The Carer Digital - Issue #148

Government Warned

“Spare Social Care From Overseas Worker Cuts”

But ICG Chair Mike Padgham said it was vital that the Government spared the social care sector from any cuts “Cutting the number of overseas staff that we can bring in to work in social care would be the worst thing the Government could do right now ” he said

“Care providers are struggling to recover from the devastating impact first of the Covid-19 pandemic and now from the cost-of-living crisis We are already losing providers and taking away a vital source of staff might push even more to the edge of survival ”

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Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

I am away this week at two care events - The Care Roadshow yesterday took place at Villa Park football ground and tomorrow I am at Aintree in Liverpool

These are one day events and this is our first year doing them, and I am delighted to say how busy and informative they are

For us it is always a wonderful opportunity, not only to meet with clients and prospective clients, but also to get valuable feedback from those at “the coalface” And our front page story is one of the most pressing issues facing the sector That being recruitment and the possibility that restrictions may significantly impact on the sector's ability to recruit from overseas

At the moment I see it as speculation The government is under enormous pressure to reduce immigration However I have yet to come across anybody who has objections to planned recruitment of workers with skills and abilities to enhance the economy

In recent years, the care sector has relied heavily on the invaluable contributions of overseas workers These dedicated individuals have played a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being and quality of life for countless vulnerable adults across the nation, and the potential restriction of overseas workers from serving in UK care homes would be nothing short of a catastrophic disaster for adult social care

The UK care sector is facing significant challenges and has done for many years primarily due to an aging population and the increasing demand for specialized care services Overseas workers have filled crucial gaps in the workforce bringing their skills expertise and compassion to provide essential care and support They have become an integral part of the care sector offering diverse perspectives and cultural understanding that enriches the lives of both residents and their families

Any restriction on of skilled professionals would exacerbate the existing staff shortages leaving care homes further understaffed and struggling to meet the demands of residents and with fewer caregivers available the quality of care would inevitably suffer compromising the dignity safety and overall well-being of vulnerable adults That is clearly the message providers are sending to the government

Furthermore, the care sector would experience, in my opinion, a profound decline in diversity and cultural competency Overseas workers bring a wealth of

cultural knowledge and language proficiency that is vital for effectively communicating with diverse residents, addressing their unique needs, and promoting inclusivity By restricting these workers, we risk creating a homogeneous care environment that fails to accommodate the diverse backgrounds and experiences of those in need

Additionally the departure of overseas workers would have severe financial implications for the care sector The cost of recruitment training and rehiring of replacement staff would be exorbitant The strain on resources could lead to budget cuts in other areas resulting in reduced services and a decline in the overall quality of care provided

It really is imperative that the UK government recognizes and addresses the importance of be implemented to facilitate the recruitment and retention of these vital workers Restricting their ability to work in UK care homes would be disastrous in the short and long term The government must prioritize the recognition and support of overseas workers to ensure the well-being and dignity of vulnerable adults in our society Failure to do so would have far-reaching consequences that we simply cannot afford

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 editor@thecareruk com

Editor Peter Adams

Government Warned “Spare Social Care From Overseas Worker Cuts”

(CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER)

The social care sector is going through a recruitment crisis, with an estimated 165 000 vacancies within the sector hampering the sector’s ability to provide proper care to hundreds of thousands of people That staffing shortage added to the impact of the pandemic and ensuing increases in costs, has led to further care and nursing home closures and the closure of homecare providers

Since last year care providers have been able to recruit care workers from overseas if they got a Home Office licence to do so

MAKING A “HUGE DIFFERENCE”

Mr Padgham added: “In the case of my own care business we have recruited more than 20 overseas staff who have made a huge difference to us

They have brought their skills and expertise new thinking and ideas and new cultures to our centres and we are all the better for their presence

We and many other providers, would struggle to operate properly if that source of staff was in any way restricted We want to maintain the flow of overseas staff provided the source countries’ care resources are not depleted as a result ”

He said the Government needs to carry out urgent reform to the social care sector, beginning with the extra funding needed to recruit staff

“We have a staffing shortage and the main reason for that is that social care workers are not rewarded or recognised adequately in this country and prefer to choose other careers instead Mr Padgham added

“Properly funding the sector and giving the workforce the pay conditions and prospects they deserve would enable care providers to recruit from this country and abroad and tackle the 165,000 staff shortages we currently have Whether they are staff from overseas or this country they deserve better pay, on a par with their NHS counterparts ”

TENSIONS RISE

Joe Milner Partner and Solicitor Advocate of Loch Associates Group said: “Whilst tensions rise in the UK Government around migrants and migrant workers there is limited Government direc-

tion on how the care sector can tackle the shortage in available staff here in the UK Regardless of this, we anticipate continuing to see an increase in not only the care sector, but all sectors turning to migrant recruitment ”

Milner warned that businesses are losing out due to visa limitations with many companies being unprepared “A lot of employers are not aware of the preparation time required before they can hire potential talent abroad This has meant that overseas workers are being snapped up by businesses who already have their sponsorship licence – whilst those only just discovering the need for it are missing out Once you have been awarded a sponsorship license it remains in place for four years, enabling employers to manage their recruitment process abroad as and when required, said Milner

Care sector businesses, which have relied heavily on migrant workers are experiencing difficulties securing new and experienced staff from outside the UK due to post-Brexit restrictions and are facing strong competition from companies based in London that can offer higher salaries and benefits

Milner commented: “The care sector has always been a key area for migrant workers pre- and post-Brexit – and certainly postCOVID as well However the application process needs to be started well in advance, if employers want to ensure they can guarantee long-term success with their recruitment ”

Businesses applying for workplace immigration will find the process to be a front-loaded exercise It can take anywhere between six to twelve weeks for a sponsorship licence to be approved due to current government backlogs for immigration applications This makes it vital for business owners to have a long-term strategy for whether migrant workers will be needed in the future and – if so – apply for their licence sooner rather than later RELIANCE ON NON-BRITISH WORKFORCE

Last year 17% of the social care workforce identified as NonBritish 1 with 10% from countries outside of the EU The percentage of new starters arriving in the UK to work within the adult social care sector increased from 4% to 11% between 2021 and 2022

highlighting a dramatic increase in reliance on Non-British workers to plug the care recruitment gap

Equally, 16 5% of the NHS workforce was comprised of NonBritish staff members in 2022,2 with 40% of all new nurses and health visitor joiners being from outside of the EU INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT FUND

Earlier this year, to encourage overseas care workers, the government confirmed that it will make £15 million available over 2023 to 2024 to help support international recruitment within the adult social care sector confirming it says its commitment to helping providers make more effective use of international recruitment to help grow the adult social care workforce alongside wider action to improve domestic recruitment and retention

A spokesperson said: “Although international recruitment has the potential to fill thousands of vacancies we recognise that many providers find it difficult and experience a number of different barriers This fund is being established to provide employers with a range of support mechanisms so that they are able to take advantage of the benefits presented by international recruitment It is also designed to help ensure an ethical approach to recruitment and employment practice and that international recruits are provided with a range of support to help them make an effective transition to working in England ”

“Our aim is to promote collaborative arrangements which reduce administrative complexity and burden particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) providers For example the local support arrangements may offer providers help with identifying overseas candidates, completing sponsorship licence and visa applications, onboarding and ongoing support for international recruits

“This fund is being established to provide employers with a range of support mechanisms so that they are able to take advantage of the benefits presented by international recruitment It is also designed to help ensure an ethical approach to recruitment and employment practice and that international recruits are provided with a range of support to help them make an effective transition to working in England

The Power of Music and Movement

Music is a powerful force that evokes strong emotions and memories making it an effective tool for therapy Older adults can especially benefit from engaging with music as it provides an outlet for creativity and mental stimulation For those who have agerelated memory issues, such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia or Parkinson's disease, music has the power to actually bring back memories slow age-related cognitive decline and improve cognitive processing speed Additionally directing a person's attention away from their pain with music therapy and movement can help ease pain and lessen stress

DRUM FIT

The Cinnamon Care Collection is the first care home group in the UK to have trained and qualified exercise leaders running Drum Fit classes to help improve the mental and physical health of residents Research has found that drumming to music, stimulates the prefrontal cortex and improves cognition in older adults with exercise and drumming providing significant benefits for the ageing mind The Drum Fit seated classes are a great way to get less active people moving incorporating lively sing-a-long music and drumming routines that stimulate movement increase energy levels and engage participants mentally

The benefits of drumming include stress relief increased circulation decreased pain improved coordination, mobility, strength and balance The active workouts are suitable for residents of all ages and fitness levels with Cinnamon hosting classes for residents throughout its care homes Listening to music and drumming helps participants to breathe rhythmically which can improve respiratory health release body tension and lift up mood all of which can positively impact overall quality of life

Commenting on the initiative Geoff Pride Cinnamon Activities Support Consultant

comments “this workout class encourages participants to release the popstar within! With exercises to music designed to improve coordination mobility strength and balance residents of all ages and fitness levels benefit from a body workout that also promotes health benefits for the mind Drum Fit is a fabulous addition to Cinnamon s resident activity programme Adil Romaya 80 (pictured) a Parkfield Grange Cinnamon care home resident, adds, “These classes are very good and I can feel I exercised all my muscles It is great fun too I love it and will make sure I don t miss a class

CARE CHOICE

Every day should be meaningful different and have purpose Cinnamon offers a wide choice of care, whether you are fully independent, require nursing care, specialist dementia care or respite support Most of residents benefit from residential care delivered as tailored support by 24 hour care teams, in exceptional, purpose-built accommodation Facilities are outstanding including restaurants with in-house chefs piano bars fitness suites, hair and beauty salons, cinema rooms, luxury lounges, libraries and private dining rooms Each home has numerous initiatives to make residents feel part of their local community including intergenerational activities such as gardening and reading with local school children and hosting cadet groups

Cinnamon currently has 20 care homes and retirement villages with 3 more under development The retirement villages are in Kent, London and West Midlands and Cinnamon operate care homes in London East Sussex West Sussex Hampshire Dorset Devon, Kent, Surrey, Worcestershire, West Midlands and Yorkshire

For a full list of Cinnamon homes please visit https://www cinnamoncc com/carehomes

Big Help Out Event at Historic Croydon Garden Attracts Hundreds of People

A community event organised as part of the Big Help out managed to attract hundreds of people to a historic Croydon garden

Members of the community made their way to the picturesque four-acre space called MHA The Wilderness

As part of the King’s coronation celebrations members of the public were urged to support community spaces like The Wilderness

There were plenty of tasks for volunteers other stuck into including pulling out tree stumps varnishing and general garden maintenance Members of the Army Training Centre in Pirbright came with more than 100 volunteers to help on the day and were joined by a team from the local branch of Amazon Fresh

They were supported by The Wilderness’ core volunteer team who have helped maintain the garden for many years now and were joined by members of the public who were helping for the first time

Susanne Haynes community coordinator said: “The Big Help Out event was a very successful day and

we were very happy with the result

We want people to come in and see what The Wilderness has to offer and how the place can be used as a place to hire for various events

“There has been a good level of interest for new volunteers which is something we are always on the lookout for Everyone got stuck in and the atmosphere on the day was very peaceful

I want to thank all my colleagues both here at The Wilderness and at MHA Hall Grange for their support in ensuring the day went really well

“All the tasks on the day linked back to our Green Care Strategy which is all about promoting health and wellbeing in nature

“All our volunteers contributed immensely and played their part

We also want to thank those who provided food supplies and resources that helped make this a success ”

Shortbread Proves To Be The Most Popular Biscuit

With National Biscuit Day (Monday 29 May) approaching, care home operator New Care conducted a survey within its 14 homes asking residents all about biscuits The clear favourite with over 49% of the vote

ate the biscuit and all its various types and flavours

Dawn Collett commissioning director at New Care, says: “Brits love a biscuit They are one of the country’s favourite snacks and have always been a talking point so for National Biscuit Day we asked our residents to share their biscuit habits

We have learnt that shortbread is the firm favourite, two is the magic number we are not a nation of dunkers and the perfect partner is a cup of tea!

Residents were also asked what their childhood memories of biscuits were with Party Rings Penguins Jammy Dodger, Blue Riband, Rich Tea and Chocolate Bourbons all getting a mention

NHS Hits Three Million Spring Boosters

The NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Programme has vaccinated almost half of those eligible with a spring booster a month after the campaign’s formal launch

More than three million people have taken up the offer of a spring COVID jab to keep up their protection from the virus

Around 6 6 million people are eligible, including those aged 75 and over, with a weakened immune system or care home residents

The offer formally opened to everyone outside of a care home on 17 April

NHS staff have also been going into older adult care homes to offer residents the vaccine since 3 April

NHS Director of Vaccinations and Screening Steve Russell said:

One month into the NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Programme s spring campaign, more than three million people have come forward for a booster to keep up their protection from COVID – that s almost half of everyone eligible

“While the NHS has been able to stand down the COVID incident – thanks in large part to the success of the vaccination programme – the virus is still with us and we must continue to ensure the most vulnerable in

our society continue to receive this important protection

“If you are one of those due a jab this spring but yet to come forward –please do book an appointment online or via the NHS App as soon as feasible”

The campaign is set to end on 30 June when the offer of a first or second dose for anyone yet to come forward will also end as COVID vaccinations move to a seasonal targeted offer

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

“The COVID-19 Vaccination Programme continues to give people the protection they need and nearly half of those at greatest risk of the virus have already had their spring booster

I d like to thank our fantastic roving NHS teams who ve been visiting care homes to make sure those at risk get their jab to protect them from COVID

“Getting your vaccine couldn’t be easier with thousands of sites open across the country and I would urge anyone eligible to come forward as soon as possible”

Epping Care Home Hosts Chatty Cafe Scheme to Combat Loneliness

An Epping care home is opening its doors as part of the Chatty Cafe Scheme which aims to reduce loneliness and encourage people to come together and talk

The Chatty Cafe Scheme is a non-profit organisation tackling loneliness in the UK and Weald Hall Care Home will be hosting its own Chatter & Natter sessions

Taking place in Weald Hall’s dining and bakery area the cafe will be held on the first Friday of every month between 2pm – 4pm with the first event taking place on 2 June Visitors to the home can enjoy some tea cake and a good old natter with staff, residents and other chatter & natter guests

Anyone is welcome to attend Weald Hall’s Chatty Cafe, whether it s alone as a couple with a young child or as a carer The events are an ideal way to meet new people in the community for a chat

The scheme was founded in 2017 by Alexandra Hoskyn OBE who started it due to her own feelings of isolation when visiting a supermarket cafe with her baby She noticed that no-one was talking to each other

After putting ‘Chatter & Natter signs on tables in local cafes she found people were beginning to talk and the scheme quickly grew in popularity

Coventry University published a report in May 2022 that found 100% of Chatter & Natter table users said it made them feel less lonely and socially isolated 97% of venues hosting these events felt they were encouraging community spirit

Weald Hall home manager Danielle Barham said

“We know only too well the impact of loneliness on the community and we want our home to be a welcoming environment for everyone that visits us Our residents love to meet people, and it helps them to form new friendships

“We make it our mission to encourage social interactions wherever possible and that s why we wanted to bring in a Chatter & Natter table “It’s for the whole community to use and we hope it will allow people a safe and inspiring space to have a chat

To attend the cafe visit Weald Hall and make your way to reception where you will be shown where the cafe is located If you’d like to find out more about the scheme visit https://thechattycafescheme co uk/

What to Consider When Buying a Care Home Business

DUE DILIGENCE

When considering whether to buy a care home business, while you will no doubt have taken account of apparent profitability and potential it is vital that you establish, as far as possible, likely costs (e g legal fees due diligence costs post completion costs (tax investment)) during and after the buying process as well as having a realistic idea of the timescales involved

INVESTMENT

It may sound obvious but you must always check the numbers carefully Has the bottom line been enhanced by underinvestment? This will go hand in hand with the due diligence exercise but what will the business require going forward, whether it be property repairs/renovation (whether in terms of practicalities or statutory requirements) or investment in staff and facilities? You need to establish what needs to be spent after completion of the purchase in order to sustain and/or enhance profitability

This will no doubt form part of your business plan which where funding is being obtained your lender will want to look at

FINANCE

If you need to obtain finance for your deal, consider the additional steps and costs that will be involved

An investor or lender will likely have specific requirements in terms of structure (creation and/or involvement of group companies) documentation (occupational leases) and/or due diligence (additional searches/checks) that may affect timing and expense

ASSET/SHARE PURCHASE

In most cases a care home will be owned and operated by a limited company rather than an individual

Therefore, usually one of the initial critical decisions to be made is whether to proceed by way of an asset or share purchase Advice should be sought on a case-by-case basis as there are a number of things to consider in terms of for example tax or financial implications Essentially with an asset purchase you are buying those “items” (e g the property the employees etc) which you consider to be vital to the continued running of the business With a share purchase you take on all assets and liabilities of the owning company

By Leo Rossiter, Partner at Myerson Solicitors LLP (www myerson co uk)

While the documents dealing with the specific transaction are important these will be negotiated in line with the due diligence exercise This process like other aspects takes time and costs money Where possible obtain an indication as to costs up front

Existing and potential future liabilities need to be considered whether in terms of property repairs tax considerations, disputes etc

If development of the property is required (e g to extend the property) you must obtain advice from a planning perspective and your solicitor needs to advice on any title issues that may affect any intended development and/or the required use of the property (e g and covenants or restrictions affecting the property)

If the property interest you are taking or inheriting is leasehold your solicitor will need to advise on any consents that may be required (in terms of the transaction (so that the lease may be transferred to you or the lease contains “change of control” restrictions) or your future plans (e g consent to carry out alterations) and any obligations and/or restrictions in the lease that may affect your plans Is the length of the lease sufficient? Do you have rights to renew the lease at the end of the term? Are you inheriting costly repair obligations?

STAFF

Consider your obligations as an employer The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE) will apply in the case of an asset sale and the implications of this needs careful consideration

CQC

The registration process if nothing else takes time This is most significant if the transaction is an asset purchase but the requirements must be checked and considered as this is a legal requirement

SDLT

For an asset purchase as part of the deal you will be buying the property and this will attract SDLT Your solicitor should be able to provide you with a figure for this but dependent on price it is likely to be a significant amount and can often be overlooked until later in the transaction

LOCAL AUTHORITY FUNDING

Although not always relevant if some or all the residents benefit from local authority funding then the arrangements need to be considered and reviewed to ensure continued compliance Any relevant contracts in place are likely to limit or control a change in ownership even in the case of a share purchase

Llandudno Care Home Residents Revisit the North Wales Mountains to Mark Mental Health Awareness Week

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week residents Ken Bream and Norman Roberts at RMBI Care Co Home Queen Elizabeth Court in Llandudno have recently enjoyed a special trip to see the North Wales Mountains and the world’s famous Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Centre

89 years old resident Ken Bream was a founding member of The Llandudno Mountain Rescue Team It was set up to help people in distress on the Great Orme Unfortunately it no longer exists today but Ken remembers vividly some of the mountain rescues that he and his team assisted in When asked did he have any fond stories from the time he laughed and said he especially remembered one afternoon when a young gentleman had slipped and hurt his leg The team arrived and after about 30 minutes the casualty asked if he could hurry up as his train was leaving shortly and did not want to miss it He consequently spent three months in hospital

92 years old resident Norman Roberts has lived in Wales for many years and has visited and hiked many miles across the North Wales mountains including Yr Wyddfa the highest mountain in Wales He said: “I have always enjoyed hiking as a young lad, and immersing myself with the peace and beauty of nature

During their visit to Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Centre, Ken said: Being part of the Mountain Rescue Team was the best thing I have ever done I am so grateful for the opportunity to see the inner workings of a modern rescue service ”

Gary Carr one of Queen Elizabeth Court s Activities Coordinator said: “It was an honour to take our two wonderful gentlemen back to see the mountains again and the rescue centre We had a lot of fun sharing past life stories, and learning about modern day mountain rescues ” Spending time in nature can really help to support our residents health and wellbeing and going back to the vast landscapes that they enjoyed for many years made the experience even more special ”

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

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

Incontinence is a condition that affects 1 in 4 women in the UK

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

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

MoliCare® continually strives to address the needs of its customers; from nurses through to care givers, family members and people living with incontinence They have developed an easy to remember acronym‘SAS’ - to simplify the product selection process

S – Style There are various styles such as large and small pads or complete pull up mobile pants to suit various levels of mobility There are also products for men and women, based on anatomical differences and urine flow

A – Absorbency MoliCare® s droplet guide makes selection straightforward

S – Size, MoliCare®’ s in-depth sizing guide ensures that products selected are a comfortable and secure fit HARTMANN the company behind MoliCare® continues to invest in and develop in their products This

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

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

Amy Jaworska, MoliCare® B2C Channel Manager comments; “as a global manufacturer and expert in the field of Incontinence and Bladder Weakness we are delighted to be celebrating 40 years of the MoliCare® brand supporting people living with incontinence

“MoliCare® invests in the research design and development of our premium incontinence products to ensure they meet the highest quality reliability and protection for people living with incontinence We also support loved ones, carers and healthcare professionals alike, with the right support for the people they care for because the individual s wellbeing and quality of life is at the heart of everything we do ”

Global Health Leaders Call for Greater Investment into Healthy Ageing

A Coalition bringing together 15 organisations and 12 individuals including the European Public Health Association the International Pharmaceutical Federation and Professor Sir Michael Marmot University College London has been launched calling for governments to reorient their healthcare systems towards prevention

There are, the coalition states significant economic opportunities that come with an ageing society but only if countries adapt Investing in prevention to ensure people live not only longer but healthier lives is they say crucial and National regional and global representatives have come together under a shared vision to improve population health by urging governments to spend at least 6% of their health budgets on preventative care

The Coalition is part of ILC s global initiatives to influence world leaders and health and finance ministers to prioritise healthy ageing and prevention ILC plans to engage leading policymakers at the forthcoming World Health Assembly where it will launch its Healthy Ageing and Prevention Index and at the G20 Summit The Healthy Ageing and Prevention Index is a global Index which ranks 121 countries on six healthy ageing and prevention metrics It aims to hold governments to account on healthy ageing and investing in prevention

LED BY THE INTERNATIONAL LONGEVITY CENTRE UK (ILC), THE UK’S SPECIALIST THINK TANK ON THE IMPACT OF LONGEVITY ON SOCIETY, THE COALITION WILL WORK TOGETHER TO:

1 Elevate the importance of prevention among global health actors respond to key policy developments and calls to action, and hold governments to account

2 Influence change at the global and national level to ensure prevention is at the heart of global health policy

3 Drive forward and communicate key messages from the Healthy Ageing and Prevention Index and demonstrate the health and economic case for investing in prevention

Arunima Himawan from the International Longevity Centre UK (ILC), who organised the Coalition argues:

“Greater investment in preventative health is something many global health advocates no matter their specific area of focus can get behind We need to show governments that we are united on this issue and that we need them to urgently move from commitment to action on prevention

Through our collective voice, we want to demonstrate the health and economic benefits of investing in prevention in an ageing world And over the next couple years, we want to grow and build a programme of activities to elevate its importance, hold governments to account and influence national and global policy

Veronica Franklin Gould President Arts 4 Dementia comments

“The Healthy Ageing and Prevention Index opens the door to a happier healthier world For example early direction to re-energising cultural and creative activities at the onset of dementia can empower people to preserve brain health, and reduce stigma, isolation and care costs ”

Professor John Weinman Professor of Psychology as applied to Medicines Kings College London says “Prevention in an ageing world is not just about preventing disease but helping people better manage their conditions through medication adherence Using this platform to help governments develop policies and recommended practices for medicine-taking in older people should be a major priority to reduce the many serious medical complications and economic costs that arise from treatment non-adherence

Care Home Residents Revisit Their Youth Through Power Of Music

Ahead of the anniversary of D-Day on June 6

residents at RMBI Care Co Home Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court in Wokingham recently welcomed The D-Day Dollies a music duo that performed songs from the 40s and 50s The performers provided the residents with an afternoon of entertainment that crossed generations and united everyone listening

The residents who sang along had the opportunity to reminisce and share fond memories

The music definitely captured my younger days and the harmonies were so enjoyable said resident Michael Holdstock “The blended tones of the girls voices was wonderful!” Resident Iris who loves dancing added: The music made my toes tap to the beat It really cheered us all ”

Sharon Fletcher one of the Activities Coordinators at Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court, said: “It was a delight to see the joy and emotion from residents and family members The room was alight with the songs from the generation including We’ll Meet Again and The White Cliffs of Dover ”

From Searching to Ser ving: The Captivating Tale of a Volunteer-turned-Care Home Entrepreneur

By Billy Dulay, billydulay , www.globalcareltd.com

Hey there I'm Billy and let me tell you life hasn't always been this meaningful Ten years ago I was lost going from one job to another never quite finding my groove Retail work construction sites, the traditional 9-to-5 grind I tried them all, desperately searching for a path that would give my life purpose But truth be told, it felt like I was wandering through a foggy haze, unsure of where I was headed I explored different avenues pursued my passions, and listened to the whispers of my heart And slowly, but surely clarity began to emerge

Growing up with the values instilled by my immigrant grandparents and my shopkeeper parents I've always had a deep desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others It was during my soulsearching journey that I stumbled upon an incredible opportunity to volunteer at my uncle s care home Little did I know that this experience would become the turning point of my life

Witnessing the immeasurable joy and profound difference that the dedicated staff brought to the lives of the residents I had a powerful realization I had found what I had been yearning for I knew deep down that this was my calling With unwavering determination, I took a leap of faith and purchased my first care home in Barnsley South Yorkshire at the age of 28 in the summer of 2020 amid a global pandemic (Timing couldn’t have been any worse)

Despite the challenges that surrounded us mine and my team s commitment to providing quality care to those in need remained firm

When the pandemic hit my team faced unimaginable obstacles

We had to work tirelessly to ensure the

safety and well-being of our residents I still remember the heart-breaking outbreak that claimed the lives of ten beloved residents within just two weeks It was a deeply emotional and trying experience that tested our strength and resilience The tears shed and the sorrow felt by the team and the families of those we lost will forever stay with me But even in the darkest of moments, we refused to surrender We rallied together, fuelled by our unwavering determination and love of our residents to provide the best care possible This humbling journey reminded us of the immense power of teamwork and perseverance And today, I am immensely proud to say that we emerged from that challenging period stronger more united and more committed to our mission than ever before “Thank You to all the staff at Prospect House – you were the real heroes

In early 2023 I took on another endeavour by purchasing my second care home in East Yorkshire Hull with a rating of "Requires Improvement " I knew that turning things around would demand the same level of dedication and hard work as before Shoulder to shoulder with my exceptional care staff I dove into the day-to-day operations, giving our all to enhance the care home's rating While we eagerly await the inspection I am confident that the collective efforts of my team will lead us to success

I am immensely grateful for the unwavering dedication and hard work they bring to our care homes They are the backbone of our operation and without them none of this would have been possible Their passion for helping others and making a difference continues to inspire me every single day Now I find myself eagerly seeking my third care home excited about the path that lies ahead

Today I stand before you forever transformed by the lessons and experiences that have shaped my journey I have discovered my true calling in the care home industry a place where I can make a real, tangible difference in the lives of others The road hasn t always been smooth and challenges still arise but the rewards far outweigh the struggles "If there's one thing I've learned from my own story, it's that sometimes you have to venture into the unknown to find what truly sets your soul on fire So if you re feeling lost or uncertain take that first step Trust me the path may be winding but the destination is worth every twist and turn

Remembering National Ser vice: Royal Star & Garter Veterans Share Their Memories Ahead Of 60th Anniversar y

Veterans who signed up to the military through National Service have been sharing their memories

The National Servicemen who live at Royal Star & Garter were speaking as part of the 60th anniversary of the end of National Service in Great Britain

Royal Star & Garter is a charity which provides loving compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia National Service veterans live in each of its three Homes, in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe

The post-WWII conscription was introduced in 1947 and ran until May 1963 when the last conscripts were demobbed

More than two million men were conscripted through National Service with 395 killed An event to mark the service and sacrifice of this generation took place at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on 16 May

National Servicemen who are now cared for at Royal Star & Garter were stationed in the UK and across the globe

Among those residents is Stan who lives at Royal Star & Garter in Solihull He was 18 when he joined the Army in 1949, serving in the Royal Signals He initially signed up for 18 months, but ended up staying two years During this time he served in Germany where he helped Western Allies overcome the Soviets Berlin Blockade Stan who still has his National Service Enlistment Notice and Discharge Form said: “We were in the Air Formation Signals and we were putting lines of airfields for the Berlin Airlift He also clearly remembers the damage WWII Allied bombings caused the country: The first place I went to in Germany was an airfield in Uetersen which was a few miles out of Hamburg When you drove into

Hamburg you saw it was flattened and full of rubble It was terri-

ble ”

Michael spent his two years of National Service in the RAF The Surbiton Home resident said: “It was 22nd April 1956 that I got my call-up papers I was 18 and a few months I can remember being on a steam train coming out of Liverpool Street Station ready to start the next part of my life ” He was kitted out at RAF Cardington in Bedfordshire did his square-bashing (barrack square drills) in RAF Hednesford, and went on to become a Radio Operator, serving on the Isle of Wight and later in Dover Michael credits his National Service as “saving his days”, as he had left school at just 15 He had already started a life-long association with the Scouts where he d learnt how to camp endure tough conditions and look after himself This coupled with his time in the Armed Forces left Michael feeling ready to face the world: When I came out of the RAF I was a man, really ”

Like Stan and Michael Bob was also 18 when he was called up in 1954 He was placed in the Catering Corps, despite having no experience in the kitchen and soon found himself in Korea with the Northamptonshire Regiment serving food to 200 soldiers three times a day He also served in Hong Kong and Japan Bob who lives at the Surbiton Home used the skills he learned in the Army for the rest of his life, cooking in a hospital for children and young people with Down’s syndrome His family meals were also eagerly anticipated Bob s son Derek said: I loved it when Dad cooked He always did the Sunday roast, and it was as if half a regiment was coming round! There was always plenty of food ”

Royal Star & Garter Chief Executive Andy Cole said National Service came so soon after the end of WWII it is perhaps easy to forget the vital role played by these members of the Armed Forces across the world These men made sacrifices to serve and protect their country whether stationed here in the UK or abroad As proud members of our nation s military family it is a privilege to care for them and their partners at Royal Star & Garter ”

Athena Care Homes Takes Another Step Towards Zero Waste

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information on Athena visit www athenacarehomes co uk

Pretty in Pink: Carer Plans Birthday Surprise for 90-Year-Old Local Maidenhead Woman

Local Maidenhead resident Nancy Hudson was left flabbergasted after her crafty care assistant surprised her with a pink themed extravaganza to celebrate her

90thBirthday

Nancy who has lived in the Maidenhead Riverside area for 50 years was delighted when her Carer Constance planned a jampacked day of surprises to celebrate her special day beginning with a bunch of beautiful pink flowers featuring roses and cherry blossoms

To ensure Nancy had no idea of the day of celebrations ahead her sneaky care team sent a birthday card and small gesture a few days ahead of her actual birthday

On the big day Nancy was showered with presents including a new pink baseball cap which were all decorated in pink wrapping and accompanied by pink balloons and a pink birthday cake

To top off the day, Constance arranged a surprise party for Nancy (who has often been described as the life and soul of the party) bringing together 20 of her family and close friends at

Cliveden House where they shared afternoon tea together

Constance has been Nancy s CareGiver since she joined Right at Home Maidenhead in 2022

During this time the pair formed a very close bond and Constance moved into Nancy s home to provide her with live-in care and help her maintain her independence as much as possible

Nancy said: “This was a wonderful experience and the best birthday I ever had I loved seeing so many people I cherish all in one place and hearing from friends from further away - I received 43 birthday cards! My carers know how much I love the colour pink, so it was so special to me that they incorporated it into every part of the day

Managing Director of Right at Home Maidenhead Scott McRae said: Nancy always makes us laugh and smile on her care calls I love seeing how much our team of CareGivers enjoy Nancy’s company and the lengths they will go to give her really special memories

Labour’s NHS Plan is Promising but More Detail is Needed, says BMA

RESPONDING TO AN ANNOUNCEMENT BY LABOUR LEADER SIR KEIR STARMER ON THE PARTY’S NHS POLICY TODAY, PROFESSOR PHIL BANFIELD, CHAIR OF BMA COUNCIL, SAID:

The NHS and the health of our nation have been allowed to deteriorate and must therefore not just be a continued priority for the present Government but also a key focus for any future Government So we welcome the commitment from Sir Keir Starmer that a Labour government if elected would bring our health service back to being fit for the future by recognising just what the NHS is capable of which the current Government has failed to realise With patients and staff continuing to suffer, we need urgent action to help us get out of this mess

“The focus on prevention is a big positive, and it is good to see a commitment to reverse the worrying trend of deaths from suicides heart disease strokes and cancers in this country Labour s focus on shifting care from sickness to prevention could help to turn things around particularly in its plan to increase access to mental health services and Sir Keir correctly highlighted that this would only be achievable through interventions that deal with poverty and inequalities to accessing health and social care It was refreshing to hear

Sir Keir acknowledge this and set out plans to strengthen regulation on junk food marketing to children –something the present Government have rowed back on

“But Labour needs to go further in at least three key areas if they are to have a lasting impact on the nation s health Tightening regulations of the smoking alcohol and gambling industries alongside junk food; Restoring funding for public health services which have been cut by 25% since 2015; and establish a crossdepartmental goal to improve health and tackling health inequalities extending beyond the NHS alone alongside a strategy for action – the last time Labour did this it made a difference For suicide prevention for example, this extends far beyond the provision of mental health care services – which we know are severely

lacking – to addressing the root causes of people’s mental health struggles, including the shameful levels of poverty in this country

“Labour rightly recognises general practice as the bedrock of the NHS’, and Sir Keir says he wants to bring back the family doctor to ensure continuity of care for those with long-term conditions The partnership model is so valuable because it is centred around this continuity of care and Labour needs to give this model the backing and support it needs to thrive – rather than dismissing it entirely and trying to reinvent the wheel

“Managing the unprecedented strain on NHS services will only happen when there is an effective workforce strategy in place with a proper implementation plan and funding commitments and action on reversing years of real-terms pay cuts and worsening working conditions for staff The return of performance target times is all well and good but we need to see more planned investment in our workforce – and across all parts of the medical training pipeline and infrastructure – for this to actually work Targets can be counterproductive if staff work to game the system instead of actually providing better care so this can only be properly achieved with the right support and planning

“Although Sir Keir hinted at closing tax loopholes and removing non-dom status, the big question that remains is how Labour will fund and implement their plan and there is little regarding how Labour will recruit and retain staff amidst a spiralling workforce crisis, despite committing to increasing medical school places a policy which will take years to boost doctor numbers (and only with enough investment and support for teaching, supervision and physical space) As always greater detail is needed on addressing this fundamental question We look forward to working with the Labour Party on their approach to make the NHS fit for the future”

Local Care Home Presents Cheque To Local Charity

Reigate Beaumont Care Home in Reigate recently presented The Patchworking Garden Project with a cheque for £2000 towards craft supplies and plants This charity’s main gardening project is for those living with mental and physical disabilities

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

Staff and residents from the care home visited with charity members in their garden in Dorking to handover the cheque and celebrate them being awarded

the grant Isobel Gowan Chair of Trustees said We are so delighted to receive these funds and connect with our local Barchester home Our volunteers will enjoy making stained glass choosing their own plants and doing other crafts with this grant”

Pramojil Kurian General Manager at Reigate Beaumont Care Home said: We are always keen to show as much support as we can to local charities Handing over this cheque to them has allowed us to meet new members of the community and we look forward to building a relationship with them and supporting them moving forward

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Silence Isn’t Always Golden: 66% 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?

What are your hopes for the future and how would you most like to be remembered?

Care Home Residents Reunited After Years Apart

Siblings William and Carrol were reunited recently at Hazel Lodge care home in Battle East Sussex after spending years apart William 86 and his younger sister Carrol 84 found each other again at Hazel Lodge and are now sharing many beautiful memories

The siblings were born in Crofton Park in London during the war Carrol was the baby of the family She always looked up to William who was older and looked after her Carrol worked in retail in London until she married a farmer and moved to Romney Marsh in Kent William did his National Service in Kenya and later met his beautiful Irish wife, Veronica in Folkestone They had four children Back in London William worked as a reporter for the Daily Mail before he later became a London cabbie William and Carrol last saw each other in 2019 Carrol helped William look after Veronica who had vascular dementia Then the country went into lock-

ATurning Point

In a care home environment the client as much as a patient in an acute environment benefits from regular turning

Supported by the NICE guidelines it has been proven that regular turning regimes can prevent, and in some cases, can significantly contribute to the healing process of existing pressure injuries whether presented upon arrival or even acquired at the care home

WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO GET A PRESSURE ULCER?

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

Limited mobility/unable to change position without help

• A loss of feeling in part of the body

History of pressure ulcers or having one now

• Not having eaten or hydrated well for a sustained period

Thin dry or weak skin

A significant cognitive impairment

down and William was forced to isolate by himself

Carrol moved to Battle to be close to family She moved into Hazel Lodge in January 2023 and when William moved in a few months later they were reunited there wasn t a dry eye in the house Now the siblings live on the same floor in Hazel Lodge and they spend lots of time catching up over coffee and cake together

Carrol says: “It is so wonderful to find my big brother again after all these years and to be able to spend so much time together we are so happy together reminiscing and creating new memories ”

Caroline Pulleyn General Manager at Hazel Lodge comments: We are so delighted for William and Carrol it was such a special moment when they were reunited again Now they are inseparable chatting away – making up for lost time! We are just so happy we were able to bring them back together

HOW DOES A PRESSURE ULCER OCCUR?

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

Equipment that offers suitable pressure relieving or pressure redistribution qualities subject to the risk factors can reduce or even remove the prevalence of PI s provided a suitable Care Plan is written and implemented in conjunction with an accurate risk assessment of the clients needs

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

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

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

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

Scotland No Longer Advises Use of Facemasks in Health and Social Care Settings

The Scottish Government has removed guidance on the wearing of facemasks in health and social care settings

The Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery Health and Social Care and the Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport have agreed to withdraw the Coronavirus (COVID-19): extended use of face masks and face coverings in hospitals primary care and community healthcare settings’ guidance and the Coronavirus (COVID19): extended use of face coverings in social care settings including adult care homes guidance

In a statement the Scottish government says that

The outcome of the review recognises that Scotland continues to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and has entered a calmer phase of the pandemic Now the right time to withdraw the extended face mask and face covering measures across health and social care settings ”

This is due to the high uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations especially amongst residents of care homes reduced severity of illness and hospitalisations, and availability of treatments for COVID-19 This follows

advice from Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection (ARHAI) Scotland and Scottish Government Professional Clinical Advisors in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)

This guidance was withdrawn on 16 May 2023 In the absence of the extended use of face mask/face covering guidance; health and social care services are advised to follow the infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance on the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for standard infection control precautions and transmission based precautions as detailed in the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM) and the Care Home National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (CHIPCM) For further advice please engage with local health protection and IPC teams In practice for social care settings this will mean that the element of choice to wear a mask out with when it is recommended in the NIPCM/CH NIPCM will no longer apply Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including face mask use should be based on clinical need and risk assessment as per the NIPCM and CHIPCM

Teesside Care Home’s Museum of Curiosities

A MUSEUM of curiosities has popped up at a Teesside care home to mark International Museums Day Victorian and Edwardian era medicines old fashioned household products antique toys and vintage newspapers are just some of the items on display at Mandale House Care Home on Acklam Road Thornaby The cabinet of old remedies includes fake cocaine drops for toothache and tobacco treatments for asthma and bronchitis Surf washing powder Murray Mints and carbolic soap can be found in the home section, and there are dozens of old school photos and posters

Residents at the care home have been enjoying examining the curated items some of which have sparked strong memories from their younger days Patricia Dobson 84 was particularly struck by one news items in an old newspaper She said: I remember watching the moon landings on telly This is amazing I never expected to see something like this ”

A display entitled smells of the blitz brought back Patricia s memories of the Second World War She added: “You can smell the fires ”

Ella Atkinson 89 recalled her sister after seeing a doll in the toy exhibition She said How interesting I had a doll like that but I sold it after the War to buy my own bicycle, as I thought it would be a lot more

use to me My sister kept her doll though It s nice to see one again

For resident Dorothy Sleightholme, 76, a replica Fabergé egg piqued her interest She said: I ll bet they had something very expensive in there ”

When asked about the school display particularly about using the abacus and individual slate chalkboards she responded: How old do you think I am!”

The pop-up museum will remain open at Mandale House Care Home to residents and their visitors, including family and friends, until the end of May

Home manager Jenny Hall said: “For International Museums Day we wanted to give residents a museum experience in their own home

Everyone really enjoyed seeing all the different exhibits and it sparked lots of conversations We all learned a lot

We have planned to keep the pop-up museum open until the end of May so that residents families and grandchildren can also come and see the exhibits

Once the weather warms up we ll be taking Mandale House residents to our local museums like Preston Park and Dorman Museum ”

Dame Arlene Phillips Calls on Government to Act on Dementia Diagnosis

Iconic choreographer and director addressed MPs at Alzheimer’s Society

Parliamentary event during Dementia Action Week 2023

Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador Dame Arlene Phillips appeared at a special Dementia Action Week event in Parliament to urge the Government to deliver timely access to an accurate dementia diagnosis and tackle regional variation in diagnosis rates

Dame Arlene met Members of Parliament at Alzheimer s Society s event in the House of Commons, alongside Koula Louki and Eamonn Dobbyn, who shared their experiences of living with dementia; Alzheimer s Society CEO Kate Lee; and clinicians, Professor Farooq Khan, and Dr Charles Marshall, both of whom have expertise in diagnosis

During the Parliamentary event MPs were able to find out the dementia diagnosis rate in their constituency and how this compares to the national picture

All MPs attending were then given a personalised ask to take away to help drive the urgent action that’s needed to push up diagnosis rates across the country

The event follows last week’s publication of a Dementia Diagnosis Statement signed by a group of 27 dementia experts calling for a timely dementia diagnosis to be a fundamental right for people living with dementia through better funded and evidence-based dementia pathways that will provide effective care support intervention and treatment

Early and accurate diagnosis not only helps to prepare families for the future but opens the door to treat-

ments, care and support

However dementia diagnosis rates fell to a five year low during the pandemic and have stagnated since with significant regional variations in diagnosis rates meaning where you live can be one of the biggest barriers to diagnosis

In January this year, Dame Arlene was part of a delegation from the charity that delivered an open letter signed by 36 000 members of the public to Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, at Downing Street

It demanded the Government urgently fulfil its promises on dementia including reform of the social care system and doubling of spending on dementia research by 2024

At the event Alzheimer s Society Ambassador Dame Arlene Phillips said:

“Sadly, like hundreds of thousands of families across the UK, I’ve seen the devastation caused by dementia while caring for my father

“Earlier, more accurate diagnosis is essential for people to be potentially eligible for the exciting new treatments coming down the line for early-stage Alzheimer s and for everyone affected to get the vital help and support they need

I stand with everyone affected by dementia and urge the Government to deliver on their promises for the 900 000 people living with dementia

“They need help now and hope for the future through more breakthroughs in research We can’t let dementia fall down the political agenda – getting a diagnosis is the first step but such an important one

YMCA Wellington Brings Life Back into Care Home Gardens

Mount House & Severn View care home, in Shrewsbury recently enjoyed the company of a wonderful group from YMCA

Wellington and District On a mission to give back to the local community the young persons from YMCA Wellington chose to spend time redeveloping the overgrown gardens of Mount House & Severn View

YMCA enables people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit by creating supportive inclusive and energising communities where young people can truly belong contribute and thrive

The group got stuck right in on arrival digging out boarders removing weeds and creating a fairy garden for our residents to enjoy The garden is looking so much better, ready for our residents to get out in the sunshine and start planning what flowers they d like to see grow

Green spaces are so valuable to a person’s ongoing wellbeing, getting out in the fresh air, planting and nurturing to promote safe spaces for wildlife bees and insects The group have volunteered more time to replant our pots and the resident window boxes which will be a delight

We are very fortunate at Mount House & Severn View to have a large garden with raised beds and numerous pots and planters In the spirit of giving back our home is opening its garden space for use as a Community Allotment

If anyone in the local area would like to use the available green space to grow their own vegetables fruit and flowers Please get in touch and help us continue the amazing work the super young person’s from YMCA Wellington has started For more information please call the home on 01743232228

All we ask in return is that our residents may spend time with you as you work Whatever you sow and grow is yours to keep, we’re merely here to facilitate a community allotment and Let it Grow ! Barchester homes welcome resident interactions with groups of all ages if anyone ever wants to visit and join in some activities with our residents we d love to hear from you Mount House and Severn View care home is run by Barchester Healthcare one of the UK s largest care providers which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals Mount House and Severn View provides residential care and nursing care for residents from respite care to long term stays

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!

are

Plans Unveiled For ‘The Peninsula’ Following £10m Investment

Dunluce Healthcare has unveiled plans for ‘The Peninsula’, a state-of-theart £10m nursing home facility in Newtownards

This latest development by the Bangor-based firm will provide a range of nursing residential respite and convalescent care needs to 80 residents creating 110 permanent roles – including 16 nursing positions

Ryan Smith Chief Executive of Dunluce Healthcare said:

Residents and their families are at the heart of everything we do and providing the highest standard of care to our residents is of paramount importance to us meaning The Peninsula has been designed with both care and comfort in mind

Featuring 80 modern stylish rooms as well as spacious communal areas and beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces The Peninsula will offer residents a truly luxurious living experience designed to hotel standards and unlike any other currently available in Northern Ireland ”

The first residents are scheduled to move into the Peninsula at the end of 2023

In addition to this latest development, Dunluce Healthcare currently operates residential and nursing care

facilities at Oakmont Lodge (Bangor), Hillcrest Care Home (Omagh) and Hillside Residential (Omagh)

Ryan continued:

“The Peninsula not only represents the next step in our plans for continued growth and development but also creates vital employment opportunities to those living in Newtownards and surrounding areas

We plan to recruit over 100 permanent staff members and were pleased to recently appoint Dr Kevin Moore to the position of Director of Nursing Kevin brings over 40 years of experience to his position along with a genuine commitment to delivering top quality care

At Dunluce Healthcare we offer a career with real opportunity for development and training We provide financial support while staff learn to help them be the best they can be and actively encourage ongoing growth and progress

“We look forward to the completion of The Peninsula and to welcoming both new residents and staff members to our new care home facility ”

Retired Eye Surgeon John Is Focus Of Attention On 100th Birthday

A retired eye surgeon saw every reason to celebrate as he reached his 100th birthday at a Dorset care home

John Whitwell was the centre of attention at Colten Care’s Bourne View in Poole welcoming the town s Mayor and even receiving a Happy Birthday greeting on national television

When John was born in 1923, commercial air travel was in its infancy, Bonar Law was Prime Minister Wembley had just staged its first FA Cup Final and the BBC was less than a year old

One hundred years on John hosted his landmark centenary party in the Charleston Lounge of art-deco-themed Bourne View where guests included his daughters Penny Hill and Kathy Thomson

Penny said: “Dad arrived at Bourne View in the summer of 2021 for a few weeks of physiotherapy He had been discharged from Poole Hospital after breaking his leg and he has been here ever since He decided after three weeks that he didn’t want to go home ”

Also attending the party was the Mayor of Poole Councillor Tony Trent who presented John with a birthday card from King Charles III and Queen Camilla John was also the recipient of a nationally broadcast greeting courtesy of an interview aired on BBC Breakfast with Entertainment Correspondent Colin Paterson

As part of the broadcaster’s Eurovision coverage Colin was at the home filming residents enjoying a session with professional musician and Companionship Team member Nicky Stevens

Better known as a member of the 1976 Eurovision-winning group Brotherhood of Man Nicky has been working with Colten Care for the past two and a half years

After playing residents a pre-recorded clip of this year’s UK entry, Colin discovered that John s birthday coincided with Eurovision weekend Wishing him Happy Birthday he asked John if he would be spending his big day watching the competition final to which John replied: “No I never have done and seeing this on TV has convinced me even more

Asked later how much he enjoyed his celebration, John said: “I loved the party and had a great time being the centre of attention Everyone made it such a happy occasion and the attendance of the Mayor was the icing on the cake

Corinne Wareham who, like Nicky, is a member of the Bourne View Companionship Team said John s family usually have a small affair to celebrate birthdays but as it was his very special 100th birthday I asked Penny and Kathy if they would like any help To reach 100 years old is a big achievement especially for a gentleman We had a fantastic day with many of Bourne View’s residents wanting to celebrate with him Well done to John for reaching such a great age

John grew up in Leicester where his father was a headmaster and his mother was an English teacher

He attended Wyggeston Grammar School where fellow pupils included the soon-to-be famous Attenborough brothers David and John’s classmate Richard

After school John went to Kings College London to train as a doctor and to Moorfields Eye Hospital

He did his National Service as a doctor in Rhodesia now Zimbabwe and later headed the team of ophthalmologists at Poole Hospital and the old Westbourne Eye Hospital in Dorset He holds the titles of MS, standing for Master of Surgery and FRCS Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons

Three Generations of a Nottinghamshire Care Community Share Their Views on Mental Health

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week three generations of a Nottinghamshire care community have shared their thoughts on mental health – how perceptions have changed over time what it means to them and what makes them happy

Wren Hall a dementia specialist nursing home in Selston Nottinghamshire sits next-door to Little Wrens nursery which caters to preschool aged children With intergenerational relationships a key part of their combined offering, Mental Health Awareness Week provided an opportunity to gauge different perceptions around the subject – so the team at the home asked a mix of residents carers and children from the nursery what their thoughts were on mental health

The result was an at times tearjerking and at times heart-warming video that underlined the generational differences in perceptions – as care residents in their 70s and 80s carers in their 30s and 40s and children aged between two and five gave their take

Penny Haney one of the staff at Wren Hall said: Growing up mental health was never spoken about at all Things that happened in your own four walls never got spoken about outside Care resident 90-year-old Keith echoed that sentiment saying: In school I was never taught about mental health While 87-year-old Joyce another resident felt perceptions were changing: People think about it

more than they used to years ago when I was a child If you were frightened at school we didn t get the support that they get today

Talking about support two-year-old Nancy when asked who she would talk to if sad said: My mummy and daddy I love my mummy and daddy

When asked about the key to a happy life Penny said: Friends family and laughter ” And four-year-old Grayson when asked what was important in life said: “Putting seat belts on ”

With the ONS recently reporting a rise in the number of young people suffering from mental health issues, conversations around the topic are more important than ever Anita Astle MBE, owner and manager of Wren Hall said: “Mental health is an extremely important issue across all generations No matter our age we can all appreciate happiness sadness and the full spectrum in between with any number of things impacting our feelings and wider wellbeing Within the combined communities of Wren Hall and Little Wrens we re very much focused on promoting good mental health and our intergenerational relationships bring much joy She continued: And with it being Mental Health Awareness Week we realised this was the perfect time to encourage conversations around the topic and thought asking three generations would provide some interesting insight It didn t disappoint with sometimes moving sometimes hilarious takes emerging!

Adopt a Grandparent Soars to New Heights with Help from Barclays Digital Eagles

As independent charity Adopt a Grandparent approaches the 100 000 volunteers milestone Barclays Digital Eagles is supporting the scheme by providing digital training to care home staff and residents to ensure they can make and maintain meaningful connections with their ‘virtual pairings

Barclays Digital Eagles is part of Barclays Bank s corporate social responsibility work, helping to teach digital skills to anyone who needs them, free of charge and in line with the Government s Digital Skills Framework Its online training platform includes modules on how to set up a mobile device how to download an app and how to make a video call across a range of platforms while staying safe online – and it s these modules and experience that have made it a perfect match with Adopt a Grandparent and its work

Shaleeza Hasham founder of Adopt a Grandparent explains:

“When we started Adopt a Grandparent, it was something that had been in the works for a while but which was ultimately sped up by the pandemic Working in the care sector I got to see first-hand the impact of social isolation on care home residents and the difficulties in connecting them with loved ones digitally The sad truth is that some didn’t have anyone they could connect to in that way

“Similarly, the Digital Eagles began supporting the health and care sector at the same time, pledging to help 500 care homes across the UK to learn new digital skills to benefit both staff and residents The Digital Eagles have set up a bespoke training page for our volunteers, ensuring they have all the knowledge and

skills they need to really engage in Adopt a Grandparent and make a meaningful connection ”

Barclays Digital Eagles online learning platform Digital Wings contains over 300-hours of learning content and allows people to learn digital skills at home at their own pace The skills it shares are important for both modern day-to-day life and to help bridge the digital skills gap in the workforce going forward

Shaleeza continues “The Digital Eagles platform is giving people the digital skills to be able to engage with Adopt a Grandparent in the most meaningful and safe way especially for those who want to take part but who may not have the knowledge and skills to use the app and set up video calls, for example

To help reach more people, Digital Eagles has also set up a Digital Champions programme helping to train individuals who can then impart their digital skills within communities Adopt a Grandparent is encouraging care home staff to sign up to be able to better help their residents make connections through the programme as well as helping to train family and friends to use digital platforms to communicate more regularly

Shaleeza concluded: “Ultimately, this exciting partnership will see Barclays Digital Eagles go into care homes to train staff to increase their digital literacy and further spread the word of the charity – helping to pair some of the resounding 90,000 volunteers with their ‘virtual grandparents ”

Care Home Resident Celebrates 100th Birthday

A woman has celebrated her 100th birthday a party at a local care home

Annie Cox who has lived at The Hawthorns care home since January 2020, enjoyed a party with family and friends at the home She had a visit from Mayor Alan Booth and Mayoress Chrissy Smith alongside her best friend Jackie Wright

Annie was born in Knock in Ireland and attended a convent school for girls Following a poor and hard childhood she moved to England at the age of 21 She and her husband Lew settled in Redditch where Annie worked as a psychiatric nurse until she retired She then volunteered for 19 years in Redditch Hospital café When asked what her secret to longevity is Annie said that she enjoys a tipple of whiskey each night

Service manager Mary Tasker said: “Annie has such a huge heart and loves looking after people – while never having children herself she loves nothing more than playing with children who are visiting other residents in the home It has been an honor to be a part of Annie s special day she had a fabulous time and especially enjoyed receiving her card from King Charles

“She is a big part of the home and we always love listening to her stories

The Hawthorns is operated by Shaw healthcare and provides residential care for up to 46 people including those living with dementia Shaw healthcare the largest employee-owned healthcare provider in the UK

More Than £600,000 Invested into Basingstoke Care Home

A Basingstoke care home has completed a refurbishment worth more than £500 000 Homefield House on Aldermaston Road has had an investment of more than half a million pound by operators Shaw healthcare to equip the 24-bed home with new showers new boilers air conditioning new lights new beds new sluice new call bell system and new fire alarm system

In addition all rooms outside spaces and the entrance have been given a new lease of life as part of the renovation

The home celebrated completing the three month-long project by throwing a party on 16 May 2023

Family and friends of residents attended along with Friends of Homefield chair Diana Kempster deputy mayor of Basingstoke, councillor Dan Putty building surveyor, Jill Nash, and chief executive of Shaw healthcare Russell Brown Homefield House service manager, Andreea Basarbarie, said: “Investing in our facilities is an investment in the well-being and happiness of our residents Every pound spent reflects our commitment to providing the

highest quality of life ensuring that our residents feel cherished valued and truly at home

“To see the positive impact this has had on our residents lives makes it all the more worthwhile ”

Also on the day four members of staff were recognised for their long service – Sandra Tanner service administrator at Homefield House was recognised for a 20-year commitment while Tara Rai domestic assistant and Delfin Domalanta, support worker, were acknowledged for their 15 years of service Nira Rai a support worker at the home celebrated her five-year work anniversary

Ms Basarbarie added: “To be able to recognize the hard work of our longstanding colleagues surrounded by residents and their loved ones in our renovated building, was fantastic ”

Homefield House is operated by Shaw healthcare and provides residential care for up to 24 people including those living with dementia Shaw healthcare is the largest employee-owned healthcare provider in the UK

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/

The Heart of Caring: How One Mental Health Nurse Inspired Change

Throughout history nurses have been the backbone of healthcare, providing comfort and support to those in need The theme of this year’s International Nurses Day is Our Nurses Our Future and we want to pay tribute to the incredible nurses who fought to transform the way nursing is delivered by advocating for new approaches to care that evolved best practice and look at how the past actions of passionate souls paved the way for the future of nursing today

Today at Sundial Care Home in Tipton St John (www sundialcarehome com) we re taking the opportunity to celebrate Moya Finch a family member here and a remarkable human being who has spent her equally remarkable life as a mental health nurse fighting for people s rights, being a voice for the voiceless, and being a role model for her daughter Nina who grew up watching her mum become a creator of hope This is a story of a mental health nurse who left people’s lives better than when she found them

GROWING UP IN A DECADE OF CHANGE

Moya s life story begins in the cathedral city of St Albans in Hertfordshire during the spring of 1947 A precocious child Moya discovered a love for words at school winning several medals and cups for her poetry and reading recitals She left secondary school with several qualifications, however, the swinging 60’s had arrived and music, dance and having fun as a teenager took hold Mum always said that was a magical time”, her daughter, Nina, tells me “She was a huge Beatles fan and Paul McCartney was her favourite Beatle

Caught up in the changing times the sixties brought along, Moya wasn t keen to continue learning at this time preferring to train as a hairdresser at a local salon This later led her to working within the salon at the local Psychiatric hospital where her mum Vera who would remain a great influence to Moya throughout her life was working as a Nurse

THE ROAD TO LOVE & BECOMING A PSYCHIATRIC NURSE

In the meantime at the age of 17 a man came into Moya’s life sweeping her off her feet as they began what Moya called a courtship ” It was her future husband, Derek Moya was still working at the hairdressers within the hospital when they married and discovering her skills and empathy for people living with specialist needs, she began her training as a Psychiatric Nurse

However her training was put on hold when she became pregnant with her daughter Nina Wanting to be close to her during that first special stage of life Moya spent 6 years getting to know her new pride and joy before returning to her studies “I remember as a young child seeing mum sitting on the sofa with piles of books and papers surrounding her, studying and reading until late, soaking up everything and enjoying what she was discovering Moya excelled in her studies and qualified as a Staff Nurse in the early 70s She worked on various wards gaining valuable knowledge making friends and enjoying her new career “This was a great time for us as a family particularly me as my grandmother and mother worked at the same hospital on opposite shifts so that I could be looked after When I was about 6 I remember dancing around a large sunlit dining room with a big red carpet for all the older ladies on the ward whilst I waited for my mum to finish her shift ”

FROM STAFF NURSE TO LEADER: A PROGRESSIVE PATHWAY TO SUCCESS

Moya was very quickly promoted from Staff Nurse to Sister before becoming a Senior Nurse Manager managing wards that specialised in forensic psychiatry and often taking responsibility when the need arose for the whole hospital Keen to develop best practice on her wards

Moya completed further courses and exams I remember Mum going away for several months to work at Broadmoor Hospital in Berkshire She would return at weekends and although tired at times she relished her experiences ” Moya was a pivotal member of her team to recognise new and progressive approaches and nursing practices and would apply what she had learned to establish them within the confides of an inpatient setting – a very challenging area of psychiatry

Some of these progressive approaches can be recognised in Sundial

today such as the decision to not wear uniforms as this denoted a hierarchy of power Nina explained that it was all about working in partnership with people who were enduring mental health problems and not promoting disempowerment Sundial Care Home where Moya now lives is one of the first care homes to remove a uniform policy to help diminish the feeling of an institution and break down barriers between the team and residents who they refer to as family members

this gent in the most exemplary way ”

With the amount of passion Moya felt for people’s rights and the progress she was making in her field it isn t surprising she was invited to be interviewed on TV about her work “I can t recall exactly what programme it was” Nina said “but I remember it was a national news item and avidly waiting by the TV for my mum to appear I watched her speak so eloquently about the need to change attitudes and demystifying misconceptions I was again so proud of her I had an amazing role model to look up to

A LEGACY OF COMPASSION AND CARE: A NOTE FROM NINA

Moya worked for over 25 years as a Psychiatric Nurse, and Nina explains she has offered us only the smallest glimpse of the memories she has as a small child watching her mum shine light on her small corner of the world “I know there is so much more to say about my mum and her love for the art and science of nursing Some people are just endowed with an innate ability to reach people - my mum was one of them I am so amazed at what she did for people both professionally and personally She was a wonderful mum with such kindness and compassion for others She seemed to have endless empathy brilliant wit and faultless integrity This world was made slightly better by you mum I love you and I thank you so much for all you did for all those people throughout your career ”

A BEACON OF CHANGE: TRANSFORMING THE LANDSCAPE OF NURSING

Nina recently found an article from Caring Today magazine written in the mid 80 s when Moya was still a Sister exploring a new model of care her team had launched that adopted advanced approaches for supporting people with enduring mental health issues The article was titled ‘No ‘Jailer’ Syndrome in their Philosophy of Care: Napsbury’s New Approach’ with the Senior Nurse Manager explaining “we are not jailers we are carers

The article describes how Moya had supported the teams Manager to deliver behavioural and psychological programmes that had been tailor made to suit the needs of the individual There is even a quote from Moya herself saying Although you might say we are as yet only 20 percent off the ground the new approach has already led to dramatic improvements in standards of care and staff motivation and morale

A HOLIDAY TO REMEMBER

Moya went above and beyond what was expected of her role in that time to meet the emotional needs of the people in her care which led to some truly exceptional accomplishments in her field The Caring Magazine article introduces her as Sister Finch “who gives generously of her own time to raise money to finance extra activities to enhance the quality of residents’ lives and their potential for rehabilitation Thanks to her and Charge Nurse Groves some of the most disturbed people have been able to enjoy a series of holidays ’ Napsbury’s Operational Manager Jan Bergman said She s very modest but she does a tremendous amount of dedicated work in many areas” which included the organisation of holidays

The first holiday was to Butlins in Somerset and Nina and her Dad Derek, even joined the group “Mum and several nurses, a social worker plus a consultant psychiatrist were all there throughout the week Of course robust risk assessment was completed prior, but the holiday was a great success with lots of fun laughing and good times My Dad even drove the bus! It highlights to me how different things were back then I don t think this would happen today However before community care came into force my mum and her colleagues were promoting community integration with the most marginalised people in society ”

A FORCE FOR GOOD: ADVOCATING FOR PEOPLE’S RIGHTS

It wasn t just Moya s professional life that made her family proud of her Nina shared a touching story about a memorable outing with her mum to a local café where Moya was treating her to pancakes “A young man came in and the staff refused to serve him They were goading this gent about his facial disfigurement and trying to get him out of the café My mother immediately stood up from her table recognising the gent as a patient she had known in the past and voiced her concern as to how this man was being treated She invited him to sit with us for a meal and needless to say there were a few red faces from the proprietors and apologies expressed I was slightly embarrassed as a child but secretly very proud of my mum for advocating for

This compassion for others echoes in Nina, who has followed in her mum s footsteps and trained as a mental health nurse before completing a degree in occupational therapy which she says was Moya s influence “I remember stepping into an OT department at mums hospital at the age of 9yrs and thinking how great it was! I relate to the values and philosophies of OT whole heartedly and mum was the same She was a big advocate for it and for enabling people to do the things they need to do to be themselves So much of this can be lost with dementia if we are not careful ” Despite managing four wards Moya would still often give her free time to sit around with her patients trying to empower them to do activities that meant a lot to them and reinforced their identity

LIFE AT SUNDIAL CARE HOME

And now it s time for us to do the same Sadly Moya now lives with Dementia and it s time for her to be given the care and compassion that she gave to others her whole life by the loving team at Sundial Care Home The home which has a CQC rating of Outstanding has gained its high rating by implementing a model of care that advocates the same approaches to care that Moya believed in Although Moya is on a different journey now Sundial along with Nina and her family are supporting her to live a continuation of life that is true to herself Just as she did in the swinging sixties, Moya’s love for music from that era has stayed with her and her world continues to the soundtrack of the Bee Gees The Beach Boys and her absolute favourite, the Carpenters She loves her pamper sessions where the team gets the ladies together to do their hair and paint their nails strolls around Sundial s gardens and observing everything and everyone around her When life becomes overwhelming, comfort can be found in her family her friends at Sundial and in her hug doll that plays her favourite song and has a heartbeat which soothes her Nina says Sundial have encouraged and supported her mums need to nurture and be nurtured The team have reported that mum will often hold the other family members hands put shawls around their shoulders or just sit with them in their rooms if they’re okay with mum being there Dementia can take a lot of a person s identity but people s true nature still shines through

OUR PLEDGE TO MOYA

We honour Moya’s life and service by pledging to continue to lead by her example and never stop advocating for improving standards for both our nurses and our family members who we trust in their care We will provide ongoing training through our Evolve Care Academy to our team to empower them to deliver the quality of compassionate care that Moya advocated for her whole life both on the wards professionally and hopefully like Moya when we re off shift in café s and we have the chance to speak up and be kind to someone who needs it

Nina is the third generation of her family and belongs to a legacy of nurses who have come before her and will come after her Moya carried and passed on the baton of care compassion and excellence to her and we truly hope the future of nursing is filled with nurses like the Finch s who continue to inspire those around them

We need more Moya’s in the world We’re grateful to have one in ours

International Themed Celebrations At Bramwell Care Home Open Day

Bramwell care home in Bramcote

Nottingham hosted international themed celebrations to mark the brand-new refurbishments

The spectacular open day welcomed the community of Bramcote and the surrounding areas to enjoy an array of international foods and experience a variety of cultural dances

The care home also held a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Past Mayor Mr David rindell to officially open the newly refurbished units

Bramwell care home started the celebrations on Saturday the 20th of May between 25pm The event was to attend with a variety of cake stalls serving delicious cakes and

their very own boot sale

Available now for bookings and tours the exquisite new refurbishments at Bramwell care home situated between Chilwell and Bramcote, is a must-see when considering residential or dementia care for you or a loved one

This top Nottingham care home is designed for residents to maintain their independence in a safe environment Bramwell care home manager Mable Joloza said: We were thrilled to open our home to visitors from the local community and showcase our home and care team We are proud to be a CQC rated Good home, and ensure resident wellbeing is at the centre of everything we do at Bramwell ”

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

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

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

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

Mental Health In Older Adults: The Importance of Recognising Anxiety and Depression and How To Address It

By Valerie Freestone, Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing, at the University of Bedfordshire (www beds ac uk)

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) the world’s population over 60 will double globally from 12% to 22% between 2015 and 20501 About 6% of this group will face mental health illness and neurological conditions Older people have extra stressors and are more prone to mental illnesses due to factors including reduced mobility chronic pain long term conditions and increased frailty However, as mental health problems are not part of normal ageing it is important to ensure that older adults are diagnosed and treated so that they can enjoy and engage in all activities of daily life2 This is further reaffirmed by research that suggests that older people have lower mental health literacy and are unlikely to seek help themselves3 As a result there are ways to recognise the two most common mental health problems affecting older people anxiety and depression and how to address this

Firstly, Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterised as excessive worrying and anxiety where worrying is difficult to control4 About 1 in 5 older adults may have an anxiety disorder often triggered by life events such as falls bereavement sudden loss and admission to hospital If an older person finds communication difficult the outward signs of these symptoms may include restlessness fidgeting and irritability particularly when this marks an acute change in behaviour

It is therefore crucial that social care staff observe service users for any symptoms of anxiety after they have experienced any of these life events Staff are also equipped with various tools that can help resolve patients’ queries relating to anxiety including the GAD75 scale or the GAD assessment tool As a result they should be on the outlook for these signs and continue to

check up on patients symptoms Family and friends can also play a role in identifying these sudden changes in behaviour and staff should first rule out any physical health cause before reorganising this as anxiety related

Depression on the other hand affects 10-20% of older people6 and up to 40% of those living in care homes are affected by this Depression in older age is associated with increased cognitive and functional disabilities leading to higher care needs and increased costs for areas such as adult social care However as depression can be difficult to spot in older adults, it means that many do not get the help or support they require For example some signs of depression may be confused with other mental health problems common in older adults such as difficulty concentrating, memory problems, loss of appetite, irritability and restlessness or symptoms associated with dementia or anxiety It is therefore important that adult social care staff recognise the early signs and symptoms of depression so that treatment can be introduced Outward signs of depression can include withdrawal from day-to-day activities, forgetting appointments and lack of enjoyment of hobbies The most commonly used tool in identifying depression is the geriatric depression scale Hence, if treated it can lead to an improvement in quality of life wellbeing and reduce the need for further intervention from adult social care staff

In conclusion while legislation including The Care Act (2014)7 and National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidelines8 mandates that local authorities and adult social care staff must recognise and promote the mental and emotional wellbeing of individuals staff family and friends all play a role in identifying mental illnesses within older adults It is important that they recognise these signs and intervene early so these people can get the right treatment

Special Healthcare Appreciation Event Receives Outstanding Success At Harlow Care Home

Alexandra House care home in Harlow achieved outstanding success at their special healthcare appreciation event last week

The care home in Harlow invited over 20 professionals from varying specialties in healthcare professions In attendance were community matrons the GP surgery, district nurses the hospital discharge team, physiotherapists and the mental health team Alexandra House provided a buffet style lunch tea coffee and a variety of delicious snacks as a special token of appreciation to express their thanks for all the incredible work these teams do in the community

The home ordered branded thermos mugs that attendees can use to pop in for a refill of coffee whenever they are on duty in the area and in need of a recharge Care homes often call on emergency service personnel for support

which is invaluable and hugely appreciated

Home Manager for Alexandra House Mirela Taban said It has been great fun launching our special healthcare appreciation event at Alexandra House The healthcare personnel in our community are so incredibly valuable and supportive and we wanted to let them know how much we appreciate everything they do To all who attended and to those who could not make it thank you for all your hard work and dedication We look forward to many more events in the future ” Runwood Homes are continually finding new ways to connect with their community either by hosting events at the home getting out in the town with Runwood Homes branded goodies, and playing an active part in community events and initiatives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Non-Medical Prescribers Boost For Veterans’ Home And Primar y Care In Solihull

The National Care Forum (NCF) praised the dedicated support from Royal Star & Garter”, saying the investment in NMPs would lead to improved care for its residents

The ability to prescribe in-house means the Home is able to provide a rapid on-site response to residents’ health needs obtaining their medication within hours Care home staff know their residents well and can quickly spot a decline in wellbeing The intervention of NMPs allows an illness to be treated promptly while reducing the number of GP call-outs or appointments The speedy treatment also means there is less chance of a resident’s condition deteriorating to such an extent that they require a hospital admission

Heni and Yuriy started prescribing medication in May, just as NHS England unveiled plans to reduce busy GPs workloads by using highstreet pharmacies for some common prescription drugs and routine tests

Two

The NMP service being rolled out at Royal Star & Garter will further improve the outstanding care it provides, while easing the burden on primary care providers in the area and saving NHS costs

Lead Nurses Heni Glover and Yuriy Bukovych will, in certain circumstances assess and prescribe medication to unwell residents after Royal Star & Garter covered the costs of their Prescribing in Clinical Practice Level 7 courses

Royal Star & Garter is a charity which provides loving compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia Its Solihull

The pair will be able to issue medications from an approved formulary or list of prescribable items

Yuriy said Royal Star & Garter recognised the delays in primary care and has acted on it Having NMPs in the Home increases the convenience and speed with which residents receive their medication The course was tough but you don’t get permission to grant prescriptions lightly! I’m proud to be an NMP and I’m grateful that the charity paid for the course and supported this

Heni said: “We know our residents very well and can quickly spot if they are in poor health and visibly deteriorating Now we will be able to assess them at an early stage to ensure that they are provided with timely treatment Royal Star & Garter is very forward-thinking and always looking at innovative ways to improve its care This is definitely one of them ”

Royal Star & Garter intends to train new NMPs at its two other Homes, in Surbiton and High Wycombe

Royal Star & Garter is a member of the NCF which represents the

not-for-profit social care sector and has been calling for Non-medical Prescribers in care homes NCF Policy Director Liz Jones said It is fantastic to see Royal Star & Garter is announcing its very first qualified Non-medical Prescribers As a long-established veterans care charity with a passion for innovation, this is its first step in having prescribers in all of its care home settings all of whom will have been supported with the cost and time needed to achieve this expertise ”

Royal Star & Garter s Director of Care Pauline Shaw said: I can t stress how exciting and pioneering it is in a care home environment

Residents can now receive prescribed medication quickly without involving GPs therefore reducing their workload This prompt treatment will reduce the risk of residents illnesses worsening, and a subsequent distressing admission to hospital So we believe the NMPs will ease pressure on our local GP service, and generate significant cost savings for the NHS – all while improving the care our residents receive It’s a win for everyone ”

Foster Care Fortnight: WWII Soldier Remembers The Highs and Lows of Fostering

A former soldier has recalled the emotional highs and lows he felt when he and his wife fostered vulnerable children

Ken Pusey said there were times when the emotional toll associated with fostering weighed heavily But the 96-year-old who served in the Army during WWII also said they were among the happiest and proudest times of his life

Ken who now lives at Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe was talking during Foster Care Fortnight, which runs from 15-28 May Royal Star & Garter is a charity which provides loving compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia and also has Homes in Solihull and Surbiton

Ken met his wife Pam in a furniture factory in High Wycombe, shortly after leaving the Army in 1947 The couple married in 1949 and started their own family, but soon decided to start fostering as well Ken said My wife loved children She had seen an advert for fostering and asked if it was something we could do I knew how much she loved children so I agreed

Over a period of around four years in the 1950s, the couple fostered many children and Ken remembers one child especially well He said: “We had a little boy who came to us when he wasn’t even one and he

stayed with us a long time He was soon walking and calling me Dadda One Tuesday night I came home from work, and Pam told me he had gone - his mother had come and picked him up I thought we were going to keep him and I sat down and started crying I was so attached to him and it really hurt I said to Pam that I didn t want to do this anymore, that I couldn’t go through the pain again because it was

heart-breaking so we stopped

However within a few months they found the calling to help vulnerable children too much to ignore and returned to fostering Looking back Ken said: We fostered because my wife really loved children and it was a really happy time There were tough periods but we knew we were helping disadvantaged children We wanted to do what was best for them In those days you didn t get paid we did it to help The boy that I mentioned who left abruptly came to us with only two nappies and left with a suitcase full of clothes We did it for the children ”

Ken served in the Army from 1944-1947 During WWII he helped build Bailey bridges in mainland Europe to support the Allied advancement into Nazi Germany

He has been at Royal Star & Garter since September 2022 where he enjoys one-to-one sessions with the in-house Physiotherapist as well as lots of music activities He said “I think the Home is wonderful The facilities are unbelievable I complain at nights because the days go by so quickly! There’s always something to do and the time flies ”

Forbes Professional Helps Care Homes Ensure Optimal Protection

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

sumption by an astounding 70% when compared to standard vented dryers making them a great choice for any care home Furthermore the employment of impressive array of hygiene and safety functions enables Miele’s intelligent appliances to continually monitor the parameters that are crucial to disinfection Miele washing machines offer thermal and chemo-thermal disinfection programmes and recent models have received the highly coveted Seal in Black as a testimony to exceptional hygiene standards with special recognition for deactivating more than 99 9% of all viruses

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

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

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

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

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

Calming colours

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

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

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

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

Perfecting the palette

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

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

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

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

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

• Staff areas and supply cupboards should be painted in the

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

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

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

On-site conduct and considerations

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

For more information on best practice when it comes to decorating care homes, please visit www duluxtradepaintexpert co uk/en/content/occd-hub To help find the best decorator for your job, please visit: www duluxselectdecorators co uk or https://connectdirectory dulux co uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LAUNDRY

SOLUTIONS

a full range of maintenance and repair

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit www cashslabels com

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

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

Silent Running - Tranquility in Care Homes

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

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

in residents

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

Reducing noise levels is essential to create a tranquil environment for residents Pagers have been around for many years are a relatively simple and cost-effective measure in reducing the levels of noise and can be added to most Nurse Call systems Smart Mobile Devices are now becoming more commonplace for care home staff and hold a variety of apps for care planning e-medication etc Many Courtney Thorne clients are now utilising the “Go” app with their Nurse Call system With the “Go” app, nurse call alarms are delivered immediately and silently straight to the handsets, alerting the individual carers to all Nurse call alarms without creating any general alarm sound and rarely disturbing the rest of the residents in the home Calmer residents ultimately means that staff are less stressed also this creates a happier workplace where morale is greatly improved, staff are retained and CQC ratings improve Clearly the positive ramifications of a quiet Care Home run deep Get in touch today to find out how we can help your home become a quieter calmer and more tranquil environment

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

Blaucomm Ltd - Telecommunications & Networks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ssee the advert on the front cover for more details

Please mention THE CARER when responding to advertising.

Please mention THE CARER when responding to advertising.

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

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

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

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

With the familiar appearance of a key fob for the wearer coupled with our exceptionally user-friendly app for carers Locàite me gives loved ones or professionals an easy secure and immediate way of checking safety and wellbeing from a distance It is non intimidating technology at its best and our UK based team are here to help you at every stage of your journey

Using our optional indoor location technology, Room Locàite, gives you at-a-glance

Medpage Falls Management Products

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

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

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

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

www easylinkuk co uk/mpcsa11

See the advert on page 2 for details

insights into daily routines and movement around the home, helping you to build up a picture of how your loved ones are managing throughout the day This is particularly useful for alerting you to any changes in sleeping eating or general activity patterns at home enabling you to adapt your support as early as possible There’s no in-home installation required as the small battery powered Room Locàite beacons are simple to place in as many rooms as you need The Locàite me pendant records the nearest beacon and the app records and displays this on a handy 7 day chart

Locàite me gives reassurance and peace of mind to families who support loved ones to live independently It costs £129 99 and the associated monthly SIM plan is just £14 99 which includes 100 minutes of SOS voice calls and 60 optional SMS messages each month It s a straightforward 1 month contract and you can cancel any time from within the app Our accessory Room Locàite beacons come in packs of 3 for £49 99 Visit www Locaite me for further details or to contact us and be sure to read our 5 star reviews on Trustpilot and Amazon to hear how Locàite me has helped so many other families

Frequency PrecisionSensors and Pressure Mats to Monitor Those in Care

Technology has made people more connected with the world around them and the revolution in assistive care devices has made it possible for the elderly to spend their last years in a comfortable and familiar environment These devices have also made it easier for home carers to provide quality care for their loved ones while managing their own lives

They allow you to care for your elderly whether they are travelling in the city for errands, staying alone at home, or staying in the same home as you They are also helping nursing homes provide better care for them with discrete monitoring and quick responses to emergencies

If you re looking for these kinds of assistive care devices for your loved ones or nursing home

Frequency Precision produce some of the best systems available to help you with elderly care and

mobility monitoring ranging from bed chair and floor sensor mats through fall monitoring and GPS tracking to fully integrated nurse call plug or wireless systems

Contact us or come and see us at the COTS on Stand 36

Phone: 01837 810590

Email: contact@frequencyprecision com

Website: www frequencyprecision com

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

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

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

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 that the least skilled operative becomes the care expert

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

Steven Tegart from Talbot Group likes reporting and says I wish all my other systems were as easy to extract data for management reports as the CAREAudits Excel links Andrew Wood of Wood Care Group says It is easy to use and our management team complete audits daily which and very customisable giving you the reporting and monitoring you require to ensure risk mitigation in our services Customer support is excellent and we have never had any issues

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

CAREAudits apps are a part of the Care Plus Innovation Group

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

PROFESSIONAL , TRAINING & RECRUITMENT

Ever ything You Need To Know About Mock CQC Inspections

When you redecorate your house you quickly get used to your new environment

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

The same principle applies to mock CQC inspections When you live and breathe your business, you simply don’t see it the same way as someone who’s just walked in the door

While it feels great to be complimented on your great taste 6 months after redecorating it doesn t feel so good if that same friend spots a stain on the rug that you ve stopped noticing

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

IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES TO BE OUTSTANDING

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

They gather evidence based on client experiences, feedback from your team and other stakeholders, observation paperwork and process reviews

CQC inspectors play a vital role in keeping vulnerable people safe and setting high standards for care

Naturally that s something they take very seriously But if you re focused on managing your team and taking care of clients it can be hard to know whether you re ticking all the boxes that the CQC will look at

That s why a mock inspection is a great way to benchmark your business and find out how you d be rated

if the inspection was done today Your inspector will highlight what you re doing well so you can keep doing it and find opportunities where you could improve your service

If you re aiming for Outstanding, don’t risk missing out when it’s so quick and easy to arrange a mock CQC inspection and find out if you’re on track

WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET A LOW RATING

Your friend has spotted the stain – and what’s worse, it’s even bigger than you thought! Fear not We don’t leave you high and dry after a mock CQC inspection We can match you with the person with exactly the right knowledge to deal with that particular stain

Most care providers don t have the budget for a full-time quality

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

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

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

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