The Carer Digital - Issue #188

EDITOR'S VIEWPOINT

Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

Once again, our lead story highlights a pressing issue that has perhaps cast a shadow over the care sector – the damning report by a former immigration inspector (David Neal) on the abuse and exploitation within the care worker visa system

Undoubtedly, this revelation has stirred discomfort and concern among politicians and the wider public as well as stakeholders However, amidst the criticism we must acknowledge the noble intentions which created the system

The introduction of the care worker visa system was conceived with I truly believe good intentions

The care sector plagued by chronic recruitment and retention challenges welcomed the inclusion of care workers in the Shortage Occupation List It was a much-needed step to alleviate the staffing crisis ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the care they deserve particularly since, according to recent estimates, 19,000 care workers left the sector following mandatory Covid vaccinations being enforced in November 2021

Unfortunately what started as a positive initiative has veered off course succumbing according to reports to exploitation and abuse

The recent report sheds light on failures that should have been foreseen It is disheartening to witness a system designed to support the care sector being manipulated for ulterior motives However amidst the disappointment we must exercise caution not to “throw the baby out with the bathwater ”

Instead of succumbing to instant reaction we must focus on reform

The flaws in the care worker visa system demand immediate attention and rectification Strengthening oversight mechanisms implementing stringent regulations and enhancing transparency are all imperative steps towards restoring integrity to the system that is what politicians and civil servants get paid for!

Furthermore it is crucial not to politicise this issue The care sector s reputation should not be dragged through the mud for political gains

Rather than engaging in blame games policymakers regulators and stakeholders must collaborate to devise solutions that safeguard the welfare of care workers and uphold the dignity of those they care

It is clear that we must recognise the urgency of addressing the shortcomings within the care worker visa system otherwise it becomes so discredited there is a chance It would be abolished

Email me at editor@thecareruk com Editor

This would be a long term disaster and we must not lose sight of the underlying goal – providing quality care to those in need By embracing reform and rejecting divisive rhetoric we can ensure that the care sector thrives with integrity and compassion

I do hope this is report devastating though it is is seen as a journey of transformation where the dignity of care workers is upheld and the trust of those they serve is preserved We have over the past years been delighted to publish many success stories from care providers around the country highlighting the valuable contribution international recruits make and are also delighted to promote the reputable recruitment companies who advertise with us

The road ahead may be challenging but with all parties working together the sector with the help of international recruits, should navigate towards a brighter and sustainable future

Also thank you all once again for your Easter celebration stories we are always delighted to share them a wonderful example of the care dedication and inspiration homes and staff undertake to enhance the lives of their residents so keep them coming - birthdays, anniversary, awards, fundraisers - any story or celebration you wish to share!

Report Highlights “Rampant Exploitation” of Care Worker Visa System...

As Multiple Failures Revealed

( CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER)

He states in the report s foreword: This inspection report details the consequences of the Home Office's limited understanding of the social care sector, its underestimation of demand for the Care Worker visa the inappropriateness of its sponsor licensing regime for low-skilled roles, and the mismatch between its meagre complement of compliance officers and ever-expanding register of licensed sponsors

HOME OFFICE FAILURE

“There are echoes of previous inspections that have highlighted the consequences of the Home Office s failure to accurately forecast such as small boat arrivals Fundamentally, the Home Office selected a route that was designed for a largely compliant sector and applied it to a high-risk area – migration into an atomised and poorly paid sector is miles away from the recruitment of highly skilled workers being sponsored by multinational corporations This should have been obvious to Home Office policymakers

"The net effect of these mistakes is that the Home Office created a system that invited large numbers of low-skilled workers to this country who are at risk from exploitation Moreover, its control measures to mitigate the risk were totally inadequate There is just one compliance officer for every 1 600 employers licensed to sponsor migrant workers ”

This report details the shocking results of the policy s implementation including the case of 275 certificates of sponsorship being granted to a care home that did not exist and 1 234 certificates being granted to a company that stated it had only four employees when given a licence ”

In just these two examples up to 1 500 people could have arrived in this country and been encouraged by a risk of hardship or destitution to work outside the conditions of their visa While the inspection does not detail the extent of this abuse my inspectors encountered migrants with care visas working illegally in two out of eight enforcement visits they observed during my inspection of illegal working enforcement (August to October 2023)

SECTOR EAGER TO ADDRESS EXPLOITATION

To their credit front-line staff engaging with migrant care workers showed themselves to be aware of the serious risks to those workers and eager to document and address exploitation where they found it ” The report said

It took the Home Office until late summer 2023 to begin making “policy and operational changes” to

NEW MEASURES

address the most “flagrant examples of both exploitation and abuse”, the report adds

POOR TREATMENT

UNISON head of social care Gavin Edwards said: “The government doesn’t understand social care If ministers had even a basic grasp of the sector they would have reformed it long ago But instead the inept approach to the awarding of care visas has given dodgy employers total freedom to exploit overseas staff at whim ”

Thankfully many migrant care workers are becoming wise to poor treatment by some of the more unpleasant operators in the sector ”

Things have got so bad that many migrant workers may head for other parts of the world where their skills will be welcomed with open arms The government has failed everyone in care – the good employers the staff and all those in need of support

REPORT “SCANDALOUS”

Labour’s shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said "These inspection reports are scandalous They expose a Conservative government which has lost control of our borders and our border security

From allowing high security risk flights to swan into the country with zero in-person checks, despite risks from drugs, guns and people smuggling through to rampant labour exploitation in the social care visa

Even now ministers are hiding the true scale of the flaws redacting much of the vital information and slipping the reports out when Parliament can’t respond ”

A Home Office spokesman said: We have already intervened to stop the flow of overseas care workers entering the UK where there is no genuine role for them to undertake and taken robust action against businesses committing labour exploitation

"We do not tolerate illegal activity in the labour market and we will continue to revoke licenses from those who abuse the system ”

New measures already in force will cut the rising numbers of visas granted and address significant concerns about high levels of non-compliance, worker exploitation and abuse "As with all our policies, we will keep them under close review and if needed we will not hesitate to go further

The 86-page An inspection of the immigration system as it relates to the social care sector (August 2023 to November 2023) can be downloaded here

By

In life where memories intertwine with the present there s a profound need for companionship, understanding, and support – especially for those navigating the complexities of dementia We know that Dementia isn't just a medical condition; it's a complicated journey for over 90 000 people in Scotland today marked by profound emotional upheaval and huge uncertainty As such we believe that approaches to this delicate type of care must transcend clinical protocols and embrace the little things when it comes to human experience For example, music!

When the rhythm of life slows to a gentle rhythm in the quiet corridors of care facilities, music can be a powerful force and breathe vibrancy and vitality into the lives of those who need it most What we have found is that for those navigating the complexities of dementia

the role of music surpasses mere entertainment it becomes a lifeline A conduit for connection, and a source of comfort

In my time in my role I personally have witnessed first-hand the great impact of music in nurturing mental physical and emotional wellbeing among the 3 500 people benefiting from our Dementia Day Care Services every year We have all been exposed to music in some way in our lives – whether by listening to recordings, playing an instrument attending concerts or dancing From lively sing-alongs to serene music therapy sessions, partaking in a symphony of experiences when living with dementia can awaken hidden memories stir dormant emotions and reignite feelings of joy and camaraderie

In fact a study comparing standard care to regular singing or music listening sessions over 10 weeks in 89 people with dementia (type not specified), music sessions improved general cognition (MMSE score), attention and executive function compared to standard care Singing appeared to evoke personal remote memories by increasing recall of names of children friends and immediate short story recall

One of our flagship programmes, the Music Wellbeing Programme, stands as a testament to the power of communal music-making Led by talented musicians and dedicated staff members this dementiainclusive activity serves as a sanctuary where residents and caregivers alike gather to share stories create melodies and forge lasting connections Through familiar tunes, we witness the emergence of radiant smiles the tapping of feet and the stirring of long-forgotten memories as residents reclaim moments of joy and belonging Music really does serve as a universal language for us all overcoming factors such as age cognition and physical ability

Could your centre or service partner with local entertainers or other community organisations to incorporate music within your care community? From lively dance performances to intimate acoustic sessions,

these collaborative endeavours create an environment with an infectious energy lifting spirits and fostering a sense of collective celebration

The Eric Liddell Community stands as a centre of hope redefining the landscape of dementia care with innovation compassion and inclusivity Our namesake – a Scottish legend sports person and missionary – strived to create a world where no one felt isolated or alone Where every individual's journey is met with dignity and respect

Based on the substantial evidence that music offers numerous health benefits, we’d highly recommend that your establishment considers introducing music entertainment and community engagement

Together we can all create moments of joy connection and meaning for those who need it most

Hailsham House care home threw open its doors to local people as it marked the completion of a £2million refurbishment project by operators Aurem Care

Throughout the event which was attended by the Mayor Cllr Paul Holbrook and Deputy Mayor Cllr Anne Marie Ricketts personalised tours of the revamped facility gave visitors a firsthand glimpse into the lifestyle at Hailsham House The Mayor took the opportunity to join in with the home’s activity schedule with a resistance band-based exercise class before cutting a ceremonial cake to mark the opening

Guests had the opportunity to admire the renovation works indulge in delectable home-cooked snacks prepared by the catering team, and participate in various engaging activities, including exercise classes led by the home s PT Matt cupcake decorating sessions, and arts and crafts sessions alongside residents

As a gesture of appreciation each visitor received a raffle ticket on arrival offering them a chance to win an Easter Egg hamper adding to the festive ambiance of the occasion

The refurbishment project which began with an initial £1 million investment saw the creation of 32 ensuite rooms and a

Social Care Staff Remain The Poor Relation Says Providers

Social Care staff remain the poor relations of the healthcare family after their colleagues got a pay boost, campaigners said today

The social care provider organisation The Independent Care Group (ICG) is calling for better sector funding so that staff get pay parity with the NHS

More than 27 000 workers who do NHS work but are employed by nonNHS organisations are to get one-off payments of at least £1 600

The ICG says it is unfair that due to under-funding of social care, staff who work in the independent sector providing care to older and vulnerable adults will not get a similar pay boost and it will make it harder to recruit into the sector

ICG Chair Mike Padgham said:

“The payment to these staff is wholly deserved and we welcome the news that it is to be paid

“But whichever way you look at it, it once again reinforces social care staff as poor relations in the healthcare sector

“Thousands of nurses and care workers who work in social care, doing the same work, will not get the same pay increases as their counterparts doing NHS work and that isn t right

“It is unfair on staff doing the same job and will make it harder to recruit into social care as the disparity between our workforce and those benefiting from NHS pay continues to grow At a time when we already

have 152 000 vacancies in the social care sector that is not going to be helpful ”

He said the Government had to better fund social care to close the disparity and tackle the workforce shortage

“Funding for those who commission care like local authorities and health trusts has been squeezed beyond recognition and they in turn are squeezing down on the fees they pay to providers,” Mr Padgham added “That puts huge pressure on care providers who then cannot hope to match the pay of NHS staff Overall the funding shortage is hitting providers hard and some are leaving the market

“The Government has to get more funding into social care or the situation is going to get worse and the number of people who cannot get care –currently around 1 6m – is going to double

He said with such hardship it was little surprise that public satisfaction with social care was falling A British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey found that only 13% of those questioned were satisfied with social care

Mr Padgham added: The reason for that is probably that there is less and less of it available because of the crisis the sector is in It is a wake-up call to the Government that the public isn’t satisfied with social care – or with NHS services which came in at 24% satisfied – and that they must do something about it

Vida Healthcare Celebrates National Care Award Win

Vida Healthcare is celebrating after winning a national accolade at one of the care sector’s most prestigious awards ceremonies –the Great British Care Awards (GBCA)

Vida Healthcare won the National Three Rs (Recruitment Retention and Recognition) award at the GBCAs – an awards programme that celebrates excellence across the care industry, recognising individuals who have demonstrated outstanding quality within their field of work in the care sector

After winning the Regional Three Rs award late last year Vida Healthcare has gone on to pick up the national gong after judges were impressed by the business ethos of prioritising long-term changes and investing in staff development, reflecting a forward-thinking approach

The panel also noted that Vida Healthcare’s culture of open communication driving innovation and staff engagement is commendable while the team’s focus on structured progression demon-

strates a commitment to continual improvement

Speaking about winning the award James Rycroft managing director at Vida Healthcare, said:

We re over the moon to have won the national Three Rs award at the Great British Care Awards – it s a fantastic achievement and a reflection of our commitment to nurturing the future of social care talent

As part of our dedication to creating better care for people living with dementia our long-term mission is to continue to build on our cohort of understanding and professional care workers We re also looking to develop the team that works in our specialist Huntington disease house in order to provide an elevated level of care to support residents’ independence all the while offering a homely living environment This will ensure we re able to continue providing the best high quality care for our residents with the primary goal of improving their quality of life ”

WE NOW SUPPLY A WIDE RANGE OF FURNITURE

Cyber Criminals Don’t Care

your staff are all essential Plus being able to demonstrate to your insurer that you took preventative measures could end up reducing the cost of your claim further if an incident did occur

WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF A CYBER ATTACK

If your care home does fall victim to a cyber attack, the first thing you ll want to do is minimise the risk of threat actors accessing other areas of your company systems

Consult your internal processes and IT teams who might advise you to remove the affected machines from the network install updates and change your password depending on the problem at hand In addition it is essential for regulatory reasons that you inform the Information Commissioner s Office (ICO) and from a legal standpoint, that you advise data subjects they have been breached

Once this is done there a number of potential actions that may need to be taken depending on the severity of the breach This includes notifying suppliers – often cyber criminals hack into smaller companies to access the bigger companies used for payroll for example

CLAIMING AFTER A CYBER ATTACK

Reviewing your cyber policy as a way of reducing costs is perfectly understandable – but going for the cheapest option based on price alone could end up costing you far more in the long run

One of the benefits of working with an insurance broker is that they understand the end-to-end process, ensuring that you have the right cover in advance of any breach and that you get specialist support in the event the unforeseen happens

Mike Glanton Divisional Claims Manager of Towergate Insurance says “In the event of a data breach each individual may be entitled to claim for damages which may come with resultant legal fees Depending on the severity of the breach and the number of individuals affected, the sums involved can be devastating Due to the sums involved cyber incidents are excluded under most policies and a specialist policy is required ”

He adds There are two sides to any cyber breach claim the rectification of the work itself (i e finding and eliminating the threat in your systems) and dealing with any resultant legal claims or regulatory requirements Most policies provide support with both and your broker claims team are on hand to help you get the right support be it technical or legal should a breach occur

Reaching out to your broker in times of trouble like this mitigates the home’s reputational fallout in the event of an incident in turn helping to reduce costs Mike continues It could reduce the legal spend because it means that insurers can get that view on liability sooner and manage your exposure accordingly ” CHOOSING INSURANCE

When it comes to cyber risk insurance It s not like tapping in your vehicle details saying how long you ve had it how much it’s worth and a premium comes out at the other end ” says Carolyn “Managing cyber risk in a care home is far more complicated with more moving parts and – unlike owning a motor vehicle – carries a risk of reputational damage

The rise of social media, as well as the public record of care inspections, means that word can spread fast in the event of an incident Not only would a cyber attack or liability claim lead to reputational damage but it’s also a warning sign for insurers who could up the cost of your premiums as a result

All of this and more is why it s essential that you don t choose your care home s cyber policy solely based on the initial price you see ” advises Carolyn ‘While in the short term it could save you money in the long term if an incident were to happen it could cost your business – badly ”

• ANTIMICROBIAL FABRIC TREATMENTS

• L AUNDR Y HYGIENE AND EFFICIENCY

• ANTIMICROBIAL HARD SURFACE COATINGS • LEGIONELL

Landmark Study Reveals Extent Of Challenges For People Growing Old In England – Despite Scarcity Of Data

Hourglass the only charity focused on the abuse and neglect of older people in the UK has released a revolutionary Safer Ageing Index in partnership with the Hallmark Foundation This study highlights the challenges people face when growing old in England

This the first Safer Ageing Index for England highlights how the most vulnerable generation of people so deeply affected by the pandemic and now the economic crisis, have another battle on their hands And that is to live in a society that understands and flexes to the needs of an ageing society

This Index which will be re-issued every year is a wakeup call to parliamentarians, local government and other influencers and policymakers that older people cannot be the last in line The charity underlines that a Safer Ageing Agenda should be prioritised to ensure older people can continue to contribute both socially and economically to the English infrastructure

The report, which suggests significant issues in the South West and North of England underlines that addressing the needs and challenges faced by the growing population of older adults is crucial in creating a Safer Ageing Society This includes providing adequate housing options healthcare services social support and combating social isolation to ensure a better quality of life for older people across England

SOME OF THE KEY FINDINGS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

– That older people are often removed from key data – leading to a paucity and lack of up to date and consistent data from national and local government

– The data reveals a dichotomy between regions closer to London and more Northern regions in terms of population health and isolation effects

– Lack of accessible and localised data poses a key issue to developing effective evidence-based policies/strategies and in monitoring progress on Safer Ageing

– Regions in the North of England consistently show higher instances of self-care needs, limiting long-term illnesses, obesity and dementia

– The South West as a whole also faces a substantial healthcare and support need for its older population

– There are broader health challenges outside of the South East of England which may be related to poverty lack of investment, and lack of effective support

– Report suggests combatting social isolation and loneliness through community engagement support networks and initiatives that promote social interaction and connection among older individuals

The study comes off the back of the charity s successful Safer Ageing Week which aims to underline that the abuse and neglect of older people is an all-too-often overlooked and under prioritised issue

Hourglass, which works with over 50,000 victim-survivors (and their families and contacts) annually launched the England Safer Ageing Index and the event saw the charity launch its commitment to a Safer Ageing Society by 2050 a detailed Manifesto as well as celebrating its 30th anniversary

The Minister for Victims and Safeguarding, Laura Farris, said during her keynote speech at the Hourglass Conference: I know that in the last financial year alone, Hourglass provided support to over 6 000 people through their helpline alone and I know this is a vital starting point for many people to access support and I m very glad that Hourglass and the Home Office will be continuing our work together in the year ahead

“I want to congratulate Hourglass for their introduction of the Safer Ageing Index for England This is a significant achievement that we will be looking at carefully to see how it can improve Home Office policy development

The Hallmark Foundation, which provides funding for initiatives that focus on ageing well supported the development and construction of the England Safer Ageing Index (alongside all four nation-based reports) Their CEO Stephen Burke commented:

“Wherever the growing number of older people live in the UK they should be confident that they can age well and safely Sadly that is not true

This ground-breaking research highlights why these issues need to be much higher priority for all levels of government across the UK and where policymakers should focus attention

Updating the index annually will show older people their families and communities whether progress is being made ”

The Deputy CEO of Hourglass Veronica Gray who spearheaded the Safer Ageing Index initiative, underlined the charity s commitment to Safer Ageing

“Hourglass wants the people of England to age safely, free from abuse and neglect and we want to work with communi-

Care Homes Face Increased Wage Bill as New NLW Comes Into Force

The National Living Wage (NLW) has risen by 9 8% from £10 42 to £11 44 an increase of £1 02 the largest ever increase in the minimum wage in cash terms and the first time it has increased by more than £1

Research from social care leadership body Skills for Care has revealed that more than nine in ten independent care providers will face an increased wage bill in line with the new National Living Wage (NLW) from April 1

Skills for Care estimates that approximately 94 per cent of adult social care providers in the independent sector paid at least some of their workers below the April 2024 mandatory NLW (£11 44) and will be directly affected by its introduction

In a new report Pay in the adult social care sector Skills for Care calculates that the median hourly rate for a care worker in the independent sector was £11 00 as at December 2023 (58 pence above the 2023 NLW)

This varies across the regions, with the highest median hourly pay rates recorded in London (£11 31) and the lowest in the West Midlands (£10 80)

The report finds that over the nine months to December 2023 the nominal median care worker pay had increased by 8 8 per cent (89 pence per hour) since March 2023 delivering a real terms pay increase of 63p per hour (6 1 per cent

The report also highlights that recruitment and retention challenges have resulted in ongoing decreases in the proportion of care workers paid on the wage floor ie on or within 10p of the NLW) which presently stands at 19 per cent, or almost one in five of all workers

The report also reveals that experienced care workers (those with 5 or more years in the sector) are paid just 8p per hour more than new entries to the sector prior to March 2017 this gap was between 26p and 37p Karolina Gerlich CEO of The Care Workers Charity says: “Despite the profound impact on the lives of those drawing on social care care work has long been undervalued and unfairly thought of as an unskilled role This is far from the truth Care workers shoulder wide-ranging clinical responsibilities from administering medication to providing vital support such as stoma care Care workers extend palliative support within communities collaborate closely with district nurses coordinate with GP’s and administer end-of-life pain relief They support people with their mental health and provide companionship Care workers support people in living the lives they want to live in a holistic way that continues not to be recognised or respected Everybody deserves to be paid at a level that promotes financial stability and enhances overall quality of life

also deserve a wage that reflects the skills experience and immense responsibilities of the

The Care Workers Charity has long advocated for fair compensation calling for a minimum wage of £15 per hour through our workforce advocacy programme We cannot expect care workers to deliver excellent care without adequate support themselves The findings of the Skills for Care Pay in Adult Social Care Report underscore the urgent need for action to ensure that care workers are fairly compensated for their invaluable contributions to our society ”

Care Home Support for Parents and Toddlers

A Muir of Ord care home is to offer a supportive and fun space for new parents and their children Urray House care home is launching a parent and toddler group where new parents and their little ones are welcome to join residents and staff for a cuppa games music and singing

The idea was conceived by proud new dad Joe Greiner manager of Urray House

He said: “My partner Ellie and our daughter Ezra inspired the idea of starting a new parent and toddler group I started thinking about the support available

to families like ours in our community and although there are existing groups I sensed an opportunity to establish our own space in the nurturing care environment of Urray House Our residents thoroughly enjoy bonding with our daughter and seeing her take her first steps in life and I know they re looking forward to the launch of our group

Creating this parent and toddler group allows us to contribute to our community while fostering meaningful relationships with our residents helping to bridge the gap between generations

Transforming Social Care: Using Technology To Put People at the Heart of Care

By Jody O ’Neill, CEO and Founder at Curam (www curamcare com)

Social care is undergoing a significant transformation driven by a £3 million government project to revolutionise the use of technology within the sector However this investment is just one of the many steps needed to create real change

To truly unlock the potential of technology in care, the focus needs to shift towards empowering carers By providing carers with the right tools recognition and reward the quality of care they give will increase and ongoing sector challenges including workforce shortages training and an overload of work will be addressed

Traditionally the care sector has left carers stretched thin with logistical hurdles and administrative tasks However, technology has the potential to offer carers the opportunity to streamline workflows freeing up valuable time for carers to focus on what matters most – taking care of patients

EFFICIENCY AT THE CORE

The administrative burden can interfere with valuable time that could be spent on care provision and interacting with patients directly The increase of generative AI applications in the social care sector has the opportunity to revolutionise this aspect of care by automating tasks such as rostering creating schedules and providing reminders for appointments and when to take medication

This not only reduces administrative work but also ensures carers can focus on building meaningful relationships with patients By having streamlined workflows, the number of patients who can be seen throughout the day increases leading to a more efficient and impactful way of delivering care

PUTTING PATIENTS AT THE HEART OF CARE

Technology allows for a more flexible approach to care Virtual consultations through video calls can work alongside in-person visits This gives more time back to carers to prioritise vital face-to-face interac-

tions focusing on emotional and social wellbeing support This hybrid approach allows efficient care delivery while creating a deeper relationship between carers and patients

The rise of technologies such as remote intelligent monitoring and predictive analytics can also give carers an accurate overall picture of a patient s wellbeing throughout the day By implementing wearable technology and smart sensors into a patient s daily care routine carers can monitor vital signs and potentially predict future health complications remotely This provides peace of mind for patients families and carers ensuring patients receive optimal care in their preferred settings, whether at home or in a care facility

Capturing this data ahead of time also means carers can plan care packages in advance of visiting the patient so they can maximise the time of in-person visits

CLOSING THE SKILLS SHORTAGE GAP

With an estimated average of 9 9% of roles in adult social care vacant in 2022/23 equivalent to approximately 152 000 vacancies the social care sector is facing a clear longstanding workforce issue However technology has the potential to empower carers by offering them more control over their careers

For example utilising self-service online portals can allow carers to choose the jobs they want to work on matching their specific skills and preferences alongside patient needs This can increase flexibility for carers but also can cut out unnecessary middlemen, potentially leading to higher pay for carers which is among the lowest in the economy

To tackle current workforce issues and empower carers it s crucial to bridge the digital divide Training programmes tailored to different technological skill sets will be essential for carers to understand how technology can help them in their career and how it can used to enhance their expertise This will ensure carers are comfortable using new technology but also creates a culture of continuous learning within the workforce, where there is currently limited career progression and training and qualifications

A CATALYST FOR CHANGE

Technology can be more than just a tool in the social care sector, it can become a catalyst for change

Carers can feel more empowered through using new technologies which will ultimately improve the quality of care they provide enhance overall patient experience and create a more efficient social care workforce

Important - Health and Safety Matters

The National Association for Safety and Health in Care Services (NASHiCS) focuses on all Health and Safety matters affecting the social care sector The association has gone from strength to strength since its inception and has a growing membership across many care providers and organisations covering the UK

Keeping up to date regarding Health and Safety matters is vital The more you know the more you can plan and the more you plan, the less you are susceptible in turbulent times to both internal and external risks

Through the association you can Network with colleagues responsible for Health and Safety share your own ‘best practice’ experiences and hear how others have overcome challenges

Source dedicated events on health and safety in the sector and participate in national and local Networkers Conferences Seminars in-person or virtual webinars

Advertise job vacancies and benefit from favourable member offers and rates from suppliers of goods, services and equipment

Receive regular update emails covering latest developments and safety alerts/news; while giving access to current information links on key safety topics; and monthly our highly praised e-News Matters covered range from fire safety, training, infection control, lone working, falls prevention first aid to stress legionella case law regulation people moving people and mock courts to mention just a few See our website for information on past, as well as future events – www nashics org

We have developed national links with other organisations government bodies regulators and enforcement agencies Our aim is to promote and improve safety and health in care practice by providing a sharing and networking forum for

Hft Tackles Adult Social Care Challenges Head On With A New Long-Term Strategy

Over 60% of adults surveyed in the UK believe the political agenda does not prioritise the needs of learning disabled adults while “a lack of funding” and “unchanging attitudes among the public” are preventing learning disabled people from living the best life possible

This is according to a survey conducted among UK adults by Opinium on behalf of the learning disability charity, Hft, which today launches its new long-term strategy, ‘Hft 2033: Your life Your way

As Hft looks to its future the strategy seeks to put an independent life in the reach of learning disabled adults and to put them and social care as a whole back on the agenda after over a decade of Government underfunding the more recent cost of living crisis and the social care recruitment crisis

Learning disabled adults want and deserve to lead independent lives full of choice as to where they live work and socialise to live their best lives by 2033 But as Local Authority funding becomes increasingly stretched to breaking point, Hft has set out its roadmap to ensure that learning disabled adults are not forgotten and shut out from the society we all share

“Today we launch Hft 2033: Your life Your way ” explains Steve Veevers, CEO of Hft “This new longterm strategy has been developed after extensive coproduction with representatives from all our audiences including the people we support and our colleagues They clearly demonstrated a desire for equity and for people to have respect for their contribution to their communities They also wanted to have choice as to where and with whom they live access to employment opportunities and more control over how they lead their everyday lives

“In 1962 when the first group of visionary parents set up Hft, there were limited opportunities available for learning disabled people when they reached adulthood But that group of parents wanted to ensure their children would continue to fulfil their potential after leaving school and so they set up Hft s first service

We have come a long way since then but our research shows we still have a long way to go to ensure that learning disabled adults continue to be supported to thrive in their communities We know life can be complicated for everybody But learning disabled people often face additional hurdles Some are stopped from working towards their dreams and aspirations Many can’t live where they choose or with whom they choose Some don’t get to decide what they do for work

Others are prevented from trying new hobbies and making choices they want to make

An independent life is out of reach for many and we aim to hold on to the pioneering spirit of our founding families to change this ” he says

“We believe in a different world, not in a different individual A world where care is about so much more than survival We want learning disabled people to thrive and we re calling on everyone to be a learning disability ally to stand shoulder to shoulder with us every person we support, and the 1 5million learning disabled adults in the UK today ”

To enable Hft to achieve its ambitious strategy it has also refreshed its brand and introduced a new strapline Learning Disability Allies to help the charity be clearer about who it is and what it does and reach more people – which is now more important than ever

In the face of a perfect storm of funding pressures facing social care providers our future strategy is underpinned by a focus on financial sustainability ” explains Steve

“We know we won’t be able to achieve our vision on our own and we want to work alongside learning disabled people their families and the wider sector to create a different future We are encouraged to see that 50% of the public in the Opinium survey said they had done something in the last 12 months that made them an ally of learning disabled people If we can change this figure to 100% we will have made major inroads to a more inclusive society and to realising our vision of a future where learning disabled people can live the best life possible,” he says

The Perfect Storm: An Ageing Social Care Industr y With No Replacements

discusses the impact of an ageing workforce and the importance of encouraging new talent into the sector

An ageing workforce without younger workers entering the industry raises the spectre of significant future service disruption As the UK population is set to grow to almost 74 million by 2036 (Office for National Statics) the current labour force doesn’t have capacity to support this level of population growth which will likely lead to potential gaps in service provision

Running parallel to this as older workers leave the industry – many of them possessing important skills and knowledge - there is a risk of losing valuable institutional expertise

Without effective knowledge transfer mechanisms in place there may be gaps in training and mentorship for younger or less experienced workers ManpowerGroup data shows that 80% of employers are currently unable to fill roles due to the talent shortages, a number which rises to an even more concerning 97% of employers in the social care sector (Hays)

A shortage of younger workers and an overreliance on an ageing workforce may impact the quality of care provided to service users

Older workers may experience physical limitations or health issues that affect their ability to perform certain tasks, while younger workers may lack the experience and skills needed to address complex care needs effectively Those in the care sector are broadly aware of this, which can be reflected in the hiring intent for Q2 2024 being +31% There is a strong desire to bring new talent into the sector, but a lack of applica-

Meet Industr y Experts at CleanEx 2024

The excitement is building as CleanEx2024 – the only UK exhibition dedicated to the laundry and textile care industry – looks to set records when the doors open at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 28 April and Monday 29 April

CleanEx encompasses every facet of the industry and since its inception in 2012 the biennial event has grown enormously New equipment launched machinery demonstrations – in fact everything from detergents to large washers dryers to bed linen can be seen and compared

This exhibition includes the biggest names in the sector alongside newer entrants keen to show off their ingenuity and showcase products This year sustainability and products which save time and energy are expected to draw a wide audience

CleanEx 2024 like its successful predecessors attracts visitors from across the UK and the rest of the world

Virtually all attendees have buyer power within their organisation and are looking to make the most of this

valuable opportunity

tions from qualified individuals

To add to the mix the industry is often stereotyped and not positioned as a desirable career path Minimum wage long hours and lack of development opportunities hinders interest in joining the sector

However more can be done to address this as care providers across the UK could further highlight the benefits of joining the sector including job satisfaction training and development learning transferable skills and flexible working options

It’s not all doom and gloom, though Recently, the government introduced a national care career structure, with defined roles and professional development opportunities This latest measure comes in a bid to help recruit new talent into the industry As at the time of writing this (March 2024) care providers in England acting as sponsors for migrants will also be required to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) – the industry regulator for Health and Social Care – in order to crack down on worker exploitation and abuse within the sector

These new measures are welcomed but more must be done

Addressing the impacts of an ageing workforce across the UK social care system requires a comprehensive approach that includes strategies to attract and retain younger workers, invest in workforce development and training, promote healthy aging and workplace wellness initiatives, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of social care delivery models

Organiser Mark Gleed says: I am very excited for the sixth edition of CleanEx and know from the massive interest that the 2024 exhibition is going to see deals done and create talking points in the years to come We can t wait –and neither can those attending as exhibitors or visitors ”

It s very easy to register for Cleanex 2024 Just go to https://cleanex ecreg uk/ where you can download an information pack Ascot Racecourse the prestigious venue is ideally placed for visitors It’s close to Ascot train station and just a short distance from central London and major road networks linking the rest of the UK

We look forward to seeing you there!

See the advert below for further details

Dementia Charity Advises About Clock Change Confusion

As winter comes to an end and the days become longer people across the nation have put their clocks forward to reflect the change in season

Despite this routine occurring twice every year, many people are caught out by the extra hour lost or gained But for people with dementia, the time change may cause more than just a surprise

Dementia charity Alzheimer’s Society has advised that people with dementia can find themselves disorientated by the clocks moving forward

As daylight begins to start earlier and end later people with dementia may find it difficult to differentiate between 6am and 6pm This can disrupt their circadian biological clock and make it hard for them and those who care for them to get enough sleep

Not feeling ready to sleep because it is light outside can cause the person to become overtired which can cause low mood and affect their ability to think clearly They may also become irritable and distressed These changes can also impact those who love and care for a person with dementia

Angelo Makri Senior Knowledge Officer for Wellbeing at Alzheimer s Society, said: “For the majority of people, the clocks changing doesn’t

have much of an impact at all – although having to work out how to reset the clock on the oven and in the car is nobody’s idea of fun While it is often only a minor nuisance for the majority of people for people living with dementia it can disrupt their body clock and cause confusion and anxiety ”

Here are four top tips from Alzheimer s Society to help people with dementia overcome challenges faced by the clocks going forward

Think about having your evening meal and going to bed an hour earlier on Saturday so that the person can still get their usual amount of sleep and wake up at their usual time on Sunday In this way the person s routine will only be different for an evening rather than a full day

Use a visual aid to help the person with dementia identify the start and end of the day Alzheimer s Society s online shop sells ‘Day and Night’ clocks (pictured) which include simple visual symbols to help people with dementia distinguish the time of day

Going outside and getting some gentle exercise can help the person feel sleepier during the evening so they go to bed

Braintree Care Home Residents Discover Joy in Potter y Making

As part of its ever-expanding activity programme Aspen Grange Care Home in Braintree Essex recently hosted a pottery workshop for its residents The session, guided by an accomplished local potter introduced residents to the craft of ceramics This addition to the home s activities programme has been significant providing both a stimulating leisure pursuit and acknowledged therapeutic advantages The process of shaping pottery is known to promote relaxation reduce stress and provide a sense of accomplishment, all of which are vital for the wellbeing of the residents The workshop has not only diversified the residents activities but also contributed to their mental and emotional health reinforcing Aspen Grange s commitment to the therapeutic integration of the arts into care Sharon Thompson Aspen Grange s home manager remarked on the initiative:

"Incorporating creative arts into our residents lives is pivotal to their wellbeing The pottery workshop not only introduced a new skill but also fostered a sense of achievement and social interaction amongst participants Engaging with clay work has been shown to offer physical benefits such as enhanced dexterity and cognitive stimulation from learning new skills ” Reflecting on the experience resident Morag Bright said "Participating in the pottery session was a new experience and something I ve not done before It's not just about learning a new craft; it s about the laughter the camaraderie, and the joy of creating something with your own hands Sharon added: The pottery event highlights our commitment to offering a diverse array of activities that cater to the interests and abilities of all our residents ensuring a stimulating and supportive environment

at their usual time If the person is unable to go outside, helping them keep active during the day can have a similar effect

Think about using blackout curtains to reduce sunlight in the evenings too

Having a routine during the day and at bedtime can help regulate a person s disrupted body clock Doing regular activities at the same time each day – for example going for a walk after breakfast, can help a person with dementia make sense of the time Alzheimer s Society s online shop sells devices that can help with managing daily routines, and reminders to complete daily tasks at regular times

“Too many people face dementia alone We want everyone affected by dementia to know that whoever you are whatever you’re going through you can turn to Alzheimer s Society for practical advice emotional support and guidance for the next step,” added Angelo

Two Years of Progress Lost in Planning for Seniors Housing Accommodation- Pace of Change Stalls Despite Needs Increasing

Just under a third (32%) of local authorities still do not have clear policies in place to support housing for seniors according to new research from Knight Frank and Irwin Mitchell Unlocking Potential - Real Estate Unlocking Potential for Seniors Housing Development (irwinmitchell com) This significant shortcoming in the level of planning for seniors housing is particularly worrying given the UK s ageing population- it is forecast that the number of people aged over 65 will increase to over 15 million or to one in four of us by 2043

The new survey builds on similar research carried out in 2017 2020 and 2022 which ranked local authorities between A and ‘D according to the provisions in their local plans towards seniors housing * Those local authorities with an A rating had clear policies indicating details of the required number of dwellings and care home beds and how this will be achieved together with specific site allocations for such development, whereas those with a D rating had neither clear policies nor site allocation

This year’s survey results (below) found that out of 326 local authorities in England 75 (23 %) were graded A 100 (33 7%) were graded B 47 (14 4%) were graded C and 104 (31 9%) were graded D Oliver Knight Partner and Head of Residential Research at Knight Frank said: “While previous research has shown significant progress our latest analysis suggests that over the last two years the pace of change has stalled A third of local authorities are still to adopt specific planning policies and site allocations addressing seniors housing Some 34 have moved backwards over the last two years The appetite from investors and developers to deliver more age-appropriate housing is clear and growing A more consistent and supportive policy environment will unlock more supply, more propositions, and more choice for seniors ”

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According to Nicola Gooch, Planning partner at Irwin Mitchell “Planning remains one of the biggest challenges facing the seniors housing sector in England It s now 2024 seven years since we started running this survey and there are still less than a quarter of A graded local authorities – only 75 out of 326 that have both clear policies in place and site allocations The number of councils not adequately planning for an ageing population remains significant More concerningly the rate of change has stalled over the last two years meaning that we are failing to make progress just when the need is becoming increasingly acute ” Gooch added: This year s survey is released in the run up to a general election and at the end of a period of unprecedented political turmoil Since the last report was published there have been two changes of Prime Minister three Secretaries of State at DLUHC and six Housing Ministers We have seen the LevellingUp & Regeneration Act 2023 enter the statute books major amendments made to the NPPF and the publication of more than a dozen consultations on a wide variety of proposed reforms to the planning system ”

Against that background the policy inertia that we have experienced is disappointing but probably not surprising We have seen a decline in the number of new Local Plans as several local authorities have either delayed or withdrawn their local plans as they try to get to grips with ever moving and changing government policy ”

However it is not all gloom Despite this inertia Knight Frank & Irwin Mitchell believe a sense of urgency over the need to get behind the sector does finally seem to be taking hold The Older Person’s Housing Taskforce is due to report later this year and the Government s support for the sector has been recognised both in greater recognition in the NPPF itself but also in the Levelling-Up & Regeneration Act 2024 LURA contains provisions which when brought into effect will place the Secretary of State under a specific legal duty to provide detailed guidance on how local authorities should plan to meet the needs of the elderly population

The introduction of National Development Management Policies which sit alongside (and in some cases override) a Council’s Local Plan policies, have the potential to make a huge difference to the sector and could if the Government chose render this research completely redundant

There are also new entrants and increased activity in the market with developers such as Untold Living entering the market and rental products from existing providers really starting to take hold Gooch concludes: Whilst the last two years have been extremely challenging for the sector it is starting

to feel as if the supportive policy environment that we need to enable the sector to thrive might finally be in reach However we certainly need both local and national government to take a pro-active approach if we are to unlock the potential of senior housing in England There is still a long way to go before the necessary support is in place to deliver our population s elderly housing needs in full

Knight Frank and Irwin Mitchell have also updated their research to reveal the fifteen opportunity areas ripe for development of seniors housing across England Using a matrix looking at both the planning scores and local economic/ demographic statistics *** the research distinguished areas where there is clear potential for seniors housing to develop as well as those areas where local factors are creating a barrier to progress

The results are as follows:

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Despite the research pointing to a static picture at a national level in relation to the planning scores several new entrants have made their way into the top fifteen of the seniors housing opportunity rankings

There are five new entrants within the private ranking including Wandsworth and Elmbridge which now rank third and fourth respectively

Other new entrants include Mole Valley (11th) Chichester (13th) and Brentwood (14th) Mole Valley and Chichester have rocketed into the top fifteen having ranked 190th and 239th in 2022 Both have strong underlying demographic and housing market fundamentals, but a significantly improved planning policy position between 2022 and 2024 (from D to A) has underpinned their move up the rankings

The number of London boroughs appearing in the top fifteen in the private opportunity area rankings continues to increase from two in 2020 to seven in 2024

In terms of new homes the supply of new seniors housing stock across the UK is increasing In 2023 more than 9 140 new seniors housing units were built up 19% on the previous year’s delivery and the strongest year for new supply since 2016 Delivery was weighted towards homes within Integrated Retirement Communities (IRC), which deliver larger communities with higher levels of services and supported by an increase in the volume of private capital entering the market

However, according to Oliver Knight, “While delivery has picked up it remains significantly short of need

The UK s population is ageing rapidly Over the next 20 years there will be an additional four million seniors living in the UK Independent reviews of the sector suggest up to 50 000 new seniors housing units are required annually to keep up with projected demand – over the past five years just 37 000 homes have been built

OTHER TRENDS IN SENIORS HOUSING THE RESEARCH NOTES

Analysis of planning data shows more new seniors housing schemes are coming forward Around 200 new planning applications were submitted last year roughly on par with 2022 Since 2022 some 270 schemes have received planning permission accounting for a potential 14,474 additional homes

The evolution of the seniors housing model to cater to a broader range of residents This includes a trend towards larger developments typically with 60-200 units The planning pipeline suggests this trend will continue

INCREASING DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY IN URBAN LOCATIONS

Further increase in the provision of age-targeted rental product and shared ownership as investors and operators look to offer seniors the broadest choice possible

Delivery of rental product is expected to increase further in the coming years An analysis of the pipeline suggests total private rental units will nearly double to just shy of 10 000 by 2027

Stronger appetite from new and existing market players to deliver more age-appropriate housing

A link to the full report is found here: Unlocking Potential - Real Estate Unlocking Potential for Seniors Housing Development - https://foleon irwinmitchell com/ci-reports/unlocking-potential-for-seniorshousing-development-2024/

Experts Reveal the Ultimate Snack Selection for Safe and Effective Weight Gain in the Elderly

Abbots Care have par tnered with GP and Medical Director at Selph, Dr Claire Merrifield, to outline some top tips to encourage the elderly to eat, and the best snacks to keep them healthy during loss of appetite.

As people age they face an increased risk of unintentional weight loss due to various factors such as decreased appetite altered taste and smell, and changes in metabolism

Outstanding home and live-in care providers at Abbots Care have assessed some of the potential risks elderly people face when it comes to weight loss they have identified alongside GP and Medical Director at Selph Dr Claire Merrifield the key snacks that could keep the elderly healthy during loss of appetite They ve also included tips for carers and family members when looking after an elderly relative who may be experiencing weight loss

Maintaining a healthy weight is key to fighting off infections ‘weight loss or a low appetite can lead to tiredness, depression and a lack of energy which may make you more likely to suffer from infections such as colds or flu’ We have seen that waiting times to be admitted in NHS hospitals have increased substantially over the past two years, and want to prevent elderly people waiting these times for assistance

Almost a third of over 60s – equivalent to 4 2million - have recently cut back on food or groceries due to the cost of living crisis The implications of weight loss in the elderly are profound potentially leading to weakened immunity reduced muscle strength and increased risk of falls and fractures Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for the overall health and quality of life in older adults

Abbots Care has collaborated with Dr Claire Merrifield from Selph to provide valuable advice on how to support an elderly person with eating and maintaining weight

There are many factors that affect appetite and we know that it’s common for older people to have a decreased appetite as they age Older adults tend to have a reduced activity level which reduces appetite

‘There is a phenomenon called sensory-specific satiety which means that when a particular food is eaten to the point of feeling full that specific food becomes less pleasant than other foods which have not been eaten So if an older person has quite a bland meal with limited variety they are likely to feel full and stop eating sooner than if they had a meal with more variety ’

People who live alone have been widowed or are in care-homes with food that they do not enjoy tend to eat less Improving the physical ambience of the eating environment, finding a way for people to eat together and in a more enjoyable setting can be important in maintaining adequate food intake

TOP TIPS TO ENCOURAGE THE ELDERLY TO EAT

Sensor y appeal:

Try and ensure the food offered has sensory appeal so looks brightly coloured and interesting and has a variety of textures Even if there is less perceived flavour it may be more interesting to eat Eating a more mediterranean style diet with lots of fruit and veg is associated with healthy ageing ’

Present a varied plate of food:

This should prevent sensory-specific satiety and promote greater food intake

Encourage movement:

Even if your loved one can t walk or mobilise easily there are plenty of exercises and movements that can be done seated Exercise and movement, however small, will improve mood cognition and appetite

Dental check:

‘Ensure your loved one has had a recent dental check and that there are no issues with dental hygiene or dentures that might affect how painful it is to chew

Ambience:

‘See if the ambience and atmosphere of meal-times can be improved Older people who eat alone in front of the television or have poor ambience tend to eat less Is there a way mealtimes can become more enjoyable and sociable? People tend to eat more when they are feeling happy and improving the atmosphere of meal-times in nursing homes has been shown to improve the nutritional status of residents ’

HEALTHY SNACKS FOR WEIGHT GAIN

With the help of Dr Claire Merrifield Abbots Care has listed below some snack ideas for the elderly and their benefits Abbots Care have also developed a recipe book for further inspiration

FOOD - SWEET RIPE FRUITS

Benefits - Soft and sweet but high in fibre and other health-promoting substances like polyphenols Try to substitute fruit for cakes and biscuits

Snack idea - Ripe bananas, which will also be easy for the elderly person to chew

Food - Beef jerky or protein shake

Benefits - High energy high protein snacks that can be really tasty and replace snacks with empty calories like biscuits or cakes

Snack idea - For a protein shake try blitzing in some berries and Greek yoghurt to provide some benefit to the gut or a bowl of full-fat Greek yoghurt with berries if preferred You can also make some ‘protein balls’ these are easy to make and are usually a combination of nuts seeds nut butter and either fruits or dark chocolate

Food - Natural yoghurt

Benefits - Contains probiotics which help maintain gut health Probiotics have been shown to aid digestion boost immune function and even prevent infection which is crucial through winter

Snack idea - You could try flavoured natural yoghurts or keep it simple with some granola fruit or nuts

Food - Nuts and seeds

Benefits - Contains antioxidants which may reduce the risk of many diseases fibre which is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke, and plant protein which again helps decrease the risk of developing chronic diseases

Snack idea - You could create your own nut and seeds bar, or if you struggle with chewing, use nut butters instead

FOOD - PRUNES

Benefits - Prunes can help prevent and reduce the loss of bone mass This means that eating prunes can also lower a person's risk of developing osteoporosis They are also iron rich, can help prevent diabetes and aid digestion

Snack idea - mix with porridge or yoghurt or simply eat alone for a mid morning snack

Katy Huby Community Nurse Assessor from Abbots Care said:

Any unintentional weight loss is concerning However it s not always easy to spot Look for things like dentures and rings becoming loose, clothes which previously fit looking baggy, or a decrease in energy and enthusiasm

Be mindful; talking about weight loss can be a sensitive topic for many people Instead of focusing on the physical aspect consider asking people how they are feeling Unintentional weight loss can follow on from things that have had an emotional impact such as bereavement increasing loneliness or an increase in anxiety or depression By allowing them to open up you may discover a reason for the weight loss or any additional symptoms they may be suffering from If you feel it is appropriate encourage them to make an appointment with a GP; if you are able consider offering to go with them to lend emotional support Or maybe ask them to fill out the BAPEN malnutrition self-screening tool Anyone with noticeable/unexplained/unintentional weight loss should be strongly encouraged to see a GP ”

M-Resourcing are delighted to announce the appointment of Dan Ashenden to lead our M-Resourcing service with effect from 1 December 2023

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

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

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

Canadian Study Offers New Insight Into ‘Transmissible’ Alzheimer’s Disease

New laboratory-based research in mice published in the scientific journal Stem Cell Reports, has suggested that a form of Alzheimer’s disease can be transferred via bone marrow transplants

However experts cautioned that phenomenon had only been observed in mice and the study’s conclusions couldn’t be extended to people undergoing bone marrow transplants

The researchers, from University of British Columbia in Canada, took bone marrow cells from mice that carried a faulty version of a gene linked to Alzheimer’s, called the amyloid precursor protein gene (or APP), and transplanted them into healthy mice who lacked this genetic fault Some of these recipient mice carried normal’ versions of the APP gene; others had been engineered to lack the gene entirely (so-called ‘APP-knockout’ mice)

After the transplant both groups of mice developed Alzheimer s – identified through symptoms of cognitive decline and increased levels of amyloid a hallmark protein of Alzheimer s in the brain Both groups developed symptoms a few months earlier than did the donor mice, who already carried the faulty APP gene

The fact that we could see significant behavioural differences and cognitive decline in the APP-knockouts at 6 months was surprising, but also intriguing because it just showed the appearance of the disease that was being accelerated after being transferred said first author Chaahat Singh

Dr Sheona Scales Director of Research at Alzheimer s Research UK emphasised that these experiments were conducted in mice specially bred with a rare genetic mutation which only represents an extremely small number of Alzheimer’s cases in people ”

While noting that animal research provides valuable insights into the origins and progression of dementia-related diseases Dr Scales stressed the need for further research to determine if similar processes occur in humans

It s far from clear that this mechanism is relevant outside of a laboratory experiment” she said

The transplanted cells used in the study were stem cells that have the potential to develop into blood and immune cells but not into nerve cells As a result the researchers speculated that this suggests that amyloid build-up in the brain in Alzheimer s disease can be triggered by the presence of amyloid outside of the brain

The researchers now plan to test whether other types of transplants have the same result

Earlier this year, a UK-based research team identified five very rare cases of transmissible Alzheimer’s disease in humans believed to have arisen because of a medical treatment decades earlier Reflecting on both studies, Dr Scales stressed that there is “no evidence” that Alzheimer’s can be caught from contact with someone with the disease or from regular medical treatments

Rose House: Building Strong Community Links in Armthorpe with Local Headteacher Visit

Rose House care home in Armthorpe opening in April, is delighted to announce a significant step towards fostering strong community ties with a recent visit from Nicola Worthington, the Headteacher of Southfield Primary School

Taking place on the 21st March 2024 the meeting brought together Tracey Reynolds Home Manager of Rose House and Nicola Worthington to discuss collaborative efforts between the care home and the local primary school

Recognising the importance of connecting with the surrounding community Tracey and Nicola explored avenues for cooperation that would benefit both the residents of Rose House and the students at Southfield Primary School

Commenting on the significance of this initiative, Tracey, Home Manager of Rose House emphasized It was lovely to meet Nicola and start building the relationship with our local primary school Building intergenerational relationships is so important to our residents wellbeing

She further added "Intergenerational activities, such as this foster inclusivity and harness the wealth of positive experiences and wisdom that our older generation can share with the younger generation

Echoing these sentiments, Jo, Deputy Manager at Rose House expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration stating Looking forward to working alongside Southfield School and looking forward to hearing about all the adventures we will get up to

The partnership between Rose House and Southfield Primary School signifies a commitment to enriching the lives of both residents and students through shared experiences and meaningful interactions

Rose House looks forward to further strengthening these community links and creating opportunities for intergenerational engagement that foster a sense of belonging and connection for all involved

Lura Care Launches its Mobile Dental Care Ser vices for Care Homes and Day Centres

New analysis by Age UK has found around 4 7million people aged 65 and over in the UK are unable to complete all eight of the most fundamental tasks required to use the internet successfully These include being able to turn on devices and enter account logins use settings and controls on your device open applications set up connection to wifi open internet browsers keep passwords secure and change passwords when prompted to do so

Despite the increase in older people going online over recent years around 1 in 6 of people aged 65 and over equivalent to 2 3m do not use the internet at all – and almost half (48%) of these people are aged 75+

And for those older people who have got over the barriers of using the internet further analysis by Age UK shows that among those over 65s who are online around 2 5 million are unable to complete tasks required to thrive in a digital society in day-to-day life These key skills include being able to communicate, to store and access information and content carry out transactions search for information and be safe online

their feelings on the challenges they face being offline In droves they told the Charity they feel disempowered and left behind just because they cannot do tasks online They want to stay in control of how they live their lives and are fully capable of doing so but an inability to use the internet is forcing some to rely on others restricting their sense of agency and undermining their selfesteem

Ahead of the General Election Age UK is calling on all parties to make sure that all public services including the NHS council services and other nationally provided public services offer and promote an affordable easy to access offline way of reaching and using them In addition essential private sector-run services crucially including banking should ensure that their customers who are offline or have lower

In its new report Offline and Overlooked Age UK highlights that in an increasingly digital world where almost everything from accessing NHS services and shopping to socialising and entertainment is taking place on the internet, there are millions of older people who are not online and who are being left behind The Charity warns that it will never be possible to get everyone online and trying to force the issue poses a real risk to older people s health finances and ability to participate in society

Older campaigners have told the Charity that even essential tasks are becoming challenging and sometimes impossible to do The report explores older people’s struggles in managing GP and hospital appointments accessing council services banking and applying for benefits

Age UK’s Offline and overlooked petition calling to stop online being the only option has received strong support, surpassing more than 50,000 signatures Older people, their friends and family have also shared

Disabled Woman Reunited with Dog at Scottish Care Home

Both Clo and the Liver Dalmation dog struggled with the separation and the management team at Cygnet Social Care Trinity Lodge undertook a risk assessment and made arrangements for Pongo to come and live at the Lodge with Clo

Jenine Clo s mum said The bond between Clo and Pongo is special They have been together since 2015 they met when Pongo was 12 weeks old He knows what she needs he can read her like a book

“Pongo helps Clo by reducing her anxiety He responds to her sensory needs calms her down by giving her deep pressure where he uses his body weight to provide calming sensory feedback through pressure on Clo s body Also she can pet him and he is always with her He gets her out on walks

“Clo s disabilities impact her every day, all the time Due to her having complex needs, she finds it hard

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to communicate and live life Also being born with no left forearm has made it difficult for her This means she needs care all the time

“As her parents we are so happy that the pair are reunited as they were both pining for each other She was in distress without him and Pongo was so stressed

When they were reunited the pair clicked together like they were never apart

Clo was so happy that she squealed with excitement and was jumping up and down ”

Cygnet Social Care Trinity Lodge manager Lorraine Platt said it has made a huge amount of difference to Clo s wellbeing to have Pongo living with her again

She added: Pongo makes Clo feel calmer and when she gets upset he lies with her He also needs a good three-mile walk a day which helps Clo also Pongo is very good with all the staff but it is always Clo who holds the leash when they are walking

When Clo is going somewhere Pongo cannot go with her he enjoys lying in the office with staff waiting for her to come back

“The vet said that Pongo was always pining for Clo We originally thought it would work if he just visited Clo regularly but the vet said that it was making the grieving process harder as he saw her once a week then went home and she wasn t there I knew we had to reunite them

“Across our Cygnet Social Care services we work with our individuals to ensure they have more choice and control in their lives We find out their strengths abilities and preferences so that the care provided can be as person-centred and meaningful to each individual as possible I am delighted we have achieved that for Clo ”

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Recipients Of Care ‘Responsible’ For Saying ‘This Is What I Want’, Says Industr y Expert

A leading voice in social care has said there needs to be a rebalance between providers of care and those receiving it and said people receiving care had a ‘responsibility’ to say what they wanted

Daniel Casson, MD of Casson Consulting, said technology is not the end goal and is not designed to replace care workers and called for a greater voice for people in care ’

Speaking to The Access Group s Redefining Care podcast

Daniel Casson said:

Social care is evolving but there s also a quiet revolution around how people are prepared to look at new ideas and new ways of working

“Technology can help us find new ways of caring We need to achieve parity between the person providing the care the organisation behind them and the person receiving the care

The biggest innovation is how we involve all these people and give them parity of esteem

Social care is about helping people live as independently as possible appropriate to their own situation

While I promote new technology and new ways of thinking, I also believe in joining up existing resources to create new ways of caring Because technology is not the end goal

“Care is no longer something that we deliver to people There’s more of an equal relationship between the organisation the person providing the care and the person who receives the care Care can be designed individually around the person It’s the responsibility of recipients of care to say, “This is what I want ”

A greater voice for people in care will change how professional carers work We will have to be more adaptive more agile regarding people’s wants to ensure they’re going to have the best quality of life that they can

We need to work together to ensure we don t merely deliver care but instead make sure the individual is cared for

We also need to think about the care workers Recruitment and retention of people working in care must involve looking after their self-esteem They are knowledgeable professionals who make a difference to people s lives and that should be valued Care workers need to be helped to see themselves as professionals on a level with the health professionals and clinicians they work with

Over the next few years I hope to see a rebalancing of care in the community and healthcare in the community together with the democratisation of healthcare Social care organisations will realise their power to positively affect people s well-being journey which will lead to less need for acute interventions in people’s health care Instead community care and home care will deliver the services they need

“What we re doing with care technology is not reducing the reliance on people to deliver care Instead, we re helping people to deliver care in a more focused intelligent and effective way

The next speaker on The Access Group s ‘Redefining Care’ podcast is Liam Palmer, former care home manager and Founder of Care Tech Guide

Austen House Care Home Celebrating Holi

Barchester’s Austen House care home, in Lower Earley Reading celebrated the Hindu festival of Holi which takes place on March 25th Holi is a fun-packed festival that marks the end of winter and the start of spring it focuses on love and new life Holi celebrates the Hindu god Krishna and the legend of Holika and Prahlad One of the messier festivals Holi is also known as the festival of colours and is celebrated by the throwing of colourful powder paint and coloured water along with singing and dancing

General Manager Simona Cioinac said: “Holi is such a joyous event in the Hindu calendar we have

all really enjoyed finding out about it and the ancient stories behind the modern day celebrations

We went on a virtual tour of Holi celebrations around the world and saw the amazing colours of the paints and water being thrown at people and all around the streets Our residents loved seeing all the colourful celebrations

Mary resident at Austen House said: It was so fantastic to see all of the beautiful colours of the Holi festivities what a brilliant way to celebrate the arrival of spring – it made me so happy to see everyone having so much fun and getting so messy!

MPs Meet With Dementia Charity To Discuss NHS Continuing Healthcare

A group of high-profile MPs including Elliot Colburn (Conservative MP for Carshalton and Wallington and vice-chair of the APPG on Dementia) Mims Davies (Conservative Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work), Edward Argar (Conservative Minister for Prisons Parole and Probation) and Justin Madders (Labour MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston and Shadow Minister for Business Employment Rights and Levelling Up) met with specialist dementia nursing charity Dementia UK in Westminster yesterday to discuss its Fix the funding’ campaign which includes a proposed review of the NHS continuing healthcare (CHC) process to better meet the health and care needs of people living with dementia

The charity launched the campaign in 2023 to call for fairer care for families affected by dementia who face barriers within the CHC process which is preventing them from accessing vital funds to support their care requirements

NHS continuing healthcare (CHC) is a package of care that is fully paid for by the NHS and covers costs such as domiciliary and residential care It is for adults with long-term complex health needs However all too often people living with dementia are missing out on vital funding for care because the NHS continuing healthcare assessment process is flawed by not recognising and assessing their cognitive and behavioural needs and thereby failing to capture their overall health needs

This can lead to increased – and often unmanageable – caring responsibilities for family members, and serious financial worries for those who are left to foot the cost of care themselves

Others in attendance who pledged their support for Dementia UK’s aim to make care fairer for people living with dementia included Sir Stephen Timms (Labour MP for East Ham) Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat

MP for Twickenham), Gareth Thomas (Conservative MP for Harrow West), Louie French (Conservative MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup) Damian Green (Conservative MP for Ashford, Kent) and Robert Buckland (Conservative MP for Swindon South)

MPs in attendance spoke with dementia specialist Admiral Nurses from Dementia UK including the charity s Chief Admiral Nurse and CEO Dr Hilda Hayo as well as people with lived experience of dementia – learning about issues in the current application process and the effect they have on the lives of families and individuals affected by dementia

Discussing the event, Dr Hilda Hayo said: We are delighted that so many MPs took time out of their busy schedule to join us for this event NHS continuing healthcare funding can be a lifeline for people with long-term and complex health needs many of whom are facing soaring care costs However people living with dementia face significant challenges when trying to access this funding We are calling on the government to review NHS continuing healthcare to address flaws in the application process and ensure that this vital funding is accessible to more people living with dementia who may be eligible

Dementia UK launched its Fix the funding campaign to support people like Rachael, whose grandfather passed away two weeks before his CHC funding was granted after a two year battle Rachael faced delays and failures while navigating the current system, with the then Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) eventually acknowledging that he should have received the funding from the outset of her application Rachael said of the process: “I had very little time left with Grandad and I wasted it arguing with people who were supposed to be helping us ”

Minehead Nursing and Residential Home Appoints New Home Manager

services including residential nursing and specialist dementia for adults of

all ages Her priorities will be ensuring that all residents are given the best personalised care and that her team feel valued and supported Louise Heppenstall said:“I am delighted to have the opportunity to be Minehead Nursing and Residential Home s new manager It is a warm and caring place where the wellbeing and happiness of our residents is our top priority I have really found my vocation working in the care sector and as a home manager it is very rewarding to have a role where my management skills are utilised alongside my passion for caring for others I have many exciting plans for the home including more regular forums for families of residents and employees I also want to increase our interaction and engagement with the local community by hosting more events and getting our residents out and about in our minibus as much as possible ”

A Dream Of Horses And Hooves Comes True For Care Home Resident Gwen

A wish came true for Amberley Hall care home resident Gwen recently – when she got to see horses being shoed, the same way she did in her youth as the local smithy s daughter in Gaywood Kings Lynn Gwen Sevrin has a soft spot for horses She grew up surrounded by them thanks to her dad Stan Nicholes who was the blacksmith in town He made sure the horses were well-shod and ready for their work around King’s Lynn Gwen and her family feature in a historical book about Kings Lynn Her father – Stan Nicholes – was a general smith shoeing horses in the town and the visiting circus horses who were annual visitors He also put metal rims on wheels and repaired farm implements and machinery making him an important part of the local community

Many years on Gwen s wish that was placed on the wish tree by the carers at Amberley Hall care home was to see horses being shod again just like when she was a girl And guess what? Her wish came true thanks to her loving family and some friendly faces in the community

It all started with a casual stroll near Castle Rising where Gwen s niece and her daughter bumped into Tim, a local horse owner They got chatting, and when Tim learned about Gwen’s wish, he was more than

happy to help

So, the next time the horses were due a visit from the farrier Gwen and her family were invited to go along leaving Amberley Hall care home for a great day out at the stables which are part of the Castle Rising estate owned by Lady Howard

Gwen was delighted to meet horses Billy and Ginge And there was Howard, the mobile farrier, working his magic on their hooves Gwen was absolutely fascinated watching him shape and fit those metal shoes It was like stepping back in time for her

Her nephew Alan and his wife Sandra along with Gwen s niece Pamela and her husband Paul all went along to share the experience

Alan said “I can vaguely remember seeing my grandfather – Gwen’s father – shoeing horses but to see the whole process again was amazing it s a real country art

Gwen had a great time she loves to be out and about and she s been telling everyone at the home about it

We are really grateful to Tim and Howard who made it all happen It goes to show that in our community, we can grant wishes sometimes ”

Care Home Brings the Caribbean to Rotherham

Laureate Court care home in Rotherham, recently arranged a heartwarming surprise for one of its cherished residents Arthur and his wife Lynne on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary Arthur and Lynne had long dreamed of embarking on a cruise around the Caribbean to celebrate their golden milestone together However due to Arthur’s declining health and his subsequent admission to Laureate Court their plans were unfortunately put on hold

Refusing to let this significant milestone pass without celebration, the compassionate team at Laureate Court decided to bring the essence of the Caribbean to Arthur and Lynne On Friday 22nd March 2024 the home was transformed into a tropical paradise complete with vibrant decorations authentic Caribbean cuisine expertly prepared by Jon the kitchen manager, lively Caribbean music, and engaging themed activities

Great-great grandmother, Edith Hodkinson, celebrated her 105th birthday on Saturday 23 March surrounded by five generations of her family at Corbrook Park Nursing Home in Audlem Cheshire To mark this extraordinary milestone Corbrook Park hosted an Open Day on Edith’s birthday, inviting members of the public to meet Edith and to take part in activities and a tour around the home

Edith was born in Leek in Staffordshire in 1919 following the end of the First World War In 1938, at 19 years old, she married Walter Hulme and both worked on the family farm in Wormhill Rushton later moving to Hunt House Farm near Leek When the Second World War broke out Walter joined the Royal Observer Corps and the Hulmes continued to farm hosting evacuees from the surrounding cities In later years Edith and Walter made prize-winning Cheshire cheese and Farmhouse butter until their retirement in 1971 Edith and Walter had five children together and today Edith enjoys a large multi-generational family with 11 grandchildren 18 great-grandchildren and three

The couple, surrounded by their loved ones and fellow residents, were overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for the thoughtful gesture Despite being unable to fulfill their original plans Arthur and Lynne were able to experience the magic of the Caribbean right in the heart of Rotherham thanks to the dedication and creativity of the Laureate Court team Lisa Facer, Senior Home Manager at Laureate Court, expressed her sentiments regarding the event stating: When Lynne shared her and Arthur s aspirations for their 50th wedding anniversary, I felt compelled to ensure that this momentous occasion was celebrated in a special way

The Caribbean-themed party was a fitting tribute to their dreams and our staff worked tirelessly to make it a reality Witnessing the gratitude and joy from the family and seeing the smiles and laughter on the day made every effort worthwhile ”

colleagues who are represented by them These were extremely hard times for all of us and that certainly comes over in the stories I would encourage everyone to come and see this exhibition which offers a chance to reflect on one of the most turbulent times in modern NHS history ”

Councillor Frankie Singleton Cabinet Member for Communities Culture & Sport at Stockport Council who has led the cross-party working group for the Covid Community Commemoration Project said: The exhibition will be a wonderful way to honour the work of all the staff who worked so hard during the pandemic to keep the NHS up and running Everyone in our communities throughout Stockport really pulled together to help

A Brixworth care home resident has marked Easter by reconnecting with his faith after visiting a local church for the first time in a decade Earlier this year Bob Hasker 71 asked staff members at HC-One s Pytchley Court care home – located on Northampton Road, Brixworth in West Northamptonshire – if he could receive a blessing from a vicar

Looking to help settle Bob in at the start of 2024, team members arranged for a visit from Reverend David Reith of All Saints Church in Brixworth who sat and prayed with Bob

After he enjoyed his meeting with Reverend Reith Bob requested to visit All Saints Church in Brixworth in-person A coach trip was organised, and this week Bob made his first trip to a church in over ten years

The visit was a huge success for Bob, and Pytchley Court care home staff members accompanying him saw the true impact it had on him as he further reconnected with his faith

Speaking after his visit Bob said: “I was very excited to be there and it was great meeting some lovely children at the service as well I will be visiting again very often

Reverend David Reith of All Saints Church Brixworth said “It was a pleasure to have Bob join us for today s service and we plan to visit the care home very often to see him and his fellow residents again

Bob was a regular churchgoer when he was a younger man and he was regularly involved in a fundraising for the church When he was 19-years-old Bob did a sponsored walk from Peterborough to Northampton – a trip of over 12 hours

Bob said: “I’ve always been a church boy, I don’t like to drink or go to the pub I ve missed going to church in recent years and I wanted to receive the communion

Easter is all about salvation that was why Jesus was nailed on the cross so he could save us That it is the reason for the communion it reminds me of the salvation ” Pytchley Court Home Manager Sue Watson said: We are delighted to have enabled Bob’s reconnection with his faith, especially at this time of year We have a number of residents with religious beliefs at our care home and we do as much as we can to support them whatever their religion might be

“For Christians like Bob members of Brixworth Community Church come in every third Wednesday of the month and we made provisions to have the vicar hold a Sunday service for Easter It s all part of the

Uvedale Hall Celebrates Resident Tiller Girl

In the glamorous era of the 1950s Susan graced the stage as a Tiller Girl captivating audiences with her talent Tiller girls are a renowned dance troupes characterised by precise choreography and uniformity, often performing intricate routines in synchronised formations Originating in the late 19th century they became synonymous with high-kicking precision and dazzling stage performances

Susan’s daughter Juliette fondly reminisces about her mother's performances alongside legendary entertainer Bruce Forsyth on Sunday Night at the London Palladium

Before her illustrious dancing career Susan also showcased her acting skills at the prestigious Richmond Theatre leaving an indelible mark on the theatrical scene

Following her tenure as a Tiller Girl Susan embarked on a new adventure founding her own ballet school for children Susan’s radiant spirit shone alongside her young

students, illustrating her commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers

Alongside her then-husband Robin Susan enchanted audiences aboard cruise ships demonstrating her versatility and passion for the stage

Susan s journey didn't end with the final curtain call Transitioning seamlessly into the world of business she carved out a successful career in market research eventually ascending to the role of director in a prominent market research company Her expertise determination and dedication to excellence propelled her to the forefront of the industry where she made invaluable contributions

Whilst residing at Uvedale the team members go above and beyond to ignite passions talents and inspirations from all of the residents and service users Entertainment exercise classes, and arts & crafts are the very start of the activities taking place at Uvedale The home celebrates Susan s indomitable spirit and remarkable achievements Her story serves as inspiration to residents and staff alike reminding us all that life is an extraordinary adventure filled with endless possibilities

In 1945 he was just a few feet away from a mine on a Dutch beach when it exploded and left him with severe abdominal injuries a large scar and shrapnel embedded in his body

After treatment at various hospitals he spent time convalescing with fellow officers at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight

Boyd’s

Between October 2019 and March 2023, Arts Charity Magic Me partnered with Excelcare and four of their care homes in Essex for an artist residency programme which involved the introduction of immerse arts and creativity to the people living in these homes

The arts organisations: New Adventures Fevered Sleep, curious directive and Gecko each linked with an Excelcare Home for the duration of the project to host activity sessions with people teaching them new skills and showcasing their art forms The four homes selected were Lime Court Care Home in Harwich Longfield Care Home in Maldon Sherrell House Care Home in Chigwell and St Fillans Care Home in Colchester

The project aimed to build relationships between artists, residents, and team members through participation in creative arts and to increase the understanding and potential of embedding creativity in care homes It was funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation, with contributions from Excelcare and Essex County Council

In collaboration with Anglia Ruskin University the project was observed and researched to draw conclusions about its success as well as the overall impact it had on people living in the care homes

After collating reports from each of the care home residency projects and drawing on the findings of the research team from Anglia Ruskin Professor Bungay concluded This project set out to find out how artists and care home staff could work together to make sure residents get as much out of creative activities as possible

“Collaborative working between artists and care home staff involved embracing artists’ creative skills human approach and adaptability as well as valuing the knowledge and expertise of care home staff and supporting them to take on creative roles

“When committing to providing arts activities in residential homes a legacy from the work should be considered from the start including through artists spending time sharing skills with care home staff and building their confidence to lead creative activities in the future, leaving something tangible behind, and demonstrating the power of participatory arts

The research and findings from the project aimed to set a blueprint for bringing contemporary art forms into care homes allowing for similar future projects and impact on care home residents

Magic Me has since taken these findings from the project with the support from the arts organisations and team members working in our care homes and developed a free resource called DARE TO IMAGINE a care home s guide to creativity

The DARE TO IMAGINE resource contains ideas and guidance around introducing creativity into a care home and includes engaging 5-minute activities and real-life examples taken from the four-year residency programme It has been written with input from Excelcare Team members to ensure it takes into account the unique needs of care homes and has been designed to benefit the entire care home community including family and friends

Alongside the partners involved Excelcare hopes this activity resource helps to inspire care homes around the country to think outside the box and introduce people to new art forms

By just beginning the process something magical will happen you might not know the ending but that’s okay, you will find it along the way” Artist, Artists’ Residencies in Care Homes

I passionately believe that just because someone lives in a care home they don t stop being entitled to high-quality arts and culture that is more than just something to pass the time Susan Langford Magic Me Founder & Director

“At Excelcare this resource will be shared with all our care homes ensuring that people have the chance to explore modern art forms and experience the positive impact on their health and wellbeing We eagerly anticipate our homes embracing modern art with the assistance of this invaluable resource ” said Director of Communications Engagement & Marketing Sadie Munro The resource can be downloaded at https://magicme co uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dare-toImagine-a-care-homes-guide-to-creativity pdf

New Directions Centre Stage Secures Spot in National Talent Competition Finals!

New Directions provider of choice for adult social care services across the borough of Sefton is thrilled to announce that its performing arts programme New Centre Stage has reached the finals of a prestigious national talent competition – "Care Sector's Got Talent"

The talented performers from New Centre Stage were overjoyed to learn they were chosen as one of eight finalists on March 18th Everyone involved is buzzing with excitement and busy rehearsing for the big event which takes place on Tuesday April 16th 2024 at the Coventry Building Society Arena

Based in The David Brown Centre located in the heart of Netherton s Magdalen Square, New Centre Stage offers a supportive environment where individuals can explore a variety of performing arts disciplines within a fully equipped studio theatre, complete with a 90-person audience capacity

Weekday sessions focus on drama musical theatre therapeutic and issue-based drama creative dance partnership work community projects communication skills development and fostering confidence and self-esteem

Throughout the year, New Centre Stage performers have numerous opportunities to showcase their talents through regular productions community projects and collaborative endeavours

Participants will compete against other talented finalists from across the UK This national recognition highlights the exceptional work of New Centre Stage and its dedication to providing a platform for individuals to showcase their abilities The team at New Directions will be cheering their performers on during the competition and will share updates on their progress

New Directions is an adult social care provider serving as Sefton Council's preferred provider across the Sefton Borough

The organisation’s core focus is to support individuals who live in or attend its services to achieve their personal goals and aspirations whilst promoting fulfilled and independent lives

I am incredibly proud of the New Centre Stage performers for making it to the finals of 'Care Sector's Got Talent' This achievement highlights their exceptional talent and our commitment to fostering inclusive personal growth and creative environments We're thrilled to support our performers as they showcase their abilities on a national stage The group deserves all the recognition for their achievements

New Directions Managing Director Mark Fox To learn more about the event or to book your free ticket to watch the showcase live head over to https://www championingsocialcare org uk/csgt24/

Artistic Redcot Resident Has An Ink-Credible Birthday

At Redcot the residential care home in Haslemere Surrey which is run by charity Friends of the Elderly, resident Susan Osbourne has been celebrating her 86th birthday surrounded by her family and care home friends

Susan, who has been a resident at Redcot since September 2022, was born and raised in Canterbury in Kent and spent her happy childhood living with her parents in a two-bedroomed house “I remember we didn’t have electricity ” said Susan Susan attended the local village school and says that art was her favourite subject “I loved drawing and painting,” added Susan “It was one of the things my friends and I really enjoyed doing together Growing up I wanted to be an Artist as I was, and still am, passionate about all types of art Painting, drawing and creating art lets you find and lose yourself all at the same time

On her 21st birthday Susan married her Husband Brian at the historic St Vincent s Church in Littlebourne an ancient village close to Canterbury There s a mention of the Littlebourne church in The Domesday Book referencing how it was originally built in wood by the Monks of St Augustine’s The Monks ‘kept the Parish vines which is backed up by the fact that the church s full name is St Vincent of Sargossa, who is the Patron Saint of Winemakers

The happy couple continued to live in Canterbury with Susan working in the Village Post Office They became parents to two daughters – Teresa and Julie – and Susan is now a proud Grandmother to four Grandchildren

Being born on 14th March 1938 Susan is part of what is known as The Silent Generation “It’s a term which refers to those born between 1926 and 1945 ” said Susan “As my generation lived through World War Two the name derives from an article in Time Magazine from the 1950s which suggested that the children of this generation were taught to be seen and not heard I suppose that’s true as I wouldn’t have dared by any trouble to my parents as a child or teenager

It is said that individuals born under the star sign of Pisces have a creative spirit which shines through in all their pursuits, and that those born under the star sign Pisces are creative and imaginative This is definitely true of Susan as at Redcot, she still expresses her creative side by taking part in many of the care homes wide and varied activities I still draw and attend the arts and craft classes ” Susan continued “I’m a keen knitter and still sew and knit as much as possible We have a Knit and Natter Group here at Redcot which I thoroughly enjoy too

“It’s wonderful having Susan live with us at Redcot,” said Jan Daly, the Registered Manager of the care home She is an absolute joy with a smile that lights up the room Susan is a very popular and sociable resident at Redcot who has a great sense of humour and is always keen to join in with our activities especially anything to do with art crafts or knitting – and Susan also enjoys our regular afternoon talks For her birthday Susan asked to watch one of her favourite films Titanic which she did with lots of her care home friends At tea time everyone sang Happy Birthday to the Birthday Girl and tucked into a delicious birthday cake which everybody enjoyed

We are all so glad Susan had a wonderful 86th birthday she s a special lady who is a much loved member of the Redcot family She is adored by all the care team and other residents and for her birthday, we wanted to show her how much she means to us “I m very happy living here at Redcot ” Susan added “The carers are so kind and so helpful We were chatting the other day about our Dream Team Dinner Guests and with my love of art I’d love to sit down with Renoir I love his Impressionist style I d also invite Winston Churchill as I m sure both gentlemen would keep the conversation going ”

It’s

Hundreds of people turned out to enjoy an eggs-cellent Easterthemed community event hosted by a Worthing care home to mark the start of the holidays

Caring Homes Tarring Manor Care Home welcomed nearly 300 smiling faces as it played host to the village s annual Easter egg hunt on Palm Sunday 24th March in conjunction with the Friends of Tarring Park and Tarring Rotary Club

In addition to the egg hunt families also took part in an Easter bonnet competition, judged by Tarring Manor resident Mary Mills, who modelled her own stunning bonnet

The level of entries was incredibly high, with 14 prizes given out for artistry and effort

Mary said: “I was honoured and delighted to help out Seeing so many smiling faces from the children and their families and it being such a sunny bright morning made my weekend I was also given an Easter Egg for helping which was so

The event also saw Easter Egg vouchers hidden around Tarring Manor s extensive and beautiful gardens stalls containing Easter Cards and merchandise and even ice cream to make the most of the spring sunshine

Councillor Hazel Thorpe a committee member of the Friends of Tarring

Waterside Court Residents Enjoy Activities for Easter

Ducklings Bring Spring Joy at Belong Macclesfield

Commenting on the experience Belong Macclesfield resident Joyce Bostock who was celebrating her birthday said: “How lovely it is to be able to hold a duckling It has really made my day ”

On the impact on village life Laura added: The residents have taken to looking after our ducklings like a duck to water! It has been incredibly moving to see them stroke them and welcome them into their home “It has also contributed to the vibrant spring feeling as children have come especially to see the ducklings

Additional features include: Auto Weight which automatically weighs the patient and adjusts pressure accordingly removing the need for manual intervention; Auto Upright which automatically optimises pressure when the patient is sitting up; and Auto Firm which adjusts the system

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energy usage by 11%

Angloplas are a UK manufacturer who specialise in producing dispensers for the health and hygiene industry Although these are designed to keep the workplace tidy and uncluttered they are more importantly, built knowing the control of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are a priority for healthcare providers and who are employing a combination of infection prevention and control strategies including hand hygiene cleaning training and the adoption of new technologies to tackle the problem As a result a wide range of infection control products and technologies are emerging on the market including antimicrobial technology Angloplas

are produced in

s

with silver ion technology and which is exclusive to Angloplas This helps reduce the risk of cross infection by stopping the growth of bacteria and mould and works continuously for the lifetime of the product, reducing levels of bacteria such as MRSA, E Coli Legionella, Salmonella and mould by up to 99 99% For non-clinical environments

Angloplas has recently launched its new Budget Range of products which are made to the same exacting standards as the antimicrobial protected ones but with lower price tags

You can order Angloplas products directly from its website by going to www angloplas co uk

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INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY

ories 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

For more information on the Tiny Tablet see the advert on the facing page

Recreo VR - Bringing a Change of Scener y to Care

Recreo VR headsets help improve the mental and social wellbeing of those you support with person-centered VR experiences Our fully managed service is a fun and exciting way to personalise care enhance activities and improve the quality of life of your residents

Our service has been designed for the care sector with an intuitive app which does not use controllers or difficult operating systems Our library of incredible experiences means there will be something for everyone! The headsets even work offline which is brilliant for domiciliary care and for those rooms where wifi doesn t reach VR is an impactful activity and can be really effective during one-to-ones in group sessions alongside themed activities, and in reminiscence sessions for people living with dementia Our headsets and experiences have been co-designed with people living with dementia and Alzheimer s Society and have been shown to improve wellbeing and help recall memories

All headsets come with our full support and training to help integrate VR into your everyday care plans and activities

For more information or to schedule a demonstration, contact us at info@recreovr co uk or give us a call at 01482 526940 Visit our website at www recreovr co uk to discover the possibilities that Recreo VR can unlock for your care facility

Can AI Ease Loneliness for Adults in Care?

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

By 2030 one in six people in the world will be aged over 60 (including me!) The WHO now outlines loneliness as a key risk factor for the wellbeing of people in later life As a potential solution we’re increasingly seeing AI companions championed for being virtual friends who will listen and talk to individuals With loneliness and feelings of isolation rife amongst the elderly and vulnerable it begs the question: could AI chatbots be beneficial in care?

In short we would argue no Here s why

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS ARE KEY

Complex issues such as loneliness cannot be solved by technology alone AI chatbots may seem like a promising solution but they cannot replace the human element of companionship and care that is so essential especially for those who are vulnerable and have complex needs

Carers play a 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 to fit technology 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

Care UK s luxurious new Oat Hill Mews care home in Leicestershire gets the latest in Smart TV and digital signage technology from Boltonbased TVC Technology Solutions in time for its recent opening Oat Hill Mews is a stunning new development by Care UK offering the best in assisted living on-site care health and wellbeing for residents

Designed as a showcase of Care UK s portfolio the Market Harborough venue boasts luxury accommodation an on-site hair and beauty salon a dedicated café an on-site cinema multiple lounges and a fully equipped bar

To complete this high-tech luxury venue Care UK asked long-term audio visual and domestic appliance supplier partner TVC Technology Solutions to furnish the luxurious bedrooms resident common areas and cafes with the latest in Smart TV technology Maintaining the cutting-

edge theme Care UK wanted the latest in digital signage throughout the main areas enabling them to show various guest information restaurant menus and entertainment schedules

With Oat Hill Mews officially opening at the start of 2024 the complete AV and digital signage systems were specified installed and tested well in advance Early visitors have already been impressed by the neat hightech and luxurious feel of Oat Hill Mews from the reception area with its HD digital signage to every bedroom featuring a 43in Smart TV on either articulating or swivel wall brackets to provide the best viewing experience to its residents

Heading up the TV-technology TVC specified its own-brand Mitchell & Brown Smart TVs in 43in screen size for every room These fully featured Freeview Play catch-up TVs with all of

solutions to enhance the quality of communal senior living experiences a Servi + is our state-of-the-art foodservice solution to help make any dining experience exceptional Fairfax Manor in Harrogate acquired from Angela Swift Developments in 2023 and will shortly be open to new residents The home has been thoughtfully designed to offer an exceptional living environment with a range of outstanding facilities The newly recruited team are in place ready to warmly welcome new residents Lovett Care also has homes under construction in St Helen s South Manchester and Kent With the growing demand for quality elderly care these will all be welcome additions to their local communities

In the post pandemic world we have all seen the effects of supply chain problems with the invasion of Ukraine and other alarming global factors ever increasing costs of living and other more local issues which have driven up the rate of inflation over the last few years The impact of this meant that most manufacturers of electronic products had to increase their prices as costs spiralled This, of course, has impacted the end user The most dramatic impact has been on the Care Industry An industry that has lacked the support it desperately needs in these trying times

Courtney Thorne at the same time took a strategic decision to take a close look at our core products right down to component level the objective being to make us less vulnerable to future global supply chain issues and to reduce the cost of each product with the amin of ensuring that we deliver the same high quality product at a cost protected price We had to ensure that this would happen without jeopardising the superb levels of support we pro-

Powering the World of Care

For over two decades Advanced has supported care organisations with innovative software which makes a vital contribution to managing workflows managing costs and achieving regulatory compliance

OUR SUITE OF SOLUTIONS

We provide a suite of software solutions for care organisations in residential domiciliary and supported living settings including:

Care Business Management: A comprehensive toolkit that equips you to manage your care business anytime anywhere ensuring smooth and efficient operations

Financial Management: Streamline your financial processes with tools designed to simplify the complexities of care finances making it straightforward and stress-free

People Management: From recruitment to retaining valuable staff our solutions make managing your team not just easier but more effective

• Governance and Risk Management Stay ahead of the curve with our integrated software ensuring compliance in your operations and effective risk management

• Workforce Management: Maximise your team s potential through intelligent rota and shift planning ensuring the right people are in the right places at the right times OUR PROMISE

When you choose Advanced you re not just selecting a software provider; you're partnering with someone who genuinely cares about your success

Here s what sets us apart: Customer-Centric Approach: We build our software with your needs at the heart From the design to deployment your success is our priority Simplicity and Clarity: Our tools are intuitive and user-friendly designed to bring clarity and efficiency to your operations without the confusion of complex jargon

Empowerment and Support Beyond offering solutions, we're here to support you every step of the way with robust customer service and resources to help you get the most out of our products

Designed for You

Our suite of products is tailored to meet the unique needs and challenges of residential, domiciliary providers, supported living, or any other type of care

We offer not just tools but solutions that bring real measurable change to your organisation

For more information, to arrange a call or demonstration visit www oneadvanced com

See the advert on the back cover of this issue

Friend Or Foe For The Private Healthcare Sector?

Around the globe

the healthcare sector is facing increasing headwinds Ageing populations and the increased prevalence of chronic illnesses are putting a strain on public health services Meanwhile the private sector needs help with recruitment talent retention global supply chain pressures, and rising costs The situation has necessitated a greater emphasis on HR to ensure that the onboarding process for new employees is swift and comprehensive Team members should be happy, feel sufficiently rewarded and be given every opportunity to develop their skills

At the same time the sector is undergoing a pandemic-catalysed digital transformation journey particularly as digital maturities in AI emphasise data collection for analytics and early diagnostics Alongside securing data cybersecurity is becoming a growing priority for HR professionals as many malicious attacks on healthcare providers require watertight data storage methods and payroll processes

When done right technology plays a big part in helping HR teams drive efficiencies in these processes while remaining cognisant of the potential dangers

CUT THE ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN

From highly qualified healthcare professionals to a diverse pool of support workers practices need to manage workforces effectively to offer exceptional patient care An excellent place to start is by dramatically reducing administrative tasks and manual processes, as they not only slow down workflow but can also impact the quality of care as multiple touchpoints create a greater possibility of human error

Through the implementation of integrated HR, payroll and finance platforms MHR has calculated that healthcare organisations with 1 000+ employees can expect a 5-year net saving of up to £524 682 which could be redirected towards adding value to employee and patient support From ease of access and having documentation stored in one centralised location to streamlined recruitment and payroll processes there are avenues across the organisation that can be made more efficient through digital transformation With rising costs for care and consumables implementing time-saving technology is one avenue to save money without cutting deliverables or sacrificing the quality of care

EASING THE PRESSURE

Secure and efficient payroll solutions also have benefits for employee retention and satisfaction levels

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to put pressure on pay packets companies who can provide accurate and on-time payroll solutions will be popular amongst employees who are seeking to minimise their financial stress Respondents to an MHR survey on why employees are paid incorrectly found that 50% of cases are impacted by errors when manually inputting data, 48% are affected by errors when running different reports and piecing data together, and 30% are hindered by using paper formats

To rectify this, HR providers should turn to automated processes which not only save processing time and improve accuracy but can also keep on top of compliance and reduce payment risks

One development in payroll technology is ‘real-time payroll engines which eliminate the peaks and troughs faced by payroll teams allowing healthcare providers to minimise time spent on administrative tasks and reducing pressure on employee capacity

WHAT DOES DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF PAYROLL AND HR LOOK LIKE IN PRACTICE?

The Priory Group is the leading independent provider of behavioural care in the UK supporting the needs of more than 30 000 NHS and private patients every year with healthcare adult care services education and children s services Senior managers at the organisation understood that processes needed to be consolidated on one platform giving them the flexibility suitable for modern working practices and reducing the costs of administering The Priory’s complex range of multiple employment contracts In addition to increasing automation in payroll and improving controls around annual pay award processes The Priory Group also wanted to see efficiency gains on the HR front It sought improved workforce efficiency through comprehensive performance reviews to boost employee retention, improve data quality and reduce the cost of mispayments After examining the market and going through a tender process, MHR was selected as the supplier to assist The Priory Group in achieving its payroll and HR aims with the cutting-edge iTrent platform as the solution iTrent offers a

platforms and core iTrent modules in HR and payroll (including

Plan

Our customers have experienced significant reductions in behaviour incidents, with some reporting over an 80% reduction after using Behaviour Smart for just one year Dean Cotton, Director, Behaviour Smart info@behavioursmart co uk www behavioursmart co uk

Cloud Doing Good: Award Winning Care Accounting Software for Care Homes

Like it or not, financial accounting is crucial to the operations of your care home Without accurate reports, you cannot make proper forecasts, build accurate budgets, get paid on time by multiple funders and keep bed occupancy at optimal levels

Unfortunately, many care homes don’t have the time or budget to invest in powerful, care home accounting software This results in a vicious cycle where financial teams are so busy running manual tasks that they cannot take the time to improve their accounting systems, only to find each year they are farther and farther behind the technology their care home will need in order to thrive in the long term

Cloud Doing

Good,

a licensed partner of Oracle NetSuite, is here to stop that vicious cycle We believe care homes should have access to enterprise-level software without ballooning their budgets, so we donate the base software with up to three users to qualifying non-profit care homes

Why Care Home Accounting is So Complex

You know better than anyone that care home management is complex, and we know better than anyone that care home accounting gets complicated fast Balancing income for each resident from Councils, private sources, and family members requires detailed billing practices Add on top of that multiple legal entities, multiple care homes, the need for timely occupancy tracking and your finance team quickly becomes bogged down in repetitive, manual, and frustrating work

To make it worse, most accounting software are designed for slick enterprises (and priced for slick enterprise budgets) That leaves too many care home finance teams battling spreadsheets and duplicate reports to accomplish basic care home accounting tasks

How Cloud Doing Good Makes It Simple

Cloud Doing Good partners with care homes to

implement Oracle NetSuite’s enterprise-grade accounting software at as low a price as possible Here’s how Cloud Doing Good simplifies your care home’s accounting:

Single Source of Truth

Pull all your financial data into a single platform Even with multiple legal entities, multiple care homes, complex billing structures, bed occupancy tracking, resident admissions and departures and additional unique needs, our system aggregates all the pieces of information into a single repository

Robust Reporting

Whether you need to get an overview of last year’s spending or forecast income, you can run the necessary reports in a matter of clicks This makes it simpler for your team to build forecasts, track spending, track bed occupancy and the financial implications in real time, and manage billing and collecting resident payments easily

Implemented By Experienced Accountants

When it comes to your financial systems, you need financial experts not call centre IT to set you up for success After all, with cloud software the IT should be pre-built and proven With pre-built base software, we

match our experienced system accountants with your project to make sure it reflects your accounts, your finances, and your people So you get not just powerful accounting software, but confident end users within as little as 15 chargeable days From the start of the project through your first month’s ends, you will have a team of system accountants on call to walk you through doing the day job on the new system

Donated to Qualifying Care Homes

Cloud Doing Good’s mission is to bring streamlined accounting management to organisations that deserve it, so we keep it simple For qualifying non-profit care homes, we donate the base Oracle NetSuite software, including up to 3 users and unlimited UK entities This way, you can upgrade to enterprise-level accounting management without ballooning your budget

Keeping Your Data and Care Home Secure with Oracle NetSuite

When you partner with Cloud Doing Good, you get access Oracle NetSuite’s award-winning accounting management software 25+ years of investment and trusted by over 1 million users, Oracle NetSuite safeguards your data in a cloud network with the latest security protocols and automatic updates to protect against breaches We’ll also integrate the platform into your existing data security structure for smooth, uninterrupted, and safe operations as needed This way, you can focus on your care and let us worry about cybersecurity Don’t risk your data and care home on a solution running small numbers of customers: Oracle NetSuite is powering 38,000+ organisations

Find Out If You Qualify

We stand ready to simplify your care home’s accounting. Reach out to discuss your needs:

Iain Goldmann, Director iain@cloudoingood.com

Mobile: 447404354865

LinkedIN:

www linkedin com/in/iaingoldmann/

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

degree and developed a bespoke solution that delivers simplicity and ease of use coupled with speed, flexibility and accuracy – all in one outstanding application package

TRAINING

New Qualification To Boost Care Sector

A new accredited qualification for care workers will help to improve perceptions of the sector and will boost retention

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

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

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

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

But Lesley said while the funding package would make adult social care a more attractive proposition, it would likely only make a small differ-

ence to the 152 000 vacancies within the sector

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

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

It will also help to improve perceptions of adult social care as a whole

People still think of adult social care as looking after old people and everything that goes with that but the opportunities are far more varied including helping young people with disabilities and assisting with treatment and recovery from addiction

“I hope it will encourage school leavers to consider adult social care as a viable skilled career with progression opportunities rather than a stopgap 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

will also complete reviews and ensure their policies and procedures remain up to date This way a provider not only ensures they remain compliant; they also benefit from best practice policies and procedures that provide a solid foundation for safe working practices and – ultimately – protect and support service users and staff Ben Erskine – Director at W&P Compliance & Training www wandptraining co uk | Tel: 01305 767104

At The Health & Safety Group, we understand that the process of getting your care workers through their Care Certification can be pretty demanding So we ve made it our mission is to make the training process as flexible and accessible as possible without increasing your costs or sacrificing the quality of our courses

We recognise that some prefer traditional classroom learning for the benefits of immediate instructor feedback hands-on skills practice and connecting with likeminded professionals

However if committing to fixed schedules and locations proves difficult staff may favour the unmatched flexibility of e-learning Our online courses allow caregivers to learn at their own pace, fitting training around their commitments while benefitting from rich multimedia resources

However you learn HSG offers the best of both worlds With classroom courses available nationwide 6 days a week we provide exceptional accessibility for face-to-face training Our dedicated e-learning platform ensures flexibility enhanced by our Training Team s support for

any queries From Medical Administration to Safeguarding Adults or Catheter Care, all courses are crafted by industry experts, ensuring that training prepares staff for real-world situations using practical skills

Our Care Certificate Training Course designed specifically for care workers healthcare assistants and social care support workers is just one of our high-impact training courses available both face-to-face and online through our e-learning platform Mapped to the ‘Skills for Care’ Care Certificate standards this course equips caregivers with the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of their roles empowering them to deliver comprehensive compassionate care

Get in touch with me today at beth@hsg-group com to learn more about our training options

We re committed to tailoring training to your needs so you can focus on delivering outstanding care!