The Carer Digital - Issue #151

Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

It would not be appropriate to pre-empt the current enquiry into the UK s response to the Covid pandemic However it could run up until 2026 and it would be impossible of course not to pass any comment until then!

In very simple terms, as we have often reported here at THE CARER the UK Covid Inquiry shone a light on the neglected state of adult social care

As the Inquiry delves into the handling of the pandemic a glaring spotlight shines on the devastating impact it had on care homes and the frailty of the adult social care system

At the very height of the pandemic, as stated in last week s issue we continued to report news/views and opinion pieces throughout We created a weekly digital edition again full of news views and opinions since we felt it vital to maintain lines of communication with the sector

We were a platform for voices of industry organizations leading figures and grieving families all echoing in unison, that it is high time we confront the preparedness failures, lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and systemic issues that plagued care homes

This must be one of the fundamental takeaways of the inquiry Only by acknowledging these shortcomings and implementing robust measures can we prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future

The UK's leading industry organizations within the adult social care sector have been resolute in their call for accountability The National Care Forum representing not-forprofit care providers insists that the Covid Inquiry must uncover the truth behind the woeful lack of preparedness that left our care homes vulnerable " Their sentiment resonates with the United Kingdom Homecare Association which emphasizes that adequate funding, training, and clear guidance are vital for the protection of vulnerable individuals

Prominent figures within the adult social care landscape have also voiced their concerns The former Minister of Health and Social Care echoing the frustrations of many laments The failure to provide sufficient PPE to care homes was a grave oversight and must never be repeated " A leading geriatrician highlights the importance of integrating health and social care stating Our fragmented system must be streamlined to ensure seamless coordination and the prioritization of residents safety "

A damning report published in 2021 by the Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) concluded that the Department of Health and Social Care’s decision to prioritise hospitals for PPE meant care home workers and residents were not properly protected

“Frontline workers were left without adequate supplies, risking their own and their families’ lives to provide treatment and care,” said the committee’s chair, Meg Hillier

We re at a dangerous new phase of the pandemic in our third national lockdown with no defined end in sight The government needs to acknowledge the errors and be better prepared

Amidst the bureaucratic discussions, it is vital to amplify the voices of families who lost loved ones in care homes during the pandemic and I do remember one grieving relative saying that Our parents lives were cut short due to the lack of preparedness and inadequate protective measures in care homes Their deaths cannot be in vain With another bereaved family member describing the impact of insufficient PPE "Seeing our loved ones suffer without the necessary protection was heartbreaking No one should experience such negligence

I have often said I was at a conference when care providers were invited to stand up share with and audience of fellow care providers and workers their experiences at the height of the Covid pandemic, which was harrowing

We have repeatedly reported that to prevent future crises immediate actions and long-term reforms must be undertaken The government must ensure that adult social care is given the attention it deserves with adequate funding resources and staffing

Preparedness plans should be comprehensive encompassing regular infectious disease drills and stockpiling essential equipment, including PPE

Secondly the integration of health and social care must be prioritized enabling effective communication and coordination between healthcare providers and care homes

This collaboration should extend to training programs ensuring that care home staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle outbreaks effectively

The Inquiry is highlighting, and will highlight even more, the deep-rooted issues that have long plagued the adult social care sector The devastating impact on care homes lack of preparedness and scarcity of PPE must serve as a catalyst for significant reform

By heeding the demands of industry organizations listening to the experiences of grieving families, and implementing proactive measures, we can rebuild the adult social care system and prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future Let us seize this opportunity to provide the care and protection our vulnerable citizens truly deserve

Watch out for our Afternoon Tea Week competition coming soon We had a wonderful response last year - nobody celebrates tradition like those in care homes - and we will once again, we are delighted to say, be putting up a fantastic prize for a lucky winner!

So please keep your stories coming - we are always delighted to publish some wonderful stories from various homes around the country from birthdays to fund raising from baking to growing vegetable Anything you would like to share please do send it to me at editor@thecareruk com

Editor Peter Adams

Inquir y into UK Covid-19 Response Begins as Pandemic Preparations Criticised

(CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER)

The retired Court of Appeal judge has welcomed the “dignified vigil” held by bereaved relatives outside the building in west London and promised to undertake the thorough investigation they deserve, saying that she intends to answer three key questions: was the UK properly prepared for the pandemic, was the response appropriate and can lessons be learned for the future?

Members of the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice campaign group lined up outside holding pictures of loved ones as they expressed frustration at feeling “excluded from sharing key evidence” and a 17-minute video was played at the inquiry showing people describing the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic on themselves and their loved ones including those who had died alone Public hearings will be concluded by 2026 though the process has no formal deadline

Representing Covid Bereaved Families for Justice UK Pete Weatherby KC said evidence that will be presented to the inquiry is likely to show “a lack of responsibility in Government with little or no ministerial leadership

He said the families he represents believe this led to a slow reaction to a pandemic where lost time is measured in lost lives

Four Modules of the Inquiry Have Already Begun:

Module 1 opened on 21 July 2022 and is designated to look into the preparedness for the pandemic It assesses if the pandemic was properly planned for and whether the UK was adequately ready for that eventuality This module will touch on the whole system of civil emergencies including resourcing risk management and pandemic readiness It will scrutinise government decision-making relating to planning and seek to identify lessons that can be learnt

• Module 2 opened on 31 August 2022 and is split into parts First it will look into core political and administrative governance and decisionmaking for the UK It will include the initial response central government decision making political and civil service performance as well as the effectiveness of relationships with governments in the devolved administrations and local and voluntary sectors Module 2 will also assess decision-making about non-pharmaceutical measures and the factors that contributed to their implementation

Module 3 opened on Tuesday 8 November 2022 It will look into the governmental and societal response to Covid-19 as well as dissecting the impact that the pandemic had on healthcare systems patients and

health care workers This will include healthcare governance primary care NHS backlogs the effects on healthcare provision by vaccination programmes as well as long covid diagnosis and support Module 4 opened on June 5 This module will consider and make recommendations on a range of issues relating to the development of Covid-19 vaccines and the implementation of the vaccine rollout programme in England Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland Issues relating to the treatment of Covid-19 through both existing and new medications will be examined in parallel There will be a focus on lessons learned and preparedness for the next pandemic

In the coming six weeks current and former cabinet ministers including Matt Hancock Jeremy Hunt George Osborne and the former prime minister David Cameron will swear to tell the truth from the witness box as the inquiry asks was Britain properly prepared and if not, why not?

FORGOTTEN CARE SECTOR

Care providers say the sector was forgotten when coronavirus hit the country in 2020 and thousands of lives were lost in care and nursing homes

The Independent Care Group (ICG) is desperate for lessons to be learned and for an urgent plan for social care reform to be put in place as a result

The public inquiry is due to get underway tomorrow and the ICG said it hoped that the process could be shortened so that action could be taken quicker

ICG Chair Mike Padgham said “Our priorities have to be to ensure that how social care was treated and the impact of the pandemic on the sector is not forgotten and also to press for the inquiry to deliver its findings quicker

“At the moment the impact of the pandemic on the UK care sector is not due to be examined until 2024 or 2025 which is a long way off when it comes to learning lessons and getting improvements – we would like to see that inquiry timetable

shortened and the results reported more quickly

He said that when Covid-19 hit the care of people in their own home and in care and nursing homes was already on the edge of survival after a generation of neglect

“The Government then compounded that situation by putting social care to the back of the queue concentrating attention and resources on the NHS as it reacted to the pandemic,” Mr Padgham added

At the start of the pandemic care and nursing homes were told to continue as normal as the risk to residents was not deemed to be high We were told to keep accepting hospital discharges even though it turned out many were coming into our homes without being tested for covid first

The result was that Covid-19 got into care settings with devastating effect and many lives were lost as the pandemic was merciless when it reached those who were older frail and with other medical conditions

SLOW TO REACT

“The Government was slow to react continuing to focus resources –in particular PPE and testing – on NHS settings rather than care and nursing homes

“We were badly let down and the Government did the exact opposite of throwing a protective ring around the sector

“Even when alarm bells started ringing we had to fight to get proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) access to the right testing regime and funding support to prevent us being overwhelmed

If you ask whether any lessons have been learned since I would say the signs are alarmingly that they haven’t and social care is still playing second fiddle to NHS healthcare ”

The vital thing now was for lessons to be learned and for the care sector to get the overhaul it needs

Even before the pandemic social care was in crisis and Covid-19 found a sector on its knees, with a dire shortage of funding, a staffing crisis and poor morale – little wonder that Covid-19 had such an impact on the sector ” Mr Padgham added

Despite this care providers worked miracles in keeping their residents safe and were just as much a frontline against the pandemic as their NHS counterparts

We deserve to see the sector properly funded merged with NHS care and with a workforce that is properly paid – recognised, respected and rewarded

“That is the least we should expect after the pandemic we went through

Fire Safety in Care Homes

The care home environment presents unique fire safety challenges with failure to adhere to best practice risking tragic consequences In a 2019 major fire safety audit by London Fire Brigade 57% of care homes were issued with a formal notification instructing them to address safety concerns, demonstrating the difficulties of compliance in a residential environment

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 governs fire safety regulations in care homes imposing obligations on registered managers risk assessors and fire alarm technicians to ensure that measures are put in place to safeguard residents However the primary responsibility for compliance lies with the care provider who acts as the employer and assumes the role of the ‘Responsible Person’

The first step in complying with the Order is the fire risk assessment This is a fundamental requirement for every care home and should be completed at least annually The fire risk assessment serves as a comprehensive overview of the fire safety hazards present in the premises and outlines the preventative and responsive measures in effect Additionally it highlights any areas that require improvements to ensure fire safety standards are met

Although the Order does not require a qualified person to conduct a fire risk assessment the expertise of a professional fire risk assessor is highly beneficial for most care homes However it is crucial to ensure that the chosen assessor possesses the necessary knowledge and experience in dealing with fire safety in care home environments

The second essential element of a care home s fire safety strategy is the emergency plan Included in this plan should be details of your fire detection system, a process for identifying false alarms, a clear passageway to all escape routes clearly marked escape routes emergency doors that open easily emergency lighting (where needed) a safe meeting point and a fire safety training plan Specific to a care home is the

By Chris Stott, Operations Director of New Path Fire & Security (www newpathfire co uk)

need to consider the requirements of people with mobility issues or impairments who might not be able to escape quickly if there’s a fire Your emergency plan should be regularly reviewed (preferably every 6 weeks) and personalised to the environment and to any residents with specific needs

In terms of fire detection care homes require an L1 classification system This is a comprehensive and high-level fire detection system offering a wide range of fire detection and alarm devices throughout the building and within each bedroom These systems should be serviced regularly to ensure that they are in optimum working order in the event that they are needed

One of the most challenging areas of fire safety for care homes is the evacuation of residents in the event of fire particularly at night Providing clear access to escape routes and fire call points should be a priority as should the use of evacuation aids that are both safe and comfortable for elderly residents Evacuation sledges for example can be designed with padding and ergonomic handles taking into consideration the specific needs and mobility limitations of the elderly By providing well-maintained evacuation equipment, care homes can ensure the safety and dignity of residents during emergency evacuations

A crucial and often overlooked aspect of care home fire safety is staff training Trained fire safety wardens are essential to ensure the safety of residents and staff alike Many wardens are trained to implement specialised procedures such as progressive horizontal evacuation, whereby residents who cannot immediately escape are relocated to a nearby fire section on the same floor until help arrives

Weekly fire and evacuation drills and the testing of fire alarms are also crucial to ensure that staff and residents are aware of what to do in the event of a fire

In summary ensuring fire safety in care homes requires a thoughtful and tailored approach By adopting specific guidance, care homes can implement safety measures that safeguard residents without compromising their quality of life and independence Customised escape routes comfortable evacuation aids L1 fire detection systems, and staff training are key elements in safeguarding residents By prioritising both safety and a fulfilling living environment care homes can provide elderly residents with the utmost care and security allowing them to maintain their independence and enjoy a high quality of life

Brampton Care Home Named In Honour Of Late Local Legend Sid Bailey

Influential local councillor and MBE has a luxury care home named in his memory Danforth Care Homes open a new facility whilst recognising the history of Brampton

Danforth Care Group are opening a brand new care home in Brampton near Rotherham The state of the art facility boasts en-suite rooms with wet rooms and mini fridges, a cinema and an on-site chef The opening will also create 60 purposeful jobs for the area

In 2023 the village of Brampton is thriving but with the naming of this new care home Danforth pay tribute to the hardships faced by the area in recent history and in particular one of the locals who helped to rebuild and protect the local community: Sid Bailey

SID BAILEY’S LIFE

It s been 39 years since the closing of the Cortonwood pit mine in Brampton, where the village was at the forefront of the prolific mining strikes Sid Bailey was one of the miners working at the pit from the age of 16 and when it closed he saw his local community completely dismantled

It was at this point that Sid chose to throw himself into helping his community Brampton remembers him for all the work he did for various governing bodies working as a trustee of the Miner Welfare Club a school governor and even a local councillor for Brampton Parish Council to name just a few Sid also devoted a lot of his time to charitable work volunteering for charities such as Ellis and Brampton Trust and working as commissioner for St John’s Ambulance For the latter, he received the

Order of St John in 1996 He was also awarded an MBE in 1997 for his services to the community

His daughter Adele Riles says “He had a very full life and certainly packed a lot in It s like he lived three lives in one

SID BAILEY CARE HOME

The new Danforth care home in Brampton sits on the site of the old fire station where Sid gave 25 years of voluntary service Sid s passion for supporting the best possible quality of life is mirrored in Danforth s approach to care which is why it was extremely important for the group to have the opportunity to continue his legacy by naming the brand-new residency in his honour

Home Manager Sue Ravenhall says Once we heard Sid s story deciding what the care home here in Brampton should be called made for an easy decision Danforth’s core values include personalised care 24-hours a day where every resident s life is meaningful and fulfilled Sid shared these values and lived them throughout his life and it’s an honour to work in a home named in his memory ”

Just as Sid took care of so many people Danforth hopes to continue his legacy and look after the community in this South Yorkshire former mining village

Asked what Sid would think about having the care facility named in his memory, his daughter Adele said He would have blushed initially as he was a very humble and modest man But I think he would have been quietly proud ”

Championing Social Care Launches Essential Resources for Care Homes Ahead Of Care Home Open Week

Championing Social Care the volunteer-led group of leaders from across the social care sector, has revealed an extensive range of resources and an activity pack for care homes participating in Care Home Open Week from 26th June to 2nd July

The materials which include templates to help homes promote their events - such as a template release and an invitation letter to send to local MPs - are available for care homes on Championing Social Care s website

The resources also include graphics and social media to help care homes promote their events and an interactive map to help communities find events that are going on in their local area

Over 4 000 homes across the country have registered to participate in Care Home Open Week 2023 and over 115 MPs are already planning visits to local care homes

This year’s Care Home Open Week aims to encourage communities to engage with care home residents and the exceptional care professionals that care for them with events to include live entertainment, a hula hooping performance and a display of artwork by residents of one home

To celebrate the length and breadth of care homes across the country participating in Care Home Open Week the inaugural Great British Care Cycle Relay will travel from the North to the South, visiting care homes along the way that are at the heart of each community across the country Registration to participate is now live at the following link https://www championingsocialcare org uk/care-home-open-day/great-british-care-cycle-relay-2023/

Care Home Open Week will kick off the week with a launch event on Monday 26th June to celebrate the many care homes supporting communities across the country with partners and MPs expected to join The highlight will include a performance by the winners of this year’s ‘Care Sector’s Got Talent’, a competition to showcase the amazing talents of the social care sector

Championing Social Care is pleased to be working with Headline Partners Virgin Money, Civitas Investment Management, and Christie & Co, as well as several other partners including NAPA NCF Music For Dementia Eden Project HC-One The Caring Times - Care Managers Show Scottish Care and APPG

Professor Vic Rayner OBE CEO National Care Forum says: ”We know our members and those receiving care are full of enthusiasm for bringing their care settings communities and people of all ages together Care Home Open Week is a wonderful celebration of those themes and the fantastic resources created by Championing Social Care will allow providers and care home residents to channel that energy into making magical memories for their whole community to enjoy

“We can’t wait to see what events our members and all of the care homes taking part throughout the country come up with this year and look forward to visiting as many as we can during the celebrations

Mitesh Dhanak, Chair of the Organising Committee of Championing Social Care and Founder of Precious Homes says: We re delighted with the enthusiasm we ve seen from care homes so far to participate in this year’s Care Home Open Week We hope that care homes will find this new set of tools helpful and that they will inspire them with new ways to promote the exciting events that are taking place within their own care homes

This year s Care Home Open Week aims to connect communities and it s our ambition that different sections of society will come together during this week We’re grateful to our headline sponsors for their continued support and guidance in helping us make this happen

Interested participants can register for Care Home Open Week 2023 or learn more by visiting https://championingsocialcare org uk

Official Launch of Lovett Cares Latest Home in Carlisle

during their later years

Staffing levels are at full strength and we haven t experienced any recruitment challenges

As part of the launch the home ran a campaign to search for a local hero Someone who had selflessly given up their time to make a difference They received lots of nominations but one person stood out

Mrs Florence (Ann) McGladdery was a midwife in Carlisle for years She continues to support Eden Valley hospice and Jigsaw from being one of their earliest volunteers selling raffle tickets helping at events street collecting and more

Eden Valley Hospice said We appreciate all the ways you have supported such an important part of our community and we can t thank you enough

Many at the hospice remember wonderful times with Ann and how she always brightens up the room with her smile Her loyalty and devotion doesn’t go unnoticed and makes a real difference!

June 8th saw Eden Manor care home in Carlisle host an official launch event The home was acquired from Angela Swift Developments earlier this year

The team came together and welcomed family, friends and healthcare professionals to enjoy an afternoon of beautiful music from a local harpist delicious refereshments and tours of the beautiful home

Newly appointed mayor, Councillor Abdul Harid, pictured here with CEO of Lovett Care Keith Crockett and Angela Swift, praised the excellent facilities at the home He called the opening a major investment in the city and said its important that we have places like this in Carlisle so that we know that everybody in our community is being cared for

Donna Laird, newly promoted regional manager was the Home Manager when the home moved under Lovett Care She spoke to visitors and said What makes a house a home is the incredible team and the people who live there” The home is a wonderful environment and we are very lucky to be able to offer such a wonderful place for people to enjoy

Ann moved to Eden Manor Care Home and has settled in to her new life continuing to support the hospice

Care As a Career – Not a Stepping Stone

‘Creating a Sustainable Skills Pipeline for Care’

At the risk of stating the blindingly obvious, there is a serious staffing shortage in care This is being exacerbated by increased Government scrutiny over the recruitment of migrant workers not enough high quality new entrants to the profession and by high staff turnover with many older experienced workers deciding that enough is enough, and quitting

A pervasive culture of low-pay and low value placed on care workers isn’t helping It is no surprise that according to Advanced s Care Providers Trends Report 97% of care providers say they have problems recruiting staff and 98% have trouble with employee retention

It isn t a job for just anyone During the hiring process 60% of employers in our survey said they received high numbers of applications from unsuitable candidates It is imperative that care providers can find ways to reverse these trends, drive more applications from suitable candidates attract more high-quality talent and hold onto those people nurturing their skills and commitment for the long-term Many skills can be taught and developed but the best carers have caring hardwired into their DNA These are the people we want working in the care sector as we try to ensure a sustainable safe future for users and employees

One of the solutions may lie in the Government s push to phase out paper record-keeping and encourage the implementation of digital records within the adult social care sector The aim is to achieve 80% compliance within the year by March 2024 with full compliance as soon as possible afterwards These will improve outcomes for those receiving care, minimise safety risks, allow staff to respond to needs more quickly and to share important information quickly and securely

This drive is part of a greater need to digitalise processes within care provision organisations There is a need to attract more school and college leavers into the sector to start what will ideally become a long and fulfilling career This digital-native generation expects to use technology in their working lives so it makes complete sense that employers who have already implemented the latest software that helps people do their jobs more effectively will attract the best of that new talent

It is also crucial that employers look after their existing staff, ensuring continuity of care for their clients and retaining experienced mentors for new recruits These employees have a wealth of knowledge skills and experience that is vital for ensuring the delivery of high-quality care all clients deserve Disillusionment cannot be allowed to take root here

By Andy Croudace, Director of Innovation at Advanced Health and Care (www oneadvanced com)

ments can t be mislaid or lost, keeping the data within secure and making it easy for staff to refer to specific care plans record diet and hydration information and other details for more joined-up and seamless processes Digital records also offer more protection for staff when things go wrong as there is an irrefutable evidence trail that shows all procedures were followed correctly Demonstrating compliance for CQC and others is crucial in such a highly-regulated sector

Implementing a Learning and Development (L&D) programme for each employee not only ensures compliance with CQC requirements and those of other bodies but also demonstrates to employees that each of them is valued accordingly If we want people to look at care as a career, not just a stepping stone, we much ensure that long-term prospects and new opportunities are visible and attainable Performance management can be a headache for managers dealing with staff working on different shifts or a largely remote and mobile domiciliary team Two-way conversations on digital platforms around targets for quality and delivery of care recording and rewarding achievements as well as flagging any need for further training or support make it easier to monitor and manage individual performance

We need to take care of the carers Many are attracted to the sector because it allows them to have more flexibility with shifts and days worked, so it is crucial that employers maintain staffing levels enabling people to work the hours they want Persistent understaffing impacts heavily on the remaining team putting them under increased pressure and at greater risk of burnout Managers are affected too and 62% of care provider managers told us they felt stressed and unable to cope all or some of the time 36% of these said they would have to take time off sick in order to be able to cope The last thing a short-staffed care provider needs is management absence piling even more pressure onto others

Digital solutions can transform rostering challenges helping manage unexpected sickness or late requests for unspent leave more effectively Sector-specific technology can also improve the problems with void management experienced by 95% of care providing organisations giving them better visibility over crucial occupancy rates 58% of the respondents in our survey have developed their own manual processes including spreadsheets to help give them advanced visibility of the business These tools provide out-dated information for inaccurate decision-making while Cloud-based technology could give them instant access to accommodation and occupancy in real time

Employers can use the data contained in their technology platforms to help them manage many of the day-to-day tasks more efficiently, supporting more effective recruitment and higher retention rates

Employee data can be a powerful tool in gaining deeper workforce insights helping employers identify trends that can help them make better decisions This might be identifying the hardest-to-fill shifts and then making recruitment for those a priority Or it may shine a light on the circumstances that lead to higher rates of sickness absence, helping leaders to locate specific problems and make changes to reduce them

Digital transformation is the key to improving the employee experience

Specifically-designed care sector technology can massively reduce time spent on paperwork, digitalising processes so repetitive sections of forms can be completed automatically This gives staff more time to deliver care to clients Digital docu-

In conclusion technology can help elevate the status of the care delivery role improving employee experience and developing talent for a sustainable pipeline of career-care providers

https://www oneadvanced com/campaign/new/health-and-care/advanced-care-trends-report-2023/

Residents By Chance, Best Friends By Choice

At Redcot the residential care home in Haslemere Surrey managed by charity Friends of the Elderly to celebrate this year’s National Best Friends Day two residents Joyce Douglas and Tim Rait have been talking about their strong friendship bond that has developed since they both became full-time residents at the countryside care home

98-year-old Joyce who has been a resident at Redcot for the past 15 months, made the decision to move to the care home as it’s not only located close to where her Son lives but she d actually visited a friend who lived there and had seen first hand the great level of care the care the team provides to the residents

I have lots of friends here at Redcot Christine Juliet Betty and Bridget and now Tim who s great to have around ” said Joyce “Tim’s a relatively new resident but he s really settling in quickly and I feel like I ve known him for years,” Joyce added

Tim who moved to Redcot nine weeks ago said he decided to move to the care home as it was a happy place, with kind carers and great food “I’ve made so many friends in the short time I ve been here said Tim but my best friend here has to be Joyce She s so easy to talk to and we have so many things in common he added

Joyce who is a twin grew up in Liverpool and has many fond memories of playing together with her sibling and trips with the Guides to the Isle of Man Tim who is 83-years-old grew up in Berkshire and also has great memories of a lovely childhood Coincidently both Joyce and Tim s favourite subject at school was History as they found the subject so interesting Joyce is very intelligent and talkative we literally chat for hours continued Tim “We both join in with all the fun activities the care team put on for us The card afternoons are a favourite of mine as-I m quite handy at Rummy ” Joyce added

Jan Daly the Registered Manager at Redcot said: “Joyce and Tim have forged a lovely friendship since Tim arrived We usually find them deep in conversation talking about a whole different raft of things It could be a historical subject one day chatting about where they have visited or been on holiday another, or even about that day’s meal, they are never short of something to chat about

Both Joyce and Tim agree that the most important thing about their friendship is companionship with Joyce saying: The thing I value most about a friendship is that it lasts and I m sure my friendship with Tim will stand the test of time

Cornerstone Healthcare and PremaLabs

Collaborate to Test Staff for COVID-19 Antibodies

Award winning, specialist care provider Cornerstone Healthcare has announced a collaboration with PremaLabs Diagnostics, a leading provider of Point of Care Test (POCT) solutions, to test their staff for COVID-19 antibodies This joint effort is aimed at gaining a better understanding of the virus and its impact on health and social care workers and the wider community

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the world healthcare providers have been at the forefront of the fight against the virus Understanding the prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies among their staff is critical in ensuring their safety and the safety of the residents that they care for

PremaLabs Chief Scientific Officer Gary McLean Professor Emeritus at London Metropolitan University and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Imperial College London and his team will utilise its state-of-the-art testing capabilities to screen the staff at Cornerstone for the presence of COVID-19 antibodies The results of these tests will be used to gain insight into the prevalence of the virus among healthcare workers and help identify potential areas for enhanced infection control practices

"We are excited to welcome the PremaLabs team to our services and to be collaborating with them on this important initiative," said Johann van Zyl, Cornerstone CEO "By testing our staff for COVID-19 antibodies we can gain a better understanding of the virus We look forward to the valuable insights that this agreement will provide "

"We are honoured to be working with Cornerstone Healthcare on this study" said PremaLabs CEO, Adam Martin "Our advanced, portable testing services will enable us to provide Cornerstone with accurate data on the prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies among their staff, which will be crucial in implementing effective measures to keep their residents and employees safe "

The collaboration between Cornerstone Healthcare and PremaLabs is a significant stride forward in the ongoing battle against COVID-19 Through this joint effort to gain a deeper understanding of the virus these two organisations are at the forefront of safeguarding the health and welfare of both health and social care workers and their vulnerable residents Cornerstone who cares for people with challenging behaviours associated with complex neurological and mental health needs employs over 350 people across its three services - South Africa Lodge and Kitnocks House in Hampshire and Marula Lodge in Surrey

PremaLabs Diagnostics is a global medical device company offering advanced and comprehensive Point of Care (POC) diagnostic solutions This technology used in the care home environment can aid early and quick diagnosis of various conditions such as anaemia, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes For more information visit their website at www premalabs uk

BMA Urges PM to Inter vene to Resolve Junior Doctor Dispute

A new survey of junior doctors has revealed the impact the Government s refusal to make a credible pay offer is having on the profession’s morale, as a new three-day strike in England gets underway

After months of intransigence and two full rounds of strikes from junior doctors in England the Government made a meagre and insufficient offer last month which would have amounted to another year of real-terms pay cuts Worryingly, 89% percent of junior doctors in England report that this attitude to negotiation has left them feeling less valued than they were before the dispute started

A disturbing 53% of those who took part in the survey reported making plans for leaving or thinking about leaving the NHS as a result of the Government’s response to industrial action

The peril to the health service was brought into even sharper relief by the finding that two-thirds (67%) did not think the NHS in its current form would exist in 10 years’ time In the shorter term 88% expected the NHS to get worse over the next 18 months emphasising the need for the Government to provide a workable long-term solution to the workforce crisis involving a decent pay settlement

Junior doctors reported little ambiguity about where the stumbling blocks to progress lay with 80% blaming the Government and a further 10% blaming the Health Secretary, Steve Barclay, personally

The Health Secretary s seeming inability to make any progress in the dispute has led many to question whether he has authority to do so with nearly four in five respondents (79%) saying they did not consider him empowered to genuinely negotiate

With confidence in the Health Secretary s power to make the offers so desperately needed rapidly fading BMA chair of council, Professor Philip Banfield has today written to the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, urging him to intervene to resolve the dispute

“No doctor wants to strike,” Professor Banfield writes “They have been forced to do so to try and get your

government to listen and understand the realities of how desperate things have become on the frontline of the NHS I urge you to listen to our doctors and to meet with me and our Junior Doctors Committee as soon as possible to find a way forward in this dispute”

Dr Vivek Trivedi and Dr Robert Laurenson co-chairs of the BMA Junior Doctors Committee said:

“Junior doctors are in despair at this Government’s refusal to listen It should never have taken two whole rounds of strike action to even put a number on the table and for that number to be a 5% pay offer – in a year of double-digit inflation itself another pay cut – beggars belief We have made clear that junior doctors are looking for the full restoration of our pay which has seen a 26% cut

Junior doctors in England have seen their pay cut in real terms by more than a quarter over the last 15 years Today, they are demonstrating what that means to the survival of the NHS Junior doctors don’t expect the NHS to survive at the current rate And they are right – it cannot survive without its most precious resource its workforce The NHS can only function with a workforce that is properly valued, and that is impossible when doctors are being told they are worth a quarter less than they were 15 years ago When doctors say that the Government’s attitude is causing them to think about leaving the NHS, the Government has to listen

But the refusal to listen is not just the fault of the Health Secretary It is clear now that doctors don t believe he has been given the power to end the dispute with a fair offer even if he wanted to We must now therefore look to Rishi Sunak to intervene as the individual with the power over the purse strings He has ultimate responsibility for the NHS and his political legacy will rest on how he treats it He has to think carefully today about whether he wants to drive more doctors out with his attitude or whether he wants to leave an NHS in 10 years’ time that we can all be proud of ”

Ashcombe House Honours Carers For National Carers Week

Residents at Ashcombe House care home in Worting road, Basingstoke run by Barchester Healthcare are celebrating National Carers’ Week which takes place from June 5-11 Residents wanted to thank all the wonderful staff at the home whose hard work and dedication make a real difference to the lives of those living in their care

Carers Week is an annual event to raise awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges carers face and recognising the contribution they make to our residents, families and communities throughout the UK The theme for Carers Week this year is recognising and supporting carers in the community’ – this year the organisers are asking people across the UK to come together to recognise the huge

contribution carers make to society

Staff were treated to a week of treats with a picnic lunch in the homes garden certificates and a chocolate hamper as a small way of thanking Louise Lambert General Manager said It is so wonderful to be able to celebrate Carers Week and thank our fantastic carers with a picnic lunch in our garden it really is a joy to be able to thank our wonderful carers for all that they do They really are incredible”

Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active and provides a daily choice of engaging physical mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities

Unveiling the Heartbreak of a Dementia Diagnosis with David Shepherd

Catriona was finally diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2014 after a long and tortuous process When we received the diagnosis I felt an overwhelming surge of emotions I was filled with what felt like a torrential downpour of desperation mingled with a glimmer of relief The desperation I felt within me came with floods of tears as I knew that this cruel illness would relentlessly steal away the person I love and cherish Catriona never really accepted that she had the illness and so life continued to be a struggle and I felt that I was walking on eggshells every time we came close to talking about it

Alzheimer s is a heart-wrenching disease that inflicts relentless pain and sorrow on both you and your loved one Witnessing the gradual decline of someone close to you can leave you feeling helpless and devastated With each passing day it feels as though you are not only losing a part of them but also a part of you One of the most agonising parts is the beginning before their diagnosis when you don t know that there’s anything wrong and the weight of the unknown bears down on you I had the privilege of speaking with David Shepherd whose wife lives with a Dementia at Heanton Nursing Home in Barnstaple and he wanted to share his story with you today

In the two or three years before my wife Catriona s diagnosis it was challenging Initially, I didn t think there was anything medically wrong and I still carry enormous guilt that I didn t realise sooner I found I often got angry and frustrated when Catriona forgot things, I just thought she wasn t concentrating but needless did I know she was already struggling and my reactions must have made things even scarier for her One day she drove to the supermarket and couldn’t park the car I really didn t understand why but it became more apparent that there was an underlying issue The struggle was in getting her to admit it and accept that she needed to see the doctor It took over 6 months of gentle persuasion to take Catriona to her first appointment

Everything changes when your partner has Alzheimer’s Eventually, you become a full-time carer – and that really does mean 24 hours a day It’s exhausting but I had no choice, Catriona wasn’t safe to be left on her own for a moment By that point you can t go out because they can t go out My world became as small as hers – just our four walls We were fortunate that the diagnosis took place at the National Hospital for Neurosurgery in London as they are the experts in dementia After the diagnosis, we had some time with a nurse, who gave us guidance on what to expect where to go for support and answered any questions we had, it was very comprehensive We had twice-ayear appointments at the hospital and visits from various people from the local Memory Clinic to monitor the progress of the condition and Catriona even got involved in some research projects We were directed to a local charity that specialised in young people living with a Dementia, which provided a helpful support group along with activities for Catriona

When we embarked on our journey to move to Devon in 2015, the level of support drastically changed My heart sank as we walked into the office of our new GP with hope filling our hearts for a similar level of help We poured out our worries and concerns seeking assistance but the words that came from the GP struck us with devastation leaving us shattered and disheartened The GP said there was nothing he could do to help other than signpost us to the Alzheimer s Society So life continued on, taking each day as they came trying to live as normal life as we possibly could

In the summer of 2020, I made the heartbreaking decision to move Catriona into a Care Home which was one of the toughest decisions I ve

ever had to make It came to a point, the place we had called home for many years a place full of love and memories our sanctuary was no longer the safest place for her Due to her increasing mobility and balance issues I knew that I had to find a home to keep her safe but this was at the height of the COVID-19 Lockdown It meant that I couldn't visit the home beforehand to see what it was like but far worse it meant that once she was led away from me from the garden at Heanton Nursing Home, I would not be seeing her again for many, many weeks That remains engraved in my memory as the saddest toughest day of my life

The team at Heanton arranged video calls that offered a glimpse into her world, but in truth, those virtual encounters could never replace the warmth of her presence the touch of her hand and the comfort of being by her side I would sometimes find myself by the river in Bideford looking up and across in the direction of Heanton and thinking about her wondering how she was and what she was doing

Once visits were possible, that definitely helped me deal with the transition as it started to lift some of the guilt that I was feeling about having sent her off to live in a care home The recent relaxation on the rules about having to wear a mask has really helped - Catriona was able to see my face again for the first time in over 2 years and that helped her recognise me I hope and certainly led to more of her warm smiles

Navigating the journey of caring for a loved one living with a dementia is undeniably challenging Despite the heart-wrenching moments and the profound changes that Alzheimer's brings, we cherish the memories and the unwavering strength human connection can bring to us

Heanton Nursing Home wholeheartedly understands the immense struggles that Alzheimer s disease brings to the lives of those affected and their loved ones David visits Catriona most days, sometimes bringing his band to play music which brings solace and joy to her and other family members within the home At Heanton, our commitment extends beyond our family members; we embrace the opportunity to be a guiding light for their loved ones, offering unwavering support as they navigate the complex and emotional journey Alzheimer s brings

Ex-Teacher Joyce, 97, Makes A Splash Again After Years Out Of The Water

A 97-year-old Dorset care home resident has spoken of her joy after she was able to go swimming for the first time in years

Joyce Ware took the dip at the Stour Connect hydrotherapy pool in Sturminster Newton and says she would love to spend more time in the water

Supported by team members from Colten Care s Newstone House care home where she lives the former science teacher said her 45-minute private session rekindled fond memories of swimming when she was a girl and as an adult in various locations here and overseas

Joyce said: I really enjoyed my time in the pool and it brought back so many memories I didn’t want to leave I could have swum for hours If we could do this every week it would be amazing

Back in the 1920s Joyce’s mother was a swimming coach and ensured her daughter learned to swim from when she was a toddler

As a girl she swam in Whitley Bay near Newcastle and when evacuated to Keswick during the Second World War, she enjoyed dips in the Lake District

Working as a science teacher in Egypt after the war was over she recalls swimming in the much

ATurning Point

In a care home environment the client as much as a patient in an acute environment benefits from regular turning Supported by the NICE guidelines it has been proven that regular turning regimes can prevent, and in some cases, can significantly contribute to the healing process of existing pressure injuries, whether presented upon arrival or even acquired at the care home WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO GET A PRESSURE ULCER?

Anyone living in a care home can develop a pressure ulcer, but some factors make it more likely:

Limited mobility/unable to change position

without help

A loss of feeling in part of the body

warmer waters of the River Nile

Karlene Horswill, Companionship Team Leader at Newstone House, said: Joyce has been a lover of swimming since she was young and continued to swim until she came to Newstone House She was originally with us for respite care and then became a longer-term resident two years ago

During a reminiscence activity she revealed her love of swimming as a child in Whitley Bay and in Dorset when she moved here with her family Stour Connect is our home s chosen charity this year so we got in contact with them and arranged the session specially for her ”

As well as Karlene Joyce was accompanied on the visit by the home s Care Co-ordinator Lucy England who joined her in the seven-metre-bythree-metre pool

For Karlene and Lucy seeing the mother-of-two take to the water was a joy Karlene said “It was so heart-warming to see Joyce smiling as she went into the pool

She surprised us by still being able to swim so well after all these years She enjoyed every moment “It just goes to show that when it comes to doing something you love, it s never too late to dip your toe in the water

implemented in conjunction with an accurate risk assessment of the clients needs

• History of pressure ulcers, or having one now

Not having eaten or hydrated well for a sustained period

Thin, dry or weak skin

A significant cognitive impairment

HOW DOES A PRESSURE ULCER OCCUR?

Pressure ulcers occur when an area of skin and the t ssues underneath it are damaged by being under such pressure that the blood supply is reduced; typically when people spend long periods in a bed or chair BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE TURNING & HOW CAN EQUIPMENT HELP WITH PREVENTION AND THERAPY?

Equipment that offers suitable pressure relieving or pressure redistribution qualities subject to the risk factors can reduce or even remove the prevalence of PI s provided a suitable Care Plan is written and

All organisations recognise the need for regular turning but the pressures they face from reduced staffing levels in a reducing labour pool means that the demands on reduced staffing levels can sometimes mean that the ideological turning regimes are not always met leading to the risk of acquired pressure injuries

The answer appears simple invest in highly motivated capable staff manage the client diligently and offer assistance in maintaining independent mobility But of course, that s not sometimes possible, staff may be slightly less motivated due to external factors and independent patient mobility is not always the case

Equipment however can assist with that issue especially when a high dependence for repositioning is required The Optima Turn Mattress System by Wellell has been designed to reduce the burden on caregivers aiding repositioning without having to necessarily touch the patient benefitting all parties the patient their family the carer and the care home

If you are facing these issues and need help? Contact: sales uk@wellell com

1.5 Million Older Unpaid Carer Admit To Feeling Under Strain

Research by Age UK has found that 1 3 million, 61% of older unpaid carers (age 65+) have felt unhappy or depressed[i] The same research also found that 1 5 million 70% of older unpaid carers have felt under strain; 1 1 million 55% of older unpaid carers live with a long-term illness or disability themselves; while 1 3 million 62% of older unpaid carers have lost sleep due to worry Finally 640 000 25% of older unpaid carers have said they enjoy day-to-day activities less than usual a clear demonstration of their diminished quality of life These findings have been released to coincide with Carers Week 2023 the annual campaign to raise awareness of unpaid caring highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the huge contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK Each year Carers Week also helps people who don t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers the first step to accessing the support they may well need

The funding shortfall in the care sector has left unpaid carers forced to fill the gap in formal services placing many under unrelenting pressure Most older people willingly take on the task of helping to care for a loved one – usually but not always a husband or wife – and don’t think of themselves as doing anything out of the ordinary However leaving older people to shoulder most or sometimes all of the responsibility and hard work of looking after someone in declining health and/or with significant care needs is just too much It can also undermine these older family carers own health and many of them are coping with their own health problems as the Charity s analysis shows

The failure to provide adequate support for carers is also increasing the risk of these informal care arrangements breaking down in which case the responsibility of providing care usually falls wholly on the State The Charity says this is a false economy as well as being profoundly unfair to men and women of all ages who do the right thing and place their loved ones interests above their own by caring for them for free saving the Government a lot of money in the process

16% of people aged 65+ in the UK are unpaid carers equivalent to 2 million people while 13% of people aged 80+ in the UK are also unpaid carers, equivalent to 440,000 people As well as calling for more investment in social care Age UK wants to see unpaid older carers given more opportunities for respite breaks

and access to other kinds of practical and emotional support, in recognition of their fantastic contributions to families and communities

Caroline Abrahams Charity Director at Age UK said:

”Our new analysis has found that considerable numbers of highly committed older people are caring for someone in the process juggling not only the physical and mental health of their loved one but often their own too This is a lot to cope with and although many older people take on their unpaid caring responsibilities willingly we shouldn t expect them to manage without support Yet all too often that s the reality especially if they don’t have family and friends to help them out

Caring is an extraordinary experience that brings many rewards but it is also incredibly taxing and it can absorb all your time and energy It can also be very lonely That’s why it’s so important that carers are offered breaks giving them the chance to do something for themselves for once such as reconnecting with friends thereby helping them to carry on Without a regular breathing space there is a risk that unpaid carers collapse under the pressure leaving both them and the person they love in a criis situation

The whole social care system relies on the goodwill and unpaid labour of millions of dedicated families and friends It couldn’t possibly manage without them, yet objectively we do remarkably little to support them It s not just the lack of respite breaks that s the problem it s also the financial penalty of becoming an unpaid carer which is really marked and leaves some people s retirement plans in ruins

Arguably we are living in the worst of all worlds at present in England in that we neither recognise and compensate unpaid carers properly on the one hand nor ensure the provision of enough effective formal care services on the other This leaves people of all ages who need social care and those who love them in a really horrible position But this week Carer s Week is the time in the year when we should focus on the unpaid carers in our society above all, and, we hope, commit to doing better by them in future

With the next General Election just starting to loom into view on the horizon and with so many unpaid carers working their socks off every day, we hope that politicians on all sides will look afresh at what they are prepared to do to help them

Nottinghamshire Home Takes Residents to Italy from Comfort of Armchair

Mandy Burkey activity coordinator said: “The armchair visits have proven to be very popular with our residents

“We prepare them for the visit by decorating the lounge with posters and a fact sheet on the country of where we are going

The trip included watching a short film on Rome learning Italian words and divulging in some Italian snacks An Italian menu consisting of spaghetti and tiramisu was prepared by one of the chefs

The armchair travels are something that the home does monthly with trips to Morocco and Mexico, already been done and Fiji the destination for the next one

“Every resident is given a paper suitcase and boarding pass and off we go

“Some of our residents have been to Italy and it was great to hear their stories

They were sharing their experiences with others and all of them stayed very engaged

It s something that we feel helps to educate us all on the different countries and cultures there are in the world

I really enjoy setting these up and can t wait for the next one!

Welsh Government Pledges £30m Investment In Community Care To Reduce Pressure On Hospitals

The Minister for Health and Social Services Eluned Morgan and Deputy Minister for Social Services Julie Morgan for Wales have set out how they will work with local government NHS and other partners to strengthen local care services in order to help alleviate the kind of pressure on the health and care system seem this winter

Building on the 670 extra community beds delivered this winter this new investment will improve people s chances of living at home independently increase use of technology and redeploy staff and resources to ensure people living with frailty are supported to live at home

Where a hospital stay is needed stronger community services will enable that stay to be as short as possible by enabling people to recover safely and comfortably at home

The investment will also reduce pressure on hospital beds by preventing hospital admissions through early intervention

ELUNED MORGAN said It s estimated that in less than 20 years there will be nearly 150 000 more people aged 75 or older in Wales and there is a projected increase of 61 3% in the Welsh population who are 85 and over This is a sign of the success of our NHS and is something we should be proud of

Older people contribute hugely to Welsh society and they tell us what matters to them is fairly simple – if they need care and support they want to be cared for in familiar surroundings with familiar people and do not want to go to hospital unless this is really necessary

Research has also shown that people recover better in the comfort of their own home rather than in hospital where they are less likely to become deconditioned and less likely to pick up infections We must focus on transforming the way we provide care to enable this

We need to move the focus from treating short term episodes of ill-health to meeting the needs of more frail and elderly people with multiple health conditions

I have told health boards that addressing the issue of delayed transfers of care needs to be their number

one priority Because without improving the flow through hospitals almost all other aspects of health care, including waiting lists, will be impacted This additional funding should help them with that challenge

Later this year the Deputy Minister for Social Services Julie Morgan will be setting out a long-term vision for strengthening social care

JULIE MORGAN said: I want to see consistency across Wales in the standards of care frail people can expect to get in their community leading eventually to a community care service for Wales

I was impressed and encouraged by what was achieved by local authorities and health boards this winter in securing 670 extra community beds across Wales But now we need to go further, faster to make sure more people can get the care and support they need at home or in their community and spend less time in hospitals

Eluned Morgan added: This will not only benefit people and improve outcomes but also improve the flow through our health care system

This isn t about the workforce working harder – our amazing health and care staff are already doing everything they can – this is about how decision makers must reshape services so they are fit for the future

THE INVESTMENT OF UP TO £30M WILL HELP TO:

• deliver thousands of extra hours of reablement services across Wales – providing as a safe alternative to hospital admission and to keep people at home or so people can recover at home more quickly after a stay in hospital recruit more community workers to advise people on how they can access the right support and services to help them recover and lead independent lives ensure every local authority has a Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Responder Service by winter 2024; currently only 10 local authorities

Chichester Brownies Bridge Care Home Generation Gap With Flowers

Flower power was the theme of the evening as girls aged seven to ten shared their enthusiasm for being Brownies on a visit to a Chichester care home s garden

Residents at Colten Care’s Wellington Grange welcomed ten young visitors plus three leaders from the 10th Chichester Brownies

The focus of the occasion was flower arranging but it wasn t long before residents shared happy memories of being Brownies and Girl Guides themselves and young and not-so-young struck up lively conversations

The arranging involved flowers grown specially in the Broyle Road home s garden along with other wildflowers and foliage gathered by Colten Care gardener Emily Trueman

Emily started the evening with some advice for the Brownies on best practice for flower arranging, as well as a few safety tips

The Brownies then spread themselves around the tables between their hosts so they could work together with the residents offering advice and information on the flowers and plants being used

Companionship Team Leader Heather Pearce said:

“As a Brownie leader myself in Hampshire I was very keen to get a Brownie unit in as I knew they would enjoy it as much as our residents

“Working at the tables together gave everyone a chance to get to know each other with the focus on flower arranging to talk about

It was lovely to see our residents and the Brownies chatting and interacting while they produced their floral displays

There was lots of chatter stories and questions asked

“Our residents loved the opportunity to pass on their knowledge about the flowers to the Brownies

We hope this will be the start of a great relationship between Wellington Grange and 10th Chichester Brownies

The Brownies took their flower arrangements home with them while the ones the residents made are on display in the dining rooms at Wellington Grange for all to enjoy

Wellington Grange resident Betty Smith said: “I really enjoyed talking to the Brownies and finding out the badges they have been earning It took me back to when I was in Girl Guiding It was such a lovely evening to spend in the beautiful garden with great company

Care Innovation Challenge Mentor Hopes To See AI Technology Implementation As Competition Weekender Approaches

The Care Innovation Challenge organised by National Care Forum (NCF) takes place 1st to 2nd July and mentor Neil Eastwood of Care Friends is hoping to see AI and other technologies implemented into the ideas from the participating teams Neil whose social care workforce recruitment and retention app Care Friends’ recently won the King’s Award for Innovation said: Social Care is ripe for innovation and now more than ever with a real digital transformation going on and with the potential of AI Many more providers are digitising their operations and there are many funding sources available The professional funding community is beginning to put more emphasis on social impact so finally prioritising innovations that make the world better by solving societal problems not just making tasks more convenient for the public like food delivery apps for example ”

43 successful applicants have been invited to the innovation weekend stage at Coventry University and will work with mentors who each bring different perspectives from the adult social care sector to help them develop test and present their ideas The five teams judged to have the best ideas will receive £500 and further mentoring before competing in the final held at the Care Show in Birmingham in October The winning idea will see those behind it win £1,000 in prize money plus the ongoing support of mentors to help

them fully realise their innovation

Vic Rayner CEO of NCF and one of the judges in the challenge commented: We have had the pleasure of judging some great innovations over the years and we hope that this year’s cohort will follow in their predecessors footsteps With the way previous teams have utilised digital technologies and adopted forward-thinking approaches to challenges in adult social care, everyone working in the sector and those receiving support will be able to feel the benefits in the future from the idea generation the Care Innovation Challenge is nurturing right now ”

Neil concluded:

“This is a unique opportunity to fast track an idea or a concept you have always wanted to do something about The weekend brings together a diverse and like-minded group of people with a wide range of skills and talents and also presents a huge networking opportunity Participants tell me they enjoy the time together on so many levels It is fun challenging invigorating and uplifting and you might end up as the founder of a global innovation that improves the lives of thousands of people!”

For more information about the Care Innovation Challenge visit https //careinnovationhub org uk/challenge/ and follow Care Innovation Hub on social media

Top 5 Employment Law Issues For Care Homes

Employment law is everevolving and it can be difficult to keep up to date with all the changes that affect care homes

Vanessa Latham Partner at Keoghs provides a summary of the top five employment law changes that are expected to affect the care sector in 2023

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

The Workers Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill is expected to be passed shortly: this will make employers liable if their employee is harassed by a third party (such as a service user or supplier) and create a duty on employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of employees in the course of their work This is likely to be relevant to those working in the care sector who may visit service users in their own homes or who may have to deal with individuals who by the nature of their illness demonstrate inhibition and inappropriate behaviour

The forthcoming changes emphasise the importance of having antiharassment policies which provide guidance to staff on what to do if they feel they are being harassed; provide training to all staff; and reinforce the need to take immediate action if a member of staff reports harassment

RETAINED EU LAW (REVOCATION AND REFORM) BILL

The end of 2023 was due to be the deadline for the UK to abolish all EU law not specifically being retained in UK legislation This includes a wide range of employment legislation such as the Working Time Regulations and Agency Worker Regulations and was expected to have a huge impact on employment law

In a complete U-turn the Government has now announced that all EU law will remain enforceable unless specifically repealed by the end of the year A list of the laws to be removed has been published and does not include anything of significance for employment law which means that nothing should change at the end of the year However, the Government has also announced the intention to make changes to holiday pay and remove the need to keep records of working hours, which suggests that the Working Time Regulations at least will be subject to change in the future

MENOPAUSE

There has been increased public focus over the past few years on the challenges faced by women experiencing the menopause A number of recommended changes were made in a report by the Women and Equalities Committee of the House of Commons earlier this year which included adding menopause to the list of protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010 (alongside race sex disability age etc ) Most of the proposals have not been taken up by the Government but sensible employers will recognise the need to support menopausal women not least because for many women it could constitute a disability which gives them protection from discrimination and places a

duty on employers to make reasonable adjustments Employers should give consideration to having a menopause policy encouraging women to seek support making adjustments to their working practices and providing training to managers on how to support a woman going through the menopause

NEONATAL LEAVE

It is expected that new rights will be announced for parents of babies needing neonatal care following the coming into effect of the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 The Act allows the Secretary of State to introduce regulations on parental rights and it is anticipated that these will include the right to up to 12 weeks neonatal leave and statutory neonatal pay The precise details have not yet been confirmed but are expected to be announced shortly

CARERS LEAVE

Another forthcoming change arises from the Carer’s Leave Bill which is about to become law having been passed by Parliament at the end of May This allows employees who provide voluntary care to others to take unpaid leave in half or whole days of up to one week per year regardless of how long they have been employed Employees will not need to provide any evidence that they are required to provide care and can self-certificate It is hoped that this will help employers retain staff who struggle to balance their caring responsibilities with their work, although some have questioned whether one week of unpaid time per year will have much impact The new rules are expected to come into force in 2024

Care Home Residents Welcome Militar y Veterans For Armed Forces Afternoon

New Forest care home residents rekindled wartime memories during an afternoon garden party in honour of the armed forces

Colten Care’s Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst welcomed veterans military enthusiasts and members of the Lymington Royal British Legion for the special event

Several visitors came dressed in uniform with medals while an RAF jeep and other military equipment and memorabilia were brought along for residents to see first-hand

It was an opportunity for those with service connections and memories of the Second World War to share their experiences

Maureen Miller 97 spoke about being a Land Girl in Wales for two years

Observing that one of the visitors was wearing a Land Army uniform Maureen said: I was delighted to see a Land Girl again I haven’t seen that uniform since I was in my 20s which was many years ago now ”

Resident Diana Creasey who celebrated her 100th birthday earlier this year was presented with a book about military history by veteran Andrew Turley on behalf of The Imaginarium Bookshop in Lymington

In conversation with Andrew s wife Tracey Turley a Senior Nurse Diana said: I remember when I was a nurse working in an underground basement hospital with pregnant women on one side of the ward and casualties on the other side It was a very stressful time ”

Roger Johnson shared a story of how his teacher in school had a jar of dolly mixtures and when the

class was to shelter due to the air raids the teacher would take the jar of sweets to the Anderson Shelter and hand one out to each child

June Farrow said: “I had a wonderful conversation with a gentleman who was in the Tank Regiment It reminded me of my husband who was also from the Tank Regiment It brought back a lot of happy memories of talking to him It was a fantastic afternoon

Shirley Jolliffe said: “I thought it was a very interesting afternoon

The veterans spent a great deal of time talking to us and explaining what their medals represented ”

Other residents attending included Frank Coombes who served in the Royal Navy and John Denby who was in the armed forces for two years before spending 25 years in the Metropolitan Police

Guests also included representatives of St Nicholas Church in Brockenhurst and residents from fellow Colten Care home Kingfishers in New Milton

The event was hosted by Woodpeckers Companionship Team Leader Jane Bunker and team member Sian Harris

Sian said: Our residents enjoyed the afternoon chatting to our guests and sharing stories and memories from a time still vivid in their minds

“We have now been invited to help knit some of the 20 000 poppies required for a display being unveiled by the Lymington Royal British Legion at the end of October ahead of Remembrance

Athena Care Homes Takes Another Step Towards Zero Waste

Athena Care Homes is taking another step forward in their mission to reduce their environmental impact The East Anglian care home company has committed to using eco-friendly non-hazardous cleaner OdorBac across all of their homes

Manufacturers 2Pure who produce the multi-use cleaner in the UK using renewable energy sources, operate a refill scheme They use LoopBox to reuse the five-litre containers – with customers simply repacking the empty containers in the boxes they were delivered in and returning them to be washed and refilled meaning it is a zero-waste closed-loop system Athena made the decision to switch from multiple other products to the multi-use OdorBac after seeing how progressive 2Pure is in its approach to protecting the environment The fluid is delivered as a concentrate and diluted on site to reduce transport costs and emissions and it is 100% biodegradable

The solution can be used as a cleaner degreaser sanitiser fabric cleaner carpet shampoo and odour

eliminator, making cleaning processes more time efficient for housekeeping teams while still giving them the reassurance that they are cleaning effectively OdorBac provides 99 99% protection against coronaviruses and inhibits the growth of germs

Athena Care Homes is committed to protecting our environment and leaving a lasting legacy for their residents; planting five trees for each resident that moves in to one of their care homes

Katherine Foley, Group Operations Director at Athena Care Homes, said: We are constantly reviewing our operations and looking at more ecofriendly options that allow us to continue providing a high level of service while also protecting our environment

For us OdorBac was an obvious choice It provides the effective cleaning in a variety of scenarios, while also reducing waste and offering efficiencies around our homes

For more information on Athena visit www athenacarehomes co uk

Care Providers Ready for Junior Doctor Strike

CARE providers are bracing themselves for industrial action by junior doctors from tomorrow until Saturday

The Independent Care Group (ICG) says care providers are becoming well versed in putting contingency plans into operation for strikes

ICG Chair Mike Padgham said: Without getting into the politics it would be helpful if these disputes could be resolved without strike action

“We know that more funding needs to be put into both NHS healthcare and social care – not least to better recognise and reward social care staff who continue to go above and beyond without taking strike action They deserve parity with their NHS colleagues

The last 18 months has seen disruption to medical services including ambulances nurses and now junior doctors At the end of the day regardless of the action, we have to ensure continuity of care and the welfare of those we look

after “The ICG is available to its members for practical help and guidance during this time and is advising care providers on what to do during the coming days

“That means working closely with our integrated care boards and local authority partners as well as local hospitals and community services

“It also means making greater use of telemedicine services where appropriate ”

The Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) is running a dedicated Incident Control Centre (ICC) over period and care providers are advised to contact the ICC in the event of a serious incident resulting in significant harm to residents or service users that relates to the industrial action so that intelligence can be gathered at ICB level The number to call for Humber and North Yorkshire ICC is 0300 002 0007

Shelburne Lodge Care Home Residents Going For Gold

Residents and staff at Shelburne Lodge care home in High Wycombe laced up their trainers and warmed-up for a joint Barchester Sports Day during Carer Week!

The day was hosted by another Barchester Care home Chalfont Lodge in Chalfont St Peter and had several care homes attend the sports day

The day was organised by Chalfont Lodge’s Physiotherapist, Mansukh Chander who created a day of fun for everyone

Staff and residents took to their marks in the sack race relay race and three-legged races as guests cheered on The teams battled it out to be crowned sporting champions before being treated to a buffet of hotdogs burgers and homemade sweet and savoury delicacies

General Manager Diana Nica said “We always encourage our residents to keep active With summer on the way we had a great opportunity to move our activities outside to make the most of the weather Our residents and their guest really enjoyed today and it was lovely to see so many of them getting involved and to meet so many new people It reminded all of us of when we were kids at school I would like to say a massive thank you to Raj Boodhoo Chalfont Lodge s General Manager for hosting such an amazing event! ”

Ruby Tack a resident at Shelburne Lodge said “What a beautiful day we ve all had We ve been so lucky with the weather and it s been so fun to see everyone compete and meeting so many new people I can t wait until next year!

The Stair Climbing Company offers an excellent range of compact, easy to use, powered Stair Climbers that are ideal for use in both home and commercial settings

Offering innovative designs, all of the company’s Stair Climbers can be separated into two pieces, for safe storage and are easily transported and charged In addition, all of its Stair Climber’s come with a two year manufacturer’s warranty

Nurturing A Culture Of Continuous Improvement: Embedding Quality Improvement Processes To Drive Ongoing Excellence In Care Provision

In the rapidly evolving landscape of care provision, the need for continuous improvement has become paramount Care homes are entrusted with the wellbeing of vulnerable individuals and it is important to harvest a culture of excellence that ensures the highest standards of care This is where a care home consulting firm plays a pivotal role guiding and supporting care providers in embedding quality improvement processes that drive ongoing excellence, which also extends to those care environments that are already rated as ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ in a Care Quality Commission (CQC) report

Quality improvement is a dynamic and systematic approach that focuses on enhancing the efficiency effectiveness and safety of care delivery By adopting this approach care homes can consistently evaluate their practices identify areas for improvement and implement evidence-based solutions Creating a culture of continuous improvement requires more than sporadic efforts and requires a structured framework and collective commitment from the care provider, its leadership team and its staff

The first step in nurturing a culture of continuous improvement is to establish a clear vision and set of values that emphasise quality and person-centred care This vision should be communicated effectively to all staff members from the top-down, ensuring they understand the importance of their individual roles in achieving excellence and how they work as part of a wider team to achieve the same common goal The vision should be clear, concise and meaningful Without a vision there is little direction and hope, which can be demoralising for staff and lead to a downfall in other areas of the care home

Once the vision is in place quality improvement processes must be integrated into the structure of the care home s operations This involves the identification and measurement of key performance indicators (KPIs) that reflect the organisation s goals and values By tracking and analysing these KPIs care homes can

By Tina Stebbings - Business Manager at Fulcrum Care Consulting (www fulcrumcareconsulting com)

obtain objective data on their performance and identify areas that require improvement If struggling with this a consulting firm can collaborate with care providers to establish appropriate KPIs and develop data collection and analysis methods that are efficient and effective

To drive ongoing excellence emphasis must be placed on the importance of staff engagement and empowerment Caregivers are at the frontline of care provision and their insights and experiences are invaluable for identifying improvement opportunities

Encouraging a culture of open communication and actively involving staff in quality improvement initiatives can create a sense of ownership and motivation Additionally, providing staff with training and resources to enhance their skills and knowledge ensures that they are equipped to deliver high-quality care consistently

Embedding quality improvement processes also involves regular audits, inspections, and reviews to assess compliance with regulations and standards Care home providers are required by law to have systems and processes to ensure they meet their legal obligations to provide good governance (commonly known as Regulation 17) Navigating the complex regulatory landscape and ensuring adherence to legal requirements and best practices can be difficult A lot of homes don t have the time – or sometimes the specialist knowledge – to get bogged down in the systems and processes even though these are essential for the smooth running of homes and for achieving favourable CQC ratings Consulting firms can bridge this gap and conduct comprehensive assessments, identify areas of non-compliance, and develop tailored action plans to address any deficiencies

Continuous improvement in care provision extends beyond internal processes; it also entails embracing innovation and staying abreast of industry advancements It s important to stay on top of emerging trends technologies and evidence-based practices By incorporating innovative solutions digital ecosystems and the latest technology care homes are able to adapt and excel in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape and meet the increasing needs of social care residents

Overall, nurturing a culture of continuous improvement is essential for care homes striving for ongoing excellence in care provision A care home consulting firm serves as a valuable partner in this journey offering to turn around and improve failing homes, maintain homes wanting to retain current ‘Good’ or Outstanding ratings and boost other homes looking to add value improve occupancy or generate additional income With support and guidance on regulations management issues and operational matters care homes can create an environment where excellence is the norm ensuring the wellbeing and satisfaction of its residents

Care Home Residents Back World Ocean Day

Residents of Colten Care homes have created artworks, explored aquatic life and welcomed young visitors among activities to mark World Ocean Day

More than a thousand rocks and pebbles were painted blue and white to mimic water flowing under a garden bridge at dedicated dementia care home The Aldbury in Poole

Residents there spent two months on the project spraying painting and varnishing the stones with help from staff at the home and visiting students from Canford School

As she admired the colourful display, resident Valerie Short who originally suggested turning the stones blue and white said: “It took a lot of time but it was well worth the wait

Companionship Team Leader Sue Miles said: “The pebbles did look a little drab before so it was a great idea to brighten them up and link that to an environmental theme This has turned out to be a great visual project right from the start Residents were able to see the transformation building up each time we added a coloured pebble Our garden bridge now looks just fabulous with its new pond below

The pebble-painting was complemented with a further creative activity in which residents decorated and hung CDs with pictures of fish over the pond

In other World Ocean Day activities residents from The Aldbury and fellow Colten homes Canford Chase in Poole and Fernhill in Longham visited the Oceanarium on Bournemouth seafront to learn more about aquatic life

The Canford party took photos of the fish on display with a view to creating a collage back at the home

Among The Aldbury party was resident Dr Robert Morris a retired marine biologist who requested the

trip to help bring back memories of his ocean-going travels and work

Sue said: As we went around the Oceanarium, we talked about sharks, clownfish and seahorses I asked Robert if he has ever swum with sharks and he said yes even with great white sharks he encountered off the coast of Australia He really enjoyed the Oceanarium and was very keen to read all the facts on display about nature and marine life ”

Robert said after the visit: What a great day!”

Robert s daughter Kylie Morris said: Dad s work took him all around the world and his passionate research on dolphins whales and our oceans has been used in many scientific journals

“He was even a contender for Sir David Attenborough's role at the BBC as he was such an enthusiastic promoter of all things in the natural world

“Before his memory started failing, he used to tell a story of swimming through a kelp forest in South Africa and encountering a great white shark who was doing the same!

“Water was truly life for Dad and the animals in it one of his greatest joys to study and learn from ”

Also as part of World Ocean Day residents at Bourne View in Poole were joined by pupils from next door specialist school Langside School to create ocean-themed pictures for a display and treasure trail

Taking place in more than 150 countries, World Ocean Day aims to celebrate and honour our shared oceans highlighting the need for conservation and international collaboration to protect them

The day, held annually since 2002, involves a range of partners and is co-ordinated by the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council This year s celebration took place on Thursday 8 June 2023

Revitalise Respite Holidays Launches 2023 Summer Season

Revitalise, the national charity providing respite holidays for disabled people and their carers is celebrating its 60th anniversary with the launch of their 2023 summer season

Revitalise is a unique provider of respite holidays for those who need 24-hour care supported by skilled care and nursing staff All centres are fully accessible with specialised facilities and equipment The group has two centres based in Southport and Chigwell and caters for adults with a variety of different disabilities

Revitalise centres offer breaks in a relaxed, holiday-style environment, in which guests can unwind in beautiful settings with access to a wide range of daily activities and evening entertainment There are opportunities to visit new places, make new friends participate in wellbeing activities like manicures and reiki or just enjoy some much-needed time off

Emily Sheardown, Reservations Manager says, ‘A Revitalise holiday offers an important lifeline to disabled people and carers who need a break and deserve a proper time away from the day-to-day

Summer prices start from £680 for a three- or four-night break Care support packages are priced additionally based on individual support needs

Revitalise are launching a campaign in May to highlight the lack of respite care on offer and the urgent need for funding so that more people can take a break

Booking:

Call: 0303 303 0145

Email: bookings@revitalise org uk

Book online: www revitalise org uk/book-now/

Loneliness Awareness Week: Six Ways to Combat Loneliness in the Elderly

More than 2 million people aged 75 and over live alone in England and as it s loneliness awareness week it s essential we ensure they feel connected and cared for all year round

With this in mind Stewart Mcginn, Managing Director at Baycroft Care Homes (www baycroft co uk) recommends a number of ways you can help protect your elderly loved one’s emotional and mental wellbeing combating loneliness and ensuring that they feel involved

REGULAR VISITS

There is no better way to combat loneliness in your elderly relatives than to dedicate spending some quality time with them Whilst life can sometimes feel hectic, giving an hour of your time each day or taking a trip out together on the weekend for a few hours can make all the difference This is especially important if you are the sole carer for an elderly relative as the chances are this is the only interaction they will have in their week

PHONE CALLS

A convenient and easier way to check in with your elderly loved

ones and provide them with some company is with a phone call Whether you are telling them about the events of your day or simply being an ear to listen to them, this is a great way to ensure they feel connected Phone calls are a great solution if you are busy often as they are more flexible; you can call your elderly loved one while commuting to work (if on hands-free), in the supermarket, or waiting to pick the kids up from school

COMMUNITY-LED GROUPS

From a book club to a bird-watching group or even a weekly coffee catch-up you can research the surrounding area to see if there is a community-led group your elderly relative can join This will allow them to engage with others of a similar age make friends experience new hobbies and enjoy getting out of the house for an hour or two

CONSIDER A CARE HOME

If your elderly parent or family member struggles with living alone and due to circumstances cannot move into your home, a care home can be a great option Many care homes have an extensive range of activities on offer have meals provided (so that they don t need to worry about cooking) and will allow your elderly relative to have companionship with other residents in the home

LIGHT EXERCISE

Exercise can be beneficial for a number of reasons from releasing endorphins that will make the senior person feel good to increasing their overall flexibility and strength Depending on the elderly person’s mobility, you could encourage them to get involved in a number of low-intensity sports that have a social aspect Some examples include

light swimming and chatting between lengths lawn bowls with a local team or simply just taking a leisurely stroll for some fresh air and a change of scenery with a local organised group

HELPLINES FOR SOMEONE TO CHAT TO

Whether it’s a customer or a neighbour, if you know someone elderly that has expressed they are feeling lonely and don t have any family or friends to talk to - you can recommend using a befriending service

This service allows them to ring the helpline and be connected with a volunteer befriender for somebody to talk to and have a friendly conversation with

Fun, Freedom and Fresh Air

It is National Bike Week and the Gloucestershire charity Lilian Faithfull Care have been out celebrating their cycling project Cycle rides and care homes are not two things which you would naturally associate together but thanks to a fantastic trishaw residents and day guests at the charity Lilian Faithfull Care are able to continue to enjoy all the fun and freedom of cycling

The Gloucestershire charity has a team of volunteers and staff who pedal the specially adapted trishaw in Cheltenham along the trafficfree Honeybourne Line as well as around Montpellier Park

It has a comfortable seat (with seat belts) for two passengers so residents and day guests can enjoy the ride alongside a friend carer or family member

This project makes such a tangible difference to the lives of our residents and day guests It is not just the wonderful experience of the cycle ride; but also the friendships and conversations it starts explains

Suzanne Booker, Director of Care at Lilian Faithfull Care

Martin DeGroodt Physiotherapist at one of the residential care homes Faithfull House adds; It always gives people a real boost It is stimulating out in the fresh air and there is always a lot of interaction with other people when we are out riding ”

The residents and day guests give their verdicts;

“Thank you so much [for the cycle ride] – you can do that anytime you like!” said Lettie from Faithfull House

“It was enjoyable, an old man of 93 with two young ladies, it beats everything doesn t it!” quipped John from Bay Tree Court

“I felt like the Queen! It was wonderful! I saw bits of Cheltenham I ve never seen before!” commented

Olive from Astell House

Last week it was the first time on the trishaw for Doreen and Ernie Rowland This was particularly special as they first met through cycling in 1951 and earlier in the year they celebrated their 71st Wedding Anniversary at Faithfull House! Doreen explains; “We built our own bicycles as that s what you did back then we bought the frame and the wheels and built it up ”

The adult day care hub the Secret Garden Hub in Cheltenham also regularly invite day guests out for a cycle ride “It’s always a talking point – something out of the ordinary and it s fantastic for our guests well-being ” explains Mark Norris Hub manager Mike Clayton a regular guest explains; “My visits to the Secret Garden are the highlight of my week I m very excited to go on the bike I m quite comfy and raring to go!”

As the only Trishaw in the county the charity offers anyone in their homes and day care hubs the opportunity to enjoy a cycle ride; those not adjacent to the safe cycle routes are transported across to the start points An appropriately trained member of staff is on each trip who is either riding the trishaw or sharing the ride with the resident or guests One member of staff commented; “It is such a positive experience and it prompts all sorts of conversations and memories I always come back from a ride having smiled the whole time!

The project is affiliated with Cycling without Age’, a social enterprise which has helped set up similar projects across Europe The project gets fantastic support from Cheltenham Borough Council who give access to the cycle routes at key points Thanks also go to local company Signal who initiated the project, purchased the specialised trishaw and subsequently donated it to Lilian Faithfull Care

If you see the Lilian Faithfull Care Trishaw out and about in Cheltenham be sure to give them a wave!

Forbes Professional Helps Care Homes Ensure Optimal Protection

Laundry equipment is a critical investment for any care home extending way beyond the delivery of immaculately pressed shirts for discerning residents By choosing specialised commercial appliances, the healthcare sector can efficiently process the requisite wash volumes whilst maintaining a safe environment and adhering to stringent regulatory requirements The Association for Applied Hygiene and Robert Koch Institute stipulate that combining disinfection programmes with appropriate segregation of clean and dirty laundry is required for infection control Care homes must also choose a reliable partner for the provision service and maintenance of laundry equipment If a machine breaks down it is imperative to know it will be repaired or replaced urgently as machine downtime can be highly impactful Forbes Professional carefully select manufacturers in order to deliver the highest standards of product and service A national distribution partner to Miele they install and maintain laundry and dishwashing machines to care homes across the UK Miele is renowned for producing highly energy water and user efficient appliances Their heat pump dryers reduce energy consumption by an astounding 70% when com-

pared to standard vented dryers making them a great choice for any care home Furthermore the employment of impressive array of hygiene and safety functions enables Miele s intelligent appliances to continually monitor the parameters that are crucial to disinfection Miele washing machines offer thermal and chemo-thermal disinfection programmes and recent models have received the highly coveted Seal in Black as a testimony to exceptional hygiene standards with special recognition for deactivating more than 99 9% of all viruses

Forbes works closely with clients to deliver a hygienic efficient solution that meets budget and space requirements and fully complies with WRAS and CQC regulations Their inclusive maintenance and repair services eliminate unexpected expenses and reduce machine downtime Forbes enables invaluable support and adaptability so that care homes can respond to changing resident populations or regulatory guidelines and focus on providing high-quality care knowing that their equipment is in capable hands forbespro co uk | info@forbes-professional co uk | 0345 070 2335

Celebrating World Music Day - Connecting People Of All Ages Through Music

To celebrate World Music Day on 21st June Percussion Play is highlighting the positive effects of intergenerational music-making and its ability to promote inclusive play and bring benefits to both young and elderly people

The day aims to promote music and encourage people of all ages to participate in music-making – individuals groups organizations local/national government, to fully embrace intergenerational practice, connecting people of all ages especially the younger and older generations

Making music can have many health benefits especially for the brain

This can lead to better sleep, being more creative, improved physical and emotional healing boosting the immune system and producing feelings of well-being Listening to and playing music is one of the few activities that has been scientifically proven time and time again to lift our mood

Both young and old can benefit from music-making Studies on children show being exposed to music from a young age particularly within a school or nursery setting, has been proven to encourage teamwork, self-confidence empathy improved communication skills and intellectual curiosity Children who have had the opportunity to develop these skills and behaviors in early life often turn out to be happier healthier and higher-achieving adults

It has been proven that when senior citizens take part in cross-generational learning activities with children and adolescents, it can help improve their physical, cognitive and social wellbeing It can also enhance the quality of life of those suffering from Alzheimer s and dementia

Intergenerational play can also help senior citizens have a renewed sense of purpose it can also help

encourage both children and adults to explore new challenges Research has shown a wider benefit to communities helping build a sense of community place-making and improve relations between the elderly and the young

It has been proven in younger people that intergenerational play can accelerate the development of social skills emotional processing communication and help improve self-esteem

When Play Sharity Children s Museum and Resource Lending Library created a music garden they fully expected the children to embrace the range of instruments However they hadn t prepared for how the music garden could transform and promote intergenerational play opportunities within their community

Executive Director Monica Topham says We have a lot of multi-generational homes grandparents with young children, for instance, and it is magical to see them connect over music ”

Percussion Play has created a range of beautiful outdoor musical instruments played across the world in schools, libraries, parks, hospitals, and senior living communities From the popular Calypso Chimes to the Harmony Flowers Percussion Play s instruments are designed to bring people together to create uplifting music

Jody Ashfield Founder and MD of Percussion Play said “We are proud to support World Music Day! Our instruments can help support cross-generational learning activities and we encourage everyone to fully embrace intergenerational play As world leaders in the manufacturing of outdoor musical instruments, we aim to champion inclusive play and create instruments that can be used by everyone regardless of age You can read more research on the benefits of music on the benefits of intergenerational play here

Speedwell Court Kitchen Garden Reaches New Heights With The Aid Of Sky Volunteers

Woodhouse have put the seed to feed project together

They explained, “We have three core aims for the seed to feed programme at Speedwell Court: to provide a fun engaging and accessible gardening activity for the residents, to reduce waste, and to improve the nutritional value of our meals by using fresh seasonal produce Due to the cost of living crisis, there is no time like the present for Speedwell Court to carry out this initiative which has been championed by residents and staff alike It will has a great positive impact on the environment building facilities to grow fresh produce which will benefit our residents

Sky chose Speedwell Court as their volunteering destination because James Ion one of the Sky volunteers is familiar with great work of the home, as his mother is a resident

Once settled the team from Sky got to work weeding mowing painting the decking area moving four tonnes of woodchip creating a new outdoor seating area and installing new fences

dents to help to plant seeds in the greenhouse which they will be monitoring over the next few weeks

the home, which is managed by The Abbeyfield Society The volunteers worked for a day to help with the progression of a new kitchen garden which the home is creating to improve its green credentials and encourage its residents – all of whom are over the age of 50 – to get more involved in the preparation of their meals

The home s gardener Mark Line and Catering Manager Sam

Speedwell Court General Manager Rhona Bray said We are very grateful to the volunteers from Sky for helping to take our kitchen garden to the next level

“As well as a great addition for our residents, we are keen to involved the local community in this project whether it be through business’ employee volunteering programmes the contribution of local schoolchildren or donations and gifts in kind from nearby suppliers

Children from Riverside Pre-School have worked alongside the resi-

The home has also managed to source free woodchip timber and various other items from Freecycle Homebase in nearby Winchester have also supported the project by donating compost fruit trees and seed packets while Eastleigh B&Q and Southampton Airport have given more seeds, tools, and equipment, and the latter a small donation They have also secured two grants from the Southern Co-op Greener Neighbourhoods fund and the W G Edwards Charitable Foundation and are continuing to look into different funding opportunities

The Care & Occupational Therapy Show, 12th July 2023, Westpoint Arena, Exeter

The Care & Occupational Therapy Show is the ultimate destination for healthcare professionals from across the UK looking to learn about how the industries are changing This event provides a platform to explore the latest advancements in care and occupational therapy From technology innovations, to the latest hygiene products, this event has it all

Taking place on the 12th of July at the Westpoint Arena in Exeter and is a mustattend event for anyone in the industry

With over 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest products services and technologies attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the newest and most innovative healthcare solutions available The show is designed to connect healthcare professionals carers and occupational therapists with experts in the field providing a unique opportunity to network share knowledge and gain insights into the future of the industry

The Care & Occupational Therapy Show is also set to feature an extensive CPD-accredited seminar programme with presentations from leading experts in the field

The event will also feature a range of live product demonstrations providing attendees with hands-on experience of the latest technologies and products This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in healthcare and gain practical experience in their application

The event is expected to attract a large audience, including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, care home managers, nurses, and other healthcare professionals This provides an excellent opportunity to network with like-minded professionals and build valuable connections within the industry

The Care & Occupational Therapy Show is an unmissable event for anyone in the healthcare industry Whether you are a healthcare professional looking to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field or an exhibitor looking to showcase your products and services to a highly engaged audience this event is not to be missed

Head to www careexhibition co uk to learn more and secure your free tickets for the 12th July at Westpoint Arena Exeter

Success In Digitization Of The Care Sector Could Mean

A Huge Shift In The Traditional Partnership Between Care Settings And Care Recruitment Agencies

The white paper published last year by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSE) ‘A Plan for Digital Health and Social Care claims that reducing time on administrative tasks will free up carers’ time to deliver more personalised care But how will increasing digitization of the sector affect the partnership between care settings and carer recruitment agencies? It’s a question I’ve been thinking a lot about recently as we’ll shortly start seeing the impact of this shift towards digitization in the care recruitment sector

Digitizing much of the paperwork in care settings clearly has so many benefits; from streamlining and sharing care plans and recording medication more effectively to saving time on the paperwork that comes with running a care setting However, care homes are starting from different states of digital readiness with ‘only 45% of social care providers have any form of digital record keeping’ according to the DHSE This could mean anything from tracking medical records to a full system of digitized care plans As care settings start to understand the requirements of becoming digital recruiters can stay competitive by ensuring that the workforce they are placing are aware of the upcoming transformation as well as being given training on the relevant systems and feel comfortable in a digital workplace

The real work for care settings will be in fully implementing the digital system they choose There are so

By Kalvin Morris, Co -Founder and Director, Elite Care Services (www elitecare co uk)

many potential downfalls in this phase: in addition to investing in the hardware and software and keeping it secure I can see there is the issue of change management for the workforce, who may be used to doing the paperwork a certain way or could be unused to using certain types of technology It is a lot to learn and sensitively responding to the concerns of the workforce in the implementation phase is a key aspect of the work that care settings need to consider For recruiters it is imperative to give carers the confidence to work with the new systems as well as understanding where the care setting is on its journey to full digitization

Some might point out that when the sector is fully digitized there will be less need for recruitment agencies It s true that we so often fill last-minute spots and our turnaround can be as quick as an hour between request and the carer being at the placement It's also true that digitization could give care homes more control over workforce planning as the data they collect will enable them to prepare better for different scenarios The recruitment sector will no longer continue to be able to compete on speed and price, as we’ll be working on fewer last-minute requests Instead recruiters will need to be focused on continuing to foster a recruitment partnership to help care settings achieve their longer-term goals From providing more specialist staff to upskilling new recruits or using data from care settings to help them predict and be ready for high-turnover situations recruitment agencies need to be ready to respond to the digital transformation in the sector When digitization works it takes the worry off the care setting and gives them a clearer plan of action basing decisions on past data rather than purely the individual

That’s not to say that a fully-digitized care setting will replace some of the most important aspects of being a carer Hopefully the time saved using digital systems will be time used in giving even more personalised care, providing much-needed social contact and being present, which is what so many of our carers and their clients thrive on However it s clear that recruitment agencies will need to continue to be keenly aware of the changing recruitment and workforce needs and think more creatively as we begin to fully understand the impact of digitization in care settings

Camden Care Homes Celebrate 10th Anniversar y

The celebrations also included long service presentations for staff This included 20 years service for administrator Joanne Townsend and support worker Beverley Smith as well as many other staff members marking their 10 and five-year anniversaries

Maitland Park s Home Manager Benjamin Oni commented:

“Staff residents and our special guests have enjoyed a lovely afternoon celebrating a decade of providing care here in Camden I am proud of my amazing team here who work hard to ensure that we provide a high standard of care for those that live here and peace of mind for their loved ones

Care Homes Set To Save Thousands Of Pounds Thanks

To Free Training From Health Education England

Anenta plays key role in developing healthcare waste training module

The roll-out of a free new e-learning module on healthcare wasteset up by Health Education England - is set to bring major benefits to the care home sector says leading independent healthcare waste management company Anenta

The training - developed in association with Anenta to help all healthcare professionals - is seen as key to building better understanding of waste management in care homes which have long struggled with managing healthcare waste effectively

This is backed up by detailed compositional audits of care home waste undertaken both by Anenta and separately by the EA which have proven that a significant amount of contamination exists in the various waste streams produced by care homes

Worryingly, the findings show that 70% of care home waste is consistently put in the wrong waste channels including 90% of clinical waste and 35% of offensive waste, which is regularly contaminated with recyclable materials

Further analysis of over 2 500 primary care Duty of Care audits by Anenta has also shown that 58% of healthcare professionals with responsibility for waste management are unfamiliar with the Healthcare Technical Memorandum the latest iteration of which came out in March 2023

This has resulted in inadequate training and waste management policies contributing to poor segregation and spiralling levels of waste being incorrectly disposed of, costing the care home sector heavily, and hampering sustainable waste targets

The new e-training module aims to address this and is being provided free to remove all barriers and gaps in understanding that currently exist within care homes and the primary care sector

Created with the help of Anenta the new 30-45 minute training module, available here, is accessible free of charge via the Health

Education England online portal

It outlines what waste should go into which waste stream correct segregation practices and other important waste related guidance

This helps prevent low-risk items, which should cost £300-£500 per tonne for disposal as offensive waste, from being disposed of as infectious waste costing upwards of £800 per tonne

Vitally the training also helps avoid the risk of waste contractors refusing to make collections from care homes due to their non-compliance which could put care services at risk of disruption This is avoided through the correct completion of a Pre-Acceptance Audit (PAA) which in the case of most care homes needs to be undertaken every five years - unless waste produced on site changes in its nature

Where a care home produces more than five tonnes of clinical

waste annually a PAA will need to be undertaken every 12 months remaining valid until renewal date or unless waste types undeclared in the pre-acceptance audit are discovered

Commenting on the roll-out of the new free training Graham Flynn Director at Anenta said We ve worked hard on the development of the new e-learning training module alongside NHSE IPC Local Commissioners and industry experts The result is a course that’s accessible by all, and a risk assessment that can be used by all care homes to inform the way in which their waste is segregated

The adoption of the training and correct segregation is critical if the care home sector is to cut costs and achieve Net Zero targets Changing waste disposal habits and practices prevents the unnecessary and expensive disposal of waste via inappropriate and environmentally damaging waste streams such as incineration; instead ensuring that the majority of clinical waste is disposed of using either alternative treatments or energy from waste processes that render healthcare waste safe ”

Graham Flynn added: “On average care homes are wasting £8,000 every year through poor waste management process and procurement The training will play a big part in cutting that figure by improving waste management among staff Importantly it will also help care homes with their PAA audit without which their healthcare waste cannot be collected, potentially resulting in enforcement action by the Environment Agency ”

For more information about Anenta and its care home audit app which gives care homes the ability to conduct compulsory clinical waste pre-acceptance and duty of care audits without the need for third-party on-site visits in just 40 minutes, visit www anentawaste com or call 033 0122 2143

Middlesbrough Home Acquired By Family-Run Care Company

A GROWING family-run care group has acquired a care home in North East, taking the total in the group to five, and with further acquisitions planned

Constantia Healthcare has bought Middlesbrough Grange for an undisclosed sum from the Anchor Hanover Group

The 45-bedroom purpose-built home on the Netherfields estate of Middlesbrough provides general residential care and support for people with age-related needs physical health and dementia

Middlesbrough Grange is close to two existing homes owned by Constantia Healthcare in Middlesbrough Longlands Care Home and Roseleigh Care Home

The Yorkshire-based company also has two homes in Lancashire Queen s Lodge Nursing Home in Blackburn and Crawshall Hall Nursing Home in Rossendale

Anthony Massouras Chairman of Constantia Healthcare said We are delighted to have added Middlesbrough Grange to our small portfolio of care homes

It s a home with a good reputation in the heart of the community and with our existing good relationships with Middlesbrough Borough Council and other local stakeholders it s a great fit for Constantia

Constantia is now planning a refurbishment of the home which was rated as good by the regulator the Care Quality Commission in its last report with the inspector highlighting the person-centred care provided to residents

Middlesbrough Grange is set over two floors with the upper floor dedicated to people living with dementia It has several lounges and dining rooms a hairdressing salon and even its own pub named after the Netherfields Arms pub which used to be on the site of the current home

Mr Massouras added: “We continually invest in all our homes to further enhance the resident experience and Middlesbrough Grange is no different

The acquisition of the home forms a key part of our growth strategy and we are hoping to announce further acquisitions later in 2023, with the Yorkshire region having been targeted for this growth ”

Care Home Resident Celebrates 103rd Birthday

A resident at a care home in Raunds has celebrated her 103rd Birthday

Margaret Tirebuck a mother of three from Suffolk celebrated her milestone on 7 June Margaret met her husband Bill in 1947 in the East End of London at his cousin s party Margaret worked on a Halifax Bomber at deHavilands in Hatfield with his cousin putting the rivets in their wings She also had a lot of responsibility from the age of 14 after her mother passed away, meaning she had to dedicate her time to looking after her siblings and family

The birthday girl enjoyed celebrations both at Ashfield House and local social club Can Do Margaret moved into Ashfield House in December 2021 and loves to knit and do crosswords on a daily basis She says her secret to longevity is good, clean living

Lizzie Plummer service manager of Ashfield House said: I m so pleased we are a part of this special occasion for Margaret She is a joy to have here at the home and we all love listening to her stories

MoliCare® Celebrates 40 Years of Incontinence Protection, Ever y Day

MoliCare® the global incontinence brand is celebrating 40 years of supporting people, carers and healthcare professionals with solution-based pads, pants and skincare products The product range has been designed to help the everyday needs of those living with incontinence and bladder weakness with the care of the skin at the heart of the MoliCare® brand

Incontinence is a condition that affects 1 in 4 women in the UK For a condition which is so common, there is still a sense of embarrassment and isolation that leaves people feeling lonely and unsupported In fact 68% of those living with incontinence feel that it has had a negative impact on their quality of life, and just over half believe that urinary incontinence is a taboo subject Therefore it is vital that there is an increase in societal support, as well as a wide range of simple solutions for people living with incontinence

MoliCare® has developed a range of pads and pants which feel like underwear Over the last forty years the brand has continued to focus on protection security and comfort as the core criteria for its product performance MoliCare® believes in plain talking backed up by their healthcare professional expertise to create simple solutions for people living with incontinence

MoliCare® continually strives to address the needs of its customers; from nurses through to care givers family members and people living with incontinence They have developed an easy to remember acronymSAS - to simplify the product selection process S – Style There are various styles such as large and small pads or complete pull up mobile pants to suit various levels of mobility There are also products for men and women based on anatomical differences and urine flow

A – Absorbency MoliCare®’ s droplet guide, makes selection straightforward S – Size MoliCare® s in-depth sizing guide ensures that products selected are a comfortable and secure fit

HARTMANN the company behind MoliCare® continues to invest in and develop in their products This includes the introduction of new technology to the MoliCare® Premium Form range of large shaped pads that now features a new absorbent core known as ADL (Acquisition Distribution Layer) The ADL layer contains super absorbent polymers treated with Citrate which neutralise the urine for better skin health In addition the ADL layer now features a new channel set within the pad to help to distribute urine Both innovations improve the feeling of dryness by over 70%, again demonstrating MoliCare®’s commitment to skin care

As part of MoliCare®’s holistic approach to incontinence, the brand has developed a range of specialist skincare products which are skin friendly pH balanced and are gentle on delicate, sensitive skin Used together, MoliCare® provides a complete skin care and incontinence management solution

Amy Jaworska MoliCare® B2C Channel Manager comments; as a global manufacturer and expert in the field of Incontinence and Bladder Weakness we are delighted to be celebrating 40 years of the MoliCare® brand supporting people living with incontinence “MoliCare® invests in the research, design and development of our premium incontinence products to ensure they meet the highest quality reliability and protection for people living with incontinence We also support loved ones, carers and healthcare professionals alike, with the right support for the people they care for because the individual s wellbeing and quality of life is at the heart of everything we do MoliCare® is a leading global brand of incontinence products manufactured by the HARTMANN Group MoliCare® works in partnership with Healthcare Professionals to develop clinically effective products advice and innovative Home Delivery service solution packages to meet lifestyle needs

For more information and to order, please call 0800 028 9470 or Visit www hartmanndirect co uk/incontinence-products

Berkshire Care Home Residents Get Inspired By Celebrated

Two residents at RMBI Care Co Home Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court, a care home in Wokingham recently visited their local branch of the Women’s Institute for an inspiring evening Gladys and Angela accompanied by Activities Coordinator Sharon Fletcher were invited to a talk called “Extraordinary Women from MERL (Museum of English Rural Life) and University of Reading”

The talk focused on both well-known and less celebrated women, including Nancy Witcher Langhorne Astor (politician) Lady Evelyn Balfour OBE (pioneer of organic farming)

Jill Betts (educator and researcher) Nora

Doreen Thorpe (land army woman) Lavina

Smith (teacher and collector) and Elizabeth Waterhouse (artist) All six who led fascinating

Local Women

lives and careers had links to the locality

Residents Gladys and Angela found the talk inspiring “It was so interesting hearing about local women and the history of Reading said Angela “I lived in Reading all my life and to hear about how my grandparents and family lived was emotional especially hearing about the famous Huntley & Palmers biscuit factory I can still remember the tempting sweet aroma from the factory and the treats we would share at home!”

It was also a very special evening for Gladys as she was turning 95 She said: “Everyone was so kind! I even received a lovely card and a cake to celebrate my birthday and all the ladies sang Happy birthday to me

It was a wonderful end to a lovely day ”

Activities Coordinator Sharon Fletcher who has been a member of the Women’s Institute for many years said: “The Museum of English Rural Life explores the history of the English countryside and its people so we are arranging a trip in the near future to motivate our residents Bringing back memories and sharing these among residents and staff will add to our varied activities programme at Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court

Wembley Stadium Becomes First National Stadium To Be Dementia Friendly

The Football Association (FA) has backed landmark guidance developed by charity for all stadiums and sports grounds with likes of Premier League and Racecourse Association pledging commitment

The Football Association (FA) has worked with its official charity partner, Al zheimer s Society to put in place a series of improvements to the iconic Wembley Stadium changing the game for fans with dementia MAKING WEMBLEY DEMENTIA FRIENDLY

After an audit of the stadium by people affected by dementia, who were invited to attend two matchdays and provide feedback several supporting measures have been put in place to improve accessibility and increase understanding and knowledge of dementia

Measures include bespoke training to public-facing staff like matchday stewards information on ticketing receipts and the Wembley Stadium website and increased visibility of current services available such as its dedicated lifts and accessible shuttle service

Wembley is the first stadium in the UK to become dementia friendly as part of The FA s partnership with Alzheimer’s Society

As well as becoming the first national stadium to become dementia friendly The FA is backing

Alzheimer s Society s Dementia Friendly Sports Clubs and Venues guide

The new guidance is designed for grounds and stadiums of all sizes, to help make sure all fans are supported understood and know where to get help on gamedays

The landmark guidance has already resulted in The Premier League and The Racecourse Association all pledging their commitment to become dementia friendly

Alzheimer s Society CEO Kate Lee said: Passion for sport stays with people long after a dementia diagnosis, so these improvements to one of the world s most iconic football stadiums in a national first is set to be another legacy of our fantastic partnership with The FA and will make a massive difference to thousands of fans up and down the country

We want to see all sports showing their commitment to giving fans with dementia a smooth journey from sofa to stands and we’re really pleased to see our landmark guidance be so well received by organisations across multiple sports

We hope our guidance helps foster a more inclusive accessible and welcoming environment for sports fans with dementia, so they can continue to be at the heart of the action

Simply The Best – Care Home Worker Scoops Coveted Award

Staff and residents at Barchester s Ashcombe House Care Home in Basingstoke are over the moon because their much-loved Activities

Coordinators Michelle Martin has been named the winner of the Health & Wellbeing category of Basingstoke’s A Place To Be Proud Of awards

The A Place to Be Proud Of Awards are organised by Destination Basingstoke they recognise the contributions made by individuals groups organisations places and initiatives that make Basingstoke a diverse vibrant community and a great place to live and do business

Michelle Martin heads up the activities team at Ashcombe House care home

She works extremely hard ensuring that the residents have an enriched and meaningful life making sure there is plenty going on in the home and outings out Michelle is a ray of sunshine as soon as she walks into the home and is adored by her residents and her colleagues alike

General Manager of Ashcombe House Louise Lambert comments: We are all delighted for Michelle she is a wonderful member of the team and all our staff and residents love her She works incredibly hard and she absolutely loves what she does so we re very happy to see her commitment recognised It is so very well deserved ”

Austen House Honours Carers For National Carers Week

Staff and residents at Austen House care home in Lower Earley Reading run by Barchester Healthcare are celebrating National Carers Week, which takes place from June 5-11 Residents wanted to thank all the wonderful staff at the home whose hard work and dedication make a real difference to the lives of those living in their care Carers Week is an annual event to raise awareness of caring highlighting the challenges carers face and recognising the contribution they make to our residents families and communities throughout the UK The theme for Carers Week this year is recognising and supporting carers in the community’ – this year the organisers are asking people across the UK to come together to recognise the huge contribution carers make to society

Staff were treated to an afternoon party and pizza for everyone to enjoy Family and friends arrived throughout the afternoon to join in the fun with staff and residents Residents also gave thanks by giving handmade cards and handwritten letters to carers with a small gift of thanks for all that they do

Joseph Patterson General Manager said: It is so wonderful to be able to celebrate Carers Week and thank our fantastic carers with an afternoon party and to be able to welcome the relatives and friends

Everyone has had such a fantastic day

Jane a resident at Austen House commented: “We ve all had such a lovely time today it really is a joy to be able to thank our wonderful carers for all that they do They really are heaven sent ”

Miele Exceeds Sustainability Standards in Laundr y Care with its Latest Series of Benchmark Washing Machines

Whitegoods manufacturer Miele Professional has introduced a new line of washers and dryers to its popular Benchmark range designed to provide significant reductions in overheads such as water and energy, and time, compared to its predecessor

Washing machines from this model series will now be available with a load capacity of 9kg – 11kg accompanied by dryers with matching load sizes offering users the convenience and programme diversity of the larger machines which have been available since 2021 Its high laundry throughput combined with its unique features meet the highest demands posed by modern day laundry care; providing the perfect solution for all industries including care and nursing homes hospitals and clinics

With sustainable efficiency at its core the Performance machines have a 50% lower energy consumption 14% lower water consumption and a 9% shorter cycle time compared to previous machines in the same size range which Miele sold as Octoplus models The Performance Plus machines also excel at sustainable usage having a 45% lower energy consumption 18% lower water consumption and a 15% shorter cycle time

Washing consumption values are as low as 7 2 litres per kg of laundry for the Performance and Performance Plus, achieved through functions such as the EcoSpeed drum rhythm, helping businesses save around 1 litre of water per kg of load Users can also expect short cycle times for maximum efficiency A 11kg laundry load for example can be thoroughly washed and left with only 48% residual moisture in 49 minutes This means up to 11 250 more towels can be washed per working year in the PWM 509 than in its predecessor the PW 5082 Over the same period water consumption is reduced by approximately 20,000 litres

To ensure laundry managers can meet the most demanding challenges innovative technology is instilled throughout each model, including powerful, frequency-controlled asynchronous motors which promise smooth cycles at high speeds as well as Miele s patented honeycomb drum 2 0 for optimum

laundry care

Programmes can be adapted to individual user and business requirements

The Performance Plus has more than 90 wash programmes in channel-specific packages and the Performance line features 38 programmes tailored to the specific needs of clients whereby most of the features were previously the preserve of flagship models These include cycles for bedding and curtains and a programme package for care and nursing homes and hospitals These ensure top-class cleaning results combined with the effective use of resources Thermal and chemo-thermal disinfection programmes are also available to ensure hygiene compliance, preventing the spread of infection

For simple and initiative operation Miele M Touch Pro controls have been installed making the Benchmark washers easy to use for any user This includes a full colour touch screen display that is clearly structured with 31 languages options available The washing machines are also linked to Miele MOVE an integrated platform solution designed to bring efficiencies to the commercial laundry processes of its customers; providing more control over locations, utilisation, performance data and troubleshooting processes

Simon Venni Head of Sales at Miele Professional comments on the launch saying At Miele Professional, our ethos of ‘Immer Besser’ means we strive to continuously do better in everything we do Adding the 9-11kg washers and dryers into our Benchmark series provide more choice for businesses whilst supporting reductions in their overheads which is crucial during the cost-of-living crisis and in a time of inflation”

With sustainability becoming an increasing priority amongst customers and a growing demand by the government; each model of our Benchmark washers has been built with sustainability in mind, supporting businesses to reduce their environmental footprint

The latest generation of Benchmark washers meets the highest requirement of quality and durability, in keeping with Miele s fundamental values as they are built to last for 30 000 operating hours

Coronation Street Actor Julie Goodyear Living With Dementia

Coronation Street star Julie Goodyear is living with dementia her husband has announced this week

Dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK affecting almost one million people in the UK today There are currently no treatments available to slow stop or prevent the diseases most commonly Alzheimer’s that cause it Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity, working to revolutionise the way we treat, diagnose and prevent the condition

Hilary Evans Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK said:

Our hearts go out to Julie Goodyear and her family following the announcement that she is living with dementia So many of us have such fond memories of watching Julie on screen playing the iconic role of Bet Lynch It

is incredibly brave of Julie’s husband to share this news and help raise much-needed awareness of dementia a condition affecting almost one million people in the UK today

With no treatments to slow or stop the diseases that cause dementia a diagnosis is truly heartbreaking Tragically many more families like Julie s will go on to experience the devastation it causes because if nothing changes one in two people will be directly affected by dementia They will either develop the condition themselves care for someone with it or both As the UK s leading dementia research charity we have vowed to put a stop to dementia by finding a cure

staff members who work as care assistants a certificate to mark the occasion

Maria says she left the home to work elsewhere but quickly realised what she had left behind and re-joined

Speaking after the certificate presentation she said: “I thoroughly enjoy my job and recently left (only for a week!) as I decided to take up a position at another care setting, but I soon realised that I had made a huge mistake

I missed all of the residents and their families and also my colleagues “It made me realise that we are all like one big family at MHA I've certainly

learnt a lesson and won't be going anywhere again!

My advice to anyone starting out in care is to just go for it take the leap and don't look back

Don t be afraid to ask questions you ll learn something new every day Care is such a rewarding job and I feel privileged to be able to do it

The people I care for feel like family and you certainly don t get that in an office job ”

Brigid relocated from Warrington to Stafford and says she wants to “finish her working career at the home

She added “ I met someone who worked here when I moved to Stafford and have loved every minute of it

“I knew I was close to five years, and it's been a great journey

There have been tough times especially in the pandemic but we all stuck through it and worked together in making sure we can overcome any challenges ”

To Develop Up

OakNorth Bank has provided a bespoke loan to LNT Care Developments (LNT), the UK’s leading developer of purpose-built residential care homes

Founded by Lawrence Tomlinson LNT launched in 1988 and developed its first purpose-built care home in 1991 Since then, the business has developed over £3 2b of real estate assets including over 200 care homes across the UK, providing more than 12,500 beds to the UK’s ageing population Headquartered in Garforth West Yorkshire LNT is led by a dynamic and progressive management team and is pioneering a new generation of carbon-zero care homes with its care home sites already achieving ESG targets that aren t required until 2030

The bespoke loan from OakNorth Bank will be used to develop up to eight new carbon-zero care homes at the centre of local communities across the UK Each site will also include the latest in sustainable technologies such as geothermal heat pumps battery technology to maximise stored energy as well as solar panels and underfloor heating for maximum efficiency and resident comfort

Commenting on the transaction Matthew Lowe CEO of LNT said:

For over 30 years now LNT s mission has been to provide every community across the country with a

truly great place for their loved ones to live work and visit Our latest generation carbon-zero homes are our most ESG-forward yet, achieving BREEAM in-use Outstanding and we are constantly reviewing the suitability and use of our designs to suit the evolving needs of residents and operators By 2026 our aim is to have built over 300 homes across the country with this funding from OakNorth representing a significant contribution towards this ambition In addition to having significant experience of the care sector James and the OakNorth team created a bespoke flexible funding package that was designed specifically for our requirements ”

James Espley Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth commented:

“LNT is widely regarded by operators as providing homes that enable the very best care quality outcomes It is this strong industry reputation coupled with Matthew’s leadership and the hugely talented team around him, that has allowed LNT to become the UK s primary specialist care home developer Given OakNorth s own strong ESG credentials we saw numerous synergies with LNT s focus on net zero-carbon consumption within their homes We’re delighted to have been able to support such a well-renowned and established business in the industry and look forward to watching the development of each site over time

Commercial Kitchen and Laundr y Solutions (CKLS)

Commercial Kitchen and Laundry Solutions (CKLS) are one of the UK s leading suppliers of commercial kitchen and laundry equipment Whether you are a small sized residential home or large scale nursing home group, CKLS has the expertise and equipment

Cash’s Labels- “The Name Behind the Name”

Cash s Apparel Solutions have been trading since 1846 and have built up a reputation for superior value for money quality personalised and non-personalised items for many different outlets We supply to Nursing and Residential Homes Schools Scout Cub Guide and Brownie Groups as well as to the small or large business entrepreneur Our range of Designer name tapes add a professional look to garments crafts or other hobby items

Many of us have loved ones relatives or friends who need specialist care in a Nursing or Residential Home In this busy environment clothes and personal items can easily get misplaced if they are not

named, otherwise this can become very stressful for the resident relatives and the Care Home itself

Our woven clothing name tapes are extremely robust and are sewn on to garments to ensure that they stand the rigorous washing processes necessary Self-adhesive labels are easily applied to name shoes and books and make marking treasured items effortless to most other non-fabric items

We have recently introduced several new items such as magnetic name tags and personalised hi-vis jackets along with updated gifts such as personalised mugs and mousemats Check out the ad on page 9 for our offer code

Visit www cashslabels com

Essential Insurance Covers For Your Care Home

often determined by best practice to ensure the resident or patient is as comfortable as they can be Unfortunately this means mistakes can creep in A single mistake can result in a negative impact on your patient whether that be from medical treatment or advice This can lead to a potential claim for medical malpractice

Medical malpractice cover is not only a legal requirement to anyone providing professional healthcare services but also offers peace of mind by covering the cost of any losses that arise from defending and settling a claim This means that during a claim, your business can continue to operate with as little disruption as possible

BUILDINGS AND CONTENTS INSURANCE

As a care home owner or manager you will offer a variety of services to meet the needs of your residents

Typically the care you provide is likely to vary with anything from basic care and accommodation through to respite end-of-life and specialist care for dementia patients

Providing the very best care for your residents will be at the heart of everything you do, but the care you deliver is not without risk and therefore having the right insurance in place is something that should be high on your list of priorities Not only does your insurance need to be tailored to protect the care services you provide but you also need to consider the regulatory bodies you adhere to protection for your staff as well as covering the premises and its contents

Here are some covers you must consider

LIABILITY COVER

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) states that all care and nursing homes require insurance, and without it they are unable to operate The mandatory insurance requirements from the CQC are Public and Employers Liability cover Any additional covers will depend on the type of care facility you own Public Liability Insurance will cover the cost of compensation to third parties in the event of death bodily injury or damage to their property which occurs because of your business activities for example if a resident’s family member slips on an upturned carpet

Unlike Public Liability Employers Liability cover is a legal requirement for anybody employing staff including volunteers It covers you financially for any compensation costs or legal fees that may occur because of company negligence Employers Liability Insurance will also cover you for employees that have long left your business and may only now bring a claim against you

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Your carers will be skilled in what they do and usually have several qualifications but their decisions are

Of course your business is home for your residents or patients Ensuring ample furniture is provided should be a necessity If they are accidentally damaged you may need to replace them The building itself is just as important If, for instance, the premises suffer a flood, how would the building hold? In extreme cases such as a fire or explosion a total rebuild may be necessary which would cost a considerable amount

Buildings insurance covers the cost of repairing damage to the structure of your property and provided that accurate sums insured are declared it should cover the cost to rebuild the entire property Contents insurance covers the cost of replacing or repairing your possessions if they are damaged, destroyed or stolen It includes everything you would take with you if you moved premises for example your furniture kitchen appliances and computing equipment

ARE YOU AT RISK OF UNDERINSURANCE?

If a business is underinsured in any capacity it could leave them with a financial burden should a claim be made While large corporations may be able to recover from the financial losses incurred because of underinsurance small to medium sized businesses may feel the effects of the loss more keenly owing to their sometimes already tight profit margins

Underinsurance may happen for many reasons e g using out of date estimates of your building sums insured having inadequate or unrealistic indemnity periods or not reviewing your level of cover as your operating models change

The most effective way of overcoming the risk of underinsurance is by talking to an experienced and knowledgeable insurance broker

The friendly team at Barnes Commercial can review your policy and make sure you have the correct level of cover in place

Send an email to enquires@barnesinsurancebroker co uk or call 01480 272727 to make an appointment

UNIFORMS AND WORKWEAR WHEN QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE IS VITAL

The social care and care home sector in the UK is an essential industry that provides care and support to some of the most vulnerable members of society Within this sector, uniforms and workwear play a vital role in maintaining a professional and hygienic environment In this article we will explore the importance of uniforms and workwear in the UK social care and care home sector highlighting appearance comfort design branding health and safety infection control contamination care, maintenance, and laundering

APPEARANCE

One of the primary functions of uniforms and workwear in the social care and care home sector is to ensure a professional appearance Care workers wearing a uniform can help to establish a sense of authority and professionalism which can be reassuring to patients and their families A uniform also helps to create a sense of unity and can help to build a strong team spirit

COMFORT

Care workers spend long hours on their feet and engage in a range of physical activities that require a high degree of mobility As such, it is essential that uniforms and workwear are comfortable and allow for ease of movement The materials used should be breathable lightweight and flexible ensuring that workers can move freely and remain comfortable throughout their shift

DESIGN AND BRANDING

The design and branding of uniforms and workwear play an important role in creating a sense of identity and promoting the values and ethos of a care home or social care provider Uniforms can feature the company logo name and colors creating a visual representation of the brand A well-designed uniform can help to establish a sense of pride and belonging among employees and can also help to create a positive impression on patients and visitors

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Uniforms and workwear must adhere to strict health and safety standards to ensure the safety of care workers and their patients Materials used in uniforms and workwear must be flame-resistant non-toxic and non-allergenic Clothing must also be designed to minimize the risk of injury, such as by incorporating reflective strips to enhance visibility in low light conditions

INFECTION CONTROL AND CONTAMINATION

Infection control and contamination are critical concerns in the social care and care home sector Uniforms and workwear must be designed with infection control in mind with materials that are easy to clean and disinfect Clothing must be able to withstand frequent washing and must not shrink or lose its shape over time Uniforms and workwear must also be designed to minimize the risk of cross-contamination with separate clothing for different areas of a care home or hospital, such as clean and dirty areas

RECOMMENDED LAUNDRY TEMPERATURES

The temperature at which uniforms and workwear are laundered is an essential factor in preventing the spread of infections and crosscontamination The recommended laundry temperature for healthcare uniforms and workwear is typically between 60-90 degrees Celsius Washing at these high temperatures can help to kill bacteria and viruses and prevent the spread of infections

PROFESSIONAL LAUNDRY SERVICES

To ensure compliance with legislation and maintain high standards of hygiene many care homes and social care providers opt to use professional laundry services These laundry services have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle the laundering of healthcare uniforms and workwear Professional laundry services use specific deter-

gents and washing programs that are designed to kill bacteria and viruses

SEPARATING CLEAN AND DIRTY UNIFORMS

It is essential to separate clean and dirty uniforms to prevent crosscontamination Dirty uniforms and workwear should be placed in designated laundry bags or containers and clean uniforms should be stored separately Staff should be trained to handle soiled uniforms and workwear with care to avoid spreading any potential infections

PRE-TREATING STAINS

Pre-treating stains is an essential step in maintaining clean and hygienic uniforms Staff should treat stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting in It is best to use a pre-treatment product that is safe and compatible with the type of fabric used in the uniform or workwear Pre-treatment can help to remove stubborn stains and prevent them from becoming permanent

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DETERGENT

Choosing the right detergent is critical to maintaining clean and hygienic uniforms It is best to use a detergent that is effective at removing stains and bacteria and is safe for the environment Many detergents contain antibacterial agents that help to kill bacteria and viruses It is also essential to choose a detergent that is compatible with the type of fabric used in the uniform or workwear

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The UK social care and care home sector is subject to a range of legal requirements and recommendations related to uniforms and workwear The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidance on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including uniforms and workwear in healthcare settings Care homes and social care providers must also comply with infection control guidelines set out by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

In conclusion uniforms and workwear play a critical role in the UK social care and care home sector ensuring a professional appearance promoting comfort and mobility, and ensuring the safety of care workers and their patients Uniforms and workwear must be designed with infection control in mind and must be properly cared for and maintained to ensure cleanliness

UNIFORMS AND WORKWEAR WHEN QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE IS VITAL

CiCLO® Fabric Technology

An Innovative Way To Combat Plastic Waste

Did you know that over 60% of today s textiles are made from synthetic fibres which are not biodegradable? Almost all fabrics shed tiny microfibres during manufacture use and care When we wash these materials they shed millions of these plastic microfibres that pass through wastewater treatment and into the sea unless they are made with CiCLO® technology

CiCLO® is an invisible sustainable additive blended into the garment fabric at the manufacturing stage The non-toxic technology is permanently embedded, so will never wash out

It enables the synthetic plastic-based fibres to behave more like natural fibres such as wool but improves on natural fibres by biodegrading faster and helping to reduce the accumulation of plastic waster in landfill and plastic in our oceans

Our new Landau Forward range is made with this

Your One Stop Shop For Branded Uniforms

innovation CiCLO® technology

An exciting addition to the healthcare scrubs portfolio not only are these textiles eco-friendly and kinder to our planet but are also designed for style comfort and adaptability

The premium scrub collection offers six activewear-inspired styles that include scrub tops and bottoms zip jacket and a modern crew-neck base layer In addition to the sustainable element of the fabric the Forward collection also boasts 4-way stretch fabric, flexible side panels for added movement and modern ribbed trims on necklines waistbands and cuffs for enhanced optimum comfort and styling For practicality the scrubs are moisture-wicking include plenty of pockets and are also fade and wrinkle resistant www grahamegardner co uk

Info@grahamegardner co uk

0116 255 6326

Concealed

High-quality 195gsm 65/35 polyester/cotton

• Generous sizing with action back

Front left and right chest pockets

• 2 lower pockets

Sizes: 8–30

Discounts

See

ACCESSIBLE BATHING

Introducing The New Pressalit Matrix Height And Sideways Ad justable Washbasin

In any accessible bathroom space is key and with Pressalit s new height and sideways adjustable MATRIX washbasin, creating space quickly and hygienically has just got easier

The world leading manufacturer and designer Pressalit has introduced the MATRIX washbasin bracket with a choice of integrated basin styles the MATRIX MEDIUM or MATRIX ANGLE DEEP featuring a new simple to use discreet adjustment for both height and sideways movement

The ultimate in functionality and hygiene the MATRIX washbasin makes the best use of space in the bathroom whilst accommodating the changing needs of both users and caregivers Supporting self-reliance space optimisation and a sense of security in the bathroom the new adjustable washbasin has been designed for use in a wide variety of installations from a private home care setting institution or a hospital

Whether for a seated or standing user or when a carer is assisting the new MATRIX washbasin offers a flexible solution and safe working environment offering the commitment to quality practicality and design that Pressalit makes its priority

The easy-to-move washbasin can be adjusted smoothly sideways to a range of 500mm to create greater access when using the shower or toilet for a wheelchair user and carer, by means of a discreet handle located underneath the basin Adjustment can be carried out safely with one hand and requires very little hand strength to operate

The vertical rise and fall allows for a variation of 300mm with options available for either a manual han-

dle or intuitive electric power button

The latter is recommended for a care or hospital setting where frequent adjustment is required, offering huge time saving benefits and improved working conditions for staff whilst the manual solution is suitable for a bathroom where there’s only one user or multiple users with the same needs

The MATRIX MEDIUM AND MATRIX DEEP ANGLE washbasins both feature integrated handles for additional user support

With both hygiene and aesthetics in mind the discreet MATRIX bracket s operating panel fits tightly against the wall and snugly against the washbasin, preventing dust and dirt from settling in hard-to-reach places All surfaces are large smooth and easy to wipe

Andrew Lowndes Sales Director for Pressalit in the UK says Some people need a lot of help in the bathroom others little or none

The new MATRIX basin bracket is a flexible solution taking into account the specific needs of the user at any given time By simple adjustment for height or to create space sideways for greater access to the shower or toilet for wheelchairs this helps create situations that boost self-reliance and help provide a greater degree of freedom ”

Pressalit has many years of experience and expertise in the field of designing accessible bathrooms The company will provide advice on everything from space optimisation to rules and guidelines for design and the choice of solution and installation creating the best conditions for the user and where needed a carer or health professional

https://pressalit com/en-uk/products/matrix-adjustable-washbasin-solution/

Reval - Leaders in Assisted Bathing

Reval have been manufacturing assisted bathing and showering products for more than 46 years Reval has a wide and varied range of high-end equipment uses and available and used extensively is all healthcare sectors Our range includes

Assisted bathing systems

Ceiling track and mobile hoists

Assisted showering appliances and wet room equipment

• Shower and sluice systems

Hydro-therapy pools and changing room

As a manufacturer, we can offer a direct service - delivering best value for our customers All services are delivered by our highly trained product specialists and tech-service teams Our aim is to deliver a seamless service based on careful planning process expert-

ise and our unravelled “Know How”

The truly unique thing about Reval is its business model To explain; unlike all other equipment providers in our sector Reval strategy is based on delivering quality products designed to be long-term-reliable which only require preventative maintenance annually

Our three year no-quibble warranty policy provides clients with peace of mind Reval and ensure your costs are minimised We are not interested in tying customers into expensive service contracts This is not our strategy! Our strategy means we can be leaner and more controlled thanks to Just – in – Time parts sourcing process making parts immediately available improving our service to our clients

Reval design and manufacture highly innovative products to improve lives outcomes, and working environments This approach to design-manufacturing enables care operators to limit their risks and optimise their services and patient outcomes Our team of fieldbased product specialists are highly trained and competent in all the disciplines required to conduct holistic product assessment technical building surveys and commercial aspects of product provision

Our strategy and emphasis are on undisrupted service over the lifetime of your appliance Reval s spare parts business is less than 10% of its total business proving further our company’s commitment to quality and reliability and we are constantly working to develop new ways to reduce our aftersales business because in doing so we pass on savings and service continuation to you over the lifetime of your product

Most of all; Reval is renowned for its innovation and its ability to design products that make a difference To improve your service and profitability or if you are looking for that products which truly makes a difference give us a call today there nothing to lose

+44 01656 721 001 | sales@revalcc com | www revalcc co uk

Adapting Cleaning and Infection Control Practices for the Residential and Social Care Setting

By Liam Grimshaw (BSc (Hons) MSc by research)

Legionella Risk Assessments

generally be flu-like and may dissipate without treatment The more serious illness can involve hospitalisation including ICU and even death Public Health England confirms there were 503 cases of Legionnaires' Disease in 2019 for England and Wales – an average of almost 10 cases a week (Latest available data)

and then a suitable water management scheme is put in place and followed This will include monitoring of outlets and water tanks and may include regular water sampling and disinfections The Legionella risk assessment needs to be carried out to BS8580 by a competent, i e trained person

The bacteria is ingested by human beings in the form of an aerosol and then infects the lungs the symptoms are similar to flu and also Covid 19 The mild illness is called Pontiac fever and will

The most common sources are from showers or other equipment such as cooling towers that produce an aerosol Stagnation is also a major factor in increasing the risk to mitigate this any low use/seldom used outlets should be run off weekly Temperature monitoring is also advisable both of these actions MUST be recorded

In summation: A current Legionella risk assessment and appropriate water hygiene management and monitoring scheme will prevent the bacteria proliferation within the systems and therefore significantly reduce the risk to Staff and public health Steve Dillon

(Advanced WMSoC Legionella Risk Assessor) Managing Director Stokefield Water Treatment Ltd

See the advert on this page for details

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL

Omnitex Hygiene Products

Omnitex represents all round protection and hygiene products Launched in 2015 it has quickly become a brand synonymous with high quality used everyday by thousands of individuals and healthcare facilities throughout the UK and Europe

All products are manufactured in ISO9001 and ISO13485 certified facilities Omnitex Body Cleansing wipes are a large size, which the ideal thickness for a comfortable cleaning experience Bulk pack of 80 wipes, with our unique enriching formula and microwaveable Microwaveable for a warm bed bath Lightly fragranced and with a honeycomb texture on Wipes facilitating better cleaning coverage absorbency and hygiene

Swiftclean Support for Care Homes

Running a care home

each

Angloplas Dispensers Help Reduce the Risk of Cross Infection

Angloplas are a UK manufacturer who specialise in producing dispensers for the health and hygiene industry Although these are designed to keep the workplace tidy and uncluttered they are, more importantly, built knowing the control of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are a priority for healthcare providers, and who are employing a combination of infection prevention and control strategies, including hand hygiene, cleaning training and the adoption of new technologies to tackle the

problem

As a result a wide range of infection control products and technologies are emerging on the market including antimicrobial technology Angloplas range of dispensers are produced in the world’s first proven Antimicrobial PVC with silver ion technology and which is exclusive to Angloplas This helps reduce the risk of cross infection by stopping the growth of bacteria and mould and works continuously for the lifetime of the product reducing levels of bacteria such as MRSA, E Coli, Legionella, Salmonella and mould by up to 99 99%

For non-clinical environments Angloplas has recently launched its new Budget Range of products which are made to the same exacting standards as the antimicrobial protected ones but with lower price tags

You can order Angloplas products directly from its website by going to www angloplas co uk

and you are protected from any liability for negligence

Contact us now to book in your free care home assessment on 0800 243 471 or email info@swiftclean co uk www swiftclean co uk

Chiltern: Expert Water Ser vices, Tailored To Your Needs

Legionnaires disease is caused by Legionella Pneumophila bacteria This is found in nearly all water systems but is normally limited to low safe levels However, in domestic or man-made water systems, legionella bacterial levels can rise and become unsafe possibly causing infection to those exposed

Duty Holders of all commercial and public building premises are legally required to assess the risk from legionella to anyone using the water systems and put in place legionella control measures if required

At Chiltern Water & Environment, we offer legionella control services nationwide including:

A legionella risk assessment that can identify and assess the risk from each open water system

If significant risks are identified then we offer:

• A control scheme must be established to monitor the r sks remediate any issue identified and ensure the system is adequately maintained to prevent future risks

• A competent, responsible point person is nominated to ensure the above is carried out effectively

Some systems may require additional water sampling especially where susceptible people are present, there has been a history of legionella issues or the control scheme cannot be adequately maintained

For further information visit www chilternwater co uk or see the advert on the following pages

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL

Sustainable Products Inter view with High Green Development Trust

High Green Development Trust manages The Campus which is an inclusive community centre and business hub for people to go and meet others do business learn and participate in sports and other leisure activities

Recently the Trust came to Killis for help about their need to improve their sustainability

Both Lucy Whitehouse Killis Janitorial Sales Manager and Gail Sutton HGDT Campus Manager worked alongside each other to ensure that needs were met and that High Green were able to incorporate the sustainable products without any difficulties

Lucy caught up with Gail about the new products installed how they were getting on with them and how it’s helped contribute to their sustainability and environmental policy to reach their goals

Did the focus on sustainability following the government sustainability targets speed up the deployment of such solutions?

No it didn't I already had a plan that when I took over here and saw some of the products we were utilising It didn't fit in with my sustainability plan or the environmental pol cy we developed as a leadership team As such I wanted to progress as quickly as I could so the government sanctions

didn t come into it

Can you tell us why you chose these products over other less sustainable alternatives?

I have chosen the products two-fold One the relationship that predecessors had with Killis wasn t what I d call working in a business partnership which I want to develop Two I wanted to utilise Killis products in their portfolio that fit in with our environmental policy and what we want to achieve as a charity campus for the community

Why are these sustainable products impor tant to High Green Development Tr ust?

We are a charity working in the community on-site, we have respite centres, sense schools and nurseries We must lead by example to develop the environmental plan sustain our planet and do our part to play and support our local environment

What benefits have you had switching to these sustainable products?

How has High Green benefitted from switching?

By moving over we have the confidence that the items we ve had are either from recyclable sources or recyclable or they don t damage the local environment

Did you have any reser vations about switching to all sustainable products?

Absolutely not Firstly it s about the environment and also it's about the space-saving of products particularly of the soaps How did these new sustainable products integrate with your cleaning team?

edencleen from Cleenol

Over the course of our history we at Cleenol have always produced products that offer a perfect balance between cleaning performance and efficiency with an attention to reducing the environmental impact that our products may carry edencleen our latest brand reaffirms our commitment to our credentials for environmental guardianship and represents an evolution of what has been an integral part of our DNA Edencleen has been designed to reflect in part our vision for a cleaner safer world that touches not only the environmental aspects of sustainability but has as an aim a social ambition to leave the planet in the safe care of and for future generations As such with edencleen Cleenol looks to ensure transparency in our approach which may on occasion result in some counter intuitive elements

The range covers the essential needs to cover 80% of daily cleaning and include a washroom cleaner and toilet gel cleaner and urinal deodoriser an all-purpose surface sanitiser a degreaser and a washing up liquid a no rinse floor degreaser a window cleaner and a laundry detergent and fabric softener edencleen products have been developed around the following principles and ingredients

• RSPO certified palm oil derivatives

With over 30 years of experience, CWE can help you provide safe water systems for your care home, including:

• Water sampling

• Legionella compliance

• Asset inspection – tanks, calorifiers etc.

• Remedial works

• Swimming and spa pool testing

Tel: 01844 347678

Email: info@chilternwater.co.uk

www.chilternwater.co.uk

They ve really taken to them They were a little apprehensive at first, thinking particularly of the soap How can a small item deliver the cleanliness of what we need and the hygiene in our toilet environments they were amazed What's your favourite sustainable product that you buy from us?

I think my favourite has to be the soap It saves space cuts costs, the packaging it comes in and that s from a recyclable source and it s recyclable So it s a one-stop-shop It completes the circle

In addition to the soap being a favourite product I also have to add Zoono In a community campus environment, it's essential to have confidence in the products Zoono sanitises touchpoints and is available at hand sanitising stations It is user friendly and kind to hands while providing longlasting protection against germs

What would you say to other organisations considering using more sustainable alternatives?

Personally I think it s a no brainer It supports the environment and if as a business you have sustainability and environmental policies then decreasing the amount of chemicals that you use throughout the business is a winwin

If you would like any further information, a little guidance or advice on the best products to help reach your goals and how your organisation can benefit from more sustainably conscious cleaning products and alternatives please reach out to Lucy Whitehouse at lucy@killis co uk

Lastly, we would like to thank Gail at High Green Development Trust for taking the time to take part in our interview

See the advert on the facing page for full details about Killis

No animal derived products

Cruelty free

Minimal petrochemical derived products

No parabens formaldehyde, CMI/MIT triclosan, phosphates, chlorine bleaches, optical brighteners quaternary ammon um compounds

VOC free and phosphate, EDTA, NTA free

Recyclable / recycled packaging

100% bio-based surfactant - made by using bio-based ethylene oxide which is manufactured from biomass ethanol

Bioethanol, naturally der ved acids, sugar-based surfactants, bio-based solvents, low impact preservatives

Combining carefully formulated products with appropriate packaging, using recycled material or recyclable componentry, the range’s mostly colourless liquid and low fragrance usage are designed to convey a transparency and straightforwardness of our approach which will be a hallmark of all edencleen products and associated services

Careful use of enzymatic formulations and more traditional chemistry brings a portfolio of products that’s finely attuned to delivering effective cleaning which when used as instructed helps maintain a neutral environmental impact edencleen s new range represents just the start to a fully refreshed solution to meet the most demanding of customers expectations See the advert below for further information

Re-booting Dementia Care DEMENTIA CARE

Orchard Care Homes has long been an advocate of quality innovative Dementia Care Lately it has set the bar even higher with the introduction of its group-wide Dementia Promise This sets out to provide equitable care for those living with the condition and level-up training for all staff – using evidencebased practices Hayden Knight CEO of Orchard Care Homes discusses the importance of pioneering change for those living with Dementia

The issue of dementia provision across the care sector has never been more prominent The number of those living with dementia in the UK is growing Sadly more people are arriving at our care homes with acute levels of dementia and increasingly complex needs – many having been referred from social settings who are unable to support them As a result of this trend and concerns from families seeking support for loved ones we have made it our mission to help and guide by setting the wheels in motion for genuine change to dementia support

Our Reconnect communities don t cater to mass needs – instead our activities and care plans are finely tuned to the personal requirements and interests of each person We believe in equitable care for all and those with Dementia should be no different By putting an element of positive risk in place we can fully support people with hobbies and tasks that keep them meaningfully occupied – be it gardening assisting with small tasks in the kitchen like washing up or visiting the local pub for lunch

Our Dementia Promise is not a token gesture – but a group-wide commitment to change With a background as a specialist having previously worked in expert Mental Health Provision my ethos for the group is to widen our offering to become the very best in our sector

Generally, the care sector is making a shift towards training staff in dementia support needs, but there is still a gap Orchard s strong team and capabilities aim to fill that We are currently implementing a ‘Step Up to Dementia Support Worker’ programme, which follows the success of our ‘Step Up to Seniors’ model With a shortage of carers coming to the sector with the required abilities needed, we have devised an intensive training model which will see a greater number of recruitment prospects for us and opportunities for our existing team to develop their chosen careers

For several years now we have recognised these growing needs

Over 55% of those arriving at an Orchard Care Home have some level of dementia support need – and this figure is on the rise Whilst we will always cater to the regional demographic of our homes we can t ignore these statistics Earlier this year our Dementia Promise was launched with both specialism and understanding in mind The initiative doesn’t merely pay lip service to progressing our dementia care offering It’s a huge investment for the group with over £500 000 spent annually on dedicated training programs and mentoring of our staff benefitting everyone from domestics to the CEO

We are also committed to investing in our clinical support team Again with a shortage of workers in this field coming to care we want to be able to offer the very best chances and to develop quality staff across our group By rewarding them for their skills and dedication both with an uplift in pay and options to advance their careers with Orchard we are hoping to further strengthen our support across the group For example we have just brought in two care and clinical practitioners to deliver face-to-face clinical training to up-skill staff and provide supervision and support with revalidation

When people arrive at care homes with complex needs it can be a very daunting experience

To address this and to provide a solution for local authorities and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) who have limited quality provisions to support people with higher levels of acuity, we have introduced specialist Reconnect Communities We now have five Reconnects amongst our 23-strong group, with more planned later this year With an expert care team, offering individualised support, we can be truly people focused

To further invest in our staff and create career progression models we have introduced a new Student Nurse Strategy Allowing new nurses to the sector to learn from our experienced staff will bring a huge benefit to our homes by allowing clinical placements to be fulfilled which will strengthen our team and the level of care available Student nurses working in conjunction with their university will gain valuable mentoring from our homelevel nurses who will also provide sign-off for coursework The outcomes of these partnerships will not only develop new nurses in the sector, but it’s hoped that they will encourage newly qualified nurses to join the Orchard team long-term

Continuing to challenge ourselves and others will only build on the momentum of our Dementia Promise

After a positive response from families and healthcare professionals, we feel confident that our work will make a significant impact both for our group and eventually the wider sector

Recognii Offers New Way To Entertain Residents With Later Stage Dementia

The first film created especially for people living with later-stage dementia is offering care homes an inexpensive and accessible new way to entertain residents

‘Treasure Box by Recognii is an hour-long series of uplifting plot-free and visually engaging short clips all set to some of the nation s best-known music songs and theme tunes

Each scene has been designed to capture short attention spans and specially adapted to overcome the common visual and cognitive processing problems associated with the condition

The company s founder Sarah Harrison says Treasure Box was designed to be an essential resource for dementia care providers providing safe engaging entertainment for communal relaxation areas or a flexible tool for more focused one-to-one or group activities

She explained “Treasure Box can be enjoyed as a complete film, but there are also deliberately slow transitions between each of the clips to allow for sensory readjustment and to give staff time to pause the film and reminisce or chat with residents about what they have just seen ”

Recognii contains the sort of content the company’s research showed had most universal appeal among sufferers from happy children appealing animals and gentle humour to musical interaction the natural world iconic people and places puppetry and lots more

Treasure Box is available on USB stick for use in Smart TVs and laptops and also in traditional DVD format They retail at £23 99 for the USB stick or £19 99 for the DVD

Dr Lucy Pollock gerontologist and author of bestselling The Book About Getting Older said This is just lovely Treasure Box is the sort of thing that can be watched over and over by people living with significant dementia In the same way that small children like replaying their favourites these images with music become very soothing with familiarity Even those with significant dementia can find repeated routines comforting

To accommodate the visual processing problems experienced by many people with advanced dementia the team took a deliberate approach to the way the content is filmed

Sarah explained: “To make everything as visible as possible we filmed against plain backgrounds, with high

colour and tonal contrast and predominant use of red and those primary colours research shows are most easily recognised We also took care not to feature unnecessary detail busy patterns shadows or reflective light sources ”

Each plot-free clip contrasts strongly from the last to draw wandering attention back to the screen and in keeping with the visual approach music and vocal arrangements are simple and dialogue is kept to a minimum

CASE STUDY:

Acacia Lodge Care Home in Oxfordshire is a purpose-built residence in the centre of picturesque Henley-On-Thames with 55 en-suite rooms and beautifully landscaped gardens

It is part of The Future Care Group a leading residential nursing and dementia care provider with 18 high-quality homes across the UK

Acacia Lodge lifestyle assistant Alex Owens purchased Recognii to use on their dementia floor after read ng about the innovation in The Daily Telegraph

Lifestyle lead Wendy Fricker said At Acacia Lodge quality of life is at the heart of everything we do and we are continually looking for new and varied ways to ensure each of our residents stays engaged happy and relaxed

“We were very impressed with the Recognii concept The short, simple clips helped a great deal, holding our residents attention and keep ng them watching eagerly for the next scene The content is very well thought out, and they loved the mix of singalongs, smiling children, animals and bright, colourful images Thirteen out of our 16 residents with dementia engaged and joined in with every sequence which was just amazing to see ”

Wendy now uses Recognii as part of a cinema-style’ experience handing out popcorn tea cakes and fizzy drinks for residents to enjoy while they settle down to watch with care staff She also uses t as a discussion and reminiscence tool with smaller groups or for focussed one-to-one activit es

Wendy said: Recogn i is a welcome addition to the stimulating and diverse programme of activities and events at Acacia Lodge We can t wait for the next volume and will be putting in our order asap!

More information and demos are available through the Recognii website at www recognii co uk

Focus Games - Game Based

Training for Ever y Situation

Focus Games are the leading game developers focused on education for healthcare staff and patients

Game-based learning is an innovative approach to education that leverages the principles of games to create engaging and interactive learning experiences This approach has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to motivate learners and improve retention rates Healthcare staff can benefit significantly from game-based learning as it can help them acquire new knowledge and skills in a fun and engaging way The key benefits of game-based learning for all healthcare staff are:

1 Enhanced engagement

2 Improved knowledge retention

3 Safe learning environment

4 Customizable learning experience

5 Collaborative learning

With over 20 years of experience we have developed games aimed at improving knowledge and outcomes and have won numerous awards for our innovative approach

Visit our website to learn about over 150 existing games or get in touch to discuss creating a unique game or simulation to meet your needs We also have a unique commercialisation model which means your game idea can also be a revenue generator Find out more at www focusgames com Or email melvin@focusgames com

Designing for Dementia: How to work with decorators to create supportive spaces

same colour as the walls so that they blend in, helping to avoid unauthorised access

• To highlight obstacles such as pillars, handrails and radiators, use brighter colours to make them stand out

• Outside of the realms of paint and colour, floors should avoid high sheens and patterns to prevent disorientating residents

Calming colours

As well as colour, the specific type of paint used should be a key consideration Care home managers should speak to their decorator to identify the types of paint that will be needed in different areas as products are optimised for varying purposes

Each year, the Alzheimer ’s Society holds Dementia Action Week – an awareness campaign that aims to highlight the indicators of dementia and the support available to all impacted by it This year, the campaign is running from 15th – 21st May, with a focus on raising awareness and encouraging people to get a diagnosis

Last year ’s Dementia Action Week resulted in a 43% rise in calls to its dementia support line during the week Campaigns like this are therefore vital to raise awareness of the symptoms of dementia and support available to those living with the condition and their families

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, demand for larger and betterequipped care homes has increased According to studies by building and construction market researchers AMA, “the demand for additional capacity within the care home market is likely to start rising again within the next couple of years ” For this reason, care home managers need to consider how to accommodate more residents and ensure premises are effectively designed to meet their needs

Perfecting the palette

Correct colour choice and location can aid independence and wayfinding for those living with dementia It is therefore crucial that care home managers work closely with decorators to ensure the right colours are chosen for the space

Dulux Trade, alongside the British Research Establishment, created the Dementia Friendly Colour Palette Following years of experience in design and medical research, it is recommended for use in spaces catering for those living with dementia The palette recommends the following:

• Soft, calm tones should be used on main walls, with only small hints of colour to help aid wayfinding

• Critical surfaces – including walls, floors and doors –should have contrast between them To make doors obvious against neutral walls, bold hues such as navies, sage greens and burgundies should be used

• More saturated colours such as yellows, muted purples, oranges and teals may be used on feature walls to add interest, such as in a living room, or walls that need to be highlighted to support residents with wayfinding, such as the kitchen serving areas or end of corridors

• Staff areas and supply cupboards should be painted in the

For example, Dulux Trade Scuffshield is a tough, waterbased matt emulsion containing ultimate scuff-resistant technology to protect walls against scuff marks made by shoes and bags This makes it ideal for high traffic areas such as corridors, stairwells and hallways It is also cleanable, with great stain resistance, keeping walls in top condition for longer

In addition, Dulux Trade Diamond Matt includes stainrepellent technology that is ideal for settings like dining areas that often need cleaning The Diamond Matt paint formula has been tested to ensure it can withstand up to 10,000 scrubs, meaning walls can withstand daily wear and tear and regular cleaning

On the other hand, Dulux Trade Sterishield Diamond Matt and Dual Active Matt contain additives that reduce populations of harmful bacteria – key for environments occupied by vulnerable people Dulux Trade Sterishield Diamond Matt is a quick drying, water-based coating with an in-film bactericide which reduces populations of MRSA and E coli Additionally, Dulux Trade Sterishield Dual Active contains in-film antimicrobial additive, which inhibits bacteria and viruses within the paint film, and thus reduces populations of MRSA, E coli, Coronaviruses and Human Herpesvirus Using both paints alongside appropriate cleaning practices helps to promote more hygienic, safer environments

On-site conduct and considerations

Care home managers should work closely with the decorating team to ensure works are completed in a timely manner – and cause minimal disruption to staff and residents For example, the care home staff should be aware of what areas are out of bounds and ensure residents are relocated to other areas of the premises It is also important to work with the decorating team to schedule deliveries and ensure staff and emergency services can access the site as needed

For more information on best practice when it comes to decorating care homes, please visit www duluxtradepaintexpert co uk/en/content/occd-hub

To help find the best decorator for your job, please visit: www duluxselectdecorators co uk or https://connectdirectory dulux co uk

Fall Savers® are an experienced market leading healthcare provider of resident safety solutions for over 15 years

FALL SAVERS ® WIRELESS MONITOR

Eliminate all cables with our new generation falls management solutions!

Upgrade your falls programme with the latest technology from Fall Savers® The NEW Fall Savers® Wireless eliminates the cord between the monitor and sensor pad This results in less work for nursing staff improved safety for patients and reduced wear and tear on sensor pads Wireless advantages include the ability to use one monitor with two sensor pads simultaneously and support for many new wireless devices

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Safer for patients; less work for staff Bed and chair pads available One monitor works w th two sensor pads Integrates with most nurse call systems

A variety of options including Call button Pager

Floor sensor mat

W reless door/window exit alerts

TREADNOUGHT ®FLOOR

Lotus Care Technology

The NurseAlert pressure mat has been one of the most successful floor pressure mats due to it being non slip and carpeted which makes it feel very natural under a residents foot Lotus Care Technology Ltd have many other fall saving devices that can give you peace of mind whilst caring for this at risk of falls

Having many years of experience in fitting and maintaining

Nurse Call Systems helps the guys at Lotus Care Technology understand that every home is different and has different needs They can specify not only the best system for the environmental factors in the home but also take into consideration the best products that will make your carers and nurses jobs that little bit easier

Visit www lctuk com for details

CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

Silent Running - Tranquility in Care Homes

Quiet and calm care homes ensure that residents are able to live in a more relaxing and pleasant home environment Similarly, carers and staff find that they too benefit from reduced stress when working in a home where noise levels are kept to a minimum There are many environmental factors that can affect those sensitive to their surroundings particularly those suffering from dementia these can be fluctuations in ambient temperature light and of course noise Repetitive and high levels of noise can originate from a number of internal and external sources for example telephones ringing loud conversations in corridors and call bells sounding, often one of the

largest contributors to increasing the levels of stress and discomfort in residents

A published study by the University of Stirling stated that unanswered Nurse Call (Call Bell) alarms can be one of the most common causes of stress in dementia sufferers The University recommends fitting call alarms which alert nurses but do not resonate throughout the whole building Alarms can be particularly disconcerting as they may encourage the person with dementia to respond or investigate what the matter is At the very least the loss of sleep will compromise a person’s ability to concentrate It can affect their attention levels and capacity to cope as well as being detrimental to their overall state of wellbeing Personal paging systems are preferable to bells and buzzers Modern Nurse Call systems can incorporate a number of methods to reduce their impact in a care home These include zoning whereby there are separate alarm types used depending upon the location of the call In these circumstances dementia sufferers and those vulnerable to noise can be located in one “zone” whist less vulnerable residents live in an alternative zone Each zone can operate different call tones warning lights or other methods to alert when help

is required

Reducing noise levels is essential to create a tranquil environment for residents Pagers have been around for many years are a relatively simple and cost-effective measure in reducing the levels of noise and can be added to most Nurse Call systems Smart Mobile Devices are now becoming more commonplace for care home staff and hold a variety of apps for care planning e-medication, etc Many Courtney

Thorne clients are now utilising the “Go” app with their Nurse Call system With the “Go” app, nurse call alarms are delivered immediately and silently straight to the handsets alerting the individual carers to all Nurse call alarms without creating any general alarm sound and rarely disturbing the rest of the residents in the home

Calmer residents ultimately means that staff are less stressed also this creates a happier workplace where morale is greatly improved, staff are retained and CQC ratings improve Clearly the positive ramifications of a quiet Care Home run deep Get in touch today to find out how we can help your home become a quieter calmer and more tranquil environment

For more information email us at: info@c-t co uk

Blaucomm Ltd - Telecommunications & Networks

Blaucomm’s Nurse Call Messaging Service (NMS) is the market leading solution to remove the dependency on noisy nurse call panels and pagers through its intelligent software which delivers the alerts straight to the care staff who need them

Care homes are rapidly introducing smartphones for digital care planning and eMar - now, the same devices can be used to receive the nurse call alerts they need for the residents under their care

Furthermore, Blaucomm NMS is deeply linked into Person Centred Software MCM so call bell data is linked straight to care plans This unlocks a huge benefit to care homes to enhance the staff performance with how they accept and respond to residents which ultimately promotes better response times and visibility for management to audit their performance

The best part is that Blaucomm NMS links into your existing nurse call system - we work with all major brands such as Aidcall ARM Courtney Thorne C-TEC ENS Intercall Medicare SAS and TeleAlarm

Care operators are constantly recognising Blaucomm NMS for its reliability and dependability to their care operations which is why we ve been chosen time and time again over other solutions

Head of IT Trudi Harrow at WCS Care had this to say about Blaucomm

NMS:

“We find Blaucomm is a genuinely fantastic company with a reliable product

We have a range of nurse call systems at different sites and the NMS system integrates to them and allows us to compare response times between sites In addition the integration to Person Centred Software is revolutionary We would highly recommend this to anybody who wants to replace expensive pagers and silence those annoyingly loud nurse call screens!

To find out more about Blaucomm NMS, visit www blaucomm co uk/healthcare

Ssee the advert on the front cover for more details

www.nursecallsystems.co.uk

Locàite.me - The Latest Personal SOS and Fall Alarm Solution from Càite Ltd

Locàite me is the latest personal SOS and fall alarm solution from Càite Ltd that helps you support care for and communicate easily with loved ones enabling them to live independently at home for longer

Designed at every stage with the wearer in mind the simplicity of Locàite me is one of its key strengths Simply press the large SOS button to make a two-way voice call to a family member or carer if help is needed Other alarms including the fall alarm are activated automatically You and others with whom you choose to share access receive smartphone notifications for all alarms and can instantly see whereabouts on the map along with recent movement history Then saved emergency contacts are dialled in turn until one answers

With the familiar appearance of a key fob for the wearer coupled with our exceptionally user-friendly app for carers

Medpage Falls Management Products

Medpage is a family ran company with a huge heart and resources gathered over our 38year trading history The majority of the technologies we design manufacture and distribute originate from enquiries received from healthcare professionals and personal family care observations Our product portfolio provides a wide variety of care solutions for epilepsy dementia senior care special needs and sensory loss

Our latest innovation currently in use in several Hospitals presents an effective fall monitoring detection and reporting solution The MPCSA11 is a complex software driven sensor monitor made to be user and operator friendly This device has already proven successful in hospital and care home trials

by reducing patient falls while also reducing false positives from a safe patient The device can monitor and interact with up to three sensor products: bed and chair occupancy pressure pads PIR movement detection sensors and proximity signal products

In use, a patient or resident rising from their bed would be considered a falls risk, but what if they are simply moving to sit in a chair close to their bed? A standard bed monitor would raise an alarm alerting care staff who would arrive to find the person safely seated The MPCSA11 would only generate an alarm if the person was out of their bed or chair for a selectable time duration Learn more www easylinkuk co uk/mpcsa11

See the advert on page 7 for details

as possible There’s no in-home installation required as the small battery powered Room Locàite beacons are simple to place in as many rooms as you need The Locàite me pendant records the nearest beacon and the app records and displays this on a handy 7 day chart Locàite me gives reassurance and peace of mind to families who support loved ones to live independently It costs £129 99 and the associated monthly SIM plan is just £14 99 which includes 100 minutes of SOS voice calls and 60 optional SMS messages each month It s a straightforward 1 month contract and you can cancel any time from within the app Our accessory Room Locàite beacons come in packs of 3 for £49 99 Visit www Locaite me for further details or to contact us and be sure to read our 5 star reviews on Trustpilot and Amazon to hear how Locàite me has helped so many other families

Frequency PrecisionSensors and Pressure Mats to Monitor Those in Care

Technology has made people more connected with the world around them and the revolution in assistive care devices has made it possible for the elderly to spend their last years in a comfortable and familiar environment These devices have also made it easier for home carers to provide quality care for their loved ones while managing their own lives They allow you to care for your elderly whether they are travelling in the city for errands, staying alone at home, or staying in the same home as you They are also helping nursing homes provide better care for them with discrete monitoring and quick responses to emergencies

If you re looking for these kinds of assistive care devices for your loved ones or nursing home Frequency Precision produce some of the best systems available to help you with elderly care and

mobility monitoring ranging from bed chair and floor sensor mats through fall monitoring and GPS tracking to fully integrated nurse call plug or wireless systems Contact us or come and see us at the COTS on Stand 36

Phone: 01837 810590

Email: contact@frequencyprecision com

Website: www frequencyprecision com

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Don’t Get Lost On Your Digital Journey

The next 12 months is going to see big changes in the residential care sector With around 50% of homes still using a paper system to plan and record care The NHS Transformation Directorate have big ideas which whilst exciting are daunting to those without the proper tools to make these ideas a reality

So where to begin? Finding the right software provider might appear to be the ideal starting point Will the provider meet all your requirements within budget and customise the software to fit with your own processes? It’s only once you have made this decision that your journey will really begin

There is little information and guidance out there on how to implement a new system into a residential care setting where do you start?

As with any journey you need a route plan

At Ablyss, we know one size doesn’t fit all We understand there are requirements

unique to our customers and are committed to working together to provide the best service for them We understand that the care landscape is always changing and improving whether via new processes or new technologies We keep up to date with what our sector needs to ensure we are providing the best, and most cost effective service possible

Again let s ask: So where to begin? Now we know the answer Find a system provider who will share their experience and knowledge with you and get you to your final destination smoothly and safely

From implementing systems into homes for over 20 years, we not only know how to help plan your journey but we ll be there as your co-pilot too Every step of the way So jump on board and get ready to take off!

For further information on the Blyssful Cloud Care System, visit www ablyss co uk

Digital Social Care Appoints The Access Group to the Assured Supplier List Intended to Help Care Providers Meet 2024 Digitisation Target

Digital Social Care the membership organisation tasked by NHS England to create and manage a list of assured suppliers who can help care home providers roll out a digital social care record (DSCR) by 2024, has appointed The Access Group to its roster

The company s care management solution Access Care and Clinical (AC&C) has been assessed against NHS England’s criteria and accredited against their three key categories; core capabilities and standards; ongoing assurance to required standards; and local assurance

The list launched in April 2021 by the NHS Transformation Directorate, is intended to help providers navigate the supplier market and identify organisations and their digital social care record solutions that have already undergone comprehensive due diligence

In turn giving them peace of mind about the functionality and capability of the technology in achieving their digital goals and making it quicker and easier to make purchasing decisions

Providers have the ability to filter suppliers based on their specific needs to ensure they select the right care planning tools for them And with AC&C tried and trusted by over 500 care providers it s well placed to help care homes meet the government s ambition to digitise

records by next year

On the appointment Steve Sawyer Managing Director Access Health Support and Care said: Care home providers can feel like they are facing a daunting task, navigating the supplier landscape and determining which solutions are best for them and their staff The assured list is vital in streamlining this process, making it simpler, easier and more cost-effective for the individual provider to make decisions

“As a leading provider of care management solutions across the UK and one of the few assured suppliers on the list that offer solutions specifically tailored to residential care home providers, we’re delighted to be appointed and to have the opportunity to support care homes on their digital journey ”

Care providers can also benefit from central funding via their Integrated Care System to support their transition to digital health and care records if one of the assured suppliers is chosen from the list

Further details on The Access Group and AC&C are included on the supplier assured list and can be found at www theaccessgroup com

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Pass Profile 2023

PASS supports over 1 000 care providers every day giving them access to market leading care management tools hand in hand with unlimited 24/7/365 support from our dedicated and friendly PASS team

• Improve the quality of care

Deliver better outcomes

INTEGRATED HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

Our commitment to the continual evolution of PASS is further illustrated by the addition of GP Connect

The first product of its type to offer this feature PASS is still one of only a handful of digital care management solutions to have completed this NHS Digital integration and is the only one offering it to the home care market

Assured by NHS Transformation Directorate PASS provides a secure platform that allows you to plan record and evidence the care you deliver The only assured solution built specifically for the home care sector, it provides comprehensive real-time functionality and allows you to share progress against outcomes with customisable exportable reports

CARE PLANNING AND ROSTERING FROM A SINGLE PLATFORM

To meet the wider needs of the PASS community All-in-one PASS has recently been launched bringing advanced rostering functionality to our established digital care planning platform As a result advanced staff scheduling payroll and invoicing functionality is now seamlessly linked with care planning and reporting, reducing the technical complexity, risk and overhead associated with integrating two separate systems

As a result PASS now provides an all-in-one suite of digital care management tools available from a single platform designed to

Save you time

Increase the efficiency of your teams

The CAREAudits System

The CAREAudits compliance auditing tool is now being used throughout the UK and Ireland in numerous locations by all care service providers

Carers and managers are checking everything from CQC Compliance and Safety to Medication Audits, Training and Maintenance as well as service users quality and wellbeing

The system allows care providers to audit or check just about everything and manage all areas requiring actions (or non-compliances) in its Web Portal Encrypted date and time stamped evidence including photos is seamlessly auto attached and recorded in the system Management see in real time exactly were best to focus their attention and resources and how they are meeting their compliance requirements

The system has over 150 easy to use example audits to select from which you can easily add to or edit your own audits in minutes ensuring simple instant updates of ever-changing requirements App care auditors can use CAREAudits with virtually no training it s that simple The Care

PASS GP Connect provides authorised social care staff with realtime access to their client s GP records It makes medical information available when and where it is needed leading to improvements in both care safety and outcomes:

Visibility of allergies vaccinations and medications especially useful for clients unable to reliably share their personal information

• Using medical information to inform care planning

Ensuring that the right medication is delivered to the right person in the timeliest manner In one case, this allowed the administration of antibiotics on a Friday evening aiding the service user s swift recovery from infection

Available to all PASS users at no additional cost, PASS GP Connect is significantly more efficient than waiting for a GP response It’s also a positive step forward on the path to the DHSC’s goal for widespread digitally enabled care and is in full alignment with their ambition for joined up care for everyone

Get in touch:

www everylifetechnologies com

hello@everylifetechnoloiges com

Auditor’s Hands Free Operation guides the user through each audit, each question and answer with its own help text standard answers and standard actions required ensuring that the least skilled operative becomes the care expert

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

Steven Tegart from Talbot Group likes reporting and says “I wish all my other systems were as easy to extract data for management reports as the CAREAudits Excel links

Andrew Wood of Wood Care Group says “It is easy to use and our management team complete audits daily which and very customisable giving you the reporting and monitoring you require to ensure risk mitigation in our services

Customer support is excellent and we have never had any issues

Steve Smith regional manager at Care Homes UK says “We were able to implement the system ourselves and are now benefitting from management having all the information we need at our fingertips in real time wherever we are”

CAREAudits apps are a part of the Care Plus Innovation Group

Users can download the app for a free trial and be up and running with the full system in minutes w: www careaudits co uk e: care@careaudits co uk t: 01482 238887

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Phlebotomy Training: Who Needs It?

12 years ago when she started Phlebotomy Training Services Alison had a slide in her original course the Basic Phlebotomy Toolkit that read

Blood tests are usually requested by a doctor for diagnosis or for the management of long term medical conditions”

Blood was traditionally drawn by nurses but now we train Doctor s receptionists and Healthcare Assistants to take blood to support their clinical colleagues and we also train people who need to take blood for research purposes to produce PRP for use in aesthetic procedures and in dentistry and for a range of other purposes

Traditionally phlebotomy training was provided on the job by employers and while some phlebotomists in practice today are highly skilled others are less so

We deliver a standardised phlebotomy training course – every learner, wherever in the country they are and whenever they train with us will be trained in the same way

Before writing the course Alison went to the manufacturers of the blood collection systems and asked them how they expected their equipment to be used and wrote her training around that, and CHS 132 the Skills for Health Guidelines for obtaining venous blood samples

Many practicing phlebotomists had never inserted a needle into anything before they took their first sample and we do not think that is right – we aren t saying that on the job training is wrong – we think it’s essential - but we know that individuals who have acquired a base level of skill and knowledge before taking their first sample go on to make better phlebotomists

They have a sound repeatable technique and understand why they are doing what they do

On our courses you won t be asked to take blood from each other you’ll use pads and prosthetic arms to hone your skills so that when you come to take your first sample the only thing that gives you pause will be inserting the needle into real skin rather than a prosthetic

THE REST:

Identifying the patient obtaining informed consent washing your hands checking if the patient has had any problems before when having blood taken applying the tourniquet, palpating correctly, swabbing the site if required, changing the bottles whilst keeping the needle still removing the needle disposing of it safely applying pressure to the site to stop any bleeding checking for allergy to plasters applying a plaster to the site once the bleeding has stopped inverting the samples checking the patient s ID labelling the samples correctly and offering them aftercare, will all be second nature

YOU DON’T NEED ANY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE TO TRAIN WITH US

Our introductory phlebotomy training course Understanding and Applying Phlebotomy Skills and Techniques will give you all of the skills that are required to begin a career in phlebotomy

There isn’t any “Recognised NHS Training” whatever some training providers may claim and no training organisation can give you a “NHS Certificate of Competency” – you can only earn one of those by being supervised in a place of work over a period of time while you are taking blood

What we are proud to say is that we have been providing accredited phlebotomy training for 12 years and there are thousands of phlebotomists working in doctors surgeries hospitals (and all sorts of other places too) up and down the country who hold our certificate

What are they earning as phlebotomists??

The simple answer to that is “It depends” but most phlebotomy jobs in the UK are on NHS bands 2 or 3 which equates to between £17 652 and £20 765 per annum full time dependent upon experience

But many phlebotomists work part time which will reduce that income dependent upon the hours worked

See the advert below for further details

W&P Training

W&P Training supply comprehensive sets of CQC care policies and procedures that are personalised to your business Whether it s Residential Care Homes Domiciliary Homecare Nursing Homes Learning Disabilities or Supported Living – We cover it all

RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME POLICIES

Are Your Current Policies Up To Date?

There have been many recent changes to employment law vaccinations covid-19 guidance plus the CQC’s new strategy and regulatory approach W&P s team track these changes for you to ensure customers receive up to date CQC compliant documents

DOMILICIARY HOMECARE POLICIES

Over 130 comprehensive Domiciliary Care Policies and Procedures for Homecare / Domiciliary Based Services that are researched and written to meet all the CQC regulatory, legislative and good practice guidance within the Health and Social Care sector

CLINICAL PROCEDURES FOR NURSING HOMES

CQC compliance for new and established Nursing Homes

W&P’s clinical procedures include 70 comprehensive and up-to-date documents for your nursing home These clinical procedures complement our full set of Care Home Policies and Procedures

SUPORTED LIVING / LEARNING DISABILITIES POLICIES

Designed for Supported Living and Domiciliary providers that deliver CQC regulated activities to adults with Learning Disabilities and/ or Autism W&P’s Policies and Procedures for Supported Living Services will assist with your CQC compliance

Looking for Supported living Policies with NO Personal Care? Visit https://www wandptraining co uk/policies-andprocedures/non-registered-care-policies/ W&P s policy and compliance team are constantly scanning and reviewing all the statutory websites and regulatory publications to track the very latest developments in the Health & Social Care Sector

Policies and Procedures are updated every 4 months or immediately if there is a critical change to regulation good practice guidance case law outcomes or just feedback from customers

To find out more about what we offer go to www wandptraining co uk or see the advert on page 2

Ever ything You Need To Know About Mock CQC Inspections

When you redecorate your house, you quickly get used to your new environment Sometimes it takes a visit from a friend you haven’t seen for 6 months to remind you that, yes, you spent a lot of time and effort finding the right curtains to match your sofa

The same principle applies to mock CQC inspections When you live and breathe your business you simply don t see it the same way as someone who s just walked in the door

While it feels great to be complimented on your great taste 6 months after redecorating it doesn t feel so good if that same friend spots a stain on the rug that you’ve stopped noticing

Luckily we’re not all rating each other on interior design What you are being rated on, however, is your care business Specifically, how safe effective, caring responsive and well-led it is

IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES TO BE OUTSTANDING

A mock CQC inspection is carried out by a current or former inspector They’ll use the latest methodology and criteria to assess your business in line with CQC requirements – ie against those five quality statements

They gather evidence based on client experiences feedback from your team and other stakeholders observation paperwork and process reviews CQC inspectors play a vital role in keeping vulnerable people safe and setting high standards for care Naturally, that’s something they take very seriously

But if you’re focused on managing your team and taking care of clients, it can be hard to know whether you re ticking all the boxes that the CQC will look at That’s why a mock inspection is a great way to benchmark your business and find out how you’d be rated if the inspection was done today Your inspector will highlight what you re doing well so you can keep doing it and find opportunities where you could improve your service

If you re aiming for Outstanding

re on the right path in the future

So if you don t have any further questions all that s left to do is book your mock CQC inspection and get your care business on the journey to Outstanding

www

co uk to book

BIOFROST® Cold Therapy Gels for Drug-Free Pain Relief

benefits of BIOFROST® Relief include lasting pain relief improved joint movements comfort during sleep fewer cramps calmed nerve pain reduced joint and muscle discomfort and faster post-activity recoveries

Yeoman Shield Fire Door Ser vices Taking the Guess Work out of Fire Doors

C&S Seating Ltd

C&S Seating Ltd have provided postural control equipment to residential homes, hospices, medical equipment services and NHS trust hospitals nationwide since 1991

With 9 different sizes of T-Rolls and Log Rolls, in a removable and machine washable Waterproof Titex or Soft Knit material These rolls are used to control posture and position of the body in either supine or side lying Our Knee & Leg support wedges are available in 2 sizes

for repainting

For a complete repair and protect service contact the team today frdp@yeomanshield com or visit www yeomanshield com or see the advert page 10

Alternative Positioning Support – also available in two sizes, which has removable side cushions and middle pommel for when more control of the abducted lower limb is required

Our popular and vibrant range of Soft Knit covers in a choice of 5 colours, provide a softer alternative, ideal for the colder seasons and are designed to fit snug over our waterproof rolls for maximum protection and comfort

Contact us on 01424 853331 or visit www cands-seating co uk to request or download a brochure, pricelist or order form request an individualised quotation speak to an advisor or to place an order

BIOFROST® Cold Therapy Gels are natural drugfree topical cold therapy gels for muscular and joint pain chronic arthritic pain post-activity muscle tension general aches and overuse disorders Easy to use and fast acting BIOFROST® Cold Therapy Gels relieve pain reduce inflammation and swelling without drugs and drug-related side-effects

BIOFROST® Gels:

BIOFROST® Rel ef Cold Gel for pain relieving cold therapy

BIOFROST® Active Dual-Action Cold Gel with Heat Sensation combining cold with natural heat effects to treat back pain

BIOFROST® Relief provides instant pain relief and activates body s own healing through an optimal combination of natural ingredients including ethanol menthol eucalyptus, peppermint and MSM Reported

BIOFROST® Active is a dual-action fast-acting cold gel with heat sensation for effective relief of muscular and joint pain Containing 10 natural herbal extracts (i e Arnica Burdock Roman Chamomile Garlic Watercress Ivy White Nettle Pine Rosemary Menthol) BIOFROST® Active relieves chronic pain releases muscular tension loosens stiff joints and effectively treats back pain Benefits of BIOFROST® Active include easier joint movements effective pain relief in treated areas discomfort-free sleep fewer cramps and reduced post-activity muscular and joint fatigue

BIOFROST® Cold Therapy Gels are usable standalone or alongside other pain relieving therapies (i e medication physiotherapy etc ) BIOFROST® Cold Therapy Gels are suitable for people of any age, including elderly and disabled people living independently or in nursing care

See the advert on page 3 and the front cover

New Vision Signs and Graphics Ltd

environment

We offer a full survey service with designs drawings, location plans, manufacture and delivery or installation of door signs, lift directories, as well as directional and wayfinding signage

Kodak

New Vision Signs and Graphics Ltd are a leading supplier of innovative dementia-friendly signage and visual tools that are especially suited for use in hospitals and care homes

Our Dementia-friendly signage is available in different styles and colours and we take great pride in working closely with clients to create bespoke solutions that are suitable for their particular healthcare

and

Anglia Crown - Popular Dishes for Ever yone

Anglia Crown offer a wide range of hot and cold desserts that are ideal for a wellbalanced, nutritional diet including choices that do not contain gluten Our Crown Choice and Advantage ranges include some fifty-eight dishes, including our new warming Ginger Chocolate Chip Sponge and delicious, comforting custard that goes with almost any hot dessert

Our Crown Choice cold dessert includes the perennial favourites such as Chocolate Cake whilst our Crown Advantage range also offer reduced sugar desserts All individual Crown Advantage desserts come in packs of eighteen whilst the Crown Choice desserts come in packs of 3 and 6 allowing accurate portioning and cutting down on any potential waste

Many of the Anglia Crown dishes can be teamed up with fresh fruit allowing for additional choice Items such as our Carrot Cake or Vanilla Cheesecake can be accom-

C&S Seating Ltd is the sole manufacturer of the

Raising the Standard of

The Stair Climbing Company is one of the leading providers of powered Stair Climber solutions which have been specifically designed to assist those struggling with mobility and independence issues facing people with disabilities

The Stair Climbing Company offers an excellent range of compact easy to use powered Stair Climbers that are ideal for use in both home and commercial settings Offering innovative designs all of the company’s Stair Climbers can be separated into two pieces for safe storage and are easily transported and charged In addition all of its Stair Climber’s come with a two year manufacturer s warranty

The Stair Climbing Company maintains one main

See the advert on page 13

Stair Climbing Solutions

mission; to improve quality of life through its range of high-quality and custom devices with built-in seats

The safety and comfort of its customers is of the utmost importance to the company and it ensures that each wheelchair carrier model is designed to cater to individual customers’ specific needs and works with all stair types Furthermore the company provides Stair Climbers for all ages making them suitable for everyone and offers a free assessment for customers

If you would like to find out any more information please see the details below: T 01787 379160

www thestairclimbingcompany com

See the advert on page 13

Make First Impressions Count with Major Plants

to do without trying to remember whether the flowers have been watered, fed, or tidied up Calling in the experts like Major Plants Limited means that you can get on with your business while we ensure that outside your plant arrangements and presentation never let you down

Besides our regular floral display services we also offer a full package maintenance plan for your grounds and gardens

Major Plants Limited specialises in providing costeffective and visually striking hanging basket maintenance services This means we design plant arrangements to suit your business using a combination of hanging baskets and window boxes

We know that busy businesses have enough work

Whether you are seeking an alternative quotation to compare with an existing supplier or are looking at external flower arrangements for the first time our flexible agreement and personal service will give you a piece of mind reliable support for your business

Please get in touch!

0800 111 4014 – info@majorplants co uk

Or see the advert on the front cover

panied by whipped cream garnished with seasonal fresh fruit

Our hot desserts are high in energy, our hot portions of 170kcal and above provide energy and protein dense options and when served with custard provide over 250 kcal per serving Our cold desserts of 250 kcal and above also meet the energy guidelines in the British Dietetic Association (BDA)

Nutrition and Hydration Digest (2017) requirements

VEGAN SUITABLE CHOICES

At Anglia Crown we pride ourselves with the array of vegetarian and gluten free dishes that we offer including an impressive range of desserts This was recognised with us being named at the Vegetarian Wholesaler of the Year 2022 at the VfL Awards for Excellence in Veg n Care Catering

All the Anglia Crown hot desserts are suitable for vegetarians Most of the Anglia Crown vegan products have been registered with the Vegan Society including some thirteen of the dessert dishes ”

Anglia Crown are here to help take the strain out of your menus throughout the year Visit www angliacrown co uk for further details or see the advert on page 9

Making the Most of the International Recruitment Fund

By Tijen Ahmet, business immigration expert at law firm, Shakespeare Martineau (www.shma.co.uk)

Care providers need to act quickly to secure their share of the £50 million International Recruitment Fund which is only available across England until 2024 This fund has been created by the Government to help ease the costs of hiring from overseas and cut unnecessary red tape and whilst it might seem like a short-term solution to the longstanding issue of crippling staff shortages, care providers should seek to understand exactly what it covers to maximise the opportunity 88 per cent of home care operators and 87 per cent of care home providers have reported recruitment challenges

These challenges have been caused by a multitude of factors including the end of free movement following Brexit the lasting effects of the global pandemic, poor long-term planning from the Government and the cost-of-living crisis are piling pressure on the sector As a result, existing staff are having to take on more internal responsibilities as the scope of their role stretches potentially placing those who need care at risk The Health and Social Care Committee predicts that if staff shortage trend continues 500 000 jobs will need to be filled by 2030

The International Recruitment Fund plans to alleviate these pressures and can be used for administrative costs that will help facilitate a person’s move to the UK, including support with sponsorship licences and

worker visa applications In addition it can also be used to help with the logistics of settling the employee in a new country including finding them affordable housing helping to pay for a UK driving licence DBS check or National Insurance number

The funding will be granted by local authorities who in collaboration with care partnerships will distribute it to care providers in their areas Care providers should therefore proactively reach out to Local Authorities to ensure that they will be considered for funding, as while a £50 million sounds plentiful with thousands of care providers across the UK competing over the same pot it ultimately may not stretch too far The first round of funding has already been allocated across regions with the South East and North West assigned £2 5 million and £2 million respectively

The Fund itself is not unlimited and the government is yet to announce further measure beyond 2023 if at all This means it is vital to for care provider to understand the the financial support available to them to increase the chance of being successful Care providers should consider seeking professional immigration advice to help their international recruitment drive to ensure that the legal immigration requirements are met first time to avoid costly mistakes

The International Recruitment Fund is intended to give the sector a boost by cutting bureaucracy and unnecessary complexity within the process The biggest hope however is that it attracts the talent that the sector so desperately needs by making the positions more appealing if employers can help with settling an employee once they have relocated While the Fund will certainly go some way to support the sector in the short term more needs to be done to ensure there is a long-term strategy that will lift the burden from the sector and help to end the shortage

In Dire Need Of Experienced Health Care Assistant, Senior Carer Or A Nurse?

JJ Recruitment has the large database of well qualified applicants with experience in the health-care industry such as health care assistants senior carers and nurses from overseas We also have an expert team of solicitors for the necessary legal proceedings and advices

WHY JJ?

We have very minimal processing fees

the healthcare sector is invaluable We can provide end to endsolutions for nurses and clients across the country due to our many offices across the country (Liverpool Sheffield Burton on Trent and our head office on the Wirral) We have our own in-house training facility and are leading the way in OSCE preparation with innovative and proven strategies which result in first time passes This allows us to now offer a complete service ensuring all the requirements needed to join the UK NM register are met as quickly and effectively as possible

Whether you require 1 or 100 nurses we will ensure that they meet all your requirements and are ready to interview as soon as you need them with emphasis being on the quality and relevant experience of the nurses Our online courses are consistently being updated to reflect the changes made to the OSCE practices To ensure all our clients, have access to the most suitable candidates we work with reputable recruitment partners around the globe With the advanced systems we have in place we can track each individual nurse every step of the way providing all our clients with regular updates on the nurse’s progress We monitor and check in with all our candidates every step of the way making sure they have been given excellent training and support throughout their journey This allows us to ensure that we can provide you with a candidate that will pass their OSCE journey first time

SERVICES

WE PROVIDE

We will help arrange your sponsorship license

We will source the best candidates

We will fully screen each candidate

We arrange accommodation

What to Consider When

When considering whether to buy a care home business while you will no doubt have taken account of apparent profitability and potential, it is vital that you establish as far as possible likely costs (e g legal fees due diligence costs, post completion costs (tax, investment)) during and after the buying process as well as having a realistic idea of the timescales involved

INVESTMENT

It may sound obvious but you must always check the numbers carefully Has the bottom line been enhanced by underinvestment? This will go hand in hand with the due diligence exercise but what will the business require going forward whether it be property repairs/renovation (whether in terms of practicalities or statutory requirements) or investment in staff and facilities? You need to establish what needs to be spent after completion of the purchase in order to sustain and/or enhance profitability

This will no doubt form part of your business plan which, where funding is being obtained, your lender will want to look at

FINANCE

If you need to obtain finance for your deal consider the additional steps and costs that will be involved

An investor or lender will likely have specific requirements in terms of structure (creation and/or involvement of group companies) documentation (occupational leases) and/or due diligence (additional searches/checks) that may affect timing and expense

ASSET/SHARE PURCHASE

In most cases, a care home will be owned and operated by a limited company rather than an individual

Therefore usually one of the initial critical decisions to be made is whether to proceed by way of an asset or share purchase Advice should be sought on a case-by-case basis as there are a number of things to consider in terms of for example tax or financial implications Essentially with an asset purchase you are buying those “items” (e g the property the employees etc) which you consider to be vital to the continued running of the business With a share purchase you take on all assets and liabilities of the owning company

a Care Home Business

DUE DILIGENCE

While the documents dealing with the specific transaction are important, these will be negotiated in line with the due diligence exercise This process like other aspects takes time and costs money Where possible obtain an indication as to costs up front

Existing and potential future liabilities need to be considered whether in terms of property repairs tax considerations disputes etc

If development of the property is required (e g to extend the property) you must obtain advice from a planning perspective and your solicitor needs to advice on any title issues that may affect any intended development and/or the required use of the property (e g and covenants or restrictions affecting the property)

If the property interest you are taking or inheriting is leasehold, your solicitor will need to advise on any consents that may be required (in terms of the transaction (so that the lease may be transferred to you or the lease contains “change of control” restrictions) or your future plans (e g consent to carry out alterations) and any obligations and/or restrictions in the lease that may affect your plans Is the length of the lease sufficient? Do you have rights to renew the lease at the end of the term? Are you inheriting costly repair obligations?

PROFESSIONAL AND FINANCE

The Eden Alternative - What Is It?

The Eden Alternative is a modern ‘philosophy of care designed to enhance the wellbeing of residents and staff in care settings the quality of their lived experience and their fulfilment

It aims to build a truly positive culture; underpinned by close partnership working between residents the team and family members

How does it work? It provides training to Care Homes, management and staff and encourages Homes to train their own in house trainers to run the training Eden has been running in over 20 countries on 5 continents for nearly 30 years and started in the USA It began operating in the UK in 2005 Eden UK runs both face-to-face training and online courses which both lead to the accreditation of candidates as Certified Eden Associates of which there are over

Phoenix Learning and Care Set For Future Growth Following £20m Bespoke

Loan from OakNorth Bank

2 000 in the UK and 20 000 worldwide

The Certified Eden Associate Courses online course run over 7 weeks x 1hr each week using the same material as the 3-day Eden Associate courses and comprise 5 elements (online training with Eden trainers digital workbooks video clips assessment of learning and development of a project to develop implementing innovative ideas) Courses run continuously and a new one starts at the beginning of each alternate month e g March May July etc

For Homes or Services that choose to become an Eden Accredited Home annual validations of how Eden features with the life of the Home/Service are undertaken In recognition of the progress achieved by the care provision an award of Platinum Gold Silver or Bronze can be achieved Eden UK is based at 11 Plantation Terrace, Dawlish Devon EX7 9DS and can be contacted on 01626 868192 or 07483359472

The key advantages to the Eden approach are:

It improves occupancy

It improves recruitment and retention

It improves team and resident wellbeing Geoffrey Cox LLb MSc

OakNorth Bank, the digital bank for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs, has provided a £20m loan to Phoenix Learning and Care, a leading provider of specialist education and residential care for children and young adults with a range of additional needs

Established in 2006 and now employing over 500 people, Phoenix Learning and Care Group operates 41 sites including residential children s homes specialist education schools & colleges and ongoing adult care (in the form of residential homes and supported living settings) across the South of England and Wales Its mission is to meet every individual’s social and educational needs enabling young people to flourish by always putting them at the centre of its thinking and practice Regulated by Ofsted CIW Estyn and CQC the Group supports children and young adults cope with their life experiences providing them with the skills to be effective productive and valued members of society The business is also backed by Ashridge Capital who specialise in partnering with ambitious management teams and providing private equity capital Founded in 2009 by David Sherratt Ashridge Capital has a proven track record in helping build successful and market leading businesses

The £20m loan from OakNorth Bank will be used to support Phoenix Learning and Care Group s acquisition of new residential care and education sites as well as refinancing existing debt Situated throughout the South West of England, South Wales and having recently increased its presence in Berkshire

recent new sites include the Grange, Neptune and Ty Monmouth Schools located in Thatcham Bristol and Newport respectively

François Delbaere CFO of Phoenix Learning and Care Group commented: “Every member of the team at Phoenix is passionate about improving the quality of life and outcomes for the people we support From our headquarters in the South West of England we continue to grow across the South of England and Wales, this bespoke funding from OakNorth will help further accelerate our growth This was our first time working with OakNorth Bank and we found their approach dynamic and entrepreneurial throughout the entire lending process It was great to see Stewart and his team take time to really get to know our business and its key drivers – an approach we haven t seen from other lenders we’ve worked with previously ” Stewart Haworth Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth Bank added “Following the launch of Phoenix Learning and Care 17 years ago it has built up such a positive reputation across the South of England and Wales The level of experience that the business has to offer coupled with its hugely talented team puts it in the perfect position to capitalise on the growing demand for specialist education and care services With over 260 children and young adults benefiting from Phoenix’s services we re delighted to have been able to support such a wellrenowned and established provider of specialist education and residential care and we look forward to watching their growth story going forward

For further information on Oaknorth Band see the advert on the facing page

Care Home Finance from Global Business Finance

Global assists clients throughout the U K who specialise in the healthcare sector to achieve their objectives of purchase development and refinance We have organised over £1 8bn for clients in the past 30 years providing clients with competitively priced funding to refinance existing debt ease cashflow and develop businesses further