The Carer Digital - Issue #136

Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

Our lead story has certainly hit the headlines this week Aside from appearing on our website of course it is made the rounds all mainstream media

The report raises the very crucial issue that pressure on the National Health Service and the ensuing crisis each winter, could be significantly alleviated by preventative measures

In very simple terms, hundreds of thousands of older people in England are having to endure chronic pain anxiety and unmet support needs owing to the worsening shortage of social care staff and care home beds

Age UK has said older people with chronic conditions such as diabetes high blood pressure and heart failure are increasingly struggling with living in their own homes because of a lack of help with everyday tasks such as getting out of bed dressing and eating

Staffing issues are contributing significantly to this crisis I note in the comments that Ruthe Isden the head of health and social care influencing at Age UK, said when she highlighted that there were about 165,000 vacancies in social care mostly in roles that provided home care such as nursing assistants home health aides and care home staff

She said That s about a 50% increase just between 2020-21 and 2021-22 We ve always had a problem with workforce vacancies but it s really escalated

One of the hidden aspects of this is the lack of workforce often means care home beds are mothballed They ve had to close a floor because they can t staff it That s why we’re seeing big delays in assessment big delays in delivering care and big delays in discharge from hospital There s a huge backlog in the number of people who could be supported The whole picture is people receiving less care ”

We are where we are and the report calls for comprehensive reform including additional funding and better paper staff However, I do remember when Matt Hancock became Health Secretary in 2018 and he delivered a speech in which he described preventing ill health’ as one of his main priorities To make the most of the extra £20 billion promised by the government for the health service he argued that “we must take a holistic approach to prevention

And “Prevention”, he argued at the time, “is about ensuring that people take greater responsibility for managing their own health It s about people choosing to look after themselves better, staying active and stopping smoking Making better choices by limiting alcohol sugar salt and fat

It seems that by prevention the health and social care secretary means individuals

should take more responsibility for their own behaviour

Here is a link to the Prevention better than cure paper

To be fair I think Matt Hancock had a point Too late to do anything with the immediate crisis in care at the moment and Age UK’s suggestions are both welcome and timely, but in the long term I do believe we all need to take more responsibility for our own health and try to reduce the burden not only on the NHS but on future generations who will bear the burden and taxation

I was also saddened to hear the news that Hollywood actor Bruce Willis is now suffering with dementia He is not much older than me in fact but in doing some research I was rather shocked to see that the form of dementia he suffers (Frontotemporal dementia ) affects people as young as 45

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a disease It is caused by the progressive loss of nerve cells in the brain s frontal and temporal lobes As those areas shrink it can lead to changes in a person s personality behaviour and language

This is not quite the same as dementia which is a general term that describes the symptoms of a large number of different brain diseases, including Alzheimer's FTD is unusual as it largely affects people in mid-life between the ages of 45 and 65most other forms are found in older ages There are different types of FTD but estimates suggest between 50 000 and 60 000 have some form of the disease in the US according to the Alzheimer's Association

I often refer to my own experience when my mother in her early 60 suffered a very aggressive form of dementia It is heartbreaking to see a loved one deteriorate so quickly, so I do wish Mr Willis and his family the very best wishes as they embark on this next chapter in his life

Following on from last week we would remind you that we are now in media partnership with event organisers Draw Events organisers of The Alzheimer s Dementia & Care Show taking place at the business design Centre in London March 3 and 4th

As well as media partner the Carer team with also be exhibiting at the show

We are also media partners and exhibiting the same month at UK CARE WEEK at Birmingham s NEC organised by ROAR B2B and will keep you updated with regional and national care shows we will be exhibiting so please do watch this space for announcements of our future partnerships

And please follow us on Twitter We have hit the magic 10 000 followers we are delighted to say and we want to get that up to 20 000 so please do follow us and encourage as many of your followers in the sector to follow us as well!

I can always be contacted at editor@thecareruk com

Editor Peter Adams

Older People’s Preventive Care “Crucial” in Reducing Hospital Admissions

(CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER)

Fixing the Foundations’ provides a first-hand account of older people’s difficulties in getting the good joined up health and social care they need to manage at home, leaving them at risk of crisis which often results in being admitted to hospital Yet the evidence is clear that with the right care at the right time many of these admissions could have been avoided

Care Needs Not Being Fully Addressed

The report also includes perspectives from professionals and unpaid carers It also shows how living with multiple long term health conditions, as a significant proportion of older people do including more than two thirds of those aged over 85 makes it especially hard to navigate health services which are still usually organised around individual illnesses and diseases Meanwhile social care was often inadequate or absent in these older people’s lives Age UK estimates that astonishingly, over 1 6 million older people have some level of fundamental care and support need, such as help to get dressed washed or getting out of bed that is not being fully addressed

For those older people who do receive care and support it is often coming from unpaid family carers who provide a far greater volume of care in our country than formal services However the latest figures from 2019 estimate that 3 3 million older people now live alone up from 2 8 million a decade earlier 1 5 million older people are ageing without children in our society and their numbers are expected to rise significantly in the coming years as our population ages This trend is certain to increase the demand for formal social care services so we need to plan for this by expanding their availability now – yet sadly the trend has been going in the wrong direction

ACCESSING SUPPORT “HARDER THAN EVER”

Between 2016/17 and 2021/22 the proportion of older people receiving long term support from their local authority went down by 13 5% We know from our many conversations with older people that accessing support is harder than ever When care is rationed for older people, those pressures will ultimately bear down on the NHS and particularly our hospitals as we have seen this winter This is therefore a terrible false economy in the charity s view reflecting how thresholds for support have risen as a result of council budget shortfalls

The Charity reveals that

• Half (49%) of all the people arriving in A&E by ambulance are over 65

A third (36%) of all the people arriving in A&E by ambulance are over 75

Unplanned hospital admissions have been rising and have become more frequent particularly for the oldest old

The proportion of older people feeling supported to manage their condition has been falling consistently, almost 20% in relative terms since 2016/17

2 6 million people over 50 have unmet social care needs increasing to 15% of people in their 70s and 21% of people in their 80s

In 2022 there were 165 000 vacant posts in social care- an increase of 50% and the highest rate on record

On the back of its new report Age UK calls for: Integrated Care Systems (ICS) to develop comprehensive strategies for

meeting the health and social care needs of older people at home, and in care homes living in their areas This must include major efforts to embed prevention in their work so older people can avoid the need for crisis care and maintain their independence We know from the pandemic that when local services are freed up to work across health and care boundaries the experience and outcomes for people are much better One example was the discharge support fund that supported people out of hospital with packages of care in the community The Government’s decision to stop the fund in March 2022 certainly contributed to the challenges this w nter ICSs must expand examples like this but start to think much bigger, supported by Government

Social care reform and a major and sustained increase in funding The NHS cannot deliver these improvements alone The lack of adequate social care for basic daily needs simply stores up problems leaving older people less able to care for themselves and arriving in hospital with serious health problems that could have been avoided Multidisciplinary working to become the default method of delivering health and care services to older people Older people are too often left to fall between the cracks of disjointed services and professionals who don t communicate well w th each other For ICSs this means making sure that social care services – and by extension the local authorities that are responsible for them – are central to their leadership and decision-making

A better paid health and social care workforce with the skills and competencies to properly support older people would make a huge difference to the quality and availability of care

A step change in the recognition of and financial and pract cal support on offer to unpaid carers who are holding up many parts of the health and care system

TURBOCHARGE EFFORTS TO RECRUIT, RETAIN AND SUPPORT CARE

STAFF

Caroline Abrahams Age UK Charity Director said: As our new report shows we need to turbocharge our efforts to recruit retain and support all the brilliant professionals that older people depend on to help them stay well at home especially if they are struggling to manage several serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes as many are We need lots more social care staff, and hugely important community health professionals like District Nurses and Occupational Therapists, as well as GPs Then we need to get them working effectively together – not only at the point when an older person is at immediate risk of needing a hospital bed as with urgent response teams and virtual wards but well before they reach that point too

“Although this winter is not yet over it won’t be long before next winter is upon us and it’s imperative we start work now to make sure it s a much better one for the NHS and social care, and for older people too At Age UK we are committed to doing everything we can to support a major national effort to this end – the voluntary sector including our wonderful local Age UKs has a big potential role to play As we have learned this year and as our new report shows if we can get it right for older people in the NHS and social care then we’ll go a long way towards making the whole health and care system work more smoothly for people of all ages

“It would be terrible if Age UK had to publish another report in five years’ time that once again found these same problems were still to be addressed The fact is we know what has to happen to unblock our jammed-up hospitals and give older people the dignified health and social care support they need and deserve and it s down to the Government above all to provide the leadership and resources to make it happen

PREVENTATIVE CARE CRUCIAL PART OF SOCIAL CARE

Cllr David Fothergill Chairman of the Local Government Association Community Wellbeing Board said: “Preventative care and support is an absolutely crucial part of our social care system Delivering the right care at home doesn’t just reduce the need for hospitalisation, it also allows people to live an equal life with the dignity they deserve Too often there is too much focus on the back door of hospitals when we need just as much focus on preventing people entering through the front door in the first place

This is only possible with sufficient funding We have consistently said that £13 billion is needed for social care so that its many pressures can be addressed and councils can deliver on all of their statutory duties including those related to preventing or delaying the onset of conditions which, if left unsupported can lead to hospital admissions This is the level of investment needed to ensure people of all ages can live an equal life and reduce the need for hospital treatment

LONGSTANDING SYSTEMIC ISSUES

British Geriatric Society President Professor Adam Gordon said The BGS welcomes this new report from Age UK the contents of which sadly will not come as a surprise to many of our members Despite the best efforts of health and care professionals across the country many older people are simply not able to access the care and support that they need to live well in the community There are multiple reasons for this including the ongoing crisis in social care and under-investment in the NHS workforce

While the situation has certainly worsened over the course of the pandemic these are fundamental systemic issues which are longstanding Successive governments have promised and failed to deliver social care reform resulting in people being unable to access the care they need at the right time This primarily affects older people and their families But it impacts the wider system too as older people end up being admitted to hospital due to a lack of social care or get marooned there awaiting discharge creating even greater pressures for the NHS and for a health and care workforce that is already under incredible strain Services across the country are struggling to recruit and retain staff Over-stretched staff who are in place are often unable to deliver the high quality of care that they want to provide ”

“We urge Governments and system leaders across the UK to heed the warnings contained in this report They must take bold action now to ensure that older people are able to access the care they need, when and where they need it In particular the UK and devolved Governments must deliver on their promises of sustainable reform of social care and publication of health and social care workforce strategies We stand ready at the BGS to support them in doing this

The Fixing the Foundations report can be downloaded here

Catering For Care – Dementia-Friendly Dining and Ensuring Residents Dine Well

Food provides so much more than vital nutrition – it has the ability to provide joy and bring people together It’s no different for residents living in a care home and at KYN who pioneer an individualised approach to care, our restaurant and dining options are at the heart of this

DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY DINING

We know that a sense of normality in all areas of life is vital for residents who are living with dementia, but this is particularly important when it comes to eating and mealtimes Enabling residents to be as independent as possible and viewing dining as a physical cognitive emotional and social activity is vital to ensure residents are able to dine well

An example of this includes ensuring residents who are living with dementia are offered the same menu choices as other residents It s a common – and inaccurate – stereotypical view that people living with dementia don t recognise or taste food For the same reason many people also incorrectly believe that offering a fine dining experience to people living with dementia is a waste However at KYN we want to challenge stereotypes and put an end to this sort of discrimination People living with dementia can still find enjoyment from the taste and presentation of food, so we regularly adapt the particular food options to suit the individual and to ensure all residents can enjoy mealtimes together

Aside from the food itself, the crockery and cutlery used in a care home is important to ensure residents living with dementia maintain their independence as well as eat well There s no reason for food to be presented any less beautifully for these residents – having cutlery that is different to those around them may have an impact on their wellbeing and dignity Design can also help practically For instance white plates with a coloured border can help residents living with dementia navigate around the food on their plate The

By Emma Hewat, Head of Dementia, KYN (www kyn co uk)

important thing is to not infantilise the experience of mealtimes and eating generally

Finally, independent living can be encouraged by providing plenty of opportunities for meals and snacks throughout the day Those living with dementia may also not remember when or how much they last ate so a selection of refreshments should be provided throughout the day, so residents can eat when they wish At KYN these include smoothies mousses sweet and savoury items all designed to appeal to a wide range of taste buds

THE IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION

One of the biggest dietary changes as we age is that our nutritional requirement goes up, but our appetite goes down One way of ensuring this is addressed is through a high nutrient diet Eva Humphries our expert nutritionist at KYN advocates that we can enhance residents’ life through a nutrition-first diet over a calorieled one

Our taste also changes over time and these changes may be more pronounced for someone living with dementia Residents living with dementia may, for example, find certain colours, textures or smells off-putting or sometimes they may eat certain foods they previously wouldn t have

An increasingly sweet tooth can also be common for residents living with dementia While we’d never restrict what residents can or cannot eat we can help to ensure it is the best possible quality – so for instance providing good quality chocolate can help satisfy sweet cravings in the best possible way Incorporating protein into meal options and snacks is also important as older people tend to lack protein High quality and protein rich granola bars and bowls are good options for residents who need to enhance their protein intake but also like the sweeter things in life

RECOGNISING THE JOY OF FOOD

Food can also be quite evocative and take people back to past memories with different smells tastes and textures bringing these to life We know that nostalgia is an important element in encouraging residents to dine well Stimulation is essential for residents living with dementia so traditional favourites such as Shepherd s pie or fish and chips can be good options for residents living with dementia if cooked healthily and nutritiously It might be that a resident liked a certain meal as a child, or it reminds them of a holiday, so adapting and tailoring food as much as possible to residents wishes/preferences can provide so much more than just a satisfying meal

Award-winning Nurse Joins Apple Trees Care Centre as its New Home Manager

Experienced Registered Nurse Sal Barton has been appointed as Home Manager at Apple Trees having previously worked at the Grantham Care centre during the pandemic as Head of Unit The award winner has exciting plans for the 64-bed home run by The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT)

Sal said: I m thrilled to be working with such a dedicated committed and passionate team After working here on an interim basis, it is wonderful to return

Sal joined the Trust in December 2016 as the Deputy Manager at Beckside nursing care home one of 14 OSJCT homes in Lincolnshire Over the last six years Sal used her clinical knowledge and experience to support several OSJCT care homes, including Apple Trees

During the pandemic Sal managed the Covid-19 Hospital Discharge Unit for which she was awarded a prestigious Covid-19 Campaign medal by the British Association of the Order of Malta (BASMOM) which cares for people in need through its medical social and humanitarian works Sal received her award at a special ceremony held at the Brompton Oratory in London in June 2022

Sal said: Working through the pandemic was emotional and I was honoured to receive this amazing medal which is proudly on show in my office ”

Earlier in her career Sal worked as a staff nurse on local hospital wards however moving to a social care allowed her to spend valuable quality time with the residents she was supporting This ensured that care was delivered to the highest standards and meet the expectations of residents and their family members

Sal said: It s touching to be thanked by residents family members for the care we provide in an OSJCT home I’m always grateful that they trust in me and the team to look after their loved one especially at sensitive times such as end of life I feel proud and honoured to be involved in making a difference to someone’s life whether that’s for a few weeks or a few years

As the new Home Manager Sal is prioritising meeting every employee and resident She supports the team in running a varied programme of activities for residents, such as cooking classes and entertainment as well as trips out into the community Sal is focussed on quality and community involvement ensuring people who use the service have the best possible experience She is also recruiting more people to join this modern well-run home As Apple Trees caters for residents with dementia the staffing ratio is high at least one employee for every four residents and all support workers are qualified to Level 2 or above

Lakeland Dairies Launch St Patrick’s Day Irish Party Activity Resource for Care Homes

Steeped in Irish heritage dairy co-operative Lakeland Dairies has launched its annual Celebrate Green campaign The campaign takes over the month of March culminating on St Patrick s Day on Friday 17th

March 2023

Embracing Lakeland Dairies’ excellence in dairy farming their Celebrate Green campaign highlights the importance their Irish provenance plays in crafting their high-quality dairy products which are enjoyed by chefs around the world

The campaign spotlights Lakeland Dairies’ farming experience and high-quality dairy from their naturally grass-fed cows from the co-operatives 3200 family farms across the Island of Ireland

IRISH PARTY ACTIVITY RESOURCE FOR CARE HOMES

To celebrate, Lakeland Dairies has launched its Irish Party Activity Resource for care homes The resource is a useful tool for caterers and activity teams looking to engage with residents and create an afternoon tea party around St Patrick’s Day It includes 15 exciting recipes including a fortified Smoked Salmon Mouse Recipe and a unique Shamrock

Drink which has been carefully created to be High in Protein The resource is also packed with activities, puzzles, and top tips from wellbeing experts NAPA

Jean Cattanach Marketing Controller Lakeland Dairies comments

“We know how popular St Patrick’s Day is across the UK and we’re delighted to once again help inspire and support care caterers engage with their residents in a fun and exciting way ”

The recipes are made

Three in Four Councils to Increase Council Tax by the Maximum to “Protect Vital Ser vices”

Three quarters of councils are set to increase their council tax by the maximum amount this April as local authorities say they are setting their budgets in the most difficult circumstances in decades

Research from the County Councils Network (CCN) has found that 84 councils out of 114 who have published their 2023/34 budget proposals so far plan to raise council tax by the maximum permitted which is 4 99%

These are upper-tier councils with social care responsibilities

With inflation running at 10 5% local authorities face multi-million funding gaps which have built up and which they need to close to balance their budgets for 2023/24 Council leaders say they recognise the cost of living pressures for residents, but have reluctantly put forward maximum rises because they have little choice in order to set a balanced budget and to fund local services which will be vital for struggling households

The changes will come in for residents in April at the start of the new financial year Councils are able to levy a maximum of 4 99% should they chose to do so – a total of 2 99% for general council tax and a further 1 99% for the adult social care precept which is ringfenced for care services Government funding levels for 2023/24, particularly for care services are predicated on councils taking the maximum council tax rise

The typical Band D council tax bill for residents in rural county areas is over £2 000 a year and will rise to £2 149 on average with a 4 99% rise

This is 20% higher than average bills faced by residents in London from April, with Band D households facing an average of £1 780 per year This is because county areas have historically received lower government funding than London for services and councils have to make up the shortfall through higher taxation

Despite the government providing extra funding for councils in October’s Autumn Statement which was welcomed by CCN significant funding pressures fuelled by inflation still remain Inflation is projected to add £1 5bn to the budgets of 40 county and rural councils in 2023/24

Those county local authorities face some of the largest funding deficits in the country as a result of inflation and demand pressures

Even accounting for a 4 99% council tax rise Hampshire County Council (which gets 89% of its revenue from local tax) faces a £57 7m funding deficit in 2023/24 which the authority says will have to be filled by reserves

Durham Council faces a £10 2m deficit even after proposing £12 4m in savings and a 4 99% council tax rise Cheshire East Council faces a deficit of £25 4m which will be filled through savings and council tax rises

IN TOTAL,

114

COUNCILS

OUT OF

152 HAVE PUBLISHED THEIR BUDGET PROPOSALS FOR 2023/24 CCN DATA SHOWS THAT:

All councils bar one plan on raising council tax next year In total, 113 councils have put forward council tax rises A total of 84 of these authorities have put forward maximum rises – 4 99% The remaining 38 councils have yet to declare their intentions Three councils – Croydon Thurrock and Slough – have special dispensation to propose rises over 4 99%

A total of 30 councils have put forward council tax rises but have declined to levy the maximum These rates vary across the country with the lowest rise put forward at 2%

The average Band D household will see their bills rise by £99 a year with a 4 99% increase though this will vary across the country Split across a year this equates to £1 91 a week, with councils arguing that such a rise is necessary to protect vital local initiatives and allow them to invest in improving public services

Cllr Sam Corcoran Labour Vice-Chairman of the County Councils Network and Leader of Cheshire East Council, said “With inflation reaching levels not seen for over 40 years and with demand-led pressures for care services showing no sign of abating local authority leaders are setting their budgets in the most difficult circumstances in decades

We all recognise the cost-of-living crisis is impacting on every household in the country and disproportionally on low incomes but we have little choice but to propose council tax rises again next year with many local authorities reluctantly opting for maximum rises

With councils facing multi-million funding deficits next year the alternative to council tax rises would be drastic cuts to frontline services at a time when people at the sharp end of the cost-of-living crisis need us to be there for them With the financial situation for councils looking extremely tough for the next few years we will be calling on the Chancellor for further help in the March Budget ”

Celebrating 106 Years with Some Words of Wisdom!

It was a special day at Twyford House Care Home on Monday Resident Marie celebrated her 106th birthday!

Marie, originally from Congleton, moved to the home July 2022 and has been enjoying the next chapter of her life amongst new friends She is regular participant in daily activities and enjoys walks around the garden

Emma Rodger General Manager of the home said “It’s an absolute privilege to be

A FULL TURNKEY SERVICE

able to celebrate with such an inspirational lady and the team made sure she had a special day and a wonderful cake as well!

When asked what advice Marie would give to the younger generation, she replied with have a good diet and plenty of exercise

Also don’t go off at the deep end with people be nice to each other ”

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Being Aware of Your Duties Key for Employing Overseas Workers

Earlier this month the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced a £15m fund to help care providers in the adult care sector to recruit care workers from overseas The aim of the fund is to promote collaborative arrangements which reduce the administrative complexity of overseas recruitment which is a particular burden for small and medium sized enterprises

There is no denying that despite efforts to make the process of recruiting overseas workers easier with ongoing digitisation of processes the system of gaining a license to sponsor workers remains cumbersome and time-consuming Once workers are employed the compliance measures required by the employer are also onerous

The fund will be available throughout the year to help organisations and businesses identify workers overseas complete applications, onboard new workers and support new recruits

A year ago in February 2022 care workers were added to the shortage occupation list to help ease the acute workforce shortages the sector was experiencing The inclusion meant that roles which were not eligible previously could be sponsored under the Health and Care Worker visa route enabling employers to recruit care workers from overseas into a wider range of roles than before In effect the rule change created the potential for overseas workers to fill thousands of vacancies

However, many find it difficult and experience several different barriers The fund aims to provide employers with a range of support mechanisms and will be distributed through a lead local authority which will act on behalf of all the local authorities in the partnership and in collaboration with local care alliances and local providers

By Yash Dubal, Director, A Y & J Solicitors (https://ayjsolicitors com)

In the past two years, an extra 20,000 businesses have registered to employ workers from overseas across all sectors and many find the system confusing But as labour pressures continue demand for sponsor licences rise throughout 2023 and many who have never considered employing from overseas are now exploring this as a feasible option

For those applying and for the new cohort of licence holders it helps to understand how the system works A UK sponsor licence is a permission granted by the UK government to a business or organisation allowing them to sponsor non-European Economic Area (EEA) and non-Swiss citizens to come to the UK to work

The process of obtaining a sponsor licence involves an application and a compliance assessment by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) agency Once a sponsor licence is granted the business or organisation will be assigned a unique sponsor licence number and will be placed on the Register of Sponsors They are then able to sponsor foreign nationals and apply for certificates of sponsorship (CoS) on their behalf The CoS is then used by the foreign national to apply for a visa to come to the UK

License holders should expect regular compliance visits by officials to ensure they are fulfilling their duties such as keeping accurate records of sponsored employees It is also the responsibility of the sponsor licence holder to monitor the compliance of their sponsored employees including ensuring they are working in accordance with the terms of their visa and that their contact details are up-to-date

Sponsor licence holders must notify UKVI of certain events and changes such as if a sponsored employee is no longer employed or if their contact details change

There has been a trend reported in some recent compliance visits whereby officers have been asking about workplace pension schemes and this is something to bear in mind for new licence holders who may be asked to provide records to prove employees have opted out of the company pension schemes

Employment contracts may be scrutinised to see that they match current pension rules This is unlikely to be a problem for larger companies with generally robust HR procedures but may be an issue for smaller employers The key is to be aware of your sponsorship duties and your duties as an employer

Care Home Residents Show Love Goes Far And Wide In Fundraiser for Turkey and Syria

Care home residents at Signature at Chorleywood have rallied to raise funds by holding a bake sale in aid of the Turkey – Syria earthquake appeal

Prior to the tragic events of February 6 which saw thousands of people lose their lives and livelihoods following the earthquake in southern Turkey and northern Syria the Hertfordshire care home was planning to mark Valentine’s Day very differently

However at the request of residents the care home s Valentine s Day celebrations shifted its focus instead on playing its part to support the British Red Cross Turkey – Syria Earthquake Appeal

It saw the care home host a fundraising Valentine’s Day Dance, and its chefs bake an array of cupcakes which went on sale to residents relatives and colleagues to raise much needed funds for Turkish and Syrian residents and to truly demonstrate that love can be far-reaching

The day raised £150 and will add to fundraising efforts Signature at Chorleywood will be putting in place throughout the coming weeks for various causes

Explaining the motivation behind the fundraiser Barbara Grant a resident at Signature at Chorleywood said:

We have all seen the devastating pictures on our TV screens coming out of Turkey and Syria and the unimaginable pain being experienced by so many people

“When we saw how desperate the situation is, we felt we simply had to help and play our part in the overall fundraising effort Patrick Maher, Activities Coordinator, at Signature at Chorleywood said We are committed to supporting the British Red Cross and ensuring our own contribution reaches the overall effort to help the thousands of people whose lives have been devasted by this terrible earthquake

Pensioner Play Dates Bring Intergenerational Joy –

Toddlers from Local Nurser y Visit Edinburgh Care Home

INTERGENERATIONAL visits at an Edinburgh care home have brought some of the city s oldest and youngest residents together

A group of toddlers aged between three and five from Cramond Early Learning and Childcare visited residents at Cramond Residence for a day of activities and games including art and craft projects and singing nursery rhymes

Since opening in 2018 the home has worked to integrate younger and older generations The benefits are endless –it reduces social isolation, loneliness and helps residents reminisce about their own childhoods

Lorraine Mossie, Manager of Cramond Early Learning and Childcare said: Once the ice had been broken between the children and residents, there was no stopping the fun!

We ve had amazing feedback from both the children and their families about our visit The children were so excited to share their stories with their peers at nursery and with their families at home

“We feel very passionately about intergenerational working in Cramond Early Learning and Childcare as it helps build confidence challenges prejudices and assumptions ”

Christian Daraio Client Liaison Manager and registered nurse at the 74-bedroom care home said:

“The residents were very enthusiastic about the visit as they always look forward to interacting with young people – especially where singing or music is involved!

Activities included lots of games with tennis rackets bubbles drawing and balloons as well as both generations singing nursery rhymes together – it was really lovely to see Almost 30 eager residents took part in the activities, each excited to spend some quality time with the youngsters

“Relationships between young people and our older residents help to bring a new energy to the day

The visit follows recent company from Cargilfield School Fettes College and Holyrood High School The partnerships have enabled a host of students of all ages to visit the home as well as providing the pupils with volunteering opportunities

Christian continued: “These sorts of intergenerational activities allow our residents to appreciate the simple joys of seeing children and young people playing and performing, which promotes a positive mindset and most importantly it s great fun for everyone involved!

“We’re looking to continue regular visits from the nursery alongside our existing relationships with other local schools ”

Landmark Sector Pulse Check Report to be Launched at Care England Conference

Care England the largest and most diverse representative body for independent providers of adult social care in England, in partnership with Hft a national charity providing services for adults with learning disabilities will be launching their first annual landmark publication, Sector Pulse Check, at this year’s Care England conference and exhibition on 16 March 2023

Professor Martin Green, Chief Executive of Care England, says:

We are thrilled to have co-produced the 2022 Sector Pulse Check which offers an original insight into the key issues afflicting the sector as well as providing tangible recommendations which would make a real difference to the sector as a whole The report reflects a national survey completed by a representative group of care providers focusing on themes including the financial health of the sector the workforce and the cost-of-living crisis It provides a blueprint for navigating these issues many of which are deeprooted and have been exacerbated by the turbulent socio-economic landscape Importantly, the findings and narratives featured in the Sector Pulse Check come directly from adult social care providers analysing the most pertinent issues facing the sector as described by those who live it on a daily basis and understand it best The evidence is clear a definitive solution is needed to ensure the future sustainability and growth of not only the adult social care sector itself but England as a whole We will be discussing the findings at this year’s conference and do hope you can join us

Since 2016 Hft s Sector Pulse Check report has provided an annual snapshot of the financial health of the learning disability

sector as well as exploring other relevant issues and challenges

Amid the severe, unprecedented circumstances facing our sector this year Care England has partnered with Hft to deliver the 2022 report and expand its scope to include Older Persons care for the first time

Care England and Hft s partnership has enabled the Sector Pulse Check 2022 to represent a comprehensive overview of the entire adult social care sector analysing its financial health workforce and challenges associated with the cost of living

Kirsty Matthews CEO of Hft says

We are delighted that Care England is partnering with us to deliver the sixth annual Sector Pulse Check report With an expanded pool of respondents the research will deliver a representative view of the financial health and workforce challenges across the adult social care sector

We are incredibly grateful to those who took the time to participate in the survey and share their experiences This information provides invaluable evidence of the long-standing challenges adult social care faces and will support a collective call for a financially sustainable future where our sector can fulfil our responsibility to provide support to all those who need it Only once we overcome the challenges we face will we be able to truly reap the opportunities presented to those supported by adult social care those working in it, and the intrinsically linked NHS

Some of our key findings will be presented at this year s Care England Conference and we re looking forward to discussing these with colleagues across the sector ”

The Alzheimer’s Dementia & Care Show

The Business Design Centre London 3-4

March the doors open at 9 30am each day and close at 5 00pm on Friday and 4 00pm on Saturday One-day tickets are from £18 00 online, £23 on the door

For further information and tickets visit www alzheimersshow co uk

At the show - NEW for 2023

Full Dementia Interpreters Course–

March 2023

keynote speakers on range of topics as well as chaired daily Question Time panels

Talks Hub: A range of practical talks covering dementia and care topics from professionals and exhibitors

CPD Accreditation: Certificates available to professional attendees

Admiral Nurses & Alzheimer’s Society

Now in its 10th year, The Alzheimer’s Dementia & Care Show is the UK’s leading event for care providers healthcare professionals families and carers This is an unmissable event for those wanting to learn from leading experts find practical advice and support resources help and information develop a better understanding of dementia and further professional skills

The show features a fully accredited CPD conference programme with talks from leading experts, family carers and people living with dementia alongside professional advice clinics dementia and care exhibitors and unique individual training opportunities you won t find at any other event

Held at The Business Design Centre London on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th

Training2Care: Free taster sessions are offered to visitors who will have their ability to speak see hear and move impaired to begin to recognise the many forms communication may take for a person living with dementia Only at this event

Training2Care are offering individuals the full 1-hour workshop to allow you to experience the complete experiential practical session

Full Virtual Dementia Tour & Training

Experience – Training2Care: As well as free ‘taster sessions this is the only event where visitors can book the complete training as an individual – an 8 minute immersive experience followed by 75 minute de-brief – a must do experience for anyone involved in caring for people with dementia

Dementia and Care Matters Theatre: The main theatre hosts

Advice Clinics: Free 25 minute 1-2-1

appointments

Leading Dementia & Care Exhibitors: Practical ideas new solutions and resources from dementia and care specialists

For information and tickets visit www alzheimersshow co uk One-day tickets are from £18 00 online and £23 on the door

Reigate Beaumont Care Home Celebrates Pancake Day

The staff and residents at Reigate Beaumont Care Home in Reigate had a wonderful day

celebrating Shrove Tuesday

Pancake Day

Reigate Beaumont marked this year s Pancake Day with Diane, who regularly volunteers in the home Diane planned a morning filled with singing, remembering Spring poetry and reminiscing about the festivals of Shrove Tuesday She brought items to replicate the traditional pancake race in Olney, Bucks in the 1400 s and staff took part in a mini demonstration race whilst flipping pancakes

Diane said: It is an absolute joy when the resi-

dents join in with enthusiasm and good cheer! The pancake tossing was hilarious and brought back many memories for them

In the afternoon the residents enjoyed mouth-watering pancakes with a lovely cup of tea

Annie a resident at Reigate Beaumont, commented: “I absolutely love pancake day and it really takes me back to my childhood Diane is lovely to have put it all together for us

In the afternoon residents had a lovely cup of tea and pancakes Thank you Chef, the residents said the pancakes were delicious!

Apprenticeships Are The Key To Building Sustainable Careers In Care

It’s well documented that the National Health Service (NHS) and the social care sector are facing the greatest workforce crisis in their history

A report by the Health & Social Care Committee highlights how the NHS was advertising 99,460 vacant posts while the nation s social care provision is more than 100 000 employees short It’s clear that to tackle the crisis more needs to be done to attracting and retaining young people into the profession

Here Karen Roberts, Assistant Principal – Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement, at Cheshire Colleges South and West outlines how apprenticeships and more hands-on learning could help tackle the crisis

When it comes to recruitment in the care sector, it s not all doom and gloom There is some good news on the horizon as a report by the Work Foundation has found that despite social care s challenges being exacerbated by Covid-19 and Brexit the pandemic has given people a new-found appreciation of the sector

The number of people applying for social care roles has increased by 39%, with 17% of all jobseekers reporting they are likely to pursue a career in the sector in the near future However retention remains a problem with one in seven current social care workers actively looking for a role outside of the industry and alternative career options

At Cheshire Colleges South & West one of the largest Further Education colleges in the UK we too are witnessing a strong demand from young people looking to take a course related to the care sector as the opportunity for a rewarding career in care is evident The opportunity for ongoing employment in the sector is clear

Another appeal of training in the care sector for some is the entry requirements that are achievable for many The Level 3 Health & Social Care Diploma allows places to be offered at 16+ to those who have typi-

cally achieved 5 GCSEs at grade 4 including a 3 and 4 combination for Maths and English

The broad nature of the course gives learners the opportunity to go straight into employment after graduation or the opportunity to continue their learning, either by embarking on careers in the health and caring professions or through further qualifications a possible career in nursing occupational or speech therapy HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

With greater numbers of young people exploring care as a career, a focus should also be put on retaining them when qualified and in position One answer could be through learner centred apprenticeships which offer students hands-on experience from the off-set and are tailored to their specific needs and job role requirements

Most nurses and care workers will tell you that health care is predominately a practical sector where workers have to get stuck in from day one and so if looking to attract and retain the most suitable people, it s best to offer courses that provide real world experience such as demonstrations where students can quite literally get a feel for the job and what it entails on a daily basis

Practical learning can only work if there is closer co-operation between education and industry - where courses are designed for the learner and opportunities for experience are shared by companies whether the 100 hours’ work experience needed for the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care or longer placements for apprentices

Providing learners with practical experience while training will also lighten the load on employees in the long term Too many new employees are thrown into a busy physically and emotionally demanding roles with little training or a simple induction with the rest needing to be learnt on the job

What’s more a lack of adequate practical training can negatively impact on the quality of care given as well as job satisfaction and retention With apprenticeships practical and emotional skills can be learned during the qualification period meaning they are better placed to hit the ground running when employed

The education opportunities presented now provide learners with a series of stepping-stones with care workers starting on the Level 2 Health Care Support Worker Apprenticeships and an option to progress through the bands into Band 5 nursing or degree courses depending on their ambitions and capabilities

By undertaking an apprentice-based hands-on approach that integrates with industry a cohort of new employees will be created that are well informed, prepared and highly skilled This approach will not only help plug the current gaps in the work force but provide solid foundations for a career in care

Local Care Home Holds LGBT Histor y Month Celebration

A care home from Grassington near Skipton celebrated LGBT History Month by throwing a rainbow party for residents

Residents and colleagues at Anchor s Gills Top care home on Scar Street donned fancy dress and rainbow outfits for the occasion The care home looked especially festive with a range of decorations including neon lights colourful balloons blow up rainbows and flags The catering team also prepared a buffet lunch for residents with items such as a rainbow salad

Residents enjoyed arts and crafts activities and dusted off their dance moves during a disco where they were joined by local entertainer Paul Bryant The party was part of the care team s efforts to celebrate the contribution LGBT+ people have made to cinema and film in accordance with this year’s LGBT History Month theme, Behind the Lens

Margaret Salmon 80 resident at Anchor’s Gills Top care home said: “It was fantastic to celebrate LGBT History Month The party was great and everyone really enjoyed the entertainment and

activities throughout the day

Sam Mcloughlin Deputy Manager at Anchor’s Gills Top care home, said: At Anchor s Gills Top care home we think it s important to celebrate people for who they are no matter what month it is Anchor is an inclusive organisation which provides support throughout the whole year for people in the LGBT+ community who work and live with us

To continue the celebrations on Friday 10 February Anchor s Gills

Top care home hosted children from Wharfedale Montessori School in Bolton Abbey for a celebration during which residents and the children baked, and enjoyed, rainbow cookies together

Imogen Hardy Vice Principal at Wharfedale Montessori School said: “Intergenerational connections are very valuable for the children so we were excited to visit the residents at Anchor s Gills Top care home once again and see how they celebrated LGBT History Month It is such a pleasure to see the different generations build relationships and the children always look forward to their next visit

WWII Veteran Celebrates 100th Birthday with Family Recital and Messages from King Charles and Brentford Football Club Hall of Famer

It was a day to remember as care home resident and WWII veteran John Bicknell celebrated his milestone 100th birthday on 19th January

To mark the incredible achievement John first got stuck into a morning opening a myriad of wonderful gifts and cards including a muchanticipated letter from King Charles III celebrating his accomplishment Alongside this he was also surprised with a message from Marcus Gayle a former Premier League and Jamaican International Striker who played at John s lifelong team, Brentford FC

John was then treated to a wonderful afternoon tea party at Signature at Southbourne, where he enjoyed a range of delicious food drink and a fantastic birthday cake freshly prepared by the catering team at the care home John relished the opportunity to catch up with his large family as well as socialising with his friends at Signature at Southbourne and other visitor s including representatives of the Stalag 4b Association

However, the highlight of his splendid birthday celebrations came later, when his granddaughter’s, Katherine Bicknell and Joanna Tomlinson performed a recital for him and his guests It was a special moment for music-lover John relishing the opportunity to hear Katherine, a professional flautist for the likes of the London Philharmonic Orchestra alongside Joanna a talented soprano

Born in Ashtead in Surrey, John has lived an incredible life The Second World War was a particularly poignant and defining moment With the conflict underway at the age of just 19 John volunteered to join the

forces as a medic In his crucial role he served on the frontline during the North Africa and Italian campaigns

It was whilst supporting war efforts in this vital and tactically important region that he was captured on his 21st birthday From here he was transported to Stalag 4b one of the largest prisoner-of-war camps in Germany during WWII where he remained until the Red Army liberated the camp in 1945

Following the conclusion of the war, John enjoyed a spell working in the family grocery business and then started working as a painter and decorator which he did until his retirement alongside his continued passion for football and cars

A proud father of five children he also played a big part in their progress through school and university and their career paths as one became a musician two are scientists and another two are teachers

John arrived at Signature at Southbourne in September 2021 where he is a much-loved among residents and team members alike, regularly enjoying getting involved in the various interesting and exciting activities available such as doing the cryptic crossword puzzles and listening to all the various musical performers Reflecting on his birthday celebrations John said “It was a wonderful day I absolutely loved my granddaughter s performance – it was so beautiful and wonderful to hear them Speaking about John Kirsty Ellis Lead Concierge, added:

John is fantastic He has a remarkable past and he is well-loved by all the team here He is a very sweet man and has a lovely smile

Staff Abuse Pandemic Plagues Already Stretched Healthcare Ser vice

With the healthcare system already on its knees on the back of ongoing strike action and staff shortages, new research has revealed a staff abuse pandemic in the sector with one in three (31%) nurses and healthcare workers receiving more abuse in the past year than ever before

A study of close to 500 nurses health and social care workers conducted by Florence one of the UK’s fastest-growing healthcare technology companies found that almost half (46%) of those surveyed have faced both physical and verbal abuse while at work A third (35%) say levels of abuse have gotten considerably worse since the pandemic

Two in five (42%) have experienced racist abuse while 7% have been subject to sexist abuse in the workplace Swearing (48%) negative comments (48%) and shouting (47%) are other common mistreatments

STAFFING CRISIS FUELLING RISE IN ABUSE

Staff abuse in the workplace is commonplace

Nearly a third of those polled (29%) say they ve received verbal physical or online abuse at work at least once a week with 7% suffering abuse as often as once a day The majority of abuse according to those surveyed is coming from frustrated patients (64%) or patients’ friends and families (28%) whose own frustrations are boiling over

Over half (55%) of workers believe lack of staff on shift is at the root of the problem Other contributing factors include staff being overworked which has led to a reduced quality of care for patients (38%) and the increase in wait times (31%) The fallout from the cost-of-living crisis (17%) is also believed to have driven higher levels of staff abuse

STAFF ABUSE CONTRIBUTING TO MENTAL HEALTH PANDEMIC IN THE SECTOR

With the NHS and social care sector already stretched to full capacity the emotional fallout from

the abuse is having a detrimental impact on the workforce Two in five (41%) workers are feeling demoralised almost a quarter (23%) say that their mental wellbeing has been affected with higher levels of depression anxiety and low self-esteem reported across the industry

One in five (22%) want to leave their job and the industry as a result of the abuse they are facing while over a tenth (13%) have moved jobs within the industry

Fiona Millington Chief Nurse at Florence has long argued that vacancy rates are the major contributor to problems within the sector: It s an incredibly difficult time to be a nurse or carer at the moment with levels of staff abuse on a steady increase since the pandemic The government hailed nurses & healthcare workers during the pandemic but where is that support now?

The biggest challenge for the industry at the moment is, without a doubt, staffing There are more nurses leaving the industry than joining, at a time when the demand for nurses is increasing And the lack of staffing is contributing to higher levels of physical and verbal abuse for the remaining healthcare staff on the ground Any sort of abuse should have no place in society and should be rigorously rooted out but the reality is that nurses and carers are experiencing incredibly high levels often daily much of which stems from a lack of investment into the staffing model; and that is feeding patients frustration

The situation is unsustainable and we need an urgent long-term solution We need to see increased pay greater efforts to bring more people into healthcare and enhanced training and support as a start We need to look after our frontline healthcare workers not drive them out

Junior Doctors in England Vote Over whelmingly for Strike Action

Junior doctors in England have voted overwhelmingly for strike action in their fight for pay restoration

Almost every junior doctor who cast a vote voted in favour of taking strike action and turnout was in excess of 77%

More than 47 600 junior doctors in England were eligible to vote in the BMA’s ballot Almost 37 000 votes were cast and 98% of those voted in favour of strike action meaning this was the largest ever turnout for a ballot of doctors by the BMA and a record number of junior doctors voting for strike action

With no meaningful engagement from the UK Government on pay despite several letters and the BMA s meeting with the Health Secretary in January, junior doctors in England will now prepare for a 72-hour walkout next month

BMA junior doctors committee co-chairs Dr Robert Laurenson and Dr Vivek Trivedi said: “This vote shows, without a shadow of a doubt the strength of feeling among most of England s junior doctors We are frus-

trated, in despair and angry and we have voted in our thousands to say, in the name of our profession, our patients and our NHS doctors won t take it anymore

“The Government has only itself to blame standing by in silent indifference as our members are forced to take this difficult decision

We have had a real-terms pay cut of more than 26 % since 2008 This year we were offered an insulting 2% pay which means with inflation at over 10% we are working more than a month for free

Added to that ever-worsening conditions mean more doctors are being lured away from the NHS to seek better paid medical careers and quality of life elsewhere

There is no doubt that this is a crisis but it is of the Government s making – so far refusing to have any meaningful discussions with us about pay The road to recovery must start with Ministers listening to us and paying us what we re worth

Ed Balls Joins Line Up of First National Care Careers Conference for School Students

Ed Balls joins a line-up of experts younger people already working in care and interactive performers at ‘Who Cares?’, the first national care careers conference on Tuesday 7 March at Royal College of GP s Euston Square London

The broadcaster writer and former politician will talk about his experience working in a care home for a BBC documentary to encourage hundreds of young people aged between 14 and 19 years of age to consider a career in care

The conference and exhibition which has been organised by Hallmark Foundation and Working Options in Education aims to highlight the range of jobs available and the different routes into working in care Current speakers at the event include; Professor Deborah Sturdy CBE Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care Department for Health and Social Care and Liz Kendall MP

Shadow Minister for Care

Exhibitors meanwhile will show how care is changing and provide first-hand experiences for students planning their career Many more schools and colleges will also join the event via livestreaming

The national event sponsored by Advinia Care Precious Homes Sahara Care, Regent Group and Hemraj Goyal Foundation comes at a crucial time, with more than 1 5 million people currently working in care and one in ten posts vacant it’s predicted that the workforce will need to grow by 500 000 in the next decade

Ed Balls said: Caring for older and disabled people is one of the most important jobs in our society – and will become even more so as our population ages That s why we need to do more to encourage young people in schools and colleges to plan careers working in care Attracting students is key to developing the workforce of the future and building better care

Stephen Burke, CEO of Hallmark Foundation, said: “This pioneering event comes at a key time for the future of care Growing and developing the care workforce has never been more important We firmly believe that we must reach out to young people earlier and highlight the positive and exciting opportunities in this expanding sector There really is a job to fulfil everyone s interests and ambitions in one of the most valuable roles in our country ”

Labour Market Data Shows Need for Government Support for Older Workers in Spring Budget

A significant government intervention to support more people in their 50s and 60s back into work is desperately needed at the upcoming Spring Budget 2023 The latest labour market stats released this morning show that the number of economically inactive older workers continues to be disproportionately higher compared to other age groups

Ageing Better is warning that the pandemic disruption to years of increased employment for older workers is almost certain to continue without substantial new and tailored support for older workers being announced at next month’s budget

The data released this morning by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals a 0 2 percentage point decrease in the economic inactivity rate (unable or choosing not to work) among 16-64s in the three months to November The change was mirrored among those aged 5064 where there was also a 0 2 percentage point decrease in economic inactivity

The ONS data also reveals there was a fall of 65 000 16-64s citing retirement as a reason for inactivity compared to the same time a year ago However, there remains over 280,000 more workers aged 50-64

years old who are economically inactive than before the pandemic

Older worker employment levels remain below pre-pandemic levels and the employment gap between 35-49s and 50-64s remains wider than pre-pandemic and now stands at 14 5 percentage points – 1 6 percentage points higher than at the start of the pandemic Dr Emily Andrews Deputy Director for Work at the Centre for Ageing Better said:

“There is again little reason for optimism for 50 plus workers in the latest labour market stats with the data again highlighting why the government is right to put increasing support for more older people back into the labour market so high up its priority list

“It is a vital issue for individual people, for employers looking to fill skills and labour shortages and for the growth of an economy teetering on the brink of recession The persistence of increased levels of economic inactivity for older people since the pandemic clearly indicate that the barriers to returning to the labour market later in working life remain and there are still very large numbers of people who remain locked out of it

“There have been a considerable number of policies raised in recent

weeks ranging from tax incentives to increasing GPs involvement in employment support to changes to benefit rules On March 15, we need to see an ambitious package of measures that meet the scale of this vital issue for the future of our economy

At Ageing Better we would like to see a national programme of 50+ employment support to help people in this group find their way back into work Support should be made available without having to come via the Jobcentre and should be specifically targeted to this age group tailored to individuals and actively promoted to people in their 50s and 60s

“We also need to see a much stronger message from government to employers that removing age-related barriers to work will be vital to driving growth in the coming years Meanwhile individual employers should take steps to ensure that they offer a supportive and attractive work environment for the recruitment retention and training of older workers Any business or organisation that wants to learn more about how to benefit from building a multigenerational workforce should sign up to Ageing Better’s newly-launched Age-friendly Employer Pledge ”

Our Dementia Choir to Take the Stage at UK Care Week

UK Care Week have just announced that Our Dementia Choir will be performing live on their Keynote Stage on the 22nd March at 12:15pm at NEC Birmingham

Our Dementia Choir’ began as part of a documentary created for BBC1 in 2018 The two-part series saw acclaimed actress Vicky McClure take us on a deeply personal journey where she sets out to discover the true extent of music’s power in combatting dementia

In this unique and exciting session hear from the Choir's team about the incredible work that the charity are doing to change lives across the UK and the impor-

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Caring for Yourself as a Carer

You can’t properly care for others if you aren’t also caring for yourself Stairlift and home lift company Stannah’s (www stannah com) treasured occupational therapist, Kate Sheehan encourages Carers not to neglect their mental health, and shares her top tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Choosing to care for others is a compassionate and kind act

It is a highly valuable role that often comes with a significant investment of time and mental effort for those who undertake it with little recognition of its true impact When focused on others, it s easy to neglect the small things that contribute toward your own health and wellbeing

Many informal Carers may feel guilt over taking time out for themselves but remember you're doing the best you can with what you have and which may look different each day so be kind to yourself and follow this routine

Take a break: If you feel able take a break It might not be possible to take as much time away from your caring role as you want or need, but take the time wherever and when you can, however short it may be Take time to rest and do some of the things that you enjoy and that will benefit your mental health

Fresh air and exercise are known to be good for both our bodies and brains; consider taking a walk or going to the gym If you are a creative individual draw or paint in your free time Choosing activities you can complete in stages or pick up and put down as needed can also be beneficial, as you can invest as much or

as little time as you need

Be realistic: Think practically and establish what is realistically achievable for you and the person you are caring for Overscheduling appointments or creating long to-do lists which you are then unable to complete may result in feelings of frustration or disappointment Although planning time for rest and recovery is essential for you both don t be afraid to say no or ask for adjustments if this is what you need

Try to open up: Consider sharing how you feel with someone whether a friend a fellow Carer or even a professional While practical support can be beneficial so can a listening ear Many informal Carers find having a space to share and process their thoughts and feelings helpful especially when caring for a close family member or those with progressive and fluctuating health conditions

If you are not ready to share details about your caring role with others try letting those in your life know that your responsibilities may reduce your capacity to maintain and nurture those relationships This will help them to understand if you are not always able to sustain your friendships and allow them to offer support if they feel able In addition booking time with a friend or planning activities in advance can give you something to look forward to and allow you to plan around it meaning you may be less likely to cancel at short notice

Use smart technology Could technology help you? With a wide variety of assistive tech available, there may be products that shoulder some of your responsibility while supporting for the patient s independence For example, items like automatic medication dispensers can be filled once a week and will then alert the person when it is time to take it In addition chair sensors and pagers allow Carers to be notified when someone needs support or tries to get up unaided so you can leave the room without worrying about their safety

For protecting your mental health it s important to practice self-compassion and try to understand your limits Recognising the early warning signs of fatigue will help you take proactive steps to rest, relax, and avoid burnout

Suffolk Care Centre Celebrates ‘My World’ Accreditation and Opening of Newly Refurbed Dementia Suite

A Woodbridge care centre has been awarded the Michelin star of dementia training during an event which also celebrated the opening of its newly refurbished dementia suite

During an event held on the 23rd January Rendlesham Care Centre received its ‘My World accreditation for providing outstanding care and support to those who are living with dementia including residents, their families, carer and colleagues

The My World training is the only accredited programme at City and Guilds level and aims to provide high quality care, training, care home design as well as advice and support for individuals and their families

Rendlesham which is led by home manager Cosmin Tiriteu was applauded for achieving the high standards required to meet the dementia accreditation across four key areas: care, the environment people and advice and guidance – all of which are considered vital to help people living with dementia lead a good life

Cosmin a highly qualified nursing professional has been the home s manager since 2021 He is known for his high level of training – with Rendlesham’s training levels rarely falling below 99 percent – supporting several members of his team to undertake qualifications including two My World Dementia Trainers and three dementia ambassadors

He said: We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded our My World accreditation in recognition of our commitment to providing the highest quality dementia care As a team we have worked together to ensure we are continually improving and this award is a testament to that hard work and the dedication of our staff to the people they care for

During the event, the home welcomed colleagues from Suffolk County Council the NHS Continuing Healthcare Team and the Commissioning and Crisis Intervention Team as well as Rendlesham team members and participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of its new dementia suite Oak 1 Guests were shown around the suite which has been designed to provide the highest quality of care and support to residents living with dementia, and familiarised with the amenities on offer They were also treated to welcome drinks refreshments and goodie bags courtesy of the care centre

Cosmin added: The event was a huge success and a great way to celebrate the achievements of the staff and management at Rendlesham Our team does what it does out of a genuine passion but it’s always wonderful to have an opportunity to show just how much we appreciate them and shine a light on all that they bring to life at the centre – without them we wouldn t be where we are today

Royal Alfred Welcomes Sea Cadets to Share Tales of the Sea

Residents at the Royal Alfred Seafarers Society s specialist maritime care home welcomed a group of Sea Cadets to share stories and learn about how life at sea has changed over the years

The Society which was established in 1865 delivers expert care to former seafarers and their dependants including those living with dementia at its home in Banstead Surrey

The visit from local group the Sutton Sea Cadets, was the first in an ongoing partnership to help cadets and the Society s former seafarers learn about the differences in their seafaring experiences

The Sea Cadets is a national youth charity working with young people aged 10-18 and follows a similar ethos training plan and rank structure to the Royal Navy with whom many of the Society’s residents served The organisation helps equip teenagers with all the things they need to cope with and enjoy in life as they become adults

The visit saw the cohort of Sea Cadets visit Belvedere House for the morning, to meet residents and tenants of the Home, many of whom come from a variety of maritime backgrounds including the Merchant Navy, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Wrens

The residents spent the morning sharing stories with the cadets about their varied experiences from their days at sea Many of the residents wore their uniforms and medals from their time serving in The

Navy and shared stories about each award

Studies have shown that intergenerational interactions are incredibly beneficial for older people and can increase in overall satisfaction with life as well as wellbeing The Society has a dedicated health and wellbeing team team that focuses on delivering person-centred care to residents organising events such as this visit which help promote positive mental health

Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Tony Peers RNR Commanding Officer said:

“We had a wonderful day visiting The Royal Alfred Seafarers Society, everyone was extremely welcoming and the cadets got a lot out of meeting the residents I could see that the cadets really enjoyed hearing from the residents as they each shared their own unique tales from the sea We are excited to continue to arrange visits to the Society on a regular basis, and it feels particularly fitting as its maritime background fits very well with our own ethos

Commander Brian Boxall-Hunt, CEO at The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society said:

“Social interaction and stimulation brought about through activities such as these visits to the Home is key for our residents and it is incredibly rewarding to see our elderly residents responding positively to the younger generations

Our activities team are fantastic at helping to inspire those that reside at the home, and we look forward to continuing the partnership with the Sutton Sea Cadets as we plan more visits in the future

To find out more about the work of The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society visit the charity s website (www royalalfredseafarers co uk) To keep up to date with the latest news from the Society follow and like the official Society Facebook page

NICE to Review COVID-19 Treatment Evusheld and Announces Update for COVID-19 Medicines

NICE has issued draft guidance for public consultation which does not recommend Evusheld for preventing COVID-19 in adults who are unlikely to have an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccination or who can t be vaccinated because there is not enough evidence of its effectiveness against current variants and those likely to be circulating in the next 6 months

The new draft guidance comes after last month’s decision by the US drug regulator to withdraw its emergency use authorisation for Evusheld as a preventative treatment for COVID-19 which said there was insufficient evidence that Evusheld is effective against the dominant variants of COVID-19 in the US

NICE’s independent appraisal committee has reached the same conclusion having considered evidence which shows Evusheld is unlikely to prevent infection with most of the variants circulating in the UK now and in the near future

NICE has also announced that it is developing a new review process to update recommendations on the cost-effectiveness of COVID-19 treatments so they can be made available more quickly to patients if they show promise against new variants and are found to be cost-effective

Helen Knight director of medicines evaluation at NICE said:

We know that today s decision will be disappointing for the many thousands of people who do not get the same protection from vaccination against COVID-19 as most people, and who therefore continue to significantly modify their behaviour to avoid infection

The rapidly evolving nature of COVID-19 means we need to have a way of establishing the cost effectiveness of existing medicines against current variants in an agile way That is why we are developing a process to monitor real world data and re-evaluate the medicines as needed against that data in a faster way than we currently do for other drugs The ambition is that we will be able to produce updated recommendations in as little as 6 to 8 weeks from receiving a positive signal of effectiveness ”

In developing the draft guidance on Evusheld the committee heard from and took into account the views and experiences of patient experts who described the challenging ongoing impact of COVID-19 on their lives and the lives of others with a high risk of severe infection who are not protected following vaccination

The committee also heard that the only evidence showing any clinical benefit for Evusheld was from a trial completed earlier in the pandemic when different variants of the COVID-19 virus were circulating None of the clinical evidence studies included evidence against current variants because of the rapidly evolving nature of COVID-19 Evusheld did show some effectiveness against some older Omicron variants in the in vitro studies However the studies showed clearly that it did not work against the current common and fastest growing variants

The draft guidance is open for public consultation until 9 March 2023 The committee will consider any comments received at a meeting currently due to take place on 4 April 2023

Penarth Home Arranges “Gentlemen's Club” Trip For Residents To Museum

Two of the three members of the “gentleman’s club” at Nantgarw China Works & Museum

A Penarth home arranged a “gentleman’s club" visit to a museum for three of their male residents

MHA Morel Court organised a day out to Nantgarw China Works & Museum something the three residents Granville Artur and Norman had a keen interest in

The home offers 36 places for residential care and are always arranging trips and activities catered towards the residents interests

The trio were accompanied to the museum by staff members June and Chanelle, who drove the minibus

Following the museum trip a spot of lunch at the Cedar Tree Farm pub in Ferry Road was the perfect way to conclude the afternoon

June Mandell community coordinator said: All three of them haven t stopped talking about their visit since they came back

“The three were part of the gentlemen's club and really enjoyed each other s company

It was a really nice day for them they were given a tour of the museum and took in the interesting facts on the history of the museum

“They were blown away by the size of the museum and the facts that came with certain parts of the tour

They asked some questions and had a huge smile on their faces throughout the day

“They didn't want to leave and it was only when we mentioned lunch we were able to continue with the day

“The visit to the pub was a great way to cap of the day and everyone including me and Chanelle had a great time

I am hoping to plan something like this again and even look to include more residents next time ”

Perfect Storm Could Sink the NHS Warns Milton Keynes Hospital Boss

The chief executive of Milton Keynes Hospital has told of his fears the NHS could sink as it tries to cope with the perfect storm of rising demand, vacancies and the fact existing staff are suffering from burnout and ongoing well-being issues

Professor Joe Harrison told Newcross Healthcare s Voice of Care podcast that measures are being rolled out at Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to try to combat the ongoing recruitment crisis in the sector which has seen vacancies increase to nearrecord levels

Staff are being offered meals for just £2, free car parking the chance to choose when and how long they work and extended bereavement leave as part of series of innovative actions to keep people working within the NHS

The hospital has partnered with nearby Buckingham University to set up the UK s first independent medical school to try and encourage more local people into the NHS

Professor Harrison also called for better use of technology across the NHS describing the sector as being miles behind the rest of the country Milton Keynes Hospital has recently pioneered robot surgery for certain surgical procedures which has freed up 450 bed days according to recent figures

On the subject of looking after staff and encouraging people to stay within the NHS, Professor Harrison said: “I think we are in danger of

allowing the NHS to sink A number of staff are still feeling the effects of that pandemic

“Our NHS team were dealing with the unknown day in, day out, 24/7 for months And it is that relentless pressure that has ultimately taken its toll on a number of people

On specific measures to ease the pressure on staff, Professor Harrison said:

We are one team at Milton Keynes University Hospital We took a decision four years ago that we would not charge people to come to work by offering free car parking We’ve expanded that now by putting solar panels across the site we now enable staff to charge their electric cars for free

“We recognize that there are going to be some significantly difficult times ahead economically So we have decided that we will play our part in providing members of the team with a healthy affordable meal every day, and that is £2

We ve also looked at those members of staff that just do not want to do full-time work anymore and who perhaps aren t able to We still know that women carry the vast majority of childcare pressures in our society whether we like it or not So how do we support the 70% of our workforce that is female? And so we re just as I speak bringing in an ‘any hours contract’

“The NHS has been focused on shift work and it says you can do an

early or late or a 12-hour shift That s not how millennials want to run their lives It s not how individuals post-pandemic are thinking about work, and we have to flex and change that And so, enabling staff to come in and do a couple of hours to come back from retirement, to do a couple of hours at times that suit them as well as the organization has received unbelievable support from the team at MK

We ve doubled bereavement leave at the hospital If somebody very close to you dies are you really going to be back at work in two weeks? The answer to that is very clearly no ”

On the partnership with Buckingham University, Professor Harrison said

We recognize that all of the research shows that if people train locally then they re more likely to once they ve qualified stay locally So back in 2015 we took a decision with Buckingham University to open our independent medical school and what we’ve seen is several hundred doctors now qualifying over the years, and that really has been positive not only for those qualifying, but also in attracting great people to come and work at MKUH because they want to teach ”

Hosted by healthcare expert Suhail Mirza the podcast episode featuring Professor Harrison is available now alongside previous episodes in the Voices of Care series on various platforms including You Tube Apple, Spotify and the Newcross Healthcare website

Nursing Staff to be Consulted on Scottish Government Pay Offer

The RCN is to consult its members on the new NHS pay offer The consultation will open on Tuesday 28 February and close at 9am on Monday 20 March

Members employed on an NHS Scotland Agenda for Change contract will be asked to vote to accept or reject the Scottish government s new pay offer RCN Scotland Board is recommending to members that they vote to accept the offer

The new offer includes a pay increase of different percentages depending on the Agenda for Change band a one-off lump sum and a review of Agenda for Change

Julie Lamberth Chair RCN Scotland Board said:

“It was our overwhelming mandate for strike action from RCN members in Scotland that forced the Scottish government to commit to further negotiations The pressure from RCN members has been instru-

mental in keeping negotiations going with Scottish government and the RCN needed to see this process through in good faith

We have considered the offer from the Scottish government which includes a pay increase and a review of Agenda for Change and how it works for nursing We believe it will make a positive difference for our members which is why we are recommending they vote to accept the offer ”

Colin Poolman RCN Director said

“It will be up to our members to decide whether overall the new offer meets their expectations If accepted by our members the provision in the new offer for the review of the Agenda for Change pay structure provides a clear path for reform If our members reject this new offer our mandate for strike action still stands and we will look to announce strike dates

Skills Boost on the Horizon for Health and Care SMEs in 2023

A new poll of SMEs across the health and care sector reveals – while 2023 may be a challenging year – they still expect on average a 26% growth in revenue The Skills Horizon barometer launched by the Skills for Life campaign asked 1 250 SMEs in England about their challenges and opportunities when it comes to skills and recruitment in the year ahead has found many are exploring the best ways to strengthen their workforce to achieve this growth In the health and care sector specifically it reveals 74% are planning to invest in upskilling their workforce bolstering their capabilities for the year ahead

The Skills for Life campaign aims to help SMEs understand all the training and employment schemes available to them including Apprenticeships T Levels Skills Bootcamps HTQs and Multiply numeracy courses Businesses who are considering hiring employees can access a range of government programmes offering work experience or upskilling existing staff some of which offer financial incentives This moment in the campaign follows last week’s National Apprenticeship Week dedicated to celebrating apprenticeships and the newer introduction of T Levels to highlight their positive impact on communities businesses and the wider economy

Over half (41%) SMEs in the health and care industry rank staffing challenges – such as recruitment and skills – amongst their top three concerns for 2023 However nearly half (46%) plan to invest in building digital skills within their company and nearly half (42%) will encourage staff to engage in current or free training resources – such as Skills for Life Bootcamps Many SMEs in the health and care sector are hoping this will help them tackle the challenges they face with recruitment and staffing in 2023 as they cite their three top recruitment and staffing concerns as retaining staff (45%), not having enough employees with the right skills (40%) and not being able to recruit new employees with the right skills (47%) and Over a fifth (21%) are seeking to hire from broad education routes such as apprentices and T Levels students

Minister for Skills Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon said:

Boosting skills in key sectors like digital manufacturing and healthcare is essential to building a skills nation and the government is investing in resources and skills qualifications – spending over £3 8bn this Parliament

“This investment is being recognised by SMEs who are planning to

invest in upskilling their workforce this year and I would encourage businesses of all sizes follow suit

Whether it s through apprenticeships T Levels or courses in essential numeracy and literacy skills there are free and flexible ways for employers to tap into the highly skilled workforce they need to thrive ”

Laura Wolstenholme, Head of Workforce at Persona Care and Support – a social care organisation that prioritises helping people live their best life – says We re looking at ways in which we can change the way we recruit In this industry experience isn t as necessary as people holding the right values – like care and empathy – then practical skills for the role can be taught As a sector we’re good at offering entry level roles, with apprenticeships being a good route to employment and making care a long-term career It’s important to plan longer term and invest in staff For us it s about making connections between individuals

To find training and employment schemes for your business as well as support on how to implement these visit: find-employerschemes education gov uk/

Runwood Homes Care Assistant Pledges to Swim 10 Miles for Dementia

Bekki a Care Assistant at Woodbury Court care home in Essex and her best friend Abby have pledged to swim 10 miles for dementia

Over the course of the month Bekki who works at Woodbury Court and Abby will be swimming 10 miles each or more to raise funds for the Alzheimer s Society

The pair have received tremendous support from the community and so far have raised an impressive £282 for the charity

Commenting on her personal and professional experience with dementia

Bekki said:

“Dementia is something that is very close to us, and something that has impacted my family in different ways The money we raise will help people affected by dementia get the support they need, and will fund research that

will help to hopefully one day find a cure ”

According to figures published by the Alzheimer’s Society around 900 000 people live with dementia in the UK and this is projected to rise to 1 6 million people by 2040

Home Manager at Woodbury Court Mel Oliver said: I am so proud of Bekki doing the swim for Dementia She is such a kind, caring and compassionate member of the team and is very dedicated to our residents

Bekki is a true inspiration for doing this and I hope the wider community will sponsor her ”

If you would like to support their fundraising efforts please visit their just giving page: https://bit ly/3YjEnfV

Priorities For Operational Success Within The Care Home

By Nicola Whittaker, National Account Manager at Miele Professional (www mielecarehome co uk)

ment and what needs to be the focus for long term operational success Here are three key areas that were highlighted

1 INFECTION PREVENTION

Infection prevention has always been crucial within the care industry; however the pandemic forced care homes to implement and adhere to increased hygiene measures to help manage infection outbreaks Consequently 91% of respondents have experienced challenges with changing rules and regulations and are on the brink of information overload Despite this 88% believe that these changes have had an overall positive impact and as a result will continue to focus on infection prevention methods to achieve operational success

2. RECRUITMENT

The care industry suffered with recruitment and retention issues long before the pandemic yet staff turnover is rising - unfortunately this is at a time when people are increasingly needing care services

care homes to better protect residents from the transmission of Covid-19 but this came at a cost

Whilst the pressures of the pandemic have eased its lasting impact on the care industry can’t be overlooked with many carers finding it difficult to remember life before Covid-19 Last year Miele Professional conducted research with senior care professionals to find out what they expected the future of care to look like in a post-Covid environ-

According to 37% of the survey respondents Covid-19 had a direct impact on staff working hours causing ‘burnout’, additional stress, and influencing workers to leave the profession 81% of senior care professionals claim that staff shortages are moderately to extremely challenging and there isn t any expectation that this will get better anytime soon

3 QUALITY OF LIFE

Isolation, visitor restrictions and shielding were implemented within

Nearly a third of respondents agreed that quality of life for care home residents declined substantially throughout the pandemic as they were not given the experiences they needed to live life’ Both short and long term the value of life needs to be at the heart of the care industry with one forum participant commenting it s about the quality of life not longevity” Now more than ever carers play an important role in helping facilitate this through the organisation of activities in tandem with ensuring infection prevention protocols are followed to keep residents both safe and engaged

Download the Future of Care report by Miele Professional to learn more at www mielecarehome co uk/content-library

Two Residents at Rochester Care Home Celebrate Their 100th Birthday in the Same Week

Two residents at Rochester Care Home in Kent, Doris Steanson and Freda Dearing both celebrated their 100th birthdays in the same week in February

Doris Steanson and Freda Dearing, residents at Agincare s Rochester Care Home in Kent both celebrated their 100th birthdays in the same week in February The two centenarians enjoyed fun-filled celebrations with their family friends and fellow residents

Registered Manager of Rochester Care Home Irene Kinslow began planning the parties with Doris and Freda’s families weeks in advance knowing just how special and important they were for everyone

Irene added:

I feel so privileged to be part of Freda and Doris s 100th birthday celebrations

“We had two fantastic parties for two brilliant ladies – both surrounded by their families

“Making our residents happy is what we are all about at Rochester”

Doris had her birthday first on Tuesday 14th February where she was joined by family which included two daughters three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren Doris started her relationship with her future husband Bill as pen pals during World War Two when she slipped a note in his uniform with her name and address!

Asked if she had any life advice after turning 100 Doris had this to say:

“Never have any arguments or pick holes in people I taught my children to always share and that s an important lesson in life

She concluded:

“A glass of sherry now and again and chocolate once a month!”

Freda celebrated her birthday two days later on Thursday 16th February for this special occasion her family came down to Rochester for an afternoon of fairground fun and games for everyone to enjoy

Like Doris, Freda led a colourful life, enjoying a long and varied career that spanned from usherette to accountant but it was her time in in the Women s Land Army during Second World War Two that means most to her During her years of service, she would meet her husband Will who was working at the nearby Linton Park estate as a gardener Decades later she would receive a letter from the Queen in recognition for her service in the Women’s Land Army

Asked if she had any secrets to a long life Freda added “Eating chocolate and drinking Coca-Cola!”

She said of the party:

“I enjoyed the party and I expect I enjoyed the sherry!”

Both Doris and Freda received congratulatory birthday cards from The King and Queen Consort alongside a wealth of cards from friends family and team members at Rochester Care Home

Wetherspoon Donates Over

to Fund Frontline Healthcare Apprenticeships

Pub chain Wetherspoons has invested in the health and care sector through a significant donation to pioneering home healthcare provider Cera, as part of the Apprenticeship Levy

Cera has been awarded an impressive £200 000+ to spend by April 2023 on frontline apprenticeships by Wetherspoons The funds were guaranteed to Cera in December 2022 and will cover the recruitment training and deploying of 68 Adult Care Apprentices to achieve between a Level 2 (Adult Care Worker) and Level 5 (Leader in Adult Care) Diploma in Care

Each level funded by Wetherspoons donation will include the apprenticeship standards plus an industry-recognised qualification, chosen by individuals depending on their area of specialisation – for example care for the elderly, dementia-specific, learning disabilities, or mental health

All apprentices receive excellent teaching and will be assessed by a qualified appraiser leading to a Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) accreditation and ultimately training them to deliver safe empathetic and effective care

To date over £100 000 of Wetherspoons donation has already been allocated

Cera delivers services on behalf of over a hundred Local Governments and 75% of NHS Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) with the scale to make

Freda Dearing (left) with Doris Steanson (right)

How Can Technology Help Health and Social Care Professionals Provide Truly Person-Centred Care to the People They Support?

egardless of geographical location, health and social care fields cross the world are governed by care standards which dictate that residents must receive person-centred care and be involved in every aspect of the care they receive

With the needs of residents in the health and social care setting being so diverse and complex, organisations supporting people with specific needs cannot aspire to achieve this best practice by applying a one size fits all rule when it comes to the technology they need to use to manage both the care and operational sides of their business There is a substantial amount of published literature depicting how different types of technologies can positively ssist organisations in the health and social care industry to enhance ependence and quality of life for residents, clients and patients

Equally few articles in the information technology rubric balances these views by focusing on evidencing the drawbacks of using certain information communication technologies in this field

In her article: “Ethical Issues and the Electronic Health Records (EHR)”, published in The Health Care Manager magazine in December 2020

Layman Elizabeth PHD student highlights the inconsistency of positive evidence about the use of EHR for disadvantaged persons in the care setting According to Layman (2020) if not used appropriately this type of technology can also come with some disadvantage which includes residents or clients not knowing who their information will be shared with; in some cases the accuracy of the information recorded about a service user is found to be incorrect Service users do not seem be able to have access to their electronic records

Over the past decade the issue around the use of technology in the health and social care industry has also been the centre of interest for Government and health care regulatory agencies Indeed (Jennifer Martin 2019) the ex-Medicines and Healthcare product Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Inspector Director in her quest to review the strength and weaknesses of the EHR systems used in the health and social care field provided us with a very insightful blog published on the GOV uk website on the 23rd July 2019 Her work on the evaluation and review of a number of EHR technologies assisted decision makers to see that the majority of available electronic health recording systems did not have adequate functionalities For example a major issue related to the lack of ability to give access to specific information to relevant audiences without breaching data There is also very limited evidence of EHR systems enabling residents and their families to access electronic files without the input of a staff member Despite some of the drawbacks highlighted in the digital literature it has been widely acknowledged that achieving effective sharing of information and capturing all essential aspects of an individual s needs without using technological tools proves very challenging Hence the Government and health regulatory agencies and such as CQC NHS and Nice are supporting and will be ultimately requiring the implementation of EHR technology in health care settings A recent review of such systems (Jennifer Martin, 2019), demonstrated that there has been some improvement regarding the sharing of information using EHR systems over the past few years Professional 3rd parties involved in the care of residents or patients are able to access electronic files However the risk of data breach for these systems appeared high as not all systems could enable the professionals to see only what they needed The review of the literature on the use of technology in health and social care highlights the

Billingshurst Specialist

A new specialist education hub for children living with communication needs in Billingshurst has been visited by local MP Jeremy Quin

Mr Quin joined the staff to look round the school and meet students

The newly refurbished building is already planning on facilitating another cohort by September 2023

Woodview at Ingfield Manor based on the grounds of an already successful school for children living with neurological motor impairments was commissioned by West Sussex County Council for a cohort of 10 year 7 students last year

The provision which is in a separate facility from the school but housed on the same site, is a bespoke, self-contained space, which meets the needs of the children and any accompanying special needs particularly any speech communication and language needs they may have

The unit welcomed its first pupils in September and the refurbished building was officially opened by John Godden MBE CEO of Salutem Care and Education which operates the service

Now that the school year is well underway the team invited Jeremy Quin MP to visit and see the fruits

importance for leaders making decisions about the tools to be used to achieve best practice and personcentred care; to make themselves familiar with systems and functionalities that will enable them to have the service users at the centre of their care Interestingly most literature and recommendations for best practice on this topic point to systems being able to share information effectively (Kharrazi et al 2018)

Leecare’s senior leadership team is passionate about continually improving program functionality to ensure service users remain at the centre of the care they receive The team has continually kept abreast of latest technologies and Government requirements and what is required to ensure best practice worldwide

With this in mind

Leecare s Platinum6 software has been especially designed to make information sharing easy, with an emphasis on the connection between the care of the resident, staff and the organisation Particular care has been taken in developing P5MyCarePlan - our resident centred app By directly enabling service users to inform service providers the information in assessments and care plans is not solely related to the clinical observations of nursing staff but also reflects more accurately the preferences views and feedback of the person receiving the care and support

P5MyCarePlan App also enables residents to review their care plan and what staff have written about them as well as add information that populates directly into their care plan in their own time

If the resident wishes for a family member to also have access to their information a login can be created for them so that they can contribute to providing feedback regarding the care of their loved one or just be updated about new events

Having this tool made available to residents facilitates a truly person-centred care approach as it promotes adaptability and flexibility giving room to the resident to request changes as and when their needs change, and communicate this to staff members in real time

Ensuring that residents and service users are able to easily communicate their needs is also paramount to providing person-centred care Therefore choosing a technological tool that is not just user friendly but adaptable and accessible is essential if staff are to fully capture all of their resident’s different needs

Leecare P5MyCarePlan can not only be used on different type of devices, such as mobile phones and tablets but service users can also use touch screens to write their feedback or utilise voice recognition if they are unable to write Staff are then able to receive the information and take immediate and effective action Dr Caroline Lee, CEO and founder of Leecare Solutions stated in her article entitled: “Keeping residents and families connected-supporting Self Determination” which was published on the 5th July in Hello Care Magazine: Caring requires us to be vigilant – to know every wish and need watch out for cues for change and to know what we need to know But obtaining the information directly from the person the care impacts, using technology, a system linked App, ensures our care is not only about the Standards, or public demands or legal responsibilities but is real and can be followed through onto the ground where it is needed most

Hub Recognised by Horsham MP

of their labour and meet the children learning at Woodview

Nicola Dodds, principal at Ingfield Manor, said: “We were delighted to welcome Mr Quin to Woodview and for him to acknowledge the hard work of all our staff over the past few years

We hope he enjoyed his visit and can see the excellent work we do here It was a privilege to showcase the outstanding relationship we have with our students ”

John Godden MBE said: It is hard to believe that Woodview only opened its doors in September last year I am pleased that Jeremy Quin took time out of his busy schedule to visit us and recognise the hard work and dedication of our staff here

It s a fantastic opportunity for the young people to learn in a unit designed with their specific needs in mind ensuring their educational requirements are met ”

Jeremy Quin MP commented: It was a huge pleasure visit Woodview and hear direct from the students about how happy they are at the school and the progress they are making It was good to hear about Woodview s plans for the future to support local educational needs

Birthday Celebrations At Cheshire Based Home Following Surprise Party For Resident Who Turns 100

Care Workers: Why Become a Sponsor?

Written by Joanna Safadi, Associate, Employment and Immigration at Harrison Clark Rickerbys (https://www hcrlaw com/people/joanna- safadi/)

This is a very topical question now due to the current lack of skilled workers in the UK This shortage has been recognised in numerous skilled and unskilled workers jobs

Since more organizations are looking to employ migrant workers, it seems vital that they be aware of the risks and concerns that come with the territory Also the benefits of becoming a sponsor and the duties it entails

Once you have identified that you need more skilled workers and simply cannot find them in the UK then you must start considering the prospects of becoming a sponsor and applying for a sponsorship licence

To be accepted as a sponsor, the importance of the worker is paramount

Employers should be aware of the following factors:

Firstly they should ensure that they are fully compliant with employment law meaning they should be aware of all the relevant updates and have them in place at the relevant times There should also be a clear system in place that help the workers

It is imperative that they treat the workers equally and ensure all necessary steps are taken to comply this legal requirement such as all legal documents being translated into their native language and ensuring they have access to someone who can speak to them in their native language

It is very important to ensure the migrant worker does not feel cut off or discriminated against for not being British or for not speaking English

This is not a problem limited to the organizations hiring these workers, the issue goes further than that – hence the need for more education and understanding There needs to be clear guidelines on compliance and what is acceptable and what is not

More training needs to be implemented to ensure these issues are spotted at the start The managers should be aware as should HR

regarding the risks and being aware of the signs before they become an issue

Education on exploitation and encouragement to report these concerns need to be spoken about and implemented It is also advisable to be aware of the recruiters and suppliers used to ensure you are aware of their own practices

It should be made clear that migrant workers in the UK are eligible for the same rights as other workers in the UK but you need to question if the migrant worker knows this Are they aware of their rights? Have they been explained? Understanding this is of great importance and ensuring these rights are respected are a legal necessity

WANT TO HIRE FROM ABROAD?

If your business like many is unable to find suitable applicants in the UK then you will need to review the option of applying for a sponsorship licence When applying for a sponsorship licence you must have clear reasons why you will be applying it should be noted that the sponsorship licence is detailed and complex

The guidelines need to be followed and vigorously complied with The main reason for this is to ensure businesses are aware of their responsibilities and the duties they need to carry out to sponsor a migrant worker

The government are becoming sensitive to the issue of migrant workers due to several cases that have emerged over the years highlighting the abuses and exploitation they may face This is a very topical area and one that should be highlighted to ensure we are able to deter unscrupulous employees from carrying out such actions and profiting from such misery

Since Brexit, UK employers are struggling to find appropriate skilled workers and the need to look outside the UK is a fact Hence the need for more guidance; the government recognises the importance of compliance and is purposely making this harder to ensure everything is done in accordance with the law

The government have gone one step further by lowering skill and salary thresholds removed the cap on migrant numbers they are recognising the need in the UK to be a little bit more flexible Even though the UK are recognising the need for a larger number of skilled workers they are also recognising the need for stricter rules and more guidance With this comes more compliance and amendments to the sponsors’ duties

WHAT ARE THE SPONSORS DUTIES?

Once you have received your sponsorship licence and have successfully determined a suitable applicant you have an array of duties that

you need to ensure you carry out

Initially you will have the responsibility to ensure you correctly apply for the correct CoS A CoS is a Certificate of Sponsorship If you are applying for a skilled worker from overseas -entry clearance - you will be applying for a Defined CoS

An Undefined CoS will be used for skilled workers applying for permission from within the UK

Once you have identified the correct CoS, applied for it, and it has been granted you will then have to assign it to the relevant worker When assigning the CoS ensure that you have checked all the relevant information You should have a clear start date in mind as this must be entered on the certificate

However the guidance has been updated to state that a worker may start working for the relevant company once they have permission to enter the UK or stay in the UK

Another amendment has been added to allow the start date to be delayed for a 28-day period if needed However, this is dependent on there being a good reason

Other details must be clearly stated in the summary regarding the job description You must clearly state the number of hours the applicant will have to work You must also ensure you use the correct SOC code or relevant occupation code to avoid issues with the Home Office

You clearly must notify the Home Office of any unpaid absences This is part of your reporting duties that the sponsor must ensure he complies with The sponsor must be aware that they must stop sponsoring a worker who is absent from work without pay for more than four weeks in total in any calendar year

It is imperative that the sponsor complies with this and ensure they adheres to their responsibilities such as monitoring the employees and have the relevant systems in place This will allow the sponsor to monitor the employees’ immigration status, ensure they have copies of the relevant documentation such as a passport track and record the employees attendance keep employees contact up to date and importantly be aware that they have a duty to report to the UKVI if there is a problem e g if the employee stops coming to work

Even though the duties relating to becoming a sponsor have become stricter the benefits of applying for a sponsorship licence talks for itself It allows the businesses to grow and develop without this constant fear of not being able to get the most appropriate and qualified skilled worker It allows companies to truly utilise the skills of foreign workers which will benefit the company and UK

Sunday Times Best Selling Author, Wendy Mitchell Joins Excelcare Webinar

Wendy Mitchell is a blogger activist and Sunday Times Best Selling author, who rose to prominence with her debut novel ‘Somebody I Used to Know a memoir depicting her experience during the early stages of dementia

Wendy was diagnosed with Young Onset Dementia in July 2014 which inspired her to start a blog about her journey and experience Wendy describes her blog as a reminder of what I ve done and said in the past – it now serves as a memory Her goal is to raise awareness of dementia whilst also documenting her experience Wendy is now the proud author of Sunday Times Best Selling book Somebody I Used to Know which depicts her journey since her diagnosis

On the 28th February Wendy Mitchell will be joining Excelcare s monthly webinar to share her personal experiences living with dementia, advice with relatives of Excelcare residents and people who may be seeking care for a loved one

This monthly webinar named Let s Discuss Dementia acts as an open forum for discussion and provides advice to people whose loved ones are living with dementia Lead by Dementia Care Lead Ann-Marie Harmer the monthly webinar discusses a range of different topics from dealing with a diagnosis to supporting people with change and sharing some useful activities for reminiscence to name a few

Wendy will be the first guest to share a first-person experience giving guests an entirely different perspective on what it is like to live with dementia Wendy will also be discussing details from her new book ‘What I wish people knew about dementia

Excelcare is inviting members of the public who wish to hear about Wendy s story to their upcoming webinar on 28th February at 6:30 pm If you would like to sign up for a place on this webinar, please click the link below https://bit ly/3IhEXE6

Dementia Care and Washroom Design

How can washrooms help suppor t independence for those living with Dementia? Chrissie Rowlinson, marketing manager from Dudley Industries shows how washroom design and dispenser choice can help make washrooms a less confusing space

Alzheimer s Research UK reports that over 944 000 Britons currently live with dementia and by 2030 the number will exceed a million For those responsible for washroom design in the care sector this rising trend presents important challenges

Such washrooms will typically see a variety of users so they must accommodate different demands They must satisfy all the usual conditions – safety accessibility and ease of maintenance for example – but as the population ages it s increasingly important that they meet the needs of users living with dementia and similar cognitive impairments

DESIGNING FOR USABILITY

The various steps involved in wetting hands, applying soap, rinsing and drying all demand thought, observation, orientation and the ability to recall in which order tasks should be performed For people with dementia this may be especially difficult in an unfamiliar environment

The challenge may be further complicated by the fact that people with dementia often struggle to distinguish similar colours A typical washroom featuring pale-coloured dispensers on pale-coloured walls does little to help them

However good design can remove key barriers to usability The Alzheimer s Society reports that using sharply contrasting colours is helpful Intelligent use of colour and signage can eliminate much of the visual noise that users can find so disorientating and in a washroom colour can draw attention to key items such as soap- and towel-dispensers

Washroom dispensers are available with high-contrast coloured wall-plates The equipment then visually stands out from the surrounding wall cutting through most distractions to guide users in the right direction This

can be particularly helpful when items are situated close together (e g a soap-dispenser above a basin beside a towel-dispenser) This saves the user from having to walk or queue at any stage in the washing process so there is less chance that he/she will lose track of what should happen next

COLOUR CHOICE

To reduce the risks of distress designers can also consider the pacifying effects of certain colours Blue is often regarded as a particularly restful choice, so white dispensers set against blue wall-plates are a good option They offer high contrast while promoting calm

Designing in this way also permits a kind of guidance through colour-coding The same colour can be used for all functional items such as toilet roll housings soap dispensers paper towel dispensers and so on Provided that each is presented in a logical order colour-coding can then lead the user on a simple journey through the facilities

The same journey can also be aided by colour-coding in accompanying signage or posters that explain with visual examples how to use the facilities provided It can also be enhanced with colour-coding on the floor; for example by using coloured tiles or strips to indicate a logical path through the washroom from basin to dryer to exit

Such cues help users to build visual associations and to develop a sense of familiarity both of which can reduce the risks of anxiety and promote more regular and effective hand-washing

LIGHTING AND SAFETY

Many older people suffer from restricted vision so adequate lighting is essential particularly if colour-coding is a feature of the room s design Moreover lighting should cast no strong shadows across floors and walls since they may be mistaken for obstacles and interrupt users progress through the room

NOISE

Finally people living with dementia may be more easily startled by sudden noises so paper towel dispensers offer a safer quieter choice than hand-dryers They may also be better suited to residential premises where it’s important to minimise disturbance at night

Learning Disabled People Call for Changes to the Social Care Workforce Through HFT’s National Campaigning Plan

Research suggests that working in social care has undeniable benefits Yet there is a sector-wide recruitment and retention problem facing the social care workforce with vacancies in the learning disability sector sitting at 16% in 2021 This has had a profound impact on the sector and is just one of the four key policy areas that Hft has outlined in its new national campaigning plan, Voices for Our Future

As part of the learning disability charity s campaign Hft will call on the Government to invest in the long-term sustainability of the social care sector by introducing a fully funded minimum pay rate for social care above the National Living Wage

Following wide-ranging conversations with learning disabled people Hft has also identified negative attitudes employment and housing as the most important issues to campaign on over the next five years to improve the lives of learning disabled adults

The official launch will be at an event in Parliament tomorrow (21 February) where MPs will have the opportunity to speak to learning disabled people to understand why these issues matter to them and what changes they want to see

Kirsty Matthews Chief Executive at Hft explains “Voices for Our Future explains the change that needs to happen to enable people with learning disabilities to live their best life possible

“We want everyone including people who make the decisions in Whitehall and Westminster, to listen to people with a learning disability and be part of the change that is so necessary

Hft’s campaigning work will include calls for improved accessible housing standards and for the

Government to take steps to prevent and challenge disability hate crime

Those we spoke to were also keen to campaign for improvements to the social care sector as a whole to address ongoing challenges Many issues in social care stem from a high level of vacancies a high level of turnover where staff do not spend long in a role, and a lack of Government funding

We would like to see the Government invest in the sustainability of our sector introducing long-term reform and funding a fully funded minimum pay rate above the National Living Wage says Ms Matthews

To ensure their campaigns are truly informed by the voice and opinion of adults with a learning disability Hft is encouraging learning disabled adults and those who support them to join the Walk in Our Shoes Network Through the network individuals will be given the opportunity to join calls for change

One of those who will be joining the network is Shaun Lee who has a learning disability Having witnessed the ongoing issues of recruitment and retention in the sector Shaun would like to contribute to the campaign hoping to change this

He says “I think it would be a good idea for MPs to spend a day in the life of a support worker and see first-hand the difficulties they face They would then understand better why social care is so important and why the Government needs to make more money available so staff can be paid more Shaun thinks this would help with job retention as the increased funding would help organisations like Hft to attract more permanent staff who do such an important role This would ensure everyone with a learning disability could get the support they need and ultimately live their best life possible

Meet Milo, Catherine House Care Home’s New, Adorable Therapy Dog!

Milo is from Therapy Dogs Nation Wide, a national charity where visiting volunteers take their own dogs into establishments to provide comfort distraction and stimulation Milo’s owner Emma rescued him from Bath Cats and Dogs Home when he was just 10 weeks old and this new fluffy friend has been spreading joy throughout the care home based in Frome Somerset since the beginning of the year

Dogs Nation Wide explains on their website that The benefits of Animal Assisted Therapies (AAT) have been extensively studied and results range from improvement in general health and wellbeing increased confidence levels improved and controlled movement to improved communication skills Our work in residential care homes had improved communication in residents and patients by evoking memories and stimulating conversation

This has certainly been the case for Catherine House residents, who are affectionately referred to as family members Kim a team member at Catherine

House explained how as soon as the family members see Milo coming it’s smiles all round and that they take great joy in spoiling him with treats She told us about how the beloved Patajack X beagle has sparked conversation all over the home “One family member Monica could not stop laughing at Milo as he was pulling the tissues out from her sleeve and all around the home both family members and their relatives have been speaking about Milo and making comment little scarf he wears

It has also been wonderful reminiscence therapy for family members who have previously owned dogs like Sheila who commented on how he was a lot smaller than the dog she use to own

After the huge success of the first two visits everyone agreed that the family members at Catherine House Care Home would definitely benefit from regular pet therapy Emma is now due to visit the home every Thursday with everyone s favourite four-legged friend

Global Recognition for Oakland Care’s Environmental Efforts

Care home provider Oakland Care have been recognised for their industry-leading environmental and sustainability credentials once again after winning a Green World Environment Award from the worldrenowned Green Organisation

Launched in 1994 the international environmental group established the awards to reward and promote environmental best practices around the globe

They are also supported by the

Environment Agency the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health the Chartered Institution for Wastes Management, and other independent bodies

On this occasion the care home group won the Green World Environment Award as part of The Green Organisation s global campaign to find the world’s greenest countries companies and communities This follows competition against more than 500 other nominations in the Green World Awards for Environmental Best Practice

A huge achievement, this title carries even more significance with Oakland Care becoming the first and only care home provider to have ever achieved the accolade in the world

As a result of this they will be presented with their trophy and certificate

at a glittering presentation ceremony in Miami, USA in April

Oakland Care have also been invited to become Green World Ambassadors and will have their winning entry paper published in The Green Book’, the leading international work of reference on environmental best practice This will allow others around the world to follow their example and learn from their sustainability successes

Speaking of the global award success

Chief Executive Officer at Oakland Care Joanne Balmer BEM said:

“This is an incredible achievement, and I am extremely proud that we have attained this global award for our environmental and sustainability efforts It is testament to all the hard work and commitment across Oakland Care to work as one towards this pivotal worldwide objective

“To become the first and only care home provider to have ever achieved the accolade is very special particularly given that we are first to do so on an international stage We strive to inspire others within our sector to push ahead with their own journey and contribute to the fight against climate change Our sector can truly be a positive force as we collectively work to achieve a net zero society ”

Elderly Ravers Enjoy Care Home Beach Party

A BEACH rave at a Saltburn care home saw elderly residents painting their faces in UV colours and busting a move to thumping dance music –in a nod to Redcar s famous Majuba beach festival

Those living at Hazelgrove Court Care Home on Randolph Street waved their hands and hankies in the air as DJs from the Woven Nest Theatre put on disco lights and blasted the tunes

The “Rave in the Waves” workshop is delivered by the North East based theatre-company for older people living with dementia and was commissioned by Redcar Cleveland and Middlesbrough Council as part of the Creative Health Strategy funded by South Tees Public Health

Designed as a multi-sensory exploration of the North East coast, the workshop included a cinnamon scented sandy beach interactive rock pool of hidden items and waves made from a material that emulates the frothing sea alongside drumming and dance music

Fourteen residents took part in the rave run by facilitators Poppy Crawshaw and Liv Hunt, and with sound designer Elliot Mann, all from the Woven Nest Theatre

One of those, Judith Pearson, 79, said: “I never thought I would get to tell my family I had been to a rave

Joyce Wooffindin 83 said: “Can we have a rave every day?”

Ellen Else 91 said: “I have never had so much fun ”

Sharon Lewis activities coordinator at Hazelgrove Court Care Home worked closely with the Woven Nest team to design the workshop to ensure it catered to the residents’ individual needs

She said: After our conversations Poppy came back to me and said they’d had this idea to create a rave We d never thought of this, so we asked the residents if they d ever been to a rave before and most of them said no but they seemed excited

“It was so effective how Woven Nest used storytelling to move us from one section to another and you feel like you re being transported somewhere else, but each part was participatory, and the residents were always involved

“Well, after the session had finished, the residents were saying they wanted to rave every day I could hear residents telling their family members that they d been at a rave It just goes to show that no matter what age you are and regardless of whether you live in a care home you can still have new experiences

Poppy Crawshaw from the Woven Nest Theatre said: “As we moved to the music there was a genuine feeling of release and freedom Whether residents were dancing in chairs or getting up to dance, it felt elating to move to music you don t usually associate with care homes I think we can all relate to shaking it out and letting go through music and movement

“This is the first time we’ve created a rave in a care home and I m quite overwhelmed by what a joyous experience it was There was a moment when we were recreating the waves with a material than emulates the froth of the sea and the residents were shrieking and laughing and lifting their feet to catch the waves So simple but so impactful ”

The Residential & Home Care Show 2023

The Residential & Home Care Show is making its annual return as the UK s leadership event for delivering outstanding care at ExCeL London on 26-27 April 2023

The event offers two days of high-quality educational content the opportunity to speak to leading suppliers in the health and social care sector, and explore what products and services suit your business needs It is a chance to regroup network with like-minded peers and equip you with solutions to current challenges seen within the sector The two-day event will be jam-packed with knowledge advice and inspiration

Free for all care professionals to attend the CPD accredited educational programme will be delivered over five theatres exploring a variety of topics including:

Recruitment and retention:

Health and social care experts will provide you with advice on topics such as employee engagement and how to effectively recruit according to your business needs Explore digital marketing technologies overseas recruitment and the importance of staff retention

Workplace culture and staff wellbeing: understand how to adopt strategies and best practice models into your workplace culture to aid to development and confidence of staff

Digital transformation

You will receive insights and advice on how to make the most of the digital transformation process and implement an efficient, cost-effective digital solution for your care home Business development and regulatory updates:

You will be able to access sessions on planning and implementation of strategies that will help increase the profitability of your care home and hear updates from local authorities to ensure your business complies with the latest regulations

Integrated care systems:

You will gain a deeper understanding of how the NHS and social care services will be working together to provide a higher quality of care

Residents’ health:

There will be a variety of sessions dedicated to residents health including long covid, diabetes and dementia care

REASONS TO ATTEND:

• Free for all care and healthcare professionals

Earn up to 12 CPD points

Take away practical advice and solutions that can be implemented into your own organisation

Join thousands of other Owners, Directors, Senior Managers all under one roof and utilise the networking opportunities

Meet and talk with 200 exhibitors showcasing their latest products and services

• Build relationships between residential care providers nursing homes domiciliary care providers NHS local government the voluntary sector and suppliers

• Learn from over 100 expert speakers who will share key case studies, best practice examples and deliver important panel discussions with sector leaders and successful care business providers Register at www residentialandhomecareshow co uk/tcu23

Care Home Chef, Dave, Reaches the Finals of National Chef of Wales Competition

When you think of fine dining you probably imagine 5-star hotels or exclusive restaurants A care home in West Wales probably isn’t the first place that would spring to mind but this is where Dave Williams Head Chef at Cwm Gwendraeth nursing home in Tumble, whips up incredible meals for residents every day Now Dave is pitting his skills against 7 other talented chefs competing for the prestigious title of National Chef of Wales in the finals of the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) annual competition The CAW exists to promote excellence in the art of professional cookery within Wales Cwm Gwendraeth is one of a number of homes owned by Welsh care provider Fieldbay (part of the ivolve group)

The competition has been running for more than twenty years This is the first time that a chef from a care home has reached the finals Dave s inclusion is ground-breaking for care catering He said We are often overlooked but there is some fantastic talent in care home kitchens everywhere ” The competition is intense other finalists include Welsh chefs from top restaurants in both Wales and other parts of the UK including a Michelin starred restaurant

For the finals Dave will be cooking a three-course dinner for twelve people, live, in front of the judges over a 5-hour period using mainly Welsh ingredients

Working alongside him will be fellow Fieldbay chef, Peter Pimm who works with Dave every day and is he says the most important ingredient in the mix

To say Dave is passionate about food is an understatement, even his tattoos are food related His arms are illustrated with fruit and veg alongside a pair of crossed chefs knives bearing the French culinary term mise en place meaning everything ready and prepared His grandmother a school cook encouraged him to cook from an early age He went on to work in

kitchens in a variety of roles including as head chef in a tourist resort in West Wales After being turned down for an apprenticeship in a top London restaurant he became disillusioned and left catering to work in security for a while but he never lost his love of cooking He started working for Fieldbay three years ago Initially Dave didn t tell anyone that he d been a chef taking a kitchen assistant s position but fate had other ideas A period of absence by the head chef prompted him to step into his shoes temporarily He was then offered a permanent head chef position

Dave loves his job and is proud to work for Fieldbay, saying “I always think, what would I want if it was me or a loved one resident here? I am happy I can use my skills to help improve people’s lives ” He liaises with the home managers to ensure he is meeting residents needs in relation to specific dietary requirements such as diabetic diets allergen free meals and modified meals He researches innovative recipes in his spare time and enjoys a challenge This has included providing vegan food for one individual who was not only limited by their dietary choice but also having strong likes and dislikes within that His food heroes are Raymond Blanc, who is also self-taught and is his inspiration and Heston Blumenthal for his creativity

The National Chef of Wales winner will be announced at an award dinner on February 23rd at The Imperial Hotel Llandudno

Fieldbay’s Managing Director, Paula Lewis, said “We are passionate about ensuring high standards in care Nutritious good quality food is such an important part of that We are lucky to have Dave working for us He is a fantastic chef and we are incredibly proud of him reaching the finals of this National Competition ”

Local Chef Graduates from Barchester’s Chef Academy

Staff and residents at Southgate Beaumont Care Home in Old Southgate Enfield are celebrating because their much-loved head chef Dan Brooks has graduated from Barchester’s Chef Academy in the Class of 2022 The Academy was held at various different locations around the country over an 11 month period The Academy is run by Barchester’s Hospitality Development and Standards Manager Mervyn Knights and helps chefs to both hone their skills and learn new ones covering many different modules including cooking for residents living with dementia budgeting balancing flavours minimising wastage presentation skills and so much more

Dan has worked in hospitality all his life he started out working in hotels and restaurants During the pandemic he needed to look for a different role and so he decided to try the care sector Dan joined Barchester in August 2020 and he hasn t looked back He absolutely loves his job he likes to chat to the residents to find out their likes and dislikes so he can present their food exactly the way they like it He loves to come up with new ways to surprise and delight his residents with nutritious and flavoursome

home-cooked meals and he finds the hours are much better for family life

As he received his certificate, Dan told us “I really enjoyed taking part in the Academy and attending all the workshops it was such a positive experience I love to showcase my menus and I take great pride in how I present my dishes Getting to know the other Barchester chefs sharing recipes tips and best practise was great fun and most of all I like to try to constantly improve our food and hospitality service for our residents, so the Academy was just perfect for this General Manager, Beatrice Godfrey, said: “This is an amazing achievement and the whole home wants to congratulate Dan We are so proud of him Dan is an outstanding chef he is extremely creative producing wonderful three course menus for residents every day for lunch and dinner This has been a chance to showcase to others in the company just what he can do in terms of his skill set and maintaining high standards of presentation together with nutritious meals Dan s food is just fabulous the residents love his delicious meals he is such a talented chef

Brentwood Care Homes Under New Ownership

A care home group has acquired two care homes in Brentwood as they continue their mission to provide outstanding care and support to people in Essex

Ardtully Retirement Residence and Old Shenfield Place were taken over by Premium Care Group in November 2022, and the new home owners will be making a significant investment to transform them into warm welcoming and inclusive environments

Ardtully is a grade II-listed care home which occupies an extended Georgian residence situated in the conservation area of Ingatestone Old Shenfield Place is a renovated seventeenth century building set within Shenfield, close to local amenities Combined the homes offer 57 beds

The changes will also see the management of the home transformed, with improvements being made to staff training and development and personalised care and activity programmes

Robert Adams managing director at Premium Care Group said

We are delighted to be the new owners of the beautiful Ardtully and Old Shenfield Place

Our vision is to provide extraordinary care so we will continue to invest in the buildings and facilities at Ardtully and Old Shenfield, as well as continually improve training development and recruitment

“As a local care home owner, I look forward to increasing our strong links with the local community

Daughters Sally Russell and Jenny Downs have been visiting their mum Lillian Downs at Old Shenfield Place since 2017 and have been really impressed with the improvements

Sally said: “We are so impressed with the improvements and renovations at Old Shenfield Place Everywhere looks clean and fresh The lounge and craft room are so comfortable and a great place for residents to enjoy their day

The new management has put many positive changes into the place for both residents and staff

The atmosphere is vibrant and the staff work hard and are extremely caring We are reassured that mum is happy safe and well cared for at Old Shenfield Place

Future of Care Leaders Conference

Returning with a new name the Future of Care Leaders Conference has re-branded to highlight who should consider attending – the leaders of the care sector Bookings are officially open for the highly sought-after conference being held at The King s Fund London on Tuesday 28th March 2023

The conference is set out to bring key trends, challenges and developments in the care industry in front of the people who matter With a new and improved layout and a quality speaker programme delegates can expect new additions including a networking breakfast and drinks reception to end the day on a high and strengthen relationships made throughout the day

The day includes an extensive programme with informative sessions held by a coveted list of speakers and hosts a selection of exhibitors in the networking space Delegates can enjoy a selection of refreshments throughout the day as well as a quality lunch included in the cost of the ticket

The programme this year will focus on a range of important subjects which will be discussed in focused speaker slots and panel debates Topics include;

• Embedding Net Zero into the Sector

Raising the Profile of Adult Social Care

What Does Innovation in Care Actually Mean?

Improving Elderly Care Through Human Connection Supporting the Wellbeing on the Social Care Workforce Key speakers at the conference include: Liz Kendall MP Shadow Minister for Health & Social Care; Kate Terroni Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care and Integration and Interim Chief Operating Officer at Care Quality Commission; Nadra Ahmed Executive Chairman of National Care Association; Avnish Goyal CBE Chair of Hallmark Care Homes and Vic Rayner OBE, Chair of the National Care Forum; who is also Conference Chair Use the following link to book your place and view the full programme – www futureofcare co uk

Actor Bruce Willis Diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia

Hollywood actor Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, his family has announced

In a statement shared Thursday February 16 the 67-year-old star’s family stated that while the news “is painful it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis ” Today there are no treatments for the disease a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead As Bruce s condition advances we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research the statement said

In 2022 the 67-year-old action movie star was diagnosed with aphasia – difficulty with language and speech Aphasia can occur for a variety of reasons (most commonly stroke) but for Willis it is now clear that these speech problems were the early signs of this particularly devastating form of dementia

Frontotemporal dementia is an umbrella term for any disease that causes gradual loss of brain tissue in the frontal and temporal lobes – the front and sides of the

brain Although relatively rare, it is one of the most common causes of dementia in people under the age of 65 accounting for around 40% of early-onset cases

The condition – which goes by other names such as Pick’s disease frontal dementia, semantic dementia and primary progressive aphasia – tends to develop slowly, over several years

Kate Lee Alzheimer s Society CEO said:

“We’re sending our thoughts to Bruce Willis and his family following their announcement that Bruce is living with frontotemporal dementia

Speaking publicly about his diagnosis will help so much to shine further light on the condition, for which we are hugely thankful For those who have been affected by this news support is available on the Alzheimer s Society website

Frontotemporal dementia is a less common type of dementia and is mostly diagnosed between the ages of 45 and 65, although it can also affect people younger or older than this

World Gymnastics Championships and Community Integrated Care Partnership Continues to Change Lives

National social care charity Community Integrated Care has revealed the remarkable results on the impact that its life-changing ‘Inclusive Volunteering Programme with the World Gymnastics Championships 2022 has had on volunteers across the Liverpool City Region

An interim impact report reveals how the pioneering initiative saw more than 100 people locally supported by the charity enjoy personal development projects built around their individual goals and needs This included 280 hours’ worth of volunteering opportunities at the event, and mentoring delivered by the charity s specialist community team designed to build skills and friendships to last far beyond the event

From ‘an accessible employability club inspired by the working routines of gymnasts to a unique photography club that sees people visit Liverpool’s iconic places to build independent living and creativity skills, it offers a distinctively ground-breaking way of promoting inclusion and opportunity

Delivering more than 10 million hours of care and support nationally Community Integrated Care are one of UK’s biggest social care charities Founded in the Liverpool City Region it provides specialist care and support to people who have leading disabilities autism mental health concerns dementia and complex care needs

Following the conclusion of the Championships, a participant survey has uncovered overwhelmingly positive responses with soaring confidence levels diminishing reported anxiety rates the creation of new friendships, passions, and feelings of greater connection to their local community

Headline figures state that 100% of participants were proud of their achievements with 75% of participants are eager to continue with volunteering in the local community and have determination to attain

paid employment in the future 67% where inspired to try something new during the programme with 62% strongly agreeing that volunteering had improved their wellbeing

One of these projects - ‘Life Through a Lens’, developed in collaboration with renowned arts organisation Open Eye Gallery had a profound impact on volunteers Through a series of creative and accessible group workshops at a Kensington Neighbourhood Health Centre in Liverpool facilitated by professional photographer Sam Batley, volunteers come together to explore new photography techniques from cyanotype prints to polaroid collages

Community Integrated Care Sports Inclusion Specialist Karen McVeigh witnessed the impact firsthand saying; It was a privilege to work with the volunteers, who each brought a wealth of talent and enthusiasm to the Programme contributing majorly to the overall success of this international event

With a demographic of an average age of 49 our group face limited access to meaningful opportunities in society and their abilities are often overlooked From gifting handcrafted soaps to visiting athletes performing dance routines in the fan zones and professional – we’re proud to see people we support thrive and have the backing of such as reputable organisations

Michelle Coulter, who is supported by Community Integrated Care, in Runcorn, says “Volunteering at the World Gymnastics Championships was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I m so proud I was a part of it I loved the photography that much, that I bought my own camera for Christmas, as I want to keep taking photos It helps me to capture those memories I can always look back on I m grateful for the opportunities that have been given to me and I've enjoyed feeling part of the community ’’

‘Happy Endorphins’ as Care Home Residents Stage Random Acts of Kindness

Kindhearted residents and staff of Colten Care homes have been spreading a little happiness in and around their communities

Their activities were part of Random Acts of Kindness Day which takes place every February and encourages participants to ‘make someone’s day with a kind gesture

From Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst Hampshire resident John Denby went out and about in the nearby village centre to invite locals in for a free cream tea and make friends

John, accompanied by Companionship Team Member Jo Anderson, handed out formal invitations along with seed paper hearts

Jo said: “As well as the beautifully presented invites to come in and see us we thought the recipients could plant the seeds in their gardens to enjoy a wildflower display later in the year, the idea being to watch love grow

John said: “It was clear people were touched by our gesture Some couldn t thank me enough I enjoyed going out in the community and explaining what Random Acts of Kindness is all about Being the New Forest I even had a wandering donkey approach me interested in what we were doing!

At Kingfishers in New Milton, residents boxed up gifts of freshly made shortbread, adding messages of their own and labels that read From us to you made with care and Spread a little kindness

The home’s Customer Advisor Tracy McCallum then distributed the boxes to contacts in the town including the local GP surgery church school and community centre

Kingfishers resident June Price said: “This was such a lovely idea to thank our friends in the community for all the hard work they do ”

At Canford Chase in Poole residents painted messages of inspiration and joy on kindness rocks’ and added designs to felt hearts and flowers

Companionship Team member Justin Corder who brought in homemade cookies for everyone as his own random act , said: “We started off the day by discussing what kindness means and then once we began our painting we decided we would place the finished rocks outside in the garden and other places where people would see them

We agreed that the simple act of giving a token gift a flower or making someone smile helps you release happy endorphins and boosts the soul

At Amberwood House in Ferndown, one theme of Kindness Day involved caring for plants in borders right outside the building Gardener Lyn Read was aware that wisteria vines, a rose bush and a fuchsia might have to be lost because of renovation work being done to the dining room and lounge and a lack of alternative garden space for replanting

She carefully dug out the plants and rehomed them with Liz and Jon Doyle daughter and son-in-law of resident Mary Whitehouse after the couple expressed a wish to save them

As well as taking plants for their own garden, Liz and Jon have donated some of the vines to the Blandford Museum Gardens where they volunteer

Companionship Team member Sharon McVicar said “This was a lovely act of kindness from all parties involved as otherwise these poor plants would have been left to die

Amberwood House was also one of several Colten Care homes where residents wrote ‘postcards of kindness’ to be delivered to people and organisations in the local community

A Pub, A Cinema and a Connection to Enid Blyton:

Buckinghamshire

Welcomes New Luxur y Care Home In £10.4million Project

Signature at Farnham Common, a new care home formally opened with help of local dignitaries and Ronnie Leggat a founding resident to cut the ribbon

Farnham Common provides 74 studio apartments to its residents and the grand opening ceremony revealed the state-of-the-art home s exceptional communal facilities which include:

The care home s inhouse Blyton Café paying homage to the celebrated author Enid Blyton’s connection to Farnham Common

A large cinema screen

An emporium providing a hair and nail salon, therapy room and spa bathroom facilities

Salon treatments including hand and manicures

• A dedicated physiotherapy room for resident treatment

Joining Signature Senior Lifestyle s family of 37 other care homes

Farnham Common provides luxury and specialist residential, nursing, dementia and respite services which are truly tailored to each individual resident

The opening ceremony which was attended by Farnham Royal Parish Council, also marked the launch of a community dementia charter created by Signature at Farnham Common for use by community groups local businesses and community organisations

The charter provides actionable advice to support somebody living with dementia such as an explanation of the condition dementiafriendly language, and how to adapt an environment to ensure it is suitable for somebody living with dementia

To deliver the new care home, Signature at Farnham Common worked in partnership with Beard Construction and PRP Architects to deliver a £10 4 million project

Commenting on the home s opening Alex Alexandru General

Manager at Signature at Farnham Common said: “We were thrilled to formally open Signature at Farnham Common and welcome the community we will be serving

We are also delighted to launch its community dementia charter which shows our firm commitment to supporting our community using our expert knowledge of supporting people living with dementia

“Our care home has been designed to be a hub of activity, with a host of communal spaces and social activities for residents supported by highly trained team members committed to delivering true peace of mind to residents relatives and their loved ones Ronnie Leggat a founding resident at Signature at Farnham

Common, added “It is exciting to see Farnham Common take its first steps and I look forward to welcoming my fellow residents as they join me in making their home at Farnham Common ”

Alastair Pike Mayor of Beaconsfield said: It was a privilege to officiate at Signature at Farnham Common and see at first-hand the attention to detail that has gone into building this care home I look forward to seeing how it will provide care for residents

Gary Millard, from Beard Construction, said: “The care sector is important to us and our expertise means we can help clients to meet the increasing demand for the very best in assisted living spaces Signature s attention to detail and the high level of fit and finish is testament to the quality of living and care demanded by modern-day residents

Beard s core aim is to build with ambition and this project more than lives up to that ethos ”

Jenny Buterchi partner at PRP Architects said: We are delighted to have been on this journey with Signature to design and deliver this beautiful new care home at Farnham Common The care home already sits so comfortably within the residential street scene along Beaconsfield Road embedding it into the community

“The main residents’ communal areas were designed to sit at the heart of the plan to create vibrancy around the main entrance The open day showed just how successful this space is with staff visitors residents and families chatting together in the café space creating a real buzz

“The later living team at PRP is very proud to have been part of Signature s new home at Farnham Common and has enjoyed seeing the positive impact the design is already having on the lives of its residents in their later years ”

Hamble Heights Residents Celebrate Care Home’s 10th Anniversar y

moments from the care home over the past decade

Maryanne Scriven Home Manager at Hamble Heights said: Our residents had a fantastic time at our 10th anniversary party which was full of fun and dancing I am so proud of our lovely care home and the difference that our team have made to hundreds of older people over the past 10 years They continue to go the extra mile around the clock on a daily basis so that our residents can receive our support to live happy fulfilled lives ”

Hamble Heights team members Amanda Cox (Housekeeping) Haylie Dean (Healthcare Assistant) and Helen Sims (Healthcare Assistant) are each celebrating 10 years of working at the care home this year As such the Mayor also helped to present cheques to Amanda and Haylie

On completion of 10 years’ service at Encore Care Homes, team members receive a £2 500 bonus as a thank you from the company for their hard work, commitment, and dedication

Amanda Cox who works as a housekeeper has been part of the team since the first day that Hamble Heights opened She remembers making up beds ahead of the first residents arriving and putting the finishing touches to creating a home away from home for the older people moving into Hamble Heights

Talking about her career at Hamble Amanda said: It has been a

really nice place to work It’s a great feeling to know that we make a difference to our residents lives and to look after them when they need it It’s also really great that we’ve been recognised for our hard work ”

Amanda is going to put her 10-year work anniversary bonus towards spoiling her three daughters and three grandchildren on a family holiday to Morocco planned for later in the year

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

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Hidden Costs Of Caring For The Environment

Every care home needs hot water From basins to baths and showers, catering and wash down Most facilities will run successfully on a system based around gas-fired water heaters unless a new build in which case the preference is to move to electric water heating to take advantage of the increasingly less dirty grid This does have implications for running costs with electricity on average costing as much as 3 8 times that of gas So why change things? The simple answer is net zero and the need to be more sustainable Because of the ubiquitous need for hot water which can account for as much as 30% of a building s daily energy demands, addressing how it is secured is one of the best ways of making active carbon savings today

Deploying either heat pumps or solar thermal as a renewable to provision the initial preheat is the most logical approach Where problems and unnecessary costs can quickly arise is when existing gas-fired top up’ water heating is replaced with like-for-like electric which can lead to gross system oversizing Domestic hot water (DHW) systems for

Consort Claudgen Includes Wi-Fi

Enabled Heaters in LST Range

Consort Claudgen s low surface temperature heaters range now includes heaters that are Wi-Fi enabled These heaters connect directly to Wi-Fi and heating can be controlled from the digital control panel on the heater or Consort Connect app Features include a 7-day timer with 24 heating periods per day lock function open window detection and custom automations Users can also view the energy consumption statistics of all connected heaters Additionally, LST heaters with Wi-Fi and occupancy sensor have a self-learning control ability which uses in-built occupancy sen-

sors to detect and learn a user’s weekly presence in a room It then creates a heating schedule and automatically warms the room according to the detected or predicted occupancy When the room is unoccupied, the heater will conserve energy by switching to a setback temperature or frost protection mode

BIM objects are available for download from Consort s website 01646 692172

sales@consortepl com

www consortepl com

See the advert on page 23 for further informa-

Rosehill Furnishings

• Chairs which have been tested for bariatric use

Their upholstered chairs can be supplied with antimicrobial vinyl and wood finishes for hygiene and infection control

Models are available with arms to assist people getting up and down from their seat

Made to order products in a huge range of colours and finishes to fit in with your existing décor Lounge chairs side chairs and coffee tables which are designed to enhance your communal areas

commercial properties should be designed to accurately meet a business needs At Adveco our application design team has a thorough knowledge of residential care understanding the peak hour and length of the peak which are the starting point for determining demand and ensuring the hot water system is correctly sized

This demands a bespoke approach as every facility is different The number of rooms facilities such as basins showers deeper baths and guest mobility, all impact on the sizing The physical constraints of the property from plant room and roof space to noise levels all impact technology choices Adveco can advise on this sizing and provide accurate monitoring to ensure applications are fit for purpose and future proof As a result decisions to move to more sustainable operations are optimised and do not leave properties facing unwarranted capital or unexpected new operational costs from going green https://adveco co/sectors/healthcare/

See the advert on page 15 for more information

BIOFROST® Cold Therapy Gels for Drug-Free Natural Pain 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

Rosehill are proud to have a long-standing history within the furniture industry It s their unique history and knowledge of the market which sets them apart from the rest They re committed to quality and their standards have continued to excel over the last 40 years

The expert team at Rosehill understand the market and can tailor your order to suit your exact requirements With over four decades experience in the industry, you can feel at ease knowing that you re in safe hands They take pride in the quality products they supply which are built to last while also being great value for money

Rosehill have experience working with healthcare organisations who require durable and comfortable seating for their patients and staff Rosehill specialise in seating and tables for care home lounges dining rooms visitor and waiting rooms wards staff rooms and FF&E packages

Options include bariatric seats anti-microbial vinyl and fabrics for hygiene and infection control high back chairs with head support and armchairs

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

High back chairs with head support and wingback models

Dining chairs and armchairs with stylish and durable tables in a range of shapes and sizes

Bedroom furniture with fitted items in high quality finishes

• Outdoor furniture and benches

Complimentary breakout modular and office furniture for staff areas and receptions

Their furniture is available in a variety of styles and is designed and manufactured to help you provide a safe and comfortable seating option for your staff patients and visitors Their range is high quality and built to offer great comfort, and durability for furniture that lasts

Browse their wide range of furniture for your care home clinic ward or waiting room online at www rosehill co uk or call 0161 485 1717 to request a brochure or discuss your requirements with their helpful sales team

See the advert on page 23 for details or visit www rosehill co uk

BIOFROST® Cold Therapy Gels are natural drug-free 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 sideeffects

BIOFROST® Gels:

BIOFROST® Relief Cold Gel for pain relieving cold therapy

• BIOFROST® Active Dual-Action Cold Gel with Heat Sensation combining cold with heat 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 benefits of BIOFROST® Relief

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

BIOFROST® Cold Therapy Gels are Class 1 Medical Devices made in Finland

Win Health Medical Ltd: T: 01835 864864866

E: biofrost@win-health com

W: www win-health com

See the advert on page 3

Raising the Standard of Stair Climbing Solutions

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

mission; to improve quality of life through its range of highquality 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 11

Focus Games - Enjoyable & Effective Training

Introducing Aquarate

Aquarate

into

saving

hot and cold drinks

• Commercial dishwasher safe for quick and easy cleaning

Up to 5 day battery life with low battery indicator

Spill detection with immediate alerts so you can react fast

Get in contact to book a free demo Hydracare

Technology starts at as little as 40p per resident per day Let’s look after our loved ones!

www aquarate com

The New “Jolly Journey” from Little Islands

The new “Jolly Journey” from Little Islands is designed to simulate an oldfashioned travel carriage featuring real wood panelled wall brass luggage racks ornate wall lights and table lamp, opposite-facing seating for four including cushions, ‘First Class antimacassars and period memorabilia

The Jolly Journey creates a familiar and stimulating environment for ‘passengers to return to their fondest memories sparking conversations of time gone by Reminisce about travel and holidays with loved ones and friends over afternoon tea in your exclusive cabin, then maybe top it off with a jolly good Sing Song on the way home

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

Fire Doors are an imperative part of fire safety and are considerations of the design and maintenance of any building but especially residential Article 17 – RRFSO states fire safety provisions (includes fire doors) must b a suitable condition and wo g

If you are the Responsible Person it’s imperative you appoint a competent person to assist in meeting your duties under the fire safety order to ensure fire safety measures including fire doors are kept in working order Yeoman Shield s Fire Door Services can help to take the guess work out of fire door maintenance by providing fire door inspections, condition reports remedial work and fire door installation all carried out by FDIS and/or FIRAS accredited team members

Having a good maintenance routine will dispel some needs of fire door replacement therefore being more cost effective

tation of Yeoman Shield

Protection products can also be in the long term financially beneficial by halting impact damage from the start eliminating many repairs in the future and again will extend door lifecycles

Installing Yeoman Shield door protection products such as door protection panels door edge protectors and PVCu glazing bead units will not affect the integrity of the fire door as all products have been tested, in situ to the current standard required Vulnerable frames and architraves can also be protected from impact with Yeoman Shield to prevent dangerous splintering and splitting as well as abolishing the time-consuming repetitive need 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

Our Journeys begin with Steam Train rides through Britain, with other destinations being planned as the World opens up again Bespoke Journeys can also be created just let us have your ideas and we’ll see if we can fit them in with our filming schedule

In just one day our Little Islands Team can efficiently install and furnish your opulent First Class Carriage pod with all accessories and footage All we require is 2 5M of clear wall space a power socket and good access, to create your very own Jolly Journey

For more information please contact Little Islands: 01828 869802 or see the advert on the front cover

A kitchen refurbishment can cause a massive disruption to your home and residents and can prove to be overwhelming But don't worry - Inox Equip has you covered with their temporary commercial catering facili-

CLEANING & INFECTION CONTROL

Mask and Outbreak Guidance Updated in Care Settings

Guidance on the use of face masks in all care settings and on outbreaks in care homes has been updated to give settings the flexibility to ensure ongoing COVID-19 measures are proportionate

Previous guidance stated that face masks in care settings should be worn at all times and that care homes should seek advice from a local health protection team in the event of COVID-19 outbreak but this change now enables providers to further utilise their own skills and knowledge on appropriate measures

Since the guidance change last month providers are able to make risk-based decisions on when face masks are used and care homes can initiate their own outbreak risk assessments to make decisions about which outbreak measures make sense for their individual settings Decisions around masks will be based on factors like the risk to specific individuals if the setting is in an outbreak or the preferences of the individual receiving care Support remains available from health protection teams and other local partners for care homes when needed

Testing guidance has also been streamlined for small care homes to reduce the number of tests staff and residents need to take in the event of an outbreak This, alongside new flexibility for rapid response testing in these settings is in line with the latest public health advice

Social care settings will continue to be equipped with free personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep staff and people receiving care safe over winter and protected against COVID-19 where necessary

Minister of State for Care Helen Whately said: The darkest days of the pandemic are thankfully behind us But it doesn t feel like that for people living in care homes or being cared for at home, when many of the people they see are still behind a mask

So much of what we communicate is through our expressions our

faces and our smiles – especially for people who are deaf or hard of hearing Many rely on lip reading and face masks don’t make the job any easier for care workers either

That’s why we’re making this change We want care agencies and residential homes to decide what s best for the people they look after I hope this means thousands of people who are looked after by care workers will get to see a smile this Christmas

Care providers are now able to adopt a risk-based approach with decisions on the use of face masks balanced with the risk of infections spreading and considering any risks or benefits that arise from their use Care homes can make use of new flexibility in the updated guidance on outbreak management and in all circumstances should

ensure visits between loved ones are supported with each resident able to have at least one visitor even in an outbreak Outbreak measures should only be implemented if at least 2 of the cases of COVID-19 are linked and should be proportionate to factors specific to the care home such as if it s well ventilated easy to keep some parts isolated and how vulnerable people in the home are to COVID-19

Providers should continue to ensure adherence to guidance and be able to evidence this to the Care Quality Commission when asked

People receiving care can ask for staff to wear face masks, and staff should of course work in whatever way will make the person they are caring for most comfortable

Vaccination remains the best defence against flu and COVID-19 and with both viruses circulating this winter it is vital that all those eligible –including care workers – come forward to top up their immunity and protect themselves and those they care for

It is important that care workers and care recipients are protected against illness so that staffing and visitation levels can be maintained and care services can be kept safe this winter – this is why the government has supported care workers to get vaccinated by enabling them to be eligible at the same time as people receiving care Social care workers and others eligible this winter can book their appointments for both a COVID-19 autumn booster and flu vaccine via the National Booking Service or by contacting their GP

Free PPE for COVID-19 needs is available until March 2023 as previously announced, and providers will continue to be able to order this from the PPE portal

See the infection prevention and control in adult social care: COVID19 supplement for guidance on the use of face masks in all care settings and on outbreaks in care homes at https://tinyurl com/y3vycett

The Cleaning Show 2023 to Focus on Latest Industr y Trends with Stellar Line Up

With commuters returning to the workplace hitting a post-pandemic high expectations of a cleaner safer and more hygienic working environment mean the responsibilities of cleaning and hygiene professionals and facilities managers across the country have intensified In light of this the UK’s leading event for the cleaning and hygiene industry The Cleaning Show 2023 has announced some of the industry’s leading suppliers and manufacturers that are confirmed to exhibit when the event returns to the ExCeL London from 14-16 March 2023

GREENER CLEANING SOLUTIONS

Attendees at The Cleaning Show will be left feeling confident that the industry is striving for change – specifically when it comes to sustainability – when a multitude of exhibitors will have the opportunity to demonstrate how they are putting environmental concerns at the fore

THE LATEST IN CLEANING TECHNOLOGY

Whilst sustainability is a clear priority for business owners across the industry emerging developments in cleaning equipment technology are accelerating the work done by cleaning professionals in a timely manner driving efficiency especially in hospitals or football stadiums where the scale of operation is much larger TECHNOLOGY SPARKS INNOVATION

Manufacturers

The technology on display will also highlight how advances are helping some of the sectors most important business s function

Maintaining infection control

Responding to the growing need for service providers, products and new innovations in the FM & PPE industries, this year’s event will also see an increased focus on the solutions and technologies driving growth in the sector – valued to be worth over £50 billion in the UK

Commenting on this year’s line-up Jim Melvin Chairman British Cleaning Council said: The cleaning hygiene and waste sector is one of the ten biggest industries in the UK and it is important that this resonates at The Cleaning Show which brings the industry together to celebrate its crucial work

The Covid-19 pandemic changed so many perspectives on cleaning PPE and importantly the roles of cleaning and hygiene operatives so I am certain that the line-up of exhibitors will be a hit with attendees as more businesses look to improve the safety of staff in the workplace And, as we enter the winter months where viruses have an environment to thrive, it is even more important to keep our key workers and the public safe healthy and well ”

Registration for The Cleaning Show 2023 is now open To register for your free pass to attend and to find out more about this year’s event visit https://cleaningshow co uk/london/

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 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

and mould by up to 99 99%

CLEANING & INFECTION CONTROL

Noroviruses: Outbreak Management and Disinfectant Choice

By James Derham (BSc (hons)), Liam Grimshaw (MSc by research, BSc (hons))

Enteric virus (EV) outbreaks are prevalent in the care home community with 73% of cases of outbreaks in weeks 43-44 in 2022 attributed to them (UKHSA, 2022) Typically spread via contact with faeces infection can spread easily via surfaces, food and close contact from someone with the virus (NHS UK, 2021) Norovirus is a small, non-enveloped virus that’s very difficult to destroy with traditional disinfectants owing to its small size and external capsid structure (GOV 2012)

It is vital to choose a disinfectant that is efficacious against Noroviruses Chlorine-based products (bleach NaDCC tablets and chlorine dioxide) lose efficacy in soiled conditions where Noroviruses are prevalent This means that they require an additional detergent cleaning step prior to use in order to still maintain efficacy An excellent alternative is peracetic acid (PAA) which outshines chlorine-based products because PAA is not hindered by soiled conditions PAA is widely used in the food industry water treatments agriculture and many other high-level industries Independent studies have shown that 85 – 250 ppm peracetic acid was effective in reaching 99 99 % reduction in viral particles with a contact time of 1 – 5 mins It was also found that even in the presence of synthetic faeces 85 ppm peracetic acid with a contact time of 1 minute was not hindered by soiling (Girard et al 2015)

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

No animal der ved products

Cruelty free

Minimal petrochemical derived products

No parabens, formaldehyde, CMI/MIT, triclosan phosphates chlorine bleaches, optical brighteners, quaternary ammonium 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 derived 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

With Care Home Providers Facing Soaring Energy Costs, Forbes Professional Advises On How To Optimise Laundr y Room Efficiency

Facing unprecedented energy costs and an increasingly pressing climate crisis care home operators are all aiming to minimise energy consumption

According to the Carbon Trust the care sector spends over £400 million on energy each year and after heating and lighting it is irrefutable that appliances are a main contributor to this figure For any care home, laundry is a key service area and one that is absolutely critical to maintaining infection control Thankfully, whereas you can’t turn down the heating in a care environment, or turn off the lighting there are ways in which you can significantly reduce the energy consumed by your laundry function Forbes Professional helps care home operators source the most energy water and user efficient laundry solutions whilst advising on all relevant WRAS and industry requirements

When choosing dryers, it is notable that care homes are increasingly turning away from gas appliances due to increasing running costs and safety concerns

This is all the more notable now that changes to industry requirements are necessitating considerable investment in order for gas appliances to meet the current standards Forbes would generally recommend that electrical appliances should be the product of choice with heat pump dryers enabling astounding cost and energy savings

Miele s new heat pump commercial dryers are particularly highly rated for their safety functionality and energy efficiency They employ a highly efficient and economical filter system and heat exchanger to keep run times low and enable an energy saving of up to 60% when compared to vented dryers Additionally these heat pump dryers do not require any make-up air, which enables the laundry function to be installed

in the basement or in a central location within the care-home and saves on costly vent-ducting Due to the effective interaction of the Miele filter system and the maintenance-free heat exchanger fluff cannot clog the heat exchanger or adversely affect the exceptional drying efficiency

With regards to washing machines, only a commercial washing machine will suffice in a care environment as only these machines will meet the WRAS requirements for Fluid Category 5 Forbes recommends using Miele commercial washing machines as they are highly energy and water efficient whilst delivering both thermal and sluice disinfection As an illustrative example based on an electricity cost of £0 34/kWh and three machines being used four times/ day for five years, Miele machines can realise a running cost saving of £9,529 when compared to another industry brand

Auto-dosing equipment also provides a great solution for ensuring that the right amount of detergent is dispensed for each cycle; minimising waste optimising the wash cycle and saving both money and time Forbes Professional provides a range of options for commercial laundry equipment including auto-dosing equipment as well as Miele commercial laundry machines All of their products are available on a purchase rental or lease basis, with access to a comprehensive service that includes installation, commissioning, usertraining and a multi award-winning repair and maintenance response

For more info, contact: www forbespro co uk; 0345 0702335; info@forbes-professional co uk

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

At Cash s we aim to capture reinforce and communicate our clients brand equity through quality and innovation from design to distribution

Our product range fully caters for the needs of both small and large retailers and brand owners alike comprising of woven and printed labels woven badges care labels branded and promotional swing tags garment accessories packaging and barcoding Our ground breaking labelling and security technologies

are also able to provide an unrivalled level of protection to our customers' brand by assisting to combat counterfeiting and grey market activity

Our industry leading eCommerce system is designed to reduce cost improve efficiency and streamline supply chain management and will fully protect the integrity and accuracy of critical business data The order entry process is very simple meaning suppliers and vendors can spend their valuable time on tasks other than ordering apparel labelling and accessories Visit

The Professional Division of Miele Appoints Marketing Manager to Oversee Operations in Great Britain and Ireland

The professional division of Miele appoints Marketing Manager to oversee operations in Great Britain and Ireland

The professional division of Miele an industry leading manufacturer of commercial laundry and dishwasher appliances has appointed Egizia Maria Felice as Marketing Manager for Great Britain and Ireland Felice will be responsible for overseeing the marketing management of the hospitality care and service (HCS) sector as well as growing their laboratory, medical and dentistry (LMD) sector

Felice brings six years of experience in marketing and communications to her new role with previous

marketing roles at Oxentia a global innovation consultancy and academic publishing house Oxford University Press Her specialisms include strategic communications for international development agencies as well as marketing for academic research and publishing

Commenting on her appointment Felice said: “I have always admired the inherent quality of Miele products and its ethos of immer besser (ever better) so being able to join the Miele Professional team is a fantastic opportunity

As the organisation is dedicated to becoming the leader in sustainability within its industry one of my targets is to build relationships with businesses who also have sustainability at their core and to showcase how Miele s innovative technology can support their journey

Simon Venni County Sales Manager at Miele Professional commented: We re thrilled to have Egizia on board to lead our marketing team We’re excited to see how Egizia s broad range of perspectives will support us in reaching out to new customers

Are You Up To Date On Food Shortages That

May Impact The Catering In Your Care Home?

Everyone s acutely aware of current labour shortages but what about product shortages that may impact the food you’re offering to your residents? Planning to use products that are in short supply may mean you re faced with even higher food costs

Food procurement experts, allmanhall, provide some insight to help you plan to mitigate and to tweak your menus if needed

Like all of us UK farming is being impacted by a multitude of factors including spiralling costs The NFU has warned of a looming threat to UK food security In particular there s a risk of product shortages in the following energy intensive sectors:

Eggs - there are 4 9 million fewer hens laying eggs in the UK today compared to 2019 down 13% from 42 7 million to 37 8 million

Glasshouse grown produce including tomatoes, sweet peppers and cucumber are likely to see production levels fall to their lowest levels on

record

Pears - UK pear production is at its lowest level since records began Fears of crops rotting in fields due to a lack of temporary seasonal labour compound the problem

Furthermore UK pork prices are up 40% year on year, largely due to high energy high feed costs and reduced herd sizes

This insight can be helpful when planning your menus and how to make the most of already-squeezed budgets For more expert analysis and other useful resources why not take a look at allmanhall co uk allmanhall are achieving up to 16% food cost savings for Care groups in the UK As well as catering procurement they can help with incontinence products PPE and other frequently bought products For larger items allmanhall can support you by running a tender and ensuring the best value Visit www allmanhall co uk or see the advert below for further details

Helping to Keep Your Patients Safe at Mealtimes with It’s Made For You Softer Foods

At It s Made For You we believe that everyone should look forward to tasty, safe, and nutritious texture modified meals The It’s Made For You range is designed for the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework standards and includes valuable nutrition It s Made For You are proud to be Gold Sponsors of IDDSI

Our range of meals have been developed to ensure the nutritional content will meet the nutritional needs of your patients whilst they follow a texture modified diet Research has shown that up to 50% of people with dysphagia are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition There could be numerous reasons for this including a reduced appetite or the inability to consume large quantities of food in one sitting Our range of ‘classic’ and mini meals can help to ensure your patients are getting the most nutritional value from the food they consume The use of pre-prepared It’s Made For You meals can also be a practical time-saver and bring

peace of mind to the person with dysphagia as well as their carer

The range includes over 60 tasty dishes including chicken, beef, lamb fish and vegetarian recipes We also offer a tasty selection of desserts, and breakfast options as well as mini meals for those with smaller appetites Each meal is easy to cook in either the microwave or oven and promises to deliver delicious and tasty mealtimes every time

At It s Made For You we offer a delivery service that cares making it easy and convenient for our customers to eat delicious meals which can be delivered directly and safely to their homes This helps them if they cannot leave the house or go to the shops Plus, people love to use our service as they can rely on a regular delivery of good quality and safe meals directly to their door, by a friendly local Oakhouse Foods delivery driver Find out more at www Itsmadeforyou co uk

FOOD AND DRINK

How to Sensitively Handle Different Dietar y Requirements Within a Care Home Environment

Dietary requirements in care homes can be diverse and varied and it is important to handle them sensitively in order to ensure that residents receive the nutrition they need whilst respecting cultural and personal preferences

As a care home that manages two kitchens using one specifically dedicated to vegan and vegetarian food we’ve found there are some key tips for handling different dietary requirements which are as follows

CREATE A COMPREHENSIVE DIETARY ASSESSMENT FOR EACH RESIDENT

This should include information about allergies cultural and personal preferences and any medical conditions that may affect the resident's diet This assessment will help you to understand the specific needs of each resident and ensure that they are receiving the appropriate nutrition Double checking and being thorough not only protects you as a care provider, but also helps to ensure that residents are happy, and their preferences and needs are fulfilled

OFFER A VARIETY OF OPTIONS

By Aarti Popat, Registered Manager of Watermead Rose (Macc Care) - https://macccare com/

To accommodate residents with different dietary requirements it is important to offer a variety of options at mealtimes This may include vegetarian vegan and gluten-free options as well as dishes that cater to cultural preferences This ensures that all possibilities are covered, preventing someone from being upset or unable to eat at a mealtime where nothing suitable is offered

CONSULT WITH RESIDENTS’ AND THEIR FAMILIES

It can also be very useful to consult with a resident s family about their loved one s dietary preferences and needs This will ensure that the residents have communicated clearly about their needs and to guarantee nothing has been missed that could present an issue at a later date By including everyone in the planning process and adopting a person centred approach means that a menu can be created for each resident that is bespoke nutritious and well balanced It s important to remember that dietary planning also includes snacks and beverages ensuring there are a wide variety of tempting treats for everyone in the home to enjoy Food is fuel but it should also be something that the residents look forward to EDUCATE CARE HOME STAFF

Ensuring that care home staff are educated about different dietary requirements is paramount and can help to prevent mistakes especially

around allergies and cross contamination that could potentially lead to a medical emergency in some severe cases It also helps to be educated on different cultural and religious beliefs that might affect dietary needs as this can allow workers to engage in meaningful conversations with residents by showing they have an understanding about their choices which could lead to residents opening up and interacting with staff, who would otherwise not BE FLEXIBLE

It is important to be flexible and willing to make changes to accommodate the dietary needs of residents as ageing has no straight trajectory with resident’s needs changing all the time If a resident has a new dietary requirement be willing to adjust ensure that they are receiving the appropriate nutrition For example as dementia progresses people may experience difficulties with using cutlery, recognising food or their taste may change meaning their dietary needs change too

Handling dietary requirements in care homes can be a delicate task but it is an essential aspect of providing high-quality care for residents By prioritising the dietary needs of residents care homes can not only improve their overall health and well-being but also help foster a sense of respect inclusivity and community among the residents

Anglia Crown – Adding Warmth to the Colder Months

The winter months are a busy time for anyone in the care sector and it is important that all residents have a chance to enjoy warming nutritious food at every mealtime

Mary Wedge Business Development Manager at Anglia Crown comments: “In our experience many of the residents look forward to the desserts They often represent familiar comfort foods and even if they cannot face the main course will often go straight for the pudding

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 autumnal 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 accompanied 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

Dementia Care: Communicating with People Living with Dementia Who are Struggling to Express Their Needs

By Dr Rachel Daly, Practice Development Admiral Nurse Consultant at Dementia UK (www dementiauk org)

language Taking the time to be with a person who is struggling to communicate is one of the greatest gifts to give them Remember that all behaviour is communication, and it is our job as professional carers to TRY HARD to understand and help them If you have a question on helping someone living with dementia you can always contact Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or email helpline@dementiauk org

T Take a moment Look around, what might be wrong? What might that person want or need? Give them your time

R Reactions - is the person reacting to you another resident the temperature, a noise or something else in the environment?

Y Yearning - is the person yearning for something? Are they hungry or thirsty? Are they bored? Do they miss their family? Do they need a hug?

H How can you find out their needs and emotions?Are they sad stressed, anxious, fearful confused, happy, or in pain?

Some people living with dementia may have problems communicating and expressing their needs which can leave them feeling very frustrated

For anyone providing support to a person living with dementia thinking about ways to help the person communicate with you could be beneficial Are there picture cards to hand to help the person recognise a picture of what they need (for example the toilet) and point to it, even if they cannot say the words? This helps them to express their needs and wants to their carer

Some people can write fluently long after their speech has gone Others may communicate through touch facial expressions or body

A Activities and meaningful occupation - how can you engage the person in a way that gives them some sense of choice control or fun? What did they like doing when they were younger? Would they like to plant some bulbs go for a walk or visit other residents? If the person is walking, consider why -are they looking for something or someone? Maybe they have a sore bottom from sitting too long

R Repetition - restate and use their words Reassurance - take the time to calm them down and remember they might feel frightened

D Dos, Don’ts and Distractions - Do: Smile be kind and get on their level Use more non-verbal communication like touch gestures

Otiom - Dementia Tracking System

Of the estimated 850 000 people in the UK living with dementia roughly 50% will wander with purpose and become lost during their condition When someone with dementia is reported as a missing person the police treat it as a high priority and put a lot of resources into finding that person as quickly as possible Technology can play a big part in preventing people with dementia from becoming lost and GPS technology has proven popular

Otiom is the only device of its type that is a registered class 1 medical device and has therefore undergone a rigorous testing protocol to comply with the European Medical Device Regulations

Otiom Offers peace of mind and freedom allowing people to move more freely It s a game-changing addition to the support of carers with a growing number of people living with dementia globally

Advantages include the ability to track indoors and outdoors low cost low maintenance superior battery life and improved communication stability We offer Otiom to both care homes and private users Otiom has been developed over several years backed by extensive research in the field of dementia It is the result of a collaboration with relatives, caregivers and people with dementia

Since Pentland Medical launched Otiom exclusively in the UK we have worked extensively with the Alzheimer Society and Alzheimer Scotland At the time of writing we are testing Otiom with the Alzheimer Society and expect to be listed as an official partner on their website in due course

Visit www pentlandmedical co uk or scan the QR code in the advert on this page for further details

pictures smells and show objects (like the juice box) to enhance understanding

Don t: be too loud too fast or use too many words Don t argue and remember that it is not important to correct them if they believe something to be true(like they need to go home to their mum) Distraction techniques can work well Ask them to tell you about their mum look at pictures or have a cup of tea together give a hand massage or play some music and dance with them if they are able

Music can be a wonderful therapy for people living with dementia and for it to be most effective it needs to be tailored to the individual

Find out as much as you can about the person through Life Story

Work which helps to ensure that our care always honours the person as an individual For example what job did they do? Did they have children? Do they have a religion? What are their hobbies? This is often called Person-Centred Care or Person-Centred Practice Ask the person (if they can communicate) ask their family check their records and note it in the care plan so you can share it with all your colleagues

Think about how the music you like might differ from your friends your partner or your family How can it affect your mood? That will be the same for your residents Some might like jazz or classical music whilst others might prefer music related to their religion If you find a favourite or something that calms them then make a note and use it in situations that they might find stressful If you find a tune that distresses them make a note of that too to help your colleagues to remember not to play it when they are around Music can be used passively (to listen to) or actively (for singing and dancing) – try it out always remembering to keep it personal to the individual

DEMENTIA CARE AND TRAINING

W&P Training

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-and-procedures/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

Memor y Lane Games - An Extra Pair of Hands for Carers

Available to assisted living environments fully branded and personalised the Memory Lane Games app features reminiscence quiz games on hundreds of topics including places, hobbies, animals, history and food

The games are designed to be frustration-free and to trigger memories and conversation not to test

Improving resident wellbeing

Consistent with providing person-centred care our games encourage a sense of identity and connection and can be easily incorporated into personal care plans Our library of games has something for everyone but unique games can also be made using a resident s own memories and photographs creating a truly personalised and powerful experience

“Always on hand even on the night shift ” Northamptonshire Registered Managers Network

Improving family connections

Our app has proven to be effective at creating joyful meaningful connections between families Useful when used to prepare a resident for their family visit as well as during where they can be used as a conversation starter Games can be played and new memories made with the whole family on a topic everyone enjoys, even the grandchildren!

Calming and distracting agitated residents

Carers are able to effectively reduce agitation, aggression and distress as well as deliver personal and

therapeutic care more easily by initiating game play and allowing the app to provide respite

Alerts & Reporting

Our back office system captures and analyses game play data to alert deterioration against clinical data sets A sudden drop in game play performance for example could indicate a UTI This data is also used to generate a Reminiscence Journal’ (pictured) which can be created at the touch of a button and incorporates information on what the resident has played how long for and what they have enjoyed along with recommendations for future game play These can be sent to families and included in personal care plans ensuring everyone around the person living with dementia is aware of what they are positively engaging with

With no IT integration required the benefits to residents and carers can be realised immediately

Improved resident and staff wellbeing improved quality of family visits and a differentiated care home business

Our real-world case study covers how personalised gamification with Memory Lane Games can be used as part of a treatment plan to calm and improve quality of life for someone with severe dementia

Contact us today to receive a copy and find out more

Helpforcarehomes@MemoryLaneGames com

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Navigating the Cost of Living Crisis Without a Cost to Care Standards

Sadly, we are all too familiar with hearing that our care sector is under pressure and that we are facing a challenging time as predictions point towards a recession At a time when we have 165,000 unfilled vacancies across social care and staff retention is as much of a focus as recruitment we are also facing higher costs for energy and essentials that aid us in delivering the care that residents need Now more than ever we need solutions that can save both time and money reducing the admin workload of stretched staff and helping budgets go a little bit further

As in many other areas of our modern lives technology has a big part to play in helping to navigate the cost of living crisis without compromising standards of care Care home administration software has the ability and potential to benefit care providers at all levels of the organisation but especially care home managers and carers Where the needs of residents are paramount solutions to saving time and costs need to be found elsewhere in the care home environment and one area where few would argue would be in reducing the administrative burden

The adage ‘time is money’ can feel overused but it still rings as true now as when it was coined While we all find ways to make budgets go that little bit further saving time can be a highly effective way to achieve this Utilising software capabilities to streamline the workload frees up staff to focus on the delivery of care instead of time-consuming admin Automation within software can also make normally time intensive tasks such as filling gaps in the rota much quicker [FH2] It’s easy to underestimate how much time can be saved as each individual saving seems so small but taken together shortening these repetitive tasks can have big implications Direct messaging of staff from the rota for example is saving CoolCare customers about 11 hours per month

The CAREAudits System

CAREAudits apps and sys-

tems evolved via an associated company Kern Systems were Ken Newlove director and founding member had been developing and deploying paperless systems for EPoS and Finance in the private and public sectors since 1999

Back in 2014 the team had more than 50 years experience in IT and software development as well as having been heavily involved in the third sector with a trustee of three charities a director of a business directly involved in the care market and a consultant in a £10 million turnover charity and interim CEO and Chair at an adult hospice

Working in the Care Sector the team recognised in 2014 the sector was becoming overwhelmed with administration driven by ever increasing legislative

compliance requirements and controls and pressurised by ever increasing costs The CAREAudits apps evolved from their desire to give something back to the Care Sector; to develop systems that genuinely reduce costs and increase efficiency as well as improving accountability and quality And above all a system that would be easy to install and use by everyone

THE CAREAUDITS SYSTEM

The CAREAudits app and Web Portal Auditing Tool is now being used throughout the UK and Ireland by all care service providers in numerous locations There are thousands of carers checking everything from CQC Compliance and Safety to Medication Audits Training and Maintenance as well as service users quality and wellbeing and now Corona Virus

Steve Smith regional manager at Care Homes UK says “We were able to implement the system ourselves and are now benefitting from management

by Fiona Hale, Managing Director of CoolCare (www coolcare co uk)

alone – that’s nearly 1 5 admin days per month per care home Identifying these gaps earlier also prevents the need for emergency staffing from agencies which can come at a premium – stressing already tight budgets

From a business perspective, ensuring that care providers' time aren’t monopolised by admin makes a lot of sense Staffing is one of the biggest investments and costs for any business so having technology in place that helps them to perform their role more effectively is a wise investment on its own Where care home management software can automate and reduce admin carers have more time to spend with residents helping to deliver compliant staffing requirements If a member of the team needs to spend hours in an office on admin tasks, then additional team members are needed to ensure compliance, adding extra cost to a shift which could otherwise be used to help with energy and food costs

The cost of living crisis is not only affecting care home staff at work Where home financial pressures are mounting the stress can make it hard to focus fully on work no matter how hard an employee tries Capabilities and integrations within care home administration software to enable earned wage access give staff the ability to use their pay in a flexible way which works for them and their own financial situation Having access to forward rotas and vacant shifts also allows them to pick up additional work and money when needed Supporting staff through the crisis is also of benefit to staff retention, encouraging them to stay with the business and ensure standards of care are maintained for residents long-term and avoiding the need for recruitment in the midst of a staffing crisis

Technology has a key role to play in helping the care sector navigate the current financial climate Whether that s through reducing the admin burden streamlining roles or offering greater staff flexibility and benefits However, it’s just as important to tackle the challenges together enabling staff to feel supported in their roles so that we weather the storm together and continue to deliver exceptional care

having all the information we need at our fingertips in real time wherever we are”

The system allows care providers to audit or check just about everything and manage areas requiring actions (or non-compliances) in it’s Web Portal Encrypted date and time stamped evidence including photos is seamlessly auto attached and recorded in the system

Natalie Lawrence at Yorkare Homes says “It s a paperless system that runs alongside our existing client records system helping to make our whole operation paperless CAREAudits ensures management and staff are aware at all times of what needs checking that it s been checked actions required by whom by when including full resolution management Each CAREAudit also scores the answers so management can monitor improvement 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

The system has over 120 example audits to select from CAREAudits apps are extremely easy to use and care providers can easily add or edit their own audits in minutes ensuring simple management of everchanging requirements App auditors can use CAREAudits with virtually no training it’s that simple The Care Auditor’s Hands Free Operation guides the user through each audit each question and answer with it s own help text standard answers and standard actions required ensuring that the least skilled operative becomes the care provider s expert Users can download the app for a free trial and be up and running with the full system in minutes CAREAudits apps are a part of the Care Plus Innovation Group Priory Park Hull HU4 7DY Info:- visit www careaudits co uk email apps@careaudits co uk or call Ken Newlove operations director on 01482 238887

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

KareInn to Help Care Industr y Reach Digital Targets with Inclusion on the NHS England Digital Social Care Records Assured Supplier List

KareInn a provider of digital care planning and care home software has announced it has been included on NHS England’s Digital Social Care Records Assured Supplier list a list of NHS assured solutions to fit the diverse and modern needs of social care providers

The Digital Social Care Records Assured Supplier list is provided by the NHS England Transformation Directorate and the KareInn solution will be listed on the DSCR assured Supplier List on the Digital Social Care Website

DHSC reform white paper People at the Heart of Care outlined targets for 80% of CQC registered providers to be using a digital social care record solution by March 2024 To support this ambition the government will provide grants to care homes if they apply via their local ICS using a supplier that is on the Assured Supplier list

For care organisations applying for ICS funding to support their digital transition with KareInn, funding will be available towards license fees with optionality regionally available for additional digital onboarding support This gives new customers a financial incentive to move from unreliable paper-based care record processes to a more efficient digital model

The KareInn solution has undergone significant scrutiny by the NHS to be assured as a trustworthy digital care planning provider to the social care sector

The Assured Supplier list gives customers peace of mind that KareInn has systems, processes and technology that are credible and sustainable for the long term

Kate Colborne-Baber Managing Director at KareInn says “By embracing digital technologies a wealth of opportunities become accessible to social care organisations which have the potential to positively transform the lives of both care workers and people living in care settings Digital care planning increases safety provides better insights and is much more effective in supporting carers to deliver even better care outcomes to those living in care We welcome the introduction of the assured supplier list and we re proud of our inclusion on it

KareInn’s commitment to the sector has moved the dial positively to how care is managed and delivered ” If

more information on the Digital Social Care ICS funding the assured supplier list or on KareInn’s digital care planning solutions please visit: https://kareinn com/government-funding-for-your-switch-to-digital-care-planning/

Digital Employee Recognition Scheme Increases Morale and Productivity

Terryberry offer an all-in-one benefits, reward and recognition platform, including milestone and service awards lifestyle savings salary sacrifice cycle to work, 24-hour GP helpline and pension contributions in an easy-touse platform

It is commonly accepted that workplace morale is intrinsically linked to productivity and retention With the current cost-of-living crisis rocketing basic food and energy bills Terryberry is helping UK businesses ride the storm

The 360 Employee Recognition software and platform incorporates four aspects into one integrated digital hub: employee benefits milestones and service awards social recognition and wellness

The employee benefit section allows managers and HR staff to incentivise staff through a range of benefits from private healthcare life insurance and GP helplines employee perks such as retail discounts and wellbeing schemes such as cycle to work schemes

The milestones and service awards are reserved for retirement celebrations and service awards Gone are the days of handing out gold plated engraved clocks or watches; companies want a wider eclectic choice of gifts such as luxury hampers or unique experience days for their most valued employees

School children aren’t the only ones who thrive under positive peer-to-peer recognition, adult employees blossom under recognition culture schemes We all want to know we re doing a good job; positive recognition bolsters self-esteem and superchargers dopamine It s a win-win scenario employees feel

good, will stay in their jobs and continue working hard Managers benefit from a happy workplace with staff who feel valued and will go the extra mile

The last section is wellness, with Terryberry offering services to support an employee s physical mental and financial wellbeing Through support with Mental health and wellness to online gym classes and help with managing your finances

The 360 Employee Recognition software and platform offers HR departments and business leaders an integrated digital hub to look after the basics everyday workplace morale with customised calendar events for Christmas Birthdays and retirement occasions This leaves more times for managers to come up with valuable team building sessions, whether that s in the boardroom or in the pub!

In 2021 Terryberry partnered with the UK Government on their Help for Households scheme launching Help for Employees an easy-to-use offers and discounts platform that is being made available to businesses of all sizes with the aim to help as many people as possible save money and look after all areas of their wellbeing reducing stress and creating a much happier workplace

To start prioritising your employees wellbeing today see the details below:

T +44 03448262008

www terryberry com/gb

AND SOFTWARE

G-Touch Wireless Care Home Solution

Genee is a UK leading manufacturer of innovative technological solutions Genee plays an integral role across all major industries including health care to support patients residents and staff

Having supported Care Homes through the pandemic The GTouch Wireless Care Home Solution is one of Genee’s most impactful solutions yet The solution includes; the G-Touch Interactive Screen Electric Mobile Trolley and a Wireless Battery Pack Its portability specially designed and simple to use interface as well as its multitude of applications are specifically built for residents and staff in mind

The G-Touch Interactive Screen is an engaging resource for residents and staff Available in 55’ , 65’’ and 75’’, the touchscreen itself has durable and toughened safety glass that can be easily cleaned The large screen provides for spectacular viewings of videos TV shows and movies In addition the size of the screen encourages residents to participate in interactive activities

With built-in 2x15w front facing speakers and an HD video conferencing camera provides the perfect communication tool to video call families, friends, and other care homes With the built-in PC and Android 8 0 operating system the user interface software is easy to use As soon as the touchscreen is turned on the system loads into a tablet style of multiple icons containing the software and Apps used daily without the

need for a PC-style login The included software also helps residents with health issues, including Dementia and Alzheimer’s

A solution that benefits all! The Electric Mobile Trolley is better suited than a traditional wall mount or trolley The mobile trolley can be electronically adjusted by height and offers 90-degree angle adjustment from horizontal to vertical ensuring easy accessibility at different chairs and wheelchair height The four lightweight and strong steel integrated castors include locking brakes for safety

The Wireless Battery Pack removes trip hazards and provides a helpful portable solution Simply add the lightweight battery pack to the trolley and easily move the touchscreen from room to room

The G-Touch Wireless Care Home Solution comes with 5 years onsite warranty as standard with no additional costs Our dedicated team will bring the equipment to the care home assemble and install the solution and test everything on site We will also support you with free online training to ensure your Care Home gets maximum use of this incredible solution

Get in touch +44 (0)1902 390 862 sales@genee-group com www genee-group com

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

Hartford Care Joins Forces with Sensio in UK First to Reduce Risk of Falls in Care Homes

or computer If further information is required an anonymous snapshot of the incident is shared so the team knows whether they need to attend or if the resident is moving around safely It s also possible to see the current status and position for all residents in their rooms at a glance from a single screen without compromising their privacy

Kevin Shaw Chief Executive at Hartford Care comments: “It’s a very exciting prospect to be the first care home in the UK to be trialling RoomMate This is ground-breaking technology which could help our entire industry develop and evolve; I am looking forward to seeing the impact this will have on our already exceptional resident care ”

Fall Savers - Affordable Fall Monitoring Solutions

Hartford Care has teamed up with Sensio, a Norwegian company specialising in room sensors and advanced care technology to minimise the risk of resident falls in a four-month trial at its Hartford Court care home in Portsmouth – the first care home in the UK to trial this pioneering technology Sensio’s flagship solution RoomMate is proven to reduce falls, along with tracking sleep patterns and showing when people are waking or getting up during the night Privacy is ensured with an anonymised infra-red 3D sensor rather than the use of cameras and the sensors can detect many movements, from the resident sitting up in bed to them getting up from a chair or leaving the room so appropriate action can be taken by team members Importantly RoomMate can also alert carers if the resident is calling for help when they may otherwise not be able to reach their call bell

The RoomMate sensor ultimately reduces the need for nightly visits, so residents can sleep better with less interruptions In Scandinavian care homes where the technology is already being used falls have reduced on average by 60% across its 8 000 daily users

The technology works by an alarm being raised by the sensor if there is movement within a resident s room The care team can then check what kind of an alarm it is via the RoomMate app on a phone tablet

Johan Anstensrud Chief Executive at Sensio comments: We are delighted that the residents and staff at Hartford Care will reap the benefits from our revolutionary safety sensor RoomMate For years it has proven to be a success in Scandinavia preventing falls injuries and ailments and giving more time for personal care I am looking forward to continuing this exciting journey also in the UK, together with Hartford Care

Hartford Care is governed by three core principals – care comfort and companionship; and its philosophy of care is completely focussed on providing a safe and comfortable lifestyle for its residents and carers in a quality home setting

Hartford Care’s head office is based in Basingstoke Hampshire Established in 1908, its care homes are located in Bristol Berkshire (Burnham and Maidenhead) Devon (Sidmouth) Dorset (Poole) Hampshire (Barton-on-Sea Four Marks Hythe Portsmouth, Winchester and Woodlands), Isle of Wight (Bembridge Ryde and Shanklin) Oxfordshire (Witney) and Wiltshire (Downton)

Find more details about Hartford Care’s awardwinning care homes, while more information about Hartford Care Group Limited is available at: www hartfordcare co uk

Find more information about RoomMate and Sensio at www sensiocare com

Floor Sensor Pad Large Size Pad Measures (L) 91cm x (H) 61cm Options (sold separately)

Anti-slip mesh for hard surface floors See the advert on this page for further details or visit www fallsavers co uk

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

NURSE 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 per-

son’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

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

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

• Nurse Call Systems

• Fire Alarm Systems

• Door Access

Nurse Alert Mats

Designed to combat the problem of residents who are inclined to walk undetected, the Nurse Alert Mat can help protect residents especially at night that are at risk of falls and accidents

When connected to a Nurse Call system or the mobile Floor Sentry Monitor it will then alert staff, sounding the alarm with a small amount of pressure thus enabling staff to investigate

• Staff Attack

• CCTV

• Infection Control

• Dementia Care

• Electrical Contracting

In addition The Floor Pressure Mat has a heavy non slip backing, It comes professionally sealed so can easily be cleaned for liquid spills and is fully serviceable

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

Medpage Falls Management Products

Care technologies have advanced at an amazing rate over the past decade

The digital age is a place where we all live and all use technology as a familiar part of our daily lives At Medpage we have harnessed these advancing technologies into products to support Social Care and Independent Living Medpage brand products are designed to provide affordable user-friendly care support products for domestic and professional care Our new wristband activated door egress alarm is a perfect example of how advanced technologies are transformed into a system to safeguard people prone to wandering Simple to install suitable for single or multiple residents the system allows residents to remain mobile while providing an alert to carers if they attempt to leave the building through a monitored door Further details available at www easylinkuk co uk search Doorwatcher

Medpage have supplied Care Residential Homes

and Hospitals with fall prevention and detection alarms for more than 25 years From basic bed and chair exit detection alarms to more complex cordless sensor pad systems with nurse call integration we supply quality systems that deliver cost effective performance

Our new sensor pad controller the MPCSA11 has been included into numerous falls management projects, in Hospitals and professional care establishments

The system already proven to reduce care costs allows a patient with mobility to transfer from their bed to their chair or to visit their washroom without alarm notifications to carers, providing the transfer is completed within a selectable time

Failure to return within the selected time will result in alarm notification to carers either by pager nurse call trigger or ward wall mounted alarm receiver

For further information see the advert on this page

PROFESSIONAL AND RECRUITMENT

Apprenticeships Partnership Could Help Create ‘Managers Of The Future’ For Care Sector

The co-founder of an award-winning management transformation programme believes a new class of apprenticeships could help create managers of the future for the care sector

Laura Ashley-Timms, Chief Operating Officer of Notion, believes apprenticeships that increase people management capacity in learners could be transformational for the future of care sector management

Speaking at the start of National Apprenticeship Week

Laura says:

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) now requires a specific ratio of manager level staff to patients in each care setting

But there is a shortage of care workers with the required Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care This reduces capacity in care settings which means hospitals are unable to discharge patients into those appropriate care settings, which increases demand for NHS beds If more care workers were able to access that qualification via an apprenticeship, it would increase care setting capacity and alleviate pressure on the NHS

“These areas are strategically important for the UK economy and for UK society as a whole Creating more and better managers especially in the adult care sector has the potential to relieve pressure on the NHS

Announcing their partnership, Qdos Training Ltd and Notion have been working together to integrate

STAR® Manager into their management and leadership apprenticeships that are the first to fully embed Notion’s innovative (and now research-backed*) Operational Coaching™ and management approach into selected Level 3 and 5 management and leadership apprenticeships

The partnership is initially focused on three apprenticeship programmes, Level 3 Team Leader / Supervisor Level 5 Operations / Department Manager and Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care

Speaking of the partnership Laura Ashley-Timms said:

We ve always wanted to partner with a quality apprenticeship provider because we see apprenticeships as a powerful way of unlocking untapped talent and potential within organisations of all types Qdos Training is an exceptional provider and has a very impressive programme completion rate Deborah Johnson, Engagement Director at Qdos Training, says of the partnership:

We share Notion s absolute passion to create the managers of the future Most of us are accidental managers’ and may not have ever been shown how to manage people let alone learned how to communicate in a way that invites the highest levels of collaboration in the workplace STAR® Manager is a unique approach that enables our apprentices to put into practice the people management and leadership theories they re learning The programme enables them to be more than just managers and instead become brilliant people leaders

STAR® Manager was recently subjected to one of the largest academic studies of its type The study, carried out by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and the Government s Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy found statistically significant proof that the programme improves retention rates and transforms management capability at scale in as little as six months

Website: https://starmanager global/what-is-star/

Contact: hello@STARmanager global

The Eden Alternative is fundamentally a modern philosophy of care’ which at its core is 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

It is also designed to empower members of the care team to think innovatively about practice to enhance their fulfilment and strengthen retention

It is worth spending 10 minutes to see the Eden Alternative in practice https://youtu be/qK3vTbckZMw

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 programme if they wish

The philosophy is designed to develop a positive and vibrant culture empower members in developing a care partnership and help

c A series of relevant Eden Video clips

d An Eden course questionnaire to assist learning

e Development of an individualised project that candidates work

Providers to deliver on their ambitions

How long has Eden been going? Eden has been running such training 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 2 000 in the UK and 20 000 worldwide

The Certified Eden Associate Courses The online course runs over 6 weeks x 1hr each week covers the same material as the 3-day Eden Associate courses and comprise 5 elements:

a 6 Online live 1-hourly tutorials running weekly

b Working through the Eden Associate workbook

Care Home Finance from Global Business Finance

Why Apprenticeships Are Crucial For Tackling Workforce Shortages Across The Care Sector

Care providers across the country have unfortunately become accustomed to workforce shortages As a recent report on health and social care workforce from the Health and Social Care Committee showed 95% of care providers are struggling to recruit staff and 75% of providers are finding it hard to retain their existing workforce This is compounded by the fact that these roles are typically paid less than 80% of the wider economy

The COVID-19 pandemic has further affected the sector s ability to recruit and retain staff – during this time the working conditions of social care workers suffered as they battled with long hours restrictive working conditions and an increased risk to their health

And on the ground these staff shortages can lead to increased frontline pressures burnout and job dissatisfaction They can also impact the quality of individual care – in October 2022, the CQC’s State of Care report said that in the first three months of 2022 2 2 million hours of homecare could not be delivered because of insufficient workforce capacity

So how can we encourage more people to pursue what can be an extremely rewarding career in care and stay in the sector?

APPRENTICESHIPS

If we are going to reverse the trend and increase the percentage of people joining and staying in social

By Steve Sawyer, Managing Director, Access Health, Support and Care

care we need to incentivise careers in the sector and create a positive environment for people to work in Doing so will improve job satisfaction – a huge factor in the departure of many health and social care workers as reported by the Nuffield Trust

At the Access Group one of the ways that we are promoting career pathways in social care is through the government’s Apprenticeship Levy Scheme, which aims to encourage work-based training in particular sectors Working with 75 000 customers across commercial and non-profit sectors we invest the money into our own apprenticeship schemes as well as sharing it with organisations from across health and care, supporting them to recover from the impact of the pandemic

The Health Support and Care division (HSC) of the company has invested £100 000 since March 2022 alleviating workforce pressures by enabling 86 health and social care apprenticeships across the country Benefactors of the financial support include residential care providers Burrow Down Support and Home2Home with Care; and domiciliary care provider Hamble Valley Care alongside a range of other care providers using the additional resource to enhance skills of new and existing staff thus providing them with more opportunities to advance their careers

As we see it apprenticeships play a crucial role in improving job satisfaction and ultimately staff retention, with unhappy and unfulfilled staff more likely to move into other roles They also motivate the next generation of talent to pursue a career in care encouraged by the support and opportunity to upskill in the sector

Admittedly apprenticeship schemes aren’t a silver bullet to the ever-growing workforce crisis but they are a positive step in the right direction to support a sector that we all value and depend on More information can be found on The Access Group s website at www theaccessgroup com