The Carer #28 Spring 2015

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SPRING 2015

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REGULAR FEATURES

INSIDE

THIS

ISSUE

Issue 28

FEATURE

Eating & Hygiene Nurse Call & Infection Uniforms & Energy Nutritional Technology Medication Bathing & Care Control Workwear Solutions & Software Management Washrooms Alarms Page 21

Pages 22-24

Pages 25-27

Pages 28-29

Pages 30-31

Pages 32-34

Page 35

Pages 40-41

Editor's Viewpoint Furniture & Fittings

PAGE 2 35-39

Dementia Care & Training 42-44 Property, Finance

45-47

& Professional

Care Act Brings 'Biggest Shake-Up In 60 Years' Major changes to the care system in england have been introduced from april 1st in what is being called “the biggest shake-up for 60 years”.

The much heralded Care Act 2014 has come into force with promises of significant change to the social care landscape. Mary Chant, Partner in Blake Morgan’s Health and Care team outlines the key changes; The early headlines about the Act revolved around the cap on care costs and the increased thresholds for the financial means tests for eligibility for care. Whilst these are important and likely to present operational challenges for providers, they do not come into effect until April 2016 and the detail about how they are to work is yet to be published.

The Act is a substantial piece of legislation but it contains a number of key themes: • Care should be centred around the needs of the individual rather than around the services which are available. Previous care legislation focussed on obligations to make certain types of care services available and therefore needs tended to be shaped to fit services rather than the other way around.

• The significant focus on the accessibility of comprehensive information about care and support services available in an area means there is an emphasis on authorities and providers working together. This co-operation ensures existing services are publicised and services are developed to suit the local population.

• There has been considerable criticism in the past that entitlement to care has varied between areas and the Act seeks to bring consistency in a number of ways. There is now a

definition of "eligible needs", although it is controversial as in some areas the tests will exclude from care and support people who would have qualified previously.

• Assessment of needs must be carried out by an authority regardless of the individual's finances. Assessment and financial support are different things.

• As well as information about types of care, authorities must provide details about independent financial advice to assist the local population to plan for care and understand how to fund it.

The Act imposes most of its obligations on local authorities, and will change the way they commission services due to the focus on promoting the wellbeing of the individual. Leaving aside the issues which providers will face when the change in care and support funding is introduced, the most immediate effect on providers is likely to be practical - co-operation, provision of information, embracing integrated care. However, providers may find they are also at the forefront of educating potential service users, for whom the changes could have a profound impact.

David Pearson, president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, said the changes were "probably the most significant development" since 1948.

But he said there were still issues to resolve on the underfunding of the system.

Unlike the NHS, the care system budget has been cut in real terms this Parliament.

Janet Morrison, of the charity Independent Age, said the Care Act had the "potential to revolutionise" services.

But she said: "With a rapidly ageing population, we need an honest debate during and after the election about the true costs of care."

PAGE 2

THE CARER

SPRING 2015

VIEWPOINT EDITOR

Peter Adams

WelcoMe to our spring 2015 addition, and I would firstly take this opportunity to draw your attention to a mistake we made on the year planner which was distributed in our january issue.

We mistakenly put the wrong dates for the health+care and commissioning show, the correct dates are june 24 & 25 and the show is taking place at excel london. We would draw your attention to the full page advert on page 18 for further details.

It is the largest national event for health and care professionals and provides a world class learning and networking environment, there are over 300 speakers who will deliver 'live' case studies, insightful debates and offer practical solutions to current challenges. So I would urge you to register and visit. It promises to be a very intuitive event.

We are now approaching one of the most crucial elections in years, whoever wins will have to address the growing issue of care. To me it is the biggest “elephant in the room” which the country faces. The Local Government Association (LGA) has been particularly vocal, a survey they conducted revealed that 75% of MPs from all parties agreed social care should be protected. However stark warnings by the LGA have stated that there will be a £4.3 billion black hole ‘in social care funding by the end of the decade, and the Association of Directors of Adult Services have stated that social care spending has been cut by £3.53 billion over the last four years. An even more blunt warning by the LGA again has revealed that the majority of council tax will soon be spent on social care, creating huge problems in council’s ability to deliver infrastructure such as roads, street cleaning and libraries.

The prediction is that for every 1 pound of council tax collected by councils in the year 2019/20 60p will be spent on caring for the elderly, vulnerable adults, and vulnerable children. Research by the London School of Economics has shown that around 500,000 older and disabled people who would have got care in 2009 are no longer entitled to it.

I cannot speak for anybody else but I have yet to see any party put forward proposal which realistically begins to address the issue, one which is too big for party politics, and I agree wholeheartedly with George McNamara, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Alzheimer’s Society, who said: "Our social care system is on the brink of crisis. All political parties must commit to funding the social care black hole or risk letting down the most vulnerable in society – they must not become scapegoats by politicians in the pursuit of populist votes. Failure to do so will only result higher costs to the NHS." I am also delighted to include a wonderful letter we received from someone whose mother-in-law who had recently passed away, who took the time to congratulate and praise the home and staff who cared for her.

Hamilton House Care Home, Buckingham “Just a few lines about the care received by my Mother-in-Law at the above since entering the home, aged 88, some five years ago. Prior to this she had received care at her sheltered housing flat, supported by Hospital stays, (She was very Anti Care Home).

"The care she received was exemplary, with gentle, loving and compassionate care being given by all staff she came into contact with. This extended to include c all say like a eleaning, laundry and activity staff. She was able to have hair dressing, manicures. Five stars Conversation and other interests, although she shied away from group activities, because they were all old!

"During her final days, she died aged 93, this care, love and respect where even more evident. We were offered full support whilst we sat with her and were amazed at the staff who came to visit, paying their last respects. Even after she had passed the staff still knocked on the door, now closed, and treated her with the utmost respect.

"We cannot recommend this Four Seasons Health Care, Hamilton House Care Home, West Street, Buckingham, MK18 1HL enough. They were and are everything you could wish for the care of venerable people in their final years.”

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SPRING 2015

THE CARER

New Quality Standards to Help Care Homes Manage Medicines Safely and Prevent Falls in Older People tWo neW quality standards on managing medicines in care homes and preventing falls will help to improve the quality of care for older people.

More than 350,000 people in England and Wales live in a care home, according to official figures.

However, mistakes in administering medicines are not uncommon. A 2011 study showed that 9 in 10 care home residents were exposed to at least 1 potential medication administration error over a 3-month period.

The new quality standard highlights this as a key issue in need of urgent improvement. It lists actions that should be taken to ensure that all necessary health and social care practitioners are aware of residents’ needs and can administer the right medicines to the right person at the right time. This includes: • Health or social care service providers sending a discharge summary, including details of the person’s current medicines, with a person who transfers to or from a care home • Prescribers who are responsible for people who live in care homes providing comprehensive instructions for using and monitoring all newly prescribed medicines.

• A multidisciplinary team undertaking medication reviews for people who live in care homes The quality standard also says that residents who wish to self-administer their own medicines should be supported to do so as long as it does not put them or others at risk.

Preventing falls Falls and fall-related injuries are a common and serious problem for older people. Three in 10 people over the age of 75 in England – about 2.5 million – will have at least 1 fall each year. Half of those aged 80 or above will have a fall.

The quality standard for assessing older people after a fall and preventing further falls aims to support hospitals and community services to help improve the quality of life of older people and reduce the number of fall-related injuries occurring in people aged 65 and older.

The standard advises that older

people who are living in the community and have a known history of recurrent falls are referred for strength and balance training.

It also says that healthcare professionals should carry out a risk assessment for any pensioner who visits hospital because of a fall. Those who need to stay in hospital should be offered a ‘home hazard assessment’ and any necessary help to prevent further incidences before they leave.

Professor Gillian Leng, Deputy Chief Executive at NICE, said: “These two new quality standards focus on two specific issues – managing medicines in care homes and falls in older people – where we know inconsistencies exist in the care that people may receive. This can have a detrimental effect on a person’s health and wellbeing, affecting not only their quality of life, but that of their families and carers too.

“The standards contain practical statements to help health and social care providers, practitioners and commissioners assess and improve the quality of care they deliver in key areas. They highlight the need for the health and social care sectors to work together where possible to ensure people receive the best quality care.”

Adam Gordon, Honorary Secretary of the British Geriatrics Society and a consultant geriatrician in Nottingham, said: “Both of these standards are very welcome from the perspective of healthcare professionals looking after older people with multiple medical conditions.

“We know that prescribing and dispensing errors in care homes are common and these guidelines recognise and seek to mitigate against important contributing causes – namely the failure to effectively communicate medication changes within and between care settings and the failure to have structured prescribing policies in place for care home residents.

“The falls standard, meanwhile, brings together gold standard practice in how to manage older people following falls and, by giving it the NICE seal of approval, ensures that it will be delivered in hospital and community settings around the country.”

Ken Clarke Gives the Grand His Seal of Approval the rIght honourable Kenneth clarke ch Qc MP officially opened the grand care centre, a £7million purpose-built 82 bed care home in West Bridgford, nottingham.

Designed by development-led care home operator New Care Projects and built by award-winning construction company, McGoff & Byrne, The Grand is a ‘New Generation’ care facility.

Designed by architects, Street Design, with specialist clinical staff input, all the new requirements of the Care Quality Commission have been achieved. The Grand is designed to provide the highest standards of safety, comfort and

care.

The home features a high specification finish and is decorated by an interior designer creating stylish yet comfortable and practical spaces. The well-appointed bedrooms benefit from en suite wet rooms, while the rest of the home offers a variety of communal lounges, dining rooms and secure landscaped gardens. It also offers a cinema, gymnasium, Snoezelen, hairdresser and retail coffee shop. Infection control and safety are all built into the finished environment.

On opening The Grand, Ken Clarke said: “The Grand is a modern, high quality care home. I’d like to wish both the staff and the residents well.”

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THE CARER

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New Food Allergen Regulations The Danger of Hidden Allergens neW legIslatIon on food allergens was introduced in December. this will affect how care homes inform residents about the contents of all meals served. teresa Dupay, founder of Menuanalyser gives advice on what actions need to be taken.

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Currently, you are under no legal obligation to provide information about the nutritional content or the presence of potential allergens in the food they supply. This changed, on 13th December 2014 when new European legislation comes into force.

From December 2014, the Food Information for Consumers Regulation (EU/FIR (1169/2011) requires care homes to alert residents if any dish on the menu contains one or more of fourteen major allergens.

In brief, the fourteen allergens are gluten, crustaceans, molluscs, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, soybeans, milk, celery, mustard, sesame, lupin and sulphur dioxide.

It is obvious when a dish contains ingredients such as egg, milk and fish. Yet, many of the allergens are hidden where you may least expect them. To safe guard the health of residents and meet the legislation, it is essential to be familiar with the constituents of every ingredient used in your kitchen.

Here are just some examples: • Worcester sauce; usually contains anchovies • Red/White wine; egg white, milk protein or collagen, derived from fish, are often used in the fining process; sulphur dioxide is a common preservative • Curry sauces; contain ghee, which is a type of clarified butter • Fresh pasta; egg is frequently the liquid content • Pesto sauce; often contains tree nuts and /or peanuts • 1000 island salad dressing; (e.g. Helmann’s) contains egg and mustard • Gravy granules; (e.g. Bisto) contains celery, soybean and cereals containing gluten wheat • Hummus; contains sesame • Batter mix; (e.g. 3663 Golden Batter Mix) contains soybean This new regulation specifically addresses non-

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SPRING 2015

every care facility wants to encourage independent mobility of their residents but heavy, cumbersome fire doors restrict free movement. By law fire doors should not be wedged open.

It is, however, all too tempting to do just that, wedge the fire door open to allow residents and visitors to move around with ease. this practice is illegal and will allow a fire to spread quickly through a care home, endangering the lives of residents, staff and visitors.

pre-packed foods.

For example: • Foods sold loose, e.g. market stalls • Foods sold retail without pre-packaging, e.g. bakeries, deli counters, sandwich bars • Restaurants and cafes • Institutional catering, schools, hospitals, prisons and care homes Necessary information can be written for each item listed on menus or blackboards, such as this dish contains peanuts and milk. Care homes also need to have a notice on the menu or blackboard saying that ‘allergy information is available from staff’.

Residents can be told about specific dishes that contain fish and molluscs, verbally. It is no longer allowed to declarer that you don’t know if any allergen is present. It is also not acceptable to communicate that foods ‘may contain’ allergenic ingredients. You will have to say ‘they contain’.

MenuAnalyser advice to care homes is to ensure carers are aware of the complete menu and contents of each dish on the menu.

Some key questions to consider are: • Which ingredients do you use in a dish?

• Do you know what allergy information is provided on ingredients that you buy in?

• How do you make sure staff are able to provide accurate and consistent allergen information?

It does help to get expert advice: The government’s Food Service Agency has a website – http://www.food.gove.uk/science/alergyintolerance/label/#.U4w9UHJdW which gives details on the changes.

MenuAnalyser can also provide support to enable compliance. MenuAnalyser also has full nutritional information, supplier order list and costing to make sure you stay in budget.

Here is the link to our website http://www.menuanalyser.co.uk/care-home If we can be of any help to you, please don't hesitate to contact Teresa either by email teresa@menuanalyser.co.uk or on 0800 020 9173 or 07770-850570.

Dorgard solves this age-old dilemma. Fitted to a fire door, a Dorgard will hold it open legally. The Dorgard ‘listens’ for the fire alarm and, on hearing it, releases the door and allows it to close.

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To help your residents, who have a disability or impaired movement, simply fit Dorgard to your fire doors. The use of Dorgard ensures that you will not be prosecuted for breach of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which could otherwise lead to a heavy fine or even imprisonment. www.safelincs.co.uk Tel: 0800 612 6537

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SPRING 2015

THE CARER

PAGE 5

Sleep Apnoea Linked To Memory and Thinking Decline ReseaRCheRs In the Us have reported that sleep-disordered breathing, characterised by abnormal breathing patterns during sleep, may be associated with an earlier onset of memory and thinking problems in older people.

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) may affect around 20% of the general population and prevalence is reported to be higher in men and in older adults. It is characterised by changes in breathing patterns during sleep, which can range from heavy snoring to periods of sleep apnoea, where breathing completely stops for a short time. Around 4% of middle-aged men and 2% of middle-aged women in the UK are thought to have obstructive sleep apnoea, the most common form of the condition.

To investigate the effects of SDB on memory and thinking, researchers from NYU School of Medicine in New York and Rutgers School of Public Health in New Jersey analysed data from a group of 2,470 older people who were taking part in a long-term study called the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). This group had been tracked over time with cognitive tests and the researchers could see which participants had a type of SDB – those that reported themselves to have ‘sleep apnoea’ or ‘obstructive sleep apnoea’.

The researchers found that those participants who reported sleep disordered breathing had a younger onset of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) than those that did not report such sleep problems. The average age of onset was around 73 years in those with SDB compared to around 84 years in those without, and the magnitude of this difference remained when the researchers used more stringent criteria for their analysis. This effect also remained after the

team adjusted their analysis to account for factors such as high body mass index and cardiovascular disease, which are also suggested risk factors for dementia and for sleep apnoea.

The researchers also looked at the age of onset of Alzheimer’s disease in the volunteers but did not see a difference for those with SDB over and above what could be expected by chance. A small number of participants had used a treatment method called continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which aims to normalise breathing during sleep. The researchers found that this treatment was associated with a delayed onset of memory problems in those with sleep-disordered breathing.

Dr Simon Ridley of Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity, said: “This study adds to evidence that disrupted breathing during sleep could be a risk factor for memory and thinking decline in older age, but it doesn’t prove that one causes the other. Despite the small sample size in this study, the researchers did try to account for other factors that may have explained the link and the findings highlight the need to delve deeper into the possible biological reasons behind this association. A good supply of oxygen to the brain is vital to keep it healthy and it is interesting to see that treatment of sleep apnoea was associated with a trend towards a later onset of memory and thinking problems.

“Sleep problems are very common, but it’s important to note that this study focused on sleep apnoea, which affects less than 5% of the population. While heavy snoring is a feature of sleep apnoea, not everyone who snores will have the condition. If people are worried they may have sleep apnoea, they should discuss this with their doctor as there are approaches available to help.”

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Public to See CQC Ratings Displayed Across Care Services People and their families who use care services will soon be able to make more informed choices about their care by seeing first-hand if the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has judged them as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement or Inadequate.

New rules mean health and care providers will have to make arrangements to prominently display their CQC rating from 1 April 2015.

Following a public consultation in February that generated more than 730 responses, CQC’s final guidance for providers on how to display their performance ratings has now been issued.

CQC has developed a suite of posters that will be automatically generated through the regulator’s website for all care services that receive a CQC rating to download, print and display.

People can expect to start seeing performance ratings on provider websites as well as across premises, public entrances and waiting areas of care services from 1 April.

In-line with CQC’s enforcement policy, appropriate action – including imposing a fine (fixed penalty notice) – can be taken should CQC find providers are in breach of the regulation.

Chief Executive of the Care Quality Commission, David Behan, said: “We know that our ratings are an important source of information to support people’s choice of service and the

aim of this new requirement is all about helping to achieve better awareness and greater transparency for members of the public about which care services are Outstanding, Good, Require Improvement or Inadequate.

“I am determined for CQC to be on the side of people, and their families, who are receiving health and adult social care services so they can get access to safe, high quality and compassionate services that they have absolutely every right to expect.”

Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, said: “By making inspection ratings more visible, we are helping people make more informed choices about their care, celebrating success and driving up standards.

“We want to have the safest health and social care system in the world and we know in the wake of Mid Staffs that transparency is vital in helping to improve standards of care. We have made significant changes to become safer and more transparent – this is another important milestone.”

Heléna Herklots, Chief Executive at Carers UK, added: “Ensuring that loved ones are being treated with dignity and respect is of paramount importance for families and they need to be able to access clear, independent and easy to find information.

“The new requirements on providers to display their CQC rating will help inform those in need of care, and their families, about the quality of care being provided.”

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THE CARER

SPRING 2015

CQC Announces Changes in Regulatory Fees for Providers folloWIng a public consultation last year and approval from the secretary of state for health, the regulator has revised the fees that providers will have to pay from april so that it can effectively register, monitor, and inspect them and make sure that people receive safe, high-quality and compassionate health and adult social care.

The increase for 2015/16 is 9%: CQC recommended this increase in its consultation, as it continues to recover the costs from its new way of regulating health and adult social care across England.

The impact of this is an increase of: • £69 for a general practice with 10,001 to 15,000 registered patients • £238 for a care home with 21 to 25 beds • £6,458 for a NHS trust with an annual turnover of £125 million to £225 million (Dental providers will pay the same fees as they have done in 2014/15 because the cost of their regulation is recovered fully already.)

In the summer, CQC will introduce the option for providers to pay by instalments and by direct debit, to help

them manage their cash flows. CQC will also publish a calculator on its website next month to help providers work out their exact fees for 2015/16, alongside detailed fees guidance.

David Behan, Chief Executive of the Care Quality Commission, said: “Our commitment is to make sure that people receive safe, high-quality and compassionate care and we are confident our new way of registering, inspecting and monitoring services allows us to do this… “We understand that the increase in fees is happening at difficult economic time for many providers but we hope that they, and importantly those who use their services, are seeing the benefits of our inspections, which allow us to identify where improvements are needed and to celebrate what services are doing well… “We are determined to deliver value for money by being an efficient and effective organisation.”

CQC has developed its fees strategy for 2015/16 with an advisory panel, which includes representatives from providers across all sectors, and it follows a public consultation last October. CQC expects to consult on its fees strategy for 2016/17 and beyond in the autumn.

Residents Come Together For Strictly Come Tea Dancing resIDents froM several four seasons care homes in northumberland revived the traditional tea dance when they got together for a social afternoon last week at the new Delaval & newsham Working Men’s club. they were joined by friends, relatives and staff, as well as by members of the local community.

As well as taking to the dance floor, guests were invited to take

part in a singalong session and there was bingo. A range of refreshments was served and there was a chance to take part in a free raffle.

Tracie White, Regional Operations Manager for Four Seasons in Northumberland, said: “The social afternoon is a great way for residents to get out to enjoy themselves, to meet people from other Four Seasons care homes and to engage with members of the wider local community. We are planning to make the event a regular monthly occurrence.”

Putting a Spring in Your Step with Sky sPrIng Is well and truly in the air and it seems that summer is just around the corner. as we look forward to longer days and more sunshine, james tweddle, sales Director at sky Business, looks at ways in which some of the most popular programming for older people can be used to encourage and support outdoor activities.

The promise of fair weather and balmy summer evenings is enough to put a spring in anyone’s step! Longer and warmer days provide the perfect opportunity for care providers to encourage the older people they support to enjoy some fresh air activities, and there are some great forms of inspiration to be found in our Spring and Summer schedule.

Wildlife programmes, particularly the documentaries of national treasure Sir David Attenborough, are hugely popular with over 65s*. These programmes can be used as the basis

for Activities Coordinators to organise their very own safaris, where older people can get out and about in garden areas to spot and catalogue local flora and fauna.

Similarly, sports such as tennis, bowls (the number one sport viewing choice for those aged 80+*) and football are perennial favourites and can provide inspiration for outdoor activities and spur on those competitive instincts! For those who want to enjoy their sport in a slightly more relaxed setting, why not organise a showing of one of the exciting final games of the Premiership season in a patio area? Combining friendly rivalry with fresh air makes a winning combination for all.

By joining popular programmes with innovative activities, it’s even easier to encourage the people you support to make the most of the warmer weather.

For further details on Sky Business, please see the advert on page 15.

SPRING 2015

THE CARER

Fundamental Standards Of Care – A Critical New Framework the health and social Care act 2008 (Regulated activities) Regulations 2014 as amended came into effect on 1st april and makes important changes to health and social care standards which are regulated by the Care Quality Commission.

They represent one of the main ways in which the Government is responding to the Francis Inquiry, which recommended the enforcement of fundamental standards to prevent problems like those at Mid Staffordshire, Winterbourne View and elsewhere.

Whilst the 2014 Regulations cover broadly the same subject matter as those dealt with under the 2010 Regulations, the Standards are now much more focused, the language is more direct and set out with greater clarity the standards to which all health and social care providers must adhere.

This dovetails with the requirement in the newly enacted Health and Social Care (Quality and Safety) Act 2015 which will, in the future, require the Secretary of State to make any regulations considered necessary to secure that services cause no avoidable harm to those that use them.

Duty of Candour While the new duty of candour has been in force since the end of November 2014 for NHS providers, there is now a new duty of candour to which all social care providers in particular must adhere. This states that where a notifiable safety incident occurs within a service, there are certain notification requirements that must be followed. The Regulations prescribe the definition of a safety incident and steps that must be taken in response. It’s essential that all providers review systems and processes to ensure safety incidents are captured, and that staff have been trained to ensure the duty of candour is followed and

Health+Care health+CaRe and the Commissioning show returns to london’s exCel on the 24 – 25 June 2015. taking place just weeks after the General election, the UK’s largest, must-attend social and primary care event, will provide a platform for the new health ministers to give their first public addresses to the sector. the ministers will be joined by hundreds of expert speakers who will help delegates examine how frontline innovations are improving care and creating a stronger market.

The 2015 event is made up of seven key strands that are central to the future of health and social care: Residential Care; Home Care; Integrated Care; Commissioning, run in partnership with NHSCC; Care Commissioning; Public Health and Technology First.

The Residential Care stream in particular will highlight how providers are working with commissioners to transform the sector’s role, offering vital services that balance cost, quality, choice and value-formoney in a developing market. The

implemented.

Potential criminal prosecution The fundamental standards come with the force of criminal law behind them. Previously, essential standards were generally less onerous and the CQC had to give prior notice of any breaches before initiating a criminal prosecution. The Fundamental Standards are more focussed and define standards that must be adhered to and in respect of a number of the key standards, breach is directly prosecutable by CQC. The process of bringing a prosecution is more straightforward, and it is also likely to be easier to demonstrate non-compliance than it was under the essential standards.

It is vital that all providers and their managers are familiar with the detail of the Fundamental Standards as services will now be judged and rated by CQC by reference to the new standards. Staff will need to be familiar with aspects of the Standards, particularly the duty of candour, and management will need to provide training to their teams. Whilst the Fundamental Standards may well (and hopefully do) reflect the level and quality of care which is being provided, staff need to have an appreciation of the fact they and the service are measured by reference to the standards and the requirements they prescribe for health and social care services. As well as providing care that is compliant, services need to demonstrate and evidence that fact when inspected.

Health and social care legal experts, Hempsons Solicitors, have created a comprehensive, downloadable guide to the new Fundamental Standards, including the duty of candour, and demonstrating compliance to CQC. For more information or to download the Hempsons step guide, go to: www.hempsons.co.uk business building sessions, including: differentiating your care business to maximise your profitability and seven recruitment mistakes the residential care and nursing home sector is making, will help delegates improve the efficiency of their businesses and effectiveness of their care.

Speaking about last year’s show, Rt Hon Norman Lamb MP, said: “This conference, the largest of its kind, represents the change we need to see in our health and social care system. We need to think beyond the bricks and mortar of the separation of health and social care, and look to collaboration at a local level between all the players who are vital to our future success.”

There are over 400 exhibitors at this year’s show, giving those involved in care provision and delegates from both commissioning and providing organisations an unparalleled user-friendly experience in one convenient place. Over 350 speakers will deliver live case studies, debates and offer practical solutions to current challenges. The event has built on the hugely successful Commissioning Show and now, in its fifth year, Health+Care is an essential conference for all those interested in integrated care.

Complimentary delegate passes are available for NHS, public sector and qualified health professionals, but you do need to register in advance at www.healthpluscare.co.uk

PAGE 7

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PAGE 8

THE CARER

Three Quarters of MPs Support the Protection of Adult Social Care Funding three Quarters of MPs agree that adult social care funding from government should be protected in a similar way to the nhs for the next five years, a poll published today shows.

The survey carried out by ComRes and commissioned by the Local Government Association shows that the majority of MPs from all political parties (75 per cent) agree that in the next Parliament adult social care funding from government should be protected in the same way as NHS funding.

In total 35 per cent of MPs strongly agreed and 40 per cent said they tend to agree. Only four per cent of MPs strongly disagreed, whilst 15 per cent tended to disagree.

MPs in the North were most likely to support this protection of adult social care funding (90 per cent). 61 per cent of MPs in the South agreed. This compares to 87 per cent in London and 67 per cent in the Midlands.

A separate ComRes survey of future MPs made up of incumbent MPs and prospective parliamentary candidates (PPCs) seen as being likely to win their seats in May showed that 76 per cent agreed that in the next parliament, adult social care funding from government should be protected in the same way as NHS funding. No future MPs strongly disagreed.

It suggests that support for the protection of adult social care funding among MPs will continue into the next Parliament.

LGA analysis has shown councils are facing a £4.3 billion black hole in adult social care funding by the end of the decade, as a result of increasing numbers of people needing care and further reductions to local government funding. Councils have warned that this could mean

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thousands of elderly and disabled people risk being denied the quality of care they deserve to help them live independently in their own homes for longer.

Council leaders and health experts have warned that continuing to protect and invest money in the NHS whilst forcing councils to cut their already chronically underfunded social care budgets is a false economy which will not enable councils to alleviate pressure on the health service.

The LGA is urging the next government to make protecting adult social care funding one of their first priorities.

Cllr David Sparks, Chair of the LGA, said: “Councils, care workers, health professionals and now even MPs agree that social care funding must be protected in the same way as the NHS. There can be no excuse for the next government to ignore this.

“No one wants to see their elderly mum or dad or sick neighbour suffer at the hands of a system that is buckling under the strain of inadequate funding. If we don’t have a commitment to protect the money for adult social care now, this will leave councils unable to alleviate the pressure on the NHS and puts at risk the services which help to keep elderly and disabled people independent, out of hospital and in their own homes for longer.

“Councils have protected our most vulnerable people as far as possible, often at the expense of other services, and we will continue to prioritise those most in need.

However, the combined pressures of insufficient funding, growing demand, escalating costs and a 40 per cent cut to local government funding across this Parliament mean that despite councils’ best efforts they are having to make tough decisions about the care services they can provide. or magnetic backing.

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SPRING 2015

Majority of Council Tax Will Soon Be Spent on Social Care More than half of what people pay in council tax will soon be spent on caring for vulnerable children and adults, creating a huge squeeze on councils’ ability to fix roads, clean streets and keep libraries open.

New analysis published by the Local Government Association today breaks down how every £1 of council tax is allocated by councils. It shows that even with people paying similar levels of council tax, money available for non-care services is set to drastically reduce in the next few years as a result of reduced government funding and rising demand on care.

For every £1 of council tax collected by councils in 2019/20, 60p will be spent on caring for the elderly, vulnerable adults, and vulnerable children. This is up from 41p in 2010/11.

By contrast, 1p in every £1 will be spent on street cleaning and flood defences, 5p in every £1 will be spent on road maintenance and street lighting and just under 5p in every £1 will be left to fund all libraries, leisure centres, parks, museums and arts.

Based on most recent figures, this would mean the average Band D council tax payer contributing almost £800 per year on social care and just under £16 per year on street cleaning and flood defences. £70 per year from the average Band D payer’s bill would be spent on road maintenance and street lighting and £59 per year on libraries, leisure centres, parks, museums and arts.

The breakdown highlights the strain being placed on popular services and demonstrates the need for local government funding to be protected in the next parliament.

Core funding for councils from central government has reduced by 40 per cent since 2010 and the majority of councils say the scope for efficiency savings is coming to an end.

The LGA, which represents councils in England and Wales has published the analysis today as part of local government’s Future Funding campaign, calling for the next government to protect local government funding. The projections show what will happen if cuts to local government in the next five years are similar to those which have been made since 2010 and council tax rates follow a similar pattern.

Chair of the LGA Cllr David Sparks said: “This analysis shows the pinch that families all over the country will feel from central government continuing to reduce funding for local services “It is likely that people will be paying similar levels of council tax over the next few years but most will see a lot less in return. People are rightly going to question why their streets and parks are less well kept, the local library is closing and bus services are being cut when they are still paying roughly the same council tax each month.

“The reality is that, within a few years, well over half of the council tax everyone pays will have to be spent on social care.

“With demand on these life and death services continuing to rise and funding from central government continuing to fall, councils will have little choice but to squeeze budgets for libraries, roads and street lighting.

“No part of the public sector has faced bigger cuts to funding than councils during this Parliament and the efficiency savings local government has made since 2010 cannot be made again.

“If the services which bind together communities and underpin people’s daily lives are to survive the next few years, the next government must provide fair funding and give local authorities the freedom required to pay for them.”

Samsung’s ‘Double-Bubble’ Laundry: A Cleaner Wash, Using Less Energy for B&Bs, care homes, sports clubs, schools and smaller hotels, laundry can be a big problem.

Domestic washing machines can’t cope, commercial ones are too big and expensive, and outsourcing can be pricey and difficult to manage. that’s why samsung developed the Professional laundry range. It’s big enough to deal with awkward loads like king size duvets or the team’s muddy away kit, but small enough to fit in the utility room. It also has a sanitize programme that meets cQc standards.

The Samsung Professional Laundry washer, model WF431, has a 14kg capacity. Although it retails at up to 60% less than competitors’ models, it is packed with clever energy-saving and performanceenhancing technologies. In addition it is backed by a comprehensive two-year parts and labour warranty.

One of the smartest features is the digital inverter motor. Because it is direct drive it has fewer moving parts and, being brushless, it creates little noise or vibration.

Compared to conventional motors, it uses 50% less energy and delivers a reliably long service life.

The washing process uses Samsung’s established Eco Bubble technology, which manages the remarkable ‘doublebubble’ benefit of improving wash results and reducing energy consumption. It does this by using bubbles to dissolve the detergent before the wash cycle starts. These bubbles penetrate the fabric much more effectively than the standard mix of water and detergent, increasing washing efficiency significantly. Consequently, operators can achieve better results at lower wash temperatures – reducing energy consumption by as much as 70%.

The Samsung washer measures 991mm high by 686mm wide and 823mm deep, runs from a 13 amp supply and is WRAS approved. Samsung also offers a Professional Laundry dryer, model number DV431.

The typical price for the WF431 washer is around £1,299, excluding VAT. The range is available in the United Kingdom through principal distributors Francis & Co and Uropa Distribution, via a national network of dealers and laundry equipment specialists. Samsung is one of the world's largest brands. Samsung Professional Appliances distributes throughout Europe. All products are backed by a full parts and labour warranty.

For more information visit www.franciscopro.com or www.uropa-distribution.co.uk

SPRING 2015

THE CARER

PAGE 9

Services Must Learn From Good and Outstanding Care, Says CQC gooD anD outstanding care is centred on the individual, has clear and visible leadership, and has processes and staff that constantly explore ways to improve. this is what the care Quality commission (cQc) has found from its revamped inspections so far, which are providing a clearer picture of the quality and safety of care in england than ever before.

The regulator is calling for providers of these services to learn from what these are doing well so that everyone can get the safe, high-quality and compassionate care that they deserve.

Last year, CQC formally rolled out its new way of inspecting health and adult social care across the country, which assesses whether services are safe, caring, effective, responsive to people’s needs, and well-led.

Most inspections then lead to CQC awarding ratings of Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement or Inadequate. From April, people can expect to start seeing these ratings on provider websites, as well as across premises, public entrances and waiting areas of care services, to drive change and to give them clear information on how their services are performing.

As of last week, CQC has rated over 1,650 providers and services as either Good or Outstanding – that’s over 75% of its ratings of NHS trusts, primary medical services and adult social care services rated to date.

Based on a sample of these, CQC has found three emerging themes that good and outstanding services share: 1. They provide care that is person-centred – designed around the individual and with their involvement 2. They have a clear ‘line-of-sight’ from senior leadership to the frontline staff and services 3. They check how well they are doing and seek ways to improve.

As discussed in CQC’s public Board meeting on Wednesday, during which the regulator presented its business plan for 2015/16, CQC recognises its role in encouraging health and adult social care to improve – a key way CQC can do this is by highlighting examples of services that are providing good and outstanding care to support learning.

David Behan, Chief Executive of the Care Quality Commission, said: “Everyone has a right to receive good care. Quite rightly, much attention is given to the instances when care services have failed people, as this can hold bodies to account and set processes in motion to make sure mistakes are not repeated. However, to achieve this we must also recognise and celebrate the services that are getting it right.

“I am pleased that our new inspection regime is identifying some good and outstanding care across the country, from hospices, to general practices, to care that people receive in their own homes, and to NHS hospitals, mental health and community services. I would like to commend the staff who run these services and provide care on the frontline.

“I hope that shining a spotlight on some of the good and outstanding care we have uncovered will encourage learning, drive improvement and inspire greater confidence in the sectors.”

Examples of the care CQC that is celebrating include: • Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey – the first acute hospital to be rated as Outstanding. In particular, CQC commended its leadership (both at board and ward levels) and the clear vision, values and commitment that staff share to deliver high-quality care for their patients.

• Salford Health Matters – a primary care service in Greater Manchester and one of the first to be rated as Outstanding. The inspection team praised the service’s focus on how it can improve at every level, including how it responds to complaints and promotes the process, and how it welcomes feedback both from staff and patients so that it can learn from events and mistakes.

• Home Instead Senior Care in West Lancashire – one of the first adult social care services to be rated as Outstanding for how it cares for and supports people with physical disabilities and mental health needs. In particular, CQC highlighted the service’s person-centred approach, including the emotional support that it factors into care plans and their principles of kindness, respect, dignity and compassion.

By the end of the year, CQC will have inspected the majority of health and adult social care services using its new regime, and so it will be able to continue to report on what services are doing well and on where improvements are needed.

Care and Support Minister, Norman Lamb, said: “We know many thousands of people receive excellent care from health and adult social care providers and our tougher new inspections are uncovering this, as well as highlighting where action needs to be taken.

“I want to congratulate the hard working staff at services awarded good or outstanding ratings – it is now for others to follow by example.”

Katherine Rake, Chief Executive of Healthwatch England, said: “It comes as no surprise to see that the best hospitals, GP surgeries and care homes are those that put patients at the heart of what they do.”

“All over the country we hear about brilliant examples of doctors, nurses and carers working with their patients, involving them in decisions about their care to ensure they get both the treatment and support they want as well as need.

“But these need to be more than just isolated examples. We want to see this approach adopted across every part of the health and social care system, and would urge people to get in touch with their local Healthwatch to share their experiences, good and bad, to help us drive improvement.”

Ex-Racehorse Cavallini A Big Hit With Care Home Residents care uK’s francis court care home recently welcomed a very special visitor to celebrate cheltenham ladies’ Day – a retired ex-racehorse called cavallini, along with his owner and jockey emily tyson.

The team and residents at the Copthorne care home prepared for the visit by taking part in a number of arts and crafts activities organised by Maxine Tyson. In the lead up to the visit residents had been busy creating bespoke hats, horseshoes and rosettes to celebrate the occasion, with many of the ladies proudly displaying their creations and showing them off on the day.

Gathering in the home’s large garden, Cavallini was happy to meet the Francis Court team and residents, posing for pictures and enjoying the attention from everyone at the home.

Maxine Tyson, activities coordinator at Francis Court, said: “Animals make fantastic companions and residents are used to meeting PAT dogs and miniature ponies – but it’s not every day that a magnificent racehorse like Cavallini trots in to say hello. Everybody was excited for the visit and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience – Cavallini and Emily are always welcome at Francis Court.”

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PAGE 10

THE CARER

SPRING 2015

Social Care Must Not Become the Victim of This Election Campaign WIthout sustaInaBle funding the most significant piece of social care legislation for decades is at risk of becoming a wasted opportunity, warns alzheimer’s society As the Care Act comes into force the charity is urging all political parties to commit sufficient funding to turn its provisions into a reality. They warn that playing party politics with the lives of the most vulnerable in society will fundamentally undermine this progressive legislation.

The Care Act (2014) has the potential to bring major improvements to the social care system. For the first time people will have the right to advocacy if they would not otherwise be able to participate in the assessment and care planning process, carers have strengthened rights to assessment and support services and local authorities will have to provide universal services that prevent and delay the onset or worsening of needs.

George McNamara, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Alzheimer’s Society, said: ‘Our social care system is on the brink of crisis. All political parties must commit to funding the social care black hole or risk letting down the most vulnerable in society – they must not become scapegoats by politicians in the pursuit of populist votes. Failure to do so will only result higher costs to the NHS. ‘The human and economic impact of dementia is truly staggering. It costs the UK in excess of £26 billion a year, which equates to £30,000 per person with dementia every year. Most striking of all is that people with dementia, their carers and families shoulder two-thirds of this cost themselves. In this country we have an army of unpaid

carers – wives, husbands, daughters and sons – holding up a social care system on its knees. If you have cancer or heart disease you can quite rightly expect that the care you need will be free on the NHS, but this just isn’t the case for people with dementia who often require basic care in the community.

‘While the reforms in the Care Act are a step in the right direction, unless properly funded they will still not help the vast majority of people and do nothing to alleviate the enormous burden on unpaid carers. The failure of successive governments to invest in resources to help our most vulnerable is seen in the strain put on families, and these changes don’t do enough to change that.’

This comes as a coalition of more than 75 of the country’s leading charities warns that the Government’s flagship changes to the social care system are “built on sand” without adequate funding for disabled and older people and their carers.

The Care and Support Alliance, of which Alzheimer’s Society is a member, said the Care Act was a bold attempt to reform the system but without more funding, thousands of disabled and older people will continue to be cut out of the care system and denied access to things as basic as getting up, getting dressed and getting out of the house.

Research by the London School of Economics has shown that around 500,000 older and disabled people who would have got care in 2009 are no longer entitled to it, while the Local Government Association and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services estimate a £4.3bn black hole in social care services by the end of the decade.

Decorated War Veteran Becomes Social Media Sensation a DecorateD war veteran has become a social media sensation after a story about his 100th birthday went viral.

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Ralph Cox marked his centenary celebrations recently with a party at Sanctuary Care’s The Beeches Residential Care Home in Birmingham, where he has lived for over two years.

His story hit the headlines in both local and national newspapers, but the fame did not end there with an article about Ralph, who survived being shot three times during combat, proving so popular it has been shared by thousands of people via Facebook.

Ralph’s story has been liked by over 6500 people on Age UK and Birmingham Updates’ Facebook pages, shared by over 850 people and attracted over 670 positive comments. Meanwhile a post about the centenarian by Sanctuary on LinkedIn received 272,741 impressions, 909 clicks and over 1,900 likes.

Many of the comments applaud his bravery during the Second World War when he was stationed in France, Italy and North Africa as a Sergeant with

The Parachute Regiment, known as ‘The Red Berets’.

He was badly wounded after being shot in the back, arm and leg. After he recovered he continued with his service and received six military medals in total, including one which reads 1939-1945 King’s commendation for brave conduct.

Speaking about how proud he felt that his father’s bravery had been recognised by thousands of people online his son Ron, who is 76 years old and lives in Cheshire said: “I’m really glad – these guys gave us the life we now have now by risking their necks.

“I am glad people have responded in this way and I’m delighted that there has been such a big response. People like my dad should be applauded because their effort was huge.”

Lisa Thomas, Sanctuary Care’s Regional Manager – Midlands said: “We are overwhelmed that there has been such a positive response to Ralph’s story. The power of social media is truly astounding and we are so pleased that such a remarkable man has received such widespread recognition and so many birthday wishes.”

SPRING 2015

THE CARER

PAGE 13

Healthcare Providers Face New Obligations From April a neW statutory duty of candour, which was introduced last year for nhs bodies in england following the Mid staffordshire public inquiry, will now apply from april to all other healthcareproviders registered with the care Quality commission.

This new statutory obligation requires organisations to disclose information where they believe poor care has resulted in death or harm to a patient.

Moore Blatch clinical negligence partner, Sarah Stanton comments: “Organisations will need to inform and educate staff on the implications of these changes. For patients and their representatives, it will be essential that the care provider you are engaging with has complied with its duty from the outset and provided you with the information that you are entitled to.

“Organisation that do not comply with this new duty and are then forced to apologise later down the line could face serious consequences, including a fine for the organisation, reputational damage and for individuals, possible referrals to their professional regulatory bodies.

The key principles of the new obligations, which are contained in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, are: • Healthcare organisations will be under a general duty to act in an open and transparent way when providing care to patients – this means that an open and honest culture must exist throughout the organisation.

• The new statutory duty applies to organisations, not indi-

viduals, but there is an expectation on staff to cooperate and ensure that organisations can meet the requirements of the duty.

• After a notifiable patient safety incident occurs, the organisation must as soon as is reasonable tell the patient (or their representative) about it in person.

• The organisation must give the patient a full explanation of what is known at the time, including what further enquiries will be carried out. Organisations must also provide an apology and keep a written record of the notification to the patient.

• There is a statutory duty to provide reasonable support to the patient, which could include providing an interpreter to ensure discussions are understood, or putting in place emotional support to the patient following a notifiable patient safety incident.

• Once the patient has been told in person about the notifiable patient safety incident, the organisation must provide a written note of the discussion to the patient, and copies of correspondence must be retained.

A notifiable patient safety incident, which has a specific definition, applies where a patient has suffered, or could suffer, unintended harm that results in death, severe harm, moderate harm or prolonged psychological harm.

Doctors will especially need to be informed of the changes, as they are often involved in candid discussions with patients and are most likely to be the organisation’s representative under the statutory duty. It is recommended they cooperate with the organisation’s policies and procedures, including the requirement to alert the organisation when a notifiable patient safety incident occurs.

Wynfield House Residential Home Awarded Deaf-Aware Care Quality Mark the royal association for Deaf people (raD) and [sonus] have awarded the Deaf-aware care quality mark to Blackpool residential home, Wynfield house.

The quality mark scheme was launched by Norman Lamb, the Minister of State for Care and Support, following research into the needs of older Deaf people commissioned by RAD and [sonus]. The study found that older people who are British Sign Language users are receiving residential care which does not meet their cultural and communication needs. This means that older Deaf people in residential care often feel isolated and are often unable to discuss the care that they need.

Run by Blackpool Fylde and Wyre Society for the Deaf, Wynfield House was established as a residential home in 1961 and caters exclusively to the needs of profoundly Deaf older/vulnerable residents.

Susan Cooke, Care Home Manager commented: “We are very excited to be receiving this award which we feel recognises the unique nature of the care that we provide at Wynfield House. We are passionate about the need for specialist care for profoundly Deaf older people and we are proud to be operating the only such home in the north of England that provides this service. Deaf-awareness, use of British Sign Language by all staff, as well as our close links to the local Deaf community are all key to the successful operation of the home.”

Dr. Jan Sheldon, Chief Executive of RAD said, “The management and staff at Wynfield House pride themselves on providing care which meets the needs of Deaf people and they have met the requirements of the Deaf-Aware Care Quality Mark. We hope more care providers will make the commitment to the Deaf-Aware Care Award which will enable Deaf people to have access to the care that they need across the UK.”

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PAGE 14

THE CARER

SPRING 2015

The NACC Announces Line-Up For Care Cook of the Year 2015 National Final the talenteD line-up of finalists for the national association of care catering (nacc) care cook of the year 2015 competition has been announced.

The triumphant finalists pulled out all the stops in the regional heats to impress the judges in order to secure a place in the National Final and move one step closer to being crowned NACC Care Cook of the Year 2015.

The challenge was to produce the delicious and nutritionally-balanced two-course menu, main and dessert, created specifically for the competition in just 90 minutes.

The menu had to be suitable for service users in a care setting and have the combined food cost for both courses of no more than £1.50 per head based on four portions.

The competitors also had to demonstrate innovation, costing, suitability for the environment, adherence to nutrition guidelines, taste and overall menu balance.

On Wednesday 10 June 2015 the finalists will compete in a live and thrilling cook-off for the coveted title at Barking & Dagenham College’s Technical Skills Academy.

Neel Radia, National Chair, NACC, comments: “Catering within the care sector requires specific skills and knowledge to ensure that the dietary and nutritional needs of the elderly and vulnerable are met. Important factors such as nutrition, budget restrictions, specific dietary requirements and needs, such as dementia, dysphagia and fortification, menu planning and regulations must be understood. They must also possess the culinary ability and flair to consistently create great-tasting and attractive food.

The 2015 NACC Care Cook of the Year National Finalists: Scottish Region:

• Paul Burton, Parklands Care Home, Meallmore Ltd, Alloa, Clackmannanshire • Margaret Stewart, Methilhaven Care Home, Fife Council Northern Region: • Matt Gomersall, Donisthorpe Hall, Leeds • Oliver Smith, Wetherby Manor, Wetherby Midlands Region: • Paul Burch, Dukes Court Care Home, Wellingborough • Samantha Smallwood, Sunrise Senior Living of Edgbaston Welsh Region: • Gareth O’Hara, Sunrise Senior Living of Cardiff South West Region: • Gary Ford, St Monica Trust, Bristol • William Marsh, Brandon Care Ltd, Exmouth South East Region: • Becky Allcorn, Hanover Housing Rotary Lodge, Worthing • Matthew Dodge, Coombe Hill Manor, Kingston-uponThames, Surrey The final will be held at Barking & Dagenham College’s Technical Skills Academy. Each year around 500 students, age 16-18, enrol at the Academy for technical and professional training with a clear line of sight to work. The next generation of professional chefs learn in spacious, well-equipped training kitchens, as well as learning on-the-job in the Academy’s commercial restaurant and café which are open to the public. As well as catering and hospitality, students can choose a variety of subjects including construction, childcare, digital and IT, media-makeup, hairdressing and beauty therapy.

As well as the esteemed title of NACC Care Cook of the Year 2015, the overall winner will claim a superb prize package and trophy.

For more information on the NACC Care Cook of the Year 2015 competition visit www.thenacc.co.uk.

Adaptawear Adds NEW Front Fastening Post Surgery Bra! aDaPtaWear are proud to announce our neW ladies front fastening bra: silver Post surgery Bra.

TO TO ADVERTISE ADVERTISE IN IN THE THE CARER, CARER, PLEASE PLEASE CALL CALL OUR OUR SALES SALES TEAM TEAM ON ON 01202 552333

Our latest release is perfect to take into hospital and designed to be worn in the early weeks after any type of breast surgery. The clever design features a seam free front and sides, to minimise irritation after surgery and is extremely comfortable.

Some features of the Silver Post Surgery Bra are: • Front fastening with easy opening cushioned poppers • Drop cups – straps can be unfastened to allow cups to drop down for easy access to surgery areas • Seamless at front and sides to avoid irritation to incisions and scarring • Magic straps with touch and close fastening for easy adjustment and more comfort

on the shoulders • Double layer cups for added support and can be used as pockets for "softie" prosthesis is required • No fitting on back of bra All our range of front fastening bras including the best-selling Comfi Bra (popper front fastening) and the Eezee Arthritic Bra (hook front fastening) are specifically designed for ladies with limited hand dexterity, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and limited upper arm mobility. The bras are designed for comfort and are perfect for ladies looking for some gentle support. They won't offer the support and uplift of an underwired bra, but are a comfortable alternative and give more shape than a vest.

For more information on Adaptawear’s Ladies and Men’s Clothing Range please visit www.adapatwear.com.

Carer readers please quote CR10 for 10% discount off your first order.

Sky TV packages for heightened well-being

of

£500

vouchers with your first lounge package†

With the over-65s watching more Sky TV^ than any other age group, our TV packages offer all kinds of ways to keep your residents entertained. Great value in-room packages cost under £10* a week, with lounge packages at less than £70* a week.

To find the right Sky TV package for your care home, call 08442 414 660

Believe in better

^Over 65s Sky TV viewing statistics based on Sky IQ data, April 2014. *Pricing shown is ex VAT. Customers will be billed monthly and installation costs apply. Installation of equipment is not included, please call for more information. Charge of £50 per box (plus VAT) if Sky does not install your equipment. Sky TV minimum term is 12 months. Channels available dependant on chosen package and scheduling may be subject to change. Some content/channels unavailable in communal areas. As at the date of print, channels not available in communal areas are: Alibi, G.O.L.D., Watch, Star Gold, Star Life OK and Star Plus. Calls cost 5.1p per minute (plus 15.97p connection fee) for BT customers. Calls from other providers may vary. Correct at the time of supply 09.04.2015. †Oomph voucher: £500 discount voucher off “Oomph! Training” or “Oomph! Monthly Activity Packs” to care homes purchasing their first Sky Home TV lounge. No cash alternative available. Voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and expires 6 months after date of issue. Voucher is issued by Oomph Wellness Training Limited. Further terms apply [www.oomph-wellness.org/sky].

SPRING 2015

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Free Tours to Normandy Veterans Begin with Remembrance Travel BrItIsh arMy veterans will begin free tours to the normandy beaches from May, funded by the libor bank fines. these will be arranged by the royal British legion tour operator, remembrance travel.

The tours will take place in May, September and October and will give Normandy veterans – now mostly in their 90s – the chance to revisit the Normandy beaches, with their carer and a close relative. The tours will be accompanied by a medic and a guide from the Royal British Legion. Last year marked the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings, which proved to be such a turning point in World War 2.

The five-day tours will depart from London and will include a ferry crossing from Calais to Dover, accommodation, visits to Pegasus Bridge, Juno, Sword, Gold beaches,

Bayeaux Cathedral and war cemetery, plus visits to personally specified cemeteries too.

Nichola Rowlands, Remembrance Travel, says: “This is a wonderful gift of remembrance from the Ministry of Defence and we welcome this generous offer.

“Operation Overlord is often referred to as the greatest air and seaborne invasion ever seen. The courage, determination and sacrifice of the men who landed in Normandy will never be forgotten. The Royal British Legion is the National Custodian of Remembrance and, in partnership with Arena Travel, has designed these Journeys especially for veterans and members of their families.”

For Normandy veterans wishing to benefit from this tour, they need to apply via Remembrance Travel’s website www.remembrancetravel.co.uk, or telephone Remembrance Travel’s tour operator, Arena Travel on 01473 660800.

Unilever Helps Put Nutrition Top of the Menu WIth latest estimates suggesting 1.3 million people over 65 in the uK currently suffer from malnutrition, nutrition and hydration is a hot topic.

With this in mind, unilever food solutions (ufs) is throwing its weight behind nutrition and hydration Week, offering a series of free health and nutrition training courses to help care providers further improve their food offering.

The Level 2 Award in the Principles of Nutrition is a City & Guilds accredited course. The one-day courses, which run from 24 February to 11 March, will give care home caterers an excellent grounding in nutrition and inspire them with simple changes they can make to their care home menus.

Paul Wright, Development Chef, Elderly

Care, says: “UFS is committed to making mealtimes the highlight of residents’ days. Health and nutrition is a fundamental aspect of care, and when people are ill, old or vulnerable, nutrition becomes even more important in managing their wellbeing.

“We know our customers in the care home sector are passionate about producing nutritious food in a stimulating environment, but they are often limited by time pressures and budget constraints. These workshops are designed to equip them with the expertise they need to achieve this.”

The Health and Nutrition Training programme forms part of UFS’s ‘Thriving in Care’ initiative, which aims to help care providers create stimulating activities around mealtimes and ensure the wellbeing of residents.

The Freedom Range from Steelite DInnertIMe can be a challenge for older people suffering from physical or psychological problems. however, it’s vital for them to remain hydrated and well fed. choosing the right tableware can make a real difference to their eating experience.

The Freedom range from Steelite has been specially designed to be easy to use for care home residents. The demand for this range comes from an increased focus

by British care homes on helping residents to maintain their confidence and independence.

Heather Lovatt, head of marketing, Steelite International, says “Meal times are often one of the few independent pleasures left for those with agerestricted mobility. This range gives patients the confidence to eat un-aided

and removes the task of assisted feeding for the caregiver.”

The plates feature an undercut shoulder which is a clever design that helps get the food onto the fork or spoon, enabling eating without assistance. The curved rim catches any tricky overspills and prevents foods from slipping off the plate. The collection also comes in a range of colours, including yellow, which is scientifically proven to help dementia sufferers to recognise food.

All of Steelite’s ranges come with a lifetime edge guarantee, making them extremely cost effective for care homes where budget for catering is often limited.

For further information, call 01782 821000 or visit www.steelite.com or 020 8256 1360.

TO TO ADVERTISE ADVERTISE IN IN THE THE CARER, CARER, PLEASE PLEASE CALL CALL OUR OUR SALES SALES TEAM TEAM ON ON 01202 552333

SPRING 2015

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PAGE 19

Restraint in Social Care: What To Consider tWo neW films about the subject, from the social care Institute for excellence (scIe), aim to break the taboo that can exist for some people working in social care, who might be nervous about discussing the use of restraint. the films also explore when restraint is necessary and the challenges surrounding the issue.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 provides guidance about the use of restraint. SCIE say it’s crucial that staff working in health and social care are aware of just what ‘restraint’ means. The Mental Capacity Act says that restraint should only be used as a last resort and only when other options have been eliminated; and that its use must always be minimized. It means using a person-centred approach and putting people who use services at the centre of decisions about their care. This can help minimize the use of restraint.

SCIE’s Chief Executive, Tony Hunter, says: "Sometimes, restraint is appropriate and it can, at times, be the best option for service users; for example, in helping someone to become calm and exercise self-control.

However, this can’t be an excuse for using restraint whenever things get challenging. People’s human rights must be respected – their views must be put at the centre of decisions about their health. This is key to good outcomes and experiences. The need for restraint has to be reassessed on each and every occasion as people’s needs and capacity change. Also, a good way to minimise restraint is to keep talking with colleagues, carers, families and people who use services.”

Director of British Institute for Human Rights, Stephen Bowen, says: "We welcome this important new resource, which shows that we never have to simply make a choice between respecting human rights and restraint. This film demonstrates that human rights are a helping hand for staff when making difficult decisions about restraint, helping them keep patients and service users at the heart of decision making.

Royal College of Nursing’s professional lead for mental health, Ian Hulatt, says: "Working with clients who become distressed and then misinterpret the actions of those caring for them, can be extremely challenging.

This resource considers how best to care for people who may require an intervention to restrict their movements, in their’s and others’ best inter-

Revitalise - Redefining Respite revItalIse Is a charity dedicated to enhancing the lives of disabled people and carers through the provision of innovative, uncompromising breaks that go way beyond traditional concepts of respite care. the charity provides around 5,000 weeks of accessible breaks each year, with 70% of its guests returning year after year for a unique holiday experience.

Each year Revitalise challenges itself to provide better, more rewarding and reinvigorating experiences for its guests, and in the process the charity creates something that most other respite providers can only dream of.

Fancy popping across the channel to France? How about an afternoon of accessible waterskiing?

A jaunt in a light aircraft perhaps? For any other respite provider, the idea of taking its guests on such ambitious outings would be unthinkable. For Revitalise, it is routine.

ScentSolutions scent Is a powerful tool that has a direct effect on our emotions, this can increase revenue. scentsolutions is the uK's official distributor of airaroma scent Marketing products.

We provide businesses of all industries the ability to communicate on a more emotional level, through scent.

Your patients will be happier in a cleaner environment with a boosted immune system. Thus increasing revenue and satisfaction.

75% of our daily emotions are effected by scent. This is

ests. The use of case studies and worked examples will help carers to consider their practice in the light of recent guidance and thinking.

film one. restraint : a human rights issue In this film SCIE examines how good practice in health and social care needs to take account of people’s human rights. Using a person-centred approach, by putting people at the centre of decisions about their care, can minimise restraint. It explores the definition of ‘restraint’ in all capacity and talks about best practice within the sector.

film two: Practical approaches to minimising restraint In this film we look at two examples of minimising restraint. We meet Peter, who is living in a care home. Peter has a urinary tract infection. A common side effect of such infections is confusion, which is made worse

by Peter’s dementia. In the second story we meet Florence, who is in in her 80 s. She developed a chest infection and had been admitted to hospital in a confused state.

By embedding a human rights approach to care services, we can minimize the use of restraint. The film says it can be easy to focus too much on the procedural aspects of keeping people safe which, although vital, aren’t the only thing about good quality care. It says we should always remember to keep sight of our humanity in providing care and support.

Who will find these films useful?

• Care providers • Registered managers • Care staff • Nursing staff • Front line practitioners • Social workers and social work students • Student nurses • Occupational therapists • Carers • People who use services.

To view films visit www.scie.org.uk/socialcaretv/video-player.asp?v =restraint-a-human-rights-issue www.scie.org.uk/socialcaretv/video-player.asp?v =practical-approaches-to-minimising-restraint At its core, Revitalise provides high quality, affordable breaks with 24hour on-call nursing care at the charity’s three accessible centres in Essex, Southampton and Southport. But it is the wide variety of opportunities and experiences that Revitalise also provides that really sets the charity apart.

Carefully selected activities and excursions, designed to stimulate and inspire, enable the charity’s guests to regain their vitality and confidence. As recent guest Sally-Ann Burden put it: “When I was water-skiing, I felt like I wasn’t disabled. I love to do things that test me and make me feel that I can do anything I set my mind to.”

The sheer range of experiences available is testament to Revitalise’s refusal to compromise when it comes to respite breaks.

For Revitalise’s guests, there is a very real belief that there is something for everyone.

For more information about Revitalise breaks, call 0303 303 0145 or visit www.revitalise.org.uk

because our scent receptors are directly linked with the part of our mind that deals with memory. Emotions greatly influence our buying decisions.

Ambient scenting has a positive effect on patient perceptions of quality of service, cleanliness and personal wellness. The environment will feel warmer and the patient will feel happy and relaxed.

When inhaled, certain diffused essential oils help to boost the body's immune system Give your patients’ friends and family some peace of mind. Emotionally reassure that their loved one is in the safest hands.

Start your scent success story today; Info@ScentSolutions.co.uk or www.ScentSolutions.co.uk

Hip Impact Protection Credit Where It’s Due... each year there are around 100,000 hip fractures due to falls affecting the elderly in the uK and the number is rising by 3.5% every year, much faster than the aged population increase. the causes of a fall are often unknown, and only 20% of all falls are recorded. a hip fracture operation and subsequent rehabilitation costs £15,000, and requires a long stay in hospital.

A British company, Hip Impact Protection Ltd, has responded to this “unmet clinical need” by launching Fall-Safe Assist a new, patented device

embedded within a comfortable and effective hip protector.

This chip technology accurately identifies every fall, recording the time/date, location, direction of fall and force, and passes that information to a linked mobile every 6 hours. This data can be used to predict falls and thus have a chance of preventing them.

But more than this, if the faller does not get to their feet in 30 seconds, FallSafe Assist will automatically send an alarm SMS through the mobile to an emergency call-out centre.

It will be trialled in a number of NHS organisations this year, but will be available from the company’s website: www.hips-protect.com.

Incontinence UK Adds NEW Incontinence Products!

Incontinence uK has recently added the neW iD fit & feel Incontinence Pull up Pants & the lille supreme for Men extra Incontinence Pads to its incontinence range.

The iD Fit & Feel Incontinence Pull Up Pants are designed for people who have active lives as they can be worn and taken off just like any regular underwear. They combine comfort and discretion due to the elasticated super soft waist and breathable cotton feel fabric. With a high absorbency and an odour control system they are

available in choice of sizes and absorbencies.

The Lille Supreme For Men Extra Incontinence Pads are specially designed for men. These disposable insert pads fit into your own underwear using a self-adhesive strip offering a close fit to ensure maximum comfort and no leakage. For light to moderate urinary incontinence with an absorbency up to 600ml.

To see our full incontinence product range do visit www.incontinenceuk.co.uk. Carer readers can also get 10% discount off our full incontinence product range by quoting CARER15 when ordering either online or by telephone.

the nhs and local authorities should be given credit for leading the way in improving healthcare through early intervention in the expectation of reducing subsequent hospital costs.

Pressure care and positioning for stroke sufferers, and those suffering from neurological and physical conditions have received a boost from “Better Care” funding and merging health and social care responsibilities in co-ordinated/complex care.

Care homes owners and managers are also looking at residents’ disabilities before care home support services’ visits. As a result there has been a substantial increase in the use of the MEDORIS positioning and pressure care products, hand grips, arm supports, seating cushions, and roll pillows, particularly in multi-product use as a cost-saving alternative to expensive moulded systems.

For more information contact MEDORIS on 01608 819 219 or look at their website – www.medoriscare.co.uk

HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors hIPsaver soft hip Protectors protect elderly people from fall related hip fractures.

Designed to protect elderly people from fall related hip fractures, HipSavers are a leading brand of soft hip protectors. Tested, validated and proven in clinical studies and in practice, HipSavers are user friendly, affordable and cost-effective.

Soft, comfortable, effective and compatible with incontinence protection, HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors are perfect for use in care homes and by elderly people living independently.

HipSavers should be worn day and night for 24 hour protection and especially during physical and recreational activities, when accidental falls, slips and trips can lead to hip fractures.

Available as comfortable under-

wear or long casual pants in 7 sizes for men and women, HipSavers feature soft protective airPads permanently sewn into the garments over the hip areas prone to hip fractures. HipSaver TailBone models have an additional protective airPad over the coccyx on lower back for protection during swaying, accidental knocks, bumps and backward falling.

Machine washable at high temperature and tumble drier friendly, HipSavers are practical, hygienic and durable.

Affordable at £33.99 + VAT for HipSaver standard models and at £38.99 + VAT for HipSaver TailBone models, HipSavers are VAT free for personal use by chronically ill and disabled people.

Call Win Health Ltd on 01835 864866 or visit www.win-health.com

SPRING 2015

Benefits of Nurse Call Systems as the demand for healthcare dramatically increases, the health care industry consequently has to find ways to boost productivity within caring environments whilst improving patient safety.

In addition to improving the quality of care for patients, well designed and implemented nurse call systems can provide significant cost-savings for Trusts, and Care & Nursing Homes.

First and foremost, at their centre, nurse call systems are life safety systems- critical systems that must work as effectively as possible to benefit healthcare providers, patients and staff alike. Healthcare facilities are likely to have some form of nurse call system installed on their premises as they are becoming ever more essential to help guarantee patient safety and also to provide peace of mind to the relatives of loved ones within the hospital or

Medpage Limited MeDPage lIMIteD have supplied quality care products for over 30 years and hold BsI accreditation to Iso 13485:2003/7 for the manufacture of medical products.

With patient/resident safety and quality of care regularly appearing on the news, Medpage offer a comprehensive range of simple technologies to make the task

Lotus Care Technology THE NURSEALERT pressure mat has been one of the most successful floor pressure mats due to it being non slip and carpeted which makes it feel very natural under a residents foot. Lotus Care Technology Ltd have many other fall saving devices that can give you peace of mind whilst caring for this at risk of falls.

Aid Call are market leaders in the design and manufacture of wireless Nurse Call technology and they have developed an unwavering reputation for bringing safety critical care solutions to care homes countrywide.

Building on the success of their Touchsafe range, The Touchsafe Pro is the product of over thirty-five years of industry-leading experience, an increased investment into research and development, and the invaluable feedback of our loyal customers.

PAGE 21

care home. Three of the biggest advantages that emerge through the use of nurse call systems include: 1. COst – Nurse call systems are a highly cost-effective solution for monitoring the wellbeing of patient’s and ensures that their requirements are met as fast as possible to help avoid any unnecessary suffering or discomfort.

This type of technology allows nurses to monitor different zones within a hospital environment and this can help reduce costs in terms of staffing.

2. sPeed – When it comes to looking after patients or residents in hospitals and care homes, there is nothing more important than responding to emergency rapidly and nurse call systems are a piece of technology which admirably facilitate this.

3. veRsatIlIty – This form of technology is highly versatile and can be adaptable to most situations within a hospital or care home facility. Nurse call systems will act as the sort of early warning system that is necessary to improve patient safety records and ensure that patients are treated as quickly as possible.

For further details see advertisers this page

simpler and more affordable. Our range of bed and chair rise alarms for example, can greatly reduce the risk of falls, and with kits available from only £95.00 + VAT, they are certainly affordable. Medpage manufacture specialist radio signal based alarms for monitoring building exit doors, bedroom doors, with alert signals transmitted to carer pagers or desktop nurse call display.

Visit our websites for further details: www.medpage-ltd.com & www.easylinkuk.co.uk or telephone 01536 264 869 to discuss your requirements.

See the advert on page 2 for further information.

Having many years of experience in fitting and maintaining Nurse Call Systems helps the guys at Lotus Care Technology understand that every home is different and has different needs. They can specify not only the best system for the enviromental factors in the home but also take into consideration the best products that will make your carers and nurses jobs that little bit easier.

For a site consultation or friendly advice call them free on 0800 8499 121 or local 01822 613258.

Introducing The Touchsafe Pro. AID CALL are proud to announce the release of their newest innovation: The Touchsafe Pro.

THE CARER

The Touchsafe Pro has been designed with the Care Home market in mind. Its wireless configuration allows for complete flexibility, facilitates individual resident requirements and provides cost savings into the future. Powerful features will improve the speed of call responses and increase the depth of information available to both staff and management. This will heighten team performance and support staff in providing the most effective care.

The Touchsafe Pro will be launched at Care Show Bournemouth, 25-26 March 2015.

For more information visit www.aidcall.co.uk or call 0800 052 3616.

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THE CARER

Polyflor Employees Become Dementia Friends Manchester based vinyl flooring manufacturer Polyflor ltd recently held a Dementia friends session for its staff to help raise awareness about the condition and the challenges that people living with dementia face.

Dementia Friends is an initiative run by the Alzheimer’s Society and funded by the Government to raise awareness of dementia across the country and encourage the creation of dementia communities. The session was hosted by local Oldham Dementia Champion Natalie Yates-Bolton from the University of Salford at Polyflor’s Salmon Fields office in Royton, Oldham.

As part of the company’s dedication to becoming more dementia friendly, Polyflor is a local and national member of the Dementia Action Alliance who are committed to transforming the lives of the 800,000 people living with dementia in the UK. Polyflor also works closely with the University of Salford and is a partner in their International Dementia Design Network.

Polyflor’s vinyl flooring is often used in residential homes, care homes and hospitals where people with dementia may be living or visiting.

Flooring is an important element of interior design as it can help people with dementia feel more comfortable and less agitated as well as helping those who are visually impaired navigate their way around a building.

John Mellor, Safety Flooring Market Manager at Polyflor Ltd, is leading the company’s action plan on becoming more dementia friendly. He commented, “The session has been a great benefit to Polyflor staff. It is well known that dementia affects a wide range of people across the community. The more we understand about the needs of someone living with dementia, the more empathy and caring can be shown to help those affected live their life as comfortably and happily as possible. Employees were able to take away knowledge that could benefit them in their personal lives for years to come.”

For more information about attending a Dementia Friends session or hosting one at your workplace visit www.dementiafriends.org.uk Details of Polyflor’s extensive range of resilient vinyl flooring are available from Polyflor Ltd, Radcliffe New Road, Whitefield, Manchester, M45 7NR. Tel: 0161 767 1111. Fax: 0161 767 1128.

Website: www.polyflor.com Email: info@polyflor.com

The Carer Calendar Correction - Health+Care Conference 2015 We hoPe you are making the best use of the carer Magazine 2015 Wall Planner. unfortunately, we’ve sent you the wrong dates for health+care and the commissioning show. We hope this hasn’t caused any inconvenience.

Health+Care and The Commissioning Show will take place on the 24-25 June 2015 at ExCel London.

Health+Care is the national event for health and care professionals and provides a world class learning and networking environment for visitors. Don’t miss out on 25 streams of unparalleled expert content designed to support you and your team in leading the way in deliver-

ing person-centred, higher-quality and more integrated care. View the full programme online at www.healthpluscare.co.uk Qualifying senior care professionals are entitled to a complimentary pass to attend Health+Care and the Commissioning Show. Visit www.healthpluscare.co.uk/carercalendar to secure your pass – there are only 1,500 passes left!

We look forward to seeing you there!

SPRING 2015

Service To Help Care Providers Meet Stringent New Tests Launched InDePenDent care homes across the country will be able to access expert help and support through a new check Prime renew service from older people’s lifestyle organisation evermore.

Check Prime Renew has been launched to help to ensure independents and smaller care providers meet new Care Quality Commission (CQC) guidelines following the launch of the tougher inspection regime.

The service is a 3-stage process to ensure care homes successfully meet the requirements of the new CQC inspection regime and the Care Act that come into force this month It is delivered by a team of experienced individuals from the Evermore Academy, led by chief operating officer Jennie Azizi, who have all held senior roles in top five national care home providers.

The Evermore Academy works alongside existing partners and providers to bring the people-orientated Evermore approach to the wider care market. It compliments Evermore’s long-term plans to create a series of Evermore Villages combining attractive property with support servic-

es, enabling older people to retain their independence, personal choice and control.

Sara McKee, Evermore Founder, said: “Large care providers have big infrastructures with in-house quality and compliance specialists. Smaller, independent care homeowners don’t have that luxury.

“As SMEs they generally cover everything from finance, recruitment, training, hospitality and care delivery. We want to enable care homeowners, who are passionate about delivering a great experience for their customers, to be confident that they can fulfill the requirements of the regulator.

“We do this through a 3-stage strategy we’ve designed based on our own extensive experience in the sector. This includes a full assessment of the home, preparation ahead of an inspection and then support to maintain the quality of the service and build on their staff motivation.”

To find out more about Check Prime Renew visit www.checkprimerenew.com Check Prime Renew, Springfield House, Water Ln, Wilmslow, Cheshire East SK9 5BG, UK

NRS Healthcare Launch New Product Catalogue the BranD new nrs healthcare catalogue features the latest range of equipment suitable for care home use including…

• Moving and handing equipment • Dementia care solutions • Infection control products • Specialised furniture • Toileting and bathing solutions • Eating and drinking aids • Mobility and access equipment • Care call systems Many of the products are exclusively designed in house including the new Stand & Turn Easy Patient Turner. Ideal for care homes, this provides a number of standing and turning options for users with different

or changing capabilities. The wide base helps to counterbalance the user, minimising the risk of injury to the carer - single carer transfers may be possible (subject to risk assessment).

If you require any advice about a particular product, a team of Occupational Therapists are available to help. Email: productadvice@nrshealthcare.co.uk or phone: 0845 121 8113.

With a 67 year heritage NRS Healthcare is committed to supporting the needs of older people, disabled adults and their carers.

Request your free catalogue today! Call: 0845 121 8111, email: customerservice@nrshealthcare.co.uk, or visit: www.nrshealthcare.co.uk/prof

Does Your Business Meet Strict New EU Allergen Rules? the neW rules require food businesses to provide allergy information on food sold unpackaged in, for example, care homes, catering

outlets, deli counters, bakeries and sandwich bars. as an example, a cafe making up rolls from loose food and wrapping them in cling film would have to provide information about the contents.

While it can be obvious that some dishes contain an allergen like nuts, others can have just a trace of a problematic food that can’t be seen by the naked eye. This is often

caused by cross contamination. For example, a non-gluten containing dish can be prepared in an area which has had gluten in it. Particles of gluten can be present on food preparation surfaces and utensils. For someone with a severe allergy to gluten, these few particles are enough to trigger a potentially fatal reaction.

There have been a number of articles in the press recently highlighting instances when allergen control has gone horribly wrong for even well-known catering establishments. One takeaway owner has been charged after a customer ate a curry containing peanuts. Other businesses have been fined for and ordered to compensate customers that have had severe reactions to allergens on their premises.

Well trained and careful staff can try their hardest to stop this from happening but rigorous cleaning procedures don’t always rid surfaces of contamination. A simple and rapid swab test can tell you if your cleaning procedures have worked by using a colour reaction to show the presence or absence of food allergens, such as gluten, nuts, dairy and eggs, which could trigger allergic reactions.

R-Biopharm Rhône offer the tests to help commercial kitchens stay on the right side of the EU Food Information for Consumers Regulations, which came into effect in December last year. These swab tests are currently used by major food producers and companies with large and com-

plex processing lines.

The swabs mean that when the processing lines are taken apart for a regular clean-down, all the parts - even previously difficult to access ones can be thoroughly checked and decontaminated. The swab tests provide a definitive analysis of any potential issues within 10 minutes and can also be used to ensure that food preparation areas are controlled, preventing accidental contamination of ‘free from’ foods.

For more information please contact: R-Biopharm Rhône Ltd., Block 10, Todd Campus, West of Scotland Science Park, Acre Road, Glasgow, Scotland G20 0XA. Tel: +44 (0) 141 945 2924.

Email: info@r-biopharmrhone.com.

Vygon (UK) Ltd

around the country. Our dedicated division offers products and services that can improve patient outcomes by helping homecare providers to standardise practice and employ tried, tested and recommended procedures and practices.

We are confident that with our product knowledge, experience and training opportunities we really can add value and improve patient care in this area.

Why should customers trust Vygon to provide products for Homecare?

Homecare is not new for us. Vygon has been supplying the UK Healthcare market since 1973 and we have been sending MIC gastrostomy products to patients’ homes through our Home Delivery service for over ten years, so our background and experience in this sector speak for themselves.

To find out more please contact Brett on 01793 748800, or email homecare@vygon.co.uk

vygon (uK) ltd has launched a specific homecare Division to provide best practice care solutions to patients in their own homes. homecare Manager Brett hughes tells us more: Why has Vygon created a Homecare Division?

We have always been focused on helping healthcare professionals offer best practice solutions to their patients, and this is the next logical step. Statistics show that increasing numbers of patients are leaving hospital but still require ongoing or post-operative care and support.

In 2011 The Hackett Review identified that homecare provision varies

Proven Bactericidal Hand Washes from Evans Vanodine evans vanoDIne is a family owned company which has been developing and manufacturing consistent, efficient and cost effective products for the professional user for over 95 years. Its products cover an extensive range of applications, from floor care and washroom to catering and laundry and are sold to both the home and overseas market, exporting to over 75 countries worldwide.

Based at Walton Summit, just outside Preston in Lancashire, the company has built a reputation based on commitment to research and development, ensuring a flow of new and improved formulations is constantly being added to its wide range of products, including several proven bactericidal hand washes.

This is complemented by highly quali-

fied and experienced chemists and microbiologists using up to date equipment and protocols, which contributed to the microbiology laboratory being awarded a National Accreditation (UKAS) for disinfectant Testing (Cert. No. 1108). Evans Vanodine has also achieved accreditation by the British Standards Institution under ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, further proof of its dedication to quality and also its compliance with all relevant environmental legislation.

Commitment to quality and service is deeply rooted in the Evans family tradition and this, together with dedicated staff throughout the company, will ensure continued success for Evans Vanodine and their customers over the coming years.

For further details visit www.evansvanodine.co.uk or contact our Sales office on sales@evansvanodine.co.uk or 01772 322200.

SPRING 2015

Controlling Legionella LEGIONELLA PNEUMOPHILA and other related bacteria are pervasive, persistent, pernicious and deadly bacteria that potentially exist in all water systems.

Through effective treatment and control, Legionellosis which may be contracted through exposure to these bacteria is an entirely preventable disease.

Because the bacteria are so stubborn it requires a high level of expertise and institutional knowledge to specify treatment and control methods that are suitable for your property.

All methods of control and treatment have limitations due to the variable water flow rate, its turbulence, the water quality (hardness, pH, turbidity) its temperature and, above all time, the distance and stagnation of the water within the water distribution system relative to the control device and dosing points.

Despite the fact that Cu/Ag is recognised as the only modality that delivers advantageous residual and retentive disinfection, it remains a modality which must be closely specified for each application and the operational tolerances must also be well recognised to achieve confidence and success in its ability to function.

Tarn-Pure manufactures and supplies such systems which must be suit-

ably specified, installed and thereafter managed by the duty holder for the site in question and routinely inspected and serviced by the service provider.

In order to facilitate the financial control of your legionella solution as well as the operational requirements, Tarn-Pure is able to offer fixed price service options to all customers.

The purpose is to smooth payments for the supply and maintenance of the equipment so that the customer may budget for the total cost of ownership with confidence and plan payments in accordance with the operational needs.

Whether a care home, hospital, factory or hotel/leisure complex, the responsibility lies with the duty holder to ensure that in accordance with the results of a Legionella Risk Assessment, a control programme is designed and implemented to prevent the likelihood of contracting Legionellosis (Legionnaires' Disease).

The HSE Approved Code of Practice L8 (recently revised), clearly defines and advises upon those control procedures and the necessary biocidal modalities.

By request Tarn Pure will specify the correct size and location of the required equipment and upon installation, commission and train personnel on understanding its operation, whereafter, a routine monitoring and servicing programme may be implemented.

Reader Enquiries - Tel: 01494 535 576 or visit www.tarn-pure.com

Microsanitise Ltd suPPlIers of cold Diffuser/vapourising equipment, expressing essential oils.

We supply large and small units suitable for Communal areas to small bedrooms.

Air freshener sprays made with our tested blend of anti-microbial Essential Oils.

Hand wash in Lavender and Chamomile, Eucalyptus and Tea Tree, and our Citrus anti-bacterial oil blend.

Room Sprays in White Linen, Baby Talc,

THE CARER

PAGE 23

and Summer meadow fragrances.

A full range of Essential Oils in 10ml, 30ml and 50ml bottles.

6 Synergy Blends of Essential Oils to suit your mood.

Massage oils in 100ml containers or 250ml pump action bottles.

Deodorant balls for Shoes and small sports bags.

Car plug in fresheners with Essential Oils Tel: 01482 656359 e-mail: info@microsan.co.uk Website: www.zephair.co.uk

Chlorine Dioxide & Comprehensive Legionella Control in the Nursing Home Sector ChlORIne dIOxIde (ClO2) has been called the “ideal” biocide because of its unique combination of properties.

ClO2 is very effective at low dosage rates and is able to permeate and penetrate biofilms which are relatively resistant to other drinking water disinfectants such as chlorine. Its effectiveness against biofilms and legionella bacteria make it ideal to control the risk of Legionnaires’ Disease associated with hot and cold domestic water systems and pools.

For this reason chlorine dioxide is increasingly being used to control legionella in healthcare water systems, however, traditional chlorine dioxide generators can be complex, unreliable

and use hazardous chemicals. The Activ-Ox® systems from Feedwater are simpler and safer than other chlorine dioxide systems giving a high yield of chlorine dioxide instantly from low hazard precursors. This make Activ-Ox highly suited for treating incoming water within your care home.

As well as effective control with chlorine dioxide; Feedwater provide comprehensive legionella risk assessments, legionella sample analysis (UKAS accredited), L8 monitoring for compliance and new online legionella awareness training from our website.

To learn more about Feedwater’s capabilities, chlorine dioxide and see a video demonstration of Activ-Ox visit www.feedwater.co.uk.

It's Time To Break The Taboo And Talk About Incontinence IncontInence can lead to misery, isolation and depression for the millions of people it affects in the uK each year. so attends lifestyles says it's time to break the taboo and debunk the myths about a condition that one in four of the population will likely endure at some point.

Attends wants people to know that the fear of incontinence is often worse than the incontinence itself - if they have the right products to manage their condition. But many sufferers are too embarrassed to talk about their bladder problems and as a result, don't get the help they need.

One of the most common misconceptions is that incontinence only troubles older people, so younger sufferers can be reluctant to seek advice. The actual truth is that men and women of any age can struggle to control their bladder; incontinence can be linked to obesity, childbirth, neurological conditions, tissue disorders, surgical complications and medications.

Another theory to dismiss is the idea that incontinence should just be borne without complaint, that it's not worth mentioning to GPs or other

health professionals. Some forms of incontinence can be treated by surgery and others can be alleviated by lifestyle changes, pelvic muscle training and bladder control exercises. But even if efforts to stop the symptoms fail, there are effective ways to make them less debilitating.

Attends has a wide variety of leading technology products for every level and type of incontinence. They offer discrete protection made of modern materials, with odour control, to suit all needs. Choice for customers includes contour pads, adjustable pads, insert rectangular pads and pullons. Attends also offers professional quality cleansing, calming and moisturising products that help keep the affected skin soft and protected.

The message Attends hopes to make clear is that incontinence needs to be talked about in order for people to be fully aware of their condition, and the options to ease it that are available to them.

Embarrassment is understandable but it only leads to confusion and missed opportunities for solutions to the problem. It's better for sufferers to blush briefly than restrict their lives because they're frightened of having an accident in public.

For further information, contact 0845 6013272 or visit www.attendslifestyles.co.uk

Remove Stubborn Odours With Our Citrus Fresh Zephair Room Spray ✔

l Made with Essential Oils, this wil remove, not mask, the smell.

✔

Special rates for Care and Health sector.

✔

Try a free sample. Contact us with your details.

✔

MSDS available on request.

A good range of Essential, Synergy and Massage Oils always available as well as our range of Diffusers for home, office and car.

Microsanitise Ltd Tel: 01482 656359 e-mail: info@microsan.co.uk Website: www.zephair.co.uk

PAGE 24

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SPRING 2015

Cost-Effective Best Value Practice Compliance with Care Act as the new care act comes into force (april 1 2015), care providers are being offered a solution that achieves compliance and simultaneously gives best value….

Switching a conventional WC for a Clos-o-Mat Palma Vita wash/dry toilet meets two of the Eligibility regulations for care & support1, delivering the vision at the core of the Act- promotion of wellbeing and independence, for adult and carer.

The Palma Vita washes and dries the user, giving a consistent, high level of cleanliness. There is no need for a carer to wipe clean. The toilet can be tailored to individual needs, initially and- uniquelyas they change over time, optimising the length of time the adult can stay in their own home, with little or no carer support.

And its capital cost is amortised within five months, against the cost of providing a carer to help with toilet needs.2 “Something as simple- and cost-effective- as changing a WC to a wash/dry toilet meets the Act’s

guidance on so many levels,” explains Robin Tuffley, Clos-o-Mat marketing manager. “It improves wellbeing and independence physically and holistically, minimises the effect of disability or deterioration, improves the lives of carers physically and holistically, can address safe moving & handling, and supports the person to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.”

The Ellis family in Leeds prove the point. Both children suffer from muscular dystrophy, and have had, as part of a wetroom adaptation, a Clos-o-Mat installed. “It has made a huge difference to all of us! The children don’t need my help when they want to go to the toilet. They feel much more independent, and it’s nicer for them to have that privacy,” says their mother.

The Clos-o-Mat Palma Vita is the UK’s biggest-selling wash/dry (automatic shower toilet). The only unit of its kind developed specifically for elderly & disabled people, it is the only one that can, through a raft of accessories, meet individual requirements, at the outset and then be adapted quickly and easily as needs change over time. Full details can be found at www.clos-o-mat.com.

Go Green With Delphis Eco FOOd, nUtRItIOn, health and safety and sustainability are all becoming increasingly interlinked within the Care home sector. these connections go right through sourcing of nutritional and fresh meat and vegetables through to the chemicals you are using in the kitchen. as a result, the range of delphis eco chemicals have become an increasingly popular choice amongst a number of Care home groups.

The environmental benefits are obvious. Our

ecological range is fully biodegradable and accredited in the UK by DEFRA, who awarded us the prestigious EU Ecolabel accreditation. We were the first to obtain this accreditation in the UK and currently have the largest range of accredited products. However, the most important factor is the reduced health and safety profile that our chemicals provide.

Over recent weeks, toxic cleaning chemicals have been linked to a number of illnesses and issues within the Care Home industry, leading to an increased risk of asthma amongst users and residents.

The Delphis Eco range represents an easy switch to help make your Care Home not only more sustainable place, but also a safer and more comfortable environment for its staff and its residents.

Contact Delphis Eco on 0203 3970096, email: sales@delphiseco.com or www.delphiseco.com

Esemtan - Effective Skin Cleansing For Residents With Incontinence ®

esemtan® Cleansing Foam is a gentle, quick and effective skin cleanser designed particularly for the skincare of incontinent or bedbound residents. Containing antimicrobial active ingredients, esemtan® helps protect the skin from infection, whilst also having a gently moisturising action. esemtan® Cleansing Foam is easy to use and should be sprayed onto the skin, left for 30 seconds, then wiped with a disposable cloth.

The foam has a discreet but fresh scent.

Says Jan Buckley, Manager of a Surrey Care Home: ‘We always

use esemtan Cleansing Foam to clean the skin of all our incontinent residents; it’s hygienic and discreet to use, gentle on the skin and has a very pleasant fragrance. The foam mousse is very easy to use, particularly at the bedside or where quick and tactful cleaning is required.’ esemtan® 500ml spray can be ordered from www.broschdirect.com/personal-care/personal-care/ esemtan-skin-cleansing-foam/prod_4019.html To try a sample, email: mail.uk@schuelke.com Tel: 0114 254 3500 or visit www.schulke.co.uk

BioCote Protected Dispensers Help Reduce the Risk of Cross Infection ®

anGlOPlas aRe a UK manufacturer who specialise in producing dispensers for the health and hygiene industry. although these are designed to keep the workplace tidy and uncluttered they are, more importantly, built knowing the control of healthcare-associated infections (hCaIs) are a priority for healthcare providers, and who are employing a combination of infection prevention and control strategies, including hand hygiene, cleaning, training and the adoption of new technologies, to tackle the problem.

As a result, a wide range of infection control products and technologies are emerging on the market, including antimicrobial technology.

With this in mind, during the summer of 2011 Angloplas became an official partner of BioCote® which allowed it to transfer production of its

dispensers, originally produced in a standard PVC material to the the world's first independently proven antimicrobial PVC with BioCote® silver ion technology.

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

Ordering You can order Angloplas products directly from its website by going to www.angloplas.co.uk and clicking Hospital, Health and Hygiene or by using the Quick Response code.

There you can use the easy online shopping system, or alternatively if you are NHS or an account customer, via an emailed or faxed purchase order.

You can also view and/or download the latest catalogue and price list.

SPRING 2015

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Take the hassle out of buying health care uniforms with our

Mister Uniform Ltd WITH WARMER summer weather on the way many of our clients are on the lookout for lighter weight tunics and garments to help keep your staff cool while working. To help your staff look professional and stay cool this summer Mister Uniform are proud to launch our brand new range of “Super Lightweight” summer garments.

Ask one of our friendly team about our brand new Ultra Lightweight Tunic which is proving very popular with our customers.

This tunic is amazingly light at just 145grammes in weight. This is 25% lighter weight fabric than many regular healthcare tunics.

We also offer lightweight 100% cotton polo shirts, light weight chefs jackets and healthcare dresses.

To find out more about our “Super Lightweight range” simply call us and ask one of our friendly staff who’d be delighted to assist you.

Midshires Clothing Ltd MIDSHIRES CLOTHING Ltd specialises in the manufacture of healthcare uniforms.

Based in Kettering, Northamptonshire, we enjoy working with clients who want something a bit different and relish the challenge of

To make ordering easy we offer our Free Sample Service so you can “Try Before You Buy”. This means you get to see an actual sample before placing your order.

Why not add your care company logo to your garments by using our Free Logo Design Service?

To see our brand new 2015 Healthcare Brochure call us now on 0117 32 52 199 (we’d be delighted to hear from you).

Email us on: sales@misteruniform.co.uk View our entire workwear range at: www.misteruniform.co.uk

Free Sample Service

£15.95

£15.95

unusual requests. We have made nurses tunics and tabards in a rainbow of colours, helping our clients to enhance their professional image. As a one stop shop we also offer polo shirts, fleeces and uniforms for kitchen and housekeeping staff. We can also help with unusual sizes and recently helped a customer with two staff uniforms, one for a 6'2" lady and the other 4'9". welcome all orders, small or large.

Call today on 07958 584488 or email midshiresclothing@talktalk.net

£15.95

Secure & Professional Photo Identity Cards - Have you got the right IDea? YOUR CLIENTS have to know that it is safe to let carers into their homes.

Our specially developed card production bureau creates professional photo identity cards to your design, with text and photos that you send in. It's quick, easy and affordable!

PVC Identity cards are used throughout industry, government and other institutions. They are: • Hardwearing - we use only the highest quality credit card material • Tamperproof - unlike laminated cardboard cards • Professional - enhance your company's image and profile

Quality ID Cards Ltd QUALITY ID Cards Ltd was established in March 2010 to provide an unrivalled service to its customers purchasing ID or Loyalty Cards, production systems, maintenance or service.

Calling on our 8 years experience in card production we will offer total flexibility that can allow us to design and produce a single card using our own production equipment. We can supply complete card production systems comprising design software, printer and consumables with substantial warranty and support. We can

• Colourful - display your logo and photos in full colour • Affordable - we offer the lowest prices around.

Our identity cards are designed to suit your needs, and conform to the CQC Minimum Standards for Identity Cards.

We can also provide a comprehensive range of ID Accessories card holders, lanyards, clips, pins, magnets and more.

Get the right IDea ! - contact positivID Identity Systems Ltd. for more information and be ready for the summer staffing schedules. phone: 02392 618479. e-mail: sales@positivID.net. web: www.positivID.net provide consultancy, service & maintenance contracts, support and the supply of consumables.

We are concerned about the impact plastic cards are having on our environment so will research products that degrade in reasonable timescales when no longer needed. We are investigating and investing in renewable energy, eco friendly transportation and the reduction of our carbon footprint.

“We found QIDC to be an excellent company to work with, their pricing is competitive and they keep to deadlines. We are very happy to recommend them to others.”

Liz Helling - Director, The Paperchain Partnership Ltd For further details see advert this page.

PLEASE MENTION

WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

ULTRALIGHTWE IG TUNICS N HT OW AVAILAB LE FOR SUMMER

Prices quoted exclude VAT

BRAND NEW 2015 BROCHURE NOW AVAILABLE

TELEPHONE: 0117 32 52 199 EMAIL : sales@misteruniform.co.uk WEB: www.misteruniform.co.uk

SPRING 2015

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Dencowear Researches The Importance Of A Modern Uniform For Care Homes DENCOWEAR TEAMED up with Josiane Souma of Leeds University to gain insight on the importance of modern uniforms for care homes.

Throughout the study, it was found that the modern uniform for care home staff is becoming increasingly more important and hugely impacts where people choose to place their family members.

The research report concluded that it is essential for care homes to invest in branding in order to improve the appearance of staff and differentiate themselves from the competitors.

As the market is becoming increasingly competitive and the need to display a visual point of difference is important.

Additionally Turley and Leblanc(1993) confirm that when “consumers evaluate services which they should purchase, elements such as the appearance of staff, influence the perceived quality and financial risk of the pur-

chase decision.”

The care home market is rapidly growing and now holds a market value of approx. £14.53bn, of which 86% are private sector establishments. The market has grown by 148% in the last 10 years and continues to grow at an increasing rate due to the effects of the aging population in the UK. Souma’s research has also proven that job satisfaction and performance in a caring role is influenced by the investment in staff uniforms and suitable equipment to perform their full capacity. “Staff with modern uniforms are happier and more satisfied with it; positively influencing their mood and performance.” Souma (2014) The research undertaken by Josiane saw her gather data by use of in depth interviews and focus groups with care managers, care home staff and residents from a cross section of care homes in the Leeds area.

If you would like more information or a full copy of the research report, please contact Jay Heath on 08715240330 or email on jay@dencowear.co.uk .

An International Brand To Suit Your Budget GRAHAME GARDNER Ltd have scoured the international healthcare market to find the best workwear options available, and found one of the best in the form of the Landau. One of the biggest names in workwear for health within the US, Landau selected Grahame Gardner as the ideal partner to bring their exciting brands to the UK. Although their name may be unfamiliar to some, they are the innovators behind conceptual scrubwear brand, Urbane Scrubs, the stylish and colourful scrubs

that have been such a huge hit with Care Homes. They also created Scrubzone, classic hardwearing traditional scrubwear, widely recognised as a brand to trust.

The newest addition to the Grahame Gardner range from Landau is Smitten, a phenomenal scrub range with textured fabrics and fashionable style detail. With such a varied selection of brands within their portfolio, Care Home Managers are sure to find the perfect products to suit their staff, style and budget.

For further information on Landau take a look at www.grahamegardner.co.uk or call 0116 255 6326.

Badging Staff Meets Care Quality Commission Outcome Since 2010 healthcare practices regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) must meet service delivery criteria including the clear identification of individual staff members.

The guidance publication entitled Essential standards of quality and safety specifies that, for providers to achieve the required standard of care and welfare of people who use their healthcare services, their users “can be confident that, wherever possible, they will know the names and job titles of the people who provide their care, treatment and support” (part of Outcome 4C).

Compliance with this standard is simple according to Badgemaster, the UK’s leading supplier of name badges. “Providing name badges to customerfacing staff is a proven and very cost-effective solution to the Care Quality Commission regulations” confirms John Bancroft MBE, Managing Director of Badgemaster. Dr Neil Shaw of Eyre Street Dental Practice in Clay Cross, Derbyshire agrees, commenting: “badging our team with Badgemaster’s help very quickly and painlessly satisfied this outcome

for our audit”.

Nottinghamshire-based for 20 years, Badgemaster designs and manufactures ready-to-wear, engraved employee name badges for thousands of hospitals, surgeries and care homes and well understands the needs of healthcare professionals. Badgemaster’s experience suggests that its own high product and service quality is greatly valued where time and budget come under pressure.

“Badgemaster has built excellent customer loyalty by providing a wide choice of name badge styles with clothes-friendly and patientsafe fasteners and high quality logo reproduction, together with a very fast and easy ordering and delivery process, all at the most competitive prices with no minimum order” states John Bancroft. “It’s also notable that many of the customers who compliment our staff for being so friendly and helpful are in the healthcare sector” he adds.

For more information, contact the Badgemaster press office on 01623 723112. Website at www.badgemaster.co.uk or the Care Quality Commission website at www.cqc.org.uk

PAGE 28

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SPRING 2015

Top Tips to Save Your Care Home Money on Your Energy Prices forMer care home owner and MD of yü energy, Bobby Kalar, understands the importance of making sure your care home is getting the best possible rates for gas and electricity.

Here are Bobby’s top tips on saving money on your energy bills:

ings making sure you only pay for what you use.”

3. shop around “Speaking to a few suppliers will help you compare prices and make sure you’re getting the best deal from the best supplier.”

4. choose a supplier you can trust “There have been so many reports in the press about energy suppliers not treating their customers properly, so make sure you choose a supplier that you feel comfortable with and that treats you fairly.”

If you would like more help on choosing the right energy supplier for your Care Home, call Yü Energy today on 0115 9758258 or visit www.yuenergy.co.uk.

1. Know what you’re signed up to.

“Make sure you know the terms of your current contract or if you’re unsure, speak to your supplier and they’ll be able to talk you through it and explain anything you don’t understand.”

2. read your meter.

“Regularly reading your meter will give your supplier accurate meter read-

Cut Your Fuel Bills with a Fully Funded “Biomass Boiler” Do you spend over £50,000/year on heating? If so you should consider reducing your heating bills, carbon emissions and securing your energy supply with a Biomass Boiler.

You may want the immediate benefits of using Biomass heating but perhaps you’re a business that can’t afford the high capital purchase cost or maybe you have other priorities for your budgets? Our fully funded solution inclusive of an ongoing maintenance programme and guaranteed fuel supply could be the answer to your problems.

Biomass boilers are very efficient, durable, clean and easy to use, requiring minimal installation disruption and management time.

You will save 20% on average year on year on your heating bills, with the greatest savings coming by switching to wood pellets from expensive oil and LPG based sys-

Luminos Lighting

Please Please mention mention THE THE CARER CARER when when responding responding to to advertising. advertising.

In the care homes world caring for the pounds is just as important as the people in you look after. at luminos we can help in a very positive way; installing systems that use less energy and giving you a fast payback on the capital cost. In the majority of instances, where lights are on 24/7, we can demonstrate a return on investment in less than one year.

We manufacture low energy

tems. You get clean, green energy to heat your property and power your business.

Biomass Boilers are close to carbon neutral and would make a significant improvement to the energy rating of your building and your business’s green credentials.

They are easily integrated into most buildings and ideally suited to businesses with high heating (or cooling) and hot water requirements including elderly care homes, schools, hotels, high footfall leisure venues and establishments, day care centres, public parks, nurseries, offices and commercial buildings.

To qualify for your free Biomass Boiler, your business must have been trading for at least five years, must be paying business rates and must maintain a strong balance sheet. Applicants must also own the business premises or have at least 20 years left on the lease.

For further details call Green Switch Solutions on 01704 896 406. lighting and radiator covers!

Low energy lighting you probably understand. We replace your lighting with modern low cost lamps and fittings with sensors if required.

radiator covers?

We make the Coverad bespoke ‘Air Pocket’ steel radiator covers replacing old style steel or wooden covers giving you increased heat output whilst still complying with the low surface temperature (LST) requirements. Radiator temperature can be reduced (compared to wooden covers) saving boiler usage and keeping your residents safe.

Please visit www.letgroup.co.uk for further details.

SPRING 2015

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PAGE 31

Which Meal Would You Want Your Loved One To Be Served?

Due to a basic lack of information, resources and available training for catering staff in care settings, many residents with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) who require texture modified diets will be served pureed food which is shapeless, tasteless, nutritionally deficient and visually unpalatable.

With dysphagia affecting up to 70% of residents in care homes and 50% of these thought to be malnourished, this is a real challenge facing care providers today.

Health Care Services, passionate about providing innovative products into care homes, have launched a complete solution to assist care providers improve the quality and presentation of pureed meals, thereby increasing appetite, quality of life and dignity of those in their care.

MD Jo Bonser commented, ‘Our new range of food moulds coupled with a food thickener, help to shape pureed meat, vegetables and fruit back to how they

Nutilis Clear MoDIfyIng the texture of fluids can alter their original appearance and taste, which may reduce compliance and fluid intake1,2. fluid intake is notoriously poor in patients requiring thickened fluids3, therefore It could be hypothesized that a thickened drink which maintains its original appearance may be more appealing to patients and thus support compliance.

With this in mind, Nutricia launched Nutilis Clear; a xanthan gum based thickening powder, which can be used to modify the texture of both food and fluids. Nutilis Clear is a thickener which produces visibly clear results when mixed according to instructions and is designed to maintain the original

should look, creating more visually appealing and tasty meals. In addition we have an in-depth training package available by our experienced chef/trainer, Sinead Victory, to educate catering and care staff in the processes involved in making and serving pureed meals. I implore you all to think about which meal you would prefer to be served, and then to set the standards for your own residents accordingly.’

For information visit www.hcsuk.co.uk

How do your puréed meals shape up?

Health Care Services has the complete solution for you: Products • A range of 2mm thick 100% food safe polypropylene food moulds with free lids.

• Thick & Easy food thickener in economical 4kg catering packs.

• COMING SOON - new improved highly durable silicon moulds which can be used directly from frozen.

appearance of fluids.

Nutilis Clear thickens rapidly and does not continue to thicken4. Additionally it has amylase resistant features to protect against the action of salivary amylase, which helps to ensure a safer swallow by maintaining correct consistency in the mouth. Incorrect consistency of a thickened product during consumption may result in the patient having poorer control of the bolus putting them at increased risk of aspiration5; therefore the amylase resistant features of Nutilis Clear promotes safer swallowing.

Reader enquiries www.mynutilis.co.uk or email: resourcecentre@nutricia.com References 1. Matta Z et al. J Am Diet Assoc. 2006; 106(7):1049-1054.

2. Macqueen C et al. Dysphagia. 2003; 18:46-52.

3. Leibovitz A et al. Gerontology. 2007;53:179183.

4. Oudhuis A, Vallons K. Presented at ESSD 2011. Data on File.

5. Garcia MJ et al. J Clin Nurs, 2010; 19: 16181624

Support and Training Package Available • 2 day training course with our trained chef on ‘How to improve the presentation of pureed meals’.

Helping you to achieve: ✔ IMPROVED meal presentation ✔ INCREASED dignity at mealtimes ✔ REDUCED preparation time and wastage

For more information call us NOW on Tel: 01773 713713 or Email: sales@hcsuk.co.uk 1 Meadowbank Court, Meadowbank Way Eastwood, Nottinghamshire NG16 3SL

www.hcsuk.co.uk

ELIMINATE STRESS ELIMINATE PAPER TIMESHEET ERRORS ELIMINATE PAY AND STAFF ROSTER QUERIES OUR TIME & ATTENDANCE SYSTEM IS SELF FINANCING AND NON DISRUPTIVE TO YOUR BUSINESS ACTIVITIES

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WANT TO KNOW MORE OR HOW WE CAN SAVE YOU MONEY AND FREE UP YOUR RESOURCES? Contact us on

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49 Station Road, Polegate, East Sussex, BN26 6EA

SPRING 2015

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Pioneers World’s Leading Device 85% Of Older Web Users RSLSteeper for Switch Accessing Apple Pproducts Say Life’s Better Online by a panel of industry experts and past winners of the awards, who have gone on to become digital ambassadors for Age UK. John, 59 from Great Yarmouth, said: ‘Having just got online only a year ago, I’m really honoured to have won this award. For most of my life I never had to use a computer, but I knew I had to start learning at some The online survey, carried out by YouGov on behalf point and I’m glad that I now have digital skills that I of the Charity, revealed that the growing number of can share with others. I hope to encourage more people older people online are benefitting from all it has to to give it go as an Age UK Digital Champion.’ offer, with 42% using the web to save money and three Age UK Ambassador June Whitfield said: ‘I’m one in ten (29%) feeling it has brought them closer to famiof the growing numbers of older people who enjoys ly and friends. being online and so I’m delighted to join Age UK in The findings come as Age UK announce web user celebrating the achievements of older web users. John John Davies as its Digital Champion of the Year 2015. is a fantastic Digital Champion who is already inspirThe awards aim to inspire the 4.8 million older people ing and supporting others to get online. Well done to who have never been online1 to give it a try by recogJohn and all those shortlisted for your amazing nising the achievements of those who have taken that achievements.’ step.

Lucy Hastings, Programme Director of Strategy at John learnt how to get online just over a year ago at Age UK, said: ‘We’re delighted to crown John our the age of 58 after having never touched a keyboard in Digital Champion of the Year who is a truly deserved his life. He was unemployed at the time and needed winner. Not only did he take the step himself to get digital skills to apply for jobs, realising many employonline and overcame many difficulties along the way, ers seek CVs and covering letters, or require people to he’s now helping and inspiring others and enabling apply online. John visited his them to experience all the benelocal Internet café for support fits the Internet has to offer.’ and in just one year, he learnt all John and the Age UK Digital the skills he needed and has Champion of the Year runnerssince become a volunteer at the up will become ambassadors for café, where he’s helping older Age UK helping to inspire and people in his community to get support other older people online. across the nation to take that John was chosen as the winner bold next step and get online.

Photograph by Will Bremridge

neW research by age uK reveals that the overwhelming majority (85%) of older people aged 55 and over who use the Internet say their life has changed for the better by being online, with 45% saying they now can’t imagine their life without it.

Sentimoto sentIMoto Is a company specialising in wearable analytics for older adults and their support network, with a particular focus on providing information and insights on their lifestyle choices and general wellbeing, to help people make the right decisions and enable existing support

rslsteeper, the uK’s leading provider of assistive technology products and services, has launched Perrero+, the world’s leading device for switch accessing ios technology.

In recent years, touch screen technology has become an essential part of every day life, but for those with impaired physical or motor skills, which can be linked to conditions such as Motor Neurone Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Multiple Sclerosis, its benefits have been mostly inaccessible.

Perrero+, a simple plug and play adapter, has been designed to offer users complete control of Apple gadgets, including the iPhone, iPad, iPad Mini and iPod Touch.

Working in conjunction with Apple’s new integrated switch control feature, and capable of hosting up to four switches that can be individually customised to perform the user’s desired scanning function, Perrero+ offers a more seamless and much faster way to navigate touch screen devices.

Lee Hoppley, Operations and Products Manager from RSLSteeper’s Assistive Technology division, said: “Apple is extremely focused on accessibility, so the fact that switch control is now available within iOS devices has enabled us to devel-

Caresys - Residential Care Software Solution care ProvIDers strive to offer residents dayto-day support, and support for physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs. these must be achieved within the regulatory requirements laid down by the care Quality commission, and the financial constraints dictated by the current economic environment.

The versatility of Caresys as a residential care software solution enables the management of care and We are looking for volunteers to take part in a cooperational requirements, right from the pre-admission design study, and help us improve our current protostage, through person centred care, care scheduling, type to ensure it's providing our users with the staff HR management, time & attendance, payroll, information and insights they want to see. The study income/billing, to create a ‘total business solution’. involves wearing a smartwatch and using The modules within Caresys each complement one a mobile app for up to three months; we another to make it a residential care home software sysare aiming to recruit both older adults and tem that gives owners and managers the tools to deal a family member or suitable support effortlessly with all the complex demands and processworker. es involved in running a busy care home.

If you think you could help, please Finding the right care home software can be a chalwrite to us at together@sentimoto.com, or lenge. Caresys is a fully integrated and user friendly visit http://www.sentimoto.com/cocare home software solution for the care industry, design for more details. designed with the user in mind, to support the smooth

to better address their needs.

op a much more intelligent and advanced product.

“Perrero+ is an extension of Perrero, which we launched two years ago, and the new features we’ve introduced have all been developed in response to customer feedback. For example, VoiceOver is now optional rather than permanently switched on.

“Our aim is to make the latest technological advancements available for everybody to use and Perrero+ very much opens the door for those who have previously been unable to use touch screen technology.”

Measuring just 33x33x9mm and made from lightweight metal with a sleek chrome finish, Perrero+ connects to Apple devices via a lightning adapter and is controlled through switches connected with the two 3.5mm jack sockets.

It does not require an external power supply in order to operate, instead running directly from the iOS device to eliminate Bluetooth battery drain, and offers a unique charge through feature, allowing users to charge and sync the appliance without disconnecting.

Perrero+ is priced at £149.99 and is now available to purchase from Assistive Technology’s eBay shop stores.ebay.co.uk/assistive-technology or by calling RSLSteeper on 0113 207 0449.

and cost effective running of any care home.

Whether it be the development of a new home or homes, or extensions to existing ones, Caresys care home software has been developed to provides care organisations of all sizes with a business specific application including financial, operational and management features, encapsulated into one system.

While one care organisation may need care scheduling software, another may need behaviour support software or time and attendance software. Caresys includes all of this and so much more while uniquely allowing information to be shared cost effectively amongst any number of different people at different locations.

Since its creation in 1995 Caresys has been implemented in some of the largest care home groups, autistic societies and learning disability organisations in the country and offers modules including: Time & Attendance, Care Planning, Staff HR, Care Scheduling, Finance, Equipment Maintenance, Income/Billing, Behaviour Support, and Enquiries/Administration.

For further details see advert this page.

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SPRING 2015

OwnFone Limited Proven To Dramatically Cut Staff Turnover and Increase Quality of Care oWnfone lIMIteD are uK manufacturers of an easy to use mobile phone which is perfect for care environments for both staff and residents.

We can help you and by using the judgement Index in your selection process, you can:

An ideal way of communicating internally between rooms or give peace of mind to a resident leaving the home for a doctors or hospital appointment as they can contact you if needed.

Your residents can have an OwnFone instead of costly landline installations.

To make a call you simply press on the name or photo of one of your con-

• Reduce risk to your organisation and improve your reputation and brand • Increase quality of care along with staff and patient morale • Realise profit that you are potentially wasting on hiring the wrong staff You could have an automated assessment system set up within a few days for as little as £50 per month.

For further information about the Judgement Index and how to set up an initiative supporting the selection and development of your people please contact: 0845 0958 164 email info@judgementindex.co.uk or visit www.judgementindex.co.uk

tact buttons. The contact numbers cannot not be deleted by mistake or altered in any way.

The handset is pre-programmed with only the numbers that it needs to call (up to 12 contacts) although incoming calls are not restricted as anyone that has the number can call. Changes in contact numbers are made through calling the Customer Services team.

The phones arrive ready to use and can be customised to include your logos and organisation details.

OwnFone Limited is a network operator on the Vodafone signal with flexible airtime plans and long term commitment. Yearly bundle plans available. Example: 50 minutes per month x 12 months = £70.

Call us on 0800 669 6699 www.ownfone.com info@myownfone.com

Time & Attendance Systems WorKforce scheDulIng solutIons has joined forces with reliant consulting services (rcs) to deliver tIMe & attenDance systeMs worldwide using the latest face recognition technology.

WE DELIVER A SELF FINACING ROSTERING SYSTEM THAT HAS PROVEN RELIABILTY AND ACCEPTANCE BY THE CARE INDUSTRY. RCS has over 20 years’ experience of TIME MANAGEMENT software development allowing staff to book on & off duty with a link to payroll thus enabling correct salary payment. It also enables accurate staff rostering and a management overview allowing a vision of staff availability in the event of absenteeism.

RCS developed fingerprint and latterly face recognition systems which staff find far more acceptable than fingerprints. This does away with staff booking on and off duty using swipe cards and fobs and of course only the staff member is able to book themselves on & off duty.

Roy Ferris, Managing Director of RCS, comments that a good number of clients are now using the face recognition system successfully and staff acceptance of this is excellent. It has the advantage of not requiring any interaction by the staff and their face is discreetly recorded; this information can be recalled in the event it is needed.

THE TIME & ATTENDANCE SYS-

TEM USES DutyHours™ and TimeCap™ which are simple to use and will dramatically reduce time and costs to produce staff payroll, the system is self-financing in terms of reducing admin/payroll costs manually. Our system is suitable for a single homes or for can be centralised for multiple homes and payroll.

Last minute changes to employee schedules can be dealt with immediately and efficiently and will dramatically reduce pay queries. Staff simply clock in/out with their unique PIN and face recognition. Staff may look up their past time sheets and future schedules.

The system creates an electronic timesheet of which job role, where, when, the department worked at and accurately calculates pay hours including Bank Holidays, holiday entitlement, sickness including absences. It will identify allowances such as overtime, weekend and night shift working and export the hours accurately to your payroll software or for your accountant.

There is a 100% acceptance of our systems by managers/supervisors tasked with the implementation of our systems. There is little or no disruption to the smooth operation of your business. We give full training and are on hand to give ongoing assistance should this prove necessary.

Call Workforce Group on 0333 447 044 for more information and a demonstration of the system.

Assessing Values are proven to dramatically cut staff turnover and increase care quality

T

he Judgement Index is the most refined and powerful assessment there is for measuring values and a capacity for good judgement. It has over 40 years of credible research behind it and is used by worldrenowned health care organisations. The assessment is taken on-line and is very abstract in its design so virtually impossible to cheat. The outcome will ultimately reduce the risk of hiring poor quality health care-workers.

“We introduced the Judgement Index as part of our recruitment process in September 2014, and it has made a really positive impact in terms of the suitability of our new recruits. The outcome of this has been that our staff turnover rates have moved from above average for the sector to well below, which has in turn allowed us to eliminate agency and drive up quality”.

CEO of Sonnet Care Homes.

The best assessment tool you’ll ever use Our unique values based hiring system reduces turnover, increases performance, enhances collaboration, increases morale, and creates a stable culture within an organisation.

If you want your people to have values that are aligned with those of your organisation, then you must uncover their values at the selection process.

To do this effectively you need to be able to see who is “behind the mask” at interview, and the Judgement Index allows you to do this.

The benefits of using Judgement Index We can help you like we have helped hundreds of organisations across the world hire the right staff, first time. By using the Judgement Index in your selection process, you can enhance your reputation and brand as well as: ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Reduce risk to your organisation Reduce staff turnover Reduce recruitment costs Reduce training costs Increase quality of care Increase morale Increase engagement Build strong effective teams

A simple 3 step system to take the guesswork out of hiring When you are ready to assess candidates through the screening process, there are 3 simple steps: 1. The candidate takes the assessment online which takes approx 15-20 mins, either at your premises or remotely.

2. A report is generated within seconds and you are notified by email.

3. You access the report online or have it automatically emailed to you instantly for review and to see whether the candidate is Preferred, Acceptable or Weak.

Those despicable care workers who were sent to jail for their crimes over the past few years all passed the same types of assessments, selection and probation that many of you reading this article still use!

The report arrives with suggested interview questions linked directly to the candidates own results addressing areas of potential strength, weakness and frustration. This will help you explore the candidate’s suitability at a level far deeper than conventional questioning can.

It’s often described as an x-ray of one’s true self.

The true cost of high staff turnover

You could have an automated assessment system set up within a few days for as little as £50 per month.

The obvious recruitment costs are advertising, agencies fees, time, contacting, interviews, CRB checks, induction, training, shadowing, supervision, uniforms and administrative / payroll set up. In addition to the measurable costs, there are the hidden costs of damage to continuity and quality which affects staff, residents / patients and relatives. Many organisations are running at 30-40% staff turnover or even higher in some domiciliary care organisations.

Trusted by leading organisations The Judgement Index is used in leading US healthcare establishments, such as the Mayo Clinic and the Yale New Haven Hospital, and we have now expanding our hiring and staff development system to the UK health care sector with a dramatic impact.

Case Studies: Results achieved with the Judgement Index Hiring System in just 12 months

Case Studies: The Judgement Index will also deliver measurable improvements in the quality of care in your homes By using the Judgment Index, you will not only be reducing your recruitment and training costs significantly, but also improvement in the quality of care by hiring the right people first time. The effects of hiring staff that have good values and judgement will ripple through your organisation, and everyone involved from staff to residents and patients will notice the benefits.

The Judgement Index has achieved measurable results in the improvement of quality and client satisfaction feedback, which is essential for referrals and reputation:

42% reduction in Unsatisfactory 86% reduction in Fair 125% improvement in Commendable

420% improvement in Excellent 250% improvement in Distinguished

Trial Offer: Contact us and see what Judgement Index can do for your care business. We are that confident in its ability to raise performance and cut staff turnover we will contract a guarantee of costs against results so from a business perspective there is nothing to lose but everything to gain

Contact: info@judgementindex.co.uk or call 08450 958164 or visit www.judgementindex.co.uk

SPRING 2015

Controlled Drug Registers “care hoMes must keep a record of all controlled drugs obtained and supplied in a bound book or register with numbered pages. It is also good practice to keep separate records of inpatients using their own controlled drugs, which have been prescribed and dispensed in the community.”

‘Controlled drugs in Primary Care’ by Nigel Morley Dispex as a leading supplier of Controlled Drug Registers, has designed a Supply and Administration of Controlled Drugs Register specifically for use in care homes. The Supply and Administration Controlled Drugs Register is especially suited for private care homes where controlled drugs

are personally administered to patients. It is also extremely useful where medication is wasted or part dosages occur.

If you deal with Controlled Drugs we have the solution. Dispex can supply you with in-house training on Controlled Drugs, denaturing kits and primary care standard fridges at great prices. We also run training courses aimed at GP practices, but many of the principles of Controlled Drugs purchasing, storage and supply are just as relevant to the care home environment.

Contact us for more details.

If you would like to see a sample of our Supply & Administration Controlled Drug Register please contact Dispex 01604 859000 or send an email to enquiries@dispex.net or visit www.dispex.net

Medpac Practical Bags MeDPac PractIcal bags specifically designed for carrying and storing prescribed and emergency medicines with personal photo identification.

Medpac lets you store and transport medicines safely, allows you to easily identify the correct medicine for the correct person and saves time for staff by clearly displaying expiry dates of medicines.

Every Medpac comes complete with a Medpac Photo ID and a Medpac Treatment Card to enable you to write clear instructions on how to use the medication, a treatment plan and additional emergency phone numbers.

Ideal for all medications including diabetic medication.

In summary Medpac is designed to:

Carbon Colour Co Ltd YOU CAN now brighten up your dining area with a custom designed and produced daily menu dry wipe boards.

Choose from a wide range of different images and add

• Store medicines safely and efficiently •Easily identify correct medicine for correct person • Save vital time in an emergency • Display expiry dates to save time for staff Ideal for outings, hospital visits both planned and emergency and respite care.

Medpac Wristbands are also available, waterproof and latex free they help to highlight wearer is carrying emergency medication.

To discover more about this innovative range of products visit www.medpac.co.uk and see how Medpac could change the way you store the medicines in your care home.

You can order online at www.medpac.co.uk or please email sales@medpac.co.uk or call 0845 0739430 to discuss bulk buying discounts.

your own text to suit your facility. They are made to the exact size to match your available wall space. The image and seal is wrapped around the edges to prevent picking and they can be mounted directly to the wall.

They also include the allergen warnings you are now obliged to show when serving food.

For more details call Nigel Allen on 01235 438938 or email care@carbon.co.uk.

Polyflor Flooring Helps Make Winchcombe Place Feel Like Home Polyflor safety flooring was used to help create beautiful, homely interiors for the awardwinning Winchcombe Place care home in newbury, Berkshire.

Offering residential, dementia and nursing care, this state of the art 80 bedroom care home was designed by The Drawing Room Interiors of Solihull, with specialist furniture and vintage displays supplied and fitted by YTM Furniture of Pontefract. Polysafe Wood fx PUR decorative safety vinyl flooring was installed in the reception area, dining room and hair salon of Winchcombe Place care home.

The European Oak 3347 shade was chosen to create a welcoming, inspirational and comfortable atmosphere which fitted in with the eclectic style of each of these communal areas. The flooring’s replication of natural materials and homely appearance helped to create a stylish environment that complements the use of historical artefacts on display. These vintage items are designed to reflect the local history of the site and community as well as offering visual cues to aid reminiscence for dementia residents.

The collaborative effort between The Drawing Room Interiors and YTM Furniture on the Winchcombe Place project was awarded with a prestigious SBID International Design Award for New Build and Development. The project team chose Polysafe Wood fx as a safe but attractive flooring option that would cater for residents with a wide range of needs such as dementia and mobility issues.

Polysafe Wood fx is a hard wearing sheet vinyl flooring which combines the authentic reproduction of wood with sustainable wet slip resistance to reduce the risk of slips

and trips in residential or commercial areas. The vinyl includes virtually invisible aggregates which provide traction for underfoot safety without compromising the high clarity look of the floor. The floor’s cross-linked and UV cured PUR polyurethane reinforcement means that it can be easily maintained with a simple cleaning regime.

The product is fully HSE Compliant and classified as low slip potential, achieving 36 + on the Pendulum Wet Test and a surface roughness of 20 microns +.

Diana Cellela, Director of The Drawing Room Interiors commented, “We wanted to create integrated, inspirational and stimulating surroundings for all Winchcombe Place’s residents to enjoy that were also supportive to their care. Polysafe Wood fx was a perfect flooring choice because of its high safety specification and its realistic replication of wood tones which can help dementia residents feel at ease. This helped us create an environment that was anything but clinical.”

Safety flooring samples for any Polysafe range can be ordered free of charge on the Polyflor website or by calling the Polyflor Samples Direct Hotline on 0161 767 2551.

Polyflor’s Wood fx flooring contains recycled material and is 100% recyclable via the Recofloor scheme.

As a manufacturer of flooring suitable for dementia care facilities, Polyflor has recently become a member of the Dementia Action Alliance who are committed to transforming the lives of the 800,000 people living with dementia in the UK. Polyflor is also a longstanding partner of the International Dementia Design Network at the University of Salford.

Further details of Polyflor’s extensive range of resilient vinyl flooring are available from Polyflor Ltd, Tel: 0161 767 1111. Fax: 0161 767 1128.

Website: www.polyflor.com Email: info@polyflor.com

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SPRING 2015

Mattressman

mattRessman Is one of the leading suppliers of mattresses and beds in the UK.

We have been in the mattress trade for over 10 years; this experience ensures a service of the highest quality & the lowest prices in the UK. Our dedicated trade sales team believe in putting the customer first, giving exceptional levels of customer services which is renowned among our customers.

Mattressman has the largest selection of contract mattresses, divans and beds from Britain’s leading industry brands. All of our mattresses are made in the UK in our very own factory based in Norwich, from the simplest

guest mattress to the highest luxury mattress; Mattressman has an extensive range of beds to suit all needs.

All of our contract mattresses comply with BS7177 fire retardant standard (Crib 5 / Source 5) which makes them ideal for businesses which require a higher standard of flame retardancy above standard domestic.

Zip & Link and special sizes beds & mattresses are also available on request. For the Care home industry we have a Special Contract waterproof mattress.

We also have a huge range of bed frames, guest beds & accessories available on our website for fast free delivery.

Quantity discounts available, please call our contract sales team to get a quote today on 0800 567 7625 or visit our website www.mattressman.co.uk

Nationwide Safety Surfaces PeOPle OF advanced years are much more prone to falls and accidents. Care homes, extra care facilities and hospitals are recognising that safety surfaces prevent serious injuries.

Nationwide Safety Surfaces are specialist wetpour contractors with a wealth of experience in surface design and installation . We pride ourselves on providing a quality service that delivers on time and to the highest standard.

We have worked closely with care homes and hospitals over the years to provide flooring that effectively reduces serious injuries from falls. This provides patients, their families and care organisations with added reassurance.

The Nationwide Safety Surfaces team works with you to

provide surfacing that looks great and really makes the best of your setting. All our products are versatile for all environments. Our surfacing is porous, so no more drainage issues and the peace of mind that whatever the weather, patients will be able to move freely without the fear of slipping, tripping or falling.

We are able to provide a range of surfaces to suit your requirements, including wetpour (rubber tarmac), bonded bark, artificial grass, grass mats, as well as being able to carry out all groundworks. We are also able to provide safety surface repair kits.

If you have a care home or hospital project in mind, call Nationwide Safety Surfaces today on 01625 528464 or email info@nationwidesafetysurfaces.com

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PAGE 37

Expona Flow - A Unique Addition to the Expona Family Polyflor Is pleased to announce the launch of expona flow, an exciting collection of 50 heavy commercial sheet vinyl flooring designs launched under the renowned expona brand, recognised internationally for offering the highest quality, design led flooring. a unique addition to the expona family, expona flow is available in a 2 metre wide sheet format with a 2mm gauge and a 0.7mm wear layer.

Developed to provide a broad range of engaging and innovative design options, Expona Flow is suitable for use in a range of heavy commercial environments such as the healthcare industry. Authentically replicating natural wood planks from a diverse range of tree species and wood treatments, combined with innovative abstract and fantastical materials, the variety of colour and pattern combinations available is vast.

The Expona Flow collection is UK manufactured and enhanced with Polyflor PUR, Polyflor’s exclusive and robust polyurethane reinforcement which is cross linked and UV cured to provide superior cleaning benefits and a simple polish-free maintenance regime.

Combining over 20 years of technical, design and development experience, Expona Flow has been developed with all of the creativity, innovation and quality expected from

an Expona collection. ‘After significant investment in the development of unique and innovative designs, the Expona Flow collection is a fresh and forward thinking range in the growing commercial heterogeneous sheet vinyl flooring market’ comments Tom Rollo, Polyflor’s Marketing Manager.

The new Expona Flow collection is beautifully presented within a sampling package which includes a 60 page brochure, a comprehensive presenter and shadecards.

Sampling can be ordered free of charge on the Polyflor website or by calling the Polyflor Samples Direct Hotline on 0161 767 2551.

The Expona Flow collection offers a wide variety of shades and patterns, designed to look beautiful whether they are used individually or combined with other designs from the range. Polyflor’s experienced in house Design Service works frequently with specifiers to create bespoke design floors for hospitals including logos and signage. With the flexibility of water jet cutting there is virtually no limit to the shapes, patterns or designs that they can create for customers using Polyflor’s high performance flooring.

Further details of Polyflor’s extensive range of resilient vinyl flooring are available from Polyflor Ltd, Tel: 0161 767 1111. Fax: 0161 767 1128. Website: www.polyflor.com Email: info@polyflor.com

Freephone: 0800 917 7943 www.euroservice-uk.com sales@euroservice-uk.com

Flame Retardant Furnishings By Furnish Ltd furnIsh ltD is the specialist supplier of flame retardant furnishings to the care and nursing sectors.

Operating solely in the contract market gives us a unique in-site and skillset in this area.

With the growing numbers of home operators recently it is apparent not all are aware of the regulations around the use of fabrics in their homes, often purchasing goods designed for domestic use and not sufficient for the contract market which

requires British Standard BS5867 Part 2b & 2c for hanging fabrics and BS7175 for bedding. Your local fire officer can offer advice, alternatively contact us at Furnish Ltd, we offer free advice using the communication methods shown below or can arrange for one of our experienced personnel to carry out an audit of your nursing or care home providing you with a full report.

Web: www.furnishltd.co.uk Telephone: 08447365319 Email: info@furnishltd.co.uk

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PAGE 38

THE CARER

SPRING 2015

Traffik UK Ltd – Innovative Floorcare Specialists traffIK uK limited has been established for over 22 years and works in partnership with clients, flooring manufacturers and distributors providing a range of sustainable flooring solutions for all types of hard and soft floor surfaces.

The recent introduction of a new standard in carpet cleaning using the newly developed Oztek technology provides a fast, effective way to make one of your most valuable assets last longer - Traffik UK Ltd is the lead contractor for the revolutionary new Oztek range of carpet cleaning equipment.

We maintain carpets for many of the UK’s leading commercial organisations including Care Homes, Healthcare centres and Hospitals and are partners with leading UK and European carpet manufacturers resolving maintenance issues on their behalf.

Traffik can provide:-

specialist cleaning services

• Commercial Carpet Cleaning • New standards in carpet cleaning – Oztek technology • Dry Carpet Cleaning • Upholstery Cleaning • Hard Floor Cleaning

specialists for recoating and refurbishing • Exclusive UK supplier and Installer of ‘No Skidding Anti -Slip solutions’ • Leading UK Slip Assessment specialist through consultancy and Pendulum Testing (BS7976) • Exclusive UK installer of UV cured long lasting PU Flooring and Seals • Lead installer for Dr Schutz long lasting floor seals • Anti Static long lasting seals • Anti Stain long lasting seals Contact Traffik UK Ltd on Tel: 01985 840400, Email: info@traffik.uk.com, Website: www.traffik.uk.com

Sidhil’s Bradshaw Beds – Designed For The Care Home Environment WIth the focus clearly on safety and performance, sidhil’s Bradshaw range of nursing and residential care home beds has been developed specifically to meet the individual and clinical needs of the care home environment.

These electrically operated, fully profiling nursing care beds also meet the aesthetic standards required, offering a choice of wood finishes to create an attractive domestic setting and a new range of padded head ends in colours to harmonise with selected interior decor.

The range successfully combines Sidhil’s established tradition for strength and durability with special lightweight construction materials and techniques, offering beds which are easy to assemble and disassemble, stable and visually attractive. Bradshaw beds include both Bariatric and Low

versions to cater for the needs of larger clients and also to minimise the risk of falls.

Alongside the beds, Sidhil offers a range of equipment and accessories for improved comfort, safety and convenience. These include a selection of mattresses including both static and dynamic pressure care systems to optimise tissue viability.

Sidhil enjoys an enviable reputation for the most advanced levels of customer service of any supplier in the country, including typical delivery lead times of less than three days, backed up by regional service centres carrying stocks of spare parts, available nationwide within 24 hours.

Please contact us for your nearest distributor: Tel: 01422 233 000, Email: sales@sidhil.com or www.sidhil.com

FRANKled – LED Solutions for Decorative Lighting FRanKlIte lImIted have been known for their quality of product and service in the decorative lighting market for 40 years and, over recent years, the Company has built an astonishing reputation for quality led lighting.

Please Please mention mention THE THE CARER CARER when when responding responding to to advertising. advertising.

The Frankled brand is designed, developed and manufactured in Franklites Buckinghamshire factory which ensures complete flexibility with the lighting options available and total quality control throughout production.

Frankled products fitted with Eco-disc technology can be supplied with standard non-dimmable LEDs which offer a massive average energy saving of 37% against energy saving CFLs. Further options include dimming, emergency lighting and movement detection can further increase savings and reduce costs!

For more decorative luminaires the LED13duo is an integrated, yet replaceable, dedicated LED unit which replaces the tungsten candle lamp. Whilst not affecting the

aesthetics of the fitting, the LED13duo can offer an energy saving of up to 80% without compromising on light output. With a 5 year warranty, these units also negate the need for the constant maintenance involved with traditional tungsten lamps.

Franklite's range of quality recessed downlights can also be converted using the LED13duo technology and will offer an equivalent output to a 50W MR16 and is available in 3 beam angles with reduced glare. Remote emergency gear can also be offered with all Frankled recessed downlights. Also covered by a 5 year guarantee, switching to these units saves energy, costs, and maintenance time.

Franklite have a team of professional and knowledgeable personnel who can demonstrate Frankled technology and discuss individual requirements.

Call 01908 691818, email info@franklite.ltd.uk, visit www.franklite.net or www.frankled.com See the advert on page 39 for details.

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THE CARER

SPRING 2015

Saniflo Supports National Solaticare From Practical Bathing Apprentice Competition AS ONE of the leading brands in the plumbing sector Saniflo has a long history of supporting plumbing students. From working with colleges throughout the UK to providing on-line training modules on its website, the company is committed to investing in the plumbers of the future.

This year Saniflo is supporting the National Apprentice of the Year competition run by SNG Publishing, publishers of the HIP! and Sparks magazines and handbooks for Plumbing students. The competition has been running since 2009 and was conceived to offer students the opportunity to be recognised for their skills and hard work.

This year the event is the biggest yet, with more participants than ever before. There are 6 regional heats taking place throughout the country with entries from 84 colleges - which provide a great platform for lecturers, employers, industry leaders and manufacturers to come together and support the next generation of the industry. The final takes place in April and features the winners from each regional heat pitting their skills against their peers.

The practical plumbing assignments this year were developed by Tony Kite of CIPHE to meet Level 2 of the plumbing syllabus. They feature the installation of a popular Saniflo unit, which enables the apprentices to demonstrate their understanding of alternative plumbing solutions.

As the originator of macerator pumps, Saniflo was delighted to get behind the initiative. John Jarmulowicz is Technical Manager and lent his support to the development of the assignment; “This is the first time the practical tests have included the fitting of a

SOLATICARE IS an exciting new toileting solution for those who are confined to bed, whether permanently or temporarily. Sensors within the silicone suction head automatically detect and remove the waste into a sealed unit.

Rinsing with warm water follows, then warm macerator pump, so we were naturally inclined to air dries the skin. The extraction unit stores lend our support. As a Product Sponsor for the Competition, we have donated all the Saniflo prod- clean water and waste, and normally requires ucts to be used in the tests – and we’re very pleased emptying/refilling just once a day.

that these will go on and be used as teaching resources afterwards. Our technical team has been busy creating presentations and material to help plumbing lecturers which include real life case studies and we believe this will reinforce just how useful our products are in situations where gravity drainage is inaccessible.”

The first heats of the competition took place at the impressive Burnley College, which is located inside the University of Central Lancashire. Each student was given a set time to undertake a highly realistic domestic installation which was marked against strict criteria by 5 judges from the plumbing industry.

The level of plumbing abilities of all the apprentices proved to be most impressive but Tanagon Ashworth of Accrington College emerged as the overall winner of the North West heats for the second year on the trot. He was pleasantly surprised at the task; “It was definitely something very different this year and none of us expected to install a Saniflo, but it was a really good addition to the assignment. I’ve seen my employer install these units but I would now feel confident about doing it myself and I can really appreciate the benefits of a Saniflo now when an installation is remote from the mains drains.

It’s a really good solution and I’m particularly impressed that the pipework is so small. I’m really looking forward to seeing what the finals bring in April.”

Washing water and air temperatures can be user defined, as can the pause before extraction starts.

An optional shower system can improve the experience of washing whilst in bed.

The result is a significant improvement in the quality of life and standard of hygiene for users.

It can greatly reduce the amount of time and effort spent on one of the less agreeable aspects of daily living – for both users and attendants.

• Increases personal independence, hygiene, and dignity • Gives a speedy response to an urgent need for toileting • Easy installation, operation and maintenance • Reduces laundry and consumables costs • Can reduce time-consuming and expensive linen changes • Time saving for carers, allowing other activities to be prioritized • 3 models available For further details, an information pack, or to arrange a demonstration, please call Practical Bathing on 0800 019 5570 or 01753 842944 today!

Stour Valley Care Group Specifies Powered Assisted Baths From Gainsborough Specialist Bathing For New Luxury Care Home Three Ascot hi-lo baths and three Windsor baths, both with powered transfer seats, have been installed at the new sixty-six bed Mistley Manor care home in Essex. Mistley Manor represents the new flagship development for the Stour Valley Care Group and cares for residents with conditions such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s. Gainsborough was identified as the perfect bathing partner for this innovative new-build project.

It was essential that moving and handling risks were minimised and so the owners selected the most suitable products to match the needs of both residents and the care team.

Following a thorough consultation process, Gainsborough was selected to assess, survey, design and install six assisted baths within the main building and four adjacent

bungalows.

Within the main complex, the Ascot hi-lo baths provide a compact bathing solution, maximising bathroom space and allowing sufficient access. The powered transfer seat and variable-height adjustment on the Ascot eliminates the need for carers to manually lift residents in and out of the bath. With residents in the on-site bungalows being more independent, the Windsor bath was considered a more appropriate solution.

Jacqui Volf, Mistley Manor Owner, comments: “Every element of Mistley Manor was carefully considered, from the variety of accommodation on offer to the specification of all fixtures and fittings.

Gainsborough’s specialist baths ensure a safe, enjoyable bathing experience for residents and help our team deliver the highest levels of care.” www.gainsboroughbaths.com

SPRING 2015

On The Level Bespoke Level Access Wet Rooms many aRChIteCts, surveyors, local authorities and nursing homes are now familiar with On the level's tried and tested approach to creating safe level access wet rooms using their patented formers in custom made or standard sizes.

Our specialists are happy to explain the product and give technical advice, on site if required, to help problem solve and devise solutions for specific

projects. On The Level can also recommend and supply ancillary products to complete the shower area including full or half height shower doors, a choice of curtain rails and curtains, seats and grab rails.

On The Level formers are BSI approved for a safe load of more than 60 stone (380kg) and suitable for wheelchairs, and their shallow depth of just 24mm allows them to fit flush into most floor types.

Contact 01525 373202 or visit www.onthelevel.co.uk

Mira’s Wireless Advance Simplifies Wet Rooms MIRA SHOWERS has enhanced its ever popular Advance electric shower range – the first choice for registered social landlords and adaptation specialists – with the addition of the only shower on the market to offer wireless pairing to a waste water pump. The Mira Advance Flex Extra Wireless simplifies installing or retro-fitting a wet room in situations where a conventional gravity fed drainage system would be unfeasible such as where level access is required.

Developed especially for the visually impaired and endorsed by the RNIB, the standard Mira Advance Flex has a large, colour contrasted rotary lever, tactile raised areas, a large on/off button, backlit buttons and an audible click on the temperature lever so it is easy to use. The push button on/off switch also means that the user can leave the power and temperature controls at their preferred settings.

With the Advance Flex Extra Wireless shower everyone benefits – the user and the installer. The user has a quiet shower that is fail-safe: the suction noise from the gulley is kept to a minimum because the pump speed matches the flow rate of the shower and the shower shuts down automatically to prevent any risk of flooding if the pump stops. The pump and the shower are linked by a unique digital serial number so there is no interference with other wireless devices and, thanks to a built-in memory, the pump and the shower remain registered if there is a power cut once the power is restored.

The shower is designed to work with the Whale Instant Match Wireless Pump, so that integral sensors ensure that the pump rate matches the shower flow rate for more efficient drainage and reduced noise.

When the shower is turned off, the pump automatically slows

down but continues to clear any remaining water from the tray, while a purge function is activated after 15 minutes to drain any pooled water.

For the installer the job is simplified because there is no physical link between the shower unit and the pump – you can fit it up to 5 metres away with no trunking or conduits to worry about, saving time and giving a tidier finish.

Setting up is simplicity itself: connect the power to the Instant Match transformer, turn the shower on to full cold, turn the power on for the shower with the pull cord and simply press down on the transformer test button. The Advance will emit an audible bleep and a green light will flash from the transformer to show that it has been successfully paired.

The Flex model also features an extra-long slide bar which is also easily adjusted for height because the friction clamp bracket can be operated with just one hand – a feature that occupational therapists consider to be ‘inclusive’. The rotary lever that controls temperature is fitted with a loop so it can be operated easily by those with limited dexterity. An important feature is the two metre long shower hose that enables carers to provided assisted showering.

The shower’s safety features include phased shutdown, which not only protects the shower’s next user by flushing out hot water from the tank but also reduces limescale, and Mira’s own Advanced Temperature Limit (ATL) technology, which gives eight different maximum temperature settings including a BEAB Care setting. The four spray showerhead has rub clean rubber nozzles for easy cleaning and the shower also is rated best in class for limescale resistance.

Reader enquiries to: Mira Showers, Linney Group, Adamsway, Mansfield, Notts NG18 4FL or email kohlermira@linney.com

THE CARER

PAGE 41

Moving In The Right Direction…

GOING TO the toilet is one of the most ‘dangerous’ activities in and out of the home1, for user and carer. Many of the incidents and falls could be avoided, and the user’s independence, dignity and control over their life enhanced, by use of appropriate aids.

To help meet those objectives, and deliver best value for the social care provider, Clos-o-Mat has published a white paper: Moving & Handling In a Toilet Environment.

The paper covers handling & lifting assistive technology for a toilet, from simple wall-mounted grab rails through to track hoists and changing benches, for adults and children, and bariatric users. It explains the principle behind each aid, and the considerations in its specification, as the user’s needs change over time. The paper focuses the knowledge of Clos-o-Mat’s team of experts, pulling together technical information and practical experience from 50+ years’ supply of disabled toileting solutions in domestic and ‘out-of-home’ envi-

ronments.

“Moving and handling people to use the toilet is a bigger issue than many professionals realize,” explains Robin Tuffley, Clos-o-Mat marketing manager. “One survey reported 42% of families with a severely disabled child questioned reported toilets & bathrooms as difficult to use, with 21% specifying lifting & handling as a problem area2. Health & social care workers have the highest number of handling injuries of all industries in the UK3.

“Yet something as cheap and simple as a grab rail or drop-down support arm can make a world of difference to people’s independence and safety, doing something we all have to do, and on average do so 8 times a day.”

The white paper is the latest produced by Clos-o-Mat to facilitate correct accessible/inclusive toilet specification. It, plus others addressing accessible bathrooms, automatic shower (wash and dry) toilets, hygiene rooms, Changing Places etc, is available for download free of charge from Clos-o-Mat’s website www.clos-o-mat.com.

Barwood Products Launch New Comfort Height WC’s TWO NEW contemporary toilet sets with matching basins have been launched by inclusive bathroom specialist, Barwood Products, for domestic customers and care home residents.

‘Project’ is a rimless luxury WC set designed for the home. With a comfort height of 455mm to the top of the pan and a long projection of 625mm the W.C. pan is perfect for safe and comfortable use for less able or aged customers who live and wish to remain in their own home.

The modern stylish pan is supplied as standard with a slow close seat, WRAS approved cistern fittings and dual 6/3 litre flush. Complementing the W.C is the matching ‘Project’ single tap hole, 55cm basin complete with overflow. The basin can be specified with a full or semi pedestal and is beautifully styled and manufactured to suit any bathroom environment.

The all new ‘Avenida’ is an attractive and well-priced entry level W.C that also provides a comfort height of 425mm to

the top of the pan, 625mm projection and soft close seat. The cistern fittings are also WRAS approved and feature a dual flush of 6/3 litres. The matching ‘Avenida’ basin is 2 tap hole – a configuration particularly relevant for the care home sector – with overflow and available with full or semi-pedestal.

Sharon McKenna, Sales & Marketing Director of Barwood Products believe the 2 new ranges will prove very popular thanks to their attractive, modern styling; ‘It is our mission to ensure that all people – whether able or not – have access to the same quality and design of bathroom fixtures and fittings. In our view everyone should be treated the same, so we focus on supplying beautiful products to the inclusive sector to ensure they have the same choice as fully able customers.

We’re getting a great reaction to our new ranges which are currently being stocked in plumbers merchants and specialist dealers throughout the country.”

For more information on the full range of inclusive bathroom products please visit www.barwoodsproducts.com

On The Level, the wetroom manufacturer, provides a one-stop-shop

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Patented birch ply concealed shower trays 18 stock sizes for next day delivery Bespoke shapes and sizes in 5-7 days Light and easy to handle Easy to shape and fit on site Half height easy access door configurations Environmentally friendly/recyclable BSI approved for loads of over 380 kg Suitable for all floor types

On The Level Showers Ltd. are part RIBA specified

www.onthelevel.co.uk Tel: 01525 373202

PAGE 42

THE CARER

SPRING 2015

The Live-in Homecare Information Hub the lIve-In homecare Information hub (www.stayinmyhome.co.uk) is a coalition of 13 leading companies providing 24 hour live-in care at home. It is an increasingly popular alternative to care in a residential care home, especially for those living with dementia, for whom familiarity of surroundings and routine is highly beneficial.

Research published by the Hub last month* found that dementia is now the UK’s most feared illness, overtaking cancer for the first time, but its members are all agreed that families actually seek help later and later these days, meaning carers are often dealing with more advanced cases.

While some care providers have slightly different methodologies from others, all Hub members are deeply committed to dementia training, Freddy Gathorne-Hardy, director of Hub founder member Christies Care, which employs over 700 carers, explains his own company’s approach: “Our carers undergo an intensive two day residential dementia course with specialist trainers when they start with us. They are taught the basics: what dementia is and the different types, but we also focus on the fact that, because dementia manifests itself differently with different people, the training MUST be person-centered and cannot be prescriptive. We teach concepts, attitudes and ways of doing things that not only help avoid common ‘problems’ and risks associated with dementia, but in doing so

Is Coming!

The Care Certificate for social care support workers and healthcare assistants comes into effect from April 2015

SecuriCare have produced online and portfolio based versions of the learning materials and a FULL Assessor’s resource to help organisation with the implementation of the Care Certificate The Care Certificate consists of 15 Courses:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

Understanding Your Role Your Personal Development Duty of Care Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Working in a Person Centred Way Communication Privacy and Dignity Fluids and Nutrition Dementia and Cognitive Issues Safeguarding Adults Safeguarding Children Basic Life Support Health and Safety Handling Information Control of Infection

Additional Bonus Courses:

1.

2.

3.

Food Safety Moving and Positioning (Theory) Medication Awareness (Theory)

All 15 Courses have been fully mapped against the QCF Diplomas in Health and Social Care Levels 2 and 3 which allow learners to demonstrate they meet the knowledge specifications of all the mandatory Units. We can also provide classroom based First Aid and Moving & Handling Training.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: TEL: 01904 492 442 EMAIL: trainers@securicare.com CONTACT US NOW FOR A FREE TRIAL!

keep the client feeling as independent and happy as possible, in some cases until the end of life.

“We teach carers to learn from the experiences of a client’s other carers, family and friends, to get to know them as well as possible in order to identify triggers for happy conversations and ensure negative behaviours are not repeated.”

Gathorne-Hardy continues: “We show examples such as one lady who keeps a picture of her beloved late husband in her handbag. It shows him astride a tank in WW2. Her carers know they can talk about him to lift her spirits, but NEVER mention the war since its memories can upset her for days. One man, given to wandering, is not restricted, unless there is clear danger, but is often ‘tailed’ by his carer who then ’coincidentally’ bumps into him and offers to keep him company on the walk home. Technology such as bedside pressure mat alarms, where a carer can dash to the rescue before the client risks a fall are also encouraged. They are worth the investment compared with a lengthy stay in hospital.

“We also counsel: ‘Just STOP. And THINK. WHY is a client resisting? What if it were YOU?’ A hoist may be very uncomfortable where someone has arthritis for example – and people in pain often don’t communicate well.”

Small group discussions and role play are vital and allow the training team to ensure carers have understood the concepts and have the confidence and imagination to deploy them, especially if they encounter tricky or unpredictable situations once they’re home alone with their client.

Carers receive long-term support, with trainers just a phone call away for help and advice. They also benefit from annual dementia training refresher sessions.

christies’ golden rules in dementia training: • Record EVERYTHING to learn from and keep abreast of the client’s condition • Don’t be afraid of trial and error when exploring and developing strategies to reduce problems • Remember how to care for your client, not what to do • Ensure the clients is as happy as the carer can possibly make them – happy clients mean happy carers! * A nationally representative survey of adults was commissioned by The Live-In Homecare Information Hub via market research specialist Censuswide during January 2015. 1,040 over 16 year olds were surveyed.

Understanding Dementia tacKlIng the stigma surrounding dementia is becoming a priority focus for public health. current figures suggest that dementia affects one in 14 people over the age of 65 and one in 6 over the age of 80, and it is estimated that 44 million people worldwide are currently living with dementia.

In addition to this there is still stigma attached to dementia which can result in a lack of care and support and delayed diagnosis, so raising awareness of dementia on a broader scale is an essential step in tackling the disease. When faced with facts and figures of this nature it is therefore imperative that new support systems are made available for those affected and also for those who care for them.

RSPH have been working with Alzheimer’s Society Consultancy & Training in developing a qualification which is geared towards helping people to understand more about dementia and which also puts ‘compas-

sionate care’ at the heart of the training. The Level 2 Award in Understanding Dementia has been designed for people not only in the health and social care arena but also for anyone who would want to broaden their knowledge.

Although health and social care professionals want to provide the best care possible there is every chance that they may lack the knowledge or tools to understand dementia and care for someone with the condition.

With eighty per cent of people in care homes with dementia or memory problems, there is a real need to develop a ‘benchmark of ability’ expected of people working directly in dementia care. This qualification is being launched with the intention of being that ‘benchmark’ in improving standards across the board.

Both organisations are committed to making a difference to the quality of dementia care and the plan over 2015 is to embed the qualification as the nationally recognised standard and an essential requirement for those working across adult health and social care.

For more information email dementia@rsph.org.uk or visit www.rsph.org.uk/understandingdementia.

Health and Safety Training Courses, Publications and Resources from SecuriCare securIcare provide specialist health and safety training designed to help staff manage work related violence, disruptive behaviour and deal with challenging behaviour across all sectors, including; health and social care, nhs, transport, public services, retail, airlines and security.

SecuriCare provide courses including conflict management, conflict resolution, challenging behaviour, personal safety, physical intervention and restraint training. Training and courses are Nationally Accredited by Edexcel, City & Guilds, SIA, BILD AND BTEC. We also offer Qualified Teacher/Trainer Awards (ptlls, ctlls & dtlls). SecuriCare also provide support with risk assessment and the development of safe working practice and staff guidance.

SecuriCare maintains its leading position by employing staff with frontline operational experience who are

Licensed Practitioners with the Institute for Learning. We have affiliation to leading trade bodies & examination schemes and adherence to professional codes of practice.

In addition to providing a wide selection of training solutions and programmes aimed at resolving conflict, managing challenging behaviour and dealing with physical violence, Securicare is also able to provide a range of related consultancy services.

Our aim is to provide the client with the tools and resources needed to ensure your organisation is able to effectively manage the risk of challenging, disruptive or violent behaviour and to satisfy its legal requirements. Legal requirements may include those related to health and safety as well as various care home regulations.

Simply select the service that you require from the bar above, and contact us to discuss your unique needs.

For further details see advert this page

SPRING 2015

THE CARER

PAGE 43

SINGING WINS NATIONAL CARE HOME ACTIVITIES COMPETITION!!

The Silver Song Box displays the words of familiar songs onto a simple colour background with a piano accompaniment and requires no formal musical training to operate. The system can be used with either a TV or projector.

The Care Quality Commission have initiated a more robust inspection regime for health and adult social care providers who are now legally required to follow new regulations called the 'fundamental standards'. These are more focused and clearer about the care that people should always expect to receive. Providers are required to meet NICE Quality Standard 50 and the LGB25 Advice requiring the provision of meaningful personcentred activities.

THE SILVER SONG MUSIC BOX system has been developed by Sing For Your Life to enable Day Care Centres, Residential Care Homes and Hospitals to provide participatory singing sessions for older people. Singing brings people together and The Silver Song Music Box provides an inclusive activity that delivers excellent cognitive stimulation therapy and an effective reminiscence experience.

Following inspection, providers will be rated Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement or Inadequate and will be required to prominently display their ratings.

The Music Box system is simple to use and does not require any formal musical training to operate. It can be used by any staff member or volunteer at any time and has proved very successful in reducing incidents of challenging behaviour.

Please visit us on stand d8 at the alzheimer's show 5-6 June at Olympia and attend one of our Practical activities Workshops.

For more information go to www.singforyourlife.org.uk or call 01303 298546 for an Information Pack

PAGE 44

THE CARER

SPRING 2015

TRAIN + PROTECT + CARE Reduce the risk of accidents and injury with Safer Staff Training Courses

Over 30 Safety Training Courses Call the booking hotline 0207 637 7959 to get the right courses for the best prices!

Our friendly and experienced team are waiting to help you!

Safer Staff Training (SSTAR) can solve all your training needs... fast! With a comprehensive list of high quality safety training courses you are guaranteed we can provide trainers to meet your needs.

Full list of Safety Training Courses and Prices at www.sstar.co.uk

Senior Activities from Intimex IntIMex offers even more activity products for use in care homes and day centres in its latest 40 page catalogue. the range keeps growing with each new issue, the latest version being 50% bigger than the previous one.

The products available cover areas such as: Exercise, Games, Mental Stimulation, Reminiscence, Music, Entertainment, DVDs, Spiritual, Sensory Stimulation, Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Puzzles, Arts & Crafts and

Geopace Training geoPace traInIng has been the leading provider of Phlebotomy training courses since 2010, delivering training at over 68 locations within the uK and n. Ireland.

All courses are nationally recognised and award an accredited certificate.

Geopace have developed a reputation for excellent in training, delivered to a wide and varied student audience including Colleges and Universities, Hospitals, Care Homes and GP Practices as well as individ-

Gardening. There is also a range of resources and equipment to help you and your staff in their day-to-day activities with your residents. These include; Date & Weather board, Giant Write & Wipe Calendar, Border sets to celebrate special occasions or just to brighten up a room, books and even a Geriatric Care Manikin to assist is staff training, allowing you to simulate many of the day to day situations which your staff will experience.

To obtain your free copy of the NEW catalogue.

Call Intimex on 01202 813500 or email sales@intimex.org

uals. Additionally, group training on-site provides a very cost effective method for staff education and CPD. Our two-day Introduction to Phlebotomy course assumes no prior knowledge of phlebotomy and leads the students up to the point of live blood draw. Progression courses include Neonatal & Paediatric Phlebotomy and Advanced Venepuncture & Cannulation. A Phlebotomy Refresher Course, completed online, is available to update and renew the student’s accreditation.

For further details Tel: 01525 713377

Open College Network West Midlands oPen college network West Midlands is the awarding organisation of choice for employers in the West Midlands who are serious about developing and recognising the skills needed for a modern workforce. With over 30 years’ experience in developing vocational qualifications and accredited learning across industry sectors, open college network West Midlands has built up a well-earned reputation for understanding the skills that industry actually needs. open college network West Midlands offer a range of nationally recognised qualifications and customised accreditation within the health and social care sector including Dignity in care, Dementia care and Work Preparation for health and social care.

Proud of it’s not for profit charitable status Open College Network West Midlands is also able to offer outstanding value for money for the workforce accreditation services now so important to any forward thinking employer. Whilst many of its customers use the array of nationally recognised qualifications on offer or indeed take advantage of the new qualification development services, many employers prefer to develop bespoke, customised accreditation frameworks to underpin their training needs.

Very often these can be short one or two day courses as well as more substantial and longer learning programmes. Using the customised accreditation approach that has been developed Open College Network West Midlands can protect the intellectual property of the accredited skills framework being developed for any particular organisation.

A new product for employers launched in April 2015 is Open College Network West Midlands’s Quality Endorsement Scheme. This provides a highly valued ‘quality mark’ and external endorsement of an organisations internal training programmes, where the training content and assessment remains under the ownership and responsibility of the organisation. Open College Network West Midlands will conduct an annual audit and review the development, content and assessment of learning materials being used and provide a registration and certification service that recognises all employee learning achievements.

Lee Moore is the Director for Business Development at Open College Network West Midlands and is always looking to develop new employer partnerships and says; “Every customer is allocated a dedicated Business Development Manager and Quality Advisor to ensure we deliver a responsive and efficient service, which is one of the reasons why we work with over 400 organisations in the region to deliver outstanding personalised customer service and support.”

Tel: 01902 624 230 www.opencollnet.org.uk wolverhampton@opencollnet.org.uk Facebook/AccesstoHEatOpenCollegeNetworkWestMidlands Twitter@OpenCollNet Linkedin: Company/OpenCollegeNetworkWestMidlands

SPRING 2015

Introducing MediEnlist MEDIENLIST IS a healthcare recruitment company specialising in filling UK vacancies with candidates from a range of European Union partner countries. Their team of experienced professionals provide exceptional recruitment services developed to attract the highest quality candidates.

With offices based across the EU and the help of strategic partners, MediEnlist are able to source highly Qualified Nurses for positions within the United Kingdom. This can range from Elderly Care Nurses to Theatre Scrub Nurses. They are committed to the development and training of candidates ensuring that applicants exceed expectations.

MediEnlist have partnered with a number of medical schools and lan-

guage institutions across the EU to ensure candidates pass the rigorous screening of the interview process.

Moreover, to make certain the candidates are ready to work within your organisation, services include support with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration.

The training of nurses is standardised for all EU countries. For example a nurse from Romania will be trained to the same level as a British or Irish nurse if they qualified after 2010, nurses who qualified before 2010 will also meet with directives based on education and experience combined. These nurses are required to have 5 years’ experience in order to register. All applicants are assessed to confirm that they meet with these directives as well as having English language skills.

A cost effective recruitment solution, MediEnlist offer the best possibility to reduce the resources needed when attracting skilled nurses. For more information call 0191 477 0840 or visit www.medienlist.com

The Horror Of Fixed Rate Loans the banKs’ regulator is still dragging its feet over a mis-selling scandal hundreds of businesses suffer from.

Fixed Rate Loans were marketed eagerly by high street banks to care-homes and other businesses wanting to expand as demand grew. Allegedly they would ‘protect’ borrowers from rising interest rates. Only when rates fell did owners discover the true costs hidden in their loan contracts which often had 10 or 20 year terms. Sometimes these hidden charges came to half the value of the loan!

Businesses either had to pay a huge exit penalty or go on paying excessive interest each month.

If you had a fixed rate loan (often called Treasury Loans or Tailored Business Loans) contact Claims (London) Ltd currently helping many commercial borrowers with complaints against their banks. We show up unfair conditions, reduce monthly payments, win compensation and get exit penalties waived saving business owners a small fortune.

If you were sold a Fixed Rate Loan – particularly by Lloyds or Clydesdale/Yorkshire look at our website Claims-uk.co.uk or phone 0800 0232 973.

Want to Stand Out from the Crowd?

WRITECARE CAN help you stand out in a competitive market. Well-written material tells people what great care you offer.

The right words reassure service users, their families and carers. Clear guidance supports your staff. Credible information demonstrates your quality to commissioners and regulators. Strong messages attract the best recruits.

WriteCare can: • Take on jobs your in-house teams may not have the capacity or capability to manage • Provide a new perspective, objectivity and fresh ideas • Offer practical support and advice to encourage positive input from clinical specialists and general managers and build on their enthusiasm for a project • Make sense of health and care jargon and medical terminology, and get the right balance between clarity and the specific needs of the audience • Challenge assumptions, especially about the target audi-

ence’s likely level of understanding.

WriteCare specialises in producing: • Patient information for target groups, including hard-toreach audiences • Health and care advice for the public • Guidance for health and care professionals – including frontline practitioners, senior clinicians and managers – to support improved ways of working and individual development • Case studies to share good practice • Policy and strategy documents to help implement better practice at national, regional and local level • Corporate information to send clear messages to stakeholders and support compliance with guidelines and legislation.

Contact WriteCare for a no-obligation chat. Call Vicky Burman on 01889 590804 or email vicky@writecare.co.uk.

Visit www.writecare.co.uk for more information.

THE CARER

PAGE 45

Caring for Your Cash Flow - Property Tax

T

HE FIRST Tier Tax Tribunal recently published its decision in Bowerswood House Retirement Home Limited v HMRC ref: 2015 UKFTT 0094 TC. This case should ring alarms for any care home owner - about the importance of taking sound professional advice.

The case concerned the second-hand purchase of Bowerswood House, complete with a swimming pool within the grounds. The new owners commissioned a capital allowances claim in respect to their Ł940,000 purchase price. However the firm that undertook the work didn t appear to be familiar with long established just apportionment principles of making capital allowances claims and sought to value the swimming pool on a lop-sided, rather favourable basis as well as claiming the conservatory structure enclosing the pool as tax deductible. The Tribunal rejected several spurious attempts to justify these aspects of the claim and held the conservatory was not eligible; leaving the home owners, no doubt, an expensive bill for representation at the Tribunal, and significantly less tax savings than their adviser claimed.

Whilst there are significant benefits to tax-payers in claiming these valuable allowances against their capital expenditure, it is important that professionally qualified advisers undertake the necessary site survey and valuation to underpin the capital allowances claim. These specialist skills are rarely found in the average accountancy practice as only a handful of the largest accountancy and surveying firms have dedicated capital allowances teams.

Alun Oliver, Managing Director of Chartered Surveyors, E3 Consulting, advises We act for a wide range of care home owners and operators including those involved with social care, aged care and EMI (Elderly Mentally Ill) and are currently advising a Care Group in Yorkshire on how to obtain the 5% reduced rate VAT on significant parts of their redevelopment expenditure as well as preparing their capital allowances claim. Total tax savings will be in excess of Ł380,000 from their refurbishment expenditure of approx. Ł1.9m .

Currently tax-payers also benefit from accelerated relief from Annual Investment Allowances (AIAs),

which give 100% relief. However, AIAs are capped at Ł500,000 per annum for eligible expenditure incurred before 1 January 2016, meaning that a nursing home spending say, Ł1.5m should get all of the available savings in their current tax period.

As with Bowerswood House, second-hand transactions are eligible for allowances but since April 2014 are subject to complex legislation known as the New Fixtures Rules (NFR under s.187A/B CAA2001). These rules mean that if certain actions aren t undertaken by the vendor, then the purchaser might end up with NIL capital allowances .

One of only a handful of true experts in this complex field of Property Taxation, E3 Consulting has recently been shortlisted as a Finalist in the 2015 Taxation Awards the firm s third nomination in the last five years. Having won Best Tax Consultancy Team in 2011, our team s credentials in this specialist and complex area of property tax have independent validation meaning our clients can be confident the tax savings promised will be achieved without the need for litigation .

E3 Consulting offers a free Healthcheck to enable us to evaluate any property expenditure (historic, current or future) and so determine whether we can enhance the potential tax savings. Our fee structures are typically contingent on the allowances achieved, so ensuring value for money.

For information contact Alun: 0345 230 6450, visit www.e3consulting.co.uk or @E3Consulting.

£20 Billion Of Capital Actively Seeking Investment Across UK Healthcare Sector DavID Batchelor, executive Director cBre, comments on the barriers to investment that mean £20bn of real estate and institutional capital is still looking to be deployed across uK healthcare

ead

Nursing & Residential Home Specialist Agency Eddie Dribble - the best known name in the private care industry

Valuations undertaken - Nursing and Residential Homes always wanted for sale nationwide

emanuel a dribble 26 Arthur Road New Malden Surrey KT3 6LX tel/Fax 020 8942 0852

Reduced commission rates for owners replying through this advertisement Reduced commission rates for RNHA members

2014 was the year that private investment into the UK healthcare sector soared. Transaction volumes exceeded £4.5 billion, with approximately £1.2 billion via direct real estate investment, the third consecutive year that transaction volumes have exceeded the £1 billion mark. It is an extraordinary figure and one that could go a long way, via responsible real estate investment, to improving our health and social care facilities so that they are fit to meet the needs of our ageing population.

In terms of where the investment is being directed, the elderly care market has attracted similar volumes of new money as in recent years. The total of circa £1.2 billion invested last year, saw £500m via direct real estate investment and over £700m from corporate acquisitions.

According to CBRE analysis, overseas healthcare investors remained the most active in 2014 and were involved in more than

Care Home Owners Can Get Back Thousands Of Pounds Tax-Free From HMRC Due To Mistakes That They Made tax consultant howard givney says that there are thousands of pounds available to owners and operators of care or nursing homes between 1993 and 2002. this is due to a mistake that hMrc made when introducing vat in 1993. for the next 9 years they denied owners and operators of care and nursing home to reclaim vat on purchases costing business thousands of pounds.

In 2002 Kingscrest Associates Ltd and Montecelo Ltd challenged the HMRC and eventually the case wound up in the high court where the Judges found against HMRC. The upshot is that for anyone who either owned or operated a residential home during that period you can expect a tax repayment of about £3,000 for each bed after fees and costs, some claims are more than this.

For a residential care home with 20 beds this means £60,000 extra profit. Larger homes and groups with say 250 beds can expect up to £750,000.

Communication matters - get it right Why is good communication so important?

Well written guidance that is easily understood helps care workers do the best job possible. Clear policies demonstrate your company's ethos and tell staff what behaviours and values you expect. Procedures and instructions that make sense to people minimise the risk of errors.

What happens if you get it wrong?

The Francis Report and other health and care inquiries have identified poor communication as a cause of serious mistakes and low morale. It also makes it harder to improve.

How can you get it right?

Take communication seriously. It should be a priority throughout your organisation. Give communication the time and resources it needs to be really effective.

Expert advice can help. Contact WriteCare for a no-obligation chat about whether your communication is working and how you could make it better.

Call Vicky Burman on 01889 590804 or email vicky@writecare.co.uk.

Visit www.writecare.co.uk for details.

Care Home Management care hoMe ManageMent's Directors Ian Kimberley and Mike Donegan have over 10 years experience in managing care homes with both nursing and residential clients and have applied their skills throughout the country managing homes on behalf of proprietors and have successfully increased the standards of care and the long term financial viability of the businesses.

Care Home Management Limited’s main area of operation is man-

PLEASE MENTION

You don’t have to be VAT registered to make a claim. We can usually find the information required with minimum disruption to your business.

How is this possible? Well in 2002 a care provider called Kingscrest challenged the view held by HM RC and won. There is no cost to you unless we are successful.

Even if you sold the residential care home, you might still be able to claim so a cheque for something that you have already been paid for might be very welcome.

Of course some homes were held by a limited company and sold as part of asset transfer and for those deals the new owner has unknowingly bought a tax claim as well. Imagine buying a residential home for £300,000 and being given a cheque a few weeks later for the purchase price- tax-free!

Tax ideas can help you to become richer, and if it can’t, we won’t charge you. In an age where everyone seems to be after your money before they do something Howard says he has a different offer. He will put the money in your bank account before he gives you his bill.

It really is a no-risk offer.

This scheme puts right the mistakes that the courts said HMRC made when they introduced VAT and gives you a useful amount of money tax free.

To find out more please call Howard on 01233 640985. aging care homes on behalf of proprietors who no longer wish to be involved in the daily running of their business but still wish to retain their capital asset and continue to take an ongoing income from that business.

At the commencement of a new project an in depth budget and business plan is produced by CHM in conjunction with the proprietor and manager. Specific issues of concern are identified and detailed plans are developed which are tailored to improving the business which we introduce and subsequently monitor the progress. Monthly accounts and variance reports are produced and submitted to the proprietor together with a detailed monthly report on the homes performance.

For further details see the advert on this page.

EXISTING OPERATOR FUNDING FROM 1.7% ABOVE BASE New bank funding will allow you to take advantage of:

WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

Claim VAT Back On Your Home Even If You Are Not VAT Registered It's true, care providers can reclaim VAT worth about £3,000 per bed for any residents who stayed in your home between 1993 and 2002 paid for by the local authority.

£1.76 billion of transactions, but domestic investors are returning to the market, contributing over £800 million overall. This was led by institutions such as Legal & General, AXA and M&G as well as specialist investors Assura, Octopus and Target Healthcare REIT. These figures paint a relatively positive picture of investment into UK healthcare, however this only scratches the surface when compared to the wider opportunity that remains for the sector. At CBRE we forecast that an additional £20 billion of domestic and international capital is currently actively seeking investment opportunities in the UK healthcare sector, most of it long-term “patient” money.

More progress must be made to identify and then capitalise on the investment opportunities across the public and independent sectors.

Having experienced years of under-investment across the healthcare sector, the NHS is now creaking under the pressures being placed upon it whilst at the same time, new money is desperately trying to find a home. Harnessing this new wave of investment will be critical to ensuring that it evolves to meet the care needs of the population.

Quite clearly though, lessons of the past need to be learnt about how the public sector can engage with the private sector in a sustainable, long-term manner which fairly benefits both sides of the equation.

Typical claims: 50 beds - £240,000; 40 beds - £170,000; 287 beds - £1.25m.

And the best part is that you get the money in your bank account before you pay us. Don’t forget the tax repayment is free of tax - it is extra profit.

Enquiries: Call Howard on 01233 640985 or email: howard@tax-ideas.co.uk

• Well located purchase opportunities, maybe under preforming or at 2013 values.

• Expansion potential through organic growth of existing homes • Refurbishment or alterations to existing units.

• Buying out partners or paying off vendor loans Repayments can be reduced whilst profits are increased • Interest only periods (one or two years) • Extending the lending period (25 year lending term available) Contact Brent King for a comprehensive search of new purchase opportunities on our Care Home Finder data base.