The Carer Digital - Issue #155

Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

Our front-page story brings welcome news that the adult social care workforce has grown!

Albeit only by 1%, but the news is particularly welcome following reports in 2022 that the workforce had declined for the first time ever

The report by Skills for Care sheds light on the pressing issue of staffing within the adult social care sector While the report reveals a small increase in filled positions it is essential to recognise that challenges persist in recruiting and retaining adult social care staff overall Industry leaders are calling for urgent action to ensure the sustainability and quality of care in this vital sector

The report s findings do offer a glimmer of hope with this slight increase in filled positions within the adult social care sector, and should not be underestimated since it does represent progress in addressing the workforce shortage However the overall increase remains modest emphasizing the need for continued efforts to attract and retain talent

One of the crucial factors in sustaining the workforce has been the significant contribution of workers from overseas I have to say I was surprised when I saw the figure of 70 000 recruited from overseas to work in England s adult social care sector These dedicated individuals have played a vital role in filling critical vacancies and supporting the provision of care Their dedication and commitment rightly deserve recognition as they often leave their homes and families to provide essential services to vulnerable individuals in England It is essential that we value and appreciate their contribution ensuring that they are supported and welcomed in their roles

Despite these positive developments it is imperative to acknowledge the persistent challenges in recruiting and retaining adult social care staff Remuneration is a key concern as many workers in this sector are paid low wages for the demanding and vital work they perform As regular readers will know we attend all the sectors national and regional trade shows and we are in fact at one today (July 12) - The Care and Occupational Therapy Show at Westpoint Exeter

Trade events give us a chance to gain valuable feedback from those at the “coalface”, and I have always been humbled when I speak to care workers from all levels from senior management to care assistant at how passionate and dedicated they are something successive governments have taken I think for granted for far too long

As industry leaders point out in our lead article remuneration is a massive issue It is for want of a better phrase, disheartening that these dedicated individuals, who provide

essential care to some of society's most vulnerable, are not appropriately remunerated for their efforts Sector leaders have and continue to call for adequate funding must be allocated to ensure fair wages that reflect the value of their work and encourage longterm commitment to the sector

Another challenge is the impact of unsocial hours on staff well-being and work-life balance Adult social care does not adhere to traditional nine-to-five schedules; it requires round-the-clock care and support This places significant strain on the workforce leading to stress and burnout To address this industry leaders are calling for more flexible working arrangements improved shift patterns and enhanced support mechanisms to alleviate the burden on staff and improve their overall well-being something I think will have a significant impact in staff retention

There is also the issue of stress within the adult social care workforce, which cannot be overstated Caring for individuals with complex needs can sometimes be emotionally and physically challenging with high levels of responsibility It is crucial that adequate resources and support systems are in place to ensure the well-being of staff members Investing in mental health support counselling services and training opportunities can significantly contribute to staff retention and overall job satisfaction

Industry leaders as we regularly report, recognize the urgency of addressing these challenges head-on Their voices echo the need for increased government funding policy reforms and strategic initiatives to strengthen the adult social care sector Collaboration between government, care providers, and industry bodies is crucial to develop comprehensive solutions that improve remuneration working conditions and support mechanisms

Reflecting on the findings of the Skills for Care report it is evident that filling positions within the adult social care sector is I think just one piece of the puzzle To ensure the sustainable and high-quality provision of care, we must prioritize the well-being and professional development of our dedicated social care workforce By addressing remuneration unsocial hours and stress levels the sector will create an environment that attracts retains, and values the skilled professionals who play an integral role in supporting our society s most vulnerable members

Only then can we truly ensure the well-being and dignity of all those in need of adult social care in England

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

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

Editor Peter Adams

Adult Social Care Workforce Growing Again, But Challenges Remain Report Reveals

(CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER)

Some employers are using international recruitment to help them address recruitment and retention challenges with around 70 000 people recruited from abroad into direct care-providing roles Home Office figures show that around 58 000 received Skilled Worker visas after adult social care was added to the Shortage Occupation List in February 2022 Others will have arrived in the UK via other routes such as family permits

INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT CONTRIBUTION

The level of international recruitment has contributed to the rate of new starters increasing from 32% to 34% in the independent sector

At the same time, the turnover rate in the independent sector decreased from 32% to 30% Early evidence from ASC-WDS suggests the turnover rate for international recruits was around half that of people recruited from within the UK

The total number of filled posts in adult social care in 2022-3 was estimated at 1 635 million These posts were filled by 1 52m people which is 5 2% of the total workforce in England, and more than the number of people working in the NHS schools or food and drink manufacturing

For independent sector care homes the number of filled posts was up by 3% (16 000) In independent sector domiciliary care services the number of filled posts increased by 2% (10 000) There was a small drop in the number of Personal Assistants and posts employed by Local Authorities

The total number of posts in adult social care in England including filled posts and staff vacancies was 1 79 million in 2022-3 - an increase of 0 5% from the previous year

The figures continue to point to long-term challenges for the social care workforce If it grows proportionally to the projected number of people aged 65 and over in the population the number of posts will need to increase by around 445 000 posts to around 2 23 million by 2035

FILLED POSTS GROWTH “ENCOURAGING”

Oonagh Smyth, CEO of Skills for Care said “We want to thank everyone who works in social care for the work that they do supporting people to live the lives they choose every day Social care is a very fulfilling career ”

It is encouraging that the number of filled posts has gone up and the vacancy rate has come down Nevertheless the data shared by employers with our Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set still show significant pressure on them to find and keep people with the right values needed to work in care

It’s positive that we now have a workforce plan for the NHS, which recognises how health and social care are dependent on each other Our data support the case for a social care workforce plan including consideration of terms and conditions to support social care roles to be competitive in local labour markets This will help to make sure that we have enough people with the right skills in the right places to support people who draw on care and support now, and for future generations

Any workforce plan needs to involve a range of partners as social care is a large and diverse sector Skills for Care is ready to work with local and national Government employers people who draw on care and support and our sector partners to help deliver a sustainable plan for the adult social care workforce ”

IMPROVEMENTS DON’T MASK NEED FOR REFORM

The Independent Care Group (ICG) welcomed the news but warned that reform was still more necessary than ever ICG Chair Mike Padgham said: News of improvements in the social care workforce is very welcome but cannot hide the need for proper reform of the sector and a strategy for care staff recruitment for the future

“The figures are helped by the 70,000 staff that providers have recruited from overseas – showing to critics including the New Conservatives –just how important this source of staff is and why it should not be interrupted Overseas staff are making a vital contribution in terms of the care they provide and the diversity of cultures they add to the workforce They must always be a part of our recruitment picture

But we are going to have to recruit many hundreds of thousands more people from home and abroad for the future and at the moment that looks like a tough task

There is a care need explosion just around the corner and we are going to need all the staff we can find to cope with it I ask the question if we will need an extra 445,000 care staff by 2035 where are they going to come from?

The need for proper social care reform and a clear sustainable strategy for creating a social care workforce that is ready for the future has never been more important

We need to see a movement of funds from NHS healthcare to preventative and social care and parity for social care staff with their NHS counterparts in terms of pay terms and conditions

If we start to properly recognise and reward social care staff the recruitment picture will improve If we don’t we will be woefully underprepared for what is to come

NEED FOR A FUNDED STRATEGIC WORKFORCE PLAN

Professor Vic Rayner CEO of the NCF said: “The report shows that the workforce situation in social care remains critical The small reduction in vacancies is a direct result of the fantastic contribution that our international colleagues have made to support the delivery of social care up and down the country Over 70 000 workers have joined the English care workforce from other countries, and their presence is a contribution to be celebrated whilst at the same time recognising it masks a further shrinking of the domestic workforce The gaping strategic hole created by the absence of a funded workforce plan for social care could not be any clearer and the government must take action now

“Research from Age UK earlier this week makes it abundantly clear that there are already hundreds of thousands of older people who are not able to access the care they need recent ADASS research outlines the large numbers of people of all ages awaiting assessments for care and all demographic indicators make it clear that this is only going to increase in the years to come We need a funded strategic workforce plan that recognises the skills and experiences needed to care for the future and ensures that workers receive the pay terms and conditions they deserve

PROFOUND CHALLENGES REMAIN

Danny Mortimer chief executive of NHS Employers part of the NHS Confederation said: This comprehensive report always provides an essential picture of the social care workforce It is encouraging to see some signs of progress in terms of increasing the numbers of people working in social care and the report reinforces the importance of the access that the government has provided to global labour markets from February 2022 with increasing number of overseas recruits joining the sector However as the report makes clear profound challenges remain and long term action to support social care services and workers is still unfinished business for the government

A recommendation of the 2021 report was that further work on integrated working between social care and health be taken forward NHS Employers and the Integrated Care Systems Network of the NHS Confederation has been pleased to work alongside Skills for Care the Local Government Association and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services to provide guidance on Integrated Workforce Thinking to social care and health leaders and teams We look forward to continuing that work over this next year "

“SCARRED BY DECADES OF NEGLECT”

Hugh Alderwick, Director of Policy at the Health Foundation, said: ‘The Skills for Care data illustrate the large and chronic staff gaps in social care – a system scarred by decades of political neglect and underfunding, and where many people go without the care they need The vacancy rate has fallen slightly to 152 000 compared with 164 000 last year but is still high and close to the record levels seen over the last decade

International recruitment is vital to help fill staff gaps but must be ethical and sustainable given global shortages in health and care workers and is no replacement for the urgent action needed by government to improve pay and conditions for people working in social care Care workers are among the lowest paid in society and experience shocking levels of poverty and deprivation A national strategy is urgently needed to address these issues and support and grow the social care workforce over the long-term – like we now have for the NHS This needs to be matched with broader policy change and investment to ensure people have access to good quality care and greater protection against social care costs

The Benefits Of Dance For Dementia –Promoting Positive Connections And Increasing Mental Well-Being

Keen to bring some exercise innovation and variety to the lives of people in the care home she works for Chloe Morrisey Activities

Co-Ordinator at Orchard Care Homes’ Penwortham Grange and Lodge Preston draws on her dance background to get everyone moving Here, Chloe explains the benefits of dance for all and how it can help to build connection and confidence amongst those living with dementia

I am a great believer in exercise for life for all Exercise is important for our physical and mental well-being It can improve strength, flexibility balance and coordination as well as reduce the risk of chronic health conditions like heart disease diabetes and obesity I ve seen how dance can really benefit those in care homes proving that exercise at any time of life is vital to enhance the fitness levels of people of all ages, shapes, and sizes

At Penwortham Lodge and Grange, I have been delivering bespoke dance workshops and activities for everyone at our home over the past two years and have noticed an improvement in overall psychological and mental well-being - which is especially important for those with dementia

Dance has positive effects on people with dementia as it boosts the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, while also enhancing neurotransmission to the brain As a great mood lifter dancing can help to elevate levels of serotonin dopamine endorphins and norepinephrine It plays a critical role in movement memory enabling people living with dementia to access and express emotions and memories that are stored in the body – even though they may experience cognitive psychological or physical limitations For those who have difficulty communicating verbally movement-based communication offers a valuable alternative to show connection and expression

During my degree in Dance Performance and Teaching at the University of Central Lancashire I became interested in how dance activities can help people who live in care homes I began researching ways to

facilitate dance effectively in an inclusive and person-centered way –which is so important in day-to-day life among residents I enjoyed experimenting with different techniques and observing dance experts by shadowing various practitioners in my community including Dr Melanie Brierley s Connect + Flow session for people with Parkinson s in Preston These sessions were a great source of inspiration and led me to pursue a career combining care and dance

One aspect which really appealed to me was how an individual s physical cognitive emotional social and spiritual needs can be met through dance and the way groups can come together to express themselves Through working at Orchard, I have been able to implement some of these techniques and gain a deeper understanding of the individual health and mobility needs of residents so that I can tailor my dance workshops to be as inclusive as possible

My role at Orchard gives me immense satisfaction as I get to create spaces that promote social interaction It s wonderful to exchange skills with everyone, and I find that some people have vast experience to offer I enjoy teaching new skills and routines and take pleasure in providing a safe and inclusive space for everyone in my well-being and somatic workshops I always encourage everyone to explore their creativity and self-expression aiming to strengthen connections in their mind body and spirit

For people with less mobility I adapt routines and exercises These can include seated exercises or stretching, which helps to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness Generally, the suggested exercise target each week for people over 65 is two and a half hours of moderate activity However I prefer to personalise plans to fit each person's unique needs and fitness capacities If someone has difficulty meeting the recommended physical activity targets I may adopt a lower intensity level or shorter time frame then try to gradually build on this

I’d recommend dance as a motivational booster for people in care homes – for both staff and residents alike It s so much fun and adds a real variety to the types of activities on offer such as craft gardening or bingo Whilst these are fun too, dance and music can bring back so many memories and feelings which is wonderful to see I am really pleased to be able to combine my love of dance with my passion for care It s a winning combination for me!

Cheshire Care Home Welcomes Local Nurser y To Dance Through The Ages At Silent Disco

A Cheshire care home has welcomed a local nursery to take part in a silent disco a unique initiative aimed to bridge the generation gap and rekindle the residents cherished memories through music and dance

Priesty Fields Care Home in Congleton recently played host to The Nursery who full of excitement injected some youthful enthusiasm into a silent disco hosted in the home’s state-ofthe-art communal space

A day filled with joy and laughter, many of the children quickly formed friendships with residents encouraging them to dance and exchange comical glasses and props

Recognising the profound impact of music on mental wellbeing this event ignited joyous childhood memories among the residents

The carefully curated playlist skillfully crafted by Pete Goldup, offered an eclectic blend of timeless classics and contemporary hits catering to a diverse audience spanning almost a century in age The home’s retro popcorn machine, which proved very popular among the children also ensured everyone had enough energy to keep dancing throughout the afternoon

Despite the differences in age the energy and innocence of the children had a huge impact on the residents promoting physical activity far beyond their daily norm and introducing them to modern chil-

dren s music such as Baby Shark which was quite the contrast to Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again’

Commenting on the event Home Manager Gill Williams said: “It was an absolute pleasure to have welcomed The Nursery for our intergenerational silent disco at the home

Seeing the residents and children come together in such a vibrant and uplifting way was truly remarkable To witness the power of music evoke memories and bridge generations throughout the event was very special and we are grateful for The Nursery s participation and the positive impact it had on our residents’ well-being ”

Pat Cope a resident at the home also remarked: “I really enjoyed spending time with the children and having a dance with them It was a really lovely day ”

Samantha Greer from The Nursery in Congleton added: The silent disco was an enriching experience for our children and it was so heartwarming to witness the joy and connection that unfolded as they danced alongside the residents The music, old and new, brought smiles, laughter, and unforgettable moments that will leave a lasting impact on both the children and the residents It was particularly special to see the children approach the residents that were a bit apprehensive at first as they quickly brought them out of their shells which I think just drives home the power of these interactions ”

Care Home’s Birthday Card Appeal for Joyce’s 100th

AN APPEAL for birthday cards has been issued by a Huddersfield care home for a great grandmother who turns 100 next month

Aden View Care Home, on Perseverance Street, Primrose Hill, is asking for support on behalf of resident Joyce Wilkinson, who celebrates her centenary on 19th August

The care home s staff are aiming to surprise the soon-to-be centenarian who was born in Slaithwaite in 1923, with as many birthday cards as possible

The home’s activities coordinator, Hayley Toyne, posted the appeal on Facebook, when she wrote: “I have a lady who hasn’t much family in the area who will be turning 100 on August 19th

for her to

as many birth-

day cards as possible I know I have many friends who will help make my lady s birthday as special as she is

Joyce moved to Aden View Care Home in July 2018 where she enjoys taking part in the activities including arts and crafts singing and chairbased exercises

The care home’s staff are planning on throwing her a party on her birthday when they will surprise her with her cards and gifts

Anyone who wishes to send Joyce well wishes for her 100th birthday can post to Joyce, Aden View Care Home, Perseverance Street, Primrose Hill, Huddersfield, HD4 6AP

Scrap Plan For Single Word Inspection Ratings For Underfunded

Adult Social Care Ser vices – LGA

Government plans to introduce a single-word rating system for adult social care services should be scrapped given concerns about the ability of councils to meet all of the legal duties they will be judged against, following years of underfunding, the Local Government Association said this week

From the Autumn, and following a series of live pilots, the Care Quality Commission regulator will begin a new assessment regime which will see councils handed an overall rating of either ‘inadequate’, ‘requires improvement’ ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ as part of a new system of adult social care assurance introduced by the Government

Ahead of the LGA s Annual Conference – which begins in Bournemouth next week – councils insist that it is unhelpful and unproductive to give single word ratings to such a complex service which is struggling with the consequences of years of underfunding

The latest Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) survey found three quarters of directors of adult social care are not confident they can meet their legal duties under the Care Act –these are the duties against which they will be assessed by the new CQC assurance system

The LGA which represents 350 councils across England said narrative reports – instead of singleword ratings alone – would provide a more useful and balanced picture of the quality of services

Adult social care has faced over a decade of underfunding and unmet and under-met need has grown as a consequence Extra money announced for adult social care in last year s Autumn Statement will help ease pressures but much of it will be absorbed by meeting demography pay and inflationary pressures and it falls well short of what is needed to allow councils to fully deliver against their Care Act duties given wider workforce and care market pressures

In addition to funding for adult social care now through the Autumn Statement the LGA also continues to question the adequacy of earmarked funding for wider reform of care and support

LGA analysis shows:

£250 million investment in measures to support the social care workforce equates to £78 per worker per year;

• £102 million investment for home adaptions, which are to help people stay in their home or to get home more quickly after a stay in hospital is under £27 per household per year for those people living with a health condition who require a home adaptation; £25 million for unpaid carers works out at £5 per carer

The Government needs to be realistic in setting expectations of what can be achieved even with this funding Councils continue to work hard to protect vital adult social care services and meet their statutory duties having diverted billions of pounds away from other council services in recent years to try and keep them afloat

However, this has not been enough to avoid cuts to services with the ADASS survey also showing social care directors are having to find savings of £806 million this year up from £597 million in 2022/23 to balance the books

The LGA said government needs to provide immediate investment to end this crisis address unmet and under-met need and urgently agree a long-term funding and reform plan to allow all people to access the care services they need to live an equal life

Cllr David Fothergill Chairman of the LGA s Community Wellbeing Board said:

It is clear that most councils are struggling to meet all of their legal duties under the Care Act Given that it seems absurd to push ahead with single word ratings for adult social care departments which would oversimplify what are very complex services to deliver As it stands councils are being set up to fail

The Government must ensure that the assurance process is and remains productive and supportive for councils Sufficient time must be given to learn the lessons from the pilot sites Councils want to give full transparency to their residents on how their adult social care services are is performing but a single word ratings does not do justice to the complex and parlous state that adult social care is in Working with people who draw on care and support councils and care providers the Government also needs to urgently develop and implement a fully costed long-term sustainable plan to fund social care

Creating The Healthcare Workforce Of Tomorrow

By Fran Gouldsborough, Deputy Head of Health Science & Social Care at the Quarry Hill

Leeds City College (www leedscitycollege ac uk), a member of Luminate Education Group

Further education despite limited funding support has long played a major role in the training of healthcare workers Colleges in particular can be credited with producing many of the health and social care professionals of today

In 2021/22 alone 297 864 students in the UK enrolled on to a course in health social care or public services Some of these students are expected to become part of the 50 000 extra nurses the government aims to deliver by 2025

The nature of healthcare means there will always be a demand for people to train in the sector My role however also helps me understand the underlying reasons why students embark on this training in the first place

Erica Martin is studying Health & Social Care at Level 2 She told me it was her personal experience of dementia care that attracted her to the sector Too many times I have seen people with dementia not given control over their own lives It fuelled a desire to help people maintain the quality of life they had before their diagnosis

Boyelany Diouf on the other hand is a mature student who built a career in construction and switched to health and social care to fulfil what has been, for him, a lifelong dream Being involved in the diagnostic process of a disease is how I want to make a difference,” he says “To provide service users with the care they deserve during a critical time is important to me - I m pleased my course is teaching me how to do this ”

Alongside equipping students with clinical and interpersonal skills, colleges now incorporate resilience training into the healthcare curriculum These skills which include time management and working under pressure, are designed to help newly qualified employees navigate the ever-increasing challenges of today s industry

What s more recent global and national challenges such as Covid-19 and the cost

of living crisis have seen colleges step up their wellbeing support to help students deal with unprecedented changes to how they live and learn

For me it was the joy of delivering quality healthcare to people in my community says Dorcas Appeaning It s this that motivates me to keep training; knowing I will join the same workforce in which members risked their lives for the nation during the pandemic

Erica concurs: Part of my work experience includes serving as a Senior Care Assistant It was inspiring to watch staff go above and beyond My course has taught me that everything must be done with service at the forefront ”

While this feedback may represent the thoughts of a few it provides insight into the important work colleges are doing to harness the motivations of young people wanting to enter the sector Nevertheless, funding rates for healthcare courses remain low A Level 3 Pharmacy Services apprenticeship, for example, has a funding band of £4,000 compared to one in vehicle mechanics at Level 2 funded at £6,000

Despite this, interest among students is consistent - T Level enrolment numbers for 2022 show that Health and Science T Levels were the second highest Colleges will also be required to increase their capacity because of the high interest shown for the coming academic year

More funding, as well as those lobbying for that funding, would result in programmes that target specialist branches of healthcare thereby allowing colleges to continue educating the next generation of workers

By investing in health and social care training today the government is investing in the workers of tomorrow

CWC Reaches Milestone: 10,000+ Grants Given to Support Care Workers Nationwide

The Care Workers Charity (CWC) has surpassed a remarkable milestone by providing over 10 000 grants cumulatively worth over £5 6 million since its inception in 2009 This achievement highlights the incredible commitment of The CWC to improving the lives of those who tirelessly care for others

Since its establishment The Care Workers Charity has been at the forefront of supporting care workers in their times of need These 10 000 grants represent a significant contribution to the lives of care workers, offering crucial emotional and financial assistance during times of personal hardships enabling them to better cope with unexpected expenses such as housing costs funerals car repairs and other essential needs as well as paying for therapy and mental health first aider training

Karolina Gerlich, CEO of The Care Workers’ Charity, stated, “Reaching this milestone of 10,000 grants is a testament to the collective efforts of our team and the support we have received from individuals organisations, and businesses We are immensely proud of the impact these grants have had on the lives of care

workers providing them with a lifeline during challenging times However we must remember that whilst the ability to help so many people is something to celebrate the fact that they need help is not We have much work ahead of us to improve the working conditions of care workers We will continue calling on the government to reform social care and vastly improve funding to the sector and finally recognise care workers as skilled professionals that hugely contribute to our society

The CWC reports that the demand for crisis grants has been growing at an alarming rate since 2022 1 in 5 care workers were living in poverty between 2017 – 2020 but now the cost-of-living crisis and looming recession threatens to plunge even more care workers into its depths The mental health of many care workers is also under significant strain However, despite these challenges, the Care Workers’ Charity remains steadfast in its commitment to improving the lives of care workers and providing them with the support they need

Liverpool Care Home Partners With The Brain

Charity For Groundbreaking Dance Therapy Study

Exemplar Health Care a leading provider of specialist care for adults living with complex needs, has announced a new partnership with The Brain Charity a local organisation that supports people with neurological conditions

The partnership involves a 12-week course called Music Makes Us Move’ which consists of dance classes for residents at Kavanagh Place an Exemplar Health Care home in Liverpool that supports people with neurological conditions including brain injuries and strokes dementia, as well as mental health conditions and spinal injuries

The dance classes are designed to help residents express themselves, stimulate their cognition, and improve their movement and wellbeing The course is also part of a research project by The Brain Charity to evaluate the impact of song and dance on people with different neurological conditions

The Brain Charity offers emotional support practical help and social activities to anyone with a neurological condition and to their family friends and carers Kavanagh Place residents have previously attended the

charity s hub based in Liverpool city centre where they offer a variety of different activities throughout the week such as a choir board game afternoons and origami sessions

Exemplar Health Care strongly advocates for community engagement among its residents through various means Dance classes have proven to be an effective way of fostering a sense of togetherness generating laughter excitement and brain stimulation

Sarah Bamford Activities Co-ordinator at Kavanagh Place said:

“Working with The Brain Charity has been a fantastic experience Their proximity and diverse range of activities make them an ideal partner for Exemplar Health Care We have been pleasantly surprised by the level of participation and enjoyment our residents have derived from this partnership and we hope the data generated from the 12-week programme will strengthen the case for the greater use of similar therapeutic interventions in care services across the city ”

campus of

Care England Publishes its “A Year of Integrated Care Systems” Report

Care England has published its report From Inception to Implementation: A Year of Integrated Care Systems

Professor Martin Green OBE Chief Executive of Care England says: Attempts to integrate health and social care have been a national priority for a number of decades albeit with limited success This agenda has been accelerated following the introduction of 42 Integrated Care Systems last year However, successful integration will not be materialised overnight It will take time to overcome deep-rooted barriers Bridging the gap between the health and social care sectors stretches beyond the reorganisation of the structures It is about bringing system partners together under one banner reforming practice and improving service delivery Outcomes must come before process and bureaucracy Care England set out to analyse and reflect on the first year of ICSs and understand what has worked well what has not and how we can accelerate the integration agenda Now is the opportunity for change

Throughout May and June 2023 Care England conducted a series of qualitative interviews with ICS leaders from across England to understand their system s key challenges and successes within four themes:

Published on 10 July 2023 From Inception to Implementation: A Year in Integrated Care Systems’ examines how Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) have developed since they were formally established in July 2022 The report seeks to place a specific focus on how ICSs have managed and overcome pressures associated with the planning, coordination and commissioning of health and care services

• New structures and managing the change

• Identifying and overcoming the pressure points

• The priorities and ambitions

Where do we go next?

The report concludes with a set of tangible recommendations aimed at both ICSs and the Government which if implemented would further accelerate integration between health and social care whilst overcoming system barriers identified through the report

Recommendations include:

ICS leaders should include a representative from adult social care on the ICP or ICB to represent the views of care providers Additional vehicles should be created to gather insights from the care sector and aid strategic decision-making

The Government should allocate ringfenced national funding for ICSs over multiple years to support long-term planning and sustainability of the health and social care sector

• ICSs should conduct a comprehensive market assessment of their adult social care markets overseen by DHSC and NHS England but under the scrutiny of the CQC

A national Adult Social Care Workforce Strategy should be developed by Government

Shared learning platforms should be developed at regional and national levels to promote collaboration and improvement in adult social care NHS England and ICSs

The recommendations and findings are available on the Care England website You can download the full report here

In May 2023 Care England announced the expansion of its membership to include ICS If you would like to find out more, please click here

Martin Green continues: “As Integrated Care Systems embark on their second year our report helps pave the way for how these systems can achieve their statutory functions and embrace an often overlooked sector as a critical long-term strategic partner to operationalise

the integration agenda

The findings of the report and the recommendations we present capture a representative account of the challenges the health and social care sector faces and how we can seek to resolve them We must shift our focus from organisations and processes to people and outcomes This report should be recognised as important counsel to support ICS leaders in tackling integration challenges Care England remains committed to supporting ICSs nationwide to ensure the continued progression toward meaningful integration

Jeff Banks Director of Strategic Partners Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System says: “The Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Partnership were pleased to have the opportunity of contributing to this study As we develop our new Integrated Care System, we need to be prepared to engage in conversations with all parts of our system and to learn from these on how we can better work together to achieve our common objectives We welcome the report and will review its findings with interest as we and our partners develop our relationships with the sector over the coming year ”

Jane Brennan Director of Nursing (Adult Health and Care) Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB, says: “Care England’s report offers a comprehensive account of the challenges and opportunities that have arisen since the inception of Integrated Care Systems a year ago Whilst we believe we have made progress in accelerating the integration between health and social care we realise more needs to be done however, the ICB and systems partners are committed to continuous improvement The report offers a blueprint for a way forward and one we will certainly look to keep close to us as we embark on our second year as a system

Austen House Celebrates World Chocolate Day

Staff and residents at Barchester s Austen House care home in Lower Earley Reading had a fantastic time celebrating World Chocolate Day on July 7, surely one of the best days of the year!

Austen House revelled in all things sweet for World Chocolate Day with a range of chocolatey activities Residents enjoyed an exciting tasting experience where they had the chance to try different chocolate bars from all over the world Also residents took part in themed quiz tasted our delicious treats and had a discussion about all things chocolate

General Manager Joseph Patterson said: It wasn t just the residents that were excited when we found out there was a World Chocolate Day, the eyes of all our staff lit up too We all had great fun discussing our favourite types of chocolate down the years it’s amazing how many different chocolate bars and flavours there have been!”

Jane a resident said: I have always loved anything to do with chocolate I don’t think there are many people that don’t! I have eaten so much delicious chocolate today, I think this has to be one of my favourite celebrations ”

Unlocking The Benefits Of T ime Outdoors

Spending quality time outdoors is crucial for people of all ages but it holds particular significance for people in the later stages of life

Being outdoors is a great way of encouraging older adults to engage in physical activity, such as walking, gardening, or light exercises Regular movement is vitally important for older adults as it helps improve strength flexibility balance and overall mobility Additionally it can reduce the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease obesity and osteoporosis

For me one of the greatest benefits of exercise is the feeling it gives you Exercise helps to release feel-good chemicals into our brains, such as serotonin which helps to boost our mood Regular exercise is even prescribed to help treat mild cases of depression and improve individuals’ overall mental health and wellbeing

As well as the noticeable health benefits, spending time outdoors can also create opportunities for socialisation and connection with others Participating in group activities or simply enjoying outdoor spaces with friends and family can strengthen relationships and foster a sense of community something that is very important in older adults Exposure to natural light and outdoor environments can also regulate the sleep-wake cycle and improve sleep quality in the elderly Spending time outside during the day can help regulate circadian rhythms leading to better sleep patterns and overall restful sleep And as we all know, there’s nothing better than a good night sleep

Another benefit of getting fresh air is improved cognitive stimulation Nature walks birdwatching garden-

ing and other

outdoor hobbies can help improve memory attention span and cognitive function

Here at the Royal Alfred Seafarers Society s nursing care home Belvedere House we are lucky to be situated within 14 acres of our own beautiful Surrey greenbelt countryside so our staff and residents are able to get outdoors every day Given the age and ill health of many of our residents time outdoors is often in the form of an accompanied walk or wheelchair ride up to our Northfield Pond site where residents love to visit with family or care staff to bird watch or simply enjoy the beautiful flowers and surroundings

Our estates team ensures that outdoor space is accessible for all at the Society and that residents who require a wheelchair can still reap the benefits of being outside in the fresh air and relax in our idyllic grounds As a charity specialising in the care of former seafarers and their dependents, we have plenty of maritime memorabilia on site to make residents feel at home and prompt them to share life experiences We also make the most of our grounds and hold events outdoors, including annual Open Days, exercise activities and games so our residents and can soak up the surroundings, and in pre-pandemic times, encouraged families and friends to join us too

At Belvedere House, we re advocates for outdoor activity because we know it provides a welcome boost for our mental and physical wellbeing Care homes should take full advantage of the outdoor space around them to help support care plans for their residents, particularly the elderly

Whilst not all care homes are lucky enough to be surrounded by as much outdoor space as we are particularly those in cities spots of natural beauty can be found up and down the UK even if it’s a local park In the hectic lives that we lead today it is vital we take time to reflect and to prioritise our emotional and physical wellbeing and what better way to so this than by embracing the power of mother nature

National Recognition For Salutem Care and Education's Supported Living Team

The Supported Living Team at Salutem Care and Education has been recognised for its excellence with a major award

Divisional director Sally Jobling and colleagues were presented with the Supported Housing Award at the National Learning Disabilities & Autism awards

The National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards celebrate excellence in the support for people with learning disabilities and aim to pay tribute to those individuals or organisations who excel in providing quality care The Supported Housing award seeks to celebrate innovative approaches and good practice to deliver a range of housing options

The citation stated that ‘Sally is an exceptional and passionate leader Salutem have designed bespoke services to meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable individuals They focus on co-production and complete involvement from the individuals being supported Salutem are forward thinking progressive and their initiatives are excellent examples of the inclusion and involvement of everyone being supported ’

As a leading provider with more than 150 locations Salutem Care and Education aims to provide a pathway of care and support for each individual as they progress to inde-

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

pendence

This includes those from within their own residential homes and young people leaving the family home or residential college, all of whom have the opportunity to thrive with the right support in their own homes

Through its extensive network of trusted partners Salutem can identify the right accommodation options which can be adapted to meet the prospective tenants current and future needs Salutem has developed meaningful relationships with a wide range of housing associations and independent landlords to ensure individuals are empowered to learn the necessary skills to maintain their tenancies

Sally Jobling Divisional Director – Supported Living said: This acknowledgement of the hard work commitment and vision of the Supported Living Team is well-deserved

I am incredibly proud of the work that we do to ensure that our support offering truly reflects the needs and personalities of the individuals we support Working collaboratively to deliver housing and support that enables people to live fulfilling lives as independently as possible is key to what we do ”

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

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

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

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

Bur y St Edmunds Care Home Celebrates Ninth Birthday In Style

A care home in Bury St Edmunds has celebrated its ninth anniversary with some special guests

The team at Care UK s Mildenhall Lodge on St John s Close pulled out all the stops for a special birthday celebration nine years after it welcomed its very first residents

In true festive spirit the home was decorated with banners and balloons and there was live music from popular local duo Caprice who sang a range of songs from 1960s classics to modern favourites – a great opportunity for everyone to show off their best moves on the dancefloor

Guests were also treated to a delicious assortment of party food and glass of fizz along with a specially made cake to mark the occasion

Deepa Reju Home Manager at Mildenhall Lodge commented: It was wonderful to see residents and relatives celebrating the special milestone

The whole team worked hard to organise the event and I am delighted to say that their efforts were rewarded – our birthday party will be one to remember for years to come I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who makes Mildenhall Lodge an amazing place to call home and for helping to make the day extra special

“It’s been a wonderful nine years We’ve welcomed some real characters to the home built fantastic relationships with our neighbours and the wider community and made some long-lasting memories along the way We’re excited to see what’s in store for the next nine years and beyond ”

Alice Mitroi, Home Manager at The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society discusses the importance of outdoor spaces on residents’ mental health and wellbeing

Care Home Open Week 2023 Smashes Participation Record From Care Homes and MPs

5 200 care homes across the country took part in Care Home Open

Week 2023, a nationwide event aimed at encouraging communities to engage with care home residents and the exceptional care professionals that care for them With 17 000 care homes across the UK participating homes this year represented an engagement rate of 30% from across the sector and is more than double the number of care homes that participated in last year s campaign Residents in care homes across the country joined families local people and local MPs for events including a colourful Pride Party, special performances from Michael and Charlene, the winners of the nationwide talent competition Care Sector s Got Talent and the culmination of an eight-week intergenerational project with a local primary school and theatre

Led by Championing Social Care this year s Care Home Open Week reached 135 000 residents across the

for an

in the

with one in

MPs

This year also saw the launch of the inaugural Great British Care Cycle Relay’, which travelled over 300 miles from North to South over 5 days visiting 12 care communities that showcased the length and breadth of social care services at the heart of each community A first of its kind the relay engaged over 300 people either as cyclists or volunteers, or through welcome receptions of residents and team members from across the regions, as it safely passed on a travelling baton between relay legs to its final destination in London

The week culminated in Thank You Day, which took place on Sunday 2nd July Led by Care Home Open Week partner Music for Dementia people across the country were invited to unite in saying thank you by playing singing and listening to music together on Thank You Day The campaign included the launch of a new version of Tony Christie’s song Thank You For Being A Friend recorded as a tribute to carers who never get mentioned Mitesh Dhanak Chair of Care Home Open Week says: “The Championing Social Care team has been thrilled to see so many care homes across the country take part this year and our partners have pulled out all the stops to make this year’s campaign a memorable event for all those involved

“Our ambition is to show the public potential employees and MPs that care homes can offer a positive fulfilling and highly enjoyable experience for residents and workers alike and we hope everyone who joined us saw for themselves the incredible value that the social care sector delivers to society ”

Mona Celebrates 101st Birthday at Sunrise Nursing Home

Mona lives at Sunrise Nursing home in Felixstowe Suffolk and she has recently celebrated her 101st Birthday

Mona was born in Ipswich in 1922 to parents Ernest and Rose Mona was one of six children When Mona left school she worked in the drawing room of William Pretty, which was an underwear factory Mona then went onto work in a florists called Cloves where she worked for many years Making bridal bouquets was her favourite part of the job

Moan met her husband at a friend s home and they married when Mona was 25 years old Mona has lived in Felixstowe for most of her adult life They had a happy and loving marriage until

Ivan passed away a few years ago

Mona Moved into Sunrise Nursing Home in August 2020 Mona celebrated her 100th birthday last year here with us but wanted a low key celebration

This year we have had the pleasure of celebrating Mona s 101st birthday We had a tea party with all of Mona’s friends and fellow residents and our wonderful Head Chef Mandi made Mona a delicious birthday cake that everyone enjoyed Mona received a number of big floral bouquets for her birthday and she really enjoyed spending time arranging these into vases

NHS in England Grappling With Difficult New

Normal As Staff Sickness Soars Post-Pandemic

The NHS in England is facing a new normal of sickness absence in hospitals and community services having seen a 29% jump in the most recent calendar year compared with the year before the pandemic (an average of 5 6% in 2022 vs 4 3% in 2019) equating to an average of 17 000 additional staff off sick each day according to new Nuffield

Trust analysis for the BBC

Analysis of staff sickness data published by the NHS shows that there were more staff off sick on any given month in 2022 than at the worst point in the year before the pandemic: even the month with the lowest rates of sickness in 2022 (May 2022 at 4 9%) was higher than December 2019 the worst month that year (4 86%)

In total across 2022 some 27 million days were lost to sickness absence equivalent to 74 500 full-time staff including some 20 400 nurses and 2,900 doctors This increasing burden of sickness absence is thought to be contributing to higher costs and disruption for NHS providers fuelling additional stress for remaining staff and is a major push factor for staff leaving leading to further disruption for patients and services

While the increase in respiratory and infectious conditions is not sur-

prising given Covid-19 there has also been a stark rise in staff who need to take sick days for anxiety, stress and burnout, which now account for a quarter of sick days In total across 2022 some 6 million working days were lost in total to mental health and wellbeing reasons

The analysis All is not well Sickness absence in the NHS in England covered exclusively by the BBC also found:

The level of sickness absence is not equal around the country By the end of 2022 the reported sickness rate in the North West stood at 7 4% above the national average for hospital and community services while London was 5 4%

• All types of NHS trusts saw a substantial increase in sickness absences but ambulance services have seen a particular spike with three ambulance trusts seeing one in 10 staff off sick on average every day in 2022

Ambulance staff (2 3 percentage point increase) ambulance support staff (3 2) and midwives (1 9) saw the largest rises in sick days in 2022 compared to the pre-pandemic year

The sickness absence rate in the NHS in England remains well above the public sector average despite a national target to bring them down

to this level

The analysis of NHS data adds to further evidence that NHS staff are increasingly suffering from work-related stress Over half (57%) of staff reported in the NHS annual staff survey going into work despite not feeling well

Nuffield Trust Senior Fellow Dr Billy Palmer said The health service is grappling with a difficult new normal when it comes to staff sickness leave The increasing numbers taking time away from work feeds into a seemingly unsustainable cycle of increased work leading to burnout and then more people choosing to leave

“Monthly sickness absence rates last year never once fell below even the worst point pre-pandemic These sustained higher rates of sickness absence are equivalent to taking some 17 000 staff out of the NHS

“There has been a lot of focus on recruitment and bringing staff in or back but we need more endeavour to improve the working conditions of existing staff and protect them from illness The NHS workforce plan needs to have concrete support to enable employers to improve NHS staff experience if the service is to break this cycle of staff absences sickness and leaving rates ”

Anchor Chef Of The Year Announced

A chef at an Aylesbury care home has won the Anchor’s Chef of the Year Award after being announced at the final ceremony at Leeds Community College on Thursday 6 July

Paul Thomas, a chef at Anchor’s Buckingham Lodge on Culpepper Close went up against chefs from all 120 care homes run by Anchor England’s largest not-for-profit care home provider

Entrants in Anchor s prestigious Chef of the Year Award submitted a three-course recipe (starter main and dessert) The best entrant from each region was picked by regional managers These regional nominees then had their submissions voted for by Anchor colleagues across the country to pick the most appetising menus Chefs were encouraged to use locally sourced ingredients and many even used herbs fruits and vegetables grown at their own homes! Points were also awarded for menus that reduced food waste using all parts of their ingredients

The four finalists then came together to cook their recipes in a cooking competition at Leeds Community College With all four finalists preparing their menus in a set time then having the results sampled by judges including Anchor’s Managing Director of Care Services Rob Martin Catering Manager Noel Finnegan Steve McFall Managing Director of Efoods one of Anchor s suppliers and sponsors alongside Bidfood and Sam Mellish, last year’s Chef of the Year winner

In the end though there could only be one winner Paul was crowned at the official ceremony later that

day For his menu Paul served up butternut squash panna cotta with whipped goats’ cheese and chives dressed lambs’ lettuce with basil oil to start a pan seared cod loin crushed baby potatoes and spinach with charred asparagus, chorizo and caper butter for the main course and finished with a dessert of dark chocolate ganache clotted cream seasonal pickled fruit and chocolate soil All the judges agreed Paul’s menu contained the perfect balance of traditional comfort and culinary excellence! Anchor’s Managing Director of Care Services Rob Martin who presented Paul with his award said: A huge well done to Paul This year s competition was fierce so it says a lot about Paul s menu and skills that he was able to deliver such an excellent set of dishes against the clock and against so many other great chefs!

“While all our homes provide fantastic quality cooking with high quality ingredients our most important aim is to ensure our food is made with our residents wants and needs in mind mitigating food waste and educating and inspiring colleagues to support and promote sustainable options Paul’s delicious dishes very much achieved this aim and I’ve no doubt all the residents of Anchor’s Buckingham Lodge will be celebrating his win too!”

Paul was delighted to win saying: I still can t quite believe it! To make the final four was incredible but I never thought I’d win, I’m really proud to have won! I wanted to make a menu that was healthy but also tasty – and made good use of local and sustainable ingredients

Care Homes Set To Save Thousands Of Pounds Thanks

To Free Training From Health Education England Anenta plays key role in developing healthcare waste training module

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Education England online portal

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

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

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

Where a care home produces more than five tonnes of clinical

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

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

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

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

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

Unlocking the Full Potential: 15 Advantages of Residential Care Homes for Seniors

Since the pandemic the landscape of senior care has witnessed a significant shift As individuals around the world grappled with the challenges posed by the global health crisis the perception of residential care homes as a lifestyle choice for seniors underwent a notable transformation

Prioritising safety and personal well-being, many people started to associate residential care homes solely with meeting specific care requirements rather than embracing them as a preferred living option

However it is crucial to reevaluate the advantages that residential care homes offer to seniors These unique communities have long provided a nurturing environment companionship, and a range of tailored services that enhance the quality of life for older adults

As the industry works tirelessly to regain trust and instil confidence in potential residents it is essential to shed light on the multitude of benefits that residential care homes can offer in this post-Covid era

With this in mind Stewart Mcginn, Managing Director at Baycroft Care Homes (www baycroft co uk) explores the 15 advantages of residential care homes, highlighting why they are an excellent choice for ageing individuals and their families

PERSONALISED CARE:

Residential care homes provide personalised care plans tailored to individual needs Trained staff members are available around the clock to assist residents with daily activities medication management and health monitoring ensuring their safety and well-being

INDEPENDENCE:

While residents receive support with their daily tasks residential care homes emphasise maintaining independence Residents have the freedom to make decisions about their daily routines and enjoy a sense

of autonomy boosting their self-esteem and overall satisfaction

COMPANIONSHIP

Social interaction is crucial for emotional well-being Residential care homes foster a sense of community allowing residents to engage in activities, events, and outings with their peers This companionship reduces feelings of isolation and enhances overall happiness

SAFETY AND SECURITY

One of the primary concerns for seniors is safety Residential care homes offer a secure environment with trained staff members who are adept at handling emergency situations promptly This ensures residents' safety, providing peace of mind for both residents and their families

NUTRITIOUS MEALS

Proper nutrition is vital for maintaining good health Residential care homes offer well-balanced meals prepared by professional chefs taking into account residents dietary restrictions and preferences Regular meals contribute to overall well-being and prevent malnutrition

MAINTENANCE-FREE LIVING

Living in a residential care home eliminates the burdens of household chores and maintenance tasks Staff members handle housekeeping laundry and home maintenance responsibilities allowing residents to focus on enjoying their lives to the fullest ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE SERVICES

Residential care homes often have partnerships with healthcare providers and offer on-site medical services Regular health check-ups medication management, and assistance with doctor's appointments are readily available ensuring residents healthcare needs are met effectively

ENHANCED QUALITY OF LIFE

With a wide range of amenities and recreational activities available residential care homes enhance the quality of life for seniors Residents can participate in fitness programs, arts and crafts, cultural events, and educational workshops fostering a vibrant and engaging lifestyle

PEACE OF MIND FOR FAMILIES:

Choosing a residential care home for a loved one provides families with peace of mind They can rest assured that their loved ones are receiving professional care support and supervision in a nurturing and

secure environment

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES:

Many residential care homes offer transportation services, enabling residents to attend medical appointments social outings and shopping trips This convenience ensures that seniors can maintain an active lifestyle and stay connected with the outside community

ASSISTANCE WITH ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (ADLS)

Residents in residential care homes receive assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing dressing grooming and mobility Trained caregivers are available to provide support ensuring that residents can maintain their personal hygiene and overall well-being

PEACEFUL AND COMFORTABLE LIVING SPACES

Residential care homes offer well-designed living spaces that are comfortable and adapted to the needs of seniors These homes provide a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere allowing residents to feel at home and relax in a stress-free environment

MENTAL STIMULATION

Engaging in mentally stimulating activities is vital for cognitive health Residential care homes organise various activities that challenge residents' minds, including puzzles, brain games discussion groups and educational seminars promoting mental agility and preventing cognitive decline

RESPITE CARE SERVICES

Residential care homes often provide respite care services, allowing primary caregivers the chance to take a break from their responsibilities Whether for a few days or weeks, respite care ensures that caregivers can rest and rejuvenate while their loved ones receive proper care in a supportive environment

CONTINUUM OF CARE

Many residential care homes offer a continuum of care meaning they can adapt to residents changing needs As individuals age or experience health challenges the care provided can be adjusted accordingly ensuring a seamless transition and minimising disruptions

Residential care homes offer numerous benefits that cater to the specific needs of ageing individuals From personalised care plans and companionship to enhanced quality of life and peace of mind for families these facilities prioritise the well-being of seniors

Elizabeth Finn Homes Celebrates 75 Years

Elizabeth Finn Homes part of the anti-poverty charity group Turn2us is marking 75 years since its inception in 1948

The Elizabeth Finn Homes group grew from the Distressed Gentlefolk s Aid Association (DGAA) which was founded in 1897 by Elizabeth Finn At the age of 72 Ms Finn decided that something had to be done about the silent suffering of people in her circle of society

Elizabeth saw people around her who had been self-sufficient in the past battling with poverty and illness and focused the efforts of the Association on raising and distributing funds to those who has fallen on hard time and had nowhere to turn

Following the war there was a shortage of care homes for older people and in January 1948 the Victorian house known as Merlewood in Virginia Water Surrey became the first care home purchased by the Association

A further two homes were purchased the following year

Previously owned by Sir Thomas Smith Merlewood provided residential accommodation for 36 older people with an extension in 1960 adding further rooms to the ground floor

In recognition of the legacy left by Elizabeth in January 1999 DGAA was renamed the Elizabeth Finn Trust to honour its founder and today Elizabeth Finn Homes own nine residential and care home properties across England

This is a huge milestone in our history and one of which we are immensely proud Elizabeth Finn was a champion of kindness and dignity for those facing hard times Her vision continues to guide us ” comments Dr Oliva Curno CEO of Elizabeth Finn Homes

The care home sector has had a very tough time in recent years and we have taken a leaf out of Elizabeth s book and worked even harder to maintain our position as a leader in quality care

“Elizabeth Finn Homes invests first in our homes and staff to ensure a best-in-class experience for residents and families but being part of the charity Turn2us we are also driven by a bigger social purpose Any remaining funds go to support those facing financial insecurity across the UK ”

Over the years Elizabeth Finn Homes has provided care for over 12 000 residents and today employs a staff of 750 Many of the homes are unique heritage properties set in extensive grounds Each of the nine homes will be holding celebrations throughout the month with a host of events such as tree planting sponsored walks donkey rides dog shows and various food and entertainment Local dignitaries and councillors will also be attending along with relatives, friends and the local community

Since the outset Elizabeth Finn s vision and wisdom have guided EFHL and Turn2us It is with pride that they aim to continue her legacy for years to come

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

More details about OdorBac can be found at www 2pureproducts co uk

Councils Face Surge in Young People Coming into Care

The data in today s County Spotlight shows:

• In total, four in five county local authorities – or 83% – overspent on their children s services budget in 2021-22 Collectively 30 out of 36 county authorities overspent on their budgets by a combined £316m Nationally all 151 councils with children s services responsibility overspent by £946 5m

• These overspends were driven by a surge in children requiring care

With referrals increasing in county areas by 8 8% post pandemic the number of children in need – who require support from a local authority – rose by 16 030 between 2020-21 and 2021-22 sixteen times higher than the rise of 1,044 between 2018-19 and 2019-20, the year immediately before the pandemic This 6% rise in county areas was higher than the national average rise of 4 9%

dren s services budgets to protect young people Councils are being creative within the limits of their options: today s report illustrates many great examples of how councils have invested in services transformed ways of working, and undertaken social worker and foster carer recruitment drives over the past few years

“But four in five county authorities overspending is unsustainable Council leaders know we are in a vicious circle where scarce funds are prioritised towards young people in crisis which is why we welcomed the government’s emphasis on prevention But £200m committed to reforming services does not go far enough and we are calling on the next government to prioritise greater investment into early help and family services

Four in five of England s largest councils overspend on their children’s services budget last year with local authorities facing a surge in young people requiring care in the wake of the pandemic

This soaring demand to help safeguard young people in 2021-22 –the year after three national lockdowns – forced 30 out of 36 county local authorities to overspend on their budgets by £317m new analysis from the County Councils Network (CCN) reveals

Councils in county areas saw some of the largest increases in England for referrals to children’s services which are done when there are concerns about a young person s safety and wellbeing Between 2020-21 and 2021-22 there was a surge in over 20 000 extra referrals compared to a decrease of 1 400 year-on-year between 2018-19 and 2019-20 just before the pandemic struck: an increase of 8 8% Councils say referrals are continuing to remain high due to the cost-of-living crisis

The data is released today as part of a new report, which sets out how local authorities are supporting young people and their families despite these significant demand challenges

The report released as part of the CCN’s County Spotlight series contains 18 case studies from across the country – plus stories from foster carers – which show how county local authorities are doing all they can for young people and how they are being creative with scarce funding

The case studies are split across several themes including prevention managing acute demand addressing workforce and foster carer pressures and transforming and reforming services

The report is released months after the government s reforms package in children’s social care being unveiled This includes extra investment into preventative and family services But with the numbers of children in care at a record high, council leaders warn the funding committed is inadequate to effectively tackle the scale of the challenge

• The number of children in local authority care in county areas increased by 1 079 young people over the same postpandemic period: a 10 1% year-on-year rise This is in contrast the months directly before the pandemic when there was a decrease of 140 children requiring local authority care in 2019-20 Nationally the number of children in council care is at a record high of 82,167 in 2021-22 – up from 66,180 in 2011-

12

Despite the best efforts of local authorities the number of foster carers has fallen dramatically year-on-year The number of applications received by councils across England totalled 3,665 in 2021-22, down from 5,095 in 2020-21: a 28% decrease

In county areas the number of applications to councils fell from 2,750 to 1,885 over the same time: a 31% decrease

As the data shows over the last few years councils have increasingly had to prioritise young people and families in crisis rather than focusing on preventive and early help services

Council leaders say this is a vicious circle which stores up problems for the future but they have had little choice owing to budget pressures

The government’s Children’s Social Care Implementation Plan unveiled in February has an emphasis on early help and keeping families together where possible, which is welcomed by councils But with just £200m committed to invest in services over the next two years local authority leaders warn this funding does not go far enough

Cllr Keith Glazier Children s Services Spokesperson for the County Councils Network, said:

These concerning figures illustrate once again the impact of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis on vulnerable families The latest figures show a surge in referrals as well as higher numbers of children being taken into care

“Faced with this spike in demand most councils in county areas have had little choice but to overspend on their chil-

RAISING THE STANDARD OF STAIR

SOLUTIONS

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Green Later Living: Why Does ESG Matter In A Care Home Environment?

The care sector has tackled unique challenges in the past few years alone The COVID-19 pandemic and its repercussions continue to be felt across this industry According to new research, the £2 1 billion of governmental financial support to the care sector in 2020 has only postponed - rather than prevented - a financial crisis for the sector Along with workforce shortages inflation and soaring energy costs 2023 has been no easier for the industry

Amidst these issues there are increasing conversations around ESG (Environmental Social Governance) in the care home sector So why - whilst there are so many other obstacles to overcome - does ESG matter in healthcare?

ESG factors have become increasingly important for companies across the health and social care industry As organisations strive to align their operations with sustainable practices and meet the expectations of stakeholders the availability and utilisation of accurate ESG data have emerged as critical drivers of change Institutions within the industry must understand that ESG data can not only foster meaningful transformation but also propel the industry towards stability and long-term success

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

COST-SAVING IN AN ENERGY CRISIS

With today's challenging economic climate care homes face the dual pressures of rising energy prices and the need to drive cost savings As energy costs continue to escalate it becomes crucial for care home operators to explore innovative strategies that can help mitigate these financial burdens One of the most effective strategies could be to reduce energy wastage Organisations need real-time data on where their energy is consumed to do this This real-time information can further enable them to analyse and cut any unnecessary energy consumption - such as in communal areas

With the advent of real-time data reporting care homes now have the opportunity to gain increased visibility into their energy usage patterns and make informed decisions to reduce energy waste

To effectively manage these aspects it is crucial to have access to accurate and comprehensive ESG data By bringing together ESG data, care homes are provided with easy-to-use reports that can help boost their Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and enable them to monitor their ongoing environmental performance

GIVING BACK CONTROL OVER RESIDENT WELLBEING

In the ever-evolving landscape of care homes incorporating the latest innovations is essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents With the introduction of real-time alert systems care homes can proactively safeguard against avoidable harm and respond swiftly to any potential risks

By leveraging the latest solutions care home operators can track and control various aspects including temperature, air quality, and humidity levels of individual rooms as well as communal spaces This control then allows for the regulation of heating in individual rooms turning it off when the temperature is too hot

By Matthew Taylor, Alternative Markets Lead at Utopi (www utopi co uk)

By effectively controlling room temperature within a permissible range you gain significant improvements to resident well-being Without this technology in place residents often resort to opening windows to cool down the temperature which not only has adverse effects but also results in heating systems running around the clock, leading to unnecessary energy waste

and increasing it when the temperature is too cold

Crucially the ability of residents and operators to monitor and manage various aspects of a room raises both their comfort and CQC ratings By harnessing these cutting-edge technologies, care homes can elevate their standards of care and provide a secure and nurturing environment for their residents

FUNDING, INVESTMENT, AND ASSET VALUE

According to Forbes investors acknowledge the significance of investing in socially responsible companies, including those in the social care sector Embracing sustainability and incorporating ESG principles can not only attract investments but also assist in achieving long-term financial stability

By incorporating ESG factors into business practices, care homes can gain access to funding and investment opportunities that align with sustainable and responsible principles Moreover by improving their ESG performance care homes can directly increase the value of their assets This not only allows them to act financially conscious but also contributes to reducing the environmental impact of their real estate holdings

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

THE DEMAND FOR TALENT

The issue of staffing in care homes has become a pressing concern in recent years According to the Skills for Care 2022 report there are now 165 000 vacancies in the adult social care industry a remarkable 52% rise over the previous year As the demand for quality care services continues to rise, care homes are faced with the challenge of attracting and retaining talented professionals

In today s rapidly changing world sustainability has become a top priority for individuals and organisations alike This shift in mindset has extended to the job market where a new generation of talent is increasingly placing importance on environmentally conscious practices Indeed a recent study found that by 2029, the Millennial and Gen Z generations will make up 72 percent of the world’s workforce, compared to 52 percent in 2019 These generations place greater importance on environmental and social concerns than their predecessors do – and will expect more from employers on these issues ”

Care homes being an integral part of our society have the opportunity to attract this passionate and forward-thinking talent by driving ESG initiatives within their operations

By implementing cutting-edge smart technology that exemplifies ESG practices care facilities can not only contribute to a brighter future but also show a dedication to environmental sustainability They may also be seen as desirable employers by workers who place a premium on sustainability in their professions

The social care industry plays a crucial role in the well-being and support of individuals in society As we navigate through an era of rapid technological advancements and increasing awareness about ESG issues, this industry must acknowledge the significance of sustainability and ESG principles By proactively integrating these principles into their operations along with innovative technology social care organisations can pave the way towards a brighter more inclusive and more socially responsible future for all

Vale View Heights Celebrates Achieving a ‘Good’ CQC Rating and Announces Appointment of New Care Home Manager

Vale View Heights a 55-bed care home in Sidmouth East Devon is enjoying a double celebration as it announces it has achieved a Good Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating and the appointment of Izabella Maican as its new care home manager

The care home, which provides residential, dementia, nursing and respite care achieved an overall rating of Good

The recently published CQC report found that residents ‘were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives’ and that people were helped to stay active to develop and maintain social relationships and to take part in a range of social activities ’ Staff recruitment and training were commended and the report stated there were enough staff to meet people s needs’ Nutrition and food were described as excellent by a number of residents

With fortunate timing the CQC report was published at the same time Izabella Maican was announced as Vale View Height’s new care home manager

Izabella Maican said:

“We are delighted to have been awarded a ‘Good’ rating from the CQC The staff here work tirelessly to ensure that our residents feel safe well-looked after and are always treated with dignity and respect This well-deserved acknowledgement is testament to the professionalism and passion the team has for caring for every resident here at Vale View Heights – this award is for them

“I am personally thrilled to have the opportunity to lead Vale View Heights into its next exciting new era and I am determined that the home will continue to improve its service and provision in all areas A happy and well-run care home depends upon the quality and dedication of its carers so I will ensure that my caring team feel truly valued and supported to deliver the top-quality care I see here on a daily basis ”

Izabella trained as a nurse in Romania before coming to England to work as both a carer and a nurse in a nursing home After becoming a deputy manager where she turned around a home that had required improvements she became a clinical lead at another care home After a period working for a caring agency

Izabella joined Vale View Heights in May 2023

Revitalise Respite Holidays Launches 2023 Summer Season

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

Revitalise is a unique provider of respite holidays for those who need 24hour 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 NACC Care Chef of the Year 2023 Finalists Announced

After some particularly challenging heats the line-up of care chefs set to compete in the national final of the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Care Chef of the Year 2023 competition has been announced

In June regional heats were held across the NACC Regions –Midlands South East Scotland North South West and Wales –with care chefs demonstrating that they can compete with the best when it comes to culinary skills The prize is to represent their region in the national final scheduled to take place on 3rd October 2023

Once again this year’s lead judge was Steve Munkley, Vice President of Craft Guild of Chefs who attended each region to ensure continuity The chefs had to demonstrate to the judges their full understanding of the meals they are providing for their residents whilst introducing their own flair through contemporary flavours

The finalists who intend to impress the judges one more time include:

Nigel Cooke – Eastcote Park Cinnamon Care Collection

Alex Millichamp – Chandler Court Care UK

Chris Mattinson – Sycamore Court Caterplus/Elior

Brian Preston – RBL Lister House – Royal British Legion

• Jessica Vreede – Guthrie House Four Seasons Health Care

Graham Watson – Lauder Lodge Care UK

• Kasia Hab-Bialkowska – Highmarket House Care Home Care UK

Chris Mitchley – St John s House Castlemeadow Care

Darren Nelson – Trymview Hall Care Home, Care UK

Daniel Bree Hartwood House Cinnamon Care

Alex Connell, Vegetarian for Life

• David Sharp Signature for Barnet Signature Care

The ninety-minute regional heat focused on the importance of food, nutrition and positive mealtime experiences as part of quality care entrants are challenged to create an appealing and delicious two-course menu (main and dessert) appropriate for people in a care setting The combined food cost for both courses should be no more than £3 50 per head based on three portions and it must be nutritionally balanced The menu must also feature at least one product from Unilever Food Solutions sector-relevant catering range

Lead Judge Steve Munkley said: I have been incredibly pleased with the standards I have seen so far This is a really important competition that shows highlights the skills within the care sector ”

Sue Cawthray National Chair of the NACC said: “Congratulations to the finalists of the NACC Care Chef of the Year competition 2023! The calibre of entries for this competition continues to be incredibly high and we have seen exceptional dishes created and served by chefs across the regional heats The finalists should be immensely proud of their efforts so far I know that they will want to impress the judges in October

“The national final is always a fantastic event It highlights and celebrates the care catering sector and the exceptional talent of our chefs Delicious nutritious food and positive dining experiences are vital to quality care I honestly believe that the kitchen is at the heart of a care home and mealtime experiences really are life quality enhancing both physically and emotionally This is why through events like the Care Chef of the Year competition the NACC works tirelessly to raise awareness of the amazing rewarding work and valuable contribution of chefs and caterers in the care sector I wish all the finalists the very best of luck ”

Nick Dutton deputy chair of the NACC who attended a number of the heats said: It is amazing to see the excitement around each of the heats We are lucky to have so many talented chefs wanting to take part I am really looking forward to the final

The NACC Care Chef of the Year competition is supported by main sponsor Unilever Food Solutions and long-standing event sponsor The Worshipful Company of Cooks

Pub Landlady and Racehorse Owner Loved Her Respite Break So Much She Became a Full-Time Resident at The Lawn Care Home in Hampshire

At Friends of the Elderly s residential care home The Lawn in Alton Hampshire respite break to full-time resident Lynda Godfrey has been sharing her extraordinary life experiences with the care team

Lynda who has been a full-time resident at The Lawn since August 2022, originally visited the care home for a respite break “My family wanted me to be looked after properly I had carers at home but they felt I needed a bit more support so a respite break was a good choice for me to see how I liked living in a residential care home environment,” said Lynda “My respite break went so well that my family and I thought The Lawn was the best place for me so we made the decision together to make this lovely care home my permanent home she added

Lynda was born in Guildford in October 1939 and grew up in the historic Surrey town attending The Merrow Grange School a Convent school run by The Daughters of Mary and Joseph

Lynda married her Husband David, and together they decided to buy and run a pub “We brought our pub in Banbury in Oxfordshire It was the local village pub and we loved running it together Lynda said “We had the pub for about six years and became good friends with lots of the locals I served behind the bar was the in-house cleaner and did all the cooking There was never a dull moment

“We turned the attached next-door building into a flat so that my Mum could be close to us and we also lived next-door to the pub as well as upstairs It was a big area with lots of storage space which was handy I have great memories of our time at the pub We would host lots of parties especially our annual

New Year s Eve event which was great fun I have lots of funny stories but none that I could repeat Lynda added

Alongside running their pub David owned racehorses Lynda continued: “We both had a love of horses I used to ride when I was a child but as I got older I preferred to stay out of the saddle and just watch them race David had a jockey to train and race his horses, so luckily, I didn’t have to be involved with that job

We chose the horses for their good temperament; hansom looks and how well they had done in previous races The stables were located at the racecourse and we would go there all the time The horses raced all over the UK but Ascot is my favoured racecourse it s such a grand place

Lynda has immersed herself into life at The Lawn and has adapted so well to living at the care home Alina Gutu the Registered Manager at The Lawn said: “Lynda is a lovely lady and a much loved and highly thought of member of The Lawn family Lynda enjoyed her respite break so much that together with her family, decided it was the perfect place for her to come and live permanently; it’s wonderful to have her here with us

“The respite break was a great way for me to test the waters and see if I liked living at The Lawn, which I thoroughly did,”

Lynda continued Everyone here is so nice and friendly I am so well looked after and feel so safe I couldn’t wish for a better place to be

“I was asked recently what advice I would pass on to the younger generation I’d have to say be good to others and treat people as you would like to be treated –oh and spend all your money and enjoy yourself because you can’t take it with you Lynda concluded

Forbes Professional Helps Care Homes Ensure Optimal Protection

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

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

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

End Of Life Care Charity Marie Curie Reports That More Than One Person Ever y Minute Will Die With Palliative Care Needs

A new report from end of life charity Marie Curie details the urgent need to improve and grow the support needed for people at the end of life before it is too late

Currently one in four people in the UK dies without the care and support they need at the end of life1 Analysis by Marie Curie shows that if trends continue by 2048 the number of people with palliative care needs in the UK will climb by more than 147,000 to over 730,000 One factor driving this increase in need is the massive projected increase in the UK s ageing population, set to climb by 92 per cent to 3 373 0002

This rise means that in just 25 years’ time more than one person a minute will have palliative needs when they die – but hundreds of thousands won t get the support they need if the system does not change Marie Curie is on a mission to close this gap so that the sector is set up to meet demand in the coming years and provide care to all those who need it at the end of life

Marie Curie is focusing on the following areas over the next five years with the aim of reducing pressures on the NHS for people at the end of life:

Rapid response nursing services – reactive services to support dying people in their homes which helps to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions including overnight and at weekends

• 24/7 single point of access hubs – which can be accessed by carers and patients to reduce the complexity of navigating healthcare services and providers Early evaluations of a service in Liverpool that the charity is involved in, which uses this method, has shown a 44% reduction in the average unplanned admissions in last 90 days of life

Working with the NHS and other providers – to make services in the NHS and other organisations work better for people at the end of their lives their loved ones carers and also the taxpayer

Increase Advance Care Planning – encouraging conversations between people and their families and / or carers about their future wishes and priorities for care This will enable better planning and provision of care to help them live and die well in the place and manner of their choosing

• More targeted support – providing equity of access for all people particularly those living in areas of deprivation or underserved groups

Chief Executive Matthew Reed details how the charity intends to be part of the solution to improve the

situation for people and their families across the UK:

At Marie Curie we re troubled that there s a gap around people who are not getting the end of life care they need and that gap is getting bigger particularly for the poorest communities Every year more and more people will be dependent on end of life care – we are going to spend longer in the last chapter of life with more complex health needs ”

The charity which was established alongside the NHS is celebrating its 75th anniversary today It has been there for millions of people affected by terminal illness and those dealing with dying death and bereavement since its inception in 1948 and works closely with the NHS to deliver palliative care and support to people in need and their families across the UK

This need has steadily increased; between 2012 and 2021 the number of people in England dying with palliative needs rose from 416 000 to 495 000 – an increase of 19 per cent The most common cause of death during this period was cancer, although deaths from conditions such as heart disease remain high and the number of deaths from dementia are increasing too

By utilising its ongoing research knowledge and experience gathered over more than seven decades Marie Curie aims to continue playing a vital role in significantly helping people at the end of life Its broad offering includes services such as Rapid Response which provides urgent hands-on care and helps to reduce the risk of unplanned hospital admissions and pressure on local health and social care services as well as a Support Line for practical or clinical information and emotional support for those living with or caring for someone with a terminal illness

Matthew Reed continues: The UK has an end of life problem that is about to overwhelm the NHS and that s where we at Marie Curie as the leading end of life charity are looking to own our leadership role in fixing it To put it bluntly you only die once – and the last chapter of life has not been right for many many people It is bad for the patient, and it can have a devastating impact on their loved ones too

The system we have at the minute does not reflect who we are as human beings and it is also the most expensive way we could possibly think of doing things – distressed families call 111 and the ambulance service, who are often not best placed to be able to deal with end of life care, so they take people to hospital which is rarely the best place for dying people to be What is needed is more – much more – support for people in their own homes That care is often better and cheaper than what is available in hospital

“We are proud of our past but firmly focused on the future and as we turn 75 these celebrations aim to highlight the urgent need for more palliative care and support services to deliver a better end of life for all This problem is solvable and we intend to solve it

Roll Up! Roll Up! All The Fun Of The Fete As RNNH’s Summer Community Event Returns

At RNNH (The Retired Nurses National Home) the Bournemouth-based residential and dementia care home run by charity Friends of the Elderly the care team has of all the fun of the fair in the air as they prepare to welcome back the care home s annual community summer fete

The RNNH Summer Fete is returning after a three year hiatus following the Covid pandemic “Everyone at RNNH is so pleased that we are hosting our great summer event again said Rob Paton RNNH s Activity Coordinator “It’s shaping up to be a real treat for everyone Our residents are counting down the days until the Fete Fun begins

The care home’s community extravaganza is fast approaching Taking place on Saturday 15th July the summer fete will begin at 2 p m and is open to all and free to attend “The Fete is being officially opened by two very special guests Rob continued Archie and Bailey two of our Caring Canine friends will be doing the honours Archie and Bailey are regular visitors to RNNH and are adored by the residents so they were the natural choice to get the proceedings underway

There will be something for everyone to enjoy The wide and varied activities taking place include performances by The Revolution

Cheerleaders Academy, entertainment from the talented Dorset Accordion Orchestra Band a range of different stalls which include a delicious cake stall, an interesting bottle stall, a Tombola and, of course a fete favourite – a Bric a Brac stall – plus many more

“We have a fun bouncy castle for children to enjoy a Hook A Duck game the wonderful Creature Teachers Pet Corner and displays plus for those who want to get active a Zumba class with Mandy

“That’s not all, we will have a tasty BBQ, cream teas and, without a doubt, ice creams for our residents and guest to enjoy – plus a Grand Raffle that will be drawn at 4 p m on the day,” Rob added

Caroline Gulen the Registered Manager at RNNH concluded: The care team, our residents and their relatives are all looking forward to our community fete We ve got so much taking place and it will be wonderful to get the community together for an inclusive accessible summer event ”

"We hope everyone will have a fun-filled day on 15th July I’m looking forward to welcoming new visitors seeing friends and meeting more of our supportive community at what is promising to be an event, not to be missed

Cost Savings And Efficiencies Achieved For Care Group

Food procurement expert allmanhall deliver cost savings and administrative efficiencies to Taylor and Taylor Taylor and Taylor Ltd operates three high-quality care homes With the food inflation crisis continuing to see rising prices for food products in particular many basics the care providers sought to achieve scalable cost savings to support continued growth, without any detrimental impact on the quality of food offering to their residents It was essential to achieve a food cost savings and improve efficiencies, to ensure effective management of catering budgets but without compromising on the quality of produce The company also wanted to maintain a consistency of supply and the ability to continue buying certain brands

Chris Rees Taylor and Taylor s Group Executive Chef initially started discussions with allmanhall the independent food procurement experts on cost and efficiency savings but also wanted visibility of data and access to reports which would help in making decisions A system that would simplify ordering and managing stock and deliveries was also required

allmanhall has a well-established track record of working with the care industry, delivering sustainable value insight control and support to care homes They initially undertook a benchmark for Taylor and Taylor and identified cost savings of 11 4% Samples and on-site supplier meetings were also arranged on behalf of the individual homes

allmanhall then delivered tech demos of the catering control platform proposed to ensure it met the care provider’s and catering team’s bespoke needs As well as providing useful operational functionality, such as stock taking and standing orders the catering control platform would also facilitate central billing and conversion of all supplier invoices in to one per month, achieving the savings and efficiencies Taylor and Taylor were looking for

The tech solution provided by allmanhall involves an industry leading catering control platform contain-

ing all supplier catalogues updated daily with allergen and pricing information through which orders can be managed and placed menus costed and more The EDI functionality enabled through this means clients benefit from central billing and a solution that is fully scalable As commented by Chris Rees leading the catering in a busy and growing care group, “The consolidation of invoices into 1 per month is a huge win ” Through allmanhall as well as central billing and online ordering every client benefits from a tech package and insight that delivers: News and market updates; delists and alternative product options; purchasing and buy right advice including offers; financial reporting; allergen training; operational support resources; carbon impact assessment of menus; waste management and stock taking; budget control

As a result of working with allmanhall Chris Rees commented We were very impressed with the administrative efficiencies and time savings allmanhall achieved and the flexibility and quality regarding suppliers The team truly listened to us to what our challenges are and are always willing to help in any way they can Their approach is thorough and responsive, meaning we feel fully supported Everyone we’ve met from allmanhall has been hands-on down to earth genuine and considerate

Jo Hall a director and owner of the family managed independent food procurement expert allmanhall adds: “We re delighted to have been able to answer Taylor and Taylor’s short-term needs and to support them so quickly Our analysis on the first period of orders shows savings even higher than the 11 4% demonstrated in our initial benchmark – closer to the 20% mark! We’re not about the short-term at allmanhall though we re here for our clients for the long-term and work on a true partnership approach Our very first client is still working with us today, 16 years on, and we hope to continue working with Taylor and Taylor for many years to come providing them with a scalable solution aligned to their growth strategy into the future ”

Care Home Operators Call For Government Action Accepting National Fee Uplift

Scottish Care members have reluctantly decided to accept a 6% uplift in the National Care Home Contract rate that had been offered by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA)

Following a week-long vote, providers took ‘an extremely reluctant decision to accept the offer which had been made in May

The provider body said “immense and unique challenges” facing its members had been made significantly harder since the Scottish government funded Agenda for Change settlement which meant workers in the NHS undertaking the same or similar role as a care home care worker were now being paid over 19% more

In a media statement Scottish Care said: “The National Care Home Contract (NCHC) has provided stability for those organisations who provide care and support in both residential and nursing homes, continuity for those who act as commissioners and purchase care home places for local people and transparency for those who are residents

This stability is very important because over 70% of care home residents are funded by the State and it is the national Government that essentially sets the pay and terms and conditions of the thousands of workers who are employed by charities voluntary organisations and private providers ”

At the moment the NCHC rates for residential and 24/7 nursing care are £838 for a nursing home and £719 for a residential care home This is equivalent to around £5 per hour for complex care and support ”

“The NCHC is renewed annually between Scottish Care which represents providers and COSLA representing Local Government It is

based upon a cost model which is now outdated but offers transparency including putting a cap on profit at 4% ”

Care home providers are being faced with immense and unique challenges at the present time The primary one of these relate to the challenge of recruiting and retaining staff This has been made significantly harder since the Scottish Government funded Agenda for Change settlement which means that from April this year a care-worker in the NHS undertaking the same or similar role as a care home care worker is now being paid over 19% more In addition like many other sectors care homes have been faced with crippling cost of living pressures most especially in relation to energy costs which for smaller care homes have resulted in a 500% plus increase The difference with other sectors is care homes cannot simply put their NCHC rates up ”

Faced with these significant pressures we have sadly witnessed the largest number of care home closures the sector has experienced in the last few months and the very real fear is that this will escalate at speed Every week at least one care home is closing down Unfortunately it is the small rural and remote private and charitable care homes which are not managing to continue operating This is an especial risk in Scotland where most private providers are small family run businesses

“Scottish Care recognises the immense pressure that local government is under and we recognise that the offer made by COSLA of a 6% increase – is realistically the best that they can offer without additional Scottish Government funding ”

The main reason for initial rejection and this remains the case is

that this rate will not pay frontline workers the £12 an hour as a stepping stone to the £15 per hour they deserve, nor address the critical energy food and other cost issues ”

Care homes have reluctantly decided to accept the 6% because after four months of discussions the lack of additional finance from Scottish Government is placing more and more of them at risk of closure

Regretfully as many have stated to us by making the decision to accept they are only delaying the inevitable which is that many will have to close their doors within the next year ”

A Scottish government spokesperson said: We are pleased Scottish Care members have voted to accept the offer from COSLA to agree the National Care Home Contract We know the sector faces challenges and are committed to working with all partners to improve social care services

Over the last couple of years we have increased the pay for social care workers by more than 14% We are looking at how we can plan for attract train employ and nurture the workforce working with COSLA on consistency of improved pay and conditions improving access to training and development and ensuring a career in social care is attractive and rewarding

“We are also continuing to work towards our commitment to increase spend in social care by 25% by the end of this Parliament an increase of over £840 million

Cheshire Springs Care Home Marks First Anniversar y of Providing Life-changing Care in Ellesmere Port

Exemplar Health Care a leading provider of specialist nursing care for adults living with complex needs is marking the first anniversary since the opening of its Cheshire Springs care home in Ellesmere Port Colleagues, neighbours, residents, and their families came together in the garden for a vibrant summer party where they enjoyed music, a buffet and a delicious cake and decorated cupcakes The staff who had been working at the home since the beginning were also recognised for their dedication and service with a generous anniversary keepsake of a Pandora bracelets or watches Managing Director Selina Wall thanked everyone for their hard work and achievements in the past year and shared some of the success stories of the residents and the home

Since its opening just a year ago, the home has witnessed remarkable progress in the lives of both the people living at the home and the caring colleagues who work there One such example is John an enthusiastic drummer who has benefitted immensely from music therapy enhancing his psychological emotional social and cognitive wellbeing Such is the extent of John’s growth in drumming skills that he is now wanting to become an integral member of a local band

The Cheshire Spring residents have also opened their very own café servicing an array of beverage to the home s visitors a first amongst Exemplar Health Care s 42 homes and have organised a number of

events throughout the year including parties for birthdays

Halloween Easter and Christmas The home has been visited by local choirs, bell ringers and carol singers, and have organised bake-off competitions which always go down well with residents

Meanwhile, amongst the staff team several colleagues who started their healthcare careers at the home have progressed including Shania who originally joined as a Senior Healthcare Assistant, but having been through the company s training programme is now thriving as the home s Office Manager Cheshire Springs based on Chester Road in Whitby is the first Exemplar Health Care home in Cheshire The home specialises in supporting adults living with complex mental health needs and neuro-disabilities including Huntington s disease and Parkinson s disease

Alison Lancaster Home Manager at Cheshire Springs said: We are very proud of what we have achieved in our first year We have built a strong team of dedicated and compassionate colleagues who deliver high-quality care to our residents every day We have also established positive relationships with local commissioners, health professionals and community groups who support us in our mission to make every day better for our residents We look forward to celebrating many more milestones and achievements with them in the future

Blueleaf Promotes Learning and Best Practice In Continence Care with Launch of a New Whitepaper, and Launches Blueleaf Bingo!

Blueleaf the nationwide business that helps care homes deliver better outcomes, is promoting learning and best practice in continence care with the launch of its new whitepaper and Learning Circle sessions to coincide with World Continence Week (19-23 June)

With two out of three people in care homes requiring continence care it is a widely prevalent condition that can affect residents in numerous ways eroding their dignity and self-esteem and increasing the likelihood of further health complications

Therefore, it is vital that care homes are aware of the latest treatment, products and technologies for providing the highest quality of continence care These are the key issues discussed in its new paper – ‘Best Practice in Continence Care’ –which aims to set the standards for individualised continence care now and in the future

The solutions discussed in the whitepaper are also designed to ensure that care homes better target the time and money spent on continence care while also reducing the waste and environmental impact through the adoption of digital tools

Blueleaf is also marking World Continence Week by hosting the first in a series of Learning Circle sessions planned for the year at care homes across the UK with one of the first sessions being held at Exemplar Health Care s Bennet Court care home on 20 June

The Continence Care Learning Circle sessions are being delivered in partnership with experts from TENA and Ontex The sessions will provide tailored advice for each care home helping them identify ways of making continence care easier improving residents well-being while also reducing waste and cost

In addition to the audit and training element of the session for the care home staff Blueleaf will also host a Blueleaf Bingo session for the care home s residents to support the home s commitment to encourage social engagement and support the residents cognitive functions

Ellen Brown Sales and Marketing Director of Blueleaf, says that raising the standards of continence care will remain a priority for Blueleaf beyond World Continence Week: “Incontinence is one of the biggest drivers for people moving into care Yet it sadly remains a taboo topic in the wider community

World Continence Week is a much-needed event for breaking down the stigma attached to incontinence and an opportune moment to raise awareness and educate on the best treatment for a very common condition Through our whitepaper and our Learning Circle programme which care homes can take advantage of throughout the year we ll continue to work with care homes to ensure that residents receive the highest quality of continence care ”

To download the whitepaper or to book an expert Learning Circle session please visit: https://www blueleafcare com/our-services/products/continence-care-2

NHS at 75

Sir David Haslam (former Chair of NICE and author of Side Effects: How our Healthcare Lost its Way and How we Fix it) and David Pendleton (Professor of Leadership at Henley Business School), cochaired a symposium of highly experienced executives at Henley Business School and concluded the NHS must have a four-to-five-year reboot THE TIME FOR

TINKERING IS OVER

A future-fit NHS must be completely rebalanced around primary and social care argues a new NHS symposium convened at Henley Business School

FOUR-YEAR RESTRUCTURING NEEDED

As the NHS turns 75 it is time to face up to a simple fact about a much-loved institution A system that lurches from one crisis to another is in need to a one-off short-term reboot This needs to focus attention and budget on primary care so fewer people go to hospital and social care so they can be discharged as soon as possible

Time for a Reboot

well enough to leave but do not have the required social care in place

REBALANCING FOR NEW STAFF

This reboot is all the more essential now the Prime Minister has set the clock ticking on delivering an extra 300 000 doctors and nurses over the next 15 years The first wave of this recruitment drive will see numbers increasing in around four to seven years time A boost in the numbers is welcome but to ensure the current £2bn programme does not simply produce more medical professionals bound for Australia and the USA the group insists that existing doctors and nurses should be properly paid Payment levels were not mentioned in the Prime Minister s plan Additionally focus must move from boosting numbers and resources in hospitals to primary care and social care (again, social care was not a feature of the Government announcement)

This need for a four-to-five-year reboot of the NHS was the decision reached by a diverse group drawn from the health, education, technology, energy, community engagement and charitable sectors They group was brought together via Henley Business School so opinions and suggested next steps could be drawn from a wide range of highly-experienced executives It is co-chaired by David Pendleton Professor of Leadership at Henley Business School and Sir David Haslam former Chair of NICE and author of Side Effects

How our Healthcare Lost its Way and How we Fix it

The group visualised its call for a reboot as strengthening resources at either end of the health system’s proverbial bookshelf If one considers hospitals are the row of books in the middle it is only with the strong bookends of primary care at one end, and social care at the other, that the system can be stabilised Weak bookends and the whole system collapses Focus on primary and social care bookends

The group visualised its call for a reboot as strengthening resources at either end of the health system’s proverbial bookshelf If one considers hospitals are the row of books in the middle it is only with the strong bookends of primary care at one end and social care at the other that the system can be stabilised Weak bookends and the whole system collapses

By providing more community health professionals including GPs and nurses healthy living can be promoted and illness caught at its earliest stage, meaning fewer people require hospital treatment Technology will play a vital role here in early diagnostics as well as easing the considerable current administrative burden to allow healthcare professionals to devote more time to patients, and less time to paperwork At the same time bolstering social services to provide around the clock service will allow patients to be discharged from hospital efficiently At present as many as one in five hospital beds are occupied by people who are

The one-off, time-limited investment in a rebalanced NHS would need to be considerable The group point to Chris Ham s The Rise and Decline of the NHS in England 2000-2020 report at the King’s Fund This suggested when investment was raised between 2000 and 2008 outcomes improved but then financial markets struggled and the Covid pandemic hit and the NHS struggled The group points to Ham s figure of the UK needing to spend around £40bn each year more to match per patient spending in other leading economies They suggest this is a potential figure for the annual investment needed for four to five years to reboot the NHS

INVEST NOW TO FLATTEN THE EXPENDITURE LINE

With this new investment the NHS could be rebalanced to such an extent that normally rising expenditure levels could start to flatten out according to David Pendleton Professor of Leadership at Henley Business School

“We are calling for brave leadership and bold decisions within the NHS so there is a clear strategy around rebalancing the NHS in favour of primary and social care he said

“The institution has gone through tweaks and changes before with little effect but now the time has come for a one-off investment of new money over the next four to five years to reboot the institution If you get prevention early diagnostics and social care right you ease the pressure on the most expensive part of the NHS; hospitals Hospitals will still need money for ongoing repairs and provision of equipment but we argue that providing the hospital sector with the lion s share of new money may ease the situation in the shortterm, but do nothing to address the ongoing crises

If we get this right we could actually see the expenditure curve flatten for the first time It s been a longheld dream we would get to that point and with the right emphasis on primary and social care, alongside shrewd technology investments I believe we could get there

US Regulator Expands Access To Alzheimer’s Drug Lecanemab

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted full approval to the drug lecanemab (known commercially as Leqembi) for people in the US with confirmed amyloid positivity and a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early-stage Alzheimer’s disease

The ruling comes after the FDA’s advisory panel votedunanimously in early June thatthe drug shows clinical benefit for the treatment of the disease

With UK regulators also scrutinising data on the drug the positive US ruling should serve as a “wake-up call” to this country s policymakers, said Alzheimer s Research UK s Chief Executive Hilary Evans A UK decision is expected later this year or early 2024

Lecanemab made by pharmaceutical company Eisai is an antibody-based treatment designed to remove amyloid one of the hallmark proteins that builds up in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s The drug is given as an infusion into a person’s arm every two weeks

“Today’s action is the first verification that a drug targeting the underlying disease process of Alzheimer s disease has shown clinical benefit in this devastating disease said Teresa Buracchio acting Director of the Office of Neuroscience in the FDA s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research “This confirmatory study verified that it is a safe and effective treatment for patients with Alzheimer s disease

In a statement last month the CMS said full FDA approval would allow it to cover lecanemab provided

that patients agreed to enrol in a national registry that tracks the drug s safety and effectiveness in the real world But some have argued this may make it harder for some to access the treatment

The FDA’s prescribing information for lecanemab includes a warning for clinicians to monitor for side-effects known as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) as well as infusion related reactions

From a UK perspective, the FDA ruling is “welcome news” according to Alzheimer s Research UK s Chief Executive Hilary Evans who called for urgent action on this side of the Atlantic “This welcome news from the US signals a step towards a world where Alzheimer s disease is treatable but should also serve as a wake-up call ”

Today s ruling involved careful review of data from a rigorous study of 1 800 patients A similar process is currently underway in the UK led by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) We’ve written to the MHRA urging them to complete this review as a matter of urgency without compromising on quality

Evans called for prompt action to stop people with Alzheimer s in the UK being left in limbo, and highlighted wider benefits of a quick decision We believe that a rapid regulatory decision on lecanemab will further strengthen the UK’s international reputation as a leader in dementia, attract even greater commercial investment in UK clinical trials and ultimately benefit the 1 in 2 of us who will either develop dementia in the future care for someone who has it or both ”

Cornerstone Healthcare and PremaLabs

Collaborate to Test Staff for COVID-19 Antibodies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alzheimer’s Disease International has announced that Her Royal Highness

Princess Muna Al Hussein of Jordan has become an Honorary Ambassador HRH Princess Muna Al Hussein is an internationally renowned figure in global health and is the World Health Organization’s (WHO) patron of nursing and midwifery in the Eastern Mediterranean region and an honorary adviser for the WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Development in Jordan

On the appointment HRH Princess Muna Al Hussein said: I am delighted to have been appointed an Honorary Ambassador of ADI Dementia is a condition which affects millions globally with particularly high numbers forecast for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region In my capacity as Honorary Ambassador I look forward to raising awareness of dementia as we work towards improving the lives of all of those living with the condition their carers and families

Her Royal Highness Princess Muna Al Hussein is the fourth global Ambassador to join ADI alongside Queen Silvia of Sweden Queen Sofia of Spain and Luis Guillermo Solís Rivera, former President of Costa Rica

On the appointment ADI CEO Paola Barbarino said: We are delighted and honoured that Her Royal Highness Princess Muna Al Hussein has accepted our invitation to become an Ambassador of ADI Her

Royal Highness outstanding work in global health and nursing will be critical for raising awareness about the condition which is expected to affect over 13 8 million people by 2050 in the MENA region

Founder and President of Al Oun for Alzheimer s Patients Care Association

Jordan Hamza Nouri said: On behalf of Al Oun for Alzheimer s Patients Care Association and the Middle East, we are honoured to work alongside HRH Princess Muna Al Hussein in dementia care and welcome the news of HRH becoming the Honorary Ambassador to Alzheimer’s Disease International Her Royal Highness’s passion and commitment to improving the lives of people with dementia and their caregivers is an inspiration to us all We are confident that together we can make a real difference in the fight against this condition ”

Dementia currently affects 55 million people globally a figure set to increase to 139 million by 2050 Within the Middle East and North Africa, data from the WHO shows that dementia currently affects around 3 million people a number predicted to increase by 367 percent to over 13 8 million cases by 2050 The figures for Jordan are equally concerning with over 37 000 people living with the condition a number set to increase by over 500% to over 232 000 by 2050

Princess Muna of Jordan Becomes Global Ambassador for Alzheimer’s Disease International Say Hello To Hasib

Say Hello to Hasib Rahman an experienced care professional who has took over as the manager at

The Knoll care home at the very height of the pandemic!

With 14 years of experiences of elderly residential dementia care Hasib made it a priority to make the home as safe as possible to ensure that family and friends could visit their loves ones as pandemic spread often engaging with residents to enjoy their daily life activities tp keep up morale

Hasib also created a water fountain with help of Timothy “the maintenance man” in front of bay windows so residents can enjoy the sound of waterfall birds and other animals as well come to drinks there

He arranged a plant bed beside the windows near the water fountain

Hasib said: The Knoll is an amazing home huge soundings land with green trees and some animals He said he is enjoying here and he love The Knoll and residents very much He also mentions that members

of staff at The Knoll are working like a family, We always consider residents are park of the family and make them feel they are in their own home Also residents family are part of our family They can feel welcome and comfort That s why they love to visit regular and enjoy here

The Knoll now gets first-class reputation for its care and the quality and all members of staff working hard with their heart I want to ensure those standards stay high every single day, but also look for areas where we can be outstanding

The Knoll recently score 10 out of 10 recently in a review by family members and friends of residents

He arranged to plant tree on Queen s green canopy project at Queen s Platinum Jubilee

Hasib is also planning a new events program and will be introducing trips out to the sea beach boat rides coffee at the docs and engaging with the local community!

Specialist Dementia Nursing Home In Nottinghamshire Raises Almost £700 With Carnival-Style Open Day

A specialist dementia nursing home in Nottinghamshire hosted a throwback carnival for its family members and relatives to mark Care Home Open Week raising almost £700 for its fund jar to reinvest into the home s activities

Wren Hall, based in Selston, Nottinghamshire, created a carnival bonanza within its garden which included an array of traditional games such as a coconut shy spin the wheel and a tombola – whilst children from the adjoining nursery Little Wrens judged the carnival float competition and crowned two carnival queens

Care Home Open Week is an annual event that aims to connect care homes across the country with their communities highlighting them as hubs with outstanding facilities and filled with incredible people By opening its doors to the local community, Wren Hall raised an incredible £671 80 for its fund jar, which goes

towards providing engaging activities and fun days out for its family members

The event also featured a special guest a gentle and therapeutic pony, whose presence brought smiles and tranquillity to the afternoon Animal-assisted therapy, such as interacting with ponies, can have positive effects on individuals living with dementia such as improved mood and increased social engagement

Anita Astle MBE owner and manager of Wren Hall said: It was so heartwarming to see the community come together and enjoy the carnival A lot of effort was put into organising the event but it was a great success and it was lovely to have Little Wrens join in the fun We firmly believe in creating vibrant and inclusive experiences for our family members to enjoy and contribute to a fulfilling life under our care ”

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 ” MoliCare® is a leading global brand of incontinence products manufactured by the HARTMANN Group MoliCare® works in partnership with Healthcare Professionals to develop clinically effective products advice and innovative Home Delivery service solution packages to meet lifestyle needs

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

Commercial Kitchen and Laundr y Solutions (CKLS)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit www cashslabels com

Essential Insurance Covers For Your Care Home

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

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

BUILDINGS AND CONTENTS INSURANCE

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

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

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

Here are some covers you must consider

LIABILITY COVER

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

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

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

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

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

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

ARE YOU AT RISK OF UNDERINSURANCE?

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

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

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

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

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

UNIFORMS AND WORKWEAR WHEN QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE IS VITAL

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

APPEARANCE

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

COMFORT

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

DESIGN AND BRANDING

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

HEALTH AND SAFETY

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

INFECTION CONTROL AND CONTAMINATION

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

RECOMMENDED LAUNDRY TEMPERATURES

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

PROFESSIONAL LAUNDRY SERVICES

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

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

SEPARATING CLEAN AND DIRTY UNIFORMS

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

PRE-TREATING STAINS

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

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DETERGENT

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

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

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

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

UNIFORMS AND WORKWEAR WHEN QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE IS VITAL

CiCLO® Fabric Technology

An Innovative Way To Combat Plastic Waste

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

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

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

Our new Landau Forward range is made with this

Your One Stop Shop For Branded Uniforms

innovation CiCLO® technology

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

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

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ACCESSIBLE BATHING

Introducing The New Pressalit Matrix Height And Sideways Ad justable Washbasin

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

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

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

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

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

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

dle or intuitive electric power button

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reval - Leaders in Assisted Bathing

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

Assisted bathing systems

Ceiling track and mobile hoists

Assisted showering appliances and wet room equipment

• Shower and sluice systems

Hydro-therapy pools and changing room

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

ise and our unravelled “Know How”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Legionella Risk Assessments

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the advert on this page for details

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL

Omnitex Hygiene Products

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

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

Angloplas Dispensers Help Reduce the Risk of Cross Infection

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

Swiftclean Support for Care Homes

Running a care home

problem

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

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

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

and you are protected from any liability for negligence

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

Chiltern: Expert Water Ser vices, Tailored To Your Needs

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

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

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

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

If significant risks are identified then we offer:

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

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

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

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

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL

Sustainable Products Inter view with High Green Development Trust

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

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

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

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

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

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

didn t come into it

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

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

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

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

What benefits have you had switching to these sustainable products?

How has High Green benefitted from switching?

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

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

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

edencleen from Cleenol

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

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

• RSPO certified palm oil derivatives

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

• Water sampling

• Legionella compliance

• Asset inspection – tanks, calorifiers etc.

• Remedial works

• Swimming and spa pool testing

Tel: 01844 347678

Email: info@chilternwater.co.uk

www.chilternwater.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No animal derived products

Cruelty free

Minimal petrochemical derived products

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

VOC free and phosphate, EDTA, NTA free

Recyclable / recycled packaging

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

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

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

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

Re-booting Dementia Care DEMENTIA CARE

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

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

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

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

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

For several years now we have recognised these growing needs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recognii Offers New Way To Entertain Residents With Later Stage Dementia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CASE STUDY:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Focus Games - Game Based

Training for Ever y Situation

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

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

1 Enhanced engagement

2 Improved knowledge retention

3 Safe learning environment

4 Customizable learning experience

5 Collaborative learning

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

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

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

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

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

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

Calming colours

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

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

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

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

Perfecting the palette

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

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

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

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

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

• Staff areas and supply cupboards should be painted in the

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

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

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

On-site conduct and considerations

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

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

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

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

FALL SAVERS ® WIRELESS MONITOR

Eliminate all cables with our new generation falls management solutions!

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

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

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

A variety of options including Call button Pager

Floor sensor mat

W reless door/window exit alerts

TREADNOUGHT ®FLOOR

Lotus Care Technology

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

Having many years of experience in fitting and maintaining

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

Visit www lctuk com for details

CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

Silent Running - Tranquility in Care Homes

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

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

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

is required

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

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

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

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

Blaucomm Ltd - Telecommunications & Networks

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

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

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

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

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

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

NMS:

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

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

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

Ssee the advert on the front cover for more details

www.nursecallsystems.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Medpage Falls Management Products

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

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

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

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

See the advert on page 7 for details

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

Frequency PrecisionSensors and Pressure Mats to Monitor Those in Care

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

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

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

Phone: 01837 810590

Email: contact@frequencyprecision com

Website: www frequencyprecision com

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Digital Social Care Appoints The Access Group to the Assured Supplier List

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

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

Innovative care home software solutions from Ablyss

There will be big changes over the next 12 months in the residential and nursing care sector With around 50% of homes still using paper systems to plan and record their care the NHS Transformation Directorate have big ideas which, whilst exciting, might seem daunting to those without the proper tools to make these ideas a reality

So where to begin? Well we here at Ablyss have 20 years of experience developing software for the care Industry We know how difficult running a care home can be at the best of times and we have drawn on our knowledge and experience to build a duo of care management offerings:

• Blyssful, our award winning cloud-based care management system for new and existing customers, making the system easily accessible from anywhere and by anyone with permission to do so

• Ablyss CMS, our on-premises solution can help you to plan and evidence the care that you provide, supporting you to achieve compliance within your business

The emphasis is on care management, recording, and analysis, and both solutions have been designed with the management carers and residents of the care home in mind The result is time saved admin simplified and safe and personalised provision of care, so you can focus more on those in need

With a fully UK based team, our care consultants are always on hand to provide training and answer your questions whilst our support team will help you to customise your system set up integrations with your other systems, and ensure your software is always up to date

Don t just take our word for it, here s a small selection of our many satisfied customers:

“It s not technology for technology’s sake Irrefutably, it helps us to deliver a much better service to our clients

Elizabeth & Roberta House

“We invested in Ablyss CMS a number of years ago and it has proved to be one of the very best decisions we have made ” Prospect House

We believe we can create a better way to manage and connect your care Seeing is believing so why not arrange a demo with one of our product specialists Visit

“It’s not just about what we do it’s about what we can do for you”!

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Pass Profile 2023

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

• Improve the quality of care

Deliver better outcomes

INTEGRATED HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

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

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

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

CARE PLANNING AND ROSTERING FROM A SINGLE PLATFORM

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

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

Save you time

Increase the efficiency of your teams

The CAREAudits System

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Using medical information to inform care planning

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

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

Get in touch:

www everylifetechnologies com

hello@everylifetechnoloiges com

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

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

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

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

Customer support is excellent and we have never had any issues

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

CAREAudits apps are a part of the Care Plus Innovation Group

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

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Phlebotomy Training: Who Needs It?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE REST:

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

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

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

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

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

What are they earning as phlebotomists??

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

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

See the advert below for further details

The delivery of safe care is the paramount responsibility of social care providers Central to achieving this is the governance framework adopted by service providers And at the core of this framework are policies and procedures These enable the provider to comply – and evidence compliance – with relevant legislation and regulations, as well as facilitating best practices, supporting business needs, and assisting in recognising and managing risks

Good governance care itself is an integral part of health and social regulation Regulation 17 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities)

Regulations 2014 stipulates that care providers must have systems and processes in place that ensure they can meet the requirements of Regulations

4 to 20A Policies and procedures not only ensure that providers are compliant with this regulation and working within the law; they also enable providers to drive improvement and protect the people who access services and receive care

Providers also have a legal duty of care to the people they employ Policies and procedures should provide clear guidelines to staff on how the organisation operates as well as informing them of best practices and processes to be followed

Policies should be reviewed annually as a minimum to ensure they are still fit for purpose and align with legal and regulatory requirements They should be reviewed not only by employees of the business but also by experts in various subject matters (e g , infection control or medicines management)

For many small- to medium-sized providers, there may not be the in-house skills, knowledge, and experience to complete such a robust annual review

Many choose instead to purchase their policies and procedures from a reputable provider like W&P Compliance & Training who will also complete reviews and ensure their policies and procedures remain up to date This way a provider not only ensures they remain compliant; they also benefit from best practice policies and procedures that provide a solid foundation for safe working practices and – ultimately – protect and support service users and staff

Ben Erskine – Director at W&P Compliance & Training www wandptraining co uk Tel: 01305 767104

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

do is book your mock CQC inspection and get your care business on the journey to Outstanding Visit www

co uk to book

BIOFROST® Cold Therapy Gels for Drug-Free Pain Relief

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

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

C&S Seating Ltd

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

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

for repainting

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

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

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

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

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

BIOFROST® Gels:

BIOFROST® Rel ef Cold Gel for pain relieving cold therapy

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

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

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

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

See the advert on page 3 and the front cover

New Vision Signs and Graphics Ltd

environment

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

Kodak

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

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

and

Anglia Crown - Popular Dishes for Ever yone

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

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

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

C&S Seating Ltd is the sole manufacturer of the

Raising the Standard of

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

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

The Stair Climbing Company maintains one main

See the advert on page 13

Stair Climbing Solutions

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

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

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

www thestairclimbingcompany com

See the advert on page 13

Make First Impressions Count with Major Plants

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

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

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

We know that busy businesses have enough work

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

Please get in touch!

0800 111 4014 – info@majorplants co uk

Or see the advert on the front cover

panied by whipped cream garnished with seasonal fresh fruit

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

Nutrition and Hydration Digest (2017) requirements

VEGAN SUITABLE CHOICES

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

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

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

Making the Most of the International Recruitment Fund

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

Care providers need to act quickly to secure their share of the £50 million International Recruitment Fund which is only available across England until 2024 This fund has been created by the Government to help ease the costs of hiring from overseas and cut unnecessary red tape and whilst it might seem like a short-term solution to the longstanding issue of crippling staff shortages, care providers should seek to understand exactly what it covers to maximise the opportunity 88 per cent of home care operators and 87 per cent of care home providers have reported recruitment challenges

These challenges have been caused by a multitude of factors including the end of free movement following Brexit the lasting effects of the global pandemic, poor long-term planning from the Government and the cost-of-living crisis are piling pressure on the sector As a result, existing staff are having to take on more internal responsibilities as the scope of their role stretches potentially placing those who need care at risk The Health and Social Care Committee predicts that if staff shortage trend continues 500 000 jobs will need to be filled by 2030

The International Recruitment Fund plans to alleviate these pressures and can be used for administrative costs that will help facilitate a person’s move to the UK, including support with sponsorship licences and

worker visa applications In addition it can also be used to help with the logistics of settling the employee in a new country including finding them affordable housing helping to pay for a UK driving licence DBS check or National Insurance number

The funding will be granted by local authorities who in collaboration with care partnerships will distribute it to care providers in their areas Care providers should therefore proactively reach out to Local Authorities to ensure that they will be considered for funding, as while a £50 million sounds plentiful with thousands of care providers across the UK competing over the same pot it ultimately may not stretch too far The first round of funding has already been allocated across regions with the South East and North West assigned £2 5 million and £2 million respectively

The Fund itself is not unlimited and the government is yet to announce further measure beyond 2023 if at all This means it is vital to for care provider to understand the the financial support available to them to increase the chance of being successful Care providers should consider seeking professional immigration advice to help their international recruitment drive to ensure that the legal immigration requirements are met first time to avoid costly mistakes

The International Recruitment Fund is intended to give the sector a boost by cutting bureaucracy and unnecessary complexity within the process The biggest hope however is that it attracts the talent that the sector so desperately needs by making the positions more appealing if employers can help with settling an employee once they have relocated While the Fund will certainly go some way to support the sector in the short term more needs to be done to ensure there is a long-term strategy that will lift the burden from the sector and help to end the shortage

In Dire Need Of Experienced Health Care Assistant, Senior Carer Or A Nurse?

JJ Recruitment has the large database of well qualified applicants with experience in the health-care industry such as health care assistants senior carers and nurses from overseas We also have an expert team of solicitors for the necessary legal proceedings and advices

WHY JJ?

We have very minimal processing fees

the healthcare sector is invaluable We can provide end to endsolutions for nurses and clients across the country due to our many offices across the country (Liverpool Sheffield Burton on Trent and our head office on the Wirral) We have our own in-house training facility and are leading the way in OSCE preparation with innovative and proven strategies which result in first time passes This allows us to now offer a complete service ensuring all the requirements needed to join the UK NM register are met as quickly and effectively as possible

Whether you require 1 or 100 nurses we will ensure that they meet all your requirements and are ready to interview as soon as you need them with emphasis being on the quality and relevant experience of the nurses Our online courses are consistently being updated to reflect the changes made to the OSCE practices To ensure all our clients, have access to the most suitable candidates we work with reputable recruitment partners around the globe With the advanced systems we have in place we can track each individual nurse every step of the way providing all our clients with regular updates on the nurse’s progress We monitor and check in with all our candidates every step of the way making sure they have been given excellent training and support throughout their journey This allows us to ensure that we can provide you with a candidate that will pass their OSCE journey first time

SERVICES

WE PROVIDE

We will help arrange your sponsorship license

We will source the best candidates

We will fully screen each candidate

We arrange accommodation

What to Consider When

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

INVESTMENT

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

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

FINANCE

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

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

ASSET/SHARE PURCHASE

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

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

a Care Home Business

DUE DILIGENCE

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

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

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

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

PROFESSIONAL AND FINANCE

The Eden Alternative - What Is It?

The Eden Alternative is a modern ‘philosophy of care designed to enhance the wellbeing of residents and staff in care settings the quality of their lived experience and their fulfilment

It aims to build a truly positive culture; underpinned by close partnership working between residents the team and family members

How does it work? It provides training to Care Homes, management and staff and encourages Homes to train their own in house trainers to run the training Eden has been running in over 20 countries on 5 continents for nearly 30 years and started in the USA It began operating in the UK in 2005 Eden UK runs both face-to-face training and online courses which both lead to the accreditation of candidates as Certified Eden Associates of which there are over

Phoenix Learning and Care Set For Future Growth Following £20m Bespoke

Loan from OakNorth Bank

2 000 in the UK and 20 000 worldwide

The Certified Eden Associate Courses online course run over 7 weeks x 1hr each week using the same material as the 3-day Eden Associate courses and comprise 5 elements (online training with Eden trainers digital workbooks video clips assessment of learning and development of a project to develop implementing innovative ideas) Courses run continuously and a new one starts at the beginning of each alternate month e g March May July etc

For Homes or Services that choose to become an Eden Accredited Home annual validations of how Eden features with the life of the Home/Service are undertaken In recognition of the progress achieved by the care provision an award of Platinum Gold Silver or Bronze can be achieved Eden UK is based at 11 Plantation Terrace, Dawlish Devon EX7 9DS and can be contacted on 01626 868192 or 07483359472

The key advantages to the Eden approach are:

It improves occupancy

It improves recruitment and retention

It improves team and resident wellbeing Geoffrey Cox LLb MSc

OakNorth Bank, the digital bank for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs, has provided a £20m loan to Phoenix Learning and Care, a leading provider of specialist education and residential care for children and young adults with a range of additional needs

Established in 2006 and now employing over 500 people, Phoenix Learning and Care Group operates 41 sites including residential children s homes specialist education schools & colleges and ongoing adult care (in the form of residential homes and supported living settings) across the South of England and Wales Its mission is to meet every individual’s social and educational needs enabling young people to flourish by always putting them at the centre of its thinking and practice Regulated by Ofsted CIW Estyn and CQC the Group supports children and young adults cope with their life experiences providing them with the skills to be effective productive and valued members of society The business is also backed by Ashridge Capital who specialise in partnering with ambitious management teams and providing private equity capital Founded in 2009 by David Sherratt Ashridge Capital has a proven track record in helping build successful and market leading businesses

The £20m loan from OakNorth Bank will be used to support Phoenix Learning and Care Group s acquisition of new residential care and education sites as well as refinancing existing debt Situated throughout the South West of England, South Wales and having recently increased its presence in Berkshire

recent new sites include the Grange, Neptune and Ty Monmouth Schools located in Thatcham Bristol and Newport respectively

François Delbaere CFO of Phoenix Learning and Care Group commented: “Every member of the team at Phoenix is passionate about improving the quality of life and outcomes for the people we support From our headquarters in the South West of England we continue to grow across the South of England and Wales, this bespoke funding from OakNorth will help further accelerate our growth This was our first time working with OakNorth Bank and we found their approach dynamic and entrepreneurial throughout the entire lending process It was great to see Stewart and his team take time to really get to know our business and its key drivers – an approach we haven t seen from other lenders we’ve worked with previously ” Stewart Haworth Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth Bank added “Following the launch of Phoenix Learning and Care 17 years ago it has built up such a positive reputation across the South of England and Wales The level of experience that the business has to offer coupled with its hugely talented team puts it in the perfect position to capitalise on the growing demand for specialist education and care services With over 260 children and young adults benefiting from Phoenix’s services we re delighted to have been able to support such a wellrenowned and established provider of specialist education and residential care and we look forward to watching their growth story going forward

For further information on Oaknorth Band see the advert on the facing page

Care Home Finance from Global Business Finance

Global assists clients throughout the U K who specialise in the healthcare sector to achieve their objectives of purchase development and refinance We have organised over £1 8bn for clients in the past 30 years providing clients with competitively priced funding to refinance existing debt ease cashflow and develop businesses further