The Carer Digital - Issue #160

Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

Our lead story the alarming revelation of the recent BBC investigation has brought to light a dire reality: county councils are facing an astonishing £5 2 billion shortfall in funding with adult social services taking a staggering hit of £457 million

Sadly this comes as a surprise to nobody Industry bodies and operators I think are constantly bracing themselves for another round of cuts

The battle to provide quality care for the vulnerable really is hanging in the balance, and it is a battle that demands immediate attention and meaningful solutions

Our lead story warns of operators handing back contracts, which is a terrible indictment of the sector

In the face of limited resources local councils are grappling with the immense task of maintaining essential services while balancing their budgets

In addition to the emotional toll care providers are grappling with the financial pressures of operating in this climate Care home operators find themselves walking a tightrope between maintaining quality care and staying afloat financially

The BBC s investigation also found that local authorities expect to use £1 1bn of reserves to balance their books this financial year and I have seen reports that some councils are considering issuing a 114 Notice, and are issued if a council cannot find a way to finance its budget A Section 114 Notice must then be issued The issuing of a Section 114 Notice restricts all new spending with the exception of protecting vulnerable people and statutory services and pre-existing commitments

As I have often said, I regularly attend trade shows, seminars, briefings etc, and the common themes repeatedly brought up to address the crisis include

• Increased Funding: The most direct approach is an injection of much-needed funds into the sector The government must prioritize adult social care funding in its budget, ensuring that local councils have the resources they need to deliver adequate care

• Long-Term Planning: Establishing a clear and sustainable financial roadmap for the sector is crucial This would involve working closely with industry experts to forecast future needs and allocate funds accordingly

• Integrated Health and Social Care Breaking down the barriers between health and social care can lead to more efficient use of resources Coordination between these sectors can reduce hospital admissions and alleviate pressure on social care services

• Support for Caregivers: Providing support for family caregivers through respite services training, and financial assistance can relieve some of the pressure on the formal care system

Private Sector Collaboration: Exploring partnerships with the private sector can lead to

innovative funding models that bridge the gap between public funds and quality care provision

We hope to expand on this topic in incoming issues which is always at the forefront of debate with thought led articles from industry experts We hope to hear what their views are on the future of adult social care so please do look out for coming issues

Once again we have had some wonderful uplifting stories sent to us this past week which we are always delighted to share So please do keep them coming in This week we have received stories about fundraising garden parties and barbecues Olympic sports and games visits to landmarks and seaside destinations, new appointmentsall the feel good stories that never seem to make it to mainstream media

And on that note, please do watch out for next week s THE CARER digital issue We will be announcing the winner of our Afternoon Tea Week competition in a special supplement

Once again we had a fantastic response from care homes all around the country with some wonderful and diverse celebrations and some fantastic photographs which has left us with a real challenge to pick a winner! So watch out in next week s issue for our worthy winner!

I can always be reached at editor@thecareruk com

Editor Peter Adams

Councils Could Face a £5bn Funding Gap…

...With £467 Million Cut to Adult Social Ser vices

( CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER)

Analysis of the figures by the County Councils Network (CCN) found that its member councils could have to save £734m in 2023/24 based on 32 respondents

This they say mirrors a survey from the CCN and the Society of County Treasurers earlier this year which found that 40 county and unitary councils could have to save over £1bn in 2023/24

“TOUGHEST BUDGETARY DECISIONS”

Cllr Tim Oliver Chairman of the County Councils Network said: This research by the BBC continues to demonstrate the scale of the financial challenges facing local authorities in England Our own research published in March this year showed that county and rural councils needed to make over £1bn worth of savings to balance budgets in 2023/24, even after four in five reluctantly levied the maximum council tax rise

“Despite the government increasing funding for councils over recent years a combination of high inflation and rising demand has left county and unitary authorities facing some of their most toughest budgetary decisions to date this year County authorities will do all they can this year to deliver these savings whilst protecting vital frontline services particularly care services but there is now little fat to cut after a decade of financial restraint and many councils are facing significant in-year overspends as a result

We must remember that while inflation is beginning to reduce these costs councils have incurred won’t just disappear from our budgets overnight – they are now embedded into the future Councils in county areas have also been historically underfunded, inevitably leading to higher council tax rates The medium-term outlook therefore looks bleak unless these higher costs are recognised and councils are

given longer term financial certainty alongside delivering long promised reforms ” BUDGET

DEFICIT “NO SURPRISE”

Professor Martin Green OBE Chief Executive of Care England said:

The BBC s findings while alarming do not come as a surprise The warning lights have been flashing for a long time There is simply not enough money in local systems Our Sector Pulse Check, published with the national learning disability charity Hft found 42% of care providers reported they have had to close down part of their business or hand back contracts to local authorities due to cost pressures This is despite the demand for care services growing ”

Without central government properly funding local councils the demand will continue to far outweigh the ability of the care sector to respond Without having the right care in the right places, vulnerable people across England will be unable to access the support they need Care England will continue to call on Government to recognise the vital service adult social care provides, and to implement a long-term funding plan to ensure nobody is left without access to the support they need

BALANCING BOOKS “EVEN MORE DIFFICULT”

Learning disability charity Hft CEO Kirsty Matthews said: “It’s disheartening to read the findings from the BBC investigation which reveal a huge black hole in Local Authority funding but not unexpected says Hft s CEO Kirsty Matthews

“This revelation simply makes the effort to balance the books for social care even more difficult

Hft s Sector Pulse Check report (published in partnership with Care England) has for consecutive years illustrated the impact of Local Authority funding cuts on adult social care, with one third of providers

considering exiting the market in 2022 due to cost pressures

The BBC s report unfortunately corroborates this research

“It s imperative that the Government fund Local Authorities properly so care staff can be paid a fair wage and everyone who needs highquality support can receive it

“We will continue our calls on Government to take social care seriously and ensure this invaluable service can thrive rather than perpetually just survive Ms Matthews says

NOT SUSTAINABLE

Mike Short Unison’s head of local government said: "Council finances are in the direst of states As the government tightens the squeeze on local budgets services either vanish or are scaled down dramatically

"Cash-starved councils have had to go cap in hand to ministers for emergency support or raid already depleted reserves in a desperate attempt to balance the books

This is not a sustainable situation Local authorities simply don t have the funds to provide even statutory services That's why social services directors warned recently that councils probably can t offer even the legal minimum of care support next year

"Council employees have had enough Pay rises haven't kept up with the cost of living And staff want to take pride in their jobs and run good quality services for local residents This is no longer possible It s no wonder so many are quitting for pastures new

"As staff leave, there's no money to replace them, which piles on the pressure for those remaining In social work staff shortages have led to excessive workloads putting vulnerable families at risk

"Decent well-resourced public services are essential They're a driver of economic growth and the fabric holding communities together "

The Role Of Technology In Reducing Loneliness In Care Homes

James Rycroft, managing director at provider of specialist dementia care Vida Healthcare (www vidahealthcare co uk), discusses the role of technology in promoting and enabling connectivity in care homes, and how this can reduce feelings of loneliness in a care home setting

LONELINESS AND SOCIAL ISOLATION IN CARE HOMES

More than a million older people say they go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member1 Even in a care home setting where there are more opportunities for people to have social interactions with staff and other residents isolation and loneliness can still occur Loneliness and social isolation are both factors that are known to have a severe negative impact on the physical and mental health of any person Depression and other mental health conditions can develop or become worse in a person who is experiencing loneliness and feels socially isolated2

When an older person moves from familiar surroundings into a care home it can cause feelings of stress as they have to become accustomed to a new home, new routine and having different people around them

The move can be both a physical and emotional adjustment and feelings of loneliness can arise especially if the care home isn’t located in the community that they previously lived in

Older people who may be living with long-term health conditions are at particular risk of experiencing social isolation and loneliness3 Within this transitional period in an older persons life it is crucial for them to stay connected whether this be with existing friends and family or by forming new connections with residents and staff members

Digital solutions can help residents remain connected to their loved ones and the outside world, reducing social isolation and loneliness Technology solutions may be utilised by care home operators to keep their residents connected to the people who are important to them These online interactions with loved ones

Together We Are Stronger

can make a significant difference and have a positive effect on a resident s mental health and wellbeing

UTILISING TECHNOLOGY TO COMBAT LONELINESS

Investment in technology has numerous benefits

The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the uptake of technology in care homes in large part due to the restrictions on visiting Technology enabled families to stay in touch with their loved ones even when they were unable to visit care homes in person

Being digitally included can help older people stay connected with family and friends even when they are physically apart Even before the pandemic technological solutions had already begun to see implementation across social care organisations The sector is faced with a variety of unique challenges that professionals work tirelessly to overcome and the accessibility of smart technology like smartphones and tablets offers new ways for providers to engage with staff residents and their families

Technology may seem daunting at first and building a positive experience with new technology is crucial for people including staff and residents who are nervous about or new to smart devices4 Using technology can help residents to maintain social connections, which in turn can support them in maintaining their independence and improving their wellbeing

Care home staff also play a significant role in easing feelings of loneliness, particularly when family and friends live further away and may have less time to visit Initiatives such as cutting edge technology can free up staff time so that they have more opportunities to socialise with residents and spend valuable time with them

TECHNOLOGY IN PRACTICE

Vida Healthcare has developed and launched an app to maintain connectivity between staff residents and family members across Vida’s three homes Team Talk is user-friendly and gives families instant access to catch up on the health and wellbeing of their loved one through posts and updates including videos and images This creates a sense of community even when family and residents may be physically apart and enables connectivity with their loved ones to reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation

Developing apps and other technology like Family Team Talk is crucial to keeping families reassured and able to keep in touch with our residents when it may be difficult to visit in person Team talk is currently being adapted to suit the wider care market and will soon be available to other care providers to improve communication and connectivity

ICG and YHCAA Partner with the Future of Care Leaders Conference North

The Independent Care Group (ICG) and The Yorkshire and The Humber Care Association Alliance (YHCAA) have announced a partnership with Broadway Events for the highly anticipated Future of Care Leaders Conference scheduled to take place on the 28th November 2023 at the prestigious Pavilions of Harrogate in the UK

The Future of Care Leaders Conference organised by Broadway Events, is renowned for providing an unparalleled platform that brings together senior industry professionals thought leaders government officials and experts to discuss and explore the latest research innovations and advancements in the social care sector

Emma Barrett the Managing Director of Broadway Events expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership stating;

We are absolutely delighted to collaborate with the Independent Care Group and The Yorkshire and The Humber Care Association Alliance for the Future of Care Leaders Conference This partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to foster innovation and excellence in the care industry Together we are determined to create an experience that will enable delegates to improve their care businesses and enhance the lives of those who depend on their services ”

Mike Padgham Chair of the Independent Care Group and member of The Yorkshire and The Humber Care Association Alliance (YHCAA), shared his excitement about the conference, stating;

We are delighted to be the principal partner with Broadway Events to bring this fantastic social care conference to Yorkshire once again I would urge all providers to sign up to hear the latest news and inno-

vations in the sector This is an event not to be missed particularly for those who are members of the official local associations listed who will receive preferential terms Remember if you are not a member of your local association this would make a perfect opportunity to join up, as together we are stronger ”

The conference will showcase an innovative approach to content, featuring a captivating live-action play Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in real-life caregiving scenarios allowing them to gain deeper insights into the workings of their practices and find practical soluti

The programme will delve into subjects such as identifying the next generations of care leaders promoting inclusive living for individuals with dementia fostering sustainability in social care and implementing strengths-based approaches to caregiving Delegates will also explore the latest technological advancements and digital care solutions empowering care providers to harness the potential of innovation and enhance the quality of care provided to those in need

Care providers industry stakeholders and individuals dedicated to shaping the future of social care are encouraged to secure their spots at the Future of Care Leaders Conference at the Pavilions of Harrogate on the 28th November 2023 Register now and be a part of this ground-breaking event that promises to empower and drive positive change in the care industry

For registration and more information about the Future of Care Leaders Conference and its programme visit https://futureofcare co uk/

Volunteer Sally Hill Launches The Crafty Club

Sally Hill has worked in animal welfare for the past 25 years but recently she has taken up volunteering at Hatherleigh Nursing Home where she hosts a weekly craft club for the residents fondly referred to as family members Sally lives a few miles away from the Devon nursing home on a farm where she rescued and now takes care of 25 dogs, 8 tortoises 5 guinea pigs, a one-legged parrot, chickens, ducks, and a pair of tawny owls both injured in separate road accidents

Sally worked as a veterinary nurse in Sussex previously and went on to open a unique animal care home which provided convalescent care to dogs and cats with complex care needs Coming from an industry that depends on volunteers Sally knew the value in volunteering and wanted to find a way to give back, particularly in adult social care due to her mother sadly living a dementia

After approaching her friend who works at Hatherleigh Nursing Home Sally was invited to organise a weekly craft session for the fam-

ily members She prepares all the material to make it as accessible as possible and chooses simple projects for all to enjoy Her projects include, geo painting, button pictures, pin cushions and paper flower arrangements

I love doing this it is so much fun! We need more people to volunteer after my time in animal welfare I can confidently say without volunteers there wouldn’t be rescues Volunteering is vital It’s a two-way road, you get what you give, it makes me feel really rewarded ”

Sally and family members created a welcome board which has been placed in the reception area and they plan on putting a table of the crafts to sell and use the funds to go towards an outing or donate it to the Alzheimer's Society They will choose what they want to do with it enabling and giving family members independence a sense of purpose and placing them in the heart of community

Local Health and Care Partnerships off to a Strong Start But Underinvestment Hinders

The bodies set up to redesign health and care services around the changing needs of the population are being held back from fully delivering improvements for their local communities because of underinvestment in workforce and capital – and a lack of a social care workforce plan

That s according to a new report from NHS Confederation The state of integrated care systems 2022/23: Riding the storm’, which has sought the views of leaders across the country s Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) in their first year as formal partnerships of health organisations local authorities and other bodies

ICSs have been tasked with overseeing the planning of services improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities across 42 local areas in England

Their development was a major structural change for ensuring healthcare in England is delivered in a more joined-up way when they were formally established as part of the Health and Care Act in July

2022

In the survey, ICS leaders cited workforce pressures, issues with social care and financial constraints as their main challenges echoing the findings of reports by the National Audit Office and Public Accounts Committee which warned that ICSs would find it difficult to deliver on their long term aims unless these issues are tackled

ICS leaders told the NHS Confederation that these challenges (and the disruption of industrial action in the last 12 months) make the task of balancing long-term transformation and short-term operational delivery significantly more difficult

Sarah Walter director of NHS Confederation’s ICS Network said:

ICS leaders are proud of the progress they ve made in really tough conditions but they are deeply frustrated by some of the potentially soluble barriers that are hindering the extent to which they can get on with transforming services for their local communities They want to see these tackled urgently if ICSs are to fulfil their full potential

“Workforce pressure was cited as the biggest issue, closely followed by finances with a call for the promised review of the entire NHS capi-

tal regime to progress without delay ICBs are also concerned about having to reduce their running costs by 30% over the next two years and the risk that this adds further pressure and absorbs management time and headspace in a context where the number of functions being delegated to ICSs continues to increase

A further barrier holding back the progression of ICSs is the government’s refusal to commit to a long-term workforce plan for social care

While it is encouraging that ICSs are recognised as the right model at the right time for health and care more concerted action is needed to create the right conditions to help them succeed in delivering even better more joined-up care for patients ”

The survey suggests that ICS leaders feel they have made good headway with relationships and foundations forming as well as some positive changes being made at a national level – including shorter and more focused operational planning guidance for the NHS and structural changes to NHS England – but are concerned that the asks of ICSs have grown while resources have been cut

They are urging national bodies and the government to take a number of actions so ICSs can effectively deliver for the populations they serve and reach their full potential

To best support ICSs in year two of their existence as statutory bodies leaders want to see:

• Social care workforce plan – We welcome the NHS Long Term Workforce plan but call on the government to develop an equivalent plan for the social care workforce to recognise the contribution and value of this sector

• Capital spending review – We support the government’s commitment to reviewing the entire NHS capital regime in response to the Hewitt review We call on the government to include in this review the amount of capital funding as well as the complex allocation process Support for new commissioning functions – NHSE should work closely with ICBs to ensure that they have access to the data and the capacity they need to effectively discharge their new commissioning functions Devolve to evolve – As the Hewitt review and the Health and Social

Care Select Committee proposed, DHSC and NHSE should focus on setting a small number of targets based on outcomes and give ICSs the freedom to innovate in how they deliver against these Co-production – Through their response to the Hewitt review and new operating framework DHSC and NHSE have committed to embedding a co-production approach Co-production of policy and guidance impacting ICSs should become the norm This should include in particular work on system accountability arrangements

While leaders are clear on what needs to be done to support ICSs they remain positive about the work they are doing with nine in ten ICS leaders saying that partners within their local systems are working collaboratively to set and deliver on their key priorities The same proportion also reported that their integrated care board (ICB) and integrated care partnership (ICP) are working well together

They are also positive about the new functions ICBs have recently taken on including the commissioning of community pharmacy optometry and dentistry (POD) services Most leaders surveyed felt very or moderately well prepared to take on each of these additional functions: nine out ten ICB leaders felt prepared for pharmacy and optometry services and seven out of ten for dentistry However they highlighted concerns around the lack of appropriate and high-quality data for many of the services as well as significant challenges in dentistry linked to the national dental contract

As well as examining the progress that local systems have made the report explores where leaders feel there are opportunities for further development, with devolved decision making a priority area

The research found that ICS leaders remain committed to devolution to place-based partnerships and provider collaboratives as they mature However despite this commitment and intention only 45 per cent of survey respondents felt that their ICS currently devolves decisions to the most local level as close to local communities as possible but said that this was a priority for their next stage of development

Assessing the Impact of the CQC’s New Assessment Framework For Care Providers

The CQC has announced an updated timeline for the rollout of its new assessment framework and online portal Charlotte Rowe, Care Practice Manager at Markel Care Practitioners (https://uk markel com/services/markel-care-practitioners) discusses the changes and what they mean for care providers

In 2022 the Care Quality Commission (CQC) announced major changes to the framework it uses to regulate health and social care providers A pilot scheme quickly followed with a small number of test adopters after which the CQC planned to start the full rollout in 2023 However this was delayed until later in 2023 to give the body enough time to fully test the technology being used as part of the changes

In July of this year the CQC published a further update on its plans in relation to the online portal and the assessment process itself

ONLINE

PORTAL ROLLING OUT IN AUGUST

The CQC has invited an initial group of care providers to access and test its new online portal in August before rolling the service out to all providers in September

The portal itself is aimed at streamlining how the body collects data to support their new assessment regime The CQC claim it will help make assessments themselves smarter and more consistent For providers the CQC assert the new portal will make it easier for providers to provide evidence and information

“The ability to use the new portal effectively will be key to positive gradings and outcomes for providers needing to supply evidence to the CQC says Charlotte Rowe Care Practice Manager at Markel Care Practitioners

For providers still using paper-based systems it s advisable to consider how these will interact with the new portal Given the changes to evidence reviewing and collection methods, paper-based systems could put providers at a disadvantage in respect of evidencing good practice regulatory compliance and time expenditure in using the portal ”

THE NEW FRAMEWORK ROLLOUT

The rollout of the new assessment framework will commence in November on a regional basis Providers registered in the South of England will be first This includes those in Berkshire Buckinghamshire Cornwall Devon, Dorset Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Surrey Sussex and Wiltshire

Those regions not in the initial roll out will continue to be assessed under the existing framework until they become part of the new assessment rollout

“Markel Care Practitioners has been providing training and support around the implementation of the new framework and what strategies providers can use to transition smoothly as well as updating Quality Assurance against the we statements says Charlotte

It s important to be prepared so providers in the South of England that have not yet reviewed and considered the implications of the new framework need to take proactive steps as soon as possible ”

Care providers will need to be aware of a number of key changes to the assessment process:

Ratings will no longer be dependent solely on on-site inspections enabling them to reflect the quality of care more accurately This also means that gradings can go up and down without an onsite inspection

• The CQC will be able to respond more rapidly to concerns raised without on-site inspections

Wider categories of evidence collection will be available, inclusive of people’s experiences, feedback from staff and leaders observations of care feedback from partners processes and outcomes of care

The move to quality statements and away from KLOEs and new areas of consideration such as sustainability and staff wellbeing

• The use of a numerical scoring system will provide more accurate data for quality statements and to understand areas of improvement

The regulation of local authorities i e commissioning bodies integrated care systems and effective working between commissioners oversight and providers

In addition providers should consider the impact that the new framework will have on their own quality assurance and auditing processes as well as record keeping to evidence the quality of care

STAYING UP TO DATE

The CQC has stated that “the phased approach to assessments using the new framework, introducing the new provider portal and wider digital services, will continue into 2024 ” It suggests signing up to its email bulletins to stay updated via this link

It s important that all providers regulated by the CQC – including those commissioned by Local Authority Adult Commissioning – keep up to date regarding the planned changes the rollout and the outcomes of any pilot schemes”, says Charlotte “Ensuring that managers and frontline workers are supported through these changes is key as is reviewing any internal processes and documentation to marry with the proposed changes to the framework Being prepared for the changes planned by the CQC will be key in maintaining and improving gradings in the coming months ”

Elvis Impersonator Brings Rock ‘N’

Roll Magic To Care Home Summer Fair

Residents at a Gateshead Care Home had a day of fun during its annual summer fair

Craigielea Care Home treated residents and their families to a day filled with festivities and activities An Elvis impersonator took everyone on a musical journey down memory lane performing classic hits such as Suspicious Minds and Burning Love Market style stalls offered an assortment of goodies creating a lively market atmosphere in the grounds of the home

The fair featured a sizzling BBQ with residents and guests being served freshly

grilled hot dogs and burgers and the day was packed with an array of engaging activities including traditional fair games, live entertainment, bringing a sense of camaraderie that truly showcased the spirit of the home and supporting local businesses

Kimberley Metters Service Support Manager said This year s fair has been a huge success and has helped us raise significant funds towards our planned activities It was great to have a wide range of events from Elvis to the coconut shy!

It was also lovely seeing the residents enjoying themselves and engaging with the memory invoking music These activities are crucial for our resident s wellbeing as well as keeping them active and encouraging socialising ”

GOJO Recognised As A Key Partner To The NHS

GOJO THE INVENTOR OF PURELL™ is proud to be a brand showcased in an official publication commemorating the NHS, entitled ‘NHS 75: Celebrating 75 Years of the National Health Service This accolade demonstrates the key role played by the skin and hygiene specialist, who has now been a partner to the organisation for over 30 years Widely used in the NHS PURELL® is a trusted brand in healthcare facilities around the world As a market leader of hand hygiene within the UK’s health service it has been instrumental in helping core NHS metrics to be achieved such as reductions in the number of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) Its solutions encompass fast-active effective formulas that care for skin state of the art dispensers, and dedicated support such as the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) accredited training

Launching at the Cloisters in Westminster Abbey on 6th September 2023, ‘NHS 75: Celebrating 75 Years of the National Health Service is a beautifully presented hardback book that has been produced in partnership with leading publisher St James’s House and written by a team of academics and industry experts Exploring the origins history and impact of the NHS the fully illustrated publication marks the 75th anniversary of the service and the people and policies that have shaped it

Chris Wakefield V P European Marketing and Managing Director UK & Ireland GOJO Industries-Europe Ltd comments: ‘The NHS is one of the country’s most recognised and cherished organisations – here to improve our health and wellbeing support us to keep mentally and physically well and to help us get better

when we are ill The GOJO purpose of saving lives and making life better through wellbeing solutions’ very much aligns with these values, and it is what drives our innovation in hygiene

‘We are extremely proud to play a major role in helping prevent infection and improve public health and are thrilled to be included in this prestigious book celebrating 75 years of the wonderful NHS ’

As well as being the ideal partner to healthcare trusts and facilities GOJO is passionate about developing sustainable products that both clean and care for hands in a variety of sectors These include education, hospitality, leisure, retail, catering, food processing, offices manufacturing and more From soaps and hygienic hand rubs that can be used repeatedly throughout a busy shift in hospitals to specialist hand cleaners that remove tough soils from the hands of heavy-industry workers GOJO has an effective solution to remove germs and dirt whilst protecting skin health

Backed by a wealth of scientific expertise and specialist formulations GOJO is committed to developing sustainable products that deliver results and maintain skin health

PURELL remains the market leader thanks to its focus on formulation without compromise

For more information, call +44 (0)1908 588444 email CustomerExperienceUK@GOJO com, or visit https://www gojo eu/uk

New Sur vey Launched To Capture The Experiences Of Those Working In Adult Social Care

People working across adult social care are being encouraged to complete a new national Government survey which aims to capture the experiences of those working in adult social care to support improvements over time

Skills for Care in partnership with Ipsos and The University of Kent have launched the survey on behalf of the Government’s Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)

The survey is open to people working in any care-related role across all settings in adult social care including personal assistants and employees in local authority adult social care departments

The survey will contribute to the Government’s understanding of working conditions and experiences for the adult social care workforce – such as working hours, pay, capacity and training – and the forms of support which could make adult social care a better place to work

The data collected through the survey will be vital in aiding Government decisions on how to support the adult social care sector and workforce

This is an important opportunity for everyone working in adult social care to share their own experience of working in care and help to shape future offers of support

Oonagh Smyth CEO Skills for Care says: We are pleased to provide this important opportunity for everyone working in social care to share their experiences with the Government to inform its thinking on policies that will better support people working in social care and in turn people who draw on care and support

“Thank you to our sector partners who have made this possible For maximum impact we need the support of everyone working in social care and so we encourage as many of you as possible to complete the survey and to provide support and encouragement for your team members to share their views

Health Minister Lord Markham says: The social care sector is built on its dedicated workforce and we re investing millions to attract people to careers in care and retain the huge amount of talent we already have

“But we couldn’t do that effectively without listening to the people working in care Theirs are the most important voices and I urge anyone working in an adult social care role to take part in this survey ”

I want care to be a profession with fantastic training career paths and opportunities to progress

By taking on board the views of care staff we ll know more about their experiences and can look at ways to make that reality

Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, Professor Deborah Sturdy, said: “To build a social care workforce fit for the future we need to listen to current staff members, whose hard work and dedication is the cornerstone of the care sector

“I don’t want care work to just be a job I want it to be a long-term career choice This survey will expand our knowledge of what is working well for staff as well as crucially where additional support can be provided to keep the skilled professionals we already have and bring more people into care roles

Margaret Blake, Research Director, Ipsos, says: “Ipsos is very pleased to be carrying out the first national government survey of the adult social care workforce which will provide valuable evidence for DHSC in tackling the challenges facing the sector ”

We have worked closely with Skills for Care and University of Kent to develop a survey which reflects the issues and pressures facing the workforce and is straightforward and interesting to complete We are grateful for the input of people from across the sector who have reviewed and given us feedback on the questions

Residents At Local Care Home Celebrate Indian Independence Day By Giving Resident Kathy Her Special Wish

Residents at Upton Bay care home in Poole marked Indian Independence Day which took place on August 15th

Independence Day is celebrated on August 15th the anniversary of the day in 1947 when the provisions of the Indian Independence Act which transferred legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly came into effect and India gained its Independence from the United Kingdom It is a public holiday in India The Prime Minister raises the red national flag of India and addresses the nation

Kathy celebrated her special wish on India Independence Day Having visited India six times Kathy has developed a deep love for the country She has explored various parts of India, including the Pink City of Jaipur, where the city was painted pink to welcome Queen Victoria as well as iconic places like Agra

home to the majestic Taj Mahal Kathy has even had the pleasure of staying at the famous Marigold Hotel a unique establishment with only one hairdryer for the entire group During her visits Kathy has also enjoyed the hospitality of a 5star hotel in the heart of Jaipur

On this memorable day Kathy accompanied by her daughter Debbie and Activities Coordinator Melody had a delightful lunch at Tandoori Upton Bay indulging in a selection of Indian food The event was organised by Karen the Activities Lead who transformed the private dining room with an Indian theme and music The celebration continued with an afternoon of Bollywood dancing reminiscing over Kathy s photographs and enjoying tea and cake Kathy,resident, expressed “It was a truly wonderful day, evoking cherished memories

Deputy Minister Visits The Oaks to See Their Joining The Generations Project

Julie Morgan, Deputy Minister for Social Services, has visited The Oaks Care Home in Newtown to find out more about the home s

Joining the Generations project

The aim of the innovative project is to encourage local parents and their children from a number of Powys groups to spend time in the home with the residents, to encourage interaction, build bonds and share memories

They meet every month at the care home and it’s a chance to chat to the mums hold the babies to sing songs play fun games and share books to encourage the development of children s interaction and communication

Julie Morgan joined the most recent session along with two Welsh Government workers They were joined by Shadea William a community nursery nurse with Powys Health Visiting Team Claire Evans a speech and language therapy assistant with Powys Teaching Health Board and Francesca Landers a specialist speech and language therapist with the Flying Start team

Jane Jackson Activities Co-ordinator for the home said: This is the third Joining the Generations event we have held and it is continuing to be a huge success

“Watching the intergenerational connections form in front of our eyes is very special for us as staff but most importantly for our residents It enriches their lives and also brings back memories of raising their children and their close family connections ”

Jen Roberts Registered Manager of The Oaks said: I m really proud of this project I think integrating all the different ages – from babies to our oldest residents – is hugely important It brings so many positives, including giving our residents the opportunity to stay up to date with younger generations who are in turn interested in their lives and what it was like growing up for them

“We love bringing the community together and encouraging new friendships It allows the mums to build their networks and the babies and children to make new friends too It s also a chance for them to grow their

confidence in new environments, which will help them when they go to school

“One of our residents revealed it was the first time she had held a baby in 21 years what a delight it was to do so again and how it led to a flood of memories

“Another lady who lives at The Oaks was really happy because her granddaughter is part of the baby group and she brought her great-grand-daughter in to the session

To have a room full of happy people smiling laughing and having fun you can’t get better than that We’re looking forward to our next sessions which take place every month ”

Resident Margaret Tollett 80 said: It was wonderful to see the children again They were very well behaved and I loved reading books with them ”

Fellow resident Jean Gregory 95 said: The session was very good It is so nice to see different people of all ages come into our home We all get on very well and I look forward to these sessions continuing

Another resident Margaret Cound, 86, added: “It was such a lovely afternoon and to see all the children again was delightful I enjoyed chatting with a number of mums and it was wonderful to see how they are with their babies ”

Jayne Ottaway was one of the parents who joined the session with her four-month-old baby daughter Everly Ottaway She said: I used to work as a domiciliary care worker when I was 18 so I am familiar with the care sector

I come from a big family and have noticed the benefits for older people of having children around them With their conversation, games, chatter, singing and sense of fun, they really give you a young outlook

These sessions are a great idea Not only did it make me feel like I was giving something back to the residents of the local community seeing them smile when they interacted with Everly was very heartwarming It was also a chance to make new friends and lasting companionship ”

Unlocking the Potential of a Caring Workforce Plan and Digital Staff Passports in the UK's Care Sector

tion of resources

The National Health Service (NHS) Workforce Plan has been a topic of scussion in recent months with a pressing need to address staffing shortages and inefficiencies However to assist in the improvement of the healthcare service it is crucial to expand the focus beyond the NHS alone In this article, Mark Inskip, CEO of Matrix- one of the largest providers of care workers in the UK - delves into the importance of reimagining the plan as the Caring Workforce Plan encompassing a broader scope of care providers and introducing Digital Staff Passports as a key solution By unblocking the system and enabling seamless staff mobility Inskip believes that creating a more cohesive and efficient care ecosystem could be the answer I believe that unblocking the system and fostering collaboration ween the NHS, local authorities, communities, and social care providers could be the answer to this ongoing staff shortage problem within the NHS While addressing the understaffing issue within the NHS is vital, we must also focus on relieving roadblocks that hinder the flow of patients and staff between different care settings By working together these organisations could create an interconnected care system that ensures continuity and efficient utilisa-

By Mark Inskip, CEO Matrix (https://teammatrix.com)

To unblock the NHS it is imperative to eliminate the friction that currently exists when staff attempt to move across authorities The introduction of Digital Staff Passports can play a pivotal role in enabling staff mobility without cumbersome and time-consuming employment checks The existing structure of the NHS often restricts the transferability of skills leading to inefficiencies and staffing gaps For instance neighbouring trusts may have a surplus of certain healthcare professionals while others are in high demand However the current process requires individuals to go through redundant checks and training when moving between trusts By implementing a digital staff passport system these barriers can be dismantled allowing staff to move more freely and unlocking the full potential of our healthcare workforce

As we strive to address the challenges faced by the NHS workforce, it is crucial to adopt a holistic and inclusive approach Expanding the Workforce Plan to become the Caring Workforce Plan acknowledges the interconnectedness of various care providers and emphasises collaboration between the NHS, local authorities, and social care providers Moreover, the introduction of Digital Staff Passports would represent a transformative solution that empowers staff mobility and unlocks the capacity within the system Together, these measures will not only enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery but also pave the way for a more seamless and integrated approach to care provision By embracing this paradigm shift we can build a stronger and more resilient healthcare system for the benefit of all

Game On! Health Care Assistant Uses 3D Printing Skills To Restore Resident’s Video Game Hobby

When a resident at Dearnevale nursing home in Barnsley, lost most of the mobility in his right arm and leg following a stroke he faced the disheartening prospect of losing his main hobby of video gaming too That was until he moved into Dearnevale and met Health Care Assistant Philip Bulpin, an avid tinkerer who has been experimenting with 3D printing as a hobby for several years

When his family spoke in passing about his love for console games and fond memories of spending countless hours racing each other on games Philip set about putting his printing passion into action for a great cause

While adaptive controllers are already available from the major console manufacturers, they are generally expensive and, crucially, are too complicated to use for people with acquired brain injuries or very limited mobility

Instead Philip used printing plans to adapt an existing Xbox controller to allow for full use of all functions and buttons with just one hand The buttons and triggers can be used with only the left thumb and fingers only, while the control sticks are moved via a strap around the left thigh

The home prides itself on providing person-centred care that empowers people to lead full and fulfilling

It’s Your “Turn”

By Greg Whelan,

Product & Marketing Director, Wellell UK Limited (uk wellell com)

Pressure Ulcers can be serious and lead to life threatening complications such as blood poisoning and gangrene So knowing that this can happen what are the necessary steps to help prevent these and what obstacles do care home managers encounter that can give rise to these occurrences?

A simple understanding of how pressure ulcers occur and who is most likely to get them is important and equally how can they be prevented through appropriate equipment and turning regimes

HOW DOES A PRESSURE ULCER OCCUR?

Pressure ulcers can happen when an area of skin and the tissues underneath it are damaged by being under such pressure that the blood supply is reduced commonly tending to occur when people spend long periods in a bed or chair

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

Risk factors include:

• Limited mobility or being unable to change position without help

A loss of feeling in part of the body

Having had a pressure ulcer before or having one now

Not having eaten well for a period of time and/or being dehydrated

Thin, dry or fragile skin

A significant cognitive impairment

WHAT ACTIONS SHOULD TAKE PLACE?

For people living in care homes who have one or more risk factors and who have been referred to the community nurse, a pressure ulcer risk assessment should be carried out and documented on their first visit

Make a written care plan for anyone assessed as being at high risk of developing a pressure ulcer and review it regularly The plan should focus on the actions needed to help prevent a pressure ulcer from developing taking into account:

lives, with Phillip s handiwork just one of many examples of the care team going above and beyond for the people they support

Philip Bulpin, Health Care Assistant at Dearnevale said:

This is such a simple design that only costs a few pounds to make but has given someone a massive increase in their quality of life by empowering them to reconnect with an activity they have always adored

When I heard about their love for gaming and how a stroke had taken away that enjoyment I knew I had to do something Gaming isn't just about entertainment; it s about maintaining a connection to friends family, and a sense of independence when you can keep doing something you re passionate about

Helen McGowan, Home Manager at Dearnevale, said:

The care and the heart that went into this is absolutely wonderful to see We’re very lucky to have Philip’s talents to benefit and enhance the quality of life for the people we support

It is wonderful when an opportunity to go above and beyond as a carer comes before you and you are able to make an individual’s life easier and return to a previous normal they would have missed out on otherwise This experience can teach us all in this sector that embracing innovation to create personalised care can go a long way in restoring a sense of independence and joy ”

The results of the risk and skin assessment

The need for any extra pressure relief, for example a high-specification mattress and/or cushion

The person s mobility and ability to change position unaided

Any other conditions

• The person s own views and wishes including whether they are able to understand the risks and make an informed decision If not use of the Mental Capacity Act may be necessary

BUT WHAT OBSTACLES WILL THE CARE HOME MANAGER FACE WHEN MANAGING PRESSURE ULCERS?

The care home manager once faced with a client suffering a pressure ulcer is potentially exposed to a long process of nursing intervention to manage the PU (PI – Pressure Injury now in more widespread use) to get to a stage where it has fully healed Subject to the risk assessment carried out the care plan will identify what actions need to take place and regular turning on a suitable mattress is one of the critical factors in PI management and importantly prevention

Sometimes the added difficulty faced by the home is that of cost and staffing levels all of which can be managed more effectively by introducing suitable equipment to effect regular turning – both automatically and continuously, in cycles that can be identified in the Risk assessment needs and included in the care plan to be put into place

Wellell UK Limited a longstanding medical device manufacturer designed and introduced the cutting edge lateral turning mattress system Optima Turn With its multiple settings it can be used in step up and step down therapy to meet the needs of each client requiring the mattress and help either prevent or eradicate any newly acquired or historical PI whilst offering efficiency improvements enhanced care reduced staff moving and handling injuries and greater dignity to the client, especially when in a palliative state Why not ask us to demonstrate the product to you and even trial it and see how we can prove not only its clinical credibility but also the huge cost savings that it can bring to each care home After all more efficient equipment means healthier clients reduced stress levels on staff and happier family members of those clients in your care If you would like more information please contact us via our website: https://uk wellell com/en/howcan-we-help or call on 01905 774 695 See advert on back cover for further details References

care/quick-guides/help ng-to-prevent-pressure-ulcers#repos t on ng-advice

Extra £30m A Year To Boost Research Careers For Healthcare Professionals

The national institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is to spend an additional £30 million per year to increase research opportunities It will include funding for a range of new and expanding programmes of activity This will enable more healthcare professionals (HCPs) to include research in their careers

This funding will help a wide range of HCPs across England including:

• nurses midwives

• allied health professionals (AHPs) pharmacists healthcare scientists

The support aims to help them develop as highly skilled researchers and research leaders

There are complex healthcare challenges currently facing the health and care sector This can be overcome with a multi-professional approach to research Research-active roles can also increase job satisfaction The extra funding aims to help enhance staff retention within the NHS It also supports a key priority of the UK Clinical Resilience, Recovery and Growth (RRG) Programme to develop a sustainable and supported research workforce

Professor Ruth Endacott NIHR Director of Nursing and Midwifery said:

“It is crucial that more healthcare professionals develop their academic skills and build careers that balance their clinical work with conducting research

Undertaking research has been a really exciting and satisfying aspect of my career so I’m really pleased that we’re able to offer more opportunities to healthcare professionals and ultimately deliver better care for our patients and the public ”

CURRENT NUMBERS ARE LOW

Registered HCPs represent the largest single workforce in the NHS But the proportion that facilitates delivers or leads research remains low In 2017 clinical academics represented 4 6% of NHS medical consultants This is less than 0 1% of the nursing, midwifery and allied health professions (AHPs)

NIHR and NHS England are working in partnership to overcome the barriers to research The collaboration is focused on increasing the awareness of research careers at early career stages It also includes providing a clear framework for post-doctoral clinical or practitioner academics

INCREASED INVESTMENT TO STRENGTHEN LEADERSHIP AND VISIBILITY

The NIHR currently provides initiatives to support HCPs to develop research careers The additional £30 million a year will: strengthen opportunities available

• expand existing schemes

introduce new initiatives

NHS England remains a critical delivery partner to ensure these measures are implemented

Some of these initiatives include:

more undergraduates able to access NIHR s new national engagement programme, INSIGHT It will expand to more than 300 places a year to attract students into research careers

• early career researchers will have access to more internship opportunities and bursaries An existing pre-doctoral fellowship will expand It will accommodate wider clinical professions working in primary care Two existing schemes will expand, providing opportunities to gain new skills They will also offer support when developing applications for further funding

a new fellowship New Generation Senior Clinical and Practitioner Research Award will prioritise HCPs at a post-doctoral level It will provide flexible funding to balance clinical and research commitments over 5 years

a new Clinical Research Leaders Programme for AHPs will be created It will tackle the visibility of AHP leadership It will also develop research leaders to influence change across organisations This will be supported by a new NIHR Associate Director for Allied Health Professions These two initiatives mirror successful support already established for nurses and midwives

new NIHR Regional Research Leadership Offices will be established They will promote and coordinate opportunities for HCPs at a regional level

Professor Anne-Maree Keenan OBE Associate Dean for NIHR Academy, said:

Since its establishment in 2006 the NIHR has been pivotal in supporting HCPs build researchactive careers This increased investment will create a highly expanded community of research HCPs to sit alongside the already established medical academic communities to effectively work together to deliver higher quality research ”

Dr Joanne Cooper Head of Nursing Research (Research Transformation) NHS England, said:

We know patients in research-active health and care settings have better outcomes and receive better care which is why it s so important that more nurses midwives and other health care professionals have opportunities to lead deliver and participate in research

“We are pleased to have worked with the NIHR team on developing these opportunities and welcome their significant contribution to the Chief Nursing Officer for England and Chief Midwifery Officer for England s Strategic Plans for Research ”

Boutique Care Homes Reveals Plans for New Care Home in Woodley Green, Berkshire

Boutique Care Homes has unveiled plans for the latest care home in its expanding development pipeline in the Reading suburb of Woodley Green in Berkshire

With planning submitted, the new care home will feature 68 bedrooms with ensuite wet rooms alongside top-of-the-range features, including a bistro beauty salon cinema lounge hobby craft room and beautiful landscaped gardens with a courtyard

The care home site located on in Woodley Green, to the east of Reading will also create over 70 job opportunities for local people and being centrally located has excellent access to the town centre transport links and local amenities

In addition to providing exceptional care Boutique Care Homes pride themselves on becoming an integral part of the community and will endeavour to foster a collaborative relationship

with the local community

Ameet Kotecha Managing Director and Head of the Boutique Care Homes Family said Our journey in care has always been about crafting legacies of warmth companionship and respect With the Woodley Green project, we see an extraordinary opportunity to not just provide exceptional care, but to define a new standard of living It’s about fostering connections embracing dreams and redefining golden years ”

“Learning Disabled People Are Being Repeatedly Failed” Say Sector Leaders

Industry bodies have responded to the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) new report on disability rights which found that there has been little to no progress in improving the lives of disabled people over the past few years

Hft s CEO Kirsty Matthews says:

“Today’s report from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) confirms what we already know – not enough is being done to support learning disabled people across the UK to live the life they choose Whether through a lack of funding or the disappointing National Disability Strategy learning disabled people are being repeatedly failed by the Government

One of the many points raised by the EHRC is that a lack of social care provision has led to acute violations of disabled people s human rights’ Our Sector Pulse Check research, released in partnership with Care England corroborates these findings; 42% of social care providers have no choice but to hand back contracts due to funding pressures whilst, last year, one third of all providers surveyed considered closing altogether

“Providers want to ensure that all learning disabled adults have the right support to live their best life but chronic underfunding estimated to be around £7 billion each year has left a catastrophic amount of needs unmet

“In order to ensure learning disabled adults can continue to access support to live the life they want, and to prevent costly consequences of underfunding the Government should find a means to sustainably invest in social care in the long term and plug the funding gap This would go some way to addressing just one of the key findings raised in the report but there is still so so much work to do

How many times do disabled people charities and other organisations like the EHRC have to raise the alarm before something meaningful is done?”

Sarah White, Head of Policy at national disability charity Sense, said: “This damning report shines a light on the huge challenges disabled people across the UK face from poverty to prejudicial attitudes

One issue that comes through loud and clear is the lack of social care available to help disabled people to live their lives, with the report saying the situation is so bad that it amounts to ‘acute violations of disabled people s human rights’ Our recent research shows 1 in 5 (21%) people with complex disabilities who receive support from social care don t have the right care and support to meet their needs

“With this new report from the EHRC our own research and the work of our colleagues at other disability charities, the evidence is stacking up The government cannot ignore the facts; we need action now to improve the lives of disabled people

Dr Rhidian Hughes Chief Executive of the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) says:

‘It is deeply concerning that seven years after the initial findings of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to improve the lives of disabled people across the UK evidence again finds the government to be failing disabled people

"Despite some progress having been made and the ongoing commitment and efforts of disabled people their families and those who support them; the Committee rightly highlights many areas of reform, including welfare support health provision and engagement with disabled people and their organisations that are severely lacking

"As VODG’s Commission on COVID-19, Ableism and Racism recently found, government does not meaningfully engage with disabled people and therefore policy decisions are made that exacerbate rather than address the unacceptable inequalities disabled people face

"As a country we must do better Disabled people have equal rights to live the lives they choose and access the health and other public services they need without challenge Unless government changes the way it makes decisions to truly include and represent disabled people it will continue to fail large swathes of the population directly and indirectly effected by disability

Roman Histor y Buff” Resident At Bognor Regis Home Visits Iconic Landmark

A resident described as a “Roman history buff” visited an iconic landmark as part of his Seize the Day experience

Ken Wooding lives at MHA Greenways and visited the Fishbourne Roman Palace

Ken was accompanied by Roy and Bruce, fellow residents and history lovers and they had a great adventure

The initiative encourages residents to re-experience activities or events from the past or to do something they would like to do for the first time

Ken was also given the opportunity to dress in Roman attire something he enjoyed thoroughly

Joanne Mitchell activity coordinator said:

“Ken was like a different person when we visited the palace

“He is a Roman History buff and you could see his eyes light up as he was going around the palace

“We are very lucky as West Sussex has a lot of Roman history, so to have the palace close to us was perfect

“Prior to visiting I asked Ken’s family whether or not he had been there before, and I was told he loved it there

“He was full of conversation and I have never seen him talk so much

“He was telling me all about Roman history and it was great to hear his knowledge on Roman history

“It was a brilliant day and to top it off we all had coffee and cake in the cafe

When we returned Ken s family came in and he was so excited telling them of his adventure and how much he enjoyed himself ”

‘Magical’ Dementia Friendly Folk Concert “Makes Life Worth Living”

The picturesque coastal town of Broadstairs witnessed a heartwarming and groundbreaking event during this year's Folk Week The first-ever 'Dementia Friendly Folk concert a collaborative effort between Chartwell House by Boutique Care Homes and Broadstairs Folk Week 2023

The event took place on Thursday August 17 at the Sarah Thorne Theatre on Fordoun Road With a focus on inclusivity and the transformative power of music the event's success showcased the positive impact it had on those living with dementia

Under the spotlight were the talented Krista Bubble & The Ceilidh Shapes, who took the stage with their enchanting folk melodies and lively rhythms The event's atmosphere was electric, resonating with attendees of all ages, backgrounds and abilities The energy was contagious and the sense of togetherness was palpable

Following the event attendee Angela W took to Facebook to share her thoughts saying It was a lovely afternoon I really enjoyed being part of it and hope it will go ahead again next year " Her heartfelt words encapsulate the sentiment shared by many who attended Jude Coveney, Admissions Manager at Chartwell House and the visionary behind Dementia Friendly Folk expressed her delight at the event s resounding success She shared "The magic of 'Dementia Friendly Folk' lies in its ability to create a shared experience Music has a way of reaching deep within us sparking memories and forging connections This event was a testament to the fact that through the universal language of music we can bridge gaps and create beautiful moments "

The event drew a crowd of 30 attendees all of whom were captivated by the power of music to transcend barriers The heartening testimonies from attendees who experienced the event firsthand were a testament to its impact Gerald Gold, a resident of Chartwell House Care Home in Broadstairs, shared his thoughts saying Yesterday is the sort of event that makes life worth living it was a lot of fun

The success of 'Dementia Friendly Folk' highlighted the significance of providing tailored and inclusive experiences for individuals living with dementia The event's atmosphere was carefully crafted to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable environment for all attendees fostering a sense of community and understanding Dominic, a relative of Chartwell House Resident, Teresa, echoed the sentiments of many sharing It was excellent fun for all of us Teresa loved it "

As the first event of its kind at Folk Week Dementia Friendly Folk has left a lasting impression The positive feedback from attendees and the enthusiasm it generated among those involved underscore its potential to become a cherished tradition Jude Coveney expressed her hopes for the future saying We aspire to build on this foundation and continue bringing the magic of 'Dementia Friendly Folk to future Folk Week celebrations

The success of 'Dementia Friendly Folk' at Broadstairs Folk Week 2023 echoes the power of music to break barriers and create cherished memories The event s heartwarming performances and inclusive atmosphere have left an indelible mark on the hearts of attendees

Data Protection: Understanding the Rules

In the realm of health and social care organisations the implementation of National Data Guardian (NDG) standards and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UKGDPR) principles is not only paramount but essential Together the UKGDPR and NDG standards safeguard sensitive information and ensure the resilience of critical services against potential disruptions like cyber-attacks

Exploring the interplay between the ten NDG standards and the seven principles of the UKGDPR reveals insightful connections and highlights areas of best practice for health and social care organisations that process personal and sensitive data

The first NDG standard emphasises secure handling, storage and transmission of personal and confidential data This aligns harmoniously with the UKGDPR's sixth principle which necessitates controllers (i e care facilities) ensure data security through appropriate measures These can be technical or organisational measures such as policies and procedures

The second NDG standard focuses on staff responsibilities

Similar conditions in the UKGDPR include Article 24(2) which emphasises the need to implement data protection policies and Article 5(2) which requires demonstratable compliance with data protection principles The UK’s information commissioner flags that leadership is crucial to compliance and that staff at all levels must have clear responsibilities for data protection-related activities

The third NDG standard calls for regular data security training and competency assessments for staff

While the UKGDPR lacks specificity it underscores the importance of training and awareness to translate policies into practice

The fourth NDG standard advocates data access on a need-to-know basis echoing the UKGDPR principles of data minimisation and storage limitation The UKGDPR's emphasis on privacy by design highlights the importance of access control The essence here is that access should be based on necessity and

By Tracy Pez, Data Protection Consultant - Data Protection People (www.dataprotectionpeople.com)

revoked when that necessity ceases

The fifth NDG standard highlights the importance of investigating data breaches and periodically reviewing and improving processes which could compromise data security This aligns with the UKGDPR where controllers must investigate all breaches and review the effectiveness of the measures it puts in place This allows organisations to learn and improve

The sixth NDG standard focuses on countering cyber-attacks saying that cyber-attacks must be identified resisted and responded to The UKGDPR meanwhile casts a wider net regarding security also including physical security and non-cyber attacks

The seventh NDG standard requires business continuity plans to be in place regarding threats to data security The UKGDPR is again not so prescriptive but expects measures to be implemented to restore the availability and access to personal data in the event of a physical or technical incident A regularly tested business continuity plan is a great first step in addressing this obligation

The eighth NDG standard requires that no unsupported operating systems, software or internet browsers are used The UKGDPR does not expressly prohibit old and unsupported systems from being used but does require a risk-based approach to be taken when determining the control measures to implement to protect data

The ninth NDG standard states that a strategy is required for protecting IT systems from cyber threats

The UKGDPR requires the implementation of data protection policies by the controller where proportionate In a care setting given the nature of the health data implementing IT strategies and policies would be considered proportionate

The tenth NDG standard again aligns with the UKGDPR and requires suppliers of IT systems and services to understand their obligations as processors under the UKGDPR and the NDG standards An appropriate data processing or sharing agreement should be in place prior to sharing data with any third parties

In summary the NDG standards as a code of conduct and the UKGDPR as a piece of legislation are inherently compatible The NDG Standards can provide a foundation for implementing appropriate measures as required by the UKGDPR

If in doubt over how best to implement either, reach out to an information governance or privacy practitioner We don t bite and are pragmatic in trying to find solutions to data protection challenges

Local Care Home Delights Residents With Memor y Boxes

Staff at Collingtree Park care home have been hard at work creating memory boxes for residents at the home to enjoy This inspirational idea came about because staff were thinking about those residents who are living with dementia and what they might really enjoy, and they came up with this reminiscence idea

The memory boxes are different for each resident the team at Collingtree Park create an individual box for each person Made up like a hamper the boxes contain all sorts of items relevant to that person and their lives to remind them of where they grew up, the job they did, hobbies favourite food and drink and their preferred pastimes The residents pull out an item and then discuss its relevance to them which brings them a great deal of enjoyment

Skye Summerton Activities Coordinator at Collingtree Park comments: “We’re so pleased with how well the memory boxes have been received they have taken off really well I have worked alongside families and staff to ensure the boxes are tailored to each of our residents with sentimental objects that support reminiscing Our residents love engaging with all the components we have included What surprised us most was that although we came up with this idea for individual residents the memory boxes have actually gone down really well with groups too They are a great talking point for everyone!”

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

What To Consider When Choosing A Staff Attack System For Care Settings

With reports revealing up to 85% of care workers experience abuse each year and thousands of serious attacks on carers recorded the need for reliable, efficient staff attack systems in care settings has never been greater

Protecting care workers is vital for staff morale and productivity but also patient care and long-term treatment outcomes

Choosing the right staff alarm system therefore requires careful consideration, and the weighing up of the following factors

EFFICIENCY & SPEED

Quick intervention is crucial when preventing a violent attack In care settings patients may become aggressive suddenly with little to no warning

The most effective staff attack systems work rapidly allowing employees to summon assistance quickly and easily should they face abusive behaviour from a service user

PRECISE

Equally, the accuracy of a staff safety system is a key consideration

When an alarm is triggered the response team should be informed of the exact location of the call – allowing for rapid intervention and thus prevention of harm

This is particularly true for large facilities with multiple floors and rooms and in cases where multiple alarms have been activated simultaneously Pinpoint s latest P2 Graphical Display Unit for example clearly demonstrates the call level and precise location of incidents on rotation enabling responders to allocate support as required

USER-FRIENDLY

Staff alarm systems for care workers should be simple-to-use and easily accessible In the face of hostili-

ty or violence carers should be able to activate their personal alarm quickly and without alerting the aggressor

This was a key factor in the development of Pinpoint’s new P2 System which benefits from a more sophisticated discreet design Worn on the staff member’s uniform, the P2 personal alarm is lightweight and easy to use Employees simply press a button on the device to call for assistance and in more high-risk situations where a service user is becoming aggressive, the worker pulls a pin from the bottom of the device to sound an emergency alarm

ROBUSTNESS

Vandalism of safety systems is not uncommon in high-risk work settings, as service users can tamper with or abuse the devices out of frustration Choosing a robust safety system is therefore an important and cost-effective measure for care homes

FOLLOW UP SUPPORT

When looking into staff attack systems it s wise to consider how much follow-up support is offered by the provider, the length of the warranty period available, and whether repairs or assistance with maintenance issues is available Doing this from the outset will prevent problems later down the line!

As rates of violence toward staff in Care settings increase so too does the need for powerful efficient staff safety systems Choosing the right system will depend on the environment in question the security needs of the staff and the threat posed by service users Keeping the above factors in mind will serve as useful guidance for facilities looking to make the best choice for the safety of their employees

Interested in learning more about Pinpoint s P2 System? Visit www pinpoint ltd uk/staff-safety-system

Music Charity Inspires Staff Working In Dementia Care with New Free Resource

A music charity with more than 25 years experience of working with care staff has released a new, free resource to inspire and encourage the use of music in dementia care

Music as Therapy International is a UK-registered charity which believes in the power of music to strengthen care For more than 25 years they have worked alongside people on the frontlines of care offering training and support to help them introduce and embed music into the care they provide

The charity is now sharing a free resource for caregivers of people living with dementia in the hope it will inspire and encourage them to introduce music into their day-to-day care routines

The charity s director Alexia Quin OBE said

There s a wealth of research which evidences the proven ways music can have a huge positive impact on the lives and wellbeing of people with dementia As well as reducing agitation and distress music can join a fragmented existence together giving people a sense of who they are in the here-and-now and offer them ways to connect with those around them

“Caregivers tell us that incorporating music into their caring relationships not only benefits the person living with dementia but makes a positive difference to their own well-being That said it can feel daunting given a lack of time resources and confidence But it can be simpler than you think

“This new resource is an accessible introduction for people who are interested in using music in the care they provide With simple prompts tips and guidance on what to look out for when using music we hope we can inspire caregivers to give it a try – and see for themselves the impact it can have ”

The free resource titled Be inspired: The role of music in dementia care’ is designed to help readers explore the role music can play in the care of people living with dementia It includes ideas questions and inspiration for choosing the right music to use as well as things to look out for to help make the most of any shared musical experiences

The content of the booklet has been created as part of the development of a new online training course – titled ‘Music Helps’ - that the charity is aiming to launch later this year

Music Helps is an online training course created specifically to help caregivers working with people living with dementia The interactive four-hour course comprises five chapters offering guidance videos exercises and resources to give caregivers an understanding of the role music can play in the care they provide whether at home or in a residential setting

Music Helps has already been developed and run with caregivers in India for over 12 months The strong feedback from among more than 100 caregivers who have enrolled onto the course includes 100% of participants saying what they learnt from Music Helps has helped them get to know the person living with dementia better, and 97% feeling it has helped their own well-being

Anyone interested to learn more about the role of music in dementia care can view and download the new resource for free from the charity’s website where they can also register their interest to be one of the first to gain access to the Music Helps online course when it is launched

For more information, please visit www musicastherapy org

Summer Fun Extravaganza At Gibraltar Nursing Home

Gibraltar Nursing Home proudly announced its much-anticipated Summer Fete a heartwarming event that brought together residents fondly referred to as family members relatives and the local community for a day of vibrant festivities The Summer Fete took place on Saturday 5th August and showcased an array of exciting activities that spread smiles and created cherished memories for all

The nursing home s picturesque grounds transformed into a haven of laughter and merriment featuring a delightful BBQ sizzling with scrumptious treats and a charming ice cream van serving up cool and creamy delights

The Summer Fete's charm extended to its captivating stalls, where attendees found treasures at the lucky dip and hunted for hidden gems at the

jumble sale Book enthusiasts browsed the diverse collection at the book stand while those with a sweet tooth indulged in delectable treats at the vibrant sweet stand

The event exemplified the Monmouthshire nursing home s commitment to providing a vibrant and engaging environment for family members, who relished in moments of joy laughter and connection The success of the Summer Fete highlighted the importance of such communal gatherings in promoting a sense of belonging and shared experiences The team remain dedicated to crafting more heartwarming events that enrich the lives of its residents and bring the community closer together

Case Study: Bathing Cushion Has Enabled Carers To Bathe A Man Who Was Previously Afraid Of Water

Staff at a Yorkshire assisted living complex can deliver dignified safe supported personal hygiene to a man with dementia via Aqua Liberty- a unique bathing support system

The gentleman lives in supported accommodation and receives 24 hr care

He has recently been diagnosed with dementia and has complex mental and physical disabilities He is non-verbal and is hoisted for all transfers He has high muscle tone in his arms and legs which mean he benefits from being immersed in water He previously enjoyed baths when he lived at home and this is something his family told the care team that he loved

Since moving into supported accommodation and being diagnosed with dementia staff had been unable to support him to shower as he became distressed when the water hit his body

He would hit out at the people supporting him Staff tried to lower him into the bath via the ceiling track hoist but as soon as his body contacted the water, he became distressed

Staff had therefore been strip washing daily on the bed which was also distressing for this man due to the number of movements required whilst he was lying on the bed

The Occupational Therapist involved in the man’s case Julie Snowden from Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust felt that there were some issues with proprioception and him feeling unsafe and disorientated when he didn t know where his body was in space He also needed postural support as his core stability was poor and he benefited greatly from the feeling of being safe and cocooned

Julie suggested trying AAT s Aqua Liberty vacuum posture support system hoisting him slowly into the bath

with the bath cushion already in place

Aqua Liberty is the only vacuum support cushion system that fits any bath and any user It is also unique in being developed in the UK in partnership with individuals with a disability and Occupational Therapists

The lightweight adjustable system comprises a central flexible backpiece that fits any bath It is quick and easy to secure into position and to remove Any of a range of mix and match vacuum posture cushions is then easily attached to the backpiece to provide infinitely remouldable adjustable pressure-free support for the bather

In this case a Comfortable Plus cushions was used Combining a corset and and seat in one the Comfortable Plus Duo delivers correct torso and pelvis positioning stabilising her vertically and laterally, holding her in place without pressure By making use of vacuum technology, the cushion can be precisely altered by carers to deliver optimal comfort as needed, without pressure points

Commented Julie: “Although he initially became slightly worried once his body came into contact with the bath cushion and he was sitting in it he became visibly relaxed Staff were able to support him to bathe for the first time! Bathing with the Aqua Liberty is now an essential part of his routine; a bath helps him to relax reduces muscle tone aids digestion and is something he now thoroughly enjoys ”

To find out more about the Aqua Liberty system including booking of free no obligation assessments visit https://www aatgb com/aqua-liberty/ On AAT s website www aatgb com you can also arrange a free trial of the system and ask any questions via LiveChat

Clifford Mews Receives Some ‘Good’ News

There is a buzz of excitement in North Tyneside at Extra Care scheme Clifford Mews, after the scheme received a rating of ‘Good’ by inspectors

The Housing 21 scheme received its first inspection by The Care Quality Commission (CQC) in July this year In the report inspectors recognised the scheme for creating a positive environment for its residents and employees to feel safe; the report described employees as being ‘supportive with residents following on to say all staff are kind considerate and treated people with dignity’

Housing and Care Manager at Clifford Mews, Stacey Hillis, said: “We are over the moon to be awarded a Good rating for our first inspection from The Care Quality Commission

“We are proud to say that we have a dedicated, committed and compassion-

ate Care Team who strive to deliver the highest standard of care at all times this has been further confirmed by the positive feedback and comments made from residents their families and professionals throughout the report

We are pleased that throughout the inspection report they have noted the positive culture we have created and the shared passion to strive for continuous improvement as a team ”

Clifford Mews is just one of over 23 300 Housing 21 schemes which offer independent living to people over the age of 55 across Extra Care and Retirement Living The Extra Care scheme is located in North Tyneside and offers independent living with access to 24/7 on-site care for residents who require it The scheme has been designed to provide full accessible facilities for both residents and visitors including a café/bistro and hair salon on-site

The Transformational Opportunity of Technology in Social Care

Martin Green CEO of Care England recently appeared on The Access Group s Redefining Care podcast to delve into the challenges confronting adult social care and the role technology can play in addressing them Professor Green summarises some of the key insights from the discussion:

Adult social care in England faces many challenges from workforce crises to funding constraints and barriers to achieving integration with the healthcare system

Care England s mission is to support quality care raise standards enhance outcomes for service users and underscore the role of care homes as invaluable assets within the community

Over the next decade, we expect to see the technological revolution as a significant factor shaping the care sector A fusion of advanced technology with artificial intelligence (AI) could dramatically elevate patient outcomes in ways that were out of reach in previous years

Traditionally the care sector has been slow to embrace the full scope of digital technologies but the landscape has changed dramatically over the last four years The COVID pandemic has acted as a catalyst, accentuating the urgency to utilise technology more effectively

People are always at the heart of our initiatives at Care England We’re investing significant effort into making discharge pathways from hospitals more efficient getting care homes recognised as critical

resources and ensuring that financial support is directed towards those in need

However there s a critical challenge that stands out: integration between health and social care It s time to change the discourse from focusing on organisations like the NHS local authorities and care providers to those who use the services It must be about the people and improving their quality of life

We need a decisive shift from prioritising processes to emphasising outcomes and individual experiences Our system leans heavily on organisations and procedures which must change Emphasising personal preferences and crafting bespoke solutions is the path forward, and I think technology has a pivotal role to play here It can provide us with rich insights helping us become more data-driven personalised and outcomefocused Companies like the Access Group s Health Support and Care division (HSC) play a vital part in this transformation by tracking individuals through the care pathway, enhancing quality and efficiency This personalised approach helps identify the unique needs of every individual allowing for tailored solutions that can genuinely enhance their wellbeing

The social care sector is also facing substantial workforce challenges with record vacancy rates and high staff turnover Technology can be instrumental in overcoming these hurdles by reducing the burden of paperwork enhancing the attractiveness of care work and supporting career progression

However, the solution doesn’t stop here I believe we need a nationally recognised skills framework, clear career pathways and flexible working arrangements to elevate the esteem of working in care Recruitment and retention must go hand in hand something crucial for the care sector’s future

By intertwining technology people-centred outcomes and solutions to workforce challenges we can begin to lay the foundations for a care system that truly meets the needs and aspirations of those it serves

Listen to the full conversation at the podcast at https://redefiningcare buzzsprout com/share

13% Fall in Nursing Degree Offer Acceptance Report Reveals

A New UCAS reveals that the number of students accepting an offer to study nursing is has fallen by 13 per cent across the UK

The decrease in acceptances on to nursing courses in each of the UK nations varies In England acceptances are down 13 per cent from last year; in Northern Ireland they are down six per cent; Scotland has seen a 17 per cent decline; and in Wales acceptances are down by 11 per cent

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) says the figures call into question the credibility of the NHS workforce plan in England released last month According to the Health Foundation the plan which made commitments to increasing the nursing workforce in England requires nursing and midwifery training intakes to increase by about 32 000 by 2031-32

RCN Deputy Director for Nursing Dr Nichola Ashby said

“Being a nurse is one of the greatest careers any student can choose But during a cost-of-living crisis, they re being put off by the prospect of debt low salaries and poor working conditions

“The UK government has stumbled at the first hurdle of its NHS workforce plan, with 13 per cent fewer people expected to take up nursing courses this year These numbers are not just a sad story for today

but a story for years to come of how ministers baked future nursing shortages into the NHS

If the NHS workforce plan is to succeed the UK government must start providing details on how the plan will begin to deliver the students the NHS needs to see for the future workforce It must fund more university places for nursing students and remove the burden of student debt and tuition fees from prospective nurses in England

RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Pat Cullen, said:

It is deeply concerning to see the number of people applying to study nursing falling again – a clear result of the way the profession has been treated by those in power

Compared to last year this year has seen 17 per cent fewer people living in the UK applying to nursing courses, and a drop of just over a quarter since the pandemic saw a surge in applications in 2021

The nursing workforce remains in crisis with record numbers forced to take time off due to stress and exhaustion and thousands leaving the profession every year Now we are seeing this failure to invest in the workforce of today is putting off the nurses of tomorrow

Miele Professional Appoints Marketing Manager to Drive Strategic Campaigns in Great Britain and Ireland

The professional division of Miele an industry leading manufacturer of commercial laundry and dishwashing solutions has appointed Samantha Dale as marketing manager for Great Britain and Ireland

Following seven years of experience working within the sales and marketing department at Miele, Dale will oversee strategic and tactical marketing campaigns across the hospitality care and service (HCS) sectors as well as the laboratory medical and dentistry (LMD) sectors

Dale started working for the white goods specialist in 2016 beginning her career in customer service and partner sales support before moving to the commercial arm of the business two years later Complimenting her vast knowledge of the Miele brand her specialisms include digital marketing content marketing event

management and communications

Commenting on her appointment Dale said: “I have always loved working for Miele and its ethos of immer besser (forever

MSP Visit for Edinburgh Mental Health Ser vice’s Revamped Summer House

A mental health service near Edinburgh invited local politicians and dignitaries to celebrate the opening of a new and improved summer house MSP Daniel Johnson joined residents, relatives and staff at The Laurels to welcome the refurbished summer house

Now named ‘Paul s Place’ after a former resident who passed away in June the room has seen a complete overhaul carried out by staff with help from residents

The attendees who also included representatives from Change Mental Health Scotland and Shaw healthcare CEO Russell Brown were treated to a BBQ and residents received goodie bags full of treats

Mr Brown commented: “It has been such a pleasure to be a part of this wonderful event The Laurels is a very special place and the team work so hard to provide a home from home environment, evidenced by the new and improved summer house The family feel really shone through here today

The service is also celebrating two employees who have been shortlisted for the Shaw Star Awards in November which aims to celebrate the achievements of outstanding staff members across Shaw s 61 UK facilities Service manager Faye Mentiplay is a finalised in the ‘Outstanding Management Contribution category while support worker Susan Kulik has been selected as a finalist in the Care and Compassion’ category

customers

Volunteering: A Touchstone for Enhanced Adult Social Care

By Liban Saleh, co -founder and CEO at CareCompare (https://carecompare.net)

As someone who has traversed the spheres of academia executive recruitment and the care industry I ve found that human connections remain the core of every field but especially adult social care Volunteering, as an unbridled act of compassion and empathy has transformative potential not just for the individuals it directly affects but also for our care systems and communities

When we talk about volunteering, we are often talking about actions that transcend the mundane We are speaking of the bridge that connects empathy and action the pathway that leads from seeing a need to stepping up to fulfil it At its core volunteering is the commitment to making a difference typically without financial reward yet with a wealth of emotional and societal returns

In the context of adult social care volunteers often fill gaps that go beyond basic caregiving They bring companionship and create a sense

of community which are equally crucial to the well-being of older people Sharing stories playing games and providing emotional support these seemingly small acts can significantly improve the quality of life for older adults infusing their days with warmth interaction and engagement

Moreover volunteering aids the overstretched workforce in care homes and retirement communities, reducing their burden and allowing them to focus on critical health-related aspects of care Volunteers can become the hands that help, the ears that listen, and the voices that lift spirits complementing the work of professional caregivers and thereby enhancing the overall quality of care

On a wider scale volunteering serves as a platform for society to understand and appreciate the intricacies of adult social care, demystifying stereotypes and fostering empathy towards the older generation This perspective is important for evolving the care system By humanising the statistics and institutional structures volunteering makes care more about people and less about processes

So how can we encourage more people to volunteer? There are a few practical steps operators can take

Firstly raise awareness Highlight the profound impact volunteers make using real-life stories and testimonials to demonstrate the

rewarding and meaningful nature of the work Let potential volunteers see the difference they can make

Secondly make volunteering accessible Ensure your recruitment process is simple and welcoming Offer a variety of roles to suit different skills and preferences and provide adequate training to ensure volunteers feel confident and valued

Finally, establish a sense of community among volunteers Foster an environment where they feel connected, appreciated, and part of the care team Celebrate their contributions and provide opportunities for them to share experiences and learn from one another

The act of volunteering is as personal as it is transformative Its effects ripple outwards from the individuals involved to the care sector and society at large It's a powerful conduit for societal change, spreading kindness, breaking down barriers, and improving the lives of everyone it touches

Through my journey with CareCompare borne from a personal struggle to find care for my grandfather I've seen firsthand how volunteering can enrich the care system It's an untapped resource that brings humanity into the heart of caregiving and it's high time we embrace its transformative potential

The Day The Farm Came To Hugh Myddelton House

Hugh Myddelton House care home in Southgate had a great day with Performing Pets who bought along some lovely cuddly bunnies, who are just 12 weeks old

Residents at Hugh Myddelton House were pleasantly surprised to see animals such as donkeys geese and rabbits roaming around their garden every month

General Manager Jade Shea said Our residents have really enjoyed their unusual visitors today We knew that having the farm here would be a bit of fun for all our

residents especially as some find it difficult to go on many outings in our minibus

We are always looking for new activities for the residents and today we have seen the seen the enjoyment and the therapeutic influence animals can have on people ”

Resident Elsie was very excited and touched by the Performing Pets animals: As a child I used to love all the animals on the nearby farm Today was very enjoyable and it was wonderful that the bunnies were free to roam amongst us ”

Parley Place Care Home Residents Celebrate 60 Years Together!

A couple from Parley Place care home in West Parley celebrated 60 years of marriage earlier this year and Ivor wanted to do something special for his wife Ivor and Jan celebrated 60 years of marriage in 2023 and Ivor wanted to create a special moment for his wife Ivor said “Jan is the love of my life and I could not live without her I want to show her how special she makes me feel”

Brian our activities co-ordinator helped Ivor to create a special meal for Jan he arranged for Dan, our head chef to meet with Ivor to discuss the perfect menu which consisted of Fillet steak with mushroom gratin and fondant potatoes followed by dessert of Lemon tart with strawberry sauce and a special white chocolate heart

The table was set in our private dining room and Adam one of our care assistants was their personal waiter There was soft music playing and Ivor invited Jan to meet him in the dining room Adam poured a glass of their favourite red wine and Jan was so surprised The couple enjoyed a lovely private evening reminiscing and enjoying each other s company Jan Said “he’s never done anything like this before I m so surprised and have had a lovely evening

General Manager, Tracey Aldin at Parley Place Care home said: “It was so lovely for us to be able to arrange a special evening for Jan and Ivor It s so wonderful to see two people still very much in love after all these years!”

Creativity Was The Catch Of The Day For HC-One Masterclass At Billingsgate Market

Six Kitchen Assistants from HC-One recently had the opportunity to take part in a specialist masterclass with renowned chef CJ Jackson in London’s historic Billingsgate Fish Market

Each individual was nominated to take part in the day by their Home Manager in recognition of their outstanding passion and the dedication they have shown to developing their skills in providing nutritious food and kind care to Residents

The group of Kitchen Assistants developed their expertise in older people’s catering as they were shown the best ways to prepare fresh fish by CJ Jackson who has been the Principal and Chief Executive of the prestigious Billingsgate Seafood School for 20 years and has a number of popular recipe books

There are many benefits to including different fish in older people’s diets, including research that suggests that oily fish can contribute towards slowing down of dementia symptoms As the next generation of care home catering professionals the Kitchen Assistants enjoyed discussing these various benefits with Jackson during their tour of the market and private masterclass

Things heated up in the kitchen when the group went head-to-head in their own Ready Steady Cook style challenge: creating a fresh fish dish in 45 minutes with only five ingredients, using everything they had learned from their masterclass

Leah Jackson, Kitchen Assistant from Rose Court was crowned the winner by judges CJ Jackson, Mark Meacham (HC-One Head of Catering and Housekeeping Support Services) Chris Bonner (HC-One Executive Chef and Nutrition and Hydration Lead), Jamie Clews (from HC-One’s catering suppliers Robot

Coupe) and James Tugendhat HC-One s Chief Executive Leah won a Red Letter Days voucher for her impressive winning of pan-fried smoked mackerel with a pine nut oil with roasted root vegetables and courgette chips

The training day comes as HC-One have developed a new programme of progression for their catering Colleagues across their 269 homes including through their Group Development Chef scheme The scheme supports catering Colleagues of any level to progress to senior roles with additional leadership strategy and innovation responsibilities

Leah Jackson Kitchen Assistant from Rose Court Care Home said: “I was delighted to be selected by my Home Manager to attend the Kitchen Assistant training and development day at Billingsgate Market I found the day extremely useful; I ve learnt lots of new skills and knowledge which I can now put into practice to provide a variety of nutritional meals for Residents living at Rose Court I was also proud and humbled to be selected as the winner of the Ready Steady Cook styled session for the fish dish I created I’m looking forward to progressing further in my career at HC-One ”

Mark Meacham Head of Catering and Housekeeping Support Services at HC-One commented: “The Kitchen Assistant training and development day at Billingsgate Market was a great success Thank you to everyone involved including Robot Coupe for sponsoring the day and to CJ Jackson for providing such excellent and informative sessions The day has provided an opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of some of the fantastic Kitchen Assistants who are such vital parts of our care homes It was a joy to be able to provide them with the chance to learn and expand their knowledge as we support them to go from strength-to-strength in care home catering careers ”

Out Of 5 Unpaid Dementia Carers Take On The Bulk Of Caring Responsibilities

An Alzheimer’s Society survey of over 1 000 unpaid current and former carers of people with dementia shows that family and friends are the backbone of support

The survey revealed that 4 out of 5 of those classed as primary carers take on the majority of caring responsibilities (80%) for their loved one

For those spending on average four working days a week (28 5 hours) providing essential practical and emotional support, the impact of unpaid caring duties comes at a price with a quarter going as far to say they feel they have lost their identity (26%)

The survey also highlights the isolation felt by unpaid carers of people living with dementia as a quarter revealed they lost friends (24%) and lacked frequent social contact with others (27%)

3 in 10 also said they didn t have anyone they felt they could go to for help (29%)

While, around half (47%) surveyed have had to juggle caring duties with working full time and over twofifths said their caring duties put a strain on their relationship (43%)

Currently, 1 in 10 of the population are providing unpaid care With 1 in 3 people born today going on to develop dementia in their lifetime we are concerned that the overwhelming impact of caring for someone with dementia will only be exacerbated without urgent action

Alzheimer s Society are encouraging people to sign up to a Memory Walk which sees thousands of peo-

ple walk for or in memory of a loved one with dementia

Funds raised will go towards vital campaigning efforts and support services desperately needed by people who have been devastated by dementia including carers

Supporting the findings actor Anne-Marie Duff added: Unpaid carers exemplify what it means to be kind and compassionate – quite simply, unpaid carers are heroes

Alzheimer’s Society CEO Kate Lee said: “This vital care can be incredibly rewarding but comes at a cost – often coping with changes to behaviour and carrying out daily tasks many of us take for granted

“By signing up to one of our Memory Walks we can continue to provide help and hope to everyone who has been devastated by dementia

“We see thousands of people, all connected by similar experiences, coming together, which is always incredible to witness From the buzz of the crowd to the hug of a stranger who gets it – whatever you feel on the day, you won’t be alone ”

Sponsored Memory Walks are free to sign up for and will be taking place across 24 locations this September and October

Crewe's Betty Commemorates 100th with Rare Second Royal Message

Marking a 100th birthday is a joyous event for all involved and for Crewe s

Betty Palmer, the occasion has proven to be extra special as she becomes one of a small number of people in receipt of royal well wishes from both King Charles III and Queen Camilla as well as Elizabeth II

Opening the congratulatory card surrounded by family friends and Belong care village carers at her party Betty said of reaching triple figures: Your age is just a number but so lovely to receive such a very special card

It was in 2010 when Betty along with husband Eric received their first message from the palace, this time from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for their diamond wedding anniversary Over one million messages were sent to mark birthdays and anniversaries during the late queen's reign1, though it is thought that just a handful will be in possession of cards from two different monarchs

Born in 1923 as Elizabeth Hughes Betty has known five monarchs twenty prime ministers and has witnessed enormous social and cultural change perhaps the first the prohibition of the sale of alcohol to under eighteens coming into law just weeks after her birth

Having grown up in Birkenhead Wirral, she met her future husband at a dance hall while on holiday with her friend in Wales in the late 1940s After marrying in 1950 the couple resided in Liverpool where they welcomed the arrival of a baby girl, Sue, three years later Betty worked as an auxiliary nurse in the city's

Walton Centre before they relocated to Cheshire

In later life, Betty worked as a housekeeper into her 70s and continued supporting her family until Eric sadly passed away four years ago Since then, she has continued to live with her daughter and son-in-law semi independently with the assistance of Belong at Home Crewe community carers Earlier this summer the dementia specialist helped her transition to a new home at Belong Crewe village on Brookhouse Drive

Betty s attitude to work resilience and remaining active in later years may hold the secret to longevity, her daughter Sue Clark believes: "The Belong carers always ask how she can be so agile at her age I think it might be to do with all those years spent on her feet, working and helping her immediate family "Or, perhaps it s down to her daily tipple of brandy! She's had a wonderful life with the support of her husband and we have many happy family memories caravanning in Wales and enjoying cruises on the continent She s a wonderful mum and I don't suppose many people get to have a mother at my age - we re lucky to have her Jane Gabbert, area manager at Belong at Home Crewe, added: "We've known Betty and her family for a while now and to get to know them personally and be part of this chapter in their lives is wonderful Many congratulations, Betty!"

Blueleaf Launches New Product Guide to Show Latest Innovation in Care Beds & Pressure Care Mattress Design

Blueleaf Care, the nationwide business that helps care homes deliver better outcomes has released a new product guide for its range of care beds and pressure care mattresses, to help care providers choose the most suitable beds and mattresses for their residents

Publication of the guide follows the work Blueleaf has been undertaking with bed and mattress manufacturers designing and innovating new solutions to add to its portfolio in line with its commitment to lead the way and find new and imaginative ways of solving old problems

Its collection of care beds consists of eight products each with key features to accommodate the specific needs of care home residents All beds, for example have adjustable heights - the Ultra Low Floorbed goes as low as 67mm off floor level – to improve accessibility for residents with limited mobility and to minimise the risk of injury in the event of a fall

Blueleaf works with the bed manufacturers to ensure that the beds also support the carers to give the best care An adjustment in the bed design for example means that when purchased with a Blueleaf mattress beds do not require a third rail and still meet industry regulations for rail to mattress height This also saves time in an environment where time is a rare commodity and supports improved health and safety as they are not having to remove and install the rail each time

Other features include a lockable handset and a range of upholstery options Various wood finishes are also available for a design tailored to every individual room With ease and efficiency in mind all beds have a tool-less assembly removing the need for specialist equipment; and they use standard components meaning that they re easy to fix should they require repairs; and many components are simply plug and play connections

Additionally Blueleaf s collection of pressure care mattresses provide a vital solution to another widely prevalent challenge in care homes: the prevention, cure and treatment of pressure ulcers The collection

comprises the ‘SXM range of static mattresses and the ‘Easy Care’ range of dynamic mattresses with the latter also featuring a cushion system and multifunctional pumps The collection also includes the ‘Integra-mat’ which is exclusive to Blueleaf and can be used as a static or fully dynamic mattress and the ‘Pressureguard’ which is a mattress system with adjustable height air cells to achieve zero pressure

Each product contains various features that make them suitable for a wide range of residents with grade 1-4 pressure ulcers The collection also delivers a range of benefits for carers For instance the highly advanced pump system automatically weighs the resident and adjusts mattress pressure accordingly, removing the need for manual weight input and individual pressure adjustment

Nick Frogbrook CEO of Blueleaf says that its range of beds and mattresses is yet another way in which

Blueleaf is striving to identify and resolve the challenges affecting care homes: Each care home resident will have a specific set of physical challenges that deserves a tailored solution,” he explains

We are proud of how closely we work with our manufacturers and how we re able to use our collective experience and knowledge of care homes when designing care equipment It is the team’s dedication to supporting carers to give the best care that results in updated products which are seen in our extensive range of beds and mattresses We know how important it is for care home providers to have a range of options when choosing the most appropriate equipment for each resident and in doing so deliver a better quality of care We also know how important it is not just to keep pace with innovation but actually be ahead of the curve to improve outcomes for every member of staff, resident and family member ”

To download more information on Blueleaf s range of beds and mattresses or to book a meeting visit: www blueleafcare com/our-services/products/care-home-equipment/care-beds-and-pressure-care-mattresses

NACC Awards 2023 Shortlist Announced

The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) has revealed the shortlist for the NACC Awards 2023

The prestigious awards recognise and celebrate teams and individuals that epitomise excellence, innovation, dedication and outstanding contributions within the care catering sector

Across six categories the finalists represent those working in or associated with care catering that deliver exceptional service every day from care homes Meals on Wheels services and Lunch Clubs to suppliers to the sector

The overall winners will be announced at a special gala awards dinner on Thursday 5th October 2023, which is part of the NACC Training & Development Forum held at the East Midlands Conference Centre Nottingham

THE NACC AWARDS 2023 FINALISTS ARE:

CARE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE YEAR AWARD, SPONSORED BY ALLMANHALL

Heritage Manor West Eaton

John’s House, Castlemeadow

Highmarket House Care UK

Candlewood House, TLC

MEALS ON WHEELS AWARD, SPONSORED BY APETITO

Food Train Ltd

Molesey Centre for the Community

Health and Independent Living Support, West Sussex

My Chef Meals on Wheels

CATERING TEAM OF THE YEAR AWARD, SPONSORED BY MAJOR INTERNATIONAL

Hotel Services Catering Team, FSCH Group

Renaissance Care Chefs Renaissance Care

HC-One Catering Team

Edgbaston Manor Care UK

CATERING MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD, SPONSORED BY UNILEVER FOOD SOLUTIONS

Stuart Middleton Renaissance Care

Majlinda Ndoj Cooperscroft Care Home – TLC Group

Andrew Mussett Care UK

Jody Marshall, Meallmore Ltd

Gareth Cartledge Avery Healthcare Group

OUR CARE CATERING HERO AWARD, SPONSORED BY BIDFOOD

Julie Setterfield, Elmbridge Borough Council

Rachel Keys HC-One

Nicola Bushell The Royal Star & Garter Signature Dining THE BEV PUXLEY AWARD*, SPONSORED BY WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF COOKS

Valerie Kelly Houndswood House Brigterkind Ltd

Chris Bonner HC-One

Jody Marshall Meallmore Ltd

THE WINNERS OF THE FOLLOWING COVETED AWARDS WILL ALSO BE HONOURED AT THE GALA AWARDS DINNER:

NACC Region of the Year Award sponsored by Meiko @MEIKOUK

Pam Rhodes Award sponsored by Winterhalter @WinterhalterUK

National Chair’s Award

Sue Cawthray National Chair of the NACC said Huge congratulations to all this year s shortlisted finalists Care catering professionals are some of the best unsung heroes as they continue to work and care for older and vulnerable people in incredibly challenging circumstances – from staff shortages to the cost-ofliving crisis and supply chain issues they continue to shine and inspire I am continually amazed by the wonderful stories I hear from around the country we should be very proud of them all I very much look forward to our gala awards dinner where we will come together with fellow members colleagues and friends to reflect recognise and celebrate the amazing people in our sector Their fantastic work and achievements make an enormous difference to the lives of so many through good food and nutrition and meaningful

Austen House Makes Resident's Dream Come True

Valerie Handford, a resident at Austen House care home in Lower Earley had always wanted to play with The Salvation Army band again, so staff at the home set about making her wish a reality

Valerie has lived at Austen House since January 2023 and is much loved by staff and residents alike Staff at the home were delighted to be a part of making her dream come true as they knew how much it meant to her and they all wanted to be there to see the smile on Valerie ’s face when her dream was realised

Iuliana Buican Activities Coordinator first found out about Valerie s dream when Valerie was reminiscing about how she loved to play in a band in her youth and ever since then she has been dedicated to helping Valerie achieve her goal

Valerie s father was a Band Master in the Salvation Army when she was born and Valerie has always considered herself to be part of the band too At the age of

7 she started learning to play the cornett, she fell in love with this musical instrument and never gave it up

Iuliana from the Life Enrichment team and Valerie s daughter Vanessa made arrangements for Valerie to go to the Salvation Army on Oxford Road and play the cornett with the band again Valerie had a brilliant time she loved being back with her friends and said “I never thought that I would be here with all of you today

In response to this wonderful surprise Valerie said: I was on the verge of tears It is such an amazing feeling to know that such a loving group of people care so much about me that they helped me to live out a dream – and I didn t even ask

Taking Care of Fire Safety

By Rob Yates, Head of Building Products Fire Safety in the UK & Ireland for Siemens (www.siemens.co.uk)

All buildings have their own specific requirements in terms of fire safety and risk assessments are the primary method of ensuring that a fire alarm system meets those needs Care homes are no different although the nature of the elderly occupants and their mobility issues need to be a particular focus in selecting an appropriate method of protecting the occupants and the care home itself from the threat of fire

In the majority of buildings evacuation plans are a core element of fire safety procedures and while this is also true of a care home the fact that it may be impossible to evacuate some of the residents has a direct impact on the requirements outlined in the respective standards In BS5839-1, for example, the following clauses need to be considered:

If occupants need assistance from staff to escape and there are more than 10 sleeping persons the system should be addressable

• Residential care premises should be provided with automatic connection to Alarm Receiving Centres (ARC)

• Signals to Alarm Receiving Centres cannot be delayed from residential care homes

ADDRESSING THE SPECIFICS

Given all of the above it is easy to appreciate that early detection of a fire incident is particularly important in a care home Many care homes operate with older conventional fire alarm systems Picking up on the first point these need to be upgraded to addressable systems to enable the location of an incident to be identified quickly In doing so, it is important to consider the options in terms of cost implications associated with this migration Some systems will require replacement of not only the devices but also reconfiguration of the wiring into a loop Others do not thereby offering considerable savings in installation costs

The ability to identify the location of an incident quickly can be further enhanced through powered floor repeater panels allowing the situation to be reviewed without needing to go to the location of the main fire panel The ever-increasing use of cloud-based technology (see final paragraph) can take this a stage further with apps available which allow monitoring of fire safety on a mobile phone

In many applications delays in sending a fire alarm signal to an ARC are often deliberate to allow time to investigate to see if it is a false alarm or of a scale that can be tackled safely with a fire extinguisher However as is clearly stated in the British Standard this is not the case in a care home

Turning to the issue of false alarms, as indicated in the extract from BS5839-1, the requirement is for a maximum of 1 false alarm per 20 detectors annually Obviously, zero false alarms is an even better scenario in an application where an alarm can cause panic confusion and considerable disruption Systems are now available which will provide a guarantee of no false alarms with multi-criteria detection technology which detects a fire incident quickly without being impacted by deceptive phenomena such as toasters or steam Crucial to this is drift compensation whereby the sensitivity of the detector is automatically adjusted to reflect the build-up of dust or dirt, without, importantly, affecting response times

CLOUD-BASED TECHNOLOGY

Increasingly, as in so many of our day-to-day activities, the internet and the cloud are becoming pivotal in the latest fire detection solutions Digitalisation has made significant advances in terms of ease of use of fire safety systems User interfaces are becoming ever more graphics-based with the swipe click drag and drop approach so familiar from our mobile phones

Online portals can provide an overview of a care home’s fire safety or for those organisations operating a number of facilities, across all connected sites Multi-site dashboards can provide locations of all sites in one place with a status bar indicating the respective status of each in real-time with a simple colour-coded approach to identify sites where problems may be occurring

Interoperability is a phrase that has been around now for some time in terms of building management systems and it is gathering momentum as digitalisation increases This is the potential to connect multiple systems which can then compliment each other An example would be a CCTV camera able to zoom in on a fire location or record the operation of a call point, while a lift can report return status or louvres can be automatically activated in the event of an alarm activation to aid smoke ventilation

Care homes offer their own specific challenges in terms of fire safety By understanding those challenges and adopting a fire safety approach which reflects them residents and the buildings themselves can be effectively protected

Woodside Lodge Celebrates 40th Anniversar y

Woodside Lodge Residential Care Home set in the heart of the New Forest recently celebrated an amazing 40th anniversary by hosting its very own 'Greatest Fete'

The sun was shining and staff and residents were joined by The Swingin’ Sinatra who crooned away the afternoon the BBQ was sizzling everyone took party with carnival games like hook a duck coin drop and name the bear!

There was even had a bouncy castle that was enjoyed by children from the

local community (although the staff probably had the most fun!)

Residents, relatives, friends, and local community helped to cut a special anniversary cake too!

A team member said It was a day to remember for all and we were so grateful to everyone who joined us for our 40th Anniversary Celebrations we even managed to raise over £350 for The Alzheimer’s Society

Local Care Home Presents Cheque To Local Charity

Mount House and Severn View care home in Shrewsbury recently presented Designs In Mind Oswestry with a cheque for £775 00 towards equipment for art and design projects Designs In Mind is a working studio tucked away in Shropshire where adults living with mental health challenges work together on ambitious experimental art and design projects

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

The team at Designs In Mind welcomed Adrian Suciu General Manager at Mount House and Severn View to the studio to see one of the development workshop groups in action and to receive the cheque

and celebrate being awarded the grant [Pictured L-R; Emily Huckworthy, Kevin Gibson Charlotte Phillips Adrian Suciu]

Miss Charlotte Phillips Fundraiser said “The money has enabled us to purchase a heavy duty drill and wood router for bigger community projects Our members are in the process of designing a 2m high sculptor for installation at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital to reflect their commitment to the community throughout the pandemic The design will be a symbol of hope and reflection to boost mural and be enjoyed by all visitors and staff at the hospital

Adrian Suciu from the home said “We are always keen to show as much support as we can to local charities ‘Designs In Mind’ provides a vital pathway service for referred individuals from across the region a safe place to express their creativity, build confidence and gain transferable skills for the future through collaborative art projects

Care Home Hosts Summer Fete To Celebrate 15th Birthday

A care home has celebrated its 15th birthday with a summer fete for its residents and their relatives Royal Star & Garter in Solihull hosted a day filled with fun and entertainment – and a visit from ponies – on Friday 18 August

The Home provides loving compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia, and is rated among the best nursing homes in the country according to the Care Quality Commission (CQC)

The rainy weather was not enough to spoil the fun with planned outdoor activities moving into the Home instead Among special guests invited to enjoy the summer fete with residents were members of local Royal British Legion branches and people from nearby Park View Day Centre Ponies Lollipop and Moomin also attended and spent time being stroked and fussed over by residents

Bluebird Belles followed by a barbecue lunch

The fete also included stalls barbecue food a WWII memorabilia stand book sale ice cream van tombola and raffles

Elsie 99 served in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) during WWII, and has lived at Royal Star & Garter since 2015 She said: It was so nice to celebrate the Home’s 15th birthday with our family and friends I particularly enjoyed The Bluebird Belles concert and the visit from the ponies I m very lucky to be at Royal Star & Garter I m well cared for I m kept busy I take part in activities and I go on outings I couldn’t wish for anything better – there’s no reason why I shouldn’t be happy ”

Christian Green is the Hospitality Services Manager at Royal Star & Garter in Solihull He thanked all those for attending the summer fete, and added: “It was a special day and we were delighted to share it with residents and their relatives The weather didn t bother us at all we re British and we can handle a little bit of rain!”

‘Adopt A Grandparent’ Named As Official Charity Partner To Leading Industr y Awards

The award-winning charity, Adopt a Grandparent, has been named as the official charity partner for a prominent industry award as it continues its work to address the issue of loneliness amongst the UK’s older population Setting out to recognise achievements within senior housing HealthInvestor s Senior Housing Awards will cast a spotlight on an exciting partnership as they announce Adopt a Grandparent an initiative which combats isolation by connecting care residents with volunteers worldwide as its chosen Charity of the Year

The awards scheduled to take place on 3rd October 2023 will mark an affiliation that signifies a commitment to celebrating excellence in senior living whilst emphasising the importance of combating elderly loneliness through crossgenerational companionship

On the partnership Sarah Hyman Chief Operating Officer at Nexus Media Group said: The aims of Adopt a Grandparent are ones that are close to our hearts at Nexus Media Group so we are delighted to be supporting the Charity at our HealthInvestor Seniors Housing Awards this year

The recognition of Adopt a Grandparent as Charity of the Year aligns with its mission to raise awareness about the positive impact of intergenerational friendships while working towards a fundraising goal of £100,000 for the year As of now, the organisation has already raised £62,000 – demonstrating the community s commitment to supporting its cause

With loneliness among the elderly becoming an ever-growing concern the collaboration between the two offers a significant chance to increase awareness of Adopt a Grandparent’s efforts

Shaleeza Hasham Founder and CEO of Adopt a Grandparent said: We are immensely proud to be selected as the Charity of the Year for the Senior Housing Awards This partnership will not only help us create a greater awareness of the loneliness issue faced by our older generations but also provide us with a platform to further our fundraising efforts It s a true testament to the significance of our mission and the

impact it has on the lives of seniors With the support of the community, we can shed light on the importance of bridging the generation gap and building connections that bring joy and vitality across the population Together, we embark on a journey to make a resounding impact filling the lives of our elderly with the warmth of companionship and understanding "

Every week approximately half a million elderly individuals endure five to six consecutive days without having any social interaction Research has highlighted the substantial influence of loneliness on both the mental and physical well-being of elderly people With an increased risk of conditions ranging from heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity to anxiety, depression and Alzheimer s disease clearly demonstrating the far-reaching effects of lacking meaningful connections in every facet of life

Adopt a Grandparent has been working to alleviate this distressing issue by fostering intergenerational relationships that bring joy and companionship to the lives of seniors residing in care The charity's approach has garnered much attention and participation enabling individuals of different generations to connect, share experiences, and forge lasting friendships

The Senior Housing Awards recognise outstanding performance in senior care and living arrangements making this partnership with Adopt a Grandparent particularly fitting By joining forces, both are working towards a shared vision of enhancing the well-being of our ageing population and promoting the importance of compassionate relationships across generations

For more information about Adopt a Grandparent to volunteer or to sign up a care home visit www adoptagrandparent org uk

To view the finalists of the Senior Housing Awards or to find out more about the awards visit www seniorshousingawards com

Alliance Sponsors Major Awards

A NEW social care alliance has thrown its weight behind regional and national awards that recognise excellence in the sector

The Yorkshire and The Humber Care Association Alliance (YHCAA) is to sponsor the Great British Care Awards this year backing both the national ceremony and the York regional event

The Alliance says the ethos of the awards ties in well with its aim of bringing care providers together to raise profile and improve the sector

Alliance member, James Creegan, CEO and Chair of Kirklees Care Association said he was delighted the Alliance was supporting the awards He said:

The ideals of the Alliance to bring together care providers across Yorkshire and The Humber to promote and celebrate the excellent social care they offer aligns perfectly with the ethos of these awards

“Together we work to raise the profile of social care and to strive for greater recognition of providers and better terms and conditions for the amazing workforce we are celebrating through these worthy accolades ”

Fellow Alliance member Mike Padgham Chair of the Independent Care Group added:

“The Great British Care Awards continue to go from strength to strength and play a fantastic role in rewarding and celebrating great social care The Alliance is very proud to be supporting the awards and looks forward to successful regional and national events during the year ahead ”

Kirsty Hollins Events & Communications Executive at The Great British Care Awards said

“We are grateful to the Alliance for sponsoring the Great British Care Awards and for supporting what has become a wonderful occasion within the social care calendar

Across the country social care providers and their staff take great pride in putting forward their nominations and look forward to the regional and national awards which are always amazing fun-filled and exciting events

A huge thank you to the Alliance for helping us to continue celebrating social care and its amazing workforce ”

The Alliance comprises Barnsley Independent Care Home Providers Association, Bradford Care Association, Hull and East Riding Care Association, The Independent Care Group (North Yorkshire and York) Kirklees Care Association Leeds Care Association Sheffield Care Association and Wakefield (Independent Sector Liaison Group) Each represents dozens of individual care providers

Its aim is to provide leadership help support and advice to its membership share best practice and work with care commissioners, including local authorities and NHS bodies and other partners to improve the quality of life of those living with a care need It will work on things like improving fees for providers helping providers get access to training for staff, informing regional and national care policy by sharing information and trends lobbying and building greater awareness of social care and care providers

The Alliance is a member of national Care Association Alliance an umbrella body for care associations across the country

Live as honestly as you can and take care of those closest to you are Frank Daley’s recommendations for a fulfilled life

Dorset s latest centenarian shared his considered advice as he celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends at Colten Care s Canford Chase care home in Poole

After a morning Skype call with family well-wishers in Australia, Frank was the centre of attention at his party as performers arrived to entertain him and guests with music dance and circus skills

For residents and staff at the home it was a chance to honour a man renowned for being sociable and having a sense of fun

Asked for his secret for a long, happy life, Frank said: Live as honest a life as you possibly can and look after those around you ”

Performers at Frank s birthday included three artists from Poole-

based aerial hoop class Secret Circus

A relative of one of Frank’s fellow residents played trombone for him as the trio showed off their skills

Frank also enjoyed listening to a series of Matt Monro and Frank Sinatra swing-era hits sung by crooner Scott Free Companionship Team Leader Vicky Day said

It was a great pleasure and privilege to wish the lovely Frank a Happy 100th Birthday in style The day was filled with love good wishes and talented performers

Frank is very sociable recently took part in a karaoke session for World Music Day and had seen Secret Circus before and so we knew he would appreciate the music and artistry on display

“We all joined in with the performances, following the movements, serenading Frank and singing and dancing the afternoon away

Music For Dementia Partners With DementiaThemed To Mark World Alzheimer’s Month

To mark World Alzheimer s Month The Utley Foundation s Music for Dementia campaign has brought back to the London stage In Other Words a powerful play exploring how music can help reconnect people living with dementia to their loved ones and the world around them

In Other Words is a heartfelt love story about one couple’s relationship across decades intertwined with the voice of Frank Sinatra from playwright and actor Matthew Seager It delves into the impact of Alzheimer’s and the transformative power of music while exploring how music can help us remember the past connect with the present and hold onto hope for the future The play debuted in 2017 and has since gone on to achieve huge international success including four Moliere Awards for the French production

The Utley Foundation has given a grant to bring the play back to UK audiences as part of its renowned Music for Dementia programme Awarded as a creative way to raise awareness of the power of music on people living with dementia the grant has enabled a three-week run at London’s Arcola Theatre from 5th to 30th of September followed by six further performances as part of a short tour outside of London Music for Dementia will also be hosting a special performance for invited guests from the worlds of music health and adult social care on World Alzheimer’s Day, September 21

To celebrate World Alzheimer s Month and support the hard-working people working in dementia care Music for Dementia is offering the care sector a 15% discount to tickets to the performance during September for In Other Words at the Arcola Theatre with the code OTHERWORDS15 Music for Dementia hopes it will encourage people to attended immerse themselves in the play and find enlightenment and inspiration in the experience

Sarah Metcalfe Managing Director of Music for Dementia said:

“First and foremost In Other Words is a great play a love story that grips you emotionally as this couple deal with the reality of dementia In the background it highlights the way music can become a lifeline By

bringing the play back to the stage we hope to get the message to more people that it s worth giving music a try even if it s just for 10 minutes in a carer s busy day

The campaign is always looking for new and creative ways to share that message and we hope that through this play more people involved in the dementia arena will find nuggets of inspiration to use music to reconnect and make life a little lighter ”

Matthew Seager wrote In Other Words as a young 20 year-old drama student He experienced a life changing moment during a sensory stimulation workshop he facilitated in a care home as part of his university course When he played Frank Sinatra s Fly Me to the Moon at the end of the session he was ‘floored’ when the room came alive

Commenting on the play Matthew said: It s fantastic that In Other Words will run during World Alzheimer’s Month when interest and conversation about the condition will peak It has an important message to tell about dementia and music as well as love compassion and companionship ”

Figures from the care sector who have already viewed the play have commented:

Sue Hinds Head of Services at Dementia Carers Count This play beautifully portrays the experiences of a couple affected by dementia It shows the progression of the disease and a whole range of practical, physical and emotional challenges that the couple have to face We see how much dementia can strain even the most loving relationship and the toll it takes on the resilience of the two of them The performance allows the audience to share in these complex and ever-changing emotions and illustrates the sheer exhaustion that a person with dementia and their carer can experience in coping with the daily challenges ”

Last year Music for Dementia published the Power of Music report with UK Music in consultation with over 200 organisations and individuals The report laid out a framework for government to integrate music across health and social care Now we are supporting the National Academy of Social Prescribing with a contribution of £1million for local grant-making to launch the Power of Music Fund this autumn

Devoted Employee Takes the Helm at Care Home After a Decade of Dedication

A devoted member of an Oldbury care home has just been appointed as its new registered home manager after 10 years of outstanding service Kam Kaur after being an integral part of the Newbury Manor Care Home team for many years has recently taken on the role of registered manager at the home located on Newbury Lane in Oldbury Kam has worked at Newbury Manor for a decade initially joining as a care assistant in 2013 Captivated by the warm and welcoming environment Kam quickly became a valued member of the team and was soon promoted to senior carer In this role, she ensured the safety and well-being of residents while maintaining high standards of care

Recognising Kam’s potential Diane the registered home manager at the time encouraged her to pursue a nursing assistant role and supported her in gaining confidence and knowledge They formed a close professional bond and became great friends Under Diane’s guidance Kam achieved her Level 5 qualification in health and social care surpassing her own expectations and expanding her skills

Reflecting on her remarkable journey Kam Kaur said Being part of the Newbury Manor family has been an incredible experience This care home is like my baby and I am fiercely protective of it I spend more time here than at home because I genuinely care about the well-being of our residents and want to ensure they have a loving and nurturing environment ” While Kam s responsibilities now extend far beyond providing one-on-one care, she remains dedicated to ensuring meaningful interactions with residents engaging in activities and forming personal connections with each individual and their families

Kam added: My vision for Newbury Manor is to build upon the wonderful foundation laid by Diane and maintain the essence of a true family home where residents feel a sense of warmth friendliness and belonging We have an exceptional team of staff many of whom have been here for a long time and their dedication and support for each other and our residents contribute to the special atmosphere we have here

Cygnet Social Care Ser vices Hold

“Coronation Games”

Cygnet Social Care services in the Midlands held their Social Care Coronation Games’ event at Saffron Lane Athletics Stadium, Leicester earlier this month

Cygnet services involved in the day included Ashbrook Beeches Broughton House Broughton Lodge Cherry Tree House Conifers Elston House The Fields Long Eaton Day Services Marion House No 12 High Street Pines Toller Road and Willow House

The day began with the services moving around the stadium and taking part in track and field events These events included a 100m water race long jump a penalty shootout archery and much more

Michelle Robertson is the Activity Coordinator at Toller Road, an 8 bed specialist residential service with nursing supporting adults with learning disabilities and complex needs She said “The event was brilliant we ve done it for a few years previously and it’s always a highlight Everyone joins in and we get to see people smiling and getting to know each other The Toller Road residents loved the penalty shootout, the bowls and lunch of course

Everyone broke for lunch and enjoyed having a slice of a special Coronation Games cake that was prepared by staff Residents were also treated to a visit from an ice cream truck at the end of the day

The final sporting event of the day was a 400m relay race in which residents and staff took part The day concluded with an awards ceremony in which every resident received a certificate and a medal

Every service made their own unique flags to celebrate what makes them unique These were judged at the end of the day by Gareth Williams CEO of Cygnet Social Care and Jenny Gibson Cygnet Group HR Director

Jenny said: “We had some really great flags this year but I and Gareth unanimously decided that Ashbrook is our winner It looked incredibly professional and we found out from the staff that some of the residents are very artistic We love how the pictures represent the different interests of the people that live at the service

No 12 High Street was our choice for second place we loved how they linked into the Coronation theme Third place is Willow House we really like the reference to our values and all joining into the tree Congratulations to our winners and to everyone who made a flag

Gareth Williams added: “The day was a great opportunity to meet our service users and residents get involved with some activities and bring smiles to people s faces The Midlands team did an amazing job organising the event and it was a great representation of Cygnet Social Care

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 160 | PAGE 23

Third Group Of Hospital Doctors In England Will Consider Industrial Action If Pay And Working

A third group of hospital doctors in England will consider planning for an indicative ballot for industrial action unless the Government makes an offer to urgently improve their pay and working conditions, the BMA has warned

In a letter to the Health Secretary Dr Ujjwala Mohite chair of the specialist associate specialist and specialty doctors (SAS) UK committee explained that while preliminary talks have been encouraging the Government is still to present an offer that seeks to reverse years of pay erosion for SAS doctors

The committee has agreed that if this is not forthcoming before 20th September then they will have no choice but to move forward with an indicative ballot for industrial action

SAS doctors are senior and highly-experienced healthcare professionals who for a variety of reasons decided not to go down the traditional consultant or GP pathway The majority of these doctors work in hospitals alongside junior doctors and consultants but some also work in the community

Like many other branches of practice the Government has continually failed to recognise and reward SAS

doctors accordingly and they have seen their real-terms pay fall by more than a quarter over the last 15 years which is driving more talented professionals out of the NHS and putting patient safety at risk

Dr Mohite said: Not many people will have heard of SAS doctors but they play an incredibly important role in the NHS making up the trinity of hospital doctors alongside consultants and junior doctors Like our colleagues we have seen our value steadily erode over the past 15 years, leaving many wondering whether they should stay working in the health service

“With every doctor that reduces their hours or leaves altogether, the less safe it becomes for those who are left; risking exhaustion burnout and yet more doctors deciding to move out, out of the NHS Our patients deserve the highest quality of care but we are seriously struggling to deliver that when so many SAS doctors feel undervalued

“The Government has the power to prevent another group of doctors from taking industrial action and we implore the Secretary of State to make sure that we don t have to

Care Assistant at Whitstable Home To Swim 100

Lengths in Bid to Raise Funds For Home

A care assistant at a Whitstable home is set to swim 100 lengths to raise funds for her place of work

Sian Gibson works at MHA

The mother of four said This is something I have wanted to do for a while, but never knew how to go about it

I love my

Since

“The

“I

special awards event in October to celebrate their outstanding achievements and discover if they have won the General Manager/Hospital Director of the

Pensioners

enjoyed a sizzling summer party filled with music, food and performances at one of Scotland

Building on the success of last year s seasonal extravaganza Cramond Residence’s Lifestyle Team pulled out all the stops to create a day full of fun for residents and their families

The luxury care home has ran summer parties in the past which have proved to be popular and plan to return next year with another

Elaine Vallance head of the Lifestyle Team at Cramond Residence said:

We always aim to deliver events that will put a smile on the residents faces, and it was great to see that with the Summer Fete this year we achieved this again

It was a lovely day meeting the residents families and welcoming them into our care home to spend time with their loved ones

Last year we held a Wild West themed party which was extremely popular with our residents and car-

ers, so we knew we had to come back with something great again this year

“Everyone had a great time, though I suspect the residents enjoyed it just a little bit more seeing as they got the chance to throw wet sponges at our Lifestyle Team at the end of the day

Residents enjoyed a day full of delicious BBQ food live music a variety of shows balloon modelling a raffle and tombola

Client Liaison Manager Christian Daraio said:

Elaine and her team consistently deliver vibrant and exciting events for our residents that brings a lot of joy to their lives

I have to say thanks to Elaine and her team – who worked tirelessly to ensure that the day ran smoothly – all who attended had a great time

We re already looking forward to next year s summer party and of course the residents are looking forward to all the upcoming events Elaine has up her sleeve for the rest of the year

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS

Southern Contracts - Commercial Laundr y & Catering Appliances

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We work with many local and national care and nursing homes hotels restaurants, holiday parks, cruise lines, offshore platforms, marine companies and local authorities the NHS the MoD as well as schools and colleges

Founded in 1964 to initially supply and maintain commercial laundry equipment we are now in our third generation and still very much a family run business We are proud to have become a global supplier of not only laundry equipment, but with knowledge gleaned over the years, we are also a go-to company for professional kitchen appliances and commercial cleaning equipment,

keeping disruption to a minimum for our clients, whilst covering all aspects of delivery installation customer training ongoing maintenance service and repair

We hold many accreditations for safety and service excellence, providing peace of mind to our existing and potential customers

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Forbes Receives High Profile Recognition for their Sustainable Rental Solutions

Forbes Professional has recently garnered high-profile recognition for their commitment to sustainability and exceptional customer service A national provider of sustainable rental options for commercial laundry provision, Forbes Professional has been honoured with the prestigious Best Independent Retailer - Sustainability Award at the IER (Independent Electrical Retailer) Awards Forbes also received high commendation for its dedication to customer service, further solidifying its position as a leader in the industry

In an era where environmental responsibility is paramount rental presents itself as a more sustainable procurement solution than outright purchase supporting the circular economy and enabling multi-phase product cycles Forbes consultants work with clients

Girbau UK Launches Under Counter Washer and Dr yer Models

Well known for its robust commercial and industrial laundry equipment Girbau UK has launched its first professional grade Under Counter washers and dryers that fit underneath standard 900mm height counters Both machines combine energy efficiency ease of use and compact size with high quality durable construction making them ideal for a wide range of applications including care and nursing homes

The new Under Counter washer s strong stainless steel Active Drum™ design has hourglass lifters that guide loads to gentler central areas for better load balance and reduced wear on delicate items A 180-degree open-

ing door makes the machine easier to load and unload from a basket It is available with a choice of 6kg or 8kg capacity with either a pump or gravity drain

Quiet long-life operation is assured thanks to the washer s sturdy Quattro™ construction with durable shock absorbers that allow virtually vibration-free high-speed spinning Rather than cheap concrete counterweights the washer features cast iron stabilisers for higher spin speeds better water extraction and increased spin efficiency

The washer features an easy-to-use liquid crystal display user interface It features 28 flexible programs three of which are customisable as well as disinfection mop microfibre and allergy settings It also comes with in-built service diagnostics The delayed start function can be used to plan ahead and set machines to run off-peak to optimise use of cheaper energy tariffs

The new Under Counter dryer can also be stacked on top of the washer to save floor space The 6kg capacity model is available in both condenser and vented versions and the 8kg capacity model is vented The Sensi Dry system automatically determines the right drying time saving energy and assuring fabric care Its convenient auto programs save energy as the running time is automatically adjusted according to load size and the required dryness

Butterfly drying ™ tumbling in a figure of eight movement non-stop in one direction stops clothes from bundling and ensures long life durability of the motor and belt The efficient lint filter has an automatic indicator to remind users to clean it for optimum energy efficiency and safety

The dryer’s memory function remembers the last program used including any chosen settings so if nothing needs to change, you can simply press start for the next load

The new Girbau under counter washer and dryer are now available to order from Girbau UK www girbau com

Preser ving Identity and Preventing Loss:

Cash's Apparel Solutions' Centur y-Long Legacy

Cash's Apparel Solutions has been at the forefront of manufacturing woven nametapes for over a century, serving the nursing home sector and beyond Their nametapes have become synonymous with preserving identity, preventing lost garments and delivering personalised identity items and gifts

Preserving dignity Cash s woven nametapes provide a simple yet effective solution to labelling clothing in nursing homes minimising distress caused by lost garments, fostering an environment where residents are seen and respected for who they are Cash s has earned a global reputation for reliability and quality Their woven nametapes are sold and utilised worldwide serving as a testament to their effectiveness

In addition, Cash s Apparel Solutions goes beyond their renowned nametapes Their expertise in weaving and personalisation allows them to create a diverse range of identity items and gifts From personalized badges to custom keyrings and promotional products Cash s demonstrates their versatility in

meeting unique customer needs By offering tailored solutions, they celebrate individuality, making a significant contribution to the spirit of personalisation and fostering a sense of belonging

A Century of Excellence: Cash s century-long presence in the industry showcases their enduring commitment to excellence They have adapted and innovated, embracing modern technology and evolving customer demands Cash s unwavering dedication to their craft and the nursing home sector demonstrates their genuine concern for residents well-being and comfort

In conclusion, Cash s has established itself as a leader in manufacturing woven nametapes, personalised identity items and gifts With their century-long legacy of quality, reliability, and attention to detail Cash s continues to make a significant impact in the nursing home sector and beyond By preserving identity preventing loss, and embracing personalisation, Cash s Apparel Solutions truly embodies their commitment to enhancing safety dignity and individuality in care facilities worldwide

Visit www cashslabels com

DYSPHAGIA AND CATERING

Food Cost Savings During High Inflation? allmanhall Make It Possible.

Taylor & Taylor a group of family-owned residential care homes approached food procurement experts allmanhall looking to achieve scalable cost savings and efficiencies to support their growth They needed to ensure no detrimental impact to the excellent quality of their food offering and their residents’ dining pleasure

Their desire was to achieve a 5% food cost saving and to ensure ongoing effective management of catering budgets and invoicing Operationally, access to reports and insights were key as was ease of ordering and management of stock and deliveries

allmanhall undertook a like-for-like benchmark and identified food cost savings of 11 4% - more than double the initial objective! A few months into the contract allmanhall undertook further analysis and the real-life saving is actually 18% On the multi-temp category allmanhall have in fact delivered savings of 21 4% in a time of 17%+ food inflation!

Proactive buy right recommendations from allmanhall will deliver an extra 2 9% saving Protein savings and an ABL have also been proposed to drive further value

allmanhall have implemented industry-leading catering controls technology providing the homes with tools such as stock taking and standing orders Central billing is also a big win with allmanhall consolidating all supplier invoices into just one invoice per month, per home

From the start everything has been expertly managed and the transition has been fully supported:

I would wholeheartedly recommend allmanhall s services to others in the care sector and I look forward to continuing to grow our offering and provide outstanding food for our residents – Chris Rees, Group Executive Chef Why not let allmanhall support your food procurement? They will deliver savings reassurance and efficiencies allmanhall will give you more time to focus on your residents and on addressing labour challenges See

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

Dav d 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 twocourse 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

DYSPHAGIA AND CATERING

Groundbreaking ProjectFIT IDDSI Drinks Solution: Revolutionizing Dysphagia Care in the UK

Refreshment Systems Limited (RSL) introduces the ProjectFIT IDDSI drinks solution catering to individuals living with dysphagia – a swallowing disorder affecting around 8% of the UK population Dysphagia can significantly impact a person s quality of life affecting nutrition hydration and social interactions RSL s innovative push-button solution provides hope and convenience to patients and caregivers/clinicians alike

Collaborating with colleagues in Belgium through Bravilor the ProjectFIT team developed a cutting-edge counter-top machine that delivers a range of hot and cold beverages with various flavours customized to specific IDDSI levels By automating the preparation process the solution ensures each drink is consistently prepared offering patients the preferred beverage without unexpected variations

The adherence to strict IDDSI guidelines guarantees the appropriate viscosity and texture for safe swallowing reducing the risk of choking or aspiration The automated process streamlines preparation saving valuable resources and allowing caregivers/clinicians to focus on patient care The elimination of manual preparation results in cost and labour benefits making it a financially viable option for healthcare providers

An essential feature of the ProjectFIT IDDSI drinks is their amylase-resistant properties, maintaining the desired viscosity throughout consumption, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for patients

The solution offers a wide range of exciting flavours, including Orange Apple & Peach, Lemon Tea, Coffee, and Tea, encouraging patients to stay hydrated and maintain proper nutrition RSL and ProjectFIT plan to introduce even more flavours in the future expanding the range of enjoyable and safe beverages for individuals with dysphagia

With over 50 years of experience in coffee vending and providing solutions to the UK Care Home NHS and Private Healthcare markets RSL is a trusted leader in the industry The introduction of the ProjectFIT IDDSI drinks solution reinforces their dedication to enhancing the lives of dysphagia patients and caregivers/clinicians

The future of dysphagia catering in the UK looks brighter than ever before thanks to the groundbreaking ProjectFIT IDDSI drinks solution from RSL Focused on consistency safety and enjoyment this innovative solution promises to improve the overall quality of life for individuals with dysphagia marking a significant advancement in dysphagia care

Search for RSL Vending or contact us using details below

www refreshmentsystems co uk 0800 169 3686 info@refreshmentsystems co uk

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 accompanied by whipped cream, garnished with seasonal fresh fruit

Our hot desserts are high in energy our hot portions of 170kcal and above provide energy and protein dense

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

VEGAN SUITABLE CHOICES

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

Catering

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

Anglia Crown are here to help take the strain out of your menus throughout the year Visit

CLEANING AND HYGIENE

Omnitex Hygiene Products Angloplas Dispensers Help Reduce the Risk of Cross Infection

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 Biodegradable wipes are made of 100% plant based materials extra thick and extra large in size for a refreshing and eco-friendly body cleanse Soft-feel plant fibres with herbal extracts and vitamins to nourish the skin

Microwaveable for a warm and luxurious body cleanse

Ideal thickness for a soft feel and comfort Extra Large size wipes to reduce number of wipes required to clean entire body

Plastic Free wipes and 100% Recylable packaging 100% Plant based fibres used in producing the wipes

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

As a result a wide range of infection control products and technologies are emerging on the market including antimicrobial technology Angloplas’ range of dispensers are produced in the

world s first proven Antimicrobial PVC with silver ion technology and which is exclusive to Angloplas This helps reduce the risk of cross infection by stopping the growth of bacteria and mould and works continuously for the lifetime of the product reducing levels of bacteria such as MRSA, E Coli, Legionella Salmonella and mould by up to 99 99%

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

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

Swiftclean Support for Care Homes

Running a care home presents plenty of challenges some of which it is wise to outsource to an experienced and reputable specialist

Swiftclean is a family owned nationwide business We specialise in air and water hygiene compliance with a particular emphasis on ventilation duct cleaning kitchen extract fire safety cleaning fire damper drop testing laundry extract cleaning and commercial building water systems Swiftclean has been and continues to be invaluable to general managers and facilities managers of care homes and can provide a package of services giving you peace of mind and value for money

Our specialist teams work in accordance with BSEN15780 and TR19® for ventilation cleaning; L8 and HTM-04-01 for water management; TR19® Grease for kitchen extract fire safety cleaning; and BS 9999 for fire dampers;

these are the industry standards which are recognised as key in each specialist area

With all our services excellent work is only half the story In the event of an inspection you will need to be able to demonstrate that your care home is compliant; it won’t be enough for you to know that it is We provide all the required documentation including before and after photographs and post clean and maintenance reports so you can be sure that your service users are safe 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

AND HYGIENE

Wipertec - Hygenic Wipes for Care

With over 25 years experience of manufacturing both dry wipes and wet wipes to ISO9001 standards, Wipertec offer both our own established brands and customer own private label

At Wipertic we recognise that if there’s one thing that is vital in care home environments it’s cleanliness!

Elderly residents become more prone to infection and illness and are not as resilient as they once were, which is why they are more disposed to the spread of infections

Furthermore a clean hygienic care home is not only vital for resident safety but also important in terms of aesthetic appeal a clean environment helps to foster a positive caring environment where residents feels safe and their loved ones assured With respect to residents personal hygiene one of the most crucial responsibilities that care home staff perform is ensuring and maintaining the personal cleanliness of residents

Correct cleaning minimises the danger of illness and infection enhances the resident’s overall health and wellbeing helping to keep them happier by increasing their sense of pride and dignity When bathing patients wipes are among the most regularly used items for incontinence care or general cleansing assisting in the safe and complete cleaning of residents in a comfortable manner

We at Wipertec can provide an extensive range of formats such as single sachet individual wipes packs canisters and buckets

Our products can be seen globally across a wide variety of sectors such as healthcare industrial retail education and many more

With the efficient service we provide, we like to think of ourselves as another valued member of your own team!

We would love to hear from you!

For any further information you require and to see our comprehensive range please visit us at www wipertecltd co uk

edencleen from Cleenol

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

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

• RSPO certified palm oil derivatives

No animal derived products

• Cruelty free

• Minimal petrochemical derived products

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

VOC free and phosphate EDTA NTA free

Recyclable / recycled packaging

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

• Bioethanol, naturally derived acids, sugar-based surfactants, bio-based solvents low impact preservatives

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

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

See the advert below for further information

•

With over 25 years experience of manufacturing both dry wipes and wet wipes to ISO9001 standards.

Mylux Dry Wipes

•

•

• Stronger and Thicker

• General Cleaning

Mylux Skin Wet Wipes

• Luxury wipes range, ideal for use on sensitive skin

• Polyester/ viscose spunlace fabric material

• Absorbent with a superior silky soft feel

MACERATABLE

• Designed for use in macerator systems

• Made from cellulose based airlaid paper

• Ultra absorbent, strong both wet and dry

We can provide an extensive range of formats such as single sachet individual wipes, packs, canisters and buckets.

We offer both our own established brands and customer own private label.

Our products can be seen globally across a wide variety of sectors such as healthcare, industrial, retail, education and many more.

BIOCOMP

• Biodegradable & Compostable dry wipe

• Plastic free and Eco Friendly

• Very absorbent

MULTIPURPOSE

Colour Coded Cleaning wipes for infection control

• 50% Viscose, much higher absorbency than industry standard fabric

Mylux Surface Wet Wipes

AQUASURF

Water based disinfection wipes

• Antibacterial & Antiviral (plus Coronavirus)

• Strong polypropelene fabric

• Ocean fresh fragrance

DETCARE

• Detergent cleaning wipes

• Perfect for general surface cleaning

• Strong polypropelene fabric

• Ocean fresh fragrance

BIOSKIN

• Biodegradable wet wipes range

• Very strong

MACSKIN

• Made from cellulose based airlaid paper

The efficient service we provide we like to think of ourselves as another valued member of your own team.

BIOSURF

• Biodegradable wet wipes range

• Plastic free and eco friendly

• Lemon Fragrance

SCRUB & CLEAN

• Technical abrasive fabric

• Antibacterial & Antiviral (plus Coronavirus)

• Degreasing formulation

• Lemon Fragrance

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

New Lines Added To Our Favourite Chamonix Designs

Skopos has more than 50 years’ specialist experience in the design and manufacture of high-performance FR contract fabrics for the care sector

As a key part of many care-home schemes our Chamonix upholstery fabrics provide a durable and stylish solution to contract furniture in demanding environments For 2023 we are launching our follow-on collection: Chamonix Deuxième brings a new colour story to contract upholstery A fresh influx of these three well-loved upholstery fabric designs Chamonix Deuxième provides even greater choice With 38 new Skus each design works beautifully alone or in combination, to create simple, contemporary and stylish contract

C&S Seating Ltd

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

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

C&S Seating Ltd is the sole manufacturer of the Alternative Positioning Support – also available in two sizes which has removable side cushions and

BIOFROST

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 candsseating co uk to request or download a brochure pricelist or order form request an individualised quotation speak to an advisor or to place an order See the advert on page 5

MOWOOT II for Life Free from Constipation

MOWOOT II is a groundbreaking non-invasive and non-pharmacological solution to chronic constipation

Developed by a team of doctors and other healthcare professionals, the MOWOOT II performs gentle abdominal massage that speeds up intestinal transit in people suffering with chronic constipation

Clinically proven safe and effective easy to use relaxing and side-effects free the MOWOOT II Abdominal Massage Therapy System combats constipation allowing the sufferers to enjoy the freedom of a healthy life

Easy to use and comfortable MOWOOT II treats and manages chronic constipation in people with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson s Disease patients and when constipation is caused by drugs and pharmacological interventions MOWOOT II also helps people combat idiopathic chronic constipa-

tion such as suffered by menopausal and postmenopausal women and the older and elderly people

In clinical studies

MOWOOT II was found to increase evacuation frequency, soften stools, improve regularity reduce gasses and bloating and relieve abdominal discomfort

Just 10 to 20 minutes per day of relaxing abdominal massage therapy with MOWOOT II produces noticeable improvements Significant results are experienced few days after the first treatment Regular applications ensure lasting improvements and better quality of life

MOWOOT II – the effective solution to chronic constipation and the way to a healthier life!

For more information, contact Win Health Medical Ltd - 01835 864866 - www win-health com

See the advert on page 3 for further details

furniture pieces In an extensive palette ranging from staple neutrals to fashion-led brights colours can be selected and combined to fit with any chosen project scheme Orelle Marmotte and Slalom are provided with Crib 5 Flame Retardant backing soil and stain resist finish and a waterproof layer and meet the requirements for severe contract situations with 50 000 Martindale rubs offering a beautiful choice for any contract interior

The collection meets the requirements for Flame Retardancy standards across the UK and Europe, and meets IMO standards with the added benefit of the MED wheelmark for marine/cruise-line interiors Available immediately with short lead-times for larger order quantities Skopos are pleased to add this collection into their Accents range For a copy of our Chamonix Deuxième shade-card pls contact our customer service team: sales@skopos co uk or for free samples of Chamonix Deuxième or any of our collections, visit our website www skoposfabrics com or see page 5 for details

Cold Therapy Gels for Drug-Free Pain Relief

BIOFROST® Cold Therapy

Gels are natural drug-free topical cold therapy gels for muscular and joint pain chronic arthritic pain postactivity muscle tension, general aches and overuse disorders Easy to use and fast acting, BIOFROST® Cold Therapy Gels relieve pain, reduce inflammation

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

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

T: 01835 864864866 / E: info@win-health com

/

W: www win-health com

See the advert on page 3 and the front cover

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

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

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

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

ation of Yeoman Shield Fire ction products can also be in the long term financially beneficial by halting impact damage from the start eliminating many repairs in the future and again will extend door lifecycles Installing Yeoman Shield door protection products such as door protection panels, door edge protectors and PVCu glazing bead units will not affect the integrity of the fire door as all products have been tested, in situ to the current standard required Vulnerable frames and architraves can also be protected from impact with Yeoman Shield to prevent dangerous splintering and splitting as well as abolishing the time-consuming repetitive need for repainting

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

B-Sure Recycling Launches Waste Management Company

THE COMPLETE RECYCLING SOLUTION FOR ALL YOUR BUSINESS WASTE

B-Sure Installations a leading UK installation company for the care home and healthcare sector in the UK

The Leicestershire-based company has recently invested over £70k to launch a new waste management company B-Sure Recycling

The new enterprise helps customers many of which include residential care homes reach mounting waste management targets by providing a complete collection and recycling service of all types of business waste

How we manage waste is a huge environmental and business concern for the healthcare sector Reaching recycling targets through circular economy solutions are a significant part of environmental goals for the care industry explains Ross

Chambers Managing Director B-Sure Installations

THE COMPLETE

facilities Metal waste is collated wood-based waste is broken down and separated and plastic waste is granulated and bagged The recycled materials are then provided to B-Sure partners who create it into new products such as mats play areas PVC windows toys and many more new products Some items such as office furniture if they are in good condition are refurbished or resized so that they can be reused placing them back into the circular economy

THE COMPLETE CIRCULAR ECONOMY RECYCLING SOLUTION

B-Sure experts can provide an outline of the recycling process end to end and businesses who want to book the recycling

We provide all the tools equipment and advice of how to make the most of the new service for the benefit of the business and the environment with minimal disruption and mess https://bsureinstallations com/

ENHANCING RESIDENT WELL-BEING: THE POWER OF INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT

and intuitive touchscreens these tables offer an inclusive and accessible platform for individuals of all abilities to engage in various activities

2. MENTAL HEALTH AND SENSORY STIMULATION: Engaging residents in interactive entertainment not only stimulates their minds but also contributes significantly to their mental health and emotional well-being Interactive tables provide opportunities for sensory stimulation as residents can explore vibrant visual displays listen to soothing music, and interact with tactile elements Such immersive experiences have been shown to alleviate stress reduce feelings of isolation and improve overall mood

player games or group activities residents can connect with others foster meaningful relationships, and form a sense of belonging within the care home community

In today s fast-paced world the role of technology in improving the quality of life for individuals of all ages cannot be underestimated This is especially true in the context of adult social care where the integration of interactive entertainment has proven to be a game-changer for resident well-being mental health and sensory stimulation Care and nursing homes across the UK have recognized the immense benefits of incorporating interactive tables into their facilities revolutionizing the way residents engage with technology foster cognitive skills promote exercise, and create an atmosphere of fun, laughter, and enjoyment for both staff and residents

1 TECHNOLOGY AS A GATEWAY TO RESIDENT WELLBEING: Gone are the days when technology was seen as a barrier to socialization and human connection Interactive tables have emerged as a powerful tool in bridging the digital divide and enhancing the overall well-being of care home residents With easy-to-use interfaces

3. IMPROVING COGNITIVE SKILLS: Interactive entertainment offers an exciting and interactive way to boost residents cognitive skills Games and applications specifically designed for older adults help enhance memory problem-solving abilities and critical thinking From brain teasers to puzzles residents can engage in intellectually stimulating activities that keep their minds sharp and active The versatility of interactive tables allows for the easy customization and introduction of new applications as residents' needs evolve

4. PROMOTING EXERCISE AND PHYSICAL WELL-BEING:

Physical activity is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regardless of age Interactive tables can play a vital role in encouraging residents to engage in light exercises and movements Through games that involve physical gestures or virtual fitness classes residents can enjoy a fun and interactive way to stay active and improve their physical well-being

5. COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT: Loneliness and social isolation are significant challenges faced by many care home residents Interactive tables can help combat these issues by providing a platform for communication and social engagement Whether through video calls with loved ones interactive multi-

Safe & Sound Music & Movement+

The ‘Safe & Sound Music & Movement+’ chair-based exercise programme is winning awards as it helps maturing adults to become and stay physically and mentally fitter, healthier & cognisant

The programme has been in development for over twelve years and in 2019 & 2021 they were awarded ‘Best Holistic Health & Fitness Provider for Southern England in the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical awards

Utilising sitting standing & transitional movements the classes are

open to everyone regardless of their present abilities with adaptions to cater for all helping everyone to improve over time covering the whole of the body from head to toe

The plus in the title refers to all the other elements not normally covered in your run of the mill exercise class with interventions covering arthritis heart problems Parkinson s balance fall prevention mobility, flexibility, strength, diabetes and dementia as well as general mental & physical health & wellbeing

6 VERSATILITY AND FUN FOR ALL: One of the greatest advantages of interactive tables is their versatility They can be customized to suit the diverse interests and preferences of residents From interactive music sessions and sing-alongs to trivia nights and art workshops, the possibilities are endless The element of fun, laughter, and enjoyment is not limited to residents alone; staff members also benefit from witnessing the positive impact of interactive entertainment on residents lives creating a more fulfilling and rewarding work environment

As the adult social care landscape continues to evolve, integrating interactive entertainment into care and nursing homes is a forwardthinking approach that prioritizes resident well-being, mental health sensory stimulation, cognitive skills, and physical exercise Interactive tables have proven to be invaluable tools providing a versatile platform for a wide range of activities fostering social connections and enriching the lives of both residents and staff members alike By embracing these advancements care homes can create a vibrant and inclusive environment where joy, engagement, and fulfillment thrive

Frank Markham founder said

“We are leading the way, enabling people to become and stay physically & mentally fit, active and independent for longer

Although based in Dorset we are also developing an online training course to enable activity co-ordinators to provide the programme to their own care home s nationally

For further information call 07960 990771 or visit www holisticbodytraining co uk

INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT

TV That Creates Connection And Conversation

Is Your Care Setting Using My Life TV?

My Life TV offers a unique solution for care homes and care providers supporting staff to deliver high quality, person-centred care The on demand wellbeing and care tool available on any internet connected device is specifically designed for people living with dementia and those who care for them It contains over 170 hours of content created and curated to meet the cognitive needs of people living with dementia

There is a rich mix of content from stimulating activities for individuals or groups including sing-a-longs quizzes chair yoga and art classes through to relevant reminiscence programmes and joyful entertainment, all accessible at any time of day and night From Bryce Forsyth s Generation Game to Gardener s World, Blue Peter and Delia, there are favourites taken from the nation’s archives There s an abundance of content to help continue people s personal interests and hobbies - and to spark new ones - from nature wildlife and animals to painting and poetry ballroom dancing to birdwatching cookery to crafts cars and cross stitch through to travel sports and music Subscribers can find something that is perfect for the moment the mood and the situation

The platform supports and enables reminiscence - so important for the elderly and for individuals living

with dementia - taking people back to recollect fond memories and times gone by There is a wealth of content, from Reminiscence with Jan, to historic programmes like A Year to Remember taking in key moments including the Queen’s coronation and England winning the world cup, as well as other stimulus to provoke memories and create conversation Your staff may not remember or understand how life was in the past but users often comment that My Life TV enables staff to get to know their residents better as well as helping families to enjoy time with their loved ones creating new memories and inspiring conversations

My Life TV works with trusted expert partners including Alzheimer s Society BBC Archive, National Trust, BFI and NAPA (National Activity Providers Association) as well as engaging with subscribers and users to ensure the platform adds real value is dementia-centred and grounded in supporting best practice care It is one of the reasons My Life TV has been cited as supporting outstanding care delivery by CQC (Care Quality Commission) Find out more about My Life TV at www mylifefilms org

‘Happiness is Our Forte’ – Musical Moments’

Musical Moments sessions are fun energetic, and fully accessible, involving lots of sensory props movement and singing – all of course to great music Director Maggie says “Music brings such joy and a sense of togetherness for people – something that we all really need ”

Every member of the Musical Moments team is passionate about the therapeutic benefits of music for groups and individuals with physical and mental disabilities people with dementia and other conditions as well as with care home residents The sessions are carefully designed to be fully interactive and inclusive so as to stimulate and include everyone in the room all while developing cognitive skills gross and fine motor skills and increasing social interactions

It s not just participants who benefit from these activities – they re also appreciated by carers staff and family members The pandemic has reignited public appreciation for those who’ve looked after vulnerable members of society and the Musical Moments team are passion-

ate about providing some light relief for caring staff, families and friends Family members can spend time with a relative in these sessions without the pressure of conversation – instead they can simply enjoy the activities together

Musical Moments work with consultants including an adaptive movement specialist and a Music Therapist who endorse their sessions and ensure they provide the greatest physical and mental health benefits for their participants All team members have full insurance safeguarding training and DBS checks

Above all, the Musical Moments team cares about bringing joy to the lives of others through music – something that really strikes a chord in a post-pandemic world

Currently operating in: North Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Shropshire, Essex, Leeds Liverpool and Solent areas

For more information to book a session or even join the team please see our website www musical-moments co uk or email: hello@musical-moments co uk See the advert on page 33

INTERACTIVE

Magic Table

The Magic Table® from Little Islands® takes the market leading Tiny Tablet and then launches it to a completely new level by building in a high quality sound system that allows everyone to join in the FUN!

• Sensory Stimulation Reminiscence Hand Eye Coordination

• Communication

• Story Telling

Exercises Music Therapy WiFi Internet Google Play Store

Why not give us a call today to arrange your own personal live on-line demonstration

Call 01282 869802 or email hello@littleislands org

Immersive Music Experiences for Care Homes

Music can be an incredible tool for enhancing the quality of life and for evoking memories in people living with dementia and sensory impairments At Silent Memories we provide wireless headset packages for care homes providing a completely unique sensory audio experience for residents

WHY USE HEADSETS?

Create a fully immersive experience through the power of headsets helping develop a deeper sense of coherence communication and stimulation The headsets contain 3 channels meaning 3 different types of music can be set up at the same time to cater for a range of musical tastes Think meandering along to Mozart on channel 1 swinging to Vera Lynn on channel 2 or rocking out to Elvis Presley on channel 3!

By playing familiar tracks through headsets memories and feelings can be stimulated Music can be carefully chosen by loved ones and care workers to really enhance the experience for residents KEEP ON MOVING!

Care homes using Silent Memories have noted a distinct increase in engagement animation and stimulation amongst residents Using headsets allows them to opt in or out of the sessions The sessions can be taking place in a communal area and anyone not taking part won t be distracted by the activity With a long transmission range it also allows patients with limited mobility to take part in their own rooms

WHAT THE CARE HOMES SAY...

I have been astounded by the positive affects holding a ‘Silent Disco’ has had on my clients Silent Memories have played within our care home setting and we have been surprised at the way in which the impact of intimate personal music especially tailored to clients, has engaged the most static, distant clients and really ‘brought them back to life and brought obvious pleasure and joy to many others Briony Sloan - Homecroft, Bradford Please contact the team at Silent Noize to find out how we can help improve the quality of living for your residents info@silentnoizeevents com call 0203 727 5382 or visit www silentnoizeevents com

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

FALL SAVERS ® WIRELESS MONITOR

Eliminate all cables with our new generation falls management solutions!

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

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Safer for pat ents; less work for staff Bed and cha r pads available One monitor works with two sensor pads Integrates with most nurse call systems

A variety of options including: Call button Pager

Floor sensor mat

Wireless 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

FALLS MANAGEMENT

Cumbria Care Home Embraces AI Technology To Support Care Staff By Preventing and Detecting Falls

Futuristic technology that can detect and even predict and prevent falls is being tested at one of Abbeyfield s residential care homes in Cumbria The technology also eliminates the risk of life-threatening ‘long lies’ where a person falls typically during the night and can remain on the floor for an extended period

The pilot involving the installation of intelligent AI-powered Nobi smart lamps in residents’ bedrooms, is taking place at Hartland House, which is managed by the Abbeyfield Lakeland Extra Care Society part of the worldwide Abbeyfield group Abbeyfield s network of care homes sheltered living schemes and independent living complexes support 6,000 older people in eight countries to live happy, independent lives in a safe and stimulating environment with values of companionship and community at its core

If a resident falls the smart lamp detects this immediately and speaks to the resident, asking if they are okay In the event of no response or a call for help the intelligent lamp is pre-programmed to send an alert to care staff plus a computer-generated outline image to show where and how the fall has occurred

As well as ensuring no-one is left on the floor following a fall (the alert to care staff will ensure attendance within minutes) the lamp also helps to prevent falls from occurring When a resident sits upright in bed at night the lamp will shine soft light upwards to gently illuminate the room and if they then stand up to go to the bathroom for example the smart lamp will illuminate the entire room

The AI technology built into the Nobi smart lamp is even able to predict certain falls Changes in walking pace, length of stride and even the resident s posture when sitting will be detected and can be used to alert caregivers of a potential risk

The pilot is being funded by NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) which organises health and care services across the region

Asim Patel chief digital officer at NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB said We are really interested in how technology can be harnessed to predict and prevent falls in the future and how it can be used to support our care workforce

“Falls are the biggest reason for hospital admissions in our region and this puts huge pressure on care staff and the NHS Piloting this new type of technology is really exciting because not only could it

reduce hospital admissions significantly but it could prevent some of our more vulnerable older people from seriously injuring themselves when they fall

Speaking about the lamps Leanne Scrogham Registered Manager of Hartland House said One of the added benefits of the lamps is that they help us to understand falls that occur

When a resident falls they typically can t remember how or why they fell but the clever Nobi lamps are able to show us a period of 15 seconds before and 15 seconds after a fall as well as sending us a still image of the person on the floor

“This sort of information is invaluable giving us a far better understanding of the incident and how it can be prevented in the future

“Use of the lamps also makes our care team more efficient as the need for unnecessary checks is eliminated This means that our carers can spend more time with the residents who need their help At the same time we are bringing added peace of mind to families so it really is a win-win situation ”

Around a third of people aged 65 and over and around half of all people aged 80 and over, fall at least once a year Being unattended following a fall is life-threatening and the length of time they are on the floor has a significant impact on the person’s recovery following a fall Fast assistance after a fall is therefore crucial in terms of saving lives improving recovery, reducing hospital stays, and decreasing care needs after hospitalisation

For more information about Abbeyfield, visit www abbeyfield com

Or for information on Nobi visit www nobi life

4 Reflections on Technology in Care: The Past, Present and the Exciting Future

condition and comfort These tools can help ease the workload of staff and provide them with digestible and accessible real-time information allowing them to focus on what matters most

2 SAFETY & ADMINISTRATION

We stand at a crossroads for the future of care

The sector has been in the spotlight much over the last few years and not often for positive reasons

Social care has become an increasingly political subject, and there is much discussion around the sector pertaining to Covid rules funding staffing levels and its uncertain future

One certainty is that our people are our most important asset It is they who set the tone and direction of the industry and are the beating pulse of its workings However, they have seen great challenges over the past 2 years and as a result we need to look to new ways to protect support and empower them

As we look at the next 5 and 10 years for the industry, we should look to face the problems of the sector head-on Whilst funding and policy are integral parts of the solution we must also look to generate solutions from within the industry itself

Increasingly technology has become an accessible and widespread tool in care and something that should be embraced as part of care s future

1 MONITORING

Over the past few years staff across the industry have provided outstanding care amidst highly challenging circumstances However, as demand for care increases the pressure on staff does too

We need to look to means to support staff in their work, and to enable them to focus on delivering hands on high-quality human care

New technology can allow for remote monitoring analysis and diagnosis of key needs Audible cues can detect signs and symptoms of a possible fall, and mattress management technology can pick up possible incontinence AI-enabled paincheck facial analysis can assist in analysing patient

The safety of our patients must be paramount, and technology is certainly a great tool to aid that Electronic patient care records are becoming more commonplace in healthcare settings and should be embraced in care settings too Software can monitor medication dosing help track a patient s condition over time, and flag things requiring immediate attention Digitally enabled mattresses can detect and alert to changes in physiology such as abnormal vital signs These technologies can also allow for better continuation of care throughout the care pathways ensuring that a patient is not a nameless folded sheet of paper but instead a holistic individual with records to match

3 THERAPY

Care needs are becoming both more complex and more understood Technology can, and has, enabled a breadth of new therapies for some of the more complex conditions For those suffering with dementia it has unlocked a new realm of possibility in memory care such as the use of virtual reality sensory enhancement chambers and movement/motion therapy chairs

4 DIGNITY

Arguably, dignity is one of the most important, and most overlooked aspects in developing the future of the care industry Dignity in care goes beyond how we direct interactions with patients –but must be at the core of their experience, through every aspect of their day-to-day Technology, when used correctly, is a greater enabler of a proud holistic patient care experience

Direct care alarms linking individual residents to portable devices held by staff can make alerts discreet Applications can keep family members abreast of a resident’s routine and day from afar Medication can be dispensed personally and in privacy All these developments allow ‘patients’ to reclaim their sense of person and to have their care be a subtle addition as opposed to an overt fact

Times are changing, and we as a sector must change with them Care has sat in the shadows for too, and it is time, with the help of the blossoming care technology field to bring it to the light

By Laurence Geller CBE , founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of both Geller Capital Partners and Innovative Aged Care

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MANAGEMENT

A Technology Enabled Response to Elderly Falls in the Community

Falls among the elderly are increasingly common and are a large driver of urgent and at times emergency community response

They are also a major cause of a decrease in quality of life loss of independence and when left without response for over an hour associated with hospital admission and long-term moves into care as a result

Every year, at least one fall will be experienced by:

1 in 3 adults over 65

Half of people over 80

Recent government modelling predicts that changes to activity levels will result in an increase to these numbers with:

110 000 more elderly adult fallers

• An additional cost of £211 million to the NHS as a result

However, not all falls result in serious injury and can be responded to by community-based falls services

ALLEVIATING AMBULANCE SERVICES:

Ambulance services are usually called to respond to people who have fallen in the community Some ambulance services have recognised the need to reduce callouts for uninjured falls and have delivered training sessions and issued equipment for social care providers to support elderly fallers in the community Programs from North East Ambulance Service & the Welsh Ambulance Service Trusts have seen results including 87% increase in in-house falls response

• Lifting equipment used in 56% of cases

A 32% reduction in calls to 999 from 115 care homes

THE RAIZER LIFTING CHAIR: A SOLUTION TO NON-INJURIOUS COMMUNITY FALLS:

The Raizer is a portable, electric lifting chair that allows a carer to provide rapid response for a non-injurious fall An intuitive design means the Raizer can be set up in under a minute and requires no staff training to use

A single carer can complete a remote-controlled mechanical patient lift in just 30 seconds once the chair is assembled

A Raizer lifting chair can help to:

Free up carers time: The process can take as little as 5 minutes from set up to lifting

Reduce long-lie times: Carers can respond to non-injurious falls quickly

Alleviate ambulance stress: Reduce the number of ambulances calls for non-injurious falls

REDUCING LONG LIE TIMES | THE LONG-TERM PLAN FOR COMMUNITY

FALLS:

The NHS Long-Term Plan aims to shift demand from acute hospital care into social care by offering joined up health and care services where appropriate

In practice this means an increase of community-based falls response teams as well as social care providers and emergency services working together to provide faster falls response to uninjured fallers

These teams respond to non-injurious falls that do not require ambulances and crucially reduce the number of long-lies on the ground for over an hour This is particularly important for the oldest residents a recent study showed:

• 59% of all over 90s have been found on the floor at some stage 88% of those who fell were unable to get up 33% of over 90s spent over one hour on the ground before receiving assistance

MOVING FORWARD:

Social care providers must explore innovative solutions that will allow ambulances to redirect their focus to the most urgent emergencies

Government services should focus on community-based falls response to alleviate system pressures by establishing a home-first approach to care that sees the healthcare support offered in a person s place of residence

Appropriate tech-enabled falls response equipment such as the Raizer Lifting Chair and falls responder training can address the over reliance on emergency services to respond to non-injurious community falls and contribute to a more efficient and effective emergency response system

For more information on the Raizer Lifting Chair

ww vivid care

Phone: 01423 799 960

Email: enquiries@vivid care

www.nursecallsystems.co.uk

AND FALLS MANAGEMENT

Medpage Falls Management Products

Medpage Limited has been at the forefront in patient care product innovation for almost four decades During this time we have invented alarm clocks to wake deaf people, monitors for people with epilepsy to detect night-time seizures and alerting carers by radio pager Calendar

Clocks with memory prompting for people with dementia bed and chair leaving alarms with pager warnings for a carer and a vast array of electronic sensors

Our philosophy is always to produce products that people can afford, not just dream of Certainly the way world has been for the past few years that philosophy makes more sense today Our latest range of bed and chair sensor alarms for example cost a fraction more than they did 10 years ago Mainly due to the good old microprocessor replacing a bucket load of analogue components Does anyone remember op-amps and transistors?

There are close to 100 Medpage branded products to aid care of people who may be; a falls risk live with epilepsy suffer from stroke are a full-time carer professional healthcare worker, living with dementia Our products are designed, manufactured, and distributed governed by an audited quality management system You can trust us to delivery on every count

People generally these days are not so concerned with the past mainly what can we have today and what could we have tomorrow Simple

answer Today you could visit our website and explore the vast array of Independent Living Aids, Hospital Discharge Patient Home Support product packages

Domestic and Professional Carer Support products

Better planning today will bring better outcomes for tomorrow Take a look at www easylinkuk co uk

See the advert on page 7 for further details

Frequency Precision - Sensors 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

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 or see the facing page

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Nourish Care Integrates with Whzan Digital Health

Nourish Care continues to revolutionise digital care planning provision in the adult care sector by integrating data with Whzan Digital Health, a health monitoring system connected to the NHS and used in over 3 000 care homes that is already freeing up hospital beds leading to speedier recovery times and better health outcomes

The collaboration between Nourish and Whzan means that vital observations will be available alongside daily care records giving care teams instant access to up-to-date clinical patient information

Whzan Digital Health created the Whzan Blue Box an all-in-one telehealth system providing wireless monitoring equipment to enable carers to measure vital signs and calculate a National Early Warning (NEWS2) score This ensures that any signs of deterioration are detected at the earliest opportunity Used widely by the NHS and carers throughout the UK the Blue Box monitors patients across care homes domiciliary care facilities and individual patient homes It enables care teams to conduct multiple comprehensive clinical assessments communicating results to healthcare professionals remotely

Now Whzan and Nourish have linked up their solutions vital observations such as blood oxygen levels temperature pulse blood pressure and respiration rate will appear alongside daily care records giving care teams instant, reliable data to determine the best course of treatment and follow-up action This means that Nourish will become a single source of reliable information for care teams, removing the need to access multiple systems and therefore saving time The benefits will be felt across the sector from Integrated Care Boards through to independent care providers

The integration gives clinicians carers and patients more peace of mind The Blue Box is adaptable to multiple conditions and has already been shown by NHS reports to save up to 50% demand on emergency services and hospital bed days It has reduced ambulance call outs and enabled carers to make decisions that have a lasting impact on the health of individuals

Steve Lawrence Head of Product at Nourish had this to say

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Whzan, their Blue Box solution provides an important service for care settings across the UK The integration provides tangible benefits, surfacing vital signs directly into Nourish to enable informed decision-making and pro-active adjustments to treatment plans Our Integration also reduces the administrative burden of manual data entry and the associated error risk We look forward to seeing the positive benefits the integration brings to our customers and the people they support

John Cooling, Chairman of Whzan Digital Health commented

This integration will enable care homes to eliminate duplication of work Clients detailed within Nourish will automatically populate Whzan caseloads and Whzan vital signs plus NEWS2 data will be automatically transferred into the Nourish record All they need to do is contact Whzan and we will complete the link ”

Nourish Care is the leading provider of digital care management software in the UK It was one of the first digital social care record suppliers to be recognised as an NHS Transformation Directorate Assured Supplier at launch and is accredited by PRSB as a Quality Partner The easy-to-use mobile app provides care teams with person-centred tools, timelines, assessments and more to drive outstanding care and improve outcomes for those with support needs Nourish works with more than 3 500 care services in the UK and overseas within residential homes, nursing homes, learning disability services mental health services and other care settings

Whzan is the most widely adopted remote health monitoring system commissioned by the NHS in all sectors of care homes supporting daily care to over 100 000 patients from more than 40 000 carers The multiaward winning system is used extensively for patients in the place they call home to feel reassured their health is supported and any unexpected changes are detected quickly leading to faster support and a speedier recovery

Why We Must Keep Taking Data-Driven Steps For ward

John Lanyon, Co -Founder of KareInn (www.kareinn.com), reviews the Government ’s updated roadmap for better data for adult social care and discusses how data is helping care homes meet their Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework objectives

The Government recently updated its roadmap for better data for adult social care describing the plan as an important step in addressing transformation

In the updated roadmap the Minister of State for Care said that while some care providers local authorities and other organisations are trailblazers in the use of data digital tools and technology overall adult social care as a sector lags behind healthcare “while we have come a long way in improving the data that we collect and use there is still much more to do”

We are seeing every day how tech in care homes is helping to improve resident satisfaction and maximise operational efficiency From improved communication enhanced resident safety and wellbeing streamlined operations and a facility for data-driven decision-making the sector is slowly but surely seeing the benefits of digital But to keep up with the pace of change any transformation needs to align with the important targets care homes must reach

ALIGNING WITH THE ASCOF

The Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF) measures how well care and support services achieve the outcomes that matter most to people The framework plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality, transparency, and accountability of adult social care services

By setting clear objectives measuring performance and providing a framework for evaluation the ASCOF encourages care providers to identify areas for improvement, implement changes, and monitor the impact of their interventions This drives a culture of learning and innovation ultimately leading to better outcomes for service users

If we break down the benefits of digital and specifically data driven decision-making we can see just how it supports care homes in reaching their ASCOF targets and how it will help them along the Government s data roadmap

DEVELOPING PERSONALISED CARE

We re seeing digital care records enable care homes to capture and store comprehensive information about each resident s needs preferences and goals This information can be used to develop personalised care plans and ensure that care is tailored to individual requirements By leveraging digital care

records effectively care homes can improve care planning documentation communication and monitoring of outcomes This in turn supports the objectives of the ASCOF promoting person-centred care accountability quality improvement and the overall wellbeing of residents

Digital care records allow care homes to track and monitor outcomes related to the ASCOF measures By recording and analysing data on service user feedback quality of life indicators and other relevant metrics care homes can evaluate the effectiveness of their interventions and make evidence-based improvements to their care practices

CREATING AN AUDIT TRAIL

Digital care plans help care homes meet regulatory requirements and demonstrate compliance with relevant standards These records provide a documented audit trail of care interventions ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to best practices in care provision

Digital can also streamline the documentation process by providing a centralised platform for recording care interventions assessments and outcomes This ensures that documents are completed efficiently and accurately supporting effective communication among care teams and ensuring the continuity of care

A FACILITY FOR INTEGRATED CARE

Crucially digital care records facilitate efficient and secure information sharing among care professionals residents and their families Individuals can access up-to-date information about a resident's care plan medications, allergies, and other relevant details, enhancing communication and collaboration across the care team

The wealth of data that is created by digital care planning can be analysed to identify patterns trends and areas for improvement Care homes can generate reports and dashboards based on this data enabling them to monitor performance measure progress and identify areas where they can enhance the quality of care and outcomes

Data and the insights they provide are fundamental to ensuring that people who draw on care and support can access high quality care and achieve the outcomes that matter to them Digital care records play a significant role in helping care homes meet the objectives of the ASCOF

As the Government s roadmap states we are embarking on far-reaching reforms But we as a sector must continue to champion data and its benefits to drive social care forward at the right pace We must continue to champion evidence-based digital technology and its ability to deliver end-of-life altering care and personalised services that address persistent unmet needs across residential care

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

Assured by NHS Transformation Directorate PASS provides a secure platform that allows you to plan record and evidence the care you deliver

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

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 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

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

Autumna Increases Enquiries For Care Homes Using Digital Mapping TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

to its impressive pedigree and how accessible the software was

"Plotting providers and care seekers from the last four years on the same map instantly gave us a clear picture of demand hotspots along with hotspots for the type and cost of care being sought It’s a different way of looking at our data and creates new insights which we ve been able to share with customers The approach eliminates a lot of risk for them by revealing which of their locations are best suited to invest in a premium profile so helps create a more reliable relationship with us

Four Seasons Health Care Group upgraded a single listing to the premium level and saw a 40% increase in enquiries As a result it decided to look at other areas and increased the number of upgraded listings to 40 homes and the number of enquiries generated more than doubled

“Seeing where demand is coming from on a map instantly reveals where we should invest in more premium profiles which helps maximise our marketing investment ” said Tessa Matthews Head of

Marketing and Digital, Four Seasons Health Care Group

Autumna the UK s largest directory of care home and retirement living providers is using digital mapping software from Esri UK to help its customers market their properties more effectively and increase queries from care seekers

Using spatial analysis to identify where most care seeker queries are coming from Autumna is able to tell care providers which properties are best suited to promote on its platform using premium profiles One care provider Four Seasons Health Care Group has seen queries from care seekers more than double across 40 care homes since using the service

The new mapping solution from Esri UK replaces manual processes using spreadsheets and static PDF reports By visualising query traffic on an interactive map dashboard the data is validated as users can see it is real Autumna introduced the new mapping technology as it wanted to understand the impact of location on searches for care homes and help care providers achieve the best ROI on their marketing spend

We needed to examine which care homes in the country were in the best location to receive the largest number of enquiries possible and we could only do this with geospatial technology ” explained Debbie Harris founder of Autumna We chose to work with Esri UK due

Leading digital social care records provider Nourish has partnered with Maldaba, whose Hear Me Now app enables people to capture and share information about themselves to support the delivery and tracking of high-quality, complex, personalised care

Hear Me Now allows those with learning disabilities to play a more active role in the planning and implementation of their care and well-being The app has been live since 2016 (originally known as My Health Guide) and was designed with and for people with learning disabilities It has since enabled groups such as those with autism dementia and other cognitive challenges to have more control over their care

People with learning disabilities die on average 20 years younger than the general population, and this technology aims to address inequalities in care in line with the LeDeR review and national agenda for service improvement for people with learning disabilities and autism

Combining Hear Me Now and Nourish’s expertise in digital care planning will bring benefits to service users their families and care providers alike and improve outcomes across the board

Esri geospatial technology is also being used to support Autumna’s recently launched Dashboard for Accelerated Discharge tool (D A D ) By automating the currently manual process of searching for care D A D works with discharge teams and care providers to identify available appropriate care within 60 minutes of a search request being performed Esri technology enables users to forecast how the demand versus availability is going to change in the future

Future plans include using the demand data to advise providers where is best to open a new care home Autumna is also planning to feed census and other demographic data into the system to understand population changes and trends over time which might impact the industry

The use of spatial analysis in the care sector is relatively new continued Debbie “We began working with Esri UK and experimenting with its geospatial software over a year ago and it s now integrated into our business We knew we had a lot of data that we weren’t using properly and location is perhaps the most important part of a search for care and very difficult to analyse without a map Now we can easily demonstrate where care requirements are coming from along with budget hotspots The geospatial approach lets us understand the care seeker better and the more we understand them, the more we can improve our processes

About Esri UK

Founded in 1969 Esri is the global market leader in Geographic Information System (GIS) software mapping and spatial analysis and today has 4 000 staff in 73 countries Esri UK customers include UK Health Security Agency, Public Health Scotland and NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit

Website: www esriuk com/health

Email: healthcare@esriuk com

Tel: 01296 745599

At Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust Hear Me Now allowed for a 30% reduction in service use which created space for reducing waiting lists and pressure on other areas of the service National care provider Hft were able to re-use 243 contact hours at a single service within a one-year period enabling greater independence in daily activities for people they support There are other efficiency benefits for staff as they are able to enter information alongside the person they are supporting in a more engaging way Lorenzo Gordon Director Maldaba Ltd comments: Partnering with Nourish is an important step in joining-up data so that it is entered only once and flows to the right people at the right time At Maldaba we see this as crucial to providing appropriate correct and timely support to vulnerable people and are delighted to be working with a provider such as Nourish who shares this vision

Denise Tack, Director of Partnerships, Nourish Care adds: “,The Nourish Partnership Programme is designed around partnerships such as the one with Maldaba with the impact on the end-user always being the core focus Now is the time for care-sector technologies to work together in partnership, ending the reliance on pilots and siloed solutions Digital transformation of our sector at scale can only truly happen if done collaboratively We are proud to be partnering with such a like-minded organisation and look forward to seeing the positive benefits for our customers and individuals receiving support ”

For further information on Nourish Care visit

Mass

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Managing Vital Communications: Mass Notification Systems In Healthcare Settings

(CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE)

By introducing a mass notification system in addition to our standard communication channels we can communicate efficiently with staff about network maintenance system maintenance critical infrastructure updates IT system failures and emergency planning This system has helped to reduce the impact to the IT Service Desk by not overwhelming them with calls and tickets raised by staff discovering problems during a maintenance window or problems we are already aware of Instead as a team we can focus on resolving outages as quickly as possible

Mass notification systems also offer advantages in terms of supporting emergency and lockdown procedures with some even offering pre-set “emergency response” alerts triggered by a hot-key combination to facilitate their use in time-sensitive situations Routine alerts – such as fire drills – can be automatically scheduled in advance Additionally, in situations where a mass response is required from staff – such as major trauma – staff can be notified instantaneously giving staff as much precious time as possible to prepare Mass notifications can also support forward planning for staff giving them advance notice of system

outages and technical upgrades

As with adopting any amendments to protocol, bringing staff along with you is crucial to ensuring a smooth implementation It s likely that there will be an appetite amongst your colleagues for adopting such a system; at Mid Cheshire colleagues were extremely receptive and co-operative due to the evident need to improve communication delivery

Having a clear chain of prioritisation of messages additionally will allow the system to work most efficiently Allowing too many people to access the system or issuing messages too regularly dilutes its effectiveness as the service should be reserved for critical messaging An overload of messages is likely to result in people not taking notice in the messages themselves rendering the service less effective Mass notification systems, available in many forms are a readily available tool to help you create clear lines of communication in a care setting By streamlining the transmission of key messages you can alleviate pressures on your colleagues at all levels ultimately allowing you to deliver the best care outcomes to clients and patients

Innovative care home software solutions from Ablyss

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

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

Technology Enabled Care: The Next Generation of Care Provision TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

At The Access Group we are aware of the challenges of maintaining quality care facing the care industry It is estimated that there are 1 98 million social care requests made every year and with limiting budgets and staff recruitment at a all time high it is getting increasingly difficult to ensure care providers are constantly delivering better person-centred care

We are delighted to announce our latest solution which will sit within our Workspace for Care Access Assure Our Assure ecosystem will sit at the centre of our care offering to prevent, monitor, and react to social care needs as they change Here our technology enabled care and digital telecare goes further than just a digital social alarm We combine both traditional reactive alarm functionality with proactive digital monitoring to deliver better proactive and preventative care

Our digital monitoring tools allows for continuous data capture and analysis for care providers and clinical consultants aggregating the data collected and transforming it into actionable insight In just a matter of 14

days our Assure ecosystem can learn individual daily routines to notify care providers and loved ones of any changes before something more critical takes place

The Assure ecosystem supports people recover across the care continuum to prolong independence provide reassurance, delay future care needs, and reduce hospital discharge delays to help budgets stretch further and help reach the demand easier

Technology Enabled Care is more than just a single component or sensor it s the combined sum of all its parts To enable this Assure integrates with 3rd party sensors and devices and a variety of our other care solutions This ensures we can deliver a level of intelligence and can help join up data to provide insight on wellbeing to deliver a preventative approach to care and improve care planning, care management, and care delivery to give individuals the freedom to do more

To find out more about how our digital telecare helps deliver better proactive and preventative care contact us today at www theaccessgroup com/en-gb/health-social-care/form/digital-telecare-demo-contact-form/

Syncurio: An Innovative Solution Unleashed Through Collaboration

In an industry where ticking clocks are as daunting as eroding margins the quest for comprehensive care home management software that reflects bespoke operational needs can resemble a significant endeavour Sensing a gap in the market a network of care home operators pooled their insights birthing Syncurio, a paradigm-shifting software, purpose-built for their unique sector

The genesis of Syncurio can be traced back to collective frustration Hindered by existing software options operators grappled with recurring challenges from managing absenteeism to accurate billing and budgeting Observing the domino effect these issues were having on business performance this network of industry stalwarts took the bull by the horns

The strength of unity proved encouraging as this network pooled their knowledge and insights Their objective: to counteract their shared pain points through collaboration culminating in the creation of Syncurio This comprehensive care management software is a product of firsthand industry knowledge catering to the distinct needs of care home operators Sarah a member of IT services at a major care home group commented The Syncurio team have been a pleasure to deal with - always eager to hear and act on feedback and suggestions for improvement ”

Syncurio is a product meticulously tailored to remove operator frustrations Its features include userfriendly interfaces intuitive scheduling tools a state-of-the-art clocking in mechanism and enhanced billing functions The software s robust data analytics capabilities offer operators invaluable insights into

resident care resource allocation and staff performance By leveraging cuttingedge technology Syncurio is upping the ante in the care home industry

The software’s user-friendly interfaces promote operational efficiency, allowing staff to navigate the system seamlessly optimising their time and enabling them to focus on providing quality care Operations Director, Jennifer said of Syncurio Being able to manage staffing budgets and rosters alongside resident fee data has enabled us to get the balance right between high levels of care and financial sustainability ”

Despite being a relative newcomer Syncurio is generating considerable market interest As word spreads about this trailblazing software, care home operators of varied backgrounds are expressing interest in signing up Syncurio s burgeoning success is inspiring for operators grappling with similar challenges and accentuates the benefits of this ground-breaking solution

Syncurio stands as an exemplar of the transformative potential of collaboration and innovation Within a short period it has proven itself as a game-changer surmounting the limitations of existing care management software and heralding an era of streamlined operations and enhanced communication The success story of Syncurio serves as a timely reminder of the catalytic results of industry-wide collaboration As Syncurio gains traction the care home industry is poised for significant advancements fuelled by the spirit of collaboration and the pursuit of quality care

To find out more give us a call on 020 4525 0299 | Email us at info@syncurio co uk

Staying Ahead in Care: Navigating the Tightened Immigration Compliance Landscape

the entire 2022 The message is unequivocal for care providers

While the financial repercussions are large there's an equally pressing concern the reputational damage disruptions in caregiving and jeopardising of sponsor licenses For care establishments with sponsor licenses the scrutiny intensifies With the Home Office keen on escalating actions against non-compliant licensed institutions maintaining flawless operations becomes non-negotiable

How can care organisations remain compliant?

We've devised a five-step action plan tailored for the UK care sector:

Considering the UK's evolving immigration policies, the care sector is urged more than ever to uphold rigorous compliance With our nation heavily relying on this sector, the implications of non-compliance are not just regulatory but fundamentally touch upon the wellbeing of our communities

The Minister for Immigration Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP recently highlighted this urgency On 7th August 2023 he conveyed the steepest rise in civil penalties for employers housing illegal workers since 2014 Initial fines will now attract a £45 000 penalty per illegal worker up from £15,000 Repeat contraventions see a spike from £20 000 to £60 000 Jenrick shared that starting from 2018 the civil penalties imposed on employers totalled £88 4 million Moreover 2023's arrest rate from immigration enforcement teams has already passed that of

1 Routine Audits: Periodically scrutinise employment documentation ensuring every staff member is legally employed Employ mock audits replicating Home Office s compliance checks catching potential oversights before they catch you

2 Sponsor Management System (SMS): Possession of a sponsor licence demands effective management It’s imperative to understand and fulfil the obligations accompanying this privilege Establish and reinforce systems ensuring these obligations are met

3 Ongoing Training: Equip your HR and recruitment units with current knowledge on immigration regulations A sound hiring mechanism stands as the primary safeguard against compliance breaches

4 Consultation with Experts: Engage regularly with immigration specialists ensuring your practices align with the fluid landscape of immigration laws

5 Stay Updated: Subscriptions to Home Office updates or expert

newsletters keep you a step ahead mitigating unintentional missteps

By adhering to this plan care providers not only avoid adverse actions but also position themselves as attractive employers for global caregivers thus capitalising on a diverse caregiving staff and plugging shortages

Should you require navigation through the intricacies of the UK s immigration maze, Immtell is poised to assist We're committed to ensuring compliance is seamlessly integrated into your daily operations Reach out to us at info@immtell com or explore our services at www immtell com

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

From helping clients make their first purchase through to allowing groups to grow significantly in size

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

New RoSPA Qualifications-Certified Dementia Course Launches

As dementia rates rise, the importance of upskilling those working in the care sector on the condition has never been greater That s why leading qualifications provider, RoSPA Qualifications, has teamed up with EDGE Services a specialist people handling training provider to develop an innovative new qualification to help care workers understand the debilitating condition

The Dementia Care Key Trainer’s Certificate that runs as a two-day course provides delegates with the knowledge skills and confidence to train others in dementia awareness including how to spot symptoms, challenges it can present and how to work effectively Upon completion of the course delegates receive a certificate of achievement which is valid for two years

By the end of the course professionals will have learnt:

What is meant by the term dementia

• The different types of dementia and potential their causes

The risk factors signs and symptoms of dementia

• The current and projected statistics about the incidence of dementia including on the individual and those living with or caring for them

The main challenges facing those working with dementia

Effective strategies to assist staff working with people with dementia to reduce the impact of the challenges faced and how to improve quality of life

• The importance of record-keeping and documentation

A knowledge of the legal issues involved in working effectively with people with dementia

RoSPA Qualifications is an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) that designs develops and certifies a range of vocationally related qualifications

EDGE Services is already a recognised RoSPA Qualification Centre, which enables it to deliver a suite of customised awards

Debbie Clueit, RoSPA Qualifications’ External Verifier, said: “We were delighted that RoSPA Qualifications was able to help develop EDGE Services’ Dementia Care Key Trainer’s Certificate – a highly important course for anyone working with adults with dementia

“As an intensive two-day course it covers a wide range of important topics from spotting the signs of dementia through to dealing with challenging behaviour and beyond Those who complete the course achieve a RoSPA Qualifications-approved certificate that is valid for two years

“We worked with EDGE Services to ensure the course was accessible and that it met the Level 4 Ofqual descriptors along with developing the learning outcomes content and assessment process ”

Ruth Hewitt Operations Manager at EDGE Services said “The course is aimed at those whose staff may work with adults who live with dementia - both in the health care sector and beyond It provides delegates with the expertise to train others in awareness of dementia that can be adopted to deal with symptoms, challenges and how to work effectively

For further information on RoSPA Qualifications please visit www rospa com/health-and-safety-qualifications

For further information on The Dementia Care Key Trainer’s Certificate please visit www edgeservices co uk/courses/dementia-awareness-key-trainer-certificate/

Policies and Procedures Within Social Care

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 See the advert on page 2 for further information

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

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 train-

Rising to the Challenge of Recruitment and Retention

By Jackie Tritton, Chief Clinical Officer at Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care (www renniegrovepeace org)

The shortage of staff across the care and nursing sectors is no secret But with creativity and determination organisations are working around the challenges by maximising the resources they do have, while attracting new staff to fill vacant roles Here Jackie Tritton Chief Clinical Officer at Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care tells us how her teams are recruiting, retaining and repurposing staff to ensure the charity can not only maintain services but grow them during a merger

“When the trustees of Peace Hospice Care and Rennie Grove Hospice Care announced their intention to merge last June it was with the ambition of serving a growing population of people living with progressive life-limiting illnesses reaching more people who need our support and strengthening our services This is all playing out against a backdrop of staff shortages across the entire sector that have blighted all care settings for years We knew that in order to deliver expanded services to our new larger patch we would need to think creatively about recruitment challenges

“In addition to the national challenges relating to the economy, NHS and the Covid-19 pandemic, our location in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire brings with it unique challenges These include proximity to a number of hospitals, including the big London hospitals, and specialist palliative care (SPC) providers, meaning there is a huge amount of employee choice in our area

“Over the past year we have been working hard on retaining our existing staff – through reviewing everything about salary progression pensions and benefits as well as working closely with employees to manage team morale and culture

“Despite this recruitment of new staff remains a challenge and we have a 31% vacancy rate in our clinical teams

Care As a Career

–

For us it has therefore been vital to focus on creativity in the way we work with existing staff and resources One example of this has been our nurse associate role By supporting our senior health care assistants to progress to registered nurse roles we can nurture existing talent and close recruitment gaps while rewarding the loyalty and hard work of our dedicated HCA workforce

We have also created Community Senior staff nurse roles to expand our Palliative care Response (PRT) teams These are highly skilled nurses who can support patients in the community during an emergency or sudden deterioration as well as supporting earlier discharges from hospital through intensive intervention to meet patients’ wishes

Other new roles – such as Allied Health Professional (AHP) assistant practitioners nurse consultants and paramedics are allowing us to expand the team and recruit new colleagues without relying on the existing pool of traditional registered nurses which we know is finite in number and much sought after across the board

“As well as upskilling our own staff we are actively working with partner organisations to share knowledge and develop the local workforce to meet the needs of local people with progressive life-limiting illnesses This includes rotational posts with organisations such as our local hospital and community trusts residential homes By supporting staff from these partner organisations to complete secondments or placements in our Inpatient Unit, we can support them in developing their palliative care skills, which enables them to care for more patients in their own setting reducing the needs for reliance on in-patient care either in an acute hospital or a hospice

Broadening the types and range of roles within our teams has been hugely beneficial to our organisation It allows us to make sure that the right person with the right skills is seeing each patient at the right time Identifying patients needs and matching them with the most relevant professional in the team is ensuring we have a multidisciplinary approach with a wide range of skills to support patient-centred holistic care This has reduced our reliance on registered nurses making up the majority of our clinical workforce and allowed us to continue delivering our vital services while setting out our ambitions for growing and strengthening services in the years to come ”

Not a Stepping Stone

‘Creating a Sustainable Skills Pipeline for Care’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

documents can’t be mislaid or lost keeping the data within secure and making it easy for staff to refer to specific care plans record diet and hydration information and other details for more joined-up and seamless processes Digital records also offer more protection for staff when things go wrong as there is an irrefutable evidence trail that shows all procedures were followed correctly Demonstrating compliance for CQC and others is crucial in such a highly-regulated sector

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

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

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

Employers can use the data contained in their technology platforms to help them manage many of the day-to-day tasks more efficiently supporting more effective recruitment and higher retention rates Employee data can be a powerful tool in gaining deeper workforce insights, helping employers identify trends that can help them make better decisions This might be identifying the hardest-to-fill shifts and then making recruitment for those a priority Or it may shine a light on the circumstances that lead to higher rates of sickness absence helping leaders to locate specific problems and make changes to reduce them

Digital transformation is the key to improving the employee experience

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

In conclusion technology can help elevate the status of the care delivery role improving employee experience and developing talent for a sustainable pipeline of career-care providers www oneadvanced com/campaign/new/health-and-care/advanced-care-trends-report-2023/

RECRUITMENT

Recruiting Success with CVMinder ATS

Care recruiting is currently challenging So why is CVMinder ATS a great choice for Care Providers?

Stuart Haddow MD suggests that its Ambassador Customers make the biggest difference Ambassadors include senior HR leaders from the Care sector “They have proven to be great at overcoming recruiting headwinds says Stuart CVMinder’s Ambassador Customers also guide CVMinder product improvement programme

Using that great guidance delivers a competitive advantage for all CVMinder Care customers Jack Morgan of Local Solutions agrees CVMinder has made the process as smooth and as streamlined as possible That s is critical when recruiting in a

demanding sector like care It gives us central control of everything and the management information we generate from CVMinder has helped to improve our recruiting approach Without CVMinder our recruiting costs would be much higher and good candidates would be lost in the administration clutter ”

Donna Newell of The Kent Autistic Trust says “CVMinder ensures that we are being responsive to applicants and the demands of our managers Having a one stop shop means that we can post and update jobs at the touch of a button Receiving all applications online and using filter questions enables our recruiters to shortlist batches of applicants swiftly ”

T: 01634 202 101

E: enquiries@cvminder co uk

W: cvminder co uk/care

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 healthcare 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

We assist you to get a sponsorship license

Qualified and experienced candidates from

overseas Tel: 01704 808227

www jjcarerecruitment co uk

admin@jjrecruitment co uk