The Carer Digital - Issue #214

Report Reveals CQC’s

“Loss of Credibility”

As “Significant Failures” Revealed

A critical review into England’s health and social care regulator has been published prompting the government to order a larger-scale examination of the patient safety system in the country

The review into the CQC has confirmed significant failings in the way the watchdog operates which have led to ‘a substantial loss of credibility’ and to a deterioration’ in its ability to identify poor performance

Poor-quality and delayed CQC reports have also limited the credibility and impact of assessments for providers, according to Northwest London ICS chair

Dr Penny Dash who led the review

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has now published the full report of Dr Penny Dash s review into the Care Quality Commission (CQC) s operational effectiveness In addition the CQC published the report of Professor Sir Mike Richards’ independent review of CQC’s single assessment framework and its implementation

In response to Penny Dash’s interim report and recommendations, in July this

year, the Health and Social Care Secretary announced four immediate steps for the government and CQC to take to restore public confidence in the regulator These included appointing Sir Mike Richards (former CQC chief inspector of hospitals) to review CQC s assessment framework THE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE SECRETARY HAS ALSO ASKED DR DASH TO CONDUCT TWO FURTHER REVIEWS:

• The first will examine the roles and remits of six key organisations (CQC, the National Guardian s Office Healthwatch England and the Local Healthwatch network, the Health Services Safety Investigation Body, the Patient Safety Commissioner and NHS Resolution) and will make recommendations on how patient safety could be strengthened via a different approach to national oversight

The second review will focus on quality and its governance and will support the government as it works to ensure positive cultural change across health and social care

(Continued on Page 3)

EDITOR'S VIEWPOINT

Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

Editor Peter Adams

The recent critical review of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) led by Dr Penny Dash and Sir Mike Richards, has unveiled a series of concerning shortcomings that have significantly impacted the regulator's credibility The review highlighted several key failures, particularly focusing on the overcomplicated and unwieldy nature of the Single Assessment Framework persistent delays in inspection reporting, and the disruptive consequences of implementing a new regulatory platform

These issues have led to frustration across the care sector, with many organizations voicing concerns over the lack of clarity consistency and timeliness that are essential in maintaining high standards of care

The CQC went through a major restructuring last year, which, I understand moved staff from three directorates with an emphasis on specific sectors into teams operating at local level ‘resulting in a loss of expertise’ which, Dr Dash concludes meant providers did not trust the outcomes of reviews pretty devasting conclusion!

She said: ‘This review has found significant failings in the internal workings of CQC, which have led to a substantial loss of credibility within the health and social care sectors, deterioration in the ability of CQC to identify poor performance and support a drive to improved quality and a direct impact on the capacity and capability of both the social care and healthcare sectors to deliver much-needed improvements in care ’

Her review received more than 125 emails from CQC staff members and saw letters from trade unions to former health secretaries informing them of ‘significant issues’

However to its credit the CQC has accepted the high-level recommendations of both reports without reservation, acknowledging the serious organizational failings identified The CQC s commitment to taking rapid corrective action is a positive step and it will be crucial to monitor how effectively these changes are implemented to restore trust and ensure

accountability

In other news the recent decision by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) not to approve donanemab for NHS use has sparked considerable discussion

NICE cited the high costs associated with the drug including regular infusions and the need for intensive monitoring for severe side effects versus the relatively modest benefit it provides, delaying Alzheimer’s progression by just 4 to 7 months While this decision may be disappointing to many, it underscores the difficult balancing act of ensuring good value for the taxpayer

Nonetheless there is hope on the horizon With around 20 Alzheimer s drugs in late-stage clinical trials the pace of progress is accelerating and it is encouraging to know that more treatments will soon be submitted for approval The world remains desperate for a breakthrough either a longterm treatment or a preventative measure that can alleviate the profound impact of Alzheimer’s, a disease that touches all of us, directly or indirectly at some point in our lives

At THE CARER, we are calling on our readers for help

As you may have seen in our appeal for support The CARER has always been delivered in print and online free of charge since 2004 including the sector's only weekly digital issue

We are committed to keeping you informed with the latest news views products and services on the sector s most popular adult social care website www thecareruk com , which receives almost 4,000 visits and 26,000 page reads every day

However with costs rising significantly we recently put out an appeal for support

We extend our heartfelt thanks to readers who have responded and pledged their support with a £10 donation covering the next two years and thank you also for your very kind words of support too!

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Report Reveals CQC’s “Loss of Credibility”

(Continues from Front Cover)

KEY POINTS

The two reviews reflect on different concerns over CQC s leadership, processes and overall performance

They will make complementary recommendations on how the regulator can restore its credibility effectiveness and its ability to ensure the safety and quality of care of services in England THESE RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE:

A fundamental reset of the organisation reverting to its previous model of three chief inspectors leading sector-based inspection teams, and considering the appointment of a fourth chief inspector to lead regulation of mental health and inspections under the Mental Health Act

• Abandoning the concept of a single assessment framework covering all sectors regulated by CQC while retaining existing key questions and quality statements

Improving operational performance including the quality and timeliness of reports

• Rebuilding expertise within the organisation and its relationships with providers

• Fixing technical issues with the provider portal and addressing registration backlogs

Formally pausing ICS assessments

Working closely with providers to improve its approach to assessment and inspection

Revisiting the use of one-word ratings

Dr Dash said: ‘This report reiterates the findings of my interim report while providing further detail and analysis of the CQC’s performance

It builds on insights and perspectives from patients and users and a wide range of health and social care providers as well as senior leaders from the NHS and local authorities

‘I am very grateful to the large number of staff within the CQC who have come forward to share their experiences of the last few years and to make recommendations for the future They have shown exceptional patience and professionalism throughout this difficult period DEEP ROOTED CHALLENGES

Professor Martin Green OBE Chief Executive of Care England commented: “Sir Mike Richards’ report confirms the deep-rooted chal-

lenges we have seen first-hand in recent years The CQC’s restructuring and its Single Assessment Framework have quite simply not worked These changes have placed unnecessary pressure on the sector delayed critical inspections and demoralised both CQC staff and care providers alike Urgent action is needed to address these failings and rebuild trust ”

The review underscores several key failures including the overcomplicated nature of the Single Assessment Framework, delays in inspection reporting and the damaging impact of the new regulatory platform Care England welcomes the call for a reset of the CQC’s structure and operations emphasising that the organisation must return to its core mission: ensuring safe effective and high-quality care ”

The findings of this review are a wake-up call for the CQC The fundamental reset proposed by Sir Mike Richards is essential if we are to see real improvements The lack of clinical oversight inadequate training for new staff and the complexity of the assessment framework are all issues that need immediate resolution These are not just operational challenges – they are impacting the care and safety of vulnerable people across health and social care settings, and care providers are being charged for services that aren t being delivered

“Care England supports the recommendations set out in the report particularly the reinstatement of sector-based inspection teams the appointment of permanent Chief Inspectors, and a simplification of the assessment framework to better reflect the diversity of the services regulated by the CQC However the changes must be implemented swiftly to avoid further damage ”

RAPID ACTION

The review concluded that the CQC will need to set out how and by when, it will make the changes required

The CQC said it has accepted the recommendations of both reports and is ‘taking rapid action in response’

In agreement with the Department of Health and Social Care the CQC has paused its assessments of ICSs for six months and said that this is to free up capacity to carry out more assessments’ of providers and enable the regulator to modify its current assessment framework

The CQC has also said it will work with providers, colleagues, people

who use services local government and wider stakeholders to ‘develop a plan on how it will implement these changes and make sure it is realistic about what can be delivered by when Once this is signed off CQC will share what people can expect and when

REBUILDING TRUST

Ian Dilks Chair of CQC said: We welcome the final part of Dr Penny Dash’s review – we accept the findings and we will address the recommendations with urgency Today [October 15] also sees the publication of the review we commissioned from Professor Sir Mike Richards – we are extremely grateful to Sir Mike for his helpful work and will be using his recommendations to help us respond to the serious failings identified by Dr Penny Dash His review also offers additional suggestions for improvement that we will be exploring as part of our wider recovery work

Both reviews have reaffirmed the support for a robust health and care regulator and recognised the dedication and experience of CQC staff We are committed to rebuilding trust in CQC’s regulation and are taking action to make sure we have the right structure processes and technology in place to help us fulfil our vital role of helping people get good care and supporting providers to improve

“VERY REAL PROBLEMS”

Professor Sir Mike Richards, said “I have been working closely with providers of health and social care and with CQC staff to find solutions to the very real problems identified by Dr Penny Dash CQC s transformation programme has not delivered what was intended

CQC urgently needs to return to a structure where inspections teams are led once again by chief inspectors relating to the different sectors that CQC regulates In addition the current assessment framework needs to be radically simplified and the major problems with the new IT system need to be rectified I know that work is already underway to address these areas

“I believe that CQC’s problems can be fixed relatively quickly under the leadership of Julian Hartley the incoming Chief Executive Providers have overwhelmingly reaffirmed that they want good regulation and many CQC staff remain fully committed to delivering this These changes will help the regulator to effectively deliver its crucial work of ensuring that people get high quality safe care

How Care Homes Can Help Their Residents Feel More Confident

As we age it s normal to lose confidence This can be due to a number of things such as changes in our bodies or potential health issues that may arise This knock in confidence can also lead to people being less active and becoming withdrawn from those around them

Care home managers at Elmfield Care, a leading care home provider with homes in Salisbury Chippenham and Lydney offer their advice on how to boost resident confidence

FOCUS ON INDEPENDENCE

Empower your residents to make their own choices and complete tasks themselves” Rachel Gittins, Flowers Manor Care Home Lifestyle Manager shares We try to encourage our residents to take the lead as much as they can this autonomy helps our residents feel more in control over their lives and confident in their decisions and themselves

“It’s important to note that we have residents of all abilities and independence is a spectrum Care home staff need to find the balance between offering support and encouraging residents to be independent Every approach we have for care home residents is personalised to each resident which plays a vital role in helping them be more confident in their abilities

FACILITATING HOBBIES

“We find all our residents have different interests and hobbies so we try to personalise these as much as possible for our residents ” Bartosz Turewicz Nodens Manor Care Home Manager shares Hobbies can provide residents with structure to their days and can help them focus on something they enjoy which provides residents with a feeling of control and direction

At Elmfield Care each home has an activity calendar which is shared each month with our residents and

their families so residents know what s coming up and can decide on what activities they want to join

“Homes need to have an individual approach when it comes to hobbies to make sure each residents interests are catered for and are for all abilities

SOCIALISATION AND COMMUNITY

Emily Old Sarum Manor Care Home Manager shares: “Socialising is important for our mental and emotional well-being To help our residents feel more confident we encourage them to take part in our organised events that are chosen based on the range of interests and abilities our residents have This encourages them to make friendships and connect with the other residents too ”

We also arrange regular trips out in our local area so our residents are regularly getting out as staying in can feel isolating for some residents ”

EXERCISE

Bartosz Turewicz adds Encouraging care home residents to exercise has many benefits Including making them feel more confident in themselves ”

At Elmfield we have a range of exercises across all abilities Exercise helps strengthen muscles improves balance and increases stamina Which helps our residents complete everyday tasks easier and allows them to maintain more independence

It also gives our residents a sense of accomplishment that helps boost their confidence

BEAUTY TREATMENTS

Emily continues “Just like anyone else, our residents love the feeling of being pampered and cared for which is why supplying beauty treatments is so important

We also find appearance can play a huge part of how we see ourselves so having beauty treatments such as hair styling and manicures can help our residents feel more like themselves which helps boost their confidence

Likewise, it also gives our residents the chance to chat with the stylist and other residents which can help their mood and reduce feelings of isolation Overall beauty treatments go further than just the physical appearance of our residents but also help their mental and emotional well-being ”

Bradford College Students Recieve Anchor Roles

Bradford College students have gone on to secure permanent roles at Anchor England s largest not-for-profit provider of care and housing for people in later life following successful work placements

Over

All the students, alongside the Head of School Vicky Carter, were invited to Anchor s headquarters in Bradford to celebrate their achievements and receive awards for their efforts during their time with the organisation Reflecting on their time with Anchor, one of the students said: “The placement at Mill View care home has opened my eyes and made me

want to pursue a career in care ”

Head of School Vicky Carter added: We re grateful to Anchor for allowing our students to enter its care homes and learn more about how they operate day-to-day I m certain they all picked up skills that will prove invaluable in later life

Following successful placements three students from Bradford College have secured permanent roles within Anchor care homes

Anchor District Manager Kirsty Francis said: “We commenced working with Bradford College Vicky and her team as these students are our potential care staff team leaders managers and senior leader of the future It is great to support these young minds and help them start their careers in health and social care

Worldclass Angel’s Mega Singathon For Dementia

A singer whose performance was described as worldclass and breathtaking by judges who named her as winner of Germany’s version of ‘Britain s Got Talent will be doing a five-hour singathon at The Dolphin in Plymouth on 1 November as a fundraiser for the local dementia care home where she now works Angel Flukes, who originally came from Saltash and attended Plymouth s City College won Das Supertalent in 2016 with her rendition of Celine Dion s Think Twice in front of a TV audience of around five million Angel, now 37, worked abroad as a singer from 2010 returning to Plymouth at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 to care for her dad who was living with dementia

She said: “On Valentine’s Day in 2022 the team at Butterfly Lodge invited me to sing for their residents and it was on that day my dad passed away so the home became extremely special to me

I often returned to sing for them then when a vacancy arose on their activities team earlier this year I decided to apply and I m so happy to be working there

“I love getting closer to our residents learning from

on

“A lot of love and understanding is needed to provide our residents with the care they deserve, and it’s great to be part of a team where everyone s happiness has the same high priority as health and safety ”

Clare Sinclair manager of Butterfly Lodge said: “Angel’s voice is amazing: the residents love it when she sings for them and she always has them plus staff and families up and dancing

We are so excited about the singathon Five hours is a long time for anyone to perform, but Angel is a pro and has a great repertoire so we know it will be an amazing evening from start to finish and we re so grateful to her for doing it as a fundraiser for residents

“There is no charge for entry to the singathon: the money Angel raises through donations and the sale of raffle tickets will be spent on Christmas activities such as taking residents to the Eden project, Christmas markets and festive shows and buying them some lovely gifts Angel Flukes started her singing career when she moved

Over 10 Million Covid And Flu Jabs Delivered As NHS Ramps Up Protection Ahead Of Winter

The first seasonal vaccination data out today shows more than 5 7 million Covid or flu vaccines have been given in the last week alone (2 181 198 COVID-19 and 3 556 236 flu vaccinations administered week ending 13 October) as those eligible come forward to get their protection

Covid jabs were rolled out to those eligible on 3 October and in just 10 days since then NHS staff have delivered almost 4 million vaccines (3,794,214 from 3 to 13 October)

Flu jabs have been available for pregnant women and children since 1 September to help stop the virus spreading as schools returned and are now fully rolled out across the country to all remaining eligible groups

Across the country NHS staff have introduced ways of delivering vaccinations to make it as easy as possible for people to receive their jabs – like setting up a mobile unit in a supermarket car park in the Midlands training care home staff to deliver jabs to residents in their own space across the North West or hosting a pop-up clinic in a local rugby club in North East and Yorkshire

The NHS has invited over 11 million people in England to come forward but those that are eligible do not have to wait to receive an invitation to be able to book

Anyone eligible can book a Covid-19 or flu vaccine appointment via the NHS website NHS App or by calling 119 for free The flu vaccine can also be booked by searching online for a local pharmacy and there are walk in sites available to get the Covid-19 vaccine

Latest data shows an encouraging number of adults over 65 are already coming forward to get protected with over 2 8 million Covid-19 jabs delivered this month so far, on top of almost 4 million flu jabs since the start of the rollout In the first 10 days of the rollout around 600 000 Covid vaccines were also delivered to those in clinical risk groups

UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA s) latest surveillance data shows an increase of Covid-19 and influenza hospitalisations as well as a rise in Covid-19 acute respiratory incidents (week 40)

Steve Russell NHS National Director for Vaccinations and Screening said: Today s figures are a testament to the hard work of NHS staff in successfully rolling out winter vaccinations across the country in a bid to protect those who are most vulnerable as we move towards the colder months ”

“We are seeing a rise of flu and Covid cases and hospitalisations on top of a seasonal rise in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) which are adding to the growing risk of a tripledemic this winter as pressures on NHS services are increased ”

“The threat of these viruses is real – and the best defence against these dangerous illnesses is vaccination – so it is crucial that anyone eligible comes forward for their vaccine appointment when they can to protect themselves and those around them – it could keep you out of hospital this winter

YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A COVID-19 AND FLU VACCINATION IF YOU:

are aged 65 or over are pregnant

• are aged 6 months to 64 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book) live in a care home for older adults are a frontline health and social care worker including those working in care homes for older adults IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, THOSE ALSO ELIGIBLE FOR A FLU VACCINE INCLUDE:

carers in receipt of carer’s allowance or are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person close contacts of immunocompromised individuals

• all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024

primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6) and secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)

all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years

• frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary careproviders voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or personal health budgets such as personal assistants

Remote Connectivity: Addressing Key Challenges In Healthcare

Healthcare systems worldwide face mounting challenges – ranging from a shortage of skilled professionals to overcrowded hospitals rising costs and ensuring equal access to care for all, regardless of geography

These challenges are not unique to one region; they span both developed and developing countries, pushing the medical community to explore innovative solutions to deliver care more efficiently and effectively

Technology particularly remote connectivity offers a pathway to addressing many of these critical issues

By leveraging digital tools healthcare providers can enhance their ability to serve patients in even the most challenging circumstances

And this isn t just in theory healthcare providers across the world are seeing the results, and more importantly so are their patients

TACKLING SKILLS SHORTAGES: BRINGING SPECIALISTS ANYWHERE, ANYTIME

The global shortage of healthcare workers – especially in rural or remote areas – has made it difficult to provide adequate care In Australia, aged care provider Uniting faced this issue head-on where limited access to skilled healthcare workers often delayed or complicated patient care Particularly for those in rural and remote areas

Through the use of augmented reality (AR) and smart glasses paired with TeamViewer s remote assistance, Uniting was able to bring specialists to the bedside virtually

This allowed on-site caregivers to consult with experts instantly reducing hospital referrals by 62% and improving response times by 75% This technology effectively closed the skills gap enabling early detection of health issues and better clinical outcomes

EQUAL ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE: EXTENDING CARE TO REMOTE REGIONS

Providing equal access to healthcare remains a pressing concern particularly in underserved or hard-to-

By Peter Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at

reach areas Mercy Ships, who operates two of the largest non-governmental hospital ships in West Africa faces this challenge daily as it provides care to some of the world s most isolated populations

By using remote connectivity Mercy Ships bridges the gap between their onboard staff and specialists across the globe For example, a surgeon can quickly consult a pathology expert in the US before operating on a patient ensuring the highest quality of care This model of remote access could be invaluable for rural and remote areas of the UK such as the Scottish Highlands where specialist care is often difficult to access or many hours drive or even boat away

MANAGING OVERCROWDED HOSPITALS AND REDUCING COSTS

Overcrowded hospitals are a growing problem particularly as populations age and more individuals require long-term care Technology offers a solution here as well In the US Integris Neuro uses

TeamViewer s remote connectivity solutions to monitor patients in their homes

With constant electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring and real-time data sharing healthcare professionals can provide ongoing care without requiring patients to be hospitalised

This not only frees up hospital space but also reduces costs by treating more patients at home enabling timely interventions that improve patient outcomes

THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE: A TECH-ENABLED REVOLUTION

The examples of Uniting Mercy Ships and Integris Neuro illustrate how technology is helping to address some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare

Remote connectivity solutions are creating a more flexible and responsive healthcare system by enabling real-time collaboration between specialists and care providers extending access to hard-to-reach populations, and reducing the burden on overcrowded hospitals

Not only that but the return on investment can be almost immediate with the reduction in travel costs and reduced hospital admissions

With technology being one of the rising costs in healthcare this is a significant deciding factor on what to invest in Proven technologies with a quick pay back are key

As technology continues to evolve it will play an increasingly critical role in transforming how healthcare is delivered – making care more accessible efficient and cost-effective across the world

•

• They can be bought as seen or refurbished and sign-written to your own requirements

• Fully serviced, new mot & warranty

• Engineers inspection supplied if required

TeamViewer (www teamviewer com)

SEND Deficits Risk Bankrupting Almost Three

Quarters Of England’s Largest Councils By 2027

Twenty-six of England s largest councils could have to declare bankruptcy by 2027 if the multi-billion special educational needs and disabilities services (SEND) deficits they are grappling with are placed onto their budget books a dramatic new survey reveals as councils grapple surging adult social care costs

The warning comes from the County Councils Network (CCN) with the analysis revealing the scale of the financial challenges facing county authorities in England with these authorities projected financial deficits potentially tripling overnight and pushing 60% more councils into insolvency

New data analysis by the Society of County Treasurers and the Association of Local Authority Treasurers shows rising demand and costs has resulted in England’s 38 county and largest unitary authorities in England amassing ‘unmanageable SEND deficits of £2bn this year a figure projected to rise to £2 7bn in 2025/26 Nationally these deficits are now estimated to be £4bn this year growing to £5 9bn next year These deficits are being kept off councils’ budget books due to an accountancy method called the statutory override’ which is due to expire in March 2026

facing these councils New analysis shows that SEND deficits for county and rural unitary authorities currently stand at £2bn but will grow further: reaching £2 7bn by the end of 2026 These councils are already estimated to face a growing revenue funding gap of £1 1bn next year and £1 6bn in 2026/27 despite predicated council tax rises

• Because of these significant financial challenges, eight in ten respondents said they were unable to build up more reserves to offset their SEND deficits if the override came to an end

• But councils say writing off deficits up to 2026 or extending the statutory alone will not deal with the fundamental financial challenges caused by the SEND system Unchecked the new analysis shows that SEND deficits would continue to grow into 2026/27 by a further £1bn in county areas, reaching £3 8bn by the end that year, while nationally they could reach £8bn As a result 95% council chief executives in the survey said ‘comprehensive and fundamental reform to the system is essential

The CCN s submission to the government s Budget and Spending Review consultation calls on the government to provide immediate clarity and a national solution on how the Treasury plans to manage councils’ high needs deficits if the override comes to an end in March 2026 as currently planned

But the CCN warns that removing or limiting councils’ exposure to high-needs deficits is only one part of the solution In tandem with action on the statutory override the government must set out root and branch reform of the SEND system which does not work for parents young people and councils alike and to address demand and costs that are spiralling out of control A NEW SURVEY OF LOCAL AUTHORITY CHIEF EXECUTIVES AND NEW ANALYSIS OF SEND DEFICITS REVEALS THAT:

• Due to surging costs in adult social care children’s services and home to school transport and in the absence of additional funding, 16 county and rural unitary authorities predict they are at risk of issuing a Section 114 before 2027

• In addition to this if the statutory override expires then the number of councils at risk of declaring bankruptcy increases by 60% A total of 26 of the 38 county and rural unitary authorities would be at risk of issuing a Section 114 notice before 2027 including 18 authorities who would be insolvent overnight in March 2026 Only four councils believe they can remain solvent by the end of the parliament if their SEND deficit was transferred to their revenue budget

This is because accumulated SEND deficits at this point would almost triple the revenue funding gap

The calls come amidst an increasingly precarious financial situation for councils Analysis released recently by CCN showed England’s county and largest unitary authorities face a £20 3bn black hole over the next five years before council tax rises and excluding SEND deficits Unless action is taken to reform services such as adult social care and children s services the CCN warns that councils could effectively become little more providing care services by the turn of the decade

Cllr Kate Foale Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Spokesperson for the County Councils Network said: The current SEND system works for no-one It does not work for parents young people and councils alike and during the last decade demand and costs have spiralled out of control leaving local authorities with deficits that are unmanageable This is despite local authorities doing everything in their power to address costs

Today s survey shows the reality of what would happen if these deficits are not addressed and the statutory override removed: an immediate financial emergency that would lead to dozens of councils declaring bankruptcy in the next 18 months, and only four out of 38 surveyed surviving the decade Considering only six councils in the whole of England have declared bankruptcy in the last ten years this is an eye-opening figure and each and every S114 Notice would be catastrophic for local services

“With the clock ticking to March 2026 when these deficits are placed back onto councils’ budget books, the government must provide immediate clarity on a national solution to eliminating or managing councils deficits But this is only one part of the solution We also need root and branch reform of the SEND system to address the key issues driving demand and cost including flipping the system to make mainstream schools more inclusive for SEND pupils ”

Elizabeth Finn Homes Appoints

New Operations Director

Originally from Dorset James has worked in the care sector for nearly 20 years in various organisations and positions both regional and national Over this time, he has worked across nursing residential dementia learning disability autism and complex injury and has a proven track record of delivering quality and profitability across this wide range of care settings

James s previous roles include Managing Director at Autonomy Care Group where he led the transformation of the organisation's culture, performance and growth Prior to this he held Operations Director roles at Priory Group and Encore Care Homes

“This is a truly unique opportunity,” comments James “As a

ISL Creates An “Inspiring” Art Competition

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 wellrespected 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

Bridgepoint Announces Sale Of Care UK

Ita, 81, Celebrates 50 Years of

Looking After Residents at Care South

Prevent ever yday wear and tear with Yeoman Shield’s extensive range of easy-clean, wall and door protection

Our attractive, maintenance free, hygienic products protect healthcare environments from costly impact damage, making repainting and repair a thing of the past

Blending with decors, and available in primar y dementia-friendly colours, our designs can include signage, to promote the well-being of patients and aid wayfinding

But we don’t stop at walls Our Fire Door Ser vices are specially designed to offer an extra layer of safety in care settings From regular inspections and repairs to complete replacements, Yeoman Shield’s fire door ser vices help you meet all relevant safety regulations, giving you peace of mind

Glasgow Care Home’s Assistant Psychologists

Believe Young People Working In Social Care Are

‘Essential’

To Meet Needs Of Ageing Population

Two Assistant Psychologists (APs) at HC-One Scotland’s Darnley Court care home in Glasgow believe that young people working in care is essential for supporting the complex needs of an ageing population

Following the launch of the care home s Carmichael Specialist Dementia Care Community (SDCC) earlier this year colleagues at the home have implemented a more therapeutic approach to dementia care placing young Assistant Psychologists like Maria and Abigail at the heart of the solution

As psychology graduates who aspire to become Clinical Psychologists Maria and Abigail require experience before they apply for training courses to get their appropriate qualifications

Working with residents directly in an innovative SDCC environment has not only provided them with an excellent opportunity to learn and develop within a care home environment but their contributions and efforts have been to the benefit of many residents

MARIA MCGINLAY, ASSISTANT PSYCHOLOGIST AT DARNLEY COURT CARE HOME, SAID:

Young people in care are essential as they re the future With an ageing population and even more people in care homes affected by dementia over the next ten years we need even more young people to get involved in the sector

“I have personal experience with dementia in my own family and I think this not only helps drive me to do everything I can for the care of every resident but it also means that I can use what I learn at work when I m supporting members of my own family

At HC-One everything that I ve said has been taken on board and I feel valued and we feel as though our work is having a real impact on the lives of the residents

Working closely with Darnley Court s Dementia Specialist Lead Rosamma Matthew the young APs have been integrated as part of the core care team observing behaviour and recording distress to discover what might trigger or cause each person to feel upset or angry Subsequently the APs use this information for deescalation intervention to prevent this from occurring

People living with dementia may become frustrated by not being able to verbally communicate well being frightened by misinterpreting a situation and upset by their loss of independence This can then make them become physically or verbally defensive, or sometimes withdrawn

Through their observations the young APs can enhance the way the home supports people who display distressed behaviour As core members of the care team, they help design bespoke wellbeing interventions, as well as engaging them in everyday opportunities such as reminiscing giving them a relaxing hand massage playing familiar songs or going for a walk in the garden to help or stop someone from becoming stressed or distressed

This is completely unique to the SDCC model and it means that every resident s care plan is personalised and clinically evidence-based

Professor Graham Stokes, Director of Dementia Care at HC-One, commented:

Assistant Psychologists enable us to bring to life our commitment to understanding why people we care for in our SDCCs are distressed, present with behaviours that carers find challenging and concerning or present as disengaged and apathetic

Attracting these young graduates to HC-One not only means we re tapping into new ways of psychological thinking but we re also gaining a fresh set of eyes that can question accepted practice and bring new insights ”

For young people like Abigail and Maria both 23-years-old entering these roles early in their careers to support an SDCC model will help them develop within a framework that enables them to learn how to engage compassionately with residents and build confidence in handling complex behaviours

In Scotland alone It is estimated that between 2019 – 2040 there will be a 104 per cent increase in the number of people living with severe dementia meaning that care homes will need to introduce new ways of supporting those experiencing symptoms of dementia The SDCC model is just one of the pioneering ways in which dementia care can be advanced for its residents By using a person-centred approach every care plan or document associated with resident is made with their desires and best interests at the forefront

This approach values the person with dementia while striving to maintain and support the abilities that they possess while helping the resident in situations where things are becoming trickier When faced with more difficult situations an AP s job is to look deeper into the behaviour and not just see the situation as it was but to look further something that comes naturally to the young and curious minds of HC-One’s Assistant Psychologists

ABIGAIL GRAHAM ASSISTANT PSYCHOLOGIST AT DARNLEY COURT CARE HOME STATED:

“We differ a lot compared to other services because at HC-One we have more responsibility and opportunity to see residents before they come in and have a say in if they should be admitted into our homes

“We use our pre-assessment tool which we ve been using a lot recently as we welcomed our first resident at the start of September We do data analysis and interpretation which we will do more and more of as we get to really know the residents in the home

“As young people we can add a new perspective on how to understand people and that helps everyone in the care home especially residents

The relationships that the young care workers form within the home are particularly pertinent Maria is often called a pal demonstrating the bond that can be struck within the community

At HC-One, the young APs have been provided an opportunity to gain valuable work experience in social care as well as by working with people with chronic and enduring dementia care needs

While the experience is particularly valuable to the young APs their ability to offer a new perspective and inject fresh ideas into the care home has helped Darnley Court and others to offer even more exceptional and kinder care to all residents

Residents Shine at Frank Foster House’s Sustainable Fashion Show

Social Care TV

This unique addition provides excellent value and a fully robust training package

SCTV are delighted to have won several awards over the last 12 months including: Best Online Health and Social Care Learning Platform’ – Global Health & Pharma Social Care Awards 2024 • CPD Provider of the Year’ – The CPD Awards Social

Maria McGinlay (left and Abigail Graham (right)

81-Year-Old Pilot Living With Dementia Soars The Skies Again After A Little Help From His Friends!

pilot friend and Joseph was asked if he would like to co-pilot a local flight over Yorkshire Joseph was ecstatic and immediately said yes! The home helped organise the trip out and a couple of days later Joseph was soaring the skies over York Minster and other iconic Yorkshire landmarks

Joseph said: I can t believe I got the chance to fly again The conditions were absolutely perfect and it felt incredible to be up in the air again!”

Rebecca Fairfax Deputy Manager at Castleford Lodge talked about how Joseph s lifelong passion for aviation plays a huge part in his person-centred care plan

She said: We are already planning another flight soon! Seeing Joseph doing what he loves the most was wonderful When he first joined Castleford Lodge Nursing Home we loved learning about his interest in engineering It not only helped us get to him more but it also helped him settle in to his newer surroundings ”

When Joseph got older his cousin joined the

but Joseph s father would not let

because he was scared of another potential war breaking out ‘I went to college to continue my studies in engineering whilst saving up to take flying lessons ’

He was 18 when he finally learnt how to fly He saved up all his money and went to Florida to take lessons Incredibly It took him just four weeks to become licensed to fly during the day When he was diagnosed with dementia, he thought his sky soaring days were over However a couple of months ago he was reunited with his

Living with dementia we believe it s important for Joseph to retain the hobbies and passions he loved over the years He enjoys reading aviation magazines and books and we re lucky enough to hear incredible stories about his plane

Reminiscing about his aircraft always puts a huge smile on his face – and ours too!”

Alzheimer’s Drug Donanemab Does Not Currently Demonstrate Value For The NHS says NICE

The costs of providing donanemab including regular infusions and intensive monitoring for serious side effects, balanced against the relatively small benefit it provides to patients means it cannot currently be considered good value for the taxpayer says the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

The clinical trial evidence suggests that the monthly injection can slow Alzheimer s disease progression by 4 to 7 months NICE s independent committee heard

However there are significant uncertainties about how much benefit donanemab provides, and how long this lasts for after stopping treatment Further work is also needed to understand the costs of giving the medicine in the NHS

The committee also heard that clinical trial evidence suggests there are significant health risks associated with the treatment A third of donanemab recipients experienced amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) caused by brain swelling and bleeding

The committee recognised the importance of new treatment options and has asked the company and NHS England to provide additional information to address areas of uncertainty in the evidence

Donanemab (also called Kisunla and made by Eli Lilly) has been licensed today by the MHRA for treatment of mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer s disease in some adults It is a type of drug called a monoclonal antibody, which is given by infusion (through a drip in the arm)

Helen Knight director of medicines evaluation at NICE said: “For NICE to be able to approve a medicine for use in the NHS it must provide additional benefits to patients and it must also represent a good use of NHS resources and taxpayers’ money ”

“NICE independent committee looked at all the available evidence, including the benefits for carers

which revealed that donanemab could slow down cognitive decline by 4-7 months, but this is just not they say enough benefit to justify the additional cost to the NHS ”

The cost-effectiveness estimate for donanemab is 5 to 6 times above what NICE normally considers an acceptable use of NHS resources

“I know this will be disappointing news, but this is an emerging field of medicine and there are other treatments being developed

Professor Fiona Carragher Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer s Society said: “Disease-modifying therapies like donanemab and lecanemab offer a new horizon of hope in the fight against dementia MHRA s approval of donanemab marks another milestone in this journey but it comes alongside a draft NICE decision not to recommend

donanemab for use on the NHS While this is disheartening, we respect the decision of the regulator ”

In other diseases like cancer treatments have become more effective safer and cheaper over time and we hope to see similar progress in dementia

“With around 20 Alzheimer’s disease drugs in late-stage clinical trials more drugs will be submitted for approval within the next few years ”

New treatments are an important catalyst for change but they are only one piece of the puzzle While preparing for the future we must not lose sight of the million people living with dementia in the UK today –a third of whom don’t have a diagnosis ”

“We need to see significant government investment to bring about radical change so that everyone with dementia in the UK can get an early and accurate diagnosis Without this people won t be able to access existing treatments and interventions to help manage their symptoms today or be ready for the disease slowing treatments of tomorrow ”

Grays Fire Station and Museum Open Day: A Heartwarming Experience for Dementia Residents

A special Open Day was hosted at the Grays Fire Station and Museum designed to provide an enjoyable and engaging experience for residents of local care homes, particularly those living with dementia The event which took place on a sunny August morning brought together residents from Crowstone House and Elizabeth House care home part of the Runwood Homes group for a memorable outing Residents were picked up by Gus the friendly minibus driver setting the tone for a delightful day ahead Among those attending was John, a resident of Crowstone House with a remarkable history in the fire service John served for 30 years in the London Fire Brigade and is the proud recipient of the British Empire Medal awarded in 1980 for his outstanding contributions to sports within the brigade John s story is one of dedication and courage He helped run an athletic club on Wimbledon Common winning numerous medals in long-distance running and even representing the brigade in international competitions Recalling his experiences, John stated We raised a lot of money for charity reflecting on his participation in races along Southend seafront and in France, where he secured a commendable third

“I

with

his time in the London Fire Brigade

received a

service and bravery an aspect of his career he humbly refrained from discussing Recognising the significance of this outing, the staff at Crowstone House decided to take John along with fellow resident Alan to the Open Day At the fire station John quickly became the centre of attention Fire station staff were eager to take photos with him captivated by his stories from a life well lived including his adventures in the Merchant Navy service in the Military Police in Ireland, and, of course, his illustrious career as a firefighter A newspaper clipping featuring John in the driver s seat of a fire engine inspired a memorable moment: staff helped him into the front seat of a modern fire engine where he remarked It s like I m back in the job The visit left John with a heart full of joy Upon returning to Crowstone House he spent the next two days sharing his experiences with fellow residents expressing how the outing had brought back lots of lovely memories of my time as a Fireman ” Julie Barnard Lifestyle Coordinator at Crowstone House shared her thoughts on the day: It was a wonderful opportunity for our residents to engage with their pasts and create new memories John and Alan had a fantastic time and it was heartwarming to see the joy on their faces

residents and their families feel calmer and more comfortable in expressing their wishes as death approaches

Gill Ennis St Catherine’s Registered Manager who led the team through this success, commented: “End-of-life care is something I m deeply passionate about This award is just recognition for the hard work and commitment our entire team has towards our residents and their families

Nic Gilbert, Chief Executive of St Cuthbert’s Care, applauded the result:

Achieving 71 out of 75 points on our first assessment is fantastic and shows the calibre of care we provide

Clinical Lead Sheryl Joseph and Senior Carer Natalie Hailes represented the home at the award ceremony in London “It was a huge honour to attend ” Natalie said We ve always known about the high quality of care we deliver and it s wonderful to have it recognised nationally

St Catherine s achievement sets a new standard for care in Newcastle, reflecting local excellence and dedication to supporting residents at every stage of their lives

Scientists Develop Pioneering Diagnostic ‘Laser Test’ For Dementia

Researchers are leading a pioneering study to investigate a new laser-based test that could detect different types of dementia early in the disease

If successful the test will help doctors rapidly identify which patients may be eligible for new drug treatments at a point when they are most likely to be effective

The project is a collaboration between University Hospital Southampton (UHS) and the University of Southampton funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

The test works by profiling a biochemical fingerprint which experts believe can give an accurate diagnosis and help distinguish between different types of dementia

The development has been hailed as a “breakthrough in medical technology by the study team with initial results suggesting accuracy of up to 93%

There are over 850 000 people living with dementia in the UK with the figure is expected to rise to 1 4 million by 2040

There are many different types of the condition such as Alzheimer s disease and vascular dementia which is progressive and get worse over time

Main symptoms include memory loss difficulty in concentration confusion mood changes and language and problem-solving skills

Diagnosing dementia early is difficult and often takes over two years using current diagnostic methods with many people not receiving a diagnosis until a much later stage in the disease when treatment options are less effective

One of the main challenges is that the disease has already progressed by the time symptoms start to appear and distinguishing between closely related dementia types can be challenging

The new technology, known as Multi-excitation Raman spectroscopy (MX-Raman), uses lasers to analyse the composition of a single drop of a bodily fluid – this can be blood spinal fluid or mucus

The lasers create tiny vibrations within the molecules that can be probed and provide a unique signal profile – called a spectrum – allowing scientists to examine the proteins, lipids, metabolites and other bio-

molecules present in the sample

Different molecules vibrate in different ways and this profile represents the sample’s biomolecular composition giving a ‘biochemical fingerprint’ of the person’s health and disease status

The revolutionary test can provide results in seconds and would be much cheaper than other diagnostic tests currently available It could also be made available directly in a clinic setting

Initial results suggest the test can accurately detect dementia with an average accuracy of over 93% when diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease

Prof Kipps consultant neurologist at University Hospital Southampton said The slow progression of dementia with a long pre-symptomatic phase presents a formidable challenge in early diagnosis

“This laser-based technique could change the way we approach dementia diagnosis and may significantly improve affordability and efficiency of current biomarker analysis It represents a breakthrough in medical technology

“This innovation is not just a leap in healthcare quality; it’s a paradigm shift, redefining our approach to neurodegenerative disease in the clinic ”

The biochemical fingerprints generated by MX-Raman will be tested in groups of patients with different types of dementia to assess how this will benefit patients from new and emerging therapies that only work for certain types of dementia – such as Alzheimer’s disease

Prof Mahajan professor of molecular biophotonics and imaging at the University of Southampton said: Our integrated approach has the potential to revolutionise dementia diagnostics There is an urgent unmet clinical need for more discriminatory efficient and cost-effective solutions

Our holistic MX-Raman technique is uniquely equipped to address these challenges and we want to see this technology lead to vastly improved patient outcomes ”

Researchers are also aiming to create a portable prototype device to test different bodily fluids and demonstrate its ability to identify specific dementia types

Paul Grundy chief medical officer at University Hospital Southampton said: “Research and innovation will be key to us addressing the most important health and care issues facing society

We are proud to have partnered with the University of Southampton for over 50 years and this latest project is another example of when our experts come together from different disciplines ”

Theatre Show Promotes Hydration At Teesside Care Homes

The Magic of theatre came to the bedsides of Teesside care home residents for an immersive multi-sensory performance designed to entertain as well as hydrate Elderly residents at two Hill Care Group homes in Middlesbrough and Saltburn were treated to a show called “Milk Two Sugars by the Woven Nest Theatre Company

The sensory-focussed experienced is designed specifically for older people with dementia living in care homes combining storytelling and performance with live music and puppetry to promote and aid hydration

The show is based on a touring tea-trolley which is operated by Clementine and Johnny who invite the audience to join in on their tea-party cabaret

This involved a puppet called Pip who performed a tight rope walk, a set of musical teaspoons, and the serving of strawberry infused tea to the audience as well as other theatrical and sensory surprises

The visits were organised by Sharon Lewis and Samantha McCormick activities coordinators at Hazelgrove Court Care Home and

the Woven Nest Theatre Company enough for visiting

Deputy Manager At Nor wich

Home Celebrates 20-Year Ser vice

12 Million Adults Delaying Social Care Plans Until Government Clarifies Policy, Report Reveals

Millions are delaying making care plans and are confused by government policy towards later life care reveals research among over-45s for the 2024 edition of the Just Group Care Report, titled Groundhog Day, which is published today

The in-depth report is the latest edition of the longest-running research series of its kind, having surveyed around 27,000 adults since 2012 to understand how they think and feel about the care system

In its 12th edition the report has been titled Groundhog Day in reference to the cute rodent called Punxsutawney Phil who it seems has better odds of predicting the weather in Pennsylvania than any government tackling the care funding crisis now that plans for reforms have – once again – been scrapped

This year s survey of 2,500 adults aged 45 and older reveals that almost half (47%) of adults – equal to approximately 12 million people2 in England – said they would delay making financial plans for residential later life care until the government brings forward new plans for funding long-term care

More than half (53%) of respondents roughly 13 million adults said that they felt confused by recent government announcements on the funding of residential care

In July new Labour Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves scrapped Conservative plans for social

care charging reforms that were due to be introduced in England next year The changes would have introduced more generous means-test limits and an £86,000 cap on the amount anyone would have to spend on their personal care over their lifetime

Stephen Lowe group communications director at the retirement specialist Just Group, said that the new report’s findings underscore the need for the government to tackle the crisis

The latest cancellation of planned reforms chalks up yet another false start on care funding which can be added to the long list of delays and postponements that have created significant uncertainty around social care

It is unsurprising that our research continually finds high levels of confusion among adults The fact that millions of people continue to put off making plans for later life care until they have clarity on government policy is a hugely concerning trend It risks people being forced into decisions at the point of crisis without the necessary financial or practical preparations around how and where they would like later-life care ”

“We urge the government to bring forward a new funded plan as a matter of priority One that can create long-term certainty to help people begin putting plans in place and rebuild confidence in the sector

105th Birthday Celebrations For Local Care Home Veteran

Celebrations have been in full swing at Hilton Park Care Home as one of its veteran residents reaches her 105th Birthday in style

Dorothy Smith was joined by staff relatives friends and other residents as she received her now yearly birthday card from the King in recognition of her latest landmark birthday A party for Dorothy was held at the Bottisham Airfield Museum and guests enjoyed a special birthday cake made by the home’s chef, Anthony Hopkins

Born on 21st October 1919 Dorothy has had an amazing life including being a code-breaker in World War 2, decoding German messages and sending them to Bletchley Park

Dorothy came to Hilton Park Care Home in 2018 where she is now enjoying a new chapter of her life

The birthday girl said: I feel truly humbled to have such a lovely day The secret to

Speaking about his mother Jeff said said: “My mother is and has been a fantastic Mother Grandmother Wife and friend to so many over the past one-hundred and five years, and it’s wonderful to be with her on this very special day to say just how proud she makes us feel Geanina Tinca, General Manager of Hilton Park Care Home added We re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable woman as she reaches this amazing milestone Dorothy is such a popular resident who always has an interesting tale to tell and we look forward to hearing many more as she continues her journey through her second century

Ministerial Visit To NCF Members Dimensions And Optalis

Care Minister, Stephen Kinnock MP paid a ministerial visit to NCF Members Dimensions and Optalis at the Wokingham borough On his visit the Minister took time to meet with people who draw on care and support and their families to hear first-hand about their experiences He spoke to people about what matters to them and how good support enables them to lead the lives they want to live

he visit was organised by the National Care Forum (NCF) and started at Ross’ home Ross talked about how important his family is to him and their involvement in his care and support His support worker Diane Clementson who has worked for Dimensions for more than 20 years shared her love for her job Diane went on to talk about the cost-of-living challenges faced by many of her colleagues; most of whom cannot afford to live in the area Ross and Diane also highlighted how essential it is to provide the right

communities and how vital it was to hear from those receiving care and support their families and the care workforce in the formulation of future government priorities around health and care

Vic Rayner, National Care Forum CEO, said “The Minister showed a strong interest in the work of NCF members Dimensions and Optalis It was clear he was impressed by the dedication and commitment of staff he talked with I was particularly pleased he was invited by Ross into his home where he could properly understand the difference that personcentred support made to his life each and every day In addition to spend time at Loddon Court where he could immediately understand the vital role that respite plays in the lives of unpaid carers and people drawing on care and support”

offers Families talked about how short breaks provide an important lifeline which supports the well-being of the whole family unit and enables them to continue in their caring role

The Minister then met with representatives from the NCF Wokingham Borough Council Adult Services Optalis and Dimensions to gain a further insight into the social care landscape The discussion centred on the strategic and economic value of social care and its role within communities The Minister acknowledged how important the social care workforce is and encouraged involvement in the development of the Fair Pay Agreement There was also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of social care in healthy

Matt Pope Executive Director for Children Adults and Health at Wokingham Borough Council and Director of Optalis said: “Wokingham and Optalis were delighted to be part of this visit by the care minister and to have the opportunity to talk to him about the issues that Adult Social Care is facing As the body responsible for commissioning services that the minister visited today we would like to thank all of the people with lived experience their families and the staff for making this such a successful and useful visit

After his visit, Stephen Kinnock, Minister of State for Care, said:

“It was a privilege to see first-hand the services offered by Optalis and Dimensions I know what an important role social care plays in communities across the country and this visit was a fantastic demonstration of the difference that care and respite makes to people’s lives ”

“There is much work to be done We are committed to tackling the challenges facing social care, and we will work closely with the sector and across government and cross-party on our plans for effective reform

From Djembes To Bollywood, Care Home Celebrates Team’s Cultural Diversity

Residents at a Hampshire dementia care home have enjoyed learning a little more about their carers backgrounds on two days devoted to celebrating cultural diversity

More than a dozen team members at Colten Care’s St Catherines View in Winchester donned traditional national dress from their Asian and African homelands to light up the festive parties Colleagues representing countries such as South Africa Nepal India Sri Lanka and the Philippines led the way with music dancing national costumes and traditional foods

As well as learning basic greetings in Swahili Tamil Nepali and other languages residents and relatives went hands-on

The opportunity to join in and dance to traditional Indian music particularly energised resident Nalini Bhagwat

Although born in Kenya Nalini spent much of her childhood in the state of Maharashtra in western India

She learned classical Indian dancing as a young girl and was good enough to be invited to perform in front of native Marathi aristocracy St Catherines View Home Manager Vanda Baker said: “As our team is so multicultural we thought it would be a great idea to get together with residents and share a flavour of everyone’s backgrounds ” Having a team drawn from so many places enables us to share experiences skills and knowledge that help support each other and enrich our workplace That in turn strengthens our care of residents and their families ”

‘No More Cuts To Social Care,’ Plea

HC-One Care Homes Host ‘Wear It

Pink’ Day Events To Raise Funds For Breast Cancer Now

speaking to resident Alison Graham who lives at Newlands Care Home after recently having a double mastectomy following a breast cancer diagnosis In total Newlands Care Home raised over £400 which was donated to Breast Cancer Now

Melissa Johnson Home Manager at Newlands Care Home said: I am incredibly proud of all our colleagues relatives and residents for their support and for taking part in our ‘Wear It Pink’ Day Everyone has had a wonderful day raising awareness and funds for Breast Cancer Now At Springwater Lodge Care Home in Calverton Nottingham, residents, relatives and colleagues at the home took part in Wear It Pink Day wearing pink to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month The home hosted the day to help raise funds for life-changing breast cancer research and support to donate to the charity Breast Cancer Now Collection boxes were placed around the home and

everyone who encouraged to wear pink accessories and clothing and to contribute by donating £2 to raise vital funds for the charity Breast Cancer Now

Diane Lesley Bruce, Home Manager at Springwater Lodge Care Home commented: I am extremely proud of the team at the home who got involved with ‘Wear It Pink Day to raise funds for such an amazing cause I am thrilled that colleagues and residents had a fun filled day whilst also raising awareness and money for Breast Cancer Now ” Hambleton Grange Care Home in Thirsk North Yorkshire raised over £400 for the charity Breast Cancer Now by hosting a Wear It Pink community coffee morning in honour of a staff member who is recovering from a breast cancer diagnosis

Sunny Potter Care Assistant at Hambleton Grange, found out she had breast cancer one year ago Sunny is now on the road to recovery and the residents and staff in the care home are looking forward to welcoming her back to work

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month and the support shown to Sunny over the past

Hambleton Grange

The team residents and visitors from the local community wore pink

and

for ‘Wear It Pink Day’ and came together to enjoy delicious refreshments, raising a total of £410

Sunny Potter Care Assistant at Hambleton Grange Care

Home said: I feel so lucky to have such fantastic support from my friends and work colleagues at Hambleton Grange they’ve kept me going Thank you so much to everyone for their generosity I m overwhelmed!

Sandra Anderson Home Manager at Hambleton Grange Care Home, added: “Sunny is an incredibly inspiring person She truly cares about everyone at Hambleton Grange and we don t know what we would do without her!

“We’re so pleased to have been able to show our gratitude and support for Breast Cancer Now whose lifechanging research and support is invaluable to everyone living with breast cancer ”

Care Home’s ‘Tea at 3’ Initiative Tackles Loneliness

In

Every

Home Manager of the 40-bed care home, Lisa Bailey collects a selection of sweet treats from Greggs local bakery and brings them to the care home for everyone to enjoy

This small yet impactful gesture aims to combat the loneliness often experienced by older adults while strengthening bonds with staff

Recent studies show that just a short conversation can significantly improve mental well-being making ‘Tea at 3 a vital part of the care home’s weekly routine

Lisa Bailey who became the Home Manager of Hempstalls Hall Care Home in June shared “I’m

always looking for meaningful ways to enrich the lives of our residents and

our

in their roles

This initiative is a wonderful reminder to our residents that they are always our priority, and we will always make time for them Seeing the smiles and hearing the conversations between staff and residents fills me with joy and pride ”

Head Chef Alison Pellington joined in the event and shared her experience, recalling a memorable conversation with Darrell Hancock one of the residents at the care home

She said Darrell told me all about their time driving boats and it was fascinating to hear about their adventures It’s those stories that make ‘Tea at 3 so special it gives us a chance to really listen and appreciate the incredible lives they’ve lived ”

As the initiative continues to gain momentum

Hempstalls Hall Care Home encourages other care homes to adopt similar practices that prioritise engagement and meaningful interactions, reminding us that in a fast-paced world it s often the simple acts of kindness that make the biggest difference

REM have been manufacturing furniture for the Hair & Beauty Sector for over 100 years and are now considered to be one of the largest manufacturers in both the UK & Europe

Understanding the growing requirement for Care & Residential Home Salons, REM’s Design Team have produced the Pendle Care Range for the Small, Compact Care Home Salon

Hill Care Group Aims To Host Biggest

Dementia-Friendly Exercise Class

HUNDREDS of care home residents at dozens of care homes across the north of England will take part in the biggest dementia-friendly digital exercise class ever for this year s Children in Need day

Hill Care Group care homes from Derbyshire to Northumberland, North Yorkshire to Cheshire will participate in a mass Love to Move class organised and run by Rachael Addy activities coordinator at Deangate Care Home in Barnsley

Supported by staff at fellow Hill Care homes Rachael will lead participants via a live video feed through a series of chair-based age and dementia-friendly exercises tailored to their abilities

Rachael recently became a certified deliverer for the British Gymnastics Foundation s Love to Move programme having supported the scheme for almost two years working with the Barnsley Primary Care Network to deliver classes at Deangate Care Home and in the wider community

The classes are designed to get those living with dementia feeling fitter stronger better coordinated, and improve their memory through the performance of dance routines and coordination exercises

Rachael plans on broadcasting the biggest class she has ever organised on Tuesday 12th November so residents family members and staff can all participate

Participants from Hill Care’s 36 care homes will be seeking sponsorship for the event, with all proceeds going to Children in Need

Rachael said: I had an idea for Children in Need where we would get all the other Hill Care homes to participate in a Love to Move class and raise money for the charity

“I ran the idea passed our central office and they were really excited We’ve had positive feedback from the other homes and we ve been training and preparing the other activities coordinators on the routine we will all be doing on the day

“With staff, residents, and their families all invited to take part, we’re hoping it could be one of the biggest dementia-friendly digital exercise classes ever ”

She added: It is an absolute pleasure and honour to be able to deliver these specialised classes I am over the moon to be able to call myself a Love to Move deliverer I was nervous when I took my assessment, as I know how much it would mean for the residents and the wider community if I passed I feel so privileged to have been able to participate in the training course and take my final assessment This would not have been possible if Hill Care had not believed in the Love to Move programme and put me through my training ”

Rachael said: We love it so much we were also featured in an educational video for Barnsley Older People Physical Activity Alliance (BOPPA) which showed the benefits that Love to Move can bring to the elderly

Our video for Children in Need gained momentum on social media and I was so proud to set up the community Love to Move in conjunction with the Staincross Methodist Church

Rachael added: “Anyone can get involved It’s not just for those living with dementia Some of the staff found out how complex some of the cognition tasks can be and they were so surprised but the more they practised the better they are getting at it just like our residents It s suitable for all abilities so if the individual just wants to listen they can sing move or chat It s all about interaction and engagement and, most importantly, having fun ”

Inspirational Care Home Worker Braves The Shave For Local Charity

Dogs are man’s best friend and provide great comfort and residents and staff at RMBI Care Co Home Scarbrough Court in Cramlington Northumberland know this by experience Some dogs even have important roles in supporting those in the community who are blind or deaf

One inspirational care worker Tracey Nichol decided to do her part She has shaved her long hair raising over £2 500 which she has split between Newcastle Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and for resident activities at her care home

“Newcastle Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a special charity to me as they supported my brother who is deaf When Ernie the dog came along, it really helped my brother with his daily struggles; it changed our lives Sadly, this year we lost Ernie to cancer after having him for nine years says Tracey

Tracey has also sponsored six hearing dogs from their puppy stages to when they are ready

to live in their forever homes She adds: “It takes 18 months to train dogs to become someone s ears and change their lives in so many ways Sadly not a lot of people are aware of hearing dogs and how much they do They are true heroes!”

Tracey who has worked at Scarbrough Court for four years, also raised funds to support resident activities at her Home She said: We are like a huge family both team members and residents We laugh cry and support each other through the day So I wanted to give something back to make a bit of a difference, to see residents smile ”

Everyone at the Home rallied round to support her fundraising efforts with Tracey’s long hair being cut at the Home She was sponsored by residents, staff, relatives and the Home’s Association of Friends Scarbrough Court Home Manager Sam Buxton says: Tracey is a very positive person and we are proud to have supported her amazing fundraising effort

CQC's Interim Chief Executive Kate Terroni Announced She Will Be Leaving

CQC s Interim Chief Executive Kate Terroni has announced that she will be leaving CQC James Bullion has been acting in the role of Interim Chief Executive during Kate's recent leave of absence and will continue to act in this role until Sir Julian Hartley takes up post as CQC s permanent Chief Executive

Kate is stepping down from the Interim Chief Executive role with immediate effect Until her departure from CQC she will be working directly with the Chair Ian Dilks to plan for the arrival of Sir

Julian

Kate said: "At the beginning of September, I informed the Chair of my decision to not apply for the permanent Chief Executive role as I recognised the need for fresh leadership to take us forward

It has been a huge privilege to act as Interim Chief Executive but it has also been an intensely challenging experience and I needed to take some time away to absorb the impact it has had on me This led me to think about what comes next – my career has been non-stop for the last 22 years driven by the desire to make a difference for people who use services but I now want to take some time to think about what the next 22 years could look like

I wish Julian all the best as he takes on this very special job He is a well-respected and experienced leader within the health and social care sector and I know that under his leadership and with the support of you all CQC will make the necessary improvements to get back on track

I am proud to have been part of CQC and I have every confidence that with the wonderful people in this organisation we will come back stronger than ever and better able to help ensure that people get good safe care "

Ian Dilks said: "I want to thank Kate for her enormous contribution to CQC, as Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care as Deputy Chief Executive and most recently as Interim Chief Executive

She took up this last role at a particularly challenging time for the organisation Her openness in acknowledging that we needed radical improvement – and the plans she started to put in place to make this happen – helped lay foundations for the work we have ahead of us to respond to the Dash review and Sir Mike Richards report and to rebuild trust with the public providers and our staff

While she has stepped down as Interim Chief Executive I am pleased that she will be working with me to plan for the arrival of Sir Julian Hartley as CQC's permanent Chief Executive Her knowledge of the organisation and commitment to ensuring that we can once again deliver on our core purpose will be invaluable to this work

"I wish Kate every success for her future career and look forward to seeing what she achieves next "

Stone Lodge Therapeutic School Host

Delightful Afternoon Tea For Residents

the Salvation Army for this today They really have done well with the project they were set It was very nice thank you to all of them ”

Marvellous Bindura, General Manager said It is lovely to see our residents enjoying time with younger people the enrichment it creates in their lives is obvious It is great to have links with local schools and for them to come in and spend time with our residents is simply wonderful The pupils of the school worked so hard to create a wonderful afternoon tea for our residents and it was truly appreciated ”

Earlier this month the Swindon and Wiltshire Innovative Technology Care Hub (SWITCH) held a training day for local Care Professionals working through Curam, the UK’s largest digital employment platform for the care sector to upskill and improve care provision in the region Care Professionals who work through Curam from Wiltshire Gloucestershire Hampshire Oxfordshire and Berkshire attended SWITCH s three-hour Wound Care training session achieving a collegelevel certification at the end of the day During the course, Care Professionals learnt about skin integrity and how to spot changes such as pressure wounds, as well as the initial response required to prevent infection whether that is basic treatment or referral

Using realistic task trainers in SWITCH’s interactive learning suite Care Professionals were given an accurate and bespoke sense of what wounds may look like on their clients and how they should react The session highlighted how skin wounds manifest on different skin types to instil cultural competency

The immersive suite at SWITCH simulates healthcare environments through projections, smells and a family of life-like manikins which can talk cough cry and realistically react to care interventions This helps Care Professionals develop healthcare skills and softer skills such as patient interaction in a simulation setting The hub was funded under the Skills Development Fund from the Department for Education SWITCH provides mandatory and clinical skills training to upskill care professionals across the region

The session also acted as a networking opportunity allowing Care Professionals who work for Curam on a self-employed basis to come together as a team and share experiences and best practices

The initiative reflects Curam and SWITCH’s shared ethos of improving care provisions in the UK by ensuring everyone has access to high-quality care through upskilling and training and using technology to facilitate this

SWITCH aims to enhance and upskill health and social care workers in the area with cutting-edge technology-driven facilities and equipment in simulation hospital wards Augmented reality, virtual reality and manikins that have humanistic features and can react to the care given give Care Professionals hands-on experience and the opportunity to practice highrisk scenarios in low-pressure environments

Ashley-Louise Lumley a Swindon-based Curam Champion and organiser of the training day, said “SWITCH’s training

Dulux Unveils True Joy™

As Its Colour of the Year 2025

For 2025, Dulux is asking architects, specifiers and designers to embrace yellow and infuse a sense of optimism, pride and imagination into their projects As a guiding light to introduce these bold, positive shades to clients, the paint manufacturer has announced True Joy as its Colour of the Year for 2025, which is complemented by three versatile ColourFutures™ palettes

Over that last two decades, the Dulux Colour of the Year has been chosen through extensive trend research by Dulux colour experts and international design professionals The 2025 selection, True Joy™, is a bright and positive yellow that reflects people’s desire to break free, reset, and create something new and exciting As well as embracing True Joy™, Dulux is also encouraging designers to share the joy of yellow and help clients to leap out of their comfort zone - and feel confident in doing so

Yellow shades like True Joy™ can be used as a bold statement colour or an accent hue However, to help designers advise their clients on the best colour pairings, Dulux has created three supporting ColourFutures™ palettes

● Bold Colour Story: Inspired by the thrill of adventure, these bold colours bring spontaneity and energy to any space Bright blues and oranges contrast beautifully with accent yellow, making them ideal for educational and office environments where inspiration and creativity are key

● Human Colour Story: Celebrating artisanal craftsmanship, these shades of wood and clay reflect the raw materials used in handmade processes Perfect for educational and healthcare settings, these colours add a touch of authenticity and warmth

● Proud Colour Story: Drawing inspiration from diverse cultures around the world, these deep, rich and earthy browns and greens celebrate the rich heritages that make us unique Ideal for hospitality and residential spaces, they create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home

Dawn Scott, Dulux Trade Senior Colour Designer, said: “True Joy™ and its accompanying palettes offer a fresh perspective on colour's role in shaping our built environment These colours are not just trends but tools for architects and specifiers to craft spaces that resonate with the values and visions of their clients, improving our experience within the spaces we inhabit

“One of the most impactful applications of True Joy™ is within healthcare environments Paired with the earthy, natural shades of our Human Colour Story, True Joy can transform waiting rooms, corridors, and communal areas into uplifting and calming spaces This combination not only brightens the atmosphere but also connects patients and staff to a sense of warmth, creativity, and well-being ”

Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director and Colour Expert at Dulux, explains: “It may be difficult to

immediately picture where yellow paint could seamlessly slot into your home, but it’s actually much more versatile than you may first think The decision to choose the most uplifting hue in the spectrum is to spark inspiration and instil confidence to leap into the unknown and endless possibilities of what could be Whilst yellow is one of the bolder colours on the spectrum, True Joy™ is complementary to a vast range of palettes, it brings out the positivity in even the most neutral of shades and is the figurative glue that binds more daring colour stories together ”

To support specifiers and provide additional guidance on the use of True Joy™, Dulux has created the Dulux Trade Colour of the Year 2025 Specifier Guide which includes mood boards that can be used to help create the perfect space across any sector Architects, specifiers, and designers can also use the Dulux Trade Colour Schemer for colour inspiration or to create specifications for projects They can also speak with the Dulux Commercial Colour Services team for additional advice on how to use the Colour of the Year 2025

Dulux is proud of its ongoing efforts to produce durable solutions in a more sustainable manner By focusing on reducing carbon emissions and increasing the circular use of materials, Dulux ensures that products like True Joy not only enhance spaces aesthetically but also contribute to a greener future With initiatives such as using up to 70% recycled content in packaging and developing water-based paints with lower VOC content, Dulux is dedicated to helping professionals create beautiful, sustainable environments

Dulux Colour of the Year 2025 True Joy™ and the accompanying palettes will be available for purchase from10 September 2024

For more information, visit duluxtrade.co.uk/cf25 and follow #CF25 on social media

Family Fortunes at Friends Of The Elderly’s Care Homes

Residents from Bernard Sunley, the residential, nursing and dementia care home in Woking Surrey and clients from the Woking Day Care Service which are both run by charity Friends of the Elderly have been going head to head in their monthly Challenge Cup game of Family Fortunes

Each month the care teams recreate the iconic family TV game show for the residents and clients to enjoy It has become quite competitive as the teams work together to correctly answer as many of the open-ended survey questions as possible with the winning team taking the coveted Challenge Cup

“The Challenge Cup goes to the monthly winning team – either the Bernard Sunley Residents or the Woking Day Care Clients,” said Monika Ahmed one of the Activity Coordinators at the care home

The monthly Family Fortunes Challenge Cup is now one of the must do activities on the calendar The games are always highly spirited and great fun especially when the acting compare says the legendary words Our Survey Said there s always a resounding Uh-Uh like the famous TV computerised sound when wrong answers are given It has everyone giggling ”

We have slightly adapted the traditional game so our two teams –Bernard Sunley and Woking Day Care – do not have to stand up in turn and answer a question, it’s the first team to shout out an answer,” said Fran Simpson the Manager at Woking Day Care

The questions are the same as the TV show with our teams having to guess the results of open-ended survey questions which 100 people have been asked Such as We asked 100 people to name a sport played with a ball or We asked 100 people to name a breed of dog added Ewelina Wagner one of the Activities Coordinators at Bernard Sunley

The much loved television family game show originally aired from 1980 to 2002 on ITV It was hosted by Bob Monkhouse from 1980 to 1983 and later in 1983 by Max Bygraves who hosted the show until 1985 When Family Fortunes came back in 1987, it was hosted by Les Dennis until 2002 A celebrity version followed from 2006 to 2015 with

Gino D Acampo taking over as host when the programme returned to the television in 2020

“The Family Fortunes Challenge is actually a great reminiscing activity for the clients and residents continued Fran The residents and clients remember the original Family Fortunes with much affection and often natter about Bob Monkhouse, Max Bygraves and Les Dennis and the other shows they remember them hosting like the Golden Shot Celebrity Squares Russ Abbott s Mad House and The Laughter Show ”

Monika Ewelina and Fran create a wide and varied range of meaningful activities for the residents and clients at Bernard Sunley Care Home and Woking Day Care to take part in “We are all focused on enhancing the residents and clients’ days with interesting, engaging, inclusive and person-centred activities continued Monika

The activities we run are varied and tailored to the residents and clients’ individual likes, preferences, favourite pastimes and hobbies We all try to ensure that there is something for everyone to take part in

and enjoy ”

At Bernard Sunley in addition to the monthly Family Fortunes Challenge Cup the activities include a Boules Club quizzes Scrabble Club arts and crafts sessions exercise classes Dominoes Bingo food tasting, Cooking Club, card games, musical entertainment, themed afternoons afternoon teas and movie nights

We also have individual or group games on our large interactive ‘Rainbow tablet screen and the very popular interactive armchair travel around the world trips which take place in the HMS Bernard Sunley Cruise Lounge added Ewelina

“In addition to all our meaningful interactive and inclusive activities I also host the monthly ‘Have Your Say’ session,” continued Fran “This is a great way for clients and their families to give feedback on how they think the activities at the day care centre have gone what they think worked, what they enjoyed, what they want to see more of and what they feel didn t work

This constructive feedback has enabled me to introduce a number of new initiatives such as our Afternoon Walking Club and a Past Histories Game which is tailored to the non-verbal clients or clients who find it hard to converse

The monthly Family Fortunes Challenge Cup gets everyone animated and enthused,” added Monika “Ewelina, Fran and I take it in turns as Games Master or Compare and it is truly wonderful to see each client and resident engaged and enjoying the competition

Currently the Bernard Sunley Team is on top of the Challenge Cup leaderboard “The Woking Day Care Team is ready for the next game,” said Fran They are really looking forward to taking part and are full of fun competition fighting talk

“The Bernard Sunley Team won t sit on their laurels They don t want to hand over the Challenge Cup Roll on the next game and may the best team win concluded a smiling Monika

Every day Monika Ewelina and Fran make sure they have activities tailored to what each resident or client wants to do, when they want to do it

Care Home Residents Go ‘Back To School’

Residents at a care home in Crawley enjoyed a heart-warming afternoon visiting a local independent school marking a delightful return to the classroom

Deerwood Lodge residents enjoyed tea and cake made by the pupils at Atelier 21 while reminiscing about their school days which highlighted how times have changed

The home formed a partnership with Atelier 21, a pioneering school designed to offer an education fit for our children s futures early this year The project has involved weekly visits by the children to the care home to carry out a variety of activities from artwork music games and gardening Service manager Wan Ilman commented “We have enjoyed welcoming the pupils of Atelier 21 every week since April so it was lovely to be able to bring some of the residents to the school The aim of the project is to create connections between the different generations creating memorable experiences for all involved It was interesting to hear our residents talking about their school days

“These interactions not only bring joy to their lives but also promotes mutual understanding and

East Grinstead Care Home’s

The

respect between the different generations It s a beautiful reminder that wisdom and youth can learn so much from each other ” This initiative is part of a broader commitment by Deerswood Lodge to engage with the local community and provide enriching experiences for their residents

Founder of Atelier 2 Hayley Peacock adds: Our pupils really enjoyed sharing their performances and baked goods with Deerswood Lodge residents in school and were fascinated to learn about the older generations school days that are ‘worlds apart’ from our pioneering educational model that re-imagines the school dayto make learning relevant meaningful and joyful to pupils Our children engaging in meaningful intergenerational activities fills me with immense pride and gratitude I am moved by the genuine connections formed during the visits and the positive influence it has had on our pupils

“This experience reaffirms our school's dedication to nurturing compassionate and socially responsible individuals who understand the value of connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds ”

Retford Care Workers Celebrate Award Success

Three colleagues who work at a social care service in Retford supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism have been shortlisted for national awards

Beeches, in South Levington, Retford is part of the Cygnet Social Care division and is a 12 bed specialist residential service for adults with autism and learning disabilities

Manager Richard Lee is a finalist in the Care Home Registered Manager of the Year for the East Midlands Region in the Great British Care Awards The award will be given to the manager who has demonstrated a high level of expertise together with exceptional skills and who shows vision in developing person centred care and supporting staff to meet the ever changing needs of residents

He said: I wasn t expecting to be shortlisted but I feel very appreciative to have been nominated and named a finalist

“My job is very important to me and I always aim to work my hardest for our residents and the staff who support them on a daily basis

Being shortlisted in these awards is a feeling of validation that as the registered manager you are achieving positive progress for the residents, staff and the service as a whole

“I have dedicated my career to be at the forefront of supporting individuals to live their best lives with as much independence and autonomy in the decision making process as possible

Describing the best thing about his job Richard said: “Seeing our residents achieve their goals and to be thriving in their lives is so rewarding Also, supporting our staff members to help the residents achieve this and also for them to make achievements and progression in their own careers It is a privilege to create a working environment that the team enjoy being part of which in turn creates the best environment for our residents to excel ”

Deputy Manager Amy Skoyles is also a finalist in the Great British Care Awards in the Care Home Frontline Leader Award category This award will be given to a leader who has shown clear commitment to improving the delivery of care and support within their team A person who has shown leadership qualities by reflecting on what could be better and supporting others to bring about change

Amy who has worked at Beeches for 10 years said: “I was surprised at the nomination but feel so proud that my work at the Beeches has been recognised by my peers Sometimes it s nice to be recognised for a job that you love doing “I work with an amazing team of people and being nominated feels like good feedback for all

My job gives me so much satisfaction our residents achieving their best is my number one priority I pride myself on being involved with every aspect of their wellbeing and liaising with their

For

Organised by Nottinghamshire County Council the awards celebrate and acknowledge individuals making a difference in the adult social care industry

Anthony said: “It is an honour to be nominated and shortlisted It’s good to feel appreciated by the staff that have taken their time to nominate me It shows that all the hard work I have put in has shone through and that others recognised this

Every day is different but The Beeches is like a family and it is an amazing place to work

Residents Delight in Wine Tasting Evening at Ashcombe House Care Home

Residents Delight in Wine Tasting Evening at Ashcombe House Care Home

Residents and guests at Ashcombe House Care Home in Basingstoke enjoyed a delightful evening of wine tasting, filled with laughter and fun The event showcased a wide selection of wines from sweet dessert varieties to rich reds and refreshing rosés

The wines were provided by Majestic with Richard and Finn guiding the selection of six bottles and sharing plenty of insights about the origins and characteristics of each one

Residents were able to sample the different varieties while learning about the various notes and blends from floral and fruity to zesty bitter and earthy combinations The evening was further enhanced by the care home’s hospitality team, who prepared a delicious spread of sweet and savoury treats perfectly paired to complement the

wines

The event was part of Ashcombe House s ongoing lifestyle enrichment program, which aims to offer a range of engaging activities and entertainment for residents General Manager Louise commented

It was lovely to see our residents and guests enjoying such a wonderful evening We always strive to provide a diverse range of activities and this wine tasting has been one of our favourites ”

One resident shared their thoughts on the night: “We’ve had a lot of fun this evening It’s great to get together and try different wines My favourite was definitely the orange wine and the food was delicious!”

The wine tasting event was a resounding success, bringing joy to residents and guests alike, and showcasing Ashcombe House s commitment to creating memorable experiences

Girbau Awarded Ecovadis Bronze Medal For Its Sustainability Performance

Care Home Waste Management Specialist Appoints New Business Development Manager For The Care Home Sector

Anenta the leading independent healthcare waste management specialist for the care home sector has appointed former Business Development Manager at Future Street Smart Waste Paul Barker as its new Business Development Manager for the business

Brought on board to boost Anenta’s growing care home client base, Paul will be responsible for delivering bespoke, affordable and professional end-to-end waste management solutions to the sector

As part of his new role, Paul will oversee the management of Anenta’s existing waste contracts ensuring that care home waste logistics service delivery and waste disposal performance levels are industry leading Paul has worked within the waste sector for more than 10 years and has over 25 years of client relationship management experience

Part of the management team that brought the US waste technology BigBelly to the U K Paul has an extensive background in introducing disruptive waste technology to the UK s healthcare sector including many Local Authorities and the NHS Paul played a

part in introducing the ground-breaking Sterilwave clinical waste processing solution enabling Alternative Treatment and Offensive Waste streams to be treated on site at hospitals, saving the NHS money and helping it reduce its environmental impact

Commenting on his new care home focus, Paul Barker said: “Our research shows that care homes are typ-

ically wasting £8 000 every year through poor waste management process and procurement My role is to help put a stop to that by working with care home clients to change waste disposal habits and practices, and to deliver a better service that saves clients time and money

“This is made possible through Anenta’s cutting-edge real-time smart technology which identifies and creates opportunities to streamline waste services reducing unnecessary costs through enhanced efficiencies

“From identifying and

plex

Paul added Personally I m looking forward to providing care homes

CLEANING AND HYGIENE

CHSA Puts The Focus On Regulations

New CHSA campaign designed to inform buyers and end users of cleaning chemicals of the value of regulations

The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association has launched a campaign designed to spread the word about the importance of regulations when buying cleaning and hygiene chemicals

Compliance with formal UK Government European Union and industry-standard regulations is essential if buyers are to be certain product claims are legitimate and proven Adherence to regulations guarantee safety They underpin transparency and ensure consistency They support buyers informed decision making by providing a framework for comparison so a buyer really knows if they are getting the product or solution they need They also provide accountability giving buyers a route to recourse if needed In short they underwrite an ethical

approach

Buyers and end users can also turn to regulations to be certain they are not misled by environmental claims in the rush toward sustainable solutions

Lorcan Mekitarian Chair of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association said: Buyers and end users need to be able to trust the product and sales and marketing claims They need to be certain of the balance between efficacy and sustainability and they need to make sure they are using the right product for the job in hand They are not chemists however so may be misled by seductive sales and marketing messaging

“Our advice is to talk to your manufacturer and ask for evidence to support their claims This will come in the form of their technical data sheets, third party verifications and certifications and, importantly, proof of regulatory compliance ” Gobble-de-gook or undefined phrases to be wary of include: ‘non-renewable chemicals’ ‘chemical-free’ ‘natural’ ‘five times filtered water’ and ‘non-toxic’ ‘Biodegradable’ is also a confusing term As applied to cleaning products it is defined in current legislation (Detergent Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 and corresponding UK post Brexit legislation)

Something claiming to be organic should be certified by for example the Soil Association Net-zero claims should be based on the international net-zero standard (https://sciencebasedtargets org/net-zero) or another reliable third party verified certification

Every member of the CHSA has signed our rigorous Code of Practice, which demands our members trade ethically Amongst other stipulations it requires members to: conduct business dealings in an open honest fair and proper manner and in accordance with the laws rules and regulations of the UK and EU ensure all public statements made by and on behalf of the Member are decent honest and truthful ensure no false or exaggerated claims are made verbally in literature electronically or in any other way • hold and provide evidence on request for product and service claims particularly with reference to legislation certifications and accreditations

The CHSA Code of Practice also includes the Competition & Market’s Authority’s Green Claims Code Its principles are summarised as: Claims must be truthful and accurate

Claims must be clear and unambiguous

Claims must not omit or hide important relevant information

Comparisons must be fair and meaningful

Claims must consider the full life cycle of the product or service

Claims must be substantiated

Finally every member of the CHSA s Accreditation Scheme for manufacturers of cleaning chemicals has signed the CHSA s own ethical marketing code

Angloplas Dispensers Help Reduce the Risk of Cross Infection

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Temporar y Catering Facilities For Events & Kitchen Refurbishments

Seating Ltd

mk-hire co uk See the advert on page 19

MOWOOT II for Constipation Free Life

MOWOOT II – proven solution to chronic constipation without medication

Developed by a team of doctors and other healthcare professionals, MOWOOT II performs gentle abdominal massage to speed up intestinal passage in people experiencing chronic constipation

Clinically proven safe and effective relaxing and sideeffects free MOWOOT II

Abdominal Massage Therapy System combats constipation and provides soothing relief to affected people

Easy to use and comfortable the MOWOOT II treats and manages constipation in people with spinal cord injuries multiple sclerosis sufferers Parkinson’s Disease patients and people with constipation related to prescription medication MOWOOT II also helps to relieve idiopathic constipation experienced by menopausal and post-menopausal women

Ways to Avoid

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MOWOOT II increased evacuation frequency softened stools, improved regularity, reduced gasses relieved bloating and eased off abdominal discomfort 10 to 20 minutes daily of relaxing abdominal massage with MOWOOT II rapidly reduces symptoms of constipation Evident results are experienced only a few days after the first treatment Regular abdominal massage with MOOWOOT II ensures lasting health benefits and better quality of life

MOWOOT II – effective solution to chronic constipation for better quality of life! Supplied

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

The First Step To Decarbonising Care Homes

Protect and Enhance Care Environments with Yeoman Shield

Sumed: Protect and Prevent

Our Integrity Static Cushions crafted with high-quality materials and innovative design are effective in preventing and managing pressure ulcers by redistributing pressure and minimising skin damage They feature a larger surface area that spreads the user's weight reducing pressure on specific points EasyGo patient lift and transfer chair addresses common issues found in traditional hoists which are often cumbersome and difficult to manoeuvre especially in tight spaces and require multiple staff members EasyGo simplifies the lifting and transferring process enhancing patient dignity and comfort It is designed to move between beds wheelchairs toilets and cars Additionally we have developed a patient transfer seat that can incorporate any Integrity Static Cushion providing optimal pressure relief during transfers

Pressure ulcers are largely preventable with the right approach Our goal is to make your job easier, allowing you to focus on exceptional care and improving residents' quality of life We offer comprehensive product training and support including inperson and online sessions detailed manuals quick-start guides and access to our support team for advice and updates on best practices in pressure ulcer prevention 01457 890 980 | sales@sumed co uk | www sumedinternational com See the advert on the back cover for further information

Mr Trax Curtain & Blind Solutions

service

as well as curtains and offers a comprehensive range of shutters

Doug says: “We stock two ranges of silent gliss corded curtain tracks and two ranges of silent gliss uncorded curtain tracks the fitted prices for which are available on this website All of the aluminium silent gliss tracks stock can be shaped and fitted into bay windows, as can some of the poles We also have ready access to many more ranges of both tracks and poles, most of which we can get in one working day “To read more of what our customers say about us please do look us up on Checkatrade checkatrade com/mrtrax

Call now to speak to one of our team on 0800 3345114 or 07968 242004 email us at doug@mrtrax co uk or see the advert on page 8

Introducing Task Manager: Revolutionizing Food Safety and Efficiency in Senior Living and Care Centers

NCCO International announces the launch of Task Manager an innovative food safety task management and temperature monitoring solution designed for the senior living and residential care home sector Task Manager addresses critical pain points in food safety compliance operational efficiency and resident satisfaction

Task Manager is a game-changer for the senior living industry said Karl Rose Managing Director of NCCO International, "Our system not only ensures compliance with food safety regulations but also enhances the quality of life for residents by guaranteeing safe and nutritious meals

Task Manager assists senior care facilities in adhering to local state, and federal food safety regulations aiming to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses among elderly residents By providing detailed record-keeping and log management Task Manager supports facilities in maintaining audit readiness facilitating health inspections and compliance checks

Task Manager automates temperature monitoring for refrigerators freezers and food storage areas to help maintain safe limits without manual checks The system organizes food safety-related tasks, such as cleaning schedules equipment maintenance and staff training to help ensure thoroughness With consistent monitoring Task Manager helps maintain the nutritional value and quality of stored and prepared food Real-time alerts for temperature deviations enable quick corrective actions, potentially preventing spoilage and ensuring residents receive high-quality meals For more information about Task Manager please visit www ncco eu or contact David Webster at dwebster@ncco com

CATERING FOR CARE

Guarding Against Malnutrition in Care Homes: Spotting Early Signs and Using Nutrition to Combat Frailty

By

Malnutrition remains a significant issue in care homes where the elderly are particularly vulnerable As a registered dietitian working in the community and in hospital wards often with elderly people who have experienced fall, I wish more people knew about the prevalence of malnutrition and how to combat it before they ended up in hospital

Recent statistics paint a stark picture: Around one in 10 people over the age of 65 are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition and this figure rises alarmingly to 45% among those in their 90s According to the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN) malnutrition costs the UK approximately £23 5 billion annually with older adults being disproportionately affected

As the population ages addressing malnutrition and its associated complications, such as frailty and sarcopenia, becomes ever more critical By focusing on early detection and strategic nutritional interventions, including the use of protein, care homes can play a vital role in safeguarding the health of their residents

SPOTTING THE EARLY SIGNS OF MALNUTRITION

The first step in combating malnutrition is recognizing its early signs

The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) is a valuable resource for this purpose enabling caregivers to systematically assess the risk of malnutrition in residents by considering factors such as Body Mass Index (BMI) unintentional weight loss and the impact of acute illness on nutritional intake

KEY EARLY SIGNS TO MONITOR:

1 Unintentional Weight Loss: A significant early indicator of malnutrition is unintentional weight loss Regularly monitoring residents' weight and comparing it to previous measurements is essential A loss of even 5% of body weight over a few months can signal malnutrition and warrants immediate attention

2 Decreased Appetite: A reduced appetite is often a precursor to malnutrition Residents may skip meals, eat smaller portions, or show a lack of interest in food It s important to understand the reasons behind these changes which could be linked to dental issues depression or medication side effects

3 Physical Changes: Signs such as muscle wasting thinning hair dry skin or dental problems may indicate nutritional deficiencies These physical symptoms are often subtle but crucial indicators of potential malnutrition

4 Fatigue and Weakness: Increased tiredness or difficulty performing daily activities can be related to inadequate nutrition This could also signal the onset of sarcopenia where the loss of muscle mass and strength makes everyday tasks increasingly challenging THE ROLE OF NUTRITION IN PREVENTING AND MANAGING FRAILTY

Frailty a condition characterized by decreased strength endurance and physiological function is closely linked to malnutrition and is a major concern in care homes Proper nutrition is key to preventing and managing frailty particularly through the adequate intake of protein which is essential for maintaining muscle mass and function STRATEGIES FOR NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTIONS:

1 Prioritize Whole Foods: Ensuring a diet rich in whole foods is foundational Protein-rich foods like eggs lean meats, fish, dairy products, and legumes should be emphasized as they not only support muscle

health but also provide essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall well-being

2 Incorporate Protein Supplements When Necessary: In cases where residents struggle to meet their protein needs through diet alone perhaps due to a lack of appetite or difficulty chewing protein powders or fortified drinks can be effective These supplements can be easily added to meals snacks or beverages ensuring that residents receive the protein they need without overwhelming them with large portions of food

3 Distribute Protein Throughout the Day: Research shows that distributing protein intake evenly across all meals is more effective for muscle protein synthesis than consuming large amounts at a single meal Caregivers should ensure that residents receive adequate protein at breakfast lunch and dinner to maximize the benefits for muscle maintenance and frailty prevention

ADDRESSING BARRIERS TO ADEQUATE NUTRITION

While boosting protein intake is essential we should also address the barriers that may prevent residents from consuming enough nutrients Factors such as taste preferences difficulties with swallowing, or digestive issues can all impact nutritional intake Caregivers should work closely with dietitians to develop personalized nutrition plans that accommodate these challenges potentially incorporating protein powders and other supplements in palatable and easy-to-digest forms NUTRITION IS KEY TO INCREASING HEALTHSPAN

Malnutrition in care homes is a pressing issue that requires vigilant monitoring and proactive management While the numbers alone tell us the stakes are high intervention is more than about reducing costs The ability to stand up from a chair unaided allows our elderly residents independence By spotting the early signs of malnutrition and implementing strategic nutritional interventions, caregivers can help prevent and manage frailty significantly improving the quality of life for residents By addressing malnutrition and frailty head-on care homes can help residents not only avoid the adverse effects of these conditions but also thrive in their later years

Catering for Residents with Dysphagia

WHAT IS DYSPHAGIA?

Dysphagia is a medical condition that makes swallowing food and drink more difficult Depending on the severity some textures may be more difficult to swallow or somebody may have lost the ability to swallow at all Regardless this can make mealtimes much more difficult, which is why care home caterers must know about this condition and how to support those who have it

A few conditions can cause dysphagia including cancer head injuries a stroke or dementia Age can also play a role in developing this condition meaning there could be a higher likelihood of some residents suffering from this EFFECTS OF DYSPHAGIA

Dysphagia doesn’t just affect mealtimes – it can also: Impact on quality of life: If somebody is no longer able to eat and drink as they ve been able to they may become withdrawn and develop a low mood The change can be difficult to get to grips with which is why supporting residents through their dietary transition and making sure they’re properly catered for is so important

Lead to malnutrition and dehydration: A lack of food and drink due to not being able to swallow or chew properly can mean that residents aren’t properly hydrated or receiving enough nutrition This can result in lower energy levels and in more extreme cases can also lead to further health complications

• Cause choking: Without specialist catering somebody with dysphagia may not be able to swallow their food which can be a choking hazard

FRAMEWORK?

By Rob Henry,

Head of Culinary Solutions and Compliance at EF Group (www ef- group co uk)

dysphagia who have trouble chewing and swallowing Using this framework caterers in the care industry can determine which foods and drinks would be easiest for people with this condition to consume IDDSI consists of eight levels ranging from 0 to 7 with drinks ranging from 0 (thin) to 4 (extremely thick) and foods ranging from 3 (liquidised) to 7 (regular and easy to chew) These indicate the texture and thickness of foods and drinks and give some steer as to which ones would be safest for somebody with dysphagia to consume

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR CATERING TO

RESIDENTS WITH

DYSPHAGIA

When you’re preparing to cater for residents with dysphagia there are a few extra things you might need to consider These include:

Training your staff on the IDDSI framework: Ensuring your staff understand the framework what it means and how to apply it is crucial Holding training sessions on this can make sure everybody is on the same page when it comes to catering to the needs of residents with dysphagia

Knowing when to modify the menu to resident needs: Once your team are trained on the IDDSI framework, this must be implemented into your catering practices This should involve assessing each resident’s dietary needs to see if they require modifications and monitoring this over time in case further changes are needed

Getting in the correct nutrients and fluids Alongside modifying diets based on what is easiest for residents to consume you should be ensuring all residents are properly hydrated and receiving a balanced and nutritious diet Whether their food is liquidised, regular or somewhere in between hydration and nutrition must never be reduced even though you might need to alter the way these are offered to residents

Making mealtimes more enjoyable: If somebody has been living with dysphagia without a modified diet they may need some extra encouragement at mealtimes once the modifications have been made Try making mealtimes social introducing different flavours or recipes and regularly rotating menu options to keep them interested and more likely to finish their food

Supporting residents with dysphagia is a key duty of caterers in the care industry and can have a huge impact on their wellbeing, health and quality of life Therefore, it’s vital that your catering team are aware of the signs of the condition and how the IDDSI framework can be used to prescribe a better approach to their mealtimes

Zoe Cottrell, registered dietitian, member of the British Dietetic Association and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council

The Importance of Nutrition and Hydration in Care Homes

Food procurement specialists allmanhall, explore the importance of nutrition and hydration in older people specifically considered for a dignified and person-centric dining experience

Proper nutrition and hydration are critical in care homes directly impacting the health wellbeing and overall quality of life for residents Research by BAPEN reveals that malnutrition affects 35% of care home residents in the UK leading to a variety of health issues including increased infections, poor wound healing mental health decline social isolation and increased frailty This underlines the need for a comprehensive person-centric approach to food and drink in these environments

As people age the risks of malnutrition and dehydration increase compounded by the natural decline in thirst reflex and in some cases cognitive impairments such as dementia These factors make it challenging for older individuals to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration Therefore it s crucial that care home staff adopt a dignified approach to meals, recognising that the involvement in making choices about food remains important even when other capacities are diminished

At a recent National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Seminar care professionals emphasised the significance of creating a positive mealtime experience Engaging residents in conversations about their food preferences understanding their personal histories and ensuring that texture-modified meals are both nutritious and appealing are vital steps in enhancing mealtime satisfaction

Hydration is equally important playing a key role in bodily functions and the prevention of conditions like urinary tract infections and chronic renal disease Strategies to encourage fluid intake include offering a

Flavour Creations and Albany Products

variety of beverages, promoting "hydration hour" with mocktails, and providing high-fluid-content foods like soups and yogurts It s also important to educate care home staff on recognising signs of dehydration which can manifest as tiredness headaches and poor concentration

Nutritionally care homes should focus on nutrient-dense foods rather than calorie-dense ones Incorporating ingredients like eggs seeds, and Greek yogurt can help ensure that residents receive essential nutrients Additionally increasing dietary fibre through foods like whole grains, legumes, and unpeeled fruits can support digestive health and reduce the risk of conditions such as diabetes and heart disease It's important however to introduce fibre gradually to avoid digestive discomfort

For residents with dysphagia a condition that impairs swallowing care homes must offer texture-modified diets that are both safe and nutritious Providing adequate training for staff on preparing these meals, ensuring that they are nutritionally fortified, and enhancing flavours with herbs and spices can make these meals more enjoyable for residents

In conclusion providing a holistic person-centric dining experience in care homes is essential for maintaining the health and dignity of residents By focusing on nutrition hydration and individual preferences care homes can significantly enhance the quality of life for their residents

The mealtime experience is so much more than just food Care establishments across the UK are partnering with allmanhall to manage their food procurement achieve savings and improvements and to access support to enhance the overall dining experience Get in touch – hello@allmanhall co uk

no-melt formula resulting in shelf-stable ice cream products that can be enjoyed by everyone SCREAMIES ice-scream also never gets softer than IDDSI Level 4 making it the perfect treat for those with dysphagia

market

Launched in 2016 SCREAMIES is a brand with one purpose: to deliver the taste of sumptuous old-fashioned ice cream and make it accessible to everyone Each SCREAMIES product is created with a spe-

As well as the traditional three flavours Screamies offers Chocolate and Salted Caramel with added Protein for those with additional nutritional needs With a long shelf life Screamies can be stored at ambient temperature and frozen when the time suits Flavour Creations also offer a wide range of market leading supporting products for those looking to provide something extra to patients Pre-thickened Ready to Drink ranges include in excess of 20 flavour profiles Advital nutritionally complete powder comes flavoured and neutral and is used in snacks like Advital chocolate mousse and Fruits with Attitude Flavour Creations also supply high quality moulds and Shape It to assist with food preparation at all IDDSI levels

To find out more simply contact Albany Products at enquiries@albanyproducts co uk or call on 01706

ODOUR CONTROL

Transform Air Quality in Your Care Home with Biozone’s Purizone

To Care Home Owners and Managers: Oxy-Gen Powered® Air-Care Range

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All

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LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS

Energy Saving Innovation from Girbau Washers and Dr yers

Washing Machines for Care Homes

Forbes Advises on a Cost and Energy Efficient Choice for Care Homes

When

Environmentally Friendly Industrial Laundr y Equipment

SENSORY STIMULATION

Sensor y Stimulation in Care

By Scott Williamson, Managing Director,

In the ever-changing and often demanding environment of residential and nursing care homes prioritising the well-being of residents is paramount As care providers it is imperative to explore innovative methods to enhance the quality of life for those in care especially individuals living with cognitive impairments such as dementia One highly impactful method embraced in recent years is sensory stimulation a comprehensive approach that enhances physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being With the integration of advanced AI technology, newer technologies such as personalised, relaxing music videos breathe new life into old black-and-white photos by colourising them accompanied by soothing music captivating landscape visuals and cherished family photos or video messages This provides a distinctive way to deliver a holistic, sensory-enriched experience that significantly benefits elderly residents and those with dementia

DIVERSE FORMS OF SENSORY EXPERIENCES

There are many ways to incorporate sensory experiences into daily care each offering unique benefits for residents

1 Visual Stimulation: Personalised relaxing music videos use serene natural landscapes and family memories to captivate residents' visual senses These familiar images, paired with scenic backdrops evoke positive emotions and comfort Advanced technologies such as AI-powered colourisation of old black-and-white photos bring memories of the past to life enriching the experience further by reconnecting residents with their personal history

2 Auditory Stimulation: The choice of music in these videos is key Rather than familiar music that may evoke specific emotions or memories soothing and non-intrusive sounds are purposefully chosen to enhance deep relaxation and open the senses to help immerse themselves in the visuals and relax without the distraction of nostalgia, allowing for a more profound sensory experience

3 Tactile Stimulation: Personalised videos can be paired with tactile activities to further engage residents Watching these calming visuals while interacting with textured objects fidget blankets or engaging in simple activities like handling soft fabrics can provide enhanced comfort and sensory richness

4 Olfactory Stimulation: While videos alone do not engage the sense of smell pairing them with aromatherapy sessions using calming scents like lavender or invigorating fragrances like citrus can amplify the relaxation experience making it more immersive and holistic

5 Gustatory Stimulation: Taste experiences can also complement sensory videos For example, while watching

THE

personalised landscapes or family-themed videos, residents can engage in taste sessions, trying familiar and comforting flavours adding another dimension to the sensory experience

BENEFITS OF SENSORY STIMULATION

The implementation of sensory stimulation has wide-reaching benefits that can positively impact residents' emotional, psychological, and physical health Regular sensory activities offer the following advantages:

- Reduction in Agitation and Restlessness: Especially for residents with dementia, these videos create a sense of familiarity and calm reducing anxiety and behavioural issues

- Improved Cognitive Function: Engaging residents’ brains through visual and auditory stimuli helps maintain and in some cases improve cognitive abilities providing meaningful engagement

- Enhanced Communication: Residents who struggle with verbal communication often respond emotionally or cognitively to visual and auditory cues Personalised videos offer alternative ways for residents to express themselves facilitating greater interaction

- Increased Social Interaction: When shared in group settings, these videos encourage social engagement, helping reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness

SENSORY STIMULATION FOR DEMENTIA PATIENTS

For dementia patients sensory stimulation plays a particularly important role in their care Personalised videos offer structure, evoke memories, and facilitate moments of connection between residents and caregivers or family members Combining these videos with other sensory activities such as memory boxes filled with personal items can deepen the experience, triggering memories and meaningful conversation

CREATING SENSORY ROOMS IN CARE HOMES

Many care homes have found success in creating dedicated sensory rooms Personalised relaxing music videos are ideal for use in these spaces where they can be combined with soft lighting calming scents and tactile objects to offer a fully immersive environment These sensory rooms provide a tranquil retreat for residents allowing them to engage multiple senses in a way that is soothing and beneficial

THE POWER OF VISUAL LANDSCAPES FOR SENSORY STIMULATION

Visual landscapes such as nature scenes are an invaluable tool for sensory stimulation For residents who may no longer be able to experience the outdoors firsthand, these videos offer a powerful connection to the natural world Scenes of oceans forests or mountain views have been shown to reduce anxiety alleviate stress and promote mental well-being The immersive quality of these visuals when combined with soothing music provides a window to the outside world offering comfort and emotional enrichment for residents who may feel disconnected from nature

AI TRANSFORMING RESIDENT CARE

The integration of AI into sensory stimulation is revolutionising how care homes approach resident wellbeing AI technologies such as the colourisation of old photographs help residents reconnect with their past in vivid detail These enhanced visuals combined with calming music and personal video messages from loved ones create a multi-sensory experience that reduces anxiety and promotes emotional well-being This innovative use of AI not only improves the sensory experience but also strengthens cognitive function making it an essential tool in modern care homes

THE VALUE OF PHOTOS AND VIDEO MESSAGES FROM LOVED ONES

Incorporating photos and video messages from loved ones adds an emotional layer to sensory stimulation Seeing familiar faces and hearing the voices of family members triggers emotional recognition which can provide comfort and reduce anxiety especially for those experiencing memory loss This personalised approach creates meaningful connections stimulating both visual and auditory pathways and offering moments of joy and clarity for residents

Moreover video messages combat feelings of loneliness and isolation Residents feel a stronger sense of belonging and connection to their loved ones, even if they cannot be physically present This can significantly enhance their overall well-being contributing to a more enriching care environment

SENSORY

THERAPY ALSO HELPS CAREGIVERS

Sensory therapy particularly 30-minute video experiences serves as a versatile tool for structured activities With the ability to loop the videos for longer experiences caregivers can find moments of respite while enhancing the well-being of residents Creating a calm and engaged environment through sensory videos can improve the caregiving experience and reduce caregiver burnout

CONCLUSION

The integration of sensory stimulation, particularly through personalised AI-enhanced relaxing music videos offers a transformative approach to improving the well-being of residents in care homes By engaging multiple senses including visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and even gustatory, these videos provide a holistic and enriching experience that benefits both residents and caregivers For individuals living with cognitive impairments like dementia these sensory experiences evoke memories reduce anxiety and foster emotional connections

The use of advanced AI technologies such as the colourisation of old photos combined with serene landscapes, soothing music, and messages from loved ones, adds a deeply personal and meaningful dimension to the care environment The implementation of sensory rooms and dedicated sensory activities not only enhances residents' physical and emotional health but also offers caregivers a valuable tool for creating a calm structured environment As care homes continue to evolve embracing sensory therapies will remain essential in promoting a higher quality of life for elderly residents and those living with dementia

Enhancing the Care Home Experience

MBS Relaxing Music Video Productions (www mbsrelaxingmv

Music 4 Memories Headsets

The Importance of Snoezelen® and Reminiscence Rooms for Older Adults

Pass by ever yLIFE

Ensuring

Empowering Carers Through Technology

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

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NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

Fall Savers - Affordable Fall Monitoring Solutions

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Stay Safe with Smart Wireless Nurse Call

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Crash Mats Designed to Reduce Injuries from Bed Falls

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Effective Leaders are Responsible Managers:

Explore the Char ted Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) with Mar y Seacole at the University of Exeter

Have you ever wondered about advancing your career, but unsure how to gain the qualifications required whist working? There is an ever-increasing demand for skilled managers within the care sector, and having practical experience is just not enough to fill those positions

Gaining a BSc (Hons) in Responsible Business Manager and

3ET - Certified Training Courses

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Managers Must Upskill To Tackle Workplace Conflict

Work can and should always be a force for good But one in four workers (25%) in the north of England have experienced conflict at work over the past year, with most choosing not to report incidents such as verbal abuse and harassment according to the 2024 CIPD Good Work Index: North of England report

The research – from the annual survey of close to 900 workers across Yorkshire and Humber the North East and North West - also reveals that victims of workplace conflict suffer more from poor mental health and a lack of trust and confidence in management

As a trusted advisor to the government, the CIPD - the professional body for HR and people development - is calling for employers to ensure line managers are trained and prepared to deal with conflict effectively This starts with addressing the underlying causes such as poor management practices and excessive workloads

WHAT CONSTITUTES AS BULLYING, DISCRIMINATION, AND HARASSMENT?

The world of work is changing at pace and line managers are facing many new people challenges For some employees, homeworking and the rise of technology threatens to create an ‘always-on’ culture where issues can be spread far and wide, across online chat platforms Therefore it’s never been more important for line managers to play a vital role in identifying challenging and dealing with conflict at work

including unfair treatment and sexual harassment

To achieve this they need to participate in regular people management training This should offer specifics around what bullying discrimination and harassment looks like and how to resolve conflict by being able to have difficult yet open and honest conversations to prevent and tackle conflict at work

Managers must also take the time to understand their organisation’s policies and procedures on bullying, discrimination, and harassment and how to report issues in a timely manner, so they are investigated swiftly

IS A MANAGER’S ‘STYLE’ CAUSING CONFLICT AND STRESS?

Managers are at the heart of people s experience of their workplace What they do and say has a significant impact on their team s motivation engagement and overall performance This explains why management style can often be the source of conflict and is the second most common cause of stress at work after unmanageable workload

People managers must reflect on their own management style and the impact their behaviour has on others They should become part of the solution to resolving workplace conflict at an early informal stage before incidents escalate

To do this people managers must be open collaborative and compassionate to create a culture where staff feel trusted and confident to speak up without fear of judgement or being ignored

AVOIDING EXCESSIVE WORKLOADS & AN ‘ALWAYS ON CULTURE’

Rising technology and remote working is giving many employees –particularly parents and carers – a better work-life balance However, the blurred lines between work and home have led to many staff working longer hours to manage increasing workloads – often out of hoursand working when they are ill

Line managers need to take effective steps to manage the main risks of excessive workloads which can cause stress and mental ill health among their workers

the successful franchisee to deliver SecuriCare training programmes in their designated territory

By Daphne Doody-Green, UK Market Director, CIPD

As part of this they must assess individual and team workloads to make sure they are reasonable set clear expectations about taking breaks and act as role models for healthy working practices This includes taking time off themselves when sick Providing staff with autonomy to control how, where and when they work is also key to empower rather than restrict them in their roles

MONITORING AND REVIEWING WORKPLACE CONFLICT

Staff attitude surveys will enable people managers and the wider organisation to collect feedback in areas like gender equality and bullying and harassment

Monitoring the gender diversity of the workforce at every level, including for recruitment and promotion will also help to highlight if there is any potential discrimination or harassment on grounds of gender

NEW LAW TO PROTECT WORKERS FROM SEXUAL HARASSMENT

From October 2024 the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill will strengthen existing protection for workers against sexual harassment

The new law will place a new duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment Tribunals will have the power to increase compensation by up to 25% if they find an employer has breached this duty

Therefore it is essential that people managers are proactive and systematic in how they tackle and prevent sexual harassment at work by providing evidence of the reasonable steps taken This includes undertaking regular training and development to understand their role in preventing and addressing sexual harassment

FREE RESOURCES FOR LINE MANAGERS

The CIPD offer a range of free resources for people managers to develop their management capabilities and prevent and tackle workplace conflict including bullying and harassment

Change the Way We Train Staff

Social Care TV

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Cyber Security: Defend As One

But

By Daniel O ’Shaughnessy, Programme Manager - Better Security, Better Care, Digital Care Hub

Check

Strengthen

continuity plan: Ensure it covers how you will manage if you were to lose access to data for a period of time Watch out for our new cyber incident response checklist – coming in October for Cyber Security Awareness Month

Create back-ups Identify what data is essential to running your service, and create a backup separate from

Policies and Procedures Within Social Care

FINANCE AND PROFESSIONALS

OakNorth Completes £52m Loan to Support War wick Capital

Partners’ Acquisition of National Care Home Operator, Danforth Care

Founded

Swift Management Ser vices Limited

quality

Mike Whitehead CEO of Danforth Care commented: “Since day one our mission has always been to create a home-like atmosphere for our residents that is safe, secure, and encourages independence We are committed to providing the highest quality of care and services to our elderly residents and we strive to create a place where they can be comfortable while feeling respected and valued The support from Warwick and the financial backing they received from OakNorth will help accelerate our growth highlighted by our expectation to open seven further homes in the coming months ”

Deepesh Thakrar, Senior Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth added: “We were delighted to support Warwick on this project as it emphasises our strong ambitions to do more to

seen them

Care Home Finance from Global Business Finance

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