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Mismanagement of Dementia Costing Health and Social Care System Up To £1 Billion A Year A new report by the International Longevity Centre – UK (ILC-UK) demonstrates that a failure to prevent, diagnose, and treat depression, diabetes and urinary tract infections in people with dementia could be costing the UK’s health and social care system up to nearly £1 billion per year. The report, ‘Dementia and Comorbidities: Ensuring parity of care’, shows that people with dementia are less likely to have cases of depression, diabetes or urinary tract infections diagnosed, and those that do are less likely to receive the same help to manage and treat these comorbidities. This lack of parity can lead to people’s dementia worsening more quickly leading to greater health and social care costs. ILC-UK demonstrate an annual total net loss of up to approximately £994.4 million for just three conditions: • £501.7 million for people with dementia and depression • £377 million for people with dementia and diabetes • £115.7 million for people with dementia and urinary tract infections The report also finds that the failure to prevent, diagnose, and treat comorbidities in people with dementia is leading to this group having a reduced quality of life and an earlier death than people who have the same medical conditions, but do not have dementia. It highlights how: Hospital in-patients with dementia are over three times more likely to die during their first admission to hospital for an acute medical condition than those without dementia. Four of the five most common comorbidities people with dementia are admitted to hospital for in the UK are preventable conditions – a fall, broken/fractured hip or hip replacement, urine infection and chest infection. The ILC-UK identifies six key areas which appear to be leading to the discrepancy in health outcomes for people with dementia and comorbidities: 1. Atypical symptoms. People with dementia often present atypical symptoms which may lead to carers and medical professionals interpreting these problems as worsening dementia and neglecting other conditions as a potential cause. 2. Communication difficulties between medical professionals/carers and people with dementia, and between medical professional themselves, leading to lower standards of care. 3. A failure by the health system to recognise the individual as a whole, instead focussing on the person as a patient with a given diagnosis, leading to the optimisation of care for dementia while the individual continues to deteriorate because of poor management of a comorbid condition or vice versa. 4. A knowledge gap of hospital staff and carers in caring for people with dementia and comorbidities. 5. Poor medication management relating to how people with dementia’s medications are prescribed, monitored, administered and/or dispensed. 6. A lack of support to aid self-management and poor monitoring of comorbidities by health
professionals. The ILC-UK have set out seven recommendations which will help to ensure that parity occurs: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) must update its condition specific guidelines to take into account the needs of a people with dementia in order to ensure this group receive the same level of care as the rest of the population. Care homes should modify the care plans of residents with dementia to include checklists covering the symptoms of common comorbidities (such as UTIs) to help ensure early diagnosis and treatment. Health professionals must involve people with dementia, their carers and families in every decision about their care to improve both the diagnosis and management of comorbidities. Health Education England should consider broadening its tier one dementia awareness training to include how dementia may affect care for both short and long term conditions. Health trusts should develop comprehensive catheter action plans, based around staff education and training, to reduce the incidence of UTIs in people with dementia through unnecessary catheter usage. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) should consider making it mandatory for care homes to undertake annual check-ups for residents with dementia and diabetes where their blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels and vision are monitored. Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) should commission a wide range of psychological therapies at a suitable capacity to ensure that GPs are not reliant on drugs to treat depression in dementia patients. Baroness Sally Greengross, Chief Executive of the ILC-UK said: "It is an absolute scandal that Doctors, nurses and healthcare workers are too often failing to see people living with dementia as more than simply this disease. As such our health system is too often failing to prevent, diagnose, and treat comorbidities among people with dementia. This failure has a devastating impact on quality of life, and results in earlier deaths. A failure to prevent adds avoidable financial pressures to our cash strapped health service." Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Society, said: "The reality for many people with dementia is that they have to contend with other long-term conditions, all of which greatly impact their quality of life. As this report highlights, to view dementia in isolation not only makes poor economic sense, but can cause unnecessary suffering. While initiatives to integrate health and social care services are a step in the right direction, it is clear government plans need to go much further to truly meet the needs of people with dementia and other health conditions. "Alzheimer’s Society is working with the All Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia to better understand the experiences of people living with dementia and other conditions. Our report is due later this month."
PAGE 2
THE CARER
SPRING 2016
VIEWPOINT ACCordIng to the Alzheimer’s Society there are approximately 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia costing the country £26 billion each year. this is the breakdown:
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The overall economic impact of dementia in the UK is £26.3 billion. This works out at an average annual cost of £32,250 per person. This consists of: • £4.3 billion of healthcare costs EDITOR • £10.3 billion of social care of which: • £4.5 billion spent on publically-funded social care • £5.8 billion spent on privately-funded social care • £11.6 billion of unpaid care • £111 million on other dementia costs An absolutely staggering amount, which, according to reports, is set to over double by 2050. The issue of Alzheimer’s is one very close to my heart. My own mother developed signs in the late 80s and died in the early 90s, at a time I have to say when the disease did not have the universal recognition that it has now. Therefore I follow reports regarding Alzheimer’s very closely. I have read one or two new reports recently of a “breakthrough”, and while I think the whole world is holding its breath waiting for a Cure, I really do think the word “breakthrough” should be used with a little more responsibility, “Colour me cynical” but I have been hearing about Alzheimer’s breakthroughs for years, and I find myself watching out for words like is like “appears to” when I read reports of breakthroughs. That is not to say I am not excited when I read the reports, we, as a newspaper try to report as many as possible, however we really have to be more responsible in the reporting of Alzheimer’s, otherwise the general public may become a cynical as me! I did read a very good article by TV personality Fiona Phillips, whose parents both suffered with and died with illness relating to Alzheimer’s disease, she hit out at the “at the ever-increasing glut of misleading headlines claiming a cure is in the pipeline.” She cited a story that I read and took interest in too, it was a story that story claimed scientists had, for the first time, halted brain cell death in mice. Well, it grabbed my attention, and no doubt, the attention of hundreds of thousands of others. My attention was quickly lost when I read that the mice didn’t have Alzheimer’s disease in the first place. There was no guarantee that drugs tested on them could be used in humans. And it caused mild diabetes and weight-loss in the mice. Really is time to act a little more responsibly with the “Cure” stories, and once again would be very interested in any views our readers have on this topic, please feel free to email me or contact us via our website. Would also urge you once again to sign up on our website for our twice-weekly newsletter, easy to do just leave your email address and we will do the rest!
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SPRING 2016
THE CARER
CQC Announces Changes in Regulatory Fees for Providers FoLLowIng A public consultation last year, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has outlined the fees that providers of health and adult social care in england will pay from April 2016 to cover the costs of their regulation. CQC’s regulatory functions are funded both by fees paid by providers and by grant-in-aid from the Department of Health. Government policy requires CQC to increase the fees it has to charge registered providers, so that it can move towards fully recovering the chargeable costs of regulating health and adult social care in England. In its consultation, CQC outlined proposals to achieve full chargeable cost recovery for all of the sectors it regulates over a period of either two or four years. The responses CQC received expressed a strong preference for the four-year option. However, following the Government’s Spending Review, the level of grant-in-aid available to CQC for 2016/17 is such that in order to fulfil its statutory functions, CQC has had to recommend the two-year option to the Secretary of State, except for dental and home care providers. The Secretary of State has consented to these recommendations. The amounts that CQC will charge to providers differ depending on the cost of regulation in each sector and how close they are currently to full cost recovery. Examples of the impact of fee changes on some of the sectors include: • £451 increase for a care home with 26-30 residents • £573 increase for a single-location community social care provider (such as a home care agency) • £58,656 increase for an NHS trust with an income of £125 million to £225 million • £1,849 increase for a single-location GP practice with 5,001-10,000 patients The two sectors furthest from full chargeable cost
recovery are NHS GPs and the community social care sector (such as home care agencies). • Home care agencies will be subject to fee changes on the basis of the four-year trajectory towards full cost recovery. • The Government has recently announced additional funding for GP practices to cover the expense of the required increases to fees in 2016/17. General dental practices will continue to pay the same fees as they have done in 2015/16 for 2016/17 because the full chargeable cost of their regulation has already been recovered. David Behan, Chief Executive of the Care Quality Commission, said: “We understand that the scheme that has been put forward is not the one the majority of those who took part in our consultation would have preferred. “In order to achieve our requirement to the Government and commitment to the taxpayer, we need to work towards reaching full cost recovery while reducing our overall budget by at least £32 million. “In May, CQC will publish its strategy for 2016-21, which will set out how we will be an efficient and effective regulator with fewer resources. It is important that while we make efficiency savings, we can continue to carry out our role effectively. Over the next five years we want to develop our approach so that providers of services get more value from the work that we do, by sharing data about the quality of services and highlighting good practice. “The fee paid by providers is the charge for entering and remaining in a regulated sector. The public deserves nothing less than safe, high-quality and compassionate health and adult social care, and we must continue to act in their best interests.” CQC will publish a calculator on its website to help providers work out their exact fees for 2016/17, alongside detailed fees guidance.
‘Much Loved’ Care Home Worker Celebrates 25 Years Of Loyal Service StAFF And residents at a Hampshire care home have celebrated 25 years of loyal service by a much-loved and respected team member. Healthcare assistant Heather Annear was presented with gifts, flowers, champagne and a celebratory cake after notching up a quarter of a century at Colten Care’s Court Lodge in Lymington. The popular mother of two joined the team in Court Close when Lymington-based Colten Care operated just three homes, two in Lymington and one in Brockenhurst. This month (April) saw the family owned company open its 20th home, Wellington Grange in Chichester, West Sussex. Heather, who joined Court Lodge as a healthcare assistant on night duty, said: “I love
working at the home and couldn’t wish to be with a nicer group of people. The last 25 years have passed in a flash. “Court Lodge is just like a family home. It’s a very special place and I can’t imagine working anywhere else.” Heather, 57, lives in Lymington and is also a grandmother. Her one-year-old grand-daughter, Esme, was among the guests at her long service party. Jackie Seeborun, Court Lodge’s Home Manager, said: “Heather is much-loved and respected, not just by her fellow staff but also our residents. “She is very hard-working and caring and is highly regarded by everyone. I’m very proud to have her as part of the team at Court Lodge.”
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PAGE 3
PAGE 4
THE CARER
SPRING 2016
Producer Releases Book About Hidden Cameras in Care Homes A doCUmentAry producer has released a book about hidden surveillance cameras following his involvement with several documentaries exposing mistreatment in care homes for the BBC’s Panorama show. Joe Plomin has been involved with five major investigations for BBC’s Panorama, including the episode Undercover Care, highlighted the extent of abuse to residents at Winderbourne View care home in 2011. Following public concerns expressed after these documentaries were broadcast more families are considering the use of hidden cameras to film what is happening to their relatives in care, encouraging Mr Plomin to start working on his book that takes a scientific
look at the latest legislation, technology and moral issues raised by secret surveillance. In an article for The Guardian, Mr Plomin explains: “At the BBC, we do not encourage people to do their own covert filming, but it is happening more and more often, driven by the kinds of concerns in those emails I received. For this reason, I have written a book, Hidden Cameras, that explores the issues raised by covert filming for journalistic and other reasons, and to try to support those who have no other choice and who have exhausted other avenues for complaint.” The book also examines the growing number of care homes that are installing their own surveillance cameras, and his book addresses the issues these businesses face.
Patients Association Proposes Independent Commission on the Future Funding tHe PAtIentS Association has announced a proposal to establish an Independent Commission on Funding of the nHS and Social Care. the news comes alongside the launch of a new film by the Patients Association which highlights the present crisis faced by patients. The film calls for a new Million Pound Fund to finance The Patients Association’s vital helpline activities to support patients. The video features families who have been helped by the charity, alongside Patients Association President, Sir Robert Francis QC (author of the report on the Mid Staffordshire Hospital); and Vice-Presidents Dame Esther Rantzen DBE; Angela Rippon OBE; Dr Phil Hammond; and comedienne Jo Brand. The Patients Association film can be viewed online at www.patients-association.com. The Commission plans to examine the current and future needs of the NHS and Social Care in all aspects, and will assess funding and mechanisms for providing the resources required for a sustainable service for patients. It will start from the principle of free treatment at the point of care and will consider how much we need to spend as a society, as well as possible sources of additional funding including tax, national insurance contributions and ring-fenced funding. The Patients Association Chief Executive, Katherine Murphy, said: “The crisis in the NHS is growing by the day, with no sign of resolution. Calls to the Patients Association’s national Blue
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helpline have soared in the last 6 months, with patients and their families growing more anxious about errors and the poor care they have received. A financial deficit of nearly £3 billion for Trusts in England is devastating and means that local managers and clinicians are facing a meltdown in their organisations” In the wake of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)’s latest report and other recent damning findings on the state of the NHS, Chris Hix, Chair of the Patients Association, said: “It is clear that substantial proportions of the additional monies announced by the Government to support the NHS are simply being used to address existing deficits. That is why we are proposing the establishment of our new Independent Commission on funding of the NHS and Social Care. It would report as quickly as possible and we will be looking to announce its membership and terms of reference in due course.” In addition to the establishment of a Commission, as a national charity the Patients Association is calling for an extra £1 million from donors to fund the expansion of its helpline, casework and support services to meet the exploding demand from patients and their families. Katherine Murphy continued: “The evidence of poor treatment, mistakes, and inadequate communication grows by the day. Our overall helpline activity has increased significantly over the last 6 months, as has the complexity of the cases that we see. The consequences of massive pressure on GPs, hospital doctors and nurses, and on the complaints system are highlighted in our new film. “In addition, the current NHS complaints system is not fit for purpose and the national bodies tasked with receiving the most serious evidence of such complaints are collapsing. The need for the Patients Association to help families, carers and the public has never been clearer.”
Nurturing Wellness and Wellbeing in Your Care Home ProvIdIng FUn and engaging activities that meet the ability of residents, from the very active to those with reduced mobility, is a key focus for care homes. whilst maintaining the wellness and wellbeing of care home residents, beyond their immediate and long-term medical needs can be a challenge, with themed movie sessions and inspirational documentaries, Sky tv can bring your residents together, stimulate their senses and enhance their wellbeing. It is also important in a home-from-home environment to ensure that residents feel at home. Sky TV has been a regular in people’s homes for 25 years, and within the over 65s age group, Sky Sports, Sky News and Sky 1 all feature in the top ten channels, including terrestrial TV. Care home residents are therefore accustomed to the range of entertainment, sports and movies provided by Sky. Quality television can be used in innovative ways by care home staff to engage residents and create immersive, sensory experiences and facilitate group discussion and activity. These activities can stimulate residents physically, mentally and emotionally.
From the latest Premier League football match to classic movies such as Roman Holiday, Sky’s entertainment packages have content to entertain all residents and can be a useful tool to bring people together, spark conversation and strengthen relationships in the care home environment. As a result it increases the wellbeing of everyone in the home, from residents to staff and beyond. Top quality entertainment has always had the power to unite people and to form friendships around shared passions. Creating shared experiences can therefore not only help residents to overcome any isolation and reduce the risks of loneliness experienced by many older people. Sky’s packages for care homes provide access to channels in communal areas and residents’ own rooms as well as WiFi services delivered via The Cloud. The functionality offered by the provision of WiFi ensures residents have easy access to the internet, and can also access it via a range of devices including tablets and smartphones. To find out more about how Sky can help your care home, contact James Tweddle, Sales Director at Sky Business. james.tweddle@sky.uk www.business.sky.com See the advert on page 13 for further details.
SPRING 2016
THE CARER
PAGE 5
Over 60% of Adults Worried About Who Will Care For Them in Old Age more tHAn two-thirds (67%) of British adults agree that they are worried about who will care for them when they’re older. that’s according to new polling for Independent Age, the older people’s charity, conducted by Comres1. The polling reveals that concern is highest amongst those approaching retirement, with 69% of 55-64 year olds agreeing with the statement ‘I am worried about who will care for me when I’m older’. But even ‘millennials’ are concerned, with 59% of 18-24 year olds agreeing with the statement. The results reveal that two-thirds (66%) of British adults are not confident that the UK Government will ‘protect funding for care services for elderly and disabled people over the next ten years’. And this concern spans the political divide, with 51% of Conservative supporters, 72% of Labour supporters, 77% of Lib Dem supporters and 74% of UKIP supporters not confident that the UK Government will protect funding for care services. Janet Morrison, Chief Executive of Independent Age, said: “Older people know all too well the consequences of failure to invest in our health and social care systems. Tens of thousands of frail and elderly people are strug-
gling by without support. And our health system keeps too many older people in hospital, unable to leave because care isn’t available for them in the community. “But this polling clearly shows that working age adults, including younger generations, are also worried about who will care for them when they are older and do not have confidence that social care will be protected from cuts. “It is time for politicians of all parties to come together to secure the future of these vital services, for older people now and in the future. That is why we support a cross-party, independent commission on the future of health and social care.” The findings come amid growing pressures on health and social care. Almost a quarter of the population will be over the age of 65 in twenty years’ time2. The Kings Fund recently announced they expect NHS Trusts to be £2.3 billion in deficit by the end of this year3. Meanwhile, social care budgets have been reduced by £4.6 billion since 2009-20104. And while 400,000 fewer people received social care support in 2013/14 compared to five years earlier5, more than half a million hospital bed days were lost in 2015 because of ‘delayed transfers of care’ (otherwise healthy patients stuck in hospital beds) because social care support was not in place.
Growing Support Gardening Challenge Competition growIng SUPPort is delighted to launch the first ever growing Support gardening Challenge in partnership with Care Home open day on June 17th 2016. The aim of the Growing Support Gardening Challenge is to create lively hubs of community activity in thousands of care home gardens across the UK and care home residents can scoop great prizes by getting their green fingers working! The theme for this year’s Care Home Open Day is “Celebration”. In line with this, care homes will be able to enter the Gardening Challenge competition under one of four categories: “Celebrating Community”, “Celebrating Age”, “Celebrating Success” and “Celebrating the Queen’s Birthday”. All entrants have to do is register to take part in Care Home Open Day and submit a short description and photo of how residents have celebrated the day by being active out in the garden. Growing Support have provided
practical tips and suggestions for activities on their website. Prizes include plants, tools and services worth more than £100! Victoria Hill, Director of Growing Support, says: “It is well known that spending time outdoors, being active and connecting with nature is good for us. Residents don’t need to be an expert or have a big garden to enjoy the benefits of gardening. Simple activities such as growing herbs on a sunny windowsill or sweet peas for the patio can help relieve stress and depression and develop a sense of achievement.” Victoria continued: “We hope that the Growing Support Gardening Challenge will encourage more care home residents than ever before to get out and get gardening and we are delighted to be linking up with care homes taking part in Care Home Open Day 2016.” For more information on how to enter, ideas and resources contact gardeningchallenge@growingsupport.co.uk or visit www.growingsupport.co.uk
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PAGE 6
THE CARER
SPRING 2016
Swine Flu Outbreaks Put the Spotlight on Hand Hygiene A nUmBer of recent swine flu outbreaks within healthcare premises shows us that, as much as it pains us to admit it, the threat of healthcare acquired infections (HCAIs) is very real. Such incidents must always serve as a reminder that we can never be too careful in applying basic healthcare hygiene procedures. That is of course not to say that healthcare establishments are being negligible, but something as seemingly minor as a single sneeze can have significant ramifications. Let us not forget that the swine flu pandemic of 2009 killed 142 people in England – it is a deadly serious issue. As such, any time a viral outbreak happens, we should all re-evaluate how it could have been prevented. Where the Problem Lies Swine flu is one of several strains of flu which are now considered to be seasonal flu. The official name for swine flu is Influenza A virus H1N1. Fundamentally, it is a strain of the common flu virus many of us will have experienced in the winter months, but it is considerably more difficult to predict any complications that might result. In environments as sensitive as hospitals, where patients are often battling conditions that weaken their immune systems, extra care must be taken. Predominantly an airborne virus, it is generally spread through coughing and sneezing, but can also be contracted by touching a surface with flu viruses on it and then touching the mouth or nose. It has been well docu-
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mented that frequently washing our hands or using alcohol-based hand sanitisers can contribute towards exceptional standards of hygiene in sensitive environments such as hospital wards. That is why a greater emphasis must be placed on communicating this importance to all hospital staff and visitors. Make Hands Matter Healthcare employers should be continuously active in promoting hand hygiene in the medical workplace, and it is not just restricted to hospitals. Clinics, surgeries, rehabilitation centres, and care homes – it is a message that applies across the whole healthcare sector. In practical terms, hand sanitiser dispensers should be located at all entry points to the buildings, and should be positioned so that they are obvious to all employees and visitors that arrive – thus encouraging their use. Likewise, dispensers should be prominent across the whole facility, such as on the entry to wards and at the point of care (such as in consultancy rooms). Beyond this, clear advice should be given to employees on a regular basis, constantly reiterating why they must actively clean their hands. Employees should be clear on what they should do should they experience flu like symptoms, and the precautions they should take should they live with somebody who is suffering from influenza – be it their children, family members or housemates. Regular communication of the issue has a great effect on people. If the importance of hand hygiene is stressed often enough – and the facilities are in place to allow people to take action – then they will naturally be more proactive in frequently cleaning their hands. It will become embedded in their subconscious, and as a result, the risk of patients contracting an illness whilst on-premises will sharply decrease. Quite simply, hand hygiene is the most important measure to protect vulnerable patients from contracting potentially deadly healthcare acquired infections. It is something we cannot afford to forget. Without being overdramatic, lives are stake – so let’s make hands matter. by Paul Jakeway, Marketing Director, DEB
New Report Highlights Need for Medicines Training in Care Homes A new report from the Patients Association called ‘Survey of medicines related care of residents with dysphagia in care homes’ has found as many as 50% of residents are affected by swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), which can make tablets difficult or even impossible to swallow. despite the number of people affected, only 10% of the homes surveyed had a specific protocol to guide staff in administering medication to people with dysphagia and only 20% had arranged training in this area.
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Katherine Murphy, Chief Executive of the Patients Association said: ‘The survey found that swallowing difficulties were a significant issue. A resident’s ability to swallow should be assessed on admission and observed on a regular basis, as the ability to swallow may deteriorate. Better training is needed for staff so they are able to provide more effective care to people in care homes who are affected in this way.’ The Report can be downloaded at: www.patients-association.org.uk/ wp-content/uploads/2016/01/ rosemont-dysphagia-report-final.pdf
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SPRING 2016
THE CARER
Budget Cuts and Lack of Cooperation Make Care Act ‘Less Effective’ Legal Experts Examine Success of ‘Biggest Change To Adult Social Care In 20 Years’ A yeAr after it was introduced, public law specialists at Irwin mitchell have said that budget cuts and a lack of compliance from local authorities are making the Care Act less effective than hoped. When it was brought in last April, the Care Act 2014 was billed as the biggest change to adult social care for more than 20 years, which aimed to give disabled adults and their carers a greater understanding of their rights. The new legislation consolidated all existing laws relating to adult social care and introduced new duties, aimed at providing better support for disabled adults and carers. The key changes included: • New rights for carers – for the first time, carers of disabled adults were given equal rights in law to those they care for. Carers are now entitled to an assessment of their needs based purely upon the ‘appearance’ of need. If “eligible” needs are identified by reference to new national eligibility criteria, councils have a legal duty to meet those needs and provide support to the carer. A support plan and personal budget should be provided, depending on any financial contribution that may be required from the carer. • The introduction of a wellbeing principle and other key duties – these duties underpin any decision made by a local authority and require councils to promote a person’s wellbeing in any decision being made about their care and support. Councils are also required to promote the effective operation of a marketplace in care services in their local area, and to ensure that there is consideration of how the needs of disabled adults and their carers can be reduced or delayed, rather than simply meeting current eligible needs. • The introduction of the national eligibility criteria – this criteria replaced the previous eligibility system where eligibility could vary from council to council. Under the Care Act, if a person has a care assessment and their needs meet the new eligibility criteria, regardless of where they live then their needs should be met and a care and support plan should be produced. But Caroline Barrett from Irwin Mitchell’s Public Law team, who specialises in representing disabled people and their loved ones in relation to health and social care issues, said that it is still unclear whether the Care Act has succeeded in offering better support to the most vulnerable members of society and those looking after them. Research carried out by the law firm six months after the Act passed found that out of those surveyed, 92% of people involved in social work said the Care Act was a good piece of legislation. However there was also an overwhelming number of people who cited a lack of funding as their single biggest concern about social care. The survey also worryingly revealed that over half of social care workers surveyed (54%) admitted they were not aware of new rights brought in by the Care Act. Recent research by the Care and Support Alliance (CSA), which represents more than 75 charities, warned
cuts are reducing local authorities’ ability to meet their statutory duties. Their analysis of savings plans from 15 councils revealed proposals to cut staff, freeze recruitment and reduce assessments in 2016-17, leaving a potential for them to fall foul of the new Act’s requirements. “Local authorities are severely cash-strapped and over the last year we have seen evidence in our cases that many of them are not promoting a marketplace in care services by commissioning enough providers. “We suspect this is mainly due to financial constraints. There has not yet been a case go through the courts looking at the extent of local authorities’ duties in this area, but this would help provide clarity on what local authorities are required to do in these difficult financial times,” said Caroline Barrett. “Massive budgetary cuts are possibly the biggest obstacle hampering the Act’s success. This year many local authorities have made cuts to the funding for adult social care so the question is, how can the Care Act duties be enforced when there may not be enough money in the system? “The duties of local authorities under the Care Act are not optional and they must comply with them but with cuts to the amount of provision on offer in many areas, councils could run the risk of being challenged in the courts. “We are particularly concerned that despite the strong wording in the Act, insufficient focus is being placed upon the wellbeing of disabled adults and their carers. We are yet to see a case go through the courts which examines the extent of this duty, or how much reliance can be placed upon it in obtaining better and more person centred care, but such a case would help to clarify the law in this area.” “Financial changes such as the cap on care costs are now not coming in until 2020 but in the meantime, we have also seen concerns being raised about the impact of the Care Act charging regulations which allow higher rate Disability Living Allowance (care component) to be taken into account by local authorities. This appears to be having an impact upon severely disabled people, who may now have to pay more towards their care. It would be very disappointing if the Care Act had the outcome of making severely disabled people worse off than before. “The good news is that since the Care Act came into force a year ago, we have seen positive feedback from carers which indicates they are enjoying better access to more assessments and support. So while there is more work to be done to ensure the Act lives up to its full potential, it shows a step in the right direction.” More information on the Care Act 2014 can be found online at www.irwinmitchell.com/personal/protectingyour-rights/social-healthcare-law/the-care-act
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PAGE 8
THE CARER
Omnicell, The World’s Leading Manufacturer of Automated Supplies and Medicines Management Solutions, Comments On the Lord Carter Report Findings to Help Drive Cost Efficiences and Savings Within the NHS
PAUL o’HAnLon, managing director for omnicell UK & Ireland comments; At Omnicell, we welcome the Lord Carter report and the introduction of the Adjusted Treatment Index (ATI) to drive efficiency and cost savings across the NHS healthcare system. This will ensure greater consistency of care, regardless of which Trust provides it, and ultimately transform the way services are delivered to patients. The interim report highlighted 2012/13 expenditure on hospital medicines was a staggering £6.5bn – an 11% increase over the previous year. 1 Lord Carter believed there were greater savings to be had by managing the demand for products through better inventory management rather than price reductions and that a target of £500m – 1bn savings on the £9bn procurement spend was realistic. Without doubt some of this fiscal increase can be attributed to an aging population and advances in treatments. However, cost savings and efficiencies as highlighted by this report need be made to ensure a real and sustainable future for our NHS. Hospitals hold many weeks or even months of supplies and medication stock and a lack of automated systems for managing the distribution of this throughout hospitals contributes to increased costs, inefficiencies, and risk to patients. In addition, outdated manual counting, reordering and searching for drug cupboard keys consume vast amounts of valuable clinicians’ time. Most importantly, the lack of control, accountability or traceability at the point-of-use puts patients’ lives at risk due to medication errors or availability of stock. We are pleased to see the report highlight the need for a greater use of technology such as electronic systems to automate ordering, storage and tracking of medicines and supplies. By using technology in this way, hospitals can access an accurate breakdown of
treatment costs at patient level and free up clinicians’ time so it can be redirected back into face to face patient care. Our partnership with NHS Trusts across the country has enabled us to see first-hand the results medication and supplies management technology can bring. Omnicell has successfully automated many aspects of drug and supplies management in 100 UK hospitals with the installation of automated dispensing cabinets and robotic dispensing systems. One example is our work with Guy’s and St Thomas’ in London - a hospital Lord Carter recently visited to see for himself how changes in supplies and medication management have benefited the Trust and its patients. The Trust initially installed over 100 Omnicell automated dispensing cabinet system across wards, theatres and the A&E department. The Trust now has over 300 Omnicell systems across 3 hospitals, which is the largest implementation of its kind in Europe. Through this installation they identified millions of pounds of excess stock, as well as over 10% reduction in spend. In addition, the average transaction time for accessing medications and supplies has been reduced and new automated processes have released thousands of hours of clinical time which can now be spent on patient care. Stock is secure and benefits from an automated reordering system, together with an interface that feeds patients names from the patient administration system right through to the cabinet. The Omnicell system is also integrated with the hospital Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration (EPMA) system, further improving efficiency and patient safety We recognise that there is a long-way to go but here at Omnicell we look forward to working with more Trusts to drive-up efficiency through innovative technological solutions. In a day and age where we use technology in nearly everything we do isn’t it time we started to embrace technology in the same way across the NHS? For further information, visit www.omnicell.co.uk
SPRING 2016
Strip Of Paper Helps Fight Against Malnutrition in Older People HeALtH And social care staff can help the fight against malnutrition in older people just by using a simple strip of paper. Health and social care professionals in Salford, Greater Manchester, have created a simple and effective signposting tool that can spot the early signs of malnutrition to help prevent unnecessary hospital admissions. The PaperWeight Armband, which is a strip of paper, works by measuring the circumference of a person’s bare upper arm. If it can slide up and down the arm easily, and measures less than 23.5cm, it is likely that Body Mass Index (BMI) is less than 20 kg/m2, which indicates a high risk of malnutrition. Once a risk is identified, support and advice can be given, and the early intervention reduces the chances of being admitted to hospital. Kirstine Farrer, consultant dietitian at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Malnutrition is a major cause and consequence of poor health and older people are particularly vulnerable. “It is a condition that frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated, and it can lead to more hospital admissions and re-admissions, longer hospital stays and greater healthcare needs, which means the cost of malnutrition can spiral out of control. She continued “So what we have done is gone back to basics to help improve diagnosis. Rather than rely on a BMI chart and scales we have stripped it back to another level. It is a simple strip of paper that is an effective, nonmedical, non-intrusive tool that can also help cut costs associated with treating the condition. We want this to be a tool that is used by care home staff, nurses in the community, and other social care providers across the country, which will make their working lives easier and ultimately help save lives of elderly patients.” NHS England Guidance – Commissioning Excellent Nutrition and Hydration states that malnutrition affects more than three million people at any one time. Around 1
in 3 patients admitted to acute care will be malnourished or at risk of becoming so, and 35 percent of individuals admitted to care homes will also be affected. In addition, 93 percent of those at risk of, or suffering, from malnutrition will be living in the community. Last year, it was revealed the number of hospital admissions due to malnutrition had shot up by more than a third in the last five years across Greater Manchester – with similar problems across the whole of the UK. Elderly people were the most vulnerable to the condition with the greatest number of admissions in the over sixties for men and the over fifties for women. The cost for disease-related malnutrition for health and social care expenditure is more than £13 billion according to BAPEN, a charitable association that raises awareness of malnutrition, but improving the identification and treatment of malnutrition is estimated to have the third highest potential to deliver cost savings to the NHS. Support workers at Age UK Salford have piloted the PaperWeight Armband on home visits along with advice on how to stay healthy with a supporting nutrition booklet, and the results showed that service users gained weight, made improvements to their diet and enjoyed eating again. Chief executive of Age UK Salford, Dave Haynes, said: “There has never been a more urgent need for health care providers and commissioners to act and address the problem of malnutrition. Needless suffering, neglect and inconsistent standards of dignity are unacceptable. Malnutrition is a major cause and consequence of poor health and older people are particularly vulnerable, and Age UK Salford is pleased to be pioneering a new way of helping fight malnutrition with the PaperWeight Armband and we want to work with other social care professionals to improve the lives of older people across the country.” More than 3,000 armbands have already been handed out in the borough and now the PaperWeight Armband is set to be rolled out across the country, with interest from other healthcare providers.
Snug Positioning Pillows - Improving Wellbeing of Vulnerable Patients CArIng For different health needs, whilst keeping patients safe and comfortable are the priorities of doctors, nurses and carers. Safety, comfort and a stimulating environment speed up recoveries, enhance convalescence and contribute to greater quality of life during illness. Snug Positioning Pillows are uniquely shaped cushions that secure patients’ stable and comfortable positioning in beds and armchairs. Designed to improve lives of chronically ill, frail and disabled with little strength and compromised mobility, Snug Positioning Pillows redistribute external pressure on patients’ body, helping to prevent pressure related bed sores, painful ulcerations and skin breakdowns. Furthermore, Snug Positioning Pillows enhance interaction and improve communication
between patients and their carers, helping the carers to address patients’ needs more effectively. Designed for adults and children and perfect for hospitals, care homes and home care, Snug Positioning Pillows help people in a coma, victims of apallic syndrome, dementia sufferers, visually impaired and immobile people, hemiplegics, people at risk of pressure ulcers, frail elderly, terminally ill and more. Comfortable, practical, durable, washable, flame retardant and made in several designs for different patients’ needs, Snug Positioning Pillows improve standards of care, thus greatly improving lives and wellbeing of the most vulnerable adults and children. Supplied by Win Health Medical Ltd. Call 01835 864866 or visit the website at www.win-health.com
SPRING 2016
THE CARER
PAGE 9
Volunteers in Care Homes Create ‘Profound Positive Impact’ BrIngIng voLUnteer members of the public care into homes can have a profound positive impact on residents’ wellbeing, according to new analysis of a pilot project that linked care homes with local volunteer centres. The three-year project, run by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and funded by the Department of Health, piloted bringing volunteers into care homes in five separate clinical commissioning group areas. Local volunteer centres recruited, trained and placed volunteers in care homes. Volunteers undertook befriending or activity-based roles, engaging residents in activities such as arts and crafts. Over 250 volunteers contributed nearly 10,000 hours of volunteering time. Analysis by NCVO’s Institute for Volunteering Research found positive outcomes for residents, staff and volunteers. 89% of staff and 75% of volunteers thought the involvement of volunteers had contributed positively to their care
home. However, researchers also found that due to pressures including a lack of staff time, many care homes struggled with volunteer management, leaving some volunteers feeling unsupported. Other findings include: • Staff, including care home managers, reported positive impacts on: satisfaction with their job (68%), retention (61%), stress levels (71%) and feelings of job security (54%). • Just under half of staff (46%) felt the project had a major positive impact on their organisation’s ability to achieve a high CQC rating. • Volunteers said they enjoyed the volunteering, and benefited from the personal satisfaction of seeing the difference they were making. • Interviews with residents and relatives revealed positive impacts especially from befriending relationships. There are around 17,000 care homes in England, run by a diverse range of organisations from large commercial groups to small family businesses along-
Care Home Resident Starts 412 Mile Cycling Challenge 63 yeAr-oLd rhoda gourlay, who has cerebral palsy and is registered blind, was joined by friends and care home staff on monday 14th march as she began her 412 mile cycling challenge for charity. Rhoda has challenged herself to cycle the total distance from Edinburgh to Buckingham Palace (412 miles) to raise money for a charity helping older people and other adults with a disability.
She will complete the gruelling journey by cycling a bit each day on a cycling machine at Drummond Grange Care Home, where she lives. At the time of writing, Rhoda had cycled 21 miles so far. The cycle will raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, a charity that helps older people and other adults with a disability across England, Scotland and Wales by offering grants of up to £5,000. Anyone who wishes to can sponsor Rhoda online at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RhodaGourlay
Austin 7 Dream Comes True for Care UK Resident 89 yeAr-old mills meadow care home resident Liz Austin’s dreams came true on Sunday 10 April, as she took her first ride in a classic Austin Seven car. the Care UK team arranged a special visit from the norfolk Austin Seven Club, who drove a fleet of 10 cars dating from the 1920s and 1930s to the home for all residents to enjoy. Liz, who has lived at Mills Meadow since 2011, enjoys keeping active and trying new things. She said: “They’re such beautiful classic cars that remind me of when I was younger and I’m so pleased I got to ride in one. It’s never too late to
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try something new!” Charlotte Golder, lifestyle coordinator at Mills Meadow, said: “It’s a wonderful feeling to make residents’ dreams come true and to go the extra mile to create new memories and special experiences. A big thank you to the Norfolk Austin Seven Club for coming along and making today possible.” The Austin Seven visit was part of Mills Meadow’s activity based care approach, which supports residents to live meaningful and fulfilled lives. Residents are encouraged to keep active and get the most out of each day, as it helps to improve self-confidence and maintain independence for longer. edge and experience in servicing and repairing products from leading Manufacturers of Specialist Bathing and Lifting equipment such as Chiltern Invadex, Arjo, Huntleigh, BHM, Invacare, Reval, Oxford, Sunrise Medical and Parker Baths. With access to several manufacturers’, we are able to advise & recommend equipment most suitable to the individual needs for both the resident & carer! We are also able to source both new & refurbished equipment such as baths, hoists, beds, wheelchairs and other equipment associated with special needs with warranties at competitive prices. For further information call 01386 765877, email: info@servicesforthelessable.co.uk or visit www.servicesforthelessable.co.uk
side statutory providers and charitable organisations. The sector is widely considered to be facing a range of significant pressures. There is consensus that care must become more holistic and ‘person-centred’, while at the same time many homes face severe financial pressures as well as staff shortages. The project has developed a new toolkit for volunteer management in care homes, based on learning from the project sites. Nick Ockenden, head of research at NCVO, said: ‘With pressure on care services and the public purse, we all need to think creatively about involving volunteers in health and social care. ‘As care home staff are frequently stretched, volunteers can make a real difference, particularly in social and emotional wellbeing. Indeed there may be scope for the CQC to explicitly recognise the value of volunteering in their assessments. ‘It’s clear that volunteers, residents and care homes all gained from these partnerships. The challenge now will be taking the learning forward to ensure that homes around the country can benefit.
SPRING 2016
THE CARER
ADASS Highlights Inadequate Social Care Funding AS new figures highlight continued pressure on hospital beds and social care, the Association of directors of Adult Social Services (AdASS) and Care england are calling on the Chancellor to fund adult health and social care properly to provide the best care for elderly and disabled people, and to bring forward £700 million promised funding in next week’s budget. Figures released by NHS England on Delayed Transfers of Care show that more people were confined to hospital beds, despite being medically fit enough to leave, than at almost any other time on record. More of these than ever before – 32.3 per cent – were due solely to unprecedented pressures on the adult social care system. However, figures from ResPublica show that where delayed discharge patients will cost the NHS £3.3 billion over the next five years, it would cost just £835 million to look after them in an appropriate residential care setting. The United Kingdom Homecare Association Limited found that the money the NHS currently spends on delayed discharge patients would fund 14,900 hours of homecare per day. Adequately funding social care would therefore not only make sure people could go home or into a care home when they were ready, but free up severely stretched NHS funds to spend on vital acute care. ADASS President, Ray James, said: “People deserve to receive the care and support they need in the right place and at the right time. Sometimes
that will be in hospital, but when people are well enough to leave, we need to have good care available to get people home safely. “More people are now living longer, with increasingly complex needs, while adult social care budgets have been cut by £4.6 billion in the last five years. There can be no getting away from the simple truth that the demand for and cost of providing social care significantly exceeds the money being made available by government. “The Government has promised more money but it is too little and too late. Unless the Government addresses the chronic underfunding of adult social care – and quickly – many services will be at significant risk over the next couple of years, with worrying consequences not only for the NHS, but most of all for older and disabled people, their families and carers. While by no means a complete solution, bringing forward the new funding currently planned for the end of this parliament would go some way to alleviating this immediate pressure.” Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, said: "Independent care providers have capacity now to support quality care for people on discharge from hospital. It makes no sense for people to be kept waiting in hospital, which is not good for their wellbeing or cost effective for the health system. Let’s put the necessary funding into social care, where it can be best used to meet the needs of people in our communities immediately and address this constantly rising number of delayed transfers."
NACC Names the National Finalists for Care Cook of the Year tHe nAtIonAL Association of Care Catering (nACC) has named the 12 talented chefs that are to compete for the title in the national final of the nACC Care Cook of the year 2016 competition. Each finalist showcased their exceptional knowledge, talent and flair in the specific field of care catering throughout the regional heats to impress the judges and secure their place in the final line up. They will compete for the coveted title of NACC Care Cook of the Year 2016 on Wednesday 8 June at Barking & Dagenham College’s Technical Skills Academy. The 2016 NACC Care Cook of the Year National Finalists are: Scottish Region: • John Grover – Ivybank House Care Home, Polmont, Falkirk • Stuart Middleton – Meallmore Lodge, Daviot, Inverness Northern Region: • Ryan Blake – Sunrise of Mobberley, Knutsford • Julian Gabrielli – Sunrise of Hale Barns, Altrincham Midlands Region: • Martin McKee – The Hawthorns, Aldridge • Peter McGregor – Perry Manor Care Home, Worcester Welsh Region: • Kevin Beebe – Y Plas Care Home, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire • Simon Harris – Claremont Court Nursing Home, Newport South West Region: • Anthony Proffitt – Kimberley Court Care Home, Newquay • Christopher McDonald – The Check House Nursing Home, Seaton South East Region: • Alan Cash – Mildenhall Lodge, Mildenhall, Suffolk
• Alex Morte – Coombe Hill Manor, Kingston-upon-Thames Neel Radia, national chair, NACC, comments: “Catering within the care sector requires specialised and crucial knowledge and skills. Catering for the elderly and vulnerable comes with specific challenges, including the risk of malnutrition and the impact of reduced appetites and eating difficulties caused by conditions such as dementia and dysphagia. “Care caterers across the UK do an incredible job in overcoming these challenges, creating exciting and appealing meals to ensure the nutritional wellbeing of those entrusted to their care. The NACC Care Cook of the Year competition gives us a fantastic platform to celebrate and champion the talented and dedicated chefs in our sector. I congratulate all of our finalists. The regional heats were exhilarating and have set the bar for what is sure to be a phenomenal national final. I wish everyone the very best of luck.” The NACC Care Cook of the Year competition seeks out the best care cook in the UK by challenging entrants to create a nutritionally-balanced, two-course menu (main and dessert) that is suitable for service users in a care setting. The combined food cost for both courses must be no more that £1.50 per head based on four portions and it is to be produced in just 90 minutes. As well as the esteemed title of NACC Care Cook of the Year 2016, the overall winner will claim a superb prize package and trophy. For more information on the NACC Care Cook of the Year 2016 competition visit www.thenacc.co.uk
We are now reading news reports nearly every day of children and adults choking to death. The new LifeVac can change this. LifeVac is new single suction anti choking device. As the LifeVac has a one way patented valve, when applied it only sucks up and does not push air down when pulled therefore LifeVac creates three times more pressure than the abdominal thrust and chest compressions as trained in First Aid. In all testing LifeVac has dislodged obstruction of the airway 99.9% of the time in one use (reports available). Plus has no risk to the casualty. LifeVac is ideal for disabled people that cannot receive traditional choking treatment. LifeVac is FDA approved, MHRA approved as a class one medical device, Canadian Health Service approved and CE accredited. The device has undergone various clinical tests. If you wish to see more details of independent testing and information (which is required for FDA registration and MHRA approval and CE accreditation) please let me know. LifeVac has been purchased by Exemplar Health Care plus many more establishments in the UK such as in schools, restaurants, care homes, pharmacies and in the home.
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THE CARER
SPRING 2016
National Care Association Fighting Spirit at Local Care Home Hits Out at CQC Increases nAtIonAL CAre Association have hit out and expressed deep disappointment, , although says they are “not surprised” by the Care Quality Commissions’ announcement on fees. the regulator has once again they say “used its powers to inflict maximum discomfort to social care providers by ignoring the responses they received about the fees paid to them.” Despite the fact that the responses ‘expressed a strong preference’ for a four year strategy, CQC has decided to opt for the two year option citing the CSR as their reason, rather than work within a tighter financial envelope like everyone else. The fact that they have decided to wait to the 11th hour to let providers know demonstrates their total lack of understanding or judgement when it comes to social care provision at this moment in time; sadly this is not the first time they have done this. National Care Association highlighted the fact that it has always supported the need for an independent inspectorate and so are accepting of the fact that fees would be attached to the service, however clearly the role of the regulator is in the interest of the public and as such should draw some financial support from the public
purse, especially when the care providers are facing an uncertain future in the light of the implementation of the National Living Wage, which they have been planning for. It is difficult to understand why CQC leave it to the very last minute to announce these increases which we assume will be implemented within days. Nadra Ahmed OBE, Chairman of National Care Association said: ‘Our members have been eagerly awaiting this announcement hoping that their comments in the consultation would have been heeded, but once again we remain disappointed that the CQC has pursued its own agenda. Rewarding the Regulator with such substantial increases flies in the face of outcome based results. This is an organisation which has not met its targets and has continued to fail providers who are awaiting re-inspection following one of their visits: a delay which has serious consequences for providers, despite the fact they will have rectified any failings they continue to be penalised by commissioners because of an out of date report! We can only assume that providers will receive notification of the increases they have to address in their mailboxes in good time for them to be able to comply’
Maintain Control And Independence With Personal Care Personal care PLAnS CoULd HeLP eLderLy And/or disabled people return to, or stay in their own home without relying on a carer for support, if used for assistive technology. For many, help is only needed to go to the toilet, to either help them get on and off, or to clean them. Changing a conventional WC for a wash & dry toilet or toilet lift would spare them the perceived indignity of having a stranger help them toilet, and give them the freedom and independence to ‘go’ when they need to, safely and with a consistent, high standard of cleanliness afterwards. And- according to a new online care cost calculator*- it would use significantly less money than paying for carer support- even for as little as an hour a day for a year. The calculator indicates that to have an hour of care support every day for just a year would cost on average £4200. By comparison, a Clos-o-Mat Palma Vita wash & dry toilet or Aerolet toilet lift each cost approx. £2800. “Personal care plans can be used for home adaptations, but not everyone thinks beyond grab rails and walking frames,” explains Robin Tuffley, marketing manager for Clos-o-Mat. “A wash & dry toilet does exactly that. It means the user does not have to use toilet paper, but is washed clean and then dried, without any manual involvement. You just go to the toilet, trigger the process, and off it goes! And for people with balance or mobility issues, a toilet lift like our Aerolet automatically lowers them
onto and raises them off the toilet, gently and securely. “You can’t put a price on someone’s feeling of independence and dignity. But money does figure, and if changing a WC for a unit that means a carer isn’t needed doesn’t cost any more, it’s got to be good. If it saves money, even better! “Further, the Palma Vita has a raft of accessories that deliver 150,000+ permutations, so it can be exactly tailored to individual needs, not just initially, but as needs change over time. And Clos-o-Mats are proven: we have been manufacturing (in Britain) for over 50 years, and have some in daily use that were first installed over 30 years ago!” The Clos-o-Mat Palma Vita wash & dry toilet is the UK’s brand leader, and the only one specifically developed for elderly & disabled people. The company behind the brand is still family-owned, and is unique in offering, in-house, comprehensive design advice, supply, installation, commissioning and after-sales service & maintenance, giving users complete peace of mind. The range of Clos-o-Mat products is detailed on the company’s website www.clos-o-mat.com, so users and their Occupational Therapists can easily see the solutions, watch a video on how the unit works, and find out how other users have benefitted. A searchable map on the website gives ‘try before you buy’ locations. For further details call 0161 969 1199, email: info@clos-o-mat.com or visit www.clos-o-mat.com.
mAnor HoUSe Care Home in oxford has been rolling out boxing classes to residents, shaking up the regular exercise programme in a bid to encourage residents to get fit and active in a fun and empowering environment. The classes, which are offered to all residents, are led by one of Manor House’s Carers, Tim Northcott. Tim, who has been an avid boxer for many years, brought his love of the sport to Manor House to help encourage residents to keep active. The classes are usually held on a one-to-one basis and involve light padwork, which is adapted to suit the particular needs of each individual. Residents can improve their mobility, health and wellbeing through gentle exercise in a fun – and slightly competitive – environment, by taking on Tim
in the metaphorical ring. One particularly enthusiastic resident, Margaret Jefferies, enjoys regular sessions with Tim, which he tailors to improve her mobility. Boxing is proven to be a highly beneficial exercise, which can help to build muscle and improve cardiovascular fitness. Tim Northcott, Carer at Manor House, commented: “I have really enjoy sharing my love of boxing with residents at Manor House, and we have a lot of fun doing pad-work exercises. The resident’s absolutely love it, and the classes are very easily adapted depending on each individual’s ability. I will be looking to run more classes in the future.” Manor House is part of the Embrace Group and is located in Merton. The care home provides personalised nursing, residential and dementia care for older people.
CQC Responds Dispatches on Instances of Poor Home Care tHe QUALIty Care Commission has issued a response following the Sunday times a story which exposed serious failings in care in people’s own homes in two specific locations – the Haringey branch of Sevacare and the Hillingdon branch of Care outlook, and the coverage in the dispatches on program on Channel 4. The failings uncovered by the reporters included missed, late and ‘clipped’ visits, falsifying of records, and care plans not being followed. CQC has stated that it is “clear that these examples of poor care are unacceptable and do not represent services that should be safe, caring, effective, responsive to people’s needs and well-led – this is what people deserve and what CQC expects.” Independent from the joint investigation by The Sunday Times and Dispatches, CQC took action against Sevacare, to prevent it from providing personal care and support from its Haringey branch, following a lengthy legal process. Care Outlook’s Hillingdon branch registered with CQC last September and CQC will use the information from The Sunday Times and Dispatches, together with other infor-
mation of concern, to inform its planned, unannounced inspection of the service. Andrea Sutcliffe, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care at the Care Quality Commission (CQC), said: “When providers are paid to care for people in vulnerable circumstances, they must ensure that care is safe, compassionate and high quality. “The examples of poor care, as uncovered by Dispatches and by The Sunday Times, are completely unacceptable and in particular, confirm the significant concerns we have had about Sevacare’s Haringey branch over the past year. “Our concerns were so serious at the Haringey branch that we used our toughest enforcement powers to close it down. This action took longer than we would have liked because instead of addressing the problems and improving people’s care, Sevacare chose to challenge us at every step of the legal process. “I am extremely concerned that Sevacare has transferred the care of people living in Haringey to their Tower Hamlets branch – a service that we have recently rated as Requires Improvement and Inadequate for whether it is ‘safe’ – without addressing the underlying problems. My inspectors will be carrying out a further inspection of the Tower Hamlets service soon.”
LifeVac - Giving Peace of Mind Whilst Saving Lives we Are now reading news reports nearly every day of children and adults choking to death. the new Lifevac can change this. LifeVac is new single suction anti choking device. As the LifeVac has a one way patented valve, when applied it only sucks up and does not push air down when pulled therefore LifeVac creates three times more pressure than the abdominal thrust and chest compressions as trained in First Aid. In all testing LifeVac has dislodged obstruction of the airway 99.9% of the time in one use (reports available). Plus has no risk to the casualty. LifeVac is ideal for disabled people that cannot receive traditional choking treatment. LifeVac is FDA approved, MHRA
approved as a class one medical device, Canadian Health Service approved and CE accredited. The device has undergone various clinical tests. If you wish to see more details of independent testing and information (which is required for FDA registration and MHRA approval and CE accreditation) please contact LifeVac. LifeVac has been purchased by Exemplar Health Care plus many more establishments in the UK such as in schools, restaurants, care homes, pharmacies and in the home. The price is just £59.95 +VAT. To order go to www.helpsavelives.co.uk/lifevac or call us on 0208 127 0210 or email enquiries@helpsavelives.co.uk
Sky TV packages for care homes Including
Sky in Room Offer your residents a true home from home experience with their favourite channels, shows and inspiring documentaries, all in the privacy and comfort of their own room.
Artists in Love Monday 25th April
Barclays Premier League Showing now
Sky in Lounge Designed to bring your residents together to stimulate their senses and help enhance their wellbeing, Sky can help unite and form friendships in your care home.
Mamma Mia! Wednesday 27th April
Calendar Girls Wednesday 27th April
Call 08442
414 646
or email carehomes@sky.uk to find the right package for your residents and your business.
Believe in better
Terms and Conditions: Packages billed monthly. Sky TV minimum term is 12 months. Standard cost of the Sky Lounge Package is £299 per month(ex VAT). Standard cost of Sky In room is £40 per room, per month (ex VAT). Free SkyHD box if Sky installs your equipment, otherwise £50 per Sky HD Box (ex VAT) Cost of installation of equipment is not included, please call for more information. Channels available dependant on chosen package and scheduling may be subject to change. Please visit www.sky.com/business for full channel details. Calls to Sky cost 7p per minute plus your providers access charge. Calendar Girls © Buena Vista Pictures Distribution/©Touchstone Pictures. All Rights Reserved. Mamma Mia! ©2008 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. Titanic © 1997 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation and Paramount Pictures Corporation. All rights reserved. Artwork © 1997 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation and Paramount Pictures Corporation. All rights reserved. Cleopatra (1963) © Twentieth Century Fox. All rights reserved. Correct at the time of supply 18.04.16.
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Hallmark Care Homes Grants Resident’s Wish to Meet Peter Andre Women More Severely Affected by Alzheimer’s Than Men A CAre home resident has met Peter Andre after winning a wish granting competition. Patricia Martin, 85, was chauffeur driven by Rolls Royce to Peter Andre’s ‘Come swing with me’ concert, to meet him in person and watch him perform live. When Patricia, a resident at Hallmark Care Home, Bucklesham Grange in Ipswich, was asked to write down a wish, she revealed she was keen to meet Peter Andre. She had watched him compete on Strictly Come Dancing in November last year and shared her daughter’s admiration for the singer, who she was thought was attractive and a really good singer. Bucklesham Grange, which specialises in residential, nursing and dementia care, granted Patricia’s
wish after deciding she should be the homes winner of its festive wish competition. Patricia said: “I had a lovely time and I enjoyed meeting Peter, he is a really nice man and a talented singer. It was worth the late and sleepless night!” Patricia was accompanied to the show by care assistant and family friend, Beverley Shaw. She said: “Patricia had a wonderful evening and it was nice to see her enjoying herself and tapping her feet. “Peter was a really genuine guy, he sung to her personally and even dedicated her favourite song, ‘Fly me to the Moon’ by Frank Sinatra later on stage, saying he met a special lady in a wheelchair called Pat.” After the show, Patricia was given a signed programme and lanyard with Peter Andre’s signature.
Wheelchair-Friendly Transport from Brotherwood wHeeLCHAIr ACCeSSIBLe vehicle manufacturer Brotherwood, and Contract Hire specialist providers LvC mobility,are pleased to announce an exciting new partnership, which combines over 50 years of specialist experience to offer affordable finance packages for both Business and Private Individuals in need of high quality, wheelchair-friendly transport. For many care homes the cost of purchasing a new Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) outright can often be prohibitive. LVC's new Contract Hire package offers an affordable solution to a new WAV, with a low initial outlay
and fixed, tax-allowable monthly rentals all that is required to run a high quality, easy-to-use wheelchair car for an agreed period from 24 to 60 months. Brotherwood have been converting vehicles for wheelchair access since 1985. LVC Mobility is a trading style of LVC Central, who have over 20 years of funding expertise through the UK's major vehicle finance lenders. Together the partnership offers a trusted, experienced and competitive funding alternative that can enable you to access the very best in wheelchair passenger transport. For further details call today on 0808 301 8603 or visit www.brotherwood.com
Adaptawear’s Open Back Nightwear Back in Stock! one oF Adaptawear’s most popular ladies open back nightie: the Iona nightie is now back in stock in all sizes Small – XX Large! This pretty feminine nightie is designed for ladies unable to wear a traditional ‘over the head’ nightdress due to a variety of medical conditions. It is also ideal for sufferers of stroke, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and post viral fatigue syndrome sufferers. Iona’s Special Features: • Generous overlap at the back ensures dignity • Soft cotton rich seersucker fabric • Shoulder opening, ideal if upper body movement is limited • Can be put on without the need to disconnect medical equipment
• 4 button neck opening, providing access for medical procedures • Choice of colours: Pink or Blue Not forgetting the men; the Petal Back Men’s Open Back Nightshirt is also available and in stock in sizes Small – X Large! This men’s nightshirt features the unique Petal Back open back with substantial overlap for dignity and opens for easy dressing. The deep armhole and sleeves are designed to slide up the arms and easily over the head and there are no fastenings, buttons or Velcro. Choice of 4 colours in either short or long sleeve. 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.
women wItH Alzheimer’s have poorer cognitive abilities than men at the same stage of the disease, reveal academics from the University of Hertfordshire in a paper published in world Journal of Psychiatry today. An in-depth review of evidence found that women’s cognitive functions are more severely and widely impaired, with men consistently outperforming women, even in areas where younger women have a natural advantage such as in verbal and language skills. these differences do not appear to be attributable to any differences in age, education or severity of the disease. Alzheimer’s is the most common neurodegenerative disease associated with ageing. There are around 30 million people with dementia worldwide, 4.6 million new cases annually, and one new case every 7 seconds*. It results in progressive degeneration and death of nerve cells, causing a decline in cognition and memory functions. Many patients are left unable to perform simple, everyday tasks. Women are significantly more at risk of developing Alzheimer’s than men and this discrepancy increases with age**. Women may be more adversely affected than men for a variety of reasons. Some researchers argue that it’s due to a reduction of estrogen in postmenopausal women – the
menopause diminishes cognitive functions such as memory, which is subsequently compounded by Alzheimer’s. Another possibility concerns the fact that men have traditionally spent more time in work, and this activity may give them greater ‘cognitive reserve’, enabling them to better resist the impact of the illness. Another theory relates to a specific gene (APOE 4) which has been linked to Alzheimer’s. Women are more likely to be carriers of this gene which is linked to cognitive decline and memory problems even in healthy individuals. Keith Laws, Professor, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, said: “Sex differences in neurocognitive function are relatively well established in, for example, autism, schizophrenia, depression and dyslexia. Despite clear evidence, however, that Alzheimer’s disease is more prevalent in women, until recently little research had focussed on neurocognitive differences in men and women with Alzheimer’s disease”. “Our findings may have important implications for variation in the risk factors, progression and possibly the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in men and women. For instance, genetics are hard to change but easier to screen, cognitive reserve is modifiable and with more women working, the next generation may suffer less. It is therefore fundamental that we continue to identify the role of sex differences to enable more accurate diagnoses and open up doors for new treatments to emerge”.
Incontinence Buying Guide: Help with Choosing the Right Product tHIngS to take into consideration when choosing incontinence products: Level: Establish the level of protection you need • LIGHT: Small losses of urine or dribbling when sneezing, coughing, bending, etc. • MODERATE: Larger urine losses that can happen when not reaching the toilet in time, or losing a small amount but not a bladder full. • HEAVY: Bladder empties without warning. Being unable to stop once flow has started. • SEVERE: Full loss of bladder control and/or heavy faecal incontinence. Gender: Unisex/Male/Female Most incontinence products are unisex but there are specific incontinence products designed specifically for the male and female body. Type of Product: Which type of product should you choose? Washable or Disposable? Disposable products as the best solution for most conditions and are easiest to live with on day to day basis. Whilst washable products may offer some savings over time, they are often not the most suitable or practical option. Product Types: • Incontinence Disposable All In One Briefs: designed for moderate to heavier incontinence conditions. Briefs are designed to fit completely around the body. • Incontinence Disposable Pull Up Pants: for active people with moderate to
heavy incontinence. They can be worn just like normal underwear. • Disposable Incontinence Pads: Mini and Small shaped insert pads fit perfectly into your own underwear and they have sticky strips to hold them in place. For the large shaped incontinence pads, we recommend wearing them with Stretch Pants. • Stretch Pants: specifically designed, figure hugging pants to hold large shaped incontinence pads securely in place. • Washable Incontinence Pants: come with a built-in absorbent pad; they look and feel just like normal underwear. • Incontinence Swimwear Products: specifically designed for swimming. Protects against faecal incontinence and small amount of urine. • Bed & Chair Incontinence Products: designed to protect bedding, mattresses and chairs. • Incontinence Accessories: Urinals & Bed Pans, Wipes and Skincare products. The right size incontinence pants and pants How to measure yourself? • Women – please measure that the widest point of the hips • Men – please measure at the narrowest point of the waist Finally when choosing incontinence products remember what suits you depends not just on your condition but also to some extent on your lifestyle. If your needs vary then mix and match products to suit your activities and the amount of leakage both day and night. For more information on Incontinence UK’s full product range please visit www.incontinenceuk.co.uk. Carer readers please quote CARER16 for 10% discount off your first order.
SPRING 2016
Drink Up: How To Ensure Residents Are Well Hydrated In tHe wake of this year’s nutrition and Hydration week, roz witney, nutritionist at dine Contract Catering, shares her advice on how to ensure residents receive the hydration they need to remain as healthy as possible … “With recent research suggesting that one in five older people living in care homes has dehydration , this year’s Nutrition and Hydration Week was a timely opportunity to raise awareness and improve understanding of the importance of good hydration – and the role that both food and drink can play in this. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to dehydration for a number of reasons. Among these is a reduced sensation of thirst, which can remove the desire to drink in the first place. Coupled with factors such as a decrease in muscle and bone mass – which means they don’t retain as much water – it’s easy to see why older people can struggle to get the fluids they need on a daily basis. Signs of dehydration can range from difficulty passing urine and constipation to muscle cramps, headaches, irritability and feeling weak or dizzy. It sounds obvious, but key to avoiding any of these symptoms in the first place is to encourage residents who may have reduced thirst to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Explore flavours Extra effort needs to be made to serve a variety of drinks, so besides traditional staples such as water, cups of tea and squash, try offering diluted fruit juices in a range of flavours. Tart varieties are often popular among older people, so be sure to include options such as lime cordials in your selection. A helping hand from food Certain food types can also be a fantastic source of hydration which can be useful for residents who may be reluctant to drink as much as they need. Take fruit, for example. While rich in health-boosting and protective antioxidants and phytonutrients, it also has
a major role to play in preventing dehydration. In fact, fruit can actually be more hydrating than water, as it often includes hydrating salts, minerals and sugars. This is the effect that the isotonic drinks used by athletes try to mimic, although they never do the job as effectively as these natural foods. Here are my top five hydrating foods to include on your menus: • Cucumber: with the highest water content of any food, cucumber is cheap, versatile and available just about anywhere • Yogurt: natural yogurt is around 85-88 per cent water. Full of calcium, B vitamins and super good-for-you probiotics (look for yogurt that has live cultures), it’s also a great complement to juicy, water-packed fruit. • Watermelon: contains the plant chemicals lutein and zeaxanthin, which has been found to increase hydration levels even further • Tomatoes: rich in the protective antioxidant lypocene, cherry tomatoes can make a delicious and portable snack. If you’re low on energy, balance them with nuts or cubes of low-fat cheese. A head start Monitoring the nutritional intake of residents, including how much they have to drink, is certainly a challenge faced by the care homes we work with, which is why we developed our unique Nutrition Pathway System. Carers simply need to log what a resident has had to eat – and how much of it they’ve had – and the system will offer a full breakdown of their intake, flagging any deficiencies. Regardless of whether a home chooses to use a system like ours, keeping a close eye on nutritional intake, including foods high in water content, will draw attention to any important nutrients residents are lacking in, as well as whether they are taking in enough calories and fluids in the first place. After all, it’s important to take action as early as possible before a deficiency starts to take its toll on a resident’s health.” For further information call 01925 282 330 or visit www.dine-contract-catering.com
Care for a Drink? wAter IS crucial to every bodily action and maintenance of hydration is essential to life. making sure we drink enough is important. yet it would seem that dehydration in older people is common, particularly in care home residents, and hydration is often overlooked. Some physiological changes in ageing make older people more vulnerable to dehydration, such as a reduced sensation of thirst. Furthermore, kidney function, vital in fluid regulation, deteriorates with age. The likelihood of dehydration may also be exacerbated by medications including diuretics and laxatives. Swallowing difficulties, poor functional ability, cognitive decline, dementia and poorly controlled diabetes are more common in older people and are all associated with poor hydration. Importantly, incontinence predisposes to dehydration as people may limit their fluid intake. Many older people are reluctant to drink to avoid the need to go to the toilet, particularly at night, but restriction of overall fluid intake does not reduce urinary incontinence frequency or severity. Dehydration is associated with poor health outcomes such as increased hos-
Malnutrition Matters HeALtH And social care professionals, along with politicians, typically think of obesity when nutrition is on the agenda, but malnutrition is an important public health issue in the UK. Malnutrition is common. Nearly 3 million people in the UK at any one time are estimated either to live with malnutrition or to be at risk because they do not eat enough. The number of older people over 75 years of age—those with the highest risk of malnutrition—is projected to almost double in the next 25 years. Surveys suggest that some 35% of care home residents are at risk of malnutrition, and being underweight is significantly more common in care homes than the general population, and increases strikingly with age. In contrast, obesity is distinctly less common. Many interrelated clinical, social and functional factors can influence nutritional status, and these are prevalent in the older population. Poor food and nutrient intake as a result of medical factors are a major cause of malnutri¬tion, although psychosocial issues also have significant effects on dietary intake, including isolation and loneliness, confusion and depression. Care home residents have a unique, complex mix of health-care needs that are often accompanied by loss of appetite or difficulty with eating and drinking. For example, service users with severe dementia may forget to eat or even forget how to eat, and those with neurological conditions may have swallowing difficulties or problems with self-feeding. Recognition of malnutrition among healthcare workers has increased with national guidance on screening and nutrition care, and further to the recommendations of the Francis Report into the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, that revealed patients had not been able to drink or eat properly. However, too many still fail
pitalisation, and mortality; for example, a two-fold increase in the mortality of stroke patients has been reported. Even mild dehydration adversely affects mental performance and increases feelings of tiredness. It is a common cause of constipation, and increases risk of urinary tract infections, pressure sores and skin conditions. Complications associated with dehydration also include low blood pressure, weakness, dizziness and increased risk of falls. Although dehydration is preventable it can be difficult to identify. As yet, no one method to measure hydration has been found to be universally effective and applicable across all settings or age groups. The clinical ‘gold’ standard is serum osmolality, assessed using blood samples. This method is invasive, laboratory reliant and impractical to consider in a care home setting. Until effective screening tools are identified care homes should develop a hydration policy and train staff of the importance and possible signs of dehydration. Simple cost effective methods to assess hydration would include monitoring fluid intake, and observational measures of the more common signs like low output or dark strong smelling urine, dry mouth, lips and tongue, sunken eyes, dry inelastic skin, headaches, drowsiness, confusion or dizziness. Recognising when the older person is not drinking enough and encouraging regular drinking where possible remain one of the most effective options to prevent dehydration, and should be part of practice across all care settings.
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to realise how common malnutrition is, or how serious the con¬sequences can be, and it remains under-recognised and under-treated. Mal¬nutrition is associated with poorer recovery and increased infection, hospitalization, re-admission and long-term ill health. Good nutrition and hydration care is essential for residents and can help increase independence, reduce falls, increase wellbeing and reduce pressure sores. Nutritional care must ensure that people who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition are promptly identified through screening, that action is taken to en¬sure that they receive appropriate and timely nutritional support, and that nutrition care is regularly monitored. • Raising awareness amongst residents, relatives and staff to support prevention and early treatment of malnutrition. • Working together within a care home but also with GPs, other health professionals, catering staff and relatives. • Identifying malnutrition early through screening and regular assessment. • Delivering personalised care, support and treatment. • Monitoring and evaluating resident weight, improvements and outcome. It is important that screening on its own is not seen as successful nutrition in practice. Good nutrition ensures that as well as risk of malnutrition being identified, people have access to and/or are supported to consume food that not only meets nu¬tritional, but also cultural and religious needs and prefer¬ences. Malnutrition should be everybody’s concern and everybody’s responsibility. British Nutrition Foundation – making science accessible to all www.nutrition.org.uk
• Strategies to increase fluid intake could include • Determining an individualised daily fluid intake goal • Providing preferred fluids, and offering a variety of hot and fluids regularly throughout the day • Making sure water is fresh and looks palatable — perhaps by adding a few slices of lemon or orange or ice cubes. • Offering fluids at routine events such as before physiotherapy and at least a full glass with medications • Providing assistance if required, and aids for drinking if needed such as special cups • Identifying barriers to drinking, such as being worried about incontinence or the physical inability to make or to reach drinks. • Encouraging wet foods e.g. pureed fruit, yogurt, jelly, custard and soup • Providing a ‘happy hour’- ‘mocktails’ and interesting fruit juices can be popular • Encouraging families and visitors to offer fluids Such strategies are important. Improving hydration can bring wellbeing and better quality of life for service users, allow reduced use of medication and prevent illness. British Nutrition Foundation – making science accessible to all www.nutrition.org.uk
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Please Please mention mentionTHE THE CARER CARER when when responding responding to to advertising. advertising.
PAGE 18
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SPRING 2016
We Create a Smoother Day for Both Residents and Employees Better CAre for less money. that is the conclusion reached by the municipality of odense, where Sekoia is used as the primary digital tool in all 25 care homes. In 2013, the Council of Odense examined conditions at its care homes and the conclusion was clear: care staff had a working day involving far too many interruptions and too little time available for the residents. With savings and cutbacks to think of, they had to find smarter workflow, not more employees. And Sekoia was the choice. “With this new system, we create a smoother day for both residents and employees. We can also see that we are able to save time in terms of task handovers and planning our days as Sekoia allows us to view all the day’s tasks as well as the tasks for each resident. This means that as we create a less stressful day, we are also able to save quite a bit financially,” explains Councillor Jane Jegind.
Better overview The care homes are clearly feeling the difference. According to Manager Heidi Tange at the Aertebjerghaven care home, Sekoia contributes to smoother workflow every day with fewer incidents, such as incorrect medication due to excessive workload and oversight. “Now our employees are able to assess where they are required. This also proves useful at handover as employees in one department can step in and help if they can see that the department next door is very busy.” Fact box: Sekoia in Odense • Sekoia has been rolled out at all care homes and well on the way in some group homes for disabled and high dependency • Odense has more than 2500 employees who use Sekoia every day • The municipality estimates that Sekoia frees up approx. 1M £ per year Reader enquiries - Tel: 020 8334 7126 or visit www.sekoia-care.co.uk or see ad page 19.
Empowering Your Carers with Technology
more than 300,000 care workers are reported to have left the health and social care industry due to inflexibility with working times. the recent documentary by Channel 4 dispatches ‘Britain’s Pensioner Care Scandal’, has also further put the spotlight on a sector that is overstretched and under-resourced. the result: a lot of expertise and dedicated carers are being lost.
There’s no denying that the issues run deep within the sector and that carers are often not a focus within the dayto-day operations. However allowing carers to have more involvement, with the support of technology, will help contribute to the continued and sustained success of the organisation. By allowing carers to input information directly, it avoids bottlenecks and adds the flexibility of updating data
CareDocs CAre StAFF are under greater pressure than ever before and the need to maintain comprehensive care records can be the most demanding of all the administrative tasks. Obviously, care recording starts with a good, solid, care plan. This will document all the resident’s needs and then detail the strategies for the home to meet those needs. However, all the daily notes that evidence the care given need to be added regularly throughout the day and this is an area that
in the field. If carers want to request more shifts, they can do so easily. It also allows them to specify patterns of availability. There’s much debate around whether care should be bottom up or top down with management teams enforcing a strict framework for care. What’s important is a balance between the two so that care providers can plan work patterns around carers preferences to enhance the quality of care overall. No one could argue about the importance of person-centric care. But being carer centric is important too. People are our biggest asset; something which rings true of any type of business. Visit Access at the Health plus Care Show at the Excel Stand Q50 For more information call 0845 835 0172 or visit www.theacccessgroup.com/hsc
can put carers under pressure. Point of care recording is the most logical way to make this process as efficient as possible and ensure that all the relevant details are captured. This is where CareDocs Mobile can help. As part of the CareDocs system, CareDocs Mobile enables carers to enter details of the care delivered in a matter of seconds rather than minutes and this information is added to the individual care files. Carers can use any internet-enabled device and the information is encrypted and transmitted securely. As long as they have internet access, users can add notes quickly and easily and the time saving is considerable. The system is simple to use and most users can be trained in a few minutes. For more information, visit the website – www.caredocs.co.uk – or call 0333 500 5115.
Cloud Care the Way Forward For mAny, cloud computing is more than an enigma it’s just something they’d rather not think about. For software company Fusion Care Solutions it is the lifeblood of business infrastructure and a real benefit to the care home sector as its own Fusion software proves with its ability to simplify the day-to-day management of care and administration in the care home. Cloud technology offers so many benefits to the user not least providing access to services that otherwise would be too expensive. With the onset of budget cuts and greater financial burdens it’s good to know cost saving is its main aim. There’s no hardware, software, inhouse management or IT maintenance required. This means the economies of scale alter as costs reduce making improvements to the bottom-line. Unlike conventional software which runs locally on your computer Fusion runs over the internet. Files, software and services are not tied to a computer which not only affords the facility of limitless users but it also means information can be accessed anywhere, from any computer so long as there is internet and the user has the appropriate access rights. This form of technology is becoming increasingly important within many industries; Fusion has now harnessed
this technology to empower care home managers and owners by providing them with the technology that literally delivers information on care, administration and management reporting at the touch of a button. Martin Jones, Managing director of Fusion Care Solutions says: “I read in the Nursing Times a survey showing that 80% of care homes felt that technology could help with care planning, 56% said it could improve medication and 44% felt it could help with staff planning and rotas. Shocking statistics really as the low numbers illustrate a technophobic attitude from a large percentage in our sector! For us the use cloud technology is 100% common sense, it’s a flexible, easy to use cost effective solution for the 21st Century business” Many care home operators are seeing the benefits of technology. A care group can manage payroll directly via automated timesheets produced from clocking-in machines. It allows owners to access management data away from the office and also enables care home managers to manage care planning, rotas, holidays and sick leave from anywhere. The time and administration savings this technology provides is the difference between being relaxed and under pressure. Reader enquiries - Tel: 01133 979 555 or visit www.fusion4care.com or see the advert on page 22.
Datix - Software for Safety dAtIX HAS been a global pioneer in the field of patient safety over the past three decades and today is the leading supplier of software for patient safety, risk management, and incident reporting for health care. Four Seasons uses Datix to gather and then analyse resident safety information. The system has fostered a shift in culture where employees recognise the positive impact of recording every incident and receiving feedback. The transparency of the Datix system has also removed any tendency towards a blame culture. Four Seasons first deployed Datix patient safety software in 2010 to replace an inhouse developed system, today, Four Seasons uses Datix for incident management, feedback and safety alerts to support resident, colleague and visitor safety
across the company’s diversified health and social care operations. According to Haydn Williams, Datix Manager at Four Seasons Health Care, the results of using Datix have been extremely positive, “Our incident reporting has improved dramatically and we now have over 190,000 incidents and 1,400 compliments recorded in Datix. We have developed a more consistent and altogether faster process for managing complaints and feedback using the software. Complaints are acknowledged within two days of receipt and we maintain a target response time of 20 days to resolve any issues. Datix provides an excellent audit trail, enabling us to track both the number of complaints we receive and show regulators evidence of positive feedback.” For further information on Datix, T 020 8971 1971 F 020 8971 1954, E info@datix.co.uk W www.datix.co.uk or see the advert on page 17.
SPRING 2016
Omagh Care Home First in Northern Ireland to Adopt Care Protect Surveillance System A CAre home in omagh has become the first in northern Ireland to adopt innovative new technology to help ensure the safety and welfare of its residents. Three Rivers Care Centre in Omagh, County Tyrone has enhanced its safeguarding and quality focus with the adoption of the innovative Care Protect surveillance and monitoring system. The home is amongst the first across the UK to use the Care Protect system, which combines the use of cutting edge camera technology and the judgement of experienced independent health and social care professionals, in order to safeguard vulnerable people in all care settings. Independent research carried out by onepoll, on behalf of Care Protect, showed that two-thirds of people would be more likely to choose a care home for a family member if independently monitored surveillance cameras were in place. Care Protect employs monitoring personnel, each with relevant high level experience in the health or social care sector and licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). The company utilises sound and motion sensitive
camera equipment, which when operational triggers live alerts of any unusual activity from the room. This could pick up incidents such as a knock or a fall and give greater insight if needed to a resident’s health. The alerts are forwarded to a team of 24-hour on-call professionals who are monitoring and assessing the calls as they come through. They will then determine any response or additional support needed. This service operates independently of care providers, and directly with the various regulators, ensuring that there is an open communication between all parties involved in the care of residents. A spokesperson for the home said: “We are proud to be trailblazing this system in Northern Ireland and expect others to follow suit when the very real benefits are demonstrated." Philip Scott from Care Protect, who was born in Belfast, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Three Rivers to bring Care Protect to Northern Ireland. “The experienced and fully-licensed nurses and social workers monitoring the system will work with the home’s staff to ensure the highest quality of care and to provide the reassurance of enhanced safeguarding measures. “The independence of the fully SIA licensed Care Protect monitors is crucial and their ability to escalate concerns to appropriate local and national governing bodies ensures no inappropriate practice witnessed can ever be suppressed or hidden.”
Technology and Innovation in Care Homes do yoU want your care home to be more efficient and effective? Are you aware of how new technology can help? SEHTA has the expertise and experience to help you access technology solutions that meet your needs using our unique 4-stage process: 1. You complete our Personalised Technology Solutions Analysis Questionnaire 2. We provide suggestions for technology and service solutions
3. We work with you to propose the most appropriate outcomes to meet your needs 4. We work with you and the supplier to select and implement the best solution Interested? Want to know more? • Why not read our authoritative review ‘Technology and Innovation in Care Homes’ at www.sehta.co.uk/TICH • Participate in your own Personalised Technology Solutions Analysis Contact us at TICH@sehta.co.uk or visit www.sehta.co.uk/TICH
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Paying for Care Costs in Later Life Maintaining Standards for Cleanliness Using the Value in People’s Homes Academics from Cass Business School, City University London, have sought to find a solution to the social care funding challenge. In a paper, Paying for Care Costs in Later Life Using the Value in People’s Homes, published this week, Cass Professor of Statistics, Les Mayhew, Senior Lecturer in Actuarial Science, David Smith and Duncan O’Leary, Research Director at leading cross-party think tank Demos look at two financial arrangements that could meet this challenge. The number of British citizens aged 75+ is expected to double to 10 million by 2040, and 1.3 million people are already receiving social care services in England alone. Social care funding is a key public policy challenge for which funding is being squeezed and local services are becoming ever more stretched. Government reforms set out a new basis to get social care funding onto a more sustainable footing by establishing a new level for what individuals and the state will pay. However, it is unlikely that delayed introduction of the reforms will be any more generous or remove the need for the individual to plan ahead. In the paper, the authors consider two new financial arrangements designed to meet the needs of people in different financial circumstances based on releasing equity from the home: an equity-backed insurance product and an equity bank that lets a person draw down an income from their home. The paper shows that a considerable part of personal wealth in the UK is contained in housing assets, which
have increased substantially in value in recent decades, which is a decisive factor in determining how many years of care people are likely to be able to afford if they were able to release equity. The paper finds: • The equity-for-insurance policy has the important advantage that the premiums do not have to be paid out of current income – removing one of the key barriers to the take-up of long-term care insurance. • While like all insurance products it means that if care is never needed, the premium will have been wasted, it is a relatively cheap way of protecting assets and should give people the peace of mind they seek without eating into their current standard of living and still enable them to leave a bequest. • The equity bank focuses on allowing users to have a more comfortable retirement with fewer financial worries and enables them to stay in their own homes for longer by enabling them to pay for the extra costs of care. • A consequence of both products is that individuals will on average pass on less to their heirs, but unless the whole value of the home is used, users will still benefit from rising house prices and the risk of a total loss of assets is removed. Professor Mayhew said: “After the most significant reforms to social care funding in living memory, there is a temptation for policymakers to believe that the mission to reform the care funding system has been accomplished – but that is far from the case. Innovative financial solutions are needed to enable people to live comfortably in their later years without the financial worries of not being able to pay for care or losing their homes.”
Care Group Puts Health Top of the Menu A LAnCASHIre-based care group has launched new health and wellbeing initiatives to help members of staff keep fit and well. Staff at the Springhill Care Group, which operates three care homes and a supported living service, will receive regular visits from a registered nurse to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and BMI. In addition, the group’s chefs are creating menu cards containing healthy recipes, which are simple, affordable and part of a balanced diet, providing the vitamins and nutrients required for optimum health. Staff are encouraged to try out these recipes at home.
Staff are also being provided with a selection of fresh fruit to encourage healthy snacking and help fulfil the quota of five portions of fruit and veg a day. Ginny Perkins, head of human resources at the Springhill Care Group, said: “Often our busy lives can get in the way of taking care of ourselves, but it’s so important to keep on top of health and wellbeing. Sometimes it’s about making time, so by introducing these initiatives into the working day, we’re helping to give staff a head start. “We’re dedicated to helping staff keep themselves fit and well, as we continue to promote a healthy, happy working environment across the Springhill Group.”
tHere Are an estimated 5,153 nursing homes and 12,525 residential homes in the UK (Age UK), this equates to a large strain of washing needing to be processed in an efficient and hygienic way. this vast quantity combined with the high standard of hygiene required can put stress on any care establishment if not processed in an effective way. mAIntAInIng StAndArdS
Within the care industry there are a lot of responsibilities for owners and managers that are vital in keeping care homes in business and upholding a good reputation, one of these being cleanliness. It is imperative to comply with health and safety regulations. Care home owners know only too well that they have a duty of care and responsibility to their patients to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and to ensure that their environment is kept safe and sanitised.
tHe ImPortAnCe oF CommerCIAL mACHIneS Professional quality for professional businesses. This is where Miele commercial washing machines come in. German built for reliability and longevity they offer a complete laundry solution with a variety of wash programmes and settings built into the machine to cater for almost every laundry requirement. Many Miele washing machines are also WRAS approved and conform with water authority regulations, this is a major benefit for any care setting as it shows compliance. The Miele PW6065 Vario Commercial Washing Machine is Miele Professional’s best selling model and is particularly popular in a care setting. It is easy to see why with the many benefits it comes with: 1. Achieve a truly thorough clean with sluice and thermal disinfection washing capability, imperative for killing bacteria and germs that the laundry items are exposed to.
These washes are of a HSG(95) 18 standard, which not only means compliance but the very best laundry results. 2. Utilising this machine provides a service that complies with the care quality commission (CQC) standards, under the ‘Premises and Equipment’ title. This is one of the standards that all care homes must meet with by law. 3. These robust machines help to minimise cross contamination and aid infection control because they deep clean your linen, towels, tablecloths and more. This prevents the spread of diseases amongst vulnerable people who have very weak immune systems. 4. There is an added option to have a tumble dryer with your machine, the PW6065 is stackable so if space is limited this model is the ideal solution. You can operate a complete professional laundry set up in less than 1 square meter. 5. Other features of this model include a larger drum opening for easy loading and unloading and a simple and fast programme selection. 6. Miele commercial washing machines make optimum use of water and energy, and are built with powerful heaters for fast heating up of water and shorter cycles - speeding up the laundry process. Your trusty representative Allsop & Francis are the leading Miele supplier in the UK and have been the number 1 Miele Professional Partner for the past 10 years. This year we celebrate 25 years in business and it’s easy to see why with an incredible repairs and maintenance service that keeps your machine going for longer, minimising downtime. We also provide a consultation service to establish, based on your businesses needs, what the most suitable machine is. This service includes discussing available space, how much washing needs to be processed and how often, as well as the available water and power supply. This information provides our technicians with a clear picture of the type machine that fits your exact specification. Call Allsop & Francis today to find out more: 01243 555525.
RNHA Spring 2016 Roadshows tHe rnHA is about to embark on its Spring 2016 series of roadshows. Due to take place in Birmingham, Bournemouth, Exeter, Leeds and London between 19th April and 11th May, they will cover a wide range of practical topics. These include: CQC inspections; capitalising on NHS England initiatives to make better use of care homes; NMC revalidation; infection control; the government’s
campaign to cut out red tape and allow businesses to focus on what really matters; the potential for care apprenticeships in our sector; overseas recruitment and its continuing importance; negotiating with local authorities and clinical commissioning groups..and much, much more. If you want to book a place, contact Irene Hunt at RNHA head office by phoning 0121-451 1088 or by email at info@rnha.co.uk
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Supporting People to Live Well with Sensory Loss in Care Homes the care home population is ageing and, particularly in services that support older people, the vast majority of residents will have some form of sensory impairment. It is true that sensory impairments often get more severe with age, but this should not be used as an excuse not to offer support or equipment that will help people to live well with a sensory impairment and minimise the impact that it has on their daily life. All too often, the notion of sensory loss is seen to be either a hearing or a sight difficulty. Whilst these sorts of impairments make up the vast majority of conditions that affect people living in care, we must not forget that there are also people whose tastes may have changed due to medical conditions, such as strokes or dementia, and this can also affect people's ability to smell. I wanted to raise this issue because I think we should understand that the quality of our lives is so dependent on how all our senses work together and the loss or reduced capacity in any of these areas, either singularly or cumulatively, can have a big impact on the quality of our lives. In relation to smell and taste, this raises real issues for catering staff, who need to make food appealing and attractive to palates that may have changed, or senses such as smell, that may have diminished. The trick here is to work with residents and to find out what really ensures that food is appetising for them. Particularly for people living with dementia, food can often be very important in rekindling memories and this can be part of an approach to reminiscence that will help them to maintain cognitive function and gain a feeling of well-being from the revisiting of memories. The issue of supporting people who have either hearing or sight loss is vital to maintaining health and wellbeing, as well as to delivering a higher quality of life. We all rely so heavily upon our sight and hearing to ensure that we stay safe and are able to live a happy and fulfilled life. If you lose your sight it may be difficult to get around the home and staff, visitors and other residents
need to understand how important it is to maintain the constancy of the physical environment, so that people know where furniture is located and are able to find ways to navigate round their home. There are also a range of aids and adaptations that can help people to maintain their independence. Similarly with hearing loss, there are many products and strategies that will help people maintain their independence and maximise their potential to hear. What gives me great confidence that things are getting better, is the work done by so many dedicated charities and care home staff who try their level-best to ensure that a person's disability does not become a barrier to inclusion, engagement and quality-of-life. The Royal Association for Deaf People (RAD) has an excellent accreditation scheme for care homes and I was privileged to be present at Marlborough Court care home in Thamesmead, when they became the first care home to be awarded the accreditation for this scheme. Action on Hearing Loss, The British Deaf Association and the Royal Association for Deaf People are all very useful sources of information and advice for care homes trying to ensure that their services meet the needs of somebody with a sensory impairment. I was so impressed to see, on a visit to an Orchard care home in Leeds, the way in which these excellent charities were working together with the care home to improve the residents quality of life and minimise the impact of their sensory loss. There are also some fantastic resources for people who are losing, or have lost their sight, and the Royal National Institute for Blind People, Sense, Deafblind UK, Action for Blind People and many other charities provide excellent advice and support. Sensory impairments will affect many of us, either now or in the future, and it is our duty as care providers to do all that we can to ensure that care services are accessible and meet the needs of people with sensory impairments. This is not only something we should strive for because it is desirable, but it is something we must address because it will affect so many people living in care services, both now and in the times ahead. Professor Martin Green Chief Executive Care England
Hearing Loops Play Important Role in Care Homes HeArIng LoSS is a major public health issue in the UK, affecting a third of over 65 year olds. with 93% of residents in nursing homes and 99% of those in residential homes over the age of 65, it is clearly a matter that needs to be addressed by care homes. It can be very tricky for those with hearing loss to distinguish speech, even with a hearing aid. This is because, in normal mode, a hearing aid amplifies all sounds including any background noise. This could result in residents finding it hard to contribute to group activities.
Hearing loop systems improve communication by cutting out background noise, meaning all residents have an equal opportunity to engage in every aspect of community life. Not only are your residents able to participate in group activities, you are also supporting the NICE quality standard (QS50), relating to the mental wellbeing of older people in care homes. At Contacta we have years of experience of installing room loops, adapting them to suit your individual needs. For more information on how a hearing loop will benefit your care home, please get in touch with us on 01732 223900.
Meaningful Activities for Older Adults
romPA'S new catalogue is packed full of activities, resources and Snoezelen® sensory solutions for adults of all ages and abilities. Based around the activities of daily living (ADLs) the catalogue has solu-
tions to help adults as well as age appropriate resources to be enjoyed. It is perfect for Activity Co-ordinators, relatives and the adults themselves. Get your copy now – www.rompa.com/dementia or call 01246 211777.
Rhino UK - Making Sense of Senses Providing sensory solutions and therapeutic resources wItH over 40 years’ experience rhino UK have provided organisations throughout the UK and Scotland with a variety of multi-sensory solutions and therapeutic resources. their target audiences include sectors such as Healthcare, education, Social Care and Private. Rhino UK is one of the UK leading providers in the sensory market. They believe they have achieved this by listening to their market and understanding their customers’ needs start to finish. The experienced and dedicated team at Rhino UK like to work closely with their clients, building strong relationships and guiding them through their solution and ongoing maintenance support. Whatever the purpose, it is very important to Rhino UK that each Multi-Sensory Environment is created to fulfil the expectations of the client,
and designed for each and every situation. Offering an extremely wide variety of solutions: Multi-Sensory Room: Containing a range of interactive equipment to provide sensory stimulation, encourage relaxation and comfort for those who need security. Immersive Sensory Room: This is an alternative learning environment for professionals to observe and work with the most challenging of clients. The exciting light and projection system provides an innovative and fun way to explore cause and effect. Soft Play Room: Exciting, colourful and robust area which are safe for tumbling, rolling, climbing, bouncing and just simply letting off steam. Sensory Integration Room: Mainly used by occupational therapists and physiotherapists to help develop a user’s confidence and mobility skills. To find out more about our products and service please visit www.rhinouk.com.
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Senior Activities from Intimex CArerS AroUnd the country are looking after a growing population of older people with dementia. Science is now telling us that keeping the mind active for the elderly is essential. the right kind of activities and mind stimulation will help keep dementia sufferers happier and much calmer. Intimex offers a wide range of activity products for use in care homes and day centres. Products available cover areas such as: Exercise, Games, Mental Stimulation, Reminiscence, Music, Entertainment, DVDs, Spiritual,
Easylink UK eASyLInK UK was established during 1984 as a result of a patented invention to wake deaf people, the Shake Awake vibrating alarm clock. the self-contained clock was positioned under the pillow of a sleeping person. At alarm time, the powerful vibrations were enough to wake a person from sleep. easylink UK developed several products for people with Sensory Loss including a smoke alarm system, baby monitors with vibrating pager and talking
Eyeway Signs At eyewAy SIgnS, we specialise in the design and manufacture of bespoke signage for care homes, day care centres, hospitals, sheltered accommodation and many other buildings. Eyeway Signs joined Hills Group of Companies in June 2013 and since then we have gone from strength to strength. We supply our signage across the UK and internationally including care facilities in Ireland, New Zealand and America. We have close links with the health sector through ongoing charity support and our employees are Dementia Friends. At Eyeway Signs, we work
Sensory Stimulation, Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Puzzles, Arts & Crafts and 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 and much more. “Intimex products had such a calming and positive effect on our residents” Gail Todd - Guisborough Manor Care Home Visit www.intimex.org/senioractivities.
watches for blind people. Easylink UK continue to develop and supply products to aid people with hearing and sight loss, and cognitive issues. We offer a range of TV and conversational listening aids, visual and vibrating doorbells, high contract easy to see clocks, and talking clocks. For people with cognitive and memory issues, our MemRabel 2 daily calendar alarm reminder uses video, picture, and audio media files for memory prompting at selected alarm times. Up to 20 alarms can be set for daily, weekly, monthly, or calendar date playback. MemRabel 2, is preloaded with over 100 useful voice, picture and video reminders, making it really easy to help organise a person’s daily routine. Our full product portfolio can be seen at www.easylinkuk.co.uk or visit www.memrabel.co.uk our specialised dementia site. closely with care homes and health professionals to understand the needs and requirements of their residents and visitors. Good signage helps towards maximising a person’s independence and well-being whilst relieving stress and anxiety. We have access to latest technology and equipment enabling us to produce high-quality signage with raised tactile lettering and Braille characters. Our signs and boards have been designed for people living with Dementia using bright, bold colours and clear pictures featuring tactile and Braille lettering. We use a high quality anti-glare and UV stable PMMA acrylic for long lasting wear. The use of hard-wearing gravitac tactile Braille aids accessibility and wayfinding for both residents and visitors. More information can be found by visiting www.eyewaysigns.co.uk.
For a great range of activities covering, Exercise, Games, Mental Stimulation, Reminiscence, Music and Entertainment have a look at our online shop intimex.org/senioractivities
Orders can be placed directly on the shop or by post, email or telephone.
Intimex (Holdings) Limited Unit 5, Enterprise Park, Black Moor Road, Verwood, Dorset BH31 6YS Tel: 01202 813500 Email: sales@intimex.org
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Norris Steam For over 45 years norris Steam London Ltd have been industry leaders in offering a wide range of professional and commercial pressing machinery and clothes steamers. we are the official UK agents for the following well known established and renowned companies; Jiffy Steamers, Jacobson Products, due effe Irons, Stirovap Pressing equipment, Ceme Solenoids.
We offer fast and secure delivery to United Kingdom including a wide range of other international locations. Our new and secure e-commerce website is designed to help you find information concerning our current product range complete with prices and information. You will also find information regarding Norris Steams’ history and our contact details. If you are looking to buy steam products online from steam generator irons to kitting out a complete workshop or just looking to buy our popular Jiffy Steamer residential range then our new and secure e-commerce website is designed to help you find information concerning our current product range complete with prices and information. You can also call us with your order on +44 (0)20 7923 4345. See advert this page.
Girbau Adds Energy and Water-Saving Smart Load Technology To Latest HS Series Washers girbau’s new Smart Load technology on its latest HS Series washer extractors offers hotel on-premise laundries even greater savings in energy, water and detergent use. Smart Load automatically adjusts water consumption and chemical dosing in accordance with load weight, fabric and chosen wash program to save energy, water and detergent without users needing to do anything. “Our HS Series washers are already among the most energy and water-efficient models available and the new Smart Load function offers additional in-use economies, especially for hotel laundries that operate machines at less than full capacity on some washes,” said Peter Marsh, managing director of Girbau UK. Machine capacities range from 9kg for the HS-6008 model up to 122kg on the giant HS-6110. The most popular models for hotel on-premise laundries are the HS-6008, HS-6013, HS-6017 and HS-6023. HS Series washers can spin at speeds of up to 1,000rpm to create water extraction forces of up to 400G. Depending on the fabrics being cleaned, this means residual moisture after washing can be less than 50%, which in turn means faster drying and further energy savings. All models in the Girbau HS Series are on the Water Technology List. This means they are very water efficient and businesses purchasing new machines can benefit from 100% tax relief under the
TO ADVERTISE IN
PLEASE CALL OUR SALES TEAM ON
01202 552333
Government’s Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme. Other features on the HS Series include Girbau’s Aquamixer, which precisely controls hot and cold water mixing to save energy and reduce wash cycle times, and Aquafall, which recirculates water through perforated drum blades to save water, increase washing action and reduce cycle time. G-Drive, Girbau’s exclusive control and communication system linking the inverter, motor and microprocessor ensures accurate balance even at high speeds for quieter operation, reduced vibration and longer machine life. Girbau’s unique Care Touch Drum prolongs linen life and optimises water extraction. Drum holes are pressed in the Vitonsealed stainless steel to ensure there are no sharp edges. The washers’ highly controllable inverter and microprocessor make it possible to configure extremely accurate and versatile programs. The advanced Girbau INTELI control system on HS Series offers virtually unlimited (up to 99) programming options for economical, water and energy-efficient operation for the widest range different requirements including wet cleaning. The user controls are highly intuitive and very quick and easy to master. Advanced users can vary individual programs even more finely via a PC using the optional INTELI Manager Tool eXpert (IMTX). Reader Enquiries - Tel: 01462 427780 Web: www.girbau.co.uk Sales Email: sales@girbau.co.uk Service Email: service@girbau.co.uk
Is Your Laundry Provider Delivering The Service That Your Business Requires? LAUndry ProvISIon is a key necessity in any care home, and it is essential to align yourself with the right service partner. we are frequently approached by businesses that have been let down by their previous providers, and have been left waiting frustratedly for a number of weeks after an urgent service call out request. At Forbes Professional we understand that engineer reponse times are crutial to the running of an on premises laundry function. Established in 1926, we remain a family run company today, and pride ourselves on the level of service that we provide to our clients. We have an expansive nationwide infrastruc-
ture and a large team of in-house engineers that enable us to deliver a same day next day engineer response service. Proud to be partnered with Miele Professional, we offer a wide range of WRAS approved commercial laundry and dishwashing appliances. We always assume a consultative approach and advise upon all the necessary requirements for CQC compliance. Our Complete Care solution gives access to premium brands without the incumbrant upfront capital outlay and with no unexpected maintenance or repair bills, for the life of the contract. For more details contact Forbes Professional on 0345 070 2335
SPRING 2016
Mister Uniform Ltd WITH THE recent warm weather 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.
Burlington Uniforms BUrLIngton Uniforms Ltd is a privately owned company which specialises in supplying corporate uniforms for all industries and business sectors and has been doing so for nearly 40 years. We provide a one-stop shopping experience for clients engaged in any kind of activity in the private or public sectors. Our private clients include blue chip companies, well-known private companies and professional firms. Our public sector clients include government departments and agencies, legislative and judicial bodies, local authorities, emergency services, and some of the world's most famous museums.
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 2016 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
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Take the hassle out of buying health care uniforms with our
Free Sample Service
£14.95
£14.95
We provide the highest standard of service and customer support. This combined with our commitment to research, develop and supply clothing of style and quality at competitive prices has been the key to our success since 1974. Our head office is based in Enfield and this also serves as our distribution hub and warehouse. We also have a manufacturing and distribution centre in south Wales, where we produce our own corporate wear ranges of suiting, shirts and blouses, and accessories. We are one of the only UK based manufacturers left and this unique feature gives us a substantial advantage over our competitors in turns of having direct control over production and bespoke capabilities. We are independently accredited with both ISO9001 (Quality Management) and ISO14001 (Environmental Management) standards, and are a Crown Commercial Service Supplier. For further details see the advert on page 9.
£14.95
BU L K O R D ER D ISC O U NT AVAIL AB S L E!
Prices quoted exclude VAT
BRAND NEW 2016 BROCH U RE NOW AVAILABLE
TELEPHONE: 0117 32 52 199 EMAIL : sales@misteruniform.co.uk WEB: www.misteruniform.co.uk
octenisan® Decontamination Body Cleansing Range Chiltern Water & Environment octenisan nasal gel is the latest addition to the extensive octenisan body cleansing decontamination range, which includes octenisan® wash lotion, octenisan wash mitts, octenisan wash caps and octenidol® mouth wash. octenisan nasal gel can be used twice daily for five days as part of a multidrug resistant organisms (MDRO) decontamination regime. octenisan nasal gel contains octenidine - a clinically proven, broad-spectrum antimicrobial, which is also effective against multi-resistant strains. octenisan wash caps are designed for use with octenisan wash mitts for bedbound patients and those with limited mobility. They are impregnated with octenidine - a clinically proven, broad-spectrum antimicrobial, which
is also effective against multi-resistant strains. octenisan wash lotion can be used by ambulant residents who are able to shower. The octenisan range is formulated for gentle but effective whole body cleansing, including hair washing and showering. To try a sample of the octenisan range, email: mail.uk@schuelke.com schülke UK, Cygnet House, 1 Jenkin Road, Meadowhall, Sheffield, S9 1AT. Tel: 0114 254 3500 or visit www.schulke.co.uk
Jangro Launches Healthcare Catalogue To Meet Industry Demand Jangro, thE largest network of janitorial supply companies in the UK, has launched a catalogue specifically for the healthcare sector following ever- increasing industry demand for its products. Suitable for all healthcare related environments including hospitals, hospices, care homes, dentists, rehabilitation facilities and assisted living accommodation, the huge range covers: • Protective wear and patient care • Laundry care • Housekeeping • Beds and mobility equipment • Washroom equipment • Medical supplies and equipment • Assisted dining care and kitchen hygiene
Available to anyone that is responsible for purchasing products and equipment in the healthcare sector, the catalogue is free of charge and becoming a Jangro customer has a whole host of additional benefits. With free online solutions to help clients manage staff training, company budgets and all important health and safety legislation requirements, as well as complementary downloads for essential wall charts. There are 42 Jangro distributors across the UK and Ireland, and the group’s buying power means that customers get the benefits of fantastic prices and a great local service. The catalogue is free of charge and can be ordered by calling 01204 795 955, emailing enquiries@jangrohq.net or through any of Jangro's 42 distributors, who are conveniently located across the UK and Ireland. You can visit www.jangro.net to find your nearest distributor.
Chiltern Water & Environment Ltd can help you with your legionella compliance and water hygiene requirements. Chiltern Water & Environment Ltd was established 25 years ago by Chartered Chemist and Biologist Robert Hunt, having gained 25 years of experience in the water industry. Still family owned the company has grown into a team of water industry experts, with significant knowledge and experience supported by industry recognised qualifications. It provides a confidential and independent service in water management and environmental monitoring. Chiltern Water & Environment Ltd offers the following services: • Legionella compliance services, including: • Risk assessments • Designing monitoring schemes, including provision of log-books • Training services • Asset inspections, including tanks and calorifiers • Remedial works, including disinfections • Temperature monitoring • Sampling • Legionella outbreak/contamination management • Hydrotherapy pool testing and sampling • TMV Testing & Servicing • Private water supply risk assessment and sampling • Investigation into specific water quality problems • Leak investigation works • Supply of small-scale treatment equipment and bulk chemicals The company is a member of Constructionline and is working towards membership of the Legionella Control Association and accreditation to ISO 17000. To discuss your requirements please contact David Hunt using the details below. Email: info@chilternwater.co.uk Tel: 01844 3478678
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Easylink UK eASyLInK UK, established 1984, are market leaders in the provision of nocturnal epileptic seizure detection products. our first model, the mP5, was first introduced during 1995 and was the first product of its type to offer wireless alarm signalling. our current range of products provide seizure detection solutions for individual and multiple bed monitoring for domestic and professional care. Easylink UK also offer a range of affordable falls detection and pre-
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
Alarm Radio Monitoring Arm IS tHe UK's premier wireless nurse Call & Staff Alarm system designer, manufacturer, supplier and installer, offering a comprehensive range of nurse Call, Staff Alarm, Lone worker, Fire Alarm, door Access and telephony bespoke systems. with over 30 years experience in the design & development of wireless nurse Call & Staff Alarm/Lone worker systems, Alarm radio monitoring has established itself as a key player within the wireless solutions market to the public & private healthcare sectors. Wireless Solutions are ideal for environments that do not lend themselves to running in cables, for example listed buildings or busy environments, whereby closing as area of a building is not deemed financially viable. Wireless systems also offer the flexibility & ease for future expansion.
vention products including fall detection pendants, bed and chair occupancy detection alarms, and resident door egress alarms. Our latest fall detection pendant reliably detects and raises a wireless alarm should a person experience a fall. The pendant also features a touch sensor call button, particularly useful for people with limited dexterity, caused by age, Stroke, or other debilitating condition. The call pedant has a transmission range of 150 Metres with signalling to a radio pager or radio receiver providing connection to an existing nurse call system. Easylink UK have an extensive portfolio of Senior care products including memory prompting aids for medication reminders, aids for daily living. Easylink UK are accredited by BSI to ISO 13485:2003/7 for the design and manufacture of medical products. For details visit www.easylinkuk.co.uk, Telephone 01536 364 869 or see the advert on page 2.
falls. 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. Our new HTM 08-03 Nurse Call system is the only fully HTM 08-03 compliant wireless Nurse Call Asystem. The new wireless HTM 08-03 version of our Nurse Call system is ideal for replacing old hardwired Patient Call Systems in Hospitals with minimal disruption to both Patients & Staff. No need to replace the whole Bed Head services, the ARM HTM 08-03 compliant wireless Nurse Call system can be fitted on to the existing Bed Head Services panel. For more information contact our sales team or click here. Every system comes with a full 12 month manufacturer's warranty and FREE 24/7 Engineer manned telephone support, no need for an expensive maintenance contract to be taken out. Take the ongoing cost out of your operation with our unique return to base service exchange policy and low cost of ownership/leasing options. Whether you need a combination of a Nurse Call system, Staff Alarm system, Fire Alarm system, Door Access we have a team to help design a package that will meet your requirements. For further details see advert this page
Nurse Call for Dementia Care from Aid Call TO ADVERTISE IN PLEASE CALL OUR SALES TEAM ON
01202 552333
AId CALL’S newest nurse call solution, the touchsafe Pro, has been developed in response to the changing needs of the healthcare sector and recognises the growing prevalence of Alzheimers and dementia amongst our aging population. Our nurse call systems are designed to reduce response times to emergency calls, improve the standard of these responses by increasing the amount of information available to carers and to facilitate the care of those with more complex care needs. It encourages better communication and reassures residents, and their families, that help is always nearby.
Features such as the dementia clock and easy-to-use reminder calls can assist more vulnerable residents and an all-encompassing call logging system will monitor staff performance. We also offer a silent paging system which has proven to be of huge benefit on dementia wings, where loud alarms can cause undue distress. Additionally, the systems’ peripheral devices and assistive technology help carers to support falls management, learning difficulties and dementia. They facilitate greater independence, provide preventative as well as reactive care and mean the system benefits those without the necessary cognitive ability to utilise a conventional nurse call system. For more information visit www.aidcall.co.uk or contact sales@aidcall.co.uk
SPRING 2016
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Gainsborough’s Donated Assistive Windsor Bath To Assist Injured War Veteran to DatE, the DiY SoS big build ‘homes for Veterans’ Special was the most ambitious construction challenge to be undertaken by this building renovation tV programme. it involved the redevelopment of a whole dilapidated terraced street in manchester so homes could be provided for injured servicemen and women. Lamin mennah, disabled ex-guardsman and his family were grateful recipients of one of these new accessible homes on Canada Street that included an assistive Windsor 2 bath donated by gainsborough Specialist bathing. Lamin was originally from Gambia however he decided to move to Britain in 2005 so he could join the British Army. As Gambia is a Commonwealth country, residents are allowed to join the British Armed Forces hence Lamin served in the Irish Guards for five years. He was severely injured by an exploding IED in Afghanistan on New Year’s Eve 2010 which resulted in the loss of both his legs and one arm. Lamin was able to survive this horrific ordeal and now continues to rebuild his life – made easier with a new home that is fully accessible.
A key feature of Lamin’s new home is the installation of a Windsor 2 assistive bath with powered bather transfer seat. This specialist bath allows him to bathe independently and reduce lower back discomfort which can be common when regularly using prosthetic legs. The donation of this Windsor 2 bath by Gainsborough included all technical support, preinstallation plumbing and electrical guidance, fitting and commissioning. The Gainsborough technicians and fitters worked closely with the programme project managers and designers to ensure the installation was efficient. As Lamin continues with his rehabilitation, his Windsor 2 will continue to play a vital role in everyday life. Lamin will be shortly beginning his training to compete in the Invictus Games which is an international sports event for disabled military personnel. Lamin concludes: “As I begin my Invictus training I know the therapeutic benefits of my Gainsborough bath will be even more important. When you experience a life changing injury, the therapists at Headley Court say it is so important to reset life back to how it was before as best you can. This approach assists with keeping you positive and in a good state of mind. My Windsor is helping me achieve this.”
Mira Shares Secret Of Safe Showering With Specifiers mira ShoWErS – the UK’s leading manufacturer of showering products and accessories – has created a new seminar showing how bathrooms can be adapted so that older people and those with disabilities can shower independently and safely. accredited by riba, the seminar has been designed to contribute to ongoing Continued Professional Development (CPD) commitments. Mira’s Safe Showering explains the issues designers should consider when designing a safe shower. For example motor problems, such as those caused by arthritis, call for shower controls that can be operated with limited grip; shower enclosures should be easy to open and close; longer slide bars and hoses allow flexibility for those who need to sit down to shower. With an estimated 75% of falls among people aged over 65 taking place in the bathroom, slip-resistant surfaces, support rails at the right height and the appropriate shower seats are all important elements of safe shower design. Sensory and cognitive problems can also be an issue, requiring features such as intuitive controls, maximum temperature control and colour contrasting elements. Safe Showering also introduces delegates to an industry first: an electric shower and digital waste pump which communicate wirelessly with one another. A solution for wetrooms and bath-
rooms where gravity drainage is not possible, the Instant Match digital waste pump from Whale Pumps switches on when the Mira Advance Extra Flex shower does and adjusts its rate to suit the flow of the shower, removing the risk of flooding. The pump can be positioned up to 5m away from the shower. And with no trunking or conduits to accommodate in the design, the finish of the room can be neater. The demand for inclusive showers is growing. Over three quarters of a million people aged over 65 need specially adapted accommodation due to a medical condition or disability, according to the DCLG, with 75% of the over65s owning their own home. The drive to enable people to live longer at home means that there are new demands on the design of showers and related products. “People don’t want their bathrooms to look institutional,” explains Roger Crabb, Mira’s Marketing Manager. “They want stylish designs and showers that can be used by any member of the family and which add to the value of their houses”. In conclusion, Safe Showering means thoughtful design, careful selection and location of products and the adoption of new technologies such as the wireless shower and pump combination. This should lead to wetrooms and bathrooms which are safer to use and good to look at too. Reader Enquiries - Tel: 01242 221221 or visit www.mirashowers.co.uk
TR Equipment is specialised in Patient Hygiene and Handling Equipment and has over 25 years of experience in developing,manufacturing and marketing these range of products. TR Equipment’s product range meets all your hygiene and mobility needs, letting you provide better care to your residents with greater staff productivity and flexibility. TR Equipment offers both Hygiene and Mobility Equipment for People in three different user segments: Showering, Bathing and Mobility products. TR Equipment can support your equipment needs on a broad range of Hygiene and Mobility products and offer a two year warranty on our complete range.
Making The Smart Decision On Showers thE bathroom poses a number of safety hazards, not just to the person being cared for but also the carer. the shower is a particular challenge, with scalding, sharp edges and the potential for trips and falls all posing a threat to users. Fortunately, intelligently designed smart electric showers designed specially for the care market are available and are an essential showering solution for care homes. The BEAB care certified and RNIB accredited AKW iCare smart shower, for example, provides greater controllability, enhanced safety and unrivalled ease of use – making it ideal for safe use by care home residents. The iCare is sophisticated yet functional and puts the safety of users first. It features sleek rounded corners, prevents scalding thanks to thermostatic temperature controls, and includes an additional safety feature which automatically shuts down the unit if it runs uninterrupted for 30 minutes. It also features audible temperature and flow control indicators for those with visual impairments, and large, tactile buttons, which feature raised high contrast lettering and symbols, make controls easy to identify. Built in Bluetooth connectivity enables the user or a carer to fully operate the shower using a wireless remote control or smartphone app. The power, temperature of
water and flow can be easily adjusted from up to ten metres away and in real-time. This is a significant step forward for the elderly or those with limited mobility who require assistance from a carer as the shower can be safely operated from a separate room by carers to protect the dignity of users. User profiles can be programmed to provide a simple and effective way of personalising a user’s showering experience and an alarm can be set so that the shower turns itself on and produces water at the required temperature at a predetermined time, such as when the user is getting out of bed. Smart showers from leading manufacturers such as AKW have been designed to make installation fast, simple and straightforward. The iCare is able to hide the footprint of the previous shower whilst reducing, and in some cases eliminating, the requirement for any making good of the wall or tiling. This allows the time required to complete installation to be kept low, ensuring the cost of installation and any disruption to users is kept to a minimum. With smart showers making showering safer and the lives of users and carers easier, installing these in care facilities really is a smart decision. Reader Enquiries -Tel: 01905 823298 or visit www.akw-ltd.co.uk
TR Equipment tr eQUIPment specialises in Patient Hygiene and Handling equipment and has over 25 years of experience in deve¬loping, manufacturing and marketing these ranges of products. TR Equipment’s product range meets all your hygiene and mobility needs, letting you provide better care to your residents with greater staff productivity and flexibility. TR Equipment offers both Hygiene and Mobility Equipment for People in three different user segments: Showering, Bathing and Mobility products. TR Equipment offers a wide range of height adjustable bathtubs which all give an ergonomic and efficient treatment and a
relaxing bathing experience. TR Equipment also offers a selection of mobile patient lifts, both with chair and stretcher, to use for many purposes such as bathing and transport. TR Equipment offers the widest shower trolley program on the market with several options regarding sizes and weight capacity, both hydraulic and battery operated. TR Equipment offers a two year warranty on our complete range. Contact TR Equipment today and allow us to show you what we can do for your caring equipment needs for the future. E-Mail: info@trequipment.co.uk Web page: www.trequipment.co.uk Or call Ian Lester on 07776 498246 or email direct on ian.lester@trequipment.co.uk
Contact TR Equipment today and allow us to show you what we can do for your caring equipment needs for the future.
E-Mail: info@trequipment.co.uk Web page: www.trequipment.co.uk Or call Ian Lester on 07776 498246 or email on ian.lester@trequipment.co.uk
TR EQUIPMENT “Hygiene Equipment Designed for People”
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Don’t Take a Blind Risk!
what would you find on the pull-cords of your blinds?
In recent years, research has focussed on the infection risk presented by the clinical environment. This is not hugely surprising, given the concern about high patient infection rates and the grim spectre of Antimicrobial Resistance meaning that we are entering an era of “bad bugs and no drugs.” The focus is now on unrecognised fomites – items we touch without thinking. Take a look at the blind cords, pull-cords for lights, fans or alarms in your facility – when were they last cleaned; how often are they touched? There is abundant evidence on the efficacy of Antimicrobial Copper.
Bacteria, viruses, yeasts and fungi all die rapidly on contact with it. Clinical studies show >80% microbial reduction on Antimicrobial Copper surfaces, between touches, between cleans. The Sturge Group offer ball chains made from solid Antimicrobial Copper, in gold or silver appearance, the chain can be used to replace existing blind cord controls. Available in 50 or 100 metre reels, they give you longevity, performance, aesthetics... and fewer microbes. For further information contact Sturge Industries Ltd, Blackbrook Business Park, Narrowboat Way, Dudley, West Midlands DY2 0XQ www.sturge.co.uk/ 01384 455 426 enquiries@sturge.co.uk
Intelligent Bedside Pressure Distribution Monitoring From Sidhil
Freephone: 0800 917 7943 www.euroservice-uk.com sales@euroservice-uk.com
PM200
QZ2
B09
SIdHILS InnovAtIve m.A.P product is a continuous bedside pressure monitoring system, and can be used in conjunction with almost any mattress system to provide 24/7 data on pressure levels developing between the patient and the support surface. The system uses a pressure-sensing mat to identify high and low pressure between the individual and the mattress. The specially designed mat houses thousands of sensing points capable of accurately imaging the body of the patient. This information is sent to a monitor, where it is displayed as a real time, colour coded high-resolution image, with areas of high pressure clearly delineated in red and orange, and lower pressure areas showing as green and blue. The real time ‘pressure map’ image gives
A Trolley for Every Occasion!
B39
WhEEL in the trolley with all those lovely treats and everyone’s eyes will light up!
PO 300
B007
WM6
accurate detail on each individual, enabling carers to reposition accordingly, reducing pressure in the identified areas. Experience in the acute market indicates that ‘micro-movements’ can reduce pressures dramatically, which is particularly effective for people where full body repositioning or even turning may be restricted. The implementation of Sidhil’s M.A.P™ system allows live and individual monitoring and management of pressure distribution. In addition, the pressure-sensing mat is flexible, which means it is suitable for use with people of different weights and sizes, even bariatric cases. The system is available both for sale and for rental from Sidhil, with the purchase price believed to be less than the cost of treating one Grade 1 pressure ulcer. For more details please visit: www.sidhil.com/map
BZ 006
Introducing our NEW Cheetah range - affordable UK manufactured trolleys. Whether it’s a hot drink from the tea trolley, a little tipple or a mouth-watering cream tea from the chilled dessert trolley, Euroservice has the answer.
Why not contact one of our experienced sales team to discuss your requirements? We feel sure that a Euroservice trolley will be one of your best assets, saving you time and enhancing the excellence of your service. For more information visit: www.euroservice-uk.com or call 0800 917 7943
SPRING 2016
Christopher Guy Interiors Limited Manufacturers of Quality Furniture For Nursing Homes, Residential Care Homes & Dementia Care CHrIStoPHer gUy Interiors is one of the largest independent suppliers of nursing home furniture, residential care home furniture and dementia care furniture in the country today. we are a family run business and the owners have been involved in the manufacture of furniture for over 40 years. We are constantly expanding in the field of nursing home furniture, residential care home furniture and special needs furniture. We have one of the best ranges of exclusive contract fabrics and are proud of our quality and the excellent value of our products. We deliver throughout the country and always put the
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 mat-
customer first and endeavour to meet their requests. We have a range of over 50 leather and impervious suites suitable for specialist needs and young adults with learning disabilities. Specialist fitting by experienced staff. Competitive prices keep Christopher Guy Interiors Limited ahead of all their competitors and our turnkey packages cannot be beaten for price, quality and value for money. We can supply furniture for the lounge, dining room and bedroom. Our lounge chairs are made to order and upholstered in impervious contract care and / or vinyl fabrics. Our chairs include high back chairs and high seat chairs. See our double page advert on pages 36-37.
tress 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
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. 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 sav-
ings 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 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
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THE CARER
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Altro Wood Safety Used By Norfolk’s Largest Care Home Provider ALtro wood SAFetytm flooring has been used by norseCare, norfolk’s largest care home provider, in all 23 of its residential care homes in the county. Andy Moore, facilities manager at NorseCare, explains why Altro Wood Safety has been regularly used at their care homes. “We are very familiar with Altro products and find they are ideal for use in care homes in terms of quality and practical application, as well as having superb colours and designs to choose from. We fit Alto WhiterockTM hygienic wall cladding in our shower areas too, as it’s a greatlooking product which is easy to clean. “We have found Altro Wood Safety flooring to be suitable because it is so successful in terms of safety, practicality, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance, which are all vital aspects in a care home. “Residents can often be unsure on their feet, so reliable safety flooring is a
must. We also like to create an environment for residents that is warm, welcoming and homely, and we find Altro Wood Safety helps to create a bright, nonclinical feel wherever it is used.” Altro Wood Safety is a true wood-look, sparkle-free safety flooring with a palette of 16 classic, contemporary and on-trend designs, which are ideal in locations where first impressions count and safety cannot be compromised. Altro Wood Safety offers sustained slip resistance for the lifetime of the product, keeping your risk of a slip to just one in a million. The range also benefits from Altro Easyclean Maxis PUR Technology for optimum longterm cleaning and maintenance performance. For further information call 01462 707600 or visit www.altro.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.
Please Please mention mention THE THE CARER CARER when when responding responding to to advertising. advertising.
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
SPRING 2016
THE CARER
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Carers Generally Underestimate the Impact of Stroke StroKe IS a major issue for the care sector, much bigger than many people realise. It can happen very suddenly and a person’s needs can change overnight. estimates on the proportion of stroke survivors in care homes range between 25%-45%. Older people are a group at particular risk as the chance of having a stroke doubles every decade after the age of 55. Knowing what to do when a stroke strikes can be the difference between life and death. The Stroke Association are experts in stroke and provide training and qualifications that give people working in caring roles the skills to understand this complex condition. We have found that care staff generally underesti-
SSTAR Care Staff Training In order for care staff to become competent in the provision of care to a high standard, decisions about training and the level of training needs to be made. Care assistants need knowledge and skills in order to deliver care to others and the ratio between the two varies according to the topic under consideration. Skill based topics require underpinning knowledge in order for care assistants to understand how and why the skills work. More importantly the care assistants also need to practise those skills in a safe environment whilst being monitored and guided in the practice of those skills. This should be monitoring and supervised by care organisations senior staff to ensure that procedures learnt are being put into practice in the home/workplace setting. Clearly, supervisory staff should cover the
Geopace Training geoPACe trAInIng is the leading provider of Phlebotomy training Courses in the UK, delivering excellence in training since 2010. All courses are Nationally Recognised and Accredited with The Open College Network. Corporate clients include NHS Primary Care Trusts, Colleges, Universities and Care Homes, as well as GP Surgery staff and privately funded individuals. Group rates are available for 3 or more delegates attending, or training can be carried out on-site.
Smell & Connect LAUnCHed tHIS year by reminiScent, Smell & Connect cards are an innovative product, which can be used by Activity Coordinators and family members to help connection with older people and those with dementia. the cards carry a scent that has been selected to form topics that have happy associations, for example with holidays, hobbies and childhood.
mate the number of stroke survivors in their care, due to the hidden effects of stroke. We recently asked some carers, who were completing qualifications with us, how many stroke survivors they looked after. After they completed their course they were asked again, and the number of stroke survivors increased by 44% - as the training had helped them to identify more of the complex effects a stroke can cause. Our courses and qualifications are suitable for anyone working in the care industry. If you would like more information, please visit www.stroke.org.uk/training or call 01527 903911. same material so that everyone is working to the same ideals. Knowledge based topics have a skills element in terms of putting that knowledge into practice whilst caring for others. Senior care staff need to monitor and supervise carers to ensure that the knowledge learnt is being used appropriately. Certain skills and knowledge should be delivered by qualified trainers who have the experience to make the learning understood and appropriate to the care assistants. This especially applies to the statutory training required by staff members. SSTAR believes that if training is provided in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with appropriate use of humour the learning process is likely to be an enjoyable one. Research shows that, in such circumstances, information is absorbed more easily and retained for longer. Care staff are then keen to put what they have learned into practice and, often, are encouraged to learn more and improve their skills. See the advert on previous page for details.
The relax two-day Introduction to Phlebotomy course assumes no prior knowledge of phlebotomy and leads up to the point of live blood draw. Progression courses are available online and include Neonatal & Paediatric Phlebotomy and Advanced Venepuncture & Cannulation. A Phlebotomy Refresher Course, also available online, is also available to update and renew the learner’s past accreditation. For further details Tel: 01525 713377 Website: www.geopace.com Email: info@geopace.com A smell sensation provides stimulation, a shared experience, something to talk about - all of which bring pleasure and inclusiveness that helps people to be more content. Comments about the memories and associations with the scents support relationship centred care, which is widely accepted as the best approach to caring for older people and those with dementia. The relevance of sensory therapy, and particularly the use of the sense of smell, to relationship centred care is that the act of sharing a scent experience automatically engages people in joint activity. Even without words, the smile that scent can bring is valuable in maintaining connected relationships, helping people to stay engaged with family and carers, and thus feel happier. Visit www.smellandconnect.com for further information.
Care Home Operator Helps Staff Experience Dementia Ideal Carehomes is taking its training to the limits by offering staff the opportunity to have a virtual experience of dementia. the company, which operates 15 residential and dementia care homes across the north and midlands, has enlisted the help of the virtual dementia tour bus to give staff this unique insight into their residents’ condition. The Virtual Dementia Tour bus is run by Experience Training and gives participants the opportunity to take a walk into the world of dementia – by donning gloves, dark glasses and earphones, senses are greatly reduced which is instantly disorientating. Many find the sensation distressing, allowing them to empathise with residents’ reactions to different scenarios. Along with being in a strange darkened room, not being able to recognise the object in front of you, and with normal everyday noises feeling much louder, the whole experience can feel frightening and isolating. Glenn Knight, Managing Director of Experience Training, said: “Ideal Carehomes and its staff have shown a willingness to improve already high standards for their residents and families alike. Understanding what a resident with dementia experiences improves practice whilst building empathy. Experience Training are proud to be working with an organisation which shares our core values and foresight to improve the lives of those who live with dementia”. Ideal Carehomes is sending the Virtual Dementia Tour bus to each of its 15 homes with every member of staff being given the opportunity to take part in the experience. The homes are also opening their doors to the local community, inviting relatives and friends to take part wherever possible Regional Director of Ideal Carehomes, Amanda Richardson, said, “I just can’t stress enough how effective this training is and how much it will benefit our staff and residents. For our staff to be able to experience dementia, even just for a few minutes, is incredible and will really help them to reassess their actions when caring. This Virtual Dementia Tour is much more powerful than classroom training and is an experience which they will never forget.” With the condition affecting the quality of life of residents, it is imperative for staff to interact with them in a way which helps minimise the impact of the disease on
their daily lives. Ideal Carehomes feel that the Virtual Dementia Tour is just another piece of the puzzle in making a real difference to the lives of people who live with dementia.
Using a blend of Online and classroom based learning you can create a programme of learning that suits your own unique requirements. Flexible online access allows learners to work at their own convenience and pace We have produced online, classroom and a portfolio version of the learning materials. To support in-house trainers, there is also a Train the Trainer option for many courses The Care Certificate Standards
All 15 Standards are available on-line (or a printed version) which can be purchased in any combination to suit the service provision. These programmes of learning provide duel functionality by allowing learners to re-visit and complete downloadable activities as a progression toward the QCF Health & Social Care Diplomas at both Level 2 and 3 (QCF Funding may be available)
Other Courses Available Include
Moving & Positioning (Theory Medication Awareness (Theory) Food Safety (Theory) Physical Intervention (Theory) Positive Behavioural Support
Introduction to Learning Disabilities Working with Learning Disabilities Preventing & Managing Challenging Behaviour Physical Intervention Risk Reduction Many more Clinical courses (full list available)
Level 3 Award in Education and Training Moving & Positioning QCF Assessor (TAQA Award) Other options available
Physical Intervention First Aid Preventing & Managing Challenging Behaviour
Train the Trainer Courses Available Include
FOR MORE INFORMATION: TEL: 01904 492 442 EMAIL: trainers@securicare.com CONTACT US NOW FOR A FREE ON-LINE TRIAL!
TO TO ADVERTISE ADVERTISE IN IN THE THE CARER, CARER, PLEASE PLEASE CALL CALL OUR OUR SALES SALES TEAM TEAM ON ON 01202 552333
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Coalition To Tackle Critical Social Care Workforce Challenges THE TWO leading organisations representing not for-profit providers, the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group and the National Care Forum, have joined forces with Agenda Consulting to tackle social care workforce challenges. In an environment of tight financial constraints, the social care sector is managing significant recruitment and retention issues. The turnover of staff is adding unnecessary costs into the system, when we know a highly engaged workforce leads to lower turnover and absence, higher levels of performance and better services for people supported. To directly tackle these issues the Social Care Employee Engagement Survey will provide deep insight into what influences workforce engagement in social care in order for organisations to better plan and develop their workforce. The survey has been shaped by a reference group of leading experts, comprising HR directors across the VODG and NCF membership. Des Kelly OBE, Executive Director, NCF said, “NCF is pleased to be working with experts Agenda Consulting (and in partnership with VODG) to develop an employee engagement survey, which will support our members and complement our other HR benchmarking survey work.” Dr Rhidian Hughes, Chief Executive, VODG added, “Workforce issues, including the recruitment and retention of staff, are some of the greatest challenges facing social care and disability services. All organisations need
an informed starting point as to what engages and motivates staff. The valuable insight and evidence collected through the Social Care Engagement Survey will help organisations to further develop strategies and tactics.” Roger Parry, Director, Agenda Consulting said, “Having conducted almost 60 employee surveys with over 30 social care organisations, we appreciate the importance of identifying what influences engagement and acting on the feedback from employees. We are delighted to work with NCF and VODG to provide deeper insight into engagement and help organisations to improve performance and service in social care.” The survey offers a new approach, which: • Is designed specifically for the social care sector and offers a range of costeffective packages • Enables the organisations to compare their results with similar social care organisations • Includes some mandatory questions and some questions relating to regulators’ quality frameworks • Allows organisations to use their own questions and demographics • Enables organisations to choose their own timing • Contributes to sector-wide research on factors influencing engagement in social care • Provides an annual sector-wide report, analysing the results overall and by service type and client group
MediEnlist Continue Adding To Their Impressive Track Record ARE YOU needing high quality nurses and carers? MediEnlist can help. With offices based across the EU and the help of strategic partners, MediEnlist are able to source highly qualified healthcare staff for positions within the United Kingdom. Pay only an affordable one off fee and avoid crippling monthly agency fees. MediEnlist stress they are not an agency, they continually develop a network of high quality skills talent from across the European Union. This, in combination with active training and development of potential candidates ensures that their placements have the necessary skills, qualifications and professional registrations required to integrate seamlessly within your team. MediEnlist currently supply nurses and carers to some of the biggest names in the UK private healthcare sector and have recently expanded their operations to include further key locations throughout the EU, ensur-
TO ADVERTISE IN
PLEASE CALL OUR SALES TEAM ON
01202 552333
ing they have the capacity to supply even the highest demand. MediEnlist have an impressive track record with a 64% fill success rate for the Care Home sector and a massive 96.4% retention rate of Nurses still in employment after 12 months. Their time-scales are equally as impressive with an a average of only 30 days from interview date for Nurses to commence employment in the UK (Includes Nurses without a PIN commencing initially as a Senior Nursing Care Assistant). MediEnlist have always graded the English language skills of their candidates, ensuring that communication is never an issue. With a combination of initial assessment, e-learning and face to face tuition MediEnlist candidates can feel confident when faced with IELTS. For a cost effective recruitment solution contact call MediEnlist on 0191 337 1233 or visit www.MediEnlist.com
Successful CEO Steps Down Following 10 Years Service With Nurse Plus Following 10 successful years, Heath Blake will be stepping down as CEO of national healthcare company Nurse Plus. Heath started Nurse Plus in 2005 and has overseen the care provider grow and develop from three to 50 branches across the UK. The company’s progress has been underlined by the recent investment from Sovereign Capital and shortlisting for a number of high profile industry awards. A period of transition will see Heath working closely alongside new CEO, Paul Bingham, for the remainder of 2016. Paul’s previous experience includes roles as UK CEO of IT services provider Atos and Managing Director at Equiniti, specialists in financial and technology services. Paul’s proven track record of building effective executive teams and driving growth in businesses will contribute to the continued success of
Nurse Plus. Post transition, Heath will continue to work closely with Nurse Plus as a Non-Executive Director and advisor. Heath commented, “It has been a privilege to lead one of the UK’s fastest growing nursing agencies and after 10 years with the company it’s time to move on and transfer the Nurse Plus helm to a new generation of leadership. “I look forward to working with Paul and the management team in my new role.” New CEO Paul Bingham added, “I am delighted to be joining such a demonstrably successful business operating in a growth market. I want to congratulate Heath and the whole Nurse Plus team on their achievements to date and look forward to continuing that success.” To find out more about the services offered by Nurse Plus, visit www.nurseplusuk.com
SPRING 2016
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Global Business Finance
gLobaL bUSinESS Finance was established just over 26 years ago by the firm’s present senior partner, mark Widdows, and since then has arranged over £1.8bn in loans for healthcare clients.
The firm works exclusively in the care sector providing a very personalised service, as the firm knows every client is individual with individual requirements. Mark and his team spend time getting to know each of their clients in order that they can ensure all needs are met and the loan facility tailored to their client’s individual requirements. Global offers national coverage and with the support of email, fax, regular telephone conversations and face to face meetings the firm are able to put together a professional and comprehensive bank application. The bank managers that Global work with are all specialist healthcare managers who have extensive knowledge within the sector and fully understand the requirements of the clients that Global
Anglian Archives anglian archives are archiving specialists and, for over 25 years we have cared for sensitive documents for those working in the care sector and those working in the clinicaland medical fields. We provide secure off site document and file storage in a fire resistant environment. Out of sight doesn’t mean out of mind as we can retrieve your documents or files for you and deliver them or post or scan and email them to you.
introduce. Mark Widdows, the firm’s senior partner, trained as an accountant before establishing the brokerage in 1989, other key executives are his wife, Sally-Ann, who specialised in nutrition before becoming a registered care home manager and Rupert, his son, who is also a qualified care manager and holds a degree in dementia with the leading Bradford Dementia Studies Group through Bradford University. The family own and run two care homes so fully understand all aspects and issues of care home owners which brings a unique ability to the firm to work with clients and convey their needs to the bank that is lending. With over £1.8bn in completed care home loans you should strongly consider Global Business Finance to represent you for your next loan application. See their advert in this issue on this page. Reader Enquiries - Tel: 01242 227172 Email: enquiries@globalbusinessfinance.com
We understand you work in a sensitive area so, to give you peace of mind all our staff are enhanced DBS checked and sign a confidentiality agreement. A lot of our clients have a statutory requirement to retain hard copies of records for many years and this is what we specialise in. Our customers often see us as an extension to their business, an additional department if you like; part of the team. Let us become part of your team and improve your working environment. For further information contact 01604 670 964. www.anglianarchives.co.uk info@anglianarchives.co.uk See Advert On Page 11
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.
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 pricetax-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 norisk 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.
Please Please mention mention THE THE CARER CARER when when responding responding to to advertising. advertising.
PAGE 38
THE CARER
SPRING 2016
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
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. 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.
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
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 - look at our website Claims-uk.co.uk or phone 0800 0232 973.
Have You Planned For The Pay And Pension Changes? CARE HOMES should have already considered the new National Living Wage (which came into effect on 1st April) and Auto Enrolment. A recent care homes survey undertaken by Bishop Fleming’s specialist care homes team underlined the concerns of providers over the ever increasing costs of employment and red tape. The biggest majority (82%) of respondents agreed that the imposition of “the living wage” will increase their payroll costs, with no sign of local authorities being able to match that increased cost with increased fees. From 1st April 2016 anyone aged 25 or over (and not in the first year of an apprenticeship), was legally entitled to at least £7.20 per hour pushing up the cost of caring for the elderly or disabled. With enforcement likely to be as vehemently applied as that for the National Minimum Wage it is important that employers take steps now to protect themselves from significant potential fines. Almost as many (80%) also reported that the new rules on auto-enrolment pensions will be complex for care homes, which have a high level of part-time and shortterm employees. Tim Godfrey, Head of Care Homes at Bishop Fleming Chartered Accountants comments, “care homes need to take action now as the Pensions Regulator turns its attention on up to half a million small businesses. Failure to comply means employers will face a minimum penalty of
£400 with escalating penalties of up to £10,000 a day (depending on staff numbers). “Leaving it too late means there will not be enough time for employers to meet the staging date, as pension scheme providers face ‘capacity crunch’ in coping with the demand. Businesses that have received a letter from the Pensions Regulator and have not yet acted should do so now. “The new rules on auto-enrolment pensions will be complex for care homes which have a high level of parttime and short-term employees and Government plans to increase wages and impose pensions are eminently worthy, but there is no matched funding for local councils to increase the fees they pay to absorb those extra costs”. Bishop Fleming specialise in providing accountancy and payroll services to care homes and have developed a straightforward solution for businesses looking to meet their auto enrolment and pension responsibilities. For further information, contact Tim Godfrey, head of care homes at Bishop Fleming Chartered Accountants on 03333 219 000, email tgodfrey@bishopfleming.co.uk or visit www.bishopfleming.co.uk.