 170 hours of

programmes and activity videos, all available, whenever you need them. Ultimately, the service has been created to improve the wellbeing of older people, but also to help carers to engage with individuals and deliver personalised care, with content to meet different needs, at different times.

What sort of content does it have?

There’s something ideal for every individual, mood and situation. There are reminiscence programmes, like classic Delia Smith and The Generation Game episodes, a Year in History, shows on the Royal Family, comedies and joyful entertainment, through to calming and sensory content, like RSPB Birdwatching, Royal Parks Slow TV and nature/wildlife content and more. There’s a breadth of hobbies and interests programming, activities, from chair yoga, singing-a-longs, to art classes and quizzes for individuals or groups. We’re constantly expanding what’s available and love working with our users to develop new ideas for content they’ll value.

How is it helping care homes?

We’re delighted with the positive feedback we receive from care homes, who tell us it really helps them with residents, on a 1-2-1 and group basis. We love hearing how we’re helping carers better connect with their residents, that it sparks conversations and often helps with those who have withdrawn. A lot of users also tell us how My Life TV is invaluable in inspiring and supporting activities, on its own, or alongside other resources.

We have also heard stories of particular programmes helping with issues like eating, sundowning or agitation. And, that it brings back wonderful memories and creates joy and laughter!

How easy is it to set up and use?

It’s easy. You set up an account online (tv.mylifefilms.org), download the My Life TV app on your smart TV, tablet, touch table or mobile, and then log-in and start watching. It looks / feels a bit like Netflix, so it’s easy to find your way around and select what you want to use. But if you have any problems or questions, just get in touch and we can help.

Why not start a 7 day free trial by visiting tv.mylifefilms.org, or email hello@mylifefilms.org to find out more.

Let’s Get Quizzical

Quizzes can offer numerous benefits when incorporated into care home activities and routines - along with mental stimulation and promoting inclusion, there is a plethora of ways that quizzes can enhance the general quality of life amongst residents. In this edition’s Activity of the Month, we explore how.

For residents in care homes, unfortunately sometimes they adopt the feeling of ‘purposeless’ and that can be due to ill health or generally because they’re lacking cognitive stimulation. It can be easy for them to become stuck in a rut when being cared for, which is why it’s important for care home staff to ensure this is not the case.

Activities in care homes are seen as an expectation by the relatives

of residents and the residents themselves, but they often differ from home to home. It’s essential to ensure whatever you are offering is appealing, to firstly get potential residents through the door, boosting footfall, but also to encourage the residents to get involved.

Quizzes are a great introduction to any care home as they require little preparation and come with wonderful benefits. By holding a

Opting to design the quizzes around educational topics can encourage residents to learn new facts.

quiz at the same time each week, in the same location, it offers residents a sense of routine, which is important to many of them, but welcoming different themes or topics is a great way to keep it interesting.

Quizzes can challenge residents’ cognitive abilities, including memory, problem-solving and critical thinking. Engaging in regular quizzes can help keep residents’ minds active, potentially slowing cognitive decline. Quizzes which focus on reminiscence or personal experience, can trigger memories, encouraging residents to remember and talk about stories from their past.

There can often be the worry of exclusion surrounding the more physical activities in a care home, as not everyone will be able to participate. Quizzes, promote a sense of inclusion as more often

than not, they are suitable for everyone. Questions can be tailored to different levels of cognitive function, ensuring everyone can get involved. What’s more is a mix of questions, catering to diverse interests, backgrounds and experiences, offers residents the opportunity to contribute and share their knowledge, fostering a sense of belonging.

Organising quizzes in teams or groups encourages residents to work together, promoting social interaction and collaboration. Residents can team up with peers they might not have interacted with otherwise, forming new friendships and connections.

Therapeutic benefits are another one of the major pull factors quizzes offer as they serve as a form of therapeutic recreation, providing a structured and enjoyable activity that

supports residents’ emotional and psychological needs.

Reducing boredom and monotony amongst residents is essential and the introduction of these light-hearted tests can do exactly that! Opting to design the quizzes around educational topics can encourage residents to learn new facts, explore subjects and expand their knowledge base, even for those who struggle with verbal expression.

When implementing quizzes in care homes, it’s important to consider the residents’ preferences, cognitive abilities and interests. The quizzes should be tailored to their individual needs and capabilities, and you and the team should create a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages participation and enjoyment.

Coming Up...

Care Show Birmingham is the UK’s multi award-winning social care event of the year - celebrating the invaluable contributions and achievements of individuals across the care sector and we have all the details from the team behind it!

After the huge success of Care Show Birmingham 2023, we are still thrilled to be making our return on the 11-12 October at NEC, Birmingham.

With our festival theme throughout the entire show, Care Show Birmingham is designed to bring together individuals, teams, and organisations who share a common vision of improving the quality of care in the UK. It fosters solution-based, engaging, and inclusive conversations to transform the way care is delivered. We want to celebrate you and all that you do.

This year there are many exciting features to help you make the most of your time at the event, including the return of the CQC Inspector Hub, The Outstanding Society Learning Lounge, and The Care Innovation Hub from National Care Forum, where you can find the latest products and services for social care. New for 2023 is the introduction of the Tech Concierge Service from Guided Innovation, to assist you in finding the software suppliers you need to speak to and ensure you leave with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.

To support your professional

development and ensure you can deliver the best care possible, the event will offer you more than 80 excellent CPD accredited conference sessions that are led by experts, and that will equip you with knowledge to be put into use immediately after you leave. You will also be able to take part in new, practical hands-on training and find the solutions to the problems you are facing in the care sector.

With over 250 leading care and healthcare suppliers in our exhibition hall you will have access to thousands of the latest products and services, with exclusive show deals, allowing you to make your budget go further and giving you the opportunity to ask for their expert advice.

There are seven themed theatres,

providing a comprehensive platform to address the pressing issues within the sector such as what the future of care looks like, how to gain new clients in a different climate, liaising with local authorities, regulatory updates and looking at workplace cultures by learning from different sectors.

A thread on the cost of living running through the programme will highlight the solutions to challenges faced by both care providers and end users, with a holistic approach not only acknowledging the complexities of the sector, but also having proactive discussions with practical outcomes.

The Care Show is the opportunity to meet with leading suppliers and experts, providing the chance to stay up to date with the latest developments and to network with peers in the sector. Gearing up to positively make changes to businesses, practice, and the delivery of exceptional care.

Care Show Birmingham 2023 is about the celebration of you in care, don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to register for your free at place at www.careshow.co.uk/chmag

GET IN TOUCH

We’d love to hear from you on how your business is progressing in 2023. Specifically, any new ideas you’ve implemented, any ways you are making additional revenue, your sustainability initiatives and your plans for the rest of the year – we know that a lot of you are doing inspiring things every day in your businesses and we want to give you the opportunity to shout about it.

Please reach out to jamesd@cimltd.co.uk for the opportunity to be featured in Care Home Magazine.

Celebrating Service

An incredible 305 years of service at Foxearth Lodge in Saxtead have been recognised with a special afternoon of thanks for the team.

Healthcare Homes’ Chief Executive Gordon Cochrane attended the event to give his personal congratulations and thanks to the 16 team members, which include three who have worked at the Suffolk home for 40 years each.

Home Manager Roxanne Cutajar said: “We have an amazing team here at Foxearth Lodge with many staff who have been here a long time. I am proud to have them all on my team bringing with them vast amounts of experience and knowledge.”

“We are very lucky to have staff that have worked here for so many years, they have built such rapport with the long standing residents and relatives which everyone appreciates,” said Roxanne.

“We have many families at Foxearth as many of our staff have spouses and children working here. Of those team members who have received awards Sandra, Suzanne

and Rebecca are related. Valentin and Madalina are married. She added, “This really helps maintain the family feeling that the

Those who received service recognition awards were:

• Rose Pendle – Second Chef - 40 years

• Sandra Hambling – Head of Housekeeping - 40 years

• Suzy Benwick – Head of Housekeeping - 40 years

• Rebecca Hambling – Head Chef - 30 years

• Anne Rose – Care Assistant - 25 years

• Kirsty Caley – Domestic - 20 years

• Thresiamma Mathaikuniu – Senior Night Nurse - 20 year

• Michelle Hammond – Senior Staff Nurse - 20 years

• Ravi Madhavan – Host/ Kitchen Staff 15 years

• Shibu Matthew – Domestic – 15 years

• Jenny Johnson – Head of Activities - 10 years

• Chloe Buckley – Care assistant and Activities Co-ordinator - 10 years

• Janis Rolfe – Care Assistant – 5 years

• Valentin Ilie – Head of Maintenance - 5 years

• Madalina Ilie – Team Leader - 5 years

• Anthony Peters – Domestic/Laundry - 5 years

home provides - it continues to solidify the strength in our Foxearth Family as we can all rely on each other and make the team work better together.”

Foxearth Lodge is a homely, sociable 65 room care home with a highly trained and compassionate team of staff offering the very best levels of nursing, residential, respite and specialist dementia care. The home is part of the Healthcare Homes family of 48 homes.

Healthcare Homes has been named as one of the Top 20 care home providers in the UK by independent review website carehome.co.uk The Top 20 features the companies who are the most highly rated by the people receiving care, their friends and families. Healthcare Homes is extremely proud of its track record having featured in the awards every year since 2016.

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Borderless 0800 001 6942

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Famileo Pro 0117 205 1185

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Care Supply Store 01375 651 609

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Castra Solutions 0300 124 5005

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Girbau 01462 427780

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The Eden Alternative 01626 868192 07483 359 472

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REM 01282 619977

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Aldium Insurance 0151 353 3880

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