The Carer #34 Autumn 2016

The publication for Nursing and Residential Care Homes www.thecareruk.com £1.75

AUTUMN 2016

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Issue 34 OTHER FEATURES

INSIDE

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ISSUE

Hygiene & Infection Technology Accessible Control & Software Bathing Page 19

Pages 21-23

Page 25

Energy Dysphagia Solutions Pages 28-30 Pages 26-27

Laundry Services

Festive Fayre

Kitchen Design & Equipment

Pages 34-35

Page 37

Page 42

Editor's Viewpoint 2 20 Nurse Call Alarms 31 Pressure Care 32 Products & Services 34 Medication Management Furniture & Fittings 35 - 41 Dementia Care & Training 43-44 Property, Finance 45 - 46 & Professional

Adult Social Care ‘Approaching Tipping Point’, Warns CQC Most health and adult social care services in england are providing people with safe, high quality and compassionate care – but with pressures rising on demand, access and cost, the quality regulator is raising concerns about how long this can last.

In its annual assessment of the quality of health and adult social care in England, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has found that despite challenging circumstances, as at 31 July 2016: • 71% of the adult social care (ASC) services that CQC had inspected were rated ‘good’ and 1% were ‘outstanding’; • 83% of the GP practices inspected were ‘good’ and 4% were ‘outstanding’; and • 51% of the core services provided by NHS acute hospital trusts were ‘good’ and 5% were ‘outstanding’.

However, some people still received very poor care; 2% of adult social care services, 3% of GP practices and 5% of hospital core services were rated ‘inadequate’.

Around three-quarters (76%) of NHS services, care homes, general practices and other services that had been rated as ‘inadequate’ by CQC were able to improve their ratings following re-inspection. 23% went from ‘inadequate’ to ‘good’ and 53% went from ‘inadequate’ to ‘requires improvement’.

While this shows that regulation can support providers to offer people better care, CQC’s analysis also reveals that some services are failing to improve despite being given clear information on where improvement is needed.

47% of providers that were re-inspected following a rating of ‘requires improvement’ were not able to improve their rating. Most worryingly, in 8% of cases, the quality of care had deteriorated so much that the rating was downgraded to ‘inadequate’.

CQC has raised concerns that the sustainability of the adult social care market is approaching a tipping point. This view is based on the evidence of inspections, information received through CQC’s market oversight function, and a variety of external data.

• Although three quarters of ASC services that were initially rated ‘inadequate’ improved following re-inspection, nearly a quarter of re-inspected services were not able to improve their ratings. Half of services rated as ‘requires improvement’ that were re-inspected (904 out of 1,850) had no change to their rating. In 153 cases we found that the care had become inadequate.

• CQC data shows that a five-year period of steady increase in the number of nursing home beds – going from 205,000 beds in 2009 to 224,000 beds in March 2015 – has now stalled, with numbers remaining static since that time.

• Already CQC has seen examples of providers starting to hand back contracts as being undeliverable; local authorities warn of more to come. This is due to pressures on fees that funders of care are able or willing to pay, and cost pressures that include the impact of the national living wage (introduced in April 2016).

• In 2015, Age UK estimated that more than a million older people in England were living with unmet social care needs (such as not receiving assistance with bathing and dressing); a rise from 800,000 in 2010.

• The number of older people receiving local authority-funded social care fell 26% from more than 1.1 million in 2009 to around 850,000 in 2013/14. Also, 81% of local authorities have reduced their real-term spending on social care for older people over the last five years.

The fragility of the adult social care market is now beginning to impact both on the people who rely on these services and on the performance of NHS care. The combination of a growing and ageing population, more people with long-term conditions, and a challenging economic climate means greater demand on services and more problems for people in accessing care.

David Behan, chief executive of the Care Quality Commission, said: “The good news is that, despite challenging circumstances, most people are still getting high quality care and there are encouraging levels of improvement taking place.

This is something to celebrate. However, there continues to be wide variation in quality, some providers are struggling to improve and there is emerging evidence of deterioration in quality.

“We are becoming concerned about the fragility of the adult social care market, with evidence suggesting that it might be approaching a ‘tipping point. The combination of a growing, ageing population, more people with long-term conditions and a challenging financial climate means increased need but reduced access. The result is that some people are not getting the help they need – which in turn creates problems in other parts of the health and care system, such as overstretched A&E departments or delays in people leaving hospital.

“While there are no easy answers or quick fixes, what distinguishes many of the good and outstanding services is the way they work with others – hospitals working with GPs; GPs working with social care and all providers working with people who use services. Unless the health and social care system finds a better way to work together, I have no doubt that next year there will be more people whose needs aren’t meet, less improvement and more deterioration.”

The annual State of Care report, released earlier this month, provides the most comprehensive view yet of CQC’s inspection findings from its new regulatory approach, which it rolled out two years ago. This involves expert-led inspections, which in most cases then lead to ratings of ‘outstanding’, ‘good’, ‘requires improvement’ and ‘inadequate’ to help people make informed choices about their care.

The report finds that the quality of care received in NHS mental health trusts is broadly similar to that in acute trusts, but with an even higher level of variability within providers as well as between them – community services are more likely to be rated ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ than inpatient services, such as wards for working age adults and psychiatric intensive care units. In particular, CQC has concerns about the safety of acute mental health services. Problems with physical environments frequently contributed to ratings of ‘requires improvement’ or ‘inadequate’ for inpatient services.

The quality of care provided by primary medical services (PMS) remains high.

Despite a context of increased demand, coupled with a shortage of GPs and increasing vacancy levels, 83% of the GP practices CQC has rated so far are ‘good’ and 4% are ‘outstanding’.

The challenge for PMS, as for the rest of the system, is to consider what responses to increasingly difficult conditions will maintain quality, now and in the future. There has been more evidence of collaboration in primary care, while general practices have formed new models of care, including joining together in federations, involving people who use their services in their conversations from an early stage.

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THE CARER

AUTUMN 2016

VIEWPOINT We have recently returned from the Care show at the NeC in Birmingham, and what a show it was!

A really vibrant busy show, with lots of great products and services on offer, but for me the highlight of the show were the seminars.

One seminar by Prof. Graham Stokes, who is Global Director of Dementia at BUPA, has EDITOR stuck in my mind. Entitled “Living A Better Life With Dementia: The Role Of Care Homes Now And In The Future” the seminar presented a very stark reminder of what we face in the future. Whilst I was only taking notes, and would not in any way want to misrepresent the professor’s seminar (so I am open to correction), he stated that the upward trend of dementia is frightening, currently standing at 46 million worldwide that will increase 132 million over 35 years, doubling the numbers in Europe and trebling the numbers in poorer countries. Currently in the UK we have 850,000 dementia sufferers and that will increase to 2 million people by 2050.

Furthermore, there is no wonder drug on the horizon. Since the year 2000 there has been 103 drug failures and it appears that lifestyle changes earlier in our lives is now the way to avoid the possibility of dementia and reduce risk!

This is a shift to place the emphasis on personal responsibility, and the message was how to reduce risk. I was astounded to hear that the age risk for developing dementia becomes apparent by our mid-thirties - heart disease, smoking, diabetes, lack of exercise, obesity - all factors which, if we have led that sort of lifestyle and developed any sort of problems, will increase our risk of dementia. Then there will be a 20 to 25-year dormant period after which an onset of dementia.

Frightening!

My own mother developed dementia in her early 60s, that was back in the day (1980s) the disease was relatively unknown to most people, and was considered part and parcel of growing old. It truly was a terrible time, and anybody who has a loved one who develops Alzheimer’s will agree, the sense of helplessness, and the sadness of watching someone slip away is unbearable.

Thankfully since then awareness has increased considerably, but I must say not so much risk factors. Much of what Prof. Stokes was saying in seminar was news to me!

The other frightening point raised was that amongst the audience it was calculated at 27 people would develop dementia. I saw that this caused considerable consternation amongst the audience - even more so when it was pointed out that everybody thinks that it will happen to somebody else and not them.

I am very much hoping at a later stage to expand on the risk factor aspect. As stated above, the increase predicted in people developing dementia over the next 35 years is startling.

Perhaps many readers, rather like me, will find it too late for a lifestyle change now. From what I can gather would make little difference, but we certainly ought to promote lifestyle changes to the next generation to ensure that they can reduce their risk factor.

Once again we would very much welcome reader opinions so please contact us with your comments.

Peter Adams

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AUTUMN 2016

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Moderate Alcohol Consumption Associated with Improved Health in Older People a paper published in age & ageing, the scientific journal of the British Geriatrics society, expands upon earlier research that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with lower levels of inflammation, and explores the potential for decreased risk for age-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease and frailty.

The editorial, which was written by researchers at The National Institute on Ageing in the United States, highlights the statistical correlation between moderate alcohol consumption and downregulation of C-reactive protein, an important biomarker of inflammation used in clinical practice. Ageing is associated with progressively higher levels inflammation and evidence has shown that individuals with raised levels of C-reactive protein are at higher risk for developing many age-related medical conditions including frailty, poor physical performance and low muscle strength. Inflammation is also a well-documented independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Using data from the Women’s Health Study Djousse, which included over 26,000 participants, researchers found that individuals who drank between 5 to 14.9 grams of alcohol per day, the equivalent of up to 1.86 units which roughly equates to a bottle of beer or small glass of wine,

had a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those who abstained from alcohol or drank 15 grams of alcohol per day or more. Furthermore, markers of inflammation were 21% lower in moderate alcohol users compared to abstainers or occasional drinkers, and 13% lower when compared to heavy drinkers.

Although the findings from the study suggest that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with reduced inflammation, the reason for this is not yet fully understood and more research is needed. Despite the limitations of the research the potential beneficial effects of moderate alcohol consumption should be taken into account when reviewing public health recommendations.

Dr. Luigi Ferrucci, Scientific Director at The National Institute on Ageing, and one of the authors of the Age & Ageing editorial, said: “While evidence is growing that regular consumption of small amounts of alcohol, especially as red wine, may have beneficial effect on health, there is still some doubts that this protective association found in epidemiological study is attributable to abstention for alcohol of individuals who are already ill. Longitudinal studies are needed to shed further light on this question, which has important public health implications.”

NACC Launches Training Workshop To Improve The Mealtime Experience the NatioNal association of Care Catering (NaCC) has launched a dedicated training workshop to support the care sector with the challenges of catering for people living with a dementia, whilst helping to enhance their life quality.

Delivered by Dr David Sheard, the CEO and founder of Dementia Care Matters and respected expert in the field, the one-day training workshop will teach care caterers and providers how to look beyond the serving of food and turn mealtimes into beneficial, meaningful experiences.

The first training workshop takes place on Thursday 1 December 2016 at Aimia Food Limited in Haydock, Merseyside, and the second is on Friday 3 February 2017 at Brakes in Covent Garden, London.

Participants will gain valuable understanding, knowledge and tools to help them move away from mechanical, task-driven dining and implement person-centred, quality care during mealtimes for people living with a dementia.

The interactive workshop has been specifically designed to: ensure participants are clear on what person-centred dementia care looks, sounds and feels like; enable an emphasis on quality of life at mealtimes and not on tasks; seek to make sense of people’s emotional memories, why feelings matter most in dementia care and their relevance to the meal experience; inspire participants to re-think their current practice and commit to an action-based approach that their teams embrace; and achieve real improvements in

the atmosphere, assessment skills, quality of engagement and nutritional value of meals for people living with a dementia.

Neel Radia, national chair of the NACC, said: “It’s been widely reported that the number of people living with a dementia is rising. It’s therefore so important that all care providers, whether in a residential care home or in the community, are fully-equipped with the right knowledge and tools to give meaningful, life-quality-enhancing care.

Mealtimes play a huge role in this. The difference between an experience- and task-driven mealtime is enormous, with the former having an immensely positive impact on an individual with a dementia.

“Training is vital when it comes to meeting the specific challenges of catering for older people who may be vulnerable and the NACC is committed to supporting the sector with relevant, progressive information and guidance. The new workshops will challenge the status quo and offer new perspectives and approaches to ensure those people living with a dementia thrive through positive food and mealtime experiences. Dr David Sheard is inspirational and I guarantee the sessions will be enjoyable and emotional, and most importantly beneficial to those living with a dementia entrusted to our care.”

The one-day training workshop costs £130+VAT for NACC members and £199+VAT for non-members*.

Booking are being taken now via the NACC office on 08707 480 180 / info@thenacc.co.uk.

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THE CARER

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Byron Burger, Immigration and the Care Sector

By Natasha Hotson, Lewis Silkin LLP

the reCeNt immigration raid on Byron Burgers has not only provoked an impassioned reaction from members of the public, but it has also shone a spotlight on the wider issue of illegal working.

However, the food business is not the only sector that utilises a high level of workers that require a visa - the care sector too suffers from a similar risk. 2015 saw leading care sector providers calling for the authorities to adopt a more cautious approach toward the sensitive matter of illegal workers, after immigration minister James Brokenshire announced that police raids could become a real possibility.

With this threat still very much in the air, the care sector simply cannot afford to be laissez faire in its approach to illegal workers, ensuring full compliance with Home Office regulation.

The first step is to ensure rigorous checks of all key employee documentation. This starts with physically checking employees’ original documents in the presence of the holder before the start of their first working day. The next step is then to ensure that clear copies of the documents are made in a format which cannot be changed and a record of the date on which the check is made is kept.

Timing is also a consideration, as copies must be kept securely for the entire term of the person’s employment plus a further two years after their employment ends. The Home Office has provided guidance on which documents meet the requirements and on how to carry out these checks. In summary, there are two rosters of documents known as List A and List B. Individuals with the right to work in the UK indefinitely will be able to produce documents from the first of these, and would include a UK or European Economic Area passport.

However, workers who may only be allowed to stay in the UK for a time-limited period need to be able to produce a document from List B which includes a current passport or travel document endorsed to show that the holder is allowed to stay in the UK and, crucially, allowed to carry

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out the type of work necessary for the care sector. The employer must check the documents again before the individual’s time-limited leave expires, meaning attention must be paid to the time period in question.

Although it is unrealistic to expect all employers to be able to spot a forgery, they must still check that documents are genuine and grants the individual the specific permissions to do the type of work on offer. This is not always as easy as it sounds, especially in industries where staff are required to work extremely long hours.

If it transpires that an organisation is employing an illegal worker, carrying out a compliant right to work check provides a statutory defence against illegal working and could lead to the waiver of illegal closure notices. For instance, a couple who ran a nursing agency with lucrative public sector contracts recruited dozens of illegal workers from overseas. CareFirst 24 will almost certainly face punitive measures and be liable for civil penalties, which can be up to £20,000 per incident– not a cost many would be able to absorb.

For employers sponsoring Tier 2 workers, the Home Office will assess whether a company’s compliance breaches indicate a systematic failing rather than being the result of isolated mistakes. Instead of revoking a sponsorship licence, the Home Office may offer support in the form of an action plan to give the company an opportunity to get its house in order. Where a company is broadly compliant, it would be worth the Home Office adopting a more collaborative process to maintain compliance but to ensure that penalties are applied to companies who systematically fail to comply with the legislation.

In the meantime, the care sector remains high risk. Raids on care homes can be crippling in terms of disruption to providing good quality continuous care, and the results can attract large financial penalties. The Home Office has recognised that the care sector has historically been a tricky area in which to mount enforcement operations due to these care considerations and the dispersed nature of the workforce making it easier to evade detection. However, this still does not provide an excuse to employers who will need to maintain a robust system of obtaining, checking and copying documentation to ensure full compliance.

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AUTUMN 2016

THE CARER

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CQC Outlines Proposed Care Home Fee Increase For 2017 the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published its consultation on the fees that it proposes to charge providers next year. For care homes, it is proposing that the rate rises from £4212 in 2016/17 to £4375 in 2017/18.

The publication follows an announcement from the Health Committee that it will hold an accountability meeting with the CQC in December. The CQC fee proposals follow the plans the regulator consulted on last year to meet the Treasury’s requirement to recover its chargeable costs in full from providers.

The CQC proposes to: • Increase fees for all sectors, except community social care and dental providers, as the second year of the two-year trajectory to reach full chargeable cost recovery (FCCR).

• Increase fees for community social care providers as the second year of the four-year trajectory to reach FCCR. • Decrease fees for dental providers maintaining FCCR levels

for this sector.

David Behan, chief executive of the Care Quality Commission, said: “We regulate over 30,000 health and adult social care providers and we set clear expectations of what good care looks like and when improvements need to be made. We will soon complete inspections of all services we rate. We know that our work is leading to better care – providers tell us our reports help identify areas for improvement, and we regularly see improvements when we re-inspect.

“Protecting the public in this way has a financial cost.

The fees paid by providers enable us to fulfil our purpose of making sure health and social care services provide people with safe, effective, compassionate, high-quality care.”

Full details of the proposed fee increases and other pro www.cqc.org.uk/content/regulatory-fees-201718consultation and providers are encouraged to respond. The closing date is Wednesday 11th January.

UK Care Homes Poised to Defy Brexit the UK’s care homes remain a compelling proposition for investors, with profitability increasing to 27.5 per cent in 2016, according to Knight Frank.

Knight Frank’s 2016 Care Homes Trading Performance Review has demonstrated that the sector continues to be resilient following the EU Referendum with profitability increasing from 27.1 per cent in 2014/15 to 27.5 per cent in the 2015/16 financial year.

Increased life expectancy has driven the fifth consecutive year of care home occupancy with rates currently standing at 88.4 per cent, a marginal uplift from last year and the highest rate since 2008. The United Nations forecasts that population growth for those over 80 will stand at five million by 2035 demonstrating that demand in this sector will continue to rise.

This is coupled with demand outstripping supply as rising staff costs due to factors such as the National Living

Wage is forcing closure of unviable care homes. Staff costs have risen 3.2 per cent in 2015/16 amounting to 58.2 per cent of income, and this is projected to continue over the next 12 months. In spite of rising costs, care homes remain a compelling asset class for investors as they seek to balance risk and return.

Knight Frank predicts that despite current economic uncertainty, the defensive characteristics of the care home sector are likely to drive increased investor appetite over the next 12 months.

Julian Evans, head of healthcare, Knight Frank, says: “In the face of emerging challenges such as the EU Referendum outcome and the increase in the National Living Wage, the care home sector remains a highly attractive investment for UK and overseas investors. The fall in sterling, combined with the fundamental strength of the occupational market makes the care home sector appealing to those investors wishing to diversify their asset portfolios.

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Former Land Girl Celebrates 100th Birthday with Land Army Party ForMer ‘laNd Girl’, elsie Waters, celebrated her 100th birthday in style at holcroft Grange care home in Warrington. staff and residents threw a land army-themed party, complete with bunting, a classic British buffet, and two land armystyle singers performing classics from years gone by.

During the Second World War, Elsie was a member of the Women’s Land Army (WLA), an organisation created to place women in agricultural roles that were left vacant by men who had been

called up to the military. Elsie worked with other ‘Land Girls’ in greenhouses growing tomatoes and vegetables to support the war effort.

Shirley Paton, Home Manager at Holcroft Grange, commented: “Elsie is a lovely lady who always has an interesting story to tell. We are all so pleased that Elsie enjoyed her Land Army themed birthday party and had the opportunity to meet the Mayor of Warrington on her special day. It’s an honour and a privilege to know Elsie, and everyone at Holcroft Grange would like to wish her many happy returns.”

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THE CARER

AUTUMN 2016

Care Group Calls for Talks Over Crisis daMNiNG statistiCs set to be revealed on the state of social care have prompted a representative group to call for urgent national talks to tackle the crisis.

The Independent Care Group says reported figures reveal how overdue action is to tackle care of our oldest and most vulnerable citizens.

The group’s chair, Mike Padgham said: “We have been arguing for years that social care across the country is in crisis. Generations of under-funding, exacerbated by the economic downturn have left the care of our oldest and most vulnerable citizens in tatters.

“Millions of pounds have been cut from social care by cash-strapped local authorities in recent years and it is inevitable that standards are going to fall and providers leave the sector. ”These statistics from the inspection body make grim reading, but unless we can bring reform to social care, the situation is going to get worse.”

Mr Padgham was speaking ahead of the publication of the Care Quality Commission’s annual state of care

report. Figures reported in the media suggest that more than half of health and social care providers rated “inadequate” or “in need of improvement” at a CQC inspection either stayed the same or got worse when they were inspected again.

“Everyone takes a share of the blame for what is going wrong – Government, local authorities, providers and the public and we have to work together to resolve it,” Mr Padgham added.

“We have to get round the table and look at how we provide better care for people. If that means merging NHS and social care and if that means we have to look at raising more through taxes or National Insurance, then so be it – people are suffering and this cannot be allowed to go on.”

Earlier this year the Independent Care Group warned that the impact of the National Living Wage had contributed to grave fears about the future amongst its membership. Asked about the future, two per cent of those surveyed by the ICG feared they would close within a year, five per cent within two years and 10 per cent within three years.

Number of Beds in Nursing Homes Fall

the NUMBer of beds in nursing homes has fallen for the first time in five years, according to reports from Care Quality Commission.

The CQC said number of nursing homes fell from 4,697 to 4,633 in 2015-2016, with the number of beds down from 224,674 to 224,026, the first decline in five years.

The CQC attributed the drop to difficulties in recruiting and retaining nurses.

It said the “difficulty nursing homes have in recruiting

and retaining nursing staff” and the resulting reliance on agency staff has already “influenced” the quality of care offered in nursing homes and is now “beginning to… impact on capacity”.

Recently the Skills for Care publication of The State of the Adult Social Care Sector and Workforce in England reported that nine per cent of the 47,000 nursing jobs in adult social care are vacant and in the last year over a third of nurses left their post, which has led to many services relying upon agency staff, which undermines their ability to provide continuity of care for residents.

Dorset Council Deliver Disability Transport Service a NeW fleet of wheelchair-friendly cars has been brought in to help deliver better council services to dorset’s disabled residents.

Three converted Ford vehicles will be used to transport both older people and disabled children who require special equipment to travel, including wheelchairs.

Dorset County Council purchased the vehicles from Brotherwood in Sherborne, who specialise in converting cars for wheelchair access. The cars can carry a driver plus three passengers and a wheelchair user in comfort and safety.

The lowered floor and central wheelchair position enable wheelchair users to travel inclusively between the rear passenger seats, as part of the group and with a good view out of the car.

Cllr Peter Finney, Cabinet member for Environment at Dorset County Council, said: “Dorset Travel are delighted to have the new fleet of vehicles which will

provide a high level of comfortable and safe transportation to schools and day centres across Dorset. The cars are specially designed to offer easy access, and also promote inclusivity.

“Brotherwood was able to tailor a high specification for the vehicles to suit our needs, and we are always delighted to work with local businesses.

“The cars will also help us to cut costs as we will no longer depend on expensive outsourcing of specialist transportation.

“The new fleet has been very well received by our customers.”

Brotherwood Managing Director John Daniel added: “We are pleased to have been able to help our local council to improve services to disabled individuals in the region. These vehicles will provide mobility for people across Dorset, and represent access to education, care and other essential services across the county.”

AUTUMN 2016

THE CARER

Paying Residents Struggling To Get A ‘Fair Deal’ tWo iN five (41%) residents in UK independent care homes are now paying for their own care – an increase of almost a third (28.5%) in the last 10 years (from 130,000 in 2005 to167,000 in 2014). this rise is a result of the state-funded system declining while demand from our ageing population continues to rise.

The new report from Age UK ‘Behind the headlines: ‘Stuck in the middle – self funders in care homes’ is based on actual calls to Age UK’s information and advice line and highlights the real challenges many face in getting a fair deal.

The decision to move into a care home is very difficult and often made in a rush following a spell in hospital. At such an emotional time scrutinising the fine print in a care home contract and negotiating rates is probably the last thing on anyone’s mind – but the terms set at this point will have a huge impact not only on an older person’s quality of life but also on their finances too.

Older people and their families feel powerless Unfortunately calls to Age UK’s information line show just how powerless many older people and families feel when they are trying to arrange and manage care. The calls expose the problems people face navigating a complex market and the difficult position they can find themselves in when terms change suddenly or in ways that they don’t think are fair.

The report also reveals the extent to which ‘self-funders’ are ultimately paying the price for a care system under severe pressure. Care home providers have been increasingly financially squeezed, above all by big cuts in public funding for social care that in turn are forcing local authorities to drive down prices. As a result many care homes are struggling to balance the books and turning to self-funders to make up the shortfall to keep their homes open. Self-funders now on average pay between £603 and £827 a week depending on the area, compared to councils paying between £421 and £624 a week.

Self-funders lack equal rights Self-funders are still largely unprotected when it comes to being able to remain in their care home as they have no

Act Now: It’s the Law the peNsioNs regulator is calling on care home owners to act now and find out what they need to do to meet their workplace pensions duties.

If you own a care home and employ staff, then you will have automatic enrolment duties. Don’t Ignore the workplace pension.

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You should start by heading to our online Duties Checker.

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security of tenure.

In addition, there are no specific measures to ensure fair contracts in care homes and older people who pay for their own care do not enjoy the protection of the Human Rights Act, whereas those whose care is organised by the State do.

As long as this is the case many residents and their families will understandably be reluctant to complain or to challenge apparently unfair actions by care homes, for fear of being asked to leave.

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK’s commented: ‘More and more older people are paying their own care home fees and they are increasingly at risk of a raw deal because they are propping up a system that is seriously underfunded. They not only often face eye wateringly high weekly rates, calls to our helpline show that in some care homes they are being asked to pay even more through various extra charges as proprietors struggle to balance the books.

‘Older people and their families deserve greater legal protection from care home contracts that are one-sided and extra charges that are over the top. It also seems incredibly unfair that a care home resident can be evicted if they or their family are seen to “rock the boat” by complaining.

Surely the time has come to give these vulnerable older people their proper legal rights.

The Government needs to tackle the care crisis Caroline Abrahams continued by highlighting the wider problems the care system faces. She said, ‘A big underlying problem is that our care system is financially terribly shaky.

The cost of running a care home has risen but the money councils have to buy care has fallen: isn’t it inevitable in these circumstances that many providers will look to fill as much of the gap as they can from self-funders? And isn’t it equally unsurprising that so many care homes are going to the wall?

‘Sadly we are seeing more and more rationing of social care and in this instance it looks like Peter is being robbed to pay Paul. It’s an awful situation for everyone, most of all for older people in need of a care home place and their families. The Government needs to grasp just how much of a crisis our care system is in and work with others, including Age UK, to address it.’

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THE CARER

AUTUMN 2016

Over-45s Wishing Up to Costs of Care Funding Plan to Reduce Health and Care Red Tape Burden aWareNess oF the costs involved in funding care in later life is growing among over-45s but individuals are still not including care in their longer-term financial planning, according to the 5th Care index from partnership.

The State will not provide: Only one in five now (19%) believe the State should use taxpayers money to pick up everyone’s care costs, a sharp fall on 2015 (42%) and 2014 (47%). Instead, over half now agree people should cover their own care costs either by using savings (51%) or by selling their house (51%), the highest level since 2012.

When asked if the state would fund their own care costs, just 16% believed this would happen, a proportion that has fallen every year since 2012 (51%). Among over75s the number is just 5%.

For the first time since the annual survey began in 2012, more people overestimated than underestimated the cost of a year’s residential care, suggesting a more realistic attitude towards the potentially high costs involved.

Lack of Communication: Despite nearly four in 10 (38%) over-45s saying they had some experience of looking into care for friends and family, this does not appear to have encouraged them to act when it comes to planning for their own potential care needs.

Nearly eight in 10 (77%) said they have yet to think about care or speak to loved ones about it although three in four (73%) would like to be near family if they did have to enter a residential home. A third (32%) plan to live with children if they need support, but only 4% have spoken to them about the possibility. And despite knowledge of the high costs when paying for care, only a small minority (6%) have included the cost of care in their financial planning.

Stephen Lowe, group communications director at Just Retirement, said: “The research does show that awareness and comprehension is developing about the costs and practicalities of long-term care.

“However, this is not enough and we should not be complacent as there is still significant work to be done by both the industry and Government to maintain and build upon this. This is a move that will ultimately pay dividends in the future if we find that more people are considering how to meet care costs and are using trusted sources of information and advice to make smart, sustainable choices.”

Since launch in 2012, the Care Index has taken the views of more than 10,000 people and has become a

PAT Testing in the Care Home YoU doN’t need to be an electrician to pat test; it can be done by any competent person. By following a instructional dvd or attending a training course. pat testing can be done in house using your own staff at a time convenient to you. this gives you many advantages including: • Testing resident’s personal items as required, day or night.

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respected annual analysis of consumer knowledge and attitudes towards long-term care issues, including the costs of care, who pays if care is required, and what planning people are undertaking in their own lives.

Key Findings from the 5th Care Index include: • A growing number of people (75% in 2016 compared to 43% in 2012), would prefer to receive care in their home if it was required.

• Almost half (46%) of over-75s said they would be happy to go into residential care compared to 30% of 45-55s.

• People overestimated the annual average cost of residential care at £30,830 compared to the actual cost of £30,496 although 40% said they thought it was less than £25,000.

• 44% of people supported the idea that individuals should pay care costs up to a cap of £72,000 – a provision in the Care Act 2014 that has been delayed to at least 2020.

• Half agreed that they would delay making financial decisions for residential care until after the new funding rules have been introduced.

• More than half (56%) agreed referral by a local council to a financial adviser would be helpful.

“The new measures that have been introduced by the Care Act had the potential to clear up some of the misconceptions about funding care, but that doesn’t seem to have happened with six in 10 still saying they are ‘confused, perhaps as a consequence of key parts such as the cap on care costs being delayed,” said Stephen Lowe.

“Regular news coverage of a care crisis is making people generally aware that big problems exist but lack of detailed knowledge of important rules such as meanstesting limits or whether they will need to sell their home is leaving them in limbo when it comes to planning or taking action.”

The results of the Care Index demonstrate the work that still needs to be done to ensure more people achieve the sustainable outcomes they need. Progress must be made on: • An expansion of the Government public awareness campaign and more prominence of care planning by the government’s Pension Wise service.

• More engagement by local authorities when offering information and advice to support those funding their own care.

• Recognition of the value of professional financial intermediaries in offering care funding advice.

• More communication and discussion within families to end the ‘taboo’ on talking about care issues.

• A higher profile to the importance of Power of Attorney.

• Incentivising consumers – through regulatory and tax changes – to make financial provision for care.

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Doing your own PAT Testing, helps to put you back in control, it’s cost effective and makes sure you have covered your health &safety and insurance obligations. By buying a PAT Tester from a reliable supplier you will get also free support and advice. PAT Testing kits are a cost effective solution, supplied with everything you need to start PAT Testing.

For further information, call 01392 364933 or visit www.parker-bell.co.uk or see the advert on page 12.

the departMeNt of health is to challenge bureaucratic red tape on health and social care frontline, to increase focus on patient contact and care.

Minister for Health Lord Prior is setting up the Burden Reduction Challenge Panel in partnership with NHS Providers, NHS Confederation and Care England.

The panel will look at evidence of both the burdens and benefits of current NHS and social care regulatory activity and will then challenge their use and necessity.

Regulatory activity judged to be unnecessary by the panel and relevant officials will be amended or removed.

The organisations will engage health professionals to provide evidence that will feed into the panel. The panel’s first session will focus on data and information requests, at both national and local level.

Lord Prior said: To address fundamentally the burden of red tape across health and social care, we need to look through the lens of those on the frontline. We will make changes to deliver tangible benefits for both staff and patients.

The panel represents a commitment by all members to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens on front line staff, increasing focus on patient contact and care.

Panel members will include senior figures from the

Department of Health, its arm’s length bodies, and membership organisations.

Commenting on the launch of the panel, NHS Providers chief executive Chris Hopson said: “Our annual regulation survey has found that the level of regulatory burden experienced by NHS trusts has consistently increased over the last couple of years and this panel presents a good opportunity to get underneath this and explore where improvements can be made. We welcome Lord Prior’s interest and support in this area, and look forward to working with the Department of Health, arms length bodies and other representative bodies in this new endeavour.”

Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of Care England, said: “At a time of incredible pressure on the care and health sector, we can ill afford to waste time and resources on unnecessary regulation. It is important that regulation is used to ensure the safety and quality of services and is not an end in itself.

“The Burden Challenge Panel will be an opportunity for regulation to be scrutinised to ensure that it is fit for purpose, and not too onerous to administer. I commend Lord Prior for his commitment to reducing the burdens of regulation, and for working in partnership with the care and health sector to achieve it.”

Nursing Home Chef Crowned Premier Foods ‘Dysphagia Chef of The Year 2016’ preMier Foods has announced that Malcolm shipton, of Wren hall Nursing home in selston, has been crowned its dysphagia Chef of the Year 2016. the final, which took the form of a competitive cook-off, was held on 1st september at the premier Foods head office in st. albans in front of a live audience. Competing against four other caterers for the title, Malcolm won with his herbed Chicken Cannelloni.

Mark Taylor, Foodservice Channel Controller for Premier Foods, comments: “All of the finalists’ dishes were of exceptional standard, but there can only be one winner – on behalf of everyone at Premier Foods I would like to wish Malcolm huge congratulations on his achievement. This competition has showcased the skill and creativity in the healthcare industry, and highlights the hard work and talent that is required to provide texture modified meals. The role of these caterers is fundamental in ensuring dignity in dining for dysphagia sufferers.”

The Dysphagia Chef of the Year competition tasked care caterers with the challenge of

developing two recipes, one main and one dessert, suitable for a dysphagia sufferer. Recipes had to meet specific requirements based on current UK standards developed by the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA).

The judges – Andy Jones, Chair of PS100; Carol Harwood, former training and standards manager at Hertfordshire Catering Ltd.; and Preston Walker, Premier Foods’ dysphagia catering expert – had the tough task of choosing an overall winner from the five finalists.

Malcolm received high scores for presentation, taste and texture with judges praising him for his innovative approach towards recreating a classic pasta dish. He will receive £1,000 worth of kitchen supplies/equipment for Wren Hall Nursing Home.

Preston Walker comments: “We were all extremely impressed with the innovation and skill demonstrated by the finalists. It was an incredibly tough decision, but Malcolm’s dish really stood out to us. It’s a real challenge to make pasta dishes suitable for a texture modified diet, and Malcolm’s Cannelloni not only hit the mark in terms of texture and presentation, but the flavour on the plate was spot on.”

AUTUMN 2016

THE CARER

PAGE 9

Study Reveals That on Average Over 75’s Were On 6.17 Prescriptions a poster at the rCGp annual conference highlighted the danger of hyperpolypharmacy, the use of ten or more medications, in the population aged over 75. a review of a single Gp practice by clinical pharmacists from interface Clinical services reviewed the medical care of over 1,800 patients over 75 and found that in the past 12 months on average each patient had 13.93 Gp consultations and were prescribed 6.17 medicines.

The presentation further showed that 364 patients were on obsolete therapies, 199 patients were not taking their drugs as recommended, and 39 patients experienced side effects or an adverse drug reaction.

As a result of the review, 640 patients had their medication stopped, 121 patients were sent to their GP for further review, and 89 patients had their dose reduced.

It is estimated that Interface’s medications interventions alone resulted in over £18,000 in savings to the NHS, and the overall saving from the review which included preventing hospital admissions, was over £192,000.

A total of 38 level 3, 109 level 2 (equivalent to 11 level 3), and 1,080 level 1 interventions were identified. This equates to a total of 49 level 3 interventions, and 49 hospital admissions avoided. A list of drug classes/types within the level 3 and level 2 interventions includes inhalers, glucose lowering agents, warfarin, antihypertensive, antiplatelet, bisphosphonates, non-VKA, PPIs, nitrates, antidepressants, statins, and antimuscarinics.

A cost avoidance figure of £2,200 is attributed to each potentially saved hospital admission. The ‘possible’ nature of the impact of the level

2 interventions is also attributed a cost avoidance value by equating a total of ten level 2 interventions to be the equivalent to one level 3 intervention. It is therefore estimated that a total of £107,800 in savings to the NHS was made as a result of Interface’s review.

Any recommended changes to a patient’s medication were discussed in a face-to-face consultation with the Interface pharmacist and subsequently reviewed by the patient’s GP. Interface began this study in response to findings from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) that people aged 65 or over account for one in six of the population, but one in two hospital beds, while people aged 85 or over account for one in 44 of the population and one in six hospital beds. Four out of five people aged 75 or over take at least one prescribed medication, and patients on multiple medications are more likely to suffer drug side effects and adverse reactions. Adverse reactions and side effects from drugs account for between 5% and 17% of all hospital admissions.

There is a clear and steady increase in the number of patients admitted to hospital with drug related side effects. A person taking 10 or more medications is 300% more likely to be admitted to hospital. By conducting this kind of clinical assessment in primary care practices, Interface is helping to reduce drug-related adverse events in over 75s and decrease the burden that they place on secondary care services.

The GP from the practice where the review took place commented, “I am very pleased to have been involved with this review. Our practice does not have the resources to carry out this kind of work ourselves, and Interface helped us to highlight several important issues with prescribing habits and obsolete drugs that we can continue to monitor in the future.”

GMB Welcomes Report Confirming Social Care Cuts As Cause Of Bed Blocking NeW GMB analysis shows bed blocking has increased by 40% in five years as union warns of mounting care crisis GMB, the union for health and care workers, has welcomed the Care Quality Commission’s annual report confirming that government cuts to social care have caused record levels of bed blocking and struggling A&E units across England.

Bed blocking – when otherwise healthy patients are forced to take up scarce hospital beds because there aren’t enough care home places – has been on the rise for a number of years.

New GMB analysis of bed blocking figures released for the period between 2010/11 and 2015/16 shows that the number of days lost to bed blocking has increased by over 40% over the five period to a total of 602,431 days.

The North West of England has seen an increase of over 100% – a total of 145,054 days –while the South West and East of England saw increases of 58% and 63% respectively. The North East of England was the only region to see a decrease in the number of days lost to bed blocking over the period (See notes to editors for a regional breakdown).

A Respublica report in March showed that hospitals were under

increasing strain in terms of capacity and finance with the NHS wasting £3.3 billion by 2020/21 caring for patients who no longer needed medical treatment.

Rehana Azam, GMB National Secretary, said: &quotThis report confirms what GMB has been saying for two years – underfunding and cuts to social care are directly responsible for bedblocking. The avoidable unnecessary strain on NHS hospitals are sweeping the length and breadth of the country. Failure by government to adequately fund community care, the support older people need in their own homes or care homes is a badge of national shame and frankly a stupid waste of taxpayer money. &quotAs GMB has warned again and again, failing to adequately fund social care places a millstone round the neck of the NHS. Sadly that is exactly what is happening now as care beds are lost and the NHS is forced to step in as lender of last resort. It is quite simply penny wise and pound foolish.

“The Government must act now if it is to diffuse this ticking time bomb and give our older people and vulnerable people the care and the dignity they deserve.”

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PAGE 10

THE CARER

Nearly 80,000 Care Staff Could Be At Risk Following Brexit Vote Care serviCes for elderly and disabled people could be at risk because nearly 80,000 workers in the sector in england don’t have British citizenship and could lose their right to work in the UK following the vote for Brexit.

That’s the warning from new research by Independent Age, the older people’s charity, and the International Longevity Centre-UK (ILC-UK). It says the risk is made worse because of failures to recruit enough British-born workers to meet the increasing demands of an ageing population.

Based on an analysis of population figures from the ONS and workforce data from the National Minimum Data Set for Social Care other key findings in the report include: • Workers from the EEA now make up the great majority of migrants coming to England to work in adult social care each year.

• Over 80% of migrants coming to England to work in social care so far in 2016 come from the EEA. • Of the almost 84,000 EEA migrants in the social care workforce, around 78,000 do not have British citizenship.

• In London, around 1 in 9 current social care workers (almost 20,000 people) could be at risk of losing their right to work in the UK and in the South East, around 1 in ten current social care workers (almost 23,000 people).

• In the past ten years, staff turnover rates in social care have increased from 18% to 24.3%, and vacancy rates have increased from 3.5% to 5.1%.

• As the population ages and more people need care, restrictions on EEA workers could add a further 70,000 people to the shortfall of over a million care workers already predicted in the next twenty years.

• Altogether, increased demand and recruitment difficulties could lead to a near doubling of the ‘care ratio’ of care workers to older people, from one worker per 7 older people today, to one worker per 13.5 older people in 2037.

Around 1.43 million people currently work in the adult social care sector in England. Recruitment and retention of staff in the sector is a severe challenge, with both turnover rates and vacancy rates having risen significantly in the past ten years. The social care watchdog the Care Quality

The Revitalise Effect revitalise is the largest provider of respite holidays for disabled people and carers in the UK, welcoming people who need the reassurance of 24 hour on-call nurse-led care in order to have a respite holiday. Underpinning all revitalise does is one simple, immutable belief everybody needs a break.

We’re proudly person-centred, by only looking at the individual, Revitalise manages to touch the lives of all who come into contact with the charity - guests, volunteers and staff. This is the Revitalise effect.

No other UK provider does what Revitalise does. By combining expert care

Commission has previously warned of the impact of staff shortages on the safety and quality of social care.

Post-referendum the status of EU migrants working in the UK remains unclear and the Prime Minister has yet to guarantee the rights of EU workers. Simon Stevens, the NHS England Chief Executive has called on the Prime Minister Theresa May to let every NHS migrant worker know they are “welcome in this country”. However less attention has been paid to migrant social care workers from the EEA providing vital care and support in the social care system in England.

Independent Age and ILC-UK are calling for government action to: • Ensure that all EEA migrants currently working in social care in the UK have the right to remain post Brexit.

• Ensure the contribution of future migrant social care workers is recognised in any new approach to migration.

• Take steps to improve the attraction of social care to British born workers, including by ensuring the funding of social care in England.

Simon Bottery, Director of Policy at Independent Age said: “Care services for elderly and disabled people have come to rely on migrant workers, especially from the European Union, so the consequences could be severe if they are unable to work here in future. As with the NHS, we need to secure the right for these essential workers to remain in the UK. But in the longer term we have to recruit more British born workers to social care and that means making sure that they are well paid, well trained and secure in their jobs. That can’t happen without a commitment to fund the care sector properly.”

Ben Franklin, Head of Economics of Ageing of ILC-UK said: “As the population ages we are going to need thousands more care workers to support increased need. It’s vital that the government recognises the invaluable contribution of workers from the EU in the care system and takes this into account when considering future models of delivering care.

A continual failure to support and enhance the care workforce could result in thousands of frail and older people losing out on the proper care and support that they need.” with imaginative excursions and activities, the charity gives its guests something truly unique - a break that feels like a proper holiday. Those who come to Revitalise are no longer ‘cared for’ and ‘carer’ but wife and husband, volunteer and guest - one human being and another.

Revitalise guest Steve White speaks about how respite breaks have changed his life: “Revitalise gives me a great sense of life. I get to see so many things and I love meeting people.

We’re together like a family. When I come back I feel much more alive.”

The charity has three accessible centres in Chigwell, Southampton and Southport. For more information about Revitalise breaks, call 0303 303 0145 or visit www.revitalise.org.uk or see ad page 6.

AUTUMN 2016

Super Troupers’ Perform at Braintree Nursing Home resideNts at a Braintree care home have relived fond memories after being treated to a theatrical experience with a hint of swedish pop culture.

Aspen Grange care home welcomed the ‘stars’ of ‘Mamma Mia’ to perform in front of its residents and staff, which included renditions of the ABBA songs featured in the play and film.

Entertainers from Daisy Chain Productions, which specialises in care home entertainment, visited the home to deliver the show.

Carol Porter, activities co-ordinator at

Aspen Grange, said: “We are always looking at ways to provide our residents with additional activities and entertainment, and the Mamma Mia production was such an enjoyable experience for all. A lot of our residents join in the singing and dancing whenever we play the film, so it was a nice treat to have the live experience in the comfort of the home.

“I would like to thank Daisy Chain for putting on a fantastic show, with first class entertainers, which was well received by all our residents and staff. We are now looking forward to welcoming them back for another performance in the near future.”

Quality Compliance Systems (QCS) – www.qcs.co.uk QCs has had a busy few months on the road attending events, conferences and exhibitions such as the Care roadshows, the Care and health show and the Care and dementia show amongst others.

Ed Watkinson the Director of Care Quality stated ‘Attending and presenting at these events have provided a valuable opportunity to meet with existing and prospective clients, and to show how we are able to meet the latest challenges people running services are experiencing. We have also been really excited to show our new policy format and have been delighted with the feedback we have received,

with people uniformly liking the simplified format and new features we have incorporated into each policy such as ‘key facts’, how the policies are all linked to the most appropriate KLOEs, and what evidence could be presented to show you are outstanding in a particular policy area’.

Ed also stated that ‘We are really looking forward to delivering further improvements to our management system and making the lives even easier for people that run services, and freeing people up to do what they do best, which is care for people’.

For further information call 0333 405 33 33 or visit www.qcs.co.uk/thecarer or see advert page 47.

LaundryTec the Latest UK Distributor for Lavamac, Launch in Style laUNdrYteC CeleBrated its launch in style when on Friday, 9th september they joined the directors and staff of the newest lavamac laundry equipment distributor at the beautiful Chester race Course along with 110 leaders from the Care sector.

It was without a doubt an eventful day that started fulfilled with a Vintage1960’s Routemaster bus collecting the guests from the prestigious Queens Hotel in the beautiful city of Chester and delivering them to the races in style, and of course it wouldn’t have been Chester Races without the many magnificent dresses, killer heels and marvelous suits.

Racing, drinking, eating, and conversation were the order for day with mid race entertainment being supplied by one of the UK leading magician Chris Stevenson. Those who didn’t lose their shirts with the bookies certainly lost watches, wallets, ties and anything else not screwed down to Chris’s nimble hands Despite LaundryTec being a new addition to the UK Commercial Laundry Sector many of the UK leading Care providers attended the day with senior staff and owners and healthcare suppliers from Care UK, RLF , Signature, Cinnamon, Fed 3, Seddon Care Partnerships, SON, and many architects, project managers, key suppliers and funders After the enjoyable day at the races everyone advanced to Chester City Hall for the gala meal which consisted of a mouthwatering three course meal and of course more drinking. With everyone

feeling full and joyous after a successful day out, to top the evening off there was live music to get everyone up and dancing and for some even more singing.

The LaundryTec Directors Jeremy Hartigan and Mike Davies of LaundryTec were both extremely pleased with the huge success of the whole day and it couldn’t have gone better. We are wholeheartedly looking forward to the next event we have for LaundryTec. Furthermore we are extremely thankful for everyone who attended and hope they had as good of a time as we did.

LaundryTec we pride ourselves on the fact that we are an official nationwide distributor of Lavamac industrial laundry equipment, service and installation we also know how to look after our customers, not only by treating them to a grand day out but by providing excellent service, for example, having a 24 hour helpdesk, nationwide after sales support and a 2 year parts & labour warranty.

We also offer a wide range of industrial laundry equipment for the care sector and specialize in handling, identification and disinfection products which is vital to all industries but especially in the care sector.

There are many benefits of choosing LaundryTec as the machinery is reliable and has a long life-cycle, ECA and WRAS eligibility we're environmentally friendly, our machinery have modern control systems that makes the machines easy to use and we have a dedicated team behind the company who constantly strive for perfection.

Reader enquiries - Tel: 0151 348 6650 or visit www.laundrytec.com Alternatively see the advert on page 35.

AUTUMN 2016

THE CARER

PAGE 11

Overnight Care: The National Minimum Wage Conundrum

by Tom Kerr Williams, partner and employment lawyer at PwC Legal the NeWs that a union is taking up a legal fight on behalf of a group of home care workers, who it believes earn less than half the National Minimum Wage, is a reminder of the complex legal issues in this area which pose significant reputational and financial risks for care providers in the UK. This latest claim relates to ‘live-in’ care workers who claim to have been on duty 24 hours a day and forced to sleep on a bed in the same room as their patient. The claim will ultimately come down to a question of how many hours the employees ‘worked’ for the purposes of the NMW Regulations.

The NMW Regulations make it clear that the number of hours for which an employee is entitled to be paid the minimum wage, will depend on the type of work done. For these purposes there are four different types of work, but the most relevant for care providers are workers who are paid by the hour and workers who are paid a fixed amount for a set number of hours per week/month.

Where a worker sleeps at a place of work and is provided with suitable facilities for sleeping, the time when they are permitted to use those facilities to sleep only needs to be paid when the worker is ‘available’ to work. The National Minimum Wage Regulations define ‘available’ as ‘awake for the purpose of working’. If that was the end of the matter then most care providers would be safe, because time sleeping would not need to be paid. However, there are a number of examples both in the EU and the UK where the courts have limited the value of this exemption. Primarily they have done this by finding that a mere presence at a place of work can form part of the job and therefore should be considered as time that the worker is ‘working’ rather than time when they are ‘available’ to work.

So sleeping at a place of work is different from sleeping at home, but being ‘on call’.

As an example, in case reported in 2014, it was found that where care workers are paid by the hour and are required to sleep in the house of a person they are caring for and expected to provide care through the night when it is required, the entire time the worker is

present at the house should count towards any minimum wage calculation. Interestingly, the worker in that case admitted that she had never actually been called upon to provide care during the nights that she slept at the patient’s house. Yet, the tribunal found that this was irrelevant as the worker’s job was to be at the house and therefore she was working for the entire period and should be paid for the whole time she was there. Clearly this creates significant potential costs for any business which requires employees to sleep on the premises, and the in the care industry in particular.

There are some things businesses can do to reduce their exposure. One option is to employ home care workers to do work which is not measured on an hourly basis and to put in place a ‘Daily Average Agreement’ in place. These agreements set out the average daily number of hours the worker is likely to spend working. This figure is then the only number relevant when calculating whether a worker is being paid at least NMW. As an example, take a home care worker performing this type of work that is paid £45 per night and is required to stay at that patient’s house from 21:00 until 6:00. The worker must provide care when required to do so but is permitted to sleep for the remaining period. If that care worker did not have a Daily Average Agreement in place, the NMW calculation would be £45 / 9 (the number of hours worked per night) = £5.00 per hour, which is below NMW. However, if the worker had a Daily Average Agreement in place that said on average the worker would work two hours per night, the NMW calculation for that period would be £45 / 2 = £22.50 per hour, which is above NMW. Although this simple example highlights the potential benefit for employers, in reality there are a number of other intricacies involved in employing a care worker using this kind of agreement and it won’t work in all cases. The arrangement may work legally, but care providers will also need to consider how this approach may be perceived and whether it is the right option for them and their employees.

The financial costs involved are substantial, the reputational risks are significant and there is the added risk that HMRC may investigate healthcare providers if it suspects there have been breaches of Regulations.

We have seen a number of clients facing HMRC probes as the government looks to maximise tax revenues during difficult times. The introduction of the National Living Wage is likely to have increased the size of this problem and means that employers should look carefully at their arrangements as a matter of urgency.

We are now reading news reports nearly every day of people choking to death in residential care homes. The new LifeVac is changing this and has already saved three lives in the past four months in care homes.

LifeVac is a novel non-invasive, single suction anti-choking device. LifeVac has a one-way patented valve, which means when applied it does not force any air through the mask, but when pulled creates three times more pressure than the abdominal thrust and chest compressions as trained in First Aid, with no risk to the casualty.

In all testing LifeVac has dislodged an obstruction of the airway 98% of the time on the first application (reports available).

LifeVac is ideal for disabled people, wheelchair bound, obese, the frail and the Dysphagia community. LifeVac is FDA registered, MHRA registered as a class one medical device and CE accredited. The device has undergone many clinical tests. If you wish to see more details of independent testing and information please let us know.

LifeVac has been equipped in over 350 care homes already across the UK by both small and large prestigious care companies.

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PAGE 12

THE CARER

AUTUMN 2016

Older People Gift 1.4 Billion Hours A Year To Volunteering Far FroM a burden and a drain on society and Nhs resources, older people provide invaluable help with new research identifying 6.2 million 55-74 year olds volunteer.

FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS VISIT THE CARER WEBSITE AT

www.TheCarerUK.com OR FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @TheCarerUK

The research by older people’s charity Royal Voluntary Service identified nearly half of 55-74 year olds (46 per cent) volunteer, 22 per cent formally and 36 per cent informally each year. This means equates to 1.4 billion hours per year (949 million informal and 464 million formal).

As so many older people devote time to volunteering, the ageing population – 39 per cent of adults in Great Britain will be over 55 years old by 2020 – will provide an opportunity to expand the country’s volunteering workforce. The research identified the potential to enhance the number 55-74 year olds volunteering in Britain to 6.7 million in 2020.

While population growth alone could achieve this increase, it could be countered by later retirement as many people are anticipating working into later life or are considering gradual or phased retirement. More than a third of over 55s in employment (38 per cent) said their plan work part time after retirement would prevent them volunteering as much as they would like.

With public sector cuts and demand for volunteers so high, Royal Voluntary Service is warning that more needs to be done to entice older adults to consider volunteering.

The volunteering charity, which has 35,000 volunteers, with half over 65 years old, is calling on Government, businesses and the voluntary sector to do more to promote the benefits of volunteering to older people and to address the barriers.

Persuading more of this age group to volunteer before or as soon as they are retired has duel benefits as previous research conducted for the charity by Professor James Nazroo found that older people who volunteer are happier and healthier than their counterparts who don’t. This is supported by recent reports identifying how remaining active in older age can delay the onset of frailty.

Researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia found that a retired person’s risk of death is dramatically lowered if they take part in social activities regularly with others once they finish work.

Despite delayed retirement, encouragingly more than a quarter (28 per cent) of over 65s plan to reduce the amount of time they are working over the coming year.

Of these 53 per cent said they will start volunteering or increase the time they currently spend volunteering, with the additional hours they are willing to commit to volunteering calculated at 13.8 hours per month.

The over 65 year olds who are interested in volunteering when they retire said it appealed for a number of reasons. Many said they are keen to stay active (86 per cent), give something back (43 per cent) or meet new people (29

per cent).

“Older people have so much to offer; their experience, skills and talents would be worth a fortune in the job market, yet many choose to be generous with their time and volunteer. Sadly we are failing to realise and harness this talent as much as we could. We need to do more to motivate older adults to volunteer which will provide the help that is so desperately needed and at the same time, will give them an opportunity to meet new people and to remain active and engaged in their local community.

“Volunteering in retirement should be normalised so it becomes a little like work experience for young people; a must have part of their post work plans. It’s vital to engage older people before they leave a company and to achieve this the voluntary sector needs to work with Government and businesses to convince future retirees to include volunteering when planning the next phase of their life.”

David McCullough, chief executive To encourage more older people to volunteer, the charity has identified a set of recommendations for the sector, Government and businesses including: • Voluntary sector organisations need to try to provide a more fluid and flexible experience for their volunteers. This includes working harder to match the talents, experience, aspirations and needs of volunteers and would-be volunteers with opportunities.

• The growth of informal and more localized forms of volunteering means that national voluntary organisations need to change their structures to make it easier for local volunteers to take part • The UK and devolved governments should raise the profile and promote volunteering as people approach State Pension Age with literature and on-line promotional material encouraging more volunteering in this age group.

• The benefits of health and well-being of volunteering should be promoted through GPs and other NHS outlets. There may be cases where a GP could ‘prescribe’ volunteering.

• More employers (public and private sector) should think about promoting and providing volunteering opportunities to their staff as part of a pre-retirement plan for their employees.

“When I retired, I could have lounged around and put my feet up but I wanted to stay active and have a sense of purpose. I was keen for my life to have meaning and to use the skills that I had been practicing throughout my 30 year career with the Ambulance Service to use. I drive older people in Leicester wherever they need to go, whether that’s to a hospital appointment, or a nursing home to see relatives – they are in my care from the moment I pick them up to the moment I drop them off and I take great pleasure in helping them out. I’d recommend volunteering to anyone with spare time on their hands since retiring, there really is no end of ways to support vulnerable older people and it’s great to know you are giving something back to your local community.”

AUTUMN 2016

THE CARER

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AUTUMN 2016

THE CARER

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Care Leader Calls for Referendum on Social Care a leadiNG advocate has suggested a referendum on social care in a bid to provoke more action on the crisis facing the sector.

Speaking at the National Association of Care Catering’s Training and Development Forum in Nottingham, provider Mike Padgham said social care was fed up with too much talk and too little action.

He told delegates that billions had been cut from social care budgets, leaving the care of older and vulnerable adults in peril.

“Could we have a referendum on social care and ask the nation if they are prepared to pay more to care for older and vulnerable citizens?” he asked delegates.

“We have had report after report, commission after commission, endless talks upon talks, and nothing seems to change,” he told delegates.

“Unless I’m very much mistaken, social care didn’t feature much at this week’s Conservative conference!

Does that show the priority social care holds? Speaking on television the Prime Minister said she wanted people’s experience of care homes to improve. But all she could offer to make that happen was the Better Care Fund, the social care precept and a vague promise of a more joined up approach between health and social care. We need

more than that and we need it now.”

Mr Padgham also suggested that people needed to be educated earlier on the need to treat older people with respect and dignity and that a system could be explored whereby people have to put a little by from their wages each month to pay for their care later.

“Above all, we are all going to need to be yet more vocal. The Government is swamped with calls upon its attention: Brexit, immigration, the economy, the list is endless and we dare not ask where, in all of that, social care even comes,” Mr Padgham added.

“Get social care right and the benefits to people receiving care will be enormous – and well-deserved. And the benefits to stretched NHS resources, in terms of relieved pressure on hospitals by caring for people in the community instead, will be enormous too – surely that is irresistible.”

Mr Padgham, is chair of the United Kingdom Homecare Association (UKHCA) and of the Independent Care Group (York and North Yorkshire), but he was speaking to the conference in his capacity as a care provider of near 30 years’ standing.

Earlier he told delegates that social care was at a crossroads and could either face a doomsday scenario or survive and prosper.

Tesco Volunteers Transform Chester Care Home Garden a Care home in Chester has seen its garden transformed by a group of green heroes from tesco’s Chester City Centre Community volunteer Group.

Meridian Healthcare’s Lauren Court garden has been brightened up with an array of plants and bulbs ready for the bloom next spring.

The green-fingered community champions got stuck in with their weeding and planting duties, as well as painting the garden’s benches. A rose plant was given pride of place and after hearing this was a resident’s favourite flower, named ‘Jenny’.

A resident at Lauren Court, commented: “They have done an amazing job and have worked very hard.”

Julie Collins, Meridian Healthcare’s activity co-ordinator, added: “I would like to thank the Tesco team for all their hard work and we are looking forward to them returning to set up a herb garden for the team.”

Kylie Walker, Tesco’s community champion, said: “We would like to thank everyone involved on the day for their hard work and support to give Lauren Court a fresh new look to their garden. Our aim is to support the local community as much as possible. An excellent day was had by all. ”

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, 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.

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PAGE 16

THE CARER

The NACC Celebrates Its 2016 Winners the NatioNal association of Care Catering (NaCC) crowned the winners of the NaCC awards 2016 at its annual gala dinner.

The prestigious awards spotlight the continued exceptional work undertaken by care providers and caterers, as well as the sector’s unsung heroes. Every winner exemplifies a true commitment to excellence, innovation and education, and to reaching the very highest standards of catering that meet individuals’ wellbeing needs, both nutritionally and emotionally.

This year’s inspirational winners were recognised and celebrated by their industry colleagues at the special event held at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham.

The 2016 NACC Awards winners are: • Meals on Wheels Award – Hertfordshire Independent Living Service • Our Catering Hero Award – Gareth O’Hara, Chef, Sunrise of Cardiff • Catering Team of the Year Award – Morden College Catering Team.

• Care Establishment of the

Year – Lymewood Court, St Helen’s, Merseyside.

• Catering Manager of the Year – James Clear, Hotel Services Manager, Care UK • Region of the Year Award – South East • Pam Rhodes Outstanding Achievement Award – Roger Denton.

• Chairman’s Award 2016 – Preston Walker, Oak House Care Home Neel Radia, national chair, NACC comments: “Congratulations to all our winners. Year on year, the exceptional examples of excellence in care catering step up a level and the judges have a most difficult task selecting the overall winners.

“We are privileged to work in a sector where talented and inspirational professionals push boundaries to deliver quality catering provision that enriches the lives of those entrusted to their care. In all our finalists we see real dedication to the highest standards and I am in awe of each and every one of them. It’s an absolute honour to recognise this through the NACC Awards.”

It’s a Hat-trick for Avery

averY healthCare has won Qube learning’s employer of the Month and donates its £100 prize money to the help the heroes charity. the win comes in a year that saw an avery apprentice win Qube’s apprentice of the Month by beating more than 2,500 other candidates to the post, and also where avery healthcare won the highly acclaimed health investor residential Care provider of the Year 2016.

Avery is renowned for its investment in people with its comprehensive induction and its continuous staff development programmes. From its acclaimed Apprenticeship Scheme through to its Advanced Senior Carers Programme, its nurse revalidation, clinical practice and leadership and management career pathways, the company is providing enhanced career opportunities for all areas of the business that help attract and retain the best staff.

Avery’s National Training and Development Manager, Shelley Parker-Wain said of winning Employer of the Month, “Enabling young people to develop to their full potential is extremely rewarding. In partnership with Qube we have developed an Apprenticeship scheme that is multi layered in terms of giving young people the support

framework, which includes succession planning, mentoring, study time with importantly personal reflection, the opportunity to achieve a qualification, but also access to pastoral care. It is well known that barriers to success can often be down to overcoming personal challenges, poor time management, low self-esteem and lack of confidence. We do not have any such barriers within Avery; we believe every challenge can be overcome and we support our apprentices to fulfil their potential.”

The market leading Avery Apprenticeship scheme set up in 2013 continues to be a success, with the company’s young people supported in achieving greater success through the companies Career Pathway programme.

Mike Jordan, Employer Engagement Manager at Qube Learning commented, “Shelley co-ordinates efforts to ensure that all apprentice concerns, challenges and barriers to learning are addressed. With her passion for apprenticeships and learning, Shelley drives up the quality of training and support provided

by Avery and supported by Qube. Avery and Shelley clearly demonstrate an ongoing commitment to training and have supported over 700 employees with their apprenticeships.’

For more information on Avery Healthcare please visit www.averyhealthcare.co.uk

AUTUMN 2016

Care Group Calls on Government To ‘Grasp the Nettle of Social Care Funding’ a leadiNG social care group has called on the government to “grasp the nettle” and address the issue of properly funding the care of older and vulnerable adults.

Commenting on the report by The King’s Fund and the Nuffield Trust released earlier this month, the Independent Care Group called on everyone involved in the care of older and vulnerable adults to work together urgently to solve the problems, adding that the report, was the final wake up call to The King’s Fund report said years of cutbacks to local authority budgets had left an increasing number of people without any support and providers on the brink of closing down.

Reductions in fees paid by local authorities and cost pressures like the National Living Wage are putting the future of care provision at risk. The report warned of a £2.8 billion funding gap by 2019/20 as public spending on adult social care shrinks to less than 1 per cent of GDP. The Independent Care Group is itself currently in discussion with its local authority, North Yorkshire County Council, and the NHS over future fee levels paid for care.

The Group’s Chair, Mike Padgham, said: “The sector has been warning the Government for years that social care is in crisis and this latest independent report lays bare the true scale of the problem and the dire need for urgent action now to protect the vulnerable.

“Cutback after cutback is leaving social care unable to

deliver care to a population where demand is rising.

Providers are walking away from local authority contracts because they are not viable to deliver and, in worst case scenarios, are at severe risk of closure because they can no longer afford to operate.

“We, as a country, have to face up to the fact that we are not funding care properly. Fewer and fewer people are receiving the care they need and we are not paying the workforce who deliver that care properly.

“The Government has to address the funding issue, divert funds from the NHS and, though nobody wants to pay more taxes, it might have to come to that if we want to provide the proper care that our citizens have a right to expect in the 21st century.”

He said it was down to everyone involved to play a part in addressing the situation.

“This is an excellent report and we fully support and back its findings. But we don’t need any more reports, we need action. What we have to do now is work together – and that means everyone: the Government, local authorities, providers and the public – to address this crisis,” he added.

“MPs from all political parties agree that something has to be done and it has to be done urgently.”

The last six years has seen more than £5bn cut from social care budgets and the amount local authorities pay to providers to offer care has been savagely cut back. The National Living Wage has also added a huge burden to providers, prompting many to fear for the future.

The 105 Year Old Oat-Loving O.A.P the FaMilY of a care home resident from paisley has revealed his secret for reaching his 105th birthday – a regular dose of porridge.

Former greyhound breeder and racer Neil McNeil, who has lived at Bupa’s Elderslie Care Home for three years, insists on a daily bowl of the traditional Scottish breakfast cereal, and will often request a second bowl as a midnight snack.

The oat-loving centenarian, whose favourite brand is Scott’s Porage Oats, celebrated his milestone birthday at the care home on Fulbar Road on Tuesday 4th October, with an afternoon party attended by close family, residents and staff.

His daughter, Sheila, 72, told of how her father has pursued many hobbies throughout his long life, but it was his porridge oats and greyhound pups that have kept him young at heart.

Sheila said: “I have never known anyone to be such a big fan of porridge – he swears by having a bowl every morning to stay in good health and I’m sure he would have it for every meal if he could.

Born in 1911 in Paisley, Neil began his working life at his father’s coal business,

before becoming the local bus driver at just 14. Before the outbreak of the Second World War, he moved to London with his brother and joined the Ministry of Defence.

He travelled across England throughout the war, working in a variety of munitions factories. In one such factory, he met Margaret who was working as part of the war effort – it was love at first sight.

A spokesperson from Scott’s Porage Oats said: “Reaching the incredible age of 105 is a remarkable achievement and all the team here at Scott’s Porage would like to wish Neil McNeil a very happy birthday.”

Fiona Truesdale, Home Manager at Bupa’s Elderslie care home, said: “Neil’s been with us at the home for over three years now and I’ve never once seen him have anything else for breakfast, so we always keep a spare box or two handy so we don’t run out.

“Residents and staff had a fantastic time at Neil’s birthday party and everyone was absolutely delighted to help him celebrate his big day with drinks, refreshments and party food.

“We’re all so proud of Neil for this amazing accomplishment.”

AUTUMN 2016

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Mental Health Services Are Failing Older People aCCordiNG to a new age UK report, the current availability of mental health services does not meet the increasingly high demand from our ageing population.

The report, Hidden in plain sight – older people’s mental health (PDF 891 KB), revealed that: • Currently 3 million people in the UK over the age of 60 are living with depression • This figure is set to rise to 4.3 million in the next 15 years due to the growing number of older people in our society • The NHS is not providing those in later life with mental health problems with sufficient treatment options, such as talking therapies and integrated care plans.

The Age UK report also found that over a third of Mental Health Trusts in England have no policies for providing integrated care for people over 65 with both mental and physical health needs.

Mental health problems need to be recognised for how they reduce our ability to manage physical health, according to the King’s Fund. By interacting with and worsening physical illness, mental health problems cost £8-13 billion each year in NHS England alone.

This is despite growing awareness of how mental health problems such as depression impact an older person’s physical health and vice versa.

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Gaps in care which must be addressed Talking therapies are now generally seen as the most effective treatment for depression.

Older people usually respond extremely well to talking therapies.

Recovery rates for patients over 65 who have completed a course of talking therapy through the NHS programme are actually better than those of young people.

But Age UK has discovered that NHS England is failing to provide older people with access to this. The NHS talking therapies programme continues to miss its modest target of 12% of referrals being older people by almost half. At the current progress rate, it would take until 2031 to meet this original target.

‘This is extraordinary and frankly also completely unnacceptable in the twenty first century. We understand the acute pressures on mental health services but they do not justify what look to us like engrained, systemic failings so far as older people are concerned.’ – Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK Age UK is calling on the NHS to make sure that: • Plans are in place across the country to improve the access to talking therapies for older people • Strategies are developed to help the many older people suffering with both physical and mental health problems.

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Footballers Join Elderly for Alzheimer’s Memory Walk hartlepool United players Ben dudzinski and Jordan richards joined elderly residents from Queens Meadow Care home for a charity sponsored walk.

The footballers took time out of their training schedule to support the pensioners as they raised over £300 for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Team mascot H’Angus the Monkey also joined in the short walk, alongside staff and rel-

atives.

Julie Armstrong, Home Manager at Queens Meadow Care Home, on Stockton Road, said: “Our thanks go to Hartlepool Football Club for supporting our Alzheimer’s Memory Walk.

“We’d also like to thank all those who took part and donated to such a worthy cause. We care for a number of residents with dementia at the care home, so the Alzheimer’s Society is a charity close to our hearts.”

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Services for the Less Able oUr serviCe has been built to provide our Clients in both Nursing home and private home locations, with a service second to none. so should the need arise for you to call upon us for our specialised service you can be sure that the service we provide will be carried out quickly and efficiently, giving full customer satisfaction and peace of mind.

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Emma-Jane Roberts, Managing Director, My Clinical Coach Ltd comments, “Our patient feedback consistently tells us that the practical and emotional support we provide through Clinical Health Coaching is invaluable and we are delighted to widen out this support to all those with a long term health condition via the unique subscription service MyClinicalCoach™.

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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

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Providing Health and Safety Solutions Across the Care Sector

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PAGE 18

THE CARER

AUTUMN 2016

Happiness Holds the Key to Committed Care Workers iN a challenging sector where payment is often in kind, showing appreciation for care staff has never been more important. reward and recognition ensures qualified carers not only stay committed to working for your organisation, but also stay committed to working in an industry afflicted by an alarming talent deficit.

Of course, the myriad problems that the care sector faces are more than just ‘happiness’ related. Constricted by underfunding, care organisations have been forced to think laterally about resolving the industry’s long-standing issues of poor labour retention and talent acquisition in a way that does not hurt the bottom line.

Our line of work has seen us consult with a number of care organisations in the UK who are beginning to understand that employee engagement might just hold the key to addressing a resourcing problem that, if not urgently tackled, could soon snowball into a crisis as our aging population grows.

Carers, of course, aren’t in the job for the money but are driven by a sense of purpose in providing both physical and emotional support to those who need it the most, and there is much satisfaction to be derived from that.

Sourcing rare individuals who possess this natural interpersonal flair to deliver outstanding care is, to say the least, tricky. So it’s rather astounding to find that organisations generally have done little to ensure that their assets remain incentivised to continue doing the great work they do in an industry that so desperately needs them.

With unsociable working hours, uncompetitive pay and dealing with the on-going physical and emotional challenges that comes with the daily grind of the job, how might care businesses encourage long-term commitment from staff when so much is expected of them and for so little in return?

Funding is an issue but until a career in the care profession achieves the same credibility it deserves in line with other social and healthcare disciplines, and until the sector diversifies and ‘defeminises’ to attract more talent from eclectic backgrounds, organisations can do much to create a positive and supportive work culture for its staff.

Instilling a sense of appreciation, value and worth for carers at the basic level costs nothing. Quite simply, a straightforward ‘Thank You’ can resonate much more than even a monetary reward.

Alex Handley, recruitment manager at Next Stage – a service that provides residential, practical and emotional support to vulnerable people with the aim of helping them lead independent lives – says that improved investment in staff can circumvent the retention and recruitment issue and improve the outcomes for individuals they support. Prior to enlisting a company benefits and employee engagement scheme to address the problem, staff attrition rate at Next Stage stood at an underwhelming 58%; a both costly and hugely disruptive issue for an

organisation of 144 staff.

Initially it surveyed employees to find a solution relevant to the lives of their diverse workforce, all of whom are at different stages in life with varying responsibilities and personal interests. They discovered that 40% of staff were parents who could benefit from childcare vouchers; half expressed an interest in a cycle-to-work scheme, and nearly half said that access to a 24/7 telephone counselling service could benefit them in the long run.

To implement both a benefits and reward & recognition infrastructure, Next Stage enlisted employee benefits provider Perkbox as a cost-effective means of satisfying these demands and providing perks that staff could redeem throughout the year via a simple app. This was especially helpful for its non desk-based workers. Over two-hundred practical, recreational and salary-sacrifice benefits – from cheap cinema tickets, spa days, savings on groceries and travel to free mobile phone insurance, subsided gym membership, cycle-to-work schemes and childcare vouchers form part of the package.

Meanwhile, its integrated rewards & recognition facility is designed to enhance financial, emotional and physical wellbeing (for example, staff may access exclusive content to online videos showing them how they may exercise or meditate at their desks or on the go).

Peers and managers may reward employees for a job well done through the application’s badge awards system, with accolades displayed via a company-wide leader board. This allows staff to achieve reward & recognition in real time, with the added bonus of having covetable rewards (like champagne, shopping vouchers and even adventure experiences) attachable to the badges.

Since implementation, a significant reduction in attrition rate in six months has been achieved. Now just 14% of new starters leave (down from 58% the previous year) – a phenomenal achievement in a sector that sees many qualified workers churn within a year. Its newly launched employee referral scheme resulted in 38% new hires since January 2016, while its partnership with Perkbox has seen cultural shifts in the work environment.

The business, which runs breakfast and lunch clubs, has given the company more options and variations to run other team building activities cost effectively. Its 144 staff have also since redeemed 665 benefits via the platform, equating to a saving of nearly £40K. In short, care organisations must take collective responsibility for elevating their work culture and rewards programme to new levels. Leading by example and setting a new benchmark for employee happiness will catalyse positive change.

Carers make an invaluable contribution to the quality of life of the elderly people under their care, and demand for this service will only increase. The disturbing repercussions of this talent deficit looms. It’s about time all organisations that operate in care start paying closer attention to their own strategy for attaining this; not only for the good of their business but for the sector as a whole.

saurav Chopra is Ceo of employee benefits provider perkbox (www.perkbox.co.uk).

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

Bio-Rite Expands into Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Northants LEADING INFECTION control company and franchisor, BioRite has announced it is expanding into Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire. Paul Smith has taken on the franchise to provide Bio-Right’s range of decontamination services to help clients including the NHS and care homes tackle common threats like MRSA, C.Difficile or Norovirus for the benefit of patients in the region.

“As a group, Bio-Rite has over 40 years’ experience in decontamination and infection control management and, due to the growing demand for our services, we are now delighted to welcome Paul Smith as our representative in the east of England,” confirms Alan Wright, managing director, Bio-Rite.

“Paul’s corporate background means he is well placed to identify and liaise with key hospital and care home staff to book appointments for Bio-Rite’s services including the decontamination of wards and care equipment.

“Paul will also be able to offer Bio-Rite’s new mobile decontamination service which enables the immediate and effective decontamination of mattresses and used care equipment in a specifically designed, mobile hydrogen peroxide chamber,” continues Wright. “This procedure is essential to control common air-borne pathogens such as C.Difficile resulting in a rapid turnaround of equipment and most importantly a safe environment in our hospitals and care homes.”

Paul Smith comments: “I have been offered two jobs

recently but I turned them both down as I am looking for an exciting, new challenge! I am keen to build and run my own business and also employ local people to help bring jobs to my community. Bio-Rite is one of the few companies in the UK that is able to offer the range of products and services that are needed to reduce infections in healthcare environments and I believe Bio-Rite’s franchise model will provide all the support necessary and combined with my marketing and sales skills, allow me to grow a solid business and future for myself and my family.

“Bio-Rite’s services blend the best practices involved with both manual and mechanical disinfection techniques while taking advantage of advances in safe and effective decontamination technology to offer solutions to the everyday problems of infection control,” continues Paul.

“Being able to make a difference by addressing such pressing needs in our institutions will be rewarding and I am confident there are also other markets for Bio-Rite’s decontamination services moving forward too.”

Prior to joining Bio-Rite Paul Smith was a sales manager in the electronic office supplies market and also previously worked at Xerox for nine years.

Bio-Rite is currently recruiting franchisees on a nation-wide basis. Bio-Rite is a British Franchise Association (bfa) Provisional Member and staff and franchisees are members of the Infection Prevention Society (IPS). For further information please visit: www.bio-rite.com/franchise

Elocube Protects Care Home Residents and Staff From Infection and Improves Air Quality ozo InnovatIons’ (ozo) elocube delivers a triple benefit to residential care and nursing homes: 1. Effective Odour Control – dry fogged, the elocube solution safely and rapidly eliminates odour in problem areas 2. Robust Hygiene and Disinfection – independent testing has proven the elocube solution effective against Listeria, Salmonella, E. Coli and Norovirus 3. Improved Indoor Air Quality Important for Better Respiratory Health for Staff and Residents – replaces fragranced cleaning chemicals that are implicated in lung inflammation and neutralises infectious agents that cause respiratory infections When odour is a problem for care homes, the temptation is to mask it with heavily fragranced cleaning products. However, there’s strong evidence these fragrances decompose in the air to formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, significantly reducing air quality.

The elocube electrolysed water system manufactures a powerful disinfection liquid on site, proven effective

Waterchemist Ltd Waterchemist ltd is a small independent family based company who specialise in monitoring of water services in nursing homes, retirement homes, doctors’ surgeries, private hospitals and any building which has water services.

Waterchemist Ltd are based in Staffordshire but operate throughout the UK. They have been trading for 25 years.

It is important today, with all the legislation, to keep up to date with current codes of practice.

against bacteria, viruses and moulds. Using just food grade salt and water, this approach is sustainable and responsible. It is also non-hazardous and non-irritating to humans. elocube enables care homes to manage odour and improve hygiene to control and prevent infection, offering dignified living and better health for care home residents – and staff.

Better hygiene contributes to positive business performance. Indirectly, the product has been shown to reduce marketing and recruitment costs and protect business reputation.

An odour free, clean care home with reduced infection risk aids retention of residents and staff and appeals to potential clients.

Find Out More: t: 01865 891012 e: lisa@ozoinnovations.com w: www.ozoinnovations.com

Legionnaires Disease is today’s big worry and understandably, Health Authorities are trying to ensure that properties within their jurisdiction are suitably prepared to combat Legionella before it develops.

Legionella Risk Assessments are important and Waterchemist Ltd can organise these through their independent and qualified Legionella Risk Assessors.

Waterchemist Ltd carries out a number of water related actives, such as routine water sampling, water tank inspections and cleaning, showerhead descaling and santising, chlorination of pipework and new water mains, and more.

Please contact David at Waterchemist Ltd on 01543 306802 / david@waterchemist.co.uk.

Hand Washing Facilities Vital When Caring For The Elderly tHe care industry understands that the only way to keep residents safe from germs, illness and infection is to provide hand washing facilities wherever and whenever they may be needed.

The welfare of the elderly is vital as they are at a much higher risk of contracting illness and infections through poor hygiene as Manty Stanley, managing director at TEAL Patents, says: “Whilst all viruses are not life-threatening, extra precautions must be taken to protect those with weaker immune systems.

“To prevent the spread of common contagious illnesses such as norovirus and influenza many care homes are investing in additional facilities that provide the gold standard of hand hygiene – washing hands with soap under running hot water.

“TEAL has been working with nursing and residential

care organisations for over 10 years and has developed a range of portable hand wash units which have been tried and tested to meet the stringent requirements of the care home environment.”

To improve hand hygiene and prevent the spread of infections, TEAL has designed the WashStand and PatientWash. Both lightweight and portable, the TEAL units can be positioned at the point of use without the need for mains water or drainage.

The TEAL range is now available for sale or hire and can be delivered within 24 hours to any UK mainland address.

For further information: W: www.washyourhands.co.uk T: 0121 770 0593 E: enquiries@tealwash.com

BioCote Protected Dispensers Help Reduce the Risk of Cross Infection ®

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

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

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

Fast Acting Disinfectant From Holchem HolcHem, tHe UK leader in hygiene technology solutions, has launched optimum QFD 60 ready to use disinfectant.

It is easy to use and suitable for use in the cleaning regimes of nursing and residential homes where time is of the essence in a fast paced environment where the highest levels of hygiene and disinfection are required.

Its blend of non-ionic and non-QAC biocides (“QAC free”) provides fast acting surface disinfection that meets the requirements of both EN1276 and EN13697 in 60 seconds. It also delivers economies of scale and meets budget demands as it delivers the best results first time.

Its contents ensure that any site where food is produced

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

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

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

There you can use the easy online shopping system, or alternatively if you are NHS or an account customer, via an emailed or faxed purchase order. You can also view and/or download the latest catalogue and price list. do not exceed the statutory residue limits associated with QAC based disinfectants and it meets the EN 1276, EN 1650 and EN 13697 standards.

Available in 6x1Ltr packs, it is suitable for surface disinfection and light cleaning duties. For surface disinfection QFD 60 should be applied by a light spray onto the surface and allowed to stand for at least 60 seconds.

Before re-using for direct food contact, it is advisable that the surface is dry and free of excess liquid. When used for light cleaning, lightly soiled surfaces should be sprayed with QFD 60 and wiped over with a suitable cloth.

To learn more about the products that Holchem provide, visit the website at www.holchem.co.uk or follow on Twitter @holchem and connect on LinkedIn via www.linkedin.com/company/ holchem-laboratories-limited.

NEW TO THE MARKET - GIPskins, described as “The Game Changer!

Charise Mullings inventor of GIPskins has a professional background in the heath care industry. It is through her 7 years of experience within the sector that Charise became concerned about the problems health care employees experience when working with service users. Charise then set about finding a solution in partnership with Dartex.

GIPskins provide a solution to the ongoing problem identified by: Research Advisory Group in conjunction with Skills for Care, NHS, CQC, IPC, HSE and UNISON. Our aim is to reduce the risk of injury & cross contamination to Health Care Workers.

In-turn reducing work related injury claims against Service Providers.

• Re-useable • Wipe Clean • Machine washable 95 degrees • Non fungal • Blood & stain resistant • Flame retardant • Breathable • Latex free GIPskins are an exciting new product that has benefits for all

Tel: 0800 193 4373 Web: www.gipskins.co.uk Email: info@gipskins.co.uk Facebook: gipskins

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Radio Nurse Call Leads the Way! With todaY’s technology it is possible to upgrade an old Nurse call system in under a week. Gone are the days of engineers installing cables and being on site for weeks, as with the new radio Nurse Call a call point can be fitted in a resident’s room in minutes.

Flexibility is another benefit, as units can easily be repositioned when necessary, and multiple displays can be positioned around the care home to ensure staff never miss a call.

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

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

Southern Care Maintenance Ltd, SCM, was established in 1987, and are a specialist independent company for the Service and Maintenance of Nurse call, Fire and Nursing equipment. They have many years experience in both fitting and servicing Nurse Call systems covering Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Essex, and South London.

This month they are launching mySCM, a new online customer portal free of charge to all service contract customers, so that they can access service records, certificates and invoices securely 24/7.

For more information see southerncare.co.uk and follow the link to the Nurse Call page. You can also download a case study of a customer using Radio Nurse call or ring 01580 890089. area of a building is not deemed financially viable. Wireless systems also offer the flexibility & ease for future expansion.

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.

For further details see the advert on page 10.

mind whilst caring for this at risk of 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.

Courtney Thorne Wireless Nurse Call CoUrtNeY thorNe, the wireless nurse call specialist, has launched the ‘altra’ range for the care sector with Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, fall detection capability and proven reliability designed specifically for care home environments.

Building on a 40 year track record in the sector, Courtney Thorne has developed an new software architecture for the Altra range, utilising smart mobile technology to provide a wireless system that combines proven radio frequency technology with Bluetooth and WiFi. The company is so confident that the Altra Range offers the ultimate in wireless nurse call capability and

reliability that it is offering a three year warranty as standard with all systems.

Comments Managing Director, Graham Vickrage: “Wireless call systems offer the greatest flexibility for the care home sector with fast and simple installation that involves no hardwiring or disruption to residents. Our approach in developing Altra has been to combine reliability with enhanced connectivity and capability, enabling customers to select a bespoke specification that meets the needs of their care home. Altra can already be integrated with a DECT telephone system and new elements can be added on a ‘plug and play’ basis with full android and iOS device integration to follow within the year.” See the advert on this page for details.

Switching to electronic Care Management System (CMS) in your care setting Recently I spoke about the implementation of a CMS at the NorArch Technology Day. Delegates generally acknowledged the need but there was resistance. Why?

There is an element of fear of a new system and of the required culture change within our care settings. These fears are justified. A CMS comes with questions. How secure is my stored information and data? What is a “cloud based system’? Many people are fearful of these issues.

The answer to this question is complicated. Why would you want to take the risk to change and leave the comfort of good old paper records and care plans?

Let’s try to alleviate your fears…

Compliance with the paperless vision of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 2021 strategy requires us to be implementing or at least planning to acquire a CMS. What are the other benefits?

Let’s look at some of the issues that Social Care is facing. Our ageing population is increasing at an alarming rate. People are living longer, many with complex needs which will be met by Care Homes, Nursing Homes and Domiciliary Care.

With the increased demand for care, we have a national shortage of suitable staff, potential Brexit issues and reduced funding.

In summary, increased demand, fewer staff and less money!

Everyone that enters a care setting needs and deserves the best available care. Enabling delivery of high quality care is essential for the resident/patient, their families, friends and staff. Monitoring of that care and recording its delivery is required by the regulator (CQC).

How can a CMS help address these issues?

Records of all aspects of care can be recorded electronically and there are far more benefits to discuss.

Security of your data and information is paramount!

The NHS has guidelines, which if followed, will protect data from straying.

What do staff really want to do? They want to care for residents/patients. That is the reason why they work in the Social Care sector. What is affecting the amount of time that they spend with residents? Primarily, the amount of paperwork.

Let’s look at some of the other advantages.

You have really good staff – how are you going to retain them? Experienced staff are precious and good managers realise this.

Managing and developing your staff is key to their happiness and will increase retention. Investing in your staff and improving their job satisfaction is certainly a well-trodden path by successful organisations. Are your staff training goals realistic and in line with CQC standards? How are your staff accessing training tools and where is the evidence that they are using them?

Is an experienced carer more likely to want to work for a care provider with a great CQC rating? What would happen if your manager left your organisation?

Would your rating remain the same?

Installation of a CMS would facilitate the use of training tools and record staff compliance. Evidencing delivery of the best possible care and substantiating that staff are being well supported and their needs are met, contributes to a “well led” rating.

Let’s move to DATA. Most of us are very happy with our mobile phones, in fact some of us cannot live without them. So, what is so different when we think about a CMS, when we live with new technology all of the time outside of work?

How are you going to generate the data required by the DoH, CQC, ADASS, NMDS-SC, Skills for Health, Local Authorities and many more. A CMS would enable synthesis of information and generation of graphs and tables in a click, showing trends and changes.

Fear of the Cloud is yet another point of fear. We have all heard stories, however, a reputable supplier will ensure the system is hosted at a secure and reliable site (we could mention Microsoft Azure?). Most systems are similar with a ‘cloud based”(via the internet) database accessed either through a laptop, tablet(electronic) or mobile phone. They enable assessments and care plans to be recorded along with a whole host of other processes(modules). Referring to the phone analogy, would you prefer a mobile phone or a smartphone? A CMS with limited use or a suite of functions which can be implemented in stages.

How do you choose which system to purchase? Think about what you want and not what the companies think that you want. Any product is only as good as the support that comes with it. See what the product looks like and how user friendly it is. A well designed system will be intuitive and within a few minutes you will be able use it.

Purchasing and implementing a system is an ongoing partnership with the company that you choose. Do you like the sales/development team that you are dealing with? Are they sympathetic to your needs and requirements? Do they listen and offer solutions to your specific problems? Do they have innovative solutions and are open to your views and suggested changes? Or are you forced to accept any colour as long as it is black! What are the costs?

You will eventually purchase a system and like so many that have made the right choice of vendor partner, you will look back on this time of indecision and think – why on earth didn’t I do this sooner because however challenging the process of change may be, it will be a lot easier than managing that pile of paperwork…

For further details on the Cura System, please contact Lynne Omar, Senior Consultant, by email at Lynne.Omar@Cura.Systems

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Who is this?...

When care staff enter your premises you will want to check their ID. Perhaps you ask to see their ID cards. But can you be certain the person is who they say they are? Or still work for the agency? Sometimes cards get lost or stolen, or used beyond the end of their employment.

An innovative new product is increasingly being used by care staff agencies. By adding a QR code linked to a database system, staff ID cards can be checked at any time by just scanning them with a mobile phone. No extra equipment is needed!

A new feature allows the staff’s training record to be viewed as well. See www.qrsecured.com/Data.aspx The system is available from QRSecured (www.qrsecured.com) - be sure to ask your supplying agencies if they are using QRSecured.

All This in a Simple ID Card!

QRSecured has been providing ID verification for agency staff in the health field for over two years. All that is needed is mobile phone or tablet to scan the unique QR code, and the QRCsecured database will verify (or otherwise) the ID card.

A new feature allows providers to include

staff training or qualification records. The information is protected by a PIN and encrypted on our server. This enables the ID card to be a source of up to date training information – accessible not only to service users but also within the agency.

The system is available from QRSecured (www.qrsecured.com). Tel: 020 3002 0539 or enquiries@qrsecured.com

Round The Clock Care With One Tap iF YoU’re caring for a loved one or an elderly or sickly patient, you’ll know how hard it is to provide round-the-clock care without any help.

CareBuddy allows carers to keep tabs on their patients at any time with just one tap.

The automated SMS messaging system lets carers send a message from their phone to that of the patient at set times throughout the day. The patient can then reply to this message with a single click on a tab, and the same SMS messaging service can connect both patients and carers to the emergency services.

The app links carers directly

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 prevention products including fall detection

to patients via an in-built GPS tracker, which will also allow the emergency services to locate the patient in the event of an emergency.

Polat Hassan, CEO of AppBox Media who created the app said, “CareBuddy has been developed to fill a gap in the area of patient/carer communication. We hope that knowing a carer or the emergency services are simply a click away, will offer patients a great degree of comfort and help ease the daily concerns of carers who perform a vital and hugely admirable care role.”

CareBuddy is available for instant download on smartphone & tablet. 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.

AUTUMN 2016

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The Complete Maintenance Management Software Solution...

It’s New and It’s Affordable SHIRE SYSTEMS design and supply Pirana CMMS, the affordable, UK No 1 maintenance software solution. Pirana is becoming increasingly popular as the cost effective, quick start-up Maintenance Software choice. Shire also delivers a range of ‘hands-on’ training courses at their modern training centres, as well as free ‘try-before-you-buy’ regional roadshows. And if that doesn’t convince, then there is always the fully functional free software trial.

All in all it’s the complete CMMS solution, at a realistic price.

• Asset, Meter & Task Registers • Checklists & Condition Monitoring • Preventative Maintenance • Work Scheduling & Requests • Stock, Inventory & Purchasing Control • Costs & Charges Management (Contractors)

KAM Systems the Nursecallshop.co.uk for wireless systems and accessories was recently launched at Cad 2016.

Of particular interest was the new DIY, i2 Wireless Nurse Call System designed for small, independent Care Homes by KAM Systems Ltd. Many homes do not have the budget to purchase traditional nurse call systems and cheaper substitutes instead. Understandably, these cannot provide features such as multiple alarm levels or an audit trail.

The very affordable i2 System, however, does have the same function-

• Management KPIs & Reporting • Support SUSTAINABILITY goals easy to use and get started One size fits all. There are no hidden costs and the interface is incredibly easy to pick up; it’s possible to get started in minutes.

Conveniently, there is a choice of setup options, 1. On-premise 2. Cloud 3. Stand-alone 4. Mobile The price performance of Pirana CMMS just goes to prove that organisations don’t have to look towards expensive and complex systems to meet maintenance goals. So if you want to extend asset life, cut costs, meet compliance and move towards your sustainability goals, then look no further.

For further details call 023 8022 4111 or visit www.shiresystems.com

ality as traditional systems. How is this possible? The answer is in understanding how traditional systems work. Typically, the Call Point sends a signal to a Central Controller which decodes the signal and displays the message. This is then relayed to other displays either through wires or wirelessly.

KAM Systems have removed the need for a Central Controller by building a microprocessor chip into each Call Point. Each time a Call Point on the i2 System is activated it transmits the message, containing all the necessary information, directly to a Pager or Display.

One Call Point and One Pager is all it takes to start a system! Use code Carer25 for a 25% discount and this only costs £157.50.

See www.nursecallshop.co.uk for full details.

Workforce Scheduling Solutions WorKForCe sChedUliNG solutions developers and staff have been in the business of time Management for over 20 years delivering time & attendance systems worldwide using the latest Face recognition technology.

They have a vast experience in software development including fingerprint and face recognition identification. However fingerprint was not well received by the Care Industry with members of staff resenting their fingerprints being taken, so they developed “Face Recognition” as an alternative to ensure that each member of staff can only book themselves on and off duty. Roy Ferris Sales Manager says “Face Recognition is not expensive and we have many customers using this technology very successfully. It has the advantage of not requiring any interaction by the staff, no cards that can be lost and their face is discreetly recorded each time, so no mistakes!!”

DutyHours™ and TimeCap™ are easy to use applica-

tions and will dramatically reduce time and costs to produce staff payroll. It is suitable for a single home or for organisations that have multiple homes and centralized payroll.

Last minute changes to employee schedules are handled fast and efficiently and it will dramatically reduce pay queries. Staff simply clock in/out with their unique PIN and they can look up their time sheets showing work done or work planned in the future.

The system creates an electronic timesheet of which job, where, when, which department and accurately calculates and controls pay hours including Bank Holidays, Vacation, Sickness and other absence. It will identify allowances such as overtime, weekend and night shift working and export the hours for your payroll or for your accountant.

Call Workforce Group on 03333 444 562 for more information and a demonstration of the system

FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS VISIT THE CARER WEBSITE AT

www.TheCarerUK.com OR FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

@TheCarerUK

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AUTUMN 2016

Salisbury Care Home’s Safety Tested In ‘Highly Realistic’ Fire Drill a FaMilY-oWNed care home provider put team members on the spot in a surprise fire drill complete with ‘smoke and fire’, attending fire crews and simulated casualties.

The exercise was sprung on staff at Colten Care’s Braemar Lodge in Salisbury in partnership with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service and training provider Franklins Fire and Safety.

The home’s safety procedures were prompted to swing into action when a ‘smell of burning’ was noticed coming from a ground floor room, the ‘incident’ escalated and urgent decisions had to be made.

Various aspects of the home’s response were tested including how well fire safety procedures were followed, how easily fire exits were used and how quickly people were accounted for.

The pre-arranged arrival of fire crews added to the sense of a real emergency taking place.

Colten Care even brought in ‘actors’ from other homes to pose as confused or passed-out residents amid the simulated smoke and flames.

Donna Nightingale, a Senior Health Care Assistant in the thick of the action, said: “I was one of a team of four who needed to determine the source of the fire and, if safe, get everyone out. The smoke and simulation was startling – we thought it was a genuine fire! The learnings we have taken from it will stay with us forever.”

Roisin Dunne, Colten Care’s Health & Safety Manager, said the aim was to see how the team reacted to what they thought was a genuine situation and learn from that as a result.

She said: “Our commitment to safety goes well beyond statutory requirements. Our homes are of course built to the very highest fire standards but it is still essential that all staff, visitors and contractors know what to do in an emergency. Thanks to our partnerships with the fire service and Franklins we can conduct such a highly realistic scenario over and above our routine, regular fire drills.

Ultimately, it’s all about ensuring everyone’s safety in the event of a real fire.”

Alison Bremner, Home Manager at Braemar Lodge, said: “The drill was a well-kept secret in planning and worth it. It’s invaluable to see what you do well and where you could improve when you are put in at the deep end in a scenario designed to feel as real as possible.”

The exercise was co-ordinated by Steve Ruscoe, Fire Safety Officer for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service, who worked alongside Paul Franklin, Director of Franklins Fire and Safety.

Following a detailed debrief, Alison and Steve presented the findings at a meeting with the managers of Colten Care’s other 19 homes across Hampshire, Dorset and Sussex. The idea is that learnings are incorporated into group-wide policies and procedures around fire safety.

Steve said: “Overall we were very happy with the way the drill went. People took charge very well. Every premises has its own features and no two incidents will ever be the same, so a full evacuation drill such as this can help you deal with unexpected issues that might crop up. Our message to all managers of premises is that they should look at their training and staff and ask themselves honestly if they would be ready to cope in an emergency.”

Paul said: “As the external fire safety training provider for Colten Care, we can’t over emphasise the importance of face-to-face training. A well trained effective workforce is the best way to be prepared for a fire.”

Using third party certified fire providers for your requirements can avoid disaster Please Please mention mention THE THE CARER CARER when when responding responding to to advertising. advertising.

In September, BAFE registered company Fire Crest (extinguisher.com) was called into a local Care Home after a pump had caught fire in their loft the previous evening. Earlier in the year, Fire Crest inspected their system and installed a detector in this area to alert staff and their elderly residents as early as possible. This early warning enabled everybody to evacuate carefully and for the Fire and Rescue service to extinguish the blaze quickly. Minimal damage was caused and more importantly nobody was harmed by the fire.

Fire Crest are one of BAFE’s many companies registered to both the BAFE SP101/ST104 (Maintenance of Fire Extinguishers) scheme and BAFE SP203-1 (Fire Detection and Alarm Systems) scheme.

They recognise that competence is of vital importance for the fire protection industry.

Third party certification validates this competency for many fire protection companies all over the UK, providing a clear indicator of who is able to perform important specific tasks required to keep your building safe from fire.

Vince Allison from Fire Crest stated “after the fire the CQC (Care Quality Commission) and fire brigade needed assurance that the system was working fine before residents could return to their bedrooms. We tested the area, repaired melted cables to door magnets

and the home was ready to be used fully the next day”.

Robert Catanzaro, founder of Fire Crest, added “being BAFE registered authenticates our ongoing commitment to provide the best quality service to provide the greatest fire safety solutions for our customers. I am extremely proud of our team here at Fire Crest and cannot commend them enough for their diligent work to help keep our customers safe”.

Without the detector in this void the care home could have gone up in flames. This early detection is a reminder to care homes and all businesses to ensure that your fire safety systems are provided and regularly maintained by a third party certified company.

This has the potential to save lives and also your livelihood. The responsible actions taken by this care home in using a third party certified provider has created a safe

environment to be in from fire. Even if fires do occur, the earliest possible detection is in place with a well maintained system.

Unfortunately there are far too many false alarms which have led to Fire and Rescue Services having to modify their responses.

The assurances given by using third party certificated providers will demonstrate that a genuine activation has occurred.

Unlike security systems which are regularly switched off when opening the premises and switched on again upon leaving, fire systems are on all the time – and sometimes overlooked. By making sure that everything is in order and maintained regularly by a third party certified provider, there will be a muchreduced risk of false activations. These systems will work at the most critical times to protect life and property.

You wouldn’t use an unregistered gas engineer, so why would you run the risk with your fire safety provider? Use BAFE registered companies to ensure you are using certified competent people for the works you require.

For more information regarding the BAFE schemes or to find a third party certified competent fire protection company near you please visit www.bafe.org.uk

0844 335 0897 | info@bafe.org.uk | www.bafe.org.uk | @BAFEFIRE

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Redring Delivers Digital Waste Pump Connection Solution redriNG has updated a number of models within selectronic premier care shower range, introducing a new digital waste pump connection utility that enables the new units to be connected with all leading digital waste pump brands.

The updated Selectronic Premier WP models allow specifiers, housing associations, building contractors, installers and householders to install these care shower models in bathrooms with a digital waste pump when required, whether they are 2 wire or 3 wire connection systems.

Alongside the new digital connection capability, the updated models retain the ability to directly link to leading analogue waste pumps as before, meaning almost any retro-fit Selectronic Premier WP installation will allow installers to keep the existing digital or analogue pump in place.

The Selectronic Premier WP models, available as a 8.5KW or 9.5KW variant, still deliver all the performance of the UK’s number one care shower, which achieved the highest A class energy efficiency rating in line with the Energy-related Products Directive. This includes a five-year warran-

ty on new purchases, announced earlier this year, providing guaranteed performance and peace of mind to specifiers and end-users.

Nick Mawby, Water Heating Category Manager at Redring, commented: “At Redring we understand that flexibility is everything for specifiers, housing associations and installers alike.

The new Redring Selectronic Premier WP models guarantee this, allowing almost all digital and analogue pumps to connect when the WP is installed within a level access shower.”

The thermostatic shower has been a popular choice in the care sector for over 25 years, due to its ability to deliver water at a constant and safe temperature. Large one-touch buttons offer easy control, and audio feedback allows all changes to be clearly communicated to the user.

The inclusion of smart data logger technology means that showering patterns can be tracked at all times to save energy and monitor usage, and a unique fault-finder system allows problems to be easily diagnosed and solved.

For further information on the Selectronic Premier range, please visit www.redring.co.uk.

Enabling Independent Living...

solutions, and can install stairlifts for mobility over different floors.

AHM Installation have more than a few ideas for making life easy, whether you’re looking to configure a kitchen or bathroom for independent living...

ahM installations are specialists in providing bathroom and kitchens that have a unique difference. the firm, based in lincoln and Newark, specialises in creating rooms to facilitate independent living...

BATHROOMS

Being able to live independently is a vital part of dignity in later life. That’s why Lincoln and Newark based AHM Installations has spend over 25 years perfecting the design of rooms to facilitate independent living in later life, or those with mobility problems.

The firm’s specialism means that AHM Installations are well-placed to provide advice with unprecedented expertise and product knowledge. But moreover, its team of in-house fitters and specialised tradespeople provide a trustworthy service that facilitate the same peace-of-mind during the design and installation process as you’ll experience after the creation of each new room.

In addition to complete kitchens and bathrooms, the firm can also provide heating

Accessible Guidance

With the growing need to make homes adaptable so occupiers can remain independent, and in their own homes, new guidance is aiming to help get it right.

‘Design Guidance & Considerations for a Domestic Accessible Toilet/Wetroom’ has been produced and published by Clos-o-Mat. The white paper gives advice to ensure that all aspects affecting the functionality and practicality of a bathroom, wetroom and toilet, as occupier needs change, are considered.

“Bathrooms are the most common form of home adaptation, to the extent the Lifetime Homes criteria have been amended to accommodate occupant personal hygiene issues,” explains Robin Tuffley, Clos-o-Mat marketing manager.

“Now, future installation of a hoist should be included in newbuild designs. A ground floor toilet should be

The Importance Of Partnering With The Right Home Adaptations Provider it Goes WithoUt saying that guaranteeing safety, independence and the best quality of life for people in need is at the very heart of the care business. however, achieving these goals sometimes goes beyond what a care professional could physically offer and equipment can be needed to aid their work.

Nowhere is this truer than in the bathroom, which can be a particularly hazardous and challenging space to navigate for those with disabilities and long-term illnesses or conditions, but also one where privacy is always essential.

The task of creating accessible bathrooms that are comfortable and appropriate for users is somewhat more complex in a care home setting, where residents’ needs frequently change and people can move on. As a result, expert assistance from an experienced adapt-

ed living solutions provider is vital to make sure that only the best suited fixtures and equipment, including specially designed electric showers, wet rooms and mobility supports, are specified and installed.

Industry leaders, such as AKW, offer advice on high quality adaptions that have been carefully designed with the end user in mind to be both flexible and effective for maximum inclusivity and dignity for those with restricted mobility. Equally, these specialists have the critical knowledge to help care homes to ensure complete compliance with current safety regulations, such as the guidelines from the Health and Safety Executive on eliminating the risk of hot water scalding injuries among vulnerable people.

As well as establishing the optimum solution for today’s situation, the leading adapted solutions providers also work closely with other healthcare professionals and occupational therapists in the sector to determine what may be needed in the future to keep the space fit for purpose in the years ahead. For example, AKW recently worked with the new owners of the Lypiatt Lodge care home in Cheltenham to manage and complete the successful renovation of the dated bathrooms in its 31 en suite rooms.

After analysing the needs of the home, which specialises in the care of people living with dementia, AKW provided tailored guidance and a series of high quality, future proof bathroom products, such as level access showers and low surface temperature radiators.

The project resulted in the creation of a safe yet stylish environment for residents at the facility to allow staff to consistently ensure exceptional care, dignity and accessibility for all.

For further information please call today on 01905 823298 or visit www.akw-ltd.co.uk

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

• Walk-in baths, baths with integral seats or those with door entry, make independent bathing easier.

• Wetrooms facilitate easy access for wheelchair users, whilst slip-proofstools provide better safety.

• Height adjustable baths make entry and exit easier and safer.

• Non-slip materials can be utilisedwhich are easy to clean and safe.

KITCHENS • Height adjustable worktops can be lowered for easier access.

• Cabinets can be raised from the floor, to enable wheelchair footplates to pass underneath, giving better access to work surfaces and cabinets.

• Different drawer options andhinged wide-doors provide easier access to storage.

For more information on AHM Installation’s bespoke kitchens and bathrooms for independent living, call 01522 500288 or 01636 821443 or see www.ahminstallations.co.uk. provided. In existing buildings, changing a door from swinging to sliding can give valuable extra space inside to aid manoeuvrability….Then there are other considerations: will a particular shower chair fit over the toilet, is there the space for such an eventuality, what height is the toilet and can that be adjusted, what about using colour to help people with visual impairments, to cite just a few examples.

“Our white paper covers all the details to think about to ensure a successful adaptation, which meets the user’s needs and so achieves best value for the provider.”

The white paper can be downloaded free of charge on the downloads section of Clos-o-Mat’s website www.clos-o-mat.com. The paper is the latest in a series of guidance documents produced by Clos-o-Mat designed to ensure good specification of accessible toilet provision in domestic and public/commercial environments.

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Contour Acquires Autron Heating CoNtoUr the leading safe surface temperature heating products manufacturer, has announced that it has acquired the autron heating brand.

Established in the 1970s, Autron grew into one of the most respected names in the UK Low Surface Temperature radiators (LST) market and has been widely specified throughout the care and nursing home sector.

Autron developed a range of aluminium plate and copper tube heat emitters for use in its LST radiators.

These emitters produce high heat outputs quickly and very economically, and allow the installation of often smaller LST radiators than

would be the case, if a flat panel radiator had been specified. In addition variants of Autron’s heat emitters have been specially developed to work with the lower flow temperatures associated with the latest energy saving condensing boilers and renewable energy heating systems.

Following the acquisition Contour are recommencing the manufacture and marketing of existing Autron product ranges from its facility in the West Midlands. Enquiries are now welcome for delivery of Autron radiators from October onwards.

For further information call +44 (0)1952 290498 or mail sales@autron.co.uk. Alternatively visit www.autron.co.uk

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

Compelling Case For Care Homes To Embrace Energy Saving And Water Efficiency

by Mark Sait, CEO SaveMoneyCutCarbon.com Care hoMes are currently caught in a vicious vice and being squeezed by ever increasing costs while feeling the full effects of shrinking government support.

This is compelling care home owners, managers and operators to find ways to cut costs in ways that deliver business benefits over many years and take action to help maintain commercial margins.

The main challenge remains finding ways to do this without affecting quality of service and delivery. But there is one area where it will clearly pay to take swift action.

Energy and water efficiency is an often overlooked element of business strategy in the care home sector.

Yet it is the simplest, most effective way to make an impact on costs that is both immediate and long-term.

Rising utility prices It is certain, and confirmed by government, that we no longer have access to cheap energy. That time is past and all the forecasts point to utility prices rising over the next decade, in the same way that they have doubled in the past 10 years.

Add to this the pressure on energy prices from the Government’s green levies to support renewable sources like wind and solar power. The spending target has been breached, with the National Audit Office issuing a reprimand but the effect is that bills will rise even further by 2020.

More pain is being added through the need to spend heavily to ensure gas and coal power stations are prepared for adequate standby power during winter, which will add to overall energy costs.

Big demands on energy and water Care homes share some similar financial issues to hospital and hotels in that they are 24/7 operations, with continual big demands on energy and water.

Clearly there are differences but I think that there are positive lessons to draw from the sustainability strategies in these sectors.

Care homes will benefit from the adoption of energy-saving and water management processes that have proved so successful in hospitals and hotels. We can also reference what is happening in education, another sector being hard hit by cuts.

In all these sectors, there are excellent examples of large and small operations where decisive action to reduce pressure on costs has delivered savings that run into the thousands of pounds annually.

This has been my company’s direct experience, working with a wide range of clients from independent owners of small hotels to large groups, hospitals and schools.

Ways to save The solutions to rising costs do not have to be com-

plex and over-expensive but it does pay to plan carefully, ensuring that all the relevant information is gathered before making the move.

An energy and water audit is strongly advised, not least because the information will be relevant and useful over the long period. This information will pinpoint where the greatest savings can be made and prioritised.

Lighting - Lighting is a prime candidate for action, with LED the favoured solution and being rapidly adopted in hospitality, health, education and wider afield. Choosing the right type of LED and ensuring a quality product should reduce lighting bills by up to 85%. Recent EU regulations also mean that directional halogen bulbs can no longer be sold so there a further reason to upgrade to LED. Allied to this, the use of smart lighting controls that ensure no area is lit when not needed, can help to further reduce energy consumption by 40-50%.

Water and heating – Reducing water consumption is a priority and if metering is in place the need is even more pressing. Again, simple effective solutions include eco taps that cut consumption by 60%, eco shower heads that reduce water use by up to 50% and tap aerators for current fittings, reducing consumption by 60%.

These reductions also reduce heating costs substantially as less fuel is burned in heating the water, and less energy used to pump it around the system.

Associated with that, the installation of Variable Speed Drives on pumps ensures maximum efficiency, reducing costs by half in most cases with rapid return on outlay.

There are understandable concerns about the deregulation of the water market next April in England.

Wales will continue to be a monopoly service under Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water). Pressure on pricing does not to be a major focus with the major suppliers or the potential smaller challengers so costs should be contained.

SaveMoneyCutCarbon works closely with Anglian Water Business (AWB) as their energy efficiency partner and the focus is on providing both water and energy-saving solutions for their customers who also benefit from active usage monitoring and reporting of issues.

A final piece in the water utility management puzzle is the potential for low flush toilets that may be an attractive solution for some businesses as they can deliver savings of 90% on water usage.

Hand dryers – the benefits of hand dryers can be great. Replacing expensive paper towels with an eco hand dryer can reduce costs by up to 97% a year while and improving hygiene.

An added benefit in all this is that care homes can make ongoing savings while cutting CO2 emissions at the same time, which will add to their green credentials.

Mark Sait is Chief Executive Officer of energy and water-saving specialists SaveMoneyCutCarbon.com

PolyCoversDirect Ltd POLYCOVERSDIRECT LTD is wholly owned

by Tony Stanley. Tony has 13 years experience in the heating industry, working for British Gas in the South West and London.

PolyCoversDirect Ltd is a result of reassessing the needs of the clients, and matching that to a desire to meet or exceed the customers’ expectations.

Our Business Philosophy The objective of our business is to provide a highquality product at a realistic value for money price. We have removed all excess cost from our business, so that we can pass the savings on to you.

Whilst our prices are low, we have not compromised

on quality. We use the best quality, most suitable polymer for the application involved.

We have the most up to date machines to ensure a top class finish, and our products go through a stringent pre delivery inspection to make sure that the product you ordered is the one that is delivered!

Survey Information PolyCoversDirect Ltd staff are very happy to attend site and survey to establish the required size of cover.

This service is provided free of charge in mainland UK. However, by using our simple survey sheet, it is possible for the customers to carry out the survey themselves.

For further details see advert this page

Consort Claudgen Low Surface Temperature Heaters CoNsort’s lst heaters are designed with a maximum surface temperature of 43oC, complying with Nhs estates health Guidance Notes, to minimise the risk of burn injuries.

They are perfect for environments with vulnerable people such as children and elderly residents; and therefore ideal for schools, nurseries, retirement homes, hospitals and anywhere where safety is paramount. Their optional wireless con-

trolled products are very easy to install and operate, offering efficient control of one or more heaters, six temperature settings a day, seven days a week, and major energy savings through the reduction of energy consumption as the temperature reaches its set target. The extensive range includes towel rails, panel and fan heaters, well suited for both commercial and domestic use.

To request copies of the latest catalogue, email: sales@consortepl.com, tel: 01646 692172 or fax: 01646 695195.

AUTUMN 2016

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Sunflow Heating state oF the art primary electric heating built in Britain in royal Wootton Bassett.

All of our heaters are designed, manufactured and installed exclusively by us. Overseeing the process in this way ensures our high standard and competitive prices are maintained.

From initial consultation right through to installation we pride ourselves in unparalleled customer service.

Our team of over 40 staff based in Royal Wootton Bassett are ready to help you every step of the way.

Our heaters allow a fine degree of temperature control and we are the only British manufacturer of refractory clay heaters. We build them ourselves and take pride in what we do, with every heater passing strict quality assurance measures.

We are market leaders in the manufacturing and installation of low input electric heaters.

More and more British businessesare turning to refractory clay heaters to heat their premises These slimline heaters function economically using advanced thermostatic control and a specially developed heat storage technology. With our own patent pending technology, we ensure the very best in

efficient heating design.

These modern electric heaters do not rely on a big charge of electricity during the night but deliver constant and economical heating at the times you specify, thoroughly heating your space with no waste.

Our heaters deliver on style and are available in a wide range of sizes, colours and finishes.

We also offer a range of beautifully crafted fireplace surrounds that work with our heaters and complement any room.

Available as commissioned pieces from individual artists, also available in more conventional styles, white or a wide choice of colours.

Free brochure 0800 158 8270 Questions call Suzanne 0800 158 8272 www.sunflowltd.co.uk

Verdo Renewables UK verdo renewables has two production plants in the UK, andover in hampshire and Grangemouth in scotland. our annual production capacity is 110,000 tonnes of wood pellets and 30,000 tonnes of briquettes. verdo renewables also has a network of distribution depots which allows us to offer a national delivery service.

Verdo Renewables offer a range of wood pellets; our original Verdo heating pellets are manufactured in the UK using locally sourced virgin timber and our Verdo Euro Value heating pellets are manufactured in Europe.

All Verdo wood pellets are ENplus A1 certified and BSL accredited. Verdo also manufacture wood briquettes in the UK; our briquettes offer easy and convenient heat and are suitable for burning in multi-fuel stoves, log burners and open fireplaces.

Why should you use wood pellets and briquettes?

• Modern Renewable Fuel: Unlike oil, gas and coal our wood fuels won’t run out. In the UK more trees are planted than cut down and they keep growing! A true renewable energy to save our climate.

• Environmentally Friendly; The successful Paris Climate Talks committed the world to massive cuts in carbon dioxide. Verdo wood fuels deliver on that by offering 80%90% CO2 cuts compared to oil and gas.

• Made from virgin softwood: Verdo love trees! We use only sustainably grown trees from the UK and Europe such as pine, where more trees are planted than we cut down to make a growing Carbon sink.

• They're Renewable: Verdo wood products meet the toughest sustainability and emissions standards, such as the BSL, RHI Emissions Certificates and Woodsure. Modern biomass boilers also offer high efficiency and performance.

For further details see advert this page.

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

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AUTUMN 2016

Taste And Sight: Preparing Meals For People With Dysphagia

By Helen Willis BSc RD, Wiltshire Farm Foods Dietitian; member of the British Dietetic Association

it’s easY to forget how important the appearance of food is when stimulating the appetite. however, for people with difficulty swallowing (known as ‘dysphagia’), the look and texture of food become vitally important in order to ensure mealtimes are both manageable and enjoyable. Food must be prepared to the meet the correct texture and visually appealing enough to overcome the practical and psychological barriers associated with swallowing difficulties.

While dysphagia requires special attention in its own right, it is usually a secondary condition of another illness, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and certain types of cancer. Dementia and stroke are also associated with dysphagia, and since these illnesses are more common among older people, it is not surprising that three-quarters of nursing home residents are living with dysphagia .

Making food manageable Aspiration, where food is inhaled rather than swallowed, is one of the biggest risks for people with dysphagia. The danger is increased by inconsistencies in texture, as unexpected solids can cause the patient to choke. A uniform smooth texture is easier to swallow and can compensate for a lack of saliva, meaning people living with dysphagia can enjoy a healthy, balanced diet without fear of choking.

A patient with dysphagia may need to follow one of the following specific categories of texture modified diet to minimise their risk of choking or aspiration.

B = Thin Purée Dysphagia Diet C = Thick Purée Dysphagia Diet D = Pre-mashed Dysphagia Diet E = Fork Mashable Dysphagia Diet Each of these categories has different, set requirements that are vital for safety. For example pieces of meat in a category D meal should be approximately 2mm where as in a category E meal they should no bigger than 15mm. Such precision can be difficult to achieve despite best efforts.

Many people turn to home blending to prepare meals according to their particular needs, which helps to maintain their independence. They also have the flexibility to create meals that are suitable for their own personal nutritional requirements: older people, for example, might want a diet with lower salt content to

protect against stroke and heart disease, while people with multiple sclerosis can increase their calcium intake to mitigate nerve tissue damage and bone loss.

risks and alternatives to home blending However, there are some potential risks associated with home blending. Many people will add water when blending to reach the desired texture, diluting nutritional density so the patient gets less nourishment per bite. This also bulks out the portion sizes, which many people with dysphagia find daunting due to the general increased difficulty with eating. Diluted nutritional density combined with larger portion sizes means many people will eat less, putting them at risk of malnutrition. It is important to ensure that nutritional intake is maintained, particularly if the patient is living with or convalescing from a primary condition.

Similarly, people who home blend, either independently or with a carer, must have adequate knowledge of nutrition to meet their particular needs. While home blending allows for greater independence and choice, it can be tempting to opt for foods based on ease of consumption rather than nutritional value. This usually arises from an understandable anxiety over practical challenges and a lack of nutritional awareness.

Furthermore, in the case of older, mobility-impaired or otherwise housebound people, it can be difficult to make regular shopping trips to buy the ingredients for a healthy, balanced diet. For many, pre-blended meals, which are available through various public and private suppliers, offer a simple, readily available, nutritionally dense alternative to home blending. These meals are specifically designed for a range of dietary needs with easy consumption as a priority.

Food that looks good and delivers on nutrition Portion size and nutritional density are both vital considerations when planning a diet for someone with dysphagia. It is equally important, however, to make sure meals are visually attractive, as this helps stimulate the glands which produce saliva, compensating for difficulties producing moisture. Home blending, while it offers a degree of independence to people living with dysphagia, can lead to meals with uneven textures and larger, diluted portions. Furthermore, home blended meals can lack visual appeal, as individual colours and shapes can mix into one homogenous substance.

Pre-blended meals are available from a variety of suppliers and are often designed to look like recognisable, distinct dishes without compromising on nutrition or flavour. For people with dysphagia who find it difficult to make home blended food enjoyable, visually appetising and nutritious, pre-blended meals offer a reliable alternative which still allows them to maintain their independence. Whether your patients with dysphagia home blend or buy pre-pureed food, help them keep aware of the importance of nutrition and make sure their meals are healthy, enjoyable and visually appealing.

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Nutricia Nutilis Clear

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

ensure a safer swallow by maintaining correct consistency in the mouth5. Incorrect consistency of a thickened product during consumption may result in the patient having poorer control of the bolus putting them at increased risk of aspiration6; therefore the amylase resistant features of Nutilis Clear promotes safer swallowing.

For further information visit www.MyNutilis.co.uk

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

Nutilis Clear thickens rapidly and does not continue to thicken4.

Additionally it has amylase resistant features to protect against the action of salivary amylase, which helps to

1. Matta Z et al. J Am Diet Assoc. 2006; 106(7):1049-1054.

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

3. Leibovitz A et al. Gerontology. 2007;53:179-183.

4. Oudhuis L, Vallons K. Presented at ESSD 2011.

Data on File.

5. Oudhuis L et al. Clin Nutr Suppl. 2011; 6(1): 18(OP043).

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

References

New Dysphagic Meal Cubes, Giving You Versatility For Your Residents diFFiCUltY With swallowing in the elderly is common place, almost any condition that produces any muscle weakness or any condition that is associated with a neurological impairment of the swallowing mechanism can produce a swallowing disorder. difficulty with swallowing is most often a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a primary disorder.

One of the major consquences of dysphagia is malnutrition. The inability to coordinate the complex mechancism of swallowing, which slows down eating and can result in food being left in the mouth, or a meal being unfinished and therefore a reduction in all relevant nourishment from food and fluid. Consistency of product texture therefore is of paramount importance to ensure safety and to prevent choking.

Nourish is a new brand of dysphagic food that not only gives you a consistent quality and nutrient density but allows a flexibility with the dysphagic consumer, that hasn’t been offered before into the Care Home Sector, and developed by our own trained Dietitian.

The product comes to you as 25gm portions (12 cubes would give you a 300gm meal), each recipe is delivered in an individual resealable pouch. You have the flexibility to create the meal size that is

appropriate for your consumer. It is a frozen product and can be served from the freezer to the consumer within minutes, preparation is swift and uncomplicated.

This flexibility allows you to serve a dysphagic meal with any combination of accompaniments and also reduces wastage. Only serve what you believe the consumer will eat. There are 12 protein recipes including meat, fish and vegetarian options; 8 vegetables including peas, broccoli, baked beans and butternut squash; and 2 carbohydrates, mashed potato and rice hash. We are also happy to work with the industry to produce snacks, puddings and drinks.

Nourish is kind to your budget, produced by Nourisher Food & Drinks Ltd, in a BRC AA grade factory in Southampton with the best quality ingredients, serve only what your resident needs, no fancy packaging and straight from the freezer to the plate. It is simple, economical and reduces the requirement for expensive and skilled labour. It’s competetive pricing plays an enormous advantage on the strict budget of the care home sector and improves the offering to the consumer; increasing the day to day menu choice and reducing menu fatigue.

Contact Jane Stobie 07710 400467 / 02380 664100.

Jane.stobie@nourisher.co.uk Nourisher Food & Drinks Ltd, Southampton SO40 3SZ

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AUTUMN 2016

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Claims Lawyers Are Targeting Careflex Specialist Seating YoU MaY have seen recent articles on the huge amounts of compensation paid by Nhs hospitals and social care for alleged negligence cases.

Claims lawyers are targeting pressure sores, or ‘bed sores’, as an indication of passive neglect resulting in damage to the skin, in hospitals, care and nursing homes and social care. One estimate is that nearly 1,000 people per year die from pressure sores, almost equivalent to deaths due to MRSA. Pressure sores are preventable and preventive strategies are required. Hygiene, incontinence and dementia combine with poor postural positioning to lead to skin conditions which can become pressure sores. These cause discomfort to the individual, making nursing care more difficult.

An ulcer results from a deteriorating skin condition.

Contracture is either a cause or result of immobility and inactivity and is the loss of mobility of a large synovial joint such as an elbow, knee, or ankle which can involve skin damage. An example of the latter would be hand closure resulting in skin breakdown to palms.

In days past it was often dealt with by a rolled up flannel or bandage, today prevention by a soft secure hand grip.

Tissue damage can take place where two skin surfaces are in constant contact, as with an arm in a fixed position on the chest, a limb protector being needed, serving as a barrier between the two skin surfaces.

In instances of brain injury with neurological damage a traditional cotside bumper may not be sufficient to prevent limb skin damage.

Different materials and shapes are used to alleviate friction and pressure on the skin – sheepskin, gel, air, memory foam, and micro-beads.

MEDORIS prefers micro-bead positioning cushions because they are not a predetermined fixed shape and will alleviate friction whilst protecting protuberances or filling gaps. The objectives of cushions is to make the individual more comfortable by providing soft support and to reduce the risk of further skin deterioration.

MEDORIS has designed its own proven range of shapes with micro-beads in a very soft outer material, based upon years of practical experience in residential care and the home. These positioning aids are used by hospital NHS trusts, nursing and residential care homes, local authority social care and private homes advised by physiotherapists, OT’s, and tissue viability nurses.

MEDORIS can be contacted on 0333 207 9515 or sales@medoris.co.uk or view www.medoriscare.co.uk

The Cost of Pressure Sores PRESSURE ULCER treatment in the UK costs approximately of £1.4–£2.1 billion each year and over 180,000 pressure ulcers develop each year. Pressure ulcers are not only a significant health risk but a costly burden to care homes worldwide. With an increasingly aging population, this extreme cost is only set to rise in the future. The tragedy is that most pressure ulcers are preventable and advanced pressure relief devices are available to help prevent and treat them.

One of the most effective ways to prevent a pressure ulcer is to reduce or relieve pressure

on areas at risk of developing pressure ulcers, this is done by redistributing pressure. Pressure relief mattresses are designed to redistribute pressure and provide patients with therapeutic pressure care. Pressure mattresses are technologically adapted to prevent pressure sores from forming or increasing in severity.

Beaucare® Medical stock a wide range of pressure relief devices that are designed to support patients from stages I to stage IV of ulceration. Beaucare provides effective pressure relief solutions that also work to greatly relieve the cost burden that pressure ulcers represent to the care sector. Call 01423 816000 or email sales@beaucare.com for further information.

MaNY people have to spend a lot of time in bed because ordinary chairs and wheelchairs do not give them enough support, but with the right seating choice, a bedridden person can rejoin their friends and family in daily life.

People with kyphosis and many elderly people sit in chairs with their head slumped forward or to the side – chin to chest. Gravity can trap people in these destructive postures.

This impairs their breathing, their ability to communicate and their ability to eat and drink will be compromised. At worst, this can be deadly.

It’s imperative that a full assessment is made to select a chair that is right for the user.

A chair set up for someone else is highly likely to make things worse. Important measurements are seat width, depth and height, arm height, back height,… to name the basics. So, if you are given a chair, ask your OT to get it reassessed and set up to meet your requirements… with you in it!

CareFlex, based in Devon, has over 20 years’ experience, providing bespoke, high quality, robust seating. You can rely on us for expert, and impartial advice. An expert assessor from CareFlex is always willing to come with the HCP team to assess for CareFlex seating and offer a free, no obligation quotation for the right chair to fit the user’s needs.

For further information see the advert on this page.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES NEW Petal Back Open Back Clothing NEW Incontinence UK Swimwear! aDaptawear are pleased to announced that new stock (including some pretty and stylish new modern colours in ladies blouses, dresses and nightwear) has recently arrived into our warehouse of our popular petal Back clothing range.

The Petal Back Clothing range is a unique range of open back clothing, which is dignified, comfortable and attractive and allows for ease of dressing for the wearer and the nurse/carer, thus reducing stress and pain for all concerned. The range includes daywear, nightwear and underwear for ladies and gentlemen without using buttons, studs or Velcro.

Petal Back Open Back Clothing is designed particularly for people that suffer from restricted mobility, are bedridden or disabled. The unique “Petal Back” design with generous shoulder to shoulder overlaps and no fastenings greatly assists those who are physically chal-

lenged with arthritis and stroke victims together with being a practical option for those with dementia where inappropriate disrobing or incontinence may be an issue.

• Petal Back Clothing slides up the arms then over the head and folds at the back for complete dignity • No Velcro and No Studs that my scratch or damage delicate skin • No lifting is necessary – easing pain and suffering for both wearer and carer • Durable, high quality fabrics that are soft on skin yet able to withstand industrial laundering • Daywear and Nightwear including nightshirts, nighties, polo shirts, blouses, dresses and vests Available in sizes 8 – 22 • 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. Or see the advert on page 7.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure...

with nHs interest in prevention rather than probable eventual hospitalisation, physiotherapists in adult care and hospital trusts are recommending that care homes and families buy small hand devices for exercise to prevent hand closure and protect against skin breakdown.

Fingers bending towards the palm can be painful to move, if at all possible, and can result in skin deterioration between the fingers and in many cases total closure will lead to skin damage from nails to the palm of the hand.

It is beneficial to have a strap over the back of the hand or the thumb to secure the hand grip in place, unlike in years past

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

Hippychick Bed Protectors Hippychick Bed Protectors are high quality, discreet, breathable and 100% waterproof – something so practical rarely feels so luxurious and they truly have to be seen to be believed! The protectors are available in both tencel and cotton, with a wide range of sizes in fitted and flat sheet designs.

For those of you who aren’t aware, tencel is a naturally hygienic fibre made from 100% biodegradable, sustainable wood pulp cellulose. It is as cool as

when a rolled flannel or bandage was deemed sufficient.

Hand grips are available in sheepskin, nylon, terry fabric, and velour covered micro-beads at a cost of less than £20. But sheepskin can become hard and rough after washing, nylon is often too hot causing the palms to sweat, and terry fabric takes longer to dry. Soft microbead hand grips and finger separators can also be used as ‘comforters’ in end of life care and as a diversion for individuals prone to pull at feeding or IV tubes. Micro-beads are cool and easily laundered, quick drying and very comfortable.

For more information contact meDorIs on 01608 819 219 or look at their website – www.medoriscare.co.uk or see page 3.

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.

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 or see the advert on page 17.

linen, soft as silk and even more absorbent than cotton.

Tencel’s unique moisture absorbent capacity draws away moisture and helps keep the bed cool, and without moisture the growth of bacteria is inhibited preventing unwanted mould and mites. Hippychick’s Bed Protectors take a much needed, but also much maligned product and transforms it into a comfortable, soft, undetectable piece of bedding. They are soft, breathable, absorbent and waterproof – a great natural alternative to sweaty plastic undersheets.

To see the full range and to receive 20% off your purchase with code CARER16, please visit www.hippychick.com/protectors or phone 01278 434440. See ad on page 18.

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 or see the advert on page 7.

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 See the advert on page 9 for details.

IncontInence UK is pleased to announce a new Kes-vir ladies Incontinence swimsuit to our swimwear range. this Kes-vir ladies Incontinence swimsuit is specifically designed for faecal incontinence but the sash design makes it look like a regular swimsuit and the new skirt style offers a flattering look.

This stylish swimsuit has a built-in waterproof lining which is made from breathable PU coated polyester. Both the leg and waist are adjustable and the leg cuffs can be adjusted by an elastic tape and secured in place to ensure

positivID Identity Systems positivid identity systems is a family business providing a fantastic range of badging solutions and accessories for the care industry. our customers include Nhs & private hospitals, care agencies, care homes, nurseries, schools, and a wide variety of private companies.

We understand the care industries demand for clear and reliable cards, and can design yours to meet or exceed ID requirements established by the Care Quality Commission.

We have been specialising in the Care sector for over 15 years.

Forget out of date laminated or enamel badges, positivID can provide your care agency or home with fully personalised, photographic PVC cards, which can be either

no leakage.

Take a look at our range of Incontinence Swimwear for both men and women. Choice of men’s swim shorts, ladies swimsuits or the unique, unisex SoSecure containment brief to be worn under your standard swimwear. All our swimwear is specifically designed to protect against faecal incontinence and small amount of urine loss.

For more information on the full Incontinence UK’s Product Range including TENA Pants please visit www.incontinenceuk.co.uk. Carer readers please quote CARER16 for 10% discount off your first order. Alternatively see the advert on page 5. worn as a badge or used as an ID card. Our minimum order quantity is for a block of just 10 cards, although we are happy to send out the cards individually when they are needed.

We also have a comprehensive range of badging accessories! From plain lanyards (available in 10mm, 15mm or 20mm and 10 different colours) to our own, huge range of pre-printed lanyards designed specifically for the care industry. Identify members of your team with our extremely popular generic titles; ‘CARE ASSISTANT’, ‘TEAM LEADER’, ‘SUPERVISOR’, ‘NURSE’ and ‘FIRST AIDER’.

We also stock ‘NHS’ and ‘NHS Staff’ lanyards and many others. Everything you need to display your ID card professionally.

See the ad on the front cover, call 02392 450677 or 0845 226 8596, visit www.positivID.net / sales@positivID.net

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, wheelchairfriendly 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,

The Flex-Lift by Ergolet The Flex-Lift by Ergolet is the first truly portable folding hoist aimed at the disabled traveller.

Although the provision of hoists and other equipment at travel destination venues is constantly getting better with time, there is still a long way to go before the tourism industry catches up.

Ergolet’s new Flex-Lift hoist has been designed with all aspects of portability in mind and will enable the user to travel to places previously off-

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.

We provide the highest standard of service and customer support. This

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 or see the advert on page 15.

limits due to lack of facilities. The Flex-Lift goes into two wheeled holdall bags that will fit into the back of your car - or you can even check it in as airline baggage, making longer distance travel possible. When not in use, it folds up flat against a wall or in a cupboard – ideal for when space is tight, such as in a hotel room. When in use, the Flex-Lift doesn’t compromise and is every bit a working hoist with a respectable lifting capacity of 130kg – ample for general use. Assembly is simplicity itself and takes just a couple of minutes. The Flex-Lift requires no tools too – so there is nothing that can get lost in transit. For more information, please contact Ergolet UK on 0161 477 7900 or email us via info@ergolet.co.uk or see the advert on page 15. 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.

The Ultimate Care For Floors In Care Homes and Health Centres

by Justin Binks, MD SEBO UK. The biggest cost element in any cleaning operation in care homes and hospitals is the labour cost and this cost can only be reduced through an increase in productivity. With regard to vacuum cleaning, this requires moving away from cylinder vacuums and using upright machines which can clean a much greater area in any given time due to their wider floor heads and efficient operation. Also, they are likely to improve the quality of the cleaning, removing much more from the floor per pass of the floor head.

The choice between carpet and hard wood floors can sometimes be tough but you need to think of the hygiene and cleanliness behind them. Carpeted floors give a feeling of luxury and comfort and reduce sound levels by absorbing noise. They also trap dust and dirt and need a tailored cleaning regime to keep them clean and of good appearance. At least,

daily vacuuming is required with a rotating brush to agitate the pile and remove dust and fibre, with periodic deep cleaning with either a wet or dry system.

There are many advances in floor cleaning technology and we want to use these advances to help prevent and control infection. The use of water-free polishing systems removes the moisture microbes need to multiply. The latest micro-fibre vacuum bags are excellent for retaining even fine material, preventing harmful particles escaping into the air.

People often forget that floor cleaning machines also need maintenance and cleaning.

With regard to vacuum cleaners, they should be regularly checked over, paying particular attention to cable damage, as well as inspecting filters and replacing if necessary. The floor heads should be checked for damage and cleanliness, and worn parts such as brushes replaced.

For more information on the SEBO range, please call 01494 465533 or visit www.sebo.co.uk.

AUTUMN 2016

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PAGE 33

Ashtons Launches New Stock Medication Service For Hospices ASHTONS HOSPITAL Pharmacy Services, the UK’s leading provider of medicines management solutions, has launched a new service to provide stock medication specifically for hospices.

The service has been developed in response to a growing gap in the market as a result of the introduction of recent legislation which requires all suppliers of medication stock to have a Wholesaler Dealer’s Licence (WDL) from the MHRA. This means that community and hospital pharmacies must obtain the WDL if they supply stock medication to other providers, other than dispensing prescriptions. As a result, many NHS Trusts which have traditionally supplied hospices no longer have the appropriate license.

Ashtons can either partner with a hospice’s existing provider if they do not have the appropriate license, or provide a full medicines management service, ensuring quality and reliability of supply of medicines and improved cost control. Key features of the service

include: • Systems and procedures designed to support compliance • Reliable stocks and timely deliveries • Reduced waste and therefore, reduced costs • Medication audit trail • Order management and assistance with storing medicines • Assistance with recording medicines management • No need for a stock technician The service builds on Ashtons’ 25 years of specialist pharmacy service expertise which is primarily concerned with helping patients receive safe and effective treatment. It also supports healthcare staff at all levels, in the delivery of treatment, and in helping them ensure they meet regulatory requirements.

For more information about the range of services Ashtons’ offers, please contact 0345 222 3550 or info@ahps.co.uk

Medicines Management Guide from Rosemont A GUIDE to medicines management and older people is available from Rosemont Pharmaceuticals.

Called ‘Medicines management and older people – a guide for healthcare professionals’, the booklet aims to help healthcare professionals learn more about how medication works, how the ageing process affects medicines, common adverse drug reactions, the definitions of compliance and concordance as well as to give an overview of some of the legal aspects of medicines management.

Medpac - Practical Bags MEDPAC – PRACTICAL bags specifically designed for carrying and storing prescribed and emergency medicines with personal photo identification.

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

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

Ideal for all medications including diabetic medication.

The content of the guide is based on current best practice and the most up to date evidence about medication management. The focus is on the care of older people, who have a higher prevalence of illness and take around 50% of all prescribed medicines (Kelly 2011). Four in five people over 75 take at least one prescribed medicine, with 36% taking four or more medicines (NSF 2001).

To receive a free copy of ‘Medicines management and older people – a guide for healthcare professionals’, just email: marketing@rosemontpharma.com, call (0)113 244 1999 or visit www.rosemontpharma.com In summary Medpac is designed to: • Store medicines safely and efficiently • Easily identify correct medicine for correct person • Save vital time in an emergency • Display expiry dates to save time for staff Ideal for outings, hospital visits both planned and emergency and respite care.

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

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

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

TO ADVERTISE IN PLEASE CALL OUR SALES TEAM ON

01202 552333

PAGE 34

THE CARER

AUTUMN 2016

Laundry Solutions at High and Low Temperatures Hygiene control is of paramount importance in elderly care facilities. Bedlinen, towels, serviettes and clothing require special cleaning solutions that eliminate the risk of infection and cross-contamination, The Carer contacted the health and safety executive, who provided the following guidance; The process of laundering contaminated linen (including clothing) requires treatment that is effectively a wash-based disinfection process, and is required to avoid cross infection from re-used items.

Contaminated linen is generated by hospitals, care homes, nursing homes and similar facilities, as well as in the home care setting; anywhere that care of the sick and infirm is undertaken. The nature of laundry soiling depends on the source, and at the most extreme levels, eg in hospital and nursing home envi-

ronments, is likely to include blood, wound exudates, sputum, saliva, sweat and urine, as well as vomit and faeces. It is also important to recognise that bloodstained body wastes such as urine may also serve as a potential source of infection. The nature of the soiling will determine how contaminated items are sorted and processed, and current UK categorisation recommends sorting into used linen (soiled and foul), infected linen and heat labile linen categories.

Infected linen is defined as linen derived from known infectious patients, including those with HIV, hepatitis B, C and other infectious agents. Linen can be made safe by washing to remove any contaminating body fluids, but it is often not practical to wash domestic linen at high temperatures because of the heat lability of fabrics. Recommended wash conditions, based on the levels of soiling, are as follows: Current recommended treatments to ensure cleaning and disinfection of used (soiled and foul) linen • A 65oC temperature hold for a minimum of 10 minutes within the wash cycle; or • 71oC for not less than 3 minutes.

• Mixing time must be allowed to ensure heat penetration and assured disinfection. A sluice cycle must be added in to the cycle when dealing with foul linen.

• Recommended treatment to ensure disinfection of infected linen (mainly applicable to the healthcare setting):

Cash’s nametapes provide the perfect solution to identify individuals’ clothing and belongings.

Whether during laundry, or after being misplaced, they can be returned to their rightful owner.

We can provide woven, sew-in nametapes in a variety of styles and colours, or in a size of lettering to assist those with poor eyesight. We can provide printed, iron-on nametapes, which will withstand continuous washing, for those who do not want to sew labels to clothing. Lost clothes and belongings can be expensive to replace and sometimes distressing for their owner.

For over 150 years, Cash’s nametapes have been providing the perfect answer.

For prices and more information, please visit our website

www.jjcash.co.uk or telephone

024 7646 6466

• Linen in this category should not be sorted, other than in a red, water-soluble bag this then placed in an outer polyester or nylon carriage bag. Infected linen may be stored in different bags in other parts of the UK, eg clear with red stripes are used in parts of Scotland. Local policy should be checked and adhered to.

• Inner bag should be removed from the outer bag only at the point of transfer to the washer-extractor, followed by the outer bag.

• Storage of infected linen must be done in a secured area, prior to washing.

• The same wash temperature profile as used for used (soiled and foul) linen is thought sufficient to inactivate HIV, but the evidence is less certain for hepatitis B. The wash temperature, coupled with the dilution factor, should render linen safe to handle on cycle completion.

Current recommended treatment to ensure disinfection of heat labile linen • These items need to be washed at ~40oC, so the wash temperature is insufficient to disinfect, and chemical alternatives are required; • Addition of hypochlorite may be possible, but efficacy may be reduced by the presence of soiling, detergents and alkalis in the main wash; • Disinfection with hypochlorite is only reliable if the linen can tolerate its addition and if sodium hypochlorite is added during the penultimate rinse of the cycle; • A final concentration of 150 ppm available chlorine must be achieved for a minimum of 5 minutes exposure time.

• Laundering contaminated items in the community setting

Take the Professional Approach to your Laundry and Dishwashing Operation estaBlished iN 1926, Forbes professional is a family company that delivers commercial laundry solutions with a comprehensive service backup, and the security of a long-established business. our large network of depots and field engineers enables us to always deliver a friendly local service, on a national basis.

Care home operators with multi-site locations truly benefit from our nationwide structure as it facilitates a consistent standard of service, with a reliably quick engineer response. Forbes’ head office operates a centralised system for payments and customer service, which means that clients have the simplicity of one point of contact for

all account mangement.

Proud to be partnered with both Miele and Primus, our wide range of commercial laundry and dishwashing appliances enables us to provide a solution for any budget or environmental requirement. We have a solid understanding of care sector requirements, and can advise on all WRAS and CQC guidelines, and help with compliance on stringent hygiene regulations.

Choose our Complete Care solution for supplied machines with no repair bills and an inclusive same day/next day service, with a simple monthly payment structure. For more information www.forbes-professional.co.uk, contact info@forbes-professional.co.uk Telephone 0345 070 2335

FowlerUK - Commercial Laundry & Catering Equipment the oriGiNs of FowlerUK go back to 1966 when the father of the present managing director, david Fowler, set up a business to supply and service white goods in the local community. in 2005 david took over the running of the business and decided to focus exclusively on the supply and maintenance of commercial laundry and catering equipment. the business continued to trade on family values such as reliability, care for others and trustworthiness.

The secret to FowlerUK’s success lies in building a personal connection with each customer. The most important element in this is recruiting people who fit with the company values, and who demonstrate these to customers and colleagues on a daily basis.

FowlerUK is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial laundry and catering facilities in the Care Industry, supplying and maintaining equipment in care homes and hospitals nationwide. The product range that FowlerUK has made available is extensive and varies through different specialist requirements specific to each industry. FowlerUK are constantly searching the markets for new technological developments to assist in saving their customers money as well as providing the same fantastic results.

The results of FowlerUk’s determination to stay true to its family roots are impressive; the business has seen annual turnover double in the last four years. FowlerUK is undoubtedly a local business making a national impact.

For further information call 0800 619 9337 or visit www.fowleruk.com

AUTUMN 2016

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PAGE 35

How Laundry Can Help Care Homes To Stand Out AS COMPETITION among care homes continues to increase, Paul Swift, Business Development Manager at Berendsen, explains how a best in class laundry operation can help care homes to stand out from the competition.

According to AGE UK, there are now over 11 million people aged 65 or over in the UK, with this number expected to rise by 40% by 2030. As such, there has never been a greater demand for care – or as much competition. To compete in today’s competitive market and remain profitable, differentiating your property from your competitors through offering additional or unique benefits is increasingly important.

Establishing such selling points can be a challenge.

However, one area that offers a unique opportunity to stand out is textiles and laundry. This may come as a surprise, but it shouldn’t.

At present, most care homes operate an in-house laundry facility. The effectiveness of this method has recently been called into question, however, with one in seven care homes believing their in-house operation to be ineffective according to research conducted last year among UK care homes. Considering the vulnerability of the elderly to illness and infection, processing laundry to the highest standards is of the upmost importance.

And this is where care homes can establish a point of difference between themselves and their competitors: in ensuring impeccable laundry hygiene, so residents and their families can have peace of mind that the potential risk of infection and illness is minimised.

Achieving this shouldn’t be daunting; in fact, it’s simple. Through outsourcing laundry to an experienced linen rental and laundry specialist that processes

laundry in line with the highest European standards on infection control in textiles, care homes can experience the same levels of textile cleanliness and hygiene as many hospitals, most of which outsource their laundry as standard.

Berendsen also offers a service where residents’ clothing is laundered in a specialist, regulation-compliant unit and tracked to ensure that it is always returned to the correct resident once laundered.

Outsourcing the laundry service also opens the door to the rental and provision to residents of specialist products, for example incontinence pads, which can be disinfected through a specialist laundry’s high-tech laundering process and then re-used. Berendsen, for example, offers a range of comfortable and discreet protective items for residents experiencing incontinence. Products such as these protect the self-esteem of residents and safeguard furniture from soiling.

There is also an important secondary benefit.

Outsourcing eliminates the requirement for care home staff to be in the laundry room, freeing them up to focus on providing direct care to residents. Knowing that staff spend less time on operational tasks and have more face-to-face time with residents is music to the ears of families concerned with their elderly relatives’ wellbeing.

For staff, transitioning from an in-house operation to outsourcing couldn’t be easier. The process starts by the service provider establishing the amount and type of linen required by the home. This is based on its usage, bed changing policies and residents’ needs. From this, the level of linen stock required is decided, including a buffer so the home is never short of linen. Finally, a service schedule is agreed, which outlines the number of deliveries and collections the care home will receive each week.

New Dryer From Armstrong In Near Constant Use At Oaklands Care Home Oaklands Care Home in Waterlooville is a privately owned care home with capacity for 31 residents in a mix of single and shared rooms. Its specialist registration categories include dementia, stroke, bi-polar and visual impairment and it has an excellent reputation locally for the quality of care it provides. Originally a single farm house it has had two large extensions and also taken over the next door house to increase its capacity.

The laundry handles everything in the home – bed linen, towels, table linen and all the residents’ personal clothing and is in use pretty well continuously according to Marilyn Collins, manager of the home. Last year the tumble dryer needed to be replaced

and the owner contacted Armstrong Commercial Laundry Systems who supplied and installed a Huebsch gas heated stacked tumble dryer, allowing them to dry two loads simultaneously. The laundry is operated by a specialist member of staff during the day, but often care staff will need to do additional loads at other times.

“We’re delighted with the new dryer”, Marilyn told us. “We pride ourselves on a very personal level of care here, for instance we don’t use agency staff - I have my own bank of carers - as consistency is so important. Keeping up with the laundry and it all coming out looking good is an important aspect of this care and this machine has been excellent since it was installed.”

For further information contact Tel: 01635 263410 E: enquiries@armstronglaundry.com Website: www.armstronglaundry.com

www.laundrytec.com

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

0151 348 6650

info@laundrytec.com

8 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE LAUNDRYTEC

1. Wide range of industrial laundry equipment 2. Reliability and long life-cycle 3. After Sales Service 4. Heavy duty construction 5. Environmentally friendly 6. Worldwide presence 7. Easy service 8. Modern control systems

Washer Extractors

Tumble Dryers

Flatwork Ironers

Other Equipment

PAGE 36

THE CARER

Charities Criticise Government’s Failure To Plan For Ageing Society a group of national charities have criticised the Government’s “incredibly disappointing” progress in planning for our ageing society.

A new paper “Still not Ready for Ageing” by the Ready for Ageing Alliance (R4AA) argues that Government action on tackling the challenges and maximising the opportunities of ageing has stalled. The charities argue that far from seeing sustained progress over the past few years, society is seemingly going into “reverse gear” in some respects.

In July, the Government published a report – with no fanfare – which it itself commissioned from the Chief Scientist to gather the latest evidence and draw appropriate conclusions on the future of ageing. The Chief Scientist’s report correctly stated that government “will require a co-ordinated response between departments that reflects the robust evidence for the inter-connectedness of policies affected by ageing”.

The Ready for Ageing Alliance argues that we are a long way from achieving this and making the progress we need, pointing out that: • Savings levels remain far too low and, without significant increases, future generations of older people will find themselves poorer than today’s pensioners • Real wage growth is low, meaning that the incomes of most younger people do not allow them to save more • Social Care funding reform has received little discussion since plans for its reform were shelved and the funding gap in social care, which grows by the day, is a disaster for older people today and tomorrow • Health and care face major staffing shortages over the short and medium term and unless this reality is properly gripped now we are storing up even bigger problems for the future • Our economy loses billions due to the underemployment of

older people who would prefer to keep working but who can’t because of ageism and/or a shortage of flexible working opportunities • Isolation and loneliness remain blights on our society, with too little progress in ensuring communities are equipped to help us live independently for longer • We have a huge undersupply of retirement housing and new mainstream housing is not meeting the needs of older people today or tomorrow In terms of pressing public policy issues today the Ready for Ageing Alliance ask for “An urgent focus on the crisis in social care with the aim of achieving a sustainable long term financial settlement which ensures people’s care needs are met”. They also call for the planned review into auto-enrolment to be extended to look broadly at how to increase savings and ensure today’s young people – our future pensioners – can realise an adequate income when they reach later life.

The Ready for Ageing Alliance also calls for: • The creation of a permanent commission on Demographic Change which would focus on making progress in responding to our changing society • A single point of contact in Government responsible for leading and responding to the challenges and opportunities of ageing set out by the Chief Scientist David Sinclair of the Ready for Ageing Alliance said: “The new Prime Minister and her Cabinet have a great opportunity now to set out an agenda to respond to the longer term challenges and opportunities of ageing. The Government must deliver an action plan to respond to the issues highlighted by the Chief Scientist and ensure the report isn’t left to gather dust on the shelf – the issues are far too important for that to happen and affect every single one of us alive today, and future generations too.

We also need urgent recognition of the crisis on social care and a plan to fill the funding gap.”

AUTUMN 2016

Resident at Lord Harris Court Presented with A Legion of Honour loUis BlooM, resident at rMBi care home lord harris Court in Berkshire, has been presented with the insignia of the Chevalier de la legion d’honneur, the highest decoration in France, by the French ambassador Madame sylvie Bermann.

The Legion of Honour was awarded to all surviving D-Day veterans, announced

by French President Hollande on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of D-Day in 2014.

Louis, who has been living at Lord Harris Court since July 2005, initially served the Royal Navy on an arctic convoy

in 1940, for which he also received the Arctic Star award in 2015.

Later, he trained as a radar mechanic and, as Leading Radar Mechanic Bloom, he served on HMS Fancy, an Algerine class minesweeper. Fancy was one of the ships sweeping the Channel of mines on 6 June in order to ensure safe passage for the invasion fleet.

The French Ambassador offered Louis Bloom her “warmest congratulations on this high honour”, recognising his involvement in the liberation of France during WWII. She added: “We owe our freedom and security to your dedication because you were ready to risk your life.”

Aerobic Exercise May Slow Memory Decline a NeW interventional trial of exercise has shown a small but significant improvement in memory and thinking skills in people with early memory problems due to blood vessel damage in the brain, called vascular cognitive impairment.

In this randomized controlled trial, 70 people with vascular cognitive impairment were put into two groups, one undertaking a programme of aerobic exercise and the other given education in a healthy diet but no specific information regarding exercise. The exercise programme consisted of three hour-long sessions per week and lasted for six months. The programme was led by an instructor and involved a 10min warm-up, a 40min outdoor walk and a 10min cool down.

The researchers found that people in the exercise group showed small improvements in blood pressure after six months. Exercise was associated with a small but significant improvement in one measure of memory and thinking at six months but that benefit was no longer

apparent six months after the programme ended. The improvement was seen on a measure of memory and thinking ability, although the study did not show benefits on a measure of how well someone can function in their day-to-day life.

Dr Rosa Sancho, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We know that regular aerobic exercise can help improve cardiovascular health, but it has also been linked with a healthy brain and a reduced risk of developing dementia. This new study suggests that an aerobic exercise programme may be beneficial for people who already have early memory problems. While many studies have found a link between physical activity and dementia risk, few have tested specific intervention programmes and it’s positive to see new trials in this important area. This small trial suggested that benefits may only be apparent while someone is actively engaged in an exercise programme, which will need following up in longer studies."

Altro Pisces Harnesses Innovative Technology To Create ‘Home From Home’ In Wet Environments altro piscestM is a new wet environment safety flooring for shoes and bare feet which combines all the benefits of safety flooring with the look and feel of home.

Altro Pisces gives a soft and domestic feel developed with comfort, warmth and relaxation in mind and avoiding the clinical feel that some home-from-home environments create. With a Pendulum Test Value (PTV) of ≥50, a soft-look finish and 16 attractive shades, Altro Pisces allows you to bridge the gap between high-performance safety flooring and demands for domestic-style flooring, bringing together the best of both worlds.

It provides slip-resistance of one in a million against common contaminants found in wet environments including shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. It provides a high level of slip-resistance whether wet or dry, putting less pressure on maintenance teams to keep

flooring dry. This means that carers can focus on bathing, drying and dressing residents without having to worry about them or their patient slipping. Altro Pisces maintains its slip-resistance throughout its lifetime, making it resistant to wear and tear from shoes yet developed to go easy on bare feet.

We think big at Altro - and we’re globally big in premium flooring and wall cladding systems for construction and transport. We love inventing things. Safety flooring and hygienic wall cladding systems are two of our most famous innovations. We really enjoy working in partnership with you, pioneering new technologies and products. You’ve told us you enjoy it too. We’re devoted to sustainability, recycling and reusing our products. Family owned and run, we share family values; we care about you, each other and what we do. We’re passionate about creating a great experience for you wherever you are in the world.

For further details see the advert below or visit www.altro.co.uk

Christmas is Coming! it’s Never too early to plan for Christmas!

Christmas is a very significant date in the care home calendar. Whilst the rest of the country will enjoy a traditional family celebration, both staff and residents, will be away from their loved ones.

However, all good care homes are “family orientated”, a home for the residents and carers seen as “surrogate families” . So now is the countdown to make a Christmas as special as possible with planning well underway.

Christmas is a wonderfully nostalgic event, which will bring back many memories and traditions, and the opportunity to enjoy and share memories can be entrenched into the lead up to Christmas Day. Staff can assist residents to write cards, or to make stockings and crackers.

Here are a few hints and tips which may help with your planning • Family and friends of residents are so important, particularly during the Christmas period, try finding ways to help and include them as part of the care home community and Christmas activities taking place. Make use of modern technology to enable residents to keep in touch with distant family and relatives in other parts of the country or overseas.

• Call in volunteers to help with fun activities and decorations at Christmas and they may be prepared to continue to support you in the New Year.

• Be creative and suggestive. When it comes to presents residents encourage family and friends to get them a gift that they would appreciate and find a benefit, and of course make them feel special .Getting a gift that your residents will love, really does bring a smile.

• Have you got a suggestion box? Just to get some ideas about what types of activities care

home residents would love to experience, including and planning does wonders for morale • Encourage local schools or community groups Guides to visit your care homes to put on concerts or entertainment. This could be Christmas carols, plays, music, games, and is a wonderful way of getting to know and engaging with the local community, and may establish long-term relationships between the home and the local community.

• Try introducing something new. Residents, particularly long-term will no doubt have seen it all before, organising new events and different activities that you know residents have not seen or enjoyed before could add a little excitement into Christmas.

• Liaise with family and friends as much as possible.

Christmas is a busy time for everybody and it is very easy to let visits slip to discuss with residents and family the possibility for residents to spend time outside the home with family or friends at Christmas?.

• Don't forget the decorations! The most fundamental part of Christmas decorations. Get your care home looking like Christmas, put up decorations, get a tree, lights and some tinsel - bring some sparkle into your care home!

Images, smells and the sounds of Christmas (Christmas music) will also help dementia patients bring back memories of Christmas.

• Be sensitive and alert to the fact that some residents may experience sadness and a sense of loss during Christmas, grieving for loved ones, and the camaraderie and festive excitement within a care home can soften the pain of separation or loneliness.

If you have any hints and tips you would like to share, please send them through to editor@thecareruk.com, we would be delighted to share them with our readership on our website and in our newsletters!

Complete Gift Basket Kits iF YoU’re making gift baskets and hampers this Christmas, then make them the easy way!

These Complete Gift Basket Kits come in 3 popular sizes and have been developed with simplicity in mind.

Each kit includes: • Sturdy Gift Hamper Tray – made from sturdy cardboard in 3 sizes Choice of 12 designs – including • Tartan, Wooden Crate & Christmas

•

Quality Crinkled Paper Shred – several colours available • Clear Cellophane Bag – made to measure for the tray • Matt Metallic Pull Bow – easily create the bow in seconds • Gift Tag with string – finish your basket with a co-ordinated gift tag Telephone: 01502 501681 Email: salesdesk@candigifts.co.uk Website: www.candigifts.co.uk

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

CHRISTOPHER G FOR THE ULTIMATE INTE

Large range of Oak Furniture

Ascot

Garden Furniture: Tables and Chairs, Garden Urns, Statues

Jasmin

500 Jemma Chairs To Clear In Top Quality Vinyl 10 colourways From £124

We carry a vast range of curt fabrics of the highest quality lowest possible prices in the van going throughout the cou lounge displays & dining room of a new build or refurbishme an appointment with no oblig turnaround on chairs.

Christopher Guy Interiors, Units 2&3 GB Business Park, Cu Bradford, BD4 9HZ Tel: 01274 660123 Email enquiri

GUY INTERIORS ERIOR DESIGN SERVICE

Vast range of accessories to achieve the most beautiful care home possible at 30% less than our competitors

Florence

tain and coordinating chair but delivered to you at the country. We have a show untry with bedroom displays, m displays. If you are thinking ent do not hesitate to book gation. We offer a 7 day

utler Heights Lane,

New build turnkey available Lamps Mirrors Flower Displays Artificial Plants Landscape Live Olive Trees Palm Trees Holly Bushes Garden Seating Statues Conservatory Furniture Interior Lighting Highest Quality Wallpaper

ies@christopherguyinteriors.com

Kentucky

Highest Quality Bedroom Sets. Large Range of Dining Furniture.

Solid Oak, Latest Designs.

Sideboards and Chairs.

Florence

500 Queen Anne Chairs To Clear In Top Quality Vinyl 10 colourways From ÂŁ119

Christopher Guy Interiors now offer a completely free interior design service for new builds and home refurbishments offering curtain design and manufacture, the highest quality wallpapers, feature wall art and one of the best ranges of accessories in the country.

Flower displays, paintings, pictures, chandeliers, garden furniture and silk flower displays, giving your home the highest possible standard in furnishings.

Offering you a complete one stop shop at 30% less than our competitors.

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

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

PM200

QZ2

PO 300

B007

B09

WM6

B39

BZ 006

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

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

iLiv Contract Fabrics thiNK oF lancashire and you probably think of textile mills and cloth making. it’s a heritage we’re proud to be part of. For over 25 years the sMd Group has supplied quality fabrics and soft furnishings to contractors, designers, your favourite high street stores and independent retailers. the journey so far has been great but our latest venture has to be our most exciting!

How could iLiv Contract Fabrics work for you?

1. Heritage – SMD Group was one of the original manufacturers of Fire Retardant fabrics in Europe and demonstrates a technical expertise in high specification fabrics you can trust.

2. Co-ordination – Recognising time is one of your most

clients and also to minimise the risk of falls.

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

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

Please contact us for your nearest distributor: Sidhil Customer Services Tel: 01422 233 000 Email: sales@sidhil.com www.sidhil.com Or see the advert on page 16. valuable commodities our aim is to provide a full range of fabrics developed so that you can co-ordinate across designs, qualities and colours quickly and confidently putting together fabrics for every application in a room.

3. Printing – having our own onsite printing facility enables you to achieve urgent deadlines.

4. Scale – the whole group’s activities provides a scale of operation that gives you access to the lowest cost supply routes, an Asia office, unique manufacturing facilities, a 10+ strong in-house design/sourcing team and the latest market trends.

5. Fabric – textiles are in our DNA. We carry over 3000 SKU’s, sourced in over 10 countries and sold in over 40.

Reliability you can count on in all aspects of production including spinning, weaving, finishing and stock support.

6. Partnership – we always work with contractors and designers in partnership on projects For further details see www.ilivcontract.co.uk

A Trolley for Every Occasion! wHeel In the trolley with all those lovely treats and everyone’s eyes will light up!

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

AUTUMN 2016

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PAGE 41

Picture Collection Makes The Past A Present historiC iMaGes of the West Country hold great appeal for many people, that interest became a passion for two people living in shaftesbury, dorset.

What started as a hobby to fund holidays for Peter and Wendy and their five children became a thriving business which they now want to move into other counties. The collection currently around 20,000 images is added to daily.

A lot of people benefit by the historical prints such as family trees, photographic evidence of family and friends,

Mattressman

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

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

boundary disputes, or just to see how things have changed over the years. Peter and Wendy exhibit at a lot of venues, Food, Craft and County Fairs also the Bournemouth Christmas Market.

Recently they have been involved with the Dementia Society as it seems the images stimulate the long term memory helping them to remember past places that are familiar giving a lot of comfort in their memories.

For further information Tel: 01747 853260 or see the range at www.barriepictures.co.uk 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

Hand Crafted in Yorkshire

Christopher GUY interiors are proud to announce the re-opening of their newly refurbished sales office and showrooms at their factory in West Yorkshire. the last twelve months have brought the company 16 new builds where full turnkey packages were installed, as a result of this the company have restructured their production processes and taken on a number of addi-tional upholsterers to maintain their excellent level of service.

the New Florence

Another success story for the company is the introduction of the “New Florence” see chair (opposite) which has proven to be one of

Featured in LEXAIRE Livorno (main ) Rimini (Arms & Seat

their fastest selling chairs to date.

Customer service is the key element in the companies development strategy, knowledgeable sales advisors and customer service agents are ready to handle your queries in a professional manner the combination of which will strengthen their presence in the contract furnishings arena.

If you are looking for quality bedroom and dining furniture ,traditional hand crafted upholstery for your care home project or refurbishment you can expect to save upwards of 30% off your projected budget.

Christopher Guy Interiors offer a free interior design service.

Contact Tel:01274 660 123 Visit www.Christopherguyinteriors.com See our advert on pages 38-39.

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AUTUMN 2016

KiD Catering Equipment CUSTOMERS FROM all walks of life appertaining to the commercial catering foodservice industry, have been catered for the last 25 Years by KiD Catering Equipment.

Customers requests for all manner of new equipment products, be it a single item, or a full kitchen / restaurant design, fit out, service & maintenance of all types of equipment, manufacturers spare parts, or just impartial advice, are provided by our knowledgable team on a daily basis up and down the UK. We are a preferred service / sales partner for Convotherm combination

steam ovens, along with other top level manufacturers be it for cooking equipment, ware-washing, beverage, refrigeration, veg preparation, storage systems and furniture.

You the customer decides as to what you are seeking and we will do our very best to assist you in satisfying your exact requirements, swiftly and within your budget.

KiD can offer finance packages tailored to your specific business, so for a no obligation chat or quotation, drop us an E-Mail or give us a call, we’re here to help you and your business.

See the advert on this page for further details.

Victor Manufacturing FOR MOVING, storing, and holding hot and cold foods, UK equipment producer, Victor Manufacturing can help.

With 70 years of manufacturing experience, Victor is able to deliver an extensive range of catering equipment suitable for a wide range of organisations, including nursing & care homes, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, sporting arenas and educational establishments.

The product range includes gas & electric hot cupboards, hot plates, kitchen passes, heated plate dispensers and warmers, counter top

Regale Microwave Ovens reGale MiCroWave ovens ltd is a Family run business who have been successfully supplying and advising the Commercial Catering industry and manufacturers for over 33 years. an accredited wholesaler for daewoo commercial microwaves along with being panasonic UK’s number one commercial microwave oven wholesaler for the last three years, and with a background in servicing as well as sales, we are proud of our ever growing reputation for giving excellent trade prices and extremely high standard of service within a friendly atmosphere, because we want to look after our valued distributors!

All microwaves carry a full manufacturer’s warranty,

servery units, pie heaters, pasty warmers, heated drawer units, refrigerated salad wells, deli bars & counters, patisserie units, heated tiled, ceramic & glass top carvery counters, bespoke and custom food servery counters, mobile heated and refrigerated servery units as well as a comprehensive range of drop-in gastronorm compatible hot and cold food service modules.

The entire range of Victor products are all handled and managed efficiently through the company's comprehensive network of national and local distributors.

For further details, see advert this page.

most of which have a full three years parts & labour ‘onsite’ warranty and most of the combination ovens have Twelve Months.

For service requirements both within and outside the warranty period, the manufacturer’s have a full service agency network (including their own engineers) and we are pleased to be part of this network which covers the nation to ensure good prompt service.

There is no charge for delivery to mainland UK premises, which is usually within 24 / 72 working hours – subject to stock availability. (UK mainland – excluding weekends, North Scotland, Ireland and islands offshore that can be arranged at a charge).

We look forward to being of service to you, and should you require our price list, brochures, or require information and help on selection, please do not hesitate to contact us by telephone, fax, letter or e-mail and we will be delighted to help in any way.

Tel: 01329 285518 for further information.

AUTUMN 2016

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SING FOR YOUR LIFE Opens a New Centre in Middlesborough to Support Clients in Yorkshire & North East England Following publication of N.I.C.E. Guidance NG32 which strongly recommended singing to be a beneficial and cost effective activity to support the Independence and Mental Wellbeing of older people, Sing For Your Life has opened new centres in Reading and Glasgow which will provide training and support to users of the unique Silver Song Music Box System which is now being used by more than 200 Community Centres, Care Homes and NHS Dementia Units.

The Silver Song Music Box provides an inclusive activity that delivers excellent cognitive therapy and stimulates reminiscence.

The Silver Song Box can be used with either a TV or Projector.

The words of the song are projected on to the screen and are synchronised with the music, eliminating the need for song sheets.

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

The system is can be purchased or rented and can be operated by a carer who has not had formal musical training. Singing is therefore available whenever and as often as it is needed.

Contacts: heather@activitiesforhealth.co.uk South West England pip@singforyourlife.co.uk Hampshire, Thames Valley East Anglia alan.cappella-nova@strath.ac.uk Scotland madbee53@googlemail.com Yorkshire & NE England stuart@singforyourlife.org.uk All other areas

For more information go to www.singforyourlife.org.uk or call 01303 298546 for an Information Pack "A song a day keeps the doctor away."

Dementiacareproducts.co.uk: Product The Smell & Connect Original 6 Collection Solutions for Care and Nursing Homes Dementiacareproducts.co.uk specialises in high quality, competitively priced products for adults with dementia. The shop is run by Makerfield Ltd, an established online retailer supplying the NHS and care homes across the country.

Our comprehensive range includes high visibility signage to help care home residents find the toilet, bathroom and other important locations. Directional and personalised bedroom signs are also available.

Eating and drinking can often be a problem for people with dementia and our solutions include easy to see, coloured plates and cups which help to reduce spillage.

Bathroom and toilet aids

The ability to take a bath or shower in comfort is essential, while safety is a key consideration. A shower chair allows a resident to sit comfortably while coloured grab rails reduce the risk of a fall. Other support products such as height adjustable toilet frames and raised seats in bold colours now make the toilet more accessible and comfortable to use.

These are just some of the products on dementiacareproducts.co.uk and we are continually expanding the range with reminiscence aids, daily living and mobility products to prolong independence and improve the quality of life for people with dementia.

For further information call 0800 999 6659 or visit www.dementiacareproducts.co.uk

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

the smell & Connect original 6 Collection is a conversation aide that can be used by both professionals and families to engage people living with dementia in conversation or activities. Featuring the scent of cut grass, tomato plant, baby powder, fresh laundry, victoria sponge cake and chocolate orange there is something for everyone.

The smell sensation provides stimulation, a shared experience and something to talk about – all of which contribute towards greater connectivity and inclu-

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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 page 44 for details.

TRN (Train) Specialists in Health and Social Care Training trN (traiN) are a National training provider established over 15 years ago with a grade 2 Good ofsted report.

Benefitting from the experience of a team which have backgrounds as diverse as Nurses, Care Home Managers, Child Care Specialists, Team Leaders and Children and Young People Specialists TRN (Train) can deliver higher clinical skills to upskill your existing staff to healthcare practitioners giving valuable support to your existing nurses.

TRN (Train) work with a maximum of 35 learners per assessor. This guarantees quality training on a more personal one to one level than can be expected from other training providers with higher case loads.

With over 100 e-learning CPD courses available, including over 40 e-learning courses specifically

aimed at the Health and Social Care sector, you can keep your staff compliant and satisfy regulatory or legislative requirements at the time and place that best suits you. Staff can be allocated training which can be completed on PC’s or mobile devices with an internet connection. More importantly, there is no need to arrange groups of your workforce to take time away from their primary duties to attend training together.

The user friendly step-by-step online courses have been developed to give cost effective comprehensive training using todays technology to bring the classroom to you. TRN (Train) offer the majority of their e-Learning CPD courses at only £14.99 each, with only one or two qualification courses costing slightly more.

For further details call TRN (Train) now on 0191 477 0840 or visit their website at www.trainltd.org.

siveness. Talking about the memories and associations and individual has with the scents supports person centred care, helps carers get to know people and is active demonstration of engagement. 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.

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AUTUMN 2016

eLearning Development in the Care Industry Carers shoUlder a great deal of responsibility, and having access to reliable guidance that ensures they’re following established best practices is tremendously helpful. however, traditional classroom teaching can make significant demands on time and it can be difficult to arrange training around busy schedules.

Modern eLearning courses, though, allow carers to develop their skills whilst minimising disruption to their working week. The recently created Care Certificate eLearning course is one of the largest carer training programmes in the UK, taking advantage of digital technology to create a common standard of training throughout the sector.

development of the Care Certificate as an elearning course The Cavendish Review in 2013 highlighted a lack of consistency in carer training throughout the UK, which was detrimental to the quality of care provided by carers and nursing assistants. The Care Certificate was developed as a response to this; it is designed to provide a foundation for further learning and a minimum standard of induction training, providing clarity for employers as to what training staff require. Establishing a core set of competencies for new carers requires a large scale rollout, something which is hard to achieve with face-to-face tuition, but which can be completed much more readily with an eLearning platform, as course materials can be distributed with ease.

Who designed the Care Certificate course? eLearning courses can be a potential minefield, and the sheer volume of courses available and the lack of direction from the Government has caused employers to needlessly invest in redundant courses. However, the Care Certificate was created by several major healthcare institutions working together: Skills for Health, Skills for Care, Health Education England and several other key partners developed the course, ensuring that it supplied adequate training to establish a minimum level of training for carers.

By consolidating basic staff training into a single course, the Care Certificate makes it easy for employers to ensure their carers are properly trained.

Benefits of the elearning platform The Care Certificate training programme is carried out through digital learning, with carers completing the course remotely. Whether this is done during their own time, during work hours, or a mix of the two, this allows learners a great deal more flexibility in apportioning their time, facilitating a better work-life balance. In addition to reducing the impact on learners’ schedules, eLearning course materials can be quickly updated to comply with new developments, ensuring that all students have access to the same standard of materials, without employers having to re-invest in costly new course materials. This reduces the overall cost of the course, meaning that high-quality staff training needn’t strain an already-tight budget, especially important given the recent European Court of Justice findings on paying employees whilst travelling (another Cavendish Review recommendation).

ensuring compliance with elearning With an eLearning course, there is a wealth of data available to employers, which can be used to check progress and compliance with the course structure. However, it’s always important for employers to ensure that their carers are continuing to adhere to the Care Certificate practises at work; on-the-job assessment is essential to maintaining standards of care, and employers should not neglect the importance of providing personal guidance for new staff.

impact and ongoing support The Care Certificate has had a strong positive impact on the care sector, and with an estimated uptake of around 350,000 new carers in the first year, it demonstrates how a well-implemented eLearning programme can have a dramatic impact on standards.

Thanks to the digital nature of eLearning, courses will continue to evolve as further refinements are developed, and the data gathered during the learning process helps to inform future deployments. For more detailed information and guidance, you can download our white paper on e-Learning in healthcare practices.

David Evans is Product Manager for training specialists, The Skills Platform.

15 Years of Excellent Customer Service For 15 years w & p training has offered a variety of products and services within the adult care sector specifically tailored to improve a provider’s service to meet or exceed the regulations and achieve the highest care Quality commission ratings. the team has many year’s sector experience in clinical, operational, local authority and senior management positions which provides w&p with a unique knowledge base capable of supporting the most complex of services.

Our products and services are up to date with the latest legislation and regulatory guidance and are competitively priced, easily accessible and written and presented in various formats to meet your business needs.

Are your Policies and Procedures up to date?

For Health and Social Care Providers having up to date Policies and Procedures is an essential part of maintaining the organisations compliance to legislation and regulatory frameworks. W&P’s Policies & Procedures are written by industry professionals and are designed to provide a comprehensive and clear guide on how to manage a care service whether residential, domiciliary or nursing. why should I buy w&p policies?

Compared to many of our competitors, we do not tie you in to any license agreements or apply any restrictions on how you update or edit your policies, the only thing we ask is you don’t change or remove the main compliance elements as this might affect their validity. When you buy a full set of

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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

Policies we include the update service free for up to a year and then if you wish to continue with keeping this valuable service it costs just £145 per year (plus vat) that’s less than £3 a week. This means complete peace of mind that every 12 weeks your policies will be reviewed by a panel of experts and updated in accordance with the very latest legislation or good practice initiatives. The most recent updates included over 30 revisions 4 of which were brand new Policies, so the update service saves a lot of time and money when compared to doing this task internally.

New for 2016! The inspector calls - Our customers have asked us to develop a Workshop to Support their Managers, Deputy Managers and senior Care/Support Staff to understand the changes in CQC Inspections and to feel confident and relaxed to carry out their important role under the current inspection regime. The aim of this workshop is to give staff the opportunity to explore their attitude to being inspected and to give them the knowledge and understanding to be able to respond positively when the CQC inspector calls. The training focusses on what to expect during an inspection and how to cope with the process in a professional, objective and courteous manner. The workshop helps you to look through the inspector’s eyes to better prepare you and your colleagues for when the inspector does actually call.

Call us For More Information – for a no obligation chat about how W&P Policies & Procedures can work for you call us on 01305 767104, see www.wandptraining.co.uk or email info@wandptraining .co.uk or see advert page 5. funded individuals. Group rates are available for 3 or more delegates attending, or training can be carried out on-site.

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

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THE CARER

AUTUMN 2016

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

Care Home Sector Must Embrace A New Recruitment Mindset In A Post-Brexit World

By Tom Robinson, Partner, Healthcare Advisory team, Cushman & Wakefield siNCe the result of the eU referendum, advisors to the UK healthcare market have largely focused on the impact on investment in the sector. While some property funds closed the doors to redemptions days after the result, UK healthcare advisors redoubled their efforts to reassure that their asset class would be fine.

However, asset values and investment performance is only part of the picture. What about the business of healthcare?

People are at the core of the UK healthcare industry. They are its defining feature, being not only the end user, but its workforce too – the single largest input which allows the entire system to function. These two groups are both the purpose and the means for healthcare.

Brexit makes no difference to the end user; people will still need care.

However, it is different for the enormous workforce. Some 1.5m people are employed by the NHS and it is one of the five largest employers on the planet. For half a century the immense staff requirements of the UK healthcare industry has been fed by both British and overseas staff, the latter being a mix of EU and non-EU nationals.

It is true that the care home market is but a slice of the wider UK healthcare system and that it differs hugely from the NHS, being mainly in the private sector, but the importance of staff is just as substantial.

The care home sector in a post-Brexit Britain will clearly be affected if we do step away from the freedom of movement. How far will it impact on operators who need nursing, care, domestic and other staff, especially those who have found their local environs unable to fill all the posts?

In an effort to get away from rhetoric, assumptions or a care sector bias, we sought the views of an expert in the form of Allan Briddock, Consultant Barrister for Blake Morgan LLP. Allan argues that, with the UK needing hundreds of thousands of workers per year, and as lower paid employment has tended to be filled by EU nationals, it is likely the rules will be relaxed to allow lower paid workers from anywhere in the world to apply to work in the UK. He adds that there is already in place the never-introduced Tier 3 of the Points Based System which was designed for low-skilled workers. Tier 3, or something like it which lowers the earning criteria for immigrants, will

likely need to be introduced if employers can no longer rely on EU workers to fill the gaps.

Allan’s thoughts raise an interesting point for care home operators. The choice to seek EU staff was a rational one, with a good level of supply, opportunity for mutually-recognised qualifications and ease of EU staff who could be employed at or around minimum wage if required. This is not to say that the only option for non-UK staff is the lower grade roles, quite the opposite in many cases, especially in nursing, but it is undeniable that non-UK staff have been pivotal in plugging the gap in this part of the staff team.

There may be uncertainty over the shape of post-Brexit immigration policy, but care home operators can be reassured that whatever the shape of policy, it is almost certain that existing EU staff will be allowed to remain.

No incumbent government would oversee policy which strangles the care sector from accessing the staff it requires.

It is possible that the seemingly limiting factor of the end of freedom of movement for EU staff may be the impetus for the creation of a more-level playing field, no matter the geographical origin of the candidates, be they intra or extra EU nationals.

A Tier 3-type policy structure could be the backbone of a new playing field, allowing employers to use a global recruitment net. Regardless of the exact policy, it is clear that the care market will see yet another change to the makeup of the staff team, this time with a potential shift towards a less EU-centric makeup.

The optimist’s view is that the best-prepared operators will be those who explore the staffing opportunities which become available. Private sector social care is an entrepreneurial environment and we are already seeing people look to a global staff pool, together with the provision of accommodation and acclimatisation education. We have seen others redouble efforts to attract a local employment base where possible, with better rates of pay, innovative recruitment techniques and job perks to differentiate from their competition. The recent rumblings from Westminster about pushing the implementation of the 2020 Minimum Wage out a few years could help this cause.

Returning to my initial point about the impact in investment terms – in my view, if the business that underpins the investment manages to stay robust and innovation continues, the impact should be limited. The one proviso is that future Government policy must not completely turn off the supply of overseas staff.

Do You Need Nurses / Healthcare Assistants? MediEnlist Recruit Healthcare Staff From The EU For Care Providers In The UK Medienlist provide cost effective permanent and temporary recruitment solutions for the health and social care sector. their health care recruitment process is far more than matching Cv’s to job vacancies. Medienlist aim to reduce the amount of time you spend sifting through Cv’s. With a wealth of experience in both nursing and the health care recruitment sectors the Medienlist team of dedicated professionals work together with your company to ensure the best possible candidates are put forward for your selection process.

With their head office based in the UK, satellite offices based across the EU and the help of strategic partners MediEnlist are able to source Qualified Nurses and Healthcare Assistants for positions within the United Kingdom.

MediEnlist consists of two divisions. ‘MediEnlist

Anglian Archives TO ADVERTISE IN PLEASE CALL OUR SALES TEAM ON

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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.

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Staffing’ offering permanent staffing recruitment solutions. Pay only an affordable one off fee for each candidate successfully employed and ‘MediEnlist Locums’ offering temporary staffing solutions at highly competitive rates.

MediEnlist have always graded the English language skills of their candidates, ensuring that communication is never an issue. However, the new NMC English language Competence controls for candidates from within the EU are rigorous and it would be surprising if candidates did not require any additional training. In anticipation of the new controls, MediEnlist have gathered resources and partnered with English language schools to assist candidates prior to sitting the IELTS test. With a combination of initial assessment, e-learning and face to face tuition MediEnlist candidates can feel confident when faced with IELTS. Visit www.MediEnlist.com or call 0191 337 1234 for further information. ments or files for you and deliver them or post or scan and email them to you.

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.

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With The Uncertainty Caused By Brexit It Is Even More Important To Ensure That Each Home Is Achieving Its Full Potential Many Care Home owners are finding it difficult to achieve the full potential of their building assets partly due to the current emphasis on promoting care within the users own home.

Specialist care, however would normally be provided by a Care Home licensed to provide the necessary specialised care, either in the entire building or within a specifically identified wing or section of a general care home.

It might be possible to increase the number of occupants by offering care in another category. Residents with a requirement for care that cannot be provided in their own homes will tend to be looked after in a specialized unit, such as a dementia wing in a local Nursing Home.

In many instances there may be potential to increase the number of occupied beds in a Home by carrying out a reorganization of rooms or an extension or new wing in the grounds to create a new unit to provide care in a use sector new to the home. A Home running full, or near full, or a larger home is in a much better financial position than a smaller home or one with low occupancy levels.

It is worth Home Owners examining the type, catego-

ry, number and quality of their bedrooms and facilities to see if it is possible to provide rooms of a different category, a greater number of bedrooms, or improved rooms more attractive to privately funded users. It may be possible to fill a space in the grounds with a new ‘wing’ to house residents requiring a type of specialist care, for which there is a high local demand.

Forrester Associates is an award winning architectural practice specializing in the care home sector, with over 30 years experience. They are offering a free initial appraisal to see if a home has the potential to boost occupancy and increase profitability by carrying out alterations, extensions or new construction. They are able to advise on the most cost effective ways of changing or enlarging homes to make them more profitable. They offer an optional nationwide full architectural package from initial designs, through planning permission, building approvals, tendering and construction supervision up to CQC approval.

Fees are competitive and they are able to point the way towards a finance provider.

Call or email Forrester Associates to discuss your home or to arrange an appraisal on 01527 833876 or mike@forresterassociates.co.uk and see what could be achieved.