The Carer Digital - Issue #221

Government Urged to Support the UK’s Adult Social Care Sector Leading Organisations Unite in Call

EDITOR'S VIEWPOINT

Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has added its voice to the growing chorus calling for urgent reform of England’s adult social care system In its response to the Health and Social Care Committee s inquiry Adult Social Care Reform: The Cost of Inaction CIPFA delivers a sobering assessment: decades of inaction and short-term fixes have pushed adult social care to the brink of crisis

Without immediate and meaningful reform, the UK risks the CIPFA says perpetuating a vicious cycle of poor value for money, declining care standards, and ever-mounting pressures on local authorities

This damning verdict is sadly not news to anyone working in or relying on adult social care

The sector already stretched to its limits is now facing a perfect storm following the recent budget Increased labour costs stemming from changes to Employer National Insurance Contributions (ENIC) and the rise in the National Minimum Wage add to the financial strain Providers councils and charities alike are sounding the alarm

In our lead story we report on a remarkable show of unity: over 100 organisations from across the adult social care sector have issued a collective statement urging the Government to take immediate action These organisations highlight the financial pressures undermining their ability to provide vital services and warn of the long-term consequences of continued neglect Yet, they also express hope

As the statement notes: “A collaborative approach offers a tremendous opportunity to secure a sustainable future for adult social care By working together as equal partners, we can build a care and support system that empowers everyone to live the life they choose ”

The contributions of this sector are staggering It employs more people than the NHS It contributes an estimated £68 1 billion to the UK economy Perhaps most strikingly it supports unpaid carers whose efforts save the state a jaw-dropping £184 billion per year Yet despite these figures adult social care remains undervalued and often overlooked by successive governments 2025 will I suspect bring significant political change if the Government does not shift course

Independent Care Group chair Mike Padgham s recent call for social care to be exempt from ENIC changes is echoed by the voices of 34 300 people who have signed a petition also calling for social care providers to be exempt from the employer NIC increase

This is a sector in desperate need of not just short-term relief but long-term vision and reform The time for platitudes has passed; meaningful action is overdue

At The Carer we’ll continue to amplify the sector’s concerns and successes On a lighter note the Christmas spirit is in full swing and we ve been inundated with heartwarming stories of choirs concerts fundraising and festive activities

Keep them coming! We re thrilled to announce our special Christmas Day Edition of The Carer Digital, which will be delivered to your inbox at 11 am Don t forget to enter our Best Decorated Christmas Tree competition the winner will receive a £100 M&S voucher!

As we head into the festive season, let’s keep shining a light on the vital work of those in adult social care Their dedication deserves recognition, reform, and respect

I would also like to encourage our readers to sign up for our bi-weekly digital newsletter at www thecareruk com and follow us on social media for all the latest news

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this Christmas

See details of our special Christmas competition on page 11

Editor Peter Adams

Government Urged to Support the UK’s Adult Social Care Sector

(CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER)

Over 100 organisations from across the adult social care sector have united in urging the Government to take immediate steps to address growing financial pressures on councils care providers and charities In a collective statement they highlighted the urgent need for collaboration to alleviate these challenges and secure the future of social care

They are they say ready to work with the Government as equal partners to bring about the long-term changes needed to build a care and support system that enables everyone to live the life they want to lead ”

The joint statement said The Government faces a challenging task of building a strong economy and sustainable and inclusive growth in the current fiscal environment The challenge will be considerably harder if adult social care is not prioritised and funded adequately In this context the additional funding of up to £1 3 billion for local government including adult social care in the recent Budget was welcome CONTRIBUTES TO ECONOMY

“When properly resourced and organised, adult social care is an important way in which adults of all ages, with different reasons for drawing on care are able to live their best life

“Its workforce is bigger than that of the NHS It contributes an estimated £68 1 billion to the national economy and supports unpaid carers whose devoted caring saves the state an estimated £184 billion per year ”

While welcoming additional funding the sector has raised concerns about the increased financial burden resulting from changes to employer National Insurance contributions (ENICs) These changes, they have warned have created significant cost pressures threatening the ability of the adult social care system to deliver optimal support and services

The Local Government Association estimates that ENICs changes create £1 77 billion in additional costs for councils; £637 million for directly employed staff and £1 13 billion through indirect costs via commissioned providers including £628 million for adult social care alone This pressure is not the only one bearing down on councils and their partners In adult social care increases to the National Living Wage inflation and demography creates a further pressure of well over another £1 billion

“The scope for savings and efficiencies within the sector is now extremely limited ” the organisations warned in their statement Current funding levels are insufficient to address these new pressures let alone tackle the long-standing challenges facing social care Without additional funding the months ahead could be some of the toughest the sector has ever experienced ”

CARE AS AN “INVESTMENT”

The statement called on the Government to recognise funding for adult social care as an investment in the nation’s future rather than a cost It urged the Treasury to collaborate with the care sector to find solutions either by mitigating the financial pressures or by using the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement to inject substantial new funding into local authorities

Without significant new funding, the coming months will likely be the most difficult we’ve seen in recent years the letter said REFUSING NEW CONTRACTS

The Care Provider Alliance estimates that: 73 per cent of social care providers will need to refuse to accept new packages of care from councils or the NHS; 64 per cent will need to let staff go; 76 per cent will need to make cuts to training and resources for staff; and 22 per cent will close down their businesses The charity sector will likely be hit hard, too, both through the ENICs costs they face and the inevitable reduction in funding from local government as councils do what they have to do to deliver by law a balanced budget Some of these consequences such as closures will leave a permanent scar even if funding increases in the future People – those drawing on care and support those delivering it and those overseeing its provision –will bear the brunt of these pressures

The statement adds: If the Government gets fully behind adult social care recognises its inherent value to us all and sees funding for it as an investment rather than a cost we can avoid the level of risk described above It is an opportunity that people across the country cannot afford to see missed

We therefore call on the Treasury to work with the care and support sector to either find a way to mitigate the pressures on councils providers and charities as described above or use this month’s Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement to inject significant new funding into local government so that councils can meet them ”

WAKE-UP CALL

Jackie O’Sullivan Executive Director of Strategy and Influence at learning disability charity Mencap and Co-Chair of the Care and Support Alliance co-signed the Local Government Authority s letter:

This stark warning should come as a wakeup call Care users and care workers will end up bearing the brunt; people with a learning disability and their families will be left without the support they need

This worrying situation with rising National Insurance costs can still be avoided if the Government provides Local Authorities with an immediate uplift for care workers pay It would help to stabilise the sector and prevent people relying on care facing an uncertain future

DEVASTATING CUTS

New analysis by Cordis Bright commissioned by Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) found changes to National Insurance Contributions will result in devastating service cuts as disability charities face £266 million shortfall

The survey of disability charities found the increased cost of NICs and wages will result in an estimated £266million shortfall next year, with over 60 per cent of disability charities surveyed expecting to be in financial deficit as early as March 2025

Many of the organisations polled will be forced to mitigate soaring wage bills by making redundancies cutting hours or implementing a pay freeze for existing staff unless the government takes urgent action to fully fund or exempt charities from this cost burden Almost a quarter of respondents (24%) believe staff cuts are inevitable with 18 per cent reluctantly considering a pay freeze or reduction in the hourly rate of pay for its staff

Dr Rhidian Hughes Chief Executive (VODG) a signatory of the statement and who commissioned the research said: The recent Budget announcements on increased employer national insurance contributions and national living wage present significant challenges for disability services Third sector providers of frontline services have faced years of under-funding and these changes are set to push charities to the brink

The government has pledged £680m for social care in its latest budget but the amount needed across the sector is closer to £2 8bn Without an exemption or protected funding to cover the commitments being introduced by government it will mean that services for disabled people will at best shrink and at worse close Without this action the rights and legal entitlements of disabled people to care and support will be pulled away Public sector commissioners are in no place to be able to pick up and run these services and the question we are left with is who will then support disabled people with life-long conditions?’

COLLABORATIVE APPROACH

Looking to the future the organisations expressed a readiness to work closely with the Government as well as on a cross-party basis to achieve long-term reforms

“A collaborative approach offers a tremendous opportunity to secure a sustainable future for adult social care ” they stated “By working together as equal partners we can build a care and support system that empowers everyone to live the life they choose

This unified call for action underscores the pressing need for a renewed commitment to the adult social care sector ensuring it remains resilient and capable of meeting the needs of the communities it serves

How Social Workers Can Build

Resilience To Safeguard Mental Health

By

The many challenges inherent in a career in social work mean that it commands the practitioner to have considerable mental and emotional resilience In my experience this is perhaps the single most important quality for you to build on and strengthen

Resilience is like a shield that will protect your wellbeing, and developing resilience is in fact more an art than a skill You need to find and use your inner strength to defend yourself against the negative emotional impact of some horrific cases you will have to deal with as well as the constant pressure that comes with the job which can not only affect the quality of your work but also lead to stress, anxiety, mental health issues and burnout

Here are some further tips on how to develop and maintain resilience 1 DON’T GET EMOTIONALLY INVOLVED

If you become engrossed or entangled in a case this will have an impact on your ability to manage it effectively It is, therefore, essential to constantly ‘step back’ and reflect on the case to see clearly how it needs to be dealt with Yes you must be supportive but this requires you to be resilient because the children and families you are working with are in a highly challenging situation themselves and will be looking to you to be strong in the face of adversity

This of course is easier said than done But like charity resilience begins at home’ This means that you must build your own support network among your colleagues as well as your family and friends Don’t be afraid to offload and share your concerns with others Take them aside and bounce ideas off them Use your monthly supervisions with your team manager, for example, to reflect and regroup Often simply talking things through helps to bring them into focus

All this will be easier if you are fortunate enough to be working under a good manager But be aware that managers are under pressure too and may not have the time or the expertise to give you the help and support you might need It is therefore largely up to you to self-manage

2 DON’T TRY TO BE SUPERHUMAN

Social workers often try to come across as indestructible able to contend with any and every challenge that comes their way No problem Bring it on But no one is superhuman We all have our own personal challenges to deal with as well our own inner turmoil of doubts and fears and these must be constantly faced up to and dealt with

This also means that it is essential to set clear boundaries between your work and your personal life By that I mean don t take your work home The moment you start taking work home as a social worker is the moment you start to lose control of your life This too is easy for me to say When you are working with a family and there is a safeguarding crisis it can seem almost criminal to leave it until tomorrow But a good work/life balance is fundamental to your effectiveness as a social worker Taking a break will refresh and invigorate you so that you are even more effective when you pick up the case again the next day

3.

SELF-CARE IS VITAL

Self-care is greatly underrated and in fact it is virtually ignored within social work The focus is on achieving outcomes and solving problems – so much so that the social worker is often forgotten in the process Our managers who of course are themselves under great pressure generally don t invest enough in our wellbeing which means that it is even more important for you to regularly check in on it yourself

Putting yourself first is very important Look at your own needs and the signals your body is giving you: am I overtired? Stressed? Do I need some downtime? Don t ignore the signs and think you will be OK

One of the things I learned over my years as a social worker is the importance of taking short breaks that increase your energy levels and make you more alert and more focused on the task at hand Don t forfeit the leave you are entitled to If you can t afford extended holidays take a Friday off every month and treat yourself to a long weekend away or at home

4.

MODEL RESILIENCE

Finally it is vital for you to model resilience not only to the families and children you are working with but also to your colleagues – especially if you are managing others This will inspire and motivate them and build a sense of collective resilience ‘He’s been through it and come out strong so I can too ’

Make sure that you are provided adequate supervision I know from the social workers I speak to that supervision isn’t happening enough which means that there is no space for the social worker to reflect on practice and to offload the emotional challenges and obstacles they are facing It is therefore incumbent upon you as a manager to create a platform – a space for supervision where social workers can be open and honest about how they are feeling without being criticised or devalued; a team culture of trust and support

Remember that you cannot look after others unless you first look after yourself

Bisley Care Home Launches New Partnership with Physiotherapy Ser vice for the Elderly

Kingsbury Court Care Home in Bisley is launching a new partnership with Therapies on Thames, a service providing physiotherapy, rehabilitation and occupational therapy for the elderly

The 60-bed care home is to provide a base to Therapies on Thames which has been supporting elderly people with physiotherapy and occupational therapy services since 2012 Healthcare professionals from Therapies on Thames will make use of a specially adapted therapy room at the care home offering therapies to those living in the home as well as older people from the local community who would like to access physiotherapy rehabilitation or support after illness or injury, or to improve their quality of life

Jose Pinto Home Manager at Kingsbury Court said

“Having worked with the team at Therapies on Thames before we know how well their approach aligns with our own placing a strong focus on personalised care and maximising independence

They understand how health conditions can affect the day-to-day life and independence of older people, and all the physical and mental challenges they experience, and have the expertise to help them return to the day-to-day routines and activities that are so vital to their well-being and health

“We are delighted to have the Therapies on Thames team located here at Kingsbury Court where they will play an essential part in keeping those living

or health issue Raj Senniappan, Founder and Managing Director at Therapies

Peter Nduwayesu Buturo, founder of Bold Leap (www bold-leap com) and author of "Social Work And Beyond"

Break the Cycle Of ‘Crisis-Cash-Repeat’ In Adult Social Care, CIPFA Urges

Decades of inaction and short-term fixes have left adult social care in crisis Without urgent reform, we risk perpetuating a vicious cycle of poor value for money and worsening pressures on local authorities across the country a report has revealed

Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) the professional body for people in public finance has published its full consultation response to the Health and Social Care Committee’s call for evidence, Adult Social Care Reform: The Cost of Inaction highlighting the scale of challenges and the need for reform in England s adult social care system

CIPFA Social Care Policy Advisor Dr William Burns said: For too long governments of all stripes have relied on a reactive approach to adult social care funding a model we call ‘crisis-cash-repeat ’ This short-term mindset fails to address the root causes of the sector s challenges leaving councils grappling with rising demand and inadequate

resources

“Every delay in reforming adult social care compounds the problem The current system forces local authorities to divert scarce resources toward immediate statutory duties at the expense of preventative measures This perpetuates a vicious cycle where unmet needs grow costs rise and the opportunity for meaningful reform diminishes ”

CIPFA calls on the Government to act urgently to break this destructive cycle By moving away from emergency funding and taking a longer-term view we can build a sustainable adult social care system ready to meet the increasingly complex needs of our ageing population Investing in system reform now will yield better outcomes deliver value for money and create a system that supports people to live longer, healthier, and more independent lives ”

The Importance of Pain Reduction in Enhancing Wound Management

By Bernard Ross, CEO of

Pain from chronic wounds such as venous leg ulcers (VLUs) causes considerable physical and mental distress to patients and poses major economic and therapeutic challenges for healthcare systems worldwide To address this escalating burden, a growing evidence base is supporting the adoption of medical technology (MedTech) solutions that can offer the ability to effectively stimulate wound healing with the promise of improving treatment adherence and transforming wound healing outcomes for patients LEG ULCERS AND PAIN MANAGEMENT

Pain is the most reported symptom in VLU patients In terms of pain intensity up to 35 percent of patients with chronic VLUs suffer a pain intensity recorded at ≥5 out of 10 (10 being unbearable pain) However managing persistent wound pain with opioid and non-opioid analgesics often proves inadequate with patients struggling to access the right treatment or reporting it ineffective Living with this pain negatively impacts the quality of life of wound patients and those who care for them When combined with a lack of mobility and sleep this can lead to a deterioration in mental health and have further consequences on patients physical health

Wounds UK revealed that negative emotions such as anxiety stress depression and a lack of control can all contribute to increased pain indicating that psychological variables and pain management need to be recognised across wound care to improve healing outcomes

PAIN AND PATIENT ADHERENCE

The current standard of care for treating wounds like VLUs is compression therapy which can come in the form of two or four-layer bandaging wraps or hosiery dressings Compression therapy improves venous circulation and reduces swelling by squeezing the leg to promote blood flow back to the heart accelerating wound healing and helping prevent infections

However, overall patient adherence to compression therapy is low, estimated between 12 and 52% Low adherence to compression therapy is often a result of patients being unable to tolerate the pain and discomfort caused by the pressure applied At times, this can trigger patients to form a negative relationship

with compression therapy causing them to be less receptive to treatment and delaying healing progress significantly

Improving pain relief

According to the International Wound Journal, an estimated 50-60 percent of patients experience persistent wound pain often as a result of failure to heal or lack of concordance with treatment In some instances patients may request lighter levels of compression to reduce pain, causing healing progress to slow or stop altogether causing patients to experience wound pain for longer However by prioritising pain reduction patients gain more trust in their treatment fostering a more receptive attitude and speeding up the healing process significantly

THE PROMISE OF MEDTECH

Fortunately innovations in medical technology (MedTech) are providing adjunctive solutions to wound care that can be used alongside compression therapy to improve healing outcomes For example a small non-invasive wearable device that promotes blood flow increase can be worn by patients with compression therapy This results in enhanced oxygen and nutrient delivery to the wound bed and edge clinically proven to reduce pain and accelerate wound healing

This enhanced blood flow provided by both compression therapy and a wearable medical device puts less reliance on compression therapy alone Combined, they successfully drive up adherence to standard of care ensuring better patient outcomes

With MedTech used in combination with compression therapy patients can benefit from reduced pain which subsequently gives them more confidence in their treatment and hope that their condition will improve This positive outcome plays a huge role in patient adherence and improving the quality of life By addressing pain and the emotional and physical impacts of chronic wounds on patients, MedTech promotes greater freedom mobility and independence

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

To improve patient adherence healthcare systems are more than ever acknowledging that pain management is a crucial step of the wound healing journey The impact of deploying MedTech can be equally profound Faster healing of wounds means fewer complications and fewer resources needed to deliver wound care By breaking the cycle of hard-to-heal chronic wounds, the growing use of medical devices represents a potential step-change in pain management and wound healing outcomes for patients everywhere who are affected by this complex, common – and increasingly prevalent – condition

Surrey Care Home Workers Create Mobile ‘Manicures On The Move’ Ser vice To Pamper Residents

Care workers at HC-One s Adelaide House care home in Walton-onThames Surrey have enhanced their skillsets to create a mobile nail salon manicures on the move’ to help pamper and relax residents Nail technician and Adelaide House Wellbeing Coordinator Bronwyn Dobie and Care Assistant, Vivian Osuala, helped launch the beauty salon service at the Surrey home to deliver a weekly dose of pampering and relaxation to its residents Offering treatment from removing their nail polishand clipping their nails to a fresh coat of colour residents at HC-One s Adelaide House can now receive their beauty treatments twice a week Adelaide House’s mobile nail salon has seen an influx of visitors who have welcomed the availability of manicures and hand massages Working at Adelaide House care home for just over a year, Bronwyn launched the mobile nail treatment service to provide nail treatment to any of Adelaide House’s residents who enjoy getting their nails pampered

Whether residents want to get their nail treatment completed in the comfort of their own bedroom or in the communal areas, Bronwyn and her nail technicians are happy to provide their services in a space that is comfortable for them The mobile service was introduced as the staff at Adelaide House recognised that many residents previously relied on beauty salons for their treatments ensuring that they did not need to travel

Social Care TV

Social Care TV continue to fly the flag for highest quality online training for Health and Social Care after unwavering commitment to excellence within the sector for over 25 years

Their widely-used health and social care specific courses - produced and edited in-house - are expertly designed to make learning engaging informative and therefore highly effective for learners

Accredited by CPD and endorsed by Skills for Care training with Social Care TV is quality assured comprehensive and relevant

As one of the leading online training providers in the health and social care sector in the UK they supply training for local authorities recruitment agencies care home groups and other health and social care organisations

Their feature-rich Manager platform has further been enhanced this year with the introduction of several new Manager tools designed to aid with compliance, reporting and trainee management Features now available include: Compliance Dashboard with Traffic Light System Downloadable Trainee Matrix Custom Bundles

far for a well-deserved pamper

Alongside helping residents to feel their best Bronwyn has been supporting other colleagues at the home to get to grips with manicuring allowing even more of Adelaide House s residents to receive a well-deserved pamper

Bronwyn Dobie Wellbeing Coordinator at HC-One s Adelaide House care home, commented: We have a mobile offering – manicures on the move Colleagues can learn and gain confidence through regular practice and the beauty about our service is that we take this offering to the residents they don t need to come to us

“Our service shows how Adelaide House can provide kind care, as residents get an opportunity to have a friendly chat with colleagues as they would have done with their nail technician previously This is a special time for both our colleagues and residents and it s always very well received Yvonne Grover HC-One's Adelaide House care home resident, said: The weekly pamper sessions at Adelaide House was the most I have ever felt relaxed In the salon Bronwyn works her magic to help uplift our spirits and she caters to the individual preference of each resident ”

Trainee Groups Bulk Uploads Bulk Enrolment Onto Custom Bundles • Course Enrolment Notifications • Course Reminders

SCTV regularly release new and updated high-quality courses Previews for all courses can be viewed at Courses - Social Care TV (www social-care tv/courses/course-details)

To enhance their learners' experience further they have created free, comprehensive subject-specific workbooks which were rolled out across all courses this year 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:

Online Health and Social Care Learning Platform – Global Health & Pharma Social Care Awards 2024 • CPD Provider of the Year’ – The CPD Awards • Social Care Training Provider of

social care community and the environment Above all SCTV consistently strive to make a meaningful contribution to the wellbeing of those being cared for

For more information please see: Homepage - Social Care TV (www social-care tv) and see advert on the facing page

Adult Social Care Lacking Good Pay

And Working Conditions, Report Finds

laborative research sheds light on the stark realities of pay and employment conditions within the adult social care sector

It is imperative that we address these disparities to create a more equitable system that values the dedication of care workers and ensures the delivery of quality care ”

Care workers in England are paid at or little above the National Living Wage with senior care workers earning only a small amount

The

Providers

The different fee levels across local authorities also creates complexity in pay setting processes, researchers say

To address this, an investment in HR support and processes is recommended as being key to ensuring the future of the sector

Professor Atkinson said: Most independent sector adult social care providers are SMEs and may lack inhouse HR support, which is vital

that is under substantial pressure In addition, both independent sector providers and care workers noted the differences between adult social care and NHS terms and conditions

Carol Woodhams Professor of Human Resource Management at the University of Surrey said: “Our col-

We

Care Home Celebrates First Anniversar y With Performance From The Resident’s Choir

Marking a milestone, The DurhamGate Care Home Home in Spennymoor, County Durham, celebrated its one-year anniversary in style with a week of activities that delighted residents and staff including a debut performance by the resident’s choir

The festivities began with A Night at the Musicals Residents dressed

dents with a special performance Seeing the joy on everyone s faces during A Night at the Musicals was truly heartwarming This past year has been incredible watching our community grow and thrive The highlight of the birthday celebrations was the debut performance of

resident’s choir Since September, ten talented residents at the care home have been rehearsing for the big event Performing in front of fellow residents families friends and staff the choir delivered a selection of songs including When You’re Smiling and Que Sera Sera They were met with a warm reception and their performance was followed by a roar of applause

During the week residents also enjoyed a nostalgic performance by Pete Johnson who brought the magic of Rat Pack classics to life As well as a special visit from Carrie Steele whose repertoire of singalong favourites had everyone joining in Friends and families of the residents have taken to Facebook to express their appreciation for the team at DurhamGate Care Home with one user commenting A great afternoon – thanks for all the hard work and another adding It was fab everyone had the best time

Will AI Be The Answer To Rescuing Health and Social Care From Admin Burnout?

By Dr Jonathan Shaw, former surgeon and

Lord Darzi s independent review of the NHS paints a sobering picture of an overburdened system straining under the weight of escalating demands He highlighted how the service is in a ‘critical condition with issues around efficiency and access to services The report made numerous recommendations for improving the NHS which included driving productivity in hospitals through more capital investment and making more use of technology

Similarly the NHS England Long Term Workforce Plan published last year, explicitly called for productivity gains in exchange for expanding staff numbers

THE ISSUES CURRENTLY FACED

A recurring concern voiced by health and social care staff is the substantial amount of time taken up by administrative duties Health and care professionals find themselves bogged down with clerical work that could be handled by support staff and intelligent systems diverting precious hours away from their core responsibility – providing exceptional care to individuals A significant amount of time is spent on tasks such as taking patient notes reviewing results care planning capturing structured information so that coded data can be used elsewhere, or corresponding with colleagues and other care providers Phone calls or notes in unstructured format need to be typed up and many organisations still collect data manually The latest LGA survey found that social workers are increasingly weighed down by administrative work and were managing more complex caseloads THE POTENTIAL OF AI

This is where AI can make a significant impact Clinical and social care notes are information-rich sources with complex workflows, making them ideally suited for AI applications It can not only reduce the amount of manual entry of documentation but it also allows health and social care providers to streamline processes optimise resource and provide more proactive care AI's capabilities extend beyond just summarisation; it can assist users with the next steps of performing actions and tasks within an individual’s record This empowers health and social care professionals to focus on what truly matters The true potential of AI is how it can boost efficiency for both the people using services and the organisations providing them By putting AI to work on those tedious time-draining tasks we can streamline operations like never before But it's about more than just saving time and effort Bringing AI into the mix creates an opportunity to raise quality standards and consistency across the board By automating all the monotonous admin work we free up human experts to focus on the high-level person-centred aspects that really matter This allows social workers and clinicians to be present in a conversation with people rather than busy taking notes Blending human expertise with the power of AI will ultimately improve quality of care And thanks to AI s ability to

standardise processes based on data-driven best practices we can ensure the same experience no matter where services are delivered

THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING HUMAN OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

A crucial principle in the use of AI is maintaining human oversight and validation throughout the process Ultimately the final decision-making authority should remain with the human experts such as social workers or clinicians They must be the ones to validate and confirm the outputs and recommendations generated by AI systems For instance when an AI tool helps to summarise a care plan or handover summary the social worker or healthcare professional should review and approve it, ensuring its accuracy and appropriateness There are various use cases and examples where this human-in-the-loop approach is essential across different social care scenarios While AI can be a helpful tool we need the expertise and judgment of human care professionals to lead the way This is especially true in social care - for example if an older person says they want to see the moon, AI might take that literally, but a human caregiver would understand the deeper meaning behind that wish and find a more meaningful way to address it in their care plan Social care is all about complex human emotions and needs that AI alone can t fully grasp By combining human understanding with AI s analytical abilities we can provide truly personalised empathetic care

SAFETY AND ETHICAL PRACTICE ARE PARAMOUNT

Ensuring the safe and ethical integration of AI is critical There are many temptations to cut corners and approach it in a more cost-effective but potentially exploitative way, especially when it comes to health and social care data but we must have robust safeguards and oversight so that we don t misuse personal data Prioritising privacy transparency and responsible data stewardship is key here This balanced approach which places the wellbeing of individuals and communities at the forefront is critical to upholding high ethical standards when it comes to AI If we start using ChatGPT or Google translate for writing patient letters, for example there is no assurance of patient confidentiality

But doing all this properly isn t easy - the process of implementing and maintaining specialised health and care technologies can be costly and complex There’s a significant amount of governance and overhead involved in setting up these systems appropriately What's more, the social care sector tends to have less regulation compared to the healthcare industry meaning that these technologies are not always treated as medical devices in the same way This creates additional risks and challenges when deploying these types of solutions At System C this is something we’re very passionate about We’ve partnered with Microsoft to ensure we’re creating a properly governed system which complies with NHS guidance around data processing We re making sure that the data we put into our AI system is secure compliant and safe

Ultimately leveraging AI efficiencies is not just about doing things quicker or cutting costs It s a chance to totally transform operations and set new benchmarks for quality Timely and informed actions at the outset can significantly reduce the length of hospital stays and provide the best possible care outcomes, therefore unlocking other benefits as a result but it must be pursued with robust safeguards and a commitment to ethical AI principles to harness its full power

The pobroll® is the invention of Pat O Brien a physiotherapist Moving and Handling trainer and Conflict Management tutor with over two decades of experience in care homes and nursing homes

Care home managers often face challenges in delivering intimate care while balancing efficiency and managing costs particularly when these essential tasks provoke behaviours that can be challenging to safely manage Traditional methods especially for bed-bound residents often lead to lengthy processes and frequent linen changes driving up costs and consuming valuable staff time The pobroll® provides a transformative solution that supports dignified care achieves significant cost savings and reduces the need for additional staffing

The pobroll® is an innovative bed-bathing wrap specifically designed to enhance comfort and dignity during personal washing for individuals who require in-bed care Centred on the resident s experience it minimizes distress by providing sensory comfort Crafted with two layers of high-quality cotton-terry toweling and a waterproof layer in between it delivers a soothing calming experience while keeping the bed completely dry Sized for a standard single bed, the pobroll® s dual-layer design offers warmth and a sense of security and privacy allowing residents to maintain comfort and dignity during bed-based bathing routines

BOOSTING COST SAVINGS AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY

REDUCING STAFFING COSTS AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

The pobroll® s waterproof design enables caregivers to provide a complete wet wash without the risk of soaking the bed minimising the need for frequent linen changes This leads to fewer laundry loads, reducing labour and utility costs as well as wear on linens By reducing logistical tasks, caregivers have more time to focus on direct resident care enhancing productivity overall Additionally reduced reliance on disposable wipes results in further cost savings and supports environmentally sustainable practices With its durable reusable design the pobroll® maintains hygiene standards and allows for extended use across multiple residents As care homes face increased pressure to adopt sustainable practices the pobroll® provides an effective solution that supports both economic and environmental goals

Managing resident agitation particularly for those with dementia often requires specialised training in restraint techniques The pobroll® significantly reduces the need for physical intervention by providing a warm secure covering that alleviates resident distress This gentle approach minimizes aggressive or defensive reactions, reducing the number of staff needed for these interactions As a result facilities can potentially lower staffing levels without compromising care quality yielding substantial cost savings

Additionally reduced dependence on physical intervention decreases training costs associated with restraint techniques By simplifying the process of intimate care the pobroll® reduces the need for specialised training making onboarding smoother and lowering turnover-related training expenses ENHANCING SAFETY, COMPLIANCE, AND RESIDENT SATISFACTION

The pobroll® supports compliance with restraint reduction guidelines, helping facilities minimise documentation burdens and regulatory liabilities linked to physical interventions This non-invasive solution

improves safety for both residents and caregivers fostering a culture of dignity and respect that boosts satisfaction among residents and their families

CONCLUSION: A VALUABLE ASSET FOR QUALITY CARE AND COST MANAGEMENT

For care homes the pobroll® represents a strategic investment offering measurable savings by reducing reliance on disposable products lowering laundry and training costs and enabling efficient staffing Most importantly it prioritises resident dignity and comfort, setting a high standard for compassionate person-centred care For facilities seeking to enhance financial performance and care quality, the pobroll® is an invaluable addition to their resources

WHO CREATED THE POBROLL®?

The pobroll® is the invention of Pat O’Brien a physiotherapist, Moving and Handling trainer and Conflict Management tutor with over two decades of experience in care homes and nursing homes

Pat s focus has been on individuals who are frail receiving end-oflife care and often grappling with dementia-related challenges

Throughout her experience of working alongside carers in Nursing and Care homes Pat identified a common issue during personal care routines particularly bed baths where individuals with dementia would frequently experience distress agitation and discomfort leading to compromised hygiene standards and heightened caregiver stress

Recognising the fundamental right to cleanliness and comfort Pat embarked on a mission to devise a solution that could mitigate these challenges and enhance the overall care experience for all concerned

The result is the pobroll® hailed as a “game-changer” for those requiring care in bed

Selected as one of their 2023 Accelerator partners the Alzheimer s Society recognised the potential of the pobroll® to transform the bed bathing experience for individuals living with dementia and their families Pat is currently being supported by the Alzheimer’s Society Innovation team as she moves forward with getting this new innovation to market

Government Announces ‘Devolution By Default’ To Create New Era Of Local Power

Significant plans to make devolution the default setting across a range of government policy areas as part of the English Devolution White Paper have been announced by the Deputy Prime Minister

In a speech to an audience of regional mayors, local government and business leaders the Deputy Prime Minister said that the proposals in the English Devolution White Paper will put England s regions centre stage and deliver on the government s mission to grow the economy and our milestone of building 1 5 million homes and will boost opportunity across the country

Measures include plans for new powers for mayors across strategic planning – giving them the ability to guide infrastructure and development projects across areas housing transport and skills

This is part of the government s longstanding commitment to devolution – pushing more powers out of Westminster and into the hands of people with skin in the game who know their areas best

Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner said: Our English Devolution White Paper will be a turning point when we finally see communities people and places across England begin to take back control over the things that matter to them

When our proud towns and cities are once again given the powers they need to drive growth and raise living standards as part of our Plan

for Change

“It’s a plan for putting more money in people’s pockets putting politics back in the service of working people and a plan for stability investment and reform, not chaos, austerity and decline, that will deliver a decade of national renewal

“Devolution will no longer be agreed at the whim of a Minister in Whitehall but embedded in the fabric of the country becoming the default position of government ”

Assistant Director of Healthy Lives at the Health Foundation

Katherine Merrifield said : Devolving more power to local areas is an opportunity to build healthier, thriving communities Combined Authorities and local councils hold many of the levers to take action on the building blocks of health, such as people’s access to good quality work transport and housing

“We are therefore pleased to see the introduction of a new duty in relation to health improvement and health inequalities and the commitment to give the newly named Strategic Authorities the powers and levers they need to deliver on the health inequalities element of the health mission We are also glad to see a focus on making prevention the default setting and a new outcomes framework to improve accountability

“There is much to commend in this White Paper but as

Upcoming Webinar: How Top Social Care Leaders are Purchasing Tech in 2025

always the devil will be in the detail The government will need to deliver quickly on the commitment to fairer funding and work through the new powers and levers to improve health Crucially the government needs to work in a different more

New Age UK Report Points To The Divergence

Between NHS and Continuing Healthcare Funding

Age

and purpose in some important respects leading to older people and their families missing out on life-changing funding that should be theirs , and undermining their opportunity to get the joined-up health and social care they need

For those who are found eligible CHC is supposed to provide fully funded social care integrated with wider health care support To be eligible you must be assessed as having a ‘primary health need’ that requires a package of care either in your own home or a care home (or any suitable setting including a hospice) Recipients typically fall into three categories: people at or near end of life; frail older people with complex physical or psychological needs; and people aged 18 and above with long-term healthcare needs

Unlike the usual local authority route for accessing social care, CHC is not means tested and an individual is not expected to make a contribution towards the cost of their care In theory eligibility decisions should be independent of budgetary constraints and finance officers should not be part of a decision-making process However in practice the NHC bodies that administer CHC Integrated Care Boards and their predecessors have been under pressure to make savings from their CHC budgets for at least the last seven years

There are two ways to access CHC – the Standard Pathway whereby a team of professionals carry out the assessment (this can take many weeks to arrange); and the Fast Track Pathway which can be triggered by a single professional and must be in place very quickly The latter is intended for those with a rapidly deteriorating condition, usually at or near the end of life

The context to the CHC trends identified in the report is that since 2017 there has been a 6% growth in the numbers of people in England aged 65 plus and a 5 4% growth in the numbers aged 85 plus All things being equal the report says the numbers in receipt of CHC funding should have risen by a similar amount over this period

However, they are stayed roughly stable – but their composition has changed very significantly: nationally there is a steep overall decline in the numbers of people being newly assessed as eligible on the Standard pathway, from 4,628 in Quarter 1 2017/18 to 2,624 in Quarter 4 2023/24 This is a decline of almost half (43%)

In contrast over that same period the number found eligible for Fast Track CHC has increased by almost a third (30%)

A further trend to which the report draws attention is an increase in people losing eligibility following a Fast Track decision Whereas the number in receipt of Fast Track CHC funding at any one time has broadly stayed the same since 2017/18 (an increase of 5 5%), the number no longer eligible has grown by a massive 35% The Charity says that what it thinks is happening is that if people granted Fast Track funding do not die as quickly as had been expected, they are at increasing risk of having their CHC funding removed, even if they remain profoundly ill and their needs are unchanged This makes the periodic CHC reviews that follow an award occasions to be worried about and even feared

In addition the report sets out the enormous geographical variation in your chances of being awarded CHC funding Comparing the NHS bodies responsible for CHC – Integrated Care Boards – the number of recipients varies by 3 5 fold from 86 per 50 000 population up to 300 In addition the proportion of assessments for CHC that actually result in a person being found eligible varies from 3 4% to 57 9% depending on

where you live

The Charity observes that what makes these battles for CHC even worse is that the stakes are so high: being awarded CHC funding can make a big difference to the quantity and quality of care that a person is able to receive It also has a huge potential impact on people s finances given that an older person in this position is likely to require intensive social care support that quickly generates very large bills

Caroline Abrahams Charity Director for Age UK said “It s no exaggeration to say that many families come to view Continuing Healthcare funding as a complete con and the data suggest the gap between what it is supposed to do and what it is actually doing is growing It is deeply unfair to expose families dealing with the serious ill health of a loved one to further trauma by making them battle for money in an opaque system, where decision-making seems pretty ad hoc and happens behind closed doors It’s also a recipe for deepening inequalities since more advantaged families are much better able to fight for their rights than others In addition the extreme postcode lottery for CHC makes a mockery of the idea that this is a rulesbased system which is not influenced by the state of local NHS finances It plainly is ”

Seen from a broader perspective the sham that is the current CHC funding regime is just one of many manifestations of a social care system that is out of time and failing to meet the needs of our growing older population There can be no solution to the crisis in social care in this country without consideration of how we ensure people with serious health problems and resultant social care needs get support in a way that is fair and consistent with how we structure and fund the NHS and social care services – the original purpose of CHC

There have been long-standing gripes about people being unfairly barred from receiving CHC funding because the eligibility process is deemed to have been rigged against them people with moderate dementia being a case in point but our new report uncovers another set of reasons for deep concern about how this funding regime is now working In practice it seems to be moving away from being a source of longer term care funding for profoundly frail and unwell older people, to one focused more and more on short, sharp injections of cash to support those at the end of life This is to the extent that if a person does not die as quickly as expected, they are at increasing risk of having their CHC funding taken away ”

The availability of good palliative care is patchy in England yet it can make an enormous difference to the quality of a person’s final months weeks and days From this perspective I can see why commissioners may feel it makes sense to use CHC to help make up for this shortfall However with local NHS budgets under such pressure the end result is that older people with ongoing chronic health problems and associated high levels of social care need, are unfairly losing out Yet these are the people who are most likely to face sky high social care bills In this way the NHS is pushing its own financial responsibilities onto older people and their families or, in the case of those on low incomes and with few assets, onto their local authorities

“This apparent shift in the use of CHC is happening without any public debate and in contravention of the spirit and sometimes the wording of the law and guidance This is unacceptable and it is also destructive not least because it undermines public trust in the NHS That s why we think it s time for policymakers to accept that CHC has become entirely unfit for purpose It desperately needs to be reformed as part of a serious and transparent process of reviewing and restoring our social care system more generally

Double Celebrations At Altrincham Home

Following Long Ser vice Awards For Colleagues

“The

put your heart into it, you have to take the opportunity to educate yourself and I feel by growing you will love your job more

Karen added: “20 years has gone by really quick a lot has changed and I didn’t think I would be here

Residents at Hamilton Care Home Enjoy MP Visit

WIN a £100 Marks & Spencer Voucher this Christmas

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Campaigner Warns Lords Over State Of Care Sector

A North Yorkshire campaigner told a House of Lord meeting that the country cannot wait any longer for an end to the crisis in the way the country looks after older vulnerable and disabled people

Mike Padgham told Liberal Democrat peers that social care providers were leaving the sector care was being rationed and the number of people going without was set to rocket from its current 2m

And he warned that the country couldn t wait for the proposed Royal Commission and urged politicians to

Barchester Director Of Nursing Is Named Most Outstanding In The World

category, “Is this claimant the best performed most meritorious most innovative and most courageous in the category?”

The Adjudication Panel commented: Despite the uniformly high standard of the 262 nominations from 19 different countries that were considered for this category Julia Atherton was the outstanding nomination In a year when so few awards flowed to UK candidates, Julia stood out as an exemplar in her calling Julia Atherton Director of Nursing for Barchester Healthcare said: “I always knew I wanted to be a nurse and every day when I wake I reflect on how lucky I am to have a job that I have thoroughly enjoyed for 45 years and know that each day I can make a difference to a resident, patient or relative and my clinical experience leads and supports the Barchester clinical team to be the best in the social care sector

Surrey Care Home Residents Bring the Magic of Nature Indoors

A walk through the woods can have many benefits for our emotional wellbeing Being near the natural world is proven to reduce stress and a simple view of trees and flowers can provide a calming effect on the mind But what if we could enjoy all these benefits from home no matter the season? Residents at RMBI Care Co Home Shannon Court in Hindhead know a thing or two about that

When they are not enjoying a brisk walk across the Home s extensive woodlands they get together for a therapeutic flower arrangement session Arranged biweekly by staff member Leah one of Shannon Court s Activities Coordinators residents such as Daphne and Pam enjoy arranging their own spray of flowers using oasis floral foam Sometimes they use the

flowers to brighten their own rooms whereas other times they use them to decorate their dining rooms and other areas within the Home

“It is always nice to see fresh flowers around the Home to brighten everyone s day ” explains resident Daphne whilst looking at her own flower arrangements “It brings a sense of peace and harmony!”

The sight of flowers makes us smile and the scent of flowers can help us to relax and feel less anxious too ” says Activities Coordinator Leah Breathing in the sweet fragrance of flowers has a relaxing and stress-reducing effect and it’s well documented that flowers bring moments of tranquillity and calmness ”

Petition To Mandate Wearable Cameras For Care Staff Now Over 19,000 Signatures

A petition calling for wearable cameras for staff in residential schools or care homes to be mandated has today reached over 19,00 signatures, meaning the government will have to respond to it

The petition was launched by Leanne Batey who says that her son who has Autism and severe learning difficulties reported physical abuse at his residential school

Ms Batley said: “The use of wearable cameras by professionals in residential care environments has proven to improve transparency promote safety and prevent potential incidents of abuse Studies on the use of body-worn cameras in the police force have exhibited how they can dissuade misconduct and increase officer accountability suggesting similar positive results could be anticipated in care environments (“The effects of body-worn cameras on police activity and police-citizen

This

Care Campaign for the Vulnerable (CCFTV) has long been at the forefront of advocating for safety and transparency in care homes

A 2018 petition calling for the implementation of safety monitoring systems gained national attention, highlighting the critical need for reform in care settings The overwhelming public support for this initiative even saw CCFTV taking our message to the streets making sure the voices of vulnerable individuals and their families were heard

The CCFTV campaign led to important discussions in Westminster where policymakers recognised the growing public demand for better protection in care homes While this was a significant milestone there is still much to do Vulnerable residents and care staff continue to face risks that greater independent oversight can help mitigate

the fight against safeguarding vulnerabilities and moving towards a more transparent accountable system Please sign this petition in support of mandating wearable cameras for all workers in residential schools and care homes ” We call for a system where a discreet recorder is worn by all carers at all times This footage would be stored in a very secure system which would be accessed by senior authorities such as police or a designated lead within the care facility should concerns be raised or intermittent checks be performed of which guardians would be made aware The footage would be periodically deleted

‘A Pint Of Guinness Saved My Life’ – WWII Soldier Dodged A Deadly Nazi Rocket Attack

The 21 Club, which was selling draught Guinness by the pint, which was unheard of for thruppence We didn t know what to do so we tossed a coin It came down tails and we went to the

job at an engineering factory and went on to work on the factory floors for several companies including Hoover and Unilever He moved to Royal Star & Garter in 2022, following the death of his wife He said: I d recommend Royal Star & Garter to other people I think this place is unbelievable

System Could Prevent Pressure Ulcers Occurring For Those In Social Care While Offering Major Cost Savings

A White Paper commissioned by Care England has suggested that an innovative mattress-turning system has the potential to prevent pressure ulcers occurring for people in adult social care, while improving their comfort and promoting healing – all while delivering significant cost and resource savings to care providers and the NHS

The paper called Preventing Pressure Ulcers: The Role of Automatic Lateral Turning Systems for Innovative Approaches to Pressure Ulcer Prevention in Care Homes examines and summarises a 12-week trial of the Levabo Turn All automatic lateral turning system (ALTS) developed in partnership with Algeos Ltd (UK)

The White Paper says that pressure ulcers are one of the most painful and preventable conditions faced by some of the most vulnerable individuals in adult social care

Care England the voice of care is a registered charity is the leading representative body for small, medium and large providers in England

The report stated pressure ulcers affect 700,000 people a year in the UK at a cost to the NHS of £1 4 to £2 1 billion a year

It added that “the realities of staff shortages, increasing demand, and the need for manual repositioning often place an undue burden on both caregivers and residents so residents did not always receive the attention they needed to ease the pain caused by their ulcers

Furthermore Professor Martin Green OBE Chief Executive of Care England said technological solutions like this would not only ease the workload of the caregiver but it would also offer a more dignified care solution to the individual as well as an improved quality of life

The trial took place in three care homes in the UK and involved 24 residents across 12 weeks addressing manual repositioning for pressure ulcer prevention using the Levabo Turn All solution which is an automatic tilting system (ALTS) that helps prevent and treat pressure ulcers by positioning a person in a 30-degree side position alternating between the right and left side The system can be used in any healthcare bed with a removable mattress, where it is placed under the mattress

The trial focused on residents with dementia with multiple and complex comorbidities, and those receiving palliative end-of-life care who are particularly vulnerable to pressure ulcers due to immobility and frailty

The primary aims were to assess the effectiveness of the system in reducing pressure ulcer incidence its impact on caregiver workload resident comfort and overall cost-effectiveness

During the trial the system was successful for residents with both dementia or dementia with challenging behaviours; existing pressure ulcers/vulnerable at-risk skin; limited or no mobility; pressure ulcer prevention and treatment; end of life/palliative care; critical illness and spinal/neurological conditions

Key findings from the trial included that using ALTS in a care setting has several key benefits, particularly for residents at risk of developing pressure ulcers and those in end-of-life palliative care

The system was effective in preventing and managing pressure ulcers by automatically repositioning residents, thus reducing prolonged pressure on vulnerable areas significantly lowering the risk of further breakdown of skin without unnecessarily disrupting residents leading to improved sleep and quality of care by automating the manual task of turning residents which can be every 4 to 6 hours day and night requiring two caregivers time and effort to reposition The system freed up caregivers time to focus on other critical tasks and areas of care – often up to two hours a day per person

The White Paper also found that use of the system delivered cost savings in preventing the occurrence of pressure ulcers and the need to treat them

In addition residents using ALTS generally showed fewer signs of discomfort or agitation during repositioning an important factor for those with dementia The report stated for residents in palliative care

ALTS provided a gentler, less invasive approach to repositioning, supporting their comfort and dignity during end-of-life care

One of the homes taking part in the trial, the Taylor and Taylor group, said that each caregiver would save two hours a day through not having to manually turn an individual during a 24-hour period Given 11 people needing this facility that would save 22 hours a week which in monetary terms based on an average salary equates to circa £1 600 a week and roughly the same cost of one system itself

Professor Green said The trials have shown that a system of this type can in many cases provide big benefits in pain reduction and healing for the individual while easing the burden of care to the caregiver and doing so at a net saving of cost to the care provider or allowing them time to support other aspects of their care plan

“The trial has shown that once again technology can work hand-inhand with excellent care provision to offer dignity pain reduction and enhanced healing to those most in need of it ”

Beth Mercer, Commercial Manager at Algeos Ltd (UK) said: “The trials have shown exactly what we hoped – that the Levabo Turn All system not only makes life more bearable and dignified for the individual by reducing their risk of pressure damage pain and discomfort; it eases the workload and burden of repositioning to staff freeing up time to focus on other aspects of care and demonstrated time cost savings and efficiencies thus

MPs to Examine the State Of Community Mental Health Ser vices in New Inquir y

The Health and Social Care Committee has this week launched an inquiry to examine the provision of community mental health services for adults with severe mental health needs

The inquiry will focus on the experience of patients receiving mental health care in the community with MPs examining what high quality care looks like from the point of view of adults with severe mental illness (SMI)

The Committee will investigate the current state of access to com-

munity mental health services for adults with SMI, considering how access could be improved across the country

The inquiry will also scrutinize the implementation and effectiveness since 2019 of the Community Mental Health Framework which was intended to move away from siloed hard-to-reach services towards joined-up care and whole population approaches”

Issues over access to mental health services were highlighted in Lord Darzi’s report into the state of the NHS in England, which found that for people needing to access mental health services long waits have become normalized” Darzi found that there were around 1 million people waiting to access mental health services by April 2024 including 345 000 referrals where people were waiting more than a year for first contact

As part of their inquiry the cross-party Committee will also probe how the wider health and social needs of people with SMI can be addressed including in employment and housing MPs will explore how community mental health services can work with social care the third sector and local government to better address the wider determinants of mental health outcomes

The Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee Layla Moran MP said: For people who have severe and enduring mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and severe depression community mental health services are a lifeline But far too often they are ignored “

We want to examine what is missing from those services

Railway 200 Stands With Alzheimer’s Research For A Cure

who has access to high quality support and who is falling through gaps and where there are examples of best practice that we can learn from We know that community mental health care providers are under immense pressure and in this inquiry we want to look at the interventions that would best enable

Squeeze on NHS-Provided ‘Free’ Social Care Continues

As Research Shows Three-Quarters Of Over-45s Don’t Know It Exists

Latest NHS England figures raise concerns that access to NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is reaching fewer people in need with eligibility rates falling to the lowest since figures were first published in 2017

CHC is a valuable benefit because it is not means-tested and fully funds both health and social care outside hospital for adults where there is a primary health need

Research by retirement specialist Just Group for its Care Report 20242 found just 73% of over-45s had not heard of CHC and a further 15% who had heard of it knew nothing about it Of the 50,000 people eligible for CHC at any one time, about one-third are ‘fast track’ due to rapidly deteriorating health conditions many of whom are approaching end of life

The remaining two-thirds receiving ‘standard’ CHC have long-term or complex conditions due to disability accident or illness Obtaining CHC can be complex and challenging initially requiring a referral from a healthcare professional and then an assessment to gauge eligibility Along with poor public awareness and understanding there are questions whether many people with the most complex needs are missing out

Latest NHS figures suggest that compared to pre-covid levels fewer people are being assessed and one in five (19%) of those who are assessed in Q2 2024/25 qualified for the CHC funding From an eligibility of 4 98 per 50 000 of the adult population at the start of 2017/18 it is now about half that figure at 2 59 per 50,000 and heading lower

Meanwhile fast track eligibility has edged higher3 but this has raised concerns among industry experts

whether people are only receiving support when their condition has deteriorated significantly rather than when they first need it

Stephen Lowe group communications director at retirement specialist Just Group commented: “NHS

Continuing Healthcare is hugely valuable to seriously ill people and their families but so few know about it that it is often described as the NHS s best kept secret

It covers the full costs of caring for someone in their own home or in a care home including professional help with personal care such as help with washing and dressing It can save people hundreds or even thousands of pounds in care costs each week but is notoriously hard to access

“But large numbers don’t know about it and those that do find the process hard to navigate Many only receive CHC after appointing professional advocates to present their case with one in seven (15%) denied CHC successfully appealing against that decision

“The Labour government cancelled the implementation of the cap on social care costs in July but has not brought forward an alternative plan, leaving people in limbo about how to plan for later life care

“We encourage anyone who believes that either a loved-one or themselves may be eligible for CHC funding to speak to a qualified healthcare professional like a GP care home or district nurse or a social worker They can help explain and initiate the application journey and discuss the likelihood of receiving the funding

Double Win for HC-One at the National Care Awards 2024

The HC-One team is celebrating after winning two awards at the prestigious National Care Awards 2024

The Sabrina Specialist Dementia Care Community (SDCC) Team at Meadow Bank Care Home in Preston, Lancashire, won the ‘Care Team of the Year Award and James Tugendhat HC-One s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) received the ‘Care Personality of the Year Award’

The awards ceremony took place in London on Friday November 29 2024 and marked the 26th year of the awards

The Sabrina Community Team were nominated for the ‘Care Team of the Year Award by Natasha Wilson Dementia Care Manager at HC-One and have developed and maintained an outstanding standard of care and team ethos in the SDCC at Meadow Bank Care Home

Meadow Bank Care Home’s SDCC pioneers an enhanced therapeutic service by focusing on the welfare and wellbeing of people who are emotionally distressed by their dementia and therefore require specialist care and support Meadow Bank s recent data has shown that this approach has resulted in a 90% decrease in resident distress-related incidents; 60% of residents showing improvement in ‘Primary Behaviours of Concern’ and 88% of residents improved their Total Complexity of Need Profile

HC-One’s second win of the night was the ‘Care Personality of the Year Award’ which was presented to James Tugendhat CEO at HC-One James was selected by an independent panel after making a big contribution to the care home sector over the past year This comes at the end of a defining year for HC-One with sector-leading progress on occupancy quality performance and colleague retention These achievements have been made possible by hard work and dedication of the 20 000+ colleagues who work across HC-One’s homes and support function and who work to support residents to lead their best life

The National Care Awards consisted of 28 awards covering a wide range of areas of the social care sector The awards provided the opportunity to celebrate and highlight excellence, rewarding those individu-

als who work tirelessly to provide consistently outstanding care

Commenting on the team’s win Anne-Marie Potter Specialist

Dementia Service Lead at Meadow Bank s Sabrina Community said:

“We are proud to have been named as a winner of the ‘Care Team of the Year Award category at the National Care Awards 2024

“We aim to provide a ‘home from home’ for our residents and their families The team is continually evolving its approach to ensure that we deliver promising results We are delighted that our Sabrina SDCC therapeutic community is leading the way in specialist dementia care

“It is an honour to lead my colleagues to ensure quality care and support is provided to residents their families and colleagues in the Sabrina Community at Meadow Bank Care Home ” James Tugendhat Chief Executive Officer at HC-One commented:

“I am delighted that the Sabrina Community Team at Meadow Bank Care Home were recognised for the incredible work they do which is making such a meaningful difference to the lives of residents I’m very proud of the SDCC team for their pioneering approach to dementia care – it s a privilege to work with such inspirational caring and kind colleagues

“I was also very humbled to receive the Care Personality of the Year award I’m very proud to be part of an incredible team at HC-One who support those in our care to lead their best life and this award is really for them – they do so much to support our residents I’m very much looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together in 2025!

HC-One were delighted to have had eight finalists shortlisted across a variety of award categories at the National Care Awards 2024 who were chosen in recognition of their hard work kind care shown to residents relatives and colleagues as well as the dedication and passion they show day-to-day to ensure the people they support receive the best quality care

The Celebrated Holt Family’s Musical Visit To Barty House

Residents of Barty House Nursing Home were treated to an unforgettable afternoon of musical entertainment thanks to award-winning composer Natalie Holt her mother Pat and ten-year-old daughter Annie who came to perform recently

Natalie is the daughter of Malcom, a resident who came to Barty House in August 2022 bringing with him a life-long love of music While stationed in Singapore many years ago, Malcolm played the double bass in a Royal Air Force jazz band So when Natalie and her mother Pat a retired school music teacher wondered how to give him a meaningful pre-Christmas treat the answer was clear A concert would not only bring joy to Malcolm but it also offered an unmissable opportunity to share the gift of music with other residents at the Bearsted-based home Natalie is globally renowned for her iconic and groundbreaking work for TV and film An accomplished violinist and violist who trained at the Royal Academy of Music and the National Film and Television School she has performed at such iconic venues as the Royal Albert Hall and at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games Her innovative, experimental scores combine strings vintage synthesisers and orchestral music recorded at London s Abbey Road Studios Her extensive and wide-ranging portfolio includes Marvel’s Loki series action-packed Medieval romp

Knightfall hard-hitting drama Three Girls and family favourite Paddington among many other compositions She also co-scored the First World War epic Journey’s End a work that won Best International Score at the Beijing Film Festival in 2018 Natalie has received numerous other accolades, including the prestigious 2024 Television Composer of the Year at the World Soundtrack Awards for Loki S02 She is also the first woman to score a live-action Star Wars project –the Lucasfilm Obi-Wan Kenobi smash hit – a remarkable achievement that highlights her pioneering contribution to the industry

Although Natalie has performed at Barty before on this occasion the talented trio treated residents to a lively mix of jazz classical and Christmas music to get everyone into the festive spirit Annie who played both violin and piano added extra sparkle with some jokes and magic tricks!

A delighted David Willis Barty s home manager says: We are so lucky to have such a talented family as the Holts here at Barty It was wonderful to have three generations entertaining us all for the afternoon They are amazing musicians and it s no surprise to us that Natalie is a big star in the music world We are looking forward to a repeat performance at some point in the future!”

Care And Support Sector Is At A Tipping Point Report Reveals

Free Recreo VR Headsets Available to All Care Homes

This winter Recreo VR is offering care homes an exciting opportunity to enhance resident wellbeing through the power of Virtual Reality (VR) By signing up for one of our 24-month Recreo Theatres packages you ll receive a free VR headset and staff training

Our platform provides person-centred budget-friendly activities that are fun engaging, and accessible, especially for residents who are bedbound or socially isolated Co-created with Alzheimer s Society and individuals with dementia our service empowers staff to deliver personalised reminiscence and one-to-one sessions that promote memory recall and connection

Our VR headsets have been recognised as good practice by the Care Quality Commission

Dr Pete Calveley Is HealthInvestor Power List Winner

Barchester Healthcare’s CEO, Dr Pete Calveley, has been named Residential Care Leader at the HealthInvestor Power List award ceremony It is the fourth time Dr Calveley has been honoured at the awards which are judged by an independent panel of industry experts, a testament to the respect in which he is held in the sector

The HealthInvestor Power List celebrates the most effective, inspiring and influential leaders across key aspects of independent healthcare, and The HealthInvestor Power List Residential Leader prize is given in recognition of the chief executive who encapsulates these qualities and more, and has steered their company most successfully through the year

Dr Calveley has been honoured with this award for his exemplary leadership A prominent figure in the health and social care industry for over 25 years, Dr Calveley is a pioneer in the sector and has used his expertise to calmly and considerately lead Barchester Healthcare for the last 10 years

Dr Calveley comments:

“I am incredibly proud to be at the helm of Barchester after 10 years and I am

absolutely delighted with what we, as a team of 18,000+ people, have achieved together To go from one care home in 1992 to 264 in just over 30 years represents phenomenal growth We have opened eight new homes this year alone

“Everything we do is focused on providing a premium caring experience delivered by our great teams to those we care for It is never about one person’s achievement but about what you achieve as a team When I joined the business,

New Care Manager Appointed At Warrens Hall

Warrens Hall care home part of the growing Superior Care (Midlands) Group, in Oldbury, West Midlands has announced the appointment of Lavinia Tudora as its new home manager

Lavinia brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to excellence in care having worked in the sector since 2014

A qualified nurse Lavinia joined Superior Care in 2020 as clinical lead at neighbouring care home Newbury Manor Here she quickly demonstrated her leadership skills and was promoted to deputy manager Now taking the helm at Warrens Hall Lavinia continues her professional journey with a company she loves and respects for its focus on developing talent from within Speaking about her new role Lavinia said I m thrilled to take on this new challenge and work closely with the wonderful team I look forward to collaborating with members of my team and residents’ families to provide the highest standards of care and help people find the right care home for their family members My door is always open for anyone who needs support or a listening ear

Premier Community Unveils New Tech-Enabled Care Ser vices

Premier Community, a leading provider of home care services across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire has officially announced the integration of Access TEC (Technology Enabled Care) into its community care services This strategic initiative reflects the organisation s commitment to delivering a more holistic, outcome-based care model that adapts to the evolving needs of its clients aligning with Labour s vision for a healthcare system focused on digital integration workforce expansion, and preventative care that keeps people independent in their home, rather than in hospital

Dan Isterling Managing Director of Premier Community said "At Premier Community our mission has always been to provide exceptional care that enhances the lives of our clients and their families As we continue to uphold this commitment we recognise that the care landscape is evolving We are excited to announce our strategic initiative to integrate assistive technology alongside our traditional home care services to remain at the forefront of this change

In line with Labour's integration of care approach, the introduction of Access Assure, powered by Access TEC enhances Premier Community s services with advanced features These include emergency response systems, remote health monitoring, and activity trackers, all accessible through a user-friendly interface This technology supports clients in managing their daily activities safely and efficiently aligning with Labour’s goal of providing a seamless service that meets both physical and mental health needs For example if a client’s tracker detects a significant change in their movement patterns such as a reduction in daily steps or prolonged inactivity it can signal potential issues like a fall or a health decline to carers This integration does not replace the compassionate, hands-on care Premier Community provides, but

complements it by offering a more proactive, preventive and personalised care experience ultimately improving overall safety and care outcomes

As part of the initiative Premier Community will transition to an outcome-based service model focusing on tracking measurable outcomes to ensure that every opted-in client receives care tailored to their individual goals and circumstances This proactive approach echoes Labour s commitment to prevention and early intervention, offering families peace of mind that their loved ones receive a care experience that supports their well-being in every way from physical health to emotional well-being and social engagement

Commenting on the collaboration Emma Marlow Director of ¬Access TEC said: We are thrilled to be working with Premier Community on this visionary approach The integration of Access Assure into their care services is a testament to their dedication to innovation and quality care We continue to look forward to aligning our efforts with government initiatives that focus on integrating care expanding the workforce and enhancing prevention strategies This partnership will deliver significant benefits to clients by providing them with greater autonomy safety and a more connected care experience

Premier Community’s integration of Access TEC is poised to reshape the way care is delivered, establishing a seamless blend of technology and human touch This forward-thinking model ensures that Premier Community remains at the forefront of the evolving care landscape all while upholding the exceptional compassionate care that clients have come to rely on It’s a dynamic model that not only adapts to individual needs but also sets a new standard for comprehensive client-centered care in line with national healthcare goals

Nor wich Care Home Volunteers Thanked with Afternoon Tea and Flowers

Urgent Health UK Warns Of Severe Impact Of Budget Decisions On NHS Urgent Healthcare Providers

Urgent Health UK (UHUK) representing social enterprise organisations providing urgent, integrated, out-of-hours and out-of-hospital care covering 70% of the UK population on behalf of the NHS has issued a stark warning following the Autumn Budget The increases to employer National Insurance Contributions (ENIC) and the National Living Wage

Failing to invest in our sector would undermine the Government s own priorities,” added Conor “Our members are helping to transform the healthcare system but they need the Government s support to continue this essential work

UHUK warns that without protection from these financial pressures in line with other NHS organisations its members may be forced to take drastic action such as:

Staffing reductions that compromise patient experience and satisfaction

• Withdrawal of non-contracted services, such as Emergency Department revalidations

Delays or cancellations of planned service enhancements

Pay freezes exacerbating recruitment and retention challenges

The ripple effects of these actions will inevitably increase A&E attendances prolong waiting times and harm patient experience

In a letter sent to Wes Streeting UHUK is calling on the Government to ensure that its members are treated on par with NHS organisations in funding allocations safeguarding their ability to continue delivering essential services to millions of patients every year

visits

They also deliver community-based care that helps prevent long-term conditions from developing or worsening through workplace and at-home prevention initiatives

Militar y Ser vice, Burmese

“Our members play a critical role in reducing pressure on NHS resources while providing high-quality care to millions of people Conor added Without equitable funding the impact on the health system will be profound ”

James Bond – A Somerset Resident’s Remarkable

House a truly special place to call home A CHILDHOOD SHAPED BY HISTORY Collin was born on 17 August 1937 in Insein Rangoon (now Yangon Myanmar) a city rich in history and culture Life was anything but ordinary for Collin especially when his early years unfolded amidst the turmoil of World War II When Japanese forces invaded Burma Collin and his mother Mabel had to navigate some difficult even terrifying times as they sought refuge The two spent time in a concentration camp and overcame countless challenges along the way showing an unshakeable strength that has defined Collin s outlook on life ever since

Family legacy plays a big part in Collin s story too His mother was connected to Burmese royalty her lineage tied to Princess Mama Gayle of the Shan States There is even a tale that as a little girl she had sat on Winston Churchill’s knee! His father Lt Col Lewis Albert Hodgkinson Lack was well respected though he sadly passed away when Collin was just a baby Collin also has proud Irish and Scottish roots adding to his unique perspective on life and heritage

Launch of UK’s 1st

On 7th November, whilst the tectonic political plates were shifting, here and in the USA another event of national significance was happening – launch of the UK’s first national urgent acute medical service by pioneering digital health company Virtue We re pleased to provide a sneak preview of their launch which will be covered by national press in January explaining what this means for your patients together with your businesses both of which stand to benefit by this transformational service that brings together acute and social care in a novel way

For the first time in the history, the people of Great Britain can access urgent acute medical treatment nationally by an organisation other than the NHS Not only this, but care can be received instantly in the comfort and convenience of home simply by calling Virtue This offers patients an alternative to attending NHS A&E or suffering the impact of a hospital admission

LIFE BEHIND THE LENS

When Collin moved to the UK his life took a creative turn that would shape his career After starting with a Kodak box camera during his National Service in Germany, his love for photography grew into a successful career as a cameraman In London, he worked with Rank Tempo Transprints and freelanced on major film sets capturing iconic moments in classics like Where Eagles Dare and James Bond: The Man with the Golden Gun Although Collin’s name might not appear in the credits his work added so much to the magic of

health challenges including

has never let anything hold him back His interests still keep him active and engaged; he s as passionate as ever about horse racing classic films and the art of photography Now living at Catherine House Care Home in Frome Somerset, Collin can nurture his passions, with regular movie nights and displays of his work as a cameraman

This appears a momentous step change in the evolution of our national healthcare infrastructure which could be a vital component in ensuring members of the public, can access acute care quickly, in spite of the rising pressures on the NHS system

For just £14 99 per month anyone over the age of 18 can become a Virtue Member Virtue Members receive a Welcome Pack which includes a range of smart medical devices that enable Virtue s remote team of nurses and consultant specialists to respond to an urgent medical need immediately Their clinical team then monitor

Before you think it’s too good to be true, Virtue do also charge a fee of £125 per night for treatment which given the average length of stay’ of 7 nights, can add up to £875 So overall, it’s not cheap So, is it worth it?

We asked Dr Andrew Barlow Chief Medical Officer of Virtue his view and justification

Altrincham Home Spreads Festive Cheer

Around Town With Sponsored Walk

Community Group Raises More Than

Local Businesses Team Up to Host Christmas Event

a new building which will be used as a community centre with a café providing a safe and relaxing environment for members of the local community to meet and socialise

The new extension will also stable the horse simulator alongside accessible toilets, expanded disabled parking and a new ramped entrance to ensure facilities are

is living with a disability to put their name forward to have a special visit from a pony In addition to this prize, Radis Community Care will also be offering the chance for people living with a disability to win Tea with a Pony – an exclusive meet and greet opportunity filled with

Care Home Set To Host Its Own Christmas Bake Off

Olayide

Athena Care Homes Christmas Market Events

Spreading Festive Cheer and Supporting CPSL Mind

market events at Alex Wood House and Langdon House in Cambridge as well as Ashlynn Grange in Peterborough have captured that spirit beautifully

With festive fun for the whole family these events brought our family together with the local community to raise much-needed funds for CPSL (Cambridgeshire Peterborough and South Lincolnshire) Mind a charity dedicated to supporting mental health and positive wellbeing

Each of our homes offered something special to mark the season At Alex Wood House in Arbury, Cambridge, visitors were treated to the magical sight of real reindeer along with mulled wine, mince pies carol singing,

these events have been a wonderful way to welcome everyone into our homes and give back to a cause that means so much to us

At Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, and South Lincolnshire Mind the focus is on providing vital support to local people facing mental health challenges We still have to have a total count

As

Peter Pan Performance Leaves Care Home Residents Hooked!

Greenbanks Care Home Initiates “Don’t Dine Alone” Scheme

Weather Doesn't Dampen Spirits Of Derbyshire Home

As They Raise More Than £300 From Christmas Fair

Little Angels Bring Christmas Joy To Elderly Neighbours

Local Christmas Appeal a Resounding Success!

Shefford Home To Host Annual Community

Lighting: A Key to Wellness in Care Home Settings

Lighting plays a vital role in ever y aspect of our daily lives. As nursing and care homes continue to navigate rising energy costs, lighting has emerged as a critical area for improving energy ef ficiency with the potential to reduce lighting costs by as much as 85 to 90%1 by using ef ficient solutions. The type of light bulb used can impact the time and cost spent on maintenance which is par ticularly impor tant in care settings where costs saving measures are prevalent2.

By adopting smar ter lighting solutions, nursing and care homes can reduce energy consumption while enhancing the overall environment for occupants In this ar ticle, Dyson shares how the sector can adopt smar ter lighting solutions that not only help to cut costs but also suppor t inhabitants’ wellbeing

Motion activated lighting

Many nursing and care homes across the countr y are now equipped with motion activated lighting, reducing costs, improving energy ef ficiency and avoiding unnecessar y usage By investing in lighting that is also controllable by an app, care managers have the flexibility to turn of f lights remotely at the touch of a button adding an additional level of peace of mind

Time-saving measures

Changing light bulbs regularly takes time, investment and organisation Fluorescent lighting can be inef ficient, waste light and use costly-to-replace bulbs Without proper cooling, LED bulbs can quickly overheat, causing fading, discolouring and them to work ef ficiently Lights such as the Dyson Solarcycle task light that use Heat Pipe technology can ef fectively cool the LED and protect the light quality for 60 years3 In turn, this allows the user to reliably adjust its colour and brightness without flickering bulbs and outages

Wellness, neurodiversity and circadian rhythm

Recognising the impor tance of fostering a happy, healthy, and suppor tive care environment, care home settings are placing increased emphasis on these aspects While lighting may seem inconspicuous, it profoundly impacts the wellness of residents and caregivers alike

In many nursing and care homes, lighting can feel clinical with a ‘ one size fits all’ approach to lighting which creates strain on the eyes Acknowledging that individuals have diverse needs and perceptions regarding wellness and mental health, these spaces must remain adaptable to meet these varied requirements ef fectively By creating bespoke lighting options in individual rooms, a user can adjust the lighting to suit their specific needs

Low quality light can cause negative side ef fects such as migraines, headaches and eyestrain By giving occupants the option to adapt something as simple as lighting to suit their needs will have positive ef fects on their wellbeing and comfor t

In addition, we spend about 90% of our time indoors4, exposing ourselves to ar tificial lighting more often than not, with many neglecting to think about how this can af fect their sleep cycle Light is a primar y external factor influencing sleep patterns While the notion that darkness aids sleep is commonly understood, the relationship between light and sleep is far more intricate

Light plays a pivotal role in regulating the body's circadian rhythm, the internal clock dictating periods of wakefulness and rest Moreover, it impacts the production of melatonin, a hormone crucial for promoting sleep The daily exposure to light, including its quality, timing, and duration, significantly impacts sleep quality Understanding the intricate connections between light and sleep empowers individuals to optimise their residing environment for consistent and restorative sleep

In conclusion, strategic lighting design and innovation go beyond energy savings By adopting human-centric lighting solutions, nursing and care homes can create environments that not only enhance their residents’ wellbeing and prioritise their health but also suppor t the productivity and comfor t of their caregivers Lighting, when done right, can be a power ful tool in fostering a happier, and healthier nursing and care home

Chacombe Park Care Home Residents

Mesmerised by the Palace Lights

Northampton Care Home Welcomes The Bee Hive & Horti Hub

Greenbanks Care Home Hosts Annual Christmas Market with Festive Fun for All

School Brings Festive Songs To Care Home Residents

Oh Yes They Did! Dorset Care Home Residents Have Fun With Panto Dame

HC-One Support Office Hosts Annual Christmas Fayre

Raising

over £700 for local charity, Darlington Town Mission

Langford View Care Home Supports Three Parishes Community

Fridge’s Christmas Hamper Drive to Help Local Bicester Families

brighter for families in need It’s heart-warming to see everyone come together to spread joy and kindness " The initiative which started during the pandemic is spearheaded by Kerry Mellor one of the lead organisers of the Three Parishes Community Fridge and a dedicated member of the local school community Kerry s passion for help-

Every contribution, no matter how big or small will help bring warmth and happiness to a family this Christmas The hamper drive’s wish list includes Ladies’ and men’s gift sets

Children’s toys, arts & crafts

Board games

Books

Selection boxes and chocolates

Last year the Three Parishes Community Fridge delivered over 350 hampers to families elderly individuals and children who might otherwise be alone during the festive season The impact of these hampers is profound offering not just gifts but hope joy and a sense of community

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Activities to Share

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

C&S Seating Ltd

and older and elderly people

In clinical studies

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 by Win Health Medical Ltd - 01835 864866 - www win-health com

See page 3 of this issue for other Win Health products

of care home suited vinyls and waterproof fabrics across numerous fabric bands

• We have options for all timescales with dining sets lounge chairs and bedroom furniture sets available within 10 working days

Our vast range isn t the end of what we re able to offer, so if you are looking for something specific

our helpful

CATERING FOR CARE

Procurement Planning And Food Trends For The Festive Season

Planning and preparation by catering teams in the build-up to Christmas are crucial to ensure smooth operations and a successful festive period Tess Warnes, Dietician at independent food procurement specialist allmanhall (allmanhall co uk), offers her tips on preparing for one of the busiest times of the year START EARLY: ORDERS AND DELIVERIES

From the start of November, the demand for festive products surges, leading to limited stock availability across the market It is important to forecast and place orders as early as possible, enabling suppliers to allocate stock more effectively, thereby reducing the risk of short deliveries and out of stocks

By placing orders early, catering teams can also take advantage of supplier promotions and manage budgets more efficiently, but still allow for small adjustments closer to the delivery date when more exact operational requirements are known

While placing forward orders helps suppliers allocate products it does not guarantee stock The closer the delivery is to Christmas the higher the likelihood of shortages Where there is feasible storage place orders for non-perishable and long-shelf-life items several months in advance to secure the stock This also allows more time for contingency plans should there be any stock issues on any products

For fresh produce work with suppliers or through your procurement partner to schedule advance orders with delivery dates

Double-check order details quantities and delivery dates to avoid

last-minute surprises SUPPLIER ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATION

During the busy festive season, maintaining communication within the supply chain is crucial Regularly engage with suppliers to stay informed about market conditions, commodity challenges, and product availability

Shortages can arise from limited availability further down the supply chain, such as failed deliveries Suppliers will attempt to recover stock and, where feasible, source alternative supply chain routes, but it s essential to understand these challenges early so contingency plans can be made

Currently there are challenges within the potato and cocoa markets, impacting products which are normally high on the requirements for festive menus so securing stock as early as possible is vital Once the availability of these products becomes limited finding any routes to market will be challenging with associated cost implications

PRICING

With surges in demand and limited supply prices can be volatile during the festive period Without any prior negotiation or supplier management costs for products can quickly escalate often resulting in a budgetary overspend and overuse of resources reviewing the market for the most cost-effective options

By regularly conducting market analysis and monitoring key commodities catering teams can identify trends and anticipate challenges

This enables early negotiation with suppliers ensuring fixed favourable pricing for the festive period

TECHNOLOGY

The effective use of technology significantly enhances efficiency and accuracy While these benefits are evident year-round, they become even more crucial during the busy festive period, further aiding operations

Implementing a catering controls platform can be particularly beneficial, aiding in budget management through recipe building, costings, invoice management, and stock reporting

Inventory management can be particularly challenging during the festive season, but by using a catering controls platform, catering teams can significantly simplify stock management and have more accurate reports optimising stock levels

Catering control platforms provide a comprehensive audit trail from orders to invoices ensuring complete accuracy in ordering processes

This feature allows catering leads to verify all placed orders minimising errors and ensuring smooth operations during the frenetic festive season

Proper planning and preparation from a procurement perspective are essential for catering establishments to navigate the season successfully comments Warnes By starting early managing supplier relationships monitoring market conditions managing inventory and incorporating technology catering teams can ensure a smooth costeffective and successful festive period

Albany Products and Flavour Creations Work Closely to Bring Dysphagia Products to the UK

Albany Products are working closely with Flavour Creations to bring their market leading and award-winning dysphagia products to the UK market

This has started with Screamies no-melt Ice-Scream Shape It food moulds and Powder and initial trials of their extensive pre-thickened drinks range that are available in their award-winning dysphagia cup

Screamies won the best texture modified food award at IDDSI in 2023 They are supplied ambient and can be frozen prior to eating Screamies have a specialised no-melt formula resulting in shelf-stable ice-cream products that never get softer than IDDSI Level 4 making it the perfect treat for those with dysphagia

Screamies are available in Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla flavours along with two added Protein variants, Chocolate and Salted Caramel Take up in the care sector is already pleasing and products are already available through Birchall s Food Service

Feedback through Exemplar and other care homes is that patients love them It has been possible for Ice-Cream Fridays to include all patients for the first time Even staff can’t resist Shape It moulds offer more units per mould than others and their quality and durability is also exceptional The Shape It moulding powder is Agar Agar based and works at all IDDSI levels making a differ-

ence to food presentation at level 5-6 particularly Care homes and NHS hospitals have already started using the Shape It range Flavour Creations pre-thickened ready to drink products are making a real difference in trials within care homes and the NHS With hand thickening resulting in inconsistency and risk to patients along with being time consuming and training intensive FC s RTD products offer a solution

The drinks have assisted in the comprehensive evaluation of patients needs with more patients

The award-winning cup that is used for all RTD’s makes it

Of Old, Breaking-Down Dr yers?

Forbes’ Laundr y Solutions Help Care Homes Navigate Rising Costs

Fall Savers - Affordable Fall Monitoring Solutions

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

Stay Safe with Smart Wireless Nurse Call

Blaucomm Ltd - Telecommunications &

Crash Mats Designed to Reduce Injuries from Bed Falls

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

How Loopeli is Transforming Life at Windlesham Manor

more

residents it has been heartwarming to see their loved ones more often even those living abroad Watching a resident light up while chatting with a grandchild across the world is truly priceless

A GAME-CHANGER FOR DOCTORS’ VISITS

One of the most useful aspects of Loopeli has been during doctors visits and meetings with clinical professionals Families can join via video call in real time staying informed and involved without staff having to relay information afterward This not only prevents misunderstandings but also helps families feel like they re part of the process of ensuring their loved ones receives the best possible care

INSTANT HELP FOR BEST INTEREST MEETINGS

We have also used Loopeli during best interest meetings and care discussions When decisions need to be made it’s easy to bring a family member into the conversation straight away This has saved time and made these discussions more collaborative

BREAKING DOWN LANGUAGE BARRIERS

Loopeli has helped with translation needs If there is ever a language barrier family members can join the call and assist making communication smoother for everyone

BOOSTING WELL-BEING AND REDUCING MEDICATION

One of the most surprising benefits has been how Loopeli has improved emotional well-being For some residents, being able to connect with their family more often has reduced the need for calming PRN medication especially during the late afternoons when anxiety levels tend to be higher

FROM APPREHENSION TO ENTHUSIASM

When we first introduced Loopeli a few staff were hesitant thinking it might just be another tech gimmick But it didn’t take long for them to see how much easier it made their day-to-day work They now see it as a tool and we have since purchased extra tablets so more residents can benefit

SUPPORTING OUR CQC REPORTING

Loopeli has also given me confidence as a manager when completing CQC’s annual provider information return (PIR) especially question 2 7, 2 7a and 2 13 in the PIR which involves Communication preferences and Access to Information Standard (AIS)

THE BIGGER PICTURE

At the heart of it

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Pass by ever yLIFE

INTEGRATED HEALTH AND

GP records It makes medical information available when and where it is needed, leading to improvements in both care safety and outcomes:

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

Using medical information to inform care planning

• Ensuring that the right medication is

Transforming Domiciliar y Care with TV-Based Video Calling and Wellbeing Monitoring

of Things (IoT) devices such as motion

a different approach

We believe the solution lies in the most common, and most familiar technology: the TV SIMPLIFYING COMMUNICATION

Many elderly individuals find smart-screen gadgets intimidating but TVs are familiar By delivering video calls through the TV, care providers can offer simple accessible communication Routine check-ins can be conducted virtually reducing the need for some physical visits while maintaining personal connection Family members can be more involved offering reassurance and better support PROACTIVE MONITORING WITH SENSORS AND CONNECTED DEVICES

BOOSTING EFFICIENCY AND PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE

Video calling reduces the need for unnecessary travel enabling carers to focus on urgent or high-priority cases IoT alerts further optimise resource allocation helping providers manage workloads effectively At the same time, this technology empowers clients to live safely and independently at home aligning with the UK s focus on “aging in place” and person-centred care HOMESIGHT IS THE WAY FORWARD

It ensures accessibility for all ages and technical abilities while maintaining the familiarity of using a TV

Our HomeSight system is the first to use the TV for health and wellbeing support It s an incredibly simple system easily connecting to any TV with an HDMI port (which almost all TVs have), blending seamlessly into the home With an ergonomically designed remote control and a user-friendly TV interface it s intuitive enough to require almost no training With two presses clients can connect with carers or family members effortlessly

Beyond video calls the system keeps everyone in the loop Family members can use dedicated phone apps to stay connected while carers access a secure web portal for real-time updates and communication This integration ensures that clients receive the care and connection they need without disruption to their daily routines It s a practical, stress-free way to enhance support and communication in domiciliary care

For further information see the advert on the facing page or visit www atsolutions uk

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Transforming Lives with Technology

A Systematic Approach to Care

At AFG our aim is simple – to help those we support live more independent lives Technology is becoming more integral to helping people with a learning disability or with autism to be more independent But while the technology exists today the challenge for tomorrow is scaling its adoption across health and social care

THE STATE OF THE MARKET: TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIAL CARE

The potential for technology to enhance lives in the care sector is evident But many people who could benefit lack access to the tools that would make a difference to them

According to a report by Ofcom, people with learning disabilities are less likely to own computers and smartphones or use of the internet than non-disabled people[1]

At AFG we established our Technology Lending Library two years ago This simple idea has had a positive impact on many of the people we support For example borrowing a tablet device enables someone who is non-verbal to communicate with their family and friends Another person was supported to watch videos that gave them the confidence to attend the dentist for the first time in years

SCALING UP: MOVING BEYOND ONE-OFF SOLUTIONS

All this is worthwhile But for real change in social care to happen we need to be able to scale up technology within our sector and integrate it into the way we live work and play

At AFG, we have partnered with assisted living technology experts My Ecosystem to take a holistic approach that combines health, care and housing

Led and funded by Lancashire County Council, several bungalows at our 24-hour supported living housing in Parklands Court in Lancashire have been retrofitted with bespoke industry-first technologies including sensors communication devices and health monitoring tools This set up not only supports residents but also aids those supporting them too in delivering the right care at the right time through real-time monitoring and adjustments

By Andrew Kendall, Chief Commercial Officer at

However, this is one of few examples of such integration To make this approach accessible on a broader scale we need to develop the right model so that the right assistive technology becomes a natural part of someone s support

The impact of personalised integrated technology on both the individuals and the wider health and social care sectors can be transformative By reducing pressure on the NHS and local authorities this approach brings real value to users while creating efficiencies and cost savings across the sector

STEPS TOWARDS A NATIONAL MODEL

So what needs to happen to make this model work on a national level? What do we need to do as a sector to understand how we do this and how it gets funded and paid for?

Firstly, we need clear evidence of what works in what situation (depending on the person, their home and the community) and what doesn’t What are the costs and the benefits (financial and non-financial)?

Secondly there needs to be more education and knowledge sharing of the wide range of assistive technologies that are available for people with a learning disability and autism – this covers consumer technology specialist standalone technology telecare approaches and connected ecosystems And what skills do we need to assess needs and ‘prescribe’ the right technology?

Thirdly we need to be working together across systems and organisational boundaries to make the best use of technology Social care health and housing need to work around the shared goal of achieving better outcomes for people and helping them be more independent

Fourthly we need to build assistive technology into how support is commissioned and provided New homes should come with a base ecosystem in place that can be added to according to the specific needs of the individual living there

There is no doubt that technology is going to change all our lives in the future However as health and social care professionals we have a responsibility to those we support – in our case those with learning disabilities and mental health conditions – to ensure that they are prioritised rather than left behind in this technological evolution By taking a thoughtful, systematic approach to technology in health and social care, we can empower those we support to live more independent, fulfilling lives

GHM Cares Launches New Resident Telephone Ser vice For Care Homes

set up and use as well as the freedom of short-term contracts

Care homes are delighted to finally have a solution where the day-to-day handling and installation doesn t impact their buildings or resources and they re able to offer an even better service to residents

Care homes can find out more at ghmcare co uk/Services/resident-telephones

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Transforming Care Home Training: Rethinking Restrictive Practice Education

and test alternative solutions in a

environment This approach enhances critical thinking teamwork, and retention of essential knowledge

Peer-to-peer learning further strengthens the training by encouraging staff to share experiences and insights fostering collaboration and practical problem-solving This creates a dynamic learning environment where staff feel supported and empowered to deliver compassionate care By integrating these modern approaches care

Policies and Procedures Within Social Care

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

The Power Of Diplomas In Health And Social Care

Diplomas have the potential to empower individuals and are the best route for most health and social care professionals to progress according to an expert at leading training provider Realise

Lesley O Connor Head of Health and Social Care at Realise said diplomas are a strong option as they are flexible can usually be fully funded and can be tailored to the particular needs of the employer and the learner

Diplomas are also attractive to employers as they require little administration

Lesley said: “I think there is still a lack of awareness and some misconceptions

Paragon Skills: Empowering Careers And Leadership

In The Adult Care Sector Through Apprenticeships

as a

Apprenticeships in the adult care sector provide a vital opportunity for professionals to advance their careers develop leadership skills and contribute to improving care standards These programs, including Level 4 Lead Practitioner and Level 5 Leader in Adult Care offer a structured pathway for care workers to step into higher-responsibility roles By equipping individuals with the knowledge confidence and expertise needed to take on leadership positions apprenticeships play a critical role in fostering both professional growth and better outcomes for service users

These advanced apprenticeships go beyond acquiring qualifications They enable care professionals at foundational levels to build essential skills such as critical thinking problem-solving and effective communication preparing them for senior roles in the sector This emphasis on personal and professional development not only

strengthens

The benefits extend to employers who gain skilled and motivated teams by supporting staff through these programs Investing in leadership development helps organisations improve retention rates and build a robust pipeline of future leaders contributing to stability and high performance within care settings

Apprenticeships also provide clear guidance for newcomers to the sector offering resources to help them understand career pathways and qualification requirements This makes apprenticeships an excellent starting point for those beginning their journey in adult care as well as a powerful tool for existing professionals seeking to advance By focusing on continuous learning and leadership development apprenticeships in adult care empower individuals to unlock their potential while ensuring high standards of care across the sector For employers and care professionals alike these programs are a cornerstone of growth innovation and excellence in the industry Find out more about our apprenticeships on www paragonskills co uk

IT AND CYBER SECURITY

Managing Cyberattacks in Residential Care

By Daniel O ’Shaughnessy, Programme Manager

Cyber Security – A General Best Practice Guide

Many

FINANCE AND PROFESSIONALS

High-Quality Healthcare Needs High-Quality Background Checks

Background checks are vital to the healthcare industry ensuring that only qualified trustworthy and compliant individuals are hired directly influencing both patient safety outcomes and the organisation s credibility It s important to emphasise that these requirements apply to all staff in health and social care services including volunteers and agency workers

However new statistics have revealed that 20% of healthcare candidates in the UK fail a background check, highlighting that the industry at times struggles to find candidates that are a perfect fit

With the stakes so high ensuring that healthcare professionals meet the highest standards of integrity and competency is more important than ever But how can employers take proactive steps to protect vulnerable individuals from harm or exploitation ensuring they hire only candidates with the necessary qualifications and experience?

ENSURING

QUALITY CARE FOR PATIENTS

The first step employers can take is conducting comprehensive background screenings following regulations set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) The way employers can ensure best practices include establishing clear vetting policies training staff on these protocols and regularly updating screening processes to maintain compliance These

checks typically encompass criminal record reviews identity verification proof of qualifications UK right-to-work assessments and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks

However our statistics show less than one-in-ten healthcare businesses check whether a candidate is on a sanctions watchlist or identified in adverse media checks and no organisations are running social media background checks While CQC regulations ensure that candidates have the right skills these additional checks are crucial preventative measures that help ensure the staff being hired are not only qualified but also the right kind of people for the role safeguarding both patients and the safety and happiness of existing staff

By following the strict guidelines laid out by CQC healthcare organisations can protect their staff members and those receiving care from potential harm or exploitation While also ensuring their brand doesn’t face any reputational risk

PROTECTING AGAINST LEGAL AND REPUTATIONAL RISKS

In the UK, healthcare organisations most frequently verify a candidate’s criminal history (66%) references (60%) address (59%) and right to work certification (56%) These checks are essential for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements helping protect organisations from potential fines or legal action due to non-compliance More importantly maintaining high standards of care and safeguarding patient safety not only helps meet these regulatory requirements but also boosts the organisation’s credibility fostering trust among patients families and the public

Failure to comply with these guidelines can lead to reputational damage eroding trust in the provider’s ability to deliver safe and effective care Additionally non-compliance with CQC requirements can result in severe

By Luke Shipley, CEO and co -founder at Zinc (www zincwork com)

penalties including fines legal action and even the revocation of a healthcare service’s licence This only highlights the importance of verifying candidates thoroughly – ensuring that these checks are done to the highest standard and conducting regular rechecks on existing staff to ensure the safety trust and integrity of the healthcare institution is maintained LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY FOR EFFECTIVE SCREENING

Technology, specifically automation, plays a critical role in enhancing the speed, accuracy, and compliance of background checks, enabling healthcare providers to safeguard patient welfare more effectively By automating and streamlining the background verification process, technology can provide a helping hand to organisations to meet the CQC standards efficiently, even in a fast-paced and evolving healthcare environment

Automation of background checks can provide real-time data access from one unified dashboard, using this, healthcare providers can quickly identify red flags and assess candidates more accurately Automation tools can also provide candidates with real-time updates on the status of background checks so they have visibility and aren’t left in the lurch wondering where things are at By utilising screening technology businesses can offer a screening process that is efficient and easy to use for both candidates and their hiring teams Moving at pace means businesses can reduce the wait time from offer to start date ensuring they don t lose candidates to competitors throughout the process and bringing forward start dates where possible Ultimately leveraging technology not only improves operational efficiency but also ensures that providers maintain high standards of care protecting both patients and the organisation s reputation for years to come

The Crisis In Care: Navigating The Impact Of Visa Restrictions On Ser

vices In The Care Sector

The care sector in the UK is facing an unprecedented crisis with an 82% drop in visa applications for health and social care roles since July 2023 according to the latest figures from the Home Office This sharp decline is a direct result of the government s recent policy changes notably the ban on overseas care workers bringing family dependents For many potential applicants this restriction makes the UK a less attractive destination, especially for those unwilling to face prolonged separation from their families

However the decline in overseas care workers is not solely due to this policy The cost-of-living crisis in the UK has further compounded the problem Many care workers who are often paid at the lower end of the salary scale struggle to make ends meet on a single income The inability to bring a second household income from a spouse or partner makes the financial realities of living in the UK even more daunting discouraging many from applying This situation is exacerbated by rising costs for essentials such as housing utilities and food which significantly erode the disposable income of lower-wage workers

Also contributing to the reduction in visa applications is the increased scrutiny and compliance demands placed on employers by government Since late 2023 the Home Office has intensified its oversight of sponsorships in the care sector resulting in lengthy processing delays and burdensome evidentiary requirements Employers are now required to submit extensive documentation including rotas contracts, and staff details, often with very little notice These demands have overwhelmed many care providers, leading to delays in hiring and, in some cases the suspension or revocation of sponsor licences The increased frequency of compliance visits has further strained employers who are already struggling to maintain adequate staffing levels Home Office visits can lead to significant disruptions in business operations, especially if they result in the suspension of a licence which halts all further sponsorship and delays pending visa applications The impact of these issues on the care sector is profound With a large number of vacancies remain-

ing unfilled the sector is struggling to provide essential services to vulnerable people Despite some arguments that the drop in visa applications could reflect a natural correction following the initial surge in demand when the sponsorship system first opened to care workers the persistent high vacancy rates suggest that the need for overseas workers remains critical The combination of restrictive immigration policies economic challenges and increased regulatory burdens has created a perfect storm, which threatens the ability of care providers to meet the growing demand for services To navigate these challenges care providers must take proactive steps Employers need to ensure they have adequate resources to manage their sponsorship and Home Office interactions and it is crucial they remain vigilant of any abuse or mismanagement of the system and workers Engaging legal representatives to assist with visa applications compliance visits, and licence management can help mitigate risks and ensure businesses remain in good standing with the Home Office

Additionally adopting robust recruitment practices

Article by Fozia Iqbal, Senior Business Immigration Solicitor at law firm Harper James

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