The Carer Digital - Issue #169

FOR NURSING AND RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES

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Issue 169

New Pilot Scheme Launched to Monitor Care Home Infections

A national surveillance study initially set up in response to Covid-19 has received government funding for a pilot scheme to monitor infections in care homes.

The pilot study will be underpinned by a data platform co-designed with people who live and work in care homes. It will connect lists of care home residents with routine datasets already held by the NHS, including hospital admissions,

mortality data, immunisations, laboratory test results, and prescriptions, all using a common pseudo-identifier based on NHS numbers.

This integrated approach will provide a comprehensive view of residents’ health and healthcare interactions.

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PAGE 2 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169

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

With the Covid enquiry now in full swing, (and I am resisting the urge to comment until all parties have been heard), it is appropriate that we lead with news of a new pilot launch by The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) which, will make a significant stride in safeguarding the health and well-being of residents in care homes across England.

The announcement this week of the UK pilot scheme to monitor infections in care homes across England is a significant and commendable step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in care environments. This initiative is Editor building on the legacy of the Vivaldi study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting and emphasising the importance of robust infection control and prevention measures as winter approaches.

The Vivaldi study, undertaken during a time of unprecedented global crisis, played a pivotal role in understanding the impact of infectious diseases on care home residents and staff. It highlighted the vulnerabilities within care homes and guided the development of strategies to mitigate the spread of diseases, especially COVID-19. The study provided crucial insights into the need for evidence-based policies and vigilance in the adult social care sector, particularly in care homes.

To “cast our minds back” to the very height of the pandemic, in June 2020 UCL researchers set up 'VIVALDI', the largest COVID-19 care home research study in England. Working with a number of large and small independent care home providers across England, and the UK Health Security Agency, the aim of the study was to find out how many care home staff and residents have been infected with COVID-19 and how effective vaccines are against infection, to inform decisions around the best approach to COVID-19 testing in the future.

Between June 2020 and April 2022, UCL tested around 6,000 staff and residents across approximately 220 care homes in England and estimated the proportion that have been infected with COVID-19 in the past and have antibodies. These tests were repeated over time to learn how COVID-19 spreads in care homes and how long the antibody response to infection and vaccination lasts and whether this helps to prevent re-infection with the virus.

In the wake of this vital study, the UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) pilot scheme takes the legacy of Vivaldi forward by monitoring infections in care homes across England. This initiative is a lifeline, enabling us to stay vigilant and prepared as

Peter Adams

winter brings with it the threat of influenza and other seasonal illnesses that disproportionately affect the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.

I think part of the scheme’s importance is that it represents our collective commitment to safeguarding the well-being of some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

The importance of such vigilance in infection control and prevention cannot be overstated. As we brace ourselves for the colder months, we must ensure that our care homes have in place evidence-based policies, stringent procedures, and a readiness to adapt as new challenges emerge.

The UKHSA's initiative ensures that we maintain a steadfast focus on early detection and response, thereby reducing the risk of outbreaks and providing care homes with the resources to protect residents.

I was also very sad to hear of the death of former England international Bobby Charlton. I am of the age of those who can remember watching the World Cup in 1966, and the subsequent triumphs of Manchester United throughout the 60s and early 70s (although I am a Liverpool fan).

Dementia has devastated the team of ‘66. Five of the World Cup winning team of 1966 suffered from dementia in their later years, attributed to a condition called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) - the degenerative brain disease caused by repeated blows to the head. The World Health Organisation says between five to eight per cent of the general population over the age of 60 has dementia, however, in the case of England’s World Cup-winning team, it’s up at about 46 per cent.

A major study carried out by the University of Glasgow in the autumn of 2019 showed that professional footballers are three-and-a-half times more likely to develop dementia than non-footballers.

I understand the decision by the Football Association, taken in February 2020, now prevents children of primary school age from heading the ball in training or matches, and strongly suspect that this will extend into the adult game in the not too distant future.

And, as previously stated, we are in the process as the year comes to an end in refreshing our print and digital database. 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 and sign up to our digital newsletter at www.thecareruk.com.

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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169 | PAGE 3

New Pilot Scheme Launched to Monitor Care Home Infections (CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER) The Vivaldi study was originally set up so researchers and care providers could work together to establish the numbers of care home residents and staff who were infected with Covid-19, researchers looked at the impact of COVID-19 in care homes, what could be done to prevent the spread of infection, and the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccination.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has this week announced a pilot scheme to monitor infections in care homes in England.

The new pilot builds on the success of the Vivaldi study during the pandemic, with a wider remit to study other infections, and is one of several national surveillance studies commissioned by UKHSA to gather evidence on the burden of infections across healthcare and community settings.

HELP REDUCE INFECTIONS This new pilot will work with over 500 care homes in England to monitor infections such as COVID-19, flu, norovirus, and urinary tract infections, and analyse the resultant anonymised data in order to help reduce infections in care homes for older adults.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a lack of data and surveillance infrastructure left care homes for older adults vulnerable to infections and outbreaks. The COVID-19 in care homes (Vivaldi) study and regular asymptomatic testing programme was rapidly stood up to fill this gap.

The Vivaldi survey was set up in May 2020 to measure the burden of COVID-19 infections in care home staff and residents and understand why some homes were experiencing outbreaks. This included swab testing through the national care home testing programme and surveys completed by care home managers.

The main Vivaldi study started in June 2020 and built on the findings of the Vivaldi survey by linking routinely collected data from staff and residents in over 300 care homes in England. This data included vaccination records, hospital visits, and death records. Blood samples were also taken to study infection rates, immunity, and other factors in long-term care facilities.

SICK PAY The research from Vivaldi was crucial during the pandemic. It helped to inform decisions such as limiting staff movement between care homes to reduce infection risk and highlighting the need for sick pay for care home workers.

Professor Steven Riley, Director General of Data, Analytics and Surveillance at UKHSA, said: UKHSA’s collaboration with UCL on the Vivaldi study helped us understand the impact COVID-19 had in care homes and fed directly into important policy making decisions, helping to protect those living and working in adult social care settings during the pandemic.

We are delighted to be able to continue this work through the Vivaldi social care pilot which will improve our understanding of infections in care homes and similar environments beyond COVID-19 and will provide valuable data that will contribute to our mission to prepare for, prevent and respond to health threats, protect livelihoods and, most importantly, save lives.

LEARNING LESSONS Professor Laura Shallcross MBE, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Professor of Public Health at University College London said: The Vivaldi social care project is a fantastic opportunity for researchers, residents, relatives, staff, and care providers to work together to tackle the problem of infections and outbreaks in care homes. By learning lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, we aim to find new, better ways to protect residents that do not impact negatively on their quality of life.

Zoe Fry OBE, Director of The Outstanding Society, said: This programme will work to enhance the wellbeing of individuals residing or working in care homes for older people throughout England as well as supporting the wellbeing of visitors to the homes.

This initiative seeks to investigate strategies for minimising infections and enhancing the overall quality of life within these care settings. The collection of data plays a pivotal role in driving positive transformation within the sector, reflecting our commitment to research led by social care, for social care.

IMPROVED OUTCOMES Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, said: “The Vivaldi social care project will enable residents, families, care workers, providers, and wider stakeholders to work together and develop our understanding of how to reduce the impact of infections and outbreaks in care homes.”

“Research in our sector is vital to help influence government policy and deliver improved outcomes for people who live in, work in, and visit social care. Vivaldi social care brings the sector together to improve learning and lays a strong foundation for other studies to shape social care through research going forward.”

The data generated by the Vivaldi social care pilot will play a pivotal role in shaping important policy areas and priorities as the study progresses.

Care Home Residents Enjoy Halloween-Themed Live Virtual Cookery Demonstration In preparation for Halloween celebrations, staff and residents at Barchester’s Glebefields care home in Drayton, Banbury were treated to an interactive virtual cookery demonstration courtesy of one of Barchester’s Hospitality Trainers, Joy Whitlock.

Much to residents’ delight, Glebefields head chef Bose Jacob had prepared lots of cupcakes, biscuits and cookies in advance so that residents could not only sample the wares, but have a go at creating and decorating their own with icing, fondant, edible baubles and glitter.

Talented Joy showed staff and residents how to decorate cupcakes and other sweet treats with Halloween-inspired designs ready for the home’s Halloween party. Supported by activities lead; Kay the residents had lots of fun piping spooky designs on cupcakes and biscuits,

creating fondant creatures and characters - everyone loved getting into the Halloween spirit!

Joy says “It was an absolute pleasure to be able to show the residents how to decorate their own cupcakes and cookies with some ghoulish Halloween designs! Thanks to all the chefs in our homes across the country who supported me to deliver this really lovely activity.”

General Manager, Nisha Shaji said: “Our residents love sweet treats so Joy’s designs went down a storm here! It was brilliant that our residents were able to sample the cakes and biscuits and follow along with Joy as she decorated them so cleverly. It was such a lovely afternoon, we can’t thank Joy enough.”

PAGE 4 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169

The UK Care Market: 2023 Review

By Rob Kinsman, Regional Director - Healthcare, Christie & Co (www.christie.com)

We recently launched our 2023 Care Market Review report which analyses a range of topics relating to the UK healthcare business market. Here are some of the key highlights…

HEALTHCARE CAPITAL MARKETS The first half of 2022 reflected the peak of the market, with the economy in an optimum low interest rate environment and average UK Bank of England base rates at 1.7%. UK Government gilt yields were tracking at 2.2%, and super-prime yields within the UK care home sector had compressed to record low levels for bestin-class assets.

Entering 2023, the market adapted, with buyers returning albeit with yields adjusting to reflect higher costs of capital and the changing market environment. Positively, despite the macro-market challenges, there is good demand for care home opportunities, with investors attracted by the strong needs-driven underpin of the sector coupled with long-term index-linked cashflows.

LAND AND DEVELOPMENT The underlying business case for purpose-built care homes remains robust, with a continued need for future-proof market-standard beds in many locations across the UK. Despite operators still facing significant headwinds, the UK care home development market remains active and continues to transact a high volume of new-to-market beds. Sentiment remains positive, with more operators prepared to take leases on new build assets as a way of achieving growth, resulting in an upward movement in rental levels over the 12 months to June 2023.

We are starting to see more domestic and international capital entering the market, attracted by the defensive characteristics of needs-driven Operational Real Estate and the excellent ESG credentials new care homes offer investors. This additional liquidity, accompanied by the continued imbalance between demand and supply of market-standard beds to cater for the rapidly ageing demographic, will support sustainable levels of transactional activity for consented care home development sites in both the short and long-term.

TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS When analysing the UK’s elderly care going concern market between 2019 and H1 2023, we found: • Instruction volumes had rebounded, sitting 70% ahead of where they were in H2 2022 • There was a rise in the number of larger care homes (60 beds or more) going up for sale • Only 3% of our transactions were to first-time buyers, this is around a third of the proportion in 2022 • There was an increasing number of transactions concluded by the larger companies and corporates • Independent buyers remain our most active buyer group, accounting for 34% of Christie & Co healthcare deals in 2022 and 36% in 2023 • In 2022,13% of the sales we completed were on a closed basis, this increased to 18% in H1 2023

• In H1 2023, 45% of closed care home deals we were sold to care providers for ongoing care use and 55% were purchased for residential conversion

OPERATIONAL COSTS Analysis of our consultancy data - which looks at profit and loss accounts from the hundreds of formal valuations - shows a significant increase in costs for care home providers between 2021 and 2023. This clearly reflects the wider economic challenges with labour supply constraints and rising energy prices, and the care sector has a greater exposure to a material shift in these costs.

We found that registered managers’ salaries, on average, increased by 13% between 2021 and 2023. There are even greater wage pressures on kitchen staff, with head cook wages increasing by an average of 14%.

The situation with maintenance staff is also acute, with wages rising by 18%. An analysis of utility costs shows that heat and light costs have also increased by an average of 19% on a per-occupied bed basis.

LOCAL AUTHORITY FEE RATES We conducted and analysed a Freedom of Information Act survey - covering all local authorities across England, Wales, and Scotland. This revealed: • An average residential fee increase in England of 9.5% compared with 5.4% in 2022/23 • An average nursing fee increase in England of 8.1% compared with 6.8% in 2022/23 • Fee rate levels remain a challenge in some areas, with the increases being insufficient to offset inflationary cost pressures • The burden on the self-funded client base is likely to rise, with the majority of providers achieving private fee increases of 10% or more

OPERATOR SENTIMENT We also interviewed a cross-section of local and regional providers and found that 46% of operators have achieved a reduction in agency usage over the last 12 months, whereas 28% stated agency usage had increased. Private fee rates increased across all country regions, with 43% of operators reporting a 10% or above increase in private fee rates. Only 9% of respondents reported increases of under 5%, compared with 31% with local authority fees. Additionally, 38% of operators said that their occupancy levels have increased, while 70% stated that it has returned to pre-pandemic levels.

THE FINANCE LANDSCAPE Historically, whilst in low interest rate margins, lenders have applied a higher interest rate or a ‘stressed margin’ to calculate affordability. However, we are now operating in a new stressed rate environment, which has made lenders look in greater detail at a business’s ability to service their current levels of debt, as well as any potential increases.

Results of a survey of local and regional providers conducted by Christie Finance in July 2023, found that 38% of respondents are looking to buy a care business in the next 12 months, 30% of which will seek finance to do so. When asked about the confidence they have in lenders to support their plans, 46% said they are very confident, 18% said not confident, and 36% remained neutral.

For the full report, visit: https://www.christie.com/care-market-review-2023/

Southgate Care Home Supports World Mental Health Day Staff and residents at Barchester’s Southgate Beaumont care home in Southgate have been marking World Mental Health Day by taking part in a range of different activities to promote good mental health.

World Mental Health Day takes place every October, the idea behind the day is to encourage people around the word to talk about mental health in general and how we all need to look after our mental health by talking about things and sharing our challenges. The theme this year is ‘Mental health is a universal human right’. The World Federation for Mental Health has been working for over 70 years to make sure mental health is treated on a par with physical health. World Mental Health Day is also an opportunity to ask for help if you are struggling.

The staff and residents got into the spirit of the day by taking part in a relaxing chair based yoga class followed by a beautiful guided meditation. One of our residents participating in this session was 103 years young! Her key to a long life she insists is gratitude and being grateful for even the smallest of things.

General Manager Beatrice Godfrey, said: “Our residents have had a great day, it is so important to talk about our feelings and allow ourselves some time for self-care. Everyone really enjoyed the relaxation session and the mindfulness meditation, it was really interesting to learn some new techniques to help us switch off and recharge from time to time.”

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 169 | PAGE 5

Covid Inquiry Exposes ‘Callous Disregard’ For Vulnerable CARE providers say the Covid-19 inquiry has exposed a brutal and callous disregard for older and vulnerable adults.

Yesterday (October 31) Dominic Cummings painted a picture of widespread chaos and dysfunction in the U.K. government during the coronavirus pandemic.

In keenly awaited testimony to the public inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Cummings was contemptuous about many of the people dealing with the situation, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, describing a culture of toxic relations and lack of trust.

“I would say, overall, it’s widespread failure, but pockets of excellent people and pockets of excellent teams doing excellent work within an overall dysfunctional system,” he said.

Another aide, former communications director Lee Cain, said Boris Johnson’s decisionmaking was “rather exhausting” indicating that the pandemic did not suit his temperament.

The Independent Care Group (ICG) says the evidence given to the ongoing inquiry is horrific.

The inquiry has heard that there was “essentially no shielding plan at all” for those most at risk, including our oldest citizens in care settings. And there were reports that the then Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, had told advisers that the virus was “just nature’s way of dealing with old people”.

ICG Chair Mike Padgham said: “I have been shocked to hear a horrific disregard for the lives and the health of the most vulnerable section of our society.

“If true, it cannot then be a surprise that there was such a horrific and tragic loss of life in care settings during the pandemic.

“The Government wasn’t prepared and, by the sound of it, might not have cared about the people we care for anyway.

“The evidence we are hearing also makes a nonsense of claims that a “protective ring” was being thrown around care homes. As we knew at the time and have argued since no such thing was happening – quite the reverse. There was no testing going on and we were struggling for PPE.”

Essex Resident Celebrating 103rd Birthday Says ‘Love’ Is Key To Living Long And Happy Life A resident living at an Epping care home, who celebrated her 103rd birthday, says ‘love’ is the key to living a long and happy life.

Dorothy Juniper celebrated her big birthday with an afternoon tea party at Weald Hall Care Home, where she has resided since June.

Despite being a quiet lady who very much enjoys her own company, Dorothy was “very excited” to have 16 members of her family, who travelled far and wide, to be with her on her special day.

Dorothy grew up in Wanstead and was one of four children, leaving school aged 14. She has two sons, as well as her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She met her husband whilst he was on leave from the army at a friend’s house, when she was 21 years old. Dorothy said it was “love at first sight.” Dorothy herself

went on to become a bookkeeper and kept this job throughout the war – she was very happy in her career. The 103-year old celebrated her milestone birthday in style, with a buffet tea party and opening cards and presents from loved ones.

Dorothy said: “Without a doubt, one of my top tips for living a happy life is love and having a wonderful husband, as well as a happy life together. I’ve also found that a Baileys a day does indeed keep the doctor away!

“Most importantly, spread love to those around you. That’s the best tipple for anyone.”

Danielle Barham, home manager at Weald Hall, said: “It was an honour to join Dorothy in her birthday celebrations. She’s such a beloved member of the home, she inspires us all everyday.”

PAGE 6 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169

Six Low-Intensity Workout Tips for the Elderly, According to an Expert Maintaining an active lifestyle is essential for the overall well-being and health of elderly individuals.

However, as the body becomes more fragile in older age, high-intensity workouts aren’t always suitable.

Low-intensity workouts can be an excellent option for the elderly, as they provide numerous health benefits without putting excessive strain on the body.

Stewart McGinn, Managing Director at Baycroft Care Homes (www.baycroft.co.uk), has shared six low-intensity workout tips that are perfect for the health and well-being of elderly individuals.

1. WALKING Walking is an essential low-impact exercise that offers a range of health benefits. It helps maintain cardiovascular health, lowers the risk of chronic diseases, and can boost mental well-being.

Encourage seniors to take regular walks, ideally in natural settings

like parks or places with flat terrain. Starting with shorter durations and gradually increasing the time and distance can make it more manageable.

group. These classes emphasise proper form, deep breathing, and relaxation techniques.

2. CHAIR EXERCISES

Resistance bands offer a versatile way to build muscle strength without the need for heavy weights. They are excellent for toning and strengthening muscles in the upper body.

Seniors can incorporate resistance band exercises into their routine.

Simple exercises like bicep curls, shoulder presses, and seated rows can help improve muscle tone and function.

Chair exercises are perfect for elderly individuals who may have limited mobility or balance concerns. These exercises strengthen muscles and improve flexibility without putting strain on the joints.

Exercises such as simple seated movements, such as leg lifts, seated marches, and seated side leg raises, can be done with the support of a sturdy chair. These exercises can be done at home or in a group fitness class.

3. WATER AEROBICS Water aerobics provides an excellent and fun, low-impact workout.

The buoyancy of water reduces stress on joints while offering resistance, making it ideal for elderly individuals with joint pain or arthritis.

Look for local pools or community centres that offer water aerobics classes designed for seniors. These classes are often led by experienced instructors who tailor exercises to individual needs.

4. TAI-CHI Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise that promotes balance, flexibility, and mental clarity. Its slow, flowing movements and deep breathing exercises can help seniors improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

Seniors can join Tai Chi classes specifically designed for their age

5. RESISTANCE BANDS

6. YOGA AND STRETCHING Yoga and stretching exercises promote flexibility, balance, and relaxation. They are especially valuable for seniors in maintaining joint health and reducing stiffness.

Seniors can participate in specialised yoga or stretching classes designed for their needs. These classes typically include gentle poses and stretches that can be modified to accommodate various abilities.

Stewart McGinn adds: “Incorporating a combination of these lowintensity exercises into an elderly individual's routine can provide a well-rounded fitness program.

“However, it's crucial for seniors to consult with a healthcare professional or fitness expert to ensure that exercises are safe and suitable for their specific health conditions and fitness levels.

“Gradual progression and consistency are key to reaping the full benefits of these low-intensity workouts while ensuring safety”.

The Freemantle Trust's Macmillan Coffee Morning Fundraiser Every year, the residents of our community come together to organise a Macmillan coffee morning fundraiser, a heartwarming event held on the 29th of September 2023. Held at Farnham Common House, this gathering serves as a testament to the strong bonds within the community, and it’s all for a noble cause—raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The invitation was extended not only to our local neighbours but also to family members and dedicated staff, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

With warm beverages, delectable homemade cakes, and heartfelt conversations on offer, everyone was keen to get involved in support of a great cause. What made it even more special was that all the cakes were lovingly prepared by our talented in-house chef and our residents them-

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selves.

In the end, the results were great, a total of £105 was raised on the day.

Resident Ann W. shared her thoughts, saying, “It’s lovely for everyone to come together and help raise funds for such an important charity, one that is close to the hearts of so many people.”

Kayleigh Jones, our Lifestyle and Wellbeing Lead, expressed her pride too, noting, “Raising funds for a charity chosen by our residents that is so important to them, they were over the moon when the final total was announced, a very proud moment for them all.”

This annual tradition brings joy, camaraderie and meaningful contributions to an exceptional cause.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169 | PAGE 7

Majority Nursing Students Planning Careers Outside Patient Care

Elsevier Health has released its Clinician of the Future 2023: Education Edition, providing insights into the experiences of medical and nursing students and the consequences for the NHS and educators in the UK. The report reveals how the challenges of being a frontline health professional today are impacting the longer-term career decisions of students, highlighting increasingly challenging times ahead for an already overburdened healthcare system. Although almost 9 out of 10 medical and nursing students in the UK feel devoted to improving patients’ lives, findings reveal that 58% already see their current studies as a steppingstone towards a broader career in healthcare that will not involve directly caring for patients.

The Clinician of the Future 2023: Education Edition presents a worrying snapshot of the pressures that medical and nursing students feel today alongside the impending alarm they have for life in clinical practice: - 20% of medical and nursing students in the UK are considering quitting their undergraduate studies - 57% of medical and nursing students in the UK report they are worried about their mental well-being - 64% of medical and nursing students in the UK believe they will suffer from clinician burnout - 75% of medical and nursing students in the UK are concerned about healthcare staff shortages and the impact this would have on them in their future role Anjola Awe, a third-year medical student at King’s College London, said: “I have always known that I wanted to be a doctor; I’ve dedicated my life to getting to this stage. Honestly, the findings and themes in the report are not at all surprising to me or my peers; we know only too well the reality of what being a frontline healthcare professional means today. We need to be vocal about the pressure we are under, the state of our mental health, and the volume of our academic workload.

As of June this year, there were more than 125,000 vacancies in secondary care in England, and over 10% of all nursing posts remain unfilled.1 Despite the NHS treating more patients than before the pandemic, the waiting list for NHS treatment currently stands at a record 7.75 million.2 Against this backdrop, it is unsurprising that medical and nursing students in the UK are concerned about the challenges they will face in the future.

Dr Philip Xiu, a general practitioner and educational lead who supports medical students and junior doctors in Leeds, West Yorkshire, said: “As an educator, I see daily how vital it is we address students’ wellbeing concerns. Doubling enrolment won’t resolve looming workforce shortages if issues impeding student wellness go unresolved. We must equip them with critical thinking to aid sound clinical decisions, and partnership skills to involve patients meaningfully in care. By listening and responding to students’ needs, we can graduate resilient, empowered clinicians ready to elevate healthcare.”

The Clinician of the Future 2023: Education Edition also identifies key insights into both the excitement and reservation towards technology and generative AI student curriculum. In the UK, 53% of medical and nursing students say they are excited at the potential of AI; however, 54% report they are worried about its use to support education. Furthermore, 74% admit to feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information they are expected to retain, with 44% now using generative AI, such as ChatGPT and Bard.

Jan Herzhoff, President of Elsevier Health, said: “It’s clear that healthcare across the globe is facing unprecedented pressures, and that the next generation of medical and nursing students are anxious about their future.

Whether through the use of technology or engaging learning resources, we must support students with new and innovative approaches to enable them to achieve their potential. However, the issues raised in this report can’t be tackled in isolation; it is essential that the whole healthcare community comes together to ensure a sustainable pipeline of healthcare professionals.”

The Clinician of the Future 2023: Education Edition is the third edition published as part of Elsevier Health’s Clinician of the Future program, serving as the global health ecosystem’s leading pulse on the changes and challenges facing the doctors and nurses of today and tomorrow.

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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169 | PAGE 9

Malnutrition Costing NHS & Care Sector £22.6bn Each Year Disease-related malnutrition is costing the NHS and social care sector, g the sector £22.6 billion annually a report has revealed.

Campaigners are highlighting the urgency of identifying underweight or rapidly deteriorating patients to ensure they receive the necessary nutritional support.

Timely diagnosis and improved assistance would reduce hospital stays, ease the strain on GPs, support patients’ recovery and prevent expensive re-admissions.

The report comes just before the start of Malnutrition Awareness Week 2023, taking place from 6th – 12th November 2023 aimed at raising awareness on the prevalence, signs, symptoms and consequences of malnutrition in older age. Hundreds of organisations, services and teams across the UK are taking part to create energy and focus to highlight and educate people on the implications of malnutrition in older age.

Malnutrition is defined as a deficiency of one or more nutrients resulting in measurable adverse effects on body composition, function or clinical outcome, whilst low-intake dehydration is defined as a deficiency of water due to insufficient drinking [23]. Malnutrition is a risk factor for sarcopenia and frailty, and both conditions increase vulnerability to adverse outcomes and limit quality of life, health and well-being. An estimated 90% of older care home residents have osteoporosis and one third are vitamin D deficient.

The report, by Future Health, has underlined a concerning situation in England where almost three million individuals facing diseases like cancer or dementia are at risk of severe malnutrition, a life-threatening con-

dition. This is currently resulting in 464,000 hospital admissions annually.

Shockingly, despite the high risk, only a mere 2% of these at-risk patients receive a malnutrition diagnosis upon admission.

Lesley Carter, from Age UK and the Malnutrition Task Force, told the Daily Mail: “Older people who are malnourished are at greater risk of falls, hospital admissions and longer periods of recovery. Unfortunately the myth perpetuates that it is ‘normal’ to get thin as we age. Yet malnutrition is largely preventable and treatable.

“This report is a wake-up call for politicians and policymakers who must now tackle the problem.”

Providing healthcare to patients suffering from malnutrition incurs a cost more than three times higher than that for individuals without malnutrition.

The estimated total expense for treating malnourished individuals stands at £22.6 billion, with the majority of these funds directed towards hospital care. The remainder is distributed among social care and primary care services.

As the population ages, the cost of disease-related malnutrition is suspected to surge by an additional £4 billion by 2035.

The report outlines the need for proactive strategies, including improved screening procedures for individuals entering into care services and hospitals. It also highlights the value of implementing digital health assessments to monitor weight fluctuations in patients dealing with these health conditions.

Steam Train Engineer At Carterton Home Goes On Trip Down Memory Lane A former steam train engineer living at a Carterton home went on a trip down memory lane as part of his Seize the Day experience.

Leonard Duke lives at MHA The Homestead and used to work as a steam train engineer and driver in his younger days.

This is something he often refers to so staff at the home decided to surprise him and took him to STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway in Swindon.

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

Prior to moving into the home Leonard used to live near Swindon and whilst travelling to the museum he recognised several places.

He was accompanied to the museum by activity coordinators Kirsty Ridley and Chloe Holmes.

Speaking after the visit Kirsty said: “Leonard talks a lot about his time as a steam engineer and driver and we always wanted to surprise him with a visit to a museum.

“We found the museum in Swindon which is just under an hour away and what made the journey even better was how much knowledge Leonard had of the area.

“When we arrived, he was immediately impressed and kept saying he couldn’t believe where he was.

“His eyes lit up when he saw the model trains and it was lovely to spend the day with him “We made him a memory book with all his pictures from the day as a nice reminder.

“He has been talking about his trip ever since we have been back, and I am so happy for him.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169 | PAGE 11

UK Dementia Cases to Double by 2040 Report Reveals An estimated 1.7 million people could be living with dementia in England and Wales by 2040, over 40% more than previously predicted according to a new UCL-led study.

Previous studies, based on data up to 2010, revealed that dementia incidence had declined in highincome countries. However, the new research, published in The Lancet Public Health, indicates that dementia rates started to increase in England and Wales after 2008.

Based on this estimated upward incidence trend, researchers project that the number of people with dementia in England and Wales may be significantly higher than expected in the future.

Previous research in England and Wales predicted that the number of people living with dementia had been previously predicted to increase by 57% from 0.77 million in 2016 to 1.2 million in 2040, however, the new research suggests that this figure could be as high as 1.7 million.

Researchers examined nine waves of data from people over the age of 50 and living in private households in England between 2002 and 2019, from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA).

They found that the dementia incidence rate (a measure that considers the percentage of the population in each age group that has dementia) decreased by 28.8% between 2002 and 2008. However, it increased again by 25.2% between 2008 and 2016.

A similar non-linear pattern was observed across subgroups according to age, sex, and educational attainment.

Researchers found that disparities in the rate of dementia incidence were increasing between education groups, as there was both a slower decline in 2002-2008 and a faster increase after 2008 in participants with lower educational attainment.

If the incidence rate increases as fast as what was observed between 2008 to 2016 (a 2.8% increase per year) researchers predict that the number of people with dementia in England and Wales is set to increase to 1.7 million by 2040—approximately twice the number in 2023. This compares to an estimate of one million people if dementia rates had continued to decline as previously reported.

Lead author, Dr. Yuntao Chen (UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care), said, “It is shocking to think that the number of people living with dementia by 2040 may be up to 70% higher than if dementia incidence had continued to decline.

“Not only will this have a devastating effect on the lives of those involved, but it will also put a considerably larger burden on health and social care than current forecasts predict.

“Continued monitoring of the incidence trend will be crucial in shaping social care policy.”

Although an increase in dementia cases has often been attributed to an aging population, the researchers

also found that the rate of dementia onset within older age groups is also increasing.

Principal investigator Professor Eric Brunner (UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care) said, “Our research has exposed that dementia is likely to be a more urgent policy problem than previously recognized—even if the current trend continues for just a few years. We have found that not only is the aging population a major driver of the trend in England and Wales, but also the number of people developing dementia within older age groups is increasing.

“We don’t know how long this pattern will continue, but the UK needs to be prepared so we can ensure that everyone affected, whatever their financial circumstances, is able to access the help and support that they need.”

Paul Edwards, Director of Clinical Services at Dementia UK said: “These new figures highlight exactly why we need a strategic approach to improving dementia care as the number of people living with the condition increases. With no cure or widely available treatment in place, families affected by dementia need specialist, tailored support. Yet we already know the reality is that most people receive little more than a leaflet after diagnosis and are falling through the widening gaps within our health and social care systems. As a nursing charity, we see the impact of this on people’s lives everyday.

“Dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK but has not been prioritised by successive governments. With the Major Conditions Strategy on the horizon, and possibly less than a year to go until the general election, now is the time for all parties to show how they will be a champion that can at last deliver for this ever-increasing population. Behind this 1.7million projection is 1.7million individuals and their families facing dementia – No-one should face dementia alone.”

James White, Alzheimer’s Society’s Head of National Influencing, commented, “Dementia is the biggest health and social care issue of our time. Statistics from this Lancet Public Health study are a stark reminder that without action, the individual and economic devastation caused by dementia shows no sign of stopping.

“We know that one in three people born in the UK today will develop this terminal condition in their lifetime. With prevalence on the rise, improving diagnosis has never been more important. Everyone living with dementia must have access to a timely, accurate and specific diagnosis, and who you are or where you live should have no bearing on this. The figures also make it clear that pressure on our already struggling social care system is only going to increase.

“Quality social care can make a huge difference to people’s lives, but we know that people with dementia—who are the biggest users of social care—are struggling with a care system that’s costly, difficult to access, and too often not tailored to their needs.”

Kind-Hearted Volunteer Brings A Smile To Bournemouth Care Home Resident’s Face Resident Maggie Fredericks lives at RMBI Care Co. Home Zetland Court, just a stone’s throw away from Bournemouth’s sandy beaches. She regularly enjoys the company of her loved ones and the volunteers that frequently visit the care home.

One of those volunteers is David Craner, who comes twice a week to chat with the residents and help tend to the courtyard garden for residents and their families to enjoy. “When I heard they were looking for volunteers, I felt I had to apply. I contacted the Deputy Home Manager and then I was invited for an induction,” explains David. “I live alone, so spending time with the residents and the lovely staff is most inspiring for me.”

Only last week, David was keeping Maggie company. When lunch was ready, Maggie asked him to stay so they could enjoy a meal together.

Unfortunately, David had other plans. “I’m afraid I have other commitments today, but I’ll come back on Friday to be with you!” said David before he left.

Maggie looked forward to having him over and waited for his return.

Finally, when Friday came, so did David. Zetland Court’s staff had already set up a table in the café lounge for them and included a bottle of sparking apple juice. “I was directed into the café lounge area and there was Maggie, dressed up to the nines, looking all proud. The staff had organised a meal for the two of us! I felt most emotional at this act of kindness,” says David.

Maggie finally had her long-awaited lunch with David, and they spent long hours chatting and enjoying each other’s company.

PAGE 12 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169

Redefining Care As A Career, Not A Stepping Stone

By Laura Pennington, Managing Director of Mash Group (www.mashgroup.uk) In the landscape of job seekers, careers in care have often found themselves lumped together with entry-level roles like cleaning and supermarket work. However, it is high time that this perception was challenged and care was acknowledged as a career in its own right, rather than just a stepping stone between other jobs. After all, how can stacking shelves or cleaning toilets be compared to the life-changing work of a care professional?

Care isn't just a job; it's a calling, offering numerous rewards, growth opportunities, and skills development that surpass many other professions.

Three main factors play a pivotal role in changing the narrative around care as a career: pay, flexibility, and the misconception that "no skills are required." Let’s explore each of those in a little more detail.

THE PERCEPTION OF PAY Care work has often been associated with low pay, which has contributed to its diminished status in the overall job market. While it is true that some care agencies and homes offer minimum wage, comparing it to cleaning or supermarket jobs presents a limited view of the situation. In a recent report from job board giant Indeed, the national average hourly rate for care workers stands at £11.77. This places care work on a par with supermarket assistant roles, which average at £11.30, and slightly higher than cleaner roles at £10.73. However, these figures can significantly fluctuate regionally. In some areas, such as the South West, supermarket positions pay over £1.40 per hour more than those in care.

We can regularly have conversations with job seekers who are interested in all three job categories (cleaning, retail and care) and something that we like to highlight is that there IS career progression whilst working within care – but experience would suggest that job seekers aren’t aware of this. Considering the substantial responsibility and skill required in care work, it becomes evident that this profession deserves better recognition and compensation.

FLEXIBILITY Care assistant jobs often offer 0-hour contracts, providing employees with flexibility to manage other commitments. This makes care a welcoming field for parents with young children, offering a balance between work and family life. However, for these individuals, the question remains: what career prospects can be explored when their circumstances change? In this situation, it is not uncommon for care workers to

turn to other industries that they deem to be offering better prospects. It is crucial for the care industry to address this concern and provide a clear path for career progression, ensuring that experienced employees are retained within the sector.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND CAREER PROGRESSION One common misconception that deters people from considering care as a career and not just a stepping stone, is the notion that "no experience is required." Most social care job listings include this statement because care providers offer in-house training programs that are typically rolled out over the course of one week, on average. These programs equip individuals with the skills necessary for an entry-level role in the care sector. While the certificates obtained may require annual renewals, they can also be leveraged for future career progression. Some certificates can be used against future roles, but in general a new employee would be required to complete the training of their current employer.

More education is needed to showcase the skills that are gained (and necessary) within a career in care, so that jobseekers stop viewing the sector as a low-skilled, low-paid path. It is quite the opposite. The path to career progression in care is well-defined and supported by industry bodies like Skills for Care.

Individuals looking to advance in their care career can take advantage of qualifications and training readily available to support their journey.

In fact, the social care sector offers more than 50 vocational qualifications at varying levels, covering everything from practical skills to the all-important knowledge needed to be the best care worker possible.

Apprenticeships, which can be funded by employers through government-backed Advance Learner Loans, offer a well-defined entry path into the care industry, whilst Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas in Health and Social Care open doors to more senor roles in the sector.

You see, care is far more than just a “job” or an entry-level role that should fill time whilst jobseekers figure out what they really want to do with their working life. This is a profession that demands dedication, skill and compassion and has tangible qualifications to support career development; a career that has far more specialisms available than I think jobseekers truly realise, spanning areas such as activity coordination, rehabilitation, dementia care, leadership and many more.

Care workers are the unsung heroes who make a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals. They provide essential support, comfort, and companionship to those who need it the most. Their work goes beyond just providing a service; it involves building trust, forming lasting connections, and enhancing the quality of life for those they care for.

Society needs to recognise and appreciate the value of care professionals. A big share of the responsibility to change perceptions sits with the care industry itself; this is one particular career sector that seems to have a marketing issue on its hands and educating jobseekers is vital. By challenging preconceived notions and actively promoting career progression within the care sector, we can ensure that care is acknowledged for what it truly is—a noble and fulfilling career.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169 | PAGE 13

NHS Patients To Be Offered The Chance To Travel For Treatment Hundreds of thousands of NHS patients who have been waiting the longest for treatment will be offered the opportunity to travel to a different hospital, if it means they could be seen sooner.

From today, any patient who has been waiting longer than 40 weeks and does not have an appointment within the next eight weeks will be contacted by their hospital via letter, text, or email, as announced by the NHS and government earlier this year.

As part of the ambitious NHS elective recovery plan, offers will be sent to up to 400,000 eligible patients who will then be able to submit their details including how far they are willing to travel – 50 miles, 100 miles or nationally. NHS teams can then identify whether any alternative hospitals have capacity to see them sooner.

In some instances, the patient’s request will be uploaded to the NHS’ innovative hospital matching platform – the Digital Mutual Aid System – to see if NHS or independent sector providers elsewhere in the country can take on their care.

Despite significant pressure and ongoing industrial action, the NHS has continued to recover elective services with over 87,000 more people treated in August than the same month before the pandemic.

The progress is thanks to the hard work of NHS staff and thanks to innovations including surgical hubs, community diagnostic centres, and the use of robots and AI to speed up surgery and other treatments.

Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive said: “Despite pressure and the huge disruption caused by strikes, NHS staff have made great progress in reducing the longest waits for patients – this new step to offer NHS patients who have been waiting the longest the opportunity to consider travelling for treatment is just another example of how we are introducing new approaches to reduce how long patients wait, while improving the choice and control they have over their own care.

“Giving this extra option to these patients also demonstrates the clear benefits of a single national health service, with staff able to share capacity right across the country.

“So, whether a patient’s care moves to the next town or somewhere further away, it is absolutely right that we make the most of available capacity across the country to continue to reduce the backlogs that have inevitably built up due to the pandemic and provide the best possible service for patients.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: “Empowering people to choose where and when they receive their treatment will help tackle waiting lists and improve access to NHS care.

“From today, those waiting 40 weeks or more will be given more options to speed up treatment, including at hospitals with shorter waiting times or using capacity within the independent sector.

“This is the next step in our plan build a health service around patients and follows on from the roll out of Community Diagnostic Centres, surgical hubs and virtual wards to unlock capacity in the NHS.”

Intergenerational Fun At Bridgwater Care Home Visits from children at Bridgwater’s Little Montessori House nursery are proving to have a rejuvenating effect on the residents of the town’s Avalon Nursing Home.

Staff from both settings are liaising to organise a series of visits, the second of which was well timed to provide for some intergenerational craft activities focusing on Halloween.

The youngsters and residents worked busily together decorating pumpkins, and the children were excited to give names to their creations.

Avalon’s activities co-ordinator, Lisa Priddice, said: “These visits are proving incredibly popular.

“Seeing and engaging with the children really lifts everyone’s spirits and the home is bright and vibrant

from the minute they arrive.

“Our ladies and gents love watching them play and interacting with one another.

“And they love to join in with the fun too, whenever they can, with activities like the recent Halloween pumpkin decorating session we arranged.

“Siobhan and Petra of Little Montessori House feel – as we do – that visits like this are a really lovely opportunity for young and old to appreciate each other’s company, and we’re hoping to welcome the little ones here on a regular basis.

“There’s always great excitement among our residents in the run-up to a Montessori visit – the residents love all the planning and preparation we do before the little ones arrive, and they’re simply delighted when they see them come running into the lounge.

“It’s evident that the visits are great for building the children’s confidence too.”

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How Care Homes Can Take the Heat Off High Energy Bills This Winter

By Jon Bonnar, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Cotswold Energy Group, part of SCIS Group (www.cotswold.energy) With colder months around the corner, most building owners and managers shift their focus towards energy bills. While it is a yearlong hurdle in the care sector, the increased need for heating, warm water and energy during autumn and winter can become a real challenge for care home owners, as they must control energy costs without compromising on their residents’ comfort. Especially as gas and electricity prices keep rising.

So, when thinking about managing energy bills, there are various options to explore:

THE FUNDAMENTALS: INSULATION A quarter of heat is lost through the roof of an uninsulated building. Insulating the roof is a straightforward and effective way to reduce heat loss and, consequently, heating bills.

The same goes for windows. In a typical home, approximately 10% of heat loss comes through the windows – imagine the multiplier effect for larger buildings such as care homes. Draughts, condensation, cracks and chips in the glass are all signs that the window, whether it’s a single- or double-glazed window, is no longer serving its insulation purpose. Double-glazed, and even triple-glazed, windows come as a more affordable solution to reduce the transmission of heat and cold from indoor and outdoor air through the glass.

Another point to consider is wall insulation. Heat can also escape through the walls, which accounts for about a third of the total heat loss in an uninsulated home. Whether the building is made of cavity walls or solid walls, insulation solutions such as internal or external wall insulation can help reduce carbon emissions while lowering energy bills.

A STEP FURTHER: RENEWABLE ENERGY Once the building is well insulated, it is worth considering renewable energy technologies to enhance energy efficiency and reduce heating costs. While there may be initial upfront investment, over time these properties can benefit from significant energy and cost efficiencies.

Solar panels can be a great option for care homes. They allow properties to reduce their dependence on the grid, reducing both energy bills and carbon emissions. In combination with solar diverters and batteries, they can divert electricity to generate hot water, store excess solar production, or capitalise on cheaper tar-

iffs periods.

The utilisation of Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) in addition to solar panels is another solution to consider. It can extract the heat generated throughout the building and transfer to the fresh air coming into care homes, making use of already generated heat to warm up spaces, with less energy requirements, However, while there is a solution for almost every property thanks to fixing systems and optimisation equipment, care home owners should consult with renewable energy installation specialists to determine the best plan and design for their property.

THE CRÈME DE LA CRÈME: HEAT PUMPS Care facilities, whether they are new builds or existing centres, are ideally set up for heat pumps due to the popularity of underfloor heating or the use of low surface temperature radiators.

Traditionally, care homes have relied on low temperature heat pumps, which have proven to be effective for heating needs, but can fail to satisfy hot water requirements. When looking at heating systems now, care homes should assess the potential of heat pumps using natural refrigerants. More eco- and health-friendly than Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), natural refrigerants present a low Global Warming Potential, and can be produced easily and locally. They also have a higher coefficient of performance than synthetic refrigerants, meaning they consume less energy at higher temperature, in turn reducing operating costs. Performance wise, they offer an expanded temperature range, ideal for modulating temperatures across various applications and generating hot water quickly.

Ultimately, the core purpose of care homes is their residents’ wellbeing and comfort levels. While upfront investment is involved, a heating system combined with renewable energy sources and improved insulation building fabrics can lead to just that: a more comfortable living environment for residents with immediate wellbeing benefits, lower environmental impact, and long-term energy bill savings. With winter on our doorstep, it is time for care home owners to consider improving their building’s energy efficiency solutions.

Southampton Home Sets Up Gentlemen’s Club With Trip To Pub For Residents A Southampton home has set up a gentleman’s club for its male residents and took them out to a pub.

MHA Hampton Lodge have set up the club to encourage conversations and take residents out to enjoy their surroundings.

The idea came off the back of the recent increase in male residents, which has doubled in the last few weeks.

Three residents along with two carers took a short trip to The Winston Bar Hotel and Grill on Archers Road, where they enjoyed some refreshments and conversations.

The home provides high-quality nursing and residential dementia care for 44 people.

Dave Feathers, activity coordinator said: “We were looking to do something for the gents to help them settle in.

“Initially it was Emily, my colleagues’ idea to start the club and I was very

happy to lead on it.

“The Winston Bar Hotel and Grill is less than 10 minutes away from the home, so it was the ideal location.

“I made sure it was safe for the residents as they are in wheelchairs and once that was done we were ready.

“We booked an afternoon lounge, the pub was fairly quiet and away we went.

“We had a great time, everyone was smiling, the conversations were great, and I want to especially thank the staff members who volunteered on their days off to come with us.

“I received some great feedback from the residents and it’s something I am planning to do again and may even look at arranging something similar for the female residents.

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 169 | PAGE 15

Meals On Wheels Service ‘Heading For UK-Wide Collapse’ Without Government Intervention The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) is calling for urgent Governmental intervention in the wake of a damning report, researched and written by the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), shows vital Meals on Wheels services on the brink of collapse, with only 29% still in operation across the UK, and fewer than 18% in England.

Meals on Wheels supports vulnerable people to live independently in the community by reducing the risk of malnutrition, loneliness, or social isolation. Alongside at least one nutritious hot meal every day, the regular caring contact helps reduce avoidable health and care costs, as well as providing support for carers.

Meals on Wheels are not statutory for local authorities to provide, so councils can remove the service to save money even though BAPEN reports that malnutrition costs the UK taxpayer £19 billion per annum.

AS PART OF THIS YEAR’S MEALS ON WHEELS WEEK, 30TH OCTOBER TO 3RD NOVEMBER 2023, THE NACC IS CALLING ON GOVERNMENT TO: - Ensure councils receive urgent funding to directly support the continuation of existing meals on wheels services including direct funding to reinstate meals on wheels services lost in recent years.

- Consider Meals on Wheels a statutory responsibility to safeguard its future.

- Consider other additional alternative support such as VAT relief for service providers and help with food and fuel inflation which has impacted on the financial viability of the service.

The NACC, along with several other signatories, that include Age UK and Care England, has written to MP’s today to raise its concerns for the future of the Meals on Wheels services and for the far reaching and potentially disastrous ramifications if such a vital lifeline into older and more vulnerable people living in our

communities was to be lost completely.

NACC chair, Neel Radia comments: “With councils facing a funding gap of some £7 Billion, in adult social care, cutting a service which is relatively lowcost in offering multiple lines of support to vulnerable adults is frankly a cheap cut. The benefits of the service far outweigh the costs. Removing a preventative service for the most vulnerable in our communities is shortsighted.

We need the Government to step up to the plate and deliver the right funding for councils so that they do not face a choice of long-term prevention services for older people facing the axe, whilst at the same time knowing that this approach will push up costs to the public purse forcing more vulnerable people into costly care in either residential or hospital settings.

Radia added “With the NHS in long-term crisis it is obtuse to add to the public health burden by cutting an ill-health prevention and support service, that is of itself a cost-effective way of supporting older people. The answer is to give councils the direct funding to support meals on wheels and ensure the service has a long-term future.

“It is our assertion that there is a direct link between the decline in public spending on the service and the increase in community-based malnutrition, and that a boost to spending could significantly reduce financial burdens to health and social care systems.

“We are therefore asking that the Government provides Ministerial guidance to local councils to safeguard the provision of Meals on Wheels and lunch clubs in the UK, as currently there is no mandatory requirement for a local authority to provide a service at all! Allied to this funding must be directed and ringfenced to support delivery of these essential services.”

Chartwell Manor Care Home Celebrates Milestone Birthday with Local Community Chartwell Manor, a Maria Mallaband Care Group home located in the heart of Aylesbury, celebrated its first anniversary by hosting a big birthday celebration with the local community and The Mayor of Aylesbury, Cllr Steven Lambert.

The 61-bed care home went all out to celebrate this exciting milestone with an abundance of decorations, balloons and banners, and an anniversary party at the home on the 7th of October 2023.

The event saw those living in the home gather with their relatives, community members and staff, to enjoy a spread made by MMCG’s Executive Chef, live music from two local performers and entertainment.

Chartwell Manor Care Home Manager, Hazel Greenway, said: “Over the past year, the team have watched those living with us grow and become family. It has been amazing to see all that we have achieved in such a short space of time and we cannot wait to see what the future

holds.

“The Aylesbury community has become an extension of our home, with many of them being very familiar with what we do and attending a number of events we have hosted over the past 12 months. This community, our incredible team and the people living with us make this the great home it is.”

Chartwell Manor first opened its doors in September 2022. It offers 61 ensuite bedrooms, with impressive accommodation including a variety of lounges, a bar and bistro, wellness suite, movement room, hair salon and a cinema, and staff to complete the package of 24-hour personalised support on offer.

The care home has sought to become an asset to the community it serves, taking part in an array of charity and community events, as well as creating new jobs.

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A Decade Of Evolution In Care: From Point Solutions to Holistic Care Planning and Beyond

By Steve Sawyer, Managing Director at Access Health, Support & Care (www.theaccessgroup.com/en-gb/health-social-care/) The past 10 years have brought monumental shifts to the care sector, with digitisation transforming how care is delivered.

Steve Sawyer, Managing Director at Access HSC, reflects on the changes since joining a decade ago.

The care landscape was a very different place when we launched Access HSC a decade ago, and it’s incredible to see how far things have come since then. The vision at Access HSC has evolved too, though our founding principle remains the same: using technology to improve people’s lives.

In the early 2010s, digital maturity in most care providers was relatively low compared to many other sectors, and yet the challenges were complex and multiple. Delivering a personfocused service amid regulatory challenges, tough logistics, and the twin pressures of low fee rates and low wages presented a uniquely difficult situation, particularly when coupled with the increasingly complex needs of an ageing population.

Nonetheless, these challenges were met with pen, paper, goodwill, and a determination to support the vulnerable.

As with other solution providers of the time, tackling the logistical conundrum of getting the right person in the right place at the right time was an early focus for Access HSC — the division itself was born out of a specialist rostering solution for home care providers, and a time and attendance and payroll system for care homes.

Rostering, of course, developed over time into complex contract management, client acquisition, selfservice portals and mobile apps. But the real transformation in the sector happened in 2014, when the point of focus shifted from not just answering the logistics of care, but truly digitising the delivery of care. We evolved from getting the right person in the right place at the right time, to ensuring they delivered the right care, personalised to the individual, with the right medication, right processes and right governance. We moved beyond merely addressing the “how” of logistics to the “what” and the “why” of care delivery, empowering care teams to deliver tailored and meaningful support to every individual.

in care planning and electronic medication administration records (eMAR), learning management systems, digital policies and procedures, and shared systems for care compliance. For home care providers, digital systems became a fundamental baseline for managing carers and the cared-for. The pandemic not only underscored the urgency of technical innovation across all facets of care, but also the importance of integration and collaboration.

It wasn’t just about how the industry responded during the crisis, either. Covid-19 prompted a palpable shift in how society, the media, and government perceive care. As the too-often overlooked first line of defence in public health, politicians and the public began to recognise care’s vital role in the broader health ecosystem. This has led to increased financial support for digital initiatives within the sector, which has the capacity to uplift the entire health and care system if it is sustained – as it must be, if we are to make any steps towards fixing an overloaded health system.

DEFINING THE NEXT ERA OF CARE As we look ahead to the next decade, I see many exciting possibilities. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and technology enabled care (TEC) pose incredible opportunities for personalised, proactive and predictive services, helping to keep individuals out of acute settings, freeing up capacity, and enabling individuals to live independently for longer.

We have entered a world where the use of sensors and AI can make a real difference to maintaining health and independence by understanding the daily routines of care home residents, or individuals receiving care in their own homes. With subtle deviations from an individual’s daily patterns providing early warning signs, family members and the wider professional care circle can be alerted before a situation escalates into a more serious health incident. Through this approach, we can start to proactively avoid or slow down declines in health, reduce hospital admissions and create capacity in the system.

Used effectively, this will fundamentally change the fabric of care. The convergence of new technology, forward thinking and the impending analogue to digital switchover is helping to accelerate this evolution.

MAINTAINING THE HUMAN TOUCH Despite the exciting opportunities that technology presents, one factor remains crucial: maintaining the human touch. Whilst technology enabled care, AI and data have the potential to transform care delivery and

REACHING A TIPPING POINT

empower support teams like never before, as technology providers, our ultimate goal is to help care

The profound challenges of Covid-19 reinforced the value of the digital evolution. In particular, we saw huge numbers of care homes – many of which remained analogue – begin to digitise, driven by innovations

we describe as ‘the freedom to make it personal’.

providers and the caregivers that work with them to put the individual at the heart of what they do – what

Care Home Provider Elevates Dementia Awareness Scottish care provider, Meallmore Ltd, is introducing dementia supportive spaces in several homes across the country, which are designed to transform the way in which communities approach dementia.

Care homes Greenan Manor in Ayr and Crimond House in Fraserburgh have launched dementia cafés over the summer. These specialised cafés are supported by Alzheimer’s Scotland and aim to create dementia-friendly experiences for older people, connect with communities, improve awareness, and upskill staff.

Greenan Manor piloted the café, called Let’s Connect, which provides a space for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias to participate in dementia-friendly activities and receive information with family and friends in a safe and supportive zone. In addition to tea and coffee, this includes arts and crafts, board games and puzzles, which are adapted for residents’ abilities and cognitive levels. The Let’s Connect Café has been used for meetings with families, as well as offering space for local healthcare professionals to discuss dementia care. Greenan Manor plans to extend access to its dementia café to members of the public in the autumn.

Crimond House is in the early stages of establishing its own dementia café and other Meallmore homes have introduced similar supportive spaces, building on the care home group’s leading work in delivering personalised care to residents with the condition.

The cafés have been launched as part of the ‘Strive, Achieve and Excellence’ framework, which was established by Meallmore in 2016 and allows the provider’s 26 care homes to trial projects tailored to the needs of their residents. The framework, which is not limited to dementia, gives each care home the opportunity to integrate the latest and best practices into their care and can, ultimately, influence business-wide change.

An example of this includes the use of the Pool Activity Level (PAL) Instrument; an Occupational Therapist-designed framework used to deliver activities in a manner customised to the different stages of dementia. This ensures people living with dementia can participate in all kinds of activities, such as baking and arts and crafts, in a way that makes sense to them. Meallmore initially trialled the PAL framework at St Olaf Care Home in Nairn to great success, resulting in a company-wide roll-out.

Hazel O’Rourke, Meallmore’s Quality Director said: “Sadly, there are around 90,000 people with a dementia diagnosis in Scotland and people living with dementia account for around 66% of the current care home population.

“The most important thing we can do for people living with the condition is to provide them with the best care we possibly can. At Meallmore, we’re committed to supporting those living with dementia by working to create a compassionate environment and community where dignity is nurtured, identities are preserved and a sense of belonging is fostered.

“It’s not only our mission to bring comfort and connection to those entrusted in our care, but also to educate, listen to and support the families, healthcare professionals and community that interact with those living with dementia. We wish to bring our families closer together and improve the lives of the people that we care for.”

Louise Robertson, Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Advisor, South Ayrshire said: “I was delighted to offer support and guidance to the new Let’s Connect Café at Meallmore’s Greenan Manor. It’s such a positive project and enables people to get together and share their experiences.

“These cafés are so important for people with dementia and their families. Not only do they provide a safe space to relax and socialise, but they also offer the opportunity for peer support.”

Staff at several Meallmore care homes across Scotland have also participated in specialist sensory training. This involves a 2.5-hour session experiencing what it feels like to live with dementia. Colleagues are placed into a dementia experiential environment and asked to perform certain everyday tasks. The training provides insight into the daily lives of people with dementia, allowing colleagues to better understand how to support their needs and further improve their care.

Following the session is a debrief that provides key information about dementia and a reflection session discussing how care can be adapted to suit residents with the condition. Training has already taken place at St Modans in Fraserburgh, Auchtercrag in Ellon and Kincaid House in Greenock, with a plan to deliver the experience to other homes across Scotland.

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 169 | PAGE 17

PAGE 18 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169

Urgent Paradigm Shift From Lifespan To ‘Health Span’ Needed in the UK A new briefing from the ILC, the UK’s leading authority on longevity, argues that UK policymakers need to urgently shift from a focus on lifespan to extending ‘health span’, ensuring that longer lives are healthy and productive.

Recent decades have seen life expectancy in the UK increase, but the quality of those extra years is deteriorating as we face an escalation in preventable health conditions. There’s at least an 18-year difference in healthy life expectancy between the least and most deprived areas of the country, and in areas like North-East Lincolnshire healthy life expectancy has dropped by an average of 7 years over the last decade alone. This downward trend pre-dates the pandemic.

Latest labour market statistics show two in five adults are economically inactive – 2.6 million of these due to long-term sickness, and their numbers have risen by over half a million since 2019.

The “Healthier for longer?” briefing, published today by the ILC and supported by Aviva, highlights how poor physical and mental health – and health inequalities – are harming the UK’s economy. It finds that the UK economy loses out on at least £27 billion a year in productivity among people aged 50-64 too sick to work due to largely preventable conditions.

Unhealthy nations are less able to capitalise on the opportunities of ageing. ILC’s previous work shows that spending just 0.1 percentage points more on preventing ill-health can unlock an extra 9% of spending

per year by older households and 10 extra hours of volunteering.

The COVID-19 pandemic saw a brief injection of money into prevention – with the proportion of health spending on “preventative care” increasing from 4.4% in 2019 to 14.1% in 2021. However, the long-term trend is towards reductions in preventative spend, with substantial reductions in public health grant allocations to local authorities, leading to cuts to preventative services like smoking cessation.

David Sinclair, Chief Executive at the International Longevity Centre UK said: “For too long politicians have run scared of getting serious on prevention, for fear of the ‘nanny state’ label. But all the evidence shows us that public health measures, and preventative medicines work. I’m all for the ‘nanny state’ if it means we can live well for longer.

“Any government that is serious about reaping the rewards of an ageing society needs to invest in preventative interventions that work – helping people to take more exercise and eat better, keeping people connected and supported, including at work, and banning the things that make us sick.

“Raising the smoking age is a welcome step but must be accompanied by further measures to help people stop smoking and prevent them from starting in the first place. In general, public policy on prevention needs to be bolder and broader.”

Care Roadshow Wales 2023: The Premier Gathering for Care Sector Leaders in Wales In two weeks time, the event will open its doors to leaders in the care sector, offering an unparalleled opportunity to learn, connect and explore the latest ideas and innovations in the industry. The event will take place on Tuesday, 14th November 2023, at Cardiff City Stadium – those working in the industry are encouraged to mark their calendars for this must-attend event.

EVENT FEATURES CPD Seminars and Panel Sessions: Care Roadshow Wales offers a lineup of inspiring free-to-attend CPD accredited seminars and panel discussions led by industry experts. Hear from speakers including: • Lindsay Rees, Head of Social Care Content, QCS • Mario Kreft MBE, Care Forum Wales & Director at Pendine Park Care Organisation • Amrit Dhaliwal, CEO, Walfinch • Gillian Baranski, Chief Inspector, Care Inspectorate Wales Each session will provide invaluable insights into the latest ideas, best practices and emerging trends in the care sector.

Face-to-face Local and Regional Networking: Building and nurturing professional relationships is essential. This event provides the ideal setting for face-to-face networking with peers, care sector leaders, industry suppliers and influential speakers. Share experiences, exchange knowledge and collaborate with other like-minded professionals. Building connections at Care Roadshow Wales can lead to future partnerships and growth opportunities.

Exhibitor Showcase: Explore a diverse range of exhibitors showcasing their latest products, services and resources tailored to the care sector. Connect with the top companies in care and discover innovative solutions that can enhance the quality of the care provided, streamline operations and more. Network and explore innovations with: • Apetito • Access UK Ltd • everyLIFE Technologies • Citation • OM Interactive • Quality Compliance Systems • And more.

Free: Care Roadshow is committed to making valuable industry insights and networking opportunities accessible to all. The event offers free admission, including all seminars and panel sessions. There are no registration fees or hidden costs, making it an affordable and invaluable opportunity for care sector leaders.

Care Roadshow Wales is not just an event – it’s a platform for growth, learning, and collaboration. Join the care community at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday, 14th November 2023 and take advantage of this unique opportunity to advance your business.

Join the care community to empower positive action within care.

Register for your FREE ticket at https://careroadshows-2023.reg.buzz/the-carer

Care Home And Primary School Unite To Surprise Bobby Moore’s Former Classmate A care home in Brentwood has united with Bobby Moore’s former primary school to surprise the former Barking pupil with a special visit on his 85th birthday.

Brian Ellmore, a resident at Ardtully Care Home enjoyed a magical day at Ripple Primary school on 13th October, a school which he attended in the early 1940’s.

The 85-year-old went to school at the same time as Bobby Moore and has a signed photo of him in his room at Ardtully.

Brian was chauffeured to the school in a Rolls Royce and was greeted by the headteacher, Mr Mitchell and staff from the school. Children sang happy birthday to Brian and ‘I’m forever blowing bubbles’ as part of the celebrations.

Louise Hickman, home manager at Ardtully, said: “Brian’s visit was organised following an interactive experience in our care home, where he was able to use our Activitouch tablet to take a trip down memory lane. He was excited to explore the area of his family home, where he lived for 80 years, as well as his primary school.

“I have never seen Brian so excited and animated in telling us about his life, his school days and his job working at Barking Power Station.

“He thought he wouldn’t ever be able to see the places that were so special to him, so we were determined to make it happen and ensure his birthday was one to remember.”

Brian has been a lifelong West Ham United fan, attending the games regularly in the 70s and 80s, so the

school organised a West Ham birthday cake decorated with personal messages and candles. Brian was then handed a birthday card from Bobby Moore’s daughter, Roberta Moore, and will later receive a West Ham shirt with ‘Brian 85’ written on the back.

Louise continued: “Speechless, thoroughly spoiled and overwhelmed, Brian ate cake and drank tea as he soaked up the celebrations.”

Speaking after the visit, Brian said: “I had the most wonderful day, it was the best birthday of my life.”

Brian continues to reminisce about the day by looking at pictures with staff and has expressed that he does not want to forget such a memorable day.

Mr Mitchell, headteacher of Ripple Primary School, said: “It was lovely to meet Brian and the staff at Ardtully. I hope they enjoy the photos from the day and we are hoping to deliver Brian’s West Ham shirt to him as soon as possible.

“It was a pleasure to welcome back Brian to our school and we are so happy that he enjoyed his visit with us.”

Following the school visit, Brian visited his old house in Barking, which was exactly how he remembered.

He then went to see The Manor House, which was just across the road, a place where his sister used to play with the old caretaker’s daughter.

This special day was organised as part of the home’s Magic Moment scheme, aiming to enrich the lives of residents with meaningful activities or one-of-a-kind events and experiences.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169 | PAGE 19

Care Homes Across the UK Sign Up to the Adopt a Grandparent Scheme An influx of care homes from across the UK have joined up to the Adopt a Grandparent initiative – responding to the charity’s recent call for new ‘grandparents’ to come forward and be adopted by its willing volunteers as it seeks to end loneliness and isolation.

Centred on forming intergenerational relationships to alleviate loneliness, Adopt a Grandparent has seen almost 100,000 volunteers sign up since launching in 2020. But with volunteers currently far outweighing the ‘grandparents’ up for adoption, the charity has been seeking to redress the balance through a new drive.

In a heartwarming response to the charity’s ‘Wanted’ initiative, nearly 60 care homes have so far stepped up to the plate, joining the scheme in a bid to bring smiles and companionship to volunteers all over the world.

The charity, which has been making a significant impact on the lives of older people, is now poised to expand its reach even further as it welcomes the latest round of care providers to sign up.

With wide-ranging reasons for joining the scheme, from personal loneliness and missing their own grandparents, to simply wanting to help others – the Wanted initiative seeks to outline the mixture of personalities and backgrounds among the charity’s current volunteers.

Highlighting 10 individuals, it shines a light on just some of the incredible people who are eager to make a difference in the lives of those who live in care homes, retirement homes or are in receipt of homecare.

Amongst the volunteers looking to be paired are some well known faces, including Hollywood actor Ruby Rose, and UK media personality, Jess Impiazzi – as well as a doctor, finance director, electrician, nurse, lawyer and more, with ages stretching from those in their teens to their fifties.

With statistics showing that 1.2 million older people in England are chronically lonely and that 200,000 older people have not had a conversation with friends or family for an entire month, Adopt a Grandparent hopes this influx of new care homes will serve as an inspiring example for others, igniting a collective effort to bring companionship to the lives of individuals of all ages. Encouraging both in-person and virtual pairings, the charity has developed a community platform to ensure that the pair are matched in accordance with their hobbies and interests, as well as providing a safe space for virtual calls.

Shaleeza Hasham, founder of Adopt a Grandparent, said: “I am thrilled we’ve had such a great response to our search for grandparents. Seeing almost 60 new care homes joining our initiative is a testament to the power of unity and shared compassion. The fact that we can now pair more volunteers with older individuals is a clear sign that our mission to combat loneliness is resonating with communities and that together, we can create a more connected future for everyone.”

She added: “With so many volunteers on our books though, we still have plenty of room for more care providers to come onboard and join our mission. So if you work in care and you think you have residents who’d benefit from bonds of friendship, please sign up!”

By connecting volunteers with 'grandparents’, the initiative aims to create a support network that combats loneliness, promotes social interaction, and enriches the lives of older adults.

For more information about Adopt a Grandparent, or to sign your care service up to the scheme, visit www.adoptagrandparent.org.uk

West Sussex Care Home Celebrates 15th Anniversary Burleys Wood for 10 years, even holding her wedding reception at the home in 2016.

Service manager, Erika Szalacsi, commented: “Staff, residents and our special guests enjoyed a lovely afternoon celebrating 15 years of providing care here at Burleys Wood. Recognising this significant milestone is important, and I would like to pay tribute to the staff who work hard to ensure that we provide the high standard of care we would want for our loved ones.”

Burleys Wood care home is operated by Shaw healthcare in partnership with West Sussex County Council and provides residential care for up to 60 people including those living with dementia. Shaw is the largest employeeowned care provider in the UK.

A care home in Crawley is celebrating 15 years of delivering care for its residents.

Burleys Wood marked the milestone with a celebratory party, which included entertainment from pupils from St Andrews School Choir, as well as a performance from local folk singer, Jon McDevitt.

As well as residents, families and staff, other guests included the Mayor of Crawley, Jilly Hart, the leader of Crawley Borough Council, Michael Jones, and Shaw healthcare’s CEO, Russell Brown.

During the event there were also long service presentations, including three members of staff who have worked at the home since it opened.

Another special mention was for resident, Irene Bennett, who has lived at

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PAGE 20 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169

Two Sisters Share Their Experience and Advice Of Finding Care For Their Parents “The list of things that we have to be grateful for keeps on growing.”

Helen and Clare’s parents live together at Faithfull House in Cheltenham which is part of the charity Lilian Faithfull Care. The sisters share their story of finding care and offer advice from what they have learnt along the way.

Helen and Clare both live over 100 miles away from their parents who were living independently in Cheltenham, and as Helen explains, “We were going up every two or three weeks to shop and clean, keeping an eye on them, but it was becoming obvious that our parents would soon need more support.”

“We did start to think about [home] carers” explains Clare. “People often focus on staying in their own home and keeping their independence, but I think the reality is that unless you have live-in care, a [home] carer will come in for only fairly brief visits.”

In 2020, their father had a fall. Helen recalls, “Dad was then in Gloucester Royal Hospital, and they were fantastic, but it became apparent he would need extra support when he came out and mum couldn’t be on her own.” It was then their parents came to Faithfull House together for respite care.

“Respite care is such a good way for everyone to try it out and get comfortable. Faithfull House made that really simple, it was still treated as if it was a full admission and we talked about things like bringing their own furniture.”

“Faithfull House were very respectful of [our parent’s] independence.

When they first got to Faithfull House they wanted a bit of independ-

ence, my mum would still make herself a coffee, and that was all possible. Over time they’ve gradually accepted more help. The care adapts it's been quite seamless.”

When choosing a home they advised, “find out as much as you can about the communications - who you will speak to. We’ve had a brilliant connection with staff at Faithfull House from the start (pictured), they make it so easy”. Clare gives an example, “If they’ve been to an appointment, one of the carers will ring us up and talk us through it.

You can imagine some homes where communication isn’t so structured.”

The sisters also use the charity’s social media to keep in touch. Clare explains; “I came off facebook years ago but I’ve come back on it purely to follow Lilian Faithfull Care. I love looking through all the activities; it just gives you a window on their world. I love that visibility.”

“Check the small print as some places have a limit to the amount of personal care per day.” My mum and dad have needed more and more care since they’ve been at Faithfull House. You need to be clear about what happens when things progress, will they be able to stay here, whether there is dementia care, end of life care - all of these things are important.”

“There is a real benefit of going somewhere which has got the scale and the structure to provide everything you need. Faithfull House is big enough to have all the infrastructure but not so big that it’s impersonal.

You’ve got a strong management team, the team leaders, the carers, receptionists, people to organise the activities, a brilliant kitchen, a beautiful garden, a physio, a hairdresser. Another thing for us is that when they need to go to appointments someone will go with them…I’m not sure it was even on our checklist! The fact that Faithfull House has their own wheelchair friendly chair transport is useful - that may not be something you think about. We also like that Faithfull House is run by a charity, rather than a commercial business accountable to its shareholders.”

All the staff are wonderful, everyone is invested in making sure our parents have what they need which is all the more important as they need increasing amounts of support. For example, the catering staff will come in and make sure that the trays are turned around the right way to make sure dad can reach everything. The maintenance team come in to check whether lightbulbs need changing. We feel we know the staff, we are always happy to see a new face but it is nice to go

back after all this time see familiar staff.” Helen and Clare have also got to know the laundry lady, “She lets us know when our parents need new items of clothing. It’s everybody, they are all carers, in the nicest possible way.”

“We couldn’t managed all of this if we didn’t have power of attorney.

Thankfully we had it for financial and medical. It was such a massive relief. I would say to anyone, have those difficult conversations now.”

Helen and Clare also explained that the staff have also talked through difficult issues such as DNRs (do not resuscitate). “That’s another conversation to try and have early doors, don’t leave it until they aren’t understanding things. It can change very quickly from having completely normal conversations to when they are hard of hearing or comprehension has disappeared. Don’t leave it too late.”

“Get those memories down prompts Helen, “I have recorded our parents talking through their photo albums. We have also been careful to keep letters and their travel diaries safe.”

Helen continues, “We just keep having these conversations where we say, ‘oh my goodness, we are so lucky mum and dad are at Faithfull House,’ because of a lot of these things weren’t in our mind when they first went there.

“The list of things that we have to be grateful for keeps on growing.

We could not ask for a better home or more dedicated staff – they feel like extended family now.”

All Aboard for Morris Minors Belong Morris Feinmann dementia care village in Didsbury, has launched a new series of its popular weekly intergenerational stay-and-play sessions, dubbed ‘Morris Minors’, with everyone welcome to attend.

‘Morris Minors’ invites parents and grandparents and great-grandparents to bring babies and toddlers aged 0-18 months for a morning of shared multi-sensory learning experiences, involving play, storytelling and music.

Angela Luckett, Experience Coordinator at Belong Morris Feinmann, explains the rationale behind the sessions: “It is such a beautiful group, enabling all generations to mix together and natural interaction between everyone involved, with nursery rhymes playing and soft toys scattered around. The benefits of shared experiences for all ages, including improvements in physical and mental health and learning and development, are

increasingly recognised. It’s all about friendship, tranquillity and welcoming people in, and I encourage any parents with small children in the area to come along.”

Parent Anna Patel, who attends the sessions with her 14-month old daughter, Violet, also said: "Violet is at an age where everything she experiences and each new person she meets adds so much to her learning. The residents can't help but offer her cheery smiles – they enjoy so much fun together. It's a wonderful, safe environment, with benefits for all ages, which also offers parents something a bit different whilst enjoying a coffee and cake."

Morris Minors sessions take place on Wednesdays at 11am. If you would like to attend, contact Belong Morris Feinmann on 0161 804 4200 to book your place.

Blueleaf Achieves Planet Mark Certification Blueleaf, the nationwide business that helps care homes deliver better outcomes, has achieved the prestigious Planet Mark Business Certification demonstrating its commitment to building a sustainable business that better supports and serves its customers and employees.

In the 2022 assessment period, Blueleaf successfully reduced its annual carbon footprint by 12.8%, a figure achieved through various ongoing initiatives including a specific focus on reducing emissions associated with both waste and fleet travel. Blueleaf will be endeavoring to reduce its carbon emissions by at least 5% year-on-year.

Nick Frogbrook, Blueleaf’s CEO, says that independent verification of the business’ sustainability commitment is important: “As a business we are on a journey to reduce our environmental impact by implementing responsible business practices. Understanding where our emissions come from has helped us focus on where we can make the biggest impact, and while in many ways we are still at the beginning of our journey, the Planet Mark Certification is evidence of the progress we have already made.”

By measuring and reducing its carbon Footprint with the Planet Mark Certification scheme, Blueleaf can directly and measurably contribute towards nine of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals which are the

blueprint for a more sustainable future for all. The company is also committed to protecting an area of endangered rainforest thanks to its association with Cool Earth - a charity working alongside rainforest communities to halt deforestation.

Its pledge goes directly towards supporting the Asáninka community in Central Peru.

Nick says that Blueleaf will also be focusing on shaping its own actions to support its customers and the wider care home sector: “We know care home businesses will be looking at their supply chain and that we contribute to their Scope 3 emissions,” he explains. “So we are looking at tangible ways to reduce them.

“We’ll continue to evaluate our product portfolio and will introduce new – more sustainable – product lines. We will also be providing full transparency on the packaging that is used on product orders and we are working on a new reporting platform to provide emissions data to customers so that they can make more informed choices.”

Blueleaf shared its ambitions to delegates of the Global Ageing Conference in Glasgow at the beginning of September, and more announcements will follow over the coming months.

Visit www.blueleafcare.com for further information.

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’.

Safe mouth care products in one place

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 169

How Care Providers Can Help Keep Residents Healthy In The Colder Months

By Sadik Al-Hassan, Superintendent Pharmacist at PillTime Care (https://care.pilltime.co.uk/)

As winter approaches, upholding the well-being of care home residents becomes a priority. And with older individuals naturally more vulnerable to illnesses and health complications in the colder months, I want to explore how care providers can maintain the health and well-being of their residents and themselves this winter.

THE BATTLE AGAINST LOW VITAMIN D LEVELS The reduced exposure to sunlight during winter can result in low Vitamin D levels for residents. To address this issue, it's essential to ensure they have access to appropriate supplements to top up their levels. There are an array of benefits to maintaining them and they are vital for sustaining overall health.

Stay on top of seasonal vaccinations One of the most critical steps in preparing for the winter months is ensuring that both residents and care providers are up to date with their seasonal vaccinations. In addition to the flu vaccine, Covid boosters are available and considered a wise decision for vulnerable individuals and those working with them. Getting vaccinated not only protects you but also reduces the risk of spreading infections within the care home environment. Ultimately, it's a cost-effective measure that can save both time and money in the long run.

EARLY DETECTION OF INFECTIONS It's crucial for care providers to be vigilant in recognising the early signs of infections in residents. They may start to feel a little run down, which can be an initial indicator of an impending illness. In such cases, I recommend providing extra fluids, ensuring they get a good night's sleep, and supplementing their diet with Vitamin C and Vitamin B. This combination can give their immune systems the best chance of fighting off infections. Adherence to medication is also essential, with offerings such as our unique pouching method at PillTime Care proving a vital companion to care staff.

HYDRATION IS ESSENTIAL Winter can be a challenging time for residents so it's crucial to ensure that they stay well hydrated.

Dehydration can lead to discomfort and a decrease in overall health. I've seen first-hand how regularly encouraging fluid intake helps residents stay comfortable and maintain their well-being.

KEEP RESIDENTS STIMULATED TO COMBAT ‘WINTER BLUES’ The shorter days and reduced daylight in winter can have a significant impact on residents' mood. To combat this, I recommend scheduling extra light exercise sessions and activities to keep those happy hormones flowing. Staying active not only combats the winter blues but also supports residents' overall wellbeing. Additionally, ensuring that residents have access to proper sleep is also crucial for their overall health.

Winter brings unique challenges for care home residents, and it's our responsibility as care providers to uphold their health and happiness during these months. From vaccinations to Vitamin D supplements, these recommendations serve as a valuable guide for caregivers and their residents.

Putting fundamental processes like this in place and also maintaining your own personal health as a caregiver can help make the winter season a healthier and happier time for everyone in the care home community.

Simply The Best – Islington Care Home Director Scoops Coveted National Title Staff and residents at Cheverton Lodge care home in Islington are celebrating because their wonderful colleague, Wayne Hughes, has beaten all the competition to be crowned National Foundation Champion 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 Wayne is over the moon to have been named the national winner, beating hundreds of other nominees to the coveted title in recognition of all his hard work fundraising for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation.

Earlier this year Wayne was part of a team that completed the Ride 100 cycling challenge where he cycled 100 miles from London to Essex to raise funds for Barchester’s Foundation which helps connect vulnerable people and those living with a disability to community groups in their local area.

Wayne, Regional Director Barchester Healthcare’s London homes, said: “I just can’t believe I have been named the national winner along with my teammates! I am so proud and so thankful to everyone who nominated and voted for us. It means the world to be recognised for doing something I am so passionate about.”

Wayne’s win was announced at a special national award ceremony which took place on October 11 to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Barchester’s many exemplary staff members who work tirelessly to deliver the best care to their residents and patients every day.

General Manager of Cheverton Lodge care home, Krisztina Vadnai, said: “This is such a fantastic achievement, the whole home is so proud of Wayne. He is so dedicated and always go the extra mile. We can’t believe how brave he is taking on such tough challenges all in the name of such a worthy cause!”

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.”

National Care Group Releases Its Annual Quality Account Marking A Year Of Growth And Success National Care Group (NCG) has released its Quality Account 2022/23, providing a unique insight into the successes of its progression model of support and exceptional growth.

The report revealed that in its sixth year of operation, the organisation has grown to support over 1,290 people and now employs over 2,600 colleagues, making it a leading provider of support services for adults with learning disabilities, mental health diagnoses, acquired brain injury, and other additional needs.

The Quality Account not only discusses the progress made towards the organisation’s mission to become the UK’s best and most trusted provider but also its investment into growth, both organic and through strategic acquisition.

Mike Cleasby, Quality Director at NCG, said: “The Quality Account creates an opportunity for us to stop and reflect on the achievements of our

commitment to delivering quality and continual improvement, and celebrates the successes of the people we support and our colleagues.

“A highlight of the last year has been the creation of a team of Quality Checkers. The team of seven colleagues are all people we support from across England and Wales who applied and achieved their new roles. They are responsible for visiting our services to make observations through the eyes of those who have lived experience. I look forward to growing the size of the team and their valuable contributions over the year ahead.”

In addition to reporting on the invaluable feedback from supported individuals and their families, the report also reiterated the importance of communication and support between colleagues.

FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE ADULT SOCIAL CARE SECTOR VISIT WWW.THECARERUK.COM

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169 | PAGE 23

Postcode Lottery In Urgent and Emergency NHS Care Highlighted By PAC Report How quickly an ambulance will arrive depends too much on where a patient lives. In a report published yesterday (October 25), the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) warns of wide regional variations in the quality of patients’ access to urgent and emergency care. The report further warns that not enough is being done to tackle delayed discharges, with beds unable to be released for new patients.

The PAC’s report finds that ambulance services covering large rural areas, for example services in the South-West and East of England, were particularly challenged and disproportionately affected by problems stemming from the flow of patients elsewhere in the system. Average ambulance response times for the most serious incidents varied from 6m51s (London) to 10m20s (South-West) in 2021-22. Average 999 call response times ranged from 5.4s (West Midlands) to 67.4s (South-West).

The PAC’s inquiry explored why delayed hospital discharges had increased. The number of patients staying in hospital despite no longer needing to be there averaged 13,623 across Q4 of 2022-23, up from 12,118 during the same period in 2021-22. The report highlights a number of reasons for this: problems discharging older patients from hospital into adult social care, and delays in hospitals’ own processes, transfers to NHS community settings, or with the provision of short-term care packages, or nursing or residential care. This last group can wait sometimes up to five weeks from when they are ready to leave hospital.

The NHS has not met targets for ambulance handovers since November 2017, and for A&E waits since July 2015. Given long-standing declines in performance, the PAC is not convinced NHS England (NHSE) has been sufficiently held to account for meeting targets and improving urgent and emergency care, an area in which the Government must improve.

There is a risk that future unsustainable financial pressures are built into the unfunded and uncosted NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, which only includes a commitment of an additional £2.4bn to cover training costs for the first five years of the 15-year plan. The report also highlights very high levels of staff ill health

and turnover rates, with the PAC left unconvinced by NHSE’s approach to address workforce shortfalls.

NHSE hopes to retain 130,000 staff who would otherwise leave over the next 15 years, an aspiration which seems highly doubtful given multiple dependencies on other factors and unknowns.

Dame Meg Hillier MP, Chair of the Committee, said: “Anyone who has had recent contact with the NHS knows it is in crisis. Patients suffering long waits and hard-pressed staff working in a system which is not delivering deserve better. The PAC’s role is to analyse the underlying numbers, and attempt to provide a Get Well Soon plan for the NHS. “Excluding demand-led spending such as welfare payments, health takes up approximately 40 per cent of day-to-day budgeted spending by Whitehall departments. It is vital this is delivering benefits for patients.

The Government and health system need to be alert to the serious doubts our report lays out around the workforce crisis, both the approach to tackling it now and the additional costs funding it in the future.”

Professor Julian Redhead, NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care, said: “While this report includes data which is more than two years old and coincided with a once in a generation pandemic, it is right to note the NHS has been under increasing pressure with staff experiencing record A&E attendances, hospitals fuller than at any point in their history and with thousands of beds taken up each day, in part, due to pressures in social care.

“It is testament to the hard work of staff and results of our NHS winter plan – rolling out 800 new ambulances, 10,000 virtual ward beds and work towards 5,000 extra core beds – that waiting times for ambulances, 999 calls and in A&E have improved across the country during this financial year.

“This progress has come as the NHS has committed to delivering £12bn of annualised savings by 2024/25 – all while dealing with more than a 100,000 staff posts being vacant.”

Wolverhampton Home Celebrates Black History Month With Traditional Feast For Residents A Wolverhampton home celebrated Black History Month with a traditional feast for residents.

MHA Waterside House prepared and bought some traditional Jamaican food to educate residents and staff on Black History Month.

There was also a speech from Dawn Ellis, the chaplain for the home who spoke about the importance of Black History Month and why it is celebrated.

Black History Month is an annual observance, throughout the month of October, originating in the United States, where it is also known as African American History Month.

The home provides care for up to 60 people living with dementia.

Michelle Jones, activity coordinator said: “It’s an annual thing we do at the home and it’s something that is always well received.

“Wolverhampton is a very diverse town, and we are blessed to have that reflected in our workforce.

“The theme for this year was “Saluting our Sisters”, focusing on Black women who have made a difference throughout history.

“We spoke about how influential these women were and the residents found it very informative.

PAGE 24 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169

Technology May Be The Missing Puzzle Piece To Increasing Access To Home Care Services Dan Isterling, Managing Director of Premier Community (www.premiercommunity.co.uk), has first-hand experience of seeing the value of digital in supporting people in their homes.

After partnering with the Access Group, Premier Community is paving the way in digitising the homecare sector to better support both their staff and service users.

Premier Community is an award-winning second-generation family business that has been providing quality home care services across the Midlands since 1996. What started as a small business by my mother, who has a nursing background, has now grown to support over 700 people. We have over 450 care workers working with us and have acquired four Local Authority and NHS contracts. In the last few years we have grown exponentially, something that came with many challenges but ultimately, was the best thing for our business.

Digital has been crucial to helping us tackle key sticking points that were inhibiting the expansion of Premier Community across the Midlands. Having recently won the ‘Digital Excellence’ award at the Midlands Family Business Awards, I think we’re starting to gain recognition for adopting a digital approach to support our business.

The most significant way we chose to adopt digital technologies was through partnering with the Access Group in 2014. Over the years, products from their Health, Support and Care division (HSC) have been essential in scaling our family business and now we use seven of their solutions, including eLearning, recruitment and screening, rostering, digital care records and more. These are all connected within Access Workspace for Care, giving us a complete digital hub to manage our services and business.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO GROWTH Though Premier Community had been running successfully for many years, we were struggling to achieve our mission of scaling our business and breaking through growth barriers.

When it came to managing and supporting our staff, it became clear that we needed to update our processes to improve efficiency. Our staffing rotas were completed in Excel and our timesheets were paperbased. Both processes were lengthy, meaning staff invested approximately two to three hours on administrative processes each day. This cut into the time staff were able to spend with service users, reducing the number of total care visits every day.

Though we have been focused on digitising to see sustainable, long-term growth across the business for a few years, the Covid pandemic made us realise the need to offer our care services even when our staff were working remotely, and store data safely in one place to monitor clients. Digital tools enable us to access client care records remotely and connect to our workforce to offer the best quality of care, regardless of physical circumstance.

OUR APPROACH TO ADOPTING DIGITAL When selecting the right digital solutions for Premier Community, it was important that we partnered with a business that shared the same values and the ultimate goal of offering the best quality care to as many people as possible.

We needed to make sure that additional technologies made processes more efficient for care workers.

This was something we didn’t want to compromise on and after exploring a range of different products, we

identified Access HSC’s solutions as the most intuitive and user-friendly. If I could give one piece of advice to any businesses looking to digitise, it would be to make sure the systems you implement are accessible to your staff. If not, they won’t help, but likely hinder your mission to improve the efficiency of processes.

We started a journey with Access HSC using PeoplePlanner to manage staff rotas, and have introduced six more of their products to improve additional processes across all aspects of our business.

REALISING THE BENEFITS TO STAFF AND COST SAVINGS In the nine years since we began to digitise, we have managed to grow exponentially and are now recognised as one of the most successful care service providers in the Midlands.

Perhaps the greatest upside to using digital technologies has been the changes it has made to our staff.

Processes have been simplified so that our care workers can do their jobs better and quicker, and spend less time on admin. Not only has this allowed us to support more care needs, but there has also been a significant uptick in staff morale.

Access to a client’s entire record digitally has meant there are fewer delayed discharges in hospitals and staff are able to conduct assessments much faster. This has helped speed up the creation of care packages, enabling them to set up multiple packages in one day, which was not possible in the past given the lengthy client assessment times. Now, up to four packages can be set up by one member of staff in a day, meaning Premier Community can offer more care to more people, faster.

As admin processes now require fewer staff, we have seen significant cost savings since digitising. For every additional 500 hours of care we deliver without needing an additional member of staff, we save around £40,000.

Access Workspace for Care shows us live data on care delivery, helping us to clearly realise efficiencies and see what processes are working, as well as what isn’t. This has been extremely helpful in allowing us to be responsive and resolve issues that come up promptly.

Having all of our data and evidence on the Access Workspace hub has made it easier to demonstrate compliance to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as well as Local Authorities. Furthermore, we can easily showcase the benefits of our services and prove our value. Looking at the data also allows us to set KPIs which challenge and enable us to grow, while remaining realistic and achievable.

THE FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGY IN HOME CARE Introducing digital into our work streams has proven invaluable in overcoming many of the barriers we have faced - including how we best expand our business. We have grown hand-in-hand with Access HSC to ensure digital solutions help boost efficiencies so that we can offer our care services to more people, while improving care quality.

Digital technologies have made both our staff and our customers happier, as we are able to provide more care to people than ever before and monitor them from one digital workstream, making daily processes far more efficient for care service providers.

We are currently embarking on our journey into assistive technology with a pilot program of Access Assure, Access HSC’s digital tele-care solution, to create a new model of technology-enabled care. Apart from the risk reduction benefits that in-home sensors offer, we are especially interested in the proactive data they provide which can detect early deterioration or help our reviewing team accurately assess a person’s needs. Our experience with Access products has given us the digital maturity needed to synergise effectively and with everything hosted within the Access Workspace for Care, we can future proof our business to deploy technologies efficiently and support our service users in the best way possible.

Visit www.theaccessgroup.com/en-gb/health-social-care/ for further information.

The Care Show Birmingham Celebrates Its Biggest Edition And Launch Of The Retirement Living Show The Care Show Birmingham and the Retirement Living Show opened its doors on 11-12 October 2023 at NEC Birmingham to 4,034 delegates, 227 speakers, and 284 exhibitors. The doors opened to a lively start and created an immediate buzz on the show floor with first conference sessions filling up with keen listeners.

The event had moved to a bigger hall to accommodate the growth and brought in more exhibitors from different areas of the care and the retirement living sector, from the latest innovations in technology and business services to care equipment, catering, design and much more. The exhibitors included leading product and service providers such as Danfloor, Lightyear, Log My Care, Nourish, PredicAire, Radar Healthcare, Xledger, Countrywide Healthcare and more.

A carefully curated conference programme introduced the visitors to a set of new style talks, making the conference experience more interactive and exciting content such as emotive short film premiers. The talks included a host of fresh, interesting faces with 76% of the speakers being first timers at any care sector event. This didn’t dampen the enthusiasm as the entire speaker cohort provided the listeners with inspiration, latest information, and reassurance that the current challenges, like the cost-of-living crisis, can be tackled head on, and provided them practical advice to immediately take back to their day-to-day work. The speakers included well-known faces such as Tobi Alli-Usman, Zoe Fry, Ian Donaghy, Sonia Rai and Dudley Sawyerr, with new names including Claire Leake, Rita Chowdhry, Julia Alcamo and Ted Brown.

The new Care Show Thirty Under 30 initiative was also celebrated, highlighting the new talent and the future of care sector. All winners were awarded with their certificates and will be part of the first Thirty Under 30 cohort. Read more about the Care Show Thirty Under 30 initiative here: https://www.careshow.co.uk/care-show-thirtyunder30 The Care Show Birmingham continues to celebrate the care sector by bringing together the decision makers, solution providers and those doing the day-to-day heavy lifting, and offers them a platform to net-

work, solve problems, and leave with practical solutions.

THE SHOW FEATURES INVITED THEM ALL TO TAKE PART IN: - A refreshing drink at the Beer & Bubbles Bar - Hear more from their favourite speakers at the Meet the Speaker Studio by Five on a Bike - Take a moment for themselves at the Quiet & Relax Room - Find the latest and most suitable technology solutions at the Technology Concierge Lounge with Guided Innovation - Update their professional headshot with a complimentary headshot serve by Five on a Bike Group Portfolio Director, Michael Corbett, commented after the event: “The Care Show Birmingham and the Retirement Living Show 2023 continues from strength to strength.

It has been our pleasure to create this event for the care sector with the opportunity to add more networking, fun, learning, problem-solving, and a touch of magic. The team set out to make this something special for the care sector, to reach above what we’ve done previously, and I think we got there.

The feedback during the show was overwhelmingly positive, everyone was enjoying the experience and making most of it. Seeing the smiling faces and important conversations taking place make it worthwhile and we’re already looking to 2024.”

An exhibitor said: “We’ve had a great couple of days at the Care Show. It’s been really fun, actionpacked, lively… and we’ve had some really good conversations with some really good prospects. We’ll be back next year I’m sure.”

Show organisers, CloserStill Media announced the show will return on 9-10 October 2024, NEC Birmingham and attendees can register their interest today online: https://bit.ly/48XUeql The next opportunity to enjoy the Care Show experience is at the Care Show London on 24-25 April 2024, ExCeL London. Register your interest to attend here: https://bit.ly/3PVeDn6

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169 | PAGE 25

Brighton’s Adult Social Workers To Strike, Unison Say Social workers are set to strike for the first time in Brighton over a pay dispute.

Adult social workers have called for pay parity with other social workers who work with children and families, and will be striking on November 7.

Trade union Unison is calling on the government to fund proper pay rises and for the council to address the pay inequalities.

Brighton & Hove UNISON, who represent adult social workers in the city, says the strike is a last resort after all other attempts to resolve this dispute had failed. There are significant issues with recruitment and retention of staff in adult social care and the market supplement is an essential tool to improve the service for residents of Brighton and Hove. In one team a social work role had to be advertised three times, and on one occasion of the 100 applicants, not one was a qualified social worker.

The strike has been called on the day of the next meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board and will also coincide with industrial action by mental health social workers who are members of UNISON in Barnet – a powerful message of solidarity and a warning for all local authorities if they do not pay social workers fairly, says the union.

UNISON Brighton & Hove Joint Branch Secretary, Corinna Edwards-Colledge said: “Austerity policies such as cuts in funding to local government over the last 13 years are a direct act of harm by central government

against millions of people and communities across the country. Central government needs to act now to restore funding to local authorities like Brighton and Hove, and fund proper pay rises for essential professionals like Social Workers and Care Workers, who have experienced some of the lowest pay growth of any professions, yet demonstrate unwavering dedication to the most vulnerable people in our society.

“Brighton & Hove City Council needs to address the significant issue of equality between the pay of workers in adults social care with their friends and colleagues in families, children and learning. Otherwise, talent and experience will continue to drain away, overtime and agency spend will continue to rise, and the risk to services will increase.

Cllr Tristram Burden chair of the council’s Adult Social Care & Public Health Sub-Committee, said: “Our social workers carry out challenging work day in, day out , and we value each and every one of them.

“We know the cost-of-living crisis is biting, and we help wherever we can.“But as we have made clear in our negotiations, this unfortunately cannot include awarding social workers in our adult social care service a 12.5% market supplement.

“I will always support the right the strike, but I’m also saddened employees feel the need to take this action. We are keeping negotiations open with our Unison colleagues to try to find a solution to the current dispute.”

Local Football Teams Get New Kit Thanks To A Walfinch Carer’s Brainwave A carer’s brainwave means that three local under-11s football teams will get new kit this year following sponsorship from High Wycombe-based home care provider Walfinch.

Downley Dynamos’ 47 players will be sporting the Walfinch logo on the front of their new kit, thanks to football mum Sian Dewing. Sian’s son Bobby, 10, plays for the Dynamos, and when Dan Baskerville, Head Coach of this season’s under-11 squad, appealed for sponsorship ideas, she introduced him to her boss, Greg Renk, Managing Director of Walfinch Mid and South Buckinghamshire, which provides all kinds of home care.

“I was happy to sponsor them. I’m a fan of grassroots football, and I’ve been a touchline dad myself,” says Greg, “I know that it costs a lot of money to cover expenses such as kit, pitch hire and communications.”

Sian, the Care and Compliance Supervisor and a senior carer in Greg’s care team, says: “It struck me that a home care provider would make an unusual and eye-catching sponsor, so now we will see the name Walfinch on the Dynamos’ shirts. It means the players have new kit, and the many mums and dads who go to Dynamos games will know the name of local home care provider Walfinch – useful if they are ever looking for a care service.”

The three under-11 teams play games in separate divisions, so the kit will be seen by parents and relatives of the Dynamos and three opposing teams each week across Buckinghamshire, plus their coaches. Greg says: “We’re glad to be able to help fund community activities and the publicity may help attract new clients and people looking for a career in our care team.”

Dan Baskerville says: “This sponsorship helps ensure that the players can have new shirts so that all three teams look smart.

Each player will have their own number on their shirt, which gives them pride in their place as a player and in their team.

“We’re delighted to have a home care service as a sponsor.

Usually we are sponsored by local trades companies such as electricians and builders, which is great, but this is a real change, and Walfinch care services will be relevant to many spectators.”

Walfinch will be the main logo on players’ shirts, so it will be seen in local media photos each week, and on the Downley Dynamos website. The sponsorship is for two years, but kits are sometimes passed down to the next age group coming through, so the Walfinch logo will potentially get exposure for longer than two seasons.

PAGE 26 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169

Cornish Care Provider Introduces Specialist Maybo Approach Across Its Six Care Homes Swallowcourt Ltd (www.swallowcourt.com) is breaking new ground in care practice by reducing conflict and lowering risk in the care setting with the introduction of specialist training techniques, called the Maybo approach (www.maybo.com).

A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO CARE PRACTICE Understanding what makes a person tick and how they respond individually to any given situation is key when caring for people living with dementia, learning disabilities or mental illness.

Swallowcourt Ltd now use a different approach across their six care homes as part of their care and support for their residents and it’s called the Maybo approach.

SO, WHAT IS MAYBO? It’s a specialised system of outcome focused training programmes which enable staff to work calmly and effectively with their residents.

Swallowcourt introduced the training to their staff in Spring of this year and have already trained many of them in this new method; it’s already proving popular with staff and residents alike.

Maybo teaches people how to work positively with residents who may find some care tasks unnecessary or even intrusive, even when they are a necessary part of good care and support for that individual.

Sometimes seeing a member of staff approaching them triggers feelings of panic or anxiety, resulting in challenging behaviour, conflict, and sometimes physical aggression.

However, by using the Maybo approach, staff break the cycle of negative communication and achieve better outcomes.

Already it is proving to be a gentle and effective way of reducing risk and conflict in the care setting.

Swallowcourt’s Training Manager, Sarah Devine said: “When it comes to training, we are always researching new systems that work well with our residents, and we’re not afraid to try new things.

“Since implementing these new techniques, we’ve had really encouraging feedback from both our residents and our teams, and it’s benefitting everyone.

“Training for us is an ongoing process of learning and growing as an organisation and as a team, not simply a mandatory tickbox exercise.”

USING THE MAYBO APPROACH Human behaviour can be complex and sometimes unpredictable, especially with people living with dementia, mental ill-

ness, or severe learning disabilities.

Therefore, this specialised training method helps Swallowcourt’s staff care for their residents in the kindest, most respectful way possible, therefore reducing conflict and misunderstanding.

Sarah continues: “It’s all about looking at a new way of approaching certain situations and communicating positively with our residents to promote mutual trust and calmness, helping them feel confident with our staff and the task they are doing.

“Just as important, the Maybo approach teaches our staff to have greater awareness of their resident’s frame of mind, and their own behaviours which may inadvertently trigger anxiety or anger in another.

“It’s vital too, that our staff feel confident and happy in all they do. Through the special training and support we give them they are empowered to be the best they can be.

“Quite simply, the Maybo approach is helping our dedicated staff to do a brilliant job even better.”

RESPECTING THE INDIVIDUAL Swallowcourt see each of their residents as individuals and as someone who wants to continue living life as before.

To facilitate this, when a new resident joins them, they go out of their way to learn about their resident’s previous daily routines. The staff then follow those routines as closely as possible, rather than make the resident fit into the home’s routines.

Using the Maybo approach and respecting their individuality helps residents feel confident and calm in their new home, while maintaining previous daily patterns reduces the feelings of initial loss or confusion, or even removes them.

This personalised way of working was introduced by Sarah after she and her team discovered that a small change in a daily activity made a vast difference to one resident’s daily life.

Sarah says: “We struggled with tempting him to eat or even enjoy his lunch until we discovered that his previous life habit was having a lunch box packed for him each day.

“For years he had been going off to work with a packed lunch – a regular routine which was part of his life.

“So, we introduced this simple change, and instead of expecting him to sit in the dining room and be served lunch, he went in with his lunch box.

“He now enjoys lunchtimes and happily eats his food with the other residents. This simple detail made a world of difference to this gentleman and took him back to a place where he felt at ease and comfortable.”

“Taking care of people” is Swallowcourt’s brand message and one they live by.

With dedicated, well-trained teams working hard each day across their six care homes, their residents are given the best opportunity to live their best life every day, however that may be.

Host Of Fun As Hampshire Care Home Celebrates Team’s Cultural Diversity Team members from six different countries helped a Hampshire care home celebrate a day devoted to cultural diversity.

Colleagues from India, Portugal, Thailand, China, Germany and the Philippines joined families and residents at Colten Care’s Kingfishers in New Milton for a host of multicultural festivities.

The fun featured music, dancing, national costumes, traditional foodie treats and presentations with interesting facts about different regions and countries.

Companionship Team Leader Rose Arcellana, who is from the Philippines, said: “Our team is very cosmopolitan with staff members representing a lot of different nationalities. We thought it would be a great idea to get together and share a flavour of our backgrounds and home countries.

“The dances included a Philippine candle dance I performed with my compatriot Joy Condino, our Senior Care Lead.

“On the culinary side, our Portuguese Waitress Julieta Caires prepared a delicious dish of pork with garlic bread and potatoes served with a glass of sangria.

“This was a memorable afternoon for our residents. They loved the colour, the costumes, the dancing and the food.”

Resident Jeanne Wynn said: “It was amazing to see the staff showcasing their cultures and sharing them with us. My fellow residents and I thought it was fantastic.”

As well as the Philippines and Portugal, the countries represented were: China, by Senior Care Lead Faye Suenfa; India, by Health Carer Assistant Nanda Venugopalan; Thailand, by Health Care Assistant Noi Bayliss; and Germany, by Companionship Team member Christina Holliday.

Kingfishers Home Manager Zoe Mills said: “Having a truly multicultural team from so many backgrounds enables us to share experiences, skills and knowledge that enrich our workplace and our engagement with residents and their families. That’s certainly something to celebrate.”

Care Home Is Facing Closure Due To A Lack Of Demand For Residential Care

Norfolk care group, Norse Care, has announced the closure of a residential care home facing a £1.2 million annual loss.

Norse Care said All Hallows, which has currently only filled 9 of its 48 placements, said the home was no longer fit for purpose due to the increasing care needs of residents.

In a statement Norse Care said that the home has experienced many challenges in the last five years. One of the challenges All Hallows has seen is an increase in complex care needs. The infrastructure of the building is not designed to cater to residents’ increasing care needs. The building is no longer fit for purpose and limits Norse Care’s ability to deliver high-quality care within this establishment.

Alison Holmes, Business Development Director for Norse Care, said: “This decision has not been taken lightly. We recognise the changing care needs of the country, including the growing demand for more complex care and dementia care, and we want to best meet these evolving needs by focusing and investing where we can have the most signifi-

cant impact.

“We have spoken with current residents, relatives, directly affected staff, and other local stakeholders.

“We will work to understand our residents’ priorities and preferences and will assist them and their families to identify and secure an alternative, appropriate care placement.

Some of our care homes have vacancies, and residents will be offered a place in one of these in the first instance.”

The home will officially close on the 31 January. Norse Care will support residents and families in finding the best relocation options and ensure that all involved feel fully supported.

A formal consultation is being held with staff and their representatives. Norse Care will support those pursuing new opportunities, aiming to redeploy existing employees to other Norse Care homes across Norfolk.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169 | PAGE 27

New Type Of Deep Brain Stimulation Could Help Improve Memory Loss In People With Alzheimer’s Nature Neuroscience: Non-invasive temporal interference electrical stimulation of the human hippocampus.

The study published in Nature Neuroscience, uses a technique known as temporal interference (TI) which can reach a region of the brain called the hippocampus. This region plays an important role in memory and learning.

The researchers asked the healthy volunteers to memorise names and faces while wearing the electrodes on their scalp and found that repeated stimulation improved memory accuracy.

Because of the success in this small trial, the researchers will now start testing the technique in people with early Alzheimer’s disease to see if it can improve symptoms of memory loss.

Dr Leah Mursaleen, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK says: “Although there are some promising new drugs in the pipeline for people

with early Alzheimer’s disease, they have not yet been approved by regulators and, even if they are, they may not be suitable for everyone. With nearly 1 million people living with the dementia in the UK today, it’s crucial that we also look at other ways that can help people manage their symptoms.

“Although deep brain stimulation is available as a treatment option for some brain conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, current techniques require complicated brain surgery. So, it’s fantastic to see UK-based researchers exploring promising new ways to reach the brain that don’t require invasive procedures.

“It is important to note that this study was done in a small group of healthy volunteers. Therefore, the results of the next clinical trial, which will assess this exciting technique in people with early Alzheimer’s disease, will give us more insight to see if this technique can help improve their memory.

Aberdeen Care Homes Embrace Spooky Spirit With Halloween Celebrations A trio of Aberdeen Care Homes have embraced the seasonal spooky spirit with a series of Halloween activities.

Renaissance Care’s Cowdray Club, Jesmond and Persley Castle care homes were all given a magical makeover as residents, staff, and families came together for Halloween-themed games, fancy-dress, entertainment and food.

Cowdray Club invited residents’ families along for a Halloween-themed lunch that was packed with bright colours, including orange and red Jack-O’-Lantern roasted peppers carved with fun faces and filled with pumpkin risotto.

Staff at Jesmond also showcased their creativity and enthusiasm with a hilarious puppet show which families and friends were invited to join, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere for all.

Meanwhile, residents and staff at Persley Castle – which awaits the outcome of an Aberdeen City Council planning decision this week to implement a six-figure upgrade – enjoyed traditional games, music and dancing with balloons decorating the main living room. Staff also got involved in the action, dressing up in costume as cats, with residents also donning devil horns and colourful capes.

The activities not only provided a festive treat but helped stimulate residents’ senses and create lasting

memories with their families.

Mo Clark, 75, of Jesmond care home said: “I had a great time at the show with my friends and staff. Everyone was in great spirits, and it was brilliant fun having the puppet show. We had such a laugh getting my witch’s hat on and joining in.”

The Aberdeen homes are all part of Renaissance Care group which currently owns and operates 17 homes across Scotland, including the local Torry and Riverside care homes in Aberdeen and Wyndwell in Peterhead. The Group is known for its focus on care alongside its fun and creative events that engage residents and focus on bettering their health and wellbeing, as well as encouraging fun and physical activity.

Phillip Stuart, manager at Cowdray, said: “Halloween is always a fun time of the year for us at Renaissance. We see our residents as our own extended family and having so many of their own family members come along and take part in the fun really brings everyone closer together and makes our homes feel part of the community.

“It’s so important to us to make a big show of the various holidays and events throughout the year – helping to create happy memories for residents and their families. At Renaissance, our focus on care is number one, but we always try to go the extra mile for our residents and everything we do is led by them, letting them celebrate all the important moments however they choose to.”

One Man’s Generational Link To The Royal Family Peter Naylor is a retired Financial Advisor and was an owner of his own company. He was born in 1944 in Harrow to Marjorie and Benjamin Naylor and brought up to be a proud patriot of his country. Through his work, Peter has had the distinct honour of meeting His Royal Highness King Charles, when he was the Prince of Wales, and shared a memorable moment.

However, Peter's connection to British royalty goes beyond this encounter.

His father, Benjamin Naylor has an incredible life story and was a decorated war hero. While serving in World War II, his plane was tragically shot down over France. However, fate was on his side as he was miraculously rescued by the French Resistance where he was smuggled into Spain and eventually reunited with his wife Marjorie. He then went on to earn the Distinguished Flying Medal from none other than the Queen's Father, George VI, for his exceptional bravery and service.

If this wasn’t already enough of a connection, the Naylor family has an even longer history of distinguished service to the Crown. Peter Naylor's maternal great-grandfather, William James Jones, was recognised for his exceptional contributions and services to the Crown. William was awarded the Royal Victorian Medal by King George V, who, notably, was the grandfather of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. After all this impressive life history, Peter now resides in Thistle Court where he continues to be patriotic and proud. He remains very fond of the royal family and became emotional while watching the proud moment that united the country - the King’s Coronation. He enjoys reading the newspaper, watching sports on the TV with his friend Gerry who visits him regularly, and solving puzzles. His bedroom walls are adorned with his family’s photos, and he loves sharing the magnificent stories of his family’s past.

PAGE 28 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169

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 169 | PAGE 29

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 32 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169

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 36 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169

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 38 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169

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 169 | PAGE 39

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 40 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169

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 42 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169

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 169 | PAGE 43

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 44 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169

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 46 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169

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 169 | PAGE 47

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 48 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169

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 50 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169

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 52 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Innovative Challenge Fund for Care Tech Advancements Launched in Essex Essex County Council and partners are delighted to announce the launch of an exciting challenge fund aimed at fostering innovations in the field of care technology.

The Care Tech Challenge Fund, a collaborative initiative with the University of Essex, the Eastern Academic Health Science Network, Breaking Barriers Innovations, and Care Providers across Essex, is designed to empower individuals in need of care and support while easing the burden on their caregivers through embracing cutting-edge technology solutions that enhance quality of care and enable greater independence.

The active involvement of the care users themselves (alongside their family/carers) in the coproduction process will be crucial, and much of the judging will be based on the innovator's ability to keep usability and feedback from the users at the heart of the process, as well as following the five priorities they needed to demonstrate against: 1. Reducing health inequality 2.Supporting the care workforce; useability and workload management 3.Support greater independent living for users and reduce demand on areas of severe pressure 4.Encourage interoperability, increasing instances of health and social care working more closely together 5.Prevention of needs developing Out of an initial 26 applications, and following a lengthy and rigorous judging process, the Challenge Fund showcases the three innovations selected as finalists:

JAM UP: A SUPPORT TOOL FOR CHILDREN ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM Jam Up is a support tool designed to empower children on the autism spectrum to lead more independent lives.

This innovative solution promises to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals and families facing the unique challenges associated with autism.

“Jam Up! was initially created to help solve a challenge we were experiencing in our home. My autistic son, James (AKA Jammy), found getting dressed and ready for school in the morning very tricky. Jam Up! has made our everyday life much easier. James is using Jam Up! to help him plan and structure getting dressed and feels motivated by the support his virtual pet is giving him! This means less stress and anxiety for everyone in our house. My favourite thing about the app is when the wardrobe opens and you can see the clothes your child has chosen to wear for that day. This was James' idea. He is so proud of himself for creating an app and he still smiles every time he sees the wardrobe open!” - Rachael Malthouse

COGNITIVE REHABILITATION: PERSONALIZED COGNITIVE REHABILITATION THROUGH AI AND AR This digital app leverages the power of Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality to deliver personalised cognitive rehabilitation. It offers individuals a tailored approach to cognitive support, enhancing their cognitive abilities and overall well-being.

“Our motivation is to empower patients with cognitive impairments through our Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality app. We're passionate about improving memory, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in a home environment. Our goal is to collaborate within the ecosystem, identify NHS pilot sites, and tailor our app. The Care Tech Campus can assist in navigating healthcare regulations, ensuring patient safety and data security, and expediting NHS deployment.” -Silvia Lin

SUPERSENSE TECHNOLOGIES: PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH SENSOR TECHNOLOGY Supersense Technologies is developing a product that empowers individuals to maintain their independence while continuing to live comfortably in their own homes. The system offers real-time insights and support, enabling a safer and more autonomous living environment.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the Care Tech Campus Challenge Fund. Our primary focus is to help people to live independently while offering much-needed respite for carers. Central to this mission is the development of a product that is not only accessible and user-friendly but also interoperable with the existing systems and processes in use across the county. This unique collaboration provides us with the opportunity to work with, and listen to, people throughout Essex's health and social care system, allowing us to gain a deep understanding of their needs and work together to cocreate a product that directly benefits those who will ultimately be using it.” - James Brown & Matt Ash This initiative is an exciting opportunity for innovators to shape the future of care technology.

Essex County Council and partners have created a challenge fund, to help turn them into practical solutions that improve the lives of Essex residents.

The judging panel is formed from a wealth of experience, leadership, and lived experience from across the Essex region, including: • Peter Fairley – Director of Strategy & Integration, Essex County Council

• Dr. Robert Singh – Director of Research and Enterprise - University of Essex • Simon Wood - Regional Director of Strategy & Transformation for East of England, NHSE • Dr. Ed Garratt – CEO of Suffolk and North East Essex ICB • Jeanette Cookson – Director, Home Instead Essex • Sam Fox – Member, Essex Sight Loss Council • Dr. Louise Jopling – Commercial Director, Health Innovation East (formerly Eastern AHSN) • Jo Rogers – Commissioning Manager – Essex County Council Peter Fairley, Director of Strategy and Integration for Essex County Council, said: “Technology can play a crucial role in social care in helping people to live independently and to improve their quality of life. We are delighted to be working with our partners on this Challenge Prize, which gives a great opportunity for us to support innovators as they work on solutions for the challenges that social care and health face. I look forward to seeing these ideas develop and grow further and to making a positive impact.”

Ed Garratt, Chief Executive of NHS Suffolk and North East Essex, said: “Congratulations to all of the finalists. The standard of entries has been extremely high.

What has been particularly pleasing for me is seeing the needs of service users at the centre of plans. Technology continues to advance in ways that could never have been imagined only a few years ago, so it is wonderful that it is being used in ways that could make such a positive difference to the lives of many.”

Dr. Louise Jopling - Commercial Director, Health Innovation East ‘’I am delighted by the quality and quantity of applicants we received for the Care Tech Challenge Fund, it made the initial judging very difficult, but I’m excited by the engagement and openness of our three finalists and system partners in this co-production phase. This process has already been a great catalyst for driving innovation with and for, the care sector across our region.’’

Furthermore, Essex County Council is proud to announce that this initiative aligns with the upcoming launch of the Essex Care Tech Campus, which will be based on the University of Essex Colchester site.

The Care Tech Campus will serve as a hub for research, development, and collaboration, bringing together academia and industry to drive innovation in the care tech sector.

The Care Tech Challenge Fund represents a major step forward in enhancing the quality of care and support available to residents of Essex and beyond. It embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration that is at the heart of our commitment to improving the lives of those who need it most.

For more information about the Care Tech Challenge Fund and its finalists, please contact: caretech@bbi.uk.com

Inspired Inspirations: Revolutionising UK's Care Sector with the Tiny Tablet In an era where technology infiltrates every aspect of life, it's paramount for care establishments to harness its potential for enhancing the quality of life for those they care for. One pioneering name stands out in this endeavour - Inspired Inspirations. This innovative company has been leading the transformation of care through its state-of-the-art Tiny Tablet touch screen activity tables.

The impact of the Tiny Tablet across the UK's care sector is nothing short of transformative. Crafted with precision, these activity tables are designed to meet the unique needs of individuals in care settings. The interactive features and user-friendly interface offer residents an engaging experience that transcends the limitations often associated with traditional care environments.

From stimulating cognitive functions to enhancing social interactions, the benefits are manifold. Residents can revisit old memories, connect with loved ones, explore the world, and engage in enriching activities, all with just a touch.

But what truly sets Inspired Inspirations apart is not just their groundbreaking product but their holistic approach to integrating technology into care. Recognising that the most advanced tools are only as effective as the hands that wield them, the company prioritises the training of care staff. They believe in empowering caregivers with the skills and knowledge required to maximise the potential of touch screen

devices. Their comprehensive training modules ensure that care professionals are well-equipped to provide those being cared for with meaningful, enriching interactions using the Tiny Tablet.

Further amplifying their commitment to quality care through technology, Inspired Inspirations has penned an invaluable guide titled "Project Wellbeing: Unleash the Power of Technology in Care". This book is a testament to their deep expertise and dedication to the cause. It offers readers insights into the best practices for integrating technology into care settings and ensuring that residents reap the myriad benefits. By sharing their vast knowledge and experiences, Inspired Inspirations is fostering a care community that is both tech-savvy and deeply compassionate. This can be ordered from Amazon, or Inspired Inspirations own website www.inspired-inspirations.com In conclusion, as the UK's care sector faces unprecedented challenges, companies like Inspired Inspirations are paving the way for a brighter, tech-enabled future. Their remarkable Tiny Tablet touch screen activity tables, coupled with their dedication to staff training and knowledge dissemination, position them as true trailblazers. For care establishments looking to embrace the future and offer unparalleled experiences to the people they care for, a partnership with Inspired Inspirations is not just recommended, it's essential.

See the advert on the facing page for further details.

PAGE 54 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 169

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 169

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 169

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 169

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 169 | 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 169

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 169 | 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 Immiggration, 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 169

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.