The Carer Digital - Issue #190

Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

nant chord with our sector

Editor Peter Adams

and young people who have a terminal illness I have been watching news reports and receiving emails highlighting that in the heart of our communities they stand as beacons of compassionate care providing solace and support to individuals and families during life's most challenging moments “Never a truer word !

However, this report reveals a devastating financial crisis that demands urgent attention and action

Hospices across the country are grappling with a crippling funding shortfall jeopardizing their ability to continue their essential services At a time when their work is most needed this crisis threatens to compromise their ability to provide the high-quality care they are renowned for

The profound impact of hospices cannot be overstated They offer comfort and dignity to those facing terminal illness, often in the most difficult circumstances imaginable Beyond medical care they provide emotional support to families navigating profound loss and grief

It is deeply concerning that amidst this critical need hospices are being forced to consider closing beds due to financial strain This outcome is frankly outrageous The prospect of reducing services when demand is high is untenable and risks leaving vulnerable individuals and families without crucial end-of-life support

The challenges facing hospices are symptomatic of wider issues within the adult social care sector While no one would dispute the importance of fair staff wages the notion of implementing salary increases without corresponding funding to sustain them is blatantly impractical Such an approach will inevitably exacerbate economic hardship across the sector Sustainable funding for hospices and the wider social care network must be prioritized to ensure continuity of care and dignity for those in need

On another story in this weeks issue, the recent decision by mental health charity Mind to call for a renewed focus on mental health within the Covid-19 inquiry strikes a reso-

As the fallout from the pandemic continues to reverberate across healthcare systems the omission of mental health from Module 3 of the inquiry initially intended to assess the pandemic's impact on healthcare systems is concerning

Mental health ramifications of the pandemic have been profound and farreaching From heightened anxiety and isolation to exacerbated existing conditions the toll on mental wellbeing has been palpable Yet as we navigate the path towards recovery and seek to learn from the challenges of the past it is imperative that mental health considerations are not sidelined

Mind s insistence on reinstating mental health as a focal point in the inquiry s proceedings is not merely a matter of principle; it is a strategic imperative Failure to comprehensively address mental health impacts within the context of the pandemic risks undermining the inquiry's capacity to yield meaningful lessons and actionable insights

The pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities within our healthcare systems particularly concerning mental health provision and support If we are to truly understand the full scope of the pandemic s impact and chart a resilient path forward mental health must occupy a central place in the narrative

The lessons of the pandemic will remain incomplete if we overlook the mental health dimensions of this unprecedented chapter in our history and hope that Mind s call proves successful!

Once again thank you for the positive stories we are receiving too! We regularly receive press releases of openings refurbishments awards celebrations charity events etc and are always pleased to publish them With the difficulties of recent years it is wonderful to share uplifting stories so please do keep them coming!

And I would also take this opportunity to invite you to our stand at the forthcoming CARE SHOW at London s Excel later this month (24-25 of April) We are on stand M44 and I will be there for the whole two days, so please do pop by I am always interested in your comments insight and feedback so please do pay us a visit!

I can also be contacted at any time at editor@thecareruk com

Hospices Facing “Devastating” Financial Crisis

( CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER)

Based on its quarterly financial benchmarking survey Hospice UK’s new figure compares to a £186m budgeted deficit for the year with results in 2023-24 not as bad as hospices feared

Expenditure increases are the main driver behind this crisis Hospices care for people at the most vulnerable time of their lives providing support and comfort to dying people and their families, but the cost of this is increasing with the cost of paying staff a fair wage growing quickly

The survey showed that payroll costs have surged by 11% equalling approximately £130 million in additional spending over the full year

The majority of hospice expenditure is spent on staff salaries As vital partners to the NHS hospices recruit from the same pool of staff meaning they aim to match NHS pay and conditions to attract and retain skilled staff to care for people at the end of their lives

Adult hospices only receive on average around one third of their funding from the state and children s hospices only receive around one fifth This means most of the funding for essential hospice services comes from fundraising and charitable donations

Sector leaders have now called for the Government to provide more funding with one saying the most recent increase of 1 2% “is not fair and is not right when inflation and a staggering rise in costs is taken into consideration

A spokesperson for Hospice UK said the main reason for the betterthan-expected financial performance was hospices not being able to fill all their vacancies which is bringing its own challenges for patient care”

The spokesperson said some hospices may have also seen higher than expected income possibly due to receiving large legacies

Nevertheless, this is “still the worst ever year for hospice finances”, they said with many hospice charities facing tough decisions about services and where they can make cuts” and some potentially having already taken steps to reduce services and bring their deficits down ‘UNSUSTAINABLE AND EXTREMELY

WORRYING’

According to Hospice UK’s analysis for the year to March 2022, based on the accounts of 189 hospices the sector s income of over £1 5bn trailed its expenditure of £1 6bn that year

Its estimates for 2023-24 were based on a survey of 86 hospices with results extrapolated to be representative of the whole UK sector

Commenting on the new figures, Hospice UK chief executive Toby Porter said: These are the worst financial results for the hospice sector in around 20 years

Many hospices are spending more on their care than they receive in income This is unsustainable and extremely worrying

Costs for hospices will keep rising and without a new model for

funding end of life care the coming years could be devastating for hospice care services, particularly for those in economically challenged areas

“Many are already considering halting vital services which will have devastating consequences for patients their families hospice staff local communities and the NHS itself

“With demand for end-of-life care in the UK guaranteed to grow due to our ageing population we face an important choice as a society

“Hospices are ready to meet this challenge if only they are fully integrated and fairly funded as partners in our health and care system

We understand that public finances are tight but we d encourage local health boards to work with hospices in their areas to meet the needs of dying patients and their families

SUPPORT “AT RISK”

Earlier this year a report by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Hospice and End of Life Care found that despite a law passed in 2022 the way hospice services are commissioned in England is not fit for purpose The cross party group of MPs found that services hospices provide for dying people and their families and the support they provide to the health system are at risk

DEBATE POSTPONED

MPs were due to debate hospice funding in the House of Commons which was scheduled for April 15 during a backbench business debate called by Peter Gibson and was unexpectedly postponed

Among those disappointed by the delay is Sir Robert Buckland MP an advocate for Prospect Hospice in South Swindon

Expressing his regret over the postponement Sir Robert highlighted the indispensable role played by Prospect Hospice since its establishment in 1980 and reiterated his commitment to championing its cause both in Parliament and within the local community Despite the setback he remains resolute in his determination to ensure that the vital debate receives the attention it deserves

Ever since first becoming a Member of Parliament here in South Swindon back in 2010 I have worked very closely with the dedicated team at the Prospect Hospice he said “I regularly visit Prospect Hospice to meet with the team, as well as promoting the work of the Hospice in Parliament and I have also enjoyed taking part in many fundraising events on behalf of the charity over the years

I am very keen to speak in the planned Hospice Debate in Parliament, in strong support of this excellent local charity s work, so I was disappointed when the debate was withdrawn yesterday due to insufficient time However it is vital that this very important debate is given the time that it rightly needs and deserves I will be watching closely for the new Hospice Debate date to be

announced and I still very much hope to be able to take part on behalf of the many local residents who have contacted me about this issue as well as the wonderful team at the Prospect Hospice

ESSENTIAL TO THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Garden House Hospice Care CEO Lisa Hunt said Sustainable funding has been a long-standing problem for hospices We are an essential part of the healthcare system supporting thousands of patients every year to live and die well There are inequalities in access to Hospice care and we have started to tackle this with our new Frailty Service

However there is a lot more work to do We re aiming for equitable funding whilst balancing the fact that the NHS is struggling too - I believe hospices should be part of that funding challenge to support an effective healthcare system It s not going to change overnight and we can be patient

This year Garden House Hospice Care s annual running costs have increased from £6 4m to £7 7m - this means we have to raise £15 300 a day up from £9 700 last year (excluding NHS funding) It is a big increase that reflects the even bigger need for our care To date our services have been sustainable but that's only because we've got the most incredible local community of supporters who believe in what we do and can see how our services impact on them and their families

VALUABLE ROLE

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: We want everyone to have access to the high-quality personalised palliative care that can make all the difference at such a difficult time

That s why we require all local NHS integrated care boards to commission end-of-life care services to meet their patients needs

“While the majority of palliative and end-of-life care is provided via GPs hospitals and community health services we recognise the incredibly valuable role the charity sector plays in providing hospice care and supporting loved ones

“Most hospices are independent, charitable organisations with their own terms and conditions of employment

“The Government has provided £60m in additional funding, including to some hospices, to deliver one-off payments to over 27,000 eligible staff employed by non-NHS organisations ”

Earlier this month, the Welsh Government announced £4m to support hospice services across Wales following a request by Hospices

Cymru supported by Hospice UK

In England the current funding issues have prompted St Raphael’s Hospice in Sutton to introduce a Sponsor a Nurse campaign to help deal with staff costs

I Became an FE Teacher to Train The Next Generation of Talent and Here Is Why You Should Do It Too

Sharon Mangoma, is a former Care Assistant Manager turned Further Education teacher (www gov uk/guidance/teach-in-further- education)

training whilst on

It was following a back injury when I began to struggle with the more physical tasks of the job at a care home I decided to explore how I could use my knowledge elsewhere I did not want to leave the sector I was passionate about that s when I spotted an advert for a teaching position in Health and Social Care

job After landing the job I transitioned from Deputy Care Manager into a Health and Social Care FE teacher I jumped right into the role, but many other professionals work part time in FE teaching alongside their current role in industry which can help you get a feel for if it’s the right role for you

I find sharing my skills and experience from industry a special experience especially with FE learners who have a shared passion for the subject area It’s a pleasure to share personal anecdotes from my time in the sector with students to bring the theory to life I started teaching over 10 years ago and now I walk into my local hospital and GP surgery to see my former students succeeding in their careers and giving back to the community It’s a real privilege to help future proof your own sector and give people the confidence and skills they need to excel in their careers

No day is the same teaching in FE but there s nothing more rewarding than witnessing your learners grow You don’t need your manager telling you that you have done a good job you see the result in practice

My real-life industry experience has been an absolute integral part of my teaching I think many of us who have been in the industry for some time get so used to the work we do; we forget how useful our skills actually are for people who might aspire to join the sector Having worked as a carer I can tell stories that bring the subject to life in my classes, which especially helps when teaching a vocational course For example there are some parts of the course that require you to think about the dignity of the care receiver, bringing real life examples to help aid learners understanding is really impactful A story I frequently share to show how important it is to get to know the people you’re car-

ing for is about one of my elderly patients who never settled at bedtime That was, until I read their life history and found out that they used to be a nurse who worked nights After learning that we made sure that she was able to stay up at night with staff instead of trying to put her to bed It is these small acts of tailoring the care for each individual which have a huge impact on the patient s life This is something I always aim to instil in my leaners

Teaching in FE is more than a job; it s a commitment to the future It s an opportunity to shape the next generation of healthcare professionals If you re ready to make a difference I would highly encourage you to explore teaching in FE whether it s full time part time or on an ad hoc basis

To find out more visit https://www teach-in-further-education campaign gov uk/

Apple Aradanas a unit manager at Goodwins Hall Care Home is set to undergo

Report Reveals Emotional Toll On Care Home Staff During COVID-19 Pandemic

The challenges faced by care home staff during the COVID-19 pandemic and the strategies they used to cope are the topic of research led by Lancaster University Care homes experienced not only a devastating toll on residents but also emotional pressures on staff caring for them

The study was led by Professor Nancy Preston of the International Observatory on End of Life Care with colleagues from Newcastle and Sheffield

The researchers explored the impact of the early waves of the pandemic between Autumn 2020 and Summer 2021 on the emotional well-being of care home staff

Interviews were conducted with 16 UK care home staff and 10 health service staff working with them exploring their experiences and responses to the crisis

Dr Zoë Cockshott one of the study authors from Lancaster University said: Care home staff described the early months of the pandemic as a very difficult time, but we were struck by how many of them talked about a strong sense of duty and responsibility for their residents and the need to just get on with it despite the challenges and risks to their own health ”

The findings suggest four key areas that summarise the impact of and response to the pandemic for care home staff

• Anxiety and Distress: Staff faced fear and uncertainty witnessed the illness and loss of residents and

Urray House’s Sweet Success: Willy

Wonka Bash Is Truly Scrumptious

After Glasgow’s recent ill-fated Willy Wonka experience left a sour taste in many mouths Urray House decided to sprinkle some magic of their own with a whimsical Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory fancy dress extravaganza all for a golden cause

Residents staff and friends from the community gathered for an afternoon of whimsical wonder dressed to impress as characters straight out of Roald Dahl’s magical world

The halls of Urray House came alive with a colourful array of characters from Oompa Loompas to eccentric chocolatiers, all with the aim of raising money for the residents comfort fund

Urray House manager Joe Greiner said: “Not only did we spread some Wonka magic but we also raised funds for our residents’ comfort fund and brought people from our community together It was a truly scrumptious afternoon of pure imagination

had concerns about their own health and recognition of their work

Overwhelming Workload: Infection control measures caring for sick residents and reduced external healthcare support contributed to an increased workload for care home staff

Pulling Through: Staff managed the emotional impact of the pandemic through peer support problemsolving strategies, and a sense of responsibility towards their work

Resilience in a Time of Crisis Staff demonstrated resilience often increasing their efforts to meet the demands of the pandemic despite the challenges

Care Home staff found it particularly difficult when they had a COVID-19 outbreak in their care home with one carer telling researchers

“I mean it was awful because we knew it was going to eventually happen and we’re like, It’s coming’ And unfortunately it was horrific for us because obviously a lot of our people are very vulnerable we unfortunately lost, I think it was 11 residents we lost, and one member of staff to COVID over a space of about three weeks

The study s conclusions highlight the emotional impact of the pandemic on care home staff and highlight the need for preparedness for future crises including pandemics By addressing the needs of frontline workers policymakers can better prepare and improve support systems for care homes

Webinar: Employing Overseas Nationals in the UK

Date & time: Wednesday 24 April 2024 | 1:00PM – 2:00PM GMT

Are you employing or looking to hire overseas nationals to plug a skills gap or address staff shortages within your business? Perhaps you would like to understand more about the visa routes available to your business within the current UK immigration landscape?

In today’s competitive and post-Brexit market for talent in the UK the scarcity of skilled professionals is often a significant challenge particularly for businesses in the care industry Employing overseas workers can be a necessity yet understanding and staying compliant with the complex and ever-changing UK immigration system can be difficult

With the Home Office s increased scrutiny on compliance in the care sector and civil penalties tripling for employers who breach Right to Work rules (raising from £15 000 to £45 000 for first offences from February 2024) getting it right is essential

In this free to attend 1-hour webinar Fozia Iqbal, Senior Business Immigration Solicitor at Harper James will cover:

An overview of the current UK immigration system and the Government’s aims and objectives for managing migration

The key routes to employing overseas nationals in the UK including:

o The current sponsorship system – skilled workers and global business mobility

o Visa routes that do not require job offers or sponsorship

o Temporary workers

o Other visa routes – (eg the Scale-Up visa)

o Closed categories to new applicants – (eg Entrepreneur and EU Settlement Scheme)

Important recent and upcoming immigration law changes introduced Staying compliant and preventing illegal working

There will also be a chance for questions at the end of the session

This webinar will help owners managers HR and recruitment professionals directors and c-suite members understand the key options available for hiring overseas talent in the UK, as well as the obligations required to be and remain compliant

For more information and to register for this free webinar, please sign up via the Harper James websitehttps://harperjames co uk/news/webinar-employing-overseas-nationals-in-the-uk/

Little Rescue Ponies Bring Big Smiles to Local Care Home!

Paternoster House care home in Waltham

Abbey was full of animal magic on Thursday 11th April, 2024 when Toy Horse ‘Ted’ and American Miniature Bryn trotted in to surprise the residents

Residents at Paternoster House were super excited to see their new little pony friends roaming around their home as the team from Idyllic Celebration Ponies paid a visit

Resident Brenda said; “My granddaughter Lauren is best friends with Hollie at the stables who care for these beautiful creatures She

THE INDEPENDENT SPECIALIST CONSULTANCY FOR IMPLEMENTING:

• ANTIMICROBIAL FABRIC TREATMENTS

• L AUNDR Y HYGIENE AND EFFICIENCY

• ANTIMICROBIAL HARD SURFACE COATINGS

• LEGIONELL A CONTROL

• OZONE ROOM SANITISERS

AND REDUCE OPERATING COSTS:

• Energy and utilities procurement

• Energy survey to identify savings

• Carbon footprinting, net zero strategy and sustainability

• Building services management

organised today’s surprise visit and it’s been fabulous to get up close to these precious little ponies Activities Coordinator; Sandy Phillips said: “Today has been so very special for all our residents the ponies put a spring in all our steps! My activities colleague and Waltham Abbey Town Mayor; Shane Yerrell was on hand to give them the star treatment welcome they deserved General Manager Corina Popescu said: “Our residents have really enjoyed their unusual visitors today It was a wonderful surprise and such a generous gift from Hollie and the team Our residents loved all animals the enjoyment and therapeutic influence animals can have on people is immediate meeting Ted and Bryn today put the biggest of smiles on all our faces ”

Urgent Need To Boost Social Care To Tackle Pressure Of ‘Delayed Discharges’ On

The King s Fund has calculated it costs the NHS £395 a night to care for someone when they could be discharged The direct costs of delayed discharges in 2022/23 was £1 9 billion

Sir Julian Hartley chief executive NHS Providers said: “Thousands of hospital beds are taken up every day by patients stuck in hospital when they don t need to be often because of the strain on overstretched social care and community services

Persistent delays discharging patients who are fit enough to continue recovery at or close to home adds to the growing pressure right across the health and care system The knockon effects on people accident and emergency departments and ambulances waiting to hand over patients are huge A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We’re taking action to ensure the health and care system works closely together to tackle delayed discharge including investing an additional £1 billion this year to support the NHS and local authorities to ensure timely and effective discharge from hospital

Care Home Residents Celebrate National Scrabble Day

Simona Cioinac, General Manager at the home, said “It has been a brilliant day and we have all enjoyed playing lots of

End the “Persecution” of Unpaid Carers Says DR UK

The Government is facing calls to abandon cruel and nonsensical fines levied on tens of thousands of unpaid carers for unwittingly breaching earnings rules by just a few pounds a week

Those who claim carer’s allowance, currently £81 90 per week while working part-time are being forced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to pay back money that has been erroneously overpaid to them in some cases running to more than £20 000 or risk going to prison

Carer’s allowance is paid to those who provide at least 35 hours of unpaid care a week to look after in the main Disabled relatives

While those in receipt of the benefit are allowed to have a second income from a job, there are strict government limits on how much they can earn – currently £151 00 a week

Overpayments can rapidly build up because even if the weekly earnings limit is exceeded by as little as £1 00 claimants become automatically ineligible for the entire carer s allowance resulting in a cliff edge repayment penalty

Back in August 2019 the Work and Pensions Committee published a highly critical report on the DWP handling of carer s allowance overpayments and accusing the DWP of bullying and harassing those who had unknowingly been overpaid the benefit

The cross-party group of MPs called on the DWP to completely reassess its approach and consider writing off debts due to its own protracted administrative failures

Although the DWP has IT systems that flag up when a carer s income breaches the earnings threshold it fails in many cases to act on the information

Last week news emerged of the shocking case of Vivienne Groom who was prosecuted for failing to declare her minimum wage Co-op job while caring for her mother

She initially agreed to pay the DWP £16 800 in monthly installments of £30 but when she stood to inherit £16 000 from her mother the DWP sought to seize it using proceeds-of-crime laws

Mrs Groom had no legal representation and pleaded guilty over benefit fraud offences She was sen-

tenced to a community order with unpaid work requirements in November 2023

This happened despite the fact that she was told by her social worker that she did not have to tell the DWP about her job

In addition the DWP itself would have been told by HMRC that her carer’s allowance entitlement had changed

Mrs Groom said I followed that lady s rules and I looked after my mum I mean if people look after their parents they should be paid more money so they don’t have to go to work as well I had to go to work We had bills to pay

Ken Butler, DR UK’s Welfare Rights and Policy Adviser said: The fundamental issue is that despite her carer responsibilities to her mother due to the low level of benefit she was receiving, Ms Groom needed to work on top of this because she had bills to pay

“Those in receipt of carer s allowance are more likely to be cutting back on food and heating (35%) compared to all carers (25%) according to statistics from Carers UK

Meanwhile nearly 8% of unpaid carers in receipt of carer s allowance are using food banks to cope with the cost-of-living crisis compared to 5% of all unpaid carers

The persecution of unpaid carers like Mrs Groom must end together with the harsh carers allowance earnings rules ”

Helen Walker Chief Executive of Carers UK said: A wholescale reform and review of Carer s Allowance and other carers’ benefits is needed to ensure these adequately support unpaid carers during the time they spend caring for someone so that the system does not punish them for misinterpreting complicated and harsh earnings rules

“It’s shocking that there has been so little investment in the way that carer’s allowance is operated and the tight rules mean that many carers who need it aren t getting it It s even worse when you consider how much unpaid carers’ support is worth, which is billions every year ”

Motorbike-Loving Care Home Resident Rallies Through Dorchester

Overcoming Recruitment Challenges In Residential Care

By Chris Harber, Head of Immigration, Boyes Turner (www boyesturner com)

From acute staff shortages and low retention rates through to resourcing from overseas and frankly, a perception problem, recruitment is a daily issue that residential care employers must navigate The reasons behind the care recruitment and retention crisis are well-documented including historic and extremely low pay compounded by the cost-of-living crisis a lack of career development and training opportunities as well as poor staff morale, often matched by long hours and burn-out

So where do care home employers start when it comes to redressing their recruitment strategies?

TIGHTEN UP YOUR RECRUITMENT PROCESSES

It s easy to say “recruit carefully and slowly” when you re not faced with a consistent staffing challenge impacting the quality of care and service you can offer But by tackling your recruitment strategy over the longer-term you will be able to remove immediate pressures on your talent pipeline

Taking the longer- term view and hiring the right person for your business – from culture and personality fit perspective – can save you time further down the line This can be as simple as ensuring you have a thorough background check system in place, to guide your hiring decisions as well as increasing retention rates

LOOK AT YOUR VISA COMPLIANCE CHECKS

It might seem obvious but – when recruiting overseas staff - right to work checks should be done before the individual starts work EU workers will need to show they have either pre-settled or settled status and those with a temporary right to work will need to have their visa status checked From April 2022 all visas must be checked digitally via https://www gov uk/check-job-applicant-right-to-work

If you employ any staff on student visas make sure they’re not exceeding their maximum permitted hours of 20hours / week during term times Any more than this is a breach of their visa conditions Overtime, sleeping nights and on-call hours (if at the place of work or sufficiently restrictive) will count towards their total weekly hours We recommend requesting a copy of their university term dates at the start of each academic year to enable compliance

With modern slavery a very real and alarming feature of care homes today ensure you have also implemented a watertight policy for this, including relevant identity checks as well as training of staff

BUILD YOUR EMPLOYER BRAND

Alongside the ethics of being a good employer, there’s a commercial advantage too – in a competitive marketplace, care homes with strong employer brands will attract the best talent, which means they can deliver the best care for their residents and their families All this fuels your reputation – in a market where reputation is a challenge

In an industry where staff are often treated as disposable developing a culture of appreciation is also vital showing people they are valued supports engagement, productivity, and loyalty And this needs to be cascaded across all levels – from carers to catering and cleaning teams as much as management and leadership

CREATE A CULTURE WHERE YOUR PEOPLE THRIVE

Again a powerful way to recruit people is through culture a place where people can thrive at work

Make sure your employees take their full holiday allowance to both protect staff health wellbeing and work-life balance

Ensure staff get sufficient Breaks: they should comply with Working Time Regulation 1998 (WTR) requirements or, if this is not possible offer sufficient compensatory rest instead Employers should check that staff who are working for other employers are still getting sufficient rest breaks between roles and not exceeding the maximum permitted amount of night working Remember sleeping nights and on-call shifts will count as working for WTR purposes (if at the place of work or sufficiently restrictive)!

In a market where training and career development are under-valued and hard to access prioritise professional development for your teams

An effective recruitment strategy in today’s care sector requires that employers ensure they prioritise the things that potential staff truly want – a positive workplace where people are valued can thrive and perform to the best of their ability – safely and fairly

Iceland Foods Chief To Run London Marathon For Alzheimer’s

Iceland Foods Executive Chairman, Richard Walker OBE will be joining thousands of others running the TCS London Marathon on Sunday 21 April

The Alzheimer s Research UK Ambassador hopes to raise much-needed awareness and funds for the UK s leading dementia research charity having seen first-hand the heartbreak of dementia

Richard s mother Lady Walker was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2011 and sadly died in 2021

Speaking about his experience the father-of-two said he can t rest until we find a way to stop dementia”

Dementia devastated my family and robbed my mother of some of

the most precious years of her life I know nothing I can do will replace what we’ve lost, but I can t rest knowing this condition is causing the same heartbreak to other families

“We must find a way to stop dementia, which is why I’m proud to be an Ambassador for Alzheimer s Research UK and taking on the London Marathon next month in support of this vital cause I hope by doing this I can raise much-needed awareness to support research efforts

The 43-year-old was made an Ambassador of Alzheimer’s Research UK in honour of his ongoing support for the charity

Since 2011, Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation has raised over £5 million for the UK s leading dementia research charity

Richard’s marathon effort comes less than 12 months after he climbed Mount Everest for another dementia cause the Rare Dementia Support Centre

“I know running the marathon won’t be easy especially as I signed up quite last minute and I m behind where I should be with training!

But all the effort to get to race day, and then to the finish line, will be so worth it because we will be taking a step closer towards a cure for dementia ”

I can t wait to join thousands of others at the start line and I wish

everyone the best of luck for the final weeks of training

If nothing changes, one in two people will be directly affected by dementia – either by developing the condition themselves caring for someone with it, or both Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity is determined to find a cure by investing in research to revolutionise the way the condition is treated diagnosed and prevented Alzheimer s Research UK s Chief Executive Hilary Evans emphasised the significance of Richard and everyone running in the London Marathon to advocate for a cure

“We’re so grateful to Richard, and all our other runners, for taking on the iconic London Marathon to raise funds for a cure Too many families have been torn apart by dementia and this cannot go on Thankfully dementia research is making incredible progress and new treatments are in sight – but the job is far from done

“Thanks to the unwavering support of people like Richard and organisations like Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation Alzheimer s Research UK will change the ending for everyone affected by dementia It s a matter of when not if We can t wait to cheer Richard and everyone else taking part for Alzheimer’s Research UK on the day – good luck!

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 debate, and discussion

Joining NASHiCS is a great and easy way to keep informed and aware Health and Safety is an essential element in the workplace and matters to everyone involved with social care now and in the

Spring Covid-19 Vaccination Program Begins

The NHS national booking system will open for spring Covid-19 vaccination bookings on Monday (15 April) with those eligible able to book appointments from the following week

People at increased risk from severe illness can get the vaccine including those aged 75 or over (on 30 June 2024) people with a weakened immune system or who live in an older adult care home

Spring vaccinations will be available until 30 June 2024

Anyone eligible can book a vaccine appointment via the NHS UK website or by calling 119 for free with parents or carers able to book a Covid-19 vaccination for children under 16 on their behalf Eligible people aged 16 and over can also use the NHS App to book an appointment

The NHS is sending texts emails NHS App messages or letters to those who are eligible but they do not have to wait for the invite to book Monday will also see the start of visits to older adult care homes and eligible household patients For those that receive all their care at home, a home visit should be arranged via their GP

Eligibility for a spring vaccination is similar to previous years but those with a weakened immune system are now eligible from 6 months instead of 5 years

FOLLOWING JCVI ADVICE, THIS SPRING’S ELIGIBLE COHORTS INCLUDE:

• Adults aged 75 years and over by 30 June 2024

Residents in care homes for older adults

Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed

This year there are thousands of appointments available every day across the country including at pharmacies and GP practices Some areas also offer convenient walk-in options with a list of available walk-in sites online

Covid-19 can still be very dangerous and even lifethreatening particularly for older people and those with a weakened immune system The vaccine gives good protection and helps reduce the risk of serious illness or death needing to go to hospital catching and spreading the virus, and protects against differ-

ent variants

UKHSA surveillance data on last year s spring

Covid-19 vaccination programme showed that those who received a vaccine were around 50% less likely to be admitted to hospital with COVID-19 for three to four months after vaccination compared to those who did not receive one

Anyone eligible who has not received any previous doses should get vaccinated during this year s spring offer to help protect against serious illness

The NHS is also encouraging those eligible to get the shingles vaccine which is recommended for all adults turning 65 those aged 70 to 79 and those aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system Anyone eligible should be contacted by their GP surgery to book an appointment

Steve Russell NHS national director for vaccinations and screening said: “This spring the NHS is offering the Covid-19 vaccine to those that are at highest risk of getting seriously unwell if they catch the virus

“Covid-19 can still be very dangerous particularly for older people and those with a weakened immune system, and over time immunity – either from having the virus or from a previous vaccination – can fade so it is vital that those who are at higher risk top up their protection

“If you are aged 75 or over or if you or your child have a weakened immune system then it is vital that you get your vaccine as soon as possible – you can book quickly and easily through the NHS App by calling 119, or visiting the NHS website which also lists walk-in sites across the country that you can visit without an appointment

Health Minister Maria Caulfield said We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable from Covid and this spring programme will give those most at risk of serious illness the protection they need

Getting vaccinated is quicker and more convenient than ever, with thousands of sites open across the country including local pharmacies and GP practices

I urge anyone eligible to book their appointment as soon as possible ”

Debt Financing and Social Care

Debt financing in the social care sector has come under considerable scrutiny over the past decade, thanks in part to the influx of private equity funders and the collapse of Southern Cross in 2012 Despite this Abbey Watkins and Rachel Emmerson, accountants at Kreston Reeves, say not all debt is bad

The demand for nursing and residential care is increasing with the need for beds outstripping supply A recent survey by Knight Frank highlights the scale of the challenge facing the sector predicting that over the next decade there will be a shortfall of 58 000 beds

Independently owned and managed residential care homes are well-placed to pick up some of that shortfall but will need to invest to do so With funding squeezed and cash reserves tight, that may leave care providers with little choice but to explore funding growth through debt

Debt does, however, have negative connotations and is seen by many business owners as something to be avoided But there is both good and bad debt

Debt borrowing that exists simply to help the business survive is unlikely to be contributing to the future growth or success of a care business Whilst it may be needed it will also be a drag on growth and may not be a sensible option

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

Good debt however is borrowing that is used to invest in the future growth of the business As long as it continues to provide those foundations for growth, exploring debt should not be feared Contrary to what care businesses may read banks and other investors are willing to lend to care businesses with strong growth plans

Lenders will expect businesses to be able to demonstrate amongst other things an understanding of their current borrowing and how that will impact the ability to repay future borrowing They will also want a clear and compelling proposal from that business on how funding will be used to contribute towards growth

Importantly, independent care providers will need to plan ahead, and that will require forecasting when funding is most likely to be needed It should be remembered that funding may not be needed all in one tranche but drawn down as and when needed

It is also important to remember that debt financing is a corporate transaction meaning that it is there for the benefit of both parties Put bluntly debt finance must work for the lender just as much as it must work for the business meaning that not all borrowing requests will be granted

It may sound cliched but people do lend to people We see that in the rise of the challenger banks who will often lend where traditional banks will not Relationships, of course, are not built in a 30-minute meeting, so invest time in ensuring your lender understands your vision and plans for the future

Banks are in most instances the first place most care providers turn to when looking for borrowing In almost all cases a bank will ask for a personal guarantee Whilst uncomfortable for many business owners they are unavoidable A blended debt financing approach could be explored

There are an increasing number of debt financing options open to care providers from alternative lenders through to grants In Kent for example Kent County Council is offering an interest-free loan to fund capital investment and growth projects Whilst these schemes will often require match-funding or come with a demonstratable job creation requirement they can offer a valuable way to reduce bank funding

Care businesses should always take specialist and independent advice based on their own specific situation before considering which lender to approach for borrowing or taking external investment

Rachel Emmerson is a Partner and Abbey Watkins an Accountant in the Funding Team at Kreston Reeves

Kreston Reeves offers accountancy, tax and business advice to a wide range of clients

valuable opportunity

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

Mind Calls On UK’s Covid-19 Inquir y To Consider Mental Health Impact Of Pandemic

Mental

organisations is call-

the UK’s Covid-19 Inquiry to prioritise mental health after it rowed back on previous commitments to consider it in Module 3 – the ‘Impact of Covid-19 pandemic on healthcare systems’

In an open letter Mind and others warn the Inquiry risks letting down millions of people if it fails to put mental health on an equal footing with physical health

Mind is the only mental health organisation to have been granted

Core Participant status in Module 3 of the Inquiry, and as such it can submit evidence call witnesses and steer its investigations and scope Module 3 focuses on the impact of the pandemic on healthcare systems patients and staff with consideration of the UK s government s and public’s response to the pandemic

The Inquiry s refusal to examine the mental health consequences of the pandemic risks failing the people with pre-existing mental health conditions who died at five times the rate of the general population It risks failing the eight million people who sought help with their mental health and were turned away And it risks failing future generations by not allowing a proper examination of what can be done better in the event of another pandemic

Despite positive indications from the last module 3 hearing that mental health would now be fully considered by the Inquiry, we are deeply disappointed by this U-turn The exceptionally narrow focus on the few inpatient beds that are provided to children and young people means serious questions will not be answered

These questions include why was their no public mental health plan? Why did those with pre-existing mental health conditions die at five times the rate of the general population? What help was given to our frontline staff? Why were the psychiatric hospitals emptied at the same time that community care was shut down?

And They’re Off… To Enjoy The Grand National!

Residents and staff at Waterside Court care home in Wallingford had their bets at the ready for the 2024 Grand National which ran on Saturday April 13

Residents and staff got together to watch the races, and celebrated by taking part in a sweepstake placing pretend bets and won chocolate goodies

Clem General Manager at the home said: We ve had a fantastic time celebrating The

Grand National it is such a great event to watch and we all had fun cheering on the horses and jockeys We all had a little flutter between ourselves even though none of us has much of a clue about odds or form!”

David a resident at the home commented: I love the Grand National it is such a fantastic spectacle I haven’t got a clue about horse racing I just choose the colours I like best!

examination of both the physical and mental health consequences of the pandemic It must urgently reconsider its position

health charity Mind alongside 30 other

ing on

to play second fiddle to the NHS This disparity not only undermines the effectiveness of health services but also compromises the dignity and quality of life of the most vulnerable members of our community It is high time that social care is recognised not just as a supplementary service but as a cornerstone of our national health infrastructure

One of the most pressing issues is the feasibility of centralised funding for social care While local authorities possess an intrinsic understanding of the community-specific needs the consistency and sufficiency of funding remain problematic A centralised funding approach could standardise and enhance the allocation of resources ensuring that local authorities are adequately equipped to manage care requirements effectively With a more centralised funding system we can address inefficiencies such as the NHS bed-blocking issue, where inadequate social care funding leads to unnecessary hospital stays for patients who could otherwise be cared for in more appropriate settings

Furthermore, the sector desperately needs a substantial increase in funding not merely as a temporary measure but as part of a sustained investment in social care This would enable us to provide more attractive wages for our carers who are on the frontline of this service By improving pay and working conditions we can better attract and retain talent within the sector reduce the dependency on overseas workers

and enhance the quality of care provided

It is also crucial for the next government to move beyond short-term fixes and fragmented initiatives While it makes for good politics to announce additional funding one-off payments provide no long-term certainty for investors and therefore don t form the basis for long-term capital investment decisions We require a long-term strategic solution that addresses the chronic underfunding of social care This solution must not only be fair but also robust enough to allow care providers to invest in their workforce and infrastructure Such a strategy would lead to a more resilient social care system, capable of withstanding future challenges and adapting to the evolving needs of our population

In conclusion, as we stand on the precipice of a general election, it is paramount that all political parties commit to making social care a top priority in their campaigns We must advocate for a system that values and invests in social care as much as it does in other public services

The well-being of our ageing population the dignity of those who require care and the sustainability of our healthcare system as a whole depend on our ability to enact meaningful changes

The time for action is now, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that social care receives the attention and funding it desperately needs

We will all be impacted professionally and personally by the future of our nation s health and welfare and so we must all urge our political representatives to commit to these crucial changes Let us not miss this vital opportunity to reshape our approach to social care for the betterment of all

Arm Chair Exercise Embraced By Care Home Residents

The staff and residents at Elm Bank care home in Kettering embrace the importance of keeping fit in many ways one of which is with Arm Chair Exercise

We all know what the importance of keeping our minds engaged in active and stimulating activities and our bodies, it is vital for our health and wellbeing One firm favourite with many of the residents at Elm Bank is Arm Chair Exercise The residents are thrilled to have the ability to participate in exercises while seated It provides an opportunity for all to come together socialise and share in the joy of an activity that gets the minds engaged and the body moving

Marvellous Bindura General Manager said "The Arm Chair Exercise is a true winner for many residents here it is amazing to see the residents smile when they are so engaged and to know that they are benefiting a great deal from this activity in keeping their minds and bodies active” Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active and provides a daily choice of engaging physical mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities

bundles being awarded at each stage so there’s plenty of opportunities for your local care home to be gifted a bundle The sooner you enter the better chance you have

www gardenhealth com/new-horizon-fund

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

New Project To Highlight Challenges Facing Unpaid Carers In The Workplace

Carers Trust and Simplyhealth have launched a new project to highlight the challenges unpaid carers face applying for jobs and in the workplace

The project, which launched on Monday 15 April, is part of an already established partnership between national charity Carers Trust healthcare company Simplyhealth and responsible business network Business in the Community aiming to support the wellbeing of unpaid carers in England and Wales

There are an estimated seven million people in the UK who care for a family member or friend with an illness disability mental health condition or addiction The new project will focus on those unpaid carers who have a health condition and their experiences of paid work

A systematic review by the Department of Work and Pensions shows carers with health problems are more likely to exit employment Those who provide intense levels of care are between two and three times more likely to also suffer from ill health However there is less understanding about the landscape of carer-friendly workplaces in the UK The Carers Trust and Simplyhealth research will examine carers experience of balancing their health needs with employment, alongside what dedicated support exists nationally in the workplace to support their health and wellbeing

Business in the Community and Simplyhealth are already working in partnership to run the Let s Care Together programme This scheme encourages businesses to support carers with their wellbeing by offering mentoring and support sessions provided by trained volunteers This directly impacts the lives of the carers while also improving the wellbeing of those they care for The programme aims to reach over 500 carers across England and Wales over the next three years and is also supported by Carers Trust

Rohati Chapman Carers Trust s Executive Director for Programmes Policy & Impact, said: “We re delighted to be partnering with Simplyhealth and Business in the Community on this important project Carers tell us all the time about the challenges they face trying to balance caring at home with their paid employment When unaddressed that struggle can be costly to both employers and carers but workplaces can play a vital role in easing the burden

“This much-needed research will show us for the first time how much support is out there from employers what the major challenges are and what can be done to improve help for unpaid carers joining rejoining or balancing their caring with work ”

The research is being reviewed and shaped by unpaid carers It launches with a survey for unpaid carers who have a health condition looking at their experiences of applying to and being in paid work A further survey with employers will be carried out at a later date alongside interviews with both unpaid carers and employers to get an in-depth understanding of the issue

The research findings will be published later this year They will lead to a set of recommendations for employers that will help them better understand what support is needed, while also helping unpaid carers balance caring with work

Claudia Nicholls Simplyhealth s Chief Customer Officer said: We champion for social equality in access to health care, so we’re pleased to support the Carers Trust, along with our charity partner Business in the Community to undertake an in-depth understanding of the landscape of carer-friendly workplaces across the UK We’ll use this insight to inform a set of workplace recommendations for employers

“This furthers our £200 000 of corporate giving for the Let’s Care Together programme which encourages businesses to support carers with their wellbeing by aiming to match volunteers with 500 carers for online mentoring and support sessions ”

The survey is available to fill in at https://forms office com/e/APKh9bjSRP

Bournemouth Care Home Opens Dementia Friendly Café For The Local Community

Staff at RMBI Care Co Home Zetland Court in Bournemoth have recently set up ZetCafe24 a dementia friendly café The aim is to provide social gatherings for people living with dementia families and professionals in the local area where they all can share information and experiences as well as speak openly about this condition

Guests can discuss their own dementia diagnosis or someone else’s, obtain advice from the Home’s Dementia Advisor and the Frailty Team and meet new friends in a calm and safe environment The café runs the last Thursday of every month from 2 to 4

pm

I ll definitely be coming to the next one This is a lovely social for my mum!” says one of the attendants

I have opened many dementia friendly cafés in Hampshire both in care homes and in community spaces, such as GP surgeries,

shops and community buildings ” recalls Sue Wiffen Zetland Court’s Deputy Home Manager and Dementia Advisor for ZetCafe24

Navigating a dementia diagnosis can sometimes feel daunting so we want to provide friendship and support for those looking for advice whilst enjoying a cuppa in a tranquil community environment

The care home also offers music therapy, reminiscence sessions using assistive technology to enhance memories film afternoons and pet therapy Visitors are also able to enjoy the extensive gardens of the Home just a short walk away from the beach as well as tea coffee and cakes

Dementia friendly cafés have become more relevant in recent years According to Alzheimer s Society 850 000 people are estimated to be living with dementia in the UK One million people will have dementia by 2025 and this is expected to increase to two million by 2050

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

A Skiing Accident Left Me 'Locked In' But Ambassador Role Means I Can Make Ever y Day Better For Others Like Me

take up a significant role as the home s Service User Ambassador

As an ambassador, Dave collects and shares feedback on behalf of other residents and their families to support the smooth running of the home

In this role Dave has also planned the walking stage of a triathlon event organised a popular casino event worked with Sheffield Hallam University to develop the curriculum for their social work and nursing courses and co-designed the new Service User Ambassador fleece that's worn when they provide tours of their homes

Dave also sits on the Service User Council with ambassadors from each of Exemplar Health Care's 51 homes The group meets every few months to advise Exemplar Health Care s leadership team on important initiatives, policies, and decisions across the company

Recently this has included advising on the organisation s policies and guidance documents to enhance accessibility, and co-producing videos for colleague induction and training to help new starters better understand the perspectives of the people living in Exemplar Health Care s homes how they like to be supported and what life is like living with certain conditions

Being a Service User Ambassador has also allowed Dave to contribute to the community he lives in and towards the health and wellbeing of other residents all of which build on his past skills and experience Prior to his accident he was employed as a Senior Instructor at the Scottish National Outdoor Centre, using his qualification as a British Mountain Guide to teach rock climbing mountaineering and skiing in the UK and in the European Alps

Dave has also been able to gain a better appreciation and understanding of how complex care services for working age adults are run and how management decisions are made acknowledging it s a part of

the care sector he knew little about before his accident

Willowbeck is run by Exemplar Health Care one of the country s leading nursing care providers for adults living with complex needs which created the Service User Ambassador programme to empower the people they support to have a meaningful say in the running of their home and the wider organisation

Dave Hollinger Service User Ambassador at Willowbeck care home said of his ambassador role:

"I find it incredibly stimulating and it really helps with my own wellbeing and mental health Throughout my journey I've been grateful for my undiminished capacity to make decisions about my life

I m aware that many others are not afforded the same opportunity

so it s important to me that I can represent residents at Willowbeck to support their ongoing quality of life and to shape how we are empowered to achieve our goals

Looking forward I d like to support care colleagues in continually developing their skills and having a better understanding of why they re doing something alongside the what and the how My lived experience is invaluable to providing this insight and I think it will enhance the quality of care for everyone

This has also been a major driver for my involvement in our link with Sheffield Hallam University and I m so grateful to have had the opportunity to shape the education of future Nurses and Social Workers so they can be better prepared to support people living with complex care needs "

Dave is currently sourcing new photographs of Ladybower Reservoir one of the most picturesque and recognisable places in the Peak District to help redecorate the home

Bidfood Launches Industr y First With The Interactive Care Home, Featuring Over 75 Support Functions For Care Customers

Action from government public services and employers is needed to address rising levels of ill-health in England a new report published today by the Health Foundation an independent charity says

The report focuses on inequalities in major illness in England, notably among working-age people It reveals that growing ill-health will continue to significantly impact people s lives and the economy On current trends, 3 7 million workingage adults will be living with major illness by 2040 up from 3 million in 2019

The report warns that 80% (540 000) of this increase will be in the more deprived 50% of areas further entrenching health inequalities and having considerable implications for local and regional economies

Employers already face significant challenges caused by rising economic inactivity The report shows that this challenge isn t going away and could lead to more people leaving the workforce thereby reducing labour supply and undermining efforts to increase economic growth

Jo Bibby Director of Health at the Health Foundation said Good health is our most precious asset and a healthy workforce is the backbone of any thriving economy We are already seeing the impact of poor health on the economy with record numbers of people out of the workforce Without action the number of working-age people living with major illness is set to increase particularly in the most deprived areas of the country ”

This is the first analysis of its kind into current and future inequalities in diagnosed illness and the second report from a major research programme led by the Health Foundation’s Real Centre in partnership with the University of Liverpool The first report projected that the total number of people living with major illness would increase to 9 3 million in 2040 an increase of 2 6 million people from 2019

The new report finds that without action stark health inequalities are projected to persist up to 2040 with people in the most deprived areas of England likely to develop major illness ten years earlier than those in the least deprived areas They are also three times more likely to die by the age of 70

The analysis finds that a handful of conditions contribute to most of the health inequality such as chronic

pain type 2 diabetes and anxiety and depression which are projected to grow at a faster rate in the most deprived areas These conditions have a significant impact on quality of life and may limit people s ability to work for long periods of time They are also typically managed by GPs or in the community, underlining the importance of investing in primary care and focusing on prevention and early intervention

On current trends the government s target to improve healthy life expectancy by five years by 2035 and narrow the gap between the areas with the best and worst health will be missed by a significant margin With Labour also proposing measures to improve healthy life expectancy and reduce health inequalities in their health mission the report underlines the need for the parties to set out the action they will take to improve working-age health ahead of the forthcoming General Election

Ann Raymond, Economist at the Health Foundation’s REAL Centre, added “The findings from this report clearly demonstrate how people living in more deprived areas develop major illness earlier live for longer in poor health and die younger than their counterparts in less deprived areas These inequalities will remain stubbornly persistent over the next two decades if current trends continue

This report should be a wake-up call for politicians ahead of the General Election about the need for action to address rising ill health – our future health and prosperity as a nation depends on it ”

The report concludes that action beyond the NHS is needed to address poor health Policies focused on the risk factors of ill health – smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity and harmful alcohol consumption – are essential but insufficient to tackle health inequalities The report also calls for:

a long-term, cross-government approach to address the underlying causes of ill health, such as poor housing inadequate incomes and poor-quality jobs

investment in the NHS local

Visiting Cat “Purr-Fect” Companion For North London Care Home Residents

Minchenden Lodge is part of AgeCare and Director of Care Jo Mason, is delighted to hear about the care home s feline visitor

She said: “At Minchenden Lodge we foster a family approach, focussing on enabling residents to live well It s lovely to hear that Jinxy has set up home in the care home and is providing so much joy to everyone there ”

Minchenden Lodge was originally built by the Earl of Chandos and is featured in the ‘History of Southgate’ a borough of North London Queen Victoria and Prince Albert stayed there when opening the Colney Hatch Hospital and of later times Minchenden Lodge was converted

She said All our residents love having Jinxy around They look out for him every day and provide him with lots of attention Interacting with different animals is also a great therapy source so Jinxy is an ideal guest Minchenden Lodge is his second home and brings so much joy to all of us here ”

It was acquired by AgeCare in 2023 and provides rooms for 21 Residents

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The Future Of The Care Workforce: Care UK Reinvents Work Experience Offer

Care UK is reaffirming its commitment to the future of the care workforce this year by welcoming an improved work experience opportunity, which is being piloted at their Silversprings care home in Thorrington

Applications are now open, with a select number of places, where secondary school students between the ages of 14 and 18 years-old can join the care team for work experience week in June 2024 If you are interested please apply here before the closing date of Monday 29th April

Students interested in a separate work experience opportunity in our finance teams can apply here, with applications closing on the same date

Victoria Cole Head of Resourcing at Care UK said: This new programme has been designed to show students the different types of care we offer and to highlight how many types of roles are available in a care home Regardless of their job title each of our colleagues has the same goal – they work together to provide the best possible care to residents

We ll be encouraging students who take part to give their feedback so we can ensure this experience is as valuable as possible for all future participants with a view to expand the programme across our 150+ homes in England Scotland and Wales

At Care UK we re passionate about learning no matter your role or your seniority, everyone has potential to fulfil That’s why almost 700 colleagues across the company are on various apprenticeship schemes whether they’re home managers, carers, chefs, in our maintenance teams or work in our support centre

We re looking forward to inviting students into Care UK and showing them how colleagues work to provide fulfilling lives for residents and support their loved ones We know life doesn t stop when you go into a care home, and we hope that this opportunity will be the first step in a potential successful career in care for these students

This outreach continues to expand through Care UK s Early Careers in partnership with Careers and Enterprise Company and Speakers for Schools Easy Careers ensures a fair reach to all educational settings including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) schools and underrepresented community groups to give them an insight into the care sector and opportunities available to them

If you are a student, a teacher or lecturer, who wants more information about these opportunities for yourself or for your class please email experience@speakersforschools org with the email heading Care UK

Stanley Care Home Resident Reveals Passion For Art

A care home in Annfield Plain near Stanley County Durham has welcomed a new resident with a tremendous talent for art

Alan Cranney, aged 85 moved into HC-One s Stoneleigh care home at the start of March and was keen to chat with staff members about his love of art and painting

But it was only after Alan offered to display some of his pieces at the 35-bed residential and residential dementia care home that fellow residents and team members discovered just how talented Alan is His collection of works have made a big impression at the care home and are brightening up the walls and corridors

Alan was an oil rig engineer by profession plying his trade on the North Sea oil rigs to support his family, wife Linda, son Gary and daughter Deborah At one point during his career he took a year s break from the oil industry and decided to pursue his interest in painting and drawing, having always enjoyed sketching in his occasional free time

The interest quickly turned into a passion and over the last 20 years Alan has produced creative and captivating artworks using a range of mediums such as oil painting water colours pastels pencils and pen sketches He has exhibited his artwork several

times and has been a member of Castleside Art Club and Rowlands Gill Art Club at various times

Despite his family increasing in size over the years – he now has four grandchildren and eight grandchildren – he is looking forward to continuing to paint whenever and wherever he can

Discussing his love of art Alan said:

“Creating art is a wonderful process and one I love doing I always start by doing a pen sketch first and if it is good enough I will paint it

I love painting whether landscapes or portraits or still life it is a joyous activity and especially pleasing when other people like what I ve produced ”

Susan Dodds Home Manager at Stoneleigh care home said

“We are delighted that Alan has come to live here at Stoneleigh and we have all taken great pleasure in discovering more about his fantastic talent

“His paintings on display here have been a real talking point and we will be supporting him as much as possible to continue his passion as a resident at Stoneleigh care home

Nearly A Third Of NHS Staff Are Requesting Details Of Jobs Outside The NHS

29% of NHS staff have recently inquired about jobs outside the NHS according to a new University of Bath Institute for Policy Research (IPR) report

Between March 2023 and June 2023 nearly half (47%) of frontline staff checked job listings outside the NHS and 1 7 (14%) reported having applied for one or more non-NHS jobs

Amongst applicants the primary motivation was seeking higher pay 1:4 (23%) of these applications were for supplementary paid work in addition to their NHS job

The report, “Should I stay or should I go? Monitoring influences on NHS staff retention in the post-COVID-19 World identifies psychological stress workload staff shortages and pay as the top four reasons why staff leave the NHS

OTHER KEY FINDINGS FROM THE REPORT:

• Reports of symptoms of burnout show a rising trend with 1:2 reporting ‘feeling very tired or drained’ most days or every day

• Ratings of intrinsic job satisfaction (caring for patients) and personal commitment to the NHS have weakened year on year since 2020

• Staff confidence over improvement to working conditions and their future in the NHS were low and for the majority of issues notably workload and staffing and resources more negative than in Wave 3 (summer 2022)

Only 1:4 NHS nurses would recommend working for the NHS to others There was a 24-point drop (61% to 37%) in the proportion of staff who agreed with the statement ‘I would recommend working for the NHS to others between winter 2020/21 and spring 2023 The figure for nurses (26%; spring 2023) was markedly lower than the all-staff rate

The lead researcher Dr Andrew Weyman said: Rising reports of shortages of resources psychological stress symptoms of burnout coupled with low confidence of improvement to working condition, in the context of dissatisfaction with pay and evidence of weakening staff commitment to the NHS are particularly perturbing and potentially offer an explanation for the significant fall in the proportion of staff who would recommend working for the NHS to others

Staff viewed improvement to pay staffing levels, workload and recognition by Government as the top priorities for change to increase retention rates

Karin Orman Director of Practice and Innovation at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists said: ‘The NHS desperately needs major reform and health and care systems need to work better together Our own research with our members last year found that occupational therapists working in the NHS are under immense pressure, with some even saying they feared the services they were providing were unsafe

‘Recruitment and retention of staff is just one of the reasons we brought out our first ever workforce strategy last month According to our strategy which echoes the plans of all four UK nations one of the key things that will help save the NHS is moving the majority of occupational therapists from hospitals into community settings such as GP surgeries schools housing teams social services care homes and places of work

‘But we need the resourcing and funding to make this happen Getting the occupational therapy workforce right will actually help reduce the pressures on GPs nurses and all other areas of the NHS as well as helping people live well for longer ’

Friendly Town Spirit Shines as Keith Cares Club Makes its Debut

really did live up to its

meaningful experiences for our residents and the wider community "

The two homes are already planning their next major event a Tombola on June 12th once again at Longmore Hall In the meantime plans are also afoot for a lunch club in the town and a community garden project both aimed at further enhancing the well-being of care home residents and fostering stronger ties with the wider community

NHS Set To Withdraw Secondar y Care Mental Health Support

professionals confirmed that it would no longer be able to accept secondary care staff – such as specialist doctors or nurses – for treatment

The body said that it would continue to treat all secondary care staff who are already registered with the service and will “work through how new requests received from Monday [15 April 2024] may be managed whilst the review is completed, and any alternative service put in place”, adding that the NHS was reviewing the mental health support it offered staff across all groups to consider “long term sustainable options”

Funding for primary care staff – such as GPs or practice nurses – to access mental health support through NHS Practitioner Health has been extended for 12 months to 31 March 2025

Dr Latifa Patel BMA workforce lead said: “NHS England’s withdrawal of funding from Practitioner Health is deeply concerning Doctors are more burnt-out and under pressure than ever before and now is not the time to cut mental health support With the recent cutting of NHS staff and wellbeing hubs, doctors already have fewer and fewer places to turn to This is a short-sighted financial decision with potentially harmful consequences for both doctors and their patients

NHSE s commitment at the weekend to ensuring all NHS staff receive the mental health support they need’ is welcome but insufficient We need to have assurances that its review of services will lead to equal or better provision of mental health support in the future More urgently we call for a pause in the decision to end funding so doctors are not left without support while the review is carried out

Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of The King’s Fund said: ‘The news that secondary care staff will no longer be able to register for this mental health and addiction service is deeply concerning and we urge

that the decision be reconsidered as a matter of urgency The latest NHS staff survey showed that large parts of the workforce are feeling undervalued stretched and burnt out and there is still work to do to make health and care a more attractive career Two in five staff report feeling unwell due to work-related stress

‘Our joint research with the RCN Foundation into the experiences of newly qualified nurses and midwives also illustrated the need for a stronger focus on developing cultures where staff can flourish including through compassionate, inclusive and collective leadership Staff wellbeing also directly impacts the quality-of-care patients receive

‘These essential mental health support services help address burnout and ensure that staff get the help they need and will reduce the number of staff taking sick leave That’s why, with other health and care organisations we wrote to the government just last month about the importance of ringfencing funding for staff wellbeing hubs

‘Separately we look forward to hearing

more details on the scope and timing of the review announced by NHS England into wider staff mental health support and welcome the extension of funding for support for primary care doctors ’

An NHS spokesperson said: Staff wellbeing is a really important part of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan and we know we need to do more to support our workforce

Practitioner Health will remain available for all primary care staff and it will continue to support all existing patients – discussions are ongoing with the provider about future contracts

“Any other NHS staff will be signposted to alternative sources of support including their GP occupational health departments which are available in all Trusts as well as employee assistance programmes

Investment in NHS mental health

hubs for staff, social workers and social care staff has also been cut, with many having closed

It’s well known that one sibling can often copy what the other one does! However this has gone to a whole new level for brother and sister Grizelda and Clive, who are delighted to be living under the same roof again;

Chatsworth Care Home in Chesterfield

Grizelda Mansveto and Clive Heeley, age 88 and 75, have adjoining rooms at the home one of 23 care homes run in the Midlands and the north by Orchard Care Homes Clive moved into Chatsworth in 2019 while Griselda is a recent arrival

Encouraging meaningful connections is a major part of the care offering provided by Orchard Care Homes for those with Alzheimer s or dementia; Orchard maintains these connections can have a positive impact on a person’s emotional and mental wellbeing Both Grizelda and Clive are living with dementia

Grizelda said: “I love seeing Clive more often - I missed him very much when we didn t live together I enjoy spending time with my brother and like to sit in his room to share some of our favourite sweet treats together

Grizelda and Clive’s bond continues to grow in the care home with Grizelda visiting her brother every morning As well as chatting about fond childhood memories, the siblings are eager to create new special moments together

Added Clive: “We had a very close relationship growing up; we loved running around in our big garden as a child and playing games together indoors Now we live next door to each other I get to see my sister every day and talk about our favourite times together We are also making new memories which I enjoy ”

With both Clive and Grizelda living with dementia supporting the siblings to remain close is vital to maintaining all-important links to their past

Michelle Rose Home Manager at Chatsworth Lodge said “When Grizelda moved to Chatsworth Lodge it was clear she missed her brother dearly She would always ask for him and talk about their childhood together Her personal situation recently changed and she needed full-time care Since she joined our care home, they’ve become completely inseparable!” As a dementia-friendly care home colleagues at Chatsworth Lodge Care Home have seen first-hand the benefits of positive social connections; particularly for those living with dementia

Michelle added: Meaningful engagement plays a huge part in caring for our residents, and we believe maintaining relationships with loved ones is key We always make sure Grizelda and Clive get to spend quality 1 1 time together and help keep their sibling bond as strong as ever ”

Research by AgeUK suggests that retaining close ties to friends and family alongside participating in meaningful social activities may help older people maintain their thinking skills and contribute to cognitive reserve Thanks to the team at Chatsworth Lodge Grizelda and Clive are not only able to continue building their sibling bond but have also improved their general well-being and happiness since reuniting

Michelle concluded: “Clive and Grizelda’s story is a true testament to the importance of maintaining key relationships and we ve loved watching their sibling bond grow We’re grateful to the Chatsworth Lodge team for ensuring

Evidence Shows Benefits of Pain Management and Personal Care Approach, says Orchard Care Homes Director

desire to improve the quality of life by care providers continues

The issue was brought to prominence recently by Cheryl Baird, Director of Quality and Care at Orchard Care Homes at the UK Care Week event at Birmingham’s NEC

Cheryl talked at the event about an independent white paper produced recently which has credited Orchard’s pioneering Reconnect Communities initiative

Eight Reconnect Communities operate across the 23 homes run by Orchard Care Homes, with more to come in the future Reconnect Communities allow for truly personalised approach to care alongside meaningful occupation and non-reliance on pharmacological approaches

Orchard also operates a Dementia Promise, which is an ongoing commitment by the company to challenge the inequalities often experienced by people living with dementia

The company has already invested over half a million pounds into training technology tools and refurbishments designed to fulfil its promise and become recognised as the benchmark in specialist dementia care

The white paper titled Clinical impact of a multifaceted intervention aimed at decreasing distress in people living with dementia evaluating the Reconnect program was published by Frontiers one of the most respected research publishers and open science platforms in the world

At UK Care Week Cheryl said: In the past many people were simply labelled as having behavioural problems; that this was just typical of the condition What we found was that behaviour was symptomatic of that person trying to tell us something but being unable to find a way to do it ”

She said technology has worked hand-in-hand with a person-centric approach to dementia care For instance, Orchard now uses the PainChek pain assessment software tool extensively – which gives colleagues accurate objective information about if a person is experiencing pain

Talking about Orchard’s inclusion in the Frontiers report, Cheryl said: “Our colleagues and the people within our communities already know how fantastic Reconnect services are, but we are thrilled that this has now been researched recognised, and published by a respected and trusted body

“The insights included in this evaluation are a clear demonstration of the impact our approach has made and the data has improved even further since this was submitted for review which is additional encouragement that we are innovating in the right way

Other recent achievements for Orchard Care Homes include being named winner last year of the LaingBuisson Award for Excellence in Large Residential Care

official opening of the sensory room took place on Thursday 4 April, with an afternoon ceremony for residents, relatives, friends, local people and businesses Over 40 people attended Retired Fraserburgh Counciler Brian Topping officially opened the room The room provides a soothing environment where residents can relax unwind and regain control of their emotions The sensory stimulation creates interaction with staff members promoting communication on both verbal and non-verbal levels

New equipment installed in the room includes: an Infinity Tunnel which offers users total control over a never-ending tunnel of ever-changing coloured LED lights and an Interactive Bubble Tube surrounded by mirrors, inspiring interaction through the constantly changing colours and vibrating moving bubbles

The sensory room has been made possible thanks to fundraising efforts from residents staff and the local community over the last year Since July 2023 activities have included a sponsored assault course and sponsored walk for staff and a resident the home’s summer fete raffles a quiz night a kids Halloween party and so many kind donations from our community and staff £5 560 was raised in total and this money paid for all the equipment in the room

The staff at St Modans will take an individualised tailored approach to make sure the sensory room best benefits every resident who requires it Taking the time to identify how illnesses are affecting a residents’ physical abilities means that activity in the sensory room can be tailored to offer a meaningful experience

As such the room will be available to one resident at a time

All staff at the home will receive training on how to use the equipment and will work to create One Page Profiles relevant to the needs of each resident Interested families of residents can also receive training and access their relatives profile to make the sensory room an activity which can be enjoyed with loved ones

Julie-Anne Thomson Care Home Manager at St Modans said: Enhancing the quality of life of our residents and colleagues is at the heart of everything we do at St Modans The new sensory room is a fantastic addition to the activities and experiences we provide here

The response to our fundraising efforts has been overwhelming and we managed to raise over £5 000 for this project A huge thanks goes to all staff families and local businesses who helped us with our target as this would not be possible without them

“I was truly overwhelmed with the response we had at our open day The fundraising journey to open the sensory room will be documented and accessible for anyone to view at any time No words can describe how proud I am of my team at St Modans for achieving this Activity Coordinator, Danielle Masson, who led the project added “Now that the room is open, we’re really looking forward to our residents experiencing the various sensory equipment and their benefits firsthand

“The new space will be a true a sanctuary for those moments when our residents may feel overstimulated Whatever challenges they re navigating or if they just need some calm time our sensory room will be a safe place available to them at any time of the day or night ”

Brian Topping commented: It was a great pleasure to be given this opportunity I have worked closely with St Modans over the years and it is outstanding to see how their fundraising efforts have managed to achieve this in under a year

Handford House’s Trip Down Memor y Lane

Handford House a renowned care home on Cumberland Street Ipswich hosted a nostalgic afternoon activity centred around reminiscing the last few decades Residents engaged in a delightful journey down memory lane as they explored artifacts and discussed cherished moments from the past The activity commenced with an in-depth exploration of coins from the 1960s sparking conversations about their worth in today s currency From shillings to pence, residents reminisced about the value of each coin and fondly recalled the items they could have purchased with them Pictures of sweets cars and furniture served as catalysts for lively discussions about favourite things remembered evoking a lot of laughter

Delving further into household items residents shared anecdotes about enduring brands like Cellotape, Vicks VapoRub, and Oxo cubes, noting how these brands/products have remained integral to their lives albeit in different packaging Discussions ranged from traditional remedies passed down

through generations to beloved family recipes including timeless classics like Sunday roasts and apple pies Whilst discussing shared memories there was unanimous agreement on the universal disdain for the infamous toilet roll Izal described vividly as akin to wiping your bottom on greaseproof paper Adding to the ambiance, the sound of 60s and 70s music filled the air, transporting residents to a bygone era of joy Conversations naturally veered towards memorable events such as Ipswich Town's triumphant FA Cup win in 1978 This ignited a passionate discussion among the avid resident football enthusiasts

It s amazing how older objects and pictures can bring back happy memories and lift our spirits said Lee Oliver Activities Co-Ordinator as they reflected on the activity s success The 60s-themed activity at Handford House exemplifies the commitment they have to fostering a vibrant and engaging community where residents can relive cherished memories

The Oaks Care Home has announced the introduction of Tai Chi classes for its residents Tai Chi an ancient martial art form has proven to have numerous physical and mental health benefits, making it an ideal practice for seniors

Tai Chi is a low-impact exercise that focuses on slow gentle movements and deep breathing It improves balance flexibility and strength while promoting relaxation and stress reduction Regular practice of Tai Chi has been shown to help reduce the risk of falls, improve cardiovascular health and enhance overall well-being

At The Oaks Care Home, we are committed to providing holistic care for our residents The introduction of Tai Chi classes aligns with our mission to enhance their quality of life and promote their physical and mental well-being Our new activities co Ordinator is trained in various group exercises will guide residents through the Tai Chi movements ensuring

a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants

The Tai Chi classes will be held weekly in our lounge area The sessions are designed to

Foxgrove & Maynell House’s Rickshaw Adventures

Foxgrove and Maynell House care homes have been creating cherished memories for their residents with their bi-weekly rickshaw bike outings, courtesy of The Suffolk Rickshaw Co

For the past few years Ian from The Suffolk Rickshaw Co and the team at both Foxgrove and Maynell House have provided residents with unforgettable adventures Despite the changing seasons Ian and the teams have remained steadfast even braving the chilly December weather to treat residents to a mesmerising tour of the Felixstowe Christmas lights - adorned with warm fleecy blankets!

The rickshaw rides have become a highlight for residents offering them the opportunity to explore the charming town of Felixstowe and soak in the breathtaking views along the coastal road Whether it's cruising through town or enjoying the serene beauty

of Felixstowe's coastline residents have reveled in every moment of these outings and making the most of the homes’ beautiful location

One particularly cherished tradition is the annual outing to The Hut, a local seaside social centre where Ian leads residents and their family members on a picturesque journey along the promenade This allows the group to admire the splendid Spa gardens and the iconic blue flag beach These outings not only foster a sense of community but also create lasting bonds among residents and their loved ones

We are incredibly thankful to partner with The Suffolk Rickshaw Co to provide our residents with such lovely experiences " said Leanne Greeves Manager at Foxgrove and Maynell House "Ian's dedication and enjoyment for what he does has left a lasting impression on our residents, and it’s wonderful to see "

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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 INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY

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 the apps for streaming services such as Netflix Amazon Prime Disney+ and Apple TV offer Full HD picture quality and are backed by Mitchell & Brown’s UK-based

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

ai

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-

or wandering An optional anti-slip mesh reduces the potential for slippage on hard surface floors FEATURES INCLUDE: Connects directly to most nurse call systems High Quality anti-bacterial Floor Sensor Pad Large Size Pad: Measures (L) 91cm x (H) 61cm

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

It records not just the de-escalation techniques used, but also their effectiveness This data is exported to a welldesigned behaviour plan, or ‘Smart 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 PASS supports

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/

trust and transparency in the UK care sector through patient verified reviews when choosing carers

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

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

Doctify gives patients quick access to genuine independent and verified reviews of carers to find the best carer to suit their needs for at-home care These are anonymised based on the experiences of other patients and cover aspects such as the quality of specialists their services and treatments

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

one outstanding application package

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

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

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!