The Carer Digital - Issue #184

Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

Editor Peter Adams

As we head into to a general election sometime this year there are renewed calls for a national care service

Trade union UNISON has been a strong advocate for a National care service and has found support from opposition party Labour and care providers

This proposal aims to address the long-standing issues within the care sector access to care as well as staff shortages low pay and the inadequate funding of care homes

A national care service the union says would provide a standardized approach to providing care, ensuring that the quality of care is consistent across the country This would benefit both care providers and care recipients as it would create a more transparent and accountable care system Furthermore a national care service could help to alleviate staff shortages by providing better pay and working conditions for care workers making the profession more attractive and competitive

By streamlining administrative processes and pooling resources efficiencies can be realized, potentially alleviating strains on both caregivers and care recipients

However and it is a rather big however the proposal is not without its challenges

The primary concern is funding, we are in the midst of a financial crisis and have been for several years and would draw your attention to a story on page 7 wich reveals that up to 50% of councils are facing bankruptcy

As a national care service would require substantial investment by the government I suspect it would probably run into billions and it remains unclear where this funding would come from, and that remains the elephant in the room In a landscape already burdened by fiscal constraints and competing priorities the question of where this funding will originate is one I feel all advocates must address

While supporters will rightly argue that the investment is a moral imperative and a prudent long-term strategy skeptics will caution against the risk of overreach and fiscal strain The delicate balance between adequately resourcing care services and ensuring fiscal sustainability will demand careful navigation and transparent evidence-based decision-making

While a national care service has the potential to address many of the issues within the care sector, it is essential to consider the financial implications and potential pitfalls As the discussion continues it is crucial for all stakeholders to work together to find a solution that balances the need for high-quality care with the practical realities of funding and governance

This is something we here at THE CARER hope to embellish on in the coming months

As political parties position themselves it is imperative that any debate is open and transparent and must to draw upon the expertise of those entrenched in care provision harnessing their insights to inform policy development and implementation strategies Collaboration between government industry stakeholders and the broader community will be essential in charting a path forward that upholds the principles of dignity, compassion and equity

Once again we here at THE CARER would take this opportunity to thank you all for the wonderful stories you send to us on a daily basis

Pet therapy, community initiatives, fundraising for local charities, schools and support services resident celebrations and anniversaries and this week there are a couple of birthdays which will certainly deserve recognition!

We were delighted to share birthday celebrations for Twyford House Care Home resident Marie Lycett celebrated who her 107th birthday and Marjorie Broadhurst from Care UK’s Knebworth, on London Road, who marked her 103rd birthday and Betty Fairley (nee Adie) celebrated her 100th birthday this week at Croftbank House in Uddingston

Remarkable! When Marie was born World War I was still raging and that was the year of the revolution in Russia! In 1921 when Marjorie was born Southern Ireland left the United Kingdom and 2021 saw the invention of a new machine called “the dishwasher”, in 1924 when Betty was born Mahatma Gandhi was released from prison and there were lots of shenanigans in Europe by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini!

A lifetime away and how the world has changed since then so please do keep sharing these wonderful stories with us it is an absolute pleasure for us to share them with our vast readership online and in print!

We would also take this opportunity once again to remind you that we here at THE CARER are media partners and are exhibiting at UK Care Week at Birmingham NEC next month (March 20-21) we are on stand F16

Trade events for the adult social care sector provide all in my opinion definite diary dates they are a platform with industry-defining content live product demonstrations and interactive features set to support and equip those in the sector with the skills and knowledge to improve the lives of those they care for

We are working closely with the organisers who we have been media partners with four many years now and this year s show features include the CQC Inspector Hub and the Virtual Dementia Tour which provides an immersive interactive experience for social care business owners and management teams The show will have hundreds of suppliers speakers and like-minded professionals are also on hand to engage with visitors and share their visions and solutions for overcoming the challenges care home businesses are facing

So, if you own a UK care business, have influence on key decisions in a care home or home care business or are looking to expand your existing carebusiness then UK Care Week is the place to be and please do stop by and say are hello feedback is very important and we always welcome your views!

Prospective MPs Urged to Back New National Care Ser vice

(CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER) Wages

This

SOCIAL CARE “BROKEN”

UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Social

“If the country is to have a care service of which it can be truly proud, care workers must be valued recognised and rewarded as the skilled professionals they are

That requires radical change Too many families are suffering because they can’t access the support they need and because care isn t seen as the priority it should be by the current government

“It’s in everyone’s best interest, no matter how old they are, that England has a national care service That s why it s so important for all the country s parliamentary candidates to publicly pledge their support SECTOR SUPPORT

Supporting the call social care provider organisation, the Independent Care Group (ICG) says its long-standing call for a National Care Service, with a mixed market of private sector and not-for-profit social care provision is central to its own manifesto for the General Election

ICG Chair Mike Padgham said: We have long campaigned for a National Care Service and support UNISON’s call to get all prospective MPs behind the idea

“The current system isn’t working, social care is in crisis with 1 6m people going without care 152 000 vacancies in the sector and providers closing or handing back delivery contracts

A National Care Service supported by proper funding is the minimum we should be looking for from our politicians as they put together their manifestos for the General Election

The ICG supports a mixed market of private sector and not-for-profit social care provision through small medium and large providers as the best way to provide a high quality of care choice for the country

DECADES OF UNDERFUNDING

Decades of under-funding neglect and broken promises have left social care on its knees, with care and nursing homes and homecare providers closing down leaving more and more people without care Mr Padgham added

“We need the election to bring root and branch reform, the National Care Service and a minimum of £7bn a year extra into social care to make meaningful change to social care delivery and to the pay and conditions of those we employ

“The current, mixed market approach to social care provision can work perfectly well provided the sector is funded properly

We deserve to know what is in the politicians thinking before we go to the polls and this time there must be a legally binding way to hold them to account if they fail to deliver

Some 14 000 people can t be discharged from hospital even though they are well enough and much of that is down to a lack of available social care Investing in social care will ease that pressure on the NHS It doesn t need to be new money but can be money switched into social care from the NHS because eventually a penny spent on social care will be a penny saved for the NHS

It is likely to take two terms of government before we can see proper change so we need work to begin straight away The number of people aged over 65 will rise from 10 5m to 13 8m by 2035 and we will need an extra 480 000 people in the social care workforce to provide care to meet that extra demand We have to start planning for that and we have to start doing so now ”

Employer Sponsorship Challenges For The Care Sector

Article by Fozia Iqbal, Senior Business Immigration Solicitor at Harper James (www.harperjames.co.uk)

bers to the UK

The care sector has experienced a labour shortage for some time Following Brexit and the end of free movement the number of vacancies in the sector increased significantly as many roles were previously filled by low paid workers from the EU which made the situation critical To help fill these vacancies, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) advised the government to include care workers and home carers on the list of Shortage Occupations as an interim measure making foreign care workers eligible to come to the UK on sponsored Skilled Worker visas This recommendation was adopted and implemented in February 2022 As Health and Care Workers care workers were exempt from the health surcharge and the minimum salary thresholds so cheaper to sponsor than other foreign workers Equally they are not required to have specific qualifications or skills to take up these roles so the sector is attracting large numbers of foreign workers to the UK With

the

is increasingly reliant on sponsored foreign workers

to the UK with them At the end of 2023 record levels of

migration were widely reported (745 000 in 2022) and the increase of foreign labour in the care sector was identified as a contributing factor With an election approaching in 2024 the government rushed to implement several changes to the Immigration Rules to help bring numbers down

Additionally concerns have been raised about abuse of the sponsorship regime in the care sector including foreign workers paying to be sponsored to the UK with no employment once they arrive, some working over the 20 hours a week they are entitled to in supplementary employment and working too many hours altogether with consequent risks to those they are providing care to and general low wages driving down wages in the sector overall

As a consequence the Home Office is subjecting employer sponsors in the care sector to increased scrutiny, with many being regularly audited, either through visits, telephone interviews with follow up documentation requests or email questionnaires Further evidence is being requested to support certificate allocation requests, many of which are being delayed for weeks if not months, only to be subsequently refused Sponsorship in this sector is therefore likely to get more challenging

ADDITIONAL CHALLENGES AND CHANGES

Immigration changes specifically affecting the social care sector have been proposed by the government to be implemented from 11th March 2024 These include:

- Sponsors in the care sector will need to be CQC registered for new sponsorship of care workers

- New care workers sponsored to work in the UK as Skilled Workers will not be able to bring their family mem-

These changes are aimed to help ensure genuine care industry businesses are involved in the sponsorship regime and to reduce the number of sponsored care workers coming to the UK particularly with it becoming a less attractive option for those wishing to bring their family with them

The government has also introduced further changes to reduce reliance on foreign workers which will impact the care sector These include:

- Increases to the health surcharge – from £624 to £1035 per year from 6 February 2024

- Increases to the penalties for employing illegal workers – with effect from 13 February fees have tripled from £15k to £45k (for 1st single offence) and from £20k to £60k (for repeated breaches)

- Minimum salary threshold increases will be introduced for most roles and Skilled Workers generally, although care workers should be exempted from these significant increases

CARE SECTOR BUSINESSES CAN ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES AND PREPARE FOR CHANGES

HOW

With the government’s general direction aimed at reducing the reliance on foreign workers in the UK labour market businesses in the care sector must be cautious when building their businesses as over reliance on foreign workers will inevitably attract the attention and scrutiny of the Home Office, which is currently targeting the care sector for compliance visits

As most businesses in the care sector are new to the sponsorship regime they will be unfamiliar with the workings of the Home Office which is very investigative in its approach to sponsorship management Sponsor employers therefore need to ensure they are ready for the possibility of audits and compliance visits from the Home Office

To prepare for this businesses should review their recruitment compliance and record keeping practices to ensure they are fully compliant with Home Office requirements and their sponsorship obligations Conscientious and timely management of the sponsor licence and reporting requirements is also extremely important Requesting mock audits from experienced legal advisors is a helpful tool to check that record keeping is compliant and for peace of mind Failure to meet sponsorship obligations and responsibilities or any misuse of the licence can lead to suspension and even revocation of sponsor licences ultimately compromising future sponsorship and even ongoing sponsorship of workers under that licence

Additionally when making Certificate of Sponsorship allocations requests sponsor employers should consider making limited requests, properly reflecting the employment needs they can evidence and justify with contracts and agreements These are regularly requested by the Home Office and must be provided in responses to requests for further information Failure to do so, can lead to refusal of requests and limits to the number of foreign workers who can be sponsored which could impact the growth and profitability of the business If sponsor employers are uncertain as to how to interact and correspond with the Home

Annual Leave Report Uncovers Employees In The Health & Social Care Sector Are Taking 4% Less Annual Leave

A new report reveals that employees in the health and social care sector are not using their full annual leave entitlement which means that they could be working over their contracted hours

The annual leave report, conducted by HR systems specialist Access PeopleHR, analysed data from over 3 000 companies to reveal that the health and social care sector has seen a 4 42% drop in annual leave taken per employee from 2022-2023 Nationally annual leave taken has dropped by 7 6% in the last year – and by 12% since 2020

The annual leave report brings attention to the importance of taking time off which can boost employees well-being motivation and job satisfaction However some companies struggled with challenges like staff shortages and increased workloads which has made it difficult for employees to use their full annual leave entitlement

The health and social care sector ranked 15th in the list of 18 industries who gave up their annual leave On average, employees in the industry took 34 annual leave days in 2023 – down from 36 in 2022

The agriculture forestry and fishing industry was the worst off with an 11 85% drop in annual leave days taken per employee The construction industry found itself in a similar situation with a 10 98% drop and their average annual leave entitlement also dropped by 6 61% – the greatest out of all the industries

Charles Butterworth managing director at Access People said:

Workers across the UK are under a great deal of pressure with rising household expenses, work-related stress and personal commitments It s more important than ever that people take time off to rest and recharge – so that they can come back stronger “But taking holidays should never feel like it’s part of the job As revealed in the report the number of employees taking their full annual leave entitlement has declined in all industries There could be many reasons for this like poor planning anxiety about falling behind, or a heavy workload Ultimately it s our duty as employers to help our teams book time off

Chorleywood Manor Care Home Team Celebrates Grand Opening of Residential Suite

whether this is through regular reminders or implementing a simple and efficient booking system

Companies need to take action and investigate why employees are reluctant to take time off so that they can put strategies in place to support them It s

Think Before You Thicken

By Kathleen Graham BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy, Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists’ Senior Project Manager

Eating drinking and swallowing difficulties are common in nursing home residents with around 50 – 75% of people experiencing a variety of symptoms These can range from difficulty containing or moving food and drink around in the mouth to food or drink entering the airway (aspiration) which can be associated with pneumonia and potentially death

A common management option for people with difficulty swallowing drinks is the use of thickener These are usually gum or starch based and may be in powder or gel form The reason for their use is that if the drink is thicker it travels more slowly through the mouth and throat giving the person more time to trigger a swallow reducing the chance of it entering the open airway

Due to widespread concern about the overuse of thickened fluids the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) has created a position paper looking at the potential benefits and burdens of using thickener

There are two key benefits The first is that thickened fluids reduce drinks entering the airway and this is important as food or drink in the airway can lead to chest infections and pneumonia The second is that some people prefer thickened drinks as it helps them to control the liquid in their mouth As a result they drink more fluids and it can reduce distressing coughing when drinking

However when we look at the research into this area we are unable to definitively conclude that thickened drinks either prevent or reduce swallowing related complications such as aspiration pneumonia dehydration or death Research has also found potential burdens associated with thickened drinks including thirst dehydration reduced quality of life altered bowel movements increased risk of respiratory tract infections if thickened drinks were aspirated, and they may affect how some medications are adsorbed Most people prefer not having thickened fluids

In essence the research has left many uncertain about the role of thickened fluids in the management of swallowing difficulties

The RCSLT position paper highlights that thickened fluids are still a management option for people with swallowing difficulties However, it also stresses the importance of a person-centred approach to its use

Thickened fluids may be the most appropriate option for some people but the decision to use them should only be made after a thorough eating drinking and swallowing assessment has been carried out by a dysphagia trained clinician – usually a speech and language therapist (SLT) Interventions to manage eating drinking and swallowing difficulties are wide-ranging and it is often a complex decision-making process with the person their family and care team to decide the most appropriate management plan This can include having smaller sips through specialist cups; changes to the positioning of the body and head during swallowing; or rehabilitation plans to improve swallowing

The RCSLT recommends that people on thickened fluids have long term follow-up appointments because of the potential burdens of treatment

As care providers you should consider your service users and their potential swallowing needs Running through the following checklist will help you to do this:

Is the person on thickened fluids and experiencing the potential burdens listed above?

• If someone is having swallowing difficulties what steps have I taken to enable them to swallow more effectively? For example, are they in an appropriate position; are they receiving regular good oral hygiene; have I tried them with different cups to avoid tipping their head back?

Does this person need to be seen by a dysphagia trained practitioner?

How can I communicate to my team that thickened fluids are not the only option to manage swallowing difficulties?

How can I advocate for my service users to have timely access to eating drinking and swallowing assessments?

The RCSLT has produced a useful information leaflet for people other than SLTs on the potential benefits and burdens of thickened fluids along with recommendations for usage As Swallowing Awareness Day (#SwallowAware2024) is fast approaching on the 13 March, we encourage you to “think before you thicken,” and carefully consider people’s swallowing needs and how they can be best supported

Nor wich Care Home Hosts Pudding Club

Over Half Of Councils Face Bankruptcy Within Next Parliament

More than half (51%) of senior council figures warn their councils are likely to go bust in the next parliament unless local government funding is reformed, reveals a new report from the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) with 9% of council respondents saying they were likely to declare effective bankruptcy in the next financial year –representing 14 unique councils A mere 4% of respondents had confidence in the sustainability of local government finance and only 6% are happy with central government’s performance on understanding the scale of the problem facing council finances

The 2024 State of Local Government Finance report, which anonymously surveyed council leaders chief executives chief finance officers and cabinet members for finance found nine in ten plan to increase fees on areas such as parking and environmental waste and the same proportion plan to raise council tax with one fifth (21%) continuing to sell publicly-owned assets Worryingly more than half of respondents drew on their reserves this financial year (2023-2024) and plan to draw on them again in the upcoming year

Published annually since 2012 this year s survey found nearly one third of council respondents (31 9%) plan on cutting parks and leisure, with another third (30 6%) cutting arts and culture and a similar proportion slashing business support (30%) One in ten will cut SEND services 11 9% will cut children s care services and 16 2% will slash adult social care

For councils with responsibility for social care, children’s social care is by far the most urgent short term pressure and adults and children s social care together make up the most serious long-term pressure Among councils without these responsibilities housing and homelessness is the most serious short-term and long-term pressure with envi-

ronment and waste a close second place for long-term pressure

High inflation alongside rising need for council services has compounded the impact of central government funding cuts Even for councils that manage to balance the books there are concerns that some services they provide may fall below legal standards which will continue unabated without costly legal challenges

The LGIU believes there are several solutions to the local government funding crisis that, crucially, don’t add more pressure on the taxpayer Sharing surplus funds between wealthier and more deprived councils while allocating central government funding to areas based on need rather than bidding are two of four low-cost solutions to the local government funding crisis, proposed in Learning from local government finance across the world

These are popular options for reform: multi-year financial settlements were favoured by 97% of respondents ending competitive bids for funding and 100% business rates retention by three-quarters Yearly finance settlements incentivise short-term financial planning such as the reduction in preventative services to make ends meet annually even if these end up costing more in the long term

The 2024 State of Local Government Finance report is part of the wider work of the LGIU s Local Democracy Research Centre which was set up by the LGIU to investigate the things that matter to our members and to local government around the world

Jonathan Carr-West Chief Executive LGIU said: “We have long-warned that a lack of funding combined with inflation and rising need for adult and children’s social care, homelessness and SEND services has pushed councils to the brink

“This year’s State of Local Government Finance report reveals the desperate ruinous financial situation councils find themselves in Cutting services borrowing more money and spending reserves year after year is completely unsustainable Citizens are being failed

With

Mental Health Patients Are Being Failed As They Leave Care, Warns Ombudsman

The safety of mental health patients is being put at risk when they leave inpatient services leading to a continuous revolving door of care and discharge England s Health Ombudsman has warned

In a new report that examines issues in transferring people with poor mental health out of inpatient and emergency care the Ombudsman has called on the Government to take urgent action, including strengthening and bringing forward reforms to the Mental Health Act

THE OMBUDSMAN FOUND A RANGE OF ISSUES SUCH AS families not being updated or informed about a patient’s discharge from hospital care poor record keeping

• lack of communication and joint working between the multiple teams caring for a patient failings in assessing requests to leave hospital

This can lead to poorer outcomes for that patient including increased risk of suicide Without proper support in the community people can become stuck in a revolving door in and out of inpatient services

The report comes after the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) analysed over 100 cases involving people with a mental health condition and failures in their care

It highlights six cases involving failures in the planning communication or care of a person with a mental health condition being transferred from inpatient services or emergency departments back into the community

In 2018 PHSO published Maintaining Momentum: driving improvements in mental health care which high-

lighted a range of issues around mental health care including inappropriate transfers and aftercare Six years on and the same failings around transfers and aftercare are still happening putting patients at risk

Ombudsman Rob Behrens said:

The overwhelming majority of professionals in mental health services are hard-working and demonstrate their commitment and care on a daily basis However the stories in our report show the human tragedies that happen when mistakes are made and how important it is for people to speak up and make complaints so that they don t happen again

“Delaying the transfer of someone out of hospital can cause harm but so can inappropriately discharging people too soon Too often the focus is on transferring patients out of inpatient services quickly No doubt this is at least partly due to the huge strain the NHS and mental health services are under But the priority must always be patient safety We know that unsafe transfers can have devastating consequences, such as patients being stuck in a re-admission cycle and tragically suicide

“We need to see a holistic joined-up person-centred approach Crucially patients their families and carers must be listened to and involved with decision-making

Mental health patients are among the most vulnerable in our society and I urge the Government to act on the recommendations in this report to keep them safe and prevent these same failures from happening again The lack of progress on the Mental Health Act is deeply disappointing we must see that strengthened and prioritised ”

Local Care Home Visits Foundation’s Charitable Fund Recipient

The

at the St Luke’s

in Duston where the group meet every Monday and Wednesday to present the cheque Service Manager; Kate said “The Barchester Foundation’s donation helped towards making our Christmas Day even more special for each of the attending members It helped us buy additional gifts and serve up a bountiful Christmas dinner! Group member and Trustee at FDS; Nick Flynn took time to chat with the Brampton View representatives updating them both on the group and service provision Motshodiemang said: We are always keen to show as much support as we can to local charities Being able to brighten the lives of these amazing people at Christmas time was such an honour, we very much hope this is just the start of an ongoing friendship ”

Old Age ‘No Barrier’ To Sex Life According To New Study

It’s harder to find romance in your 40s than it is in your 70s according to a new study out today with midlifers not just citing a lack of opportunities (45%) but also low confidence (51%) and health problems (49%)

Challenging the misconception that older adults are neither sexually active nor interested in sex one in five people (20%) over the age of 70 claim to be sexually active And it’s not just those in early retirement who are intimate – 14% of men and women age 80-84 agree with this statement too

More than 1 000 18–69-year-olds and 600 over 70 year olds took part in The 70 Up Study which was inspired by the seminal ‘Up’ TV documentary series (the last instalment aired in 2019 and starred the original cast in their 63rd year; the director Michael Apted died in 2019) and was commissioned by later-life-care innovator KYN (www kyn co uk) to challenge some of the biggest misunderstandings about age and aging

Proving romance is alive and well in later life a third of the over 70s who participated in the study (36%) said their desire and libido has not gone away with age while nearly a half (48%) are more confident about what they want from a relationship now than when they were younger Six per cent said their libido is greater now than it was 10 years ago

While this age group typically have fewer sexual partners than other generations 5% have had two or more romantic relationships in the last five years Suggesting there is little difference between young and old when it comes to displays of affection, 30% of people over the age of 70 are intimate (hugging, kissing holding hands and/or sexual activity) ten or more times a month compared to 36% of 18-69 year olds

Despite this, it is younger generations who are significantly more likely to believe that sex among older people is completely taboo than those aged 70+ (12% compared to 7%) Small wonder 37% of those over 70 said their experience of sex and relationships is not represented in the media Over seven in ten (71%) agree that if society was more willing to talk about sex and intimacy around ageing barriers could be broken down to make older people feel less ignored

KYN has released the research to unpack older people’s thoughts attitudes and actions to show age

Violet Home Care Ltd.

WHO ARE WE?

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

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

doesn’t mean you don t or can’t think feel or behave how you did in your formative years The findings have inspired further innovation from KYN as leaders in later-life-care Identifying the growing need to support older couples who are either separated by care needs or move into a new home after a lifetime of independent living it is set to train a team to support residents in maintaining their relationships The KYN lifeenrichment team has been trained to help residents experience intimacy, facilitate dates, express themselves and talk about their feelings – whether that s supporting new relationships or helping them deal with ones in their present or past This includes date nights holidays special experiences and private time personalised to the couple KYN the innovators of later life care hope the training will help debunk stereotypes around ageing and lead to more people living in care homes being given greater independence and choice when it comes to making and maintaining relationships

Caroline Naidoo, Managing Director of KYN said: “At KYN we value the importance of older people feeling connected with friends family partners and society Growing older doesn’t mean you lose your identity and as a society we have a responsibility to see people of all ages as individuals who have urges and want to live their lives to the fullest We aim to challenge the stereotypes surrounding sex, relationships and intimacy to help older people feel more comfortable in themselves – and for younger people to accept them in this way ”

Personal experiences from older people have shone a light on their reality, highlighting the importance of supporting our residents relationships We hope this study will help younger generations recognise that older people are just like any other individual and seek connections just as any person would ”

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

OUR VALUES:

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

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

Support Choice-Based Safety Monitoring in Dementia Care Homes Prime Minister Urged

make informed decisions about the care and safety of their relatives especially in situations where communication may be limited due to dementia

Care Campaign for the Vulnerable is pleased to inform you that our efforts have garnered support from leading care providers who recognise the importance of choice-based safety monitoring in enhancing the quality of care and safeguarding vulnerable residents rights Through collaborative efforts with care providers we are working towards implementing these systems across dementia communities prioritising the safety and well-being of residents above all else

well-being of those they serve says CCFTV

The letter to the Prime Minister reads:

Dear Prime Minister,

On behalf of the Care Campaign for the Vulnerable (CCFTV) a national not for profit safety in dementia care organisation, we would like to bring to your attention a matter of critical importance – the need for choice-based safety monitoring in dementia communities across the country As you are aware, dementia presents unique challenges for individuals their families and care providers and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in these communities is paramount

Our campaign advocates for the implementation of choice-based safety monitoring systems, which allow families to install overt cameras in their loved ones’ living spaces instead of feeling forced to place in hidden cameras These overt systems provide transparency accountability and peace of mind for families while respecting residents dignity and autonomy We firmly believe that residents and families (next of kin status and lasting power of attorney on health and and wellbeing) should have the right to

However to fully realise our objectives and ensure widespread adoption of choice-based safety monitoring we urgently need government support and legislation to enable families to install overt cameras in dementia communities Currently, existing laws and regulations may hinder families’ ability to make informed choices about safety monitoring leaving them feeling powerless and vulnerable

We therefore call upon the Government to enact legislation that empowers families to exercise their right to choice-based safety monitoring in dementia communities By providing a legal framework that respects the rights of both residents and their families we can create a safer and more transparent care environment that prioritises dignity transparency and accountability

In conclusion, rime Minister, we urge you to consider our plea for choice-based safety monitoring in dementia communities and to take swift action to support our campaign Together, we can ensure that individuals living with dementia receive the care safety and protection they deserve while respecting the rights and wishes of their families

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter

Care Campaign for the Vulnerable

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

compost seeds tools plant feed and much more to the value of £1 000 or Euro equivalent Each prize bundle will be individually created based on the project s needs to help them transform their space

HOW TO GET YOUR LOCAL CARE HOME INVOLVED

If your local care home could benefit from receiving a donation from Westland s New Horizon Fund to help its outdoor space thrive nominate them at www gardenhealth com/new-horizon-fund

There will be multiple prize draws throughout the year in March June and September with at least five

bundles being awarded at each stage so there’s plenty of opportunities for your local care home to be

A 103-year-old Woolmer Green care home resident has revealed her secret to living a long and happy life Marjorie Broadhurst

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

From Five-Star Dining To Care Home Catering, Dhiraj Shares His Exciting Culinar y Journey

Dhiraj the Head Chef at Sherrell House Care Home has had an inspiring culinary career From working

hotel chains in Mumbai to established UK restaurants Dhiraj has a wealth of experience in all types of cuisines and now uses his knowledge to ensure residents receive the very best food!

His journey and success in the catering industry is one to be admired, so in this case study, we will be sharing Dhiraj’s story and how he uses his culinary skills to delight care home residents

Dhiraj was born and raised in Mumbai India and from a young age was always determined to follow in his father's footsteps in the catering industry Dhiraj s father manages a restaurant of his own in Mumbai which gave Dhiraj the opportunity to get his foot in the door and the chance to inherit culinary skills from a very young age

In 2016, Dhiraj successfully graduated from The University of Mumbai and obtained a Degree in Hospitality His qualification and new skills alongside his family's support provided him with the confidence to step out of his comfort zone and put his talents to the test This is when he decided to join The Oberoi Hotel in Mumbai, a luxury, 5-star resort that provides guests with stunning ocean views and a first-class experience This was a big step-up for Dhiraj but he wanted to challenge himself and learn from some of the best in the industry

During his time at the Oberoi Dhiraj was able to learn about various cuisines from around the world including European, Asian, and Indian specialties, as well as traditional Japanese dishes Using the wealth of knowledge and skills he had gained at the Oberia in February 2021 Dhiraj decided it

was time to for his next challenge so he could develop his experience in a different setting Dhiraj took the brave decision to travel across the globe to England, where he enrolled at the University of Birmingham to study for his Master s Degree in Hospitality

After completing his master s degree Dhiraj accepted a role as a Chef de Partie at The Ivy in Birmingham

The Ivy is an established British restaurant that serves traditional food to a very high standard During his time there Dhiraj worked alongside a team of 42 highly skilled chefs where he gained specialist knowledge about modern brasserie classics, Asian-inspired cuisine, and delicious vegan and vegetarian options Dhiraj said Travelling obviously allowed me to improve as a chef but more importantly it allowed me to grow as a person Experiencing different cultures and living independently taught me what was truly important in life Despite the Ivy offering Dhiraj a sponsorship contract he felt his knowledge and skills could make more of an impact somewhere else

In October 2022 Dhiraj moved to London and was offered a role at Sherrell House Care Home This was a completely new role and setting but a different type of challenge that he was keen to take on!

Since his very first day as the Head Chef at Sherrell House, Dhiraj has been eager to apply his expertise in multi-cultural cuisine to the home s catering service Dhiraj spent quality time learning about the residents personal preferences, likes & dislikes so that he could lead his team in tailoring the menu accordingly His knowledge of different cultural cuisines enabled him to prepare traditional meals for residents from various backgrounds in order to meet their specific cultural and religious requirements This has been incredibly well received by the people living at Sherrell House and his traditional recipes brought bring many happy memories from their younger years

Since working at Sherrell House, Dhiraj s desire to improve and deliver the very best food has continued, and after learning more about the needs of the people living there he recently completed a Best Presentation of Puree Foods’ course to ensure residents receiving pureed foods, get a meal that both looks and tastes delicious

Dhiraj continues to strive for culinary excellence, taking every opportunity to improve and better the lives of the people who live at Sherrell House

Parley Place Care Home Creates Special Trip Down Memor y Lane

Residents Jan and Ivor from Barchester s Parley Place care home in West Parley always loved to visit Sandbanks to sit and watch the water whilst enjoying a coffee together so staff at the home wanted to help them recreate this magic moment

Ivor has lived at Parley Place for a year with Jan joining shortly after Jan is Resident Ambassador for the home They are such a wonderful couple and are loved by staff and residents alike The team at the home first found out that Jan and Ivor held lovely memories about Sandbanks through talking with them about things they did as a couple the team then set about putting plans in place for a special trip down memory lane

Staff at the home knew how special it would be for Jan and Ivor to go back to a place they loved and enjoy it once again and everyone got involved with the arrangements They wanted the couple to travel in style so were delighted when A E Joliffes and Sons offered to provide a limousine and driver Jan and Ivor enjoyed a glass of fizz before the Parley Place team and their fellow

residents waved them off A table was booked for them at what is now Rick Stein’s restaurant in Sandbanks – the place they always used to go Staff at Parley Place sent a beautiful invitation to the meal to the couple and the restaurant laid out a special table overlooking the water so they could enjoy a gorgeous meal and reminisce

In response to this wonderful surprise Jan said: “I was on the verge of tears as was Ivor It is such an amazing feeling to know that such a loving group of people care so much about us that they helped us to recreate the special times we had

Gina Smith, General Manager at the home, said: “We believe that every moment is worth cherishing We want everyone we care for to know how important they are to us here at Parley Place It is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team here in making our residents’ lives enriched It was wonderful to see how happy Jan and Ivor were –

and the staff loved being a part of this as well ”

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

Stroud Care Home Resident’s Wish To

Relive Her Teaching Days Made A Reality

for welcoming Marian, and to the team here at Scarlet House for organising such a meaningful day for everyone involved!

Cadbur y Hall Fosters Deep Connections:

Heartwarming Friendship Blossoms Among Residents

Barchester,

developed between these two residents is a testament to the positive environment we strive to create It reinforces our commitment to providing not only exceptional care but also opportunities for meaningful connections "

As Cadbury Hall continues to prioritize resident wellbeing stories like these underscore the importance of not just meeting physical needs but also nurturing emotional connections The care home invites the community to learn more about their commitment to holistic care and the impactful stories unfolding within their walls

Bernard Sunley Residents Give Jazz A Round Of A-Paws

At Bernard Sunley, the Woking-based residential nursing and dementia care home run by charity Friends of the Elderly, Jazz – the care home s furry four-legged honorary care team member – has been enjoying a ‘paw-some’ time celebrating National I Love My Pet Day with the residents and care team Jazz a very cute Miniature Labradoodle has been a ‘paw-manent’ feature at Bernard Sunley for nearly six years Jazz has been coming to work with me since she was a puppy ” said Andy Cumper her owner and the Registered Manager at Bernard Sunley Jazz is a bone-ified’ member of the Bernard Sunley care team – and even has her own daily sessions on the care home s wide and varied activities calendar Jazz is so popular with all the residents we make sure she has lots of time to visit and interact with them all,” said Monika Ahmed, the Activities Coordinator at Bernard Sunley Jazz will spend time with residents in the Lounge areas playing games chasing her favourite tennis ball having cuddles and getting her ears rubbed; and will also spend one-to-one time with residents in their rooms

“For the elderly, interacting with pets is important as it can help to reduce stress and lower blood pressure Playing and engaging with an animal, such as Jazz, also increases social interactions and is a fun gentle physical activity added Monika Jazz shows how much she loves the residents in many ways She’s always happy to see everyone tilts her head when the residents are talking to her – so you know she s listening to what they are saying – she loves following the Care Team around on her daily visits – and she s more than willing to cosy up on a chair and sleep next to anyone who will let her,” added Andy Our residents are always coming up with amazing stories statistics and really interesting bits of trivia ” continued Andy “Recently when Jazz was on her daily rounds and playing with the residents in the Lounge I was told some amazing facts Firstly that dogs were the first domesticated animal – a fact which dates back to The Stone Age and, secondly, where the term Man s Best Friend originates from Evidently the saying was first used by King Frederick II of Prussia who, before his death in 1786 said “The only, absolute and best friend a man has in this selfish world the only one who will not betray or deny him is his dog – and that s where the well known saying comes from I’m always amazed at how much I learn from our residents especially when it comes to Jazz and dog trivia ” concluded Andy

Marr Procurement: Continuing to Invest In Resourcing Solutions for the Care Sector

M-Resourcing

the team ” Find out more at www marrprocurement com/m-resourcing/

Lend a Hand. Make a Change. Join Age UK in The Big Help Out 2024

The Big Help Out is back! This June some of the country’s best-known charities are coming together to encourage people to sign up to volunteer to help their local communities

Age UK is one of those joining the initiative which takes place between 7th June to Sunday 9th June, and it’s inviting the public to try their hand at volunteering across a variety of roles The charity is reliant on volunteers who help provide vital support to older people, often at a time in their lives when they need help the most

More than seven million people overall took part in last year’s Big Help Out – getting together to volunteer and make a difference in their local area – and organisers have launched the 2024 edition with support from His Majesty the King

As well as providing much-needed support volunteering also enables people to gain valuable new skills, confidence, experiences and friends Age UK offers many services nationally and locally which means there are countless opportunities available some of which include:

• Volunteering as a Telephone Befriender

Age UK s Telephone Friendship Services are there to provide a regular friendly conversation for those who want it, by matching older people up with a trained volunteer who calls them at the same time for 30 minutes every week

• Join an Age UK shop team

Age UK s 250 charity shops help the Charity raise vital funds for its work and services and depend on the support and dedication of volunteers

Volunteer for The Silver Line Helpline

This free and confidential 24-hour helpline is there for older people who feel lonely and isolated and need a chat, at any time of the day or night

Support a local Age UK

There is a network of over 120 independent local Age UK and Age Scotland Age Northern Ireland and Age Cymru organisations that run a variety of services which volunteers play a key role in delivering These include social groups and activities such as fitness classes digital inclusion programmes, home from hospital transport, friendship services and much more

Campaign to make the UK a great place to grow older

Age UK believes it is vital the Government listen to the needs of older people Campaign volunteers help push for change through small acts such as signing petitions or writing to their MPs

To find out more about volunteering roles at Age UK and supporting The Big Help Out visit:

www ageuk org uk/volunteer

Castle View House Embarks On An Artistic Journey: Unveiling Residents’ Masterpieces

In an inspiring display of creativity and community spirit Collisdene Care Centre in Strathaven part of Canterbury Care has created its own art gallery to display residents artwork within its Castle View House environment

In a project that bridges the gap between art and care the residents have turned their living spaces into galleries of personal expression

Under the guidance and encouragement of the care team, residents have delved into an array of craft and artistic mediums From the delicate strokes of paintbrushes to the comforting textures of knitted squares, each piece tells a story, a testament to the lives, dreams, and memories of its creators

These masterpieces, lovingly framed and curated, are set to adorn the walls, transforming the environment into a vibrant celebration of creativity and resilience

The initiative has been a collaborative effort from the start with the care team

playing a pivotal role in framing and enhancing the artwork ensuring each piece is displayed in its best light The dedication and enthusiasm of the team have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment among all involved

Activities coordinator Rosie Brennan shares her thoughts on the project: The transformation within Castle View House has been nothing short of miraculous Seeing our residents light up as they create and then admire their work on the walls reinforces the profound impact of art on wellbeing

This project is a vivid illustration of life within Collisdene Care Centre – one where every resident s contribution is valued and celebrated It s a testament to the spirit of our community and we are thrilled to share this with our residents families and visitors

New Qualification To Boost Care Sector

The

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

Ronald turned 21 the big movies of the year were West Side Story

Breakfast at Tiffany’s The Hustler and The Innocents In the news Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space; John F Kennedy was sworn in as the 35th President of the United States and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) was started

Jack Taylor, General Manager at Archers Court said: “We hope Ronald will be amazed to relive his original 21st birthday and we will do our best to bring back the atmosphere at the time It certainly seems to have been a great time to be

Recognising

a ‘back in time’ birthday party set in the era when he originally turned 21 which is 1961!

Ronald’s 60’s-themed party will be held on February 29th and feature the sounds of the big hits of the year including Let s Twist Again by Chubby Checker Stand By Me by Ben E King Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles and Crying by Roy

Orbison

The entire home will take part wearing 60 s inspired outfits and colourful tie-dyed t-shirts go-go accessories and maintaining a groovy hippy theme – just like his original birthday 63 years ago The last time

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

from

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

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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.

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Never A Cross-Word At New Copford Place

Care Home’s Residents Are Definitely Not Clue -Less When It Comes To Their Daily Puzzles

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

New Analysis Of The Impact Of Covid-19 On Scotland’s Care-Homes

New research by the University of Glasgow in partnership the Advanced Care Research Centre University of Edinburgh has provided further insight on Covid mortality rates in care homes and describes the patterns of COVID-19 outbreaks in Scotland s care homes beyond the first wave of infections

The study undertaken by the University of Glasgow in partnership with the Advanced Care Research Centre University of Edinburgh demonstrates the severe effects of the virus on people living in care homes during the second wave of infections despite considerable improvement in measures to protect residents

Published in Age and Ageing (the official journal of the British Geriatrics Society) the study builds on earlier work on COVID-19 and care homes from the same research group, and includes analysis on a total of 1 313 outbreaks involving residents from March 2020 to October 2021

Overall, across the whole study, 16,891 (83 0%) deaths were due to non-COVID-19 causes, 3 217 (15 8%) had COVID-19 recorded as the underlying cause of death and 244 (1 2%) were COVID-19 associated deaths The COVID-19 mortality rate per 1,000 beds fell from 45 8 in March to August 2020 (wave 1) to 29 3 in September 2020 to May 2021 (wave 2) After roll-out of vaccination outbreaks involve a much smaller number of people and are shorter in duration with the COVID-19 mortality rate falling to 3 5 per 1 000 beds in June to October 2021

The analysis shows the consistently elevated risks associated with living in larger care homes although the risk reduces as the pandemic progresses and epidemiology of the virus evolves Similarly the community prevalence of COVID-19 infections in the local authority area where the care home was located was associated with increased risk of outbreak

Lead author Dr Jenni Burton said: COVID-19 had a devastating impact on people living in care homes We

need to better understand exactly what happened so we can avoid the mistakes made in the future

“Future pandemic planning has to take better account of the care sector and involve residents families and carers A critical gap remains that data about people living in care homes is limited making them relatively invisible to policy As well as clinical interventions like infection control we need to better understand how building design and ventilation influences infection risk and how to balance infection risk against

ing a homely environment for residents to live in ”

Professor Bruce Guthrie comments “During and after wave 1 there many COVID-19 mitigation measures put in place including closing homes to visitors regular staff and resident testing and better isolation and management if residents were infected However continuing high mortality in residents in wave 2 emphasises that mitigation before vaccination was limited because

Oakland Care Celebrate Kitchen Team Lead’s Decade of Ser vice

During her time at Oakland Care Seri has also continued to display a commitment to excellence through her daily efforts to improve her skillset through the care home provider s team member training offerings

Reflecting on her landmark achievement, Seri Muharrem, said:

I am immensely proud of my accomplishments and growth since joining Oakland Care I began my journey as a Care Assistant an experience that enriched me with lasting memories of the residents their families and my colleagues I am delighted to now be driving forward quality care and support through my role as Kitchen Team Leader This journey of navigating a successful and varied career path while being a young mother has been a testament to my determination and hard work, with the invaluable support of the rest of the team at Woodland Grove

“Building on the success of the last decade, I look forward to continuing my career development at Oakland Care including taking on more managerial responsibilities With Oakland Care's recognition as an ‘Investor in People’ and the supportive team environment I am delighted to be surrounded by colleagues who will help me achieve this continued progression

Speaking about Seri, Joanne Balmer BEM, Chief Executive Officer of Oakland Care, said:

years Seri has transitioned into roles of increasing responsibility first transferring to Hospitality Assistant before being promoted to Kitchen Team Leader In her current role she is focused on helping residents and their families through the delivery of outstanding hospitality ensuring that not only the level of service is excellent but the culinary offering as well

This has included supporting with sourcing local produce, producing seasonal and varied menus, and serving signature dishes to residents and their families

Seri is a true professional and credit to the team both at the care home and Oakland Care as a whole She always displays a can-do attitude and is committed to going above and beyond to ensure our residents receive the highest level of service and support every single day I would like to thank her for her unwavering dedication and decade of service to Woodland Grove

“This is a huge milestone and reflective of our efforts to maintain an industry-leading approach as an employer that is committed to internal growth and support It has been a pleasure to be able to give wonderful people like Seri the opportunity to thrive in their career here at Oakland Care ”

Mayoral Candidate Backs Social Care Reform

patron of Dementia Forward and was awarded the MBE in 2018 for services to business and the community

He recently met with Mike Padgham, Chair of the social care provider organisation The Independent Care Group (ICG)

Mr Padgham said: It was refreshing to meet with Keith and to hear that he shares our passion and desire for social care reform Hopefully he will include that in his campaign message for the mayoral election

“York and North Yorkshire, like the rest of the country, are suffering due to the crisis in social care and people in this region are going without the care they need

At the same time care providers are closing or handing back delivery contracts and a chronic shortage of staff is hampering care delivery

“Whilst we continue to campaign at a national level for government change to social care, it is also vital that we enlist the support of local politicians to do all they can to bring about change at a local and regional level

Measures to get more funding in to the local delivery of care and to provide better pay for the workforce so that we can recruit are all immediate and urgent priorities for this region ”

Mr Padgham has also held talks with the Conservative candidate for the mayoral post Keane Duncan and hopes to meet with other candidates shortly The Mayoral election for York and North Yorkshire will be held on 2nd May

Three Bridges Nursing Home in Latchford Warrington welcomed recently-born Lennie through its doors resulting in a special interaction with Ben Parsonage the home’s oldest male resident at 100 years old Lennie is the son of Three Bridges Health Care Assistant Gemma Hughes Ben whose 100th birthday is on March 3rd 2024, was born during what is known as the Greatest Generation (1900-1925); seeing the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials and Generation Z come along before today s Generation Alpha (2013-2025) which Lennie belongs to Ben was delighted

Dignity Action Day Marked By Residents and Staff At Care Home In Barnstaple

Residents and staff at Fremington Manor in Barnstaple took part in a host of activities to mark a national campaign promoting dignity for care home residents

The care home, based on Manor Close in Fremington, encouraged the team and residents within the home to wear red for Dignity Action Day, which is run by the Dignity in Care campaign Residents at Fremington Manor were treated to a coffee morning pamper sessions and following a ‘Dignity Lunch’ they enjoyed ice creams with a host of sauces and sprinkles

Later in the day the residents were encouraged to share their thoughts on what dignity means to them, with each example being written onto a paper leaf hung on a decorative Dignity Tree Being able to be independent’ and ‘Knocking before entering my room’ were just a few of the suggestions made by the residents Examples suggested by the staff included ‘Giving the respect you would want for yourself and your family ‘Making sure

people feel respected and that they have given consent to care and ‘Making sure people are covered during care

The Fremington Manor team were encouraged to sign up to the campaign’s Dignity Champion initiative, which sees participants agree to uphold the 10 Dignity Do s These include agreeing to support others with the same respect as they would give to their family, treating each person as an individual enabling people to make their own choices and helping people to maintain their own confidence and positive selfesteem

Nelson Lima Home Manager at Fremington Manor said: Our team really got behind Dignity Action Day as it s a campaign that has a huge amount of synergy with the values we hold at the care home for the benefit of the residents in our care Their health, happiness and wellbeing is the most important thing to us as we provide the highest quality of care and support to the residents and will always look to do this with the utmost respect and dignity ”

Reading Centenarian Celebrates Milestone 101st Birthday At Reading Care Home

The

II, as part of the Land Army, her path crossed with Norman Turner at a station in Ham near Newbury

Their love story began amidst the challenges of wartime Britain, leading to a marriage in 1943 setting the foundation for a family legacy spanning four generations

Today Edith is a matriarch to a loving family including a son and daughter-in-law two granddaughters six great-grandchildren and one great-granddaughter When asked about her secret to a long and healthy life she attributes it to "a good sprinkling of luck and a life free of serious illnesses

Wippet For Care

Reflecting on her youth and the evolution of relationships Edith recalls the simplicity of meeting her late husband without the modern conveniences of online dating Their first date at a local pub in Ham laid the groundwork for a marriage that endured the test of time, emphasising the importance of kindness commitment and shared experiences

Throughout her life Edith has embraced various roles from her contributions to the war effort in the Land Army to her work in cleaning and housekeeping including her time at a children s hospital

Edith's life advice is simple yet profound: "Be kind to everyone " It's a principle that has guided her through the decades reflecting a legacy of love, resilience and kindness that will continue to inspire those around her Home manager Yasemin Ucan said: Celebrating Edith s 101st birthday has been a joyous occasion for everyone here at The Hollies Her story is one of remarkable resilience and love that crosses generations Edith is a cherished member of our community and her life s journey inspires us all

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Barchester Healthcare Invests Heavily In Green Technologies

A Campaign Calls For Recognition And Support For Young Carers In North And Mid-Wales

A campaign is underway calling for recognition of young carers in North and mid Wales

Credu has appealed for businesses schools colleges universities and communities across the region to help shine a light on the dedication and commitment of more than 2,400 young carers in Wrexham, Conwy, Denbighshire Powys and Ceredigion

Ahead of Young Carers Action Day on Wednesday March 13 – organised by Carers Trust – they are pushing for more organisations to recognise bilingual resources including an identity card offering discounts fast-track and incentives to young people with unpaid caring responsibility for a family member or loved one often for up to 50 hours a week on top of their work or studies

This latest appeal entitled Fair Futures for Young Carers also wants education settings to demonstrate more empathy and understanding of the challenges they face and come up with solutions to alleviate pressure and create a positive learning environment

Young Carers Coordinator Sally Duckers said Bangor University is a role model for other institutions having invited young adult carers to attend a residential taster while recognising the barriers they face in accessing higher education given they are traditionally likely to be living in areas of high deprivation compared to their peers

Young carers are consistently telling us they wish their schools would understand them better which is disheartening,” said Sally

Credu has been working on a programme of resources to address that which includes free bilingual lesson plans aimed at key stages two and three that follow the Welsh curriculum and new promotion of the Young Carers ID card which invites support from our communities

“Some businesses and attractions are already on board but we would like it to be more noticed and prevalent in the communities we work in We hope others will offer that support to the young carers given the economic and social obstacles they often face

She added: “To have the support of Bangor University and other educators is vital as it gives them something to strive for a pathway to their future careers

Statistics from UCAS revealed young carers tend to apply to universities within 30 minutes of their home so having FE and HE providers in North Wales showing so much support and understanding is key – we are really thankful for that

Lowrian Williams, Widening Participation Officer for UK Recruitment and Admissions at Bangor University said the institution is dedicated to supporting young carers in Wales and pleased to support the campaign

A highlight for us is our annual Young Carers Residential happening every Easter ” said Lowrian

“With support from our partners at Reaching Wider North and Mid Wales Partnership we invite young carers from all over Wales and during their stay on campus, they experience a taste of university life, connect with our friendly staff and students and take part in workshops and academic talks

“It’s not just a break from caring; it’s a chance for them to focus on their own goals and aspirations and we look forward to welcoming them again this Easter

She added “Young carers bring a unique and enriching perspective to our university student community Their resilience compassion and diverse life experiences contribute greatly to the academic community and beyond

Eve Lambrick a Raising Awareness Coordinator with Credu hopes to see more people become Champions for young carers to ensure they do not miss out on activities adventures or job opportunities because of a lack of transport, lack of finances or lack of social connections

We hear many inspiring stories where some positive support in a timely way has led to young carers being able to flourish and develop skills after being given a platform to succeed,” she added

We would love to see businesses especially identify opportunities for young carers to give them a voice and opportunities they might never have thought were possible

“That’s the community we are looking to build so they have all the transferable skills maturity and resilience needed to thrive – that will give them a fair future

To access the Credu resources pack, visit www padlet com/creducarers/credu-young-carers-resourcesu0pc4j2tuz8vzovv

The Oaks Care Home Provides a Home to Dog

Liverpool FC Bring Joy And Unforgettable Memories To Local Care Home

Reflecting on the unforgettable experience John shared I am still on cloud nine after the amazing day we had!" His enthusiasm was palpable, underscoring the deep emotional connection and joy that football brings to its fans

Karen Evans manager of Simonsfield Care Home expressed her gratitude towards Liverpool FC for their thoughtful gesture and the positive impact it had on everyone at the care home: “John and Terry were buzzing when they visited Anfield and for John it brought back so many happy memories of his days following his beloved Liverpool

The Christmas visit from the players was also a joy for our residents It s not just about the love for the game but the sense of community and belonging such gestures foster

Next Government Must Put NHS on a Sustainable Footing

that will set the NHS on a path to recovery and sustainability

“Yes this is about government investment – especially in capital and workforce – but it is also about the government resisting the temptation to waste time and energy on unnecessary reorganisation about the government working differently to improve the nations’ health and about enabling our members to deliver on the long-delayed aspiration to move resources into prevention primary and community based care

With the NHS facing increasing pressure from a growing and aging population, whichever party is elected at the next election must give health and care systems the support and tools to be more productive

NHS Confederation members have said that boosting capital investment is one of the best ways the next government can support health leaders and their teams to increase capacity Nine out of 10 leaders said that capital underinvestment is undermining their ability to drive down waiting lists for routine treatments

Additionally, public polling the NHS Confederation commissioned Ipsos Mori to carry out last year revealed that 69 per cent of respondents do not think the NHS receives enough funding

The NHS Confederation has said the new government needs to increase capital spending in England to at least £14 1 billion a year so the health service can carry out essential maintenance and repairs to its estates update old kit and invest in cutting edge technology – particularly in digital technology and AI Doing this will help make the NHS even more productive and ensure that every healthcare pound is spent as effectively as possible

On the need for capital investment Mr Taylor added: “Run-down and dilapidated building and obsolete equipment are some of the most obvious signs of underinvestment in the health service From hospital buildings being held up with scaffolding to mental health patients being treated in outdated buildings, the NHS is crying out for capital

more care closer to home by enabling local health systems to proportionately increase investment into primary care and community-based services mental health and social care

Deliver a strategy for national health given that most policy that impacts people’s health is made outside the NHS As part of this the Prime Minister should lead a cross-government national mission for health improvement to shift the focus from treating illness to promoting health and wellbeing reducing inequalities and tackling the wider determinants of health, and supporting the public to be active partners in their own health

Commenting on the publication of this report, which has been shared with the main political parties Matthew Taylor chief executive of the NHS Confederation said:

“There is no shortage of analysis and advice about what the NHS needs This is why we have worked with health leaders across our membership to identify the five most critical priorities for the next government

“Our members fear that a lack of capital funding is not only hampering their efforts to modernise their estates and equipment but also jeopardises the vital work of driving down waiting lists including the elective backlog

“Without new capital investment the NHS will be unable to maximise some of the fantastic medical breakthroughs in AI and digital technology to improve patient care and we have seen the positive impact it can have on local communities including through the expansion of community diagnostic centres However, put simply a lack of capital funding can leave patients at risk

Health and care leaders are prepared

100 Year Old Care Home Resident Says Secret

To A Long Life Is A Ferrero Rocher A Day

Betty said: “I’m excited to reach 100 and see what it’s like! I’m curious to see if it will feel different to the rest of my birthdays and I m looking forward to seeing what it s like

Betty credits her long life to chocolate in moderation of course and was delighted to be surprised with 100 Ferrero Rocher chocolates from her local Aldi store in Bellshill to celebrate her big birthday, as well as a beautiful birthday balloon donated by Happily Ever Laughter Asked what makes Ferrero Rocher her favourite chocolates, Betty said: “I love the taste of them All the layers are so different and I like taking my time to enjoy them as I make my way through the chocolate

She was also joined by the Lord Provost who visited Croftbank House to wish Betty well on becoming a centenarian

South Lanarkshire Provost Margaret Cooper said: It was fascinating to meet Betty and wonderful to do so on her 100th birthday She has lived through so many momentous times many of which we only know about second hand but she also has a treasure trove of personal memories built up over her life

“Birthday parties are always a great occasion, but it is something special to be at one celebrating a century of life It was wonderful to see Betty surrounded by family friends and staff who all clearly thought the world of her and I am grateful to her for being able to help her mark such an amazing achievement and pass on the congratulations of all in South Lanarkshire ”

Lynsey Young activities coordinator at Croftbank House said: It was wonderful to be able to celebrate Betty s birthday with her friends and family, and the Lord Provost today Everyone at Croftbank House can t wait to help her enjoy her fantastic birthday gift too!

Mimi The Therapy Dog Aces Care Home Visits Chestnut Lodge

For care home resident Patricia, Wednesdays can’t come around quickly enough

It s the day she gets to spend some quality time with her favourite pooch border terrier MiMi on her visits to Chestnut Lodge near Yeovil run by care provider Camelot Care

MiMi 12 alongside her owner Ros Kanter is a regular at the home that provides nursing care for up to 24 people living with dementia

“Patricia and MiMi are a bit of a mutual appreciation society,” said Ros from Halstock who visits the home with MiMi as part of the national Pets As Therapy (PAT) scheme

Patricia is a huge dog lover and enjoys reminiscing about her former lhasa apso dog Dolly who she adored It really brightens her day and brings back happy memories

“She loves nothing more than having a stroke and a cuddle with MiMi who of course laps up all the attention

Pets As Therapy is a charity that works to enhance the health

and wellbeing of people through the companionship of an animal

“MiMi is very good with the residents It’s like she senses when she needs to be gentle and quiet

Jacqui Cuff activities co-ordinator at Chestnut Lodge said MiMi s visits help bring people out of their shell and get them talking

“When Ros brings MiMi into the home, our residents’ faces really light up It gets them reminiscing about things and sparks all kinds of different conversations

That engagement brings a different dynamic into the home and changes the atmosphere It s something different; it s a sensory thing

They will remember the visit and will say they are looking forward to MiMi coming again ”

The

The Jolly Journey creates a familiar

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

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

Encanto and Cuba – Fabrics for Well-designed Contract Interiors

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 web-

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

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

We do

We

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

Accessible Bathing in Nursing and Care Environments

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

and timing of bathing the use of aids and equipment and the involvement of family or caregivers

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

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

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

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Is a Sustainable Diet a Nutritious and Healthy

“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

PRESSURE CARE AND PATIENT HANDLING

How to Approach Patient Handling In A Disability Care Setting

changing needs to maintain a person-centred approach

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

be a part of the community they live in To avoid this care providers should always work in partnership and communicate with other healthcare professionals such as social workers doctors and dentists to minimise this risk and ensure that clients receive the best possible care

Another risk to consider is understaffing and busy workloads for carers who are trained in patient handling This must be avoided at all costs as the quality of client care is greatly compromised if people rush tasks or can’t complete them at all due to not having capacity To minimise this care providers should have good rota planning to ensure the right staff are always in place, as well as ensuring that patient handling training is provided to the necessary people

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

CLEAR

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

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unable to respond as this maintains the client’s respect and dignity Carers also need to make sure the correct equipment is always used –not only to reduce risks but to make the job easier People should be able to properly use equipment such as hoists slings standing aids shower chairs grab rails slide sheets and wheelchairs – to name a few

THOROUGH LEARNING AND TRAINING

The best approach for moving and handling training is through practical lessons It s a very hands-on element of personal care so giving people practical experience will allow them to become familiar with the correct processes and methods – something that is vital to ensure they pass the training Not only this but in-person training allows learners to get immediate 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

The Pressure Problem

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

Taking Control of Time and Attendance

Social Care

Can AI Ease Loneliness For Adults In Care?

By Jody O Neill CEO and Founder of Curam (www curamcare com)

vital role in providing not only basic physical care but also emotional support and understanding This is especially important for individuals with disabilities who may feel isolated due to their condition, or those with cognitive challenges and degenerative conditions such as Dementia

Chatbots are not suitable for everyone And in such cases human empathy is necessary to interpret the needs and communicate effectively with the patient

EMPOWER CARERS AND PATIENTS THROUGH TECHNOLOGIES

The use of technologies such as AI in care must be evaluated to ensure it complements and enhances human connection rather than replacing it This means there must be careful consideration when proposing how

into the roles of those who may be the people patients see and talk to most as well as how it can be used to make the care journey better for patients

Although chatbots cannot replace human carers, a combined approach of AI and other technologies can help care providers and facilitators

For example, currently, a typical caring schedule often includes three in-person visits per day for each patient However, due to time constraints, caregivers may have to rush these visits In this case, we would argue, that technology can be used to allow carers to perform a more thorough in-person visit and follow up with two video check-ins based on the patient's needs (these video care calls can even of course be instigated from overseas)

Remote intelligent monitoring and predictive analytics can also be used by carers to capture an accurate overall picture of a patient s well-being to design better care programmes in advance rather than spending too much time during an in-person appointment on data capture

As well as improving patient-centricity AI has the potential to streamline services for care facilitators by taking on mundane tasks and freeing up the caregiver s time and talent for creativity and innovation For example the administrative work involved in the daily operation of care providers and facilitators AI can handle emails user inquiries and information requests enabling users to access information quickly so management can focus on solving more complex issues efficiently

DON’T IMPLEMENT TECH FOR THE SAKE OF IT

Ultimately the current care system is dealing with legacy and complex technology which has held back much-needed innovation While AI can be a potential solution many care providers see AI as a cost-cutting solution without first addressing the underlying issue of an inadequate care model

Digital transformation within the care sector should instead prioritise the needs of patients and carers rather than simply implementing technology for the sake of it Technology should add value to the care journey for example making it safer by vetting carers ID and training documents with banking-standard technology or reducing the time carers spend doing admin so they can focus on their vocation Similarly it should enable patients to access care easily and quickly so that they aren t stuck in the hospital and have better care outcomes

PATIENT-CENTRICITY FOR UNLOCKING AI’S POTENTIAL

The successful implementation of AI in the care sector requires careful consideration of how it can meet the needs of patients And for that reason it s not an effective way of combatting the loneliness of people in care AI cannot replace the crucial interpersonal relationships between carers and patients that build trust safety and companionship

However it can help ensure carers have more time to put the needs of patients at the heart of their work

The key to successful AI implementation in the care sector is putting the patient first

Silent Running - Tranquility in Care Homes

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

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First Free E-Learning Resource on Data Security and Protection for Care Staff Launched

Care

–

Speaking about the

The

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

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 manag-

er 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

Grey Matter Learning Set To Support Over 180 Care Leaders Thanks To Skills For Care Funding

We have seen a huge

Care Home Finance from Global Business Finance