The Carer Digital - Issue #167

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Issue 167

Skills for Care to Develop Social Care Workforce Strategy... ...As Report Reveals ‘Green Shoots’ and Ongoing Challenges

Skills for Care has announced plans to develop a 15-year workforce strategy for adult social care.

The announcement came as the strategic workforce development and planning body published its annual State of the Adult Social Care Sector and Workforce report, which revealed a 1% rise in the workforce between April 2022 and March 2023, largely driven by an increase in international recruitment –

including more posts being filled, fewer vacancies and less turnover.

The news follows longstanding calls from sector bodies for the government to produce a strategy, to improve reward, progression and recognition for staff, and enhance workforce planning, so the sector had sufficient workers with the right skills to meet future need.

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PAGE 2 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

EDITOR'S VIEWPOINT Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

As we are all “well aware”, the care sector

care workers, remuneration, and that means paying them what they are worth, their

constantly grapples with a unique blend of chal-

ongoing professional development, and mental health support must be at the fore-

lenges and opportunities. The recent release of

front. A nurtured and satisfied workforce is far more likely to stay in the sector.

Moreover, we should encourage lifelong learning within the sector. Adult social

report provides us with a clear insight of this

care is a dynamic field, and a commitment to ongoing professional development will

complex terrain. This report, like those before it,

TELEPHONE:

not only empower care workers but also enhance the quality of care they provide.

paints a multifaceted picture that demands our

Lastly, we need to attract new talent to our sector, especially among younger

01202 552333

The most heartening revelation in the report is the 1% growth in the adult social care workforce.

Peter Adams

RBC Publishing Ltd 3 Carlton Mount 2 Cranborne Road Bournemouth Dorset BH2 5BR

the Skills for Care "State of Adult Social Care"

attention and action.

Editor

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It is no exaggeration to say that the incredible efforts of our care workers have been a source of comfort to many individuals and their families, especially during the trying times of the pandemic.

The commitment and dedication of these professionals have undoubtedly driven this increase, and it is a testament to the strength of the care sector. Equally impressive is the revelation that adult social care has added £55.7 billion to the English economy, showcasing its undeniable value.

However, the report also delivers concerning news. It also reveals that up to 390,000 adult social care workers left their jobs between 2022 and 2023, with one third choosing to leave the sector entirely.

This exodus highlights a persistent issue that must be addressed. The individuals who walk away from adult social care are not just statistics; they represent an immeasurable loss to the sector and the individuals who rely on their care.

generations. Innovative approaches that emphasize the fulfilling nature of this work and its potential for personal growth must be considered.

In conclusion, the "State of Adult Social Care" report is a call to action. It celebrates the growth of our sector and its remarkable contribution to the economy. But it also serves as a stark reminder that without a proactive approach to recruitment and retention, we risk losing the very people who make this sector a lifeline for so many.

Let us rally behind the cause of adult social care, embracing the green shoots and addressing the challenges. In doing so, we can build a brighter future for the care sector, its workers, and the individuals they serve.

We have been quite active this month in getting out and meeting those in the sec-

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Fax: 01202 552666 Email: sales@thecareruk.com

WEBSITE: www.thecareruk.com EDITOR Peter Adams SALES EXECUTIVES

tor from every level, from owners to senior management and those working at the

Sylvia Mawson

“coalface”, as well as suppliers of products and services, industry observers and

David Bartlett

organisations.

Guy Stephenson

This month we are at a two-day event at the National Association of Care Catering Training and Development forum, the two-day National Care Show at Birmingham’s

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

NEC and yesterday we were also at a Care Roadshow in Epsom Surrey.

Matthew Noades

And I would like to take this opportunity to say a humble thanks for the wonderful

So, how do we bridge the gap between this welcome growth and the troubling

feedback we here at THE CARER have received. We are so delighted that you value

PRODUCTION & WEB ADMIN

attrition rate? The answer is complex and requires a collaborative effort between the

and enjoy what we publish, in print and digitally, and as previously stated we are in

government and the care sector itself.

Charlene Fox

the process as the year comes to an end in refreshing our print and digital database.

Firstly, it is essential for the government to recognize the need for a comprehensive and sustainable recruitment strategy. The shortage of skilled staff cannot be addressed by merely relying on organic growth. Investment in training and support, and a competitive salary structure, are essential.

Acknowledging the tremendous responsibilities shouldered by care workers and valuing their work appropriately is vital.

Secondly, we must focus on retaining our existing workforce. The well-being of

If, for whatever reason, you no longer receive a copy please do not hesitate to get in touch with us and we will make sure you are added back on!

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

The Carer is published by RBC Publishing Ltd, 3 Carlton Mount, 2 Cranborne Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH2 5BR. Contributions are welcome for consideration, however, no responsibility will be accepted for loss or damage. Views expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or the editorial team. Whilst every care is taken when compiling this publication to ensure accuracy, the publisher will assume no responsibility for any effects, errors or omissions therefrom. All rights reserved, reproduction is forbidden unless written permission is obtained. All material is assumed copyright free unless otherwise advised.

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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167 | PAGE 3

Skills for Care to Develop Social Care Workforce Strategy (CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER) The report also highlights ongoing trends for the sector, including 390,000 people leaving their jobs – with around a third of them leaving the sector altogether.

This year’s report gives brand new insight into what works when it comes to keeping people working in adult social care. It identifies five factors that are key to retaining staff.

They are: • being paid more than the minimum wage • not being on a zero-hours contract • being able to work full-time • being able to access training • having a relevant qualification Where none of these factors apply, care workers are more than twice as likely to leave their jobs than when all five factors apply – a 48.7% turnover rate compared with 20.6%.

While this analysis looked at the independent sector, the importance of good quality roles, development and stability will also be important for people employed by local authorities.

These include the 23,500 social workers or 3,800 occupational therapists who work in social care and the broader commissioning workforce, all of whom are an essential part of how social care functions.

OTHER KEY FINDINGS IN THE REPORT INCLUDE: • The workforce grew by 1% between April 2022 and March 2023 after shrinking for the first time on record the previous year.

• The vacancy rate fell to 9.9% – around 152,000 vacancies on any given day – from 10.6% the previous year.

• Monthly tracking since March suggests that the vacancy rate has continued to fall, and in August was 8.4% among independent sector care providers. In independent sector care homes, the vacancy rate fell to 5.1% in August, which was below pre-pandemic levels (5.5% in 2019/20).

• The turnover rate across the sector was 28.3% in 2022/23 – down slightly from 28.9% the previous year. This means around 390,000 people left their jobs. Around a third of them left the sector altogether.

• Adult social care added £55.7 billion per annum to the economy in England (up 8.5% from 2021/22) – which is more than the accommodation and food service industries.

• On average, care workers with five years’ (or more) experience in the

sector were paid just six pence (0.6%) more per hour than care workers with less than one year of experience.

• For the first time on record, the proportion of men working in the sector increased from 18% to 19%.

• Only 8% of the workforce was aged under 25 – compared with 12% of the economically active population.

• The number of registered nurse filled posts increased by 2% in 2022/23 to 33,000.

• Between March 2022 and March 2023, an estimated 70,000 people arrived in the UK and started direct care providing roles in the independent sector.

• Projections show that we will need 25% more posts (440,000) by 2035 if the number of adult social care posts grows proportionally to the projected number of people aged 65 and over in the population.

GREEN SHOOTS In response to those trends, Skills for Care, as the strategic workforce development body for adult social care in England, will be working with a wide range of organisations and people who have a stake in social care, to develop a workforce strategy.

The strategy will identify the social care workforce needed over the next 15 years and set out a plan for ensuring the sector has enough of the right people with the right skills. It will help employers and commissioners with workforce planning, support the Government’s reform agenda and complement the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan covering the same period, which was published earlier this year.

Skills for Care CEO, Oonagh Smyth, said: “It’s good to see green shoots for the sector and workforce in our latest report – which is testament to the hard work that’s gone into tackling the recruitment and retention challenges we face. But the challenges haven’t gone away.

In particular, the fact that 390,000 people left their jobs in 2022/23 and around a third of them left the sector altogether shows that we have a leaky bucket that we urgently need to repair. We can’t simply recruit our way out of our retention challenges. So, we need a comprehensive workforce strategy to ensure we can both attract and keep enough people with the right skills to support everyone who draws on care and support – and all of us who will draw on care and support in the future.”

We’ll be using the expertise, data, insights and relationships we have developed over the last 20 years to develop that strategy. Given the

rich diversity of the sector, any strategy will only be successful if it’s created by the many organisations and people that have a stake in the future of social care, so we’ll be working with a wide range of partners who are willing to embrace and drive the changes we need.

“As always, we are grateful to all the employers who contribute their data to give us a very clear picture of what is happening in our sector, and what needs to happen to fully meet the needs of people who draw on care and support in our communities.”

MILLIONS DEPEND ON CARE WORKERS Sir David Pearson, who is co-chairing the steering group for the strategy with Oonagh Smyth, said: “There is nothing more important in helping to provide high-quality care and support in this country than in ensuring we have in place a confident, capable and caring workforce, now and in the future.”

“Millions of people depend on over 1.5 million social care workers every day. It is a huge privilege to help lead the work with Skills for Care in developing a comprehensive workforce strategy to build on the government reforms and the work of local government and social care providers in local services.”

“We want to make sure that the voices of all parties, particularly those who have experience of social care services, are driving this strategy.”

SUPPORT FOR SKILLS FOR CARE’S WORKFORCE STRATEGY PLANS Rob Webster, CEO of NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, said:If you want to integrate care, you have to integrate the workforce.

Having a long-term plan for staffing in social care is an essential part of the work that we need to do together to create the conditions for us to be successful. There are many fantastic careers in social care and by working together we can make sure that we have the people to fill them.

Simon Bottery, Senior Fellow, Social Care at The King’s Fund said:Millions of people across the country rely on the 1.5 million social care staff supporting them to live independent and fulfilling lives.A comprehensive plan for that workforce is vital to help set a direction for recruiting and retainingstaff and making social care a more rewarding and attractive career choice.That’s why are delighted to be working with Skills for Care and other organisations to help tackle the challenges across the adult social care sector by developing a long-term workforce strategy.

PAGE 4 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

How Can Technology Support People Living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia?

Living with dementia and Alzheimer’s can have significant physical and emotional impacts, and will affect an individual’s thoughts, feelings and responses.

Below Tracey Hipkiss, Clinical Applications Specialist at Tunstall Healthcare (www.tunstall.co.uk), discusses how technology can support people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s and the people who care for them.

Freedom is equally important for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia so that they can maintain familiar habits and activities outside the home to remain a part of their community for as long as possible. Digital solutions can be deployed that combine the ability to request help in an emergency away from home with location tracking.

This ensures that familiar routines, such as walking to the local shop, can continue safely for longer while maintaining connections and supporting independence and mobility.

SLEEPING BETTER It’s well known that long stretches of poor sleep can have a negative impact on our physical and mental health and wellbeing1. People living with dementia can often have issues with sleep, with different types of dementia being associated with different sleep problems2. This can also impact the people caring for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s, as they may need to check on them throughout the night.

Technology can provide much needed respite for everyone. For example, bed occupancy sensors can raise an alert if someone leaves their bed during the night and doesn’t return after a short time.

Epilepsy and enuresis sensors can also be used to enable a quick response to incidents, but equally mean that carers don’t have to disturb the person they care for during the night to check on them. In circumstances where an older spouse is caring for their partner, such technology can enable them to sleep peacefully, knowing they’ll be woken by the system if needed.

FIT FOR THE FUTURE

FINDING FREEDOM Digital solutions can enable caregivers to leave the house for short periods of time, with the knowledge that any technology in place will flag if there is an issue at home. This in turn will improve their quality of life and reduce stress as they can find more freedom.

Health and social care providers continue to experience increasing pressures, however technology is becoming more widely available which can reduce the number of events that require ambulance call outs and hospital admissions. Technology can also delay the need to move to a residential care setting.

As technology advances, solutions are becoming increasingly predictive and proactive, and more able to effectively harness the wealth of data held by monitoring centres. This insight has the potential to transform the way we support people living with Alzheimer’s by creating targeted, upstream interventions that enable care to become community-based and person-centred. For the thousands of people every day who receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and dementia, and their families, having this support can make all the difference.

The Highgate Care Home Releases ‘Reflections’ – An Album Of Original Songs Written And Recorded Entirely At The Care Home Today (Tuesday 17th October) a new album ‘Reflections’, which is thought to be the first album of songs written and recorded entirely by a care home community - is released and available on Apple Music and streaming services.

Reflections is a collection of 12 original songs written and recorded over the summer of 2023 by the community of Bupa’s The Highgate Care Home in North London. The finished album features over 100 residents, carers, relatives and friends; and much of it was made in a recording studio created out of a visitors’ booth at the home built during the COVID19 pandemic.

The songs reflect many lifetimes of experiences and wisdom; memories, regrets, lessons to pass on and insights on life in a care home. Some are deeply poignant, others very funny! From opera to reggae, swing to soul, Irish drinking song to Jewish-inspired ballad; the huge variety of musical genres mirror the incredible diversity of backgrounds, and musical tastes at the care home.

Videos and sleeve artwork have already been created alongside some of the songs, and initial response to the album since its launch party at the end of September has been incredible: For example NAPA, the UK’s body overseeing Arts in Care Homes described the project as; “Truly wonderful, inspiring and moving… lots of tissues needed during some of the amazing songs! What a fantastic creative community with residents, staff, relatives, friends, musicians and local community groups all joining together to create songs about life, love and identity.”

The project has had a significant positive impact on the lives and wellbeing of many residents and their relatives. For example, Phyllis Levy, a resident at The Highgate, who turned 90 earlier this year wrote the lyrics to Sing Together, a song exploring the real meaning of ‘care’.

Phyllis said; “Who’d have thought at the age of 90 I’d write my first song! This project has given me new life. And it’s kept me up in the middle of the night for hours thinking of words! It brings us together. It’s magical. I’m so proud of everyone for what we have achieved!”

Theresa Freeman, Phyllis‘s daughter said; “Through this album, Mum has been on a magical journey encouraging her to sing, play and talk about her past and her achievements. It fills us with joy seeing her being brought out of her shell into who she is now.”

Music therapist, Phil Evans who led the project said: “This album is more than just a collection of songs. It has become a place where our residents’ memories and experiences can be stored and revisited, rather than left to fade away.

It has also brought the whole community of the care home closer together. Over 100 residents, relatives and staff were involved in writing, performing and recording - where the roles of who is caring and who is cared for become less important.

Instead, we’re just a group of people creating, singing, laughing, crying, together. And through it, I hope we have come out understanding each other a little better; that is ultimately what I hope the legacy of this album will be.

The launch of the album online will feature a special video created for one song, filmed at the home.

‘Sing Together’ was written by resident Phyllis Levy and features over 35 soloists, each singing a line, before ending in a mass We Are The World style outro sing-along – ‘Life feels better when you sing with me!’

Saying Hola and Bonjour to Memories A pioneering language learning programme, recently launched in London, is set to open up new opportunities for residents in care and retirement homes. Developed and operated by Speak Like A Native, this innovative initiative has been on hold for three years.

CEO Stuart Rubenstein says, “We’ve been running language courses in nurseries and schools for years but Covid meant we’ve had to wait until now to start in care homes.

It’s very exciting to begin rolling it out and seeing how positive the initial reception is.”

He explains that what makes this course so special is that it’s not about turning up and teaching a few words in Spanish or French. “We create a space where residents can connect the language with memories, which might be food or culture, school experiences, family or holidays. The lessons are very fluid and follow the pace of those participating. We personalise everything and make it a very special hour for all involved.”

Among the early adopters of Speak Like A Native is Alan Morkhill House in North Kensington, part of the Gold Care Homes group, which now has Spanish for beginners as one of its regular weekly events.

Suraiya Islam, activities co-ordinator at Alan Morkhill House, explains why she’s become a fan of Speak Like A Native. “The language sessions benefit our residents in numerous ways; they help them grow, stimulate their brains, increase their desire to learn and try something new, improve their attention span, slow down cognitive issues, improve memory function, boost their self-esteem and give them a sense of pride.”

Rubenstein and his wife, Greta Grinfeld, set up Speak Like A Native to take away the fears of language learning for people of all ages and to promote the positive benefits of being multilingual. “However,” as Grinfeld points out, “this course is different to what we offer children or young adults. In care homes, it’s obviously not about passing exams or career prospects but about reminiscing and the joy that can be found today in learning and discovering something new. We all like challenges and all deserve to feel proud of what we can accomplish.”

Grinfeld adds that the most important aspect is that the residents have fun whether it’s sharing stories or having a go at Spanish or French pronunciation.

Islam agrees and says that “Our residents look forward to the sessions every week.”

She puts this down to the good rapport the Speak Like A Native teacher has built up with the participants. “They’ve become friends with the residents, and the experience has had a positive effect on everyone taking part.”

Rubenstein says that it’s not easy to explain to care homes why this is so much more than a language lesson. “That’s why we don’t try to get into too much detail about our methodology or what has gone into designing the course. We prefer to offer a free taster session so care home managers and activities co-ordinators can see how it all works in their setting with their residents. Then it makes sense!”.

Care homes interested in finding out more about setting up a taster should get in touch with Speak Like A Native at help@speaklikeanative.com.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167 | PAGE 5

Care England – A Chance for Change Care England has today responded to the Skills for Care report ‘The state of the adult social care sector and workforce in England’ and called for immediate and long term action to address the current pressures.

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, says: “Government must urgently heed the warnings in this report. International recruitment is currently propping up the sector. We must use this report to inform a renewed drive to recruit and retain domestically. A new approach is needed, and it has been for quite some time.”

Skills for Care has today published its annual report ‘The state of the adult social care sector and workforce’ in England which is available here.

The new data illustrates that 390,000 people left their roles last year. More concerningly, one-third left the sector entirely. The turnover rate was recorded at 28.3%, with 47.5% of those in their first year leaving their role.

The workforce represents a ‘leaky bucket that we urgently need to repair,’ according to Skills for Care.

Pay remains the principal driver of recruitment and retention difficulties. Skills for Care has found being paid more than the minimum wage is one of the five variables that improve retention rates. Those with five years of experience only earn 6p more than someone in their first year on average. The adult social care sector’s ability to adjust wages is extremely limited by the current underfunding which characterises the sector; care provider fees are fixed with Local Authorities and reviewed annually.

The case for improving pay for care staff is a fundamental pillar of Care England’s Care for Our Future,

published on 19 September, which provides a roadmap for delivering sustainable adult social care and posits a sector-wide pay rise for care staff in England is long overdue, the costs of which should be met by Government.

The report shares that adult social care adds £55.7 billion per annum to the economy in England – making the sector one of the key drivers in the national economy.

Professor Martin Green OBE comments: “Investing in this sector not only has a profound impact on those in receipt of care and the dedicated workforce, but also on the taxpayer and wider economy. To ensure the stability and resilience of the care sector, government investment is not just advisable, it’s imperative. Investing in social care is an investment in our future.”

Skills for Care highlights their initiative to develop a long-term workforce strategy. Skills for Care says its plan will identify the needs of the social care workforce over the next 15 years and set out a plan for ensuring the sector has enough of the right people with the right skills.

Professor Martin Green OBE comments: “Care England welcomes the drive to establish a long-term workforce strategy, something that is long overdue. Despite this government’s efforts to shift the dial, there is a sector-wide acknowledgement that more must be done. We require a strategy which recognises social care as a vital, fulfilling, and skilled profession. Now is our time to secure a stable and prosperous future for the sector that will help, once and for all, alleviate the workforce pressures and contribute to the long-term stability of both the care sector and the NHS.”

Lords Debate Adult Social Care Committee Report On Monday 16 October, members of the House of Lords debated the Adult Social Care Committee’s report: ‘A “gloriously ordinary life’’: spotlight on adult social care.’

On publication of the report, in December 2022, Baroness Andrews, Chair of the Adult Social Care Committee, said: “In this report we have revealed the impact that the invisibility of the adult social care sector as a whole has on the way we perceive and provide for adult social care.

Our recommendations are intended to bring those who draw on and provide unpaid care into the daylight and that starts with changing the perceptions around care, providing the realistic financial and workforce strategies that are long overdue, and planning for a system responsive to present needs and resilient for the future.

“All that will help the unpaid carer now so often at risk of poverty and ill health with a better future. But we want a better present for them too – and our specific recommendations for their support will deliver that.”

During the debate Baroness Fraser of Craigmaddie commenred, "My worry is that social care provision

is still far too far down the priority list. At the recent party conferences, neither the Prime Minister nor the leader of the Opposition spent any time discussing social care. Even the Minister for Social Care spoke about integrated healthcare teams and community health services, not social care. She spoke about how we continue to look at health and care through the prism of the NHS, saying: “It often feels like the acute hospital is like the sun in the NHS solar system with everything else spinning round it. But it doesn’t have to be that way”.

"She is right. I agree with her, but until we turn the telescope around and focus on enabling people to lead a gloriously ordinary life, social care will always lose out."

Lord Davies of Brixton added, "The big issue, of course, is paying for sufficient care—we have been playing with that issue for 20, 30 or more years—but, short of a grand plan, we can leave that on one side for the purposes of this debate, because, in any event, much can be done.

What I would like to stress is the need to take better care of the carers."

The full debate can be read at https://www.theyworkforyou.com/lords/?id=2023-10-16a.75.5

PAGE 6 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

Complaints: Investigating and Handling Complaints

By Jenny Wilde, Partner, Acuity Law (https://acuitylaw.com)

Working in the health and social care sector obviously comes with its challenges. The expectations of service users and their families can be at odds with practices, and this can lead to complaints.

Dealing with complaints is a specific focus of the Care Quality Commission (“CQC”) under Regulation 16 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. Registered service providers are scrutinised on how they receive, handle and resolve complaints and the way that a service handles complaints will be judged under the Well-Led key question during inspection.

The Competition and Markets Authority and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute also consider how care services deal with complaints, and providers should review the most up-to-date thinking from those bodies.

It is crucial to be absolutely clear on the organisation’s complaints policy and how the procedure works – ensuring that staff, service users (and their advocates) and their loved ones know exactly what to do when something is not right.

COMPLAINTS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES A clear and easy to navigate complaints policy is an essential building block for ensuring compliance (and building good relations with service users and staff).

The policy must be unambiguous about what people should do when they have a complaint about the service and who they should approach with any concerns. This person should be senior enough to take responsibility for the complaint and undertake necessary investigations. There should also be a provision for when that person is the subject of the complaint.

Service users and their families need to be know where the policy is kept and how it can be accessed. They should also feel confident that any complaint they bring to the attention of senior staff will be dealt

with in confidence and with sensitivity.

It is likely that this policy will be reviewed by the CQC during inspection.

STAFF ENGAGEMENT WITH COMPLAINTS A good policy will only be effective if staff have full training on its contents, its importance and how to conduct themselves when a complaint is raised. Providers may create role play scenarios with staff to rehearse the correct process or use a case study based on a previous difficult complaint.

Staff need to know how to recognise a complaint (they can be made informally and formally), when to escalate a complaint and how to respond in the moment. Sensitivity is important, and all complaints should be taken seriously.

Staff dealing with complaints must respond to complaints in a timely way as dictated by the policy. This may also mean providing a holding response to reassure the complainant that the matter is being investigated.

Complaints can intensify unnecessarily when a person feels that they have not been heard. Staff empathy and proactivity will give a complainant confidence that the concerns are being dealt with and make them less likely to escalate the matter.

Staff should also be aware of how to record or log complaints. The CQC will review any formal record of complaints, which should not only be a list of issues raised but also, for example, a comprehensive summary of dates, actions taken and next steps. Creating a complaints matrix is an easy way to help CQC to track the issues and assess how the provider and its staff performed.

A complaints matrix will also allow the provider to spot trends or identify (and potentially discipline) staff members that regularly appear in complaints.

COMPLAINTS INVESTIGATIONS There are some simple steps for investigating a complaint: • The investigation should be undertaken by a senior person who was not involved in the incident. It should refer to any available documentary evidence, staff statements and the perspective of the complainant.

• An impartial view of the matter should be taken and documented clearly.

• Providers should not conduct any investigations into matters that are subject to police involvement as this may prejudice those investiga-

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tions.

• Responses to complaints should be delivered clearly and sensitively. It is prudent to ask at the earliest opportunity what outcome the complainant would like to see.

• If the complaint is not upheld, then the complainant should be reassured that a full investigation took place and offered details of how to escalate the matter if they are not satisfied. This may be to the Chief Executive of an organisation or to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

LIMITING COMPLAINTS A provider can also take steps to reduce the number of complaints in the first instance. Regular opportunities for feedback can reveal any dissatisfaction informally and give the provider the opportunity to resolve the issue before a complaint is made.

This may also limit complaints made directly to the CQC or their commissioning authority, which can lead to intense scrutiny. People are less likely to go “over the head” of the care home if they feel confident that a matter can and will be addressed.

Open lines of communication can help service users and their representatives feel more comfortable in approaching the service’s senior team with a minor issue before it snowballs. Transparency and trust is essential and if staff are open and willing to engage on any issue, this will positively influence culture within the service.

In addition, a “no blame” culture among staff can go some way to ensuring mistakes are not covered up, which can result in more serious issues. Staff performance should be dealt with through regular training, supervision and support where appropriate.

Staff should also be alerted to the service’s whistleblowing policy to further promote an openness and transparency.

Such a culture will promote trust within the staff team and encourage quick identification and resolution of issues.

CONCLUSION Handling complaints is an excellent indicator of a service’s culture.

All staff must be clear on the policy, and their own responsibilities in relation to it.

Gathering best practice regularly, coupled with good communication throughout the service, should reduce the number of complaints being made and ensure that services are delivered in a safe and personalised way.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167 | PAGE 7

Call On Govt To Act Over Horrific Care Staff Shortages CAMPAIGNERS have called on the Government to act now over horrific staff shortages which are putting the future care of the country’s oldest and most vulnerable at risk.

The Independent Care Group (ICG) says the lack of action over social care was a cruel betrayal of people needing care in their own home or care and nursing homes.

New Figures from Skills for Care show that 400,000 people left jobs in care last year in a report which reveals a ‘leaky bucket’ on staffing.

Skills for Care says an extra 440,000 staff will be needed to keep up with care demand by 2035. There are around 152,000 vacancies.

ICG Chair Mike Padgham said: “These latest figures from Skills for Care are once again horrific and lay bare the true crisis at the heart of social care which shames us as a country.

“We know that already some 1.6m people cannot get the care they need and if shortages of staff continue that figure is going to rocket, with no end in sight and no measures proposed to tackle the current shortages let alone meet future demand.

“The Government’s social care recruitment initiative is of course wel-

come, but never addresses the elephant in the room which is improving pay and conditions for the workforce.

“Without the 70,000 overseas staff providers have recruited over the past year many of us would not have been able to fill shifts and provide care. That isn’t a permanent solution, and we have to create a sector in which we are able to recruit both from overseas and at home. We know it is a fulfilling, professional career but we have to reward those staff properly too.

“The report shows that social care contributes some £55.7bn to the England economy. I would argue that, with the right support, the sector will contribute even more.”

The ICG is campaigning for social care reform, including measures to properly recognise and reward its workforce and give them parity with their NHS counterparts.

“While ever social care staff lag behind those doing in many cases the same job in NHS care, we will struggle to fill vacancies and continue to see people leaving the sector and shortages,” Mr Padgham added.

“We need proper reform that sees social care and NHS care combined into a National Care Service, with proper funding to respect and reward those providing highly-skilled, professional care to people in their own home and in care or nursing home settings.

“Only then will we see these figures change and people begin to get the care they have a right to expect in the UK in 2023.”

The ICG has set out its priorities for reform in its Five Pillars of Social Care Reform document.

THE FIVE PILLARS ARE: • Ring fence a percentage of GDP to be spent on providing social care to those who already receive it and the 1.6m who can’t get it • Create a unified National Care Service, incorporating health and social care • Set a National Minimum Wage per hour for care staff on a par with NHS • Set up an urgent social care task force to oversee reform • Fix ‘fair price for care’ tariffs for things like care beds and homecare visits.

Campaigners’ Plea To Labour Not To ‘Hide’ Care Reform CAMPAIGNERS have called on the Labour Party not to ‘hide’ its plans for social care reform from its manifesto ahead of the General Election.

Reports suggest the party is planning to leave plans for social care reform out of its manifesto.

Mike Padgham, Chair of the social care provider organisation, the Independent Care Group, says this would be the wrong decision.

“If the Labour Party is serious about creating a National Care Service, about reforming social care and about giving the social care workforce the pay and conditions they deserve then they should be bold and upfront and say so in their manifesto,” he said.

“How much harder would it be to make these things a reality in Government if they haven’t been promised to the electorate in a manifesto?

“Politicians are seemingly afraid of talking about social care reform but surely the public want to see

how the political parties are going to meet the challenge of finding care for the 1.6m who can’t currently get it and the many hundreds of thousands more who will need it in the future?

“They are presumably terrified of talking about cost but what it needs is a sensible conversation about how to switch some resources from NHS healthcare into social care – in particular keeping people safe and well in their own home and, where needed, in care and nursing homes – rather than in hospital beds.

“Money saved from unnecessary hospital care can be switched to properly fund social care and to meeting current and future demand for care, so the cost to the public purse might not be as high as people are fearing.

“What is vital is that the political parties come out and say what they plan to do for social care.

Their initial plans might not be perfect but the longer we continue with inaction the worse the situation becomes – more and more people living without care, providers closing and people still having to sell their homes to pay for care.

“The case for reform is now overwhelming, we need our politicians to be brave and get on with it.”

WE NOW SUPPLY A WIDE RANGE OF FURNITURE

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167 | PAGE 9

Ethnic Minorities Experience Greater Effect Of Dementia Risk Factor, Study Suggests Researchers from the University College London have found that common dementia risk factors may have a more pronounced effect among people from certain ethnicities.

The researchers analysed health records from nearly a million adults.

They found that risk factors, like high blood pressure, had a greater impact on dementia risk for South Asian and Black people when compared to White people.

IN PARTICULAR, THE STUDY FOUND THAT: The effect of high blood pressure on dementia risk was greater in Black people than in White people.

High blood pressure, obesity, low HDL cholesterol, and sleep disorders had a greater effect in South Asian than in White people.

- The findings help to explain previous research, which shows that ethnic minority groups are more likely to develop dementia, and at an earlier age. Ethnic minorities are also more likely to die earlier from the condition.

The researchers, led by Naaheed Mukadam at University College London and funded by Alzheimer’s Society, studied the relationship between risk factors and dementia in health data from between 1997 and 2018 from nearly a million adults in England .

The research team found 12.6% of the cohort developed dementia. About 16% of them were white, 8.6% were south Asian, 12.1% were black and 9.7% were from other minority ethnic groups.

In comparison to White people, the team found that high blood pressure had a 1.57x more impact on black people’s dementia risk and a 1.18x impact on South Asian’s risk.

Writing in the journal PLOS One, the researchers concluded: “We need tailored dementia prevention, taking into account ethnicity and risk-factor profile to ensure dementia prevention is equitable.”

Commenting on the study, David Thomas, Head of Policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: ‘’It’s a shocking truth that people from ethnic minorities face an increased risk of a number of health conditions, and this impacts their ability to live a healthy life.

“It will be important to understand why this effect is greater,” he added, “as doing so would open up an enormous opportunity to reduce the personal and societal impact of this heartbreaking condition on people from Black and South Asian communities.’’

‘But this is not just a public health problem, it is a political problem too that requires actions from policymakers.

Alzheimer’s Research UK is calling for a national cross-government prevention strategy that tackles health inequalities. “This needs proper funding and must encourage better joint working across all government departments, to truly break the link between an individual’s background and their prospects for a healthy life, including dementia risk,” said Thomas.

Allmanhall Fundraising For Farming Charity Over £3000 raised for Jamie’s Farm, a charity that aims to transform the lives of young people through a unique residential programme built around farming, family, therapy and legacy.

Twelve members of staff from food procurement experts, allmanhall recently took part in the Bath Half, in support of Jamie’s Farm. The team was a mix of abilities and experience, and in true allmanhall fashion was all about delivering what they set out to achieve.

Finance director, Martin Little regularly runs long distances and had worked this race to form part of his training for an ultra-marathon. He cruised around the 13.1 mile course in 1hr 25minutes! Then there were the more sporadic runners who were challenging themselves to complete a half marathon for the very first time. Training had been a mixed bag for many, with injury and illness plaguing some of the runners. But on the day itself, with the sun shining and the crowds out in full force, everyone rode the incredible atmosphere and completed the 13.1mile course.

As well as the race day itself, the team fundraised in the office in the run up to the half marathon. One such initiative was a team pasta ‘bake off’ at lunch time. This helped raise further funds and saw Theo Kuehn, Sustainability Manager, crowned Pasta Chef Champion with his delicious aubergine lasagne Despite being a keen runner, allmanhall’s business development co-ordinator, Klaire Alexander was unable to compete in the race this year. Still recovering from a nasty brain injury sustained during a bike accident in the summer, mother-of-four together with her family, embarked upon a 13.1 mile walk on the eve of the half marathon Klaire says: “Having this event in the family calendar has been truly transformative and we enjoyed every single second of our challenge.

Walking for the inspirational Jamie’s Farm filled our hearts with joy and I am proud to be a part of the allmanhall team”.

Together, the team at allmanhall and Klaire’s family raised over £3,000.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167 | PAGE 11

NHS Delivers 10,000 Virtual Ward Beds Target The NHS has delivered on its ambition to roll out 10,000 virtual ward beds by the end of September, new figures reveal.

More than 240,000 patients have now been treated on virtual wards thanks to the world-leading initiative, with research showing people who are treated at home recover at the same rate or faster than those treated in hospital.

England’s top doctor has praised the work of local NHS teams in introducing 10,421 virtual ward beds for patients who can get expert treatment for illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure or frailty conditions at home.

The ambition was delivered despite considerable pressure on urgent and emergency care – September was the busiest month for ambulance services so far this year with 827,690 calls to 999 and a record September for the most serious ambulance incidents, with 77,553 category one callouts.

Last month was also the busiest ever September for A&E staff with 2,165,741 attendances, up almost 8% on the same month last year (2,008,489 in September 2022) and 522,000 emergency admissions last month, up 7.1% on September last year.

Despite six days of industrial action in August, thanks to the significant efforts of staff, the NHS has treated 10% more patients (1,422,225) compared to the same month pre pandemic (1,292,163 in August 2019).

However, industrial action continues to impact hospital capacity and services, including discharge and routine care.

September saw four days of industrial action, including the first ever joint action by junior doctors and consultants on 20 September.

The overall number of delayed discharges was up 3.09% in September to 12,372, from 11,913 in August.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: “Our world-leading virtual ward programme is a huge leap forward in the way the NHS treats patients enabling them to receive hospital-level care in their own home.

“The NHS is embracing the latest technology, with regular check-ins from local clinicians in daily ‘ward rounds’ while freeing up hospital beds for those that need them most – it is testament to the hard work and dedication of NHS staff across the country that we have delivered on our target and rolled out more than

10,000 virtual ward beds by the end of September.

“We know that industrial action is also continuing to pile pressure on services and impact capacity adding a lot of pressure to hospitals before winter, coming on top of high levels of demand with last month seeing more 999 ambulance calls than any month this year as well as the busiest September ever for A&E attendances, up almost 8% on the same month last year.

“But despite this pressure, it is clear from today’s figures that NHS staff are working incredibly hard to deliver for patients with 10% more patients coming off the waiting list in August than the same month before the pandemic”.

August was also a record month for urgent cancer referrals seen (267,555), up more than a third on the same month pre-pandemic (200,317 in August 2019) and up from 256,942 referrals in August last year.

There were also continued high levels of people starting cancer treatment in August, a total of 28,363, up 10% on the same month pre-pandemic (25,767 in August 2019).

Virtual wards allow patients to get hospital-level care at home safely and in familiar surroundings closer to family, friends, and carers, helping speed up their recovery while freeing up hospital beds for patients that need them most.

Patients are cared for by clinicians who can provide a range of different types of care, including blood tests, prescribing medication, or administering fluids through an IV drip. They are reviewed daily with a home or virtual visit as part of the ‘ward round’, as well as the use of technology like apps, wearables, and other medical devices so staff can easily check in and monitor their recovery.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: “Thousands of patients have benefitted from the NHS’s ‘hospitals at home’, which give them the opportunity to recover in the comfort of their own homes while being monitored remotely by clinical staff. This approach, also known as ‘virtual wards’, has been shown to benefit patients and eases pressure on the NHS by freeing up hospital beds.

“We have delivered on our promise to roll out 10,000 hospital-at-home places by winter – a key target in our Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery Plan and a testament to the hard work of NHS staff.

“These ‘hospitals at home’ will speed up recovery times for patients and help cut waiting lists”.

Gloucestershire Care Home Celebrates ‘Outstanding’ Hospitality Manager A care home in Chipping Campden is celebrating their hospitality manager who has won The Outstanding Contribution Award at the Gloucester Care Providers (GCPA) Care Awards.

The GCPA Care Awards recognise extraordinary achievements of individuals and teams working in the care sector.

Paul Dixon, hospitality manager at Mill House, part of Aria Care group, was presented with the prestigious Outstanding Contribution Award in a glitzy ceremony on Friday 29th September.

Paul had a wonderful time at the awards ceremony and said: “I was overjoyed when they announced my name, this recognition is definitely testament

to the genuine effort that the team at Mill House have put in and the support and mentorship I have received at Aria Care.

“The key to winning such a prestigious award is having an employer who embraces unique ideas, empowers their staff to suggest chances, and gives them the freedom to run with their ideas – all of which Aria Care does for us.”

Paul was chosen as a finalist in three categories – The Outstanding Contribution Award, Innovation in Social Care Award and the Leadership Award.

With his nominations, Paul has become the first and only individual in Gloucestershire to have received three nominations for the prestigious care sector awards.

PAGE 12 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

From Migraines To Mental Wellbeing: Empowering Employees To Prioritise Health

By Suzie Dawes, Head of People and Culture at caba, the occupational charity supporting ICAEW chartered accountants. (www.caba.org.uk) In the UK, millions experience mental health issues, often due to the workplace. According to the ONS, one in six people in the UK have depression, while over 8 million suffer with anxiety disorders. At the same time, another report from Statista finds that the most common type of stress is work stress (79%).

Yet, despite these alarming numbers, a significant hurdle remains—the stigma of mental health or invisible illness sick days.

Amid this backdrop, expanding the range of sick leave to encompass holistic wellbeing is imperative. At caba, we advocate for support and resources that empower employees to excel at work while maintaining a healthy balance with their personal lives. Embracing inclusive and holistic health policies is one of the most pivotal steps towards achieving this.

EXPANDING SICK LEAVE TO ENCOMPASS HOLISTIC HEALTH To better understand employees’ needs, I’ve explored below why they might consider taking a sick day for more than a severe illness. Reasons range from physical health issues like migraines to mental health concerns like stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. However, the traditional concept of sick days often centers on visible, physical illnesses like viruses or broken bones.

Remember, there is no universal measure of sickness that applies to everyone. It’s a deeply personal experience, dependent on what an individual might be going through.

MENTAL HEALTH DAYS While mental health days are gaining traction and being included in sick leave policies, there’s still work to be done. Studies reveal that only a third of employees find workplace mental health support satisfactory.

Taking leave for mental health reasons can significantly help with presenteeism issues and support employees in dealing with burnout, exhaustion, stress and anxiety. However, the fear of being labelled as ‘unproductive’ or ‘unwell’ often looms. Employers who cut through this stigma could substantially improve long-term productivity levels, retention rates and recruitment interest.

MENSTRUAL LEAVE As most understand, menstruation is a monthly cycle, but its intensity varies for every woman. Not every female will deal with their cycle the same, and whilst some might have physical impacts, others often have low mental health throughout the month. It’s key for male and female business leaders to understand and empathise with this.

Menstrual leave has emerged as a potential business solution, which some are considering, like Spain, where women now have the right to three days of menstrual leave a month. And while this is gaining traction among UK MPs and businesses, there’s no national policy in the UK. This is a hot topic and one to keep watching, as there are opposing views from women who believe it may cause further discrimination.

MIGRAINES, INSOMNIA, AND OTHER INVISIBLE ILLNESSES Migraines affect one in seven people in the UK, with attacks lasting from two to 72 hours. Employees are not typically required to provide a sick note for short-term health conditions that resolve within seven days or less. However, for a recurring problem like migraines, a note for employers can provide better insight into an employee’s situation.

Insomnia also might be harder to spot and verify, making it less commonly cited as a reason for sick leave. However, it can be linked to other mental and physical health issues that significantly impact an employee’s wellbeing and productivity.

Often, employees feel guilty for taking sick days, especially when their illness isn’t visible. Employers must understand when their people don’t feel their best and support them with flexibility and care.

Ultimately, this will affect business productivity and performance. So, incorporating well-positioned sick leave policies that foster a supportive workplace environment is paramount.

BEST PRACTICE FOR INCLUSIVE AND SUPPORTIVE SICK LEAVE Update Sick Leave Policies: Implement comprehensive sick leave policies that cover both physical and mental health reasons. While using inclusive language that encourages employees to prioritise their overall wellbeing.

Be open and understand: Holding open and honest conversations between line managers and employees, without judgement, helps increase the wellbeing of employees and promotes confidence in sharing how they are feeling. These conversations aid the line managers in supporting the employee by considering tailored, reasonable adjustments that support the employees reason for absence. A generic ‘personal day’ brushes over the challenges the individual may be facing and doesn’t reach the root cause. Therefore, we should build working relationships on trust, seek to understand and provide appropriate support.

Normalise Sick Leave: Business leaders and line managers should also be role models for their teams by talking about mental health, encouraging employees to do so and take time off for mental health illness where it is necessary and encouraging others to do so.

Training for Managers: Provide managers with training on handling sick leave , particularly those related to mental health or invisible illnesses. Equip them with tools and skills for empathetic, non-judgemental conversations and noticing when their employees are struggling and might need some encouragement to take time to focus on their mental health or wellbeing.

Promote Work-Life Balance: It might only work for some businesses but be flexible with your people if possible. Allow employees to work remotely, adjust their hours, or tailor their work capacity when they’re not feeling well. This can help individuals feel functional, but managers should always encourage time off if necessary.

Developing inclusive and supportive sick leave policies is crucial for building a healthy and productive workplace. By recognising and addressing diverse wellbeing needs, businesses empower employees to prioritise their health. As attitudes towards health continue to evolve, implementing and showcasing flexibility can help companies foster an inclusive culture where sick leave is a vital tool, not a problem.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167 | PAGE 13

New Study Suggests Navigation Difficulties Could Be An Early Sign Of Alzheimer’s Researchers at University College London have identified subtle changes in the way people with early features of Alzheimer’s disease navigate through a virtual reality space.

In this small study, people were separated into three groups: younger healthy adults, older healthy adults, and adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). All three groups were asked to walk along a virtual reality route.

The researchers found that the people who experienced difficulties turning were those with MCI but also had underlying signs of early Alzheimer’s disease, including elevated levels of Alzheimer’s proteins in their spinal fluid.

Dr Leah Mursaleen, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK says; “There are nearly 1 million people living with Alzheimer’s in the UK, but thanks in part to limitations in current methods of detection, only around 60% of them will ever receive a diagnosis. So, it’s vital that we

develop new, more precise early detection techniques that can be easily used in healthcare systems like the NHS. This will be particularly important as we enter an era where dementia becomes a treatable condition.

“Thanks to advances in technology, a wide range of devices an platforms are being explored to see if they have the potential to detect early signs of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s. This small, earlystage study looks at using a virtual reality environment to analyse the way people turn while walking. The results suggest this can detect differences in participants with early Alzheimer’s disease. However, as the group included fewer than 50 people, a larger study is needed to understand the future potential of this promising discovery.

“It will also be important to understand how digital technologies like this can be used in combination with other emerging techniques like blood tests, which are also showing huge promise for detecting Alzheimer’s disease.”

Special Guest to Inspire at Charity’s Bake Off The Great British Bake Off is coming to care services across the UK this week, as Bake-Off legend Jane Beedle hosts a live cakemaking experience for the social care sector. Teaming up with one of Britain’s biggest charities, Community Integrated Care, Jane is marking National Baking Week in style, teaching people who have learning disabilities and autism how to make rocky road tiffin worthy of a Hollywood handshake.

As excitement for the return of Britain’s most loved bakery shows spreads, this session on the charity’s award winning www.What-To-Do.co.uk platform will develop important life skills and show that everyone can be a star baker.

National Baking Week is all about encouraging people to bake at home. This aligns with Community Integrated Care’s mission through What To Do to help people realise their passions and dreams.

Community Integrated Care’s Digital Inclusion Manager, Sam Turner said: “Baking is a fantastic hobby which can be truly accessible. We hope to be joined by people who are already keen bakers as well as people who are giving it a go for the first time.”

“The fact that the session is with a finalist of the most famous baking show ever is a brilliant bonus for people we support. I’m looking forward to seeing how proud people will be when they’ve produced some delicious treats!”

Jane Beedle said: “I’m really looking forward to this special session in National Baking Week. Baking has provided me with so much joy I’m looking forward to sharing this with participants on the 18th October.”

What To Do hosts a special experience every week featuring a wide range of guests and subject matters. The platform received the prestigious ‘Best Initiative’ award at the 2022 National Care Awards for its impact and innovation, having delivered over 30,000 hours of life-enhancing and free experiences with the support of major names and world-class partners.

October also sees What To Do mark Black History Month with a covers concert by singer LOUQ and a Halloween disco led by a person supported by the charity. The Great Community Bake Off is in partnership with Bake With A Legend. A company that provides online baking experiences with Bake Off stars.

PAGE 14 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

Guiding Patients On How To Deal With Their Digital Assets

By Karen Hibbert, Compassionate Communities Lead at Keech Hospice Care (www.keech.org.uk) How many photos do you have on your phone, and how many of them will never be printed? Lots, probably.

Now think about the rest of your life that’s online: banking, insurances, savings, shopping, social media, gaming… when you consider it all, it can seem rather overwhelming. For the elderly or people living with a health condition, that feeling can be all the more intense. Even those who have written a Will and expressed their funeral wishes, may not have considered their digital assets.

As more of our lives transfers to online, knowing our wishes are met with regard to what happens to our digital assets and who looks after them, becomes all the more complex. There are so many individual providers to deal with and each has a different process when it comes to transfering access and notifying of death. If the conversation is not had before death, and wishes are not put in place, these processes can be all the more stressful and prolonged.

Social media sites may seem fairly benign in comparison to something like online banking, but if nothing is done to transfer access, problems can occur. Grieving family members can find it upsetting to see social pages of loved ones still open and, sickeningly, there have been cases of people trolling deceased loved ones via their social pages.

Carers can find themselves in a vulnerable position if a patient tries to involve them in passing on security information, such as logins. While personal involvement in someone’s digital asset management is best avoided for most professional carers, it can be helpful to have some guidance and resources you can offer patients and their families to support them in the whole process and ensure wishes are met.

TOP TIPS FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES SEEKING ADVICE: 1. List of all the social media and other online accounts you have. This can include those that aren’t immediately obvious, such as betting sites and bitcoin investments 2.Decide who you trust with this information. Choose more than one person if possible 3.Lay down clearly what you want to happen to each of your accounts. Some social media sites, for example, can be closed or memorialised, meaning they remain visible but people can’t post on there 4.Make a digital Will. There are various sites that allow you to do this for free, including www.mywishes.co.uk 5.Make sure your trusted person/people know you have taken this action and know where to find the details.

It’s never too early to have these conversations but, for some, it can feel awkward. It could be that a patient doesn’t want to broach the subject in fear of upsetting loved ones, or the other way round. But digital assets are certainly a lot easier to deal with and wishes more likely to be met if the above steps are taken before it’s too late. If your patient or their family is looking for help with bringing up the topic, here are some suggestions: - Use a TV storyline as a conversation-starter. If a character is ill or dying, for example, that could be a way of saying how it made you think about all the implications - Mention another person’s experience. Perhaps someone you know had a difficult time dealing with digital assets after a loved one’s death, and you don’t want that to happen to your family - Sometimes being side-by-side rather than face-to-face can make it easier to tackle a difficult subject. A walk or a car ride could present good opportunities - Hearing a piece of music or something in the news can be a catalyst for a conversation. That way, it doesn’t sound like it’s coming out of the blue

USEFUL LINKS • The Digital Legacy Association: a helpful portal where members of the public can go to find out more on how to manage their digital legacy • Facebook legacy contact: a quick and easy two-minute step anyone can take to make sure their Facebook access details are given to the person of their choice • Tell Us Once: a service which allows you to inform a number of governmental offices all at the same time that a person has died. It includes DVLA, HMRC and local councils

FURTHER ADVICE Karen runs several webinars a year on the subject of digital memories. Sessions are free and suitable for professional carers and the public. Registration can be made here.

Local Carer Scoops Coveted National Title Karen Whitney at Claremont Parkway in Kettering, Northamptonshire has beaten all the competition to be crowned National Carer of the Year in the Barchester Care Awards 2023.

The Barchester Care Awards celebrate the staff who go the extra mile for the benefit of the 13,000 residents living in Barchester’s 257 care homes and private hospitals across the country. Categories range from ‘Team of the Year’ and ‘Carer of the Year’ to ‘Dementia Care Champion’ and ‘Activities Coordinator of the Year’.

Almost 4,000 nominations were received from homes and hospitals across the UK. All entries were a very high standard and Karen Whitney is over the moon to have been named the national winner, beating hundreds of other nominees to the coveted title.

Karen Whitney said: “I just can’t believe I have been named the national winner! I am so proud and so thankful to everyone who nominated and voted for me. It means the world to be recognised for doing

the job I love.”

General Manager, Natalie Maxwell, said: “This is such a fantastic achievement, to be named the best across the entire Barchester business – the whole home is so proud of her. Karen is such an asset to our home, when not supporting our residents with their care needs, Karen goes the extra mile to provide them with stimulating activities tailored to their particular likes; she continually ensures our residents have everything they need for mind, body and soul!”

Dr Pete Calveley, CEO of Barchester Healthcare, added: “Hosting the Barchester Care Awards where we recognise and thank all of our staff for their hard work and dedication is without doubt my favourite day of the year. We have the best teams in the world and I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of our members of staff, they are all absolutely amazing.”

Homes Can Offer Hearing Access To All With Contacta’s New RX-30 Rechargeable Loop Listener Assistive listening specialists, Contacta Systems, have launched a new rechargeable loop listener, offering care home residents enhanced access to sound.

The RX-30 is a complete wireless receiver, designed to help people with hearing loss who don’t use a hearing aid or cochlear implant.

The pocket-sized rechargeable receiver picks up signals transmitted by existing hearing loop systems, fitted in communal spaces in care homes across the UK. The new RX-30 features a bass cut filter, flat frequency response and adjustable volume control, and comes with headphones, enabling users to access clear sound comfortably and easily.

Created by Contacta’s in-house design team, the RX-30 offers up to 50 hours of battery life and comes with a range of charging options, with base stations to accommodate one, five, 10, 15 or 20 receivers.

“The RX-30 means any home that has a large area hearing loop can offer clear sound to residents who struggle to hear,” says Contacta’s Head of New Business Development, Ran Meyrav.

“An estimated 75% of people in care homes have some form of hearing loss but a number of those don’t use a hearing aid. The RX-30 bridges the gap. It delivers speech or music from a microphone, via the hearing loop, to the RX-30’s headphones or any with a 3.5mm jack. There is no latency, and the product suppresses both background noises and low frequency hums. It removes the effort of trying to hear, making entertainment more accessible.”

Being rechargeable is a unique feature of the RX-30, which is currently available to order.

“We designed it as a rechargeable unit following demand from our customer base. Its unique charging mechanism prevents accidental charging of any standard batteries.

“Having a drop-in charging station has cut out the need for cables and means the units are all in one place and easily located when customers request them.

“This receiver gives greater flexibility for both the home and its residents.”

Full details about the RX-30 can be found here: www.contacta.co.uk/products/large-area-loops/rx30-loop-listener/

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167 | PAGE 15

Four Party Conferences Down And Almost No Word On Social Care The political parties must prioritise social care, says learning disability charity Hft, as it responds to limited discussion of social care at this year’s party conferences.

Kirsty Matthews, CEO of Hft, gives her thoughts: The party conferences held over the past few weeks offered an optimal opportunity for each party to lay out its priorities ahead of the upcoming General Election, and an equally perfect opportunity to publicly spotlight the need for social care reform.

However, it very quickly became evident that mentions of social care were in short supply.

The Liberal Democrats were the only party whose leader spoke about social care. Their proposals, including free personal care and a Carer’s Minimum Wage, are refreshing in comparison to the silence of other parties but, even here, there lacks a clear plan with regards to the introduction and funding of such measures. And, being the only party to discuss social care on this stage is an utter disappointment.

Labour’s leader failed to address social care at all, as did the incumbent Conservative Party, despite the Prime Minister’s predecessor committing to ‘fixing social care once and for all’ four years ago. It is beyond a shame that our sector has not just been neglected but is seemingly less of a priority to the Government and the major parties than it was at the last election.

All parties clearly recognise the importance of taking steps to support the NHS; Rishi Sunak pledged to reduce waiting lists whilst Keir Starmer made a commitment to the service and its workforce.

Although the NHS is a vital service that will rightfully be a priority for all major parties in the lead up to next year’s election, no party can afford to neglect social care.

The social care sector is intrinsically linked with the NHS; pressure in one inevitably leads to pressure in the other. Supporting people to remain independent and healthy in the community for as long as possible, through social care, is one of the key enablers to reducing discharge times and waiting lists in the NHS, something Keir Starmer himself identified as the biggest problem facing the NHS at this week’s Labour conference.

And yet, social care has repeatedly been deprioritised in the political agenda. Each party continues to drag their feet when it comes to addressing the unsurmountable workforce and financial challenges across social care. In fact, it is these challenges in our sector which demonstrate the distinct points of difference

between the NHS and social care which shouldn’t, but do, exist.

Unlike the NHS, there is no national government budget for adult social care which is largely funded by local government revenue, with some piecemeal and short-term grants from central government.

This means social care is beholden to funding from cash-strapped Local Authorities and unknown quantities from central government, making it incredibly difficult to plan. It also often means providers are forced to make detrimental money-saving measures. Our own Sector Pulse Check research, produced in partnership with Care England, revealed that 82% of adult social care providers were either in deficit or experienced a decrease in their surplus in 2022.

We also know just how over-stretched and under-funded the social care workforce is; Skills for Care found that there are 152,000 vacancies in the adult social care sector. Yet, unlike for the NHS, there was no discussion of the social care workforce at the recent party conferences.

These financial and workforce pressures will only continue to grow if the current government, and the next, fails to recognise these challenges. For example, the Chancellor’s announcement that the National Living Wage will rise to at least £11 an hour next year will only place further pressure on social care providers if the Government does not account for fee rate increases at a Local Authority level. Similarly, should Labour’s proposed fair pay agreement be implemented, over-stretched providers and local authorities must not be asked to foot the bill; funding must instead be ring-fenced by central Government to cover this cost.

The impact of these financial and workforce challenges risks leaving many learning disabled adults without the invaluable support to live, work and socialise as they choose, having a knock-on impact for wider society, families, communities and the NHS. Without a well-funded, widely recognised social care system that helps people stay healthy and independent for as long as possible, the NHS will continue to face growing pressure from increasing waiting lists, delayed discharge and overwhelmed staff.

We want to see the parties prioritise social care in the lead up to next year’s general election, not to tick a box but to ensure that the next government implements meaningful reform, securing the sustainability of our sector so we can continue to provide quality support to those who rely on it.

FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS VISIT WWW.THECARERUK.COM

PAGE 16 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

Carers Trust Partnership Aims To Transform Involvement Of Unpaid Carers Carers Trust is aiming to transform carer involvement in the health system and improve treatment outcomes by growing an alliance between unpaid carers, those receiving care, services and mental health professionals.

The Triangle of Care partnership was set up to ensure unpaid carers are fully engaged in services, given support to carry out their role and have increased involvement in health and social care improvements. Its current members include 42 mental health trusts and more are now being urged to join.

Sharon Spurling, Carer’s Trust’s Triangle of Care Lead, said: “By recognising unpaid carers as key partners in the planning and provision of mental health care, health professionals can transform outcomes for patients and those who support them. The Triangle of Care sets out a pathway to do that by committing to a few key steps. All the feedback we’ve received from those who have adopted the Triangle of Care show it is a sound investment in safety, quality and continuity of care. At Carers Trust we’re excited to grow our Triangle of Care network so even more organisations can see the same amazing results.”

There are an estimated seven million unpaid carers in the UK, 13% of whom support those with mental

health conditions, and they are often the only constant presence in the lives of those they look after. Carers are there when crisis occurs and when that person needs support with day-to-day activities and accessing treatment services.

For professionals, the benefits include gaining unique expertise from carers and building stronger relationships between all parties. The programme can also reduce admissions as carers often recognise the signs that a s person is becoming unwell. By listening to carers, steps can be taken to help reduce the need for those they look after to be admitted.

Donna Bradford, Head of Carer and Relative Experience, Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation Trust, said: “The Triangle of Care transformed the care of our carers enabling them to get identification and support earlier and involving them in the future planning of the trust. Our carers are involved in training, interviewing and governing and our ongoing commitment to the Triangle of Care ensures this continues to develop and evolve going forward ensuring carers are at the heart of our delivery.”

To sign up for the Triangle of Care, visit the website which contains guidance and resources on the partnership.

TLC Care Achieves World First ‘Platinum’ Wellbeing Award A luxury care provider with homes in North London, Hertfordshire, Surrey and Cambridge has achieved a global first for “leading the way” in staff wellbeing.

TLC Care has been awarded platinum accreditation on the new Investors in People Wellbeing Framework, becoming the first workplace in any industry to achieve the highest available grade.

Homes were praised for being completely agency-free, with a host of wellbeing initiatives, training and development opportunities contributing to impressive staff retention, low levels of absence, and progression opportunities.

The Investors in People ‘We Invest in Wellbeing’ framework identifies platinum organisations as those that are high performing across their practice – including actively improving people’s health and wellbeing, and encouraging a positive workplace culture.

The award-winning care provider, which operates nine homes providing nursing, residential, respite and dementia care, also retained its Platinum Investors in People accreditation after first achieving the mark in 2020, and achieved Hospitality Assured World Class status across all homes to complete a trio of major accreditations.

As part of its Wellness Framework, TLC Care works with its team members to set individual 30-day wellness plans focussing on healthy eating, exercise, sleep, engaging with nature and spending time with family and friends.

Additionally, 30 Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) have been added across the group in the last four years to break down the stigma around mental health and promote good work-life balance for all employees.

Training for these roles and a range of other key areas including medication awareness, food safety and manual handling is created and delivered in-house – giving employees the chance to mentor others in areas they are skilled at.

Mandatory dementia training, which has been developed in consultation with experts and residents and includes a sensory experience to help staff understand what it may feel like to live with dementia, helps team members build better relationships with customers and feel more confident in their work.

Care team members have opportunities to progress to senior roles such as Unit Managers and Home Managers and regularly attended development courses, with many employees taking on ‘TLC Care Champion’ roles for their home in areas such as End of Life, Safeguarding, Infection and Prevention Control, and Medication Management and Pain.

Onboarding coaches help to integrate new employees with ongoing guidance and support, while over-

seas team members are provided with a meet and greet and transport from the airport, one month’s free accommodation, English lessons where required, support finding permanent accommodation, and information packs and advice about the area they will be living in.

All homes also operate a ‘support cupboard’ allowing team members to pick up essentials such as hygiene products and tinned food to take home.

The report concluded that TLC Care is “demonstrating outperformance and leading the way” as part of a “people-centric culture”. The organisation’s wellbeing strategy ensures its methods and successes are repeatable across the business, enabling constant improvement informed by employee feedback and a positive culture.

Paavan Popat, CEO of TLC Care, said: “To be the first organisation ever to achieve Platinum Investors in People Wellbeing Accreditation is an incredible achievement and a testament to the passion and dedication our teams have for the wellness and health of one another.

“This in turn has positively impacted on team member engagement, retention, career progression, recruitment and the overall care that is provided to our residents who are at the heart of all we do.

“Over the past three years we have been really focused on our journey to retaining our overall Platinum status, whilst incorporating the Investors in People Wellbeing accreditation. We are incredibly proud of our team member Wellness Framework, which captures how we support our team members to bring their whole selves to work, how we promote good mental health for all and how we develop our leaders at every level to champion wellness.”

The Investors in People framework assesses an organisation’s approach to leading and supporting its workforce while improving its services over time, while the Invest in Wellbeing framework refers specifically to an organisation’s approach to wellbeing.

The assessment was part of the initial pilot process for Investors in People’s refreshed We Invest in Wellbeing standard, which will be formally launched later in the year.

Paul Devoy, CEO of Investors in People, said: “We would like to congratulate TLC, for not only receiving their Platinum accreditation, but also for being the very first to do so under our new We Invest in Wellbeing framework.

“TLC are now placed within an esteemed group of organisations that understand the value of putting employee Wellbeing at the heart of their people strategy. I now look forward to seeing their on-going growth, as they fly the flag for best practice within their sector, as well as in our community.”

Care Home Finances Are Complicated: Here’s How To Save Time And Get Them Under Control The finances of a care home group can get very complicated. Some of the headaches include: • The group uses different accounting software and the systems don’t speak to each other.

• A resident can be funded from several sources, such as the NHS, an insurer and multiple relatives.

• Bills might need to be split across multiple homes, legal entities and residents.

• Funds received need to be restricted to a certain use.

• Different care homes have their own systems for purchasing, invoicing and payment runs.

All this leaves your staff bogged down in repetitive, often manual and frustrating work The right accounting software can simplify all this, automate the tasks that take up time and give you a clear and accurate picture of the busi-

ness’s finances.

A single source of truth iplicit's accounting software offers a “single source of truth” – one central system which gives you a complete picture and with an intuitive and user-friendly interface. iplicit frees up staff time and provides better information by: • Handling intercompany transactions, so transactions are correctly allocated to the correct entity.

• Smoothly consolidating the accounts, without lots of manual intervention.

• Easy visibility, enabling you to switch from a group overview to a detailed look at any site, legal entity or transaction.

• Ensuring users in any entity or site can access only the parts of the system relevant to them.

• Each resident has a unique identifier, so it’s easy to track where funding has come from and where it has been spent.

• Easy tracking and reporting when funding is restricted for specified purposes.

• Integrated document storage, with invoices and purchase orders stored alongside the relevant line item.

• Simple approval workflows so spending decisions can be made promptly and are properly recorded.

• Improved cost control and forecasting.

• Easy integration with other software in use in the company.

Efficiencies such as these eliminate many hours of chasing paperwork, rekeying data and manipulating figures in spreadsheets. iplicit’s software puts accurate, real-time data into the hands of managers. You can always see what’s going on across the business without having to wait for hard-pressed staff to finish a laborious month-end close.

Find out more about iplicit, visit www.iplicit.com/who-we-help/care-homes or email info@iplicit.com

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167 | PAGE 17

PAGE 18 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

HC-One Acquires Ideal Care Homes HC-One has announced the acquisition of Ideal Carehomes from Warwick Capital Partners and LNT Group. The acquisition includes 36 care homes in England, with a further care home expected to open in Cheltenham in September 2024.

A statement from HC-One said: “Ideal Carehomes is a highly regarded care provider, with residents at the heart of everything they do. They pride themselves on delivering high quality care, as evidenced by their CQC ratings, award wins and the great family feedback they receive.”

“With a shared commitment to delivering high quality, kind care, HCOne and Ideal Carehomes look forward to growing together and learning from each other so they can continue to support residents to lead their best lives.”

HC-One acquired Ideal Carehomes from Warwick Capital Partners, a global private equity and credit firm, and LNT Group.

James Tugendhat, Chief Executive Officer of HC-One, said: “We are really pleased that Ideal Carehomes has chosen to work with us, and we are proud to welcome them to the HC-One family.

“Ideal Carehomes is an excellent care provider, and shares HC-One’s values and commitment to providing high quality kind care.

“We look forward to building on this and learning from each other to offer more care choices for people across Britain, and to make all homes in the HC-One family the best they can be.”

Stacey Linn, Managing Director of Ideal Carehomes, said: “Ideal Carehomes has grown and developed substantially over the last few years, with quality and person-centred care always being our priority.

“We are in an enviable position of being at the forefront of our industry and it has been a pleasure to bring the business to this point alongside our professional, dedicated and hardworking team.

“Our positive reputation and many industry awards are testament to the commitment of the people working in our homes up and down the country and I am so proud of the way they make a difference to the lives of our residents.

“It is now time for Ideal Carehomes to take the next step and continue this exciting journey as part of the HC-One family.”

Parley Place Care Home Team Attends YMCA Big Sleep Care home workers from Barchester’s Parley Place care home in West Parley slept out overnight on October 14th to raise funds the local YMCA’s Sleep Easy Campaign.

Resident at Parley Place had been discussing what charities they wanted to support and expressed a concern about the number of people sleeping rough so staff decided to take part in The YMCA’s Sleep Easy 2023 campaign in order to do their bit to help.

A team of three from the home including General Manager, Gina Smith, Activity Co-ordinator, Brian and Home Services Advisor, Michelle decided to sleep rough at the event to raise funds to support the YMCA to continue with their invaluable work. We were joined by Jane, the home services advisor from our sister home, Hyacinth House in Stapehill who came along with her own “Barchester inspired” shelter covered with leaves from our logo.

The annual event asks for local businesses to get involved and join together on October 14th at Talbot Heath school to all sleep out together to raise money and awareness. There is a competitive element with prizes for the most creative shelter and top fundraisers.

As a home we were keen to ensure we won a prize for our residents and were delighted to be crowned the winners of “Most creative Shelter” for this year with our cardboard house designed by Brian and our head of Maintenance, Lee. So far the team has raised over £550, please go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/parleyplace if you’d like to donate, there’s still time.

General Manager, Gina Smith, says: “I am so proud of everyone at Parley Place, it has been a real team effort. From the staff members who braved the elements, Lee who helped to build us a fabulous shelter to all the different members of staff who helped and supported us, and of course our fantastic residents who came up with the idea in the first place. Sleeping out was a real eye opener for all of us and it is something that no one should have to do. Please help us to raise more money to help homeless charities in our area. We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated, your support means the world.”

FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS VISIT WWW.THECARERUK.COM

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167 | PAGE 19

Neel Radia Named As National Association of Care Catering Chair The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) has announced the appointment of its new national chair Neel Radia.

His appointment was declared to the association’s members, and his twoyear tenure began at the recent NACC National Training & Development Forum in Nottingham.

This is the 4th term Radia has assumed the national chair role. He is a wellknown figure in the industry with over 25 years’ experience working with wholesalers and food manufacturers within Hospitality and the Public Sector Catering, as well as leadership roles in the not-for-profit sector. Until this appointment, he was the lead for the NACC’s Meals on Wheels campaign, championing nutritional support for older and vulnerable people within the community.

Radia said he was dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of good nutrition and hydration in care settings. It is a topic he has addressed at national and international conferences and recently highlighted the challenges in care catering at the British Library as part of the libraries ‘Food Season’.

He said: “I am humbled to be asked to take the helm again. I believe in the strength of the association, and I am committed to making it even stronger voice for the benefit of our

members and the care sector.

We are facing some challenging times, which needs challenging solutions. I will continue to highlight the needs of the social care sector and the NACC will remain as the voice of those providing catering within; be that in residential care or at home in the community. This includes the continued demand to save our meals on wheels service that has so much to offer the wider society.”

“With fresh thinking and a strategic approach, we will grow membership and the voice of the NACC will become even louder as we promote the absolute importance of good nutrition and hydration in the care sector today and in the future.

“I would like to take the opportunity in thanking Sue Cawthray, my predecessor, who has led the association over the past 4 years with dedication, especially during the challenging period of COVID and lockdown.

I am ready to continue the good work. With renewed energy and creative thinking, I will deliver on my promise and together with the NACC executive board, to take our association to the next level for the ultimate benefit of all our members – and of course those entrusted to our care.”

Friendly Horses Bring Smiles To Braintree Care Home Residents Residents at RMBI Care Co. Home Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court in Braintree, Essex were delighted this week when three friendly horses came to visit. Residents were all smiles when Louis, a shire horse, Teddy, an ex-racehorse and Django, a thoroughbred gypsy cob arrived at the Home.

Owner Beccy Lawrence accompanied by Evie Lawrence and Mali Brown led the horses all around the Home so that residents could pet and stroke him. They even stopped off at some residents’ rooms so that they could be introduced.

The benefits of spending time with animals for older people are immense.

Research has shown that having something to pet or touch can result in lower blood pressure, better heart rate and reduced stress. Pets can provide emotional stability during stressful situations, helping to reduce anxiety and depression.

The visit also proved to be wonderful for residents with dementia at Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court, as it helped to spark conversation and reminiscence.

Sophie George, the Home’s Activities Coordinator, said: “It was wonderful to see the residents’ faces light up when the horses came around and into the garden! They brought joy and calmness to our residents, which is beneficial for their mental health and wellbeing.”

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PAGE 20 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

Care Home Residents Honour ‘Superstar’ Carers With Champions Awards Hundreds of residents at more than 20 care homes in the south have honoured the staff who enable them to live the best lives they can every day.

Colten Care’s Champions awards prompted nominations across nine categories reflecting a range of clinical and non-clinical care.

Individuals, teams, homes and departments were all recognised as the annual scheme culminated in a glittering black-tie evening at Bournemouth’s Highcliff Marriott Hotel.

Around 140 guests dressed up in style for the awards ceremony and celebration, hosted by TV presenter Dr Hilary Jones.

Colten Care residents were represented by special guest Jean Smith, who lives in Poole home Bourne View.

She had previously met Dr Hilary at the home’s official opening in spring 2019 when her late husband, former Poole Mayor Ray Smith MBE, became the first resident to move in.

Catching up with the broadcaster and author once again as they stood on stage, Jean said: “I can’t believe I’m here.”

She then presented Rosa Santos, Senior Care Lead at Newstone House in Sturminster Newton, with the inaugural award for Resident and Relative Choice.

Among other category winners, Lucy O’Brien, Senior Administrator at Bourne View, who won the Warm Welcome award, described the moment her name was read out.

She said: “It was amazing, a total surprise. I was in a complete daze and then got quite emotional. It was lovely to go up and receive the award in front of everyone and meet Hilary Jones.”

Colten Care Chief Executive Mark Aitchison said: “Colten Champions celebrates the pride and passion our amazing team shows every single day, caring for our residents and their families.

“It is an immense privilege to lead a team full of superstars, always prepared to go above and beyond.

“We thank everyone who put in a Colten Champions nomination and congratulate all the winners, finalists and nominees.”

Mark’s comments were echoed by Colten Care’s Chief Operating Officer Elaine Farrer, who added: “There are so many shining examples of our team supporting and caring for residents, embodying our values and consistently putting the resident at the very heart of all they do.”

After the ceremony, Dr Hilary said: “Colten Champions truly reflects the importance of quality care delivered by a team working together for the benefit of residents. It’s a great initiative and the awards evening is always such a happy occasion.”

Sandstone Care Group Homes Raise Money for Macmillan Cancer Support All the care homes across the Sandstone Care Group teamed together to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support’s Coffee Morning.

All eight homes in the Group as well as staff in head office in Chester held a series of coffee mornings – and raised a group total of over £1500.

The eight care homes include: Burscough Manor in Burscough, Fleetwood Hall in Fleetwood, Longridge Hall and Ribble Court near Preston, St Helens Hall in Merseyside, Oak Springs in Liverpool, Telford Hall in Shropshire and The Oaks in Powys, Wales.

Guests at the coffee morning at The Oaks Care Home included students from Brynllywarch Hall School’s Sixth Form and two local Police Community Support Officers. They chatted to residents and helped to hand out cakes and coffee.

The home’s Registered Manager Jen Roberts said: “It was such a lovely morning and we raised £115.79 for Macmillan.

We were also delighted when one of the students enquired about volunteering at the home on a regular basis.”

Resident Jean Barlow, 81, said: “It was lovely to see Police Community Support Officer Hannah again as I haven't seen her for such a long time. She’s a family friend so it was great to catch up with her over a cup of tea.”

At Longridge Hall Care Home, the fundraising day started with games including ‘hook-a-duck’, ten pin bowling and staff were put in the stocks. After fish and chips for lunch the residents enjoyed treats from a traditional ice cream van followed by an afternoon of singing and dancing with the entertainer Stephen Margerison.

Tracey Hartley, the home’s Registered Manager said: “The day was a great success.

We had coffee, tea and delicious cakes for sale in the entrance and a complimentary glass of bucks fizz on entry.

“We finished the day with a tombola with lots of amazing prizes donated by local businesses including Pipkins, Apple Jacks, Booths, Caths, Longridge Haberdashery, Co-op, Townley Arms, The Mill House and Longridge C of E Primary School. Overall, we raised £115 for Macmillan Cancer Support which is fantastic.”

At Telford Hall Care Home, which raised over £95, the home’s chef Kevin made cupcakes and thirty children aged between 6 and 7 years old from Lawley Bank Primary Academy popped in. Year 2 children also came over to decorate cakes in preparation for the event.

One of the children Isobel, 6, said “I liked decorating the cakes and I even got to eat one. I liked chatting to Val who is so nice.”

Friends and families of the residents were invited and some baked home-made cakes for the event and Lawley Bank Court donated cakes. There was a raffle for a foot spa which raised money to add to the total of the cake sales.

Stephanie Bodkin, the home’s Administrator, made home-made chocolate orange cake which was a big favourite and sold out in seconds.

Resident Allan Hitchin, 77, said: “It’s always a good day when cake is around! I took mine up to the new pub in the home and enjoyed it there. It’s nice to see so many people getting involved and raising money.”

The other homes in the group raised: Oak Springs £200.90, Ribble Court £150.75, Fleetwood Hall £167.87, Burscough Manor £43.20, St Helens £203.25.

Blueleaf Launches New Product Guide to Show Latest Innovation in Care Beds and 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.

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 toolless 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.

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

Improving the Safety and Reliability of Mouth Care for Vulnerable People As the UK’s population continues to grow there has been a shift in the age structure towards later ages meaning we have an ageing population. While growing older does not necessarily equate with increased morbidity and dependency, ageing is often associated with increased needs for care and support. This include mouth care!

Studies show that as we age many people are retaining more of their own natural teeth.

Whilst this is, ‘a good thing’ the mouth care needs of people receiving care and support is now more complex and changeable with increasing dependency levels. Good oral health and general health are closely linked, and, poor oral health can have severe consequences on the general health of vulnerable people. For example, the relationship between advanced gum disease and cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes and obesity are an undisputed fact. Mental health disorders such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease also affect the oral health of older people.

Removing barriers to good mouth care: With age, the level of dependency of older people tends to increase. Highly dependent older people, whether they are at home or living in a care setting, may not be mobile enough to visit a dentist. We need a care system that provides support for improving the safety and delivery of ‘good mouth care’ on a ‘daily basis’ as well as access to dental services. Maintaining good mouth care is a fundamental factor for improving quality of life when in a care setting since many oral conditions are chronic in nature, cumulative over time, and socially patterned.

Reducing harm and delivering safe, effective and reliable mouth care: As people are retaining their natural teeth, care providers face an increased need and demand for the delivery of good mouth care on a daily basis. They need to ensure that staff have access to the ‘right tools’ in order to do the ‘right job’ to deliver safe , reliable and effective mouth care every time first time. They need to provide training and education to the whole workforce, at all levels, to meet the increasing needs of the elderly, whilst understanding that age-associated changes in systemic health and medication use can impact oral health and function.

At Oral Care Innovations we concentrate on what we know best. We work closely with health and care professionals nationally to develop new innovative mouth care products that meet the needs of our residents and patients. But that’s not where it ends. We share best practice and support care providers to develop a ‘Mouth Care Policy’ with bespoke training and resources that provides staff with the ‘right skills’ to carry out safe, reliable and effective mouth care every time.

Effective mouthcare helps to maintain health, wellbeing and dignity, and contributes to quality of life. It is particularly important that vulnerable older people receive additional help to look after their mouth and keep it clean.

It is essential that all care staff are suitably trained and skilled to provide good mouthcare. Training and skill development should take place at induction and throughout their working career. Ensuring staff have the right product, to do the right job to reduce risk factors by delivering good mouth care every time is key in delivering good care.

OCI are pleased to launch its new product Mc3S. This builds on the success of its sister product the Mc3, but with added

SAFE, EFFECTIVE AND RELIABLE MOUTH CARE PRODUCTS Discover the wide range of MC mouth care products to deliver safe, reliable and effective mouth care with confidence. Our products were developed following a medical safety alert from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency which involved the use of foam mouth swabs. Over 800 patient safety incidents have been reported by The National Patient Safety Agency, where the foam headed products either become detached or pieces of the foam head were torn off and retained or lodged in the mouth. Foam mouth swabs have been banned across Wales and many Healthcare Trusts across the UK. Discover our safe, reliable and effective mouth care resources.

The Mc3 can help prevent the risk factors associated with Community Associated Pneumonia and other systemic diseases.

Mc3 is a safe replacement for all sponge mouth swabs. The cone shaped head and soft round filaments soothe the tongue and soft tissues when cleansing the inside of the mouth.

The Mc3S suction can help prevent the risk factors associated with Community Associated Pneumonia for people who have an impaired swallow and require suctioning. The cone shaped head and soft round filaments cleansing the inside of the mouth whilst removing sticky secretions and saliva via suctioning. The finger hold manages and controls the degree of suction by increasing and reducing flow. The unique addition of a soft ‘blade’ enables stubborn caked secretions to be removed safely and effectively.

The Mc4 can reduce bacterial build up, food debris, fungi and dead cells from the surface of the tongue that are related to many common oral and general health problems. Designed with a soft and tactile ridged head that gently scrapes the surface of the tongue to remove dead cells and bacteria build up safely

suction ability to use with our portable suction machines.

Check out our range of Mouth Care ‘End of Life Resources’.

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For more information contact our team on: Sales@oralcareinnovations.co.uk Telephone: +44 (0) 1492 701277

The Mc6 can be used to moisten the lips, tongue and soft tissues inside the mouth.

With a slow flow of water from two drip holes, a gentle compression against the lips or inside the mouth is enough to provide a slow controlled flow of liquid to the mouth safely. This reduces the risk of choking.

www.oralcareinnovations.co.uk

PAGE 22 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

Adam, Six, Inspires Care Home Residents To Support Children’s Charity Kindhearted residents at a Dorset care home have helped one of their carers to raise hundreds of pounds for a charity that supported her critically ill son.

Paulina Trzcinska, a Companionship Team member at Colten Care’s Avon Cliff in Bournemouth, wanted to give something back to Amelia’s Rainbow, which provided comfort to her son Adam when he was diagnosed with cancer as a toddler.

When residents heard about Adam, who is now six and in remission, they chose the charity as their main cause to support this year.

In their most recent initiative, they sponsored Paulina, Adam, his big sister Alicja and Elise Woolnough, Companionship Team Leader, to complete two charity runs in Bournemouth on the same day.

The upshot of their support, and that of families and other contacts, is more than £850 in funds raised for Amelia’s Rainbow.

Paulina said: “When our residents heard about Adam, they said they wanted to do what they could to support the charity.

“They and their families have been so generous, enabling us to give something back for the help Adam

received so that other children can be supported too.

“The amount raised is amazing, especially at this time when so many people are struggling with the cost of living.”

Paulina said: “None of us are experienced runners but we did it in a little over half an hour. We wore rainbow face paint and felt like the best team ever. Elise is such a great colleague and it was fantastic that she lent her support.”

Avon Cliff resident Judy Price said: “We were all very happy to support them in their running and the charity is such a great cause.”

Amelia’s Rainbow is a Dorset-based charity that supports local children who have serious and complex chronic conditions.

A key aim is to help them and their families to have fun through the tough times, so funding can go towards trips, days out, leisure activities or items that enhance learning and enjoyment.

In Adam’s case, he received a video game console to play on and enjoy in the period after chemotherapy.

Care Home Staff Complete Great North Run For Charity Of Barchester’s team of runners, Gary Anson led the way with a great time of 2h04m, closely followed by Tom Hodges who completed the race in 2h13m. The runners all had a brilliant day despite the extreme weather challenges.

The runners have been very busy fundraising and have raised a fantastic £1,675 to help older people and adults living a disability connect with others in their local community.

Chairperson of Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, Simon McCall, commented: “I am extremely proud of all of our runners and inspired by their achievement, the funds raised will help to support and connect many vulnerable and isolated people in our local communities. It is fantastic to see our colleagues going above and beyond to raise funds for the Foundation, I cannot thank them enough for their commitment.”

Staff from Barchester Healthcare’s care homes and hospitals put themselves through a gruelling challenge to complete the Great North Run in treacherous conditions, all in the name of charity. Their aim was to raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation which supports older people and other adults living with a disability or mental health problems by helping them to connect or re-connect with others in their local communities.

A team of four intrepid Barchester colleagues; Gary Anson, Gavin O’Callaghan, Taylor Dowes and Tom Hodges followed the traditional half marathon route from Newcastle, through Gateshead to South Shields, marking months of training, fundraising and hard work. The day started off warmly, however, for many the celebrations were cut short by the extreme weather which took hold of the North East later that afternoon.

Alloa Care Home Appoints New Manager Parklands Care Home in Alloa, part of the Meallmore Ltd group, has announced the appointment of new care home manager, Richard Catahan.

The 62-bed facility cares for residents with a range of nursing and support needs including palliative care and individuals living with dementia.

Richard joins Meallmore with over 30 years of managerial experience. He has spent the last 12 years in Health and Social Care across England and Wales, managing nursing and residential facilities for both young people and the elderly. In his new role, he will oversee the management of Parklands Care Home, ensuring that staff continue to provide the highest quality of care for their residents.

Richard started his career in finance and marketing, before moving into the care industry, initially working with young people who were leaving the care system. He moved on to care for older people in 2013 with the desire to make a difference, something he felt strongly about due to his own personal experiences.

During his career in elderly care, Richard has managed nursing and residential facili-

ties for people with various specialist needs, including those living with complex dementia and individuals with a range of functional mental health disorders.

Commenting on his appointment, Richard said: “I’m excited to take on this role with Meallmore, as I feel that my personal and professional values align closely with those of the company. Meallmore really values its staff, affording them lots of progression opportunities, while always demonstrating the benefits of good practice and the highest standards of care”.

“The most important thing for me is to have the happiest residents around, cared for by the happiest staff team. We need to make sure that everyone is smiling – residents and staff. When residents, colleagues and families are smiling and relaxed, that’s when it feels most like home. That’s how I want it to feel when anyone walks into Parklands: happy and homely. I’m looking forward to getting to know all of our residents and building up relationships with them and their families”.

Menopause Meet Up Celebrates World Menopause Day To mark Menopause Awareness month in October and World Menopause day on 18th October. Barchester’ s Southgate Beaumont care home in conjunction with Talking Therapies NHS Enfield and Age UK Enfield, hosted a free Menopause Awareness event with a line-up of specialist healthcare professionals and guest speakers.

Guest speakers included Dr Rachel Osijo, GP Winchmore Hill Practice and advanced BMS menopause specialist, was there to answer questions and offer advice. Ayse from The Backbone Osteopaths spoke about how Osteopathy can help with menopause symptoms.

Kim and Aimee, Senior Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner’s from Enfield Talking Therapies NHS Enfield offering advice on anxiety and low mood and sign posting for support and Jenni Russell from Pelvic Floor Secrets, a revolution in Pelvic Floor health for women and men of all ages.

This Menopause meet up offers local women and their families the opportunity

to find out more about Menopause and its symptoms, Treatment advice on the symptoms of Menopause and women’s health and wellbeing. The Menopause Meets ups are held at Southgate Beaumont, in Cannon Hill on the 2nd Tuesday of the month 6.30pm to 8pm.

Dr Rachel Osijo said “It was a privilege to be part of the menopause event. It is so important for people to have as much information and be free to ask questions and gain support.”

Samantha Neal, Customer Relationship Manager at Southgate Beaumont said: “We have been running these sessions for almost a year and the numbers of attendees just keeps growing, demonstrating how important it is for women to get timely advice and practical ways to not only cope but thrive during the menopause. We are very grateful for all the professionals and guest speakers who give up their time to support the Menopause meet ups. Their knowledge and advice is invaluable to those who often find it difficult to get the support they need.” ’

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167 | PAGE 23

Armed Forces Charities Discuss Support For WorkingAge Veterans During Royal Star & Garter Visit Help for Heroes’ Chief Executive talked about younger veterans’ care and met an injured Iraq War soldier, during a visit to Royal Star & Garter.

James Needham came to the Home in Surbiton on where he discussed ways of helping working-age veterans who require care and support or are living with disabilities with Royal Star & Garter’s Chief Executive Andy Cole.

Royal Star & Garter provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia. The charity also has Homes in Solihull and High Wycombe. Help for Heroes supports veterans and their families by giving lifechanging support, no matter when or where they served.

During his visit, James was also taken on a tour of the awardwinning Home, where he met residents and staff, and saw both nursing and dementia care areas. He later praised the care provided by Royal Star & Garter.

Among the veterans James met was 36-year-old Stephen Vause, who suffered severe head injuries in a mortar blast while serving in Basra, in 2007. He was 19 at the time. Stephen has been receiving specialist round-the-clock care at Royal Star & Garter since 2017. Help for Heroes has previously worked with Royal Star & Garter and funded a bespoke wheelchair and specialist

gym equipment to support Stephen’s care. It also paid for his outdoor activity holiday, supported by Royal Star & Garter staff, in September. During a Covid lockdown in 2021, Stephen raised money for Help for Heroes by taking part in a virtual LondonBrighton 60-mile bike ride from his Royal Star & Garter room, supported by staff at the Home.

Andy Cole said: “It was a pleasure to welcome James to our Surbiton Home, and for him to meet some of our residents, including Stephen. We know there is much still to be done to support younger veterans living with disabilities in the UK. This is part of our strategic focus at Royal Star & Garter, so it was great to discuss how we could achieve our common goal of supporting our Armed Forces community.”

Speaking afterwards, James said: “When we look to the future, we need to think carefully about what kind of provision and what kind of support veterans might require. We know there will be more working-age veterans and we know that some of their health needs and social needs will change over time. I really enjoyed chatting to Andy and Stephen. I think there’s a really great opportunity to think about collaboration, think about how we can come together, be more efficient and effective together and ultimately deliver better impact for our Armed Forces community.”

Friends and Family Gather to Wish Bet a Happy 100th Birthday A Royal Star & Garter resident has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Bet Smith-Kempson enjoyed a party at the Surbiton Home on the eve of her birthday, before going to her daughter’s house for a friends-andfamily gathering on her big day on 14 October.

Royal Star & Garter provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia. The charity also has Homes in Solihull and High Wycombe.

Bet was born in 1923, and though she wanted to serve in the Armed Forces during WWII, she had to remain at home to care for her sick mother. Determined to play her part in another way, Bet worked in the accounts section of a munitions factory, which produced parachutes and other products vital for the war effort.

Following the conflict, Bet worked in the accounts section at Twickenham Film Studios, where she met a long list of A-list stars, including Elizabeth Taylor.

Bet, who is due to become a great-grandmother for the first time in December, enjoyed a pre-birthday party at Royal Star & Garter. Family, residents and staff gathered on Friday 13 October to celebrate Bet’s big day, accompanied by crooner Ray Lowe. The following day, she had a family get-together at her daughter Carolyn’s home.

Bet, whose husband served in the Navy, has been a resident at Royal Star & Garter since 2018, and said: “I had a lovely time on my birthday.”

Praising Royal Star & Garter, she added: “I love it here. You have your own private place which feels like home, and yet you are here with a lot of other people. I like people around me and being kept active.”

Son Graham said: “Mum had an amazing 100th birthday. She enjoyed her party at Royal Star & Garter with one of her favourite singers, and had a lovely afternoon at my sister’s house. We can’t thank Royal Star & Garter enough for all they do for Mum.”

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Local Care Home Hosts Community Classic Bike Show Staff, residents, relatives and the local community came together at Upton Bay care home to enjoy a classic bike show that was held in the home’s grounds on Sunday 15th October 2023.

Upton Bay community had an amazing afternoon filled with joy, love and togetherness. Fifty bike riders, representing three local organisations along with members of the local community and Upton Bay relatives gathered to bring smiles and spread love among our beloved residents.

The event was a testament to the strong bonds and support within our community. A special thanks to Steve from Poole Moto in Hamworthy who bought a selection of his own bikes to the event.

The bike riders, with their enthusiasm and laughter, created a vibrant atmosphere that lifted the spirits of the residents. Their presence showcased the power of unity and the positive impact that can be achieved when we come

together for a common cause. Bikes ranged from old Triumphs, pre-war bikes, American trikes, a 1975 Kawasaki ZIB, Harley Davidsons and many more.

The hospitality team served delicious hot dogs with onions and relish, steaming hot cider and other refreshments enjoyed by all. Music played by frayed strings ukulele band set everyone dancing and singing.

Resident, Jean said, “I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon surrounded by lots of great people and amazing bikes.

Thankfully the weather held out. Staff did a great job, not just on the day, but organising the event and getting everyone together.”

Mevin Sohorye, General Manager at the home, said: “Staff at Upton Bay are dedicated to making sure that the home is a hub of the local community, and this event, along with all their hard work, has definitely paid off. It was a resounding success!”

5 Generations Come Together At A Care Home In Ixworth proud of our wonderful family. I am glad that mum has found her home at The Beeches, I don’t have to worry about her at all.”

Betty has a big tight knit family; she was married for 60 years and worked at a clothing factory until she retired.

At The Beeches, she enjoys being in the garden and needlework, two hobbies she has always been fond of. Earlier in her life, Betty loved dressmaking and made her daughter’s wedding dress; she also loved gardening and was very proud of her garden back home.

Bev Shave, deputy manager at The Beeches said: “It was wonderful to witness five generations coming together at our care home.

“At The Beeches, we make sure that our residents have the opportunity to bond with their families through person-centred care and support. We make sure that families can rest assured knowing that their older relatives are safe and happy at our care home.”

A care home in Ixworth witnessed a special moment as five generations of a local family came together.

Betty Branch (92), resident at The Beeches Residential Care Home was surprised by her daughter, Patricia Frost (72), her granddaughter Maria Merchant (42), her great granddaughter Lauren Merchant (24), and her baby boy Louis who just turned two months old.

Betty’s great granddaughter, who is very proud of her new baby, requested that the five generations pose for a photo together as this was a unique opportunity for their family, and one that so many don’t get to experience.

Betty has been living at The Beeches for two and a half years where she receives specialised dementia care.

She has a fading memory and doesn’t remember all of her family but she enjoyed getting her photo taken and thought it was a “lovely day”.

Patricia, Betty’s daughter, who lives locally and visits often, said: “I was very

Edenmore Nursing Home Welcomes Home Library Service Edenmore Nursing Home are delighted and honoured to partner with Ilfracombe Library to welcome the Home Library Service through their doors and open their residents to the wonderful world of literature.

The Home Library Service is a bespoke book delivery service that is fully funded and available for the residents, fondly referred to as family members by the home, who are no longer able to go to the library for their books of choice.

Volunteer led, books are picked based on the reader’s interests and hand delivered

granting access to a wide range of books, newspapers, and magazines online.

North Devon MP, Selaine Saxby, commented “Ilfracombe is a wonderful community, and it is great to see their library working with a local care home to provide a fully funded home library service. I do hope that this is a model that can be used elsewhere across North Devon.”

It is widely known that reading can be a great brain exercise, as well as a relaxing outlet to relieve stress levels. Stimulating stories with captivating illustrations can ignite feelings

every 4 weeks, giving those who receive them enough time to read through what they have

of joy, curiosity, and nostalgia, especially if a person has been an avid reader in their life-

chosen and then exchange for new ones. As the weeks pass, volunteers can befriend fami-

time. The service has exemplified the importance of such communal gatherings in promot-

ly members and bond over the joy of reading.

Not only does the Home Library Service deliver books, but there are also audiobooks and tablets available to borrow, making the service accessible for those with sight loss and

ing a sense of belonging and shared experiences. The team remain dedicated to crafting more heartwarming experiences that enrich the lives of its residents and bring the community closer together.

Four Seasons Health Care Group Raises Over £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support Four Seasons Health Care Group care homes across the UK have raised over £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support by hosting a series of community coffee mornings during September and October.

100 care homes invited members of their local communities to join residents and care teams as well as team members working in the group’s support departments for the fundraising events. Thousands of cakes were made by the homes’ chefs, residents and carers and many of the care homes welcomed local dignitaries, celebrities and entertainers to the

community events.

Jacqui Ritchie, Chief Operating Officer at Four Seasons Health Care Group, said: “Thanks to the incredible efforts of our team members, residents, their families and members of our local communities, our fundraising events have been overwhelmingly successful. We are hugely grateful to everyone who attended one of our events or contributed in some way, and we’re very proud to be able to help such a worthy charity.”

Unique Care Sector Recruitment Service Launches Quality Care Group (QCG), the leading providers of insurance and business solutions to the UK care sector, has announced the launch of a brand-new recruitment service for care businesses who require key senior hires, to grow their organisations.

This new recruitment service is the company’s response to many years of listening to the market's needs and requirements for a recruitment partner, understanding the unique challenges of the care sector and why finding the right senior talent is the cornerstone to a successful business.

This service will be led by Mike Tait, who joins the team as Head of Care Recruitment. With nearly two decades of experience in healthcare staffing and recruitment, he aims to help care organisations find and hire their key senior personnel who can drive the growth and performance of their business.

Mike had this to say on this exciting, unique new service: “Having spent considerable time within the healthcare recruitment sector, observing the growing frustration among providers grappling to secure suitable leaders for their organisations, it's clear that a significant demand exists, and a solution is required for elevated service quality and standards. By doing so, we not only enhance value for service providers but also deliver improved outcomes. The prevalent approach of enlisting a

multitude of agencies, each shouldering numerous roles, has regrettably eroded confidence in the standard of fulfilment of crucial positions”.

Mike then went onto say: “I am delighted to join QCG as we share a passion and ethos of what we believe in. This is a unique opportunity to develop this shared mindset we have for driving higher quality and better value outcomes and solutions for our clients. I believe we have a fantastic opportunity to deliver something quite unique in the care sector and further strengthen our relationships by working in partnership, offering a market leading recruitment solution to one of the biggest problems currently facing the sector.”

Partnering closely and exclusively on specific roles with business owners, hiring managers and care organisations, their focus lies in identifying and fulfilling crucial senior positions in the care sector.

Demand has never been greater for skilled and experienced professionals in senior roles within the care industry and with this new service, ‘Quality Care Recruit’ aims to bring a fresh perspective by matching the varied and individual requirements of care businesses across the country with the right senior candidates.

For more information, visit www.qcaregroup.co.uk

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167 | PAGE 27

Wedding Bells At Wolverhampton Home Following Wedding Of Resident’s Grandson The grandson of a resident living at a Colne brought his wedding to the home after his grandma couldn’t attend his big day.

Elaine Jervis lives at MHA Waterside House and was unable to travel to Wales to watch her grandson Mark marry his partner Sammy.

Prior to the wedding the family has discussed the opportunity to recreate the couple’s big day at the home so his nan could witness the occasion.

The staff at the home, which provides a safe and caring environment for up to 60 people living with dementia, were more than happy to accommodate and arranged for one of the lounges at the home to be the setting for the wedding.

The chaplain, Dawn Ellis facilitated a service of prayer, with the residents, staff and family members in attendance.

The kitchen staff prepared a buffet spread, with Elaine’s family contributing pizzas and cake, which was enjoyed by all.

Speaking after the wedding Elaine said: “It was lovely to be part of Mark and Sammys big day.

“I saw the pictures from the wedding and could not stop smiling.

“Having the home recreate the wedding was nice, I really enjoy living here and have some wonderful friends, “The home looked amazing, the decorations and everything that was arranged was just perfect.”

Elderly Artist’s Wish Comes True With Debut Exhibition A WISH came true for a North Yorkshire care home resident when his water colour paintings were exhibited in an art gallery for the first time.

It was a “magical” moment for 74-year-old David Rigg when he first saw his masterpieces hanging from the walls at The Palace Hub in Redcar, which is run by Tees Valley Arts.

The resident from Hazelgrove Court Care Home, in Saltburn by the Sea, has painted as a hobby for many years but only started taking it seriously when he retired.

He said: “When I paint it transports me into another world and takes away all of my worries. It’s really magical seeing my paintings up in the gallery.”

David was one of nine residents from the care home to display their artworks at the gallery, including Betty Wood, 99, Joyce Baxtrem, 93, Ellen Else, 92, Ricky Wilson, 77, Mollie Wilkinson, 82, and Ted Howell 87.

They produced works in embroidery, photography, silk paintings and oils, among other formats, which were curated by the care home’s activities coordinator Sharon Lewis.

The exhibition took place as part of the NAPA Arts In Care Week, which aims to highlight the wellbeing benefits of arts, creativity and cultural engagement in care settings.

An arts and crafts team from The Palace Hub also visited the care home as part of the initiative, delivering a traditional rug making session. They brought a two-string loom specially made for the elderly res-

idents to use, which mimicked designs dating back to the 18th century.

They used the device to produce colourful garlands to decorate the care home, which is part of a project supported

by Borderlands Creative People and Places, a creative engagement programme supporting communities in Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland.

Sharon, the care home’s activities coordinator, said: “David’s wish was to have his art in an exhibition. Art in Care Homes week and the Palace Hub gave us the opportunity to display not only David’s work but that of other Hazelgrove residents.

“The exhibition has meant that local community members were able to see the incredible art works made by our residents. It also reminded the residents of how creative they were and still have the ability to be.

“Working with Tees Valley Arts has been a wonderful experience for everyone. Residents love the two-string loom and, while they have been rag rugging and making garlands, they have chatted about doing this when they were younger and with their own families.

“It’s been a great therapeutic experience; wonderful for their wellbeing and they really enjoyed learning new skills. Thank you so much to the team at Tees Valley Arts at Redcar Palace.”

The exhibition has now moved back to Hazelgrove Court Care Home, where staff and visitors are able to continue enjoying residents’ artworks.

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WASTE MANAGEMENT

Ensuring Safe and Sustainable Waste Management In the intricate web of adult social care, an often overlooked but critical aspect is waste management. Within the confines of care and nursing homes in the UK, effective handling, storage, and disposal of various waste types is not just a regulatory requirement; it is an ethical imperative. This feature article dives into the depths of waste management within care environments, illuminating the careful management of clinical, hazardous, and infectious waste. From meticulous risk assessments to innovative disposal methods, we explore the multifaceted approach that ensures the well-being of residents, staff, and the environment.

THE HIDDEN RISKS: CLINICAL, HAZARDOUS, AND INFECTIOUS WASTE: Behind the scenes of compassionate care lies a multitude of waste materials – clinical byproducts, hazardous substances, and infectious agents. Each comes with a unique set of risks, necessitating rigorous risk assessments. Clinical waste includes discarded dressings, swabs, and medical equipment, while hazardous waste encompasses chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Infectious waste involves contaminated items carrying pathogens. Identifying and evaluating these risks is fundamental to maintaining a safe care environment.

SEGREGATION AT THE SOURCE: A CROSS-CONTAMINATION CRUSADE:

In the battle against cross-contamination, segregation emerges as a stalwart ally. Color-coded waste containers, an emblem of UK waste management, are an essential tool. The palette of colors – yellow for infectious waste, orange for clinical waste, purple for hazardous waste, and more – functions as a visual aid, guiding staff to deposit waste correctly. This prevents hazardous mixing, fortifying infection control efforts and safeguarding residents and staff.

NAVIGATING DISPOSAL LABYRINTHS: LEGISLATION AND LEGAL OBLIGATIONS: Guiding the labyrinthine paths of waste disposal are stringent regulations and legal obligations. UK care homes are bound by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Controlled Waste Regulations 2012, which outline the standards for waste management.

To traverse this landscape, care homes must work in tandem with licensed waste carriers, ensuring safe and compliant transportation and disposal. Adhering to these laws is not just mandatory; it's a pledge to environmental stewardship. The Department of Health has published revised guidance on the Safe management of healthcare waste. This details the legislative and practical requirements of managing the waste. https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/management-anddisposal-of-healthcare-waste-htm-07-01/

FROM POLICY TO PRACTICE: IMPLEMENTATION AND STAFF EMPOWERMENT: Waste management transcends written policies – it's a culture. Care homes must craft comprehensive waste management policies that embody legal mandates and industry best practices. However, policies are only as effective as their implementation. Regular staff training sessions transform care providers into waste management sentinels.

Designating a waste management coordinator further strengthens the

commitment, streamlining communication and bolstering policy enforcement.

THE KALEIDOSCOPE OF WASTE DISPOSAL: DIFFERENT TYPES, DIFFERENT METHODS: Navigating the maze of waste disposal requires an understanding of waste types and appropriate disposal methods. Clinical waste, saturated with potential pathogens, undergoes incineration. Hazardous waste follows a convoluted path, with chemicals often requiring specialist disposal. Infectious waste, concealed contagions, faces autoclaving or chemical treatment. Each method underscores the mission of eradicating risk.

LOOKING AHEAD: SUSTAINABILITY AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION: The future of waste management in care homes glimmers with sustainable solutions. Facilities are exploring waste-to-energy conversion, where waste generates power. Technological advancements offer smarter waste tracking and reporting, empowering care homes to refine their practices. The nexus of innovation and sustainability paints a promising horizon for waste management.

Waste management in UK care and nursing homes isn't confined to bins and regulations; it's a pledge to uphold the dignity, health, and safety of residents. The intricate dance of handling, storing, and disposing of clinical, hazardous, and infectious waste demands diligence, awareness, and a commitment to legal mandates. As care homes embrace the tapestry of waste management – from risk assessment to color-coded containers – they weave a story of responsible care, environmental guardianship, and a commitment to a healthier future.

Care Homes Spending Up To £50,000 A Year Sending Food Waste To Landfill The average UK business is spending over £50,000 every year on sending food waste to landfill, however, recycling food waste could save care homes up to £7,000 a year, according to new research from Keenan Recycling.

Despite this, only a third (36%) of care homes say that they recycle food waste in order to minimise financial losses and only a third (34%) recycle food waste to avoid costly fines.

However, new legislation due to land in 2024, is expected to mandate that any business producing over 5kg of food waste will need to separate and recycle its waste through a registered food waste carrier service.

Failure to comply could put care homes at risk of potentially hefty financial penalties-with fixed penalty notices starting from £300.

The legislation is due to be introduced by both DEFRA and the Welsh Government, who are expected to enact the provisions of the Environment Act 2021, and thereby make the separation of food waste from other waste streams a requirement.

For more insights from the research, visit: The ideal picture of food waste – Keenan Recycling at https://keenanrecycling.co.uk/the-ideal-picture-of-food-waste/

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167 | PAGE 31

INSURANCE FOR CARE

Securing Insurance with an Inadequate CQC Rating The Care Quality Commission (CQC) requires all care and nursing homes to have insurance, and without it, you will be unable to operate. The mandatory insurance requirements from the CQC are Employers’ Liability and Public Liability cover. Any additional covers will depend on the type of care facility you own. If a care facility is unable to secure adequate insurance, residents will need to find alternative accommodation, and staff are likely to lose their jobs.

Many care homes have no difficulty in securing insurance but when a care home has an inadequate rating by the CQC, finding insurance can prove extremely challenging. Not all insurers are willing to provide terms for care facilities with an inadequate CQC rating, and when they do, premiums can be higher, and restrictions may be put in place, such as a limit to the number of service users (residents allowed).

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Research, around 1 in 5 care homes are rated ‘inadequate’ or ‘requires improvement’ in the UK, which can leave these care homes with only a small range of insurance options and in turn, at risk of closure.

Barnes Commercial has built strong relationships with an extensive panel of insurers, who specialise in care home insurance, including some that will offer terms to care homes with inadequate CQC ratings.

CASE STUDY: OBTAINING INSURANCE WITH AN INADEQUATE CQC RATING Our client is the owner of several care homes in the southeast of the UK and is an example of how working closely with a broker can help secure favourable insurance terms, even with an inadequate rating. Our client came to Barnes Commercial because he was unhappy with his current provider and their ability to find him an affordable insurance solution.

One of the care homes had an inadequate CQC rating but our client and his team had been working with the CQC to create an action plan for improvements. We shared this with potential insurers who wanted to see evidence of what work was being planned, by when, and what had already been done to improve the care home. Ensuring the action plan was up to date was vital in arranging the insurance.

AREAS TO FOCUS ON TO IMPROVE YOUR CQC RATING When speaking with our care home clients whose facility had an inadequate CQC rating, they tell us that some of the most common reasons cited are poor record management and health and safety issues.

If these areas are not managed effectively, you could be putting your patients/residents, staff and your business at risk. Patient care will be at the heart of everything you do, so having robust systems in place will help you to perform at your best. For example, having a digital recording system in place, can provide you with greater governance, stronger compliance and help to ensure quality outcomes for those in your care. It can also mean recording of data will be faster, medication management will be safer and you are more ready for inspections.

Health and safety hazards are also a regular source of inadequate ratings and an area that every care home owner needs to be on top of at all times. One of CQCs fundamental standards includes safety, which means providers must assess the risks to your health and safety during any care or treatment and make sure staff have the qualifications, competence, skills and experience to keep you safe.

OUR PROCESS TO SECURE YOUR CARE HOME INSURANCE Our specialist Care Home Insurance adviser, Luke Green, can support you with tailored advice on how to secure an insurance solution that will bring you peace of mind, whilst satisfying the CQC. He will take the time to get to know your business and its current situation, so he can fully understand how he can help. He will also help you to gather and collate all your supporting documentation, including your action plan and any evidence to support your submission, for example, from your local authorities. He will then use these to advise a panel of insurers on your situation and what your business is doing to improve your ratings. Demonstrating your commitment to improving your situation will typically be positively received by the insurers and helps us to obtain an insurance quotation for you that will protect your business from commercial risk.

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

PAGE 34 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL Angloplas Dispensers Help Reduce Cytolax Barrier Spray the Risk of Cross Infection Angloplas are a UK manufacturer who specialise in producing dispensers for the health and hygiene industry. Although these are designed to keep the workplace tidy and uncluttered they are, more importantly, built knowing the control of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are a priority for healthcare providers, and who are employing a combination of infection prevention and control strategies, including hand hygiene, cleaning, training and the adoption of new technologies, to tackle the 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

Cytolax is a range of health and wellbeing products that interacts with human cells bringing them to life so as to improve physiological outcomes. Manufactured in ISO certified medical factories, every formulation is developed to offer premium solutions that encompasses products for home self-use as well as for the medical profession.

The barrier skin protection range is made up of Wipes, Creams and Spray to prevent and protect skin from moisture, maceration and pressure sores.

Cytolax Barrier Spray is a 100% Silicone, alcohol free solution that forms a transparent protective and breathable layer between the skin and the air or surface that the skin may come in con-

tact with. Hypoallergenic and quick drying formula ensures no irritation or burning sensation.

- 100% Silicone - Upto 72 hours protection - Unique formula allows it to be used with adhesive dressings and protects skin from medical adhesives - Transparent and Permeable solution - No Stinging or burning sensation - Alcohol Free - Non Cytotoxic - Quick Drying - 50ml Contact 0141 778 6017, sales@cytolax.co.uk or visit www.cytolax.co.uk Follow: www.linkedin.com/company/cytolax/

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 well-being 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

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

CHSA’s Half Year Report Shows Members High Levels of Compliance with Accreditation Scheme Specifications ‘Our Standards. Your Guarantee.’

The 2023 half year report produced by the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association’s Independent Inspector shows high levels of compliance amongst CHSA Accreditation Scheme members.

Scheme logo to guarantee quality.”

The CHSA operates six Accreditation Schemes. They are for manufacturers of paper-based products, plastic-based

products, cotton-based products, and cleaning chemicals, for general manufacturers and for distributors of cleaning and hygiene products.

By 30 June, the Inspector had completed 83 audits, just over half the total scheduled for 2023.

During the auditing process the Independent Inspector

During the inspections approximately 1,000 labels have been checked to make sure they accurately represent the content of the packaging, guaranteeing ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’. Approximately 2,700 individual products have been checked, making sure they meet the specifications of the relevant Accreditation Scheme standard. For distributor members, the Independent Inspector has checked approximately 24,000 stock lines.

weight and or performance of the product. He also assesses

While the full year results for 2023 will be published in January 2024, the interim results indicate high levels of compliance.

“The integrity of our Accreditation Schemes is at the heart of all we do,” explained Lorcan Mekitarian, Chair of the CHSA. “People must be able to trust the CHSA mark wherever they see it, reccognising the Accreditation Scheme logo as a guarantee of quality. The interim audit results for 2023 provide the evidence buyers need to know our members continue to maintain standards.

“Our advice to buyers is to look first for the Accreditation

checks the labels contain the required information and that the product is as stated on the label. Depending on the

product, this involves checking the sheet count, width, duty,

1.

All statements and claims are truthful.

2. Supporting evidence, such as data sheets, reports and

certificates, are available on request to substantiate all product and service claims.

3. All statements and claims are transparent. For example, it is clearly indicated if the claim applies to the product, the packaging or both.

4. All statements and claims are meaningful. For example, the term eco-friendly must be defined in relation to all

aspects of the product and substantiated across the full lifecycle.

This formal commitment to ethical marketing was developed

the member’s quality assurance procedures. For distributors

to address the growing problem of spurious, misleading and

Manufacturer and where it is not, that it conforms to the

chemicals. Typical claims that lack supporting evidence

he confirms if product is from a CHSA Accredited specification of the relevant scheme.

Committed to the integrity of the Schemes, the CHSA’s

governing Council will expel any Scheme member who,

despite being offered the guidance required to correct issues, consistently fails to conform to the relevant Scheme Standard.

Members of CHSA Accreditation Scheme for Cleaning Chemicals sign commitment to ethical marketing The members of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers

Association’s (CHSA) Accreditation Scheme for Cleaning

Chemicals have signed a commitment to ethical marketing.

The commitment states members adhere to four ethical principles:

unsubstantiated claims being made about cleaning

relate to the efficacy of the products and many

environmental credentials are little more than greenwashing.

All members of the CHSA adhere to the requirements of the

relevant Accreditation and have signed the Association’s

rigorous Code of Practice, which incorporates the

Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code. It

means CHSA members:

• Trade ethically and sustainably;

• Provide supporting information for claims made; • Provide quality, fit for purpose products; and

• Make sure what’s on the box is what’s in the box.

@CHSACleaning www.CHSA.co.uk

PAGE 38 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

CATERING FOR CARE

Texture Modified Diets For Dysphagia Understanding and managing the nutritional needs of the elderly suffering from dysphagia, requires caterers in a care home environment to be suitably trained and skilled up in this area.

Those suffering from dysphagia have difficulties in swallowing, and are likely to require a specially prepared diet. Dysphagia is reported by the World Gastroenterology Organisation to affect over 50% of all elderly patients in care homes worldwide, so a condition that most care home caterers are going to need to manage at some time.

There are many causes of dysphagia including neurological conditions such as dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and motor neurone disease.

Individuals with head and neck cancer also commonly suffer with dysphagia. Due to the increased incidence of these diseases with age, it follows that many elderly residents of care homes are at risk of dysphagia. Those who struggle with dysphagia are at risk of choking when they eat food or drink not suited to their swallowing abilities. They are also at risk of aspiration pneumonia; this is where food or fluid enters the lungs, potentially leading to chest infections and hospital admissions.

Whatever the cause of the dysphagia, affected individuals are likely to struggle with certain textures of food and drink. Initially any resident identified as struggling to swallow should have an urgent swallow assessment carried out by a trained professional such as a speech and language ther-

apist. A texture modified diet might then be needed, where food is moistened, mashed or pureed to make it safer for an individual to eat. Fluids may also need to be thickened.

Tess Warnes, dietitian at food procurement specialist allmanhall has suggestions for caterers on how to provide a nourishing, safe, and tasty texture modified diet. “Given the risks associated with giving the wrong texture to an at-risk individual, care home caterers should be knowledgeable on how to create dishes with the appropriate texture, with access to relevant training. A useful source of information is the ‘International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative’ (IDDSI) , a framework which grades different textures between levels 1-7. Many individuals with dysphagia are at risk of malnutrition due to poor nutritional intake. Therefore, they may benefit from meals which are fortified with added butter, cheese and cream to increase the energy content of their meals. Adding these may affect the overall texture of the food.

Consider offering texture modified snacks between meals as this is the time of day when individuals with dysphagia will miss out if nothing is available for them. Flavour is important to consider so use herbs and spices to add interest to the meal without compromising the texture. Salt can be added but be aware that too much salt can contribute to high blood pressure.” https://allmanhall.co.uk/blog/texture-modified-diets-for-dysphagia

5-Star Food Ratings Awarded to All 23 Orchard Care Homes sites

Orchard Care Homes, with homes across the North of England and Midlands, is celebrating after achieving an outstanding 5-star food hygiene rating group-wide.

All 23 of Orchard’s homes have been awarded FSA (Food Standards Agency) 5-star rating, only given to businesses after careful consideration of three key criteria - how hygienically the food is handled, the physical condition of the business and how the business manages ways of keeping food safe. Specific areas analysed included cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and pest control; as well as looking at processes, training and systems to ensure good hygiene is maintained.

The 100% record was confirmed when the company’s Riverdale care home in Chesterfield received the latest 5-star rating at after an inspection in September.

Orchard Care Homes previously achieved this group-wide validation in 2019 and repeating the feat has only been possible through a commitment to maintaining the

highest catering standards.

Orchard Care Homes commit to ensuring everyone receives a varied menu with the very highest quality of food. As well as holding high preparation and hygiene standards, chefs work alongside those who have specific dietary requirements to develop a menu that suits individual tastes and needs.

Jason Hunter, Catering Lead at Orchard (pictured above), commented, “We are very proud to have been recognised at the highest level by the FSA. The 5-star accolade reflects the attention to detail and high standards across Orchard’s group portfolio. We are mindful of all nutrition needs, as evidence shows that a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and cereals, and low in red meat and sugar could help reduce dementia risks. Our seasonal menus are enjoyed by all, and we take great satisfaction in delivering quality, nutritious meals.”

PAGE 40 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

CATERING FOR CARE

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 advert on this page for further details.

Turner Price Strengthens Position in Care Home Sector Though NACC Premier Partnership Turner Price have announced a new partnership with the National Association of Care Catering (NACC).

The Yorkshire based foodservice provider has officially become a Premier Partner and will become an active member of the North and Midlands branches, as well as contributing at a national level.

Jason Watkins, Head of Sales at Turner Price, has a long connection with the NACC and says the new relationship will further strengthen the wholesalers’ position with the care sector.

He said: “We are proud of our history of supplying care caterers, something that our business has been built on for over 30 years.

Across the North and the Midlands, we service independent and care home groups, hospices, meals on wheels, rehabilitation centres and hospitals.

“This new partnership with the NACC will mean we can offer more support to our existing caterers, as well as showcase our trusted service to new potential care providers. The NACC are hugely respected, and we look forward to exhibiting at the Training & Development Forum event in October and working closely with the association over the coming years.”

The National Chair of the NACC, Sue Cawthray, also welcomes the

news of Turner Price becoming a Premier Partner. She said: “The NACC is delighted to welcome Turner Price as a new Premier Partner, who provide a vital contribution to the work of the Associations. This is certainly a time when we need all our partners working within Care Catering to show their commitment to the health and social care sector and we look forward to working more closely with Turner Price in the future.”

Turner Price is a large delivered foodservice wholesaler who supplies over 2,500 businesses across large parts of the UK. Turner Price customers includes coffee shops, QSR operators, pubs, hotels, restaurants, schools, universities, care homes and hospitals.

For further information please visit www.turner-price.com

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167 | PAGE 41

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS

Cutting-Edge Commercial Laundry Equipment for Healthcare Facilities Maintaining impeccable cleanliness and hygiene standards is paramount for care homes, hospices, nursing homes, and healthcare institutions. MAG Laundry Equipment, with a nationwide presence of skilled engineers, has been a trusted partner for over 10,000 care homes, offering a comprehensive range of products, services, information, and unwavering support.

MAG's extensive product lineup encompasses commercial-grade washing machines, tumble dryers, ironing machines, presses, and top-quality detergents. With a legacy spanning a century, dating back to 1922, MAG has consistently evolved and refined its offerings, culminating in some of the industry's most dependable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective machines

available today.

For those in search of superior washing results capable of removing the most stubborn stains, MAG Laundry Equipment is your go-to source for expert advice. Notably, their washing machines come equipped with complete thermal disinfection capabilities, a standard feature designed to assist nursing homes in not only meeting but surpassing the latest regulatory requirements.

Discover how MAG can assist your care home's laundry operations by reaching out to them at 01353 883025 or visiting their website at https://maglaundryequipment.co.uk/sectors/nursing-care-homes/.

Forbes’ Laundry Consultants Help Care Homes Optimise Savings and Operations When looking for a commercial laundry solution, Forbes Professional stands out as a leading provider with its client-centric approach and unparalleled expertise. At the heart of their success is a consultative methodology that ensures every client receives a laundry rental solution tailored to their specific needs.

Forbes Professional deliver’s comprehensive service packages with inclusive delivery, installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance, to ensure a hassle-free experience for care sector clients. Forbes’ consultative approach also enables them to ensure that care homes can truly optimise both savings and efficiency. By providing solutions that extend beyond the surface, Forbes empowers clients to make informed decisions that have a profound impact on their operations and bottom line. Their consultants deliver detailed calculations of cost projections, with an emphasis on the importance of whole life cost analysis.

Whilst rental relinquishes clients of the burden of large upfront payments, Forbes Professional recognises that making informed decisions goes beyond looking at initial expenses and procurement or rental prices.

Their team educates clients on energy-efficient solutions, exemplified by the remarkable 70% energy savings achievable with heat pump dryers compared to standard condenser dryers. To underscore the advantages of Forbes’ strategy, their analysis for a new client recently resulted in a staggering projected running cost saving of £1,000,000 throughout the contract's duration.

Forbes’ meticulous approach translates into not only cost savings but also environmental responsibility, as energy-efficient equipment contributes to a greener footprint. Forbes Professional's dedication to creating value for clients by optimising efficiency and minimising costs is a testament to their industry leadership.

Choosing Forbes Professional means opting for more than just laundry solutions; it's a commitment to a partnership that prioritises specific needs, longterm benefits, and sustainability. In an era where sustainability, practicality and financial prudence are paramount, Forbes’ consultative approach and focus on holistic value, delivers transformative solutions to care homes across the UK. www.forbespro.co.uk | info@forbes-professional.co.uk | 0345 070 2335

PAGE 42 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS Preserving Identity and Preventing Loss: Cash's Apparel Solutions' Century-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

Commercial Kitchen and Laundry Solutions (CKLS)

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

Commercial Kitchen and Laundry Solutions (CKLS) are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial kitchen and laundry equipment. Whether you are a small sized residential home or large scale nursing home group, CKLS has the expertise and equipment you need to keep your operations running smoothly.

At CKLS, we understand that the success of your business depends on the quality of the equipment you use. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide businesses across the UK with the highest quality commercial laundry and kitchen equipment available. We work with only the best manufacturers in the industry to ensure that our customers get the most reliable and efficient equipment possible.

Our commitment to our customers doesn’t end with the sale of our equipment. At CKLS, we know that maintenance and repairs are crucial to keeping your equipment functioning at its best. That’s why we offer a full range of maintenance and repair serv-

ices to our customers, including emergency repair services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We believe that our success as a company is measured by the success of our customers. That’s why we’re constantly striving to provide better products and services to help our customers achieve their goals. We’re proud to say that our commitment to excellence has earned us a reputation as the goto provider of commercial laundry and kitchen equipment in the UK. So, if you’re looking for reliable, high-quality commercial laundry and kitchen equipment, look no further than CKLS. With our extensive range of products and services, we’re confident that we can help you find the right equipment to meet your needs and keep your business running smoothly for years to come.

Visit our website www.ckls.co.uk, contact by phone on 01200 411914 or email at sales@ckls.co.uk.

PAGE 44 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

FURNITURE AND FITTINGS Mr Trax Curtain & Blind Solutions Blueleaf Launches New Bedroom Range with Faster Delivery Times

Mr Trax Curtain & Blind Solutions aims to provide a first class service across a wide range of products and bespoke fittings thanks to its two decades of experience, with many previous clients in the care sector.

Mr Trax has a range of NHS compliant fabrics for use in care homes, including ‘blackout’. They can supply and fit a wide range of flame retardant curtains and blinds in various fabrics to be made to your sizes and fitted using heavy duty fittings and rails.

Curtains can normally be made and installed within four weeks and blinds in two weeks.Fire retardant blinds on heavy weight systems are readily available and can be manually controlled or electrically operated. They also have antimicrobial options as well all at varying prices all normally available in two-three weeks. Faster times are available on some products.

The company is affiliated with Checkatrade where you can see customer reviews, including this recent

comment: “Douglas did a fantastic job fitting our shutters and curtain rail. He even fitted an extra rail for us which we had bought ourselves! Friendly and efficient service, plus great looking results. Very pleased would definitely recommend!”

Based in Hailsham, East Sussex and owned and run

by Doug and Carol Coe, the firm also provides a number of corded and motorised options for blinds as well as curtains, and offers a comprehensive range of shutters.

Doug says: “We stock two ranges of silent gliss corded curtain tracks and two ranges of silent gliss uncorded curtain tracks the fitted prices for which are available on this website. All of the aluminium silent gliss tracks stock can be shaped and fitted into bay windows, as can some of the poles. We also have ready access to many more ranges of both tracks and poles, most of which we can get in one working day.

“To read more of what our customers say about us please do look us up on Checkatrade: checkatrade.com/mrtrax” Call now to speak to one of our team on 0800 3345114 or 07968 242004, email us at: doug@mrtrax.co.uk

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

approach, and the feeling of shared ownership, can be a significant benefit in making the resident feel comfortable from the start.

The choice of eight pre-designed schemes – carefully created by a team of visionary designers who specialise in care design – also significantly eases the buying process, and ensures the rooms are compliant with industry regulation and entirely fit for purpose. It takes the burden of responsibility for the interior design away from the care home manager and puts it into the hands of experts more skilled in the role.

Ellen Brown, Sales and Marketing Director of Blueleaf, says Stock 7 is yet another example of how Blueleaf, the nationwide business that helps care the business is delivering on its mission to help care homes deliver better outcomes, has launched Stock 7, home providers deliver exceptional outcomes: “With an updated range of bedroom refit solutions that can Stock 7 we are giving care homes a refurbishment be delivered quickly from UK stock to help care option that offers a fast turnaround, comprehensive providers avoid the cost of empty rooms. styling, and a quick return on investment.

The new range comprises eight different bedroom “Whether a care home is looking to refit an individschemes to match different tastes and budgets. They ual room to welcome a new guest, or is undertaking a include not only beds and mattresses, wardrobes, and home-wide refurbishment programme, we have the other associated furniture, but also matching curtains, quality designs to reflect your brand and the quality soft furnishings and linen. The schemes also include of care you provide.” ancillary items such as crash mats and overbed For more information, visit: tables. Paints and finishes are also recommended for www.blueleafcare.com/ each of the designs.

The launch of Stock 7 addresses one of the principal issues that every care home faces – the need to maintain 100% occupancy levels wherever possible. Rather than having to wait up to three months for a new suite to be delivered, Stock 7 can be delivered and installed within seven working days, anywhere in the UK. If time and situation permits, the speed of delivery enables a care home to consult with the families of a new guest and the guest themselves on the style and colours that would suit them best. Taking an inclusive

Alpha Furniture Alpha Furniture are well suited to projects of all sizes, from refreshing a couple of bedrooms to a full fit-out of all areas in a new or refurbished home. We are also able to help propose designs, or put you in touch with experienced interior designers. And if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, send us a picture and we will almost certainly be able to quote for an identical or similar style.

We are fully committed to supplying high quality contract furni-

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

The expert team at Rosehill understand the market and can tailor

ture products at great value with excellent service.

Once again we have been able to add many new items to our range of durable quality furniture to make this the most comprehensive Care Home Furniture Direct website to date.

In these financially testing times we have excelled at bringing customers high quality products at the very best value. To cope with raw material price fluctuations we regularly review our prices to ensure we remain competitive, passing any savings on to you quickly.

As ever, quality products and attentive service remain our top priorities.

See the advert on this page for further information. your order to suit your exact requirements. With over four decades experience in the industry, you can feel at ease knowing that you’re in safe hands. They take pride in the quality products they supply which are built to last, while also being great value for money.

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

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

Product Highlights • High back chairs with head support and wingback models.

• Chairs which have been tested for bariatric use.

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

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

• Made to order products in a huge range of colours and finishes to fit in with your existing décor.

• Lounge chairs, side chairs and coffee tables, which are designed to enhance your communal areas.

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

• Bedroom furniture with fitted items in high quality finishes.

• Outdoor furniture and benches.

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

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

Visit www,rosehill.co.uk

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167 | PAGE 45

FURNITURE AND FITTINGS

CCP Contract Furniture

CCP is an established independent supplier of products and furniture to the healthcare and leisure contract markets. CCP is proud to offer excellent customer service and where required we can offer an initial consultation to understand your exact needs. We can offer design ideas too.

Visit www.cavendishcareproducts.co.uk to see our standard portfolio of dining room, bedroom, lounge, reception and occasional furniture. We also supply a full range of additional items including profile beds and mattresses and can supply all your sundry items including a full

range of towels, bedding and table linen.

If you can’t see what you need on our website... tell us what you need & we’ll send you some ideas.

If we don’t stock it... we’ll source it If we can’t source it... we’ll make it If you are looking to refurbish, update or require a full turn-key package for a new build than look no further than CCP. We are proud to offer quality products at competitive prices with delivery available throughout the UK. T: 01423 359242 sales@ccpuk.co.uk : www.ccpuk.co.uk

Skopos Fabrics, Meeting the Requirements for Caring Interiors Each year Skopos launch new collections, developed specifically with Care interiors in mind. In time for Care Show 23 Skopos will be launching 2 new collections aimed to provide a Boutique, relaxed feel for Caring interiors.

Chamonix Deuxieme, a collection of 38 upholstery fabrics, includes our most popular designs, Slalom, Orelle and Marmotte, in a fresh new palette, offering an antimicrobial, impervious solution for Care home furniture fabric and hospitality settings. Alongside this collection we will be showcasing our new print, Treehouse. This collection evokes a whimsical, enchanting mood in an uplifting colour palette of brights and elegant neutrals, perfect for bedrooms or public areas. Designs, Milly (graphic petal), Eve (floral)and Guinevere (paisley) all bring something different providing choice for customers for cushions, curtains, bedding and upholstery and work well with Skopos’ accent plains.

Skopos can offer a fabric-only service or a full serv-

ice; with site measure, product manufacture and installation. The Skopos team produce approximately 25,000 made-up items each year, including bed-throws, cushions and pairs of curtains, all manufactured by a highly-skilled team of machinists, cutters and pattern makers; items that are delivered and installed into different contract environments.

As with all Skopos prints, customers are able to order designs across base-cloths for upholstery, curtains and bedding.

Qualities include waterproof upholsteries, velvets, drapery linen-effect qualities and blackout/dimout fabrics.

Skopos also offers a Bespoke design service, for statement interiors that require something different.

Our design team will work alongside you to develop ideas which can make your caring interior personal, branded and unique.

For samples of any of our collections www.skoposfabrics.com

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

PAGE 46 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

DEMENTIA CARE Music Charity Inspires Staff Rise & Shine Game Promotes Mobility and Wellbeing 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

In an effort to combat the nationwide issue of reduced mobility among senior citizens, an exciting game called "Rise & Shine" is making waves in healthcare and social care communities.

Developed with the goal of encouraging physical activity in elderly individuals, this innovative game consists of 30 uniquely designed tiles, adorned with playful illustrations by renowned artist and sculptor Bob Olley.

The game is designed to be played in group settings, with healthcare staff identifying participants who would benefit from engaging in physical activity. After receiving their tiles, participants join in activities suited to their needs, such as chair exercises or walking. Once the activities are completed, tiles are placed into the

"Rise & Shine Post-box." As the game progresses, a draw determines the winner, who receives a small prize.

Rise & Shine has been trialled successfully at Sunderland Royal Hospital and South Tyneside District Hospital. Feedback from both patients and staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with improvements in mobility and morale noted among participants.

By incorporating Rise & Shine into their routines, caregivers and healthcare providers can play a crucial role in keeping our elderly community active, engaged, and mobile, ultimately enhancing their wellbeing and independence. www.riseandshinegame.com or see the advert on the front cover.

The Well-being Suite The Well-being Suite was carefully designed to promote well being, foster connection and enhance engagement within a care facility. The innovative suite brings people together enhancing overall wellbeing – sharing enjoyment, nurturing a sense of belonging, creating friendship and cohesion.

Unlock cognitive potential with a vast range of activities crafted to stimulate these abilities, engaging minds and maintaining mental agility. These activities foster memory retention, attention span and critical thinking skills. As well as allowing the residents to unlock their creativity and imagination, the activities give a sense of accomplishment, boost self

esteem and nurture personal growth.

The Well-being Suite promotes social interaction, allowing residents to engage in group participation – sharing enjoyment, building connections, nurturing a sense of belonging, friendship and social cohesion.

Activities have been designed to range from cognitive stimulation, creativity, multi sensory engagement and emotional well being. Guided breathing exercises, expressive art therapies and virtual nature journeys provide moments of tranquillity and emotional respite for residents.

See the advert below for further information.

Top tips for decorating care homes

can appear as a step up or down – as this can be perceived as a hazard, so ensuring the flooring is a consistent tone is therefore crucial.

Other areas of consideration

Alongside critical surfaces, the furnishings of care homes should also be taken into account. They should contrast with critical surfaces so they can be quickly identified. Plus, furniture in a range of shapes and sizes helps increase the residents’ independence: variety provides choice and offers more options to suit needs and preferences.

Lighting should also be a consideration. With residents spending much of their time indoors, it is vital that lighting chosen helps stimulate and mimic sleep-wake cycles.

Good lighting is also important in helping residents identify spaces and enjoy their everyday routines and activities, as well as reducing glare and shadows that can cause confusion.

The perfect paint

While the choice of colours is critical to the wellbeing of residents with dementia, it is the type of paint that keeps the surfaces in the best condition for longer.

Every September, people from around the world come together for World Alzheimer’s Month to educate people about the disease and how to care for those affected, all while challenging the stigma surrounding it. Andrew Cleaver, National Sector Manager for Healthcare at Dulux Trade, explains how designing care homes correctly can improve residents’ quality of life.

There are over 17,000 care homes in the UK1 and according to studies by building and construction market researchers AMA, “the demand for additional capacity within the care home market is likely to start rising again within the next couple of years2”. To support residents living with dementia, it is important that those developing or reinvigorating care facilities know the key design concepts that can aid wayfinding and independence.

Colour is critical

While there is no right or wrong way to colour a healthcare setting, the shades used need to be carefully selected to ensure that critical surfaces – walls, doors, floors and ceilings – are all easily identifiable. This means choosing colours that are all 30 light reflectance value points apart.

For example:

Main walls

Soft, calm tones should be used on main walls. The calm hue of the Dulux Colour of the Year 2024, Sweet

EmbraceTM, is a prime example. It is a subtle, serene standalone shade that makes bolder tones used on other critical surfaces stand out.

In addition, the Colour of the Year was launched alongside three complementary palettes. For bedroom and living spaces, look to the soft blues and greens in the Calm palette (such as Serene Waters or Fresh Foliage) that can help to create a positive, soothing environment for residents.

The 2024 Colour of the Year, and the shades in its corresponding palettes, can be selected for products across the Dulux Trade range of paints. This means that no matter the project, there is a paint and colour suitable for it.

Feature walls

Feature walls should not just be added for visual interest, but to also aid wayfinding. Using more saturated hues – such as the warm terracotta and sand colours in the Warm palette, or modern ochres and lilacs in the Uplifting palette – at the end of corridors, behind kitchen serving areas, or at the front of the living room will act a clever visual prompt and help visually zone areas. A variety of these colours can also be used to visually differentiate each storey of a care home.

Doors

Bolder shades should be used on doors to make them more obvious against the softer tones of the walls. The deeper blues and greens in the Calm palette such as Sapphire Salute or Neptune Seas contrast well with Sweet Embrace™, while also remaining tranquil and easy on the eye.

On the other hand, staff-only doors and supply cupboards should be painted in the same colour as the walls, so they blend in, and limit prohibited access.

Floors

Floors are also considered a critical surface, and the design of these is just as important as the walls enclosing them. High sheen should be avoided, as it can make surfaces appear slippery, and reflect light, which can create confusing shadows. Bold patterns and stripes can also be disorientating, and make the floor feel unstable. In addition, contrast between flooring in one room to the next

When designing or redeveloping care facilities, consider a durable paint that will stand the test of time, and limit the disruption caused by potential future redecoration work.

The recently reformulated Dulux Trade Diamond Matt is compliant with BS EN ISO 11998 Class 1 and BS 7719 Class C and can withstand 10,000 scrubs (the equivalent of five hours non-stop scrubbing). It also delivers additional resistance to oil-based stains, such as food or cosmetics, to help stop stains from being absorbed into the surface, making them easier to clean.

Healthcare environments could also be decorated with antibacterial paint. In such busy environments, fingers, liquids and vapours can often come into contact with walls, which can encourage the spread of germs. Reduce this risk by using a paint such as Dulux Trade Sterishield, which inhibits bacteria and reduces population of MRSA and E.coli, and, when combined with appropriate cleaning practices, helps achieve a more hygienic environment.

For more information about the Colour of the Year 2024, please visit www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/ en/colour-of-the-year-2024

For further information about designing for dementia, please visit: www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/en/content/occd-hub

1 https://www.carehome.co.uk/advice/care-home-stats-number-of-settings-population-workforce#:~:text=There%20are%20about%2017%2C100%20care,total%20number%20of%20care%20homes.&text=Figures%20correct%20as%20of%208%20August%202022 2 https://www.amaresearch.co.uk/report/care-home-construction-market-report-uk-2021-2025/

PAGE 48 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 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 middle pommel for when more control of the abducted lower

limb is required.

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

Contact us on 01424 853331 or visit www.cands-seating.co.uk to request or download a brochure, pricelist or order form, request an individualised quotation, speak to an advisor or to place an order. See the advert on page 6.

Make First Impressions Count with Major Plants

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

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

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

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

Please get in touch!

0800 111 4014 – info@majorplants.co.uk Or see the advert on page 15.

HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors Consort Claudgen Introduces Wi-Fi

HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors protect the elderly and disabled people from fall-related hip fractures.

Designed to protect elderly people from fall related hip fractures, HipSavers are a leading brand of soft hip protectors. Used in the NHS since 2002, HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors are user friendly, affordable and cost-effective personal protective garments.

Soft, comfortable, effective and compatible with incontinence protection, HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors are perfect for use in care homes and by elderly people living independently.

HipSavers should be worn day and night for 24 hour protection and especially during physical and recreational activities, when accidental falls, slips and trips can lead to hip fractures.

Available as comfortable underwear or long casual

pants in several sizes for men and women, HipSavers feature soft protective airPads permanently sewn into the garments over the hip areas prone to injuries and fractures. HipSaver TailBone models have an additional protective airPad over the coccyx on lower back for protection during swaying, accidental knocks, bumps and backward falling.

Machine washable at high temperature and tumble drier friendly, HipSavers are practical, hygienic and durable.

HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors - affordable protective garments for the elderly and disabled people!

For more information see the adverts on the front cover and page 3 or contact Win Health Medical Ltd 01835 864866 - www.win-health.com

Yeoman Shield Fire Door Services 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 and 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.

The implementation of Yeoman Shield Fire Rated Door Protection products can also be in the long term

financially beneficial by halting impact damage from the start eliminating many repairs in the future and again will extend door lifecycles.

Installing Yeoman Shield door protection products such as, door protection panels, door edge protectors and PVCu glazing bead units will not affect the integrity of the fire door as all products have been tested, in situ, to the current standard required.

Vulnerable frames and architraves can also be protected from impact with Yeoman Shield to prevent dangerous splintering and splitting as well as abolishing the time-consuming, repetitive need for repainting.

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

EAIS - The Ideal Solution

EAIS is a leading Manufacturer and Supplier of storage and transportation products supplied both to the Foodservice and Healthcare industries. Proud to be based in King’s Lynn, Norfolk we are renowned for our innovation and ability to offer solutions which not only meet the customer’s demands, but their expectations as well. Whether you are looking for food storage shelving, racking systems, trolleys and fabrication, or maybe its healthcare shelving and medical trolleys or even

Wippet For Care Wippet For Care is the simplest and most versatile way to procure everything you need for your care home. Wippet is your gateway to fair prices from known and trusted suppliers.

Wippet is not a supplier, we have sourced many different suppliers onto our platform. Any healthcare business, small or large, can buy from Wippet.

At Wippet, our purpose is to provide fair market prices to all care operators. So, we have pre-negotiated prices from known and trusted suppliers to the care sector giving instant savings across your purchases.

Our platform and 3 unique services, designed by care procurement specialists, Club, Partner and Fuse are adaptable to the smallest and largest care operators.

- All suppliers routinely, independently checked and vetted.

- Care procurement specialists negotiating with suppliers on behalf of our customers.

- Bolt-on functionality and additional services as you need them.

- More than 50 suppliers and 50,000 products and services already available.

- One login, one basket, one invoice.

WIPPET CLUB

bespoke design products. With the combination of our ability to hold vast stocks of our key product lines, combined with our hugely experienced and award winning customer service it has made EAIS the number one choice within the Industry.

Why not put us to the test and let EAIS become your Ideal Solution? Contact our sales department on either 01553 765205 or sales@eais.co See the advert on page 13 for details.

Wippet Club is our core service offer, we provide the power and technology to make extraordinary prices accessible to all our registered and approved customers.

Our ongoing commitment to work with suppliers negotiating fair prices for you is what we do best.

WIPPET PARTNER

Through Wippet Partner you will turbo-charge your procurement with support from our care procurement experts as and when you need it. From simple benchmarking, via our range of suppliers and partner affiliations, to multiple category tenders. Using the Wippet platform technology to manage your procurement projects more efficiently allowing you to focus more time on other areas of your business.

WIPPET FUSE

Wippet Fuse is the simplest, yet most powerful, purchasing platform for care. Take your procurement to the next level with powerful technology that brings you P2P functionality at a fraction of the cost.

Register to gain access to our 3 services and improve all aspects of your procurement.

Find out more and register today at: https://wippetforcare.com/ info@wipet.com or see the advert on page 8.

Enabled Heaters to LST Range Consort Claudgen's innovation in the electric heating industry takes another leap forward by introducing Wi-Fi-enabled heaters to their low surface temperature (LST) range. These cutting-edge heaters offer unparalleled convenience and efficiency.

The heaters connect directly to Wi-Fi, enabling users to control heating through the digital control panel on the heater or via the Consort Connect app. With a comprehensive 7-day timer, which allows 24 individual heating periods per day, and features such as a lock function, open window detection, and custom automation, users can tailor their heating needs to their preferences.

Adding to the ease of use, users can view the ener-

gy consumption statistics of all connected heaters, providing insights into usage patterns and potential savings. The LST heaters with Wi-Fi and occupancy sensors have a self-learning control ability.

They utilise in-built occupancy sensors to detect and learn a user's weekly presence in a room, creating an intuitive heating schedule. When the space is unoccupied, the heater conserves energy by switching to a setback temperature or frost protection mode.

BIM (Building Information Modelling) objects for the heaters are available for download from Consort's website.

01646 692172 | sales@consortepl.com | www.consortepl.com or see the advert on page 19.

Exclusive Antimicrobial Scrub Technology

by Grahame Gardner and Micro-Fresh® The range, exclusive to Grahame Gardner, incorporates cuttingedge technology Micro-Fresh® to help keep healthcare workers safe whilst maintaining unrivalled comfort.

The garment fabric, which is 65 per cent polyester and 35 per cent cotton, is incorporated with innovative Micro-fresh® technology at point of manufacture. The antimicrobial technology not only kills 99.9 per cent of bacteria beyond 50 washes but is also proven to reduce the spread of human coronavirus by 99.2 per cent.

With wash resistant antibacterial protection, MicroFresh® also boasts odour prevention, providing longer lasting freshness for the wearer. The scrubs are hypoal-

lergenic, gentle on skin and vegan friendly.

The exclusive scrubs are available in two fits – unisex and female – the scrub top is available in six colourways: Oasis, Navy, Eau de Nil, Bottle, Smoke Grey and Blue 18 each with a classic contrasting white trim, the trousers are available in core colours Navy, Bottle and Black.

Grahame Gardner also offer all six scrub colours in their Made to Order range with a bespoke choice of trim colour.

The scrub top design features multiple pockets, including two waterproof chest pockets and a wearers right hand hip pocket, which also has a pen divide and an elastic loop for a clip-on hand sanitiser. The trousers have a drawstring waist, and also side and a back pockets.

The range is exclusively available to purchase here: www.grahamegardner.co.uk/healthcare/ microfresh-scrubs.html www.grahamegardner.co.uk info@grahamegardner.co.uk See the advert on page 7 for further details.

Cutting Operating Costs & Lowering Carbon Emissions In One Move The growing trend for selfcontained single-room bed spaces, including either en-suite bathrooms or preferably a wetroom, which not only make the most of smaller spaces but is a practical solution for people with restricted mobility, is driving daily demands for hot water in care homes. Heating the water for more than 17,000 residential care and nursing homes in the UK, their estimated 400,000 residents and a further 750,000 staff means the sector’s energy demands for this service alone are considerable and potentially a key contributor to both operational costs and carbon emissions. Understanding and addressing hot water generation should therefore be an important part of a care home’s daily operation, especially if the sustainability of the care home environment is being challenged.

Adveco Live Metering of the hot water demands of a building is a quick, non-invasive, and extremely cost-effective means of gauging needs. It also provides application design which enables owner/man-

agers to develop realistic and sustainable development strategies which deliver active results today with low to no impact on ongoing operations.

Unless a new build, which will be electrical-based, most refurbishments will look to either improve on existing gas systems or aim to completely replace them with electrical alternatives, typically heat pumps and/or direct-electric heating. This comes at a cost, in terms of capital and especially operational expense, but does reduce carbon emissions.

Solar thermal can help further reduce carbon, but crucially also reduces the expense associated with operating on both gas or electric, reducing annual energy requirements by typically 30% although it could be more. With a less than 10-year return on investment now possible, solar thermal, as a proven renewable should be on any list of net zero technologies being considered as part of a care home’s sustainability strategy. www.adveco.co or see the advert on page 5.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167 | PAGE 49

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MANAGEMENT

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.

Designed to combat the problem of residents who are inclined to walk undetected, The Nurse Alert Mat can help protect residents especially at night that are at risk of falls and accidents.

This Nurse Alert Mat can be placed typically at the bedside or at the door threshold and plugged into the call socket of the Nurse Call system or the mobile Floor Sentry Monitor.

It can then alert staff for example before the resident is up and about, sounding the alarm with a small amount of pressure thus enabling staff to investigate.

Need to add a pear push lead in the same call point then add a 2-1 adapter

In addition The Floor Pressure Mat has a heavy non slip backing, It comes professionally sealed so can easily be cleaned for liquid spills and is fully serviceable.

And carries a 12 Month guarantee 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 our NEW WEBSITE at www.lctuk.com for 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.

Phone: 01837 810590 Email: contact@frequencyprecision.com Website: www.frequencyprecision.com

Nurse Alert Mats Designed to combat the problem of residents who are inclined to walk undetected, the Nurse Alert Mat can help protect residents especially at night that are at risk of falls and accidents.

When connected to a Nurse Call system or the mobile Floor Sentry Monitor it will then alert staff, sounding the alarm with a small amount of pressure thus enabling staff to investigate.

• Nurse Call Systems • Fire Alarm Systems • Door Access • Staff Attack • CCTV • Infection Control • Dementia Care • Electrical Contracting

In addition The Floor Pressure Mat has a heavy non slip backing, It comes professionally sealed so can easily be cleaned for liquid spills and is fully serviceable.

INCLUDES A 12 MONTH GUARANTEE

sales@lctuk.com 0800 8499 121 www.LCTUK.com

PAGE 50 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MANAGEMENT Your Fall-Encompassing Care Solution: How Vayyar Care is Shaking Up the Sector There are plenty of reasons why 17 local authority care homes (at the last count) have embraced a new approach to data-driven care. But two stand out: ensuring rapid response to resident falls and accurately assessing risk in order to prevent falls from happening.

Achieving those long-standing goals has been made possible thanks to two types of transformative technology: cutting-edge radar-on-chip sensors and a new generation of connected care platforms capable of analyzing reams of behavioural data and generating actionable insights that enhance outcomes.

FAILSAFE FALL DETECTION The first of those technologies is Vayyar Care. The solution, produced by the world leader in 4D imaging radar and distributed by installation and support experts Panacea Healthcare Group, provides 24/7 monitoring – even in pitch darkness and steamy bathrooms. The sensors deliver instant, exceptionally accurate and fully automatic fall detection without the resident having to push a pendant button – which they might have failed to put on that morning.

Crucially, Vayyar Care ensures the right balance between the detail that care providers need and the dignity residents demand. Less intrusive than video cameras and more precise than acoustic monitoring, it provides full visibility while respecting personal privacy.

As Natasha Corness, TEC Innovation Lead and Essex County Council, puts it: “Vayyar gave us the opportunity to have a non-intrusive way of monitoring our customers across Essex and maintain dignity and respect. It was-

n’t a camera that was monitoring them, you don’t have to remember to put on a pendant alarm. I’d definitely recommend Vayyar Care to other councils because we believe this technology is the future.”

FORWARD-LOOKING FALLS MANAGEMENT Care providers don’t want only to prevent long lies. They also want to mitigate fall risk. That’s where connected care platform providers such as Anthropos come in, providing advanced software that pulls in data from a range of smart devices in order to reveal exactly what’s going on with every resident.

Vayyar Care is at the core of the Anthropos ecosystem.

“We wanted a device that we could easily integrate with in our platform, because we need to have a device that we can trust the data that it provides. That is what Vayyar did for us. It’s almost the equivalent to being there with your client 24/7, when no-one is there,” explains Frances Morrison, Chief Customer Officer at Anthropos Digital Care.

The combined offering’s activity tracking features show where residents are in their suites over any defined period, highlighting risk factors including loneliness, disturbed sleep and higher-than-usual bathroom usage, all of which increase the likelihood of falls.

“It’s pretty impressive technology. I would definitely recommend the system to any care home in the country.

It is definitely a life-saver,” says Michelle Wood, Care Home Manager at Dryfemount in Lockerbie.

To find out more about how Vayyar Care and Anthropos can enhance resident safety, reduce caregiver workload and support your organisation’s digitisation journey, email collaboration@vayyar.com

Silent Running - Tranquility in Care Homes Blaucomm Ltd - Telecommunications & Networks 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.

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 tran-

quil 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.

For more information email us at: info@c-t.co.uk or see the advert below.

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 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 See the advert on the front cover for more details.

www.nursecallsystems.co.uk

PAGE 52 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MANAGEMENT Arquella - Connected Technology, Connected Care ARQUELLA, a leading care technology provider, offers solutions to enhance the quality of care in nursing and residential homes across the United Kingdom.

Arquella is passionate about making a difference in the quality of care provided to nursing and residential homes across the United Kingdom. Through the power of technology, we have developed cutting-edge solutions that are accessible and supportive, putting people at the forefront.

As part of a nationwide initiative driven by a £25m UK government funding pledge to enhance the quality of care and support individuals’ independence, Arquella is proud to be at the forefront of the digital transformation in the care sector.

Falls in care homes are a significant concern in the UK, with residents three times more likely to fall than older people living in their own homes. Arquella’s innovative solution, Arquella Sense, utilising sensor-based technology, and Arquella Call, a digital nurse call system, will improve reactive care and reduce risk.

Arquella Sense uses discreet wall or ceiling-mounted sensors to monitor fall risk behaviour 24 hours daily,

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 tran-

alerting carers via mobile handsets. The technology aims to intervene before falls occur, increasing safety and providing a cost-effective solution to cumbersome mats.

Arquella Call is an app-based digital nurse call system that delivers in-depth digital records and future-proof functionality. It integrates seamlessly with other software applications, offering actionable data to help shape care delivery and adjust staffing levels.

Arquella is at the forefront of a digital transformation revolution in the care sector. Technology is more important than ever in providing insights and actionable data to inform decisions and improve lives.

For more information about Arquella’s products and how they can benefit your care home, please call 0333 242 7505 or visit their website at www.arquella.co.uk

sistors?

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 27 for further details.

Fall Savers - Affordable Fall Monitoring Solutions Fall Savers®, are an experienced market leading healthcare provider of resident safety solutions for over 15 years.

FALL SAVERS ® WIRELESS MONITOR

Eliminate all cables with our new generation falls management solutions!

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

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Safer for patients; less work for staff Bed and chair pads available One monitor works 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 SENSOR PAD

The TreadNought® Floor Sensor Pad is built to last with a durable construction that far out lasts the competition. Our anti-bacterial floor

sensor pad is compatible with most nurse call systems or can be used with a portable pager to sound an alert when a person steps on to the sensor pad. Caregivers typically place the sensor pad at the bedside, in a doorway or other locations to monitor persons at risk for falls or wandering. An optional anti-slip mesh reduces the potential for slippage on hard surface floors.

FEATURES INCLUDE: Connects directly to most nurse call systems High Quality anti-bacterial Floor Sensor Pad Large Size Pad: Measures (L) 91cm x (H) 61cm Options (sold separately): Anti-slip mesh for hard surface floors See the advert on this page for further details or visit www.fallsavers.co.uk.

PAGE 54 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Revolutionary Software Solution, Direcht LD, Empowers Self-Care Within Learning Disability Environments Sidqam UK is proud to announce the launch of Direcht LD, a cuttingedge Software Solution designed specifically for Learning Disability Environments. With a core mission of empowering self-care within individuals, Direcht LD promises to revolutionise the way we support and enhance the lives of those with learning disabilities.

Direcht LD is the result of years of research and development, guided by the belief that everyone, regardless of their abilities, deserves the tools and opportunities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. This innovative software solution is poised to make a significant impact in the field of learning disabilities.

Key features of Direcht LD include: • Empowering Self Care: Supporting people living in LD care, MH care or supported living by completing Daily Questions each day.

• Carer support : Decision making made easy by completing soft signs, vitals, and generating pre-built SBARD’s for reaching out to external healthcare professionals.

• Audit tracing – Past records can be utilised to assist care home managers when being audited.

• CQC inspection assurance: Every interaction is logged, saved and easy to reach for when care homes have inspections from CQC. No more panic during those surprise visits.

• Tailored for Learning Disability Environments: Direcht LD is uniquely designed to address the specific needs and challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities, making it a valuable asset for caregivers, educators, and support professionals.

• User-Friendly Interface: Direcht LD boasts a user-friendly and intuitive interface that ensures accessibility for all users, regardless of their level of technical proficiency.

• Comprehensive Learning Resources: The software includes a vast library of lessons, assessments, and educational materials, all designed to cater to diverse learning needs and styles.

• Robust Support: Direcht LD is backed by a dedicated team of experts who are committed to providing top-notch customer support and continuous

software updates to meet evolving user needs.

Sidqam invites individuals, organisations, and institutions in the field of learning disabilities to explore the possibilities that Direcht LD offers. This innovative software solution aligns with the mission of enhancing the quality of life and promoting independence for individuals with learning disabilities.

For more information about Direcht LD, please visit www.sidqam.co.uk or contact Lawrence Chadwick-Smith at lawrence.chadwicksmith@sidqam.co.uk and 07920067737

About Sidqam: Sidqam is a leading healthcare technology company that offers cuttingedge solutions to healthcare organisations across the UK and beyond.

These innovative solutions are designed to elevate patient outcomes, lower operational costs, enhance efficiency, and, most crucially, elevate the quality of patient care.

In today’s dynamic healthcare landscape, Sidqam stands as a trailblazer, spearheading advancements that transform the way healthcare is delivered. Our commitment to delivering exceptional technology solutions stems from our unwavering dedication to improving the well-being of patients across the country and beyond.

Transform Your Care Business with Advanced Care Cloud Are you tired of juggling multiple systems and struggling to stay on top of your care organisation's operations? Look no further! Advanced Care Cloud is here to revolutionise the way you manage your care business.

With Advanced Care Cloud, you can say goodbye to the complexities and limitations of outdated software. Our innovative cloud-based solution offers a true, single, integrated platform that empowers you to efficiently manage any type or size of care and support organisation.

Imagine having all your key information at your fingertips, accessible in one central location. No more searching through countless spreadsheets, paperwork, or disjointed systems. Advanced Care Cloud brings everything together, allowing you to see and do what you need, exactly when you need it.

Why choose Advanced Care Cloud? Here are just a few reasons: 1.Streamlined Operations: With Advanced Care Cloud, you can streamline your day-today operations, eliminating time-consuming manual processes and reducing administrative burden. From scheduling and staff management to client records and billing, everything is seamlessly integrated for enhanced efficiency.

2.Comprehensive Care Management: Whether you provide residential care, domiciliary care, supported living, or any other type of care, Advanced Care Cloud has got you covered. Our solution is designed to meet the unique

needs and requirements of various care settings, providing comprehensive care management tools tailored to your specific workflows.

3. Real-time Insights: Gain valuable insights into your care business with Advanced Care Cloud's robust reporting and analytics capabilities. Track key metrics, monitor performance, and make data-driven decisions to drive continuous improvement and achieve better outcomes for your clients.

4. Anywhere, Anytime Access: Advanced Care Cloud is accessible from any device with an internet connection, giving you the flexibility to manage your care business on the go. Even in situations where the connection is lost, Advanced Care Cloud remains accessible. You can continue working offline and rest assured that any updates made will be automatically synced once the connection is re-established. So, whether you're at the office, visiting clients, or attending conferences, you can stay connected and in control.

To experience the power of Advanced Care Cloud firsthand, visit our stand G74 at the Care Show on the 11th and 12th of October at the NEC Birmingham. Our team of experts will be available to provide live demonstrations, answer your questions, and showcase how Advanced Care Cloud can transform your care business.

For more information on Advanced Care Cloud and to schedule a personalised demo, visit our website www.oneadvanced.com/products/care-cloud or call us on 0330 311 6077 today.

PAGE 56 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Technology Enabled Care:

The Next Generation of Care Provision

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/engb/health-social-care/form/digitaltelecare-demo-contact-form/

Introducing Caregraphy: Transforming Social Care Management In today's rapidly evolving world, where technology drives progress across industries, the field of health and social care is no exception. Caregraphy is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, offering an innovative software solution that revolutionises the way care organisations manage their operations.

At Caregraphy, we understand the challenges faced by care providers in delivering high-quality services while navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Our mission is to empower care organisations with the tools they need to enhance client outcomes, streamline administrative tasks, and ensure compliance with ever-changing regulations.

What sets Caregraphy apart is its user-centric design that places care providers and clients at the heart of every feature.

From comprehensive client assessments and personalised support plans to secure communication tools and real-time reporting, our software is built to simplify your daily tasks and elevate your service quality.

With Caregraphy, gone are the days of manual paperwork, inefficient communication, and disjointed processes. Our platform seamlessly integrates all aspects of care management into one unified system, enabling you to focus on what truly matters – delivering exceptional care and improving the lives of those you serve.

We are not just a software provider; we are your partner in progress. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that Caregraphy works to suit your unique needs, evolving alongside your organisation. By harnessing the power of technology, we enable you to unlock new efficiencies, achieve higher standards of care, and drive positive outcomes.

Experience the Caregraphy difference – where innovation meets compassion, and where your organisation's success is our top priority.

Discover more at www.caregraphy.com and book a demo to find out how you can start your journey with Caregraphy today.

See the advert on page 46 for details.

Pass Profile 2023

• Save you time • Increase the efficiency of your teams • Improve the quality of care • Deliver better outcomes

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.

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

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

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

INTEGRATED HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE Our commitment to the continual evolution of PASS is further illustrated by the addition of GP Connect.

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

PAGE 58 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Sidqam - Software Solutions for Community Care Sidqam is a health technology company that offers cutting-edge solutions to health and community care organisations in the United Kingdom. These innovative solutions are designed to elevate patient outcomes and staff confidence, lower operational costs, enhance efficiency, and, most crucially, improve the quality of patient care.

In today's dynamic healthcare landscape, Sidqam stands as a trailblazer, spearheading advancements that transform the way healthcare is delivered. Our commitment to delivering exceptional technology solutions stems from our unwavering dedication to improving the wellbeing of patients across the country and beyond.

Fardeen Siddiqui, CEO Sidqam Ltd. says, “Our software solutions are a testament to our commitment to delivering excellence within community care. We understand the profound impact that technology can have on the lives of both caregivers and the individuals they support. In the realm of care homes, Direcht Care streamlines administrative tasks, allowing staff to dedicate more time and attention to residents. We prioritize enhancing the quality of care, ensuring that each individual receives personalised support tailored to their unique needs.

For those with learning disabilities, Direcht LD creates opportunities for independence and growth. It fosters a supportive environment that encourages skill development and empowerment. We believe that technology should serve as a bridge to inclusivity, enabling individuals with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling lives within their communities” Lawrence Chadwick-Smith, Head of Operations added, “Our software solutions for community care are driven by a shared passion for enhancing lives, it's a sector we are immensely proud to serve. We understand that the well-being of individuals in care homes, those with learning disabilities and domiciliary care hinges on the quality of care they receive, and we are here to set new standards of excellence and compassion.”

OUR PRODUCTS Direcht LD is the result of years of research and development, guided by the belief that everyone, regardless of their abilities, deserve the tools and opportunities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

This innovative and fit-for-purpose software solution is poised to make a significant impact in the field of caring for people with learning dis-

abilities.

Direcht Care empowers care providers with a comprehensive and user-friendly platform to streamline and enhance resident care. Our software offers intuitive care plan creation and management tools, enabling care teams to develop personalised care plans that cater to each resident's unique needs, preferences, and medical history.

Additionally, incorporating Direcht Restore enables comprehensive deterioration monitoring and escalation.

Direcht Restore is the ultimate monitoring deterioration and escalation software that helps care homes provide the best care to their residents by empowering care workers with the support they need.

Co-developed with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB (the original creators of the paper RESTORE2™), Direcht Restore is the only fullstandard deterioration monitoring solution on the market.

For more information about the Sidqam range of software solutions for community care, please visit www.sidqam.co.uk, email direcht@sidqam.co.uk or call 0161 818 4614

WhosOffice Online success Helps Care Sector with Shift Planning and Staff Leave Management Kent -based WhosOffice.com is helping the care sector manage staff shifts and leave planning. Currently used by many businesses to manage staff holidays and shift rotas online.

WhosOffice’s CEO, Reg Groombridge, has seen a noticeable shift in the way companies are managing essential HR tasks like coordinating staff time off and shift patterns.

“All companies, including large care homes, hospital pharmacies and the care sector generally are more sensitive than ever to key staff not being available at vital times during a shift. Management, including local managers, need to have a clear vision of whos on shift, day off, who’s on leave or even off sick and be able to plan tasks accordingly to the correct staff.”

“As there continues to be pressure caused by the shortage of skilled and qualified personnel, you need online systems that your whole team can use to see accurate information, wherever they’re located – at head office, care home based, onsite or on the move.”

Knowing who’s on shift or available to cover a shift is the key to success along with who’s qualified to cover certain essential roles and tasks.

“The switch to digital shift planning is driving investment in HR tools like WhosOffice because there can be less face-to-face interaction between staff. Its easier to have an online system that gives everyone from the ground up a clearer picture of who’s on shift, who’s available and qualified to take on tasks that must covered.

Particularly in the care sector you can’t just lean across the desk and ask someone if they’ve booked next week off or when they are next on shift.

“There’s also a need for companies to provide a good employee experience. When recruitment is a challenge, you can’t afford to lose your most valuable people – and a basic mistake like miscalculating someone’s holiday allowance or not logging their time off request can have a huge impact on people’s loyalty to your business.”

“Likewise, it’s important to protect the health and wellbeing of your workforce, to mitigate the risk of someone going off long-term sick.

We’re seeing more companies using the WhosOffice absence management feature to track staff sick leave, so they can identify people who may be struggling with their physical or mental health and offer appropriate support.”

Ever-rising employee expectations have created a stronger business case for investing in HR technologies. When WhosOffice launched in 2015 it was one of the very first online staff shift and leave planners, and many businesses still used paper forms or spreadsheets to track time off. Now, companies of all sizes are modernising their operations to help them attract and retain the best people.

“Fortunately, essential HR tools have become much more affordable in recent years, which means SMEs can use the same, sophisticated software as much larger companies.”

Contact details WhosOffice.com +44 (0)1227 812938 support@whosoffice.com

PAGE 60 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Cyber Attack On Social Care: A Case Of ‘When, Not If’

By Daniel O’Shaughnessy, Delivery Manager at Better Security, Better Care In the modern world, cyber attacks are a case of ‘when, not if’, and social care is no exception. During National Cyber Security Awareness Month in October, Better Security, Better Care will be encouraging all care providers to check and improve their cyber security arrangements.

The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2023 reports that 59% of medium sized businesses recall breaches or attacks in the last year. Smaller organisations are identifying them less, but this may reflect that managers in smaller organisations view cyber security as less of a priority in the current economic climate, so are undertaking less monitoring.

As most care services are small or medium sized businesses, with valuable data such as staff, clients’ and the company’s bank details, they can be particularly vulnerable. The impact can be significant and costly such as: • loss of access to care plans and rosters, putting care delivery at risk • financial losses due to theft from bank accounts, fake requests for payments, and ransomware demands • the time lost through having to fix systems.

Many more care providers are using the free Data Security and Protection Toolkit

(DPST) for social care to assess and improve their arrangements. That is real progress.

The challenge is to be continuously alert to less obvious or emerging risks.

For example, if a software supplier is the victim of a cyber attack, it can impact on organisations using their systems. This happened last summer when a cyber-attack impacted NHS and social care software systems. One care provider had all the appropriate cyber security infrastructure in place, but they were still disrupted because the attack on the software company blocked access to their system. Fortunately, the care service had a strong business continuity plan in place. As the manager explains: “We had already been backing up and downloading our employee rosters as part of this plan, so when the attack happened, we were able to check our downloaded rosters and move these over to a spreadsheet.”

We strongly encourage providers to take up the benefits of going digital – and plan for the potential risks. The DSPT brings you through all the issues you need to consider.

And you don’t have to do it alone. You can access free support from the Better Security, Better Care programme – including 28 support organisations across the country.

Visit www.digitalsocialcare.co.uk/bettersecuritybettercare or see the advert on page 9.

Elevating Care Standards: A Revolution in UK Residential and Domiciliary Care Auditing In an era of ever-evolving healthcare regulations and an unwavering commitment to delivering quality care, auditing and compliance have never been more critical in residential care and domiciliary care settings. The spotlight on transparency, accountability, and patient safety shines brighter than ever before. That's where our state-of-the-art auditing tool comes into play, paving the way for a new standard of excellence in care provision.

A NEED FOR TRANSFORMATION IN CARE AUDIT PROCESSES Traditionally, auditing processes for care providers have been time-consuming, paper-heavy, and prone to errors. The burden of regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and delivering exceptional patient-centred care can be overwhelming.

THE POWER OF CARE AUDITS Customisable Templates: Tailor audit templates to your specific care setting, ensuring that the auditing process aligns perfectly with your care protocols and regulatory requirements.

Time and Cost Efficiency: Say goodbye to the days of sifting through mountains of paperwork. Care Audits streamlines the auditing process, saving time and reducing costs.

Real-time Tracking: Stay ahead of compliance requirements with real-time tracking and reporting. Our system allows you to monitor, manage, and report on audit findings instantly, reducing the risk of compliance gaps and penalties.

Improved Care Quality: By identifying areas for improvement quickly and efficiently, Care Audits empowers your team to enhance care quality and patient outcomes.

Comprehensive Training and Support: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure that you maximize the potential of Care Audits.

JOIN THE FUTURE OF CARE AUDITING Embrace innovation, elevate your care provision, and ensure unwavering compliance with Care Audits. It's time to leave behind the challenges of outdated auditing methods and embrace the efficiency, accuracy, and quality improvements Care Audits offers.

Invest in your residents, clients, and the future of care. Contact us today to schedule a demo or experience Care Audits first-hand with our free 14-day free trial.

See the advert on this page for further details.

Patient Handling and Moving

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167 | PAGE 61

PATIENT HANDLING

Patient handling and moving in UK residential and nursing care homes is an essential activity that needs to be carried out safely and efficiently to prevent injury to both patients and staff. Handling and moving patients can be a physically demanding task, and staff must be trained and equipped to carry out this activity safely.

LEGISLATION

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the primary legislation that governs health and safety in the workplace, including residential and nursing care homes. This act requires employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and anyone else who may be affected by their work. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 build on this act, requiring employers to conduct risk assessments and implement measures to eliminate or control the risks identified.

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 also relate to patient handling and moving and require employers to avoid hazardous manual handling wherever possible. If this is not feasible, employers must assess the risk of injury and take steps to reduce it, such as providing training, equipment, and other aids. The regulations also require employers to ensure that workers are aware of the risks associated with manual handling and the measures in place to minimize them.

TRAINING

Training is a crucial aspect of patient handling and moving in residential and nursing care homes. Workers must be trained in the safe use of equipment and techniques to prevent injury to themselves and patients. The training should cover the risks associated with manual handling, such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and how to minimize them. Workers should also be trained in how to use patient handling aids and equipment, such as hoists and transfer belts.

Training should be provided to all new employees and repeated periodically to ensure that all staff are aware of the latest techniques and equipment. The training should also cover the specific needs of different patient groups, such as those with dementia or other cognitive impairments. It is essential to ensure that workers have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective care to all patients.

RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk assessment is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of patients and caregivers in residential and nursing care homes. Employers must

conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards and take steps to eliminate or control them. The risk assessment should cover all aspects of patient handling and moving, including lifting, transferring, and repositioning.

The risk assessment should consider factors such as the patient's weight, mobility, and any medical conditions that may affect their ability to move. It should also consider the environment in which the patient is being moved, such as the presence of obstacles or uneven flooring.

Based on the risk assessment, employers should implement measures to reduce the risk of injury, such as the use of patient handling aids and equipment or changes to the layout of the care home.

INJURIES

Injuries resulting from patient handling and moving are a common problem in care homes. Staff who handle patients regularly are at risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries, such as back pain and strain injuries. Patients may also experience discomfort, pain, and pressure sores if they are not handled correctly. These injuries can be prevented by following safe handling techniques and using equipment such as hoists and slings.

Patient handling aids and equipment play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of both patients and caregivers in UK residential and nursing care homes. These aids and equipment are designed to assist with patient handling and moving, which can often

be physically demanding and potentially dangerous without proper equipment and techniques.

One of the most commonly used patient handling aids is the hoist.

Hoists are devices that use a lifting mechanism to move patients from one location to another, such as from a bed to a wheelchair or a bath.

Ceiling hoists are often used in care homes and are mounted on a track system that allows them to move across the ceiling, while mobile hoists are freestanding and can be moved from one location to another.

Transfer belts are another type of patient handling aid that is widely used in care homes. These belts are placed around the patient's waist and are used to assist with transfers from one location to another, such as from a bed to a chair or a toilet. Transfer belts are particularly useful for patients who have some mobility but may need assistance with standing or walking.

Slide sheets are also commonly used in patient handling and moving. These sheets are placed under the patient and are used to slide them from one surface to another, such as from a bed to a stretcher or a wheelchair. Slide sheets are particularly useful for patients who are unable to assist with their own transfers.

Other types of patient handling aids and equipment include standing aids, turning discs, and lifting cushions. These aids and equipment are designed to provide additional support during patient handling and moving, reducing the risk of injury to both patients and caregivers.

DISCOMFORT AND DIGNITY

Patient handling and moving can be uncomfortable and undignified for patients if not carried out correctly. Care homes should ensure that patients are treated with dignity and respect at all times and that their privacy is protected. Patients should be involved in the handling and moving process as much as possible and should be given the opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences.

In conclusion, patient handling and moving in UK residential and nursing care homes is a vital activity that requires careful planning and execution to prevent injury to both patients and staff. Care homes should ensure that all staff involved in patient handling and moving receive regular training, and that they have access to appropriate equipment and aids. Risk assessment should be carried out before any handling activity takes place, and patients should be treated with dignity and respect at all times.

Lento Neuro - Elevating Neurological Patient Comfort and Care Unmatched Comfort and Support Lento Neuro is a therapeutic solution, engineered to meet the unique needs of patients with neurological conditions.

With its emphasis on supportive seating and ergonomic design, it the chair ‘hugs’ patients and provides a secure and calming “cocooned” feel when in the chair.

Widely Adjustable We recognise that every patient is unique. That's why Lento Neuro offers a wide adjustability that means this chair can be change in size as a patient’s condition progresses.

Find the ideal fit for a patient with: • Removable armrests • Adjustable seat depth and width • Adjustable back angle and incremental recline.

Seamless Mobility and Safety Mobility and safety are crucial in a healthcare environment, Lento Neuro features lockable wheels on the chair and footrest allowing you to easily adjust the chair's position.

Pressure Care Materials Throughout The Lento Neuro is designed with built in pressure care solutions that prioritise the health and safety of your patients.

We've incorporated Dartex, a leading pressure care material that allows moisture to pass through, into Lento Neuro's skin contact surfaces. This provides additional support by preventing skin breakdown, crucial for patients with neurological conditions who may be at greater risk.

The breathable back cushions also allow air to pass through the chair and maintain patient comfort.

Accessories Whether it's choosing from various postural cushion options or utilising the chair's intuitive adjustable positions, you can personalise the seating experience to optimise patient comfort and well-being.

A Partnership for Progress Vivid Care are not just a supplier; we're your collaborative partner in delivering exceptional patient care. With this innovative chair, you can elevate care standards and enrich the lives of patients facing neurological challenges.

Join us in shaping the future of neurological disease patient care.

enquiries@vivid.care 01423 799960 www.vivid.care

PAGE 62 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

PROFESSIONAL AND RECRUITMENT

Navigating Nursing Shortages: Legal Responsibilities & Recruitment Strategies Brendan Wincott is the managing director of Guardian Support, an HR, Employment Law and Health and Safety consultancy (www.guardiansupport.co.uk) The care sector is facing an unprecedented recruitment challenge which is being compounded by high staff turnover (31%) and increasing vacancies (currently 8%). While UK employers are increasingly relying on overseas workers, this is not enough.

It is unlikely that the NHS or government will be able to solve this issue themselves. In this blog, we focus on employers, their legal duties towards nursing staff and how they can potentially increase the recruitment and retention of nurses.

WHY IS THERE A SHORTAGE OF NURSES IN THE UK?

area where nurses may not work. Employers should take care when including such clauses, as they should aim to protect the interests of the business while still being fair to the employee and any future work opportunities they may be presented with.

NAVIGATING POOR WORK PERFORMANCE IN A NURSING SHORTAGE During a crisis such as this, it can be difficult for employers to navigate the way forward. Should employers be dealing with issues like poor performance more leniently? And should the criteria for nursing recruitment change?

Ideally, employers should always strive to attract and retain top talent. One of the first courses of action you should take is to conduct a background check on your nurses. This will help you determine whether

There are many factors that have influenced the nursing shortage.

The Covid-19 pandemic put immense pressure on the healthcare system, ramping up nurse demand. This resulted in significantly heavier workloads, burnout and mental health issues.

When you couple these poor working conditions with the severely low pay, one can understand why these professionals are choosing to leave the healthcare sector or not enter it at all.

should use the opportunity to understand why this is the case and provide the training and support needed

WHAT ARE EMPLOYERS' LEGAL DUTIES & HOW CAN THEY HELP NURSES?

to improve a nurse's performance.

UK employers are legally required to adhere to the rules and regulations set out by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. In terms of the nursing sector, employers must do everything in their power to ensure a safe working environment for nurses.

This includes assessing risks (such as patient handling, use of equipment, and exposure to infectious diseases) and implementing preventative measures. Additionally, nurses must be supplied with the correct personal protective equipment, as this will prevent exposure to harmful pathogens.

HOW ELSE CAN YOU SUPPORT NURSING STAFF?

EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS FOR NURSING STAFF Employment contracts should be fair to both parties. Something that has been increasingly seen in nurses' employment contracts is restrictive covenants, which are more commonly known as non-compete clauses.

With these clauses, an employee agrees to refrain from competing against the employer, poaching colleagues or inducing customers away from the employer. Often, these clauses also stipulate a geographical

they are fit to work with vulnerable adults and other groups.

Additionally, you should ensure they are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council) and hold a relevant associate or bachelor's degree.

During the duration of the employment contract, it’s also essential that you conduct appraisals with your nursing staff. This will help you to determine if they are still performing at a satisfactory level. If not, you

Many nursing staff have left their jobs in the past year, citing reasons such as anxiety, stress, depression and other mental health issues. As an employer, you have a duty of care towards your nursing staff, and apart from ensuring their health and safety, you should also take steps to support their welfare. Providing mental health support as well as training can assist nurses with the skills needed to work in such a taxing environment.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE NURSING SHORTAGE The nursing shortage is a crisis for the UK sector, and in such a climate, employers are faced with the challenges of attracting and retaining skilled nurses while still ensuring legal compliance.

Providing employment contracts that are fair to both employer and employee can help with attracting and retaining skilled nurses. Additionally, employers should look to support staff welfare through mental health assistance and training.

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 See the advert on the facing page for details.

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 we assist at every stage of your business expansion.

Every proposal is individual and deserves to be treated that way, so we hope you will allow us to be of assistance to you and call us to chat through your plans and requirements, I am sure we will be able to tailor a facility to your requirements.

Call us on 01242 227172 or e-mail us at enquiries@globalbusinessfinance.net

FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE SOCIAL CARE SECTOR DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOU, SIGN UP AT WWW.THECARERUK.COM/SIGNUP

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167 | PAGE 63

PROFESSIONAL AND RECRUITMENT Transforming Care Services: How Interim Managers and Mock CQC Inspections Can Save Providers Money, Stress and Their Reputation As a provider, we have encountered our fair share of challenges. From staffing shortages to regulatory hurdles, the road to providing good care can often be rocky. However, through our journey, we’ve learned of two invaluable tools that can save providers money, stress, and their reputation.

THE POWER OF INTERIM MANAGERS Interims are seasoned professionals who step in during times of crisis, transition or growth; bringing a fresh perspective. Their expertise can range from operations and compliance to financial management and staffing. Here's why they are an asset to providers: • Problem Solvers: They quickly assess the situation, identify problems, and implement effective solutions, preventing issues from escalating and incurring more significant costs.

• Regulation: They ensure services remains compliant,

avoiding costly penalties.

• Staff Development: Interims excel in reducing staff turnover, agency cost and supporting staff.

• Efficiency: Hiring an interim may seem like an added expense, their ability to streamline operations can result in substantial cost savings.

THE VALUE OF MOCK CQC INSPECTIONS Inspections led by experienced professionals help providers improve, preventing costly regulatory fines and reputational damage. Mock inspections demonstrate commitment to and evidence of people’s lived experience, attracting more clients and investors.

THE PATH TO SUCCESS Given our experience as provider who have weathered numerous storms, we can attest to the transformative power of these tools when they are led people like the Jiggle team, who know the sector.

By embracing interim support and mock CQC inspections, you too can embark on a journey toward a brighter, more sustainable future.

Nicola Brookes Head of Social Care & Interim Support www.jigglestaffing.com or see the advert on page 11.

Immtell - Navigating Immigration, Delivering Solutions Filling roles in the care industry has never been more challenging.

The need for experienced staff to provide vital care services is increasing and it’s crucial we find solutions to bridge this gap.

Immtell is your ally in this journey, guiding care homes through the process of acquiring and maintaining a Home Office Sponsor Licence and sourcing talent globally through the Health and Care Visa route.

As a care home, it’s paramount to have robust procedures in place to ensure compliance with immigration laws. Beyond Sponsor Licence application and management, we assist with Sponsor Duties, Compliance Audits, Right to Work Checks and provide immigration staff training. Our services mitigate

the risk of fines and reputational damage from employing illegal workers.

For overseas nurses and carers aspiring to work in the UK, Immtell offers specialised UK immigration support with initial visa applications, extensions, family dependant visas and more, simplifying the path to new opportunities in the UK care sector.

Our work at Immtell is making a real difference, helping to resource care homes with the experienced personnel they need and enabling caring professionals to take up these critical roles.

For more information, contact Gavin Webster, Director at Immtell, at info@immtell.com, or visit our website at www.immtell.com.

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

PAGE 64 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 167

PROFESSIONAL AND RECRUITMENT

Creating Caring Communities: A Chat with Kata Care's MD, Fae Mell Interviewer: Let's dive right into it, Fae. Can you give us the lowdown on Kata Care and what got you started on this journey?

Fae: Kata Care is all about making a positive impact in social care. My co-founder and I saw a need for expert support that could adapt to the ever-changing demands of the sector. We wanted to be that helping hand for care providers, whether they're struggling with leadership, quality improvement, regulations, or growing their business. We wanted to be the onestop shop for all their needs, whether it's a specific project, an interim contract, or a long-term care quality partner.

I: That's fantastic! So, what's the secret sauce that sets Kata Care

apart?

F: Well, it all comes down to personalised support. We get that every care provider is unique, so we offer tailor-made solutions. Our team includes a whole bunch of experts - Registered Managers, Directors, CSuite pros, and former regulators. Plus, we've got national coverage of close to 100 experts, so we adapt to whatever our clients need, and quickly.

I: What do you look for in the professionals you bring into Kata Care?

F: We seek people who share our passion for excellent care, who are compassionate, adaptable, and always eager to improve. Our team are experts in their fields, but they're also great collaborators. Most of them have been in the sector for over 20 years - they're all incredible.

I: Collaboration and empathy, that's what it's all about. Speaking of collaboration, what's your vision for Kata Care's role in encouraging collaboration within the care community?

F: We see Kata Care as a central hub for collaboration and knowledge

exchange. We're all about connecting care providers, consultants, suppliers, job seekers, and specialist experts. We want to share best practices and spark innovation. Our network of interims and consultants is bursting with talent, and together, we're raising the bar for social care. For those who know me, they know I'm a strong advocate for collaboration. The world would be a better place if we all worked in harmony.

I: Love the community spirit. Before we wrap it up, any advice for those looking to make a difference in social care?

F: Easy. Follow your heart, believe in the positive change you can make, and surround yourself with a supportive crew. Together, we can make the world of care brighter and better for everyone who needs it.

I: You're spreading some serious positivity, Fae. Thanks for sharing this with us today. We're rooting for your mission to uplift social care standards!

F: Thanks so much for having me :) See the advert on the facing page for details.

Are You Looking For Trained Healthcare Professionals?

At Nurse 365 we provide experienced and fully vetted agency support workers and nurses on a temporary and block booking basis. We are based in Whitchurch, Shropshire and supply care staff to the West Midlands, Shropshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire and Wirral areas.

Our lines are open 24/7 365 days of the year, with a team dedicated to your staffing solutions.

Nurse 365 has a high number of care staff who are available to cover shifts as and when needed, to the highest quality. Every candidate is trained annually in numerous courses (some of which are; dementia awareness, epilepsy, positive behaviour support, learning disabilities and autism

awareness) and many, many more.

We have helped numerous care, residential and nursing homes combat their staffing solutions with our high quality staff and are now No.1 on their PSL/suppliers list. Our care is second to none – you can rely on us to provide professional and reliable care staff to be a part of your team.

Get in touch today for all enquiries: Tel: 01948 808833 Email: nurse365@mail.com Web: www.Nurse-365.co.uk

Elevating Healthcare Staffing with Meridale In the complex world of healthcare, the backbone of any healthcare facility is its dedicated team of nurses, healthcare assistants, support workers, and many others. The quality of care provided to patients hinges on the expertise and commitment of these professionals. At Meridale, we understand this fundamental truth and have made it our mission to revolutionize how healthcare recruitment is handled.

EXCEPTIONAL RECRUITMENT SERVICES

Meridale stands at the forefront of healthcare staffing because we recognize that the heart of healthcare lies in the people who provide it. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond mere lip service; it’s embedded in every facet of our recruitment services. We specialize in connecting healthcare facilities with the finest talent available.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR NEEDS We understand that every healthcare facility has unique needs and constraints. Meridale takes the time to listen, comprehend, and collaborate with you to find solutions that align with your budget and meet your specific requirements. Our commitment to tailoring our services ensures that the candidates we recommend are highly skilled and a cultural fit for your institution.

FULFILLING STAFFING GAPS EFFICIENTLY

In healthcare, time is of the essence. Staffing gaps can disrupt operations and impact patient care. With Meridale’s extensive network of healthcare professionals, we can swiftly and adeptly fill these gaps. Our goal is to ensure that your facility operates seamlessly and that your patients receive nothing short of the best care possible.

In these challenging times, when the healthcare industry faces unprecedented demands, having a reliable and dedicated team is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Meridale stands ready to support healthcare facilities in their mission to deliver exceptional care. We are more than a recruitment agency; we are your partner in elevating the standards of healthcare staffing.

Contact 01902 240019 or see the advert below for details.