The Carer Digital - Issue #147

Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

Once again I would draw your attention to our King Charles III Coronation supplement this issue

To very briefly recap regular readers will know that we sent out a request before the coronation inviting care homes to share their coronation celebrations with us, last week we produced a six page supplement which can be seen at https://thecareruk com /coronation1/

And, celebration stories just carried on coming in!

So much so we have another Coronation supplement in today’s issue!!

Once again a big BIG thank you! We feel proud and privileged to have been able to share the nation’s care home celebrations with thousands and thousands of readers and as we said last week nobody celebrates tradition better than care homes!

Our front-page story makes interesting reading An increase in care worker pay to a minimum of £15 an hour would bring in a massive £7 7 billion boost to the economy

The care sector in the UK is facing a significant challenge: in particular a shortage of skilled care workers, which urgently needs addressing We have regularly reported a growing consensus among organizations, MPs, charities, and trade unions that implementing a £15 per hour minimum wage for care workers would not only benefit those in the profession but also provide a substantial boost to the UK economy

First and foremost raising the minimum wage for care workers would make the profession more attractive and financially rewarding encouraging individuals to pursue careers in the sector A recent seminar I attended (and I’m due to attend a couple more next week) revealed that the sector is encouraging people to look as the sector as a career and not as a steppingstone and remuneration of course plays a significant factor

A study by the Care and Support Alliance found that a higher minimum wage could help reduce the high turnover rates in care jobs ensuring continuity of care for vulnerable individuals and reducing recruitment costs for care providers

Furthermore, research by the Resolution Foundation suggests that increasing the minimum wage for care workers would lead to improved standards of care Higher wages can incentivise workers to invest more in training and professional develop-

ment enhancing their skills and knowledge This would result in higher-quality care for the elderly and those with disabilities leading to better health outcomes and an overall improvement in the sector s reputation

A report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) also highlights the potential economic benefits of a higher minimum wage for care workers The increased income for care workers would stimulate local economies, as they would have more disposable income to spend on goods and services This injection of spending would create demand and support local businesses, leading to job creation and economic growth

One must be realistic and a 40% pay rise would not be on the cards with, I suspect, this current government or any other government at the next election, but it is a serious issue which parties should be seeking to set out before the next election I did note in April that the Lib Dems were calling for an immediate £2 an hour pay rise wisely adding that “A Carer’s Minimum Wage isn’t the silver bullet but it’s a serious proposal that could make a big difference to patients and their families across the country ”

Please do keep your stories coming in we are delighted to publish some delightful stories from various homes around the country from birthdays to fund raising from baking to growing vegetables anything you would like to share please do send it to me at editor@thecareruk com

Editor Peter Adams

£15 Minimum Wage for Care Workers Would Boost Economy Says TUC

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1...)

There are 1,790,000 posts in social care but around 165 000 of these are vacant The vacancy rate increased to a record 10 7% in 2021/22

The shortage of care workers has led to a surge in the number of people waiting for social care assessments and millions of hours of commissioned home care going unprovided

According to the research low pay and job insecurity are the main cause of the recruitment and retention crisis:

Nine out of ten care workers earn less than £15 per hour and many care workers are paid less than the real living wage (£10 90)

Almost a quarter (24%) of workers in the sector are employed on zerohours contracts

The research also finds that a £15 minimum wage across the social care sector would mean:

An annual full-time wage of at least £29 250 for care workers

Pay rises for 541 700 care workers across England

• Pay boost for high numbers of women workers (who make up 79% of care workers) and BME workers (who make up 31% of care workers) helping to reduce gender and race pay gaps

The union body is calling for the cost to be met by the Treasury rather than local authorities that remain cash-strapped following cuts since 2010 to the overall funding they receive from central government

The net cost would be substantially lower than the £5 9 billion upfront requirement to bring pay up to £15 per hour for all care workers This is because the Treasury would benefit from higher tax returns and reduced in-work benefits payments and from the economic impacts of the additional consumer spending

REGIONAL AND LOCAL IMPACTS

The research calculated which regions and local authorities would gain the biggest economic boosts relative to population size

The top three regions in ranking order, along with their annual economic boost:

1 East Midlands – £803 million

2 North East – £422 million

3 North West – £1,111 million

The top 10 local authorities, along with their annual economic boost:

1 Sefton – £47 million

2 Nottingham – £53 million

3 Leicester – £58 million

4 Torbay – £22 million

5 Liverpool – £74 million

6 Hartlepool – £14 million

7 Stoke on Trent – £39 million

8 Blackpool – £21 million

9 Bedford – £27 million

10 Newcastle upon Tyne – £43 million

UPGRADING CARE WORK AND CARE SERVICES

Alongside a £15 minimum wage in social care the TUC is calling for ministers to take the following action to improve care work and the quality and reliability of care services:

• Establish a sector Fair Pay Agreement to negotiate minimum standards of employment in social care covering all social care workers Ensure good employment conditions for care workers, including proper

sick pay and ending zero-hours contracts

• Develop a new National Social Care Forum to coordinate the delivery and development of services and agree a new workforce strategy

• Launch a long-term, sustainable investment plan to fund high-quality social care employment and services

Reduce the role of private sector providers and move towards insourcing of care services

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

“Most families need social care services at some point And we all want to know our loved ones will receive a high standard of care But that’s only possible if social care jobs are paid well enough to attract and retain the right people

“We’re calling for a £15 per hour minimum wage across the adult social care sector This will reduce staff turnover and help fill the thousands of vacancies in care services

“There’s another upside Our research shows that raising social care wages to £15 per hour will have wider economic benefits where care workers live and work When they spend their higher wages, local businesses will get a boost And that will support job creation and higher wages for other workers too ”

NEED FOR SECURITY

Living Wage Foundation director Katherine Chapman said: "It’s simply not right that more than half of care workers, the people who support the most vulnerable in our society, earn below the Real Living Wage

“We all need the security of knowing that no matter what happens in our lives there will be someone there to look after us, just like we all need the security of being paid a wage that covers our everyday needs

"Today's research shows that increasing care sector pay would boost the quality of carers’ lives, reduce acute staff shortages in the sector and benefit the economy at large

“It s heartening that hundreds of care providers have already signed up to pay at least the Real Living Wage to all their staff but more support is needed

“Adequate funding needs to be provided within the system to ensure that care workers earn at least a Real Living Wage "

Digitisation In The Adult Care Sector Is Not To Be Feared

By Nuno Almeida, CEO and founder of Nourish Care (www nourishcare co uk)

The Care Quality Commission will announce new guidelines in a bid to encourage providers in the adult care sector to adhere to guidelines set out in the NHS and DHSC’s Digitising Social Care Programme This is an extremely positive move that will improve quality efficiency and most importantly outcomes across the sector but some will be facing this change with trepidation and that s understandable

We all get used to doing things in a particular way and with change comes uncertainty For some even the words new technology provoke panic Most of us have experienced crashing apps, forgotten pin numbers and software that demands a degree in computer science and those of us in the digital care management software arena understand that first and foremost the technology has to be user-friendly

I see it as a pendulum and our job is to get it to swing from anxiety to empowerment It only takes 10 minutes for a caregiver to be trained to use Nourish and we have people in their early 70s who ve never used smartphones who are now champions of digital care

Managers require three or four hours of training and we do that in chunks so that they can ease themselves into the platform If you tell a care home manager that they’re going to need to take two days off to train to use a new software they re never going to agree to it they just don t have the time We also have a helpline that is staffed by a real human being here in Bournemouth 24 hours a day Everyone keeps talking about AI at the moment, but in my opinion, people want a real person at the end of a phone when they need help

Once you’ve used a system like Nourish, you never want to go back

The vast majority of care workers are in the sector because they want to make a difference and for a long time their job has been impossible

There are too many things happening all at once in their day-to-day work and staff are stretched A care worker will be going from room to room supporting people preparing meals etc and along the way they must report any concerns they have about those they’re looking after What happens in reality is that by the time they’re interacting with the third person in their shift they ve forgotten what the flags for concern were with the first person they spoke to Then, by the end of their shift when it s time for handover the quality of co-ordination across the team all depends on their memory and any notes they’ve managed to make during their phenomenally busy day

This is when staff start to feel that they can’t make a difference and it takes the passion away from the job They re overwhelmed In the digital world you can record these things in real-time and instantly everyone across the care home for example will know that Mrs Andrew’s hydration needs to be checked With digital record keeping a care worker reaches the end of their shift and thinks ‘all I did was care’ because they re not spending all their time keeping records or ending their shifts having to write laborious reports So we give people back a lot of time

We give those receiving care a voice too in fact that’s why I founded Nourish For the past century really people receiving care have been treated like a logistical problem you know Mrs Andrews needs X amount of time for feeding, X for sleep and on Thursdays, she’ll do an hour of bingo etc

Everybody is counting the minutes’ worth of care that Mrs Andrews needs but nobody is asking her or her family what she actually wants and she’s a person with likes and dislikes just like the rest of us Perhaps she’d rather play cards than bingo

Increasingly care workers are handing the Nourish device to those they’re caring for and giving them a choice It’s no longer a case of, you do bingo on a Thursday and get weighed on a Tuesday morning You re not in a dishwasher cycle any more Whenever there is an option for them to be asked they can decide

It should always be about the person, but of course, the numbers matter too and the software takes care of those and enables the sector to deal with them as an ancillary function in the background mean-

ing they can use every bit of their energy for caring for people

For me the greatest victory of digital care is keeping track of the frailty of the person receiving care over time This means that people from the council don t have to keep visiting to make assessments – all the information needed is there in the records The software saves a ton of ancillary work and it gives care managers a joined-up overview of operations

The frailty of people in care shifts over time and when that happens unnoticed, it means that the workforce is out of kilter with the people it s supporting 20 years ago, people were walking into care homes as a lifestyle choice because it was more sociable a decade ago they were being wheeled in because perhaps they needed some soft dementia care but now very often they come in needing a high level of nursing or dementia care We can see those trends when we look back at how things have changed over time, but with software, managers can see what they need in advance whether it be another nurse or training in mental capacity assessments, etc This is not something you can implement when it s too late because then you re operating at a high level of risk

Being able to monitor the needs of those receiving care and helping managers respond to them instantly is where digital is going to have increasing value

For me, one of the most rewarding aspects of Nourish is that it allows those receiving care to record how much joy they ve experienced in a given day with a simple tap on an icon That is the needle we should be concentrating on the one that really matters Whenever you care for someone, you should actively be asking how they’re feeling The more we do that the more we are increasing their wellbeing and that in essence is at the very heart of caring

Community Links Bolster Salisbur y Care Home’s Year of Help for City Youth Project

More than £1 000 has been raised by residents and staff at a Salisbury care home for city charity The Bridge Youth Project Colten Care’s Braemar Lodge collected the sum from activities such as a summer garden party selling crafts handmade by residents, a Christmas market and produce and clothes-swap sales

The year of fundraising was celebrated with a get-together and handover of £1 028 at the Stratford Road home attended by charity representatives

It was an opportunity to reflect on how connections between the charity and home have grown in recent years

One of the founders of the Bridge Youth Project back in 1994, Neville Jennings lived at Braemar Lodge and suggested that fellow residents consider it as a charity to support

Another founder Gaye Ridout is the mother of Braemar Lodge gardener Sarah Ridout while Yvonne Ballard wife of the home’s Companionship Team Leader Graham Ballard, is a Bridge volunteer Gaye and Neville’s widow Daphne joined Bridge Director Alex Ewing for the handover

After speaking to residents about the work of the Bridge, Alex said: We rely heavily on the kindness of supporters such as the wonderful residents at Braemar Lodge

“We have been blown away by their generosity and are simply thrilled with the amazing amount of money they have raised in the past year ”

The Bridge is a Christian charity with a team of more than 30 staff and volunteers who work in around 25 primary and secondary schools in the Salisbury area

Please mention

The aim is to raise young people s aspirations and resilience through mentoring emotional literacy and courses in social skills and wellbeing

Also addressing residents at the handover was Gladys Nyirongo a Year 10 student from Sarum Academy School who highlighted the benefits of mentoring and support for school pupils

Braemar Lodge chose the project as its main charity for 202223 under a Colten Care policy of enabling residents at all 21 of its homes to support good causes in the community

Braemar Lodge resident Catherine Brighty said: “The Bridge does such great work and we are pleased to support it

Home Manager Jackie Cash, who presented the cheque, said: Neville was a resident who was loved and respected by his peers and staff alike When he suggested that the Bridge would be an ideal charity for us to support we all agreed wholeheartedly ”

ISO to Develop International Care Standards for Older People

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has revealed its plans to create an internationally recognised set of standards for the care of older adults

ISO has announced that it will develop an international care standard for older people as part of its global programme of standards under the Ageing Societies umbrella

The standard will consider people in all care settings and will be the eighth standard aimed at improving the quality of life for older people and their carers

Paul Newman, Chief Executive of Greensleeves Care and Founding Chair of the UK Committee on Ageing Societies at the British Standards Institution (BSI) welcomed the news saying

“We have campaigned for this standard since we formed the ISO Committee in 2017

The fact it received unanimous support from 26 nations around the globe demonstrates the effectiveness of the campaign and recognition of the shared global chal-

lenge so many societies face

To date we have developed and published three global standards to improve the quality of life for older people, including age-inclusive workforce (ISO-25550), carerinclusive organisations (ISO-25551) and dementia-inclusive communities (ISO-25552) plus four further standards already in development

I look forward to working with fellow technical experts from across the globe to combine our shared knowledge and experience to develop a standard that will deliver a step change in the quality of care older people receive

Once published the ISO standard will allow care providers to evidence they deliver care in line with international best practice

Exotic Animals Amaze Great Crosby Care Home Residents

Residents at RMBI Care Co Home The Tithebarn, in Great Crosby, have recently enjoyed a friendly visit from a wide range of exotic creatures including a bearded dragon an African spurred tortoise a skunk and a fluffy rabbit to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week

The residents were astonished and delighted to meet the animals, who were brought in by a specialist from Home Safari Animal Assisted Therapy an organisation that promotes animal education and animal therapy Residents had the opportunity to learn interesting facts about the animals habitats diets and welfare

Taking part in this activity resident Dorothy Woodward was amazed when

she held Susan, the bearded dragon She said: “I was most surprised by the feel of the bearded dragon’s skin I have to say it was a little rough But she was so calm when I cuddled her ”

Resident Terry Doherty took the chance to stroke Jethro the skunk He said:

“The skunk was so small but was friendly and very fluffy I enjoyed stroking it ” Amber Chislett The Tithebarn’s Activities Coordinators said “It was really lovely to see the residents’ faces light up when these animals came in! They brought joy to our residents boosted their mood and encouraged social interaction

Silence Isn’t Always Golden:

of Brits Regret Conversations They Never Had With Elderly Relatives

Two-Thirds (66%) of Brits who have lost older loved ones wish they had more meaningful conversations to understand the real them

Top barriers to opening up include not spending enough time with them (29%) not knowing where to start (26%) and worrying about upsetting them (24%)

Top psychologist Honey Langcaster-James and later life innovator

KYN a care home provider team up to create 21 questions to bridge the conversation chasm between young people and older generations

66% of Brits who ve lost older loved ones wish they had more meaningful conversations together to understand the ‘real them’ The poll of 2 000 UK adults who have lost a loved one in the last 10 years found nearly nine in 10 (88%) wish they had found out more about their lives

The new research highlights one of the biggest taboos of later life –the conversation chasm between younger and older generations that leaves many never really getting to know their nearest and dearest

According to the findings only a third (33%) of people know where their older loved one grew up, or what school they went to, and just 23% knew what their hobbies were when they were younger Over half (54%) of those questioned said they feel remorse about not getting to know them better while 39% said these relationships deteriorated in later life because they stopped spending the time to have meaningful conversations

The research was commissioned by KYN innovators in later life care to highlight the importance of getting to know older people as the person they were and the person they are today, and to help families open up before it s too late

When asked why people aren’t having these discussions, the top reasons given were not spending enough time with them (29%) not knowing where to start (26%) and worrying about upsetting them (24%) The top topics people found most difficult to approach were death (39%) their loved ones own emotional wellbeing (31%) and illness (28%)

To help get people talking KYN has worked up with psychologist Honey Langcaster-James to develop the 21 questions to ask someone about their life Drawing on real-life experiences and expertise the list aims to facilitate deeper level conversation and create an environment where family and friends genuinely look forward to spending precious time together This reflects the way KYN approaches highly personalised care for each of its own residents

Honey Langcaster-James said “Often when we think about older friends and family in our lives we tend to only think about the part of them that has played a specific role in our lives But our entire lives shape who we are particularly our childhood and early life experiences so finding out about these stories can really increase our closeness and strengthen relationships ”

Asking people about themselves with a genuine curiosity and interest in them can help fortify their sense of identity, help them feel more connected and less lonely, and boost their mood too Asking them to recall and tell you about their happiest memories can be especially lovely for them because they are transported back often to the happiest times in their lives ”

Highlighting the power of deeper conversation nearly one in four (21%) of those polled have found out a surprising story as the result of asking a meaningful question to an older loved one with one person even finding out that their grandparent was a prisoner of War in WWII whilst another discovered their great grandfather was knighted by the Queen

Honey added: “If you find it difficult to ask questions or build relationships with older friends and family, then I suggest starting with What have you learned over the course of your life that you think it might be good for me to know ” A question like this not only increases connection it can make an older person feel valued and respected and you are likely to learn something helpful too!”

Emma Hewat Head of Dementia at KYN said In later life sadly it s quite common to lose sight of people’s identity and only focus on their age or the condition of their health People s past experiences, current interests and future wishes are still as relevant in later life as they ever have been and it s really important to continue to reinforce that through having meaningful conversations

For instance prospective residents at KYN can complete their life story – past present and future before they arrive and continue to update it during their stay at KYN This not only helps build meaningful relationships with those caring for them but – if they wish – can help residents share more about themselves with their loved ones too It can also be a nice keepsake for the family to share with future generations

“People living with dementia have lived long lives, and to understand how to provide the best care and support for them now we need to know as much as possible about them and the times they have lived through Only then we can provide truly person-centred care ”

The 21 questions have been developed by KYN and Honey Langcaster-James to open the conversation chasm between people and their older loved ones below

If you don t know where to start think you don t have time or you are worried about upsetting an older loved one then Honey suggests starting with question 1 You can ask these questions in person or even in a letter but the important thing is that you’ll be showing interest and giving your loved one an opportunity to open up to you

What have you learned over the course of your life that you can pass on to me - what do you think it would be good for me to know?

Tell me about some of your earliest memories

Where were you born and raised and what was it like there while you were growing up?

What was your childhood like overall and what is your fondest memory from when you were young?

What were your school days like and what did you most enjoy learning about at school?

What hobbies and interests did you have and what did you most enjoying doing in your free time when you were younger?

What is the most surprising thing you think people don t know about you?

What was your favourite music or artist when you were growing up and why?

What has been the most interesting job you ve ever done?

Who have you loved during your life how did you first meet them and how did your love story unfold?

What is the most significant historical moment you lived through or witnessed and what did you think about it all?

What was your favourite decade overall and why?

Who were your role models and who influenced you in your life and why?

Where was the most interesting place you ever travelled to and what did you make of the place?

What was the most challenging obstacle you had to overcome in your life and what did you learn from that?

What is your proudest accomplishment in life and why?

Looking back what advice would you give to your younger self?

What s the best book you ever read and why?

What have been the biggest changes you've seen throughout your lifetime?

What s the funniest thing that ever happened in your life and what makes you laugh?

New Approaches Needed to Help Ease Symptoms Amongst People in the Last Days of Life

Patients in the last days of life at home or in care homes sometimes need fast access to medications to ease their symptoms but new approaches are needed to ensure this happens say Dr Ben Bowers (University of Cambridge Primary Care Unit) and colleagues in their BMJ Opinion published today

For patients dying in the community rapid and tailored access to last-days-of-life medications can be difficult to organise, although these medications can help avert preventable suffering in the final days and hours of life

Dr Bowers and his co-authors who are all experts in end-of-life care propose four additional options to help ensure ready access to medications for all patients who need them resource some community pharmacies to supply end-of-life medications 24 hours a day, seven days a week; enable emergency paramedics to carry end-of-life medication stocks that they can administer to dying

patients;

trial community healthcare services and nursing homes holding a stock of end-of-life medications; change pharmaceutical regulations to permit end-of-life medications prescribed for one care home resident to be repurposed for another resident following a medical assessment and individualised prescription (as was permitted during the pandemic)

The research team conclude: “These options will all need careful piloting and robust evaluation of their clinical effectiveness safety unintended consequences and patients and families’ views and experiences of care Taken together they may not only considerably reduce medication wastage but most importantly help to avoid preventable suffering in the final days and hours of life

Eurovision Fever Takes Over Halstead Care Home

Eurovision fever took over a Halstead care home this weekend

Residents at Care UK’s Colne View on Dame Mary Walk spent the week preparing for the Eurovision Final, which took place on Saturday, with some very special activities

With a week of jam-packed themed activities, residents created banners to support the UK s entry Mae Muller as well as taking part in a special Eurovision session with the Halstead Dementia Friendly Choir ahead of the home s watch party which took place at the weekend

Residents along with members of the community, enjoyed singing Eurovision hits such as Making Your Mind Up by Bucks Fizz and Congratulations by Cliff Richard, at The Empire Theatre, and continued with inspired karaoke back at the home while reminiscing on their own Eurovision memories from over the years

Linda a resident at Colne View said: It was great to reminisce over the years of Eurovision songs – some of them I didn t realise were part of the contest but I already knew them anyway! I always love attending the dementia friendly choir as it’s such a lively atmosphere where I can get lost in the music ”

Monica Boldeata, Home Manager at Colne View, added: We always enjoy tuning into Eurovision at Colne View and with this year s competition taking place in the UK we were keen to celebrate in style

“The Dementia Friendly Choir, which was created by Colne View and The Empire Theatre offered the perfect opportunity to belt out our favourite Eurovision hits – so much so that an impromptu karaoke session continued at the home after our outing

It was a tense evening as we watched the scores come in – we all had fun placing our bets on who we thought would win and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the show!”

Care UK Celebrates International Nurses Day

For International Nurses Day we are celebrating what it means to be a nurse at Care UK

Care UK has nurses throughout all care homes Here nurses have time to get to know residents – to understand their individual needs wants and wishes before working closely with them every day providing medical care administrating medication and providing further personal and social care for their well-being and mental health We work as a team to give the best to our residents and the role of the nurse is integral in delivering truly person-centred care which we believe is at the heart of any successful care home

International Nurses Day is marked across the globe on 12th May the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth and celebrates the enormous contribution made by nurses to the health and wellbeing of people everywhere

This year we wanted to shine a spotlight on Jasmin Lanzaderas a nurse who is passionate about dementia care and isn’t afraid to create new initiatives for the wellbeing of residents

Jasmin has been a Registered Nurse since 1993, and she is now the Deputy Manager at Care UK s Hollins Park care home After starting her career in the Philippines Jasmin has now worked in the UK for 16 years and been part of the Care UK family for over six of those Jasmin’s experience in the Philippines was in nephrology critical care and working in the NICU before starting her journey in dementia care nursing when she moved to the UK

Jasmin aims to take a holistic approach to care by minimising the use of antipsychotics within Hollins Park Her innovative nature saw the birth of the Connecting with the Senses project and led to the garden

at Hollins Park being transformed for the mental wellbeing of residents with a specific focus on a positive outcome for those living with dementia Residents played a key part in the transformation of the garden and they continue to see a positive impact on their wellbeing as a result of the project Residents were involved with sowing of seeds playing with and preparing the soil watering plants and harvesting of any fruit and vegetables Jasmin said Gardens encourage us to reconnect with our senses - from the sensations associated with feeling the soil and the seeds, to seeing plants grow and mature through colour and texture of foliage with the smells and - where appropriatetaste supporting reminiscence of new and existing sensory experiences ” Jasmin said: Our vision is for residents relatives and colleagues to be able to enjoy every aspect of the garden We are designing our outside space with residents in mind including creating a sensory garden to stimulate the senses Team members relatives and residents are all taking part in the regular maintenance of the garden as being outside and taking part in these activities have been proven to improve their mental wellbeing

When talking about the values of nursing, Jasmin’s personal experience has shaped her professional outlook When her young son was unwell it changed her perspective on how to care for others’ loved ones She said: “I fully understood from that moment how relatives must feel when their loved ones are in the care of a home team I wanted to ensure that all residents I took care of and their relatives had full trust in me I am always open approachable and transparent in what I do I always work with our relatives to achieve the best for our residents It is a great pleasure to be able to care for somebody and to do it well

Charities Awarded £5m to Revolutionise Dementia Diagnosis

Alzheimer s Research UK and Alzheimer s Society have been selected as the recipients of this year’s People’s Postcode Lottery (PPL) Dream Fund worth £5m

This is the biggest single gift that People s Postcode Lottery has awarded and will fund a ground-breaking research project over the next 5 years

The project will involve working with world class researchers to pilot the implementation of new blood tests in the NHS that can diagnose Alzheimer s disease earlier and more accurately

With two new treatments showing promising clinical trial results for people with early Alzheimer’s disease in the last 6 months we need to prepare the NHS to make sure these drugs are available to all those who could benefit – and that means diagnosing people at the earliest stages

As things stand the way people are diagnosed with dementia in the UK is simply not good enough Far

too often they are left anxiously waiting for a diagnosis – up to two years on average and more than four years if they are under 65 That’s if people even go to their doctor about their symptoms – one in three people with dementia never receive a diagnosis Making sure future generations won’t have to go through this lengthy worry by bringing a quick, simple blood test to the NHS is a wonderful legacy from People s Postcode Lottery players all over the country” said our Chief Executive, Hilary Evans

As well as supporting research into a blood test the Dream Fund campaign will also work to dispel myths and misconceptions around the condition and encourage people to come forward for a diagnosis In our recent survey 20% of people incorrectly believed that dementia is an inevitable part of ageing, whilst a staggering 20% of the public failed to recognise the terminal nature of the condition despite it being the leading cause of death in the UK

Care Home Residents Deliver Sweet Surprise to Nurses

Residents from a New Forest care home delivered boxes of chocolates to nurses at Lymington Hospital as a thank-you for their work

The visit from Colten Care s Woodpeckers home in Brockenhurst was part of celebrations for International Nurses Day

Four residents – Georgina Chesters, Rosemary Pope Edna Brien and Shirley Jolliffe – travelled by minibus accompanied by Home Manager Priya Joseph and other team members

Companionship Team Leader Jane Bunker said:

“We spoke to five lovely nurses who were very surprised and grateful for our gifts

International Nurses Day is celebrated each year in May on the anniversary of the birth of the Lady with the Lamp Florence Nightingale who earned the title due to working with wounded soldiers during the Crimean War

All Colten Care s 21 homes in the south provide professional nursing care and all take part in the annual celebration by presenting gifts and cards to the in-house nursing team

At Linden House a dedicated dementia care home in Lymington two residents who were nurses themselves spoke of their passion for the profession

Anne Davies said: Being a nurse was the best job ever,” while fellow resident Mary Hughes said: “If I had to choose a job again I d still be a nurse

Elaine Farrer, Colten Care’s Chief Operating Officer and a registered nurse herself said: The fact that six of our homes are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission including in the New Forest Linden House Woodpeckers and Kingfishers in New Milton is testament to our strengths in nursing

Being registered for nursing means our homes can give residents and their families the reassurance of comprehensive person-centred care We place enormous value on our nurses They are at the very heart of our homes

We are also very proud that we have so many residents who were nurses in their active professional lives and who now entrust us to care for them in their later years ”

Mayor Marks Launch of Dementia Action Week

dementia

New Research Aims to Revolutionise Care for Older People

New research on social care and older people resulted in a toolkit designed by The Open University aimed at transforming the well-being of older people and staff in the care sector

It is based on an emerging understanding of relational care’ an approach which represents a shift to a more multidirectional flow of care where staff do things with rather than for residents An example of this is where older people and care staff share activities learn from each other and support each other through challenges

Underpinned by academic research from the report The value and practice of relational care with older people, which was funded by the Hallmark Foundation the toolkit offers practical guidance for managers and staff on how to create the right conditions for relational care in their community or residential settings

With a sector that has a soaring workforce turnover of 25% at least 160 000 staff vacancies and 18% of care homes having to close in recent times researchers say that the toolkit they have created from this research could have far reaching benefits and provide more positive outcomes for staff and residents In practical terms this could mean higher staff retention rates reduced recruitment costs and improved well-being across the sector at little extra cost to care providers

Dr Manik Deepak-Gopinath Lecturer in Ageing and Professor Mary Larkin Professor of Care, Carers and Caring at The Open University said: Our research has enabled a better understanding what relational care looks like and the positive impact it has on older

people, their families and care providers We know that meaningful relationships are developed in an environment that facilitates a mutual sense of belonging trust and inclusivity and where everyone can feel respected and valued

Avnish Goyal CBE, Chair Hallmark Foundation and Hallmark Care Homes; Chair Care England said:

“Hallmark Care Homes have been implementing relational care for years because we know it works Relational care supports happier older people it makes our homes happier places, and it makes for happier team members A real win-win-win which I recommend to all care providers”

Jenny Kartupelis MBE expert in relational care said: Relational care is already practised in settings around the UK and now this seminal research bridges the gap between theory and everyday good practice with new replicable and accessible tools to help ensure a more fulfilling life for all involved ”

The research was conducted across the four UK nations in settings where relational care was being practiced These included three residential homes one day centre and one supported sheltered housing complex

In addition to the toolkit which can be found here there will be resources available on OpenLearn the OU s free learning platform later this year

A summary of the report is available here

New Research Reveals Anxiety is Gripping the UK as People Suffer in Struggle to Cope

New research from the Mental Health Foundation has revealed that 60% of UK adults experienced anxiety that interfered with their daily lives in the previous two weeks

On the first day of Mental Health Awareness Week (15 to 21 May 2023), the foundation has raised the alarm about the impact of anxiety across the UK ain a new report, Uncertain Times: Anxiety in the UK and how to tackle it The paper outlines the prevalence of anxiety across the population the key drivers in the wake of the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis and recommendations for governments to reduce anxiety levels and support good mental health Among the recommendations is a call for the development and delivery of mental health strategies in each UK nation that include a focus on prevention and responsibilities across all government departments

Polling of 6000 UK adults (conducted by Opinium) found that nearly threequarters of the population (73%) had felt anxious at least sometimes in the previous two weeks while more than a quarter (26%) of those with feelings of anxiety felt anxious to the extent that it stopped them from doing what they d like or need to do One in five people (20%) felt anxious most or all of the time

Despite anxiety being so common stigma and shame play a part in how people deal with anxiety with almost half (45%) of UK adults with feelings of anxiety keep it a secret This suggests that although there has been progress in discussing mental health more openly in recent years, significant numbers of people are still not comfortable talking about their own experiences

The extent of the problem is compounded by one in three people (30%) with feelings of anxiety saying they are not coping well with those feelings This is worrying because chronic (or long-term) anxiety is asso-

ciated with a higher risk of physical or mental health problems

The results of the polling make it clear that financial stress is giving rise to anxiety across the UK as existing support for people who are struggling does not go far enough The most commonly reported cause of anxiety in the past two weeks was being able to afford to pay bills reported by 32% of respondents while 40% of respondents said that financial security would help prevent anxiety

The foundation has also released evidence-based advice on how to reduce anxiety’s toll

Mark Rowland Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said:

Across the UK millions of people are experiencing levels of anxiety that is stopping them from living their lives, with many not speaking out and struggling to cope More can and must be done to protect our mental health A big focus of our Mental Health Awareness Week is to encourage people to share their experiences on anxiety and increase understanding of the steps we can take However, the scale of the problems requires change that goes beyond individual action

We need governments across the UK to recognise and be honest about their roles in the causes of and solutions to high levels of anxiety

“We can’t treat our way out of a mental health crisis; we need action which tackles the root causes of poor mental health including poverty financial strain bullying and discrimination We need our governments to develop and deliver long-term mental health plans with a focus on prevention of poor mental health, including anxiety They must ensure that all government departments from work and pensions to justice transport to education have a responsibility to ensure their policy decisions support good public mental health

Local Care Home Presents Cheque to Local Dementia Charity

Bushey House Beaumont care home in Bushey recently presented Herts Musical Memories with a cheque for £650 to support a local dementia charity who connect to those living with dementia through music and song

The grant had been awarded by Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, a charity that helps older people and adults with a disability or mental health problems across England Scotland and Wales by offering grants to help people connect or re-connect with others in their local community

Holly White Fundraiser said Everyone at Herts Musical Memories would like to

thank The Barchester Foundation for their generosity and support! Receiving £650 helps us to continue the work we do supporting local Bushey residents and others across Hertfordshire affected by Dementia We aim to provide a welcoming environment with use of musical therapy to combat this degenerative disease in respects to both physical and mental wellbeing for our carers and members

Carla Levy-Trup from Barchester said: “We are always keen to show as much support as we can to local charities With this being Dementia Awareness Week it’s wonderful to support a charity that brings so much joy to those living with dementia

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

Mental Health Transparency at Work Is on the Rise According to Nuffield Health’s 2023 Healthier Nation Index

A new survey of 8,000 UK adults has highlighted an increase in mental health transparency in the workplace

This year 35 percent of UK employees said they called in sick due to poor mental health but gave another reason While this is a significant percentage it is lower than the findings from Nuffield Health’s 2022 report with the percentage previously being 39 percent

This is especially significant given that Nuffield Health s 2023 Healthier Nation Index also revealed that over 1 in 4 people (29%) now feel comfortable enough to disclose to their employer if they need time off due to poor mental health These latest findings suggest a positive shift in how employees are communicating with their workplaces about their emotional wellbeing

Whilst this still indicates that stigma remains a barrier for people talking about their Mental Health at work it is a promising sign that people are beginning to speak out when they need more rest emotional support, and time away from their desks

These findings are especially pertinent during this year s Mental Health Awareness Week which focuses on anxiety Anxiety is a natural response particularly in these current times of uncertainty It’s important to become aware of when we may need additional support with emotions such as anxiety so that it does not negatively impact on our lives

Lisa Gunn Mental Health Prevention Lead at Nuffield Health commented:

We are passionate about building a healthier nation and know that challenging work environments and stress can have a huge knock-on effect on both our physical and mental wellbeing

As well as the day-to-day worries that come with our personal and working lives employees have also had to deal with the impact of a global pandemic and now the ongoing cost-of-living crisis All these stressors combined can significantly affect the mental health of employees so it s more important than ever that businesses find ways to create open transparent, and connected workplace environments

When people feel supported and able to reach out to their employer this can have a positive impact on their mental health alone and help them better address feelings of worry and anxiety

“That’s why we are calling on other UK workplaces to #Find5 minutes to look after their bodies and minds Just by spending five extra minutes on personal wellbeing a day can significantly boost mental and physical health ”

Lisa offers advice on how employers can play their part in creating a connected and transparent workplace, which prioritises both physical and mental wellbeing:

NOTICE

WHEN ANXIETY TAKES OVER.

In the past year 48 percent said their work had negatively impacted** their physical/mental health so it’s imperative companies are equipped to recognise signs of mental distress like anxiety in others

The symptoms of anxiety can be seen in various ways Physical signs include heart palpitations, shortness of breath headaches tiredness and dizziness You might notice heightened emotions in the workplace such as irritability or tearfulness

Employees experiencing anxiety may find it hard to maintain a healthy work-life balance They may cancel annual leave last-minute – claiming they have too much on to take holiday – work from home late at night or insist on coming into work when unwell

However spending too much time at work is counter-productive as it can result in us overlooking our physical and mental health According to this year’s findings, 59 percent of Nuffield Health respondents said they were also less productive at work when their mental health was poor

Just five minutes of conversation from employers reaching out to employees presenting with signs of anxiety or distress can have a positive impact This could be as simple as asking Are you OK? or offering more regular meetings to catch up on how they re feeling about their workloads

KEEP TALKING

It is encouraging that more employees feel comfortable sharing with their employers when they are having problems with their mental health However 18 percent of us will still go to work one or two times a year when our mental health is poor, and 19 percent will go to work more than ten times a year when experienc-

ing poor mental health

It s good for managers to try and understand why individuals come to work despite experiencing reduced mental wellbeing The more we know about the actions of our teams, the more support we can put in place to help them and reduce behaviours like presenteeism

Aim to spend at least five minutes with employees each week practising ‘active listening’ – a skill that requires a genuine understanding and reflection of what’s being said and providing a considered response especially for those experiencing symptoms of stress and anxiety

Active listening means listening attentively to what’s being said and showing understanding by paraphrasing and asking open questions to demonstrate your understanding

Employers may also consider offering Emotional Literacy Training to staff – equipping them with the skills needed to recognise signs of distress in others and themselves and the confidence to approach them This way they can nurture a workforce capable of recognising and tackling signs of anxiety in both themselves and others

#FIND5

Our 2023 study revealed 38 percent of people in the last 12 months have dedicated no time to supporting their own mental health, which includes everyday self-care, activities like meditation or speaking to a medical professional

This Mental Health Awareness Week Nuffield Health is extending its ‘Find 5’ campaign to encourage individuals to ‘find 5 with 5’ – spending five extra minutes a day focusing on their physical and mental wellbeing for body and mind

In the same way, employers can play a huge role in creating an environment where employees feel a sense of connection and belonging by promoting campaigns which foster connectivity team building and reduce stress

Our study shows individuals are becoming more aware of the benefits of exercise on overall wellbeing with 27 percent saying that exercise lifts their mood and helps them feel less anxious or depressed

Encouraging employees to #find5 throughout the working day could also be as simple as promoting regular exercise in morning meetings or creating ideas to be distributed around the office or over email

In just five minutes, managers can also arrange, or raise awareness of, physical health screenings available in the office to uncover any underlying issues among employees BE OPEN ABOUT FORMAL SUPPORT

While meaningful social interaction plays a key role in reducing feelings of anxiety professional support can also be invaluable This may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) that offer direct and confidential access to a mental health expert

Offering these services can help employees to understand and address feelings of anxiety using techniques such as challenging negative thoughts

It only takes five minutes to signpost employees towards the support on offer, along with guidance and encouragement on how to access the help available This may be via email to employees an office huddle or a virtual ‘wellbeing hub

We want mental health transparency to keep increasing beyond the 4 percent we have seen within the past year and openly communicating the options available shows employees that conversations about mental health are both welcomed and expected ALLOW INDIVIDUALS TO PICK WHAT’S BEST FOR THEM.

Finally it’s important to remember that no single intervention works for everyone The key to supporting the workforce is flexibility

Employers should be flexible with letting staff choose five minutes of self-care each day whether it s simply stretching at their desk going for a brisk five-minute walk between meetings or finding five minutes to do a short, guided meditation or breathing exercises

Similarly employers need to be flexible in how their teams choose to communicate with them Encourage individuals to use a communication style that works best for them – whether it’s an in-person meeting or a phone call – this will make it easier for people to come forward and share their experiences

More flexibility means workplaces can cater to the individual and allow everyone to thrive and overcome feelings of anxiety

Cornerstone Healthcare and PremaLabs Collaborate to Test Staff for COVID-19 Antibodies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unlocking the Secrets of Long Covid

Experts from Newcastle University found the nervous system of people with post-Covid fatigue was underactive in three key areas Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of long Covid The breakthrough could lead to better treatment and tests to identify the condition and the team are already progressing the work having just started a trial They have begun recruiting patients to test the effectiveness of a TENS machine – commonly used for pain relief in childbirth – to alleviate the fatigue in patients with long Covid

Newcastle University scientists carried out a battery of behavioural and neurophysiological tests on people suffering from post-Covid fatigue and compared them to people without fatigue They discovered people with post-Covid fatigue showed underactivity in three specific areas of the nervous system The research has been published in Brain Communications

They found a slower reaction in specific areas of the brain because of underactivity in specific cortical circuits

• an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system – the network of nerves that regulates unconscious body processes such as blood pressure and the rate of breathing was found to be impaired This can have wide-ranging effects on several different body processes muscle abnormalities – muscle fibres became more easily fatigued

after exercise than in people without post-COVID fatigue

Dr Demetris Soteropoulos Senior Lecturer in Motor Systems

Neuroscience at Newcastle University who led the research said: “These abnormalities in the results on objective tests show that fatigue in long Covid is a measurable disease and these tests may in time help us understand how changes in the nervous system contribute to fatigue

LONG COVID AND FATIGUE

An estimated 1 9 million people around 2 9% of the UK population have long Covid with around half of those reporting fatigue as their primary symptom While most people who catch Covid don t become severely ill and get better relatively quickly some have long-term problems after recovering from the infection – even if they weren’t very ill in the first place

A group of 37 volunteers with post-Covid fatigue underwent a range of well-established non-invasive behavioural and neurophysiological tests Their results were compared to those of 52 control subjects matched for age and sex who underwent the same tests The tests which provided 33 sets of data included a startle reaction time test electrocardiogram and transcranial magnetic stimulation

Research Associate, Dr Anne Baker who is a co-author of the paper added: We know that many people have faced criticism or even disbe-

lief when they report long Covid, so by being able to provide an independent measure we can help medical teams provide continued support ” Research Assistant Natalie Maffitt co-author on the paper said:

Following on from these findings we are beginning testing at Newcastle University on whether the autonomic nervous system can be modulated to improve symptoms in post-covid fatigue

“We’re examining a non-invasive method which involves clipping an earpiece to the tragus on the ear and delivering small electrical currents to the vagus nerve using a TENS machine – familiar to many through its use for pain relief during childbirth ”

This study led by Dr Mark Baker Senior Clinical Lecturer at Newcastle University will examine the effects of the treatment by measuring markers of inflammation in the blood that are associated with fatigue in other conditions and importantly whether it improves symptoms of fatigue

Based on previous research into other chronic conditions with fatigue the team are examining whether stimulating the vagus nerve through the small electrical current can improve symptoms for patients with fatigue after having had Covid

Dr Baker says: “The potential is huge which is why it’s so important that we do a careful study to determine whether it works or not

Assistant Manager Who “Stumbled Across” Bottisham Home Celebrates 30-Year Work Anniversar y

An assistant manager who went down the wrong street in search of a nursery for her young child has celebrated 30 years working in the same place

Andrea Carrier says she “stumbled across” MHA Queens Court after looking for a nursery for her young child at the time

She started off working as a carer and says she has worked in every role from being a member of the laundry team to working in the kitchen

To celebrate her achievement, she was presented with some flowers and a long service certificate by home manager Yvonne Dawson

Speaking after her presentation she added: “ I found myself on the wrong street after looking for a nursery for my child and when I walked into the home I was asked if I fancied a job, and I went for it

I only live five minutes away from the home so it was ideal I had no

intention of staying as long as I have and I feel like part of the furniture now

“I never left because of the way the home the staff and residents are and I really enjoy working here

I am only one of two assistant managers left with the organisation as the newer assistant managers are called deputy managers

I was totally surprised when I received the flowers and the certificate and initially thought it was for someone else

“It s a great atmosphere here at MHA Queens Court and it doesn t even feel like a job it s like my second home

“No day is the same and of course there are some bad days, but the good ones outweigh them

Honestly I love my job and hope to retire from here once I am ready for it

Re-booting Dementia Care

Orchard Care Homes has long been an advocate of quality innovative Dementia Care Lately it has set the bar even higher with the introduction of its group-wide Dementia Promise This sets out to provide equitable care for those living with the condition and level-up training for all staff – using evidence-based practices Hayden Knight CEO of Orchard Care Homes, discusses the importance of pioneering change for those living with Dementia The issue of dementia provision across the care sector has never been more prominent The number of those living with dementia in the UK is growing Sadly, more people are arriving at our care homes with acute levels of dementia and increasingly complex needs – many having been referred from social settings who are unable to support them As a result of this trend and concerns from families seeking support for loved ones we have made it our mission to help and guide by setting the wheels in motion for genuine change to dementia support

For several years now we have recognised these growing needs Over 55% of those arriving at an Orchard Care Home have some level of dementia support need – and this figure is on the rise Whilst we will always cater to the regional demographic of our homes, we can t ignore these statistics

Earlier this year our Dementia Promise was launched with both specialism and understanding in mind

The initiative doesn’t merely pay lip service to progressing our dementia care offering It’s a huge investment for the group with over £500 000 spent annually on dedicated training programs and mentoring of our staff benefitting everyone from domestics to the CEO

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

Our Reconnect communities don t cater to mass needs – instead our activities and care plans are finely

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

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

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

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

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

Continuing to challenge ourselves and others will only build on the momentum of our Dementia Promise After a positive response from families and healthcare professionals we feel confident that our work will make a significant impact both for our group and eventually the wider sector

345 Reasons to Smile: Hundreds of Well-Wishers

Bring Joy to Kent Care Home Resident’s 100th Birthday with Cards from Far and Wide

A centenarian resident at a Kent care home recently experienced a birthday to remember after she was overwhelmed with good wishes from the local community and overseas receiving over three times as many cards than the home s initial target of 100

Daphne from Woodstock Residential Care Centre in Sittingbourne part of the Nellsar care group received a staggering 345 birthday cards from individuals near and far after staff at the home took to local radio and social media to promote their challenge of reaching one card for every year of her life

Daphne has been a cherished member of the care home's community for several years and staff members were determined to make her centenary birthday extra special To their delight the 100-card challenge quickly gained momentum and soon Daphne was receiving cards from all over the world even from as far afield as Australia

When Daphne remarked “Where on earth am I going to put these?”, the home didn t hesitate to dedicate an entire room to displaying all of the cards on the wall further highlighting the magnitude of achievement and providing a talking point for fellow residents and visitors alike

The cards weren't the only special things Daphne received on her big day as her room was decorated with balloons streamers and a birthday banner she also received a beautiful bouquet of flowers her favourite sweets and a fluffy Dalmatian teddy

Overjoyed with all the love and attention she received on her birthday, Daphne spent the entire day saying how lovely all her cards were and at one point joked I ve got a lot of thank you cards to write! The

staff at the care home were blown away by the community's determination to make Daphne s birthday so memorable with support pouring in from people of all ages including local schools businesses and members of the public

After receiving so many presents and cards to celebrate her 100th birthday Daphne also recently enjoyed a belated birthday party which saw an Elvis tribute act visit the home and serenade her with her favourite songs Meanwhile, the home's chef prepared a chocolate Elvis-themed birthday cake and lots of delicious cupcakes for friends and family to enjoy

Commenting on her birthday well wishes Daphne said: I honestly can’t believe that so many people took the time to wish me a happy birthday it’s quite remarkable I have been spoiled rotten I always thought birthdays got less exciting when you got older but how wrong was I!”

Roz Kelly Home Manager at Woodstock Residential Care Centre added: Firstly on behalf of myself and the rest of the team, I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who sent Daphne a birthday card for making her milestone birthday so memorable Seeing the smile on Daphne s face when she opened each card was immensely rewarding for all involved and reminds us why we come to work each morning ”

Roz continued: “We went on to have a great Elvis-themed birthday celebration with all her friends and family where in the afternoon there was a little less conversation and a little more action as Daphne took to the dance floor to show us how it’s done! She was also delighted to receive an extra special card from King Charles and Queen Camilla

G-Touch Wireless Care Home Solution

Genee is a UK leading manufacturer of innovative affordable interactive 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 G-Touch 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 It s portability specially designed and simple to use interface as well as its multitude of applications are specifically built for residents and staff in mind

Don t just take our word for it The Dove Haven Care Grouphave said the following

We have recently implemented the Genee Interactive touch tables into our homes with great results!

Our residents really enjoy playing on the touch table, singing karaoke as well as solving puzzles and completing quizzes individually or in a group environment We find the table really improves the mood of our residents and helps them work and play together around the touch table at the same time They are great in aiding our residents living with sensory impairment and encourages their general rehabilitation and independence We have been able to increase activity time and availability without increasing our staff’s workload

The difference that these tables have made is amazing! Residents have embraced the technology and every day we find new ways to use it The benefits of the Interactive tablehavebeen shown to improve residents' mood and greater physical social and cognitive activity and positively impacts on relationships with care staff friends and family With the table being portable it does not restrict where it can be used The service users are attracted to it due to the size of the screen and the portable aspect of it When service users are having 1 1 time with our activities co-ordinator other service users are watching and

wanting to get involved The table is easy to use and can be used by all ’

The G-Touch Wireless Care Home Solution comes with 5 years’ on-site 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

Interested to find out how affordable we are? Get in touch today and reference the code ‘#TheCarer’

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The Care Sector Deser ves More

With the cost-of-living causing concern now more than ever, increasing warnings that crippling energy bills could force care homes to shut the scrapping of the government’s Infection Control and Testing Funding, and a budget that failed to address the pressures on social care - the care sector has never been more affected in such a worrying way

Despite Boris Johnson’s promises in his first speech as PM to “fix the crisis in social care once and for all and similar promises by Rishi Sunak in January 2023 things have gone from bad to worse and the care sector is in a state of crisis

In short the government just isn t doing enough This is all without mentioning the messages leaked from our former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock s WhatsApp coming into the conversation

The Health and Social Care Levy was scrapped in 2022 and care homes had until the end of March this year to use up their infection control fund grant and take advantage of a 130% super-deduction tax break

With this deadline now having passed, the challenges faced by care homes are becoming even more difficult

Wolf Laundry appreciate that our customers are making difficult choices about energy bills and trying to balance that with long term sustainability targets They run on such fine margins and the price of a load of laundry can be the difference between them staying open or suffering the threat of closure It s that stark

A survey of care homes carried out by the Independent Care Group found 96% of

By Emma Toas, Operations Director at Wolf Laundry (www wolflaundry co uk)

homes are experiencing soaring costs, from energy to staffing, with 93% having had to make cutbacks as a result, including reducing heating, quality and quantity of food and cleaning products

Recognising the pressures facing the care home market we are working with clients to help them better understand their usage and educate them about the cost savings that can be achieved by using different machines perhaps swapping to gas over electricity

We ve also recently rolled out a training programme for the care home sector focusing on achieving optimal hygiene as efficiently as possible We re working on a one-to-one basis with several care homes to help them find an efficient long-term solution to infection control However that s not enough

The care sector is consistently being failed at the highest level So it’s our view that where government support is lacking the private sector must step up This can be achieved through providing additional training and educating employees about the latest hygiene, infection control, cross contamination, and compliance procedures We must learn from the past

I strongly believe that it’s not enough for only Wolf Laundry to stand for this and work in silo – we need the industry to work together – and by working together, the sector can fill the gap in support being provided elsewhere for care homes post pandemic and during the ongoing cost of living

Raising Money for NSPCC, with a Classic Car Show at Waterfield House Care Home

Runwood Homes care home Waterfield House in Hadleigh hosted a classic car show in the heart of the community, whilst raising funds for the NSPCC Residents staff families and the community enjoyed a day of refreshments, raffles and an array of classic cars

On display at this year’s car show was a 1974 Triumph Spitfire a VW Beetle a Wolseley 1955 model a TVR and a 1953 MGTD

In total the home collectively raised £117 for the charity

Brian W, Resident at Waterfield House, said: “I used to drive a blue VW Beetle like the one that is here, it was the most uncomfortable car I drove It has brought back some memories of it always breaking down at the most inconvenient times Resident Alex at Waterfield House was particularly fond of the Black Wolseley recalling many fond

memories:

I used to have a Black Wolseley a different model to this one This Model was used as a police car, I remember the sirens chasing me very well Customer Relations Manager, Lindsey Fletcher, said: We were thrilled to see so many fantastic cars on display at Waterfield House care home For some of the residents at the home the cars brought back many memories from their youth and for others it was their first time seeing the cars in person We want to thank the community and the team at Waterfield House for coming together to make this such a special day whilst raising money for a fantastic cause ”

Waterfield House would like to extend their thanks to everyone for their help and support and look forward to continue working closely with the community in the future

Revitalise Respite Holidays Launches 2023 Summer Season

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

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

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

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

Summer prices start from £680 for a three- or four-night break Care support packages are priced additionally based on individual support needs Revitalise are launching a campaign in May to highlight the lack of respite care on offer and the urgent need for funding so that more people can take a break

Booking:

Call: 0303 303 0145

Email: bookings@revitalise org uk

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

Colchester Mayor Visits Clacton Care Home

On Friday 12 May residents their families and staff at the Edensor nursing and dementia care home were thrilled to welcome the Mayor of Colchester to their Care Centre in Clacton

The Mayoral visit was arranged to show Councillor Tim Young how the Edensor team use Montessori principles to care for their residents by supporting them to be as independent as possible with meaningful activities so they can make choices and are treated with respect and dignity In addition staff at Edensor were delighted to share their ambitious plans for an end of life cabin in the garden, where precious final memories for residents and their families and friends will be made

The Mayor enjoyed a short tour and took time to speak with residents, families and staff He then enjoyed refreshments including sandwiches and cakes on board the purpose built 1950 s Edensor train carriage with residents and their families

Mayor of Colchester Councillor Tim Young said I have had a beau-

tiful visit here at Edensor care home The staff are lovely so caring wonderful and seem so happy They are an absolute credit to the care home and to the charity I love the train carriages that they have made here and all the murals on the wall I wish them all the best and great success for the future" Sabina Mach Edensor Care Centre Manager said, “Everyone thoroughly enjoyed meeting the Mayor of Colchester today and we were delighted that he took such an interest in how we care for our residents through unique approaches We explained our Montessori ethos and the way we use colour and visuals throughout the home to stimulate and help our residents and he was particularly impressed with our very special train which evokes memories from years past to help those living with dementia

“We also explained our ambitious plans to create a very special and much needed, cabin within our garden to enhance the end of life care we provide The project will create a wonderful space for our residents to spend their last few hours or days in a peaceful and calm space with their families

Senior Doctors in England Ballot for Industrial Action as NHS Dispute Continues

Senior doctors in England will begin voting today (May 15) whether to strike in the ongoing dispute over pay in the NHS

Chair of the British Medical Association (BMA) consultants committee Dr Vishal Sharma said talks had been held with the government in a bid to resolve the long-running row, but pay talks remain in deadlock

As the ballot for industrial action by consultants in England opened today Dr Vishal Sharma chair of the BMA consultants committee said:

“We have spent the last few weeks in talks with the Government working right up to the last minute to secure a solution to address the huge loss in pay experienced by consultants in England We have seen our takehome pay decline by 35% since 2008/9 and this is even before the impact of this year’s soaring inflation has been considered As a result of this, consultants are now effectively working four months of the year for free “Even as late as this weekend we remained hopeful that we would secure a pay offer that went some way toward making up for the decline we have seen Unfortunately however given that inflation remains in double digits the final offer from Government represented yet another real-terms pay cut On the back of 15 years of our pay declining, we simply could not accept a deal that continued this downward trend and have been left with no option but to proceed today with the ballot for

industrial action

No consultant wants to take industrial action We went into these talks in a spirit of good will and were grateful for the constructive manner in which they were conducted by Government officials However ultimately the Government made a political choice to cut our pay again this year and unless we can secure a commitment that the Government will take the necessary steps to restore our pay over the long term we simply cannot accept an offer that sees our pay fall even further

Consultants are not worth a third less than they were 15 years ago

With elective waiting lists standing at 7 3 million, we cannot afford to lose any more highly experienced clinicians who are leaving or taking breaks from the NHS due to pay erosion NHS patients deserve better than an understaffed health service and NHS staff deserve better than a Government which does not recognise their worth at a time of global shortages of skilled healthcare professionals

The ballot is open from today to 27 June and we are urging members to vote yes In the meantime our door remains open for the Government to continue talks and they can still avert industrial action by coming back to us with a reasonable offer

Care Home Surprises Resident by Bringing Her

Great-Granddaughter’s Wedding to the Home

Wedding bells have been ringing out at a Woking care home, after a resident was surprised when her great-granddaughter brought forward her wedding to ensure she could attend the big day 99-year-old Margaret a resident at Care UK s Kingsleigh on Kingfield Road is unable to accompany her great-granddaughter Bianca and future grandson-in-law Mark on their special day later this year due to health reasons so the team at Kingsleigh decided to bring the big day forward and contacted the family to plan a surprise wedding at the home Wedding celebrations were in full swing with the Kingsleigh team going above and beyond to ensure the day went off without a hitch The home held the wedding in the garden which had been decorated with flowers wedding bunting and chairs kindly donated by the local community Everyone enjoyed an afternoon tea and a glass of fizz to toast the couple

with the sunshine even making an appearance The ceremony took place on Friday 12 May at 3pm

Of course, the main attraction came in the form of the bride’s wedding dress Bianca was delighted to show her great-grandmother her wedding gown in person After hearing news of wedding bells in the area, the team at Kingsleigh also added the local Mayor, Councillor Saj Hussain, to the wedding’s guest list

Commenting on the afternoon, bride Bianca said “With my greatgrandmother getting close to 100 years old I wanted to make sure she could see me become a married woman It’s been her wish to see me get me married for so long and after being engaged for 12 years she s certainly waited long enough!”

Kelly Kelleher Home Manager at Kingsleigh said:

We were delighted to bring Bianca and Mark s special day to Kingsleigh for Margaret It was incredibly hard keeping the plans a secret but it was worth it to see her surprise when Bianca and Mark arrived in their wedding attire Margaret had a wonderful afternoon surrounded by her close family This was a very emotive and happy occasion that brought joy to a very special great-grandmother

“All of the residents team members and Councillor Hussain enjoyed the ceremony and seeing the love and proudness that was so beautifully apparent on Margaret and her families faces as Bianca and Mark said, I do , brought more ‘tears’ to the residents and team than was on the wedding cake!

“We are so pleased Margaret got to experience her great-granddaughter’s wedding and wish Bianca and Mark every happiness in their marriage We hope they re enjoying their honeymoon!

Recognii Offers New Way To Entertain Residents With Later Stage Dementia

The first film created especially for people living with later-stage dementia is offering care homes an inexpensive and accessible new way to entertain residents ‘Treasure Box’ by Recognii is an hour-long series of uplifting, plot-free and visually engaging short clips all set to some of the nation’s best-known music songs and theme tunes

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

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

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

Recognii contains the sort of content the company s research showed had most universal appeal among sufferers, from happy children, appealing animals and gentle humour to musical interaction, the natural world iconic people and places puppetry and lots more Treasure Box is available on USB stick for use in Smart TVs and laptops and also in traditional DVD format They retail at £23 99 for the USB stick or £19 99 for the DVD

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

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

Sarah explained: “To make everything as visible as possible we filmed against plain backgrounds, with high colour and tonal contrast and predominant use of red and those primary colours research shows are most easily recognised We also took care not to feature unnecessary detail busy patterns shadows or reflective light sources ” Each plot-free clip contrasts strongly from the last to draw wandering attention back to the screen and in keeping with the visual approach music and vocal arrangements are simple and dialogue is kept to a minimum

CASE STUDY:

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

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

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

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

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

Wendy now uses Recognii as part of a ‘cinema-style’ experience, handing out popcorn, tea cakes and fizzy drinks for residents to enjoy while they settle down to watch with care staff She also uses it as a discussion and reminiscence tool with smaller groups or for focussed one-to-one activities

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

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

Government’s NHS Workforce Plan Must Address Dearth of Mental Health Nurses, Warn Healthcare Leaders

Thousands more mental health nurses must be recruited and retained across the NHS to address a shortfall in the profession which has left staff and services stretched to capacity and many now under crippling and unsustainable pressure

Mental health leaders have warned that the government must not leave the vital mental health and learning disabilities nurse workforce out in the cold when it finally publishes its imminent long awaited and much needed workforce plan

Leaders are concerned that without strong direction from central government and dedicated investment to help shore up a supply of new domestic nurses mental health services will continue to run on empty with many buckling under the weight of demand

The warning comes as new analysis by the Nuffield Trust on behalf of the NHS Confederation highlights the need for a credible plan to reduce the rates of attrition for mental health nurses during training and in their first few years of practice as well as a clear acknowledgement that the increase in mental health nurse numbers has lagged far behind that seen in adult and children’s nursing

Mental health leaders remain very concerned at the figures showing that mental health nursing vacancies remain stubbornly high and account for nearly a third of all nursing vacancies across the country

At the last count nearly one in five mental health nursing posts were vacant with the percentage of those staffing gaps having increased from 13 to 18 percent between 2018 to 2022

Leaders warn that nurses are fundamental to the delivery of mental health services across the vast array of settings they work in so the government s comprehensive NHS workforce plan must not shirk from including provision for a fully costed mental health workforce for the immediate medium and long term

Commenting on the paucity of the mental health nursing workforce Sean Duggan chief executive of the NHS Confederation’s mental health network said:

“Mental health leaders and their teams are pulling out all the stops in what are very constrained circumstances but they cannot be expected to solve this staffing crisis alone

“The knock-on effect means that the mental health crisis the nation is facing will in turn become a crisis for the whole healthcare system and the country

“This relentless pressure on mental health staff cannot be allowed to continue with the ultimate impact being on the patients who most need that care

Nuffield Trust senior fellow and lead report author Dr Billy Palmer said:

Given the growing staffing gaps affecting NHS mental health services and the difficulties we face hiring to these important roles from overseas there is an urgent imperative for the government to get the domestic recruitment of mental health nurses right

“Unfortunately there is no single solution that works for all and the picture is mixed across England We need to understand the impact on all areas of the country with some regions such as the East of England particularly suffering from these staffing issues

“Last year’s national review of mental health nursing has concrete steps for improvement but action cannot be delayed any longer if we want these vital mental health services to be sustainable

Elsewhere the analysis also identifies significant regional differences including in the numbers of nurses relative to the size and mental health needs of the population they serve regionally and a two-fold difference in organisational leaver rates in different areas of the country

The data also show many mental health nurses approaching pensionable age with over half of mental health nurses aged 45 and over and one-in-five aged 55 and over

Bupa Care Ser vices Wins Gold at the UK Employee Experience Awards

Bupa Care Services has won two Gold awards at the prestigious UK Employee Experience Awards 2023

The care provider was presented with the top accolades in the Best Employee Engagement and Best Engagement Team categories

These sector-leading initiatives include the introduction of over 200 regional Engagement Champions who play a hands-on role in boosting morale teamwork and elevate the achievements of frontline colleagues

In the last 18 months Bupa Care Services has also introduced its “Love Working Here strategy designed to create the most inclusive and supportive workplace

The organisation has also listened to the views of colleagues in order to provide greater support Examples include pay initiatives to support its people through rising inflation greater adoption of technology to increase time spent on hands-on care, the introduction of MyHealthcare , a new range of improved health benefits for frontline colleagues learning programmes apprenticeships and qualifications to support

career development and competitions to encourage team camaraderie and fun This broad combination of initiatives has driven an 11 point increase in recent employee engagement scores

Rebecca Pearson General Manager Care Services Bupa Global & UK said: “This is such a proud moment for all our incredible teams up and down the country We have been on a mission to create the most inclusive supportive engaging workplace for our people so that they can give the highest quality care to our much-loved residents We want our people to feel welcome and see Bupa Care Services as a place that they can progress their careers I m so pleased and proud to see everyone’s hard work recognised

“We are committed to being the market leader for aged care in the UK, and we know that looking after our people is the key to delivering the highest quality care that all our residents deserve We have ambitious plans and I believe we have the best team in place to keep going from strength to strength

Healthcare Market Demand Continues to Outstrip Supply Says Knight Frank

The supply of beds in the UK healthcare market reduced for the first time by 177 despite the continuous demand with an expected shortfall of more than 200,000 beds by 2050, according to global property advisor, Knight Frank Knight Frank’s ‘Healthcare Development Opportunities’ report outlines the UK care home market consists of older converted stock that in some cases may be considered obsolete This comes down to size and lack of en suite or full wetroom facilities With this in mind an opportunity presents itself to those willing to repurpose and reposition the current supply

The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the need to focus on virus control and wellbeing while ESG and net zero pressures will also play a role in the direction of future supply However, what is apparent now more than ever is the need to pay attention to the weak points in the current supply and as a sector work to rectify these

While 2022 saw a circa 15% dip in the number of new homes completed we have seen a promising start to 2023 which is likely to have benefited from the delayed completion of some of homes that had been due

to complete last year In 2022, approximately 10,000 new beds were granted via planning application This number represents a mix of refurbishment and extensions to existing stock as well as new-build schemes

While completion of these schemes will add to the circa 480 000 existing bed supply, an important consideration is the scheme type and delivery potential Knight Frank s Development Hotspots Index gives a simplified insight into which locations offer the best prospects for care home development The index highlights the dominance of the South East and East of England with seven of the 12 hotspots falling into these regions This also includes Greater London which has the second-highest index score this year

Julian Evans, Head of Healthcare at Knight Frank, said: “The UK elderly care market is at risk of reaching capacity by the end of the decade and this is a worrying projection Not only must we build more care homes but we must take action to support standing stock to reduce the level of home closures which continues to work against the delivery of new homes as we attempt to grow the supply level

Friends Of The Elderly Honours National Nurses Day 2023

Friends of the Elderly the charity which runs care homes day care services and a grant giving service for older people living on low incomes throughout England is honouring this month’s National Nurses Day by celebrating the commitment and dedication of the nurses within its caring teams

The charity has 12 registered nurses working throughout its care home and day care services who all have an unwavering commitment to make a difference to older people’s daily lives supporting them to live well in later life

Rachel Wilson the Registered Manager at Friends of the Elderly Malvern is just one of the Registered Nurses in the charity s team Since I was young I d always wanted to be a Nurse - to be able to care support and look after people is my calling said Rachel

Rachel studied at The Queen Elizabeth School of Nursing in Birmingham with a focus on Palliative Care Prior to joining Friends of the Elderly Rachel worked in hospitals and a hospice in Solihull “When I worked in the hospitals, I found Neurology fascinating and complex It was lovely to see the patients recover from their injuries and illnesses,” Rachel added

To ensure she keeps up-to-date with any changes advancements the latest practices, standards and to help with developing new skills, Rachel undertakes a

continuous and regular revalidation with The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) This is the process that all Nurses Midwives and Nursing Associates need to go through to renew their registration Rachel also attends sector conferences regularly training and keeps up-to-date with all the nursing journals

Talking about her decision to move into caring for older people Rachel said: I had been in my previous role for 20 years and achieved what I wanted to achieve so felt it was time to explore other avenues I was previously an Inpatient Unit Manager so, along with my nursing skills, I have many additional transferrable skills such as safe staffing levels, symptom management, staff training supporting staff and of course patient care to be able to work in the Care Sector supporting and looking after older people

In 2015 I was delighted to become the Registered Care Home Manager at Perrins House which is dedicated to nursing care at Friends of the Elderly Malvern I love being a part of a caring team that devotes each day to keeping our residents motivated engaged and safe Their health and well-being are our main priority and Perrins House is their home We are a family and all the team work to make each day a good day for each resident ”

Hydration and Nutrition Moves to the Top of the Menu

Edensor a fifty-bed care centre for the elderly with nursing and dementia needs in Clacton, opens a Hydration and Nutrition Station for residents

As part of regular meetings with PROSPER (who promote safer provision of care for elderly residents in Essex) Edensor has been discussing what additional measures they might employ to help with residents health Part of a recent discussion included improving residents wellbeing by encouraging them to snack and drink more often outside meal times

Further discussions after this initial meeting during staff Montessori training sessions, led to one of the team suggesting an area in the heart of the Home be turned in to an innovative Hydration and Nutrition Station for residents and their visitors

Ewa Ruskowiak a Care Coordinator at Edensor Care Centre said We re delighted to have been able to establish this Hydration and Nutrition Station in the main lounge It will give our residents access to a large selection of snacks and drinks throughout the day and will help to give them some added independence by choosing when to take additional refreshments out-

side meal times The clear signage in text and picture form is particularly important for our residents living with dementia so that they can more easily identify what snacks and drinks are available that day ”

Edensor resident Sue aged 71 said, “I love the choice of snacks and drinks and I really like the bright colours and pictures ”

Sabina Mach, Edensor Care Home Manager said, “I m proud to work with a team who are always thinking about new and innovative ways to improve the care we offer our residents Danielle who is part of our care team formulated the idea of the Hydration and Nutrition Station and then Ewa and Lucy worked hard to put the idea into practice We use the Montessori approach to allow our residents to live life to the full and giving those with dementia more independence is so valuable Being able to decide when and what they might like to snack on or drink, will be very important especially for those living with dementia and we have already seen the residents encouraging each other to go and get refreshments which is wonderful to see ”

Austen House Honour Staff On International Nurses’ Day

Coinciding with the birthday of Florence Nightingale the founder of modern nursing International Nurses Day held on Friday 12th May is a day to celebrate nurses and care staff around the world Residents and staff at Austen House care home in Lower Earley, Reading, were happy to applaud our nurses extraordinary efforts and commitment on this special day of recognition

In 2023, the theme for International Nurses’ Day is Our Nurses Our Future The International Council of Nurses is launching a global campaign to set out what it wants for nursing in the future in order to address global health challenges and improve global health for all International Nurses’ Day is a day to give thanks for the dedication of care givers everywhere who go above and beyond the call of duty to deliver extraordinary care and support

Joseph Patterson General Manager at the home said: At Austen House, our nurses and staff are hard-working, dedicated and passionate about caring for others and that compassion and commit-

ment has shone through even more over the past year They continue to work tirelessly and I m proud of the professionalism and duty of care they uphold All their efforts are focused on delivering the best possible care for our residents, so it’s nice to take this time to show our appreciation in return It is also lovely to celebrate our residents who were nurses themselves and thank them for all the hard work they did during their careers ”

Jean, who lives at Austen House, said “I used to be a nurse and I know how tiring the job is even more so these days – there is so much more to think about now than back in my day The staff here spend so much time and energy looking after us, it’s been lovely to show just how much we appreciate them they do a smashing job ” Austen House is run by Barchester Healthcare one of the UK s largest care providers which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals Austen House provides nursing care dementia care and respite care

The Value of Care Home Workers: Recognizing and Supporting Essential Staff

Working in a care home is a challenging job that requires physical mental and emotional strength Caregivers provide care for vulnerable elderly and sick people which can be stressful and painful at times In this article we will discuss the challenges that caregivers face at work and we will also look at how innovation and new products can help reduce the burden on carers care home-owners and managers, and contribute to the growth of the care home industry

Teams comprise of many elements that can help to make a team great the individuals within the team their passion for their chosen vocation the thought of helping others and feeling they have made a difference on a daily basis but also the systems and medical devices that can transform their daily duties; permitting them more time to care and less time on resource hungry processes especially at a time where care workers are generally in high demand across the UK with the much publicised staffing shortages

*According to the ONS there were almost 1 5m estimated open job adverts as a daily average during December 2022 Using data from the jobs search engine Textkernel it said healthcare accounted for almost 190 000 or 12 7% of all vacancies Healthcare also accounted for the two occupations with the largest number of job adverts nationwide with 31 870 adverts for support workers and 21 170

DIRECTOR

for nurses

With such an undeniably high number of job vacancies in the sector the need for smarter systems that reduce the burden on each carer and the care homes in which they work, is essential for the future of the profession and the care home industry

Innovation is crucial for the future of care Manufacturers such as Wellell Inc can through their products help care home owners and managers to reduce the burden on carers with new tools to make their job easier and improve the quality of care for residents

With innovative products such as Wellells all-in-one Optima Turn Mattress”, offering automatic continuous patient turning for pressure injury prevention and healing the management of limited staffing resources can be made easier, helping to maintain those great care home teams and aiding staff retention Afterall a happy healthy workplace leads to a happy healthy workforce and as the ONS has identified the need for carers is outweighed by carers currently available in the UK marketplace

Empowering Positive Action Within Care – Care Roadshows 2023

Care Roadshows are returning in 2023 arriving in Glasgow Birmingham Liverpool London and Cardiff Registration is now officially open and welcomes senior professionals within the care sector particularly those working with older adults

Each show includes free access to an exhibition including between 40-60 exhibitors and entry into a series of seminar and panel discussions that cover topics such as dementia technology vs human connection and raising the profile of the care sector The events also offer fantastic networking opportunities and the chance to improve the performance of your care practice or business

Founder and Managing Director Emma Barrett shared “Care Roadshow has grown greatly since its launch back in 2011 The 2022 Roadshows reached record breaking visitor numbers and we are anticipating an even higher growth rate in 2023 ”

“This year, we’ve set our mission statement as empowering positive action within care It s about time we stopped talking about changes and started taking immediate action We hope to bring influential members of the care community together at our events in an intimate setting where positive conversations can take place

TRUSTED CARE STAMP

With over 100 events targeting the UK social care sector it is very difficult for care providers to choose which events to attend Broadway Events the company who run Care Roadshow have recently joined forces with CloserStill Media (who also run social care events) to launch a Trusted Care Event stamp The stamp indicates events that are focused on improving the sector and wanting to make an active difference within social care You can read more about this here

There is great anticipation for the release of the Care Roadshows 2023 programme Register for your free ticket here to be the first to know when programmes are relased

DATES OF THE 2023 SHOWS:

Care Roadshows Glasgow – Hampden Park Stadium – 18th April

Care Roadshows Birmingham – Villa Park Stadium – 23rd May

Care Roadshows Liverpool – Aintree Racecourse – 25th May

Care Roadshows London – Epsom Downs Racecourse – 17th October

Care Roadshows Cardiff – Cardiff City Stadium – 14th November

Follow this link to find out more: www careroadshows co uk

Gosport MP Pushes for Older Person’s Commissioner

Dame Caroline Dinenage has once again asked for better rights for children to see their grandparents following parental separation in Questions to the Justice Secretary – she also pushed the Minister Mike Freer MP for the Government to appoint an Older Person s Commissioner

The Gosport MP and former Justice Minister stated that England should be following the lead of other UK Nations – Scotland who have an Older Person s Minister and Northern Ireland and Wales who both have an Older Person’s Commissioner in order that the issue of grandparental alienation and a range of other vital matters affecting older people can be better represented

Caroline asked Justice Minister Mike Freer: We know that the bond with a grandparent can be one of the most precious relationships in a child s life and yet so often in the adult wars of family breakdown children are a weapon and actions by grandparents through the family court are incredibly expensive and quite frequently fruitless

What more can the Department do to give grandchildren that right

to see their grandparents? And isn’t it about time that we followed the example of Scotland who have an Older Person s Minister and Northern Ireland & Wales who have an Older Person’s Commissioner to take up issues just like this one?

Whilst the Minister responded advising that an Older Person’s Commissioner would be a matter for the Prime Minister he did add that legal aid eligibility extensions could help grandparents in guaranteeing their rights to access to grandchildren He said: If I could take the last point first in terms of an Older Person’s Commissioner my Rt Hon Friend may wish to take this up with the Prime Minister as I suspect that’s well above my pay grade

In terms of addressing the issue of access for grandparents it s well recognised that we recently extended the ability of legal aid for special guardianship orders which may well be accessible for grandparents to ensure that they get SGO’s to guarantee their rights of access ”

Commenting Caroline said: This is something I intend to take up with Number Ten There are 11 million people aged over 65 in England alone – we have an aging population but no single voice to champion their interests which often end up slipping through the net due to their cross-departmental nature

There is a Children’s Commissioner – but no one with the same legal powers to stand up for Older People

The issue of intergenerational relationships is a case in point The

grand-parent – grand-child bond can be so precious and formative and cause such distress on both parts when it becomes the collateral damage of a parental split

Other UK Nations have an Older Person s Minister or Commissioner –we need an Older People and Ageing Commissioner in England, to act as an independent champion to take on these issues and ensure that policy making across Government consider the needs of our older population

Caroline has previously raised the issue of Grandchildren’s rights after a meeting with former Lord Chancellor Dominic Raab in the Ministry of Justice to explore the suggestion further She has also raised this with the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice Tom Pursglove in March 2022 who said: The Government understands the important role that grandparents often play in children s lives – something that I can very much relate to through my own experiences growing up – and the stability they can provide particularly during times of divorce separation or bereavement

I know she had a productive meeting with my Rt Hon Friend The Deputy Prime Minister recently This is a matter that is under active consideration at the moment at pace and we will revert to her as quickly as possible ”

The Care & Occupational Therapy Show, 12th

July

2023, Westpoint Arena, Exeter

Join us at The Care & Occupational Therapy Show 2023 If you are a care occupational therapy or healthcare professional then this is THE event you need to attend to learn how the industries are changing modernising and evolving to suit the modern world Browse our exhibitors who are all revolutionising the way care and occupational therapy industries work, learn from our seminar and keynote speakers who are all thought-leaders who want to share their knowledge with you and witness industry-changing live product demos

Click here to activate your free ticket and join us on the 12th July!

Dementia Action Week: Charity Shares Tips On Communication With People Living With Dementia

Tips and advice to support conversations with someone living with dementia are being shared by Royal Star & Garter

Talking promotes connection, but this can be challenging when a loved one is living with dementia So Royal Star & Garter which has won multiple awards for its dementia care including the Alzheimer Society s Dementia Hero Award for Professional Excellence, is sharing its experience ahead of Dementia Action Week (15-21 May)

The charity provides loving compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia with Homes in Solihull Surbiton and High Wycombe

The advice has been put together on a simple-to-follow information card gathered from Dementia Care Managers and Lead Nurses working in the Homes They have used their daily experience of caring for people living with dementia to create the advice card

It explains how they enter the reality of the person living with dementia, and why it is important to avoid getting frustrated It also focuses on conversation prompts and how to handle challenging statements such

as “I want my Mum” and the feelings that could lie behind that

Pauline Shaw Royal Star & Garter s Director of Care said: At Royal Star & Garter our staff build the most wonderful friendships and bonds with people living with dementia The residents also benefit from meaningful interaction with Nurses Healthcare Assistants Housekeepers and Therapists in the Homes We are fortunate to have staff who have a lived-experience and demonstrate outstanding person-centred care every day and we feel it s important to share this knowledge with other people who may be struggling By showing how we support conversations in our Homes we hope it will help others to enjoy their own meaningful conversations with loved ones

To receive the information card sign up for free to Royal Star & Garter s newsletter here: https://starandgarter org/sign-up-for-news-daw/

Royal Star & Garter is welcoming new residents in each of its Homes For more information on this or working for the charity, go to www starandgarter org/solihull, www starandgarter org/surbiton, or www starandgarter org/hw

Cassington Resident Shares Secrets To A Long And Happy Life

A Cassington care home resident has revealed her secrets to enjoying a long and happy life as she celebrates her 102nd birthday

Beryl Silwowski, a resident at Churchfields care home credits her longevity to love, fresh air and a gin and tonic

Beryl is an accomplished woman and one of the first to work at the BBC, where she worked as a typist in the 1940 s She dotes on her daughters Veronica and Nina as well as her many grandchildren and great grandchildren

The 102-year old celebrated her milestone birthday in style tucking into homemade birthday cake and opening cards and presents from loved ones

Beryl said: “Without a doubt one of my top tips for living a happy life is getting lots

of fresh air I’ve also found that a gin and tonic a day does indeed keep the doctor away!

“Most importantly, spread love to those around you That’s the best tonic for anyone Chris Stimpson, home manager at Churchfields, said: “It was an honour to join Beryl in her birthday celebrations and many of the residents joined in She s such a beloved member of the home she inspires us all everyday ”

Despite not being able to walk Beryl remains active by joining in the keep-fit sessions at the care home every Thursday afternoon She also loves to play hockey helping her stay young

HC-One Launches its First Specialist Dementia Care Community

HC-One has opened its new pilot Specialist Dementia Care Community (SDCC) in Meadow Bank Care Home in Preston Lancashire Pioneering a new therapeutic approach this service is the first of its kind and is set to revolutionise dementia care at HC-One for people with complex needs HC-One has developed its SDCC proposition to better look after people who display distressed behaviour Previously these people may have been prescribed anti-psychotic medication and might currently be inappropriately placed or needing 1:1 support to manage their behaviour

The SDCC is an enhanced service which focuses on the welfare and wellbeing of people who are emotionally distressed by their dementia and therefore require specialist care and support The SDCC is designed to provide a therapeutic care setting that incorporates several key elements:

Small scale communities and low arousal interior design provide therapeutic living environments that feel homely and less clinical;

Despite the complexity of their behaviour and the severity of their distress the SDCC teams define the person by who they are and not by the dementia they are living with;

HC-One is breaking the mould of what a staffing structure should look like piloting new specialist roles and skill sets such as assistant psychologists to work therapeutically with Residents giving them a quality of life previously denied to them in traditional care settings;

Bespoke and advanced Learning & Development delivery in partnership with Dementia Care Managers support this model;

On-going wrap around clinical support and advice from the Dementia Care Team;

The SDCC s 'traffic light' care planning governs interventions at times of escalating distress; Encouraging the creation of a multi-disciplinary teams (MDT) who understand the SDCC s traffic light approach and the type of in-reach support that might be required;

Robust pre-admission framework and criteria to support appropriate admissions to create a sustainable community

The service at Meadow Bank will operate 24 hours a day 7 days a week every day of the year

Service delivery has been built around the needs of Residents to ensure the best care possible can be delivered This includes the service being led by a Specialist Dementia Service Lead due to the complexity of need and specialist training being provided for Colleagues in positive approaches to behaviour deescalation interventions and safe restrictive practices

Julie Rennie the daughter of one of the first residents at the Meadow Bank Specialist Dementia Care Community said: I ve noticed recently that my Dad is doing more He gets involved with Karaoke and doing jobs around the home –the staff keep me updated as to how he is and what he is doing I m really happy that he has put a bit of weight on and is doing well I can’t thank staff enough " Graham Stokes Director of Dementia Care Services at HC-One said: I am delighted that our Specialist Dementia Care Community has opened at Meadow Bank Care Home This really is a revolutionary moment in dementia care

The difference between a standard Residential dementia care setting and a specialist dementia unit is that the former asks ‘what’ - what is wrong with this person, what can t they do, what have they started to do - and our specialist dementia unit asks why - why is this person feeling this way acting in this manner experiencing life in this way? This approach better equips our specialist teams to work therapeutically with Residents of the SDCC

“The SDCC will provide a model of care that ultimately gives people living with dementia the care they need and the life they want

Excelcare Host Inspiring Leadership Conference

On Wednesday 3rd May team members from across the Excelcare Family travelled to Braxted Park Estate in Essex for the group’s 2023 Inspiring Leadership Conference

The objective of this conference was to give leaders a better understanding about some recent internal changes across the group and also to provide the team with updated knowledge around forthcoming legislation changes and work together throughout the day to develop new strategies and plan inspiring partnerships to deliver improved outcomes to those who live and work in an Excelcare service in order to continue achieving excellence These objectives all feed back to their company vision and mission to make every day meaningful for Mr Bailey

“Mr Bailey and his friends are always at the heart of the improvements we make and the outstanding work we do across our Excelcare family explains Chief Operating Officer Sam Manning “He represents the individual physical and emotional needs of each person who lives in an Excelcare home I look forward to seeing how valuable lessons and shared planning we have enjoyed at this conference will be introduced in each of our care homes to bring meaning, love and laughter to Mr Bailey and his friends

group made

of Home Managers

& Care Managers Team

Leaders and Regional Teams were in attendance to learn and discuss with Excelcare’s Senior Leadership Support Partners and their colleagues from Central Support Office

The event began with each team member introducing themselves their roles and how long they have been a part of the family This exercise quickly established that many team members have celebrated 10 15 and even 20-year anniversaries as part of the Excelcare family It was an inspiring way to start the conference and showcase the years of experience in the room

Excelcare’s Senior Leadership Team took to the stage to share their knowledge recent updates from the sector and suggested adaptations to ensure Excelcare isn’t just meeting the requirements but surpassing and exceeding them!

Speakers engaged with the audience by hosting group workshops during their segments which helped to promote partnership working build understanding and highlight some areas that may have not been considered This collaborative approach meant there were some important considerations and actions to be addressed after the conference again helping to build on outcome success across the group

The Inspiring Leadership Conference was a huge success and left people feeling valued motivated and inspired

A“Right Royal Celebration”

The coronation of King Charles was a momentous occasion for the people of the United Kingdom and we here at THE CARER invited care homes throughout the country to share the celebrations with us!

And to say that we are not disappointed would be an understatement, we have we are thrilled to say been inundated with photos and stories of how you celebrated the coronation of King Charles III

As the country celebrated this momentous and historic occasion nowhere with the celebrations more evident than in the care homes where many older residents celebrated the event For the older generation the monarchy represents a sense of tradition, continuity, and respect that has been woven into the fabric of British society for centuries And in care homes where many residents have lived through decades of social

and political change the coronation of a new monarch is an opportunity to connect with a sense of history and belonging that is often missing from modern life

The celebrations in care homes across the UK were a wonderful testament to this enduring sense of tradition and respect From the waving of Union Jacks to the singing of patriotic songs residents came together to mark the occasion with a sense of joy and pride For many it was a chance to reminisce about previous coronations they had witnessed or participated in and to share stories of how their own lives had intersected with the history of the monarchy

Albany Lodge Nursing Home, Croydon

Celebrations began early at Albany Lodge as residents and staff started the morning decorating the service with bunting and flags crowns and bows The Lifestyle team were very busy ensuring everyone had a union jack bow or a gold crown The residents were very excited to celebrate with the King on his special day Our Chef Adam Huxley had been very busy researching King Charles favourite foods and these were chosen to prepare for the day of the party

We welcomed the D Day Dollies who came to sing for the residents and their visitors and this was enjoyed by all of us present and to start the party off our Lifestyle Lead Bear sang to the residents and staff

Chandos Lodge Residential Home in Stourbridge

Chandos Lodge Residential Home in Stourbridge was rammed with Residents Relatives and staff celebrating together and what a celebration it was

Entertainment was provided by Debbie Miles Vocalist giving us all the opportunity to put on our dancing shoes and raise the roof of the home with our very own vocal skills or no vocal skills in some cases but who cares we all enjoyed ourselves

All who attended were treated to hot dogs burgers cakes wine and other refreshments

Celebrations Fit for a King Hugh Myddelton House in Southgate

At Hugh Myddelton House in Southgate staff and residents at the home put their heads together and came up with a plan for their celebrations fit for a King Our home was beautifully decorated with themed flags, banners and red, setting the stage for a grand royal party barbeque tea party concert with live music by Ian James Jade Shea General Manager at Hugh Myddelton House said: “We’ve all had such a brilliant time celebrating the Coronation such a momentous occasion

Bognor Regis Home Doesn't Let Weather Dampen Spirits and Hosts Coronation Extravaganza

A Bognor Regis home made sure the King's coronation was a memorable occasion despite the weather with residents and staff all watching the coronation together and then having a coronation tea with a buffet prepared by the kitchen staff

Joanne Mitchell activity coordinator said: There was a lot of chatter and excitement amongst the residents, and we all had a great time Everyone got stuck in we had a great singalong and everyone had a lot of fun ”

Healthcare Homes

At Healthcare Homes all of our 48 homes celebrated the Coronation with games watching garden parties and afternoon teas A great opportunity for inviting relatives and friends into our homes reminiscing about royals and royal occasions of the past and of course saluting the king Foxearth Lodge Albany in Oxford and Maynell House were amongst the homes celebrating with a celebratory spread and spectacular cakes

Linden House, Wellington Joins in the Fun Linden House Nursing Home celebrated the run up to the Coronation doing Coronation quizzes puzzles crafting table decorations for their street party accompanied by a sing-a-long All the staff wore red, white and blue attire A good day was had by all!

Kenton Care Home Holds Special Coronation Par ty

Kenton House care home for older people held a special party which included The FAB Boys entertaining with hits from the 1940’s 50’s and 60’s and residents and their guests enjoyed a buffet

Kenton House Activity Coordinator, Vibha Bhojwani, said, “All the residents enjoyed helping to make the decorations from scratch We re grateful to our local friends in the community for their donations "

The Coronation at Steep House Nursing Home

Here at Steep House Nursing Home we put up our bunting, planned our party food and ordered in our hats and flags ready for the big day Some of our residents had other ways of preparing

Our resident sculptor Geraldine assisted by artist Ellie Philpot created a bust of King Charles Elizabeth and Mary began making paper chains which would soon be hung up along with our other decorations

On we enjoyed a fantastic performance by Chloe from Mack Entertainment, of classic British tunes which had everyone tapping clapping singing dancing and waving their flags Residents and staff had a great time celebrating the King s coronation singing songs along with afantastic array of party food prepared by our lovely head chef Sarinya

A “Right Royal Celebration”

But beyond the festive atmosphere the celebrations also highlighted the important role that care homes play in bringing people together and fostering a sense of community For many older people care homes can be a place of loneliness and isolation, especially if they are no longer able to leave the home or participate in activities outside But on occasions like the coronation of a new king, care homes become a hub of social activity and connection where residents can bond over shared memories and experiences

In a world where technology and social media have made it easier than ever to connect with people across the globe it is easy to forget the value of local communities and traditions But the celebrations in care homes across the UK reminded us all of the importance of these connections and the role that the monarchy plays in bringing people together For the older generation the coronation of King Charles was not just a symbol of continuity and respect but also a reminder of the value of community and the power of shared history to unite us all

And there is nothing more for the team here at THE CARER to say than THANK YOU!!!!

Coronation Celebrations Across Care Homes

Macc Care challenged its homes across the Midlands to create the best coronation quiche - the official food of this coronation

Pear tree Care Home Celebrate!

Peartree Care Home celebrated the Kings Coronation on 4th May

2023

The afternoon begun with a Pantomime show Fit for a King by Tickled Pink Productions, followed by a performance from ‘The Barber Shop Boys Choir

We were so thrilled to be joined by Councillor Chris Best of Sydenham Councillor Coral Howard of Downham & John Macy our Lay Inspector from Lewisham We also welcomed the talented Lou from Loonar Designs for face painting!

A diverse range of foods were served including a beautiful cake donated by one of our relatives Rita from The Cake Store Sydenham

It was a fantastic fun afternoon!

Tupwood Gate Nursing Home Celebrates in Style

Residents and staff at Tupwood Gate Nursing Home came together in style to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III

During the days leading up to the Coronation residents made crowns and baked cupcakes, decorating them in the Union Jack colours red white and blue

They watched the Coronation all together on the TV in the communal areas surrounded by their families and staff alongside a life size cut out of His Majesty The King

Wellbeing Cares' The Dell started their celebrations weeks ago, creating flags and decorations hosting quizzes and afternoon teas to commemorate the occasion Wren Hall a specialist nursing home celebrating the Coronation with props and singing entertainment

Bournehouse Nursing Home's Coronation Garden Par ty

At Bourne House we have been talking to residents about the Royal celebrations ahead of the Coronation using it as an opportunity to reminisce

We created a garden party in honor of the King s Coronation

As part of celebrations, singer Davina came and sang songs for us

Our award-winning Chef Lounas created a feast fit for Royals!

A Memorable Day at Windmill Lodge

At Windmill Lodge Care Home which is part of the Excelcare group of homes, we had a lovely time and a fun filled day

Our residents enjoyed a lovely tea party on each of our four floors chatting and singing some old songs when they sat down to tea, after watching the coronation on television which was an emotional time for many

The day ended with live musical entertainment from the D-Day Dollies

Birchwood House, Speldhurst Toasts King Charles III

Birchwood House gave three cheers for King Charles III celebrating in classic British style Residents shared a delightful celebration of all things red, white, and royal blue alongside a live screening of the event

A quintessentially British meal was shared in honour of the newly crowned Monarch The classic fish and chips were thoroughly enjoyed alongside some red and white wine to mark the occasion

Care UK Celebrates the King’s Coronation

Across Care UK s homes many activities were organised to commemorate the special day

Millers Grange in Witney held a coronation BBQ

Knebworth in Woolmer Green had a street party

Bourley Grange and Lonsdale Mews welcomed family and locals into the home to celebrate Heather View residents recorded a coronation song for the king

Dovehaven Care Homes Cherish the Memories

What a magnificent weekend it was as we reminisce about the incredible coronation celebration of King Charles at Dovehaven Care homes!

As we look back on the Kings coronation weekend, we feel immense gratitude for everyone who participated there was as much fun in the preparation as the day itself with residents creating decorations baking tree planting In one home we even had The Coronation & naming ceremony of the arrival of two new rabbits The sense of community joy and togetherness was truly extraordinary families joined their loved ones, had a sherry or two and danced the afternoon away, whilst serenaded by memorable hits by local singers

A “Right Royal Celebration”

Abbeyfield Sheltered Housing Scheme for Older People Rejuvenates Its Garden for Coronation Celebrations

Northfield Court a sheltered housing scheme for older people in Taunton celebrated the Coronation of King Charles III on Saturday 6th May with the opening of a new section of its garden

Resident Margaret Pearce, who is visually impaired, officially opened the new section of the garden as part of Northfield Court s Coronation celebrations, joined by her fellow residents, staff, volunteers family and friends One of the benefits of the garden is that is stimulates the senses of hearing smell and touch as well as sight

Abicare's Clients Join the Monumentous Occasion

Abicare carers celebrated the Coronation with their clients

Royal Celebrations Light Up Care Homes Across The South

Residents and team members at Colten Care s 21 homes in Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and West Sussex all shared in the joy of the ceremony patriotism and colourful spectacle of events

Amid a sea of Union Jacks and red, white and blue decorations, the homes fun featured street parties lunches live music games quizzes charity fundraising and visits by families friends and entertainers

Residents at The Aldbury in Poole contributed to three King Charlesthemed artworks in their garden while at Castle View in the Duchy of Cornwall community in Poundbury Dorset residents celebrated the particular association that King Charles has with the home

At Brook View in West Moors, Dorset, residents and members of the local parish council shared a Coronation goodies box complete with fizzy drinks and cupcakes

'The King' Joins Celebrations at Sweyne Cour t

Elvis and Neil Diamond tribute act Dave led the celebrations at the coronation party that was held at Sweyne Court

Residents were smiling, laughing, singing and dancing and most importantly spending quality time with families altogether

Dr yfemount Care Home in Lockerbie, Scotland

Dryfemount Care Home in Lockerbie Scotland had a wonderful time celebrating the King s Coronation

We were all glued to the television as he was getting crowned Then as the weekend continued we invited the mobile chippy van to come to our home so that we could celebrate in style as only the Brits can do with good old fish and chips

Catherine House Care Home’s Celebration’s Fit For A King

As the doors of Catherine House Care Home opened residents fondly referred to as family members, greeted their loved ones, friends and locals who had come to join in the celebrations The care home grounds transformed into a hub of activity with stalls topped with handmade goods and traditional treats that delighted visitors of all ages The kitchen team also had the pleasure of preparing a traditional British afternoon feast, which went down thoroughly well with guests

A Special Lunch at Southborough Nursing Home

A special coronation lunch at Southborough Nursing Home allowed residents to enjoy a meal with their loved ones Residents sang the National Anthem while waving their flags and had a lovely musical afternoon to celebrate the grand occasion

Veterans Celebrate with Street Par ty at Broughton House

More than 100 people basked in the sunshine at a street party at Broughton House Veteran Care Village to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla

Residents were joined by their relatives for the occasion along with staff and volunteers at the Salford care home

D-Day veterans David Teacher aged 99 was one of the attendees David served in World War II from 1942-45 and took part in the Normandy Landings on D-Day David a double amputee later received the MBE for his charitable work

Oakland's Care Centre Par ty for the Coronation

Oakland s residents families and staff had a great time celebrating the King's Coronation in style with an amazing party The Lifestyles team wearing their red white and blue outfits provided everyone with a good old sing along with musical instruments, and for the last song

God Save The King was sung An amazing array of food was also on display including a stunning Coronation celebration cake

A “Right Royal Celebration”

Priors Mead Care Home - Coronation Weekend Events

We have had such a fun memorable emotional weekend as our residents and team watched with pride the moment our King and Queen consort were crowned - with the majority of our residents old enough to remember Queen Elizabeth s coronation back in 1953! Our very own ‘king’ Charles, will be 103 in June!

It was a wonderful weekend and our team are honoured to be able to support our residents in making the most of such an occasion

All Ages Celebrate at Springfield Care Home

We had the most amazing time at Springfield Care Home Darlington with everyone joining in with our celebrations for The King’s Coronation including our residents families staff and the local community Age groups celebrating with us ranged from a beautiful baby girl aged 8 days old to our oldest resident aged 95

We held a fantastic Coronation party, entertainment provided by Wor Vera where lots of people wore red white and blue and where Gillian one of our resident’s celebrated her birthday Our hospitality team have provided some amazing refreshments and royalty themed cakes for all to enjoy

From Cocktail Par ties at Sandringham to Coronation

Celebrations with Athena

As the nation celebrated the Coronation Athena homes hosted indoor street parties afternoon teas and singers in honour of the new King Charles III and Queen Camilla

Goodwins Hall Care Home in King s Lynn hosted a BBQ for residents and guests while at Ashlynn Grange in Peterborough there were Royal cakes prepared by the kitchen team

Aria Court, in the very regal Coronation Close in March, had four days of festivities while in Avocet Court in Suffolk the café was awash with red, white and blue and teams entertained residents and guests They were flying the flag at Amberley Hall in King s Lynn with a huge party in the cafe area

William Simpsons Invite Their Residents to a ‘Right Royal Lunch’

At William Simpsons Coronation Celebrations began well in advance of the weekend, with invitations to a Right Royal Buffet Lunch turned into special scrolls which were hand delivered by residents, accompanied by an appropriate musical fanfare! Residents and staff joined together within the café library and community flats sharing a sumptuous spread together

Coronation Day at Stanley Wilson Lodge in Saf fron Walden

Entertainer Gemma was a star at Stanley Wilson Lodge with many residents asking when we could have her back! There was something for everyone here at SWL, fun activities such as Bingo and stick the diamond on the crown as well as traditionally British foods such as fish and chips and a delicious cream tea

Sundial Care Home Celebrates Coronation Weekend

Sundial Care Home in Tipton St John Devon celebrated with much joy and festivity The home was filled with high spirits and a festive atmosphere bedecked in decorations with everyone dressed in their best and the day was marked with a special range of English fare including cakes sherry and fizz

Wakefield Care Home Residents Throw Community Coronation Celebration

Residents from Hepworth House care home in Wakefield invited their community to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III

The home was decorated with traditional Union Jack flags and balloons while local entertainer Rebekah Austin sung classic hits to get everyone on the dancefloor Partygoers were treated to a feast fit for royalty while they played games took part in arts and crafts sessions and reminisced with the residents about coronation memories from 1953

Duckyls Farm Residents Celebrate the Coronation

Duckyls Farm Residents and staff came together to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla with a traditional afternoon tea with Union Jack cups and plates

Sandstone Care Group Gets in the Coronation Spirit

Every care home across the Sandstone Care Group celebrated the Coronation over the weekend with a series of parties Staff and residents of The Oaks Care Home in Newtown Powys toasted the new King with home-made mocktails while singing plenty of home-made food and lots of activities marked the Coronation weekend at Burscough Manor Care Home Flags bunting Royal cakes and there was even a throne to sit and be photographed in at the Coronation celebrations at St Helens Hall Care Home

A “Right Royal Celebration”

Coronation Weekend At Butter fly Lodge

At specialist dementia care home Butterfly Lodge in Plymouth staff pulled out all the stops to give residents a royally great Coronation weekend

Deputy manager Sarah McCaffrey said: The weather was no problem because our 'street party' took place indoors

Lots of family and friends came along too and we had live music dancing, themed party games and a buffet fit for a king

Huge thanks to my colleagues and friends of Butterfly Lodge who made sure this was an event everyone could enjoy "

An Each Other Care Weekend Fit for Royalty

The flags were flying high across the Each Other Care homes over the Bank Holiday weekend There was bunting and tea parties galore as they celebrated the historic coronation of His Majesty the King and the Queen Consort

The Abbeys kicked off the weekend in style with an extravagant party while Brierfield House hosted an afternoon of fun on Saturday with cake stalls raffles and tombola alongside a plethora of sweet treats and drinks

Dunniwood Lodge held a royal bonanza with an ice cream van a very British afternoon tea party with Bucks Fizz for the grown-ups, and selection of classic cakes while Highfield Hall hosted a musical extravaganza on Bank Holiday Monday with live entertainment from local singer, Paul Scholes

Ladyville Lodge held not one but two celebrations with live music and a feast of party food while White Ash Brook was pleased to bring residents friends and family of all ages together for an afternoon of celebration to watch the historic coronation

King the Dog Rules at Down Hall

Residents at Down Hall care home in Bradwell-on-Sea near Southminster went gone coronation crazy! And that included King the dog – yes that’s really his name – who lived up to his namesake!! King who loves his role as therapy dog at the home, belongs to activities coordinator Louise Simon - who couldn t resist helping him on with his royal regalia!!

Healthcare Homes Dress for the Occasion

Staff at Barking Hall in Suffolk dressed up to celebrate the occasion, along with a team of carers from Manorcourt Homecare in Harlow who were suitably dressed to go out and about visiting their clients over the weekend

Romsey Care Home Hosts Garden Par ty Fit For A King

Durban House in Romsey marked the King s coronation with a right royal’ bash

Everyone living at the nurse-led care home in the market town celebrated the crowning of Britain s new monarch, with a special garden party Staff decorated Durban House with red white and blue laid on a scrumptious buffet, and even organised for local vocalist, Caryn Curtis, to sing a variety of well-known musical numbers throughout the event

Singing For The Reign!

Revellers From Grimsby Care Home Per form To Honour The King

The rain certainly didn t dampen the spirits of all at Orchard Care Homes’ Eaton Court Grimsby Lincs as they decked their home with bunting and sported King Charles III masks over the Bank Holiday weekend to celebrate the crowning of the new Monarch – plus to top off the events, they delighted friends and family with a jubilant rendition of the National Anthem

Click here for video link:

https://www youtube com/watch?v vzrCgwm1h0I

Bluebird Care Hosts Right Royal Celebrations Across The Countr y Bluebird Care businesses across the country hosted celebrations fit for a king over the past week as Care Assistants helped their local communities to mark the coronation

Care teams in Sandwell, Southend & Rochford, Totton, and Canterbury & Thanet arranged large parties to help customers celebrate the historic occasion in the company of old and new friends

Every member of the local community was welcomed to participate in these festivities, with guests across the country even including a hamster (Sandwell) a therapy dog (Canterbury & Thanet) and a friendly goat (Totton)!

Care Assistants in Leeds North Exeter & Devon and Redbridge Epping & Harlow surprised customers by delivering novelty crowns flags and union jack hats to help their customers to feel like royalty themselves

Hazel Lodge Watches Histor y Unfold

Excitement was in the air at Hazel Lodge in Battle over the weekend where residents and staff watched history unfold and welcomed the new King Charles III and Queen Camilla Everyone had been busy making Coronationthemed decorations prior to the event, baking up a storm of red white and blue cakes with the help of head chef Rob Donachie in preparation for the King s Coronation on May 6

Caroline Pulleyn General Manager at Hazel Lodge said: We ve all had such a wonderful time celebrating the Coronation It has been a really exciting time thinking about how we wanted to celebrate planning our activities decorating the home and creating all the party food It was so lovely to be able to invite our friends family and the local community to come and join us for the celebration too ”

A “Right Royal Celebration”

Inspired Berkshire Care Home Residents Create Masterpiece To Commemorate Coronation

Hunters Down’s Coronation Celebrations

Hunters Down one of the Cambridgeshire care homes from the Excelcare Group joined the entire nation in celebrating and welcoming King Charles III during his Coronation Day

Activities included a lounge party with cakes scones teas and Pimms! The team members joined in and brought the festivity in the home as they dressed up for the event!

On Bank Holiday Monday everyone enjoyed a lovely afternoon filled with live music from 50s to 80s

A Day to Remember: Oakland Care Celebrate King’s Coronation in Style

It was a day to remember as Chief Executive of Oakland Care Joanne Balmer BEM joined esteemed guests from across the globe at King Charles III memorable coronation

Her invitation to witness the historic moment came as a result of her incredible services to social care whichled to her receiving a British Empire Medal in 2021 in the late Queen’s Birthday Honours List

Across Oakland Care s nine care homes celebrations were also in full swing, with many marking the occasion with a variety of fun and exciting events and activities

At Beechwood Grove, Eastbourne, the care home residents enjoyed a stunning afternoon tea celebration which included delicious coronation themed cupcakes all while donning crowns created with the help of pupils from local school Gildredge House earlier in the week

Three residents at RMBI Care Co Home Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court, in Wokingham, have recently created a work of art to commemorate King Charles III s coronation Wendy, Gladys and Angela, who are members of the Home’s Textiles Group decided to take on the challenge of creating something modern and unique Inspired by the impressionist French artist Henri Matisse and his vivid use of colour the three residents made a colourful masterpiece for everyone to enjoy

Keeping in mind King Charles passion for the environment the residents only used fabrics, remnants and threads they had in their fabric stock to minimise their carbon footprint

Wolverhampton Home Celebrates with Indoor Par ty And Enter tainment

MHA Waterside House organised an indoor street party in their large cafe area with plenty of sweet treats More than 90 people including residents staff and family members were part of the celebrations

There was also some live entertainment provided by Nick Golden, who performed some classics

A Tea Par ty Fit for a King!

Excitement was brewing at Thistle Court Care Home in Cwmbran in anticipation of the King’s Coronation this weekend

The team decorated the home with banners bunting and balloons and a tea party was held on Saturday for the residents who are fondly referred to as family members

Concer ts Mark Celebrations at Magnolia Cour t

Excitement filled the air at Magnolia Court in Golders Green last week in the run up to celebrations last weekend where residents and staff were busy making patriotic-themed decorations and baking up a storm of red white and blue cakes and pastries with the help of Head Chefs Yaa and Valentina

The home hosted two concerts with live entertainment provided by Anastasia and The D-day Dollies to celebrate our new King’s coronation and talk about the new and exciting times ahead under the reign of Charles III and the impact on our country

Water Hall Care Home Celebrate the King's Coronation in Style!

Water Hall Care Home went all out to celebrate the King s Coronation in style!

Memories of the Last Coronation at Lilian Faithfull Care

Clive Pearce says, "There were very few televisions about at this time around The few people who did have a television invited people in –they were crowded affairs The Queen did look good ”

Doreen & Ernie recently celebrated their 71st Wedding anniversary at Faithfull House in Cheltenham and were newly weds at the time of the Coronation “Ernie was in the police force and he had fortunately been given the day off which was lovely

Margaret Cheetham said "Everywhere was really festive we all celebrated It was a truly splendid event

Muriel Graves was 100 years old last October and was one of the first to get a card from King Charles at Royal Court It was very well done

One of the highlights of the day was a tea party complete with traditional snacks and refreshments The home was decked out in festive decorations including flags bunting and other royal-themed decor in patriotic shades of red white and blue

Rockdale House Celebrates with Street Par ty

Rockdale House Celebrated the Coronation with a wonderful street party for the residents on the Friday Bunting flags and balloons adorned the house The long table was decorated in red white and blue Traditional Fish and Chips was served in the take away boxes and trifle followed All residents wore either Union Jack hats or crowns The afternoon was spent being entertained by singer and West End star, Andrew Mace which was a roaring success It was a joyous occasion

Winifred Dell in Brentwood, Essex

Over the Coronation bank holiday weekend we planned entertainment for our residents on Saturday we were joined by Glenn and Alex who both performed a performance suitable for royalty on Sunday On Monday they were joined by Jayne who also got our residents team workers families and friends up on their feet dancing and having a ball

The Bennetts family group supplied an ice cream cart stuffed full of ice cream cones tubs flavoured sauces 100s and 1000s and so much more

A “Right Royal Celebration”

Orchard Care Homes Wave Their Union Jacks With Pride

People and staff from Orchard’s 23 Care Homes in the North of England and Midlands brought out their best china and decked their homes with bunting to mark the coronation of King Charles III

Celebrations included:

A Royal visit at Orchard s Lansbury Court Sunderland – posing with a life-size King Charles III

Carers and people of Orchard s Green Lodge Billingham had their very own balloon arch throne for the festivities

Crowning Glory – everyone had their own turn for Coronation selfies at Orchard’s Three Bridges Warrington!

Royal Bingo and Afternoon teas for all at Orchard’s Nesfield Lodge Leeds

Everyone tuned in for the coronation celebration at Orchard s Lofthouse Grange and Lodge, Wakefield

Bournemouth Care Home Residents Celebrate Coronation With ‘Royal’ Lunch

Residents at Muscliff Care Home in Bournemouth celebrated the King’s coronation in style last weekend with a grand lunch to honour the historic occasion

Staff at the nurse-led care home set up a grand table in the ‘royally’ decorated lounge and while residents were tucking into delicious cakes and pastries they could also watch the crowning of the new sovereign live on television Muscliff Care Home Manager, Dedrey Charles, said it was a day to remember

Crowning Glor y at Nellsar Homes

Nellsar's 13 care homes throughout Kent Surrey and Essex held a special coronation competition which saw residents and staff across its homes get creative and design an eye-catching coronation crown

In first place was Bromley Park Care Centre in Beckenham, which saw residents design a huge crown painted and decorated with handmade jewels and Union Jack hearts made from red white and blue buttons The team suspended it from the ceiling for all to see, together with Union Jack flags made from tissue paper offering a fantastic centrepiece for a right royal occasion

In second place was Abbotsleigh Care Centre in Staplehurst whose residents crafted a beautiful crown decorated with colourful gems and pictures of the king throughout his life – an idea that stemmed from two of its residents

Finally in third place was Silverpoint Court Residential Care Centre in Canvey Island Essex whose residents created a delightful crown covered in sweet treats which was then taken around on the day of the coronation for everyone to enjoy

Andover Care Home Residents Par ty The Day Away for King’s Coronation

Residents at Millway House in Andover had a spectacular day of music food and entertainment in honour of the King s coronation at the weekend

Joined by all their friends and family along with care home staff residents partied the day away in a specially decorated marquee in aid of the new sovereign Ice-cream and cakes were served music was provided by Hampshire band Odd Man Out and local balloon artist, Dave Hickory was on hand to create some royally inspired balloon models for each of the guests

The Coronation of His Majesty The King Celebrated Across The Future Care Group

In preparation for the coronation weekend Acacia Care Centre s lovely resident Catriona, with the help from her daughter Caitlin re-created a cake she made with her mother back in 1953 for the Queen Elizabeth II's coronation Bourne House Nursing Home had a delicious barbeque and welcome drinks for their guests to celebrate while at Hamilton Nursing Home, residents loved dressing up and watching the coronation live on TV Southborough Nursing Home celebrated the King’s coronation with a delightful afternoon tea party to mark such a historic occasion! Southborough resident, Margaret, waved her flag high and said she loved the cherry topped cake

Sunrise Nursing Home Enjoys a Memorable Coronation

Kay Saunders Home manager at Sunrise Nursing Home said, "Here at Sunrise Nursing home in Felixstowe Suffolk we celebrated the Coronation with a tea party and other activities including a quiz, bingo and word searches which were made by our activities coordinator these were enjoyed by residents and families We also had a local fun run and the residents were cheering the participants on as they ran past the home "

BBQ and Musical for Coronation at The Lindens

Staff and residents at The Lindens celebrated The King’s Coronation, with a fun-filled day of food and music at a BBQ, Graham s Musical Memories provided the perfect soundtrack! Party games such as Pin the Tail on the Corgi” were played while sipping on refreshing Pimms

CYBER SECURITY

Why You Should Consider A Cybersecurity Strategy In Your Care Facility

cure so review your current security strategy to ensure that you have the proper policies and best practices in place to meet any required standards or obligatory regulations This should include a review of your security operations network and data security to check that you are protected from exploitation and have prevention and monitoring procedures in place

Carry out a cyber security assessment to identify the types of attack that you may be vulnerable to and assess how prepared your business is to respond to an incident Consider your ability to detect malicious activity, the procedures you have in place to contain an attack and what your incident response process is

Create a best practice guide to help prevent your exposure to cyber threats and share with all employees This should include the use of strong passwords which are updated regularly Software and systems should also be checked regularly, and updates actioned when due The use of two-factor authentication when available should also be implemented

employees for a coordinated calm and fast reaction to an unexpected cyber event

Cyber attacks are on the increase and the healthcare sector is one of the most targeted industries According to a recent survey conducted by email security firm Agari 67% of healthcare organisations in the UK have suffered a cybersecurity incident over the last 12 months Of all healthcare cyber incidents in the last year 48% have been the result of malware or viruses introduced to the network by third-party devices

To help protect your care home or care facility from the threat of a cyber related incident we recommend putting a robust cybersecurity strategy in place to sit alongside your insurance programme You should create a cyber risk assessment and action preventative measures including a best practice guide This will help to reassure your employees customers suppliers and any third parties that you are as ready as possible in the event of a cyber threat

To identify areas of weakness or vulnerability you should assess the security of your information or data Prevention is always better than

Ensure you are following the most up to date guidance on GDPR and that your data protection officer has all the latest information It s a legal obligation of any business to ensure appropriate and proportionate security is in place to protect any personal data held to safeguard the rights of individuals You must also report any data breaches to the ICO within 72 hours of discovery

Provide your staff with Cyber Security Awareness Training so they can spot suspicious looking communications understand how hackers get in and the importance of strong passwords Educating your entire organisation helps to minimise potential attacks and can also help to reduce internal security incidents It’s also a good idea to create a robust reporting procedure to ensure that all employees are aware of any potential or recent Cyber attacks

With more of us working from home, you should make sure your remote working methods are protected and procedures are adhered to by all

Put together a business continuity plan and share with key

Your immediate response to an event will be key to the overall impact on your business Consider how you will contact everyone that may have been affected as a result of a data breach to help retain your customer database customer confidence brand reputation and trust

Don t wait until you have experienced a cyber attack to put measures in place be proactive and help protect your business now We can help you to develop a robust cyber security strategy as part of your complete insurance programme managing your exposure to cyber risks

Speak to us about arranging cyber liability insurance or carrying out a cyber risk assessment by calling us on 01480 272727 or emailing enquiries@barnesinsurancebroker co uk

Find out more about cyber liability insurance at www.barnesinsurancebroker.co.uk/cyberliability

FOOD AND DRINK

Discover The Power Of Chefs’ Most Trusted Bouillon*

With 25 years' expertise in special diets and nutrition for the elderly Chef Preston brings you the latest insights on providing nutritionally dense dishes for residents

Meanwhile two Michelin-starred Chef Tom has developed a range of classic recipes with a modern seasonal twist, each utilising products from the Knorr Professional Bouillons range in a different way

Knorr Professional s Bouillons are available in Powder Paste and Jelly formats offering chefs versatility and flexibility in usage and application plus consistent depth of flavour every time

Chefs Tom Kerridge and Preston Walker have joined forces with Knorr Professional Bouillons to launch a new training hub for chefs This new online platform The Base contains exclusive recipes video tutorials and training tools that will help other professionals working in Care Homes to improve their skills in the kitchen

Anglia Crown - Popular Dishes for Ever yone

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

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

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

Chef Preston Walker said: I m so proud to be partnering with Knorr Professional Bouillons to create and share recipes and tips that will genuinely help improve the skills of chefs working in this exciting sector GET

panied by whipped cream garnished with seasonal fresh fruit

Our hot desserts are high in energy our hot portions of 170kcal and above provide energy and protein dense options and when served with custard provide over 250 kcal per serving Our cold desserts of 250 kcal and above also meet the energy guidelines in the British Dietetic Association (BDA) Nutrition and Hydration Digest (2017) requirements

VEGAN SUITABLE CHOICES

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

All the Anglia Crown hot desserts are suitable for vegetarians Most of the Anglia Crown vegan products have been registered with the Vegan Society including some thirteen of the dessert dishes ” Anglia Crown are here to help take the strain out of your menus throughout the year Visit www angliacrown co uk for further details

Nutritional Support for Effective Diabetes Care for Older People

Diabetes currently affects a whopping 4 9 million people in the UK And with the condition more commonly prevalent amongst the elderly population catering to those with medical conditions such as diabetes is incredibly important

Effective diabetes care for older people requires nutritional support to help maintain healthy blood sugar level and reduce the risk of complications However Bidfood has recognised through customer insight that catering for diabetes within the care sector is especially challenging as care homes continue to operate under tight budgets and are feeling the impact of rising food costs

Consistently creating nutritious and delicious meals tailored to residents’ individual requirements isn’t always easy especially when you are juggling time budgets stock levels and the skill level of your staff So to help navigate these challenges Bidfood has launched Caterers Campus an online learning platform exclusive to Bidfood customers that takes the hard work out of supporting your team – so you have more time to focus on your residents

Designed by our chefs for your chefs the specialist diabetes module includes understanding the causes and symptoms how to cater for diabetes as well as inspiration to help with menu planning all to aid and equip care home staff with the right information and guidance they need Made up of over 30 chapters the unit also features a knowledge test at the end to really make sure everything has sunk in

To accompany Caterers Campus we ve also devised a comprehensive guide to help carers support residents with diabetes Packed full of advice our guide will fill you with confidence when discussing diabetic care with your team members and residents

Bidfood’s Culinary Development Chef for the care sector Wayne Wright has put together a full seven day meal plan to help inspire those in the care setting when catering for diabetes Here are some of his top tips:

* Be careful with the carbs try to not overdo it by adding in too many

* Make healthy swaps like whole grain sweet potatoes wholemeal flour and lean cuts of meat

* Instead of adding sugar and salt for flavour add herbs spices lemon and lime juice

* Lastly, remember to keep an eye on the portion sizes

See the advert on the previous page for further information

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Gain Valuable Insight With Adveco For Gas To Electric Decarbonisation Of Care Homes

Care homes intending to replace existing gas-fired domestic hot water (DHW) systems with more sustainable electric technologies as part of a decarbonisation strategy should invest in data gathering first recommends hot water specialist Adveco

Live Metering is a simple to install non-invasive onsite service provided by Adveco that generates consistent six minute data 24 hours per day from existing hot water systems to accurately understand actual usage including critical peak demands and their profile shape Adveco s specialist engineers will visit to fit the meter and assess the site The data will then be processed and a report generated with design recommendations for a replacement system that meets the exact needs of the building

The most consistent issue we see in healthcare hot water systems is oversizing whether through lack of understanding of application design or concerns over providing suitable back up to ensure system continuity The result of oversizing is always the same, unnecessary capital costs for system supply and installation, and ongoing excess operational costs associated with higher energy demands and therefore greater carbon emissions As the

care sector seeks to adopt greener building operations, replacing old gas-fired systems with like-for-like electric is another guaranteed way to gain an oversized system If the replacement system is oversized operational costs climb as the price of electricity per kW remains high Should demand exceed a building s available amperage of electrical supply project installation costs will inevitably soar or even stall the project This can be avoided by understanding your actual hot water demands and designing the replacement to meet those specific needs This is why accurate data is so valuable

The recommended replacement design by Adveco will show carbon reduction and outline new operational costs Accurate to the actual demands of the property live metered designs avoid excess capital costs associated with oversizing and ensures operation within the limits of the existing electrical supply of the building

Organisations which opt to purchase the recommended replacement system from Adveco will receive a 50% refund on the cost of implementing the initial Live Metering service

Talk to Adveco about booking metering at your property https://adveco co/products/live-metering/ See the advert on page 6 for further details

New Vision Signs and Graphics Ltd

Is Your Care Home Ready for its 2023 CQC Inspection?

For any care home the laundry process is critical to maintaining stringent hygiene standards and is therefore service area that will be closely evaluated upon inspection by the Care Quality Commission In order to ensure that your care home has efficient and CQC compliant procedures in place Forbes Professional advises that imperatives go beyond the need for commercial laundry equipment that provides the requisite disinfection

The CQC state on their website that for care homes to achieve their ‘Good’ rating there is an expectation of a ‘designated room for storage and managing laundry ’ They will also require that ‘laundry processes follow national guidance and correctly manage and clean used and infectious laundry to minimise risk of infection Efficient segregation of clean and soiled laundry is essential at all times with a clean and dirty flow system to avoid

the relevant legislation IPC policy expectations and industry requirements Forbes provides care homes with Miele’s energy and water efficient commercial laundry and offers comprehensive user training to ensure the machines features are fully optimised All of our products adhere to the requirements of WRAS and the CQC and are protected by our multiaward winning service support at no extra cost for the life of the contract www forbespro co uk info@forbes-professional co uk 0345 070 2335

Our Animal World

Our Animal World is an educational and therapeutic mobile zoo providing both informative and therapeutic experiences for care homes disabled residencies hospices parties schools and events in Suffolk, Norfolk Cambridgeshire, Essex, North and East London

Laura runs all the sessions and is a fully qualified teacher with significant SEN experience and an Animal

Assisted therapist diploma

Animal visits to care facilities have shown specifically to decrease the agitated behaviours of residents who have dementia and can help combat depression ADHD schizophrenia loneliness autism and PTSD Therapy increases residents social interactions too

Our Animal World are set apart from other similar companies by their purpose-built van which houses 16 individual animal enclosures Each has their own

light source and heat source as required We can also add our 6m x 3m gazebo to the back to extend the spacethis allows up to 30 different species to be brought out in one go This allows Our Animal World to pull up anywhere without the need of going into a venue, although for most care homes we usually set up in a communal area such as a café or lounge

Our Animal World houses over 40 different species of animals including a variety of reptiles amphibians invertebrates mammals and birds We are insured for up to £10 million DBS checked exotic vet and council checked and licenced by Mid Suffolk District Council For the full list of animals or more information visit www ouranimalworld com email us info@ouranimalworld com or call us on 07519 340 788 See the advert on page 5 for details

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 be maintained in a suitable condition order

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

ation of Yeoman Shield Fire ction 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

Joerns Healthcare Ups the Anti with Next Generation Stand Assist

Joerns Healthcare s new Oxford Up is a uniquely designed active manual stand aid supporting assisted standing seated transfers and patient rehabilitation Previewed at the Moving and Handling People Conference and OT Show in the latter half of 2022 it commanded a lot of interest and positive review from those who matter

The Up will form part of the Oxford Professional series complimenting the already established Switch Journey and Ascend stand assist solutions Suitable for clients who require some assistance when standing but are able to participate and contribute effort to the process the Up can also be deployed as a useful rehabilitation aid

Manufactured using a combination of steel and aluminium framework the Oxford Up meets or exceeds all applicable design and regulatory standards and unlike other stand assist products it quickly and conveniently dismantles into three separate components This significantly eases storage requirements and facilitates onward transportation in the boot of a car

Reassembly takes a matter of seconds and the Up is ready for use again

Owing to its unique and robust design the Up successfully achieves a safe working load rating of 200kg (31st) Careful attention to component geometry including the single upright mast section, allows for a fully contained footplate, ensuring patients have no risk of toes overhanging the edge and potential conflict with the rear castors or foot opening pedals

Injury reduction fall prevention and ergonomic principles were fundamental considerations during the development phase A large multi-point push handle aids manoeuvrability for the care giver and the foot push pad a common feature on Oxford Professional series products provides a means of generating forward momentum when moving a patient Optimum positioning of the swing-away moulded seat pads and knee support help ensure comfort for the patient Adjustable leg opening allows closer access around furniture promoting improved patient positioning and general ease of use

High-grade castors offer excellent manoeuvrability across many floor surfaces and ensures a smooth and comfortable transfer for both the patient and carer The centralised singular upright mast when compared to comparative products with dual seat posts results in softer transitions over room thresholds and different floor types It effectively serves to dampen the vibration felt through the seat pads culminating in more comfortable and less disconcerting transfers for patients Where additional seated support is required the Oxford Deluxe Standing sling (With Clips) is fully compatible with the Up and available in three standard sizes: small medium and large

order

more

please contact

Surestop

Making a home safe secure and comfortable can be difficult for those with cognitive impairments long term injuries or medical conditions that cause mobility issues

One of the biggest risks to the home is water damage A brass stopcock is the last line of defence from water damage They are often inaccessible or in a hard-to-reach location What s more they are susceptible to seizing up If someone is unable to turn off their water in an emergency or when they leave their home even a small leak could cause significant dam-

Just Bowl

When residents enter a care home their daily routine inevitably changes and consequently several forms of physical activity are no longer possible One such activity that is synonymous with older adults is bowls Sadly for many residents when they enter a care home they will no longer be able to enjoy a roll up on a sunny afternoon However the Bowls Development Alliance is helping to change that by introducing Just Bowl into the care sector Just Bowl is a fun easy to play form of bowls that can be used in care homes rehabilitation centres and just about anywhere else Ian McCombes the Just Bowl Manager explains ‘We work with our partners to offer a bespoke training package which is supplemented by our exclusive equipment We provide aftercare support and guidance to ensure that Just

C&S Seating Ltd

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

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

C&S Seating Ltd is the sole manufacturer of the

age to a property

Surestop is a unique device, which works on water pressure No electrics or batteries, enabling the safe management of water use With a flick of the switch, the Surestop instantly turns off the water to a sink toilet, bathroom kitchen, or the entire property

It is easily installed and a low-cost safety measure that should be considered in every property

The Surestop can be installed by itself or with a remote switch

The Surestop is WRAS approved and is limescale resistant so will never seize

A Surestop is peace of mind for you and your home

Telephone 0121 280 1685

Email enquiries@surestop co uk

Bowl is being utilised to its full potential

The team have also been working with Sheffield Hallam University to conduct research to identify what impact Just Bowl has had on residents The findings showed that Just Bowl encouraged inclusivity as 83% of the participants had a disability and 75% of the participants were aged 81-101 years of age It also helped to increase physical activity levels with research showing the average levels increased by 40 minutes per week Just Bowl also created a sociable and fun atmosphere as residents were able to bond whilst playing the game which subsequently lead to an improvement in mental wellbeing and happiness and a reduction in anxiety

Additionally the research established that exercise self-efficacy increased following participation in Just Bowl which suggests that participants felt more confident in their ability to be physically active

For further information on Just Bowl please visit us at UK Care Week at stand E40 or contact Ian on 07741873233 or ian@justbowl org

Alternatively see the advert on the front cover of this issue

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

Our popular and vibrant range of Soft Knit covers in a choice of 5 colours provide a softer alternative ideal for the colder seasons and are designed to fit snug over our waterproof rolls for maximum protection and comfort Contact us on 01424 853331 or visit www cands-seating co uk to request or download a brochure, pricelist or order form, request an individualised quotation speak to an advisor or to place an order

See the advert on page 19

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

have been trading since 1846 and have built up a reputation for superior value for money quality personalised and non-personalised items for many different outlets

We supply to Nursing and Residential Homes Schools

Scout Cub Guide and Brownie Groups as well as to the small or large business entrepreneur Our range of Designer name tapes add a professional look to garments crafts or other hobby items

Many of us have loved ones relatives or friends who need specialist care in a Nursing or Residential Home

Do you know someone who struggles to find shoes or slippers to fit? Cosyfeet the specialists in extra roomy footwear can help Wider and deeper than anything on the high street their British designed footwear is expertly crafted to fit and flatter extra wide and swollen feet

Now spring has arrived Cosyfeet s newest collection boasts a fabulous range of styles in a choice of delicate powder blues fresh florals and bright colours to see you through the season in style Get ready for the bright and breezy days ahead with supportive fabric styles so you can walk in cotton-soft comfort there s also a great selection of ontrend but comfy sandals Discover their new Sport

BIOFROST® Cold Therapy Gels for Drug-Free Natural Pain Relief

BIOFROST® Cold Therapy

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

BIOFROST® Gels:

BIOFROST® Relief Cold Gel for pain relieving cold therapy

BIOFROST® Active Dual-Action Cold Gel w th Heat Sensat on comb ning 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 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

BIOFROST® Active is a dualaction 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

In this busy environment clothes and personal items can easily get misplaced if they are not named otherwise this can become very stressful for the resident, relatives and the Care Home itself

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

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

Visit www cashslabels com

Skopos has 50 years experience of supplying specialist contract fabrics and soft furnishings to Care interiors With new collections launched each year many Skopos fabrics are antimicrobial coming under the umbrella of Skopos ProtectPlus including waterproof upholstery options (specifically for care) soil and stain resist fabrics and printed fabrics for all types of Care environments Skopos can offer a fabric-only service or a full service; with site measure product manufacture and installation The Skopos team produce approximately 25 000 made-up items each year including bed-throws cushions and pairs of curtains all manufactured by a highly-skilled team of machinists cutters and pattern makers; items that are delivered and installed into different contract environments

As with all Skopos prints customers are able to order designs across base-cloths for upholstery, curtains and bedding Qualities include waterproof upholsteries velvets drapery linen-effect qualities and

blackout/dimout fabrics

With a target reduction of energy consumption at the forefront of everyone s agenda Skopos are also pleased to have included a new wide-width double-sided blackout lining into their core offer As an optional choice on all Skopos made-up curtains the Reflection lining can be used in 2 different ways depending on the environment it is specified for On the most-part in the UK the lining will be used with the silver side facing inwards towards the room minimising any heat loss through the curtain With the silver side facing out the lining helps to reflect heat thereby keeping the room cooler The lining can facilitate a substantial reduction in energy bills

Skopos also offers a Bespoke design service for statement interiors that are unique to your environment or brand

For samples of any of our collections www skoposfabrics com or see advert on page 5

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 high-quality and custom devices with built-in seats

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

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

www thestairclimbingcompany com

See the advert on page 15

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 selflearning control ability which uses in-built

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL

Legionella is a bacterium that can cause a serious and potentially fatal form of pneumonia known as Legionnaires disease The disease can be contracted by inhaling small droplets of water contaminated with the bacteria which can be found in various water systems, such as showers, taps, and air conditioning units

Residential care homes where vulnerable individuals are often housed are particularly susceptible to Legionella contamination In these environments residents may have weakened immune systems due to age illness or medication making them more susceptible to infection As a result it is essential that care homes have regular Legionella testing and risk assessments in place to ensure the safety of their residents

Legionella testing involves taking samples of water from various sources throughout the care home and testing them for the presence of Legionella bacteria A risk assessment on the other hand involves identifying potential sources of contamination and evaluating the level of risk they pose to residents This includes factors such as the age and condition of water systems the presence of dead legs or unused outlets and the frequency of use of certain water systems

By conducting regular Legionella testing and risk assessments care homes can identify potential sources of contamination and take the necessary measures to prevent the spread of Legionella bacteria These measures can include flushing and cleaning water systems implementing temperature control measures

and introducing regular disinfection procedures

In addition to protecting residents from the risk of infection, regular Legionella testing and risk assessments can also help care homes comply with their legal obligations

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires employers to ensure the health and safety of their employees and anyone else who may be affected by their activities including residents of care homes The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 also require employers to assess and control the risks associated with hazardous substances, including Legionella bacteria

It is also worth noting that failing to carry out regular Legionella testing and risk assessments can have serious consequences In 2019, a care home in Nottinghamshire was fined £4 000 after a resident contracted Legionnaires disease which was traced back to the care home s water system This highlights the importance of regular testing and risk assessments to prevent such incidents from occurring

In conclusion regular Legionella testing and risk assessments are essential for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents in residential care homes

By identifying potential sources of contamination and implementing appropriate control measures, care homes can protect their residents from the risk of Legionnaires disease and comply with their legal obligations

‘Beyond Covid’, What is the Future Strategy?

INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL (IPC)

Beyond Covid , what is the future strategy for Infection Prevention and Control Risk Management and Safety Culture Excellence in your Care Home? Government guidance exists; we can help you implement the correct procedures

Energy and Operating Costs

Professionally qualified and competent, we can reduce operating costs, maintain regulatory compliance and even negotiate your energy rates

With a whole new approach!

Legionella risk assessments have been a legal requirement since 2001.

Do you have an up to date one? If not, contact Steve on 07415713982 or office@stokefield.services

We have qualified risk assessors carrying out the work to BS8580 10% DISCOUNT if you place an order quoting Caterer Licensee & Hotelier

All other water hygiene management carried out including:

• Disinfections, domestic and process water sampling

• Softener installation and maintenance

• ACOP L8 monitoring

Experienced in the healthcare food hospitality and many industrial/commercial sectors we will advise on the application of our validated products

Our team has access to clinical expertise and an experienced carer and nurse brings a reality check to our approach

Antimicrobial fabric treatments; laundering of bed linen towels staff uniforms and residents clothing gives residual anti-viral and anti-bacterial quality which prevents infection transmission

Ozone generators for water treatment laundry processing room/air purification and fabric/clothes etc cleaning; validated systems are available for sale or rental

Copper Silver ionisation and other systems to control Legionella Pneumophila Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and other bacteria; water systems survey will determine the necessary equipment

Copper cover antimicrobial surface treatment; the a copper coating applied to existing surfaces, door furniture taps etc using proven technology

Laundry machinery, process specification and hygiene quality; we analyse your laundry operation and make recommendations

Buildings and Services M&E installation and maintenance services; Energy survey to identify cost reduction opportunities; can incorporate a carbon footprint and Net-Zero strategy report to enhance your sustainability image

Energy and Utility supplies procurement; negotiate existing or new tariffs

richard@opeque com

07831 873355 www opeque com

Omnitex Hygiene Products

Omnitex represents all round protection and hygiene products Launched in 2015 it has quickly become a brand synonymous with high quality, used everyday by thousands of individuals and healthcare facilities throughout the UK and Europe All products are manufactured in ISO9001 and ISO13485 certified facilities

Omnitex Body Cleansing wipes are a large size which the ideal thickness for a comfortable cleaning experience Bulk pack of 80 wipes with our unique enriching formula and microwaveable

Microwaveable for a warm bed bath

Lightly fragranced and with a honeycomb texture on Wipes facilitating better cleaning coverage absorbency and hygiene

If following the 8-wipe bed bath protocol each pack will allow for 10 cleanses Cost saving Pack of 80 wipes One wipe for each area of the body : Face, Neck,

Medical Grade Masks Shoe Covers, Disposable Aprons, Mob caps & Gloves

Omnitex also includes a premium range of Incontinence Bed Pads and Mobility Consumables

Contact 0141 778 6017 sales@omnitex-uk com or visit www omnitex-uk com

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

As a result a wide range of infection control products and technologies are emerging on the market including antimicrobial technology Angloplas range of dispensers are produced in the world s first proven Antimicrobial PVC with silver ion technology and which is exclusive to Angloplas This helps reduce the risk of cross infection by stopping the growth of bacteria and

mould and works continuously for the lifetime of the product reducing levels of bacteria such as MRSA E Coli Legionella Salmonella and mould by up to 99 99%

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

You can order Angloplas products directly from its website by going to www angloplas co uk and clicking Hospital Health and Hygiene or by using the Quick Response code

Haigh Engineering

Haigh Engineering is excited to share the success of the latest iteration of bedpan machine, Panaway DS, following its initial roll out across multiple healthcare facilities The feedback received from both users and facilities managers has been overwhelmingly positive and we are pleased to see that the Panaway DS is delivering great value for money through improving sluice room up time and the niche but critical matter of ensuring patient waste disposal compliant Users consistently commented on the Panaway DS s ease of use and dependability when it comes to disposing of medical pulp items and patient waste With the intuitive interface and easy-to-follow instructions sites can perform routine maintenance tasks in house reducing the need for specialist technicians allowing for more efficient timely and cost-effective maintenance Additionally the backward compatibility of the machine has made

the transition from older models seamless with little or no need for costly sluice room re configuring and staff retraining

Facilities managers have been particularly impressed with the Panaway DS s focus on ensuring sluice room up-time With simplified installation maintenance costs and Haigh's well known product reliability the Panaway DS helps departments hit challenging SLAs that are critical to keeping the ever present infection risks associated with waste management under control With the alternative being washing bedpans pots and bottles with steam and hot water high energy costs are meaning that the benefits of bedpan macerators have never been greater Haigh s online cost calculator has been an eye opener for many customers seeing just how many thousands of pounds a year they benefit from by using these types of machine instead on top of the core infection prevention benefits

Complementing Haigh s movables approach to sluice room equipment Panaway DS is proving to be the logical step forward for existing and new customers alike meeting the demanding needs of everything from busy NHS acute wards to private elderly care sites where immobile at risk residents require the highest standard of care The team at Haigh Engineering is looking forward to continued developments in providing our clients with the best for the sluice room

If you would like to find out Haigh's Panaway DS can improve your site please contact the team on info@haighmed com or call 01989 763131 - Option 2 www haighmed com

Buyer Beware Specify CHSA Accreditation

By Lorcan Mekitarian, Chair of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (www CHSA co uk)

Buyers and users of cleaning and hygiene goods and services in the care sector need products that are fit for purpose They need to know product claims are legitimate, realistic and relevant and that ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’ They also want to do the ‘right thing’ and move towards environmentally and ethically sustainable solutions But those working in the care sector already have many challenges to deal with, including staff shortages, higher demand and tighter budgets Low-cost solutions are tempting but buyers lack the time, resources and expertise to audit their cleaning and hygiene suppliers and the products they manufacture and sell The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association represents manufacturers and distributors supplying cleaning and hygiene products in the UK Our Accreditation Schemes can provide the solution Our Standards, Your Guarantee

The commercial pressures we all face today are immense Interest rates have steadily increased in recent months and the Bank of England may have to go further to control inflation The war in Ukraine continues It’s impacting the cost of energy, which may have stabilised but is still relatively high This adds to the pressure on care homes, increasing their need for low-cost solutions At the same time it is hugely increasing costs for our members particularly our manufacturing members The opening up of the Chinese economy is also hitting prices Its growth rate may not have bounced back to pre-pandemic levels but the rapid opening up has put pressure on raw materials, driving up the cost

Balancing these economic pressures with delivering good quality fit-for-purpose products is not easy In the past the unscrupulous squared the circle by cutting corners A few sheets shorter or a little narrower with the soft tissue Thinner plastic for the sacks Lower absorbency for the cotton mops Our Accreditation Schemes were set up specifically to protect buyers of cleaning and hygiene products from this type of sharp practice and over the 26 years since the establishment of our first Scheme their impact has been impressive

There will always be rogue traders operating outside our Schemes who are more interested in making a quick buck than in trading ethically It’s a problem made worse by the pandemic, particularly when it comes to cleaning chemicals Extraordinary claims were made for these products, for example that they kept an area clean and sterile for days if not months The truth is different A product may keep a surface sterile for days but only in laboratory conditions with very specific testing protocols In the real world inhabited by people it’s not possible New methods of application were also developed Misting was proposed as quick and effective, but the truth is it is more suited to applying cleaning chemicals in operating theatres than care homes These claims are still made today

The fog created by these misleading claims is now being added to with all sorts of environmental claims that often amount to nothing more than greenwashing A typical example is claims of biodegrability Given the right conditions everything biodegrades into its natural elements but it could take thousands of years The claim means nothing without information on conditions and timeframe Chemical-free cannot be true because everything on earth is comprised of chemicals Non-toxic is meaningless The toxicity of a cleaning product relates to its effect on humans when in direct contact In the real world this depends on what they are for and how they are used For instance, toilet bowl cleaners tend to have higher levels of harmful chemicals than all-purpose kitchen cleaners but because of where and how they are used there is no increased risk to the user

How are hard pressed buyers in the care sector supposed to navigate these challenges and get fit-for-purpose product with good environmental credentials at the right price?

We can help Setting and maintaining standards is in the DNA of the CHSA We set up our first Accreditation Scheme in 1997 and now have six They are for manufacturers of paper-based products plastic-based products cotton-based products and cleaning chemicals for general manufacturers and for distributors of cleaning and hygiene products

The Schemes integrity is maintained by the Independent Inspector In 2022 he conducted more than 139 audits In the process, he inspected over 1,500 labels, tested over 507 product lines and physically tested 4 170 individual products

Every CHSA member has also signed the CHSA’s rigorous Code of Practice, which incorporates the Competition and Markets Authority s Green Claims Code It requires them to “maintain a high standard in the conduct of its business”

The combination of our Code of Practice and Accreditation Scheme membership means ever y member:

• Trades ethically and sustainably; Provides quality, fit for purpose products; and Makes sure what s on the box is what s in the box

Our advice to buyers who want to avoid these problems is simple ‘Be cautious ’

1 Be sceptical It if sounds too good to be true it probably is

2 Ask for supporting evidence The manufacturer should be willing and able to show you data sheets or other relevant evidence to support claims

3 Ask for the CE declaration and any other test reports to show conformance to specification

4 Buy from a reputable supplier with a track record

5 Finally specify CHSA Accreditation Our Standards Your Guarantee

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

FALL SAVERS ® WIRELESS MONITOR

Eliminate all cables with our new generation falls management solutions!

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

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Safer for patients; less work for staff

Bed and chair pads ava lable One monitor works with two sensor pads Integrates with most nurse call systems

A variety of opt ons including: Call button Pager

Floor sensor mat Wireless door/w ndow exit alerts

TREADNOUGHT

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

MONITORING

Medpage Falls Management Products

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

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

patient The device can monitor and interact with up to three sensor products: bed and chair occupancy pressure pads PIR movement detection sensors and proximity signal products

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

See the advert on page 5 got details

Silent Running - Tranquility in Care Homes

Quiet and calm care homes ensure that residents are able to live in a more relaxing and pleasant home environment Similarly carers and staff find that they too benefit from reduced stress when working in a home where noise levels are kept to a minimum

There are many environmental factors that can affect those sensitive to their surroundings particularly those suffering from dementia these can be fluctuations in ambient temperature light and of course noise Repetitive and high levels of noise can originate from a number of internal and external sources for example telephones ringing loud conversations in corridors, and call bells sounding, often one of the largest contributors to increasing the levels of stress and discomfort

in residents

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

Reducing noise levels is essential to create a tranquil environment for residents Pagers have been around for many years are a relatively simple and cost-effective measure in reducing the levels of noise and can be added to most Nurse Call systems Smart Mobile Devices are now becoming more commonplace for care home staff and hold a variety of apps for care planning e-medication etc Many Courtney Thorne clients are now utilising the Go app with their Nurse Call system With the “Go” app nurse call alarms are delivered immediately and silently straight to the handsets alerting the individual carers to all Nurse call alarms without creating any general alarm sound and rarely disturbing the rest of the residents in the home

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

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

www.nursecallsystems.co.uk

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Mainteno is a complete cost-effective CAFM software solution designed to simplify the day-to-day maintenance of any organization Whether you're managing planned maintenance or dealing with fault repairs Mainteno streamlines every aspect of the maintenance management process saving you time and money With Mainteno, you can keep everyone in the loop and archive all your communications and documentation in one place, allowing for total control of your organization's assets The software also seamlessly incorporates asset management and tracking for added convenience

Mainteno s interface was designed with practicality in mind allowing basic operation to be learned in minutes and making it easy to become a power user in just one afternoon Despite its elegant usability Mainteno is surprisingly affordable with no set-up fee or lengthy contracts

Mainteno adapts to any organization's maintenance needs and offers a FREE TRIAL so you can see how it can benefit your organization before committing Try Mainteno now and experience the time and cost savings it can provide for your facilities management With Mainteno, you can enjoy a complete CAFM software solution that simplifies your maintenance processes and saves you money, all while providing the flexibility and ease-of-use you need to stay productive

Visit www mainteno com

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 24hour GP helpline and pension contributions in an easy-to-use 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

We all want to know we re doing a good job; positive recognition bolsters self-esteem and super-

chargers 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!

To start prioritising your employees’ wellbeing today, see the details below

T +44 03448262008

www terryberry com/gb

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

workflows were a key factor in their decision to select PASS

Self sufficiency: With a relatively young IT literate workforce they were keen to work in an environment where they could make simple changes to their digital care management system inhouse without having to go back to the supplier each time They therefore particularly liked the Document Builder function in PASS which gave them the option to build and customise documents and assessments themselves

THE IMPACT

With the introduction of PASS Court Nursing has benefited from:

Realtime access from within PASS to their service user s GP records without having to contact the surgery or pharmacy

All of their service users documents stored electronically together in one place

• Ability to create and populate documents from within PASS

• Creating their own bespoke documents

OF PASS

As well as offering care for older people The Court Nursing Home also supports those with dementia, learning disabilities, mental health conditions physical disabilities and sensory impairment Amongst their staff they employ four registered nurses

WHY PASS?

In moving from paper to digital Court Nursing was seeking a solution that would allow them to streamline their working practices and realise improved operational efficiencies

Flexibility: The powerful core functionality of PASS, along with its flexible approach that supports customisable alerts documents assessments and

• The Smart Observations function within PASS, making use of the Fluids observations feature for example

"GP Connect has provided continuity of care between ourselves and the GP, giving us access to up to date notes regarding the care of our users

In short PASS GP Connect helps us to cut out the middleman meaning that as nurses we can work more efficiently giving us more time for direct patient care

Rebecca Knight Registered Manager For further information visit www everylifetechnologies com

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Don’t Get Lost On Your Digital Journey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The list launched in April 2021 by the NHS Transformation Directorate is intended to help providers navigate the supplier market and identify organisations and their digital social care record solutions that have already undergone comprehensive due diligence In turn giving them peace of mind about the functionality and capability of the technology in achieving their digital goals and making it quicker and easier to make purchasing decisions

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

On the appointment Steve Sawyer Managing Director Access Health Support and Care said: “Care home providers can feel like they are facing a daunting task navigating the supplier landscape and determining which solutions are best for them and their staff

The assured list is vital in streamlining this process making it simpler, easier and more cost-effective for the individual provider to make decisions

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

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

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

The CAREAudits System

The CAREAudits compliance auditing tool is now being used throughout the UK and Ireland in numerous locations by all care service providers Carers and managers are checking everything from CQC Compliance and Safety to Medication Audits Training and Maintenance as well as service users quality and wellbeing

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

The system has over 150 easy to use example audits to select from which you can easily add to or edit your own audits in minutes ensuring simple instant updates of ever-changing requirements App care auditors can use CAREAudits

with virtually no training it’s that simple The Care Auditor s Hands Free Operation guides the user through each audit each question and answer with its own help text standard answers and standard actions required ensuring

The UK has seen a rise in Social Prescribing Services with many NHS Trusts and local authorities now offering services that connect patients with community activities and voluntary groups

Social prescribing is an alternative to traditional healthcare models, which aims to improve health outcomes by connecting people with the wider community It is also a preventative treatment that can be used alongside other treatments to reduce the need for medication

Social prescribing is one of the most effective ways to provide healthcare to people struggling with mental health problems and it s a practice that has been growing in popularity for the past few years However it s also a relatively new field and there aren t a lot of people who have been trained in this area

If you re looking for a new job or are planning to retrain a career in social prescribing this article will give you an overview of what s involved and how to get started

WHAT IS SOCIAL PRESCRIBING?

Social prescribing is a form of community-based health care that helps people with social or emotional problems improve their health and well-being It involves the assessment of someone's needs, matching them with appropriate services and then supporting them to use those services effectively

Social prescribing has been shown to help people access the right support at the right time and can help to reduce the use of acute services It also improves outcomes for patients as they are more satisfied with their care and experience fewer repeat visits to the hospital or A&E

Social prescribing is a way of helping people access services and support they need but may not know about or have the confidence to access alone It can be used as a treatment for people with long-term conditions or mental health problems such as depression or anxiety Social prescribing can also address loneliness and isolation amongst older people in the community

Social Prescribing is an opportunity for GPs and other health professionals to work with local organisations, such as community groups and voluntary organisations, to help their patients improve their health and well-being The aim is for patients to maintain good health by accessing meaningful activities and meeting their needs

There are three main components: the person who makes the referral; the link-worker who helps the individual choose what kind of help they need and where to find it; and the activity itself

One of the biggest challenges in social prescribing is finding people who are knowledgeable qualified and willing to do it It s also important that they have a good understanding of their local area as well as being able to work with other agencies and professionals

Social prescribers are trained to assess the needs of their patients and connect them with services that can help them address those needs

It s a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on not only physical symptoms but also mental health financial stability and other factors

If you re interested in becoming a social prescriber yourself there are three steps you should take:

1 Learn about social prescribing and its principles so that you can understand what it means to be a social prescriber and how it differs from other approaches to healthcare

2 Complete an accredited training course from Need2Succeed this will ensure that you know what your role as a social prescriber is and how best to serve your community

3 Look for opportunities within your area or network with others working toward similar goals this will help you build a support system while also helping others become interested in social prescribing themselves!

If you d like to learn more about our online distance learning courses or specialist training opportunities don t hesitate to contact us today!

Visit https://need2succeed co uk/national-qualifications/level-3-certificate-in-social-prescribing

Appreciating Our People

BY JARROD KELLY, CONSULTANT AND TRAINER, MEANINGFUL CARE MATTERS

(HTTPS://MEANINGFULCAREMATTERS COM)

Without a doubt the success of a team rises or falls on the people who make up that team Of course there are other factors which can affect a team’s success; lack of resources understaffing and a stretched budget to name a few I ve seen teams pull together in incredibly tough circumstances and hit goals or targets that seemed almost impossible I’ve also seen teams who are over staffed and very well resourced yet they struggle to achieve even the most basic targets that their roles demand

In the Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace Dr Paul White found that 79% of employees who quit their job, cite lack of appreciation as a key reason for leaving Why is it then that so many managers and leaders fail to show meaningful appreciation to their teams? Well, in my experience, most are trying to show appreciation in one way or another, but it is often completely ineffective A failure to understand how to appreciate people well can be frustrating for the leader and soul destroying for the team members

& RECRUITMENT

Here are four tips to help make sure your appreciation hits the mark

KNOW THE INDIVIDUAL

Some people respond well to a small gift but others just want to be told they re doing an amazing job I know people who feel on top of the world when their boss sets aside a few minutes to have a coffee with them and show an interest in their life It won’t be the same for everyone but an effective leader will take time to learn what makes their individual team members feel valued

MASS APPRECIATION HAS LIMITED EFFECT

Saying well done to your whole team is great, and we should do it, but it doesn’t acknowledge the achievements or contributions the individuals have made In some cases where there are one or two lazy team members it can actually lead to resentment from their high performing co-workers Why should lazy employees be rewarded in the same way as hard-working ones? Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that a gesture of mass appreciation (like a staff Christmas party) will make the whole team feel valued

THE LAW OF DIMINISHING RETURNS

What works today will be less effective tomorrow For example if you give your team members a £100 gift card at the end of the year to say thank you it s likely to be well received the first year If you do it again the next year they ll be appreciative but not as much as the year before By the third year they re expecting that £100 gift card and it s now considered an entitlement rather than a bonus Make sure you mix things up so appreciation remains unpredictable and comes as an unexpected surprise rather than a scheduled entitlement

GIVE APPRECIATION, NOT JUST RECOGNITION

Recognition is given for a job well done What about appreciating someone for who they are not just what they do? This is much less common but so much more powerful It might sound like this; I so appreciate the enthusiasm and life you bring to the team We really value your energy and the team would be poorer without

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

Do you have team members who struggle to work together?

Often it can seem team members are poles apart and have different objectives. As we ’ ve worked in the care industry over recent years, we ’ ve found the Ever ything DiSC tools to be a game changer for teams

Meaningful Care Matters can assist in developing leadership skills in a person- centred, feelings first, and emotion- centred way MCM is the only health and social care provider registered internationally as a partner with Everything DiSC It has Leadership Coaches ready to support individual needs in becoming aware of emotional intelligence factors to enhance leadership skills.

Ever ything DiSC helps people to understand themselves and appreciate the differences in other team members We may have different motivators and stressors, varying priorities, ways of interacting and working styles

Check out the three tools we can use to help your team work together in a more cohesive way

How

does it work?

Each participant completes an online questionnaire which then produces a comprehensive personalised report helping us to tailor the training to your team’s needs Contact us today to discuss how we can help you through individual coaching via Zoom or group training sessions in person using the Ever ything DiSC tools

Contact us today to find out how we can help your team admin@meaningfulcarematters.com

01273 242335

Check out more information on our Website: www.meaningfulcarematters.com/coaching-tools/

PROFESSIONAL , TRAINING & RECRUITMENT

LTC Global

Recruiting Nurses from across the UK and Commonwealth to meet the urgent staffing needs across the UK healthcare sector

LTC Global is an established recruitment consultancy who aim to meet the urgent staffing needs in the UK healthcare sector We recruit from abroad and we also encourage the many UK nurses who have left the profession to come back as their first-hand experience of working in the healthcare sector is invaluable We can provide end to endsolutions for nurses and clients across the country due to our many offices across the country (Liverpool Sheffield Burton on Trent and our head office on the Wirral) We have our own in-house training facility and are leading the way in OSCE preparation with innovative and proven strategies which result in first time passes This allows us to now offer a complete service ensuring all the requirements needed

to join the UK NM register are met as quickly and effectively as possible

Whether you require 1 or 100 nurses we will ensure that they meet all your requirements and are ready to interview as soon as you need them with emphasis being on the quality and relevant experience of the nurses Our online courses are consistently being updated to reflect the changes made to the OSCE practices To ensure all our clients have access to the most suitable candidates we work with reputable recruitment partners around the globe With the advanced systems we have in place we can track each individual nurse every step of the way providing all our clients with regular updates on the nurse s progress We monitor and check in with all our candidates every step of the way making sure they have been given excellent training and support throughout their journey This allows us to ensure that we can provide you with a candidate that will pass their OSCE journey first time SERVICES WE PROVIDE

We will help arrange your sponsorship license

We will source the best candidates

• We will fully screen each candidate

We arrange accommodation

• We arrange flights and transfers

•

The Eden Alternative - What Is It?

run continuously and a new one starts at the beginning of each alternate month e g March May July etc

For Homes or Services that choose to become an Eden Accredited Home, annual validations of how Eden features with the life of the Home/Service are undertaken In recognition of the progress achieved by the care provision an award of Platinum Gold Silver or Bronze can be achieved Eden UK is based at 11 Plantation Terrace Dawlish Devon EX7 9DS and can be contacted on 01626 868192 or 07483359472

The key advantages to the Eden approach are

• It improves occupancy

It improves recruitment and retention

It improves team and resident wellbeing