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Issue 171
£1bn Funding Pledge To Reform Adult Social Care Redirected Money Spent “Elsewhere” Report Reveals
More than a billion pounds of the £1.7 billion committed to reforming the adult social care system in December 2021 has been diverted to other care priorities, according to a new National Audit Office (NAO) report. Reforming adult social care in England reveals that only £729 million may now be spent between 2022 and 2025 on reforming the adult social care system, representing a 58% fall in the budget, and the NAO said that despite being just two years into the 10-year scheme, plans to cap the cost of lifetime care had been delayed and other proposals had been scaled back, with even revised policies falling behind schedule. Rising inflation has compounded long-standing pressures in adult social care
and, coupled with concerns about the sector’s contribution to delays to hospital discharge, has led the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) to reprioritise its reform funding and activity in favour of helping to stabilise the sector.
REFORM POSTPONED At last year’s Autumn Statement, the government postponed its £3.6 billion charging reform initiative and committed up to £7.5 billion to the sector, including £2.7 billion of new central government funding, to help ease immediate pressures. These measures provided some welcome relief for local authorities.
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PAGE 2 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 171
EDITOR'S VIEWPOINT Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital! HONOURING OUR HEROES: A TRIBUTE TO CARE HOME RESIDENTS WHO SERVED We here at THE CARER would like to say thank you to all the care homes and care environments around the UK who shared their Armistice and Remembrance Sunday commemorations, paying tribute to our past and present service people and, of course, to their residents who served and lived through past conflicts. Editor We are so very proud to honour to those “unsung heroes”. Veterans who served their country in various ways with unwavering dedication, and whose sacrifices have too often gone unnoticed, in our tribute on pages 20-25. The residents of our care homes, many of whom are decorated veterans of past conflicts, embody a legacy of courage and sacrifice. Their stories, etched in the annals of history, stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit that has shaped our nation. These heroes, who once donned uniforms and answered the call of duty, now find themselves in the quiet embrace of care homes, where their valour is no less significant. We are also proud, in today’s tribute supplement, to honour those who served, and never returned. The brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we cherish today. Their names may not all be etched in bold letters on memorials, but they live on in the hearts of the care home residents who remember them, comrades who became brothers in arms and remain forever young in the memories of those they left behind. So, we at The Carer, extend our deepest gratitude to the care homes across the UK that have taken the time to pay tribute to their residents' military service. Your efforts in sharing these poignant stories have allowed us, and our readership, to connect with the remarkable journeys of these veterans. Their experiences, from the trenches to the home front, are an integral part of our shared history, and we are honoured to be a platform that amplifies their voices. In these care homes, surrounded by the warmth and care of dedicated staff, our veterans find a new kind of camaraderie. Their memories, like the flickering flame of a candle, continue to illuminate the path for generations to come, and we also extend our gratitude to the care homes that serve as bastions of respect and dignity, ensuring that the sacrifices of these heroes are acknowledged and remembered, so thank you once again. The recent revelations in our lead story from the National Audit Office (NAO) regarding
Peter Adams
the diversion of over a billion pounds from the £1.7 billion pledged to overhaul the adult social care system in December 2021 paint a distressing picture of the state of care in the UK. The promise of £1.7 billion to reform adult social care was met with cautious optimism by those who have long called for a lifeline to sustain an industry on the brink. However, the revelation that a significant portion of this crucial funding has been diverted to other care priorities is nothing short of a betrayal to an already beleaguered sector. The Kings Fund's damning assessment of the situation, indicating that the DHSS is struggling to deliver even "limited reforms in adult social care," underscores the severity of the crisis. The need for comprehensive reform has never been more urgent, and yet, the financial mismanagement revealed by the NAO threatens to leave the care system gasping for breath. The ramifications of this diversion are felt acutely on the front lines of residential and nursing care homes across the country. The funding and staffing crisis has created a perfect storm, with staff shortages, already a chronic issue, and which have been exacerbated, placing an intolerable burden on those dedicated individuals striving to provide quality care in challenging circumstances. We now have a new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Victoria Atkins MP, and is our seventh Health Secretary since 2018 (although for some reason Steve Barclay did serve twice, July-September 2022 and October 2022-November 2023) which makes me feel it may be something of a poisoned chalice. It’s no secret that any people continue to be unable to access the help they need. Waiting times for an assessment are exceptionally long: in August of last year, an estimated 245,800 adults in England were waiting for an assessment of their needs, with 33% of people waiting over six months. Politicians of all colours recognise these problems; however, it will take political bravery to deliver long term improvements, and sadly, politicians have repeatedly failed to jump the first hurdle of accepting how bad the financial state of adult social care is, and how far the existing system is from a universal service like the NHS. Despite former Prime Minister Boris Johnson stating on the steps of10 Downing Streetthat he would “fix social care once and for all”, a proposal to cap the lifetime costs of care, we have seen precious little except proposals and postponements, ranging from Labour health secretary Andy Burnham’s “death tax” to then Prime Minister’s Theresa May’s much criticised “dementia tax”. History is littered with failed attempts at reforming social care. So, it really will be interesting as we approach a general election next year to see mainstream party proposals on how they intend to tackle the crisis in adult social care. “Watch this space!” We are inviting observers from all parties to share their proposals/plans with our readers. I can always be contacted at editor@thecareruk.com
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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 171 | PAGE 3
£1bn Funding Pledge To Reform Adult Social Care Redirected (CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER) DHSC estimates that in 2023-24, local authorities, in aggregate, intend to spend enough on adult social care to cover cost pressures. However, there is local variation and funding may not be reaching areas that need it most because government has not updated the formula used to distribute most local government funding for adult social care since 2013-14.DHSC estimates that around a quarter of local authorities may not spend enough to keep up with the cost pressures they face this year, while one in six expects demand for adult social care to exceed capacity this winter. Despite some recent signs of improvement, the care system remains under significant pressure. Among the many challenges are concerningly high waiting lists, which local authorities reported had increased by 37 per cent between November 2021 and April 2022.3 While they have eased slightly since then, survey data suggested that the number of people waiting more than six months in March 2023 for a care assessment was almost double – at around 82,000 – what it was at the end of 2021.
INCREASED VACANCIES Vacancies in adult social care in England have increased by 173 per cent in the past decade and, despite a recent fall, stand at around 152,000 (a 10 per cent vacancy rate). Around 70,000 staff have been recruited from outside the UK in the past year.4 The NAO report finds that DHSC has much to do if it is to achieve its 10-year ambition for reforming adult social care and must manage significant risks. However, DHSC has not established an overarching programme to coordinate its reforms, making it difficult to know if it is on track to achieve its objectives. DHSC is delivering on two of its eight workforce projects – supporting international recruitment and adult social care volunteering – the remaining six are in development. Some projects within digital, data and assurance have made better progress.
NO “LONG-TERM PLAN” The NAO found that DHSC does not have a long-term funded plan for transforming adult social care. The department’s Next steps paper, published in April 2023 which contained high-level plans for system reform – does not go beyond the current spending review period. Delivering charging reform by October 2025, will require significant work by both DHSC and local authorities which will need to begin soon to remain on track. The NAO heard that work on preparing local authorities would need to have started by summer 2023. The NAO recommends that DHSC assesses the impact of its current and planned reform interventions on local authorities and seeks stakeholder views to ensure its plans are manageable. It should also set out a costed plan for implementing charging reform from October 2025, and map the funding required to deliver its planned reform outcomes. Gareth Davies, the head of the NAO, said: “Adult social care reform has been an intractable political challenge for decades. Government has set out its ambition to meet this challenge and now needs to demonstrate how it is delivering on these plans.” Mr Davies said government should consider local government
capacity before moving forward with charging reform alongside the system reform. “To maximise its chances of succeeding, government will need to ensure it understands the impact of its ambitions on local authorities and other stakeholders and establish a costed plan which ensures delivery of its long-term goals.”
reform and associated funding to £729 million, compared with the £1.74 billion agreed with HM Treasury when DHSC published its white paper in December 2021. This equates to a 58% fall in the budget for system, reform between 2022-23 and 2024-25. Shortfalls such as this present a task to a sector already operating against a backdrop of demographic change, workforce shortages and pressure on local authority finances.
IMPOSSIBLE TO IMPLEMENT
WAKE-UP CALL
Cllr Martin Tett, Adult Social Care Spokesperson for the County Councils Network, said: “Last year, the County Councils Network (CCN) highlighted that it would be impossible to implement the government’s proposed charging reforms in social care without making services worse due to extreme financial pressures, and the government took the tough but necessary decision to defer them. “We recognise that there is a clear rationale for introducing these charging reforms, but they cannot be delivered on a shoestring as this National Audit Office report shows. Previous CCN research has shown their costs could be a minimum of £10bn higher than estimated and deepen the workforce crisis in social care. The next government must ensure that these reforms do not fall at the first hurdle by ensuring there is enough resource and workforce capacity in the social care system.”
“STRUGGLING TO DELIVER” Simon Bottery, Senior Fellow, The King’s Fund, said: ‘The National Audit Office report shows that Department of Health and Social Care is struggling to deliver even the limited reforms to adult social care that it has promised. It is particularly worrying that progress on workforce reform – the scale of which had already been reduced – is glacial, with the only real action being in international recruitment. Development of a career pathway for care workers – a critical reform given vacancies in the sector – has stalled. Plans for the Care Quality Commission to assess local authorities’ social care performance have also been delayed. ‘The only positive news is in digital and data, where digitisation of social care records is progressing, albeit more slowly than planned. Altogether, with the introduction of a cap on lifetime care costs already delayed to 2025, this programme of reform represents only a small sliver of what was promised by the government in 2021. The NAO raises serious doubts about whether even this will be delivered before the next election. At a time when adult social care has never faced more profound problems, with record numbers of people requesting support, this is an utterly inadequate response.’
Lucinda Allen, Senior Policy Officer at the Health Foundation, said: ‘The NAO’s report should be a wakeup call to government and political parties ahead of the general election. The social care system is in crisis. Older and disabled people are going without the care they need, staff vacancies stand at 1 in 10, and reliance on unpaid carers is high. ‘Successive governments have broken promises to ‘fix’ social care. The current government is no different, watering down its reform plans and delaying the introduction of a cap on care costs – leaving people vulnerable to potentially catastrophic costs. Money earmarked for reform is instead going towards immediate pressures on care services, continuing a legacy of short-termism in social care funding. ‘Fundamental reform of the social care system in England is needed to improve people’s access to care, boost pay and conditions for staff, and increase state protection against care costs. This will require additional funding. The Health Foundation estimates it could cost an extra £8.3bn a year by 2032 just to meet expected demand as our population ages. An ambitious government can afford to go further and improve our social care system – and stop history repeating itself.’
GOVERNMENT ACTION NEEDED Cathie Williams, CEO of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) said, ‘Delays and partial implementation of reform in social care, together with the absence of long-term workforce and funding plans have had a significant impact on people needing or working in care and on unpaid carers. In April, ADASS published Time to Act, which set out actions for local areas, but it needs Government action to come to fruition. ‘Together with NHS pressures – 70% of directors say that their staff are undertaking work that would have been done by the NHS on an unfunded basis, reducing resources for essential social care – this adds to council funding pressures and makes the situation for all of us needing care and support or healthcare even less sustainable. Only by recognising that wellness and wellbeing are essential for our economic and social infrastructure and investing in a long-term fully funded plan for social care can we make sure we can all live and work and care.’
58% FALL IN BUDGET
REMAINS COMMITTED
Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, said: “The report unearths an alarming parallel narrative. While the need for care is on the rise, the plans and funding for system reform are being scaled back. This is symptomatic of a broader issue Care England has long since called to be addressed. The solution to the adult social care puzzle is long-term thinking, yet the NAO report finds government overreliance on short-term policies.” A key finding of the report is that the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has scaled back its short-term plans for system
A DHSC spokesperson said it remained committed to reform and was investing up to £700m this year and next to make major improvements to the adult social care system. This includes £42.6m to support innovation in care and an increase to the Disabled Facilities Grant of £50m. “Additionally, we have made up to £8.1bn available to help local authorities tackle waiting lists, low fee rates, and workforce pressures, £570m of which will help local authorities improve adult social care provision, in particular by boosting the workforce,” the spokesperson added.
PAGE 4 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 171
Getting Routines Right for People Living with Dementia By Bernadette Mossman, Healthcare Director at Vida Healthcare (https://vidahealthcare.co.uk) Amidst 55 million global dementia cases and 10 million new diagnoses annually, emphasising specialised care routines is essential for care home operators and staff when it comes to providing exceptional care for people living with dementia. Bernadette Mossman, Healthcare Director at Vida Healthcare, shares expert insight on how to implement routines for people living with dementia and why they are so important to contribute to physical and mental wellbeing. Vida Healthcare is the UK’s leading provider of specialist dementia care. The company currently operates three outstanding-rated care homes which provide bespoke care, including residential and nursing, for over 200 people living with dementia.
WHY ARE ROUTINES IMPORTANT? Living without a daily routine can cause increased stress and anxiety, lack of concentration and even exacerbate feelings of distress. This is even more important for people living with dementia, who require stability to maintain independence and wellbeing. Daily routines serve as a foundation for specialist care, by ensuring consistency and management of the unique needs of each individual living with dementia. Care homes across the board will understand the importance of implementing daily routines for their residents to support crucial activities, such as taking medication on time and getting enough sleep. However, it can be tricky to understand how to establish a routine for people who may find it challenging to vocalise their needs, such as those living with dementia. Setting routines not only creates a sense of familiarity, but also ensures structure and predictability which can, in turn, promote independence and wellbeing. Therefore, providing care home staff with the right skills to undertake effective routines is fundamental for holistic and effective dementia care. This becomes more essential as people progress on their dementia journey and their care needs change. For example, some people living with dementia may lose the ability to carry out everyday routines by themselves over time, such as getting dressed in the morning, eating, communicating or understanding their surroundings. This will often cause confusion, embarrassment and require increased assistance from others. Introducing routines as early as possible when a person moves into a care home can support these func-
tions and help to maintain independence for longer.
STARTING THE DAY Incorporating cues and reminders can be a useful tool in starting a daily routine for someone living with dementia. If a resident has always started their day by getting a shower, it is important to maintain consistency with this pattern to avoid stress or anxiety. Simple cues, such as leaving a person’s toothbrush and clothes out can make a significant impact, and foster independence for longer. Daily activities When devising a daily routine for an individual living with dementia, a fundamental aim should be to cater it to their personal preferences and past experiences as much as possible. Upholding even small or seemingly ordinary activities within their daily schedule can yield positive results, such as helping them continue to do things independently for longer. These routines may include leisure activities such as a post-lunch walk, making a cup of tea or sitting down at a certain time of day to watch a favourite TV programme.
DINING For residents living with dementia, excessive distractions and stimuli can cause residents to become overwhelmed during mealtimes, emphasising the need for a calm and welcoming environment which residents feel comfortable in. The menus a care home offers should be diverse and visually appealing. Providing traditional and nostalgic meals is often well-received. Involving residents in setting the table like they would do at home can be a useful routine, as it fosters a sense of purpose and inclusion. Creating a calming dining experience will help maintain good nutritional intake which in turn, ensures residents are sustaining a good quality of life4 .
BEDTIME AND CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS Residents living with dementia frequently experience disturbed sleep and Circadian Rhythm Disorders (CRDs). Establishing a safe and comfortable bedtime environment can help ensure the individual has uninterrupted sleep throughout the night. Vida Healthcare’s care homes cater to the specialist needs of dementia residents by incorporating specially selected decor and sensory features to help alleviate confusion. Vida Court, the newest of Vida Healthcare’s three homes, has integrated circadian lighting, which aims to reduce agitation amongst residents whilst maintaining routine. Implementing a routine for people living with dementia is instrumental in providing predictability, structure and a sense of safety. However, caring for individuals living with dementia can pose challenges for care home operators in determining how best to support them. Encouraging routines can promote independence and, ultimately, positively influence their overall quality of life and general wellbeing for as long as possible.
Dorset Care Home Residents ‘Moved To Get Active’ By Team Member’s Charity Run A group of people who live with dementia in Dorset had an especially active month with inspiration from a charity run by a member of their care home team. Thirty-one was the number in mind as residents at Colten Care’s The Aldbury did their bit to support David Austin’s ultramarathon. David, Senior Administrator at the Poole home, completed a 31-mile running challenge in aid of Little Lives UK, a charity that helps disabled and disadvantaged children and young people in the Dorset town. Residents and colleagues showed solidarity with him by purposely walking or moving for at least 31 minutes a day over the course of a month. Sponsored activities by residents included ‘moving and grooving’ in the garden, picking up fallen leaves, chair yoga, chair football, balloon tennis and even donning tutus to learn basic ballet steps. Some of the sessions had input from Love To Move Dorset co-ordinator Katie Wilford and were based on a programme devised by the British Gymnastics Foundation. Together, David and the residents raised nearly £500 for Little Lives, easily beating a £300 target they
set at the start. Melissa Siat, a Companionship Team member at The Aldbury, which offers dedicated dementia care, said: “Well done to David and all in Team Aldbury! Moved to get active by what David achieved, our residents had great fun keeping fit while raising money for such a deserving cause. “Everyone at the home was keen to support this initiative as we know the benefits of moving are cognitive, physical and social. “We all make sure our residents keep active and have fun every day but Katie led sessions that helped everyone focus in a little further on coordination and dexterity.” David’s ultramarathon was from Moors Valley Country Park near Ferndown to Hengistbury Head on the coast, following the Castleman Trailway for part of the way and along the seafront into Bournemouth. David said: “It’s wonderful to have had the support of residents in completing the challenge and raising funds for Little Lives. “Our residents chose it as the home’s main charity to support this year because they know the great work it does for children and young people.”
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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 171 | PAGE 5
New Sec Of State Must Tackle Social Care THE new Health and Social Care Secretary must urgently tackle the growing crisis in social care to ease pressure on the NHS, campaigners have said. The care provider organisation, the Independent Care Group (ICG) said a mountain of evidence for social care reform grew bigger every day and it was ready to help Victoria Atkins as she gets to grips with the job. ICG Chair Mike Padgham said: “We welcome Victoria Atkins to the post of Secretary of State and wish her well in the role. “We would urge her to make reform of social care her number one priority. Solving the crisis in the care of older and vulnerable adults, getting funding into the sector and tackling the staffing crisis will help ease problems across her brief. Getting social care back on track will ease pressures within the NHS and that must be her first main focus. “We, and other colleagues in the sector, have a wealth of knowledge and sensible, practical suggestions to help and would be delighted to meet with her to discuss the way forward, as soon as possible. “She faces a growing tsunami of reports crashing on to the shore. Growing hospital waiting lists, rising numbers of delayed discharges, cuts in funding for social care reform and a warning over the future health of older people… the litany of warnings just keeps growing and growing. “So many of these reports revolve around successive governments – including this one – failing to properly reform social care and give older and vulnerable people the care they need and deserve.” In recent days, The National Audit Office revealed that the Government has cut the funding for its planned reform of social care by 58% – diverting some £1bn of the £1.7bn allocated, to other priorities. The money had been earmarked as part of 10-year reforms which included capping the cost of lifetime care.
Meanwhile reports of delayed hospital discharges – often due to a lack of available social care – continue to emerge. National figures suggest up to 58% (13,000 people) are unable to leave hospital even though they are able to – mainly because there is no homecare and residential care available. Figures from the BBC Data Unit revealed examples – like at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust between July 1, 2022, and June 30 2023 on an average night 88.1% patients who had been identified as ready to be discharged that day were still occupying a bed at midnight. In the same period, at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust on an average night 64.9% of patients who had been identified as ready to be discharged that day were still occupying a bed at midnight. And at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on an average night last year 66.4% of patients who had been identified as ready to be discharged that day were still occupying a bed at midnight. These delayed discharges contribute to rising hospital waiting lists – the latest figure, for September, showed 7.77m people waiting for non-emergency care – up from 7.75m in August. More than a million are waiting for more than one procedure. England’s chief medical officer, Prof Sir Chris Whitty, warned in his annual report that older people, particularly those living in deprived regions, faced significant health issues unless improvements to healthcare provision were made. Recent figures from the DHSC revealed that 61% of local authorities were worried about a lack of domiciliary care.
Local Care Home Shines Bright For Festival Of Lights Residents at Glebefields care home in Drayton, Banbury marked the start of the Hindu festival of Diwali, popularly known as the ‘festival of lights’ with a fashion show from the staff in traditional dress; ladies brightly coloured sarees and gentlemen’s kurta. Admin Assistant Shilpa started the celebration by giving our residents and guests the background story to ‘Lakshmi’ the goddess of wealth and symbol of prosperity. She explained the story highlights the good fortune and success that Lakshmi bestows upon those who work hard and seek help sincerely. It also demonstrates that during times of success, one must never become complacent or arrogant, as success has a way of getting away from people. Staff members Ashitha, Tincy and Shilpa helped decorate the lounge with colourful patterned rangoli and diyas, marigold flowers, garlands and candles which are
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lit to signify the triumph of good over evil. Head chef Bose Jose and the hospitality team prepared a verity of traditional Indian dishes with a range of spicy samosas, crispy onion bhajis and plenty of Indian sweets treats including barfi and milk pedas for the whole home to enjoy. Marjorie and Edith, residents at Glebefields commented: “We love all of the different cultural events that are celebrated here, there’s always something going on. We especially like the religious festivals from other cultures and sampling the wonderful food.” Nisha Shaji, General Manager at Glebefields, said: “To celebrate Diwali at the home was fantastic, the colourful glow of the lamps created a very wonderful atmosphere and our chef made the most delicious dishes – everyone had a fantastic time.”
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PAGE 6 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 171
AI: A Ground-Breaking Treatment For The Health and Care Sector
By Justene Ewing, Vice President Health & Care at CGI UK & Australia
and Dr. Diane Gutiw, Vice-President, Analytics, AI and Machine Learning at CGI As the NHS formulates its strategies for 2024 and beyond, CGI experts Justene Ewing, Vice President Health and Care, and Dr Diane Gutiw, Vice President Global AI Research Lead, are prescribing AI. Decisive action incorpoDr Diane Gutiw rating a revolutionary, AIled approach into a Justene Ewing redesign of health and care functions will be key to safeguarding knowledge, easing pressure on staff and improving patient outcomes. It can also help to preserve the vast reserves of knowledge and experience the NHS is losing to retirement, and meet the increasing demands of an ageing population.
FEARS FOR AN AI-DRIVEN FUTURE Despite the waves this transformative technology is already making in healthcare, there’s still notable trepidation about what AI might mean for both providers and patients. Fears abound, as people ask questions like: How can patient data be kept safe and private? Will AI replace humans in healthcare? Can AI really be trusted to create personal treatment plans? Separating the hype from the reality is the first step to unlocking the potential of this powerful technology. To understand its value – and its limitations – it must be understood as a tool that’s controlled and directed by the people who use it. Just like the internet revolutionised how we access information, AI will enhance how we use and communicate knowledge - but it can’t replace human creativity, empathy and reasoning.
AI INNOVATIONS IN HEALTHCARE Visionary trailblazers are already leveraging this exciting new tool, and is a remarkable example of how AI can assist medical professionals, while simultaneously improving patient outcomes and experiences. In a world first, AI has been used to combine MRI and CT scans, transforming them into 3D models of individual patients’ brains. Armed with VR headsets and interactive gloves, neurosurgeons are then able to navigate each model to determine the optimal surgical strategy for removing the patient’s tumour – without making a single cut. What’s more, patients can use same technology to take an active role in the consent process, as specialists can walk them through and visualise their specific surgery. Over in medical imaging diagnostics, AI is in action, advancing computer vision and deep learning to help
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with the early detection of brain bleeds, cancer and ACL tears, drawing on its ability to spot anomalies invisible to the human eye. Thanks to the earlier, more precise diagnoses AI delivers, patients have better prognoses and are more likely to avoid invasive procedures.
DATA MANAGEMENT IS A MUST Across any AI use case, however, data management is crucial. AI guidelines are already in the works, but healthcare providers still need to be discerning in AI’s use. To generate safe, relevant and effective conclusions, AI models must be trained and programmed with accurate, statistically relevant data. And that means only using data that’s transparent and traceable to guarantee it’s comprehensive, trustworthy and high quality. Combining these exacting data standards with market-leading analytics and business modelling is the best way to ensure accurate, secure outputs.
BE SPECIFIC FOR SUCCESS Above all, precision will be critical to AI success. To revolutionise healthcare, providers need to be specific about the exact challenge each AI deployment addresses, and the specific outcome it’s designed to achieve. And it’s also absolutely essential that any strategic thinking centres around how each use of AI will benefit people – both patients and staff – rather than seeing it as just another tool that can reduce headcount. Looking to some of the key challenges the NHS faces today, AI can optimise workflows and resource allocation through accurate, data-driven predictions relating to variables like readmittance, adverse drug reactions and patient flows. It’s also set to empower healthcare workers to focus on the most impactful and fulfilling aspects of their roles by taking administrative tasks like freedom of information requests off their plate. And with better resource allocation and more time to focus on frontline roles, service delivery will vastly improve for the patients who so need the skills and empathy health and care workers provide.
A HEALTHIER FUTURE The pandemic has already prompted many healthcare providers to accelerate their data strategies, and maintaining this momentum will drive better outcomes in the future. The ultimate goal must be improving the quality of our healthcare system so it, in turn, can improve quality of life. There’s huge scope for responsible, strategic use of AI to make change for good across our healthcare system. Right now, the potential includes personalised medical approaches to more effective medical training, streamlined treatment protocols, rapid access to clinical information and expertise, and more accurate strategic predictions. Imagination is the only limitation as the NHS seeks out the right processes and resources to continue to provide world-class care over the coming decades. To find out more about what AI means for the health and care sector, take a look at our dedicated webpages: https://www.cgi.com/uk/en-gb/health-and-care or https://www.cgi.com/uk/en-gb/artificial-intelligence.
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Without Drastic Change, NHS Situation Will ‘Get Far Worse’ Into Winter, says BMA al action began, and even before the Covid-19 pandemic. This is an appalling situation many years in the making. “Just this week the Government rejected calls from the NHS for more funding to help meet winter demands – instead telling the NHS to find savings from existing budgets, even if this meant abandoning efforts to reduce the backlog. During eight months of industrial action by doctors, and even before this, the Government had an opportunity to avert the costly impact of strikes. However, until recently a lack of engagement from ministers has left Trusts and patients paying the price. Without ending the disputes with junior doctors, consultants and SAS doctors, the Government cannot hope to achieve its priority of reducing waiting lists, and we hope that talks with all three groups can reach deals that reverse pay erosion, retain doctors, and allow them to continue working in the NHS, giving the expert care that we were trained to provide, and our patients deserve.”
Responding to today’s waiting list and A&E performance data from NHS England, Dr Latifa Patel, BMA representative body chair, said: “Sadly, but unsurprisingly, the waiting list has once again increased to another record – hitting almost 7.8 million – demonstrating the huge challenges facing the NHS, healthcare staff and patients. “Meanwhile, there’s been a large increase in the number of patients waiting for longer than 12 hours in emergency departments, an unacceptably long time. “But even as the temperature drops, we mustn’t forget these figures are from September and October respectively, long before we’ll see the most intense pressures of winter start to take hold, so unless anything drastic changes, doctors, their colleagues, and patients are likely to see things get far worse. “While the Government would like to blame these dire statistics on strikes by doctors, waiting lists were at record highs before any industri-
Worcester Care Home Raises £510 For St Richards Hospice
The Belmont care home in Worcester successfully raised £510 for St Richards Hospice during their Summer Fete on the 19th of August. The event featured an array of local businesses showcasing their products and services. One of the
highlights of the day was a raffle, offering enticing prizes including restaurant vouchers, bottles of wine, and a luxurious regency hamper. Residents at The Belmont care home visited representatives at St Richard’s Hospice in Worcester to present their collective efforts to the charity. “We had a wonderful day, inviting the residents, their families, and our wider community to our Summer Fete” said Sandie Preece, Registered Home Manager at The Belmont. “Through the generosity of all who attended, we raised the considerable sum of £510 for St Richards Hospice. It was heartwarming to see everyone come together to support such a worthy cause.”
WE NOW SUPPLY A WIDE RANGE OF FURNITURE
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Victoria Atkins Appointed New Health & Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins MP has been appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Care as part of a Ministerial reshuffle. She replaces Steve Barclay MP who becomes Environment Secretary. Ms Atkins has been the Conservative MP for Louth and Horncastle since 2015. She was previously the Financial Secretary to the Treasury since October 2022. Other previous ministerial roles include Prisons Minister, and Women’s Minister. Responding to the appointment, Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “The Secretary of State takes office as system and Trust leaders are digesting, and working out how to respond to, last week’s deeply disappointing funding announcement which saw their pleas for more funding to cover the costs of industrial action and inflation answered by taking investment away from key areas that are likely to harm the NHS in the long term. “With its reshuffle, the government has an opportunity to revisit this decision in the imminent Autumn Statement, as well as more generally reset relationships with the health and care sector. “While Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP has clearly been a divisive health and social care secretary, on behalf of our members we thank him for the progress he made to resolve the dispute with most trade unions that had facilitated strike activity and for the recent encouraging signs of progress in the talks with the BMA. It is vital
that the NHS does not face further industrial action as this threat, both in terms of the financial hit and the growing waiting lists, continues to weigh heavily on the health service as winter approaches. “We look forward to working constructively with Rt Hon Victoria Atkins to help deliver on the priorities of health leaders, their staff and patients.” Health & Social Care Select Committee Chair Steve Brine MP said: “I welcome the appointment of Victoria Atkins to the role of Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. “Her appointment comes at a critical time for the NHS with the number of patients waiting for treatment at a record high. Preventing ill-health will be key to helping the NHS manage its resources. Prevention is one of this committee’s priorities and I hope it will be high up the on new Secretary of State’s agenda too. “I thank Steve Barclay for his work at the Department of Health and Social Care and wish him well in his new role.” Steve Sawyer, MD at Access Health, Support and Care said: “It’s important that the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care continues the important work of Steve Barclay and his team in using technology to bring real benefits to patients and NHS staff. The use of Virtual Wards, for example, to allow people to recover in their own homes, has given patients choice while increasing capacity in hospitals. “But improvements in the NHS will only work if they also bring social care along on the journey and that means delivering truly integrated care. “Representatives from social care on Integrated Care Boards would help that happen. From preventative care to delayed discharge from hospitals and dealing with delayed ambulance handovers outside A&E; uniting health and social care and allowing technology to deliver truly joined up care will deliver the biggest benefits.”
Chislehurst Care Home Receives Surprise Visit From Rocky The Donkey Residents at RMBI Care Co. Home Prince George Duke of Kent Court in Chislehurst, Kent were delighted recently when Rocky the donkey came to visit. Rocky was led by handler Caroline Edmonds from Second Chance, a sanctuary based in Somerset, all around the Home so that residents could pet and stroke him. They even stopped off at some residents’ rooms so that they could be introduced. The benefits of spending time with animals for older people are immense. Research has shown that having something to pet or touch can result in lower blood pressure, better heart rate and reduced stress.
Animals can provide emotional stability during stressful situations, helping to reduce anxiety and depression. The visit also proved to be wonderful for residents with dementia at Prince George Duke of Kent Court, as it helped to spark conversation and reminiscence. Diane Connor, the Home’s Activities Coordinator, said: “It was wonderful to see the residents’ faces light up when Rocky came around! He brought joy and calmness to our residents, which is beneficial for their mental health and wellbeing.”
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A Five-Year Project To Bring Alzheimer’s Blood Tests To The NHS Experts have said that blood tests for Alzheimer’s could be available on the NHS within five years. That’s thanks to the Blood Biomarker Challenge, a £5M project led by Alzheimer’s Research UK, the Alzheimer’s Society and the National Institute of Health and Care Research. The project’s funds have been raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. The project will involve working with world-class researchers to pilot the implementation of new blood tests in the NHS that can diagnose Alzheimer’s disease earlier and more accurately than current methods. At present, diagnosing people with Alzheimer’s can be tricky and relies on brain imaging or lumbar punctures that can be “invasive and come with uncomfortable side effects” said Dr Susan Kohlhaas, Executive Director of Research and Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Research UK. According to NHS England, less than two-thirds of people in England with dementia have a formal diagnosis and those who do get a diagnosis can face long waits– up to four years if you are under 65. “We’re sitting on the cusp of a new era of dementia treatments, and doctors are likely going to see more people coming forward for a diagnosis. But the NHS doesn’t possess the required levels of diagnostic infrastructure to cope with this growing demand” said Kohlhaas.
“Low-cost tools like blood tests that are non-invasive and simpler to administer than current gold standard methods are the answer to this” she added. The 2023 Dementia Attitudes Monitor revealed blood tests for diagnosing dementia would be much more acceptable to the public than current tests offered. The nationally representative survey found that over half (54%) of UK adults would be reluctant to undergo a lumbar puncture even though it’s among the few recommended procedures for diagnosing suspected dementia in the NHS. In contrast, over 90% (94%) of respondents would be willing to take a blood test if one became available. A range of blood tests for Alzheimer’s are currently in the research stages, including those looking for specific proteins, such as amyloid and tau, that occur before dementia symptoms appear. But no test is currently clinically validated in the UK, or available to patients in the NHS. Fiona Carragher, Director of Research and Influencing at the Alzheimer’s Society, said introducing a blood test for dementia into UK healthcare systems would be “a truly game-changing win in the fight against this devastating disease.”
Mayor Brings Special Glitz To Gala Event At Local Care Home Staff, residents and family members at Mount House & Severn View Care home in Shrewsbury had the Mayor of Shrewsbury Becky Wall in attendance at their ‘Blitz and Glitz’ Gala Dinner on 6th November, 2023. Following conversations with the homes’ residents about what they would like to do they requested an early evening event, one that they could invite their loved ones to and get ‘glammed up’ just like they did after the war. Head Chef Charlotte Mulloy created a special 3 course menu and worked with the whole home team to plan an event to take place around bonfire night, with fireworks to represent the end of war celebrations and music of the era in the lead up to Remembrance Day. Madam Mayor enjoyed the fine dining experience on the top table
alongside Resident Ambassador; May McEntee and several of her fellow residents. Guests were served each course by a team of volunteers from present, and past staff members whilst being entertained by vintage 1940’s signer ‘Bertie Blighty’. General Manager at Mount House, Coral Edwards said: “It was lovely to have Madam Mayor Becky Wall here as our chef and team showcased their talents. The residents were delighted to meet, and spend time talking to the Mayor and sharing their memories of Shrewsbury. We all had a wonderful time and can’t thank the community enough for all their help and donations, all of which added to the Glitz of our prestigious remembrance event.”
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How Can Technology Support People Living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia? Freedom is equally important for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia so that they can maintain familiar habits and activities outside the home to remain a part of their community for as long as possible. Digital solutions can be deployed that combine the ability to request help in an emergency away from home with location tracking. This ensures that familiar routines, such as walking to the local shop, can continue safely for longer while maintaining connections and supporting independence and mobility.
Living with dementia and Alzheimer’s can have significant physical and emotional impacts, and will affect an individual’s thoughts, feelings and responses. Below Tracey Hipkiss, Clinical Applications Specialist at Tunstall Healthcare (www.tunstall.co.uk), discusses how technology can support people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s and the people who care for them.
SLEEPING BETTER It’s well known that long stretches of poor sleep can have a negative impact on our physical and mental health and wellbeing1. People living with dementia can often have issues with sleep, with different types of dementia being associated with different sleep problems2. This can also impact the people caring for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s, as they may need to check on them throughout the night. Technology can provide much needed respite for everyone. For example, bed occupancy sensors can raise an alert if someone leaves their bed during the night and doesn’t return after a short time. Epilepsy and enuresis sensors can also be used to enable a quick response to incidents, but equally mean that carers don’t have to disturb the person they care for during the night to check on them. In circumstances where an older spouse is caring for their partner, such technology can enable them to sleep peacefully, knowing they’ll be woken by the system if needed.
FIT FOR THE FUTURE
FINDING FREEDOM Digital solutions can enable caregivers to leave the house for short periods of time, with the knowledge that any technology in place will flag if there is an issue at home. This in turn will improve their quality of life and reduce stress as they can find more freedom.
Health and social care providers continue to experience increasing pressures, however technology is becoming more widely available which can reduce the number of events that require ambulance call outs and hospital admissions. Technology can also delay the need to move to a residential care setting. As technology advances, solutions are becoming increasingly predictive and proactive, and more able to effectively harness the wealth of data held by monitoring centres. This insight has the potential to transform the way we support people living with Alzheimer’s by creating targeted, upstream interventions that enable care to become community-based and person-centred. For the thousands of people every day who receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and dementia, and their families, having this support can make all the difference.
Local Care Home All Souls Day 'Act of Kindness' Collingtree Park care home in Northampton, decided to use the observation of ‘All Souls Day’; a day of prayer and remembrance for the faithful departed observed by certain Christian denominations on 2 November by taking the opportunity to give something back. During All Souls Day we discussed local issues and the residents chose to fill 'help bags' for the homeless. Assisted by Collingtree Park volunteers; Belinda and Sharon during the homes church service, residents filled individual bags with toiletries and treats. Resident Pam said "It is so important to think of others, being able to provide these supplies to members of the local community, whatever their circum-
stances helps us stay connected. We must never forget that we are all in this together, whatever the struggle may be". Activities Coordinator Skye and Senior Carer Marina visited Northampton town centre to deliver the essential items alongside resident Eileen who said "It was humbling to see how people live, I'm so grateful that you took me to help, I'm shocked that this happens nowadays". General Manager, Nikki Allen of Collingtree Park care home, said: “Today has been all about reflection, we hope the delivery of our gift bags helped raise a smile and acts as a reminder we care, and they are not alone.”
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NIHR Awards £42m To New Centres To Develop Innovative Technology Solutions To Improve Healthcare The NIHR has awarded almost £42 million (£41,790,690) to establish 14 new centres across England that will drive life-changing research into health technologies. From 1 April 2024, the 14 new NIHR HealthTech Research Centres (HRCs) will work with businesses to support the development of medical devices, diagnostics and digital technologies.
THESE TECHNOLOGIES WILL ENABLE PEOPLE TO: • better monitor their health • diagnose ill health sooner • improve management of conditions including cancer, dementia, cardiovascular and respiratory disease The HRCs will also work with companies to develop and test products to support rehabilitation and help those with social care needs to maintain their independence. They will work closely with carers, patients and users at all stages. Each HRC will be hosted by an NHS organisation in England, bringing industry, academia and the health and care system together.
THE HRCS WILL: • drive innovation and efficiency • bring new technologies to those who need them most • support the health and care workforce to reduce workload • help alleviate pressures on the health and care system The HRCs will keep the UK at the forefront of research and the place companies want to come to in order to invest in the development of health technologies. Former Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: “These centres will help bring the latest advances in medical technology into patients’ lives sooner improving care, treatment and diagnosis including for those with cancer, dementia and brain injuries. “We are already seeing the benefits of previous investment in health technologies – such as using artificial intelligence to predict how different patients respond to medication for inflammatory bowel disease meaning the right treatment is provided to patients sooner. “I look forward to seeing what our world leading scientists, clinicians and inventors bring forward next.”
The HRC scheme replaces the successful NIHR Medtech and In Vitro Diagnostic Co-operative (MIC) scheme, which comes to an end in March 2024. The previous scheme delivered significant impact, including the development of: • Virtual reality rehabilitation physiotherapy for children. This enabled them to undergo treatment from the comfort of their own home, reducing pressures on hospital services; • The “HeadUp Collar”. This drastically improves the quality of life for people with motor neurone disease. It addresses problems with communication, swallowing, breathing, mobility and pain; • A breath test for multiple gastrointestinal cancers. This enables detection at an earlier stage, when treatments are more effective; • QbTest, a computerised assessment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This is now used in NHS ADHD Clinics in England to support clinical decision making and more efficiently diagnose ADHD. QbTest enables people to have fewer consultations and receive support much earlier. The new scheme will continue to support innovative projects like these. It will also build capacity and expertise to support the development of health and care technologies to meet growing demand. The HRCs will develop technology for hospitals and in general practice as well as for use within community and social care settings. This will
enable patients to benefit from these innovations wherever they come into contact with the health and care system. Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser to the Department of Health and Social Care and CEO of the NIHR, said: “Research into health technology is recognised as being of vital importance for patients, carers and users, our workforce, and the wider health and care system. “The establishment of the NIHR Healthtech Research Centres shows our firm commitment to driving innovation in healthtech research from conception through to adoption. “Our existing research centres in MedTech have delivered new technologies that have helped prevent, diagnose and treat ill health for many individuals, as well as ensuring increased efficiencies in the health and care system. “The increased funding for the HealthTech Research Centres will build capacity and expertise in health technologies, bring new innovations to market and enable people to live healthier, better-quality lives.”
THE FUNDING WILL SUPPORT GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES INCLUDING: • Levelling up across the country. Nine of the 14 HRCs will be based at NHS organisations outside the Greater South East. They will receive the majority of the funding (64%). • The HRCs will support the development of innovations that address the most pressing healthcare challenges, including cancer, mental health, neurodegeneration and dementia, ageing, respiratory disease, and cardiovascular conditions. • The HRCs will support industry, including small and medium sized enterprises and local innovation clusters, to develop new medical technologies and diagnostics, and increase the chance of adoption in the NHS and other health and care settings. This will further cement the United Kingdom as a leading global hub for Life Sciences. • The HRCs will support delivery of the Government’s medical technology (“medtech”) strategy. Medtech is of vital importance to the UK health and care system, helping people live more independent, healthier lives for longer.
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From Migraines To Mental Wellbeing: Empowering Employees To Prioritise Health By Suzie Dawes, Head of People and Culture at caba, the occupational charity supporting ICAEW chartered accountants. (www.caba.org.uk) In the UK, millions experience mental health issues, often due to the workplace. According to the ONS, one in six people in the UK have depression, while over 8 million suffer with anxiety disorders. At the same time, another report from Statista finds that the most common type of stress is work stress (79%). Yet, despite these alarming numbers, a significant hurdle remains—the stigma of mental health or invisible illness sick days. Amid this backdrop, expanding the range of sick leave to encompass holistic wellbeing is imperative. At caba, we advocate for support and resources that empower employees to excel at work while maintaining a healthy balance with their personal lives. Embracing inclusive and holistic health policies is one of the most pivotal steps towards achieving this.
EXPANDING SICK LEAVE TO ENCOMPASS HOLISTIC HEALTH To better understand employees’ needs, I’ve explored below why they might consider taking a sick day for more than a severe illness. Reasons range from physical health issues like migraines to mental health concerns like stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. However, the traditional concept of sick days often centers on visible, physical illnesses like viruses or broken bones. Remember, there is no universal measure of sickness that applies to everyone. It’s a deeply personal experience, dependent on what an individual might be going through.
MENTAL HEALTH DAYS While mental health days are gaining traction and being included in sick leave policies, there’s still work to be done. Studies reveal that only a third of employees find workplace mental health support satisfactory. Taking leave for mental health reasons can significantly help with presenteeism issues and support employees in dealing with burnout, exhaustion, stress and anxiety. However, the fear of being labelled as ‘unproductive’ or ‘unwell’ often looms. Employers who cut through this stigma could substantially improve long-term productivity levels, retention rates and recruitment interest.
MENSTRUAL LEAVE As most understand, menstruation is a monthly cycle, but its intensity varies for every woman. Not every female will deal with their cycle the same, and whilst some might have physical impacts, others often have low mental health throughout the month. It’s key for male and female business leaders to understand and empathise with this. Menstrual leave has emerged as a potential business solution, which some are considering, like Spain, where women now have the right to three days of menstrual leave a month. And while this is gaining traction among UK MPs and businesses, there’s no national policy in the UK. This is a hot topic and one to keep watching, as there are opposing views from women who believe it may cause further discrimination.
MIGRAINES, INSOMNIA, AND OTHER INVISIBLE ILLNESSES Migraines affect one in seven people in the UK, with attacks lasting from two to 72 hours. Employees are not typically required to provide a sick note for short-term health conditions that resolve within seven days or less. However, for a recurring problem like migraines, a note for employers can provide better insight into an employee’s situation. Insomnia also might be harder to spot and verify, making it less commonly cited as a reason for sick leave. However, it can be linked to other mental and physical health issues that significantly impact an employee’s wellbeing and productivity. Often, employees feel guilty for taking sick days, especially when their illness isn’t visible. Employers must understand when their people don’t feel their best and support them with flexibility and care. Ultimately, this will affect business productivity and performance. So, incorporating well-positioned sick leave policies that foster a supportive workplace environment is paramount.
BEST PRACTICE FOR INCLUSIVE AND SUPPORTIVE SICK LEAVE Update Sick Leave Policies: Implement comprehensive sick leave policies that cover both physical and mental health reasons. While using inclusive language that encourages employees to prioritise their overall wellbeing. Be open and understand: Holding open and honest conversations between line managers and employees, without judgement, helps increase the wellbeing of employees and promotes confidence in sharing how they are feeling. These conversations aid the line managers in supporting the employee by considering tailored, reasonable adjustments that support the employees reason for absence. A generic ‘personal day’ brushes over the challenges the individual may be facing and doesn’t reach the root cause. Therefore, we should build working relationships on trust, seek to understand and provide appropriate support. Normalise Sick Leave: Business leaders and line managers should also be role models for their teams by talking about mental health, encouraging employees to do so and take time off for mental health illness where it is necessary and encouraging others to do so. Training for Managers: Provide managers with training on handling sick leave , particularly those related to mental health or invisible illnesses. Equip them with tools and skills for empathetic, non-judgemental conversations and noticing when their employees are struggling and might need some encouragement to take time to focus on their mental health or wellbeing. Promote Work-Life Balance: It might only work for some businesses but be flexible with your people if possible. Allow employees to work remotely, adjust their hours, or tailor their work capacity when they’re not feeling well. This can help individuals feel functional, but managers should always encourage time off if necessary. Developing inclusive and supportive sick leave policies is crucial for building a healthy and productive workplace. By recognising and addressing diverse wellbeing needs, businesses empower employees to prioritise their health. As attitudes towards health continue to evolve, implementing and showcasing flexibility can help companies foster an inclusive culture where sick leave is a vital tool, not a problem.
Surprise Party Held For Long-Serving Care Home Chef Sandwood residential care home for older people has held a surprise party to celebrate Hannah Spendlove, who has worked at the home, which is managed by Abbeyfield, for 28 years. Hannah started working at the home, formerly known as The Firs, in 1995, making her its longest-serving member of staff. She was presented at the party with flowers and some vouchers. She asked what makes her so special, one resident revealed, “She makes the best breakfast. I have the same every day and Hannah does this perfectly.” Another said, “Hannah is great fun and always has a big smile on her face. She makes my day.” Hannah is loved by both the residents and their families alike, giving them extra peace of mind that their loved one’s needs are individually being met. Sandwood Manager, Kay Paul, said, “Hannah is a remarkable woman. She offers a really interesting and varied menu for the three meals a day we provide. There are lots of alternative choices and snacks are always available throughout the day and night.
“If residents aren’t feeling very hungry or don’t fancy what is on the menu, she can always come up with something for them. People with specialised diets are fully catered for and Hannah gets to know everyone’s nuances, from the type of tea they drink to their allergies and their favourite foods.” Hannah will also adapt her food so that residents on specific diets due to illness do not go hungry. She always reports and concerns if she suspects residents are not eating properly and will go shopping herself for certain foods if the ingredients are not available from the home’s regular food suppliers. Hannah’s commitment to the residents’ wellbeing extends beyond just her work in the kitchen. When a resident has a birthday, she will work with the activities staff to ensure that a great party is organised, complete with their favourite home-made cake. Kay added, “We wouldn’t manage without Hannah. The staff and residents love her, she is one of the key people in our team. We are so lucky to have her with us, and we hope she will continue to enjoy her work at Sandwood for many more years to come.”
New TV Hearing Loop Offers Personal Entertainment For Residents with Hearing Loss Residents who struggle to hear can enjoy in-room entertainment, in clarity and without disturbing their neighbours, thanks to a new ‘home’ hearing loop. An estimated 75 % of care home residents have a degree of hearing loss. The HLD4 from Contacta amplifies programmes from the television or music from a sound system meaning residents don’t have to turn the volume up to unacceptable levels. The HLD4 hearing loop driver is a sleek, compact unit that sits easily alongside a TV. It sends an audio signal directly to a resident’s hearing aid via a loop pad placed underneath their seat cushion. It cuts out background noise allowing them to enjoy high quality, clear sound at their preferred volume and tone settings. Residents who don’t use hearing aids but who could still benefit from the HLD4 can tap into the sound using Contacta’s newly launched RX-30 hearing loop listener, a rechargeable unit used with headphones. “Communal living can be challenging when people have hearing loss and the HLD4 is a perfect solution,” said Shelley Rolfe, Head of UK Sales at Contacta.
“It is an attractive addition to a resident’s room and gives staff peace of mind that residents can enjoy their favourite programmes, music or audio books without causing a disturbance to their neighbours.” The HLD4 can also be used with a room loop - cabling discreetly laid just beneath the carpet edge or along the top of skirting board - allowing residents to get the same sound quality no matter where in the room they sit. Straight-forward to install, the unit memorises the user’s personal sound settings and even has an optional external microphone that will amplify voices of other people in the room, a phone ringing or a doorbell. “Having these units could be a great selling point for care homes,” added Shelley. “Being unable to hear clearly can be very frustrating but the HLD4 gives residents comfortable, independent listening. Our installation team of trained engineers can install any number of these units and can provide a regular maintenance programme to make sure these, and other hearing loops homes may have installed, work as they should at all times.” www.contacta.co.uk
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NCF Launches New Environmental Sustainability Member Network The National Care Forum (NCF) has launched its Environmental Sustainability Network for members. The new member forum was unveiled at NCF’s ‘Growing a Greener Future’ event held at the St Monica Trust’s Chocolate Quarter Retirement Village in Keynsham. As well as supporting member organisations embarking on journeys towards sustainability with resources, peer-learning, and the sharing of data and knowledge during regular forum meetings, NCF will be working to understand how to embed green policies into its own internal strategies and operations. NCF is also advocating for greater support from the government to facilitate the greening of the sector, both funding and other resources, as well as push for research in environmental sustainability for social care to support best evidence based, value for money practice. NCF CEO Vic Rayner commented: “Our members are anchor institutions in their communities and have a clear role to play in leading effective change. Our mission is to equip our members with the resources, knowledge and peer support needed to become sector leaders, driving forward environmental sustainability in not-for-
profit care. Underpinning our mission for a more sustainable future is the commitment to establishing links with wider networks and alliances dedicated to environmental sustainability within adult social care as well as beyond it. “Thank you so much to the St Monica Trust for hosting us and our members today and for the contributions of all the organisations who attended. We look forward to continuing our journey towards environmental sustainability together, rising to the challenges and maximising the opportunities along the way in helping to create a greener future for care.” Chief Executive of the St Monica Trust, David Williams said: “A key element of the Trust’s 10-year Strategy is for the charity to make a commitment to environmental sustainability, so we are delighted to be hosting NCF’s ‘Growing a Greener Future’ event and the launch of the Environmental Sustainability Member Network. “Having recently achieved our first important milestone to being a Net Zero organisation by securing Planet Mark Business Certification, we look forward to sharing our journey towards sustainability with our partnernot-for-profit organisations in the care and support sector.”
Camberley Care Home Links With Surrey Charity To Open New Unit Surrey Heath MP Michael Gove was on hand to open the penthouse floor of Kings Lodge Care Home in Camberley. Mr Gove was joined by the Mayor, Cllr Pat Tedder, Sarah Church, Chief Executive of Phyllis Tuckwell and Aura Care Living’s, CEO, Linda Lloyd, owners of Kings Lodge. Hospice Care charity Phyllis Tuckwell has temporarily relocated its In-Patient Unit to King’s Lodge Care Home in Camberley, Surrey, while its brand Hospice is being built on its existing site in Farnham. Phyllis Tuckwell is the only Hospice Care service for adult patients, and their families, who are living with an advanced or terminal illness, across the whole of West Surrey and part of NorthEast Hampshire. Opened in 1979, their existing Hospice building has reached the end of its useful life, so they are building a new Hospice, which will be purpose-built, larger, better equipped, more accessible, and better able to act as a hub for the wide range of
services which the charity provides. Throughout the period of the build, Phyllis Tuckwell will offer its specialist services from alternative locations, ensuring that it is still able to care for its patients and their families during this time. The second floor, comprising luxury suites and the Phyllis Tuckwell In-Patient Unit, was opened following two years of planning between Phyllis Tuckwell and Aura Care Living. Linda Lloyd, CEO of Aura Care Living says: “This is a huge accolade for Aura Care Living and I am grateful for the hard work of our Care Director Sarah-Jane Parkin and her dedicated team as well as the work from Phyllis Tuckwell and Target REIT in this monumental project.” “6 years ago we embarked on a vision which came to fruition thanks to the backing of Kenneth MacKenzie of Target REIT, and we are so proud of the beautiful result of that dream and continued
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Effective Recruitment: What Does This Look Like In Health And Social Care?
By Nick Horton, Managing Director, Select Lifestyles (www.selectlifestyles.co.uk)
Having a robust recruitment process and the ability to find the right person for a role is a key element of any business plan – after all, it’s the people that make up the heart of a business and without them, nothing would be achieved. However, this is even more important in the health and social care industry when the health and wellbeing of clients is at stake. Hiring the wrong person can not only have a negative impact on the business, but also lead to significant disruption to clients’ everyday life, so it’s vital to make sure that processes are robust right at the start of the recruitment process.
QUALITY IS KEY When hiring for a health and social care role, having clear job descriptions and person specifications will encourage applications from the right candidates. Often, for support work positions, the focus should not solely be based on a person’s qualifications but the qualities and experience they possess. For example, if a candidate has experience in care, either on a personal level or a professional basis, this provides the ideal foundation – making it likely that they’ll be suitable to give the best possible service on behalf of your business. Other qualities to look out for when hiring for a care role include empathy and compassion, patience, strong communications skills, a willingness to learn and undertake training, and showing initiative, rather than needing pro-longed instruction.
STICKING TO PROCESSES Ensuring that guidelines and processes are adhered to throughout every stage of recruitment will lead to a smooth and seamless journey for both the business and the candidate. In this industry in particular, thorough screening, checks and assessments of candidates is vital for the safeguarding of clients. Ways to do this include DBS checks, close review of CVs/application forms, checking references, right to work checks, conducting interviews, obtaining work history and undertaking relevant training and induction.
Having a regularly updated recruitment and selection policy in place is also recommended. This will tie all the business units together and ensure recruitment is done in a timely and efficient manner, whether recruitment is handled internally or through an external agency. Internal versus external recruitment is another debate and one that can often be individual to a care provider’s requirements. For complex and specialist roles, recruitment agencies can be utilised as it gives you access to professionals who are trained in finding candidates with relevant experience. On the other hand, internal recruitment can work better for support work positions, as it allows leaders to establish relationships with candidates straight away and get a feel for their personality and experience.
KNOW WHERE TO ADVERTISE Finding the right candidates in the first place is something that many care providers struggle with, but targeted recruitment can help with this. Localised tactics such as placing banners in populated areas and leaflet drops is a good approach, especially in and around the area that the job will be based. However, perhaps the best approach is making use of the digital world and advertising roles online. This can be done through a company website, social media, search engines and official bodies such as Job Centre Plus.
RETENTION IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS RECRUITMENT Clients of care providers can be some of the most vulnerable people in society, so they need strong, consistent relationships with their carers to develop and build trust. As care providers, we place retention and recruitment on an even level, with neither being more important than the other. Ensuring that employees feel valued and fulfilled in their job is a key element of retention – whether this is through recognising and rewarding their achievements, offering small incentives, or making training and support available for personal development. At Select Lifestyles, we place huge emphasis on the value our employees bring and show this by offering things such as milestone hampers, vouchers, long service awards/recognition and career progression. We also prioritise employee health and wellbeing, offering access to a mental health first aid team, as well as a treatment and recovery programme. A good recruitment and retention process is more than just a box ticking exercise – it ensures the right people are employed to provide quality care, maintain the safety of clients, and uphold a business’ values and standards.
Stitching Smiles at Aliwal Manor Knitting has recently become a popular pastime with the people living at Aliwal Manor Care Home, after the introduction of ‘Knit and Natter’ sessions and one resident’s desire to take on a knitting challenge! Pam lives at Aliwal Manor Care Home and had a passion for knitting in her younger years, but over time she slowly found herself knitting less and less. After years of not knitting at all, Pam was gifted a bag of knitted squares, which brought back many happy memories and the feeling she used to get when making different knitted creations. After this, Pam decided to start knitting again! Seeing that she was an able knitter, Lifestyle Coordinator Kerry challenged Pam to knit some triangles that could be made into bunting. Pam was hesitant at first and doubted her abilities, but after 10 days, Pam had knitted 27 triangle shapes! These triangles were then stitched together and displayed in her room to add some colour to her walls. Pam was delighted with what she had achieved, and the team noticed an improvement to her wellbeing. Pam said, “I was anxious about taking on a new project as I wondered if I was capable, but once I had done a couple of triangles and with the encouragement from Kerry there was no stopping me.” Seeing Pam’s rapid progress and how much she enjoyed this knitting project, Kerry began to ask other people living at Aliwal if they would like to
have a go at knitting. As a keen knitter herself, Kerry cast a couple of stitches onto a pair of knitting needles and took them around the home to inspire others to have a go. This proved very popular and helped people to remember their knitting skills from the past. Seeing how much interest knitting was starting to receive, Kerry decided to set her next knitting challenge. In theme with the Autumn season, Kerry knitted a small pumpkin shape and challenged others to see if they could create their own. Before long, everyone wanted to have a go! With many residents taking on the pumpkin challenge, their aim was to make enough to gift one to each person living at Aliwal Manor. Within a couple of weeks and with the knit and natter group growing in numbers week by week, they had created enough pumpkins for all! Thanks to Kerry, residents of Aliwal have re-engaged with a hobby from their past and some have even taken it up as a new pastime! Knitting has taken the residents of Aliwal Manor by storm and it’s now a well enjoyed activity amongst many of the people who live there. Not only have they all made items they can be proud of, but knitting has also had a profound positive impact on their wellbeing. Their advice to everyone reading this? 'Get knitting!'
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.” 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.
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North West’s First Intergenerational Care Village Officially Opens in Chester ries, arts and crafts, exercise, and ‘prambles’ – rambling with pushchairs – now a familiar sight in Chester. Speaking of the ceremony, Councillor Sheila Little, Lord Mayor of Chester said: “It was a pleasure to look round the village and officially open Belong Chester, and to meet staff and residents. This is a particularly exciting and innovative development as it includes a nursery, which benefits both the children who attend and the residents who visit to play and read to them. I look forward to visiting again to see how the village is growing and developing.” Patrick Butler, general manager at Belong Chester, added: “We’re thrilled to commemorate our official opening; it’s been a wonderful day full of laughter, joy, and plenty of fizz. We invite everyone who has yet to visit us to come and say hello, see what we have to offer, and enjoy a coffee in our bistro, now we have officially arrived!”
The North West’s first intergenerational care village, home to both older people and young children living and learning together, has celebrated its launch with great fanfare and celebration, as Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor Sheila Little, declared Belong Chester officially open. Marking the latest dementia-friendly development by not-forprofit care operator, Belong, the guest of honour unveiled a commemorative plaque before guests were treated to a heartening performance from Sankofa Songsters, the village’s very own intergenerational choir. A pioneering facility, the City Road village supports older people to live their lives independently, with the site’s integrated day nursery, operated by national charity, Ready Generations, offering extensive experiences for all ages, under one roof. The nursery children feature in the daily life of residents and tenants, enjoying experiences together including shared mealtimes, sto-
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Prevention Is The Best Cure To Ease Winter Pressures, Says New Report By ADASS Improving care at home, more sheltered, extra care and dementia focussed housing, investment in crisis resolution intermediate care and better information and advice for older and disabled people would prevent many from needing hospital or residential care, reducing pressures across health and social care every winter, says a new report from ADASS (the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services). In the first part of the ADASS Autumn Survey 2023 almost two thirds (63%) of social care leaders say that community-based care and support is not widely available in their local area. Just under half (49%) of adult social care directors indicated that in their area there is only limited availability of preventative services focused on reducing the number of avoidable admissions to hospital and residential care. This gap in early support is made worse by a lack of information and advice so people can make an informed choice about the care they or family members need. Two in five (39%) social care directors report that there is limited availability of timely information, advice and support in their local areas. Pressures on the NHS are also leading to overstretched adult social care staff providing support that used to be provided by the health service. Seven in ten social care directors say that their staff are increasingly undertaking tasks that were previously delivered by the NHS but without it being funded. Not only does this add to councils’ financial pressures, it reduces the time that frontline social care staff have to meet people’s essential social care needs and means that some people are being charged for care that would have previously been free at the point of delivery because it was provided by the NHS.
Social care leaders identified sheltered and extra care housing as a key solution to provide regular support and stop problems escalating, supporting people at home and out of hospital. Almost all directors agreed that specialist accommodation designed for people with dementia in their local areas would make a difference. They also are calling for new homes to be built to accessibility standards which allow for wheelchairs, ramps and stairlifts as people’s needs change. Commenting on the report, ADASS President, Beverley Tarka, said: “There are millions of ill, disabled and older people who want to continue living at home independently, and with the right support they can. To do this we need to invest in more early, preventative social care support in people’s homes and local communities, invest in better housing and put people in control of their care through providing better access to information and advice. This will help stop small problems getting worse, prevent people needing hospital in the first place and help find a cure for the annual winter crisis. “This is a plan that will improve the lives people who need care and support and stop the cycle of winter pressures on hospitals we’re seeing every year. It’s a plan that will better support older and disabled people, it will better support people who face mental health challenges, who are homeless or are from disadvantaged or minoritised communities. It’s a plan that will improve the lives of those who were most affected by the impact of the pandemic and should be a priority for this and the next Government.”
Care Home Resident’s 45-Year Yoga Journey Inspires Club Launch at The Burlington In the heart of The Burlington by Boutique Care Homes, a quiet revolution is taking place, led by the spirited Daphne Read. At the age of 94, Daphne has not only embraced the ancient practice of yoga for an impressive 45 years but has also taken it upon herself to share its myriad benefits with her fellow residents, initiating a vibrant yoga club within the care home. Daphne's journey with yoga began long before it became a popular fitness trend. In her own words, "I've been doing yoga for something like 45 years. I was always interested before I went to yoga and learned about it. I was always very interested in exercises." Even in the early days, Daphne's passion for movement and maintaining a healthy lifestyle was evident. She hosted weekly classes in her house, welcoming friends to join her in the pursuit of physical well-being. Over the years, Daphne has witnessed the evolution of yoga, yet she notes that its core essence remains unchanged. "Yeah, it's very much the same. But of course, yoga and the Indian philosophies, it's all much of a muchness." she reflects. Daphne's commitment to standing yoga sets her apart, emphasizing the importance of stretching the body to maintain vitality. "We really had the idea with yoga that you've stretched your body, you stretched it, you stretched it. And that is what keeps you going" she explains, underlining the timeless benefits of this ancient practice. With a background deeply rooted in movement – her mother being a professional dancer, and herself proficient in ballroom dancing – Daphne attributes her continued mobility to her active lifestyle. "My mother was a professional dancer, so it's in my blood. Very active movement is in the blood. I've always loved
movement and I love dancing and everything to do with it." she shares. This love for movement, instilled in her by her parents, has become the driving force behind her dedication to yoga. Having already conducted a yoga session for her fellow residents at The Burlington, Daphne seamlessly assumed the role from a former carer. When asked about the benefits of yoga for the residents, she articulates, "It’s a chance to have a natter and a laugh and a giggle with others. This is just as important as keep moving." Daphne's yoga club isn't just about physical exercise; it's a holistic approach to well-being. It provides an opportunity for residents to engage in a shared activity, fostering a sense of community and connection. The sessions are not just about stretching muscles but also about stretching smiles and laughter, creating a space for social interaction and joy. Emma Dudhee, the Home Manager at The Burlington, expresses her admiration, stating, "Witnessing Daphne's passion for yoga and the vibrant energy she brings to The Burlington's new yoga club is truly inspiring. Her 45 years of experience infuse every session with wisdom, creating a sense of community and well-being that enriches the lives of our residents." As Daphne Read continues to inspire and lead the way, The Burlington's Yoga Club stands as a testament to the enduring power of movement, camaraderie, and the ageless practice of yoga. Through her passion and commitment, Daphne has not only brought the benefits of yoga to her peers but has also created a space where laughter and connection thrive, making each session a celebration of life and vitality within the care home.
Blueleaf Partners with Lisbeth Nursing Home to Deliver Better Outcomes in Continence Care Lisbeth Nursing Home, an award-winning care home in Great Wyrley near Walsall, is making significant improvements in continence care for its residents after signing a new partnership agreement with Blueleaf Care, the nationwide supplier of care home products, services, and supplies. Incidents of moisture lesions, which cause distress to thousands of residents across the UK every day, have been virtually eliminated at Lisbeth Nursing Home, not only delivering better patient outcomes, but also reducing the need for additional creams and cleaning products, reducing unnecessary costs, and supporting a more sustainable operation. Opened in April 2021, Lisbeth Nursing Home has already made its mark in the local community and beyond, meeting the needs of three local authorities in Staffordshire, The Black Country and Wales. Most recently it featured in the list of the Top 20 care homes in the West Midlands following a survey by carehome.co.uk Care Home Manager Andrea Walker, who has run the 40-bed home from the beginning, says the decision to switch to Blueleaf has helped further improve an already exceptional level of resident care: “We use the complete range of TENA products from Blueleaf, having assessed the individual needs of all of our residents on a one-to-one basis,” she explains. “Blueleaf has not only helped us in delivering a quality product, but also in guiding us to select the right products for each resident and training our staff to get the most out of the products they use. It is this partnership approach, and a shared goal of delivering better outcomes, that is having such a positive impact on our residents.” In its short history, Lisbeth Nursing Home has recorded some landmark achievements. It was recently approached by South Staffordshire to provide six beds for patients leaving hospital and awaiting discharge through the Discharge to Assess (D2A) pathway. It has residents from countries outside of the UK, including a Ukrainian refugee and a Chinese national who was recently successfully repatriated having returned to health. “It was an emotional moment,” Andrea explains. “When she came to us, she was effectively immobile and couldn’t eat or drink by herself. When we accompanied her to Heathrow, she was able to walk to the aircraft
unaided. It is a brilliant example of some of the work we do here in helping to turn someone’s life around.” In terms of the home’s association with Blueleaf, as well as continence care it will, in the future, be sourcing all of its products via the Blueleaf team. This includes all paper products (toilet rolls, hand towels etc), hand soaps and sanitisers, cleaning products for the laundry and kitchen, and various medical consumables (such as wipes, gloves, needles etc). “Online ordering is easy, and by creating a ‘favourites list’ within Blueleaf’s shop I can re-order products very quickly,” Andrea continues. “Anything I need, Blueleaf can source and deliver on time, when I need it. The team, led by Roy Edwards, is also always on hand if I need any product advice.” The team recently enjoyed a visit from the local MP, Gavin Williamson, who spent more than two hours talking to residents and staff, commending the team on the excellent service they provide. Andrea, ably supported by her Deputy Beverley Morris and Michael Cox, Operations Lead, is far from complacent, however. While all are passionate about what they do, and recognise the benefits of a supportive business owner, Zion Care, there is always more to be done: “Lisbeth Nursing Home is our pride and joy and we love it,” she says. “But care homes deserve much more positive press than they receive for the care they deliver. ‘Amazing’ is not a big enough word to describe my team who are very much the unsung heroes of the healthcare sector and I have high hopes that in working with partners like Blueleaf we will do even more to support our residents and their families in delivering the best outcomes possible.” Roy Edwards, Business Development Manager at Blueleaf Care, say that the collaboration with partners Essity, and the strength of the TENA brand, are having a positive impact on improving clinical and financial outcomes for Lisbeth House: “We take great care choosing the right partners and products to support our clients,” he says, “and it is a pleasure to work with them to help Andrea and her team deliver an even greater quality of care to their residents.” For further information please visit www.blueleafcare.com
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Celebrating Success at Lovett Care 60 people came together at the Cranage Estate in Cheshire last week (Friday 10th November ) for a glittering evening of celebrations for the inaugural Lovett Care Awards. This very special event is an opportunity to recognise so many wonderful team members who go above and beyond in supporting the residents in their care homes. The finalists were nominated by colleagues, peers and residents in categories which included Exceptional Newcomer Award, Nurse of the year and Going the extra mile, winners and highly commended received a trophy and vouchers for their commitment. The host for the evening was Big Ian Donaghy who held the room with his inspirational stories as well as
fun and enthusiasm. The whole room were singing and celebrating together, certainly a night no one will forget. Ian said; “It was inspiring to hear such selfless stories of people who change residents lives every day, a celebration of not just individuals but the teams they make up, it really felt like everyone had the same goal.” “It felt like an evening of togetherness, warmth and appreciation and I was truly humbled by listening to all their stories and I was honoured to be a part of it”. “Tonight is all about our team members, who make such a difference, we are so proud of each and every one of you and hope you go away as proud of yourselves too.”
Wembley Home Rolls Back Years by Hosting 1940’s Themed Party to Mark Organisations 80th Birthday A Wembley home went back in time to 1943 and celebrated the 80th birthday of its organisation. MHA Kenbrook arranges a 1940’s theme to mark the 80th birthday of Methodist Homes (MHA). The home was decked in posters with movie posters that were popular in that time as well as comparing prices of everyday items between now and then. One of the lounges on the ground floor was the venue for the party which was enjoyed by staff, residents and family members. There was also some live entertainment with hits from the 40’s and 50’s featuring heavily. Farah Hussain, activity coordinator said: “We had a great time celebrating the 80th birthday of MHA. “It's a very proud occasion and makes us all very privileged to work for an organisation with so much
history “The kitchen staff prepared a special cake, which was cut by Sarah Law,our home manager. “The residents helped to set the party up and it was nice to see them take a great interest. “The posters showing the price differences for everyday items were very interesting and a lot of our residents remembered when the items did cost a lot less. “They really enjoyed the entertainment as the music was something that they would have grown up listening too “One of the relatives of a resident set up a balloon decoration which took her three hours and was amazing. “We got a lot of positive feedback from the relatives and overall it was a great day enjoyed by all.”
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REMEMBRANCE DAY 2023 Royal Star & Garter Veterans Attend Services at the Cenotaph and at Homes ice in Kingston on Sunday. Also attending was Stephen Vause, an Army veteran who suffered severe injuries in Iraq, and is cared for at Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton. On Sunday afternoon, singing duo The D-Day Dollies performed a string of wartime favourites from the 1940s for residents at the Home.
Remembrance has been marked at Royal Star & Garter. Services took place in each of the charity’s Homes, in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe, while a small number of veterans attended the National Service at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday, 12 November. Royal Star & Garter provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia, and also has services reaching out into the community. Remembrance Services were held at the charity’s Solihull and Surbiton Homes on Friday, 10 November, while the service in High Wycombe Home took place on Armistice Day, Saturday, 11 November. Veterans and staff members from the Surbiton and High Wycombe Homes attended the Cenotaph service on Remembrance Sunday, along with Governors and Directors from the charity. In Solihull, residents laid wreaths, while bugler Peter Tonks played the Last Post and Reveille. Among the guests present was Elaine Butler, President of the Warwickshire & Birmingham County Royal British Legion, and Squadron Leader Dave Kerrison from RAF Cosford. Some residents also attended a service at the War Memorial outside St Alphege’s Church.
In Surbiton, guests included Cllr Diane White, the Mayor of Kingston, Royal Air Force Cadets from 1034 (Surbiton & Esher Squadron), and bugler Vic Gilder, an Irish Guards veteran.
Kingston Mayor Cllr White said: “It was a privilege to be among such lovely company at this important time.” The charity’s Partnerships Manager, Halani Foulsham, laid a Royal Star & Garter wreath at a serv-
The service at High Wycombe also included a bugler, and a twominute silence at 11am. Wreaths were laid by residents at the Home. Among the residents attending the Cenotaph service in London was Bob Sewell, who served in the Army’s Catering Corps from 1954-60. He said: “I’ve watched the Cenotaph service on TV for many years, so it was wonderful to experience it first-hand, with other veterans from Royal Star & Garter and elsewhere. I’ll never forget it.” During the build-up to Remembrance, events and activities took place in Royal Star & Garter’s Homes. One in High Wycombe was a concert with singer Fiona Harrison. Poppy-making and arts & crafts activities also took place in the Homes. This year Royal Star & Garter’s Remembrance campaign highlighted the benefits its care has on relationships between residents and their relatives.
Oxford Home Upcycles Used Plastic Bottles to Make More Than 100 Poppies as Part of Remembrance Day Display An Oxford home has been keeping residents busy by making more than 100 poppies from recycled bottles. MHA Brookfield was asking for donations of plastic bottles and created them into poppies as part of their display for remembrance day at the front entrance of the home. The poppies were painted red, purple and white with each colour marking a different meaning. The red poppies are for remembrance and hope, the purple in memory of the animals that lost their lives during the war and the white poppies symbolise peace. Apart from the poppy display the home also got residents to paint poppies on a canvas. Victoria Davidson, activity coordinator said: “We have more than 100 poppies that have been cut and painted from plastic bottles for our display.
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“There are still a few more to add and it already looks great. “The painting sessions have been very relaxing and productive and all in all it took three sessions to complete the display. “The lids of the bottles are what we used to make the centre of the poopy with and they include a ‘please recycle me’ message which is what we intend to do. “We did something similar last year but had just the red poppies and I hope this continues to be a tradition. “The family members of residents along with staff have played their part by donating the bottles. “The feedback we have received from family members has been really positive and we are very pleased with the finished result.”
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REMEMBRANCE DAY 2023 Alan Edward William's Inspirational Journey Through Valor and Service On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the Country falls silent. It is a day of reflection, a day where nations pause to remember the sacrifices of those who lost their lives. In the silent moments of remembrance, we come together to pay tribute to the heroes who have walked the path of duty and pay tribute to those who are no longer with us today. Their stories are a testament to the strength and courage our nation has and we are honoured to share with you Alan Edward William’s story, a man with such dedication to his service and who now lives at Heanton Nursing Home in Barnstaple, North Devon. Alan's journey through life had been a remarkable one, born on the 11th June 1928 in the bustling City of Cardiff, his name connected him to great aviators and royalty. On that very day, Alan Cobham a famous aviator and Edward Prince of Wales were visiting Cardiff hence why he was called Alan Edward by his parents. His early years was filled with so much love and joy, growing up with his older sister, Joan. After leaving school, Alan found himself working at Cardiff Docks as a riveter and as he reached the age of 17, he made the decision to join the First Battalion Welsh Guards in 1946. Alan's military service spanned 22 years, and he cherished every moment of it. He participated in prestigious ceremonial duties, including Trooping the Colour, changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, and even lining the route for Winston Churchill's Funeral. He had lived in various locations during his service, from Surrey to Cardiff, London to Malaysia, with a brief stop in Borneo while in Malaya. Alan’s life took an unexpected turn when he met his wife, Gladys during a holiday in Appledore. They married in 1950 and went on to have four children: David, Teresa, Gwyn, and Ceinwin (known as Kim), each born in different corners of the world. Life abroad had been a rich tapestry of experiences for Alan and his wife Gladys. In Libya and Malaysia, Alan enjoyed swimming and exploring Roman cities, he especially loved savouring new
cuisines. In Malaya, he developed a passion for collecting butterflies and mounting them in glass display cases. After retiring from the army in the early 1990s, Alan took on a new role as a security guard at Llanwern steelworks in Newport, while residing in Chepstow. He remained closely connected to the royal world as a Yeoman of the Guards, participating in events like Charles and Diana's wedding and the opening of Parliament. As Alan and his beloved wife Gladys embraced retirement, they embarked on numerous adventures together, creating cherished memories around the globe. Alan's pride shone through in his possession of a Royal Victoria Medal, a symbol of his dedication and service. Alan and Gladys family continued to grow, as they welcomed six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren into their life. Though Alan had faced the loss of his beloved wife, Gladys in December 2020 and the sudden loss of his sight in 2021, his brave spirit remained unwavering. Alan's life has been full of remarkable experiences and unwavering dedication, and although Alan now lives with Dementia at Heanton Nursing Home, his commitment to his services still shines through. With the support from the team, Alan is able to maintain his disciplined routine, including having a clean shave every day, a practice he has upheld throughout his life. This seemingly simple act of shaving holds great significance, as it was a vital part of his military routine. For someone with Dementia, the familiarity of this daily ritual is crucial, as it provides a sense of continuity and comfort. Each person at Heanton will have different support needs, different life story, and by understanding this life history, we are able to create a home that enables our family members to live a true continuation of life. For Alan, Heanton is not just a place of residence, but a home where his commitment to his service is remembered and celebrated by everyone around him. Within these memories lies the essence of who Alan is, a testament to a life lived passionately through his years of service for his country.
Ashcombe Residents Remember The Fallen On Armistice Day Barchester Ashcombe House in Worting road Basingstoke commemorated the signing of the Armistice Day agreement on the day that the guns finally fell silent. They joined the rest of the United Kingdom in holding a two-minute silence at the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day, of the eleventh month. Leading up to Armistice day the homes regular Knit and natter group have been busy knitting and crocheting poppies, the group meet on Wednesday mornings at the home and is run by volunteers Maureen & Marian who have been busy teaching residents and staff how to crochet and have provided the skills to make the poppies. With over 400 poppies made the display has been hung on the
homes tree and sign for all to see it really is truly magnificent. Peggy Gary a resident at Ashcombe said: “It is very important that we keep the memories of those who fought alive and that we also think about those involved in conflicts around the world today.” Louise Lambert, General Manager at Ashcombe said: “We have many residents with personal ties to the military and many who have experienced conflict either at home or abroad so it was important to us to mark November 11th and honour the contribution of everyone involved in the World Wars and in subsequent conflicts."
Care Home Marks Remembrance Service To Honor Veterans The Oaks Care Home in Rubery a leading provider of dementia care services held a special Remembrance Service on Friday 10th November to pay tribute to veterans who have served our country. The event was attended by residents, team members and Revd Jane let a beautiful service to mark the occasion at the home. Holding a Remembrance Service aims to create a meaningful and reflective atmosphere for people who live at The Oaks recognising that people from all generations feel the importance of marking such occasions and taking time to honour those who have made sacrifices include a wreath-laying ceremony, readings of poems and prayers, and 2 minutes silence to remember the fallen. Many of the residents in The Oaks Care Home have their own personal stories and connections to military service, making this
event particularly meaningful for them. The Remembrance Service is also an opportunity for residents and team members to connect and share experiences and reminisce about old times which can be so valuable for those living with Dementia. Lianne Sturmey, Home Manager at The Oaks said, "We are proud to organise this event to honour and remember the bravery and sacrifices of our veterans. It is essential to create a space for reflection and gratitude, and we look forward to bringing our community together for this meaningful occasion."
Blackpool Home Creates Amazing Garden Poppy Display From Recycled Bottles A Blackpool home has created an amazing garden poppy display from recycled plastic bottles. MHA Pennystone Court created the display ahead of remembrance day as a tribute to those who lost their lives during service. The display is in the back garden of the home and is visible from both floors. More than 100 bottles have been used to create the display, with the home starting the collecting process in September. The poppies are made from recycled plastic bottles and have been cut into a shape of poppy, painted red and glued to a stick into the ground. There is also a large poppy which has been made from plastic Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik
coated cardboard boxes. Jaide Foster-Howarth, activity coordinator said: “We asked family members and our staff for empty plastic bottles and their donations have enabled us to create this great display. “There has been a very positive reaction from residents and family members of the residents. “It took us three weeks to complete the display and it's been well worth it. “The residents have really enjoyed getting stuck in and are very impressed with the finished result. “The residents watched the service on Sunday and afterwards headed outside for a moment of reflection.”
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REMEMBRANCE DAY 2023 Austen House Residents Honour The Fallen On Remembrance Day Austen House in Lower Earley, Reading commemorated Remembrance Day on Sunday 12 November. They joined the rest of the United Kingdom in holding a two-minute silence at 11am. As well as marking Remembrance Day by wearing poppies and watching the televised service from The Cenotaph, residents took part in therapeutic activities such as making poppy displays, listening to old wartime songs, reading war poems and having a Remembrance Service from St Nicholas Church. Maurice, a resident at Austen House, said: “It is very important that we keep the memories of those who fought alive and that we also think about those
involved in conflicts around the world today.” Joleen Leung, Operations Manager at Austen House, said: “We have many residents with personal ties to the military and many who have experienced conflict either at home or abroad so it was important to us to mark Remembrance Day and honour the contribution of everyone involved in the World Wars and in subsequent conflicts. Austen House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Austen House provides nursing care, residential care and respite care.
D-Day Veterans To The Fore At Broughton House Remembrance Day Service D-Day veterans David Teacher and Peter Belcher, both aged 99, were among the residents who took part in a moving Remembrance Day ceremony at Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford. David laid the wreath on behalf of Broughton House residents and staff, and Peter recited the Lord’s Prayer during the special service. Other residents involved in the event were Lt Col Peter Darroch, Ruth Tomlinson, Sandy McDonald and Maj Andrew Dinning. The service was planned and organised the event through the Broughton House residents’ committee and was led by Rev Mike Dyson, of the nearby St Paul’s Church.
Family members joined the veterans for the poignant commemoration and then everyone made their way to the care home’s Veterans’ Mess for lunch and drinks. Cheryl Monnie, the wellbeing and activities lead at Broughton House, said: “Our residents did a fantastic job of organising the service through their residents’ committee meetings. “The service went really well, and it was a great opportunity for everyone to get together and pay their respects to their comrades.” Broughton House has cared for more than 8,000 veterans since it opened its doors to the ex-service community in 1916.
Remembrance Day Commemmorated Across Brendoncare Homes A Remembrance Service at Brendoncare St Giles View in Winchester was held by volunteer Veronica Down, who played the flute. Her husband Steve read a poem and all the residents sang along to the hymns. Elsewhere at Brendoncare Knightwood in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire dedicated a whole week to remembrance, the focal point being a beautiful art installation in its reception area incorporating poppies and doves. Residents, relatives, team members, volunteers and people from the local community were invited to write a message in remembrance of a loved one on the dove cards. There was also a Service of Remembrance led by St Francis Church, Chandlers Ford, after which the residents enjoyed tea, including cupcakes decorated with poppies, accompanied by songs from Dame Vera Lynn. There was also a extensive display of World War Two memorabilia including newspapers, books and ration books.
Belong Remembrance Day Commemorations Residents of Belong care villages have been taking part in commemorations to mark Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday at Belong villages and in the wider community. A service of remembrance at the Belong Crewe care village was led by the Reverand Suzie Eddleston of St Andrew's Church. Residents and family members attended, delivering readings and laying a wreath. The congregation included the village's Lead Exercise
Specialist, Zoe Robson and resident Jerry Bradley, who served in the Royal Military Police and the Royal Navy respectively. Belong Warrington colleagues and customers attended Remembrance Sunday commemorations in Stockton Heath, and resident Frank Leyland, who is a veteran of the Falklands War, laid a wreath on behalf of the village.
Remembrance Sparks Memories for Phyllis Remembrance activities bring back vivid and frightening memories from the Second World War for Saint Cecilia’s Nursing Home resident Phyllis Padgham. In 1943, aged just 14, Phyllis returned home late during a blackout from the confectioner and tobacconist’s shop where she worked to find that her home in Hastings had been bombed. Phyllis, who spent the evening sheltering at a nearby high school, would learn the following day that her 27-year-old brother Ronald and her sister Joan’s four-month-old baby boy Deryck had both been killed and her mum and two sisters injured. She had the harrowing task of identifying the victims. “It was really frightening at the time because I just didn’t know what had Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik
happened and where everyone was,” Phyllis said. The family lodged at the shop where Phyllis worked as it wasn’t until the war was over before their home was ready to live in again. “From then on, every time the Germans came over it was terrifying, but I had to try hard to be brave because my mum was just so scared.” Phyllis married Ernie in 1954 and brought up three children, Brenda, David and Mike, who owns the nursing home where Phyllis now lives. Phyllis is pictured with Sarah Earps, Housekeeping Manager at Saint Cecilia’s Nursing Home.
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REMEMBRANCE DAY 2023 Parley Place Holds A Poignant Ceremony To Mark Remembrance Day Parley Place care home in West Parley commemorated Remembrance Day on Saturday 11th November with a ceremony to remember the fallen.
and community to lay a wreath on behalf of the home. Jan, a resident at Parley Place said: “It is very important that we keep the memories of those who fought alive, my father served and
The local community hold their ceremony at West Parley Memorial Hall every year but due to their fire earlier this year Parley Place offered their home for this annual event. The home welcomed St Marks and All Saints Church, local councillors, Parley First School and others from the community to join together with our residents.
it’s important to me to be able to join with others to mark this day. ” Gina Smith, General Manager at Parley Place said: “We have many residents with personal ties to the military and many who have experienced conflict either at home or abroad so it was important to us to
The poignant service was delivered beautifully and we were hon-
mark Remembrance Day and honour the contribution of everyone
oured for our resident, Bob whose is an active member of the church
involved in the World Wars and in subsequent conflicts.
Dormy Care Communities Residents Share Their Stories Remembrance Sunday is a very important day in the calendar at Dormy Care Communities and this year was no exception with the ladies and gentlemen at the company’s four homes gathering to pay their respects to the fallen. At the Foxhunters Care Community in Abergavenny, one of the residents, Lucy, shared her story of her father who fought bravely in the War, before joining her friends and staff laying a wreath on the home’s stone of remembrance. The kitchen team also made a poppy cake. At the Pine Martin Grange Care Community in Wareham, Dorset, residents gathered with members of their local community to pay their respects. At the
Brockington House Care Community in Hereford, a local vicar came to the home to perform a Remembrance service, and various poems relating to the First World War were then read by residents. The day ended with a performance from a local artist singing songs from yesterday. At the Bramshott Grange Care Community in Liphook, Hampshire, there was a Remembrance service in the home, along with readings. Residents then enjoyed eating special cupcakes made for the occasion.
D-Day Veteran Highlights Value of Remembrance After Salisbury Care Home Service
A 98-year-old D-Day veteran has spoken of the enduring value of Remembrance after a special service at his Salisbury care home. Commander Douglas Parish was among dozens of fellow residents, staff and visitors - several with service histories of their own - who gathered at Colten Care’s Braemar Lodge to honour the fallen. Douglas was serving in the engine room of the Royal Navy cruiser HMS Mauritius as a 19-year-old midshipman on D-Day - 6 June 1944 and recalls the vast fleet of vessels approaching Normandy for the famous allied landings, widely seen as signalling the beginning of the end of World War II. “I had joined the ship in May 1944, first of all taking part in a training exercise. We sailed from Glasgow on the 2nd of June in the afternoon. We had no idea where we were going until we were at sea and were told that the invasion was on. It was a feeling of excitement and thank goodness that at last it was happening. There had been four years of war by then. Everyone had had enough of war. “We received the ‘actions stations’ order at 11am on D-Day morning. When we were anchored off Normandy, I remember thinking here we are, just off the beach and it was surreal knowing soldiers were fighting nearby. “When I look back, I remember coming up on deck on D-Day morning to see these thousands of ships around us. I found out there were more than 6,900 vessels of all kinds. They were so close you felt you could almost step out and walk across them. “We were comparatively safe where we were but you thought of the people fighting and dying on the beaches. We were there on and off Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik
for three weeks, going back to Portsmouth for remunition as required and then returning.” Douglas, who was later awarded the Légion d’honneur medal for his role in helping to liberate France, stressed the importance of Remembrance as he joined the Braemar Lodge service. “We have a responsibility to keep memories alive,” he said. “I thought back in the 1970s that the world might move on from Remembrance but I think it has become stronger over these past 20 years. We have had Iraq and Afghanistan very much to the fore showing that this is indeed a violent world. We must never forget the poignant message that for our tomorrows they gave their todays. If we don’t remember, it will all happen again.” Among other veterans who attended the service at Braemar Lodge were Jackie Cash, Home Manager, who nursed in the Princess Mary Royal Air Force Nursing Service, and Companionship Team member Graham Ballard, a former Staff Sergeant in the Royal Horse Artillery. Ahead of the traditional two-minute silence, Graham played the Last Post on the bugle. Afterwards, he sounded Reveille. Also attending were Braemar Lodge residents Anthony Collyns and David Forbes, both ex-army officers who were in different companies in the same regiment, and Malcolm Lewis, Chef, a former Warrant Officer Class 1 in the Army Catering Corp. Around 30 residents, family members and care staff travelled to the Braemar Lodge service from three other Colten Care homes: The Aldbury in Poole; Abbey View in Sherborne; and Castle View in Poundbury. Also attending was Jonathan Everett, chairman of the Royal British Legion Salisbury Branch. Jonathan said: “It’s important for us as representatives of the Royal British Legion to go to care homes and say thank-you to the people in them who have served. “It was a privilege to visit Braemar Lodge and have the chance to sit down and listen to the memories of the veterans there. “It is so important to do that as we remember and honour those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.” In the run-up to Remembrance season, residents across all 21 Colten Care homes knitted and crocheted thousands of poppies. As at Braemar Lodge, many of these handmade items featured in outdoor hanging displays designed to prompt visitors and passers-by to pause and reflect. Some homes, such as Wellington Grange in Chichester, worked with community organisations such as the Brownies and arts and crafts
groups, to produce displays together. Colten Care’s Chief Operating Officer Elaine Farrer said: “Remembrance is always high on the priority list for our residents and their families. “It’s an opportunity for them to reflect on their experiences and share their memories. “Working with children and others in the community to produce displays means that everyone can talk about the meaning behind the poppies. “Remembrance is an equally important time for those of our colleagues who have served, or have families who have served, in the armed forces.” While all Colten homes hosted services of Remembrance, some residents were invited to join official parades and services elsewhere in their communities and to lay wreaths. Two shire horses accompanied residents from Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst for a community service at the New Forest village’s memorial garden. The horses’ presence was designed to recognise all animals who experience wartime. At Canford Chase in Poole, residents and staff welcomed theatre group The Green Room Performance Company for a live show as part of three days of Remembrance activities. The home also explored the theme of Second World War food with a breadmaking session and a discussion on how families adapted to wartime rationing.
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REMEMBRANCE DAY 2023 Care Home Residents Create Moving Tributes to Commemorate Remembrance Day
Wren Hall, a dementia specialist home in Nottinghamshire got arts and craftsy decorating poppies to commemorate Remembrance Day. After engaging in these artistic activities, residents created their own display for those lost in armed conflicts. Willow Rose in Willenhall decorated their communal area with a poppy archway, ribbon and a silhouette, making a beautiful memorial space. Staff and residents got involved, making sure that the event did not pass without their own heartfelt tribute,
The Oaks Commemorates Remembrance Day Staff and residents of The Oaks Care Home in Newtown, Powys, joined together to commemorate Remembrance Day. A special service was held at the home, which was led by local vicar Nia Wyn Morris from All Saints Church in Newtown with music by the Newtown Silver Band. Residents, family, friends and members of the community attended the service and listened to the band playing “The Last Post” ahead of a two-minute silence. Jane Jackson, Activities Coordinator of The Oaks Care Home, said: “It was lovely to see family members come along and join in with our residents. It was a very moving service for all. We have some veterans in our home and the service was particularly personal to them. “Newtown Silver Band has a history going back to 1880 and
is one of the oldest brass bands in Wales. We were delighted that they could come along and play their wonderful music, including the iconic Last Post. “We also welcomed Vicar Nia who pops into the home every week to carry out services with our residents. We also have a number of residents who attend regular mass at All Saints Church with her.” Resident Iris Morgan, 90, said: “It was a very moving service. The band were fantastic and a great addition to the service.” Resident Jayne Sharp, 77, was joined at the service by her husband Philip. He said: “It was a memorable and moving service of remembrance. I was pleased to be invited to attend and it was lovely to participate in remembering with my wife.”
HC-One Residents and Colleagues Mark Remembrance Day with Nationwide Services Residents and staff at HC-One care homes nationwide commemorated Remembrance Day with special events. At Rose Court Care Home in Radcliffe, Manchester, residents have been reflecting on their memories from World War II. John Fisher, a resident at Rose Court Care Home who is 100 years old, worked as a fireman on the steam trains during the war, ferrying the troops around the country. John loved meeting different nationalities. His wife, Gertrude was a Civil Servant working in the post office. When talking to colleagues about the war, John Fisher commented: “It was hard work being away from the family, life skills were learnt. The war was a very sad time.” Daphne Coldridge, a resident at Rose Court Care Home who is also 100 years old also comes from a military background. Daphne’s father and her brother were both in the army. Sadly, she lost her brother in the war and said that it that broke her mother’s heart. Daphne recalls how she worked in a factory making parts for aircrafts during World War II which she said was hard work and her husband Kenneth, served in the war as a sailor. Daphne remembers saving stamps, which were used to buy material for her bridesmaids’ dresses. She says that even though her sister worked for Express Dairies and was the head person there, she didn't get any extra or had any perks, so they had to be very careful with money. When describing her experience in the war, Daphne Coldridge, said: “The food was rationed, and the dried eggs were horrible. The noise of the sirens was not nice, and I used to watch the bombs falling from the sky.” To mark Remembrance Day on the 11th November at Rose Court, local performer Sarah Denis will be singing some classic wartime songs to residents. The live Remembrance Day ceremony will also be put on TV at the home for residents to watch. The following day, a group of residents and colleagues at the care home are going to the local Cenotaph and will be wearing their poppies with pride to lay a poppy wreath, purchased from the local British Legion. Residents and colleagues then plan to go back to the home and make a toast to all those who served in the war. Care Assistant, Nicola Watson, has also crocheted some poppies which will go on sale in the home. At Trafalgar Park Care Home in Nelson, Caerphilly, residents have been preparing for Remembrance Day and colleagues have been chatting to residents, Dennis Stevens and Gwyneth Lambert about their experience throughout World War II. Dennis, who turned 98 earlier this year, and marked the occasion with a party at Trafalgar Park Care Home which people from the community attended including Woody’s Lodge (who are a local support group for veterans), local veterans, the mayor, and Caerphilly Council, as well as residents and colleagues. Dennis recalled that he loved being a Marksman in the army and trained as a sniper. Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik
Dennis Stevens, resident at Trafalgar Park, said: “The street was the main street in the town and there were German snipers hiding down the alley. “I don’t remember seeing any army photographers on that day, as they were so fast at taking out their cameras and putting them back away.” Dennis showed colleagues and his fellow residents a photo of a group of young men who could be seen running as fast as they could across the road, in an attempt not to get shot. Dennis was then in Germany for a total of seven years. It was here that he fell in love with Analisa, and they had a daughter called Ingrid. Dennis recalls how his daughter used to call him ‘Papa’. After that, Dennis never returned to Germany or Normandy but when he spoke to fellow veterans who visited earlier in the year, they wanted to arrange to take Dennis back to Normandy, as he often talks about this. Fellow resident, Gwyneth Lambert also shared her memories from the war. She was born in Llansannor, a small village in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales, in July 1919, just eight months after the first world war ended. She was one of six daughters and recalls how her parents always wanted a son but only had girls. When asked about the war, Gwyneth remembers that she was at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff, when World War II was declared. During this time, Gwyneth was looking after a little girl whose father worked in the Home Office. During the war, Gwyneth got married on 17th March 1940 (St
Patrick’s Day). Her husband was in the army, joining at just 16 years old. Ten months after they got married, he was transferred to the Middle East. Gwyneth remembers that she could hear the difference between German bombers and British bombers, with the German bombs making a drone noise. Gwyneth was a Nurse during the war, working with the Red Cross in the army hospital. When the war was over, Gwyneth’s husband came home, and their daughter was born 10 months later. Joan Thomas, Home Manager at Trafalgar Park care home, commented: “It is an honour and privilege to be part of the care team that supports Dennis and Gwen. Their thoughts, and comments echo what a frightening and uncertain time this period must have been and how very lucky us, younger generation are, that we had such dedicated and committed people fighting for us.” To mark Remembrance Day this year, Trafalgar Park Care Home are having entertainment, including war-themed songs and a sing-along which the residents are very much looking forward to. At Market Lavington Care Home, near Devizes in Wiltshire, to mark Remembrance Day, residents and colleagues wanted to do something special in memory of the soldiers who have fought for what we have today. As part of the home’s wellbeing sessions, colleagues have put together memorial displays in the home for residents to visit and look through the selection of war memorabilia to reminisce. On the run up to Remembrance Day, Market Lavington’s Wellbeing Team organised a number of remembrance afternoons including a Remembrance Day service hosted by Reverend Malcolm Weick. Reverend Weick bought along a hand knitted poppy for each of the residents attending the service, which had been made by a lady at his local church. The residents came together and sang in remembrance of those who have fallen. Natasha Howard, Home Manager at Market Lavington, stated: “It’s important to our residents to remember those who fought and died in the wars. Some of our residents served during World War II and it’s important to them to pay tribute and show respect to their fallen comrades.”
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REMEMBRANCE DAY 2023 Low Furlong Care Home Commemorates Remembrance Day with Handcrafted Poppy Net Low Furlong care home in Shipston-on-Stour is proud to share its heartfelt tribute to Remembrance Day for the second consecutive year. Building upon the success of last year's initiative, residents have expanded their efforts to create a stunning poppy net in honor of the heroes who sacrificed their lives. This year, residents dedicated countless hours to knitting and crocheting additional poppies, which have been carefully added to the evolving poppy net. The Shipston fire brigade, demonstrating exceptional community support, generously assisted in hanging the net on October 31, 2023, utilizing their specialized equipment for the task. The display, adorned with handcrafted poppies, serves as a poignant visual reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals in service to their country. The residents take immense pride in showcasing the net, a symbol of collective gratitude and remembrance. In addition to the poppy net, residents have showcased their creativity in an arts and crafts club, contributing to a touching window display as an additional tribute. Some residents have
actively engaged with their community by selling poppies within the home, while others ventured into town to extend this heartfelt tradition to a broader audience. Leanne Braham, Home Manager at Low Furlong care home, said: "It is so important to us to mark Remembrance Day and pay tribute to those who have given their lives for us. Residents being involved in meaningful engagement, such as creating the poppy net, is a project that runs for weeks before November 12th. Our plan is to add to the net each year until it is completely full. Residents are very proud of their achievement, and many people have stopped to admire the home from outside. We are so proud of our residents ‘doing their bit’ and selling poppies, creating a window display, and, of course, the wonderful poppy net." Betty Tomes, Resident at Low Furlong care home, said: "The net is amazing, and all credit to the staff and residents who made it. It was a privilege to knit some of the poppies. It is wonderful to see Armistice Day acknowledged in this way."
SAS Hero Mark 'Billy' Billingham Commemorates Remembrance Day at Hampton Grange Nursing Home, Hereford Esteemed SAS: Who Dares Wins star and military hero, Mark 'Billy' Billingham MBE, made a poignant visit to Hampton Grange Nursing Home in Hereford on Saturday, 11th November, actively participating in their Remembrance Day Service. Remembrance Day holds a special place in the hearts of both the dedicated staff and residents at Hampton Grange. The home pays tribute to this significant occasion with a display of beautiful flowing poppies adorning the front, symbolising respect and remembrance for those who served. Adding a powerful touch to this tribute is a statue unveiled last year at the home's entrance, portraying 'An Unknown Woman in War.' In a heartwarming gesture, Billy generously took time out of his busy schedule to join the residents and staff at Hampton Grange. Over tea and shared confectionery, he captivated them with poignant stories and experiences. During this special visit, Billy also discussed his new TV programme and upcoming UK tour, creating a unique and cherished experience on such a meaningful day. Reflecting on the occasion, Billy expressed,
"It was an absolute honour to share a moment with the residents and incredible staff for Remembrance Sunday. Thank you for the needed, fantastic work you do." Billy's illustrious military career, which commenced in 1983 with the Parachute Regiment, reflects a journey of diverse roles and operational tours across global locations. As a key figure in the SAS since 1991, he has played a pivotal role in strategic operations and high-level training worldwide, earning prestigious awards such as the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery and an MBE presented by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Home Manager, Louise Craddock, shared her sentiments, "Having Billy join us for our Remembrance Day Service was an extraordinary honour and a deeply meaningful experience for our residents. His presence added a profound layer of respect and gratitude to the occasion. Billy not only brought with him a wealth of remarkable stories and experiences but also genuine warmth and compassion as he engaged with our residents." Billy's visit exemplifies the power of connecting generations, bridging the past and present, and the enduring impact of shared stories and human connection.
Local East Riding Care Homes Welcome Back the Royal British Legion to Commemorate the Fallen on Remembrance Day Care home residents from Magnolia House in Cottingham and The Manor House in rural little Weighton observed a reflective and respectful Armistice Day when they were visited by Jerry Cross from Cottingham Branch, The Royal British Legion. The residents and staff of the East Riding care homes, which offer residential, respite and dementia care, welcomed the poignant and emotional remembrance service. The Last Post was played, and the two-minute silence allowed residents to honour their loved ones who served in the armed the forces. This is the fourth time Cottingham Branch, The Royal British Legion conducted Remembrance Day services at the homes – an annual tradition which began when residents were prevented from attending public services due to the Covid-19 restrictions. For residents and staff unable to attend the main services on Sunday, the occasion gave them involvement in local Remembrance proceedings and the opportunity to show first hand their gratitude to the fallen. Sarah Carter, activities coordinator at Magnolia House said: “The Royal British Legion has been visiting us for a few years and it was lovely to have the volunteers
at the home again to conduct such a special service.” She added: “During the morning we held prayers and hymns before observing our two-minute silence to remember those who fought bravely in wars past and present.” Lindsay Altoft, registered manager at Magnolia House said: “The visit from Cottingham Branch, The Royal British Legion means a lot to our residents with many of them remembering family and friends who lost their lives serving in the armed forces.” Jacqui Long, activities manager at the Manor House said: “We devoted the whole weekend to Armistice Day, which included our local Reverend Tim Kelly conducting a special service. “On Sunday we were treated to an uplifting performance by the Voices of Weighton Choir with songs that everyone knew so well and could sing along to!” Len, a resident at the Manor House said: “it was very moving to have The Last Post played here.”
We at The Carer would like to thank our readers for sharing their stories, activities and commemorations for Remembrance Day.
They gave their tomorrows so we could have our today … Lest we forget Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik
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The Digital Commitment: Through Breaches And In Health
By Rob Otto, EMEA CTO at Ping Identity
As digital transformation sweeps across the industries of today, cybersecurity must remain at the top of businesses’ priority lists. The number of cyberattacks and data breaches has increased dramatically across a number of sectors, in line with the rise in businesses increasingly employing digital tools to improve customers’ experiences. The digitisation of healthcare services has been no different. Significant progress has been made, but this has also brought challenges, with the majority (67%) of healthcare organisations experiencing a cybersecurity incident between January 2022 and 2023. As bad actors develop their skills, the healthcare sector is left with one pressing question: how can it strengthen its defences and respond better to this onslaught of breaches?
THE RISKS AT PEAK HEIGHT The industry manages vast amounts of data, ranging from patients' medical histories to their financial details and credentials, all of which is gold for those looking to commit illegal acts. Data breaches risk violating patient confidentiality and undermining the credibility of an organisation. Failure to keep patient records private could cost organisations dearly under GDPR rules – both financially (up to £8.7 million) and reputationally. The "WannaCry" ransomware attack in May 2017, for example, crippled the NHS and caused ambulance diversions and cancelled surgeries, serving as a stark reminder of how vulnerable these system can be. Given the gravity of these threats, healthcare organisations cannot afford to delay shoring up their defences, as the next threat is never far away.
ENHANCING SECURITY WITHOUT THE SIDE OF BURDEN To no surprise, the majority (68%) of patients today expect a healthcare experience that is technologydriven. While providers strive for frictionless user interactions, there is a perception that security measures tend to get in the way of a fluid user journey. Anything that adds complexity or delays a patient’s verification procedure only slows them from getting the care they need and causes frustration – which is only half true. This challenge is only magnified by the widespread reliance on passwords, which can cause issues, as they can be easily forgotten or misplaced without providing much protection at all. Passwordless authenti-
cation can and should be used to revolutionise the healthcare sector, eliminating traditional obstacles by using biometrics or device identifiers to quickly, but safely, verify patients without putting any burden on them. As providers seek to securely verify patients without compromising convenience, embracing solutions that minimise how much is asked of them is the kind of initiative that leaves a lasting impression. People remember when they’ve received a good service or interacted with a slick platform. Even though it may not make a dinner-time conversation, there’s an opportunity for savvy businesses in the healthcare sector to be one of the first to take advantage, or at least avoid being the topic when a terribly inconvenient experience is discussed.
SECURITY – AN ONGOING COMMITMENT, WITH NO END DATE For some businesses, saying “goodbye” to passwords completely can be too big a leap. This is where multi-factor authentication (MFA) can be an effective line of defence against a wide range of cyber threats. The uptick of uninvited appearances from ransomware has promoted MFA from an optional layer of protection, to a vital one. A hacker or unauthorised user can easily steal or buy a password on the dark web, but obtaining a second form of authentication is more difficult. Authentication is the proof that users are who they claim to be, and MFA requires that users provide additional evidence that they are themselves – striking out hackers. We cannot deny that on top of tools and solutions, a large part of a strong security posture is education. Employees should receive training on cybersecurity best practices, be prompted to make timely software updates and be shown what a proactive approach to identifying vulnerabilities looks like. Building a team that is aware of how their organisations may be breached is essential, as there is no ‘silver bullet’ solution to making an organisation’s systems more secure.
BUILDING TRUST AND PATIENT LOYALTY Vigilant security measures are the foundation for protecting digital assets, but ensuring users are not overwhelmed by them is just as critical. Passwordless authentication and MFA help strike this balance by freeing users from tedious or complex log-in processes without sacrificing their security or that of their information. In an era where trust is one of the most valuable assets an organisation can possess, healthcare providers that strike this delicate balance stand to not just protect their own operations but also build patient loyalty. In an industry that prioritises providing patients the best possible level of care and experience in-person, it’s time that healthcare follows suit with a seamless and secure online experience.
Care Home Group Looks to Further Educate and Support Staff Following Menopause Survey A family-run care home group has carried out a survey among its staff to ensure it creates a supportive community that can help educate both men and women about the complexities of the menopause. Nellsar Care Homes, which operates 13 homes across Kent, Surrey and Essex, is looking to create a more inclusive environment following its efforts to mark World Menopause Day on the 18th October — which saw staff engage in various educational activities designed to encourage open conversation and learning. The recent survey showed that 60% of respondents wanted to learn more about the perimenopause and menopause and how symptoms can affect people — whilst 70% of those going through the menopause said they haven’t mentioned how it is affecting them to management. The study also found that the number one request for support was access to uniforms with more breathable fabric — followed by having more information available. The main symptoms reported among staff going through the menopause were hot flushes, reduced concentration, increased stress
and reduced confidence in ability. Each of these can make work-life immensely challenging, with Nellsar looking to create a supportive framework to prioritise the wellbeing of its staff. Viv Stead, Recreation and Well-Being Manager at Nellsar, said: “It was great to get people talking on World Menopause Day and following on from that, we thought the best way to make a genuine difference to our amazing teams is to actually find out their opinions. So we conducted the survey and this has helped identify some great opportunities to further educate teams, and ultimately, dismantle any apprehensions or stigmas of what is a very natural thing for all women.” Viv continued: “Going through the menopause can be immensely challenging, and sometimes, work-life can become more difficult. I think it is the responsibility of employers to recognise these changes and be as versatile as possible. We want all of our teams to feel valued and supported and we look forward to making even more progress going forward.”
Laundry Specialists Lavamac Receive Sustainability Award Chester based Laundry professionals Lavamac Ltd, official distributor of Lavamac industrial laundry equipment has received the prestigious Bronze Sustaibnability award in recognition of their policies and procedures based commitment to maintain a sustainable business for ourselves or customers and the environment The three main points Lavamac have been recognised for are: 1. Air source heat pump dryers , connected load 3kw as opposed to 30Kw for a 16kg electric dryer and 25-30 kw for Gas , clean efficient and saving the planet available from £10995 fully refurbished to £16995.00 new both with 24 months parts and labour warranty and the option to extend and cost effective annual premium ? 2.Refurbished Equipment, we completely rebuild any current model of Primus , Lavamac or Ipso washers , dryers and ironers . I full ground up restoration leaves these machines as good ( if not better than ) New ! sold , rented of leased these machines are between 40-50% of cost of their new equivalent with a warranty as new 24 months parts and labour ( see attached literature on our product range ) 3.Intelligent washings machines ( In conjunction with our partners www.countrywidehealthcare.co.uk ) we can
potentially reduce chemical usage by up to 35% and labour by 30 % Additionally • Our offices in Chester utilise Solar Panels and we create more electricity than we consume • In 2024 we are committed to replacing all service vehicles with Hybrid models • In 2024 all cars will be upgraded to EV models • We have implement a new software system ( Big Change ) removes paper documentation and utilising smart technology will reduce road mileage between calls and improve response times A delighted Jeremy Hartigan CEO of Lavamac Ltd said: “I am extremely proud to announce that Lavamac have been awarded a prestigious Bronze Sustainability Award by the UK Groundworks Trust. This award demonstrates our commitment to promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility within the sector. This award is renowned for honouring businesses that demonstrate exceptional dedication and innovation, and we are thrilled to be recognised for our resolute focus on offering sustainable products and services while raising awareness about the importance of environmental concerns within the sector”.
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Slow Progress on Tackling Hospital Waiting Lists More Fairly Report Reveals A new report from The King’s Fund finds that people from the most deprived areas in England are more likely to have long waits for planned hospital care than people from less deprived areas. In a new report, the health and care think tank warns that these inequalities could become further entrenched unless the government makes a firm commitment to taking a more ‘inclusive approach’ to tackling hospital waiting lists. The report finds that while some local NHS organisations have made progress in understanding the unequal experiences of people waiting for planned hospital care, others are yet to take this first step. More broadly, the researchers found there had been limited concrete action to address inequalities in access to planned care. Following the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, NHS England asked local NHS organisations to take a more ‘inclusive approach’ to recovering planned hospital services, such as knee or hip replacements. This was intended to improve how hospitals managed their waiting lists by understanding if and why groups of people – including people from minority ethnic groups – were systematically waiting longer for care, and taking action to address those inequalities. However, The King’s Fund’s report, based on evidence gathered from three in-depth case studies and a review of board reports from 13 NHS trusts and their related integrated care boards, suggests an inclusive recovery is not yet embedded within NHS organisations. The authors conclude that this is for a range of reasons, including a lack of analytical resources, the need to better engage clinicians and other staff in the rationale for new approaches, and NHS organisations not being held to account for this work. The research team also found that, critically, there has been a lack of clear vision from national leaders as to why inclusive
recovery is important for delivering better and fairer services for patients and the public. The report calls on the government to pay greater attention to inclusive recovery to ensure progress is made so that people can be treated fairly, no matter their background. Ruth Robertson, Senior Fellow at The King’s Fund, said: ‘Our research shows there is considerable variation in how local NHS organisations are interpreting and implementing the call to action made in 2020 to tackle hospital waiting lists more inclusively. In some respects, this is a good thing – what works in one location wouldn’t necessarily work in another. And there are already some examples of how services for people can be improved, including changes that make appointments easier to access and the use of AI to target support for patient groups who could benefit most from additional guidance and support while they wait for their hospital treatment. ‘It is possible for the NHS to tackle long waits for care and to do this in a way that doesn’t widen the already shameful inequalities that have plagued the NHS in England for decades. But to realise this ambition and make good on its promise to ‘build back better’ after the pandemic, the government must now provide greater emphasis and clarity on how it expects waiting lists to be tackled more fairly. An inclusive approach should be embedded at the heart of any future plans for elective recovery. ‘In the years to come, when we judge how well the NHS dealt with recovering waiting lists in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, we should look at whether and how health inequalities were addressed. Addressing inequalities in the backlog is good for patients, good for communities and good for the NHS.’
More Than 30 Years’ Service For Couple at Ormskirk Home Where They Had Their First Job A couple working at an Ormskirk home have a combined service of more than 30 years and say they can’t see themselves working anywhere else. Celestino and Jocelyn ‘Joy’ Canas have been working at MHA Aughton Park ever since they arrived in the UK. The pair are originally from the Philippines, and it was Joy who first moved to the UK, 17 years ago, leaving behind her husband and three children, with the youngest being 18 months to help establish a better life for them. Celestino arrived with the children two years later and started working at the home and has done ever since resulting in a combined work service of 31 years. Joy worked as a nurse in the Philippines and is a care assistant at the home, whilst Celestino had worked in various roles and is currently a domestic assistant. Speaking about what has kept them at the home Joy said: “I came over from the Philippines to the UK
and initially it was different. “There was a big cultural difference and I managed to adjust. “I really enjoy working at MHA Aughton Park and it's a great home to work, the staff are always there to support one another and I feel very accepted. “During the pandemic I had to leave work and go to America to look after my aunt, the management assured me my job was safe and kept it for me. “This was my first job in the UK and I really hope it's my last.” Celestino added: “I have worked in various roles and again to reiterate what Joy said it's a great home to work in. “I don't think I can see myself working anywhere else. “The staff and residents are a great bunch of people and I really enjoy coming into work. “There was a lot of support for one another especially during the pandemic. “I have been here for 15 years, and I am very happy and keep smiling every day when I am at work.”
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Resident with Dementia Finds Joy in Companionship as She Forms Bond of Friendship Via Loneliness Charity Gay Vaughan, a care resident living with dementia, has found joy through companionship, with her participation in a scheme to help combat loneliness rekindling her engagement with the outside world. Facilitated through Adopt a Grandparent, an independent charity seeking to build intergenerational relationships across the globe, Gay’s experience underlines the power of human connection – and she hopes it will inspire other older people to sign up to the scheme. The former shop assistant is a resident at CHD Living’s Surbiton care home and she’s partnered with a dedicated volunteer through the initiative, which aims to forge cross-generational friendships to alleviate loneliness and isolation by matching younger volunteers with older persons who are living in care. Having undertaken a push in recent weeks to highlight the diverse characters amongst the almost 100,000 volunteers who’ve signed up to the scheme, Adopt a Grandparent has seen more than 60 new care homes come forward to participate over the last month – as the organisation has focused on trying to uncover more ‘grandparents’ who are up for adoption. Gay, who has dementia, offers an example of what care residents who participate in the scheme can expect, having experienced a heartwarming transformation thanks to her relationship with volunteer Jennifer Jackson, who has helped unlock Gay’s remarkable ability to remember her ‘grandchild’. Despite the challenges of living with dementia, the power of their connection speaks to the impact of company and companionship. Jennifer signed up for the charity following a feeling of “great sadness” following the loss of her grandmother. The sadness, Jenny stated, stemmed both from the grief of losing a grandparent as well as feeling a disconnection from her grandmother’s generation, their experiences, and their life lessons. Jennifer’s story is similar to many of the charity’s volunteers, who have also joined the initiative following the loss of a grandparent or parent. Speaking each week, the pair chat about their shared interests, while
Jennifer tells Gay about her day-to-day activities, Gay in turn talks about her memories and life experiences. Discussing their conversations, Gay said: “There is so much to learn from older generations, their wisdom and life experiences are a real inspiration to me. It also helps draw out what’s important in our lives: our family, friends, and things we enjoy. It highlights the importance of remembering and celebrating those things that make us who we are.” With the volunteer support presently far exceeding the number of 'grandparents' currently seeking companionship, the charity is currently undertaking a ‘Grandparents Wanted’ campaign to try and balance its books. Shining a light on prospective volunteers just waiting to be paired, some are well known faces, including Hollywood actor Ruby Rose, and UK media personality, Jess Impiazzi. Sitting alongside them are a doctor, finance director, electrician, nurse, lawyer and more, whose ages stretch from their teens to their fifties – with the group offering just a snapshot of the thousands of potential pairings.
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 its recent 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 inperson and virtual pairings, the charity has developed a community platform to ensure that pairs 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, gave her thoughts on Gay’s story: “I absolutely love this touching story of Gay and her volunteer 'grandchild.' It beautifully illustrates the incredible power of human connection and showcases the profound impact initiatives like Adopt a Grandparent can have on the lives of individuals, especially those facing unique challenges.” Shaleeza continued: “The response to our call for volunteers to adopt ‘grandparents’ was absolutely incredible and enormously heartwarming. Now though, we are seeing a shift where we have considerably more younger volunteers than we do grandparents. We’d love to help build more intergenerational friendships – so we’re putting out a call for interested older parties to sign up too. If you know someone who you think would benefit from the scheme, please put them forward – we’re eager to do all we can to alleviate loneliness no matter where it’s found.” These relationships, like the one between Gay and her 'grandchild,' prove how companionship can transcend the boundaries of age and provide friendship, emotional support, and a renewed sense of purpose to individuals of all ages. For more information about Adopt a Grandparent or to sign up to be ‘adopted’ visit www.adoptagrandparent.org.uk/, you can watch a video about the charity’s work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5RmXjossMY
Care Home Celebrates Festival Of Lights Residents at Austen House in Lower Earley, Reading had a brilliant day celebrating the start of the Hindu festival of Diwali, popularly known as the ‘festival of lights’. Residents helped with making colourful patterned rangoli and lighting ‘diyas’, small oil lamps which are lit to signify the triumph of good over evil. Diwali honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, the lamps help Lakshmi find her way into people’s homes. After we decorated some areas of our home with lights and colourful fabrics, we had a wonderful party, where we enjoyed listening to live traditional music by Ratna and dancing with a Bollywood dance teacher, Asha from local community. Some of our residents and staff dressed up for the occasion and had fun joining in with the singing and dancing. Head chef Ainsworth Brown prepared traditional Indian dishes
including a range of warming curries, spicy samosas, crispy bhajis and papadums with lime pickle and chutneys followed by traditional Indian sweets such as laddoo and barfi for the residents and relatives to enjoy. Norma a resident at Austen House commented: “I love all of the different cultural events that we celebrate here, there’s always something going on. I especially like the religious festivals from other cultures and sampling the wonderful food. It makes me feel like I am travelling abroad!” Joleen Leung, Operations Manager at Austen House, said: “To celebrate Diwali at the home was fantastic, the colourful glow of the lamps created a very wonderful atmosphere and our chef made the most delicious dishes – everyone had a fantastic time.”
Care Residents Create Poem for Nursery Children To Celebrate World Nursery Rhyme Week Care residents have delighted nursery children within a Nottinghamshire care community by writing their very own version of a nursery rhyme to mark World Nursery Rhyme Week (13th-17th November)— as they look to show their appreciation for the wonderful intergenerational bonds the two care settings have formed. To celebrate the week, the care team at Wren Hall, a dementia specialist nursing home in Selston, worked with residents to come up with their own nursery rhyme to see if they could entertain and impress the children who attend the adjacent Little Wrens nursery. With intergenerational relationships a big part of the ethos within the care community, the residents love spending time with the nursery children and looked to pay tribute to this relationship with their own attempt. Focusing on the heartwarming interactions between the care settings, the residents composed the following rhyme:
A TALE OF TWO WRENS In Wren Hall, elders reside, Little Wrens, joy by their side. They meet for fun, a joyous ride, Sharing stories, hearts open wide. At Little Wrens, children play, Giggles and games, throughout the day, Their youthful energy, a sunbeam’s ray,
Warms the hearts of elders in every way. Laughter and love, everywhere, At Wren Hall and Little Wrens, a pair so rare, Sharing, caring, a tale they share, A heartwarming bond, beyond compare. Resident, Peter Mansell, who was a part of the nursery rhyme making process, recited the poem to the children. Delighted with the outcome, he proclaimed that it was “Very good! Very good!” as he enjoyed the enthusiastic reception from the children. Anita Astle MBE, owner and manager of Wren Hall, said: “Our residents, who we refer to as family members, absolutely love spending time with the children – and it’s a fundamental part of our care offering. Knowing that World Nursery Rhyme Week was coming up, they were eager to have their own attempt to try and entertain the children. So, working closely with our care team, we pulled together a draft – and Peter delivered it with great aplomb! She continued: “It’s so heartwarming to hear how much our older residents appreciate and admire the children from the nursery. The connection between the two really is joyous and, as the poem says, Little Wrens bring a sunbeam to the home, lighting up our days. We’re extremely lucky to have polite and caring children who treat our older Wren Hall family members like they would their own grandparents.” You can watch the video of the nursery rhyme recital here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUChsDVV12U&feature=youtu.be.
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Celebrating Kindness - The Care UK Way Care UK celebrated World Kindness Day on 13th November 2023 by sharing some of the fundraising they undertook e to make a positive difference to their local communities, or to raise awareness for a cause close to their hearts. Dedicated to supporting funds and awareness for these charities, Care UK offer an employee benefit known as ‘matched funding’, where up to £1,000 on any donations made to a UK registered charity is matched by Care UK. Some success stories for 2023 so far include: Lee Warren, Head Chef at Hadrian Park in Stockton-on-Tees is no stranger to getting involved and raising funds for charities close to his heart. Lee has raised funds for multiple charities throughout his career including The Royal British Legion Industries and Cancer Research UK. He raised £615.00 for Alice House Hospice by taking part in the annual boxing day dip in the North Sea at the end of 2022, with Care UK matching his total donation taking it to £1,230. Overall Lee, alongside Care UK’s matched funding scheme, has donated a total of £4,554 to various charities.
Boryana Nankova, a receptionist at Kenilworth Grange in Kenilworth raised £1,116.15 for Transplant Sport UK by representing Team GB at the World Transplant Games in Australia, winning Gold in the Ladies Singles Table Tennis. Boryana’s connection to the charity started when she underwent two life-saving liver transplants in 2013. Now, she wants to raise awareness on the importance of organ donation. Care UK matched Boryana’s fundraising, taking the total donation to £2,116.15. Judy Wray, Home Manager at The Terrace in Richmond, raised £1,667.50 for St Teresa’s Hospice in Darlington, by taking to the skies alongside her son Callum, and completing a 15,000ft sponsored skydive. With the support of the matched funding scheme, Judy’s total donation was £2,667.50. She said: “Knowing that this can make a difference to people affected by life limiting illnesses, and support their families and carers makes Callum and I feel so privileged.” Through 56 matched funding applications and our colleagues' fundraising totals, we have raised £27,047.64 for charities this year so far.
Over 20 MP and MSPs visit HC-One Care Homes for UK Parliament Week HC-One care homes across the UK took part in UK Parliament Week from the 6th - 11th November 2023 where a record number of MPs and MSPs visited homes throughout the week. HC-One homes hosted visits from politicians including Richard Holden, MP for North West Durham and Minister without Portfolio and Conservative Party Chairman visiting Greenways Court; Christian Wakeford, MP for Bury South and Opposition Whip (Commons) visiting Rose Court; Sir Alan Campbell, MP for Tynemouth and Shadow Chief Whip (Commons) visiting Eastbourne House; Dominic Raab, MP for Esher & Walton visiting Adelaide House; and Dame Angela Eagle, MP for Wallasey visiting Leighton Court. UK Parliament Week is an annual event which aims to spread the word about what Parliament is and the roles of local dignitaries, what Parliament and local dignitaries do, and how individuals can get involved, take action and make an impact on the issues they care about. Residents and colleagues at HC-One care homes
enjoyed meeting their local politicians and chatting to them about what life is like at their care homes – which are an integral part of their local communities. In addition to welcome their local politicians, residents and colleagues have enjoyed a variety of funfilled activities for UK Parliament Week which were enjoyed by all, including taking part in online Q&A sessions, quizzes and lively debates; debating issues and holding votes; creating petitions; holding themed assemblies and council elections; baking and crafting. Slawomir Janik, Home Manager at Adelaide House Care Home, stated: “We were delighted to welcome Dominic Raab MP to our home. Everyone had a great time, chatting and discussing key issues they care about and what actions can be taken to overcome them.” Leanne Batten-Smith, Home Manager at Rose Court Care Home, commented: “It was so lovely of Christian to take time out to visit us at Rose Court. The residents really enjoyed chatting to him of our local area and the work he is involved in.”
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Newcross Healthcare Hits The Accelerator In Drive Towards Technology Enabled Healthcare Provision Newcross Healthcare, one of the largest technology enabled workforce providers, has announced several senior appointments as it accelerates it’s focus on the technology enabled care sector. Thomas Michalak joins as Head of Product Design. Thomas has over a 15 years’ experience in Digital, with eight years dedicated to customer experience and digital in the Health and Pharmaceutical industries. He has worked in rare diseases, healthcare partnership engagement and patient programs, driving digital innovation and adoption across organisations such as Pfizer, Novo Nordisk and the NHS. Thomas is a regular speaker on the healthtech conference circuit and a judge on various healthtech awards panels and at the British Interactive Media Association amongst others. Paul Green is appointed Vice President of Product Management and has over 20 years’ experience in online and customer service industries, with the last 10 years focused on product management driving increased user adoption of digital products. Before Newcross, Paul was Global Product Director for Travel and Lifestyle group Ten Lifestyle Group. Pre Ten Lifestyle Group, Paul has held senior product and technology positions at large blue-chip organisations such as Sainsbury, Expedia and Air France. Sanjay Pandya joins as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) from managed services provider, Nasstar. Sanjay has over 20 years’ experience working in information and security in highly regulated sectors such as banking and finance and was also CISO at IT services and consulting company, SCC – one of Europe’s largest privately owned technology companies. Robert Chilvers joins as Chief Data and AI Officer; his career spans over 20 years in data and analytics across a wide range of industries (energy; marketing; fintech; loyalty; media/publishing) from start-ups to established global businesses. He specialises in bringing actionable insight through robust data governance, building cutting-edge analytics and artificial intelligence. Before Newcross, Robert was data director at energy software company, Kaluza. Robert has held senior positions at Virgin Red and at Guardian News and Media. Newcross is at the forefront of driving and disrupting the healthcare staffing model. Its HealthForceGo app is designed to connect healthcare providers with top-tier temporary colleagues efficiently and reliably. For healthcare workers it enables them to find and book shifts based on skills, location and availability.
Healthcare workers can have shifts automatically assigned via the app’s AutoAssign feature, thus avoiding missing shifts and opportunities for work. A key feature of the app is FlexiPay whereby care workers can access same day pay for shifts completed. Last year, the company delivered more than 8.5 million hours of care across 830,000 shifts. HealthForceGo also enables healthcare providers to quickly fill a shift and since the start of 2023, upwards of 80% of all client bookings have been completed via HealthForceGo. The company now boasts over 150 product, engineering and data specialists, making it one of the largest dedicated development teams focussed on healthtech solutions. Newcross has a very ambitious timeline to roll out additional products to the sector and is currently looking at leveraging advances in AI and Machine Learning to ensure the healthcare sector can introduce greater efficiencies, carers and nurses get the right support from their technology platform and, ultimately people can get better more quickly by ensuring the right carers, are in the right place and at the right time. Sally Crimes, director and Chief Product Officer at Newcross Healthcare, commenting on the appointments, Sally said: “Newcross has over 28 years' experience in the care sector, an impressive heritage that we’re combining with expert use of technology, intuitive products and data to deliver exceptional experiences for our users, helping to solve the wider challenges this sector faces. Our investment in product and technology leadership is bringing a wealth of multi-industry experience to the team and it is testament to the strength and scale of Newcross’ product ambitions.” Marco Alparone, CTO at Newcross Healthcare comments: “At Newcross, we believe in the power of technology to make a difference. With the expertise of our recent appointments, we're diving deeper into what AI can offer to the healthcare industry. It's not just about technology, but about ensuring that every advancement respects and enhances the human touch that's so central to what we do. Bringing in senior product and technology experts underlines our dedication to intuitive, user-focused solutions built from the ground up. Every solution we craft is engineered with protection at its core, ensuring the trust and safety of our community.”
Oakland Care Demonstrate How High-Quality Skills Training Brings Gold Standards of Care Care home provider Oakland Care have received ‘assured’ approval from global skills developer, City & Guilds. The stamp demonstrates that the systems and processes an organisation has in place to plan, design, deliver, and evaluate their own programmes of training meet the global quality standards benchmark set by City & Guilds. For Oakland Care, this prestigious title was given for their Assistant Practitioner Development Programme. First launched in March 2022, it was created to support the development of Senior Care Assistants across the provider. Aiming to provide these individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to support Registered Nurses within Oakland Care homes through theoretical and practical learning, it has proven to be a huge success and helped raise the standards of exceptional care their residents receive. For those that have completed both elements of the programme, they are awarded the title of Assistant Practitioner, and celebrated for their achievements by Oakland Care. Following a review of the training programme by City & Guilds it was evident that their high standards had been met by the care home provider. Speaking about the achievement, Carrie Stone, Clinical Training Partner at Oakland Care, said: “Achieving recognition for our Assistant Practitioner Development Programme is fantastic. We are focused on investing in our teams through a sustained universal commitment to internal growth and support. For us, this is a fundamental part of the process. Better training and qualified team members bring a higher standard of care and experience given to our residents. “For many of those that have undertaken this programme they have gained more confidence and belief in themselves, as well as developing new skills and knowledge which they can put into practice.” This focus on providing high-quality training opportunities that allow teams to thrive is evident across
Oakland Care. At Essex-based care home Woodland Grove team members have been celebrating being awarded gold for their high-quality palliative care at an awards ceremony in Manchester on 29th September. The accreditation was presented by Gold Standards Framework (GSF), a practical and evidence-based end of life care improvement programme. Designed to enable a ‘gold standard’ of care for everyone, it is focused on ensuring that every person caring for those in their final years of life are trained and accredited to GSF standards of care delivery. This means not only developing an understanding of how to support people and their loved ones during these challenging moments but having the confidence to do so. Woodland Grove was one of few care homes from across the country to receive the prestigious GSF quality hallmark during the ceremony. The accolade is testament to the home’s fantastic efforts, led by Deputy Manager Maryum Ahmad over the last two years, to take their already high standards of care to new heights. The accreditation will now be valid for three years as a stamp of approval of their expertise. The feat is also a huge achievement for Oakland Care more widely, with Woodland Grove the first of their homes to be awarded the accreditation. There are now aspirations for others to follow suit and embark on their own journey to gold. Reflecting on their accomplishment, Deputy Manager at Woodland Grove, Maryum Ahmad, said: “Delivering the highest quality of care to our residents at every possible moment is so important. Those challenging times near the end of life are one of those delicate moments which require our team to display the highest level of care and consideration towards not only the resident, but their loved ones too. “We’re delighted to receive this accreditation for our palliative care. It’s a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and commitment shown by all our team at Woodland Grove to reach this point. We’re proud to be leading the way with end-of-life care. The title is indication of the expertise our team possess to support those in need, when they need it most.”
Inverurie Care Home Appoints New Manager Grove Care Home in Kemnay has announced the appointment of new care home manager, Moira Taylor. Grove Care Home, part of leading care provider Meallmore, is a 40-bed facility, caring for residents with a range of conditions and needs, including dementia and palliative care. Moira started her career in nursing with the NHS 40 years ago, building up her clinical experience before moving to the private care sector. She joins Meallmore with over 15 years of managerial experience. Since 2015 she managed an Aberdeenshire home providing residential, dementia and nursing care for another care provider. She most recently spent the last three years as area manager for the same care group, looking after homes across the East of Scotland, supporting nine facilities from Edinburgh up to Dornoch. Moira continues to build her knowledge base by gaining additional qualifications
from Dundee University, and most recently completed a module on ‘Perceptions of a Care Home Nurse’, something she feels passionately about. In her new role, Moira will oversee the management for Grove Care Home, including ensuring that staff continue to provide the highest quality care for residents. Commenting on her appointment, Moira said: “Managing a care home is something I love doing and I’m fully committed to developing the home and our staff to reach their full potential. I’m also focused on ensuring the relatives of our residents feel part of the home, as I’ve found that this really makes a difference. “Meallmore’s values fully align to my own; the company is kind, considerate and supportive not only to our residents, but to all our colleagues too. I’m looking forward to working with the team here, and my top priority is to provide high quality, personalised care for everyone who stays with us at Grove.”
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
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WASTE MANAGEMENT
Ensuring Safe and Sustainable Waste Management In the intricate web of adult social care, an often overlooked but critical aspect is waste management. Within the confines of care and nursing homes in the UK, effective handling, storage, and disposal of various waste types is not just a regulatory requirement; it is an ethical imperative. This feature article dives into the depths of waste management within care environments, illuminating the careful management of clinical, hazardous, and infectious waste. From meticulous risk assessments to innovative disposal methods, we explore the multifaceted approach that ensures the well-being of residents, staff, and the environment.
THE HIDDEN RISKS: CLINICAL, HAZARDOUS, AND INFECTIOUS WASTE: Behind the scenes of compassionate care lies a multitude of waste materials – clinical byproducts, hazardous substances, and infectious agents. Each comes with a unique set of risks, necessitating rigorous risk assessments. Clinical waste includes discarded dressings, swabs, and medical equipment, while hazardous waste encompasses chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Infectious waste involves contaminated items carrying pathogens. Identifying and evaluating these risks is fundamental to maintaining a safe care environment.
SEGREGATION AT THE SOURCE: A CROSS-CONTAMINATION CRUSADE:
In the battle against cross-contamination, segregation emerges as a stalwart ally. Color-coded waste containers, an emblem of UK waste management, are an essential tool. The palette of colors – yellow for infectious waste, orange for clinical waste, purple for hazardous waste, and more – functions as a visual aid, guiding staff to deposit waste correctly. This prevents hazardous mixing, fortifying infection control efforts and safeguarding residents and staff.
NAVIGATING DISPOSAL LABYRINTHS: LEGISLATION AND LEGAL OBLIGATIONS: Guiding the labyrinthine paths of waste disposal are stringent regulations and legal obligations. UK care homes are bound by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Controlled Waste Regulations 2012, which outline the standards for waste management. To traverse this landscape, care homes must work in tandem with licensed waste carriers, ensuring safe and compliant transportation and disposal. Adhering to these laws is not just mandatory; it's a pledge to environmental stewardship. The Department of Health has published revised guidance on the Safe management of healthcare waste. This details the legislative and practical requirements of managing the waste. https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/management-anddisposal-of-healthcare-waste-htm-07-01/
FROM POLICY TO PRACTICE: IMPLEMENTATION AND STAFF EMPOWERMENT: Waste management transcends written policies – it's a culture. Care homes must craft comprehensive waste management policies that embody legal mandates and industry best practices. However, policies are only as effective as their implementation. Regular staff training sessions transform care providers into waste management sentinels. Designating a waste management coordinator further strengthens the
commitment, streamlining communication and bolstering policy enforcement.
THE KALEIDOSCOPE OF WASTE DISPOSAL: DIFFERENT TYPES, DIFFERENT METHODS: Navigating the maze of waste disposal requires an understanding of waste types and appropriate disposal methods. Clinical waste, saturated with potential pathogens, undergoes incineration. Hazardous waste follows a convoluted path, with chemicals often requiring specialist disposal. Infectious waste, concealed contagions, faces autoclaving or chemical treatment. Each method underscores the mission of eradicating risk.
LOOKING AHEAD: SUSTAINABILITY AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION: The future of waste management in care homes glimmers with sustainable solutions. Facilities are exploring waste-to-energy conversion, where waste generates power. Technological advancements offer smarter waste tracking and reporting, empowering care homes to refine their practices. The nexus of innovation and sustainability paints a promising horizon for waste management. Waste management in UK care and nursing homes isn't confined to bins and regulations; it's a pledge to uphold the dignity, health, and safety of residents. The intricate dance of handling, storing, and disposing of clinical, hazardous, and infectious waste demands diligence, awareness, and a commitment to legal mandates. As care homes embrace the tapestry of waste management – from risk assessment to color-coded containers – they weave a story of responsible care, environmental guardianship, and a commitment to a healthier future.
Care Homes Spending Up To £50,000 A Year Sending Food Waste To Landfill The average UK business is spending over £50,000 every year on sending food waste to landfill, however, recycling food waste could save care homes up to £7,000 a year, according to new research from Keenan Recycling. Despite this, only a third (36%) of care homes say that they recycle food waste in order to minimise financial losses and only a third (34%) recycle food waste to avoid costly fines. However, new legislation due to land in 2024, is expected to mandate that any business producing over 5kg of food waste will need to separate and recycle its waste through a registered food waste carrier service.
Failure to comply could put care homes at risk of potentially hefty financial penalties-with fixed penalty notices starting from £300. The legislation is due to be introduced by both DEFRA and the Welsh Government, who are expected to enact the provisions of the Environment Act 2021, and thereby make the separation of food waste from other waste streams a requirement. For more insights from the research, visit: The ideal picture of food waste – Keenan Recycling at https://keenanrecycling.co.uk/the-ideal-picture-of-food-waste/
THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 171 | PAGE 33
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 36 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 171
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 40 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 171
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.”
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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 171 | PAGE 43
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
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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.
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FURNITURE AND FITTINGS Mr Trax Curtain & Blind Solutions Blueleaf Launches Christmas
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
Furniture Campaign and Urges Care Homes to Beat the Rush Blueleaf, the nationwide business that helps care homes deliver better outcomes, has launched a new campaign to encourage care homes to consider their Christmas furniture needs now, so that orders can be delivered, and be in place, ready for the festive period. Ellen Brown, Sales & Marketing Director of Blueleaf, says that it’s important for care managers to consider their Christmas needs well in advance: “Furniture plays a huge part in not only making the right impression for visitors, but also ensuring the comfort of residents and their families during their stay,” she explains. “We know that Christmas is a busy period for all care homes, so if any homes think they may need to replace or add furniture to prepare for an increase in visitors, now is the time to place an order.” Ellen says that furniture is in high demand at Christmas: “Some items have extended delivery times and others will be subject to availability, and that’s another reason to get in touch with us now so that we can help your care homes to plan its needs and avoid being disappointed.” The campaign reflects Blueleaf’s continued focus on providing products and support for care providers
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 your order to suit your exact requirements. With over four decades experience in the industry, you can feel at ease knowing
to enhance resident comfort. Earlier in the year Blueleaf relaunched its Stock 7 range – an updated range of bedroom refit solutions that can be delivered and installed from UK stock within seven working days. To view Blueleaf’s full range of furniture, or to book an appointment, please visit: www.blueleafcare.com/ our-services/products/care-home-furniture
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. 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 171 | PAGE 47
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
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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/
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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 171 | PAGE 51
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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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 171 | PAGE 65
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
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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 171 | PAGE 67
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
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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.