The Carer Digital - Issue #203

Government Scraps

Cap on Social Care Costs...

EDITOR'S VIEWPOINT

Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

A MISSED OPPORTUNITY FOR MEANINGFUL SOCIAL CARE REFORM

In a move that has sent shockwaves not only through the care sector but the wider public Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced this week that the Labour government will scrap plans to introduce a care cap

This decision is a stark departure from the long-standing albeit often delayed, proposals aimed at addressing the critical issue of social care funding in England and a departure from Labour’s pre-election pledges

As we know the care cap was first proposed by the Dilnot Commission in 2011 which sought to mitigate the financial burden of care on individuals by increasing the threshold at which they would be responsible for paying their care costs from £23,250 to £100,000

Additionally a lifetime cap on care costs of £35 000 was recommended Once an individual had paid this amount, the state would cover all ongoing care costs These measures were designed to prevent people from depleting their life savings and selling their homes to afford care promising a fairer system for all

However these proposals have faced a tumultuous journey Initially delayed by Theresa May s government revived by Boris Johnson and further postponed by former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt until 2025, the plans now appear to be entirely shelved by the current administration The cited reason is an alleged £22 billion black hole in the country's finances, (disputed by former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt) which Ms Reeves says necessitates difficult budgetary decisions

As the editor of THE CARER since 2004 I have witnessed countless political pledges to reform the care system Each promise however has ultimately crumbled under the weight of financial constraints and political hesitation The current decision is no different, reflecting a recurring theme of "kicking the can down the road" when it comes to social care reform

The abandonment of the care cap proposal plunges both the public and the care sector back into a state of uncertainty Having come so close to meaningful reform we now find ourselves at square one This is deeply concerning especially when nearly two in three over-75s were waiting for a clear government policy on social care before making any plans Without a defined framework people are left vulnerable often having to make snap decisions about care at points of crisis, leading to poorer outcomes for some of the most vulnerable in our society

The fundamental question remains was the care cap ever truly viable? If it had been feasible one might argue that at least parts of it would have been implemented over the

past decade However successive Chancellors have deemed it unaffordable The current administration's decision to scrap the cap without presenting an alternative solution leaves a gaping hole in the care strategy evoking shades of the "Iron Chancellor era of harsh economic decisions without a safety net for those in need

The impact of this decision on the care sector cannot be overstated Without a clear plan or proposal for funding future care we face the risk of people incurring catastrophic costs

The need for a sustainable and fair social care system is more pressing than ever We must not let this decision signify the end of the road for social care reform Instead, it should be a call to action for policymakers to devise a viable long-term solution that addresses the financial realities while ensuring that the most vulnerable in our society receive the care they deserve

In conclusion scrapping the already-delayed social care cap is a step backward It leaves us grappling with the same issues that have plagued the care sector for decades with no clear path forward It is imperative that we continue to push for comprehensive social care reform that offers stability, fairness, and dignity for all

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Government Scraps Cap on Social Care Costs

(CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER)

PROMISES “NOT FUNDED”

But then they pushed them back repeatedly because they knew that local authorities were not ready and that their promises were not funded

So it will not be possible to take forward these charging reforms This will save over £1bn by the end of next year Adding: Let me be clear this is not a decision I wanted to make nor is it the one that I expected to make but these are the necessary and urgent decisions that I must make ” The announcement came after Wes Streeting, the new Health Secretary said he had no plans to ditch the reforms during the election campaign

In the lead up to the announcement from the Chancellor the County Councils Network s recent analysis had found that costs of these reforms could top £30bn in the decade after they were introduced and recommended they were delayed beyond their scheduled inception of October 2025

CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES

Cllr Martin Tett Adult Social Care Spokesperson for the County Councils Network, said:

“Councils have supported the principle of the adult social care charging reforms but we have always said that they must be fully funded by the government of the day The County Councils Network s recent analysis showed that the costs of the reforms has spiralled to a projected £30bn in the decade after their introduction with insufficient money committed to them

The government has felt it is unable to take forward these reforms in the current Parliament and we understand that this will be frustrating to campaigners But with no funding committed to the reforms and with councils still facing acute workforce and system pressures, introducing these changes in October 2025 could have had some catastrophic consequences for council finances health and care systems and individuals who currently receive services Now the government must prioritise addressing these current pressures at the forthcoming Spending Review

NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE

Sarah Woolnough Chief Executive of The King s Fund said: Today [July 29] the Chancellor said that the social care system needs reform We would go further and state that, fundamentally, the current social

care system in England is not fit for purpose

‘The sector is financially stretched, struggling with staff vacancies, and too often unable to provide enough support to the people families and carers who rely on care services

Social care reform will cost money but the initial sums can be small and the cost of not reforming social care is people struggling to fund or even access the support they need

Regrettably after being postponed twice under previous governments plans to introduce reforms to social care charging in 2025 have now been cancelled ”

‘Following today s decision the government now has no plan to address the core issue in adult social care – the growing mismatch between the population s need for support and the availability of publicly funded care Since 2015/16, more people in England have been requesting social care support but fewer are receiving it The result is that many people s needs are going unmet

POSTCODE LOTTERY

Vic Rayner OBE, CEO of NCF commented “We re deeply disappointed the Chancellor has announced that the proposed suite of charging reforms for adult social care will no longer be taken forward Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting said just weeks before the general election that he wanted to give the system the certainty before the election that Labour would not “come in” “unpick” and “scrap” plans for social care reform without a feasible alternative

However we are just a few weeks into the new government s tenure and this appears to be exactly what has borne out This is particularly disheartening coming just a few days after the Care and Support Alliance published a startling report detailing the deeply unfair postcode lottery people requesting care and support face every day The £1bn in savings announced is more than a number – it represents tens of thousands of people who will struggle to pay for their own care

DIFFICULT DECISIONS

Rachel Reeves Anita Charlesworth the Health Foundation’s Director of Research and REAL Centre, said: The revelation that there is a £22bn shortfall in the public accounts underlines the difficult decisions ahead Pausing to review the new hospital programme to ensure that it does deliver what the NHS needs is sensible Nevertheless given the woeful state of NHS infrastructure following years of under-investment, this will be a major concern for people across the country desperate to see improvements to their local hospitals After years of short-term decisionmaking, a more coherent approach to capital investment is essential ”

Modernising the NHS and unlocking productivity improvements requires sustained capital investment to fix crumbling buildings, replace outdated equipment increase capacity in primary care and diagnostics and develop the technology that is critical for 21st-century health care

Our projections indicate that the annual capital budget would need to increase from £12 6bn this year to £20 5bn by the end of parliament (2029/30) to provide the improvements needed ”

Implementing the pay review body recommendations for NHS staff is an important step forward and it is encouraging that the government has made progress in its negotiations with the BMA However, there are big questions over how these pay increases will be funded with a significant proportion of the cost expected to come from additional efficiency savings It s very hard to see where these savings can come without affecting patient care

It is deeply disappointing that the government has once again delayed long overdue reforms to cap the costs of care After decades of political neglect the social care system is in desperate need of reform to improve access to care and provide greater protection for people and their families against significant care costs

“FAILED A GENERATION”

The chancellor s announcement appears to bring to an end the issue of reforming costs in adult social care devised in 2011 by an independent commission led by economist Sir Andrew Dilnot

The commission s findings were presented to the David Cameron led government more than a decade ago with proposals including a £35 000 cap on lifetime individual liability for care costs, liability for food and accommodation costs limited to £10 000 per year and the assets threshold for cut-off of state support being raised from £23 250 to £100 000

The plan to cap social care costs was delayed by former chancellor Jeremy Hunt until October 2025

The reforms were put into law through the Care Act 2014 then had their implementation delayed from 2016 until 2020 and were subsequently cancelled by Theresa May’s government in 2017 and revived by Boris Johnson’s administration in 2021 before delaying their planned start date from 2023 to 2025

Speaking on BBC s radio 4 Sir Andrew said that the Labour government has “failed another generation of families” I think it s a tragedy ”

“It’s another example of social care, something that affects people at some of the most difficult times of their lives being given too little attention being ignored and being tossed aside and its very very disappointing ”

Connecting with the Community for Positive Mental Wellbeing

Building a relationship with a community can bring social psychological cultural and economic benefits It can also play a huge part in building a sense of belonging and identity

Having a supportive and inclusive network of peers can decrease stress levels and contribute to developing coping mechanisms

This is particularly crucial when you consider that 1 in 4 people in England experience some form of mental health issue each year This is especially the case for disabled people who are more likely than non-disabled people to deal with mental health issues due to the unique challenges they face

At Homes Together we support disabled adults from our homes in Harrogate Knaresborough, Ripon, and Gateshead

Our committed team ensures that our service users practical social, and emotional needs are always considered, and we're implementing unique solutions to ensure they re met empowering them to live happier and more fulfilled lives

This level of support enables our service users to actively engage and participate within their communities allowing them to make new connections, enjoy hobbies and build independence COMMUNITY AND POSITIVE MENTAL WELLBEING

Integrating into the community offers a buffer against mental stress and a base for personal growth and happiness Each interaction within a community can not only help individuals stay engaged socially but also nurture a healthier more fulfilling life

Focusing on community relationships provides a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness that can often be magnified for disabled people It's not just about being part of a group; it's about the collective support that can lift you up when you re feeling down It boosts self-esteem and overall selfworth When people see their role in collective success, it reinforces positive self-perception and validation

Communities are also melting pots of knowledge allowing for exchanging ideas skills and traditions

Learning from others and acquiring new skills stimulates cognitive functions and keeps the mind engaged and active

Unfortunately disabled people often face significant challenges when it comes to accessing local amenities Day-to-day activities such as shopping, meeting with friends, or participating in community events can

become difficult due to physical barriers and limited transport options This is why it s not just important; it s vital that we support community integration

Being an active community member means more chances to participate in the joys of daily life It also creates a platform for social support with peers and community members offering emotional aid encouragement and a sense of camaraderie all of which contribute to improved mental health and wellbeing FACILITATING ACTIVITIES IN THE COMMUNITY

Having a hobby has been strongly linked to happiness and wellbeing so it s vital that everyone regardless of their abilities can pursue their passions

Our team supports our service users independence helping them enjoy a wide range of interests and activities This means that they can live fulfilling lives that improve their mental and physical wellbeing

To help with this, we use local facilities, attend events, and engage with community initiatives We support service users with swimming trips pub and restaurant visits in the town centre shopping trips fitness classes and walks in nature spots This last year, we also organised some great holidays in settings with excellent accessibility standards

Through the stories of our service users we can see the transformative power of community engagement like this and being able to engage in diverse interests

One service user takes part in singing which allows him to express his emotions and connect with others through music; he has also ventured into scuba diving Despite initial challenges he discovered a newfound sense of freedom and exploration and enjoyed the peaceful nature of being in the water

These activities are opportunities to socialise, build meaningful relationships, and feel included Engaging in conversations sharing laughter and being part of the vibrant atmosphere all contribute to positive wellbeing

BENEFITS FOR THE WIDER COMMUNITY

If amenities are accessible to everyone, this positively impacts the community It helps to encourage more interaction and understanding among community members When people have the opportunity to engage with disabled people, it helps break down biases and stereotypes and encourages empathy, acceptance, and inclusion

By investing in and prioritising accessibility communities become more inclusive diverse and empowered ultimately leading to a more vital and vibrant society

FUTURE CONNECTIONS

At Homes Together we will continue to ensure that service users have the opportunity to participate actively in their local communities By prioritising mental health and promoting community integration we're helping to create an environment where disabled people can thrive and live fulfilling lives We can t wait for the next adventure on our doorstep!

Dorset Care Home Residents Get the Scoop on National Ice Cream Day

Residents with a sweet tooth enjoyed cool summer treats as Dorset care homes celebrated National Ice Cream Day

The flavoursome fun brought surprise and delight all round at Colten Care s homes in Bournemouth Poole West Moors and Longham

While some homes welcomed special visits by ice cream vans, others designed their own in-house take

At Brook View in West Moors, Companionship Team member Jo Vardy dressed up as an ice cream van and went on her own road trip complete with realistic catchy jingle

As residents gathered around the garden pond to greet the ‘Jomobile’ colleague Lauren Parrett was on hand to served ice creams with various sauces and toppings

Lauren said: It was a chance for residents to look back on the times when they would see men cycling along the beach front with a trailer of ice lollies to sell for a penny

Resident Diana Pearce said: “It was such a lovely afternoon I enjoyed sitting with my daughter and my friends taking it all in The Companionship Team always go above and beyond to make us smile and today was a day where everyone was smiling

Fellow resident Iona Midlane said: “We sat by the pond and enjoyed everyone’s company The ice cream took me back to school days in Wales where we would buy a lolly after school for a rare treat At Avon Cliff in Bournemouth, there was ice cream galore at a specially created in-home parlour dispensing flavours such as raspberry ripple and mint chic chip with a choice of cones wafers and toppings

Resident Diana Kitcher said: “It was a very nice afternoon and a nice change ”

At Bourne View in Poole residents created a poster for Ice Cream Day by colouring various images of ice-cream clipart

They displayed it during a visit from Sharon s ice cream van which brought a range of goodies such as 99s, Mr Whippy ices, vegan choices and bags of sweets

Respite resident Irene Green said: “It’s wonderful that a care home puts something like this on Thanks to the staff for doing this for us At Fernhill a dedicated dementia care home in Longham the arrival of Sharon’s Soft Ices with the van’s familiar jingle had particular significance for some

Companionship Team

Local Residents Scoop Coveted Award T itle

David Ashton- Jones, Chief Executive at Harrogate -based

CQC “Not Fit For Purpose” Says Health Secretar y

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is not fit for purpose health and social care secretary Wes Streeting has stated after a critical report revealed significant failings within the regulator

An interim report from Dr Penny Dash found the CQC’s ability to identify poor performance at hospitals care homes and GP practices and domiciliary care had been hampered by its own issues including low levels of inspections a lack of clinical expertise amongst those carrying them out a lack of consistency in assessments and IT issues

The report found the CQC was unable to effectively assess the quality of health and care services, including those in need of urgent improvement

It also said social care providers were left waiting too long for registration and ratings to be updated, leading to an impact on local capacity

Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who ordered the report to be published ahead of a full assessment due in the autumn said he was stunned by the findings which demonstrated the organisation was not fit for purpose

He added: “I know this will be a worrying development for patients and families who rely on CQC assessments when making choices about their care

“I want to reassure them that I am determined to grip this crisis and give people the confidence that the care they re receiving has been assessed This government will never turn a blind eye to failure

Dr Dash, chairwoman of the North West London Integrated Care Board, found some organisations had not been reinspected for several years with the oldest rating for an NHS hospital dating back over 10 years ago while the oldest for a social care provider was from 2015

Of the locations the CQC has the power to inspect it is projected about one in five have never received a rating the interim report found

It also revealed a lack of experience among some staff including examples of inspectors visiting hospitals and saying they had never been in a hospital before as well as an inspector of a care home who had never met a person with dementia

The CQC said it accepted the full findings and was working at pace to rebuild that trust and become the strong credible and effective regulator of health and care services that the public and providers need and deserve”

Mr Streeting promised urgent action and enhanced oversight of the CQC announcing the appointment of former chief inspector of hospitals Professor Sir Mike Richards to review its assessment frameworks

The government also promised to improve transparency over the watchdog s ratings for health and social

care providers and ensure the CQC regularly updates the Department of Health on its progress

Dr Dash has been asked to review all patient safety organisations for any of their own issues

She said: “The contents of my interim report underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reform within the CQC

“By addressing these failings together, we can enhance the regulator’s ability to inspect and rate the safety and quality of health and social care services across England

“Our ultimate goal is to build a robust, effective regulator that can support a sustainable and high-performing NHS and social care system which the general public deserves

Dr Dash has called for urgent action from the CQC to overhaul its inspection and assessment system, as well as fixing its IT issues

Commenting on the findings Professor Martin Green OBE Chief Executive of Care England said:

“It is clear that Dr Dash has listened to the voices of care providers resulting in a clear set of recommendations This report acknowledges the severe and systemic problems that sit at the very heart of the CQC and gives a specific set of steps that the regulator must take to improve performance and re-establish the sector s long-eroded trust

“This is going to be a long and difficult journey for the CQC, but one that is entirely necessary Care England stands ready to work with the regulator to help them deliver an effective and supportive regulatory system that will be the cornerstone of public protection and delivers fair judgements across health and social care

The CQC must embark on a radical improvement program that should not only include some tangible improvements in their performance but also needs to move away from a culture of blame We all want proportionate and effective regulation and the challenge now is for CQC to take action and work with organisations across the sector to deliver it ”

Matthew Taylor chief executive of the NHS Confederation said:

“Health leaders recognise that there have been a number of failings, already acknowledged by interim Care Quality Commission chief executive in rolling out the new regulatory assessment regime and they and the teams they manage often report feeling overloaded and dissatisfied with the state of the present model of regulation

NHS leaders frequently say they feel the current system is out of step with the parameters in which they are operating and doesn’t recognise the full extent of the pressures they are working under

So our members will be pleased to see the government is taking swift action on the failings identified as set out in the interim report of the regulator by Dr Penny Dash, chair of the North West London Integrated Care Board with whom the NHS Confederation and its members have engaged in this ongoing review

“Identifying these failings is the first of many steps it will need to take towards improvement, and we look forward to working with the CQC to develop solutions to restore the confidence of our members and the public in the future regulation of the NHS and adult social care ”

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New Government’s Impact on Social Care

By

with the Institute of Fiscal Studies noting the highest inflation rates in four decades According to the healthcare analysists LaingBuisson the cost of care in the UK has surged by 10% in the past year alone with the annual fees now at £41 600 for residential care and £56 056 for nursing home care

The societal impact of these rising costs is profound Many over-50s are delaying retirement, ad those aged 50-64 are re-entering the workforce instead of enjoying their retirement Families face significant hardship often needing to make top-up payments when loved one s funds run out Given these punitive changes it’s no surprise that people in care quickly deplete their resources In this economic climate it is crucial for individuals to understand the funding of future care and their potential entitlement for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding Regardless of wealth, everyone needs to be aware of their rights concerning especially the distinction between healthcare and social care

Unlike NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) which fully funds care for those with complex needs social care remains means-tested If your capital exceeds £23 250 (£50 000 in Wales) you re responsible for covering the entire cost of your care Astonishingly, despite nursing and residential costs rising by 49% over the past decade the threshold for financial support in England has remined stagnant at £23,250 for over ten years

The absence of financial caps places an immense burden on families Fear of substantial care expenses looms over everyone in need of care Implementing a cap on care costs is essential to ensure equitable access to social care while shielding individuals from overwhelming financial strain

people oppose to 8 74 in NHS Salford

As a result, many people are missing out on the financial help that they are legally entitled to More evidence of this is supplied by NHS England whose data further indicates that despite an ageing population the number of people deemed eligible for CHC funding has actually fallen by 20% since 2015

Ensuring that no-one misses out boils down to interested parties becoming crystal clear about the difference between healthcare and social care If a person’s primary need is for healthcare rather than social care then they are entitled to full NHS funding in the form of CHC This payment is not means-tested and can be applied to private as well as state-run nursing homes Eligibility for funding is based entirely on the type and amount of care a person requires to meet their health needs Contrary to what many people assume eligibility for CHC has nothing to with any medical diagnosis Every person who is in need of long-term care due to illness should be assessed by a multi-disciplinary team within their Integrated Care Board (ICB) in England or the Health Board in Wales

care costs, proposed in a government report back in 2011 was set to take effect from 2025 This cap aimed to limit an individual’s lifetime liability for personal care expenses to £86 000 However given the current state of public finances its implementation has now been cancelled

Both healthcare and social care costs for the elderly are rising at an alarming rate The increase reflects the general rise in the cost of living

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Research highlights widespread ignorance about care funding A lack of knowledge and increasingly stringent assessment criteria have led to many individuals being wrongly assessed by the NHS, with 30% of those entitled to fully funded nursing care being turned away Funding guidelines are often applied too restrictively creating a postcode lottery For instance Department of Health statistics reveal stark regional disparities: NHS Blackpool provides CHC to 130 28 per 50 000

Those whose care is not primarily for health come under the responsibility of their local authority Unlike the NHS the local authority assesses each individual’s ability to pay Those in possession of capital in excess of £23 250 in England (£50 000 in Wales) can expect to have to personally meet the full cost of their care However £23 250 doesn t go far when fees have increased to an annual cost of £41,600 Individuals in this position soon find themselves in need of financial support from friends and family by way of a top-up fee to bridge the gap between what the local authority is prepared to pay and the cost of the care placement

Addressing the crisis in social care requires a fairer financial system better awareness and equitable access to support It is important that everyone is aware of the funding available to them whether it is for social or NHS care It is also crucial the new government alleviate financial strain whilst ensuring quality care for vulnerable individuals

Lisa Morgan, partner in the Nursing Care Fee Recovery team at Hugh James Solicitors (www hughjames com)

Carers UK to Present Carer’s Allowance Overpayments Report to Minister

Unpaid carers will share the devastating impact of Carer s Allowance overpayments on their lives in a report due to be handed to Sir Stephen Timms the new Minister for Social Security and Disability at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) today Monday 29th July

The new report is calling for swift action to prevent unpaid carers unwittingly building up huge debts after going over the earnings limit which is causing financial hardship anxiety and ill-health for unpaid carers

Carer s Allowance is the main benefit paid to carers who are unable to work full-time because of their caring responsibilities for disabled or ill people Carers who are in receipt of Carer s Allowance must not earn more than £151 per week (2024/25) after deductions If a carer goes over this amount even by a few pence they lose their Carer’s Allowance entitlement and must repay the full amount at £81 90 per week

Nearly 140 carers responded to a call out by Carers UK A further 121 carers provided information about their experiences, with many saying that it had taken them years to pay back the debt or that they were still repaying it

Most carers said they were unaware that they had gone over the earnings limit until they received notification of the overpayment or had their benefit suspended – sometimes years later after they had been overpaid

Fluctuating earnings, working extra on a shift to cover colleagues, receiving a pay rise or a minimum wage increase were all reasons given for overpayments, with many saying that the Carer’s Allowance earnings limit had affected their employment situation – causing them to cut back on hours turn down pay rises or give up work completely 63% of carers sharing their experiences said the DWP should make improvements to processes notifying claimants about earnings increases and potential overpayments 75% said raising the earnings limit to at least 21 hours and pegging it to the National Living Wage would enable them to combine work and care more easily

Earlier this year Sir Stephen Timms who previously chaired the cross-party Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee called for issues leaving unpaid carers with large debts to be fixed without delay Prior to the election Liz Kendall now the Secretary of State for Work

and Pensions also vowed to investigate Carer’s Allowance overpayments

Elizabeth Tait, an unpaid carer from Thames Ditton was shocked to receive a letter asking for her to repay £1,623 to DWP whilst she was caring for her husband and her son alongside working varied hours parttime as a supply teacher

She said: I was worried about my husband’s declining health and having to pay back the Carer s Allowance caused me a great deal of upset and worry Carer s Allowance is almost like a trap It’s so complicated and needs to be more straightforward

“I didn’t work or earn much while caring for my ill husband and looking after my son It was such a shock when I ended up with a bill of £1 623 I was surprised that I was not even given a warning Now I am terrified of asking for support and do not claim Carer s Allowance

Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK said: “We’re pleased that Sir Stephen Timms is listening to carers and taking this opportunity to meet with us We are providing widespread evidence of the devastating impact this is having on thousands of carers’ lives and feel encouraged that he has a good understanding of the key issues involved

Caring often limits your ability to earn a full income and adds to extra costs that you would not otherwise have It’s a scandal that so many carers who have unwittingly received overpayments, are facing additional stress and anxiety Many are under huge pressure already and in precarious financial positions due to their caring role

It is heart-breaking to hear of instances where thousands of pounds of debts have been accumulated This has been going on for years and not enough has been done by Government to fundamentally change the situation It simply cannot continue ”

Up to 600 carers leave paid work every day Many carers have told us they have left their employment as a result of receiving an overpayment and many more have had to cut back on their hours and turn down pay rises due to the earnings limit and the fear of getting another overpayment ” We should be supporting and encouraging as many carers as

and

and lasting change ”

Addressing The Care Skills Gap Through Vocational Courses

By Gary Palmer, Managing Director of Oxford International Education

The UK s care sector is in crisis Over half a million people in the UK are currently without necessary care support according to the latest NHS Statistics This problem is in part fuelled by a lack of available skilled workers with 10% of care roles vacant If this continues it could have a catastrophic impact on many citizens quality of life leaving a huge proportion of our most vulnerable people without the care they need

Thus far, efforts to bridge the persistent skills gap have mostly been unsuccessful Government initiatives including the ‘Made with Care’ domestic recruitment campaign and an additional £20 million in funding have not sufficiently resolved the sector s complex long-term challenges As such many providers have turned to direct international recruitment to plug gaps – approximately 19% of the adult social care workforce was made up of international workers in 2023 Whilst overseas workers are a vital and valued part of our care sector however direct recruitment does present a certain level of risk to providers as candidates have not been trained in a UK system and often have not met their employers beforehand

Separately only half (48%) of the UK s direct care providing staff held a relevant adult social care qualification in 2023 As a result many workers are not adequately prepared for the heavy emotional strain and challenges that social care work entails and many end up leaving the sector as a result

There is no ‘silver bullet’ solution to these multi-faceted issues that the care sector faces; however, carefully crafted vocational programmes can help to better prepare incoming and existing workers including those from overseas for the reality of working in adult social care When the right level of support is provided the care sector can and should provide positive and fulfilling career opportunities

UPSKILLING FOR A SUSTAINABLE WORKFORCE

Without prior academic support or on-site training many of those working in the sector simply have to “make do” with learning on the job As a result many do not have formalised access to the knowledge skills and behaviours expected of them as care workers

Vocational programmes however can help existing care workers to upskill and attain relevant qualifications, providing progression opportunities within the sector Our Diploma in Adult Social Care (Level II qualification) is aimed at those already working in a care setting or who can secure a work placement in the UK or

their home country

Already, recent advancements in e-learning mean that the Diploma in Adult Social Care can be delivered remotely and asynchronously with tutor supervision As a result more people can incorporate skills-based learning into their lives and attain the necessary qualifications to become care workers across different geographies

What s more evolving digital technologies also present an opportunity for a vastly improved student experience For example, large language models like ChatGPT, have the potential to improve the interface between students and educational providers Integrating AI in this way will reduce response times alleviating frustrations and anxieties In addition, AI can help personalise the learning experience of each student, optimising outcomes and providing more tailored support

DERISKING

INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT

International workers are vital in helping to fill the over 152 000 job vacancies across the sector but it is essential that they are properly supported in meeting the language requirements and are versed in the standard of care expected from them

As such, the Professional Diploma in Adult Social Care (Level III qualification, foundation level) can act as a stepping stone to integrating overseas workers into the UK care sector For instance our programmes ensure international workers overcome any language obstacles by familiarising them with the specific English terminology used in their field What’s more blended vocational care programmes require on-site placements ensuring that students are able to communicate their expertise and enter the workplace with confidence

Upon successful completion of either Diploma international students are fully eligible to apply for a UK skilled worker visa This is an essential build, to ensure international talent sees care work as both viable and attractive opportunity – particularly in the face of attempts to curb migration

This “stepping stone” approach has already been successfully applied in Canada in which international workers are required to train first in the Canadian care setting before entering the job market We have found that that both professionals and employers have higher chances of success and satisfaction as a result, and, most importantly, that patients have an improved experience In Canada, we have achieved a 100% employment rate after graduation with high levels of satisfaction with students and care homes alike because care workers understand what is expected of them both at both theoretical and practical levels

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

As the reality of an ageing population looms in the UK the current crisis is only set to worsen - a report from the Alzheimer s Society revealed that by 2024 the cost of dementia across the country is set to double to £90 billion Not only will this result in job vacancies increasing further, but it will exacerbate the already gaping demand for funding As such we must act now to prevent further damage to our already weakened care sector

What In the World is Happening?

It will come as a surprise to no one that care is approached differently, in different parts of the world Cultural differences make an enormous difference In France there are dementia villages without boundaries to the surrounding town but through design the residents stay put and people from town come in to enjoy shared experiences with them In Japan where there are simply not enough younger people to look after the elderly they have devised clever design strategies which allow them to operate with lower staff ratios than we generally employ in the West The concept of an information hub related specifically to care retirement and dementia interiors led to the development of the ThirdAge Design podcast and website with listeners in 63 countries Why was this necessary?

UNLOCKING RESEARCH

The breadth of this topic is enormous and operators designers and architects are generally time-poor

The Universities of Sterling, Newcastle and Hertfordshire are well-respected in conducting research, but a wider breadth of information available from other countries which we might adapt to suit UK needs Generally this must be accessed via individual academic portals to which you must subscribe which can be both time consuming and expensive Simply put the research tends not go to the people who can implement the work

INTERNATIONAL INSIGHTS

Supported by Wissner-Bosserhoff The Third Age Design (TAD) provides an interactive international community hub for care retirement and dementia design with transcripts translated into 12 languages in addition to English The hub subscription is free by signing-up at www thirdage design where the podcast can also be accessed in addition to all usual podcast platforms Topics include: the impact of AI on care settings, elegant bariatric design and ‘Design Rules and How to Break Them Each episode also

Innovation Spotlight focused on cutting-edge global innovations in the sector Available through www thirdage design and all major podcast

Postbox to Heaven and Memorial Garden at Avocet Court in Ipswich

At Avocet Court in Ipswich a touching initiative has been introduced to support families and residents in coping with loss

A memory garden has been unveiled as part of our annual Athena in Bloom competition which includes a unique and heartwarming feature a Postbox to Heaven

The white postbox allows residents family members and friends to actively post a letter to their departed loved one Whether it s sharing fond memories or expressing unspoken words this gesture offers a meaningful way for people to process their grief and feel connected to those they have lost

Home Manager Ruth Garnham explained The memory garden s development began on COVID Memorial Day in March when we planted three rose bushes one for each of the communities within the home

“A bench was also installed in memory of a team member offering a place for quiet reflection We decided we wanted to develop the garden from that point onwards and are delighted to have been able to get the postbox to heaven installed and in use ” The peaceful memory garden enjoys a distant view of the iconic Orwell Bridge and provides a tranquil setting for contemplation and remembrance, where individuals can enjoy a few quiet moments with memories of their loved ones

The idea of sending letters to heaven ties in beautifully with another recent initiative

at Avocet Court to equip the team for supporting bereaved families and talking openly with people about end-of-life care

In collaboration with a local funeral director Avocet Court offers a comprehensive "Care after Death" training programme to all team members This training offers an insight on the necessary procedures following a resident's passing and how to offer empathetic and knowledgeable support to grieving relatives

“The memory garden and Postbox to Heaven at Avocet Court exemplify a holistic approach to dealing with loss combining practical training for our team with initiatives to support our residents and their families added Ruth

This thoughtful and compassionate environment ensures that everyone at Avocet Court can find peace and comfort during difficult times

The creation of the memory garden underscores the home's commitment to supporting emotional wellbeing and honouring the memories of those who have passedwhether through the simple act of writing a letter or by spending a quiet moment or two on the memorial bench

By Lori Pinkerton-Rolet PPBIID, IIDA, Reg ID

Postcode Lotter y For Care Facing The Public

At a time when all local authorities are struggling with insufficient funding official statistics demonstrate that the chances of getting vital life changing care vary hugely across England because of a pronounced postcode lottery This is the stark finding of research by the Care and Support Alliance (CSA) which represents more than 60 leading charities campaigning for decent care for all those who need it and their unpaid carers

The new analysis draws on the latest figures for the numbers of requests for care made by older and disabled people to their local authorities, and the proportion that each local authority accepts or rejects (see Notes to Editors for the reference) If a local authority rejects a request for care they may direct that person to a local resource such as a day centre instead or to a voluntary organisation for informal support if those exist locally They may also signpost them to local sources of information and advice so they can find out about and organise their own care All these responses will be counted as rejected requests for care

The research shows that the North East is the region with the highest average rate of accepted requests for care at 64% and the West Midlands is the region with the lowest average rate of accepted requests for care at 32% However, within all regions there are big variations in the rates of accepted requests by local authorities as the table below shows

This variation is most pronounced in London where there is a difference of 64 percentage points between the local authority with the highest rate of accepted requests and the one with the lowest The region with the least variation between local authorities is the East Midlands but the difference is still quite marked here at 31 percentage points

In London the rates of requests being rejected by local authorities within just a few miles of each other range from 84% (7 in 8 of each requests rejected) to 20% rejected And across England as a whole, the lowest rate of refused requests in a local authority is 12% and the highest rate of refused requests in a local authority is 85%

These are startling differences and the CSA says that they reflect a perfect storm at a national level of rising demand for care rising costs of care regionally specific recruitment and workforce challenges and the long term underfunding of local authorities all compounded by years of central Government dither and delay regarding social care reform

In addition, there are local factors which can amplify these variations Some councils are better able to raise revenue locally than others to help them compensate for the cuts to central Government funding they have experienced over the years Added to this, the way funding is allocated to local authorities hasn t been updated for some years meaning the allocations no longer always reflect the needs of the current local population

Local authority duties to provide social care are set out in law and although they have some discretion over how they fulfil them a person with a given level of need and resources is entitled to expect to receive a broadly similar response, regardless of where they live The CSA says that these statistics show this is by no means currently the case leading to a real sense of unfairness

The analysis is released as a new CSA tool is launched which shows people how national government inaction on social care is having a real impact in their area inviting them to join its campaign to encourage the new Government to take decisive action on social care: https://act careandsupportalliance com/page/151615/action/1

The CSA is urging the new Government to urgently get to grips with the desperate problems individuals and families are facing accessing good social care It must act quickly so older and disabled people can get the care they need Good social care supports people to live their lives: to get up and out work see the people they love and be independent Yet currently at least 2 6 million* people go without at least some of the care they need

Caroline Abrahams Charity Director at Age UK said: It is sometimes said that one person s postcode lottery is another s local democracy but these variations

in the proportions of requests for care that are accepted by local authorities are simply too big It’s not as if care is an optional extra: if you need it it s essential so it s reasonable to expect a broadly consistent response wherever you live The variations our research has revealed are in large part due to the struggles of local authorities in meeting surging demands for care with insufficient resources Government needs to grip this problem and act so older and disabled people, and their unpaid carers, get the support they need

Jackie O Sullivan Executive Director of Strategy and Influencing at Mencap said:

“Good social care is transformational and

European Medicines Regulator Rejects New Alzheimer’s Drug

Europe’s medicines regulator has rejected a marketing request for a new Alzheimer s disease treatment saying the risks of the medicine s side effects

The medicines regulator in the UK the MHRA is still considering whether to grant a licence and a decision is expected soon The drug was approved in the United States earlier this year

Lecanemab which targets the amyloid in the brain that are one of the main characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease, also carries a risk of serious side effects including brain bleeds and swelling

The Committee, which is made up of scientific experts from all EU member states ruled that the effect of Leqembi on delaying cognitive decline does not counterbalance the risk of serious side effects associated with the medicine ’

In other words the committee does not think the benefits of taking the drug outweigh the risks due to side effects

Alzheimer s researchers hailed the trial results as historic because no previous drug had convincingly shown that the underlying mechanism of the disease could be slowed

The committee s recommendation will now go on to be considered by the European Commission an arm of the European Union who will make a final decision as to whether to grant the drug a license for the EU

The first step in the EMA s decision-making process is taken by a body called The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) – the EMA s committee responsible for assessing medicines

The significance of today’s decision is reinforced by the fact that the European Commission follows the opinion of the CHMP in almost all cases according to the EMA s website “Lecanemab is not a cure for Alzheimer’s disease,” said Prof Jonathan Schott, Chief Medical Officer at Alzheimer s Research UK but evidence from clinical trials suggests that it can slow progression in people with mild forms of the disease in whom it leads to benefits in quality of life and reduces impact on carers ” “While it is of course vital to balance benefits and potentially serious side-effects the EMA’s recommen-

dation runs counter to the decision reached by other G7 nations like the US and Japan whose regulators have already given the green light to this drug and have embedded risk management plans to address potential side effects ”

Attention will now turn to the UK s regulator – the MHRA – which is expected to announce a decision on lecanemab imminently This announcement can t come too soon for people with Alzheimer s disease in Great Britain who for now must wait while other countries forge ahead with innovative medicines

The UK’s largest dementia charity, Alzheimer’s Society, which funded research 30 years ago responsible for identifying the role of the amyloid plaques targeted by lecanemab in Alzheimer s disease responds to the news Mark MacDonald Associate Director of Evidence Policy and Influencing at Alzheimer s Society said: We re disappointed that lecanemab has not met the safety and effectiveness requirements to be licensed in Europe While we fully respect the decision, we acknowledge it will be really difficult news for people in Europe who may have been eligible for this drug

“Here in the UK, Alzheimer’s Society awaits decisions from the MHRA and NICE on both lecanemab and donanemab as regulators scrutinise the evidence around these treatments

“Whatever the regulators decide we remain at an important and exciting moment There are currently 164 active clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease and we expect more treatments to be submitted for MHRA approval in the future We are on the cusp of major scientific breakthroughs beginning to improve the outlook for those with the disease

That makes it even more important that we improve diagnosis A third of people in the UK with dementia don’t have a diagnosis at all, let alone one with the timeliness and accuracy required to unlock access to the new treatments on the horizon

“New ambitious dementia diagnosis rate targets should be set accompanied by funded plans to deliver early accurate diagnosis at scale ”

1950s Theme For Formby Manor’s 5th Birthday

a

Manor adds: I thought it lived up to expectations We were all so excited I enjoyed dancing with everyone plus the food and drinks were lovely It was so nice to see everyone together celebrating and all dressed up I had my friends with me, and it was a really well organised, beautiful day ” Beryl Condon also a Formby Manor resident concludes I thought the party was great I loved the singer as she sang old songs from when I was younger, so they brought back memories The speeches were good and everyone said how much they enjoyed it It was so much fun!

Revolutionising Health and Well-Being:

The Pivotal Role of AI in Health and Social Care

Written by Richard Godfrey, Founder and CEO, Rocketmakers (www rocketmakers com)

AI is making significant strides in the wellness, health and social care industry offering numerous applications that enhance patient care and streamline medical processes Already AI is being used for medical imaging such as detecting abnormalities in X-rays for better cancer treatment It is being used in predictive analytics such as understanding disease outbreaks and hotspot areas and in pathology AI is helping to identify diseases by analysing samples - the list of AI applications is endless

HEALTH MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT

Today health and social care is moving away from a one-size-fitsall approach and AI can help health professionals tailor treatments to individuals and create personalised care plans AI can also help with health monitoring and management with the aid of wearable devices such as smartwatches, fitness bands, and specialised medical wearables which contain integrated sensors that continuously collect health data AI can be integrated into these devices and improve care through alert mechanisms and vital statistic monitoring This constant monitoring allows for a more comprehensive understanding of a person’s health status Likewise managing chronic diseases requires continuous monitoring medication adherence and lifestyle modifications AI-driven applications play a significant role in streamlining this management process for healthcare workers

VIRTUAL HEALTHCARE ASSISTANCE AND TELEMEDICINE

Another example is virtual healthcare assistance and telemedicine Health chatbots are AI-powered platforms designed to interact with users in real time, often through text or voice These chatbots can rapidly access vast medical databases making them practical tools for providing immediate information Therefore before a human sees a patient, a health chatbot can provide medical information and check symptoms Likewise virtual consultations involve real-time interactions between patients and healthcare professionals

via telemedicine digital platforms

In other ways AI can make data entry more efficient and reduce errors in medical record management

Another exciting way in which AI could enhance data entry is by predicting auto-fill fields based on the initial data entered For instance if a patient s previous records indicate diabetes the system might autopopulate related fields like medication or the most recently recorded blood sugar level Automated systems can cross-reference new data with existing records and flag inconsistencies or potential errors This not only ensures data integrity but can also prevent mistakes and oversights

IMPROVED ACCURACY AND EFFICIENCY

As the demands on health and social care grows AI's ability to automate tasks analyse datasets and predict trends is revolutionising how healthcare professionals operate This transformation ensures optimal resource utilisation and paves the way for more personalised and effective patient care Arguably the biggest benefit of AI is improved accuracy and efficiency Automating tasks reduces the scope for human error - something that is often seen in data entry Also AI can analyse data at speeds incomprehensible to humans This ability to rapidly process and interpret medical data such as medical images or patient records means faster and more precise disease diagnoses If patients can be seen and diagnosed faster there can be huge strides in healthcare delivery across the board

With AI-powered tools healthcare professionals can now easily reach people in distant and neglected areas Through mobile health applications online doctor consultations and chatbots even those in remote locations can access vital healthcare support they might otherwise not have been able to due to distance or other challenges

A WORD OF CAUTION

Put simply the integration of AI into the health and social care and wellness industry is nothing short of revolutionary AI s ability to rapidly analyse vast amounts of data make predictions and offer actionable insights has the potential to drastically improve patient outcomes reduce costs and democratise access to healthcare services But a word of caution however promising the future impact of AI in health and social care it has its challenges Data privacy potential biases and ethical considerations need rigorous scrutiny Ultimately this AI journey must be embarked upon cautiously and it must ensure that advancements put patient well-being front and centre so that lives are not only saved but patients are protected

Rotherham Care Home Celebrates International Friendship Day

With International Friendship Day coming up (July 30th) Orchard Care Homes has found its own British version of the Golden Girls living their best lives at Cherry Trees Care Home in Rotherham! The United Nations designated July 30th to be International Friendship Day, to promote friendship between people, countries, cultures and individuals with the aim of inspiring peace efforts and building bridges between communities Cherry Trees Care Home part of the Orchard Care Homes group is delighted to join in this global celebration Orchard operates 23 care homes across the Midlands and the north of England, with a steadfast commitment to providing personalised care tailored to each resident At Cherry Trees, the celebration of International Friendship Day is a testament to Orchard s mission of nurturing genuine connections This is beautifully exemplified by the “British Golden Girls” – Sheila Hutton 87; Christine Pollard 76; Pamela Barraclough 81; and Doreen Wilson 92 These four remarkable women have formed a close-knit friendship since moving to Cherry Trees within the past year Before arriving at Cherry Trees, the quartet had never met However, they quickly bonded over shared

hobbies, a similar sense of humour, and a positive outlook on life

Sheila recalls: We just started talking and having a laugh! Doreen adds: “We were chatting in each other’s rooms Sheila pops next door to mine for a drink often and we ve made more friends over the months ”

The foursome enjoys sharing meals and the occasional tipple in each other s rooms! They spend quality time watching classic movies together in the lounge and engaging in mutual hobbies like knitting and gardening

Sheila explains: “I feel more at home having friends here I don’t feel lonely because I always have someone to share things with We even go out on shopping trips together ” Christine highlights the emotional support within the group saying: I feel really close to everyone like I’ve known them for years I was quite frightened at first coming into a care home but making friends has helped me feel much happier I can talk about my fears and they listen and offer advice

Pamela concludes: “It makes me feel really happy and comfortable to have such lovely friends ”

New Dementia Campaign Launched to

Raise Awareness and Offer Support

A new campaign to raise awareness of dementia and offer help for those whose lives have been affected by the condition has launched this month

‘Let’s talk Dementia’ - www letstalkdementia co uk, which is organised and funded by Luye Pharma Ltd, offers information about the condition as well as resources that individuals community groups and carers can access It covers everything from types of dementia and what the symptoms are through to advice on nutrition staying active and guidance for carers

There are currently more than 944 000 people in the UK who have dementia1 and one in three people will care for someone with the condition at some point in their life 2 By 2040 it is estimated that up to 1 7 million people could be living with dementia in England and Wales 3

The launch of Let s talk Dementia comes following a survey with 1,000 people4, carried out by Luye Pharma Ltd, which showed there is concern about access to dementia information 57% think there is not enough available, while 22% are unsure

Contributing to www letstalkdementia co uk are partners and support groups with expertise in the dementia field They include GP and media medic Dr Rosemary Leonard the movement education specialist Joël Kruisselbrink who creates exercises and games for the elderly and nutritionist Jane Clarke who

support group Tide (www tide uk net) which offers support and advice to those caring for someone with dementia

Said Dr Rosemary Leonard who worked with Luye Pharma Ltd as a

I Have A Positive Legionella Count - What Do I Do?

Written by Peter Gunn, Senior Consultant, Water Hygiene Centre

The likelihood of Legionella bacteria being present within domestic or other water systems typically comes as no surprise to all those involved with water safety As we know Legionella bacteria remain ubiquitous in natural and constructed aquatic environments It is also true that airborne dispersal of the bacteria may well occur when aerosols or droplet nuclei are created

As such the focus of Legionella risk management should certainly be on preventing this known and hazardous bacteria from multiplying in water systems rather than reacting to a problematic situation The preventative measures would typically be documented within an organisation s Written Scheme or in a Healthcare environment their Water Safety Plan’

However the presence of a confirmed positive Legionella count (or counts) does strike fear in all those involved with water safety Whether the positive count is warranted or could have been avoided is a moot point and action must be taken to investigate and resolve the root cause in the immediate and longer terms

DO I NEED TO SAMPLE FOR LEGIONELLA?

The HSE s HSG274 Part 2 states Legionella monitoring should be carried out where there is doubt about the efficacy of the control regime or it is known that recommended temperatures, disinfectant concentrations or other precautions are not being consistently achieved throughout the system As such sampling for Legionella should be part of a defined strategy and not a random ‘fishing’ exercise The complexity of the system will need to be considered too when defining your Legionella sampling strategy

Typically the circumstances when monitoring for Legionella would be appropriate include;

• Water systems treated with biocides where water is stored or distribution temperatures are reduced Water systems where the control levels of the treatment regime e g temperature or disinfectant concentrations, are not being consistently achieved;

High-risk areas or where there is a population with increased susceptibility e g in healthcare premises including care homes;

Water systems suspected or identified in a case or outbreak of legionellosis

Where monitoring for Legionella is considered appropriate in hot and cold water systems taking of samples should be carried out in accordance with ‘BS7592:2022 Sampling for Legionella bacteria in water systems A Code of Practice

SAMPLE RESULTS AND WHAT TO DO

We can be sure in the knowledge that the more Legionella sampling we undertake the increased likelihood there is of obtaining a positive result In essence we can predict potential positive results will occur! For any positive Legionella sample results (either as a result of a defined sampling strategy or in response to a particular issue) the approach in dealing with the positive count should be defined clearly within the Written Scheme/Water Safety Plan i e an agreed protocol This protocol will provide a prescriptive process that is easily understood by those persons (Authorised Person, Competent Person, Infection Control) involved at the operational level who are responsible for investigating and resolving the issue Simply put the response to a positive result should have been agreed upon and documented before any sampling programme – irrespective of whether undertaken in-house or by contractors On the hoof actions to deal with a positive count should be avoided as this compromises the integrity of the agreed protocol!

To establish the root cause of a positive count the prescriptive process for the protocol must include a systematic elimination of potential issues including the sampling process itself i e has the process been compromised thereby causing the positive count, and do we need to undertake a competency review of those who ve taken the sample its handling any transportation concerns and review the accreditation of the lab After this, we can then investigate, the water system itself

When receiving a positive Legionella sample result the lab can issue an interim report with presumptive results) and a final report The culture method of analysis for water samples takes around 10-14 days during which time the lab will observe the samples and any bacterial growth which may occur The lab can issue interim count reports up to the final day of analysis when a final report will be issued

Upon receiving a positive count result (whether interim or final), appropriate measures must be undertaken to protect the occupants of the building where the samples were taken These appropriate measures need to have been agreed by the Water Safety Group and feature as part of the agreed protocol

Examples of measures to protect the occupants may include;

Informing local and other staff of the issue, convening a review of the issue in an appropriate Water Safety Group

Undertaking a safe Legionella flushing regime and keeping good water hygiene records;

• Fitting a point-of-use filter(s) as a short measure to keep water in use and turning over;

Removing the outlet(s) from use;

Undertaking a similar or more extensive re-sampling programme in the short term

Baron Medical

HG274 & HTM04-01 – WHAT DOES THE GUIDANCE SAY?

When starting to prepare the agreed protocol both the HSE s HSG274 Part 2 and the Department of Health’s HTM04-01 Part B broadly follow the same criteria for action in the event of a positive result

Part 2

Source HTM04-01Part B:

HTM04-01 also provides more detailed tables of suggested actions with a wider range of count thresholds and separate actions for pre and post-flush samples (see HTM04-01 Part B Chapter 10 pages 56 – 59)

The action tables suggested by both the HSE and Department of Health can be taken by those defining the protocol and amended to be more detailed if necessary and more appropriate to your organisation It is vitally important any actions detailed in the agreed protocol do identify those individuals with defined duties/actions

Timelines & deadlines of actions undertaken can also be a useful tool in ensuring problematic water systems are dealt with efficiently and effectively These should be established reviewed and monitored by the Water Safety Group

It is true that positive Legionella counts are certainly a cause for concern and the elimination of limited or extensive Legionella contamination is not likely to be easy or by way of simple/individual measures such as chemical chlorination

That said current guidance is straightforward and helpful and in addition to achievable action plans a well-thought-through Written Scheme/Water Safety Plan and reliable advice from members of the Water Safety Group (including your Authorising Engineer (Water)) the safe management (and elimination) of positive Legionella samples can be an achievable goal

Source HSG274

GPs Now Delivering A Fifth More Appointments Than Pre-Pandemic

Summer Goodbyes From Local School Children To Care Home Residents

NHS Pay Rise Welcome, But Government

Needs To Do More To Attract and Retain Staff

fifth on the same period pre-pandemic new figures published today show

Excluding vaccinations this means practices are delivering a fifth more appointments than in June 2019, when 22 8 million appointments took place NHS services have provided 372 3 million appointments, which is up 65 million compared to pre-pandemic levels or an increase of 70 6 million including the additional covid-19 vaccinations now taking place in general practice

The figures also show around 7 in 10 appointments take place within seven days of booking with the vast majority taking place face to face The rates of patients not attending appointments were down 0 3% compared with May however more than 1 2 million appointments were not attended Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care at NHS England, said: “Thanks to GPs and their hardworking teams millions more appointments are being delivered every month compared to before the pan-

demic with plans in place to improve access even

Oldham Care Home Resident Who Helped Crack Enigma Code Celebrates 103rd Birthday

Care Show Birmingham Awaits You...

sales and marketing tactics for launching a new care home with Carl Roberts Associate

Generations Unite Through Fun Activities and Friendship

OakNorth Completes £52m Loan to Support

War wick Capital Partners’ Acquisition of National Care Home Operator, Danforth Care

Care Home Boss Checks Into

Care Home To Experience Care

bed linens ensuite wet room and certainly on par with any high-end hotel " Leah said

Adapting to a single profiling bed was a new experience for Leah but one she found enjoyable I may well be a convert to the profiling aspect Absolutely ideal for adjusting my posi-

tion to comfortably prop myself up and flick through a few channels on the TV before nodding off to a very restful and peaceful night’s sleep " Her early rising habits led to an unexpected encounter with the night team at 5 am as she searched for coffee in her pyjamas "I think surprised would be the

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The Most Equal Olympics Ever: Care Residents Share

Danforth Care asks female care home residents about their experiences playing and watching sport over their lives and how they feel about the progress women’s sport has made over the last 50 years

With the Paris Olympics making history by being the most gender equal Olympic games ever, Danforth Care Homes chat to three female residents in their 90s at Norfolk care home Coronation House about how sport has changed through the years

Joyce, 96 from Hampshire shares her special memories of playing sport

“There weren t many [female] sports teams and clubs growing up I can’t remember there being any spectators at women’s sporting events at all

Joyce also revealed that playing sport led to a monumental friendship:

“I played hockey first at school and met my future bridesmaid through hockey

One of the first sports to welcome women in the Olympics was tennis and Joyce was a fan: “I used to watch Wimbledon I used to like watching Billy Jean King I think it s great that the Paris Olympics is

Sporting Memories

going to be the most gender equal Olympics ever It's good to move forward!

“Things have changed over the past 50 years, people are more accepting of things now it was always that women were the weaker sex ” Margaret 92 from Essex was an avid cyclist in her 20s: I played netball when I was in school, and when I was married, I joined a cycling club with my husband and we used to cycle for miles with this club The cycling club used to meet every Sunday and we used to go for miles and miles around Epping

We did a challenge once where we cycled 100 miles in 8 hours my husband and I cycled from Essex to Wales, and we only stopped once to rest! I made a lot of good friends through cycling” she says Margaret also shared her thoughts on how sport has changed since she was young

As

“Things have changed over the past 50 years people are more accepting of things now it was always that women were the weaker sex it’s good that more women are able to play sports professionally and get paid for it Equal rights

“I think it’s wonderful more women are able to play sport professionally and get paid for it it s very nice to see women able to do it now says Grace Grace 92 was born in Poplar in 1931 She has fond memories of playing rounders and running:

Janet Lewis Retires From Care Home Management

Sona raises £22m to help large Social Care organisations access AI-driven WFM

We are excited to announce this new round of investment and how it will impact large Social Care organisations and their employees

Together with my fellow co-founders, Oli Johnson and Ben Dixon, we’d like to thank Felicis who led the financing with participation from Northzone, Google s AI-fund Gradient, SpeedInvest, Antler, BAG Ventures, and the numerous notable angels who participated in the round

When we founded Sona in 2021, we wanted to solve the unique challenges of frontline work with technology that empowers every employee, on every level of a large organisation

Two years later, Sona is doing just that for over 100,000 people We are grateful to the many organisations who have chosen us to support them on their digital journey, including Community Integrated Care, iVolve, Affinity, Yorkshire Care, Greensleeves Care, Cartrefi Cymru, and Livability, helping them deliver almost 5 million seamless shifts We’d also like to thank our partners who share in our vision for an integrated tech landscape for Care, including Nourish, Radar Healthcare, and Lottie

Some of the most talented and motivated people around have joined us to make this possible, and I d like to give a particular shout-out to Hayley Horwood and Richard Upshall Together, they have more than 25 years of experience in the Care sector and their insights have guided us every step of the way

This deep involvement has taught us that the complexity associated with multi-location, 1000+ staff operations is coupled with the pressure and responsibility to provide the best care possible Social Care demands a state-ofthe-art solution, built with the kind of technology that isn’t just the latest right now, but that is flexible enough to continue being state-of-the-art ten years from now and later into the future

The financing is a big step on our journey to becoming the go-to WFM for large Social Care groups, but - more importantly - it is an investment in the sector as a whole

Over the past year, we ve seen demand for a nextgeneration solution like Sona increase fourfold Our

partners are looking to make their operations more efficient and reliable, improve staff satisfaction, and become financially sustainable organisations that can easily grow and support more people

The fact that we can confidently say Sona is a solution that pays for itself - and then more! - is something we’re incredibly proud of because it provides organisations with a new revenue source they can re-invest into employee wellbeing and a better experience for the people they care for

So, what does this mean for the Care sector?

1. A truly intelligent AI-driven solution

We want to empower Social Care enterprises to forecast their staff needs based on what is best for the people they support with maximum accuracy and automatically tailor their operations accordingly This will help organisations speed up their scheduling, gain real-time views of their shift runs, and encourage growth in a way that tech simply hasn’t in the last decade Previously, the focus was mostly on digitising paper-based processes, but as many organisations are now starting a vendor-replacement cycle, we want to provide them with a real nextgeneration solution

2 Automated HR processes

Our HR solution is already closely linked to Scheduling and communicates seamlessly as solutions built to work together from day one should The next step is to bring automation to the HR processes that currently take up the most time and are heavily prone to errors Our goal is to make the data we feed into our Payroll engine as accurate as possible and remove the potential for mistakes to snowball, leading to drops in employee satisfaction, more admin time, and even legal risks down the line

3. User-first technology

One implementation challenge organisations have experienced with legacy software is low tech adoption rates from frontline staff But what oftentimes is seen as fear of change, is actually a natural reaction to employee apps which were not designed to be accessible The Sona mobile app - together with all our interfaces - is built with usability in mind and consumer-grade standards We want to enrich this experience with even more features that make user life more efficient and increase satisfaction, particularly around self-service and onboarding new staff We believe the first impression new employees get of their organisation and its processes is key to their retention

4 High-quality research and contributions to Social Care in the UK

The feedback we’ve received for our industry-leading reports, webinars, and other research activities has always been incredible and we re only looking to add more Social Care is first and foremost about the people and the community We plan to continue reporting on the pulse of the sector, bring together leaders and visionaries to share their insights, and always spotlight the many opportunities Care offers At the same time, we want to expand our existing charitable contributions and make sure that we’re always giving back to those on the frontline

committed our Customer Success and Implementation teams are to always going the extra mile, helping them optimise and grow their business We want to make sure that as we grow ourselves, we only improve this experience and provide even more comprehensive support every step of the way For that we’ll be on the lookout for the best talent available

Overall, with Sona, I like to think of it as building the “selfdriving car of running a Care business The last 20 years of workforce management were dominated by legacy point solutions that digitised simple paper processes Sona is building the next generation of WFM with a truly intelligent platform that enables organisational leaders in complex, multi-location enterprises to put the right people, in the right place, at the right time; and to seamlessly manage their workforce end-to-end

We believe we can deliver this because our exponential growth has been driven by tangible factors: speed of product delivery, high configurability, and sector expertise

Unlike legacy platforms, Sona’s technology has been built from the ground up for real-time data processing and insights Leveraging the Elixir programming language and large language models - similar to what powers tools like ChatGPT - we offer AI-powered real-time actionable feedback which helps drive intelligent decision making and leads to real workforce productivity gains The trust of our investors so far has yielded a total of £30 millionfunds that we see contributing to the development of the sector as a whole

“We are proud to lead Sona's Series A round and support its mission to empower frontline enterprises with cuttingedge workforce management solutions We believe in Sona s potential to redefine how businesses [ ] manage their workforce, and we re excited to be part of their journey towards reshaping the future of work Ben, Oli, Steffen and the Sona team have already helped over 100,000 frontline workers schedule shifts, and we know so many more will appreciate smarter software that enables their work ”

Niki Pezeshki, General Partner at Felicis

As we continue to innovate, our mission remains clear: to transform the outdated tools that have hindered Care enterprises in the past and usher in a new era of intelligent WFM that drives efficiency, employee wellbeing, and, ultimately, the delivery of exceptional care

Steffen Wulff Petersen Sona CEO and Co-Founder

5. A trustworthy partnership for all our UK customers

Our partners have consistently highlighted how

Sona co-founders Ben Dixon Steffen Wulff Petersen and Oli Johnson

Lancet Study Flags Cholesterol, Untreated Vision Loss As New Risk Factors For Dementia

A new study has revealed that high cholesterol and vision problems substantially impact dementia risk and that keeping these factors in check could help prevent the disease The updated Lancet Commission on dementia prevention intervention and care (2024) identified two new risk factors for dementia –untreated vision loss and high low-density lipoprotein (LDL)/bad cholesterol

The report also found that nearly half of cases of dementia worldwide may be attributed to such risk factors – suggesting that managing risk factors could delay or prevent dementia in many instances Alzheimer’s Society who part-funded the study which will be presented at the Alzheimer s Association International Conference (AAIC) the largest international conference on dementia research,in Philadelphia on Wednesday 31 July (4:15pm ET; 9 15pm GMT) responds Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer s Society said: “Dementia is the UK’s

biggest killer and a global crisis affecting more than 55 million people, but it s never too early or too late to reduce your dementia risk

“This Lancet Commission study part-funded by Alzheimer’s Society identifies two new risk factors for developing dementia: untreated vision loss and high LDL cholesterol

“It also suggests that nearly half of dementia cases across the world could be delayed or prevented

“Some dementia risk factors, such as alcohol consumption and physical exercise can be managed by changing your lifestyle but many must be addressed on a societal level Social isolation education inequalities and air pollution are beyond individuals’ control and require public health interventions and joint action between Government and industry

“If we can support people to reduce their dementia risk and address the societal change needed this could mean potentially

Ice Ice Baby - Care Home Residents

Celebrate

National Ice Cream Day

Perfectly timed in the middle of a heatwave staff and residents at Barchester’s Beaufort Grange care home in Cheswick Village near Filton had a fantastic time celebrating National Ice Cream Day on July 21st a brilliant excuse to sample lots of cooling treats Overseen by head chef Jason staff and residents experimented with many different types of toppings and flavour combinations from the exotic to the alcoholic and back to the traditional – sorbets frozen yoghurt and good old dairy-based ice cream, they tasted and savoured them all

Manager Raji Sunil said: It

t

residents that were excited when we found out

was a National Ice Cream Day the eyes of the staff lit up too! Who doesn’t love ice cream? We have all had a great time trying out new flavours and toppings, it was a wonderful way to keep cool in the heat John a resident said “I absolutely love ice cream! There really isn t anything nicer on a

Care Home Tastes the Flavours of the World

Sundial Care Home recently invited its resident s who the home fondly refer to as family members, and team to tingle their tastebuds in an afternoon shared together of international food tasting Each team member contributed a selection of dishes from around the world creating a diverse and delicious menu

This included Filipino pork adobo chicken kaldareta chicken noodles with veg egg fried rice, Portugues mixed seafood dishes, Greek baklava sweets and traditional English scones with cream and jam Everyone was invited to sit around the table and select the dishes they wanted to try also with the option of enjoying a glass of wine The atmosphere in the home buzzed with togetherness as everybody shared different flavours and their love for good food

The afternoon was brought together by team member Liz Hunt who prepared the

main dishes featuring Filipino delicacies Relatives and visitors were also welcomed to the meal, which turned out to be such a hit as team members came in specially on their days off to join in the home is already planning next years event in the garden!

One relative sent a thank you card and donuts to the home following the event with written inside To Liz and all the lovely staff thank you for inviting us to your lunch, the food was lovely and was very tasty! We enjoyed it"

The team at Sundial Care Home near Sidmouth ensured the international food tasting afternoon was a success, providing a unique and engaging dining experience that created a sense of community among all involved

Elgar Court Celebrates Their 1st Anniversar y!

Gordon’s Memor y Lives On Through Fundraising

his friends and share stories of my dad and there is always so much laughter it pulls us through a rough week as a family My Dad was always on hand to help anyone and with donations taken in his name he continues to do good supporting Felixstowe Coast Patrol and rescue ” The Blackburn family s charity of

that was formed in 1997 based in Felixstowe Suffolk They deal with marine safety incidents and work closely with HM Coastguard Suffolk Constabulary East of England Ambulance Service Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and the RNLI The charity s volunteers regularly attend first aid incidents broken down vessels and swimmers

Dementia Activity App Celebrates 10-Year Anniversar y

A museum-led dementia awareness programme House of Memories is marking 10 years since its memory activity app launched at the House of Commons

The free My House of Memories app, co-created with people living with dementia was launched two years after the creation of the wider House of Memories programme which is led by National Museums Liverpool The aim of the app is to develop connections and conversations between people living with dementia and their families and carers, through digital collections of objects Together people can explore pictures of museum objects and everyday items

– which range from a Singer sewing machine to a 10 shilling note – and discover things which resonate with them Images are brought to life with sound music and descriptions which can help to spark memories of days gone by Users can also save favourite objects to a digital memory tree, digital memory box or timeline and add their own photographs to the My Memories feature on the app Over the last decade objects on the app have been interacted with more than a million times

Throughout the years House of Memories has worked with a range of museums organisations and communities around the world to create content for the app, to provide a choice of objects to resonate with as many people living with dementia as possible Recent partnerships have included collaborating with Welsh Government and 14 museum partners across Wales to develop dual-language content for the app and working with the Chelsea Pensioners at the Royal Hospital Chelsea to create a collection of hospital and British Army memories

In order to support professional carers working with people living with dementia, as well as families and friends House of Memories also provides online and in-person training where you can learn how to use the My House of Memories app and hear about other dementia activities and resources The in-person training takes place in Liverpool every month while online training – made up of 31 expert videos across four modules – can be completed at any time

The House of Memories team also offer bespoke dementia awareness and app training to organisations which work with or support people living with dementia from the likes of residential and nursing homes to housing associations and groups offering support services

Sarah Wright Project Coordinator at Gairloch Museum in northwest Scotland runs a ‘Whatever the Weather Wednesday reminiscing group and recently worked with House of Memories to deliver training to encourage local people and carers to engage with the app particularly the ‘Highland Memories section which was developed with museums across the Highlands

Sarah said: “Within minutes of getting started everyone was chatting about the images they were choosing and listening to the recordings on the app It was great to see people of different ages sharing memories together

The training session was really well presented and there was an excellent sense of connection between the trainers and the people being trained It was good to get carers together and to have the opportunity to talk more about dementia and what it really means to live with someone who is living with dementia ”

The My House of Memories app is available to download for free on iOS devices via the App Store and on Google Play for Android devices Information about in-person online and bespoke training is available on the House of Memories website

Family and professional carers of people living with dementia who are

Collingtree Park Care Home Welcomes

New General Manager

Springfield Nursing Home Resident Eric Dreams Big And

Lives Big With Hartford Care’s New Wellbeing Campaign

Llandudno Care Home Residents Discover The Histor y Of Welsh Whisky

Residents at RMBI Care Co Home Queen Elizabeth Court in Llandudno have recently enjoyed a day trip to a local distillery Penderyn Distillery

Accompanied by the Home s Activities Coordinator the residents went on a tour around the distillery, which has been around for over 100 years Residents learned about the unique heritage and craftsmanship of Welsh whisky and how the village of Penderyn was chosen because of the site’s own supply of fresh natural spring water The residents were treated to few whiskey samples much to their delight

One of the residents, Phyllis Ann commented: “It was my first time visiting a distillery and I enjoyed it very much We were

Centur y Celebrations For Local Care Home Resident

Called For A Trip To The Local Rural Centre

Pat’s Wish Sets Motor Trio On Trip Down Memor y Lane

Majority Of NHS Staff Support Using

AI In Patient Care, Major Polling Finds

Parley Place Music Festival Brings

The Local Community Together

Hazel Lodge Care Home Appoints New General Manager

Silvanna Court Celebrates Abacus School

With Heartfelt Appreciation For Their Support

Teesside Care Home Residents Unearth

Ancient Treasures With York Archaeology Box

Tanya Spence activities coordinator at Mandale House Care Home said: We had a fantastic voyage of discovery this morning Residents and staff were fascinated to be able to hold the different fossils

“The most popular fossil which tickled everyone s funny bones were the coprolites They just look like little pebbles but everyone laughed out loud when they discovered they

fossilised human poo We really try to bring different activities to residents things they may never have seen or experienced before Having the fossil box from Jorvik was a rare treat as it engaged not just residents but the staff team too

“I have

“The activity was so good the residents want to experience what an archaeology dig is like so we ll be seeing what we can find on Digging for Britain

The archaeology box was arranged by Sharon Lewis activities coordinator from Hazelgrove Court Care Home in Saltburn part of the Hill Care Group which also operates Mandale House Care Home

Sharon had a virtual consultation with a York Archaeology expert, who explained about the artifacts before she brought them to the care home She ll now be arranging similar archaeological sessions at other care homes across the Tees Valley

Tanya added: “We can t thank Sharon and the Jorvik team enough for letting us take a trip through York’s history ”

Care Home Residents Enjoy Donkey Therapy

Residents of a dementia care home in Wellington Somerset were delighted to receive a visit from Charlie the donkey, Flora the miniature Shetland pony pygmy goats Bam Bam and Pebbles and some rabbits and guinea pigs accompanied by their handler Kelly Baker of Kelly s Donkeys and Second Chance Petting Farm

Twenty-four-year-old Charlie and 12 year-old Flora were taken on a tour inside Camelot House and Lodge and they also allowed residents to stroke them and feed them treats in the gardens of the home Sam Paddon, head of care at Camelot House and Lodge, said the residents responses to meeting the animals was touching

“Many of the ladies and gents who live with us have farming connections and they were so happy to be able to be so close to Charlie and Flora to stroke them and smell their lovely smell ” said Sam Paddon

“They also started reminiscing about seaside holidays and riding donkeys on the beach – either themselves or with their children or grandchildren and telling us about these memories makes them really happy ” Kelly Baker who has worked with horses and donkeys all her life has been running Kelly s Donkeys since 2014 from her purpose-built stables on the Somerset/Wiltshire border

we select those with calm and gentle temperaments and we train them to be able to handle working inside, being around wheelchairs, walking on different surfaces reversing out of bedrooms in tight spaces and standing quietly whilst surrounded by vulnerable people ”

Our visit to Camelot House and Lodge started with us introducing Charlie and Flora to people in the lounge and then we headed off around the bedrooms to make sure all the residents who wished to had the option of interacting with the animals

“We had a lovely chat with residents about their backgrounds, animals they have owned and other things donkey- and pony-related and it was obvious how much they enjoyed telling us about their lives

Stroking an animal has been proven to lower blood pressure and we know that the benefits of bringing ‘the outside inside and allowing vulnerable people to interact with animals are huge

These

Kelly said: We have a total of 26 donkeys all of whom are rescues With the assisted-therapy donkeys

Summer Celebrations At

“Didn’t Expect To Stay When Started” Says Staff Member At Newport Pagnell Home

Who Celebrates 30 Year Work Anniversar y

Red Rose Care Community’s Seaside-Themed Summer Celebration Brings

Dwayne Red Rose s other Activities

Coordinator, and I both come from care backgrounds, so we understand the importance of bringing generations together and fostering fun and engagement within our communities Today has been such a special day It s always brilliant to see our families and friends come together ” Manager Joanne Brown noted “Trips to the seaside were always such a magical time for all of us and often bring back fond memories of family holidays and playing on the beach As the summer heats up, we thought this was a great way to bring the beach to us and give our home a holiday feel ”

Roger Daniel

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Penile Retraction and Incontinence: Dementia Activity App Celebrates

A museum-led dementia awareness programme House of Memories, is marking 10 years since its memory activity app launched at the House of Commons

The free My House of Memories app co-created with people living with dementia was launched two years after the creation of the wider House of Memories programme, which is led by National Museums Liverpool The aim of the app is to develop connections and conversations between people living with dementia and their families and carers through digital collections of objects Together people can explore pictures of museum objects and everyday items – which range from a Singer sewing machine to a 10 shilling note – and discover things which resonate with them Images are brought to life with sound, music and descriptions which can help to spark memories of days gone by Users can also save favourite objects to a digital memory tree digital memory box or timeline and add their own photographs to the ‘My Memories’ feature on the app

with people living with dementia as well as families and friends, House of Memories also provides online and in-person training where you can learn how to use the My House of Memories app and hear about other dementia activities and resources The in-person training takes place in Liverpool every month, while online training –made up of 31 expert videos across four modules –can be completed at any time

The House of Memories team also offer bespoke dementia awareness and app training to organisations which work with or support people living with dementia from the likes of residential and nursing homes to housing associations and groups offering support services

The My House of Memories app is available to download for free on iOS devices via the App Store and on Google Play for Android devices Information about in-person online and bespoke training is available on the House of Memories website

As you get older your penis and testicles may get slightly smaller One reason is the build-up of fatty deposits in your arteries reducing blood flow to your penis This can cause withering of the tissue cells in the spongy tubes of erectile tissue inside your penis making it awkward to stand at urinal to urinate – but having incontinence on top of this can make matters very difficult to manage

Over the last decade objects on the app have been interacted with more than a million times In order to support professional carers working

Find out more about the House of Memories programme on their website at www liverpool museums org uk/house-of-memories

If you suffer from Penile Retraction and Incontinence – Men’s Liberty has you covered: Men s Liberty is the discreet dignified dependable alternative for urinary incontinence that you have been looking for It is made of a gentle skinfriendly material called hydrocolloid a proprietary adhesive that softly stretches and moves with a man as he changes position Unlike diapers that

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observes Peter Wingrave, AAT Director “This is no reflection of the standard of care given It does leave the resident and care staff exposed to risk in safely getting the resident back up again particularly with the growth in obesity among residents 3 Only 4% of falls

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CLEANING AND HYGIENE

The Power of Dr y Steam Cleaning

Dry Steam cleaning fights the battle against bacteria and viruses on three fronts with thermal and chemical disinfection and decontamination by mechanical action of surface penetration and extraction to eliminate contaminants The innovative design and cutting-edge dry steam technology can help tackle the risks of transmissions both inside healthcare settings and outside where you need to offer the safest and cleanest environments

Dry Steam penetrates common surfaces that are porous – like unvarnished wood and/or have non-smooth textured and rough surfaces that harbour and hide biofilm and soil Where manual cleaning isn’t possible, the Dry Steam Vapour reaches those areas and delivers a hygienic environment and peace of mind that it s free from risks of infection Scientific studies by OSPREYDDEEPCLEAN TNO and UCLH -

University College London Hospital-, focusing on the efficacy and removal of all biofilms and microbiological decontamination demonstrated that Dry Steam Vapour performed equal to or better than other disinfection practices While the use of water and an approved detergent provides an environmentally friendly and effective alternative to more toxic disinfectants

Dry Steam is also ideally suited to be combined with Microfibre cleaning regimes and SteamMops are available as optional accessories

Further Laboratory evaluations using OspreyDeepclean steam cleaning/sanitising machines establish the destruction of hospital infection strains - including the antibiotic resistant superbugs MRSA and VRE - in less than 2 seconds

Angloplas Dispensers Help Reduce the Risk of Cross Infection

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

world s first proven Antimicrobial PVC with silver ion technology and which is exclusive to Angloplas This helps reduce the risk of cross infection by stopping the growth of bacteria and mould and works continuously for the lifetime of the product reducing levels of bacteria such as MRSA E Coli, Legionella Salmonella and mould by up to 99 99% For non-clinical environments Angloplas has recently launched its new Budget Range of products which are made to the same exacting standards as the antimicrobial protected ones but with lower price tags You can order Angloplas products directly from its website by going to www angloplas co uk

The First Menu Planning and Food Ser vice Guideline for Care Homes for Older Adults Launches

A new set of menu planning and food service guidelines for care homes catering to older people has been launched

The Food Services Specialist Group and Older People Specialist Group of the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) have worked in collaboration to launch these guidelines under the title Care Home Digest

The Care Home Digest is the first of its kind providing menu planning and food service guidelines to support care homes to provide high quality food and drink services for residents

No such resource currently exists in England and this document should complement existing dietetic guidelines available in the other nations of the UK

The overall food and dining experience can have a huge impact on quality of life for residents and is often one of the highlights of the daily routine Undernutrition dehydration and other nutrition related health concerns which often impact those living in care or residential homes mean that providing appropriate and appetising meals that meet nutritional requirements can be more challenging

With many care homes unable to access a food service dietitian service the Care Home Digest allows homes to access the information to support them to plan nutritionally balanced and appropriate menus to meet both the nutritional needs and preferences of their residents

By having a clear set of standards and guidance that provides consistency and clarity in the approach for eating and drinking in care homes managers nurses care and support staff and caterers will better understand what they should be providing as part of their overall food service

Helen Ream Healthcare and Food Service Dietitian at Compass Group UK & Ireland and Vice-Chair of the BDA’s Food Services Specialist Group says,

It has been a privilege to chair the working group of dietitians and NACC colleagues to develop these guidelines I hope they will be the ‘go to’ resource for care home teams to support them to understand what their food services and menus should include to support residents to have a great mealtime experience whilst also meeting their nutritional needs

Mealtimes play an essential role in the wellbeing of some residents They allow residents to connect with each other as well as with carers and family members and give moments of happiness or reflection when there are cultural or religious celebrations

Chapters in the Digest include delivering a positive mealtime experience menu planning and design and catering for special diets

Helen who is also a member of the NACC says “The Care Home Digest builds on the work of the BDA s Nutrition and Hydration Digest a resource for all those involved in the provision of food and drink services in hospitals and which forms part of the National Standards for Healthcare Food and Drink Until now no similar national food service standards have existed to support care homes for older adults to meet the nutritional needs of their residents We hope these guidelines will be widely used and become a nationally trusted resource in the same way ”

The information and checklists within the guidelines are intended to support care homes to review their services to understand what they are already doing well and where improvements could be considered and made

Neel Radia National Chair of the NACC says The National Association of Care Catering is proud to have been working in collaboration with the BDA for this unique Care Home Digest

“This document is a welcome and necessary publication to enable consistency across the care home sector A multidisciplinary team bringing hospitality and nutrition together is the best solution for an all-encompassing approach to meeting residents nutritional needs This is a must-have document for all catering teams in care homes, from induction through to ongoing reference and review No care home for the elderly should operate without this

“Thank you to Helen Ream and the entire team who have worked so hard in putting this together and I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone in the care sector

OHK - Your Specialist Partner for Dysphagia Management

Founded by Preston Walker and James Ball, globally recognised experts in texture modification and culinary applications for modifying food OHK is your specialist partner for Dysphagia management

Our mission is to provide comprehensive training programs and implementation support that empowers healthcare providers to deliver safe nutrition and reduce risk across the care setting We work in collaboration with you and your teams to secure a better quality of life for individuals with specialised diets Because everyone deserves the right to safe nutrition WHY CHOOSE OHK?

We offer validated and clinically endorsed training programs ensuring your setting complies with current best practices and standards Our courses are mapped to the Eating Drinking and Swallowing Competency Framework from the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and delivers best practice guidance reflecting the globally recognised International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI)

OHK provides high quality cost-effective eLearning modules tailored to dysphagia training needs These modules are available as bundles or individual courses which can be accessed via OHK s or your own Learning Management portal, providing flexibility to meet your organisation’s requirements For advanced training needs we also offer in-person courses

MORE THAN JUST A TRAINING PROVIDER

OHK assists you in establishing a safe, auditable process and internal framework, helping to enhance your specialist catering solutions Whether you have 1 or 100+ beds we have a solution for you that is cost-effective accessible and scalable

Our courses are developed and maintained in collaboration with East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust ensuring the highest quality and accuracy of guidance Expert Dysphagia Consultancy

OHK s expertise has attracted partnership from a range of organisations including Norse Care, Belong Villages and numerous NHS Trusts, including East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, Ayrshire and Arran NHS and the States of Guernsey OHK provides Care England with care catering expertise to support its members and improve standards in the sector

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It is hoped this document will also support the Care Quality Commission and other nations’ inspectorates to know what they should be assessing and checking for during their visits to care homes and further influence the development of improved standards in such a vital aspect of care After the successful launch of

group of suppliers selected through the Open Doors Programme Aimed at small food and beverage suppliers the Open Doors Programme identifies the most innovative businesses trying to establish themselves within the industry and raises awareness of their products so they can make their mark in wholesale

Despite the recent deceleration in inflation the share of small businesses aspiring to grow

CATERING FOR CARE

Enhancing Care for Dysphagia: Establishing EDS Competencies for Improved Quality of Life

Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing is a condition that can significantly impact the quality of life for many individuals particularly residents in health and social care facilities Addressing the needs of those with, or at risk of developing, dysphagia is crucial for enhancing their daily experiences and ensuring high standards of care to ultimately improve their quality of life

To achieve this, it's essential to establish Eating Drinking and Swallowing (EDS) competencies across whole care teams, to fully equip the multidisciplinary team (MDT) with the expertise needed to provide comprehensive support

EMBEDDING EATING, DRINKING AND SWALLOWING COMPETENCIES – A QUICK DIGEST

Establishing EDS competencies involves identifying the specific knowledge and skill sets required for each role within the care and catering teams as outlined in the Eating Drinking and Swallowing Competency Framework (EDSCF) This approach ensures that every team member from carers and nurses to caterers and managers possesses the necessary competencies to support residents effectively Fundamental to this is adherence to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) Framework which details the exact methods for preparing high quality nutritious meals and drinks that are tailored to residents specific swallowing needs

Supporting a sustainable implementation of EDS competencies involves addressing staff turnover accommodating new staff members, managing role changes and providing ongoing training Clear objectives and straightforward management protocols are essential for maintaining these standards over time Additionally, regular feedback mechanisms should be established to continually assess and improve the care provided ensuring that residents receive the best possible support to enhance their quality of life and reduce the risks associated with dysphagia

IMPLEMENTING EDS AT SCALE: IS IT ACHIEVABLE?

Implementing EDS competencies at scale has been successfully demonstrated in various regions and care settings across the UK with adoption globally too Examples of this include East Sussex NHS Healthcare Trust South Tyneside NHS Trust, the States of Guernsey, Ayrshire and Arran NHS Trust along with private settings Norse Care & Catering and Belong Villages Between 2 000 and 6 000 staff from each organisation across a wide spectrum of care catering and management roles, enrolled and completed EDS and IDDSI specific training schemes In all settings integration of EDS training and systems has significantly benefitted the care facilities and their residents TANGIBLE RESULTS DEMONSTRATE EFFICACY AMONG MDTS.

Following an EDS training pilot with South Tyneside NHS community settings 74% of participants reported they would change the way they would work as a result of completing the programme, with 34% stating they were more confident in knowing how to refer residents for assessments

In East Sussex NHS Healthcare Trust 86% of staff stated the catering for dysphagia diets course helped them in the way they work due to improved knowledge which positively impacts quality of life food safety and the choice that can be offered to patients in these settings

Similarly the States of Guernsey implementation report, showed that both the kitchen services and an acute stroke ward demonstrated an improvement in the production of foods for the IDDSI Framework, and the understanding and confidence in all staff to support patients with dysphagia

Norse Care & Catering and Belong Villages have also seen improvements following engagement with a IDDSI and EDS-specific training programmes Norse noted that 84% of attendees to the onboarding sessions felt they left with a good or strong understanding of supporting people with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties Belong also

attested to training s efficacy in improving confidence in compliance and quality practices

THE POTENTIAL OF SUSTAINABLE INTEGRATED EDS TRAINING IS HUGE.

The outcomes of implementing sustainable, integrated EDS training and systems are substantial The pilot with East Sussex NHS Healthcare Trust led to reductions in incidents, increased confidence among staff, higher quality referrals as well as improved food quality Specifically an initial drop in incidents of 85%, with a year-on-year reduction of 33% in incidents on the unit until end of 2022 Since the introduction of this training there has been just one incident in 2023 and no never events or near misses A value that cannot be underestimated

Staff now also have a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by patients with dysphagia, enabling more compassionate and effective support to patients resulting in meaningful impact on their lives

Systematic catering systems provide numerous additional benefits

The States of Guernsey audit report highlights improvements in staff efficiencies consistency in service delivery effective and speedy problem solving and enhanced due diligence processes For example all chefs undertaking IDDSI level specific food training responded very confident’ or ‘extremely confident’ for all IDDSI food production levels Fiona Gardiner Specialist Speech & Language Therapist commented following the pilot; “Guernsey has embedded training throughout levels 1 and 2 of the EDSCF The dysphagia modules support all levels of staff to meet their competency on the framework and this training has meant that risks for people with dysphagia have significantly been reduced In addition we have used IDDSI catering training throughout the hospital catering departments, which has inspired the chefs ” IMPROVING QUALITY OF CARE FOR THE LONG TERM.

These systematic approaches improve the immediate care environment and through robust data capture highlighting better outcomes can help provide confidence to organisations aiming to invest in a strong dysphagia management strategy Establishing and maintaining EDS and IDDSI competencies across care teams is what’s needed to enhance the quality of life for residents with dysphagia and ensure long term sustainability and resilience in care standards

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS

TSA and De Montfort University Look To Set New Standard For Healthcare Laundr y Wash Processes

The Textile Services Association (TSA) recently presented a new standardised test protocol for evaluating the disinfection efficacy of laundry wash processes at its spring conference This marks the latest stage in the ongoing partnership between the TSA and De Montfort University (DMU) The research aims to provide accurate information and usable methods of ensuring hygienic cleaning of textiles particularly in relation to sectors more vulnerable to infection such as healthcare

The new protocols were developed following a four-year research project led by Professor Katie Laird at DMU which was funded and supported by the TSA and other national associations from Europe and America Professor Laird and her team have extensive experience in studying healthcare textiles and have previously investigated the survival of microorganisms on textiles and specific wash processes required to decontaminate laundry, among other topics

The importance of creating an effective standardised test for evaluating hygienic cleaning is something that Simon Fry owner of specialist

laundry firm Micronclean Ltd and a TSA board member has been focussing on since joining the TSA over eight years ago The idea for this project came about when manufacturers began introducing chemicals for cold washing he says While it s a great idea in terms of energy saving it can introduce risks in terms of less effective disinfection which is compounded if the traditional tests being used weren t giving accurate results

You could almost pick the test to get the results you wanted, says Simon I realised that we would need something that accurately showed the kill rates of bacteria, which could be used by all stakeholders to deliver data that allows everyone to work on a level playing field "

The TSA reached out to Professor Laird and began funding research with the aim of creating standardised testing protocols that definitively measure how many pathogens are killed by laundry washing processes

In order to achieve this the DMU team needed to study existing infection controls and the current processing methods for healthcare laundry They also needed to understand the attitudes and knowledge of healthcare staff in terms of infection control policies and how these apply to textiles Alongside funding the research the TSA also organised surveys of both its members in the UK as well as overseas to help build a clearer understanding of the landscape

The test developed by Professor Laird and her team accurately demonstrates the disinfection efficacy of laundry during a wash process-

es in a way that can be used throughout the healthcare sector whether it is in outsourced laundries or on-premise laundries The test involves placing a sample of inoculated fabric within a membrane, which looks similar to a teabag that allows water and chemicals through but stops bacteria from escaping meaning that the effectiveness of the decontamination of the laundry process can be properly evaluated This allows for a like-forlike comparison of different washing methods and equipment types and how effectively they kill bacteria present on textiles helping to ensure that infection control standards are maintained

Being able to measure disinfection accurately within a working laundry is paramount in managing textiles as a transmission route for infections particularly in healthcare settings" Professor Laird

"The publishing of these test protocols is an important milestone in our ongoing research collaboration says David Stevens CEO of the TSA The next phase we will see the test methodology incorporated within best practice standards driven by the other national associations this will include working with the TRSA in America and ETSA in Europe

Professor Laird's team will continue their research into improving hygiene in laundry focussing on spores that aren t killed thermally and biofilms that form inside laundry equipment

For more information on the new testing protocols visit tsa-uk org

Brewer and Bunney – Pioneering Commercial Laundr y Solutions

Brewer and Bunney proud to be the best in the South West for over 40 years provides specialised laundry services and equipment specifically tailored to the needs of healthcare facilities including NHS and private hospitals Emphasising the critical importance of infection control and legislative compliance, Brewer and Bunney aligns its offerings with standards such as the Department of Health HTM 01-04 guidelines They equip hospitals with advanced energy-efficient laundry machines designed to meet the rigorous demands of hospital environments

Brewer and Bunney offers comprehensive services including expert consultation installation and ongoing maintenance ensuring that hospital laundry operations are both efficient and effective in maintaining high hygiene standards crucial for patient care and safety For NHS facilities Brewer and

also provides specialised solutions like mop

and

In addition, Brewer and Bunney supports healthcare facilities in setting up inhouse laundry operations, helping hospitals regain control over their laundry processes This approach optimises costs and improves quality and compliance with health standards By bringing laundry services in-house hospitals can ensure consistent high-quality outcomes that meet the specific needs of healthcare environments including effective infection prevention 0808 500 8093 brewerandbunney co uk enquiries@brewerandbunney co uk

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS

Forbes Professional Ensures Smooth Laundr y and Warewashing in UK Care Homes

C.R. Wood - The Commercial Laundr y & Dishwashing

Experts in the South West

Timeless Presents

Timeless Presents are an award winning husband and wife team working to connect and engage those living in the later stages of dementia Inspired by a father s journey with Alzheimers Timeless Presents have created innovative activities and engagement solutions that can be used to engage in the later stages to the benefit of the user the carer and the caring organisation Their innovative approach combines familiar traditional pastimes with design features that enable users with late dementia to easily engage Their first three products have all been accredited as Dementia Inclusive by the world leading Dementia Services Design Centre at Stirling University and have also achieved an Innovation award at the recent Dementia Care Awards 2024 Drawing from their personal experiences and informed by the current understanding of cognitive issues faced by those with dementia Sharon and Chris Daltrey have embarked on a mission to make a difference in the lives of individuals currently living with dementia Forbury Residential Home had this to say “Our residents really enjoyed them The

zles and colouring books Thank you so much for giving our residents a better quality of life ”

In a significant milestone Timeless Presents recently achieved accreditation from the internationally renowned Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) for three of its products, being the first time that they had assessed activities of any sort This accreditation underscores the company s commitment to creating dementia-inclusive products that meet the highest standards of quality and effectiveness They also recently exhibited at the Alzheimers and Dementia Show at London Excel in June 2024 to a warm reception from industry professionals including occupational therapists Activity Co-Ordinators and Admiral Nurses who all commended their products

With a focus on affordability accessibility and impact Timeless Presents aims to empower individuals with dementia and their caregivers to navigate the challenges of dementia with dignity and joy Through their innovative approach and dedication to excellence Timeless Presents is shaping the future of dementia care one meaningful interaction at a time

07936 408 941 connect@timelesspresents com www timelesspresents com

Focus Games - Game Based Training for Ever y Situation

Focus Games are the leading game developers focused on education for healthcare staff and patients

Game-based learning is an innovative approach to education that leverages the principles of games to create engaging and interactive learning experiences This approach has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to motivate learners and improve retention rates Healthcare staff can benefit significantly from game-based learning as it can help them acquire new knowledge and skills in a fun and engaging way The key benefits of game-based learning for all healthcare staff are:

1 Enhanced engagement

2 Improved knowledge retention

3 Safe learning environment

Activities to Share

Tired of the same old song and dance when it comes to planning engaging activities? Well, fear not! Activities to Share is here to sprinkle some excitement into your daily routine

If you ve been feeling like you re stuck in a creative rut we've got the antidote Picture this: a wonderland of activity ideas free downloads that are basically the golden ticket to fun and a treasure trove of products that'll make your heart skip a beat (in a good way)

We get it – after a while, even the most fantastic activities can start feeling a bit blah That s why we ve scoured the corners of creativity to bring you fresh fabulous ideas that ll have you and your crew grinning from ear to ear

Our website activitiestoshare co uk is your go-to haven for all things fun and engaging Need a burst of inspiration? We've got your back Looking for activities tailored to different abilities? We ve got that covered too!

But wait there s more! We ve teamed up with carers and activity coordinators across the land to ensure that every product and idea we offer is top-notch and practically oozing with

fun And if you ve got a creative itch that needs scratching, we're here to help you bring your unique ideas to life!

So, don't let boredom sneak in Join us on this adventure of going the extra smile because let s face it smiles are the best currency around here

See all of the above here at www activitiestoshare co uk

Unlocking Joy and Vitality:

In today's fast-paced world, maintaining mental agility and memory sharpness is crucial, especially for our beloved seniors

Gone are the days when traditional quizzes and bingo were the only options for mental stimulation Hashtag Quiz and Bingo software brings a fresh tech-savvy twist to these beloved activities making them more accessible and enjoyable for the elderly This software offers a plethora of features designed specifically to cater to the needs and preferences of seniors ensuring that everyone can participate and benefit

MEMORY RECALL AND BRAIN EXERCISE

One of the most remarkable benefits of using Hashtag Quiz and Bingo software in care homes is its positive impact on memory recall and cognitive health

Regular engagement with quizzes and bingo games has been shown to stimulate various parts of the brain, enhancing memory retention and recall abilities The software includes a wide range of quiz topics, from history and geography to music and movies, allowing residents to tap into their long-term memories and share their wealth of knowledge

Bingo on the other hand promotes concentration and mental alertness As residents listen for their numbers and mark their cards they are unknowingly participating in a fun yet highly effective brain exercise This dual approach of quizzes and bingo ensures a wellrounded cognitive workout keeping the mind sharp and agile

A SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND BELONGING

Beyond the cognitive benefits Hashtag Quiz and Bingo software fosters a sense of community and belonging among residents The interactive nature of

these games encourages social interaction, teamwork, and friendly competition

Whether it s a lively quiz session or a thrilling bingo game residents come together share laughs and create lasting memories This social engagement is essential for emotional well-being reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness that can sometimes affect seniors

EASY TO USE AND HIGHLY CUSTOMISABLE

The software is highly customizable allowing caregivers to tailor the difficulty levels and content to match the preferences and abilities of each resident This adaptability ensures that everyone regardless of cognitive ability can enjoy and benefit from these activities

A WORTHY INVESTMENT FOR EVERY CARE HOME

Investing in Hashtag Quiz and Bingo software is an investment in the health happiness and well-being of our residents The blend of cognitive stimulation social interaction and sheer enjoyment makes it a valuable addition to any care home's activity repertoire As we continue to prioritize the holistic health of our residents, incorporating such innovative tools will undoubtedly pave the way for a brighter, more engaging future

Hashtag Quiz and Bingo software is more than just a game; it is a gateway to a more vibrant connected and mentally active life for our seniors We encourage all care homes to consider integrating this exceptional software into their daily routines Let s unlock joy and vitality one quiz and bingo game at a time!

Find us TODAY and access your FREE 7-day trial at: https://hashtagquiz co uk/quiz-for-the-elderlyand-seniors/

NURSE CALL AND FALLS

Stay Safe with Smart Wireless Nurse Call

Blaucomm Ltd - Telecommunications & Networks

Crash Mats Designed to Reduce Injuries from Bed Falls

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

One Call Systems have developed one of the most reliable streamlined wireless nurse call systems on the market The rechargeable technology, water-resistant casings, and long-range radio capabilities set us apart

At the heart of the innovative Nursecall system is the One Call Display Panel which runs on an efficient internal radio network Designed to provide the highest level of performance and reliability The Display Panel allows staff to view live calls instantly Qualified installers will set up your system quickly and efficiently ensuring minimal disruption and maximum benefits

With the ability to connect to the internet you can easily monitor your Home's call records from anywhere The panel is completely configurable from the display allowing you to customize your Home's settings to your preferences Trust our innovative system to provide the safety and efficiency your Home’s needs

The One Call Room Units are designed to withstand the rigours of your busy care environment There are five alternative versions - Pear push lead Pull Cords Out of Bed Door monitor and Leadless Units that you can choose from that best suit your needs

Watertight casings and fitted rechargeable batteries mean that you can rest assured that the units can be easily washed and will provide reliable service for up to 2 years on a single charge

The Call Logging system is designed to meet the safety and care requirements of Care Homes and nursing facilities The digital solution ensures complete and accurate logging of every call to prove evidence of care This invaluable tool ensures the safety of your residents

The Call Logging system is a must-have for any Care Home that wants to ensure they are providing the best possible care

Onecall provides the ability to monitor response times attendance duration and which Carer has attended which call You can be sure that you have complete oversight of your care provision Not only does this system provide valuable evidence of care, but it also helps to motivate and encourage staff to continue providing an exceptional level of care Please email info@onecallsystems co uk or call 01252 448137

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

The Increasingly Important Role of Integrated Care and Technology in the Care Sector

With care homes increasingly oversubscribed and resources as stretched as ever, Sharon Bye, Director of Care for Central and Cecil Housing Trust (C&C) and Aster Group, highlights how new smart technology can allow providers to have greater oversight of specific resident care and maximise efficiency Readers will be well acquainted with the operational challenges facing the care sector

An ageing population combined with limited resources and a persistent skills shortage has left the sector under increasing pressure Having celebrated the 95th birthday of Central and Cecil Housing Trust (C&C) in 2022 we are well aware that these are by no means novel challenges and our past experience has provided us with useful lessons for navigating these headwinds However it s critical that we as care providers take every opportunity to tackle these challenges With the support of integrated care services and unified technology, we ve seen firsthand how its enabled

managers is the ability to deliver joined up effective services with less resources By adopting proven technologies and developments in the integration of care services, care home managers can critically refocus their efforts on delivering the best in care services Technology is the enabler to help drive efficiencies throughout operations without compromising the quality of

where we provide specialist care for people with advanced dementia in tandem with the North Central London Integrated Care Board (NCL ICB) Our work at the home has validated how the roll-out of integrated care systems and new digital technology can improve and reshape care provision

Examples of the technology we use on site include a motion sensor and acoustic monitoring system called Ally to help care teams monitor residents who may be at risk of falls and movement difficulties Carers are made aware of sudden motions and alerts pinpoint when it s necessary to intervene with professional assistance to prevent undue falls or distress for those residents

This has subsequently allowed for better sleep hygiene for the residents with night checks now taking place every two hours for most residents and every three hours for a few more depending on their needs and risks In the case of one resident we ve been able to track a significant decrease in overnight falls – none since December 2023 – and significantly reduce the need for staff members to visit her throughout the night with the motion sensor system allowing us to monitor from afar without unnecessary disruptions This means care staff can focus on residents who require hands on care during the night

We ve also utilised the ‘Whzan Blue Box’ early warning system which monitors and stores information on vital signs It automatically and immediately notifies a wider team of geriatricians clinicians and care home staff of any risks concerning results or medical attention needed When clinicians or paramedics do attend they are able to compare the resident’s readings to wider historical data on the system to establish a baseline In many cases this is preventing unnecessary medical treatment and significantly reducing the number of unplanned hospital trips for residents

In one case a resident presented with what appeared to be low oxygen saturation levels but when medics arrived they were able to look back at the range of recorded observations and conclude this wasn’t out of the ordinary for him A hospital admission was avoided, and the resident didn’t have to receive off-site treatment that could unduly displace and distress them The software unifies historic data, allowing staff to make clearer diagnostic and more specifically informed decisions about treatment based on past experiences with individual patients

The benefits of integrated care services and digitalisation are not just limited to inside the care home either with shared patient diagnostics helping to ease pressure on local emergency services as well as GP practices Rather than assessments being isolated a more cohesive integrated system enables heightened accuracy and a quicker response

Rathmore House has also been utilising a new connected triaging system named Silver Triage Installed in 2022 in collaboration with the NCL ICB as well as local NHS and ambulance trusts Silver Triage is designed to reduce unnecessary hospital trips and ease the burden on ambulance services, while enabling geriatricians to remotely assess, advise and guide ambulance paramedics attending patients in care homes where needed Doctors using the service can also help access

EASING THE BURDEN

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Imagine, Act And Succeed's Shift To Digital: A Game Changer!

After over 30 years, care charity Imagine, Act and Succeed finally swapped their paper rotas and timesheets for a digitised system to help manage their 85 locations and 460+ staff

Emma Hobbs Payroll Officer at the charity grew frustrated over the inaccuracies and errors of this cumbersome process - especially when it led to wages The system was often outdated and staff frequently missed shift changes This led to lost time money and patience for both managers and employees

So, how can turning to digital systems like RotaCloud improve this?

The information is accessible to us in payroll straight away which is an absolute godsend Being able to see instantly where someone is working, what shift they ve actually done the clock-in and clock-out records are just - it s made our payroll side so much more streamlined to what it was beforehand ” - Emma Hobbs, Payroll Officer

Accuracy is the biggest benefit for Emma and her team There s no more chasing people for paperwork or last-minute runs for payroll Managers can instantly access live reports from labour costs to attendance with clocking-in data automatically feeding to timesheets When clocking in and out is as simple as a click or tap via mobile, web, or a terminal, employees (and Emma) can trust that all wages are correct

Communication has also improved By having everything at their fingertips from shifts to requests everyone works from the same page It has made staff s lives much easier and saved managers time Enabling notifications also means any updates to the rota annual leave requests or available shifts are immediately

Pass by ever yLIFE

PASS supports over 1 000 care providers every day giving them access to market leading care management tools hand in hand with unlimited 24/7/365 support from our dedicated and friendly PASS team

Assured by NHS Transformation Directorate PASS provides a secure platform that allows you to plan record and evidence the care you deliver The only assured solution built specifically for the home care sector, it provides comprehensive real-time functionality and allows you to share progress against outcomes with customisable exportable reports

CARE PLANNING AND ROSTERING FROM A SINGLE PLATFORM

To meet the wider needs of the PASS community All-in-one PASS

sent to the appropriate staff No more sending out WhatsApp updates, missed messages or stress trying to find cover

Before RotaCloud, Imagine, Act and Succeed managers sat down for two days

has recently been launched bringing advanced rostering functionality to our established digital care planning platform As a result advanced staff scheduling payroll and invoicing functionality is now seamlessly linked with care planning and reporting reducing the technical complexity risk and overhead associated with integrating two separate systems

As a result PASS now provides an all-in-one suite of digital care management tools, available from a single platform, designed to: Save you time

Increase the efficiency of your teams

Improve the quality of care

Deliver better outcomes

INTEGRATED HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

Our commitment to the continual evolution of PASS is further illustrated by the addition of GP Connect The first product of its type to offer this feature, PASS is still one of only a handful of digital care

management solutions to have completed this NHS Digital integration and is the only one offering it to the home care market PASS GP Connect provides authorised social care staff with realtime access to their client’s GP records It makes medical information available when and where it is needed leading to improvements in both care safety and outcomes:

Visibility of allergies vaccinations and medications especially useful for clients unable to reliably share their personal information

Using medical information to inform care planning

Ensuring that the right medication is delivered to the right person in the timeliest manner In one case this allowed the administration of antibiotics on a Friday evening, aiding the service user s swift recovery from infection

Available to all PASS users at no additional cost PASS GP Connect is significantly more efficient than waiting for a GP response It’s also a positive step forward on the path to the DHSC s goal for widespread digitally enabled care and is in full alignment with their ambition for joined up care for everyone

Get in touch: www everylifetechnologies com hello@everylifetechnologies com

RECRUITMENT & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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