The Carer Digital - Issue #182

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Issue 182

Calls for Refocus of Primary and Community Care As Report Highlights Successive Government Investment Failures

The health and care system in England must be radically refocused to put primary and community care at its core if it is to be effective and sustainable, ‘creating more flexibility for local commissioners to drive change based on local need’, according to a major new report published by The King’s Fund.

The report authors argue that the failure to grow and invest in primary and community health and care services, despite successive governments stating a commitment to this agenda, is one of the most significant and long-running policy failures of the past 30 years.

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PAGE 2 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

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

I don’t think the report released today by the King’s Fund, which appears as our lead story, will come as a surprise to anybody.

Stories of people unable to see the GP, NHS waiting times and crowded accident and emergency departments are now commonplace.

The lack of primary care investment is ‘one of the most significant policy failures of the past 30 years’, one of the country’s most influential health think-tanks has said.

This report highlights the systemic failures that have plagued our health and care system for far too long.

Over the past three decades, successive governments have grappled with the challenge of moving care closer to home, yet progress has remained frustratingly stagnant.

Despite rhetoric and promises, the investment in primary and community healthcare has fallen short, leaving patients stranded in a system ill-equipped to meet their needs.

The consequences are dire. With GP appointments becoming increasingly elusive, patients health conditions subsequently deteriorate, often resulting in unnecessary hospital admissions. This not only places undue strain on already overstretched hospital departments and staff but also perpetuates a cycle of inefficiency and inadequacy within the broader healthcare landscape.

The King’s Fund report boldly calls for a radical refocusing of our health and care system, urging policymakers to prioritize primary and community services as the linchpin of healthcare provision. It's a clarion call for change—a recognition that the status quo is no longer acceptable, and that bold, transformative action is needed to ensure the wellbeing of our citizens.

Crucially, the report dispels the misguided notion that the solution to overcrowded hospitals lies in building more hospitals. Instead, it advocates for a holistic approach that emphasizes better community care, including the vital role played by care homes. By investing in these essential services, we can alleviate pressure on hospitals and provide patients with the support and care they need in their own communities.

Professor Martin Green of Care England succinctly captures the essence of the

Editor

Peter Adams

matter: "You cannot fix the NHS without fixing social care." His words serve as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of healthcare and social services, and the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of both sectors.

It isn’t as though the government hasn’t been warned in the sector is unwilling to respond. On page 9 we have an article highlighting how social care providers are offering to meet with health trust chiefs to see if they can work together to ease serious pressures on hospitals in North Yorkshire.

The Independent Care Group (ICG) says boosting access to social care services could help the situation. Part of the problem they say, is that some 20-25% of beds at the hospital were being occupied by people who could be discharged.

The sector is offering the government a lifeline to resolve a long-standing and on-going problem. What really is needed now is bold and decisive action, as the report sets out, to reshape the health and care system for the better, and providing adequate funding to the adult social care sector, working with them will lead to clear savings and free up hospital beds helping to reduce waiting times.

Once again thank you all for your stories, we are always delighted to share your events, achievements and celebrations. Today is Valentine’s Day and we have had, I am thrilled to say, some wonderful uplifting stories. Another fine example of care homes staff and residents “getting in the mood” this week was Lunar New Year and again, we have had some wonderful stories of care homes’ celebrations. Thank you all and please do keep them coming!

One more thing; we are exhibiting at UK Care Week at Birmingham’s NEC on March 20-21. We are on Stand F16, so please do pay us a visit, we’re always interested in your feedback!

As always, I can be contacted at editor@thecareruk.com

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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182 | PAGE 3

Calls for Refocus of Primary and Community Care As Report Highlights Successive Government Investment Failures (CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER) The vast majority of interactions with the NHS are through primary and community services – such as general practice (GPs), community pharmacy and district nursing. On average there are more than 876,164 GP appointments in the NHS every day, an increase of 34,219 appointments a day since 2018/19.

BROKEN PLEDGES Despite this rise in demand, and despite repeated pledges to boost out-of-hospital care, the proportion of Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) spending on primary care has actually fallen (8.9% in 2015/16 to 8.1% in 2021/22).1 In 2021/22 the largest proportion of DHSC spending, £83.1 billion, went to acute hospitals, compared to £14.9 billion spent on primary care.

The NHS has received additional funding in recent years, but while acute hospital trusts saw 27% funding growth since 2016/17, community trusts saw just half that level of growth, at 14%.

Trends in staffing reveal a similar pattern, with the number of NHS consultants growing by 18% between 2016/17 and 2021/22, but just a 4% increase in the number of GPs over the same period.3 There has also been a significant jump in social care staff vacancies rising from 110,000 vacant posts in 2020/21 to 152,000 in 2022/23.4 The authors of the report outline how patients struggling to get appointments with their GP, are at risk of their condition deteriorating and having to seek urgent help from already over-stretched acute hospitals.

CYCLE OF INVISIBILITY In their assessment of the key reasons for this longstanding policy failure, the researchers found that progress has been hampered by an incorrect belief that moving care into the community will result in shortterm cash savings. Other factors include a lack of data about primary and community services leading to a ‘cycle of invisibility’, funding flows that prioritise hospitals, and urgent challenges such as A&E waiting times and planned care backlogs becoming the priority for politicians tempted by quick fixes instead of fundamental improvement.

The King’s Fund cautions that bolstering primary and community care should not mean closing hospitals, noting that England already has fewer hospital beds per capita than other nations.

Instead, the authors call for future funding to be directed into a comprehensive plan to refocus the health and care system towards primary and community care. They warn that a piecemeal approach of cherrypicking policies ‘will not miraculously unlock change’.

The report proposes several steps to begin the shift.

• Vision: A clear vision for bolstering primary and community services, with all policies aligned to achieving that vision, and the political will to stick to the vision over the long term.

• Funding: Future growth in health and care funding needs to be targeted at primary and community services • Workforce: Incentivise more staff to work in primary and community services through pay, status, career progression, and by considering mandatory primary and community training placements for clinicians and leaders.

• Estate: Prioritise investment in primary and community care buildings and equipment, and cut red tape so organisations can better pool the space they have.

• Flexibility and accountability: Give local health and care leaders more flexibility to meet local needs and hold them to account for improving overall patient care, rather than waiting lists.

• Social care: Without reform of the ailing social care system, the ambition of ‘care closer to home’ cannot be fully realised.

Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of The King’s Fund, said: ‘The answer to over-crowded hospitals is not more hospitals. Despite this being well understood for many years, there is now a higher proportion of the NHS budget and staff going into hospital services. At the same time, there has been a slow erosion of capacity and confidence in primary and community care.

‘Many people across the country will have personal experience of struggling to get a GP appointment, trying to contact other services, and when all avenues have been exhausted, reluctantly going to A&E. It feels like all roads lead to the hospital, but our hospitals are already full.

‘To achieve an effective and sustainable health and care system, politicians and national leaders need to embark on a radical and wholesale refocusing of the health and care system towards primary and community services. Doing so will free up hospitals to treat the patients they are best placed to treat, thanks to many more people being diagnosed and cared for in the community.’

BOLSTER COMMUNITY SERVICES Beccy Baird, Senior Fellow at The King’s Fund and lead author of the report, said: ‘Like other countries, England needs to bend the curve on the predicted rise in demand for high-cost, reactive and hospital-based care. That means supporting people to take care of their health and wellbeing, intervening early and keeping people healthy at home for as long as possible, which can only be achieved by bolstering primary and community services.

‘While these changes may not unlock the quick-fix savings many mistakenly expect, the alternative is to build more expensive hospitals to manage acute needs that could have been prevented or better managed in the community.’

SHORT-TERM FUNDING Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England said: “This report brings to life the consequences of the Government’s continued focus on trying to fix the NHS, without fixing the social care sector.

Care England wholeheartedly supports shifting the national focus away from hospitals towards primary and community health and care. As we have repeatedly warned, acute pressures and the short-term nature of Government funding cycles dominate health and care leaders’ capacity and resources. This means their scope to focus on long-term outcomes such as prevention is significantly hampered. The introduction of Integrated Care Systems has not been the watershed moment we were hoping for and whilst still in their infancy, this report underscores there is still a long way to go. We must strive for a system that is able to achieve meaningful outcomes, where people can have a seamless journey across health and social care.”

SOCIAL CARE PARITY Suhail MIrza, non exec director at Newcross Healthcare said : “This report is as welcome as it is necessary; it lays bare the lack of vision from Government to take a truly holistic approach to health and care delivery.

Rightly it exhorts the Government to faciliate the move away from the primacy of Acute settings to Primary Care and community settings.”

“The Report for me also highlights the consequence of regressive funding and attitude to adult social care; a sector that demands and deserves parity of esteem with the NHS. Without a properly funded social care sector the rest of the healthcare sector cannot function; the hopes for the NHS Long Term Workforce plan would too remain an unrealisable hope.”

“This demand for social care may sound like a broken record- repeated so often from leaders across itbut better a broken record than a broken system.”

PAGE 4 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

Major Changes Ahead for UK Businesses Recruiting International Talent

By Jacqueline Moore, immigration law specialist at Thorntons Solicitors (www.thorntons-law.co.uk) In the post-Brexit, post-COVID labour market, the Skilled Worker visa is an essential tool for businesses to meet recruitment challenges with international talent. However, the UK Government has now announced major changes from Spring 2024 to restrict the number of workers coming to the UK. The biggest change for many businesses is a huge increase in the minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa applicants – rising from £26,200 to £38,700 from 4 April 2024. This will particularly affect businesses relying on middle-income international workers, including in the hospitality industry.

The current Shortage Occupation List will also be replaced by a new, more restrictive Immigration Salary List. This change is among those likely to affect businesses in the health and social care sector, along with a ban on some workers bringing dependants and new regulatory requirements for sponsors.

There is some good news for existing sponsors, however – sponsor licences due to expire on or after 6 April will now be automatically extended by ten years.

More challenges for the hospitality industry According to analysis by the Migration Observatory, the biggest impact of the huge increase in the salary threshold this spring will be felt by the hospitality industry. Home Office data shows that middle-income workers in hospitality, such as chefs and restaurant managers, tend to earn around the current salary threshold of £26,200. They will no longer be eligible for the Skilled Worker visa.

This is unwelcome news to a sector already experiencing a recruitment crisis. Post-Brexit hospitality vacancies have increased by 72% and the number of EU workers in the industry has fallen by 26%.

There is an important opportunity for hospitality businesses to review their short- to medium-term recruitment plans and ensure roles which do not meet the new salary threshold are filled before it comes into force. The UK Government has said that those already in the Skilled Worker route – including those with valid applications not yet decided by 4 April 2024 – will not be subject to the new salary threshold when they change employment, extend their visas or settle. The process of sponsoring a worker can take time and given recent Home Office processing delays, it would be advisable for businesses to make arrangement well in advance of the salary threshold changing.

A mixed picture for the health and care sector The salary threshold increase will not affect workers on the Health and Social Care visa, which made up more than half of all Skilled Worker visas last year. Workers subject to national pay scales will likewise not be required to meet the salary threshold. Health and care workers will also remain exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge, which increased from £624 to £1,035 in February 2024.

However, one major change is that care workers and senior care workers will no longer be permitted to bring family members to the UK from 11 March 2024. In addition, care providers of all types seeking to sponsor care workers in England will need to be regulated by the Care Quality Commission.

In addition, the replacement of the Shortage Occupation List presents a problem for businesses in the health and care sector, many of whom rely on international workers to fill roles facing the most acute recruitment challenges. The new Immigration Salary List will reduce the number of shortage occupations and end the 20% going rate salary discount currently applicable to shortage occupations.

These new barriers make the UK a much less attractive destination for international workers in the health and care sectors. They have been strongly criticised by the Royal College of Nursing, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, NHS Providers, Care England and trade unions Unison and GMB. Cutting the red tape for sponsor licence holders Amid these new challenges, there is some welcome news for sponsor licence holders. The renewal of sponsor licences will be made automatic for all licences due to expire on or after 6 April 2024. This somewhat unexpected change means that businesses will no longer need to manage the time and cost of licence renewal every four years.

A word of warning, however: businesses must be careful to ensure that they continue to comply with their sponsor licence duties now that they will not be prompted to do so by an upcoming renewal deadline. One common cause of compliance breaches is failure to notify the Home Office of changes within the business – such as a change in personnel, a relocation or a sponsored worker’s promotion. Businesses should ensure that anyone managing their sponsor licence is fully up to date on their duties and the effect of new changes.

The UK’s changing immigration landscape There is no doubt that the current UK Government’s relentless pursuit of a reduction in net migration at all costs presents serious challenges for businesses. This particularly affects businesses in sectors already hit by post-Brexit labour shortages, including hospitality and social care.

Experienced immigration solicitors at Thorntons can assist businesses to navigate this challenging immigration landscape, from recruiting a first overseas worker and offering bespoke training for sponsor licence holders, to ensuring compliance with fast-changing rules.

Enfield Care Home Resident ‘Sparkles’ After Ear-Piercing Wish Comes True An 83-year-old Enfield care home resident is now donning some added ‘sparkle’ after staff at Bullsmoor Lodge granted her one wish – to have her ears pierced.

Janet Lowe is a retired nurse and, unable to wear earrings throughout her 40-year career, never had her ears pierced.

When staff at Bullsmoor Lodge asked its residents “if you had one wish, what would it be?” Janet couldn’t wait to share her ‘piercing’ request.

Keen to help, staff organised for the 83-year-old to have her ears pierced at a local jewellery parlour the very next week. And, with the well-loved resident choosing her very own collection of brand-new earrings immediately after, Bullsmoor Lodge Registered Manager, Lisa Coombs, said it was a delight to see.

She said: “Janet was so excited the night before that she couldn’t sleep, so we knew it was going to be a special day.

She said she didn’t feel anything and couldn’t wait to

choose some sparkly new earrings. It has been fantastic to see the huge smile on her face and to see her showing off her new jewellery to everyone here.”

Bullsmoor Lodge is part of AgeCare UK and Director of Care, Jo Mason, is thrilled to hear that Janet’s wish has been made a reality.

She said: “At Bullsmoor Lodge, we foster a family approach, focussing on enabling residents to live well. It’s always wonderful to hear how staff are going above and beyond to ensure everyone is happy.”

Janet has dedicated most of her life caring for others and was a nurse for over 40 years. She started her career as a ward sister in 1961 at the tender age of 21 and worked in several hospitals over the years. Never married, the 83year-old has been a resident at Bullsmoor Lodge since 2018.

Lovett Care Introduces Alfred – The New Robotic Team Member at their Flagship Home - Fairfax Manor Growing Northwest care provider Lovett Care (www.lovettcare.co.uk) has collaborated with Bear Robotics and introduced Servi+ to their new home in Harrogate. The innovative robot helps support residents with maintaining independence and providing an additional “team member” in a fun and interactive environment.

Alfred, as named by the home, can be seen weaving his way through the home’s Orangery or Dining areas where residents and team members can return cups and plates back to another part of the home or even send a cup of tea to a bedroom.

Recent visitors to the home have received a demonstration of this cutting-edge technology and the home has shared the benefits of how this will enhance resident’s time in the home.

Chief Operating Officer Debbie Baker said.

“As a forward-thinking organisation, we remain committed to continuously enhancing our services through the adoption of innovative technologies that improve the quality of care and support for our residents”.

Head of Sales Emea for Bear Robotics, Malachy Ryan said.

“We understand the importance of helping care home residents live their lives to the fullest. That is why we have worked so hard in developing smart solutions to enhance the quality of communal senior living experiences.a Servi + is our state-of-the-art foodservice solution to help make any dining experience exceptional”.

Fairfax Manor in Harrogate, acquired from Angela Swift Developments in 2023, and will shortly be open to new residents. The home has been thoughtfully designed to offer an exceptional living environment with a range of outstanding facilities. The newly recruited team are in place ready to warmly welcome new residents.

Lovett Care also has homes under construction in St Helen’s, South Manchester and Kent. With the growing demand for quality elderly care these will all be welcome additions to their local communities.

For further information visit www.lovettcare.co.uk or www.bearrobotics.ai

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182 | PAGE 5

Blood Tests May Be Able to Predict Dementia 15 Years Before Diagnosis A blood test that looks for changes in certain proteins could predict dementia up to 15 years before diagnosis, research suggests.

Scientists have identified 11 proteins that they say are highly accurate (more than 90 per cent) at predicting future dementia.

These proteins, found in the liquid component of blood known as the plasma, are markers for the biological changes that happen in people who have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

One such protein – known as GFAP – has previously been identified as a potential biomarker in smaller studies.

The researchers, from the University of Warwick and Fudan University in China, described their findings, published in the journal Nature Aging, as a “breakthrough”.

Professor Jianfeng Feng, from the University of Warwick’s department of computer science, said the test “could be seamlessly integrated into the NHS and used as a screening tool by GPs”.

There are over 944,000 people in the UK with dementia, which is expected to rise to over one million in the next 6 years.

The researchers said an early diagnosis is critical for those with the condition – as there are new drugs that can slow progression of the disease if detected early enough.

Jia You, of Fudan University, said early screening “holds immense

significance in pinpointing dementia risks”.

He said: “A notable advantage of plasma protein analysis is that it merely necessitates routine blood tests, similar to those conducted during regular hospital visits or health checks.

“This simplicity offers a considerable edge over more invasive procedures like lumbar punctures, especially where the targeting population are healthy individuals.”

Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research and Innovation at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. Yet many people live with the condition without ever being diagnosed. This leaves them unable to access vital support, take part in clinical trials, and put care plans in place for the future. We wouldn’t accept this for any other condition, so we shouldn’t for dementia.

“This research looked at proteins in the blood of healthy individuals and followed them up 15 years later and found a common set of proteins in those that went on to develop dementia.

It’s very early days and lots more work is needed but this could lay the groundwork for the early prediction of dementia and teach us more about how to provide an early and accu-

Local Care Home Celebrates Start Of A New Era Cepen Lodge in Chippenham held an Open Day to celebrate the start of a new era, following significant investment to the home.

Visitors were welcomed to view the home’s stylish new interior and take a tour of the home at the Open Day on Saturday 10th February.

The home’s hospitality team provided complimentary refreshments and a tasty spread of treats for everyone to enjoy. Cepen Lodge also had the pleasure of welcoming the town’s mayor, Declan Baseley, to take a tour of the home and officially open the doors to the local community.

The home’s Senior General Manager was available to answer any questions guests had about finding the right home and about the services offered at Cepen Lodge.

Jade Hodge Senior General Manager at Cepen Lodge said: “The home is looking better than ever after the recent investment and it was a pleasure to showcase the elegant new interior at the Open Day. My door is always open and anyone who couldn’t make the Open Day is very welcome to drop by for a cup of tea any other day instead.”

Cepen Lodge care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Cepen Lodge provides residential care and dementia care for 63 residents from respite care to long term stays.

rate diagnosis.

Dr Oakley added: “What we need now are blood tests that work in a real-world setting and that can accurately diagnose dementia when someone is starting to show symptoms.

This is why we’re working with Alzheimer’s Research UK on the Blood Biomarker Challenge which will revolutionise the way dementia is diagnosed.

PAGE 6 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

Challenges in Social Care

By Martyn Heginbotham, CEO of national care home provider Milewood (www.milewood.co.uk)

I am often asked what are the challenges that face us in Social Care at the moment and the list could be endless. They are the same challenges that have faced us for years and, until we get wholesale change in the sector, will continue to challenge us for years to come.

A few that keep me awake at night are all intrinsically linked.

We face a mass workforce issue. As a sector we can’t recruit enough staff to meet the needs of the sector, which isn’t a surprise to anybody. We can’t recruit, partly because people don’t see working in care as a career, or because in reality, there are other jobs that are less demanding and less stressful than working in care - in most cases for similar or better money.

As a sector, we are restricted as to what we can afford to pay, and our inflationary increases are dictated to us by local authorities/Integrated Care Boards etc – who themselves are cash strapped!

As it stands today, we are going to see a living wage increase upwards of 9% on the 1 April- but no real line of sight on how this is going to be funded. In the Milewood group alone, this will add just under £2m a year to our wages cost, and that’s without us moving away from being a living wage employer – which we are keen to do.

We still have local authorities who have not awarded an inflationary increase for the year 2023-2024, despite the significant increase in costs, not just of staff but across the board.

In the sector, we just want to be paid a fair price for the hard work we do, but as well as this, there has to

be an emphasis on development and education. A pay increase will enable us to reward our staff financially, but also with greater personal development so we can create a working environment where people can have a career in care rather than just ‘stop gap’ or a ‘means to an end’.

Rewarding and developing staff adequately, will mean that more people will come into the sector and stay within it. This will enable much greater consistency of service, therefore improving the help we can offer to the vulnerable people we support.

Developing the workforce will mean that we are able to support more complex people, some of who may still be in hospital. We will be able to give our teams the skills to support people to move out of hospitals.

Colleagues will be engaged and motivated to do a great job, not just for their satisfaction (yes, working in the social care sector does give you great satisfaction) but for their own personal development and decent pay. Staff are then far less likely to leave the care sector. We can only retain staff if they feel adequately rewarded for the work they do. Ultimately, we all have bills to pay.

Most other businesses can pay better, and pass that cost onto the customers, we do not have that ability.

It can sometimes feel like we are on the back foot due to this fact. Yet, if the sector was funded appropriately, we would be able to reward our colleagues and support one of the most skilled workforces you will ever encounter.

Ultimately, resolving the funding in our sector should be seen as an investment enabling the most vulnerable in our society to live fulfilling lives. Not only will it be an investment in the sector, but it will be an investment in the people within it, from the staff to the individuals we support.

We have ambitious plans at Milewood, but we could be even more ambitious if we had the right level of funding from the government and could therefore attract and retain the right workforce.

Love Themed Art Sales Success For Autistic Artist, Sam KENT BASED artist, Sam Latter, has seen his art career take off with his collection being exhibited at The Walrus and Oyster Emporium in Canterbury.

Sam, a 30-year-old autistic person, has been creating his cartoon digital art from pencil drawings since 2018, using it to tell stories of friendship, finding love, and overcoming barriers.

Support workers at Endurance Care Broadstairs, a National Care Group business providing supported living services to Sam over the past 12 years, have empowered him to develop life skills that have led to him achieving his dream of having his work on sale in a local gallery. Sam’s success has continued as he has recently sold three pieces of his art via The Walrus and Oyster Emporium where it is displayed to an international buyer in Holland.

Speaking about his achievement, Sam said: “The opportunity to have my work showcased really is like a door to a new life, everything has started to change. People believing in my work and the stories behind them show that other people like me do not have to shy away from their

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ambitions – it’s about asking for help or advice and being proud of what you’ve achieved so far.”

Endurance Care support workers have been an integral part of Sam’s success and progress, previously working alongside him to achieve an appearance on the Channel 4 reality TV show The Undateables in 2017 and writing an article for the National Autistic Society in 2020 about his experience of lockdown, before empowering him to build a friendship with the local art gallery manager to exhibit his work.

Emma Stott, service manager at Endurance Care Broadstairs, said: “Sam’s achievement acts as an example of how autistic people can achieve any goals they set for themselves. It’s been so rewarding to work with Sam and see how much he has accomplished. His independence has grown significantly over the past 12 years and that’s exactly what we strive to help unlock for all the people we support. We’re immensely proud of him.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182 | PAGE 7

Care England Issues A Call to Arms - Champion Change in Care Care England is issuing a sector wide “Call to Arms” as part of its forthcoming annual conference next month.

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, said: “We know Government action is needed urgently to address the problems that face the social care sector. In the year of a general election, a united voice for care is more important than ever before. Our annual conference is an opportunity for innovators to come together to feel rejuvenated, inspired, and empowered to drive positive change.”

Care England’s annual conference, to be held on March 14, is themed around Championing Change, focusing on actions Care England and the wider sector are taking to further improve the quality of care.

Keynote speeches will detail the current landscape and look at what the care sector can do in the face of government inaction.

Professor Deborah Sturdy CBE, Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care at the Department of Health and Social Care, and Beverley Tarka, President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, both feature in the lineup, representing the voice of government at a national and regional level.

James Allen, Chief Executive Officer at National Care Group and

Angela Boxall, Chair of Care England and Chief Executive Officer at Majesticare will also both take to the stage to amplify the voice of providers and highlight what work they’re doing to champion change in their services.

And addressing their new Single Assessment Framework, and their new powers to assess Local Authorities and Integrated Care Systems, the conference will hear from James Bullion, Interim Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care and Integrated Care at the Care Quality Commission.

There will also be two panel discussions featuring care sector leaders focused on overcoming the issues affecting the sector and sharing how they are trailblazing positive action to drive the sustainability of the sector forward.

The conference will also feature expert-let seminar sessions on topics including regulation, technology, recruitment, retention and more. There will be opportunities for networking with providers and organisations providing industry-leading solutions.

Professor Martin Green continues: “Each year, the Care England conference is a catalyst for discussion and change.

Close Encounters Of The Furry Kind - Local Care Home Residents Are Visited By Therapy Pet Staff and residents at Barchester’s Beaufort Grange care home in Cheswick Village were treated to a visit from a beautiful therapy dog.

Animals have a wonderful calming effect and the residents love to stroke them, talk to them and play with them.

The home was visited by therapy dog, Ralph who caused a great deal of excitement. All of the residents enjoyed the visit, they petted and cuddled Ralph who seemed to appreciate meeting his new friends. Ralph is part of Therapy Dogs Nationwide and has become a regular visitor to Beaufort Grange.

Senior General Manager, Raji Sunil said “All our residents are fascinated by animals so we were delighted that Ralph was able to visit.

It was brilliant to be able to ask questions about Ralph and hear all about his personality.”

While we know Government action is needed, it is also incumbent on us to look inward and see what challenges we can work to address as a united sector. Change for the sector is not just needed, it’s a necessity and our conference aims to be the spark to ignite this change.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182 | PAGE 9

Provider Calls for U-Turn on Care Group Funding A body that works with City of York Council to ensure that the care needs of its oldest and most vulnerable residents are being met is to have its funding cut by the authority.

After weeks of uncertainty, the council has confirmed that it plans to cut all the funding it provides to the care provider organisation, the Independent Care Group (ICG).

The ICG is angry that more than 20 years of funding could end without any consultation and it has warned that the care of York residents could suffer.

It is to hold talks with Councillor Jo Coles, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, and is seeking a meeting with York MP Rachael Maskell on the issue.

ICG Chief Executive John Pattinson said: “We are very disappointed that the Council has decided to cut the funding it gives to the ICG without any warning or consultation, instantly altering the relationship we and the council have built up over more than 20 years.

“We would urge councillors to rethink as we are certain this will have a direct impact on the care provided to some of the city’s oldest and most vulnerable.”

The ICG has an agreement with City of York Council setting out how the two would work in partnership over care provision for older and vulnerable adults in the area and on issues like improving care, training and tackling any problems.

ICG Chair Mike Padgham said: “It seems that, at a stroke, the council is willing to rip up this agreement,

without any form of consultation.

“It is bound to damage the relationship we have with the council and set back the many years of progress we have made in improving the delivery of care in the York area.

“It is not too late however, and though at the moment it seems to be a fait accompli, we would urge councillors to think again and reinstate this vital support and restore the vital link between care providers, the authority and the people who benefit most from this, the residents who need care.

“Instead of taking such a backward step, at this time of crisis in the care of vulnerable people, we should be working more closely together rather than less.”

Amongst other things, the ICG represents providers in negotiations and discussions with the authority, over care fees, for example, and speaking for providers on various boards and organisations, alongside the council.

The ICG’s agreement with the council says the ICG will be a liaison point between the council and other organisations to “discuss and disseminate matters of mutual interest such as ongoing training, service development and innovation.”

It also sets out that the ICG will “work with the City of York and the independent care sector to promote consistency of approach, best practice and ongoing workforce and professional development across the sector.”

Grand Opening Of New Nursing Home In Leicester Exemplar Health Care has marked the official opening of Greenacre Park, located on Elmdon Drive.

Cutting the ribbon was The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Dr Susan Barton, who expressed her gratitude to the home’s staff team for their dedication to residents.

The new home is the result of an extensive refurbishment and extension of the former building, an elderly care home called Foxton Grange which closed in February 2021.

When the extensive refurbishment work was undertaken during 2023, a time capsule linked to the old Foxton Grange care home was found. Dating back to December 1999, it contained memorabilia such as photos, newspapers, leaflets from the community, poems and cards.

As part of the official opening ceremony, staff at Greenacre Park planted a new time capsule in the home’s garden. The construction group behind Greenacre Park, Deeley Group, were invited to add items into the capsule, including photographs taken during the refurbishment, site plans, brochures and a high-vis jacket. In a heart-warming moment, some of the individuals identified in the photos found in the original 1999 time capsule were also invited to participate in the new home’s opening ceremony.

Greenacre Park is Exemplar Health Care’s first home in Leicester and focuses on supporting adults living with complex mental health needs, neuro-disabilities including Huntington’s disease, and physical disabilities.

The opening of the new home created 80 new healthcare jobs in the local area.

PAGE 10 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

Cold Weather Warnings - Care Home Manager Shares Advice On How To Keep Residents Safe and Warm

By Robert Adams, Director at PCG (www.premiumcaregroup.co.uk)

Every winter the care sector faces increased pressures, but forward planning and attentiveness can help reduce the strain on care workers while also making residents feel at ease.

As a care group, we have made it our priority to plan ahead for the winter months. Seasonal illnesses, such as flu and norovirus among residents and staff members, should be anticipated during this time. Make sure that residents are up to date with vaccinations and ensure enough capacity within your teams to cover illness.

In the years I’ve spent in the care industry, I’ve seen firsthand how small changes and adjustments can make a big difference in keeping our loved ones, care home residents, and even older neighbours safe and healthy during winter.

Staying healthy during the colder months involves nourishing the body and mind with a healthy diet, regular movement and a peaceful environment. It is important to stay mindful of potential vitamin D deficiencies, which can be common among older people as absorption processes become less efficient with age.

In each of our homes, we encourage daily exposure to sunlight in our accessible outdoor spaces. A balanced diet is also key to maintaining good health and energy levels. During winter, we focus on including comforting and hearty meals packed with nutrients and fresh produce in our menus, prepared by our in-house chefs. Each of our care homes have special fitness instructors who come

in regularly to help residents get some movement into their day.

We recognise that the shorter days of winter can sometimes increase feelings of isolation and loneliness which some residents living with dementia might already experience. During this time, it is important to look after residents’ mental health and wellbeing. Our care homes have activities coordinators who organise games, music sessions, movie nights, trips around town, and more. We encourage residents to take part in hobbies such as reading, knitting and playing indoor games, which keeps them busy and also promotes mental stimulation.

We also recommend soothing activities like music and animal therapy which can be beneficial for residents, boosting their mood. Our homes have frequent visits from musicians or bands as part of their activities and our resident pets on the campuses provide comfort and companionship. These are great ways to promote social interaction so that residents always feel like they’re part of a community.

Caring for older people during the winter months requires vigilance and a proactive approach. Be prepared for unexpected weather changes and emergencies by having essential supplies in hand and a GP on call. Make sure that residents have access to safe indoor and outdoor spaces and a proper routine to keep them safe and healthy during these months.

At Premium Care Group, we believe in providing individualised care that caters to the specific needs and preferences of each resident. All our staff members understand the importance of putting the needs of our residents first and respecting their right to informed choices and privacy. We treat each resident with dignity and respect and endeavour to listen to their needs and concerns to deliver the best care for them.

This personalised approach to care ensures our residents have a warm, comfortable, happy and healthy winter season.

Violet Home Care Ltd.

with dementia or other health conditions. We work closely with each client and their family to develop a personalized care plan, designed to meet their specific needs and goals.

WHO ARE WE?

OUR VALUES:

We are an established domiciliary care agency in the UK. We understand that many individuals would prefer to receive care in the comfort of their own homes, rather than moving into a care facility. That's why we offer a range of home care services, tailored to meet the unique needs and prefer-ences of each client.

We believe in a person-centered approach to care, which means that we focus on the unique needs and preferences of each client, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Our caregivers are trained to provide support with dignity and respect, and to encourage clients to remain as inde-pendent as possible, while still receiving the care and assistance they need. We also understand the importance of companionship and socialization, especially for those who may be living

OUR SERVICES: Our team of compassionate caregivers are trained to provide a range of services, from assistance with daily tasks such as bathing and dressing, to managing medication and providing specialized care for those

alone. For this reason, we offer a range of social activities and outings, to help clients stay engaged and connected to their community. At our domiciliary home care agency, we believe that everyone deserves to live with dignity and re-spect, and we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Whether you or a loved one are in need of long-term care or just a few hours of assistance each week, we would be honored to provide the support and care you need to live your best life at home.

Contact us at: www.violethomecare.co.uk, Info@violethomecare.co.uk or 01372 700315 See the advert on the facing page for details.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182 | PAGE 11

Welsh Government Confirms Spring Care Home COVID-19 Booster Vaccination Programme The Welsh Government has confirmed that a spring COVID-19 booster vaccination programme will begin on 1st April for the most vulnerable, including people over 75.

FOLLOWING ADVICE FROM THE EXPERT JOINT COMMITTEE ON VACCINATION AND IMMUNISATION (JCVI), THE VACCINE WILL BE OFFERED TO: • adults aged 75 and over • residents in care homes for older adults, and • individuals aged 5 years and over who are immunosuppressed In addition, the Welsh Government has announced that the universal offer of a COVID-19 booster will end on 31st March. Higher risk groups and people who develop a new health condition that makes them eligible will still be able to receive their booster vaccine, if advised by a doctor or other clinician.

People who have not received their primary course of vaccinations will be able to do so until 30th June. The JCVI has recommended that the high level of population immunity has enabled the changes.

As well as the spring booster programme, there will be an autumn booster programme later this year, following further advice from the JCVI. Sir Frank Atherton, the Chief Medical Officer, said: “Coronavirus is still circulating in our communities, so we are offering the most vulnerable another booster vaccination this spring. People who are eligible for vaccination will begin to receive their invitations in the coming weeks.”

“For anyone who hasn’t yet received your primary course or original booster – it’s not too late. Please make an appointment to get your booster by the end of this month or your primary course by 30th June.”

“Vaccination continues to be the best way to protect yourself and the people around you to prevent

the spread of COVID-19 and I would urge everyone to get their vaccinations.”

FOLLOWING ADVICE FROM THE EXPERT JOINT COMMITTEE ON VACCINATION AND IMMUNISATION (JCVI), THE VACCINE WILL BE OFFERED TO: • adults aged 75 and over • residents in care homes for older adults, and • individuals aged 5 years and over who are immunosuppressed In addition, the Welsh Government has announced that the universal offer of a COVID-19 booster will end on 31st March. Higher risk groups and people who develop a new health condition that makes them eligible will still be able to receive their booster vaccine, if advised by a doctor or other clinician.

People who have not received their primary course of vaccinations will be able to do so until 30th June. The JCVI has recommended that the high level of population immunity has enabled the changes.

As well as the spring booster programme, there will be an autumn booster programme later this year, following further advice from the JCVI. Sir Frank Atherton, the Chief Medical Officer, said: Coronavirus is still circulating in our communities, so we are offering the most vulnerable another booster vaccination this spring. People who are eligible for vaccination will begin to receive their invitations in the coming weeks.

For anyone who hasn’t yet received your primary course or original booster – it’s not too late. Please make an appointment to get your booster by the end of this month or your primary course by 30th June.

Vaccination continues to be the best way to protect yourself and the people around you to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and I would urge everyone to get their vaccinations.

Maintain and encourage healthy living and a good quality of life.

Violet Home Care are an established domiciliary care agency in the UK. We understand that many individuals would prefer to receive care in the comfort of their own homes, rather than moving into a care facility.

That's why we offer a range of home care services, tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client.

At Violet Home Care we aim to provide quality health care service, to enable people stay in their homes.

We recognize that everyone has different needs and hence require personalized care.

Some of the many services that we can provide: • Live in Care • Overnight Care • Sleep Patterns Evaluation • Shopping e.g. grocery or personal • Help with medication • Meal Preparation • Washing & Ironing • Outings to friends, family, and walks • Cleaning the home

PAGE 12 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

Guest Interview: Dr Jane Brightman Workforce and digital expert Dr Jane Brightman has joined the Highland Marketing advisory board to bring a strong voice for social care to its discussions. Here, she outlines some of the challenges and progress the sector has faced since the Covid-19 pandemic, and what should come next in the digital space.

When Highland Marketing last interviewed Dr Jane Brightman, in February 2021, the Covid-19 pandemic had been underway for a year. But with the second wave abating, there was considerable optimism about the future of the NHS and social care – and care tech was having a moment.

Briefly, it looked as though the pandemic had proved the case for moving away from paper notes and implementing digital and shared care records, and there was genuine enthusiasm for software and apps to enable remote working and near-home care.

It even looked as though policy and funding might be aligning to keep up momentum, as integrated care systems came on stream and that year’s Budget found additional money for recovery and innovative technology. Three-years on though, some of that optimism has dissipated.

NHS management has become distracted by the endless re-organisation of arms-length bodies, while hospitals are struggling with waiting lists, a looming financial crisis and strikes, and primary care is bearing the brunt of growing public anger.

A WORSENING CRISIS IN SOCIAL CARE Even so, things are worse in social care, where demand is bankrupting councils (The Guardian), inflation is putting pressure on providers, and vacancy rates have reached 150,000 and counting (Community Care). On the rare occasions when the social care crisis attracts political and press attention, the focus tends to be on how it impacts hospital discharges.

Yet, Dr Brightman points out, the bigger issue is that many potential users can no longer access the care they need: whether that is help with the basics of daily living or rehabilitation. “The focus tends to be on hospitals and discharge, and we overlook what happens in the community,” she says, “but that can be crucial.

“Some think-tanks and integrated care boards are starting to get interested in this. The Institute for Public Policy Research has estimated that long-term sickness is costing the UK economy £43 billion a year (Bloomberg). As a society, we are ageing, and we need to start ageing better.”

AGEING BETTER Dr Brightman started her career with the UK’s largest not for profit care provider, the Anchor Trust, and soon developed an interest in training and technology. She was director of a private training provider before moving to Skills for Care in 2016, where she worked on national workforce initiatives, qualifications, and learning.

In February 2021, she had just taken up a new role at the Institute for Health and Social Care Management, from where she moved on to NHS England as assistant director of programmes, working on system reform and the digitising social care programme.

After two years at NHS England, she has returned to Skills for Care, to work on a workforce strategy for the sector that, she argues, is essential - and not just to tackle that vacancy rate. “We need the workforce strategy to identify the adult social care workforce needs over the next 15 years and set out a plan for ensuring the sector has enough of the right people with the right skills. It will help employers and commissioners with workforce planning, support the government’s reform agenda and complement the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan,” she says.

“We don’t have enough people now, and that ageing population both increases demand and reduces the number of people available to meet it. So, it’s a perfect storm and we need to think creatively about how to respond to it.”

SUPPORTING THE WORKFORCE One of the things that the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated to the public is that the social care workforce can respond.

“When I started out in social care, the people we supported were people who were getting frail,” Dr Brightman reflects. “They maybe hadn’t been well, they’d had an accident, they might have some signs of dementia, but basically we went in to cook and clean and support with some personal care.

“Now, social care is supporting people with complex conditions and advanced dementia. The workforce is absolutely up for doing it, but it’s not given the professional recognition, or sometimes the skills, or the technology to do it. Or the pay. So that’s what we need to address.” The newly announced Care Workforce Pathway is starting to address some of these issues but much more work is needed to develop this further.

DIGITAL PROGRESS On the IT front, at least, progress is being made. In the NHS, a lot of recovery and technology funding has been ‘clawed back’ or channelled into the Frontline Digitisation programme to complete the decadeslong ambition to get electronic patient records into hospitals.

But in social care, the Digitising Social Care programme has managed to hang onto most of its money and is rolling out digital social care records to care providers. In fact, it should hit a revised target for 70% of providers to have a record in place in March.

NHS England has created an assured list of solutions that meet key requirements on issues like cyber security and data collection, and Dr Brightman says this should drive up standards by encouraging providers to invest in some of the “great systems” that have been developed.

Despite the cutbacks elsewhere, NHS England has maintained its shared care record programme, which is a key enabler for sharing information between health, social care, and the third-sector (although there is a question mark over how it will be funded past the end of the coming financial year).

And in October, the government found £3 million to expand the Adult Social Care Technology Fund, which is piloting ideas to improve quality of life, prevent falls, and spot deterioration. “These are significant pilots that are looking for evidence of benefit,” Dr Brightman says.

“They are asking important questions: such as does it work, and if it does, who benefits? Is it the NHS, or a care provider, or the individual. If

we know that, we can start to work out who should pay for the investment required.”

TECH CHALLENGES REMAIN Even so, there is plenty still to do. Dr Brightman picks out three areas for attention. One is keeping an eye on the basics, such as cyber-security. “The Advanced outage [the 2022 cyber-attack that took down some of the company’s systems for weeks] hit social care very hard,” she says.

“People who were using Advanced to record their activity couldn’t prove what they had done, so they couldn’t get paid. And we need to remember that social care systems hold really, really sensitive data – right down to key codes that give access to people’s homes – so it’s important to make sure they’re safe.”

Another item on her “wish list” would be a staff passport, to improve security. “A passport would help with identity management and support the kind of role-based access that is being introduced for shared care records,” she says.

“But it would also help people to move around the system. Around a third of the workforce moves every year, and each time they start with a new provider, they have to repeat their basic checks and training and it costs millions and millions of pounds. Just stopping that would address a lot of productivity and efficiency issues.”

RAISING THE PROFILE OF SOCIAL CARE AND GETTING POLICY, STAFF AND DIGITAL ALIGNED A third area is improving digital leadership and skills. At the moment, only a few, large providers have digital, data and technology professionals in place, and there is no equivalent of the chief clinical information officer in social care, to provide a bridge between technology and the people who use it.

Developing “confident, digital leadership” for the sector will be just one of the issues that Skills for Care will look at as it develops a workforce strategy for the sector. “I think the workforce strategy is a big positive, and not just because I am involved in it,” Dr Brightman says.

“It’s exciting, because it’s engaging senior leaders, and it’s aligning with the NHS workforce strategy, and there’s a big opportunity to work out where digital fits.”

In the longer-term, though, Dr Brightman believes the real challenge is to make sure that social care gets its due: that it’s not just tagged onto the NHS as ‘health and care.’ Scotland is setting up a National Care Service to boost the sector, reduce variation, and improve efficiency.

This feels like too much of an ask in England’s more fragmented and more privatised landscape. Yet, Dr Brightman points out, social care already has a national regulator, a workforce body, and qualifications, so an over-arching arms-length body might be achievable.

“I think the next step should be some kind of arms-length body for social care,” she argues. “Otherwise, it is always going to be too far down the list for policy makers, and the Department of Health and Social Care is never going to find the specialists.”

If social care got its ALB, she adds, it could also develop an NHSXstyle arm to pull together the many different strands of digital, from cyber security to skills and from system roll-out to innovation. “I know that NHSX was merged back into NHS England but for social care it was fabulous,” she says. “It’s that model that is needed. It wouldn’t be easy, but I really believe it could be done.”

Supported Adults Have Their Say In A Million Pound Refurbishment PEOPLE supported by a provider of adult social care have played a key role in helping develop the look and feel of their newly refurbished homes in Stoke-on-Trent.

The work forms part of a million-pound investment into Shelton Care Group sites, operated by adult social care and support provider National Care Group.

Shelton Care, which currently supports 160 adults, each with a diverse range of support needs, has recently delivered substantial improvements to its grounds, homes and day service facilities including new kitchens, bathrooms, redecoration, sensory gardens, and a cinema room in one of its residential properties.

The adults supported by Shelton had the opportunity to have their say on the redecoration of their bedrooms and shared spaces, with themes, colour choices and flooring options tailored to stimulate their development and meet their needs.

Lizzie, a supported person at Shelton, said: “I used a paint colour chart to help me choose the colours that I would like to have in my flat and shower room. I chose green and cream because I love nature and the colour green.

“I’m really happy that I was allowed to create a place that is perfect for me.”

Mrs Morley, the parent of a person supported by Shelton said: “The refurbishments that took place at Cauldon Place have made a great difference to the general appearance of the building. Both the painting of the exterior walls and the painting of the stairs, along with the new carpet, have all been positive and welcome additions to the home.”

The works form part of National Care Group’s commitment to providing quality care and to continual improvement so the people supported can achieve their goals.

Katie Fallows, Regional Operations Manager at National Care Group, said: “We’re passionate and dedicated to supporting our people to lead rich and fulfilling lives. Having them involved in the design process really made them feel at home in their environment, which, ultimately, alongside the support we provide, is our top priority as adult social care providers.

“Whilst the work was happening, we supported many of our people to have a holiday or go on day trips to escape any disruption and keep them safe. The trips away were a great opportunity as for some, it was their first ever holiday. Then to see the excitement on their faces as they returned to an unveiling of their newly renovated homes was so rewarding.”

The new cinema and sensory room at the organisation’s Richmond Mews property is just one new facility now enjoyed by the supported individuals at their fully refurbished bungalow.

Commenting on the success and improvements, Mark Mason, Head of Estates and Procurement, who led the project for National Care Group, said: “Investing in our sites is part of our continual improvement programme to enable the people we support to reach their full potential. The services provided by our Shelton colleagues are a testament to this philosophy, and it has been a pleasure to help them in not just the essentials of refurbishment but a range of sensory and homely improvements that help both the people we support and their team to feel empowered in their surroundings.

PAGE 14 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

Life as a Support Worker INSPIRATION When I was growing up, one of my family members suffered with very bad anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – this changed my life completely, making me grow up very quickly in the big wide world we live in.

At the time, mental health was a taboo subject, with a very big stigma around it. I can remember having weekly counselling sessions and chatting about life in regards to mental health and what support was available for young or old carers.

Although this was a difficult experience, it gave me a better understanding of the difficulties and complexities of living with a mental health condition on a daily basis.

NEW ROLE

Support workers are the backbone of a health and social care organisation, providing care for service users, patients and residents, all year round. Leanne Flint initially joined Cygnet (www.cygnetgroup.com) as a support worker in 2008 and in this latest blog she writes about the training and personal development that has helped her progress in her career.

HOW IT STARTED I joined Cygnet Health Care back in October 2008. I’d been working for the NHS in a GP surgery, and after many years I had become disillusioned and needed a new challenge. I wanted to look at how I could give something back to the community around me.

My next door neighbour at the time had started her role at Cygnet, and told me about how rewarding the job was and how much she enjoyed working for the company. I looked online and found a vacancy for the position of a Health Care Support Worker at Aspen Clinic in Mexborough.

I attended the interview and was shown around the unit. One thing I found particularly interesting was that one of the services users was also on the interview panel, asking me questions and giving me advice.

Following the interview, I received a call the same afternoon, and was asked if I would take the job, split half and half between a Health Care Support Worker and an office based role. I agreed, and from there I have never looked back.

On my first day at Aspen Clinic, I was full of nerves and anxiety, thinking about whether I had made the right decision. I stepped through the door at 8am that morning and I’ve never looked back. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.

I was taken to the meeting room where I attended morning handover from the night staff. I met the full team, including the Hospital Manager, Head of Care, the Nursing team, Occupational Therapy and Support team. They were the nicest people I have ever met, and they all worked as one team. You could see from the outset that no one was seen as being more important than any other.

MY WORKING DAY My working day as a Support Worker can vary hugely, as no two days are the same.

I usually start my shift at 8am, taking a handover from the night team, who give all the information about the night before to the day staff.

The day then starts on the ward with morning coffee and attending breakfast club with the services users. This gives us time to chat and ‘put the world to rights’.

We are allocated different responsibilities throughout the day. This could include a visit to Tesco to help a service user with shopping skills, or attending a hospital appointment with one of the ladies, and we’ve even helped with some therapy work with animals at the local animal centre.

Every day is fast paced and always changing. One of the reasons I

love my job is that every day is different. So often we take things for granted, but working in this role really opens your eyes to the support we give every day. It really does make a massive impact in people’s lives.

As a Team Leader, my role now involves supporting the Support Worker team through daily work allocations, planning monthly rotas, annual leave and staff supervisions. I still spend as much time as possible interacting daily with the team and the service users.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT During the 15 years I’ve been working at Aspen Clinic, I’ve been offered so much training. I’ve completed NVQ Level, 1, 2 and 3 in Health and Social Care, which was all funded by Cygnet. I have also been trained in recording ECGs and phlebotomy, where I have been qualified for over 12 years.

While I’ve been working for Cygnet I have gained so much in my career. I’ve been promoted from my role as a Health Care Support Worker to Team Leader and Carer Lead. My role now includes supporting the unit as a whole and also helping service users’ families, working together as a team to deliver the best care to our ladies. Involving family and carers is a fantastic pathway to recovery for our service users.

SHARED VALUES My advice to anyone looking for role within Cygnet is – please come and join us. We have a brilliant team, with lots of potential to improve your career goals and to climb the ladder of success. We also value your opinions and fresh ideas on how to move forward and improve our services.

To come from a small town with a basic knowledge of mental health to now being directly involved in the development of our services and also our team, has been an incredible journey. We follow our values at Cygnet and deliver integrity, trust, empowerment, respect and care. We can even talk to our Chief Executive at any time about new ideas for our workplace and the organisation. There aren’t many places where you can do this, and I always feel valued as a member of the team.

My advice to you is, please never think you’re ‘just a Support Worker’; because at Cygnet you’re the backbone of the team. We work as one to deliver outstanding care to all the individuals we support. The smiles that you see on our service users faces at the end of their journey, warms your heart every time.

Building Is ‘Beautiful’ For Model Fan Olwen, 98 A 98-year-old Hampshire lady who lives with dementia has proved you are never too old to have fun with Lego.

Olwen Davies and fellow residents of Winchester care home St Catherines View used hundreds of the popular toy building blocks to make models of a flower arrangement and fish swimming inside a tank.

In guided sessions focused on therapy and reminiscence, team members at the Colten Care home invited the participants to use their imaginations, go hands-on and get creative.

Olwen, who concentrated mainly on the floral model, said: “It was beautiful. I used to do this many years ago. It is so much fun.”

Companionship Team Leader Laura Sheldrake said: “This was a trip down memory lane as our residents remember doing Lego with their children.

“We chose to do one with a fish tank as people love looking at the tank on display in our reception area.

“I printed off some pictures of fish and fish tanks and let the residents

decide what they would build from there. They got involved straight away.

“They really loved doing different fish, especially a crab. It all turned into a bit of a masterpiece.

“And there was even more resident interest when they found that when you turn a knob on the side of the tank, the fish and jelly fish move about.”

Laura’s comments were echoed by resident Julia Chappell who said: “I really enjoyed working towards the finished piece, all very nice and good.”

Vanda Baker, Home Manager of St Catherines View, which is a dedicated dementia care home in Stanmore Lane, said: “Assembling and connecting Lego pieces, and working with their colours and shapes, is not only a great way to have fun and reminisce, it stimulates creativity, manual dexterity and hand-eye co-ordination too.

“Some Lego boxes have traditionally stated a tongue-in-cheek age range, typically ‘four to 99’.

“As our residents’ experience shows, it doesn’t matter what age you are.

Everyone can enjoy it.”

Curam Forges New Partnership with Doctify to Advance Patient-centric Feedback in the UK Care Market Curam (www.curamcare.com), the largest care worker marketplace and home-care technology platform in the UK today announces a strategic partnership with Doctify (www.doctify.com/uk), the leading global platform for patient reviews of health and social care, to power enhanced trust and transparency in the UK care sector through patient verified reviews when choosing carers.

The partnership will address the critical need to improve patient experiences, where only 14% of households are satisfied with care services.

Providing more choice, confidence, and quality of care for patients and their families is therefore essential – and that’s exactly the goal of the Curam and Doctify partnership.

Doctify gives patients quick access to genuine, independent and verified reviews of carers to find the best carer to suit their needs for at-home care.

These are anonymised based on the experiences of other patients and cover aspects such as the quality of specialists, their services and treatments.

Patients can then click through to Curam to connect with the carers with the expertise and availability that they need in real time. Not only does this ensure that patients have complete control over their carer selection, and the opportunity to form consistent, trusting relationships, but Curam’s self-employed carers are

also able to earn around 50% more than they would in traditional care agencies.

Patrick Wallace, director of Curam said, “The cornerstone of care is the patient. But the UK’s care sector currently doesn’t reflect that, with the demand for fast, high-quality care far outweighing the supply. We’re on a mission to transform care into a sector that’s truly patient-centric and offers more rewarding careers for carers too. With our partnership with Doctify, we are providing even more transparency and confidence to patients and their families that they are receiving quality, personalised care.”

“Patient experience expectations continue to rise in the care sector. The sector must prioritise trust and transparency by putting the patient at the centre. We work with 32,000 healthcare providers to achieve this and are delighted to join forces with Curam. Through our partnership, we ensure that carers have access to meaningful feedback, strengthening their understanding of patient needs and improving their experiences while patients can find carers they feel confident in,” said Subhash Mishra, VP Business Development at Doctify.

Contact client@curamcare.com or 01387 730 766

PAGE 16 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

How Crucial Is Continence Training In Care?

By Niall Ivin on behalf of TENA (www.tena.co.uk)

Image supplied by TENA

Only 36% of carers had continence training in the last 12 months, the Care Quality Commission revealed – improvements are clearly needed.

Ensuring residents relieve themselves with dignity is one of the many challenging parts of caring, and carers should be provided with the resources to facilitate this.

Providing comfort, support, and dignity to people in care is the most important aspect of what carers do. But it’s also one of the biggest challenges in the profession, particularly when it comes to continence care.

Ensuring that both carers and residents can manage incontinence effectively is critical to maintaining the overall health and wellbeing of everyone involved.

It’s also no secret that as people age, incontinence becomes a growing concern. If left unaddressed, it can often create worsening physical health issues such as dry skin, severe infections and increased anxiety, which can further perpetuate the issue.

Dr. John S. Young, professor of Translational Healthcare at Teesside University, has worked extensively with TENA in recent years, and explained that people who suffer from anxiety “may notice various changes in urinary symptoms. They’ll see an increase in the number of occasions where they experience urinary urgency (a sudden urge to

void that cannot be deferred), perhaps accompanied by incontinence.”

So, what can be done to support carers when it comes to continence care? There are various factors to consider.

From individual carers to home directors, making sure that continence care is person-centred is the most important starting point for maintaining and improving overall care standards. Every patient has different needs, and these can be affected by several variables.

Pre-existing health conditions such as obesity, hormonal changes, or enlarged prostate can make patients more prone to incontinence.

There are also additional factors to consider including, diet, medication, individual ability, disability, and cognitive impairment. Some individuals may be located further from toilet facilities or find it difficult to navigate barriers such as steps or doorways.

Assessing each person on an individual basis and according to their unique circumstances is critical to ensuring residents receive quality continence care. It’s also important to ensure that those who are more self-sufficient are supported with dignity and can call on help should they find they require it, while remaining independent for as long as possible.

It’s a delicate balance to maintain, which is why it’s important to support staff with comprehensive continence training and strategies, to enable them handle toileting and continence issues effectively.

While there are no quick fixes, there are some strategies that are effective and surprisingly easy to implement.

These strategies can include leaving toilet doors open and ensuring that lights remain on at night (or using motion sensor lights) to make it easier for residents to locate the toilet. Making toilet doors, light switches, and handrails clearly visible with contrasting colours can help with visibility also. Ensuring residents are wearing clothes that are easy to take on and off can make undressing easier, as some may have impaired mobility.

When caring for someone with cognitive impairment, carers should diligently watch for signs they may need the toilet, as these residents

may find it difficult to interpret their own needs or may also struggle to express their needs. Keeping toilets clean and organised is also incredibly important to ensure that residents can reach hygiene products easily. These are just some examples of what can be done to provide agency to resImage supplied by TENA idents.

Carers and residents should also have access to quality incontinence products to help manage these issues. Incontinence pants can be useful to help control heavier incontinence, while various pads can be used to manage lighter, occasional leaks. Using specially designed barrier creams can also help protect intimate skin from the irritation incontinence can cause.

Accepting help with something as personal as toileting can be difficult for many residents, so ensuring carers have what they need to control the situation is key. This will also help staff remain positive and supportive, helping residents feel comfortable and in control. This can promote further agency and reduce anxiety, which help ease the burden of continence care for everyone involved.

Everyone involved in care should understand the different types of incontinence and its effects. If you’d like to learn more there is a wealth of information available on both the TENA and NHS websites, covering specific types of incontinence and how to manage it.

Day Care Boost For Veterans and Partners Living With Disability or Dementia A charity has relaunched its popular Day Care service to support veterans.

Royal Star & Garter resumed the sessions from its High Wycombe and Solihull Homes in January and February respectively. Day Care will also launch from Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton for the first time later this year.

Day Care sessions will run from the charity’s Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe Homes several days a week, and will include dedicated days for people living with early-stage dementia.

Day Care was a popular and well-attended service at the Solihull and High Wycombe Homes, before it was paused by the pandemic. Lockdown also meant plans for its launch at Surbiton were put on hold.

Day Care will support veterans and their partners who live with disability or dementia but are not in need of full-time residential care. Furthermore, it will offer valuable respite to their carers, who are often older people themselves.

As well as tackling social isolation which can be a significant issue amongst the veteran population, it will also promote wellbeing by providing home-cooked food, activities and structure to the week.

People who use the new Day Care service will be kept busy, joining permanent residents in activities including quizzes, outings, entertainment, art therapy, and movement to music. Emphasis will be placed on rekindling memories and creating connections, including making new friends over delicious and healthy meals.

Royal Star & Garter’s Director of Care & Wellbeing, Shirley Hall, said: “Day Care was extremely popular when it ran before the pandemic, and we know from feedback how important it is for the people that use it, as well as the respite benefit it brings their carers. So we’re thrilled that Day Care has returned. It further illustrates our commitment to increase the help and support we can provide to the Armed Forces community.”

Marr Procurement: Continuing to Invest In Resourcing Solutions for the Care Sector Introducing Dan Ashenden our new head of M-Resourcing M-Resourcing are delighted to announce the appointment of Dan Ashenden to lead our M-Resourcing service with effect from 1 December 2023.

M-Resourcing offers a multi-faceted approach to solving complexresourcing problems facing the care sector. Whether you facespiralling staffing costs and pressures, or simply require a newapproach to managing this critical area for your organisation, ourcomprehensive resourcing solution reduces costs, brings controland allows you to plan for the future with confidence.

We knowfrom talking to our clients that managing their resourcing costs isstill a key priority and this important appointment underlines ourcontinuing commitment to the sector.

Christoph Marr, CEO of Marr Procurement: “Dan is a highly-capable leader and has incredibly valuable experiencefrom his years in the care sector, managing and delivering complex temporary labour

agency programmes. We areexcited to bring that experience to our clients.”

Dan spent 6 years at Priory Group "During my rewarding six-year tenure at Priory, I had the privilege of beingappointed as the inaugural UK Agency Manager, where I honed my skills in enhancing their PSL offering.

Thisexperience has provided invaluable insights into the principles of effective temporary agency management,reduction, and control. Now, as the Head of M-Resourcing at Marr Procurement, I aim to leverage this knowledge tointroduce innovative strategies for temp agency reduction to benefit our clients. My goal is to ensure the delivery ofa cost-effective and compliant offering, especially in the face of increasing sector costs.

With a rising demand andour commitment to fairness, our offering at Marr Procurement is poised to become even more beneficial.".

Marr Procurement is a professional procurement organisation serving the care sector, and founded on the values ofIntegrity, Fairness

and Quality. In everything we do, we believe in doing things better, ensuring fairness for clientsand suppliers alike, and always doing the right thing. Marr Procurement was set up in 2008 and has since servedmore than 50 care clients in delivering savings through sourcing over £1bn of spend.

Christoph Marr, CEO Marr Procurement: “At Marr Procurement we believe in seeking to level the playing field forclients, ensuring they have equal access to the best procurement services and outcomes.

This is what drives us everyday in serving our clients. The team I have built are each highly capable leaders in their speciality but, importantly,they all share a common belief in fairness and transparency. This means they are always seeking the right solutionfor our clients, where trust is at the forefront. Dan is a great fit for our business and for our clients and I amdelighted to welcome him to the team.”

Find out more at www.marrprocurement.com/m-resourcing/

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182 | PAGE 17

Erectile Dysfunction Drugs May Be Linked To Reduced Risk Of Alzheimer’s Disease, Study Suggests Drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction could also be linked to a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research from University College London. The findings have been published in the medical journal Neurology.

Erectile dysfunction drugs, including common brand name Viagra, work by dilating blood vessels to increase blood flow. They were first developed to treat high blood pressure, but based on this new study, researchers are calling for further investigation into whether they could be used to prevent Alzheimer’s disease – the most common form of dementia.

“Developing drugs for diseases like Alzheimer’s is a costly process and can take many years. Being able to repurpose drugs already licensed for other health conditions could help accelerate progress and open up new avenues to prevent or treat dementia-causing diseases,” said Dr Leah Mursaleen, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK. The five-year study looked at medical records of nearly 270,000 men with erectile dysfunction, and found that those prescribed drugs known as PDE5Is were 18% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than people who

did not take the drugs. The association was strongest in those who were issued the most prescriptions over the study period, although the researchers warned that they did not have information on whether participants actually used the drugs.

While this is an encouraging finding, there are still lots of unknowns.

“More research is needed to confirm these findings, learn more about the potential benefits and mechanisms of these drugs and look into the optimal dosage,” said Ruth Brauer, PhD, of the University College London, who led the study.

“A randomised, controlled trial with both male and female participants is warranted to determine whether these findings would apply to women as well.” Brauer continued.

Dr Mursaleen also cautioned that the study only looked at a limited section of the population. “We also need to understand how this evidence might apply to more diverse populations. The only way to do this is to keep up momentum in dementia research through continued investment,” she added.

Moors Manor Care Home Has Flippin’ Fun Pancake Day The staff and residents at Moors Manor care home in St Leonards have been mixing up batter and flipping pancakes all morning in preparation for their annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Day celebrations.

Moors Manor has marked this year’s Pancake Day with a pancake flipping competition and of course, lots of pancakes for all to enjoy! Amanda, chef at the home, flipped more than 100 pancakes, serving them up with sweet fillings for all the eager staff and residents.

She said: “My secret to the best pancakes is all in the whipping. Give it some elbow grease when mixing the batter and you’ll get perfect pancakes every time. I like experimenting with the fillings – the residents’ favourites are good old fashioned lemon and sugar!”

Rita Potter, a resident at Moors Manor, commented: “I absolutely love pancake day, it takes me back to my childhood when my mother used to make us all pancakes and we’d all wait in turn for ours hoping the batter would stretch to another.

We’ve had so much fun reminiscing and sharing our favourite recipes for fillings.”

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

Moors Manor Care Home 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. Moors Manor Care Home provides residential care, dementia care and respite care.

PAGE 18 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

New Qualification To Boost Care Sector A new accredited qualification for care workers will help to improve perceptions of the sector and will boost retention.

That’s the opinion of a Lesley O’Connor, Head of Strategic Development at Realise, a leading training provider which offers numerous qualifications in the sector.

Lesley welcomed the Government’s £75m investment to help people progress in their Heath & Social Care careers.

The Government recently set out plans for a new accredited qualification and a national career structure for the adult social care workforce.

It says the qualification will benefit around 37,000 workers within the sector, while the defined career pathway will help people plan their future progression.

But Lesley said while the funding package would make adult social care a more attractive proposition, it would likely only make a small difference to the 152,000 vacancies within the sector.

“This Government investment to add accreditation to the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate is very welcome and it will give the qualification additional value,” said Lesley.

“A clearly defined career pathway is also something I have championed for a long time and it offers people a clear route to progress their careers.

“It will also help to improve perceptions of adult social care as a whole. People still think of adult social care as looking after old people and everything that goes with that but the opportunities are far more varied,

including helping young people with disabilities and assisting with treatment and recovery from addiction.

“I hope it will encourage school leavers to consider adult social care as a viable, skilled career with progression opportunities rather than a stop-gap. It will undoubtedly help to raise the profile of the sector and will give people with limited qualifications the chance to build their skills.

“It’s well-known that people stay longer at places where training is available.”

People in adult social care jobs will be able to enrol on the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification between June this year and March 2025.

There will be other training initiatives available, including a new digital leadership qualification to help managers in the sector with the implementation of technology.

But Lesley warned that this funding must be followed up with decisive Government action to plug the gap in care sector vacancies.

She said: “There is a bigger conversation to be had at a time when there are 152,000 vacancies within adult social care. It is predicted we will need 440,000 care workers by 2035.

“While this is a good starting point, the Government must pledge future funding to support the long-term sustainability of the sector to attract many more people into roles at all levels. If decisive action is not taken soon, we could be facing unimaginable consequences over the next decade.

“Valuing the current workforce and giving them opportunities to upskill is important, but ultimately pay and conditions need to improve to attract new blood into the sector rather than going into retail or hospitality.”

Realise is one of the country's leading training providers, working with more than 1,000 employers and more than 10,000 learners a year throughout apprenticeships and adult education courses.

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/realisetraining

Boost For Boaz As Care Homes’ £3,000 Donation Goes Into Immediate Use A therapeutic work community for adults with learning disabilities has put into immediate use a donation of more than £3,000 from two Winchester care homes.

Colten Care’s Abbotts Barton and St Catherines View joined forces in support of the Sutton Scotney-based Boaz Project after residents chose it as their main charity to help over the past year.

Activities included staging a familyfriendly ‘fete on the field’ on a green off Worthy Road, just yards from Abbotts Barton.

The day after receiving a cheque for £3,065.90 in respect of the homes’ fundraising, the Boaz Project was told it needed a replacement oven potentially costing thousands of pounds.

Boaz Project Manager Stuart Palmer said: “As a small independent local charity we really appreciate everyone who gets alongside us as we help our members access interesting work experiences in the beautiful Hampshire countryside.

“When things break on the site or need replacing, fundraising such as that carried out by the Colten Care homes Abbotts Barton and St Catherines View is vital.

“On the day after we received their cheque, our oven broke down. The engineer did a temporary fix but said it really needed replacing at a cost of several thousand pounds. Without Colten Care we could not consider such a purchase. Each day we cook a hot lunch using much of the produce grown on our allotments by our members. Without the cooker this would not be possible. Thank you all.”

The homes’ fundraising fete brought together dozens of people from Winchester to enjoy children’s games, stalls selling cakes, plants and handmade gift items, a coconut shy, a barbecue, a tombola and the chance to see inside a fire engine.

Other initiatives in aid of the Boaz Project across both homes included raffles, sales of homemade greeting cards, sponsored gettogethers and staff dressing-up days.

Speaking at a cheque presentation at Abbotts Barton, resident Daphne Hopewell said: “I am delighted to be able to continue to support the charities which we, the residents chose for the year.

“Boaz is a particularly important one for me. I have family members who have needed lots of help and have benefitted from organisations such as this one.”

Abbotts Barton Home Manager Dee Lovewell said: “We are proud to have raised such a fantastic total and provided direct help in this way for the Boaz Project.

“Fundraising is always an enjoyable experience for residents and staff and it helps residents continue to play a meaningful role in their local communities.”

The homes’ latest fundraising total has surpassed last year’s figure of £2,750, which went to Hart Wildlife, a charity that rescues sick and injured animals and birds from across Hampshire and neighbouring counties.

Former Nurse Turns ‘Undercover Boss’ In Efforts To Improve Care Quality A former nurse has turned ‘undercover boss’ in an attempt to improve quality and standards in care homes.

Sathi Raghavan, who worked as a registered nurse and midwife in both India and the UK before establishing her own business in the sector works shifts in homes to check care quality and suggest improvements.

The founder of Millennium Staffing which supplies staff to care homes, hospitals and other healthcare settings across the West Midlands joins care home teams and works alongside her staff who are oblivious she’s, their boss.

Sathi said: “It all started when I was working as a nurse in a care home and got fed up with agency staff coming in, many of whom refused to carry out the tasks they were needed to do to provide the best care.

“That’s what led me to set up my own specialist employment business.

And when I got my very first call from a care home asking for shift cover that evening, I rang the small team I’d recruited, and no-one was free.

“So, I put on a uniform and turned up and worked the shift. It gave me the opportunity to really understand the home, how the team works, their procedures and care levels so it’s something I’ve done ever since.

“I spend one or two days with all new homes so I can prepare and train my staff to meet the exact needs of that home, everything from the home layout to the full variety of tasks they should be willing and able to

do.”

And last month Sathi joined a care home night shift at 1am with agreement from the manager to shadow the team and watch her staff perform through the night and into handover.

She said: “I love it and it’s really inciteful. Not just as a way of seeing the team first hand but also at bringing an outside perspective and a chance to suggest ways for a home to improve its care and safeguarding.”

And her undercover missions have led to improvements across multiple homes including improved CQC inspection outcomes and using her medical background to improve care plans.

She has also suggested changes to staffing levels to improve care quality even if this means her staff are no longer needed.

Sathi added: “As a nurse I want to deliver the best care possible, so I’m personally invested in every care home and every resident. And that extends to my team.”

Now providing nurses, care and kitchen assistants, social workers, and other staff to care homes, hospitals and social care providers Millennium staffing has grown from Sathi on that first shift to almost 400 employees in under three years.

For further information visit www.millenniumstaffing.co.uk

Elevate Your Employee Benefits Program With Blue Light Card

Blue Light Card is offering those working in the social care sector the opportunity to take advantage of thousands of exclusive deals, discounts and savings from big name brands as part of its exclusive membership.

More than just a discount provider; Blue Light Card is a testament to your commitment to supporting staff wellbeing both inside and outside of working hours, by offering staff a vast array of benefits and perks. Offering a portfolio of over 13,000 partner retailers including big name brands such as Jet2Holidays, Nike, Apple, Schuh and Hotels.com, Blue Light Card membership presents a surefire way of enhancing your employee benefits program and standing out as an employer of choice.

Encouraging a healthy and sustainable work-life balance, Blue Light Card also grants members access to the hottest tickets in town. Blue Light Tickets hosts members only ballots, as well as first-come-first-served ticket launches to events up and down the country - offering your staff a chance to get free access to attractions, gigs, music venues, sporting events, festivals and more.

As the UK’s number one discount service for emergency services, NHS, armed forces and social care workers, Blue Light Card allows over three million members across the country to take full advantage of savings, discounts and benefits that are often unavailable to the general public. In 2023, Blue Light Card saved its members a huge total of over £330 million across retail, travel, entertainment, and more.

With more than 850,000 Blue Light Card members already registered as working in the social care sector, don’t miss out on your chance to partner with the country's leading specialist discount provider, aligning your organisation with a brand that resonates with the values of care, appreciation and recognition.

Registering for Blue Light Card membership as part of your employee benefit scheme is quick and easy. A card costs £4.99 and includes access to the Blue Light card app where members can easily find information about all live offers. Membership is valid for two years, giving members access to exclusive offers and discounts on shopping, tech, meals out and more, all year round.

If you’re working within social care for a company that appears on one of the below registers, you’re eligible for a Blue Light Card

PAGE 22 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

Never A Cross-Word At New Copford Place Care Home’s Residents Are Definitely Not Clue-Less When It Comes To Their Daily Puzzles At Friend of the Elderly’s Colchester-based residential care home, New Copford Place, residents have been celebrating this year’s National Puzzle Day by talking about, and engaging with, their favourite traditional and application puzzles. Whether it’s number puzzles, word searches, Scrabble, matching and memory puzzles or giant classic Jigsaws, residents enjoy a range of daily brain teasers.

Puzzles are part of New Copford Place’s wide and varied daily activities. “We tailor all our activities to meet each individual’s likes, preferences, hobbies and interests, and puzzles are a firm favourite,” said Daniel Sabau, the Registered Manager at New Copford Place. “Our residents thoroughly enjoy all types of puzzles; whether they are played in groups, individually, on our large, electronic interactive ‘Tiny Tablet’ or sat comfortably around a table, there’s always some puzzling puzzle mystery taking place.”

New Copford Place’s interactive activity ‘Tiny Tablet’ enables residents to enjoy, experience and benefit from a wide catalogue of engaging applications. It is a large, easy to use device with a touchscreen, not too dissimilar to an iPad or smart phone, but on a much larger scale. The ‘Tiny Tablet’ is fully mobile and accessible and can be moved to a standing, upright position or turned flat, into a table top style.

“For National Puzzle Day, we thought it would be fun to find out our residents’ top three, all time, favourite puzzles,” added Chelsey Leather, New Copford Place’s Activities Coordinator. “ After having a chat, the residents decided that they had more than a top three. Their favourites – in no particular order – are Word Searches, Scrabble, Number Puzzles, Matching Puzzles and Memory Puzzles,” Chelsey continued.

“When it comes to a classic, traditional jigsaw, some of our residents enjoy doing the Relish Jigsaws which have been created for those living with dementia. They are designed to stimulate minds and evoke happy

memories which are inspired by real experiences and are full of vibrant colours.

“Also, a couple of our residents really enjoy tackling more challenging jigsaws. I’m so impressed with how brilliantly they complete them; I certainly couldn’t do as well as they do,” added Chelsey.

“Puzzles are a very good pastime for our residents as they can improve mental speed and thought processes – and they are also a positive activity for improving short-term memory. They can, of course be an individual activity, but they are also a great group activity which creates opportunities for engaging with others, chatting and conversations and making friends,” Daniel continued.

Other benefits of puzzles include helping relaxation as, by immersing yourself in a puzzle, it can serve as an exercise in mindfulness and help to relieve stress. For the elderly in particular, the act of picking up puzzle pieces, turning them over and fitting them together can, sometimes, but quite a challenge. However, puzzles are a great way to exercise the small muscles in fingers and eyes.

“One of our residents told me that jigsaws can be traced back to the 18th Century when European map makers put their maps on to wood and cut them into small pieces. They did this to create learning tools to teach geography – so really, interactive puzzles have been around for quite a few hundred years,” Daniel continued. “I really do learn something new from our residents every day.”

“Our interactive Tiny Tablet is another example of our commitment to provide exceptional standards of quality care through person-centred care, as all our residents can join in and take part in the group activities or use it on their own. It’s up to them – they can do what they want to do, when they want to do it,” Chelsey concluded.

Nightingale Hammerson Win Team Award For Outstanding Services to Social Care Nightingale Hammerson has been awarded the Chief Nursing Officer for Adult Social Care Team Award for ‘Outstanding Services to Social Care.’

This award highlights the importance of the Nurse led care delivered in our homes, supported by an expert multidisciplinary team. Alongside our commitment to delivering outstanding care, we support multiple clinical student placements, endorsed education programs and we invest time and leadership into Research to support contin-

ual improvement for the whole Social Care sector.

Professor Deborah Sturdy CBE said of the Nightingale Hammerson Team, “Shining lights are people like you. The phenomenal contribution you make to the people you look after is acknowledged in this award – you stand tall amongst your peers for achieving so much”.

Our teams are delighted with this recognition of their work to ensure our residents have a better quality of life.

Boutique Care Homes Becomes Patron of Social Care Charity Boutique Care Homes has announced its alliance with Championing Social Care as a Patron, with its Founder and Managing Director, Ameet Kotecha also joining the charity as an Ambassador.

Ameet commented, “We are delighted to join Championing Social Care as a Patron and to be part of this inspirational group. As 2024 marks the five year anniversary of Boutique Care Homes being established, I wanted to mark this special milestone with joining the charity.

Championing Social Care carry out some incredible work, raising awareness and profile for the care sector, shining a light on all the positive newstories. There is so much to be proud of within our sector and the charity enables the hard work and key moments to be celebrated.”

Boutique Care Homes started its journey in January 2019 with the opening of The Burlington in Shepperton, Surrey. From the very beginning, the tone was set for a distinctive approach to care, with its ethos, ‘A warm and loving family where everyone feels at home.’

January 2020 witnessed the start of the construction of Brampton Manor, Newmarket. Boutique Care Homes continued to establish its reputation, with The Burlington being recognised as finalists in the Knight Frank Luxury Care Home Awards, highlighting the high standards set by Boutique Care Homes early in its journey.

Priya Bhayani, Quality Director comments, “Quality is an intrinsic ingredient at Boutique Care Homes that filters through all areas of service. Our environments are more than places to live; they are designed to make every moment enjoyable and comfortable. Being small allows us to be personal, ensuring each resident feels at home, with a real community focus, where friendships develop between residents, families and team.”

As Boutique Care Homes looks to the future, it envisages a continued commitment to redefining care. Ameet stated, “Our vision is to grow at a steady pace, maintaining quality at the heart of what we do. Our future homes will continue to embody our ethos of being a warm and loving family where everyone feels at home.”

Feathered Friends Pay A Flying Visit To Taunton Care Home Residents at Oake Meadows Care Home in Taunton had an afternoon of fun when Birds of Prey swooped into the home.

Residents were treated to an up-close and personal encounter with the birds, experiencing the beauty and grace of the magnificent creatures whilst having opportunity to hold, stroke, and witness them take flight.

Mary Archer, a resident at Oake Meadows, said, “I never thought I’d have the chance to hold a bird of prey. It was an incredible experience that made me feel connected to nature in a way I haven’t in years”.

Animal therapy sessions are renowned for instilling a sense of tranquillity and alleviating stress in older generations. Beyond moments of

happiness, these sessions foster emotional well-being, stimulate social engagement, and contribute to an overall improved quality of life for residents.

Hannah Fenwick, Activities Co-ordinator at Oake Meadows said, “Organising activities that bring joy and create lasting memories for our residents is at the heart of what we do. The visit from Sharandys Birds of Prey exceeded our expectations, providing a unique and interactive experience that got all the residents smiling.

“The support from Willow Funeral Services to make this happen exemplifies the positive impact that businesses and the community can have when they come together to create meaningful experiences.”

PAGE 24 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

BMA Asks NHS Leaders To Help Bring An End To Strike The BMA has written to NHS Employers leaders to ask them to agree to a move which may avert further strike action.

Junior doctors in England are set to strike for five days later this month after the Government failed to meet the deadline to put an improved pay offer on the table. The BMA had asked the Health Secretary to extend the current strike mandate for four weeks to allow for negotiations to continue in that time, avoiding the need for strike action and for progress to be made in finding a resolution to the pay dispute. Disappointingly, Victoria Atkins declined to agree to extending the mandate.

Now in a letter to Danny Mortimer, the Chief Executive of NHS Employers, the BMA Chair of Council, Professor Philip Banfield, has asked him to agree to

the extension – something he can do on behalf of NHS employers in hospital trusts, and which would avoid, in hospitals, the disruption which the strike action causes.

In the letter, Professor Banfield writes, ‘In return for this agreement the BMA Junior Doctors Committee is prepared to cancel the planned strike action for 24th to 28th February, providing space for the government to negotiate with us during the next two weeks.’

If NHS Employers agrees to the request, it will afford the Health Secretary and Government officials more time to talk, and for the Government to present a credible offer to junior doctors in England, which if accepted would bring the current pay dispute to an end.

Great British Bake Off Star Judges Residents’ Baking Creations At Gillingham Care Home A star of the Greatest British Bake Off visited a Gillingham care home to judge the residents’ best bakes.

Carole Edwards appeared on Season 13 on Channel 4’s The Great British Bake Off in 2022. The popular baker visited residents and their families at Fern Brook Lodge care home to taste 19 different bakes while the home’s chef, Louise, kept the scores.

The colourful creations were split into categories for residents, relatives, and the care home team with Carole enjoying a host of flavours including Dorset apple cake, shortbread, Victoria sponge and Welsh rarebit muffins. Afterwards, Carole took a tour of the care home, which is part of the Care South family, to view the facilities and to meet some of the other residents, as well as the home’s kitchen team.

Carole said: “They all did very well. It was great to see what the residents had made. Some of the bakes looked very professional. I’ve had a lovely time at Fern Brook Lodge.

It’s a beautiful home and everyone I have met is so warm and friendly.

It seems to be a very well-run home.”

Fern Brook Lodge resident, Joy, loved watching Carole taste the cakes in the home’s largest communal lounge known as The Brook.

Afterwards she said: “I enjoyed it very much. It was very good. I like baking and always used to make a Victoria sponge cake for my family to have after a roast dinner.”

Deb Wiltshire, Home Manager, said: “At Fern Brook Lodge, good nutrition and hydration is an important part of the care we provide every day. Our kitchen team produce homely, delicious meals that support the health and wellbeing of the residents in our care, and our activities team aim to encourage the residents to enjoy various food and drink-related events whenever possible. The residents in our care were thrilled to welcome Carole into our care home and already looking forward to seeing her again after she promised to come and see us again in the summer.”

Nether Hall Care Home Achievement Recognised and Case Study Presented During Wound Conference 2023, Harrogate A team of care professionals who work at Nether Hall Care Home, Derbyshire has been recently recognised and their case study presented during Wound Conference 2023 in Harrogate.

Nether Hall is nursing and residential care home. They look after residents with complex wounds, difficult to heal or diagnosed as chronic nonhealing wounds.

The six colleagues who contributed to wound care are: Joanna Szczepaniak, nurse and clinical lead, Joanne Mason, deputy manager, Sarah Mallender nurse, Hellen Miller nurse, Jennifer Banton nurse, Maxine Power nurse.

Joanna Szczepaniak, who oversees wound care at Nether Hall said: “We believe that resident’s comfort and mental wellbeing is a key to improve healing process. We healed wounds, such as diabetic ulcers or pressure ulcers, which were classed as non-healing and residents lost any hope to see change for better. Yet, on being taken on by Nether Hall Nursing Team, those residents have seen their wounds clear up completely, despite the odds. Seeing great results, I started to complete case reports, which can provide valuable teaching material for ourselves and our colleagues” As part of the training, Joanna liaises with wound product representatives. One of them, supported Nether Hall team with case study and in collaboration between Joanna and Tessa abstract was submitted with the positive feedback.

A case study is demonstrating the positive impact of using a TLC dressing on a vulnerable patient with fragile skin, residing in a nursing home. Main aspect of the case was to show how difficult it is for nursing homes to obtain some products which are not on our formulary.

“It was a proud moment for our team to being recognised” “We are hoping that this will help to add this product to NHS formulary. Within the nursing home setting, access to wound care training and wound products is often limited. Obtaining dressings via individual patient prescription, can also lead to lengthy delays in starting appropriate treatment.

“We often contact wound product representatives when we have new residents with chronic or new wounds. This is good way to update our knowledge about products available on our formulary”.

“Great relationship with wound product representatives and ongoing help with Derbyshire Community Tissue Viability Nurses as well as support from GP and ANP with previous cases allowed us to upgrade our knowledge in general and achieve amazing results with other residents (in the past and currently). When providing wound care to residents, our nursing team in collaboration with other members of the health care team assess and manage, external and internal factors to provide the best healing environment.”

“It means so much to us all knowing that every time we review one of our residents, we have optimised the care, to ensure it is provided in the right place and at the right time to improve their health and quality of life.

Not only does the wound care mean a lot to us but it means a lot to the people accessing our services too. They are happier and more comfortable. Providing excellent wound care it is so important to improve residents’ quality of life, improving their confidence and being pain free which allows them to enjoy day to day activities without anxiety. For example, I met a resident and discussed the outcomes she was hoping that when her ulcers were healed, she would be able to walk again. She was so happy to stand up the first time in the long time. Our trained team (nurses and team leaders) has been praised by residents and their families for commitment and work against odds.

The case study demonstrates wound care challenges faced by nursing homes with vulnerable, elderly residents with complex needs. It is vital nurses keep up to date with the process of wounds healing products available to treat wounds.

Quotation from poster: “the proactive care of the nursing home in this case study, demonstrates their passion to strive for wound healing, even when the complexities of the patient’s general health suggest otherwise. The nurses persistence in identifying the most appropriate dressings for the residents is evident and supported by Tissue Viability Team.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182 | PAGE 25

Administrators Strike Deal With Bank To Cover Staff Pay After Closure Of Care Homes Three care homes in the south of England which went into Administration last month have now closed following the successful relocation of all remaining residents.

The Administrators have also agreed a deal with the bank to ensure that the 113 staff who stayed on to care for the residents will be guaranteed to be paid in full.

The Old Rectory in Swanage, Delph House in Poole and Warwick Park Care Home in Plymouth announced in December that they planned to cease trading after running into financial difficulties. Management then began working with local councils and families to move residents to alternative accommodation.

Tom Grummitt and Andrew Smith of insolvency firm Bridgewood were appointed as Administrators on 17 January but were unable to secure the future of the homes as the closure plans were already well advanced.

Tom Grummitt said: “By the time we were appointed, some residents had already left and some of the local authorities which funded the majority of places had terminated their contracts. After taking account of this and the financial position of the homes, it was clear that we would be unable to continue to trade the

homes and sell them as a going concern, so our priority was to ensure the safe relocation of the remaining residents.

“Staff worked tirelessly to maintain the quality of care and support the relocations, and we are very grateful for their efforts. Unfortunately the timing of the closures meant that under insolvency rules, they were not entitled to be paid as an expense of the Administrations and would have to join the queue of creditors awaiting payment, behind the bank and HMRC. “We felt this was extremely unfair considering all the hard work staff had put in and spoke to the bank about the situation. We are pleased to say that it has very generously agreed to put up the funds to cover the full wage bill of around £73,000. We can assure staff who stayed on that they will be paid in full in the coming days and wish them well for the future.”

The Old Rectory and Delph House were both operated by of Hantona Ltd, while Warwick Park Care Home was operated by Warwick Park House Limited. Jacqueline Haigh was the sole director of both companies.

All three properties will be put on to the market, with the proceeds of the sales being used to repay creditors.

Bridgewood is part of the Dow Schofield Watts network.

Son Of Famous Resident at Falmouth Home “Rocks” Residents With Musical Performance The son of a resident at a Falmouth home rocked residents with a powerful musical performance.

Amongst the residents at MHA Langholme, they have Simon House, a British composer and classically trained violinist and keyboard player, best known for his work with space rock band Hawkwind The musical genes continue to run in the family with his son, Thor House bringing his band The Disappointments into the home to entertain residents.

The band played music from various genres and eras and entertained the residents, who could not contain themselves from singing and dancing.

Maria Browne home manager said: “ It was a great performance from the Disappointments and one that was appreciated by all the residents and staff.

“With the Disappointments being a local band based in Falmouth our residents were familiar with them.

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“What really struck us was the engagement the band members showed with the residents.

“The band rocks and we are looking forward to welcoming them back, especially as how successful this performance was.

“Simon, who also performed with David Bowie as well as Mike Oldfield, was happy to show us the silver discs awarded to Hawkwind that are proudly displayed on his walls.

“He was aware that his son, who he is rightly very proud of, was bringing his band into the home and was present during the performance.

“He has been living at the home since August 2023 and when we found out who he was most staff were aware and very excited.

“Having someone like Simon in the home just reiterates how fascinating the lives of our residents across all our MHA homes are.”

PAGE 26 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

MPs and Peers Launch Survey to Gather Unpaid Carers’ Views On Their Call for a New National Carers Strategy A cross-party group of MPs and Peers have launched a new survey to gather the views of unpaid carers and organisations who represent them on their proposal for the UK Government to develop a new National Carers Strategy.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Carers, which advocates on behalf of unpaid carers, say that developing a new National Carers Strategy would better recognise the significant challenges that millions of unpaid carers are facing, and help to improve their health and wellbeing, finances, and access to care and support.

UK Government has not published a National Carers Strategy since 2008, and there has not been a dedicated cross-Government approach to supporting unpaid carers since the Carers Action Plan 2018-2020 came to an end in 2020.

Commenting on the launch of the new survey, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the APPG on Carers and former Minister for Care said: “The APPG on Carers has long called for a new National Carers Strategy to recognise the vital support that families and friends provide on a daily basis to loved ones, so I am delighted that we are launching this survey today to ensure that they – and organisations who represent them – can have their say on the proposals that the APPG has put forward.

“The Government’s Carers Action Plan that was published in 2018 provided a very valuable opportunity to

improve the support provided to carers. Developing a new National Carers Strategy would build on that work and provide a strategic focus to better enable Government to coordinate its support for carers and ensure they get the support they need.”

Baroness Pitkeathley, Co-Chair of the APPG on Carers and Vice-President of Carers UK said: “This important survey provides unpaid carers and those who represent them with the opportunity to have their say regarding how a future National Carers Strategy should be developed. It’s vital that their voices and concerns are heard. It’s now been 16 years since the last Carers Strategy was published by UK Government.

“I want to see all political parties commit to establishing a new National Carers Strategy as a matter of urgency, ahead of the General Election later this year. Millions of carers who are facing significant challenges with their health, wellbeing and finances simply cannot wait any longer.”

The survey is open to current and former unpaid carers, as well as to organisations who support and represent them, including: local and national carers’ organisations, other voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations, academics, employers, local government stakeholders, NHS England, and social care providers.

Click here to complete the survey, which will close for responses on 7 March 2024.

Time Capsule Marks The Start Of Brendoncare’s 40th Anniversary Celebrations Hampshire-based charity The Brendoncare Foundation celebrates its 40th anniversary on Wednesday 14th February 2024.

To launch the charity’s 40th year, a time capsule will be filled throughout the year with photographs, stories and poems that reflect the celebrations and activities taking place in Brendoncare’s care homes and community clubs. These will show the many different ways in which the charity improves the quality of life for older people.

At the end of the anniversary year, the time capsule will be buried in the grounds of Brendoncare Otterbourne Hill near Winchester.

Brendoncare’s care homes and network of community clubs are holding parties, which will have special themes to mark the anniversary which falls on Valentine’s Day. Brendoncare is also releasing a cover version of Stevie Wonder’s classic song I Just Called to Say I Love You, the video and recording made by residents, colleagues, volunteers, and club members.

Marianne Wanstall, Brendoncare’s Chief Executive, said: “This is a significant milestone in Brendoncare’s continuing work in providing care homes and a community services that enhance the quality of older people’s lives.

This includes constantly finding new, innovative ways to meet their everchanging needs.

“Our anniversary gives us the perfect opportunity to celebrate with all the wonderful people – our residents and mews residents and their relatives, community members, our colleagues and volunteers, who make Brendoncare the vibrant, forward-thinking organisation it is today.”

Marianne Wanstall adds: “Our status as a charitable organisation means we measure success by the impact on people’s lives. We also continue to ensure that the principles on which Brendoncare were founded are still central to our work today and in the future.

“This includes our Care for Life promise that ensures that when we welcome a permanent resident into one of our care homes, they will never be asked to leave due to lack of funds.”

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Glebefields Care Home Celebrates As Staff Member Aces Care Practitioner Course

Staff at Glebefields care home in Banbury were delighted when Senior care assistant, Merlin Sheela Sathiyadhas completed her training to become a Care Practitioner, a new role which will enable her to support nurses in the home.

Merlin Sheela was presented with a box of luxury chocolate and a certificate of completeion at a celebration in the home to mark their achievement.

The Care Practitioner role has been introduced by Barchester Healthcare, the organisation that runs the home, in order to further develop talented care staff and enable them to give more support to the nurses working at the home.

Merlin Sheela is the second person at the home to complete the

course and has already been making a big difference to maintaining and developing its standard of care.

Nisha Shaji, General Manager at Glebefields Care home said: “Merlin Sheela is an integral member of the team who excels at what she does.

I’m delighted that she has completed the training and progressed into this new role, which will help our home run even more efficiently and will enable Sheela to develop her career further. She has worked so hard and I’m very proud of her.”

Merlin Sheela said: “I really enjoyed learning lots of new skills and building on the knowledge I have gathered during my last one year working at the home. I look forward to growing further within this role and continuing to support the people we care for.”

PAGE 28 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

Chinese Year Of The Dragon Roars In At Wellington Care Home Residents at a dementia care home in Wellington have been all fired up for Chinese New Year with a programme of themed activities, games and music over the last week and a grand Chinese buffet at the weekend.

Zillah Oakes, manager of Camelot House and Lodge, said: “We did an interesting bit of research and managed to establish that we have seven residents and four members of staff who were born in previous Years of the Dragon which, essentially, means 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 and 2001.

“Our Camelot ‘dragons’ were all interested to learn that according to Chinese tradition people born in Dragon years are usually brave, persistent, clever, enthusiastic and confident. They were all very happy with that.

“The home is decorated with beautiful red lanterns, as well as dragon-themed arts and crafts which we’ve been supporting our residents to produce over the last couple of weeks.

“Our residents love listening to music, which has an important role in dementia care, so we compiled a play-list with some dragon or fire related themes featuring songs they would recognise and sing along to like Puff the Magic Dragon, Great balls of fire by Jerry Lee Lewis and Ring of fire by Johnny Cash.

“We also had some Chinese and dragon-themed games and quizzes including a chop stick challenge.

“And or kitchen team did a fabulous job with the buffet which featured residents’ favourite Chinese dishes such as spring rolls and prawn toast and the ever-popular fortune cookies.

“Residents really enjoy celebrations like this and are now looking forward to Pancake Day and Valentine’s Day, when we’ve got further treats planned for them all.”

Camelot House and Lodge is run by award-winning dementia care provider Camelot Care who also have homes in Bridgwater, Plymouth and Yeovil.

HC-One Care Homes Celebrate The Year Of The Dragon In Chinese New Year Festivities In celebration of Chinese New Year, HC-One care homes across Britain held parties welcoming the ‘Year of the Dragon’ on Saturday 10th February 2024 taking part in a series of fun cultural celebrations.

At Woodlands View Care Home in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, residents enjoyed a traditional Chinese dance performance. Maofen Ladyman, Housekeeper, who has worked at the home for nine years and who is part of a large Chinese dance group that dances all around the world, kindly put on a show with one of her dance group friends for residents at the home. Moafen and her friend, Simone Xue, did a traditional dance for residents which residents really enjoyed watching. Each dance had a story behind it which was explained before it was performed. Moafen and her friend wore different outfits for each dance that were colourful and left residents in awe. The dancing followed a Chinese dinner with wine for residents.

Miranda Mead, Home Manager at Woodlands View Care Home said: “Thank you to Moafen and her friend Simone for performing a dance show for our residents. Residents loved watching the dancing, we’ve never heard them clap so much! Residents also really enjoyed tasting

different types of Chinese food.”

At Daneside Court Care Home in Northwich, Cheshire, residents participated in an arts and crafts session to mark Chinese New Year creating beautiful oriental handmade fans.

Residents got creative by decorating their paper fans using paint and logograph stamps.

Samantha Farahat, Home Manager at Daneside Court Care Home, commented: “It was lovely to see the residents getting involved and using their creative skills to create beautiful oriental fans in celebration of Chinese New Year. Residents were really pleased with the outcomes of their creations.”

At Primrose House Care Home in Crewe, Cheshire, residents created Chinese lanterns which were then used as decorative table centre pieces, as residents enjoyed tucking in to their Chinese New Year meal.

Dawn Sadler, Home Manager at Primrose House Care Home, commented: “It was lovely seeing the residents celebrate Chinese New Year, their arts and crafts session created some wonderful lanterns.”

Chinese New Year Celebrations at Altrincham Home with Handmade Lanterns and Trip to China An Altrincham home is eagerly awaiting the start of the Chinese New Year by preparing lanterns and travelling to China all from the comfort of their armchairs.

MHA Handsworth decided to mark the occasion and arranged for residents to travel to China.

Chinese New Year is a festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.

This year the date for the Chinese New Year falls on Saturday February 10.

Boarding passes were printed and prepared along with lanterns decorated around the home.

Residents learnt about the Chinese New Year, how it is celebrated and then also tucked into some Chinese cuisine.

Charlotte Fowke, activity coordinator said: “The residents loved preparing for the Chinese New Year and were all very excited.

“We had a session learning about the Chinese New Year, and they were very engaged.

We enjoyed travelling around China and watching a Dragon Dance using our tiny tablet.

“The staff prepared sweet and sour pork which was enjoyed by all.

“One of our members of staff offered an insight into what different activities are done to celebrate Chinese New Year.

“They leave out 12 round fruits, mostly grapes and oranges which represent the 12 months of the year, they also take a glass filled with water or rice and put coins and incense sticks into this.

“A Dragon Dance is performed and in this they use drums to create loud noises as they believe these wards off evil spirits and assists with the new year entering.

“Chinese New Year celebrations are carried out over a number of days as they believe that the good spirits and new year approaches slowly”

Waterside Court Chinese New Year Celebrations Staff and residents at Waterside Court in Wallingford welcomed in the Year of the Dragon with a day of celebrations and activities.

Inspired by Chinese culture and traditions, Handmade paper dragons were exchanged and shown to each other during supper time. Residents learnt all about the traditions and superstitions of Chinese New Year. Head chef Jacek cooked up an oriental feast for supper, residents enjoyed the delicious food washed down with pots of Chinese tea and enjoyed reading the Fortune Cookies.

Clemence Heriman Senior General Manager of Barchester’s Waterside Court said: “We have had a brilliant day, we all had such fun finding out what animal we are, the associated traits and reading each other’s horoscopes. The residents loved learning about the traditions of Chinese New Year, which was great to see. Heather a resident at Waterside Court said: “I loved the music and learning about the Chinese Zodiac animal traits. A person born in the Year of the Dragon is said to be kind, confident and strong. I find it fascinating to learn all about different traditions.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182 | PAGE 29

Whole Home Embraces ‘The Year of the Dragon’ for Chinese New Year Staff and residents at Elm Bank in Kettering welcomed in the Year of the Dragon which took place on February 10th in style, with a day of music and celebrations throughout the home.

Inspired by Chinese culture and traditions, staff exchanged their uniforms for brightly coloured red tops, symbolising luck joy and happiness. The home was adorned in Chinese decorations and crafted paper lanterns. Residents learnt all about the traditions and superstitions of the Chinese New Year, with a quiz that got all thinking. Chefs Sophie and Jo cooked up an oriental feast for lunch that got some residents tasting Chinese food for the first time. The celebrations went on in to the night, ending with a superb violin concert performed by Jon Spinner that got feet tapping and voices singing.

Beryl a resident at Elm Bank said: “I love this, it is absolutely brilliant, I love all the songs, and I love the

music, just beautiful”.

Marvellous Bindura, General Manager of Barchester’s Elm Bank said: “We have had a brilliant day, the home looks absolutely wonderful decorated all in red and we all had such fun finding out about Chinese traditions and culture, the night ended with relaxing music, the joy on the faces of the residents was clear to see.

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

Elm Bank care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Elm Bank provides residential and dementia care for residents from respite care to long term stays.

Hempton Field Care Home Celebrates Chinese New Year Staff and residents at Ross Court Care Home in Ross-on-Wye welcomed in the Year of the Dragon with a day of celebrations and activities.

Inspired by Chinese culture and traditions, the home was decorated with vibrant red decorations and many residents took part in making the traditional hanging lanterns.

Residents learnt all about the traditions and superstitions of Chinese New Year. Our brilliant hospitality team also cooked up an oriental feast for lunch for our residents to enjoy.

Agda-Claudia Vasilateanu, General Manager of Barchester’s Ross Court said: “We have had a brilliant day, the home looks absolutely wonderful decorated all in red and we all

had such fun finding out what animal we are, the associated traits and reading each other’s horoscopes.”

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

Ross Court 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.

Ross Court provides residential care and respite care.

Woodside House Celebrates Chinese New Year Staff and residents at Woodside House in Norwich welcomed in the Year of the Dragon with a day of celebrations and activities.

Inspired by Chinese culture and traditions, the home was decorated with hanging red lanterns. Residents learnt all about the traditions and superstitions of Chinese New Year and we had an original Chinese costume demonstrated. Residents also got together and made some Chinese dragons.

Sarah Robertson General Manager of Barchester’s Woodside House said: “We have had a brilliant day, the home looks absolutely wonderful decorated all in red and we all had such fun finding out what animal we are, the associated traits and reading each other’s horoscopes. The residents loved watching videos of traditional lion and

dragon dances too.

A resident at Woodside House said: “I loved the music, the vibrant costumes and learning about the Chinese Zodiac animal traits. A person born in the Year of the Dragon is said to be kind, confident and strong. I find it fascinating to learn all about different traditions.”

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

Woodside 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. Woodside House provides nursing care, residential care, respite care.

Ross Court Celebrates Chinese New Year Staff and residents at Ross Court Care Home in Ross-on-Wye welcomed in the Year of the Dragon with a day of celebrations and activities.

Inspired by Chinese culture and traditions, the home was decorated with vibrant red decorations and many residents took part in making the traditional hanging lanterns. Residents learnt all about the traditions and superstitions of Chinese New Year. Our brilliant hospitality team also cooked up an oriental feast for lunch for our residents to enjoy.

Agda-Claudia Vasilateanu, General Manager of Barchester’s Ross Court said: “We have had a brilliant day, the home looks absolutely

wonderful decorated all in red and we all had such fun finding out what animal we are, the associated traits and reading each other’s horoscopes.”

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

Ross Court 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. Ross Court provides residential care and respite care.

Collingtree Park Care Home Welcomes a 'Dragon' for Chinese New Year Staff and residents at Collingtree Park care home in Northampton welcomed in the Year of the Dragon with a day of celebrations and activities.

Inspired by Chinese culture and traditions, the home was decorated with hanging red lanterns and parasols. Residents learnt all about the traditions and superstitions of Chinese New Year.

Head chef Jennifer Briggs cooked up an oriental feast for lunch as a visiting Chinese Dragon greeted every resident wishing them continued good health and handing out brightly coloured golden fortune cookies.

Nikki Allen, General Manager of Barchester’s Collingtree Park said: “We have had a wonderful day welcoming the 2024 Chinese ‘Year of the Dragon’. It’s been smiles all round. Our resi-

dents loved the staffs’ vibrant costumes, oriental delights and meeting the dragon!”

Doreen, a resident at Collingtree Park said: “I love Chinese food, it's a real treat to celebrate something like this learn all about different traditions.” Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.

Collingtree Park care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals.

Collingtree Park provides residential care and dementia care for residents from respite care to long term stays.

PAGE 30 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

HC-One Launches Pre-Registered Nursing Degree Programme to Colleagues in Scotland and Wales HC-One is proud to have launched its Pre-Registered Nursing Degree Programme in conjunction with the Open University to colleagues working in Scotland and Wales.

HC-One is working in partnership with the Open University to offer colleagues the opportunity to gain a fully funded Pre-Registered Nurse Degree. This will enable health care workers e.g. Senior Care Assistant, Care Assistant and Nursing Assistant to access a blended study programme to become a Registered Nurse in Adult, Mental Health or Learning Disability nursing whilst still working in their care home.

The qualification gained will be a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing leading to Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

The training takes four years to complete with colleagues working a minimum of 26 hours per week. The programme involves a blend of online and practice-based learning (50% theory and 50% practice) which consists of 4,600 hours of learning. The training includes hands-on experience in the workplace, clinical placements, and virtual theoretical learning in the classroom.

A Practice Tutor (from the Open University) will support the learner and the Home Manager throughout the programme. The Practice Tutor arranges meetings during placements and supports with competency assessments and completion of documentation. At home level, the learner will also be allocated a Practice Supervisor (PS) and Practice Assessor (PA) in line with standards for student supervision and assessment – The Nursing and Midwifery Council.

The Registered Nursing Degree Programme is currently only available to HC-One’s current colleagues working in its care homes located in Scotland and Wales. HC-One hopes to look to expand this offering to

external candidates in the future.

In England, HC-One already offers colleagues with the opportunity to complete a Nursing Associate Apprenticeship Programme and a Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship Programme.

The Nursing Associate Apprenticeship aims to bridge the gap between health and care assistants and registered nurses. The Registered Nursing Associate (RNA) is a new member of the nursing team in England and the role will contribute to the core work of nursing, freeing up the Registered Nurse to focus on more complex clinical care and leadership. This can provide progression into degree graduate level nursing if the Nursing Associate wishes to develop further.

The Registered Nursing Degree and Nursing Associate Apprenticeship is a means of training to become a graduate registered nurse or nursing associate through an apprenticeship route. It offers flexibility and enables people to work at the same time.

This will provide the apprentice with the same standards as other traditional student nurses.

Kelly Smith, Head of Nursing at HC-One, commented: “HC-One’s suite of Nursing Programmes offers our colleagues with the opportunity to grow in their careers – offering them the opportunities, support and skills needed to bridge the gap between our carers and registered nurses, allowing our Registered Nurses to focus on more complex clinical care.

“We are really proud to be working in partnership with the Open University to launch our Pre-Registered Nursing Degree and Nursing Associate apprenticeships to our current colleagues. We are fully committed to supporting the students throughout the programme to achieve this qualification.”

Care Home Residents & Staff Have A Fun Flippin’ Pancake Day The staff and residents at Elm Bank care home in Kettering have been mixing up batter and flipping pancakes all morning in preparation for their annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Day celebrations.

Elm Bank has marked this year’s Pancake Day with a pancake flipping afternoon of fun for both staff and residents and of course, lots of pancakes! Sharntelle, head chef at the home, flipped more than 100 pancakes, serving them up with sweet and savoury fillings for all the eager staff and residents to enjoy.

Sharntelle said: “My secret to the best pancakes is all in the whipping. Give it some elbow grease when mixing the batter and you’ll get perfect pancakes every time. I like experimenting with the fillings – the residents’ favourites are good old fashioned lemon and sugar!”

Brian, a resident at Elm Bank, commented: “I absolutely love Pancake Day, it takes me back to my childhood, when we used to try and flip pancakes”. We’ve had so much fun reminiscing and sharing our favourite recipes for fillings.”

Minister of State in the Department for Health and Social Care to Address Care Community at UK Care Week in March UK Care Week has announced their surprise guest for the 20th & 21st March at the NEC, Birmingham. Helen Whately, Minister of State in the Department for Health and Social Care, will deliver a keynote address set to ignite discussions on the current state of the care sector.

Appointed as Minister of State in the Department for Health and Social Care on 26 October 2022, Helen Whately brings a wealth of experience and a passion for driving positive change in the healthcare landscape. Her dedication to public service is evident in her previous roles, where she served as Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury and as Minister of State (Minister for Care) at the Department of Health and Social Care.

Notably, Helen Whately also contributed significantly

as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Her diverse background reflects a deep commitment to enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities.

Key takeaways will include insights into the future of health and social care policies, innovative strategies for improving the quality of care and delivery of the government’s vision for the care sector.

This addition to the programme makes UK Care Week 2024 an event not to be missed!

Across the 2 days, care professionals have the opportunity to dive into the latest innovations, learn from industry leaders, and celebrate the collective efforts to enhance the quality of care. Tickets are free, to register or for more information visit ukcareweek.com.

Care Home Residents Share Their Valentine's Day Celebrations

PAGE 32 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

Valentine’s Day: Romantic Meals And Gifts As Royal Star & Garter Couples Prepare To Celebrate Valentine’s Day will be celebrated by all residents at Royal Star & Garter.

The charity is gearing up for the big day on Wednesday 14 February by decorating its three Homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe, and preparing extra special treats for the married couples it cares for.

Royal Star & Garter proRoy and Patricia vides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia, from Homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe. It has also launched new services reaching out into the community.

The charity is proud to be able to care for couples, enabling them to stay together even when they have to leave their martial home. Among the married couples celebrating in High Wycombe are Roy, a Navy veteran, and his wife Patricia. The couple are childhood sweethearts, who married in 1966. Also at the Home is Army veteran Neil, and his wife Betty. They married in 1969 after meeting at a judo class. Staff will serve up romantic meals for the couples, and arrange for small gifts to be exchanged between the pairs.

In Surbiton, Armed Forces couple Vera, an RAF veteran, and Eric, who served in the Army for two years for his National Service, will be pampered by staff. They married in 1975. Another Surbiton couple, Jack and June, met at a dance while both serving in the Army, and last year celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Bob, who also served in the Army, will enjoy Valentine’s Day at the Home with his wife Rosemary, who

he married in 1982.

In Solihull, resident Ann will welcome her husband Ray into the Home for a delicious Valentine’s lunch cooked by the in-house catering team. Ray comes to the Home daily with his dog Mallory, to see Ann, who he wed in 1960.

To ensure that all resJack and June idents feel loved and included at Royal Star & Garter, the Homes are putting on special activities for Valentine’s Day. Residents are making cards during arts and crafts sessions, and heart-shaped biscuits in cookery activities. In Solihull, residents will receive Love Hearts sweets and chocolates on the day, while in Surbiton, a live concert will see an Elvis impersonator leaving fans All Shook Up. Shirley Hall, Director of Care & Wellbeing at Royal Star & Garter said: “The thought of being in a care home and separated from the person you love and have spent your life with is heart-breaking. That’s why it’s such a privilege for us to care for so many couples at this stage of their lives. It’s also lovely that staff help bring couples like Ann and Ray together, and put in so much effort to make the day special for all our residents. Valentine’s Day may be a difficult time for many who have lost loved ones, and our staff are there to make everyone feel special. The chefs are busy prepping delicious meals and treats, there’s lots of fun activities going on, and I know we will share some Valentine’s Day love with everyone in the Homes.”

Celebrity Resident Celebrates Valentine's Day At Kingston Care Home: A Glimpse of Sri Owen's Eternal Love Story Signature at Coombe Hill Manor, a luxury care home nestled in the heart of Kingston, has been celebrating its residents’ love stories in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, allowing them to reminisce on their significant others.

One of these heart-warming and timeless love stories came from renowned Indonesian cooking teacher, food writer and cherished resident Sri Owen, who is the author of the first English-language recipe book dedicated to the food of Indonesia.

She shared the enchanting details of her enduring love story with her late husband Roger. Their romantic journey spans over six decades.

Working as a Secretary for the Professor of English, Sri's responsibilities included receiving guests, a role that brought her face-to-face with Roger. In 1961, at the age of 25, Sri crossed paths with Roger, then 24, at a welcome party hosted by her professor in Yogyakarte, Central Java, Indonesia. Love ignited at first sight, setting the stage for a remarkable journey of companionship.

Their love story continued to unfold as fate intervened, bringing Roger to the library where Sri served as the Head Librarian. A seemingly ordinary request for assistance in finding a book marked the beginning of a connection that would last a lifetime. A year later, Roger courageously asked Sri on their first date – a cinematic outing that sparked the flame leading to their marriage in 1962.

To commemorate this extraordinary love, Signature at Coombe Hill Manor engaged Sri in an insightful

conversation with Client Liaison Managers Monika and Mark, where she shared invaluable insights into the secrets of a happy married life and her definition of love.

When asked about her top tips for a happy married life, Sri Owen shared: "You and your partner have to be really good friends, and not rivals, because rivalry is a man's worst enemy. True love is feeling comfortable together, without subjecting one another to unnecessary questioning. And a real marriage is built on respect and trust, so you mustn’t let jealousy interfere.”

When asked what Sri misses about Roger, she said: "I miss Roger’s natural fondness of me, how he looked after me and how he felt about me. We were in love and never had the need to become one of those couples that need to show it off. First, we were friends, and then became lovers, and our love was genuine, it was real."

As Signature at Coombe Hill Manor celebrates the enduring love story of Sri and Roger this Valentine's Day, the care home invites the local community to embrace the essence of love, friendship, and timeless commitment.

Monika Patel, Client Liaison Manager at Signature at Coombe Hill Manor, said of her sit-down with Sri: “It’s always so beautiful to watch our residents speak so fondly of their partners. Whether couples come to join us at Coombe Hill Manor, or find each other at the home, we love to celebrate and cherish the romantic relationships that are nurtured here. Seeing how Sri’s eyes still light up when speaking about Roger, sixty years on, really speaks volumes about their love story.”

Care Home Couple Celebrate 68 Years Of Love And Kindness Love is in the air at Coxhill Manor Nursing and Residential Home in Chobham, where Rob and Irene Newbold, residents since July 2023, are captivating everyone with their heartwarming journey. This Valentine's Day, Coxhill Manor celebrates the enduring love and kindness of this remarkable couple.

Their love story began during a Christian holiday in Kent at the age of 19, with Rob playfully claiming the title of Irene's "toy boy," given the mere three weeks that separate them in age. Their first date after a Bible study marked the beginning of a love that transcended distance, sustained by letters and occasional phone calls.

Married on November 19th, 1955, Rob and Irene spent a mere three weeks together between their first meeting and tying the knot, a testament to their destined connec-

tion. The couple had three children.

Rob and Irene’s shared Christian faith has been a strong foundation of their relationship. As has their appreciation for each other – they never take each other for granted and always say thank you. Irene’s good night kiss to Rob every evening is always followed with a thank you. Their love is tangible as they walk through Coxhill Manor, always holding hands and looking out for one another.

Recently celebrating their 68th wedding anniversary at Coxhill Manor, Rob and Irene Newbold are an inspiring example of a lifelong partnership filled with love and kindness. The occasion was marked with a joyous tea party, a beautiful cake, flowers, and fizz for all the residents and colleagues at Coxhill Manor.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182 | PAGE 33

Brunelcare Resident Given Two Days To Live Makes Full Recovery and Is Allowed Home In Time For Valentine’s Day “It’s thanks to the carers at Little Heath that I’m able to go home and spend time with my partner.”

Simone, 70, was diagnosed with a life-threatening heart disease and was given just two days to live. After being transferred to Brunelcare’s Little Heath Care Home for end-of-life treatment, Simone has managed to make a full recovery, and can finally move in with her long-term partner on Wednesday 14th February, Valentine's Day. Simone, who has seven children, 28 grandchildren, and nine greatgrandchildren, was admitted to the BRI Hospital in March 2023, after being diagnosed with heart failure. Six months later, Simone was transferred to Little Heath Care Home in Cadbury Heath, South Gloucestershire, for end-of-life palliative care.

When Simone arrived at Little Heath, she weighed only 48.6kg and was struggling to eat. She couldn’t get out of bed and could barely move or speak. Six months later, Simone weighs a healthy 70.8kg, and can walk on her own with little support. Simone is now packing her bags to leave Little Heath to move in with her long-term partner, Winston, 63, and their cat on Valentine's Day. Simone, who has previously worked as a Nurse and a Midwife, said: “I was given two days left to live when I came to Little Heath. I just accepted it because I was close to the end, but a little voice inside me said ‘Don’t give up’. The thought of my partner, and my family kept me going.”

Simone is looking forward to starting the next chapter of her life with her partner. Simone and Winston have been together for 14 years after meeting at a bus stop in Bristol.

Simone said: “I was so shy that I asked a window cleaner if they knew who Winston was before I went up to talk to him. He’s Jamaican, so when we first started going out I went to his flat and he cooked me some

traditional Jamaican food. It was lovely! We hit it off right away and we’ve been together for 14 years!”

Before being admitted to Little Heath for end-of-life care, Simone hadn’t walked for five years and was wheelchair-bound. However, since receiving care and support from the physiotherapist and team of carers at Little Heath, she can now walk with little to no help and has been able to make a full recovery.

Simone said: “The carers at Brunelcare took such great care of me, even at night! They’d take it in turns to see me, wash my hair, put my face cream on. They would even make me amazing chocolate sundaes so I could eat.”

Alongside the nursing care, Simone also took part in lots of activities at Little Heath - singing, colouring, art, basketball, and would even get up and dance to her favourite song: ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ by Shakira.

Simone said: “Coming here saved my life - I’m going to miss it here a lot. From my heart, I’ve never known such excellent nurses. They are amazing, and it’s a miracle that I was brought here. They make you feel so at home, cheer you up and keep you happy.

“I’m looking forward to going home so I can be with my partner and family, see my kitten, and be able to go for walks to the shop. On the day I get home, Winston is going to cook me something nice for Valentine’s Day and light some candles! He’ll be a big support.”

Tara, Simone’s primary carer at Brunelcare said: “It’s a bittersweet moment, as we don’t want to say goodbye to Simone, but it’s what we’ve wanted, to see her be able to go back home. We’re going to visit her when she’s back because we’ll miss her, and we’re so happy to see how well she’s done.”

Residents Spread Love and Kindness Ahead of Valentine's Day In anticipation of Valentine's Day, residents of Court House Care Home in Malvern have embarked on a heartwarming initiative to spread love and kindness throughout their community.

Led by Home Manager Katrina Riches, the residents, along with carers, have been crafting heartfelt notes of love to share with others, emphasising the importance of expressing affection and kindness regardless of personal circumstances.

Inspired by the spirit of Valentine's Day, the residents and carers of the recently refurbished home have come together to create handmade heart-shaped cards adorned with uplifting quotes and messages of love. These notes, thoughtfully crafted by the residents themselves, aim to brighten the day of those who receive them and serve as a reminder of the power of love and compassion.

Katrina initiated the heartwarming project as a way to foster connection and spread positivity within the community. Reflecting on the initiative, she said, "At

Court House Care Home, we believe in the importance of spreading love and kindness in everything we do. This Valentine's Day, we wanted to go beyond the traditional expressions of love and show that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone's day."

The residents and carers took great joy in selecting the quotes and messages to feature on the handmade cards, with each one reflecting their unique perspectives and experiences. From affirmations to poignant words of wisdom, these messages serve as a testament to the resilience and compassion of the human spirit.

As Valentine's Day approaches, the residents are eagerly looking forward to sharing their tokens of love with the wider community. Through this initiative, they hope to inspire others to embrace the spirit of generosity and kindness, reminding everyone that love knows no bounds.

Love Rewound: Care Home Couple Recreate First Date At Local Cinema For Valentine's Day Love is in the air for local couple, Hilda and Louie Neil who took a trip down memory lane for Valentine's Day by recreating their very first date with a visit to a local cinema.

The couple first met as teens at St. Peter’s church. Louie, a choir boy at the time, charmed Hilda with his angelic singing voice before inviting her out for a trip to the local cinema.

The pair are now recreating this cherished memory after 62 years of happy marriage together.

Supported by the care workers at Renaissance Care’s Wyndwell Care Home in Peterhead and the generosity of The Arc cinema, the pair attended a viewing of smash hit musical, Wonka. The trip was complete with a large popcorn and pick ‘n’ mix to share between them.

Hilda said: “Our trip today has brought back so many happy memories for both of us. I was 14 years old when we went on our first date to the pictures and I’m still just as in love with Louis now as I was back then.

“Thank you to all the staff at Wyndwell and The Arc who supported us to make this new memory together. I’ll cherish it forever.”

Louis, a retired policeman and ex-army officer, has long been a true romantic, loving to surprise Hilda with grand gestures. In 1961, he swept Hilda off her feet by planning a surprise wedding during a break from his military service in Singapore.

Hilda said: “We used to try to spend as much time together as possible when Louis was back from his duties, so we were on a bus back from a day trip to Aberdeen together when he asked me if I knew what

was going to happen tomorrow. I said I had no clue – we didn’t have anything planned. To my surprise, he had arranged for us to be married!”

The pair wed in the church where they first met and celebrated the union with a meal at the local Waverly Hotel, accompanied by six of their closest friends and family. They went on to have two sons together, Allan and Raymond, and now share three lovely grandchildren.

On the secret to a long and happy life together, Hilda said: “There is no magic secret. Marriage is about being honest with each other and knowing how to compromise. Though, it definitely helps if the man can just admit that his wife is always right!

“You must enjoy your time together – life is full of ups and downs. Celebrate the good times. Go on adventures together and make hundreds of happy memories to look back on.”

Lynne Anderson, care home manager of Wyndwell said: “It’s been so lovely hearing about Hilda and Louis’ romance. The pair are a shining example of true love. Once we found out that they actually had their first date in the local cinema, we knew we had to take them back!

“Many of our residents are long-standing members of the community with close ties to the village and surrounding towns. It’s important to us that we stay connected with the local community and support residents to explore these special memories.”

Wyndwell care home is a long-established home on the harbour of Peterhead, situated in the heart of the town. To find out more about the home, visit Renaissance Care I Wyndwell Care Home

PAGE 34 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

Love Is In The Air In Clacton, Where Residents Have Been Decorating Their Care Home With Hearts Under the guidance of Care Coordinator Ewa Ruskowiak, Edensor residents Diane, Sue, Daphne, Shirley, Jean and Susan have been very busy preparing for February 14.

The fifty bed nursing and dementia care home, in Clacton on Sea, run by Diagrama Foundation supports vulnerable residents to live life to the full and art pays a huge part in life at Edensor. For Valentine’s Day some of the residents have been enjoying creating hearts to decorate the communal areas.

Ewa Ruskowiak, Care Coordinator, Edensor Care Home said, “We encourage the residents to dress Edensor for occasions throughout the year and it is wonderful when they come together to decide

what they want to make for the next project.

Valentine’s Day is always very special and with the extra day in February this year the decorations may stay up a little longer in case any of our ladies take the opportunity to pop the question on the 29th!”

Ewa asked the crafters for their thoughts about the Valentine craft project.

Shirley said she wanted the hearts hung up nicely on the wall so that everybody can see their art.

Daphne wanted a photograph of her by the art wall to send to her family.

Sue said she cannot wait until they decorate Edensor with all this hearts.

Valentine's Anniversary Fete: A Day Of Celebration, Community, And Compassion At The Belmont The Belmont luxury care home in Worcester, hosted a heartwarming celebration on Saturday, 10th February to mark its second anniversary since opening its doors to the community. The event brought together residents, staff, management, and the local community in a joyous commemoration.

The Valentine's Anniversary Fete showcased The Belmont as more than just a care home; it was a vibrant community hub filled with love and laughter. The event aimed to foster connections and open its doors to the wider community, allowing them to experience the warmth and family filled atmosphere that defines The Belmont.

The fete featured an array of activities, including mini concerts with the talented pianist Thomas Hemmings, creating a delightful musical backdrop for the day. Stallholders added a touch of local flavor to the event, offering a variety of goods and engaging the attendees.

A highlight of the day was the charity raffle organised to raise funds for St Richards Hospice, a cause close to The Belmont's heart. The community rallied

together and raised £155, contributing to the noble cause.

Smokey Dough Pizza, a local favourite, joined the festivities by serving delicious pizzas, adding a culinary delight to the celebration.

Sandie Preece, the Commissioning Home Manager at The Belmont, expressed her enthusiasm for the event. "What an amazing day to show everyone how wonderful The Belmont is and raise funds for St Richards Hospice. The community enjoyed being within a home full of love, laughter, and a family feel all around. Relatives and loved ones also supported us on the day. It was such an amazing feeling, and the sun was shining on us too."

The Valentine's Anniversary Fete not only marked a significant milestone for The Belmont but also reinforced its commitment to creating a supportive and engaging community. The day was a testament to the dedication of the staff, the vibrancy of the residents, and the warmth of the broader community that surrounds The Belmont.

Elderly Couple Celebrates Valentine's Day At Surrey Care Home Signature at Weybridge, a luxury care home nestled in the heart of Weybridge, Surrey, has been celebrating its resident couple’s love stories in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, allowing them to reminisce on their significant others.

One of these couples are Roy and Britte Goodliffe, who have been at the home for over a year.

They first met in February 1985, at a face-to-face dating club called “Entre-nous”, as there was no on-line dating in those days. At the time, Roy was working as a Golf Secretary and Britte was an office manager for an accountancy firm.

The club organised parties and outings to help people meet each other, and it was at one of these parties that Roy met Britte and asked her to dance. It was after this that a romance started to blossom!

Fittingly, Roy asked Britte out on Valentine’s Day shortly after meeting. That same year Britte moved in with Roy, they lived together for a bit, and then got married in 1987. This was the 2nd marriage for both of them.

After eloping on July 3rd, 1987, at the Slough Registry Office with their children and partners, they went off to Spain for their honeymoon.

Together, Roy and Britte have gone through many ups and some downs. When they both retired, they decided to move down to Devon where some of their friends were. In the summer they also used to go over to Sweden each year, as Britte had a summer house there. They also enjoyed quite a few cruises together.

Unfortunately, in 2004, Roy had to have his leg amputated after an incident and 10 years later, Britte was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy. As the illness progressed, they had to move from their 4-bedroom house to a 2-bedroom apartment. As things did start to get more difficult for both of them, they made the

decision to move to a care home closer to their family, which led them to Signature at Weybridge.

As Signature at Weybridge celebrates the enduring love story of Roy and Britte this Valentine's Day, the care home invites the local community to embrace the essence of love, friendship, and timeless commitment.

When asked what the secret to his successful 34-year marriage was, Roy shared: “I believe in always sharing everything with your partner and being as honest as possible. I still remember, when Britte and I went on our honeymoon to Spain, she had never been to a hot country before. When we arrived, she said ‘they ought to turn the engine off’, because it was so warm inside the plane. I laughed and thought ‘what I have I got myself into?’ She has always really amused me.”

When asked about how her marriage has lasted so many decades, Britte said: ”I’m just very lucky. Roy is so even tempered; he never blows up. I definitely can … but he never does.

He’s a true gentleman. On our first date, we visited a posh bistro in Datchet, near Windsor. I remember because I was very impressed by his choice! We were also coming from two previous marriages, with two children, and thankfully they all got on really well, still to this day. That has definitely made a difference.”

Sally Castro Gouveia, Client Liaison Manager at Signature at Weybridge, said of the lovebirds: “It’s always so beautiful to watch our residents speak so fondly of their partners. Whether couples come to join us at Weybridge, or find each other at the home, we love to celebrate and cherish the romantic relationships that are nurtured here.

“At Signature, we love to create an environment where residents can live as independently as possible and continue to maintain the same bonds and relationships as they did previously. So, it is important to us

PAGE 36 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

Outing for Care Home Resident Living with Dementia Article by Lucy Denyer, photography by Scott Wicking.

Marjory Hart is sitting on her favourite bench, overlooking Whitby Harbour, eating fish and chips and commenting on the ships, the birds and the fresh Whitby air. It’s a chilly day, but the sun is valiantly pushing through the clouds. Marj, as she is known, doesn’t care about the weather; she has a big smile on her face. “This is my favourite place,” she says.

Not so unusual, perhaps - but it’s five years since Marj has done this, and most of the time, she doesn’t know what day it is or where she is, let alone be able to remember a familiar sight.

Marj, who is a sprightly 90, has dementia, and very limited short-term memory. She doesn’t know where her room is, can’t recall the way to the loo and doesn’t even remember her husband. The only thing she knows, say carers at The Mayfield Care Home where she now lives, is that Whitby is the best place in the world, and she has children who love her.

Her long-term recall, however, is generally excellent - put on an old Nat King Cole song, and she knows all the words. Which is why, when The Mayfield cooked up the scheme to take Marj back to her favourite bench, it brings back such memories. On a trip around town, Marj remembered her old house, the ships in the harbour, the harbour

bridge, the fish and chip shop on the corner and the birds playing on the harbour wall. All is familiar, and delightful.

Marj moved into The Mayfield last April, but has lived in Whitby for many years, bar a short stint in Witney, Oxfordshire, where she originally lived after her dementia diagnosis to be near her children. Whitby, she says, is her home. “I’m Yorkshire through and through,” she says with a grin. “Cut my head off and I’d have ‘Yorkshire’ written inside me.”

Marj was born in Aberdeen, the daughter of Ethel Paul and John Campbell. The family left Aberdeen when Marj was just a few months old and moved to Foundry Avenue in Leeds, where, in 1957, she met her husband Peter, who was in the RAF. The pair spent the majority of their married life travelling the world, living in Germany, Singapore, Wales and multiple locations across England. When Peter retired in 1983, the couple bought a home in Caterton, Oxfordshire, but Marj still hankered for the north. Eventually, Peter agreed to move to Yorkshire although wanted the country, not the coast.

Eventually, Marj got her way, and the couple moved to Church Street in Whitby. From there, Marj would walk every day to Mister Chips to buy fish, chips and a cup of tea, which she would take to a bench overlooking the harbour.

Five or six years ago, however, Marj started to develop signs of dementia: losing money; putting the kettle in her bedroom. Now, her life revolves largely around The Mayfield, where she is able to live a relatively independent life within its safety, taking part in Tai Chi and armchair exercises; singing along to Nat King Cole in the afternoons.

The trip into Whitby, however - the idea of Tobyn Dickinson, CEO of The Mayfield - seemed to unlock something in Marj.

This is not uncommon: reminiscence is a powerful tool when it comes to improving the life of someone with dementia. “Triggering or prompting happy memories from a person’s life can help their overall mood and wellbeing, as well as strengthen their sense of identity,” says Angelo Makri, senior knowledge officer at the Alzheimer’s Society.

Research also shows that events and facts that are most frequently retrieved and used over a lifetime - like a daily trip to the fish and chip shop, for example - are better recalled by those with Alzheimer’s in later life.

“We told her before where she was going and then she kept saying

“we’re going to my favourite place’”, says Tobyn. “When we took her down, her face lit up as soon as she got out of the taxi. She knew exactly where she was.”

As well as the bench, Marj was taken to her old home, and met some of her former neighbours, who reminded her how they had helped her - especially when it came to fixing her TV. The visit jogged all sorts of memories, from the views from front and back, to the old salt bin used to grit paths in the winter. Marj recalled Whitby’s Regatta - her favourite time of year - her favourite local shops (she knew all the shopkeepers) and the best pubs, including the Endeavour which was right next door to her house. “I used to love watching all the parades,” she recalls, “and the rowing races and Red Arrows.”

The day is likely to have long and positive repercussions for Marj. As Makri explains, “even after the memory of a happy experience is forgotten, the emotional response can still be there. So re-experiencing a pleasant event and feeling the positive emotions associated with it may help the person’s mood for some time.”

Certainly, back on her bench, the benefits of the trip are clear. “This is fantastic,” she says with a smile. “This has been one of the best days of my life.”

Feathered Friends Inspire Care Home Residents On RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch Eagle-eyed residents of a Dorset care home broke out their binoculars and bird feeders to help track the health of avian visitors in their garden.

The self-proclaimed ‘keen twitchers’ of Colten Care’s Brook View in West Moors were out in force to do their bit for the Big Garden Birdwatch, co-ordinated nationally by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds).

The annual event encourages people across the country to record the birds they see over an hour on a weekend. The aim is to build up a picture of the presence and health of bird populations.

Armed with tick sheets and pictures of likely species, Brook View residents and team members logged bird sightings from vantage points in the garden, lounge and the comfort of their own bedrooms.

Among the birds they spotted were blue tits, great tits, woodpigeons, goldfinches, blackbirds and robins.

To tempt their visitors to stay for a while, the observers created bird feeders of oranges cut in half and inserted with convenient perching sticks.

After making feeders in the lounge with fellow residents Iona Midlane, Dorothy Parker and Gwen Carter, Paula Marels helped to hang the ‘bait’ in the garden, taking her binoculars with her and watching from a bench.

Paula said: “It was lovely to sit back and watch the birds enjoy the sweet nectar of the fruit.”

Looking on from the comfort of her bedroom, Diana Pearce said: “Paula had a front row seat for the bird spectacle!”

And checking out the action from her window, Pam Roberts said: “Even the cheeky squirrels didn’t put the birds off.”

Companionship Team member Rebecca Grimsey said: “Our residents thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the survey, whether they went into the garden to do it or watched from the lounge or a cosy armchair in their bedroom. We all recognise the importance of looking after wildlife and engaging with nature.”

The final Brook View sightings tally was: 17 blackbirds, two robins, seven woodpigeons, 27 blue tits, 12 chaffinches, 25 goldfinches, two coal tits, 14 house sparrows, 21 magpies and one long-tailed tit.

Bramwell Care Home Celebrates Successful Open Day Event Bramwell care home in Bramcote, marked a memorable Open Day celebration on the 3rd February 2024, attracting a significant turnout from the community. The event welcomed individuals interested in learning more about the home’s services and those eager to enquire about their loved ones. Home Manager, Mable Joloza, oversaw the event and conducted a number of show rounds, providing attendees with an insightful glimpse into the exceptional care and services offered at Bramwell.

Residents and their families were treated to a special musical performance by singer and entertainer Charles Antony, creating an atmosphere of joy. Attendees, including residents, staff, and families, enthusiastically joined in the festivities, dancing and singing along.

To enhance the celebration, a delightful buffet and a selection of tea and

cakes were served, adding a touch of warmth and comfort to the event.

The day was truly one to remember, fostering a sense of community and connection among all participants.

In a heartwarming moment, the Open Day coincided with the birthday celebration of one of Bramwell’s cherished residents. They were surrounded by their family, contributing to a joyous and celebratory atmosphere throughout the day.

Home Manager, Mable Joloza said “The Open Day was very successful and we shared our home with more than 30 people who live in our surrounding areas who hadn’t known about Bramwell care home. It was nice to show visitors and relatives what we do at Bramwell, the activities, and the facilities we have – of which they are very impressed.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182 | PAGE 37

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Oxford Up

Joerns Healthcare’s Oxford Up is an active manual stand aid, supporting assisted standing, seated transfers, and patient rehabilitation. Suitable for clients who require some assistance when standing but are able to participate and contribute effort to the process, the Up can also be deployed as a useful rehabilitation aid.

With a safe working load rating of 200kg (31st), the Up quickly and conveniently disassembles into three separate components, significantly easing storage and onward transportation, making it truly portable. Reassembly takes a matter of seconds, and its ready for use again.

pricing options. As a Trade Customer, whether you're looking to purchase just one or many beds, for hire or purchase, we can offer generous discounts to help cash~flow. Our current range of Alerta Beds is a testimonial to those savings whilst current stocks last, but we can always deliver on value.

Prices are INCLUSIVE of VAT to ease your financial burden, along with subsidised delivery.

Call 0800 954 8801 - Text 07768 800 188 Or email: Maureen (or) Brian@BaronMedical.co.uk www.hospitalbedsuk.co.uk See the advert on page 15 for further information on how Baron can help your business.

The new “Jolly Journey” from Little Islands is designed to simulate an old-fashioned travel carriage, featuring real wood panelled wall, brass luggage racks, ornate wall lights and table lamp, opposite-facing seating for four, including cushions, ‘First Class’ antimacassars and period memorabilia.

The Jolly Journey creates a familiar and stimulating environment for ‘passengers’ to return to their fondest memories, sparking conversations of time gone by. Reminisce about travel and holidays with loved ones and friends over afternoon tea in your exclusive cabin, then maybe top it off with a jolly good ‘Sing Song’ on the way home.

Our Journeys begin with Steam Train rides through Britain, with other destinations being planned as the World opens up again. Bespoke Journeys can also be created, just let us have your ideas and we’ll see if we can fit them in with our filming schedule.

In just one day our Little Islands Team can efficiently install and furnish your opulent ‘First Class Carriage pod’ with all accessories and footage. All we require is 2.5M of clear wall space, a power socket and good access, to create your very own Jolly Journey.

For more information please contact Little Islands: 01828 869802 or see the advert on the front cover.

Where To Start Caring For The Environment To help achieve climate-neutral building stock by 2050 the care sector is being challenged to reduce operational energy use. By increasing the use of renewable energy supply and prioritising on-site renewable energy sources the hope it to reduce both harmful carbon emissions and operational costs.

There is no doubt that being more sustainable comes at a cost. Whether in the form of new build projects or the refurbishment of existing, yet ageing facilities, understanding the necessary capital investment, operational savings and payback periods is key to developing a workable sustainability strategy.

Because of ubiquitous need for hot water, from basins to baths and showers, catering and wash down, addressing how this resource is secured is one of the best ways of making active carbon savings today.

Addressing the efficiency of domestic hot water (DHW) systems - whether through the implementation of heat pumps, solar thermal, direct electric water heating or even simple modernisation of existing gas appliances - helps properties meet sustainability goals in a practical and cost-effective manner. It also deliv-

ers improved year-round conditions for residents and staff, providing spaces better suited to delivering quality care.

For buildings already on gas and that rely on large amounts of DHW silent solar preheat is the preferable option.

For new build properties, the expectation is for specification to default to a mixture of heat pumps and direct electric afterheat. New system approaches, including prefabricated packaged plant rooms, also provide for better use of the spaces that already exist, without the need to undertake expensive and disruptive building projects. This is especially valid as demands for larger accommodation space comes at a premium.

Adveco can help achieve emission reduction targets. With more than 50 years of specialised expertise in designing, supplying, and servicing hot water systems for residential healthcare, Adveco is the single resource you need for independent expert technical guidance on choosing pre-sized or bespoke sustainable applications today to get you on the right path towards net zero operation. www.adveco.co See the advert on page 5.

Serve Afternoon Tea in Style with Euroservice Watch your resident's eyes light up when the beautiful tea trolley arrives!

Euroservice trolleys can also be used as a vending trolley or to sell personal care products to residents. How about a delicious snack/pastry trolley or even a drinks trolley for that afternoon tipple?

Your lovely trolley could do so much for you and your residents!

Visit the website at www.euroservice-uk.com to see the full range.

Or see the advert on page 17.

An over-sized multi-point push handle eases manoeuvrability for the caregiver, and the foot push pad provides a means of generating forward momentum when moving a patient. Optimum positioning of the swing-away seat pads and knee support help ensure comfort for the patient. Adjustable leg opening allows closer access around furniture, promoting improved patient positioning and general ease of use.

Where additional seated support is required, the Oxford Deluxe Standing sling (With Clips) is fully compatible with the Up and available in three standard sizes: small, medium, and large.

The Oxford Up is available to order now with a standard 5 year warranty for peace of mind! For more information, contact Joerns Healthcare on 0344 811 1158, send an email to info@joerns.co.uk or visit our website at www.joerns.co.uk.

See the advert on page 7.

Consort Claudgen Introduces Wi-Fi 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 selflearning 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 See the advert on page 7.

PAGE 38 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES No More Stuck In The Basement, Family Gatherings Restored! S-Max liberates Mel and Phil S-Max has restored the freedom to get out and about for Mel and Phil Sanderson after months of being confined to living in their basement.

In 2022, Mel lost much of her mobility. Unable to cope with stairs, she and her husband Phil ended up living in the basement of their three-storey home in Hull town centre.

With no internal staircase, only a narrow turning flight of stone steps outside and strict building/alteration constraints (the property is Grade II listed), it became nigh on impossible for the couple to get out- whether for daily essentials or leisure- nor to socialise at home with friends and family. Phil was having to physically lift Mel up and down the stone steps, putting them both in danger of falling.

Phil was determined to find an answer. His research led him to AAT and its top-selling S-Max Sella stairclimber. Under the control of the care-giver, the mobile battery powered unit transfers its passenger safely and at a consistent rate up and down the steps- and beyond.

AAT visited Phil and Mel to assess the situation, that the S-Max Sella would safely deal with the steps and that Mel and Phil were both comfortable using it. Phil was so impressed he ordered one on the spot. AAT delivered it, set it up to their personal preference and trained Phil in how to use the equipment correctly and safely.

Under Phil’s control, with its integral seat and battery-powered kinematic climbing capability, S-Max Sella safely gets Mel around her home again. It gets her out of the house and into town.

“It really is a fantastic piece of kit,” says Phil. “Before we got the S-Max, we were basically

trapped in the basement.

“Once trained it is very simple to use. Now we can go out for leisure and appointments after months of being stuck inside. It even means we can have family occasions upstairs as we used to, with ease! I would recommend the S-Max for anyone who needs help getting up and down stairs.”

S-Max is the UK’s top-selling stairclimber, with an impeccable safety record built up over 20+ years for the thousands of units in use nationwide. Class 1 Medical Device certified the S-Max executes over 300 steps from a single charge. Its unique ComfortStep feature delivers a smooth, comfortable climb or descent, automatically adjusting to variation in riser height and gently braking on the edge of each riser to facilitate the process for the operator.

The standard S-Max unit attaches to most wheelchair models to enable them to be safely moved up, down almost any flight of steps. The S-Max Sella features an integral seat for people who are not confined to a wheelchair. AAT has developed a Universal Back for the units to achieve optimal flexible safety and physical support for the passenger.

AAT offers a comprehensive support service, including free no obligation assessment, setting up of the S-Max, training of its users, plus ongoing service & maintenance.

Full details including videos of the Sella stairclimber can be found @ www.aatgb.com/s-max-sella

LeisureBench Ltd is Proud to Introduce its New Sister Company SGM Recycled Plastics Ltd value. We believe we are the most competitive in the market.

Our in-house design team can design bespoke products for our clients and no job is too small or too big. Customer service is key to our success.

We welcome visitors to our factory showroom at Old Wharf Road, Grantham, Notts, NG31 7AA. SGM T: 0333 0112314 Calls charged at local rate.

E: support@sgmrecycledplastics.com SGM W: www.sgmrecycledplastics.com LeisureBench W: www.leisurebench.co.uk We all want to see less waste plastic and sustainability; our products are a small, but not insignificant, step in right direction. Thank you. See page 10 for details.

LeisureBench Ltd, is proud to introduce its new sister company SGM Recycled Plastics Ltd. Made from 100% recycled plastic, our new ranges are designed and manufactured at our new premises in Granthan using the latest technology.

From picnic tables to planters, the growing range of products are ergonomically designed for the commercial sector at affordable prices and most items come with a 25-year construction guarantee.

Introducing our new stylish side chairs available in several colours, they are both comfortable, and at a starting price of just £99.45 +vat in black, they represent excellent value for money.

Our new website www.sgmrecycledplastics.com has automated muti-buy discounting. Discounts start from as little as two of the same product for exceptional

Encanto and Cuba – Fabrics for Well-designed Contract Interiors Adding to the family of impervious contract upholstery solutions from Skopos, Encanto provides a burst of colour and texture into commercial spaces. Marrying the key attributes: antimicrobial, impervious, soil and stain resist, the 3 designs offer amazing performance without compromising on style. Following in the footsteps of Chamonix, Moritz and, most recently, Chamonix Deuxième, the choice within the collection is designed to compliment a range of different interior choices. With 38 new Skus, each design works beautifully alone or in combination, to create simple, contemporary and stylish contract furniture pieces. The fractured herringbone, Onda, injects a familiar yet unique texture, alongside a flexible small-scale check and our familiar Cuba linen design. The palette provides pops of colour or a choice of classical neutrals.

The three designs are provided are Halogen-free, Oeke-tex 100 compliant, with Crib 5 Flame Retardant backing, with 50,000 Martindale rubs, offering a beautiful choice for any contract interiors, whether office, education, care or high-end hospitality and cruise interiors. Along with many other Skopos upholstery fabrics, this collection comes under the Skopos Protect+ banner. Perfect for flagship interiors, with colours that compliment Skopos

drapery and bedding designs, view the full palette on-line and order a shade-card.

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

Skopos are looking to become a ‘Carbon Neutral’ organisation in 2023, working towards PAS2060 status, as part of our drive towards a more sustainable future. For further information, please visit our website.

Skopos is an ISO9001 accredited company and has more than 50 years’ specialist experience in the design and manufacture of high-performance FR contract fabrics for the hospitality sector.

Images show Marmotte Magenta and Slalom Olive/ Orelle Elm, provided by Barons Furniture.

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

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182 | PAGE 39

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL Skin Health and Surface Hygiene Expert, GOJO Urges Organisations To Be Prepared This Germ Season Skin health and surface hygiene expert, GOJO urges organisations to be prepared this germ season.

GOJO, THE INVENTORS OF PURELL™, and the hand sanitiser category itself, is advising organisations, particularly those in the care sector that look after the elderly and the vulnerable, to take steps to lessen the impact of seasonal viruses this winter.

Preparedness can save lives – last year’s influenza programme prevented around 25,000 hospitalisations in England . This autumn and winter, COVID-19, flu, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are likely to be co-circulating which, according to Dr Marc-Alain Widdowson, who leads WHO's High-threat Pathogen team, ‘would increase the risk to vulnerable populations and put further pressure on health services.’

Whilst flu vaccines are a powerful weapon, good hand hygiene is a critical measure in the battle against winter infections. For healthcare and long-term care settings, which support vulnerable patients, GOJO recommends paying extra attention to their specific needs.

Chris Wakefield, V.P. European Marketing and Managing Director UK & Ireland, GOJO Industries-Europe

Ltd. comments: ‘As a founder member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Private Organizations for Patient Safety group, GOJO is a strong advocate of making hand hygiene second nature to everyone. Hospitals and care homes need to ensure that the protection solutions they select are suitable for everyone with a facility – staff, visitors, and patients alike.

‘For example, consider touch-free dispensers that are easier for the elderly and infirm to operate, and ensure that the formulations are suitable too. They must not only have proven efficacy against germs, but should be gentle enough to care for resident’s delicate skin as well as that of busy healthcare workers, who clean their hands repeatedly during a shift.’

Widely used in the NHS, PURELL® is a trusted brand in healthcare facilities around the world. Its solutions encompass fast-acting, effective formulas that care for skin, state of the art dispensers, and dedicated support such as the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) accredited training.

For a tailored, effective, total solution for your setting, or for more information on the benefits of partnering with GOJO, please call +44 (0)1908 588444, email CustomerExperienceUK@GOJO.com, or visit www.gojo.eu/uk

Swiftclean Puts Your Care Home in Control of Grease and Legionella Swiftclean is a family-run business which has been established for over 40 years. Formed to provide specialist compliance cleaning services for ventilation system hygiene, Swiftclean is now one of the UK’s foremost providers of kitchen extract fire safety cleaning, legionella control services, fire damper testing, indoor air quality monitoring and ventilation system cleaning.

WHY SWIFTCLEAN? We do the job properly, giving you peace of mind: We tackle many new projects where dirt or grease has been allowed to build up - all our ventilation cleans are carried out to comply with BESA TR19® or TR19® Grease.

Our legionella control services provide clean water: We provide legionella control services to ensure L8 regulations compliance, preventing legionella outbreaks and maintaining a healthy water supply.

We help safeguard your insurance: Our unique cloud-based digital delivery system produces detailed compliance documentation to help safe-

guard your insurance, preserve your business and protect your brand reputation.

We save you time and money: By using us for both ductwork and water hygiene services, you can make the best use of your budget, as well as your valuable time.

We’re big enough to reach you, small enough to care: We provide nationwide coverage in England, Wales and Scotland, through one team with the same exemplary high standards.

We’re highly experienced, we know what we’re doing: Our expertise has been built up over more than four decades and we’re at the cutting edge of industry progress. Our Managing Director is directly involved with BESA and we’re an award-winning, ISO registered company.

We’re experienced and reliable; you can count on us to do the job properly.

We would love to hear from you. Please feel welcome to contact one of our team members on 0800 243 471 option 1 www.swiftclean.co.uk

PAGE 40 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS

How Can The Care Sector Maintain Robust Infection Control While Driving Sustainability?

Article by Christina Larkin, JLA's Chief Data and Marketing Officer (Website: www.jla.com Email: etagg@jla.com Phone: 0800 591 903) Christina Larkin is JLA's Chief Data and Marketing Officer, shaping the organisation's decision-making through analytics and insight. As ESG lead, Christina also inspires JLA's teams to put customer and sustainability-focused thinking at the heart of their actions.

As managers across the UK’s care sector continue to navigate the triple challenge of infection control, rising utility costs, and the drive for greater energy efficiency, what innovations and practices can be adopted to help future-proof care homes, protect residents and staff, and still enable organisations to meet their short and longerrange sustainability targets? In this piece on finding the balance, JLA’s Chief Data & Marketing Officer, Christina Larkin shares her thoughts on an increasingly pressing question.

WHY SUSTAINABILITY IN THE CARE SECTOR MATTERS The Covid-19 pandemic has rightly seen the care industry – and the Care Quality Commission – place renewed focus on infection control.

From the laundry room to the kitchen, care home hygiene and safety are rightly non-negotiable, while compliance and residents’ safety remain everyone’s top priority.

At the same time, initiatives to drive efficiency, reduce waste and decarbonise the sector continue to gather pace, with net-zero targets and more accessible alternative technologies allowing organisations to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising care standards. The good news, then, is that energy savings are still highly achievable in care settings, and can even help to demonstrate to your residents (and their families) that you are taking steps to becoming a more sustainable business, which in turn enhances your reputation.

Of course, practically meeting these expectations will usually mean adopting a range of measures. These could be as simple as switching to more sustainable everyday consumables and reducing waste sent to landfill. It could mean upgrading boilers and associated heating equipment to more efficient, hydrogen-ready units. Or it could mean investing in more energy-efficient washing machine systems, which, thanks to technological innovations, will use considerably less electricity and hot water to disinfect a laundry load, and actually lower your day-to-day running costs.

Whatever the path you take, improving sustainability brings a myriad of benefits – and not only in operational efficiencies or cost savings. In fact, it’s increasingly the case that committing to sustainability means investing in your people’s wellbeing as well. By making positive changes and working on sustainability together, you can help to improve morale and reduce staff turnover, which allows residents to build even deeper relationships

with your care team. You’ll also be a more attractive proposition to talent across the industry, which further drives up standards.

And as more and more families begin to consider the environmental impact of facilities while making crucial care decisions, such a commitment to sustainability could well become the key difference between you and your competition.

ADOPTING BEST PRACTICE SOLUTIONS With commercial energy costs at record highs, we often hear of care homes seeking cheaper domestic washing machines for their laundry rooms. However, research shows that this can be a false economy. For one, domestic machines are much less robust, needing more regular repairs, while their smaller load capacities add up to needing more washes, at greater expense. More importantly, it is unlikely that they can achieve and maintain the thermal temperatures required to keep you compliant with the requirements of HTM 01-04. A commercial washing machine is far more likely to control temperatures effectively, as well as providing the correct holding time to achieve the full penetration of a load for disinfection.

Alternatives to thermal laundry infection are becoming increasingly widespread, too. One example is ozone disinfection technology, which uses the power of natural ozone gas to eliminate infection from laundry loads on an energy-saving cool wash. During a study with Leicester’s De Montfort University, JLA’s own ozone disinfection system, OTEX, was found to completely remove the coronavirus. It also helped to cut hot water usage by up to 80% and electricity by 60%.

As expected, regular servicing and proactive maintenance are more likely to extend the working life of your equipment. But when washers, dryers and other appliances reach the end of their life, it is always worth considering the latest developments to understand what they could save you in time, energy and money. This is because the most up-to-date technologies are likely to come with enhanced energy-saving features, and help you spread savings across the year.

Further utility savings can also be achieved through comparatively lowcost investments such as swapping double-headed taps for single-lever taps to help control hot water consumption, installing showerheads that use aeration to save water, adding reflective heat film to your windows to reduce energy loss, and – a classic – powering down any unused appliances.

ENERGY-SAVING INNOVATIONS ARE BECOMING MORE ACCESSIBLE As technology for the care sector continues to evolve, embracing it will be key to staying ahead. Enabled by internet connectivity and state-ofthe-art sensors, remote monitoring systems are now allowing providers to keep a watchful eye on your equipment, spotting issues early and dealing with them before they can cause disruptive downtime. Similarly, customers are getting fresh insights into the way their laundry rooms are running; from one dashboard, managers can easily view real-time data

without having to be on site. By creating a fuller picture of a laundry room’s daily use, these systems offer a smart way to plan resources, save time, and make decisions that reduce energy use. And as this technology expands, we expect to see more and more use cases opening up.

JLA’s own Connect service offers always-on monitoring for compatible laundry equipment. Some of its features include improving efficiency by estimating the amount of energy and water machines use, in addition to suggesting better times to run them for maximum savings. On top of that, JLA Connect offers a handy way to quantify and potentially reduce environmental impact with estimates of CO2 emissions.

JLA has also introduced its own Energy Smart Hub, which combines practical tips, data-driven insight and actionable advice that is already helping customers tackle rising energy costs and stay energy smart. We view this hub as a crucial resource offering honest comparisons between products while ensuring customers have the full picture on costs and benefits when they come to explore or invest in more energy-efficient equipment.

Our recently published sustainability report – a first in the commercial equipment industry – expands this transparent approach. The report not only explains the steps we’ve taken to save our customers 8 million kWh in electricity, and 276 million litres of water through OTEX, but formalises our sustainability strategy. We believe it is vital to outline our future goals as we continue to support thousands of organisations, like yours, that are the bedrock of the UK’s social infrastructure.

It is our hope that by adopting best practices, embracing new innovations, and sharing inspirational success stories, the sector can navigate today’s challenges while working towards a future of excellence in care and environmental responsibility.

MAG Laundry Detergents Maintaining cleanliness and comfort in care homes and nursing homes requires selecting the right laundry products. That's why many UK care homes trust MAG Laundry Detergents for their laundry needs. MAG's specially formulated commercial laundry detergents, stain removers, and fabric softeners are designed to address the most common soils found in senior care facilities. MAG's laundry solutions stand out in ensuring that your laundry and linen remain clean, bright, and soft. By washing with the high-quality laundry

products available at www.maglaundrydetergents.co.uk, you can offer your residents the freshness and cleanliness they deserve, helping you uphold the highest standards of care for your organisation.

To explore how MAG can support your care home, contact them at 01353 883025 or visit www.maglaundryequipment.co.uk

Forbes Delivers a Streamlined Solution for National Care Groups In the realm of national care, maintaining an unwavering standard of service is of paramount importance. The key to achieving this lies in forging partnerships with trusted service providers.

Established in 1926, Forbes Professional offers a cutting-edge solution that helps both small care homes and national care groups establish a streamlined process for all on-going service and account management. At the core of Forbes Professional's offering is a nationwide delivery model with a localised response; fortified by the security and dependability that comes with being a well-established company. Our extensive network of depots and field engineers ensures a highly responsive service and maintenance capability, activated seamlessly through a dedicated hotline at our headquarters.

Collaborating closely with clients, we customise solutions aligned with their unique requirements. Our approach involves comprehensive site surveys, detailed CAD designs, and the meticulous selection of industrycompliant Miele laundry appliances. Recognising the paramount importance of hygiene in the care sector, our

commercial laundry equipment strictly adheres to WRAS and CQC guidelines for infection control.

For those in the care sector, Forbes Professional offers flexibility in acquiring laundry equipment through rental, lease, or purchase options, all accompanied by comprehensive maintenance services. Our Complete Care rental solution stands out by providing access to premium equipment without upfront capital investment, coupled with a commitment to cover all repair or replacement expenses throughout the contract's duration.

National care groups partnering with Forbes Professional are assigned a dedicated account manager, streamlining all aspects of account management for a highly efficient and simplified process. This approach ensures a seamless experience for procurement teams and care management staff, reinforcing Forbes Professional's commitment to elevating the standards of care provision in the national landscape. www.forbespro.co.uk | info@forbes-professional.co.uk | 0345 070 2335

Laundry Specialists Lavamac Receive Sustainability Award

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 % 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”.

See the advert later in this feature further information on Lavamac.

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

PAGE 42 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS Washing Machines for Residential Care Homes MAG Laundry Equipment, the award-winning supplier of commercial washing machines and tumble dryers, takes pride in its extensive support to over 10,000 care homes nationwide.

Maintaining clean laundry and bedding is of utmost importance for care homes, hospices, nursing homes, hospitals, and various healthcare organisations. MAG Laundry Equipment’s nationwide team of accredited engineers has successfully served thousands of care homes with their products, services, information, and support.

MAG's comprehensive product range encompasses commercial washing machines, tumble dryers, ironers, presses and detergents. With quality products dating back to 1922, MAG has continuously developed and

enhanced its equipment, making them some of the most reliable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective machines in the market. Care homes benefit from the peace of mind that their laundry machines can be promptly maintained and repaired, as MAG Laundry Equipment supplies, installs, and services equipment across England, Scotland, and Wales.

For those seeking high-quality wash results capable of removing stubborn stains, MAG is the go-to choice.

Their washing machines for nursing homes feature complete thermal disinfection as standard.

To explore how MAG can support your care home, contact them at 01353 883025 or visit www.maglaundryequipment.co.uk

Preserving Identity and Preventing Loss: Cash's Apparel Solutions' Century-Long Legacy

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

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

PAGE 44 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

ACCESSIBLE BATHING Accessible Bathing in Nursing and Care Environments Accessible bathing in UK care and nursing homes is essential to provide residents with the best possible care. It is vital to ensure that the bathing experience is safe, comfortable, and respectful of their dignity and privacy. In this article, we will explore various aspects of accessible bathing in care and nursing homes, including health and safety, risk assessment, training, injuries, aids and equipment, technology, flooring, infection control, and patient dignity and guidance.

Bathing is a routine activity that most people take for granted. However, for people with mobility or sensory impairments, bathing can pose significant risks of falls, injury, and other complications. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a thorough risk assessment of each resident's bathing needs and capabilities to identify potential hazards and develop appropriate care plans.

The risk assessment should take into account the resident's physical and cognitive abilities, mobility, sensory impairments, medical conditions, medication, and history of falls or injuries. The assessment should also consider the design and layout of the bathing facilities, including the type of bath or shower, flooring, lighting, temperature, water pressure, and grab rails. Based on the assessment, the care team can develop a care plan that addresses the resident's individual needs and preferences, such as the frequency and timing of bathing, the use of aids and equipment, and the involvement of family or caregivers.

Accessible bathing requires the use of specific equipment and aids to assist residents. These may include handrails, shower chairs, bath hoists, and walk-in baths. It is vital to ensure that the equipment is regularly maintained and that staff are trained in its correct use.

Technology can play a significant role in accessible bathing, with innovations such as digital showers and temperature-controlled taps providing increased comfort and safety for residents. For example, some taps can automatically turn off if the water temperature gets too high, reducing the risk of scalds.

Residents' dignity and privacy should be respected at all times during accessible bathing. Staff should ensure that residents are treated with respect and that their dignity is maintained throughout the bathing process. Residents should also be given guidance on how to use the facilities and any equipment to ensure that they feel comfortable and safe.

Accessible bathing is an essential aspect of providing quality care to residents in UK care and nursing homes. Health and safety, risk assessment, training, injuries, aids and equipment, technology, flooring, infection control, and patient dignity and guidance are all crucial considerations when designing and maintaining accessible bathing facilities. By prioritizing these aspects, care and nursing homes can ensure that residents receive safe, comfortable, and respectful care during the bathing process.

NEW: Omnicare Digital Shower for Level Access Bathrooms Triton has unveiled its new Omnicare Digital solution, designed for safer showering in level access bathrooms.

Expanding its industry-leading collection of Omnicare electric care showers, the latest launch from Britain’s leading shower manufacturer has Bluetooth compatibility, enabling it to automatically pair with a Whale Instant Match pump, evacuating wastewater from showers where gravity cannot do so.

Ideal for both new build and retrofit applications, the product joins Triton’s existing Omnicare, Omnicare Ultra and Omnicare Design products to form a complete range of inclusive thermostatic showering solutions.

Packed with innovative features, the Omnicare Digital switches off instantly if power to the pump is cut for any reason, preventing flooding. Quiet in operation, the unit controls the pump’s speed based on flow rates, so gulley suction noise is minimised.

With a small footprint, the pump can be installed in various locations, including bathrooms, airing cupboards and other accessible locations – making it easier and faster for contractors to fit and maintain. A 7m pairing distance through Bluetooth wireless technology also offers flexibility for the pump to be sited outside the bathroom area.

Triton’s latest launch has been developed to support the continuing trend of multi-generational living amid an ageing demographic. Last year, CBRE found that 1.8m UK households now contain two or more adult generations.

Ashley Cooper, Marketing Director at Triton Showers, said: “An increasing number of people are living in multi-generational households, whether due to a shortage in housing stock, cost-of-living crisis, or the population living longer. Therefore, properties must be adapted accordingly, allowing people of varying

ages with different needs and abilities to share facilities.

“We launched Omnicare Digital for this type of application, further strengthening our collection of thermostatic care showers. The new model helps users with reduced mobility and can be specified in wet room applications, while still offering all the safety features that are included across our Omnicare range.”

British Electrotechnical Approvals Board (BEAB) Care Mark approved, all models in the Omnicare range have a maximum temperature setting of 43°C and are equipped with thermostatic temperature control to prevent scalding and sudden drops in water temperature, regulating within +/-1°C. Additionally, to help users of all abilities wash easily and safely, Omnicare products are Royal National Institute for Blind (RNIB) accredited and included audible feedback and tactile controls such as a looped lever handle and soft press start/stop button.

There are additional accessories that can be paired with the Omnicare range to mitigate against slips, trips and falls, including multi-purpose grab riser rail kits and remote start/stop controls.

Triton’s Omnicare Digital shows the manufacturer’s continued commitment to sustainable showering solutions. In Triton’s latest research, it found that an electric shower can cost nearly a third less than a mixer.

Ashley added: “We’re always looking at impact on the planet, whether that’s from our own manufacturing processes or changing the behaviour of those using our products.

For more information about Triton’s Omnicare range, please visit: www.tritonshowers.co.uk/care-showers Contact details: Call: 02476 324 776 Email: specification@tritonshowers.co.uk

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182 | PAGE 45

NUTRITION AND HYDRATION

Is a Sustainable Diet a Nutritious and Healthy One and Is It Appropriate for Older Adults?

Tess Warnes, Dietitian at food procurement experts allmanhall (www.allmanhall.co.uk), explains

“In the most general terms, as a population our current diet is not sustainable or healthy. The most recent UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) data shows our intakes of saturated fat, sugar and salt are above the Government recommended levels. Whereas intakes of fibre, fruit, vegetables, and oily fish are too low.

In the UK, the Eatwell Guide provides a model for a healthy, varied diet. It is estimated that if everyone adopted this diet, nationally, it would lead to reductions in associated GHGE (-45%) and land use (-49%). It includes eating at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day, wholegrain and higher-fibre starchy foods, and diversifying protein intake more towards plant sources such as beans and other pulses, as well as plant-based meat alternatives.

A recent study found increased adherence to the recommendation on reducing red and processed meat consumption was associated with the largest decrease in environmental impacts and carbon footprints.

This same study found if everyone in the UK consumed a diet in line with these recommendations, it would lead to significantly less type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, strokes and cancer.

All the evidence shows moving to a more plant-based diet means a positive impact on our health whilst meeting nutritional requirements and sustainable eating can absolutely include small amounts of meat, fish and diary.

Is this suitable for older adults? Aside from specific requirements, if it is healthy, safe and appropriate for the individual, this is all very relevant for over 80s wanting to support the planet. David Attenborough is a good example!”

Learn more by watching allmanhall’s interview with ITN: https://allmanhall.co.uk/ References: https://www.carbontrust.com/our-work-and-impact/guides-reports-and-tools/theeatwell-guide-a-more-sustainable-diet https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/10/8/e037554

Müller Brand Favourites, now Plant Based Müller is now making the trademark taste accessible to flexitarians and those following a plant based diet, even when away from home.

The move highlights how Müller is investing to expand and optimise its portfolio of products to help foodservice operators meet the needs and desires of the out-of-home customer.

15% of customers now expect venues to offer dairy alternatives on their menus, signalling a growing shift towards plant based choices. With 8% of the UK population following a lactose-free diet, there is more demand for foodservice operators to provide the products guest love in plant based alternatives.

Jason Reed, Head of Food Service and Convenience at Müller UK & Ireland, said: " Making the nation’s favourite dairy brand accessible to more people both in and out of home is an exciting and natural move.

This marks a significant step for Müller, embracing evolving consumer preferences. With the launch of our bestselling varieties and a NEW flavour launch of Strawberry & Pomegranate Fruit Corner into our growing

foodservice portfolio following the success of the range launching into retail in July 2023."

The need for plant-based to be offered alongside dairy products is becoming increasingly important, especially around the breakfast occasion. 17 million more Brits are now opting for plant based yogurt alternatives for breakfast so our range offers a real solution for caterers in the hotel, workplace, education and healthcare sectors.

Featuring coconut milk as a base, the line-up now features popular classics, with Müller Rice & Müller Corner available in four exciting new flavour variations. Müller Fruit Corner Plant Based Strawberry & Pomegranate and Müller Crunch Corner Plant Based (now with Dark chocolate-coated cereal balls) are both offered in straight cases of 6x136g, while Müller Rice Plant Based Vanilla or Chocolate is available in straight cases of 6x170g.

To explore Müller's plant based offerings, visit www.mullerforcaterers.co.uk or reach out to the Müller for Caterers team via OOHQueries@muller.co.uk.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182 | PAGE 47

PRESSURE CARE AND PATIENT HANDLING How to Approach Patient Handling In A Disability Care Setting Moving and handling is a complex and sensitive element of care giving, requiring care providers to be as knowledgeable and thorough as possible to get it right.

This applies in all settings, but even more so in disability settings when clients are often vulnerable and non-verbal.

When it comes to patient handling, care providers must respect their clients’ dignity – a fundamental aspect of quality care – and have the ability to adapt to clients’ changing needs to maintain a person-centred approach.

By Nick Horton, Managing Director, Select Lifestyles (www.selectlifestyles.co.uk) be a part of the community they live in. To avoid this, care providers should always work in partnership and communiunable to respond, as this maintains the client’s respect and dignity. cate with other healthcare professionals, such as social workers, doctors, Carers also need to make sure the correct equipment is always used – and dentists, to minimise this risk and ensure that clients receive the best not only to reduce risks but to make the job easier. People should be able possible care. to properly use equipment such as hoists, slings, standing aids, shower Another risk to consider is understaffing and busy workloads for carers chairs, grab rails, slide sheets and wheelchairs – to name a few. who are trained in patient handling. This must be avoided at all costs, as THOROUGH LEARNING AND TRAINING the quality of client care is greatly compromised if people rush tasks or The best approach for moving and handling training is through practical can’t complete them at all due to not having capacity. To minimise this, lessons. It’s a very hands-on element of personal care, so giving people care providers should have good rota planning to ensure the right staff practical experience will allow them to become familiar with the correct are always in place, as well as ensuring that patient handling training is processes and methods – something that is vital to ensure they pass the provided to the necessary people. training. Not only this, but in-person training allows learners to get imme-

CLEAR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

BEING AWARE OF THE RISKS When undertaking patient handling tasks, there are a multitude of potential risks for both carers and clients. For example, both parties could experience physical harm such as skin, tissue or ligament damage if processes aren’t followed and actions aren’t carried out with care.

For clients, there is the additional risk that, without successful patient handling, they could become isolated in their homes or rooms, unable to

In a disability care setting, carers should be aware that they are expected to follow the policies and protocols of patient handling for safety purposes. This includes carrying out risk assessments and a responsibility to follow support plans for individual clients, so everyone receives personalised care.

In addition, carers have a responsibility to communicate with clients and explain what they are about to do, even if they are non-verbal and

diate clarification on any questions they might have.

Compliance with patient handling training should also be monitored through practical assessments and regular on the job training, as well as through reviews and client feedback forms.

Patient handling is such an important element of care giving – it promotes the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of individuals with disabilities, at the same time as safeguarding the physical health and professional wellbeing of caregivers.

Prevent and Treat Pressure Ulcers with Levabo The Pressure Problem Leading lower limb and pressure care distributors Algeos has announced the launch of a new, innovative automatic lateral turning system, The Turn All. Designed and manufactured by Danish pressure care experts, Levabo, The Turn All was developed to support clinicians and carers in the regular turning of primary immobile patients with minimal disruption to the individual.

The new system fits between any standard care bed and mattress, is easy to install, and can be set to 30, 60, or 90minute increments across a 24-hour period to suit the service-users needs.

Supporting the body along its entire length, the Turn All utilises a 30-degree lateral positioning – as recommended by the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel guidelines – to relieve tissue compression and

restoring blood flow.

Furthermore, a 5-degree lift on the opposite side of the Turn All counteracts shear, a tissue injury that can occur when the tissue between the bone and subfloor is displaced.

The Turn All system is the latest product to join the Levabo range at Algeos. Other products include the Heel Up, the Seat All, and the All Up all made from soft, flexible, heat and moisture absorbent non-woven material that stimulates the microcirculation of the skin.

Developed with Danish wound-care nurses and backed by a plethora of European data, each of the Levabo products is single-patient use, machine-washable up to 60 degrees, and can be reused for six to eight weeks, making them a cost-effective solution for the treatment and prevention of pressure ulcers.

To find out more about the range of pressure ulcer prevention and treatment products from Levabo, visit the Algeos websiteat www.algeos.com or call 0151 448 1228.

Shockingly, pressure ulcers cost the NHS more than £3.8m every day; 1% of the total NHS spend in 2022/3.

Moreover, the NHS paid out £23.5m in associated litigation damages in 2021/22.

Pressure ulcers are blisters or open wounds, forming when pressure is applied to the same area of skin for a period of time. Annually, around 700,000 people in the UK will develop a pressure ulcer. As older people are a distinct risk group, they have a particular impact in community care settings, where individuals aged 65 and over make up 82.1% of the population.

They also result in longer hospital stays, by 5 to 8 days.

This is especially detrimental for elderly patients, leading to an increased risk of falling, sleep deprivation, infections, and even mental and physical deconditioning.

Overall, pressure ulcers are regarded as a measure of care quality. However, prevention education is minimal, care is time consuming, and suffers from staff shortages, which negatively impacts staff morale.

Fortunately, SSKIN is embedded in the NHS for pressure ulcer prevention. In particular, at risk individuals should be repositioned every 4 to 6 hours. Many care settings are therefore required to manage repositioning schedules, and provide advice and assistance to those at risk.

Unfortunately, the physical strain of moving patients can significantly impact staffing levels, with back and musculoskeletal problems accounting for 17% of staff sickness days in the NHS. Physical repositioning also deprives patients of sleep, impacting recovery, as sleep is vital for maintaining healing, and is essential for quality hospital experiences.

Encouragingly, implementing sufficient prevention can reduce pressure ulcers by up to 87%, with a cost saving of £513,000, and a 362-day reduction in the number of bed days per centre.

This reduces the impact on staff, while addressing overall quality of life.

At Wellell, we’re dedicated to raising societal and healthcare quality. Our range of air mattresses prevent pressure ulcers while decreasing caregiver workload, automating labour-intensive procedures and complex therapy workflows.

Our Optima Turn turning mattress, one of our Optima Series products, provides automatic and timer-controlled turning up to 30° supported by alternating pressure, multiple pressure relief therapy options and manually deflatable air cells for heel relief care, all easily accessible through the intuitive pump interface, streamlining patient handling and caregiver workload.

Contact us to learn more about this innovative pressure injury solution. Let’s work together to provide better treatment. uk.wellell.com

PAGE 48 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Taking Control of Time and Attendance in Social Care The social care industry faces unique challenges when it comes to managing time and attendance. Ensuring that the right skilled care worker is in the right place, while also juggling staff absences, can be a daunting task.

However, there is a solution that can streamline these processes and give you greater control over absence management: Advanced Time and Attendance software.

One of the key features of time and attendance software is skills mapping.

In social care, it's not always possible to simply roster in another employee to cover a shift. With skills mapping, you have the ability to set parameters that ensure the replacement staff member has the necessary skills for the specific client. So, when a care worker calls in sick or can't make it to their next client, you can seamlessly find and allocate another staff member with the right skillset.

Shift swapping is another valuable tool offered by our time and attendance software. If a care worker is unable to fulfil their shift or make it to their client visit, the shift can be easily swapped with another equally qualified care worker. This ensures continuity of care without disrupting the rest of the schedule.

Additionally, team members may even be able to trade shifts between themselves with approval, reducing the administrative burden on care coordinators.

To make the management of schedules and absences more efficient, time and attendance software offers self-service capabilities. Employees can access cloud-based software at any time to manage their schedules, sickness, and annual leave. This empowers them to take ownership of their own time and reduces the time and effort required for managers to keep tabs on who is where, when, and for how long.

Managing rosters, absence, and payroll in the social care industry can be complex, but it doesn't have to be complicated. With Advanced Time & Attendance solution, you can efficiently configure your rotas, update shifts, and track absences. The software provides real-time data and productivity insights, helping you make informed decisions and optimise your workforce.

Taking control of absences in social care is crucial for maintaining the quality of care provided to clients. Advanced’s Time and Attendance software offers the tools and capabilities needed to streamline processes, allocate skilled staff members, and empower employees to manage their own schedules. By implementing a Time & Attendance solution, you can prioritise client needs while ensuring efficient and effective workforce management.

For more information on Advanced Time and Attendance, you can visit our website www.oneadvanced.com or call 0330 311 6077. See the advert on the back cover of this issue for details.

SFIncS r/3 - A Fee Income System Especially for Residential and Nursing Care Homes SFIncS r/3 - A Fee Income System especially for Residential and Nursing Care Homes Designed to deliver simplicity and ease of use coupled with speed, flexibility and accuracy, SFIncS r/3 (Simple Fee Income System release 3) has a proven track record of over 12 years in use.

Originally developed and prototyped as an MS Access database, since 2017 SFIncS r/3 has lived entirely on the cloud, so is available 24/7 from anywhere in the world.

As a completely bespoke package, born of necessity and collaboration between seasoned software consultants with ties to the care industry, SFIncS r/3 offers innovations and capabilities not found in any other system.

Separation of sponsor and service user responsibilities permits unlimited sponsor/service user relationships, and as any number of charge codes may be defined, this allows complete flexibility of service user/sponsor /charge code definition.

Its unique continuous billing function is the most efficient means possible of defining recurring charges (an entry is only required when a change occurs) and both an ad hoc charge function and a

cashbox module are available for incidental expenses (either or both can be used).

Use of the balance forward accounting principle (which makes unnecessary invoice matching a thing of the past - though invoicing is included) plus super quick receipts entry using just ‘six clicks’ makes SFIncS r/3 almost effortless to use.

Paula, who owns and operates Monkstone House Residential Home in Porthcawl testifies to it’s incredible prowess: “With 41 partly private and partly sponsored service users, some of whom are multiply funded, it takes me only 30 to 40 minutes per week to keep both my accounts and fee income up to date! More importantly, I never need to worry about underpaid or overpaid fees - everything is always spot on. And the invoices and statements produced let me present the polished and professional image I need.”

SFIncS r/3 integrates easily with any accounting package, can be used by any type of care home and by single or multiple home operators alike.

For more information email benjones@intracare.co

Better by Design: A Fee Income System especially for Residential and Nursing Care Homes We've analysed every aspect of fee income processing to the nth degree and developed a bespoke solution that delivers simplicity and ease of use coupled with speed, flexibility and accuracy – all in one outstanding application package.

SFIncS r/3 is the ultimate fee income management and control system.

• Unlimited sponsor and charge code assignments allow complete flexibility of service user billing profiles.

• Perfect for all types of care homes - Nursing, Residential, Mixed, Specialist.

• Unique continuous billing functionality provides the most efficient charge definition possible.

Only charge start points need to be maintained and all sponsor charges for each service user (including historic) are shown on just one screen.

• Completely flexible invoicing. Invoice any sponsor at any time for any charges for any service user for any period of time.

• Super fast receipt entry including ‘Six clicks’ copy functionality.

• Balance forward accounting means you can forget laborious invoice matching.

• Ad hoc charges functionality.

• Cashbox module included.

• Works for multiple or single home operators.

• Integrates with any accounting system.

• Plus all the reports, views and graphs you’ll ever need.

• In use for over 12 years.

• Free training and help with system set up.

• Historic data loading option available (charges may apply).

• 30 day free trial.

For a demo, free trial or for further information please email benjones@intracare.co or visit https://intracare.co/

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182 | PAGE 49

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Mainteno - Award-Winning Maintenance Management Software Mainteno is a complete, cost-effective CAFM software solution designed to simplify the day-to-day maintenance of any organization. Whether you're managing planned maintenance or dealing with fault repairs, Mainteno streamlines every aspect of the maintenance management process, saving you time and money.

With Mainteno, you can keep everyone in the loop and archive all your communications and documentation in one place, allowing for total control of your organization's assets. The software also seamlessly incorporates asset management and tracking for added convenience.

Pass Profile 2023 PASS supports over 1,000 care providers every day, giving them access to market leading care management tools hand in hand with unlimited 24/7/365 support from our dedicated and friendly PASS team.

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

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

As a result, PASS now provides an all-in-one suite of digital care management tools, available from a single platform, designed to: • Save you time • Increase the efficiency of your teams • Improve the quality of care • Deliver better outcomes

Mainteno's interface was designed with practicality in mind, allowing basic operation to be learned in minutes and making it easy to become a power user in just one afternoon. Despite its elegant usability, Mainteno is surprisingly affordable, with no set-up fee or lengthy contracts.

Mainteno adapts to any organization's maintenance needs and offers a FREE TRIAL, so you can see how it can benefit your organization before committing. Try Mainteno now and experience the time and cost savings it can provide for your facilities management. With Mainteno, you can enjoy a complete CAFM software solution that simplifies your maintenance processes and saves you money, all while providing the flexibility and ease-of-use you need to stay productive.

Visit www.mainteno.com

INTEGRATED HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE Our commitment to the continual evolution of PASS is further illustrated by the addition of GP Connect. The first product of its type to offer this feature, PASS is still one of only a handful of digital care management solutions to have completed this NHS Digital integration, and is the only one offering it to the home care market.

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

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

PAGE 50 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

ChatGPT and the Adult Care System - We Need To Be Aware Of The Limitations

Nourish Care’s Chief Product Officer Jeremy Baldwin on why the care sector should be careful in rushing to adopt AI

There are many great examples of AI being used to positive effect in health and social care leading some care providers to look at open platforms like ChatGPT to generate care plans and make calls on tech providers to build into their systems. I get the attraction but we shouldn’t rush in.

Yes, plans created through ChatGPT can read really well and appear person-centred, saving time, and improving the perceived standard of the plans generated, but there are significant data privacy, clinical safety and quality issues to consider. These relate to how and when the AI is being used, who or what is making the decision and who is responsible if something goes wrong.

A single care provider deciding to accept these risks in their own clinical safety cases is one thing while setting best practice by integrating into systems such as Nourish that are used at scale across the sector is quite another.

A common understanding of AI is technology performing human tasks and decisions. At the most basic level, asking the AI to perform a specific, usually administrative, but cognitive task like writing a report through to the AI automating decisions or tasks based on a set of rules and then to autonomous applications where the AI is doing both the decision making and action without intervention - care delivering robots, which begs the question, will the human be replaced? Can you take the human out of health care? Or perhaps put another way can the AI care?

In reality, this is all a long way off in the care sector, if it happens at all. The careful, considered and responsible adoption of AI will reap benefits but, as always, will take longer to manifest than we think.

Automation in our digital systems is nothing new. It’s core to Nourish and how we are developing best practice to help ensure that the right things happen at the right time.

What’s changed is the availability of open language models like ChatGPT. They are trained to understand natural language, intent, and context for the action or decision and can respond with human-style conversation. This makes them useful and attractive.

Using ChatGPT to give better structure to a care plan, and make it easier for others to consume is fine as is using it as a starting point for personalised care plans but not if it’s being used to generate the plan from scratch.

A ChatBot that makes it easier to access and understand information from a defined source — such as an individual’s personalised care plan and record — and is really powerful, but caution should be applied if this ends up being advice or recommendation based on data from multiple, open sources. Where is this data coming from? What happens if there is a conflict? Which fact (or more likely opinion) should I use?

Nourish is advancing rapidly and one of the biggest areas of growth is integrations. What will revolutionise care is the use of devices and wearables, along with home automation devices that allow us to improve care in community settings, particularly in people’s homes. It’s a huge technological leap. All of these things become part of the puzzle in being able to identify what normal looks like for this person and to be able to identify and monitor anomalies. This makes it easier to identify those at greatest risk, or urgent need and manage resourcing accordingly.

AI will continue to grow and Nourish is effectively creating a model of what good social care looks like.

We’re ideally placed to do that as we’re instrumental in providing digital care support in almost a quarter (24%) of the market, which gives us access to a huge dataset that is growing all the time. AI modelling of these data sets over time, will inform better practice but we still need human beings to make those important care decisions.

Automations that reduce the burden on care teams for administrative, reporting and compliance have to be a good - and safe thing. Automated workflows that guide and nudge on the next best action will lead to faster and better interventions, but caution is needed if this strays into the generation and application of treatment plans or response to an event.

This need to keep decision-making in human hands won’t hinder advancement. Those predicting that we will be cared for by robots and automated systems in a few years' time will be proven wrong. It’s not going to be futuristic care of the imagination, it will be slow because the system is slow. There is still a very long way to go and one thing I predict is that we’ll seriously underestimate the impact that AI will have on social care in the future.

ABOUT NOURISH CARE Nourish is the leading provider of digital care management software in the UK. Nourish was one of the first digital social care record suppliers to be recognised as an NHS Transformation Directorate Assured Supplier at launch and is accredited by PRSB as a Quality Partner. The easy-to-use technology provides care teams with person-centred tools, timelines, assessments and more to drive outstanding care and improve outcomes for those with support needs. Nourish works with more than 3,500 care services in the UK and overseas within residential homes, nursing homes, learning disability services, mental health services, and other care settings.

www.nourishcare.com

What To Consider When Choosing A Staff Attack System For Care Settings With reports revealing up to 85% of care workers experience abuse each year and thousands of serious attacks on carers recorded, the need for reliable, efficient staff attack systems in care settings has never been greater.

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

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

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

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

PRECISE Equally, the accuracy of a staff safety system is a key consideration. When an alarm is triggered, the response team should be informed of the exact location of the call – allowing for rapid intervention and thus prevention of harm.

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

USER-FRIENDLY Staff alarm systems for care workers should be simple-to-use and easily accessible. In the face of hostility or violence, carers should be able to activate their personal alarm quickly and without alerting the

aggressor.

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

ROBUSTNESS Vandalism of safety systems is not uncommon in high-risk work settings, as service users can tamper with or abuse the devices out of frustration.

Choosing a robust safety system is therefore an important and cost-effective measure for care homes.

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

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

Interested in learning more about Pinpoint’s P2 System?

Visit www.pinpoint.ltd.uk/staff-safety-system See the advert on page 13.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182 | PAGE 51

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

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

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

the location of the call. In these circumstances, dementia sufferers and those vulnerable to noise can be located in one “zone” whist less vulnerable residents live in an alternative “zone”. Each “zone” can operate different call tones, warning lights or other methods to alert when help is required Reducing noise levels is essential to create a tranquil environment for residents.

Pagers have been around for many years, are a relatively simple and cost-effective measure in reducing the levels of noise, and can be added to most Nurse Call systems. Smart Mobile Devices are now becoming more commonplace for care home staff and hold a variety of apps for care planning, e-medication, etc. Many Courtney Thorne clients are now utilising the “Go” app with their Nurse Call system. With the “Go” app, nurse call alarms are delivered immediately and silently straight to the handsets, alerting the individual carers to all Nurse call alarms without creating any general alarm sound and rarely disturbing the rest of the residents in the home.

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

For more information email us at: info@c-t.co.uk or see the advert below.

Earzz Elevates Night-time Care!

Earzz Limited is a British business making AI-powered acoustic monitoring solutions that help the vulnerable and those who care for them.

Built with a deep commitment to enhancing the well-being of residents,

record referencing.

Earzz also offers Routine-based Audible Sound Detection -

‘Earzz’ listens, recognises, and alerts for critical sounds, making it an

Sends alerts for any audible sounds at specific times as set by

invaluable addition to residential homes and supported living facilities.

staff/carer/manager, especially valuable for night-time care for

The advanced system monitors residents at night, alerting staff and users to critical sounds for prompt care. With cutting-edge AI prioritising privacy—no speech recognition, no recordings.

Earzz also keeps digital records of important sounds in resident rooms - like coughing, gasping, and thuds from falls, that help track trends in resident health and enable easier handover for staff and

vulnerable residents, helping to reduce chances of falls.

Call +44(0)2038380090 to book a demo!

Visit www.earzz.com Or see the advert on page 19.

www.nursecallsystems.co.uk

PAGE 52 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

Prevent 55% of Night-Time Falls with Ally Ally, an AI-powered resident monitoring system is revolutionising night-time care with its immediate advantages for care home owners, staff, and residents.

Ally uses a wall-mounted sensor, easily retrofitted into rooms which send alerts to the Ally app. The AI processes sound and motion signals to notify staff when attention is required, for example if resident’s call out in pain, panic, or are moving. The result is enhanced safety, reduced disruptive checks, and improved sleep and well-being for residents.

In collaboration with NHS Digital, ICB’s and customer feedback, Ally demonstrates remarkable results: • 40% increase in night staff efficiency • 55% reduction in resident falls • 20% drop in hospital visits This leads to a substantial 9x return on investment, primarily achieved by affording staff more time for personalised care. Customer testimonials echo Ally's transformative impact:

“Ally’s Resident Monitor solution exemplifies how technology can deliver personalised remote monitoring that is proactive rather than reactive to incidents, ultimately enhancing the well-being of residents.” Melanie Dawson, Home Manager at The Lawns “The first indicator of a resident who contracted Covid was Ally picked up that she was coughing a lot in the night. She still had Covid, we still had to manage that situation, but because we were aware of it a little bit earlier, it helped us to feel more in control of the situation." Robin Hall at Oaklands Care Home The Care Quality Commission (CQC) recognises Ally's positive impact on care stating in their State of Health Care and Adult Social Care in England 2016/17 report “Acoustic monitoring enabled staff to respond more promptly and appropriately to people’s support needs during the night.”

Ally enhances care outcomes but also positions care homes using this as preferred choices for new admissions and staff. Join the revolution in night-time care, visit https://www.allycares.com/ and follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/ally-smart-care/

Blaucomm Ltd Arquella - Connected Technology, Connected Care Telecommunications & Networks Blaucomm’s Nurse Call Messaging Service (NMS) is the market leading solution to remove the dependency on noisy nurse call panels and pagers, through its intelligent software, which delivers the alerts straight to the care staff who need them.

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

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

The best part is that Blaucomm NMS links into

your existing nurse call system - we work with all major brands such as Aidcall, ARM, Courtney Thorne, C-TEC, ENS, Intercall, Medicare, SAS and TeleAlarm.

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

Head of IT Trudi Harrow at WCS Care had this to say about Blaucomm NMS: “We find Blaucomm is a genuinely fantastic company with a reliable product.

"We 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.

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 sensorbased 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, 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 or the advert on the facing page.

PAGE 54 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

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.

Medpage Advanced Domestic and Commercial Fall Prevention Systems Medpage Limited has manufactured care aid technologies for 40 years and our brand is widely used in hospitals and commercial care establishments. We supply fall prevention and detection systems to suit most requirements to ensure patient safety and regulation compliance. We are a major contributor and supplier of equipment to the hospital patient discharge project, where Assistive Technology items are issued to aid independent living and keep people safer at home.

We offer expert technical advice, support, and product guidance for customers unsure of their requirements. Our reputation for delivering quality services, quality products, competitive pricing, and our passionate commitment to developing new and improved technologies is acknowledged by the majority of Local Authorities in the UK.

Our latest fall prevention system based around our MPCSA11 sensor controller was successfully tested in Cardiff Royal Infirmary, Enfield and Barnet NHS, Potters Bar, Edgeware, and is now adopted and implemented as part of their falls management programmes.

The CSA11WBCK system is unique in that it allows a patient with mobility to freely transfer from bed to chair and into a monitored area, such as the washroom, without causing an alarm so long as the patient is detected by a sensor, bed, chair, or movement. If the patient fails to return to their bed or chair the alarm outputs become active alerting radio pagers, nurse call trigger, or dispersed alarm dialler.

To find out more about Medpage fall prevention systems visit www.easylinkuk.co.uk Professional-wandering-falls.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182 | PAGE 55

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

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

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

PAGE 56 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

PROFESSIONAL, TRAINING & RECRUITMENT First Free E-Learning Resource on Data Security and Protection for Care Staff Launched Care providers can now improve and assess their staff’s knowledge of data security and protection using a new elearning resource, specifically designed for the care sector.

Better Security, Better Care – the national programme supporting adult care providers with data security - has developed the course in response to a gap in the market.

Speaking about the new course, Michelle Corrigan, Programme Director of Better Security, Better Care, said: "Care providers told us that they struggle to access relevant training for their staff on data protection and cyber security. Our course content reflects all care settings and staff roles – from home care and residential services, to frontline care workers and administrators. There are lots of videos, case studies and interactive elements which enable staff to understand their role in keeping both print and digital data safe.

“Care providers also said that it can be challenging to meet the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) requirement to train at least 95 per cent of staff on data protection in the previous 12 months. This course has been specifically designed to meet that requirement.

“We have made the course completely open access, without any need to register or login because we want to maximise the number of people using it – especially staff in small care services. But it is also available as a SCORM compliant resource for providers who have a Learning Management System."

The course, which reinforces the Data Security Standards and the Care Certificate, includes four modules and one online assessment. Each module takes around 10 – 20 minutes to complete, and there is one single

assessment covering topics from all four modules. Staff can complete the modules in any order and over the course of several days.

Care managers, trainers and staff can access the course and corresponding user guides at www.digitalcarehub.co.uk/elearning The course modules are: Module 1: Data protection rights and responsibilities covers the importance of data security and protection in the care system and staff’s personal responsibility to handle data safely.

Module 2: Keeping data secure covers the importance of keeping data secure through good record keeping and data disposal, and how to share confidential data securely.

Module 3: Threats to data security looks at the threats to data security that employees might encounter, including common types of fraud and scams and how to safely use and keep digital and paper records.

Module 4: Data breaches explains what data breaches are, the causes of data breaches and what to do in the event of a breach.

Assessment quiz: The assessment includes 20 questions relating to all four modules. Trainees are required to get 80% or more correct in order to download the certificate.

The course, which was developed and tested in partnership with care providers, has been welcomed by the sector.

Dr Jane Townson, Chair of the Care Provider Alliance representing the 10 national care provider trade associations, encourages members to use the course saying: “Care providers are increasingly aware of how important it is to train their staff on good data and cyber security practice. But until now, there hasn’t been anything really tailored to the specific needs and circumstances faced by our sector’s staff.

“This new elearning course from Better Security, Better Care is the missing piece of the puzzle – and it complies with the training requirements in the Data Security and Protection Toolkit.

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

Good governance care itself is an integral part of health and social regulation, Regulation 17 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 stipulates that care providers must have systems and processes in place that ensure they can meet the requirements of Regulations 4 to 20A. Policies and procedures not only ensure that providers are compliant with this regulation and working within the law; they also enable providers to drive improvement and protect the people who access services and receive care.

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

“The Care Provider Alliance encourages all care providers to use the resource to improve and assess their staff’s knowledge.”

Tom Rottinghuis, Data Protection Officer at The Forward Trust who was on the Working Group that developed the course said: “Our safeguarding manager and two of our counsellors … were particularly pleased to see that there is a focus on the need to share – as well as the need to protect – people’s information, and it really shows that data protection is not the enemy of safeguarding and care, but a crucial part of it. You can and must share information in order to ensure people get the support they need.”

“One of the most valuable aspects of the new resources is that they are short... Given the pressure our staff are under, and the high turnover, it is so valuable to have something that is clear, straightforward and flexible to use.”

Care staff who were involved in testing the course fed back: “This will help train all staff easily and at no cost. Very clear and easy, I look forward to using these modules for our staff!”

“I think it is really digestible, and has managed to strike the balance of including all relevant and necessary information whilst the training does not feeling too info heavy to digest.”

“These modules are tailored to the social care context and reflect real situations that a diverse variety of care workers face in different settings.

It’s visual and in plain English so it is very accessible to a wide range of staff including those with English as a second language.”

Visit www.digitalcarehub.co.uk/elearning

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

For many small- to medium-sized providers, there may not be the in-house skills, knowledge, and experience to complete such a robust annual review. Many choose instead to purchase their policies and procedures from a reputable provider like W&P Compliance & Training, who will also complete reviews and ensure their policies and procedures remain up to date. This way a provider not only ensures they remain compliant; they also benefit from best practice policies and procedures that provide a solid foundation for safe working practices and – ultimately – protect and support service users and staff.

Ben Erskine – Director at W&P Compliance & Training www.wandptraining.co.uk | Tel: 01305 767104 See the advert on page 2 for further information.

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 connect-

ing 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.

Do You Need Permanent and Reliable Care Staff?

At Caring People Recruitment we specialise exclusively in finding the RIGHT PEOPLE to work on permanent contracts in the UK healthcare industry.

RECRUIT OVERSEAS: For companies with a sponsors license, we can provide the highest calibre English speaking candidates.

You can choose to recruit face to face in the Caribbean (in Jamaica or St Lucia for example) or via video call from your own office. We offer free flights and hotels for our clients for all overseas bulk recruitment drives.

Candidates are all FULLY QUALIFIED in the care sector with a minimum of 2 years PROFESSIONAL care experience. Retention rates of above 98%.

RECRUIT LOCALLY: If it’s local staff that you are looking for, then look no further. Our team can

assist to fill your vacancies fast and reduce those agency costs. We recruit from top to bottom; regional managers, care home managers, nurses, carers, chefs, kitchen staff and cleaners.

We are a family business committed to providing our valued clients with a complete and personal service. We guarantee that our candidates will enhance the levels of care that being provided by your business.

CONTACT US NOW: Email: Ben.livermore@caringpeople.com TEL : 0785 24 29 294 See the advert on page 9 for further details.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182 | PAGE 57

PROFESSIONAL, TRAINING & RECRUITMENT

Grey Matter Learning Set To Support Over 180 Care Leaders Thanks To Skills For Care Funding Multi award winning eLearning provider, Grey Matter Learning, has kicked 2024 off with a bang after receiving funding from Skills for Care to deliver their suite of leadership and management online courses to over 180 care leaders.

The funding, which has been awarded by Skills for Care, will enable the training provider to offer their courses free of charge to social care professionals in leadership roles to support their career development and overall standard of care.

Their Lead to Succeed, Well Led and Leading Change Improving Care (LCIC) courses will run between January – March 2024, across a multitude of cohorts, with the first having already kicked-off.

Talking of the initiative, Commercial Director of Grey Matter Learning, Phil Hitchcox commented: “Normally, care providers must pay upfront for these Skills for Care courses, and we then support them to claim back the costs through the Workforce Development Fund.

But, this year, Skills for Care have taken a slightly different approach and released pots of money to enable training providers like ours to deliver this training at no cost to the care provider.

“We have seen a huge demand for these courses, mainly, we suspect, due to the ability to access this training with no upfront costs. We all know the struggles facing the social care sector right now, and the cost-of-living crisis has hit this sector like all others meaning budgets are stretched. So, Skills for Care taking this approach has been really well received by the sector and I hope to see such initiatives again in the future.

With an average turn-over rate of 28.3% and circa 152,000 vacant posts (Skills for Care), developing and retain-

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

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

WHY JJ? • We have very minimal processing fees.

• 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

ing existing talent is key for the success of the social care sector. Only be showing clear career progression and opportunities will the sector attract and retain professionals. Phil went on to say that: “It’s alarming to read in a recent report published by EveryLIFE, Leaders of Tomorrow, that of those leaders they surveyed, a staggering 31% are not aware of any leadership training but 58% cite recruiting skilled/experienced staff as the biggest challenge faced by care leaders. That’s why we are so passionate about initiative such as these, as they are helping to tackle these issues head on.”

Through their online delivery model, Grey Matter Learning can offer care leaders the opportunity to access sector specific professional development, but in a way that works around their busy schedules and other commitments. With over 3,000 social care managers having successfully completed the Lead to Succeed programme alone, the training provider is no stranger to delivering high volumes of training at scale and pace.

Grey Matter Learning is a leading eLearning provider for social care, supporting thousands of care professionals annually to gain new knowledge and skills to help drive quality of care in the sector. Working with care providers and local authorities, Grey Matter Learning pride themselves on delivering a suite of courses that address the pain points within the sector, as well as equipping professionals with the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need. More can be found here https://greymatterlearning.co.uk/ Skills for Care is the strategic workforce development and planning body for adult social care in England. https://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Home.aspx

Why Train Beyond the Care Certificate?

It can be tempting to think that once the Care Certificate has been achieved it’s the end of training. The Care Certificate can demonstrate that staff have the minimum level of required training.

Training to Level 2 and beyond will therefore improve abilities to cope with the challenges presented by working in a difficult sector.

Obviously one of the most significant challenges was dealing with Covid but there will be new and different challenges ahead However, it is the clients who will benefit from the improvement that additional training will bring. Whilst these may include advances in the treatment of dementia, or changes to the

legislative framework, there will undoubtedly be any number of other issues that will create new and complex problems that need to be dealt with.

So, if you think the Care Certificate completes all the training, it might be time to think again.

So why choose Step Up Training and Care?

We provide training services that will build implicit trust, leading to confidence by clients looking to use your services.

At Step Up Training and Care, we know people are busy, work long hours and that a set 95 timetable will not work for most care homes and providers. We can tailor our learning pro-

grammes to meet individual needs, time our training to meet business commitments, working shift patterns and around family life.

Zoom Boom is here to stay, and we can accommodate teaching and learning through blended learning such as classroom, remote, assessor based, one to one training sessions.

Our trainers have personal experiences of working in the health and social care sector, hence our flexible approach.

We empower people to learn.

Training beyond the Care Certificate - Can you afford not to?

T : 0121 794 1532 or 07384 698553 W : www.stepuptrainingandcare.co.uk E : info@stepuptrainingandcare.co.uk See the advert on page 11.

PAGE 58 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 182

PROFESSIONAL, TRAINING & RECRUITMENT How you can help your clients pay for care?

If they are over 55 and a homeowner then a lifetime mortgage might be the answer to paying for care. It can release cash from their homes and use it to pay for care.

They could have extra visits or services they can’t presently afford, or install stair-lifts, hoists, wet-rooms etc. to make life easier.

Ideally suited to domicillary care but can be used to fund the needs of one party living in care. Best of all clients keep ownership of their home.

What’s in it for you? More money! More services, longer care periods.

To find out if it could work for you contact: 07789 885611 or e-mail money@lifetimemortgages.info Lifetimemortgages.info is a trading style of The Later Life Lending Network which is an Appointed Representative of The Right

Mortgage Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales no. 09832887 Registered address 70 St. Johns Close, Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands B93 0NH.

Recruiting Success with CVMinder ATS Care recruiting is currently challenging. So, why is CVMinder ATS a great choice for Care Providers?

Stuart Haddow, MD, suggests that its Ambassador Customers make the biggest difference.

Ambassadors include senior HR leaders from the Care sector. “They have proven to be great at overcoming recruiting headwinds” says Stuart.

CVMinder’s Ambassador Customers also guide CVMinder product improvement programme.

Using that great guidance delivers a competitive advantage for all CVMinder Care customers. Jack Morgan of Local Solutions agrees. “CVMinder has made the process as smooth and as streamlined as possible. That’s is critical when recruiting in a

demanding sector like care. It gives us central control of everything and the management information we generate from CVMinder has helped to improve our recruiting approach. Without CVMinder our recruiting costs would be much higher and good candidates would be lost in the administration clutter.”

Donna Newell of The Kent Autistic Trust says “CVMinder ensures that we are being responsive to applicants and the demands of our managers.

Having a one stop shop means that we can post and update jobs at the touch of a button. Receiving all applications online and using filter questions enables our recruiters to shortlist batches of applicants swiftly.”

T: 01634 202 101 E: enquiries@cvminder.co.uk W: cvminder.co.uk/care

Care Home Finance from Global Business Finance through to allowing groups to grow significantly in size we assist at every stage of your business 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

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

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