The Carer #68 September/October 2023

T H E P U B L I C A T I O N F O R N U R S I N G A N D R E S I D E N T I A L C A R E H O M E S INSIDE THIS ISSUE Editor's Viewpoint

2

Waste Management

24

Insurance for Care

25

Hygiene & Infection Control

26-31

Catering for Care

32-34

Laundry Solutions

35-37

Furniture and Fittings

38-39

Dementia Care

40-41

Products and Services

43-47

Technology & Software

48-54

Patient Handling

THECARERUK

WW WW. W.TTH HEEC CA ARREERRU UKK..C CO OM M W

£1.75 where sold

THECARERUK

THECARER_UK

JUL/AUG 2023 Issue 19 2023 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

42

Nurse Call & Falls Management

55

Professional & Recruitment

56-59

Issue 68

Government Pledges £40m Winter Boost For Social Care

The Government has announced it is to invest £40m to improve social care capacity as it aims to relieve pressure on hospitals over the winter.

The announcement follows meetings between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay and clinical leaders and NHS chiefs to drive forward planning to ease pressures in urgent and emergency care while protecting waiting list targets this winter.

The Department of Health and Social Care say funding will ensure patients are seen as quickly as possible, while also driving forward plans to cut waiting lists, and additionally, forms part of a £600 million social care winter workforce package, with local authorities in the most “challenged integrated care systems” now invited to submit proposals.

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 3...)

PAGE 2 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

VIEWPOINT Navigating the Winter Challenges: Will £40 Million Suffice for UK Adult Social Care?

As the crisp autumn air descends upon us, the annual concerns regarding the convergence of the flu season and the ongoing COVID concerns raise a heightened sense of awareness.

The UK government has pledged £40 million in funding for adult social care, and £200 million for primary care. While this is undoubtedly a step in the Editor right direction, one cannot help but question whether it will be sufficient to safeguard our elderly and vulnerable populations in care homes and prevent a repeat of the catastrophic decisions made in 2020.

The pandemic, as we are all aware, exposed deep vulnerabilities in our social care system. It laid bare the urgent need for reform and substantial investment, which the government seems to be acknowledging with this funding pledge. However, it's essential to critically evaluate whether £40 million can truly mitigate the challenges posed by the looming winter season.

First and foremost, it's worth acknowledging the positive aspect of this announcement, and the investment has been broadly welcomed. Any additional funding for social care is a welcome relief, especially considering the persistent strain on the sector over the past few years. The money can undoubtedly be put to good use, helping care homes bolster their defences against the flu and COVID-19.

Nonetheless, we must acknowledge the magnitude of the challenges at hand. The pressures on the social care system are multifaceted. The COVID-19 pandemic is still very much a reality, with new variants emerging. The flu season poses a perennial threat, and the convergence of the two could amplify the burden on care homes.

Moreover, we must not forget the lessons learned from the mistakes of 2020. The decision to release untested individuals from NHS hospitals into care environments was catastrophic. It is imperative that the government puts in place stringent safeguards to prevent a repetition of such a grave error.

One of the key safeguards that the government must undertake is robust testing and quarantine measures for individuals being transferred to care homes, and support care homes with adequate funding to ensure their own safeguards. This should include comprehensive COVID-19 testing and equipment, and isolation protocols, ensuring that residents are not exposed to unnecessary risks.

Additionally, clear, and transparent communication between healthcare authorities, care homes, and families is crucial. Families deserve to know the measures in place to protect their loved ones and have confidence in the system.

Furthermore, vaccination campaigns must be diligently executed within care homes. Priority should be given to both residents and staff, as they are among the most vulnerable. Adequate vaccination rates can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and death.

I would also take this opportunity to advise that we are “updating, cleansing and refreshing” our database for 2024. Occasionally there are unintentional “gremlins”, so if for whatever reason you do not receive a printed copy delivered to your care home for the next issue, which will be November/December, please do e-mail us at editor@thecareruk.com and we will make sure we add you back on to our database Also we are exhibitors at the forthcoming CARE SHOW at Birmingham’s NEC on October 11 and 12. We are on stand A78 so please do pay us a visit, I always welcome feedback!

Peter Adams

The Carer is published by RBC Publishing Ltd, 3 Carlton Mount, 2 Cranborne Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5BR. Contributions are welcome for consideration, however, no responsibility will be accepted for loss or damage. Views expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or the editorial team. Whilst every care is taken when compiling this publication to ensure accuracy, the publisher will assume no responsibility for any effects, errors or omissions therefrom. All rights reserved, reproduction is forbidden unless written permission is obtained.

All material is assumed copyright free unless otherwise advised.

PUBLISHED BY RBC Publishing Ltd 3 Carlton Mount 2 Cranborne Road Bournemouth Dorset BH2 5BR

TELEPHONE:

01202 552333 EMAIL:

sales@thecareruk.com WEBSITE:

www.thecareruk.com EDITOR Peter Adams SALES EXECUTIVES Sylvia Mawson David Bartlett Guy Stephenson TYPESETTING & DESIGN Matthew Noades PRODUCTION & WEB ADMIN Charlene Fox Published by

THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023 | PAGE 3

Government Pledges £40m Winter Boost For Social Care (CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER) The social care funding comes alongside further £200m promised to support the NHS as the winter season’s increased pressures are combined with ‘ongoing pressure’ from industrial action.

DEMENTIA SUPPORT Local authorities can bid for the £40 million to help boost adult social care provision over the winter months. They will be able to use the funding to buy more services aimed at keeping people out of hospital as well as more packages of home care which allow people to leave hospital more quickly and build back their independence, such as enabling a carer to come to their home a couple of times a day and helping them with tasks including getting dressed.

The funding could also be used to increase the amount of specialist dementia support available in the community, services which also help to keep people out of hospital.

Winter is the busiest time for the NHS, with increased pressures from flu, Covid and seasonal illness combined this year with ongoing pressure from industrial action, which is why, the government says, it has started planning earlier than ever before to ensure patients get the care they need.

CARE WHEN NEEDED Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: “Patients can be reassured that I will always back the NHS, so that those who most need help and support will get the care they need.”

“Winter is the most challenging time for the health service, which is why we’ve been planning for it all year – with huge government investment to fund new ambulances, beds and virtual wards.”

“This extra £200 million will bolster the health service during its busiest period, while protecting elective care so we can keep cutting waiting lists.”

Health and Social Care Secretary, Steve Barclay, said: “I know winter brings immense challenges for the NHS which is why we are working with health leaders to make sure we are prepared earlier.”

“We are working closely with trusts to see how we can continue to use technology and new ways of working to strengthen health and social services, alongside the thousands of new hospital beds and hundreds of new ambulances we are already providing.”

“Yesterday (September 13) I heard and witnessed first-hand how all parts of the NHS are coming together to make sure it is resilient to winter pressures for years to come.”

Health Minister, Helen Whately, said: “We want to support areas with the greatest need this winter, and this extra £40 million will help local authorities boost the support available for people who need it most.”

“It will improve social care capacity, boost discharge rates and avoid unnecessary admissions, freeing up hospital beds and reducing waits for care.”

INVESTMENT WELCOMED Professor Martin Green OBE says: “The £40 million investment into social care capacity is to be welcomed. We know that adult social plays a crucial role in strengthening admissions avoidance services and boosting discharge rates with support lent to the NHS.” “This funding will only be successful if there is true collaboration and partnership with care providers. Integrated Care System and Local Authority leaders must work pragmatically with care providers to determine how this funding will best serve to improve outcomes. We have too often seen small, temporary funding injections lost in system bureaucracy without serving to materially improve care. We must strive to ensure a new future is realised.”

National care Forum CEO, Vic Rayner: “Though it’s encouraging to see continued commitment to the social care funding that was previously announced in July, the real emphasis here needs to be on the importance of equal partnership working between health and social care, on which the Nuffield Trust has produced a long-read in collaboration with NCF containing several recommendations. Moreover, we must see a renewed commitment to ambitious adult social care reform, which appears to have stalled as the government has narrowed its focus towards hospital discharge and NHS backlogs.”

Carers Trust’s CEO, Kirsty McHugh, said: “Additional funding to ease winter pressures is always welcome. Sadly, however, it amounts to little more than a short-term sticking plaster, with millions of unpaid family carers left to cope with the fallout of packed hospitals and a lack of social care packages this winter.

“It’s vital that unpaid carers are included in hospitals’ discharge planning to cut avoidable re-admissions and that local carer organisations can access funds to provide sorely-needed support. The Government’s adult social care winter plan highlights how unpaid carers must be considered with contingency planning, short breaks and direct payments. It’s high time this was delivered.”

YEARS OF UNDERFUNDING Mr Padgham, Chair of the provider organisation The Independent Care Group (ICG), said: “Any funding that comes the way of social care has to be welcome and I hope this money will help in delivering care to those who need it and in the overall task of looking after people and keeping them out of hospital.”

“Of course, it will only work if that money reaches the front line of care delivery and supports care providers who are doing the job. That means using the £40m to help recruit staff and better reward those who are doing the job. Spread across the 152 local authorities that have

responsibility for social care the impact could actually be very small.

“Without sounding ungrateful, the real shame here is that the Government has to keep drip-feeding these modest sums of money into social care because the sector is in such a dire state.

“Years and years of under-funding have left social care desperate for little handouts like this whilst what is really needed is root and branch reform, proper pay for the workforce on a par with the NHS and a proper plan to get the sector on a more secure and sustainable footing.

“We can’t know what sort of winter we are going to have but with a new strain of covid causing concern, next to the usual challenges of flu, it is going to be hard.

“The social care sector was left battered and bruised after Covid-19 and the cost-of-living crisis and staff shortages have combined to increase the number of care and nursing homes and homecare providers closing.

“Going into the winter we are in a perilous position and, welcome as this extra funding is, it isn’t going to solve very many problems.”

NEED FOR HONESTY Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “Extra resource for the NHS is always welcome and this £200m investment, which we are assured by the Department of Health and Social Care is new and additional money, should help NHS leaders in their efforts to prepare for and mitigate against the impacts of what will be a seriously difficult and challenging winter period.”

“The key issue now is getting the funding to local systems as early as possible so that they can use it most effectively.”

“But realistically many of our members may question how much impact this will have given the close proximity to winter, and also what good this will do against the backdrop of industrial action estimated to have already cost in the region of £1bn.”

“There is a clear need for honesty around the extent of the financial challenge health leaders face, not just in terms of the costs of ongoing industrial action, but in the efficiency savings they are being asked to make in an extremely difficult financial environment.”

“The risk is that this money is simply absorbed to cover existing and escalating costs elsewhere, with patients seeing little benefit in terms of day-to-day care, waiting lists or performance.”

“There remain serious challenges to be resolved, the most pressing of which is industrial action, and simply wishing it away will not make that happen. We need to see this situation settled as it has already gone too far. With consultants, junior doctors and radiographers set to walk out together later in the month, the costs of that strike alone will likely cost well over £200m, negating the effects of this new money, and putting patient safety at the highest level of risk we have seen for a long time.”

PAGE 4 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

Meaningful Activities Can Be The Difference Between “Existing” and “Living” in Care Homes

By Jade McGowan, Activities Co-ordinator at Renaissance Care’s Jesmond Care Home (www.renaissance-care.co.uk/jesmond-care-home) As an activities coordinator, my main goal is to make sure residents are truly enjoying their time living in the home, rather than simply existing in it. Residents deserve every opportunity to live full and active lives, just as they would if they were able to live independently.

In the last 15 years, I have seen a plethora of activities introduced to the market claiming to enhance the mental or physical well-being of residents. Some work well, but others fail to capture the attention of resident over a long-term basis.

I think a strong activities plan is all about asking: Is this activity actually meaningful to the residents?

By meaningful, I mean, is it specifically tailored to the needs and interests of residents? Is it something they would engage with naturally or something that sparks joy in their lives? Often, this is where the true value lies for residents. Helping them feel emotionally connected to the activities and emotionally fulfilled by their days.

This doesn’t always have to be grand plans of intricate parties or flashy entertainers – it can simply be taking 20 minutes to paint a resident’s nails, having a one-on-one conversation about a football match they are interested in or facilitating an in-home social group like a book club or arts and crafts session. Small, but fulfilling activities that are aligned with residents’ actual interests.

A perfect example comes from our minibus. Residents have final say over where we go and what we do.

From visits to garden centres, coffee shops and tenpin bowling, the whole purpose of this activity is for resi-

dents to engage with the local community in a way that interests them.

Music plays a huge role in creating meaningful activities. We have dedicated Thursday afternoons to our musical entertainment night, inviting in local musicians, when possible, along with family and friends. We even have a drinks trolley available for residents who fancy a tipple with their entertainment. There is always a notable change in the mood and energy of the home after a music focused activity.

Music can be so emotive, unlocking old memories and helping people express their emotions and feelings, even when communication is difficult for them. There’s a compelling argument surrounding the benefits of music for people living with dementia. It has the potential to maintain speech and language skills and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

Creativity remains key when planning out activities. Just like in your personal life, repetition can quickly make things you love feel stale. We’ve been experimenting with musical activities in Jesmond recently by holding Moo Music classes with a local mother and baby group. Moo Music, an interactive music session traditionally focused around farm animals, has provided a refreshing way for residents to socialise. We’ve found that the music can be calming for both infants and the elderly. They love getting to meet the babies, bringing back happy memories of raising their own families, as well as getting to socialise with visiting mothers.

Festivals and fairs are also always big hits with residents. They provide the perfect opportunity to invite families and members of the local community into the home, creating a vibrant atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. We always joke that the residents will make any excuse to have a party - and so they should!

We still run a traditional schedule of events for residents, with bingo sessions taking place on Fridays and exercise sessions throughout the week to add routine to our residents’ days. However, at Renaissance Care, our focus is always on adding meaning and value with our activities plan.

At the end of the day, it’s all about listening to what residents want and empowering them to truly live their best lives, whatever form that takes for them.

Carer Readers Celebrate Afternoon Tea Week 2023 We are delighted to announce that Margaret Allen House care home, Tiverton is the winner of our Afternoon Tea week competition for 2023.

We are thrilled to say this has become something of an annual tradition here at THE CARER, we launched Afternoon Tea Week to celebrate one of our finest and quintessentially great British traditions and, other than perhaps the London’s Dorchester Hotel, nobody celebrates Afternoon Tea Week better than a residential and nursing care home.

Trust us, we know! The stories and photographs we have received demonstrate just how important this event is in the care sector.

All that we asked was for care homes around the country to tell us about their Afternoon Tea Week celebrations and send us some photographs of your events.

That was it!

We wanted to encourage care homes to tap into the British Tradition of afternoon tea and delicious treats to help bring a bit of elegance and pomp to an otherwise “unremarkable time of day”.

And you did us proud. We were truly overwhelmed the nominations we received, we are delighted to say! (And it did take us some time to plough through them all)!

Once again we are sorry we could only pick one winner, it was the most difficult of choices. The nominations were truly wonderful and inspirational, demonstrating the time, effort, care and dedication care homes around the country took to make Afternoon Tea Week that extra special occasion!

So very well done to you all, and very well done of course to Margaret Allen House, and here is a selection of your very special celebrations!

Report Calls For Manifesto Pledges To Tackle ‘Completely Unacceptable’ Diagnosis Rates Ahead of the next general election campaign, Alzheimer’s Research UK has set out a series of calls for party leaders to tackle the increasing pressure that dementia places on society, the NHS, and the economy.

The recommendations, issued in a report – Tipping Point: The Future of Dementia – come as new NHS figures show one in three people living with dementia in England never receive a formal diagnosis.

“For people living with dementia to receive proper treatment, they need to receive a formal diagnosis” said Samantha Benham-Hermetz, the charity’s Executive Director of Policy & Communications.

“But in England, we know that more than a third of over-65s living with dementia never get a diagnosis at all. This is completely unacceptable, as is the government’s underlying diagnosis target of 67%.

We wouldn’t accept this for any other condition, so we shouldn’t for dementia.”

The report sets out how limited availability of diagnostic tests, and the reluctance of some doctors to even offer people a diagnosis at all, has resulted in an unacceptable postcode lottery. Just 53% of people living with dementia in Herefordshire and Worcestershire will be diagnosed, compared to 73% in South Yorkshire.

The potential arrival of two new Alzheimer’s treatments, lecanemab and donanemab, means this needs to change quickly, or people in the UK may not benefit from the recent research breakthroughs that have

been hailed by experts as “momentous”.

But he NHS still struggles to widely and equitably offer early stage, accurate diagnoses as standard. A diagnosis is usually given following a lumbar puncture procedure, but it’s estimated that only 2% of people are currently offered such tests.

In its report, Alzheimer’s Research UK sets out how parties across the political spectrum could commit to radically boosting the number of people who receive lumbar puncture tests on the NHS from 2,000 to 20,000 per year.

Achieving this would require a commitment to investing £16m in diagnostic infrastructure, equipment, and workforce training, including 50 new band 6/7 nurses across the UK. This would need to be followed by sustained annual investment of £10m until new diagnostic tools, like blood tests, are ready to replace lumbar punctures.

The charity’s recommendations, which have been developed alongside individuals from across the UK with lived experience of dementia, as well as clinicians and researchers, also aim to transform the way dementia is prevented and treated, and ultimately find a cure.

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE: Create a cross-governmental ‘Strategy for the Prevention of Ill Health’ to address the health and lifestyle factors that affect people’s risk of developing dementia. For example, exposure to air pollution, and unmanaged hearing loss.

Instruct the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to consider the cost of informal care and carer’s quality of life, when assessing the cost-effectiveness of new dementia treatments for the NHS. Increase clinical research participation across the UK, particularly in areas that have traditionally had less dementia research activity and infrastructure in place.

The recommendations are backed by Divya Chadha Manek, OBE, who was honoured in 2021 for playing an instrumental role on the Covid Vaccines Taskforce, and who is a Trustee of Alzheimer’s Research UK. “As a member of the Covid Vaccines Taskforce, I’ve seen first-hand how clinical research in the UK delivered life-changing discoveries to the rest of the world. I know we can do this for dementia,” she wrote in a foreword to the report.

“But making discoveries alone is not enough. Discoveries need to be turned into diagnostics, treatments and prevention measures that can stop dementia in its tracks. By prioritising action on dementia, there is a significant opportunity for policy makers to improve societal wellbeing and lifelong health, reducing the burden on our NHS and most importantly, building a legacy where people with dementia no longer have to suffer.

“It’s time for decision-makers to listen and take action,” she added.

THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023 | PAGE 5

Britain Needs A 'Better Deal For Care Workers' Major reforms are needed to tackle low standards, unsafe working conditions and minimal progression opportunities that affect too many of Britain’s 34 million workers, beginning Britain’s 1.7 million care workers, and the focus should be on innovative new sector-specific ‘Good Work Agreements’, according to major new Resolution Foundation research.

Innovation Nation – the 41st report from The Economy 2030 Inquiry, funded by the Nuffield Foundation – examines how the UK’s labour market institutions can be reformed to help deliver shared prosperity for workers, maintaining the benefits of Britain’s flexible labour market, while solving the problems that remain.

The report notes that national employment protections, such as the minimum wage, play a critical role in delivering stronger pay growth and better conditions for workers.

But national regulation alone struggles to address some of the deeply entrenched problems facing workers in specific sectors or roles, such as the record number of people on zero-hours contracts, or the fact that three-in-four workers received no training aimed at building skills or progression in the past year.

New sector-focused institutions therefore need to be set up to complement our existing national frameworks, says the Foundation. This would require policy makers to rediscover the appetite for innovation that led to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage – widely regarded as a key policy success of recent decades, with George Osborne’s creation of the National Living Wage based on Resolution Foundation proposals. They can also learn from successful reforms in similarly flexible labour markets like New Zealand and

Ireland.

The report proposes the creation of new Good Work Agreements (GWAs) that bring together worker and employer representatives to collaborate and solve problems within challenging sectors. These agreements would then be enforced on the same statutory basis as existing labour market regulation in order to give the agreements legal teeth.

While it would largely be up to those representatives to apply to the government for new GWAs, the Foundation says that a trailblazer agreement should be started in social care to enhance protections for the UK’s 1.7 million care workers.

Social care is blighted by poor pay – likely illegally so for domiciliary workers once travel time is factored in – unsafe working conditions in understaffed care homes, and inadequate training and progression across the sector, all of which contribute to an acute shortage of workers.

These sector-specific issues are ripe for addressing in GWAs, says the Foundation, because they can’t be addressed via the more traditional one-size-fits-all national regulation. A social care GWA alone could bring bigger pay rises, better training opportunities and more security for care workers across the sector – and would have wider benefits for the quality and availability of care by tackling staff shortages.

The report adds that some of the overly burdensome rules governing union recruitment and recognition should also be modernised, given their contribution to the decline in union membership from 52 per cent in 1980 to 22 per cent in 2022.

Fighting Loneliness With Letters For Kirklees Care Home Residents Over a hundred letters have been arriving from all over the world for elderly residents living at a Huddersfield care home.

Residents at Thornhill Care Home, on Thornhill Road, Edgerton, have been receiving art, crafts, poetry, and friendly messages from as far away as Australia after signing up to scheme aimed at reducing loneliness.

The Give… A Few Words community interest company, based in Kirklees, was set up during the Covid-19 pandemic to support care home residents in the area during lockdown.

Thornhill Care Home has so far received 166 letters, which

have included words, embroidery, art, clay decorations and more.

They have been sent from all over Kirklees and the wider Yorkshire region, as well as London, Inverness, and Sydney, Australia, to name a few.

Sharron Wilkinson, from Give… A Few Words, contacted Thornhill Care Home activities coordinator Ilona Ruttle earlier this year to see if residents would be interested in receiving letters.

Ilona said: “I didn’t know what to expect but was totally amazed by the wonderful letters that arrived for the residents."

Hannah Slaughter, Senior Economist at the Resolution Foundation, said: “Britain has seen national labour market regulations improve the quality of work in recent decades – most radically via a fast-rising minimum wage. But many of our most deeply entrenched problems in the world of work are specific to particular sectors and roles.

“We now need a new focus on innovative ‘Good Work Agreements’, bringing together worker and employer representatives in the most challenging sectors to set new legally-enforced minimum standards and improve the quality of work.

“There is no better place to start solving these problems than social care – where unlawfully low pay and unsafe working conditions have left damaging worker shortages, and a care system close to collapse.”

PAGE 6 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

My Work as an Undercover Carer is the Secret of Nourish’s Success

By Nuno Almeida, founder and CEO of Nourish Care (www.nourishcare.co.uk) Twelve years ago, I worked as a care assistant in a residential home. I’d hidden my CV from the teams and they had no idea that I’d been working for NASA and had sold software to space agencies worldwide. To them, I was just this Portuguese chap who spoke good enough English who helped with baking competitions every Wednesday.

It was probably one of the most important assignments of my career because it allowed me to understand how care homes operated on the ground level. At that point, I knew I wanted to make a difference for these people and because of my background, it would be done using technology.

I could see that carers were having to write a lot of notes and I saw that they had to be prepared for inspections too. Those activities consumed so much energy. There was also the problem of staffing. The ideal carer is somebody with a huge amount of emotional intelligence, yet they were being paid about £10 per hour.

People who go into care genuinely care about people, but they also need some level of academic achievement if they are going to have to write words like amoxicillin and diarrhoea perfectly several times a day. I saw that often, people weren’t confident about writing the notes required and it was sapping joy from the job.

I realised that there must be some kind of digital support that would help the industry. What if I could enable care workers to record all the data of every interaction they have with people so that it could then be used to improve the wellness of those receiving care?

As I was devising the software, which went on to become Nourish Care, I realised that the design needed to be intuitive enough to empower the care worker and for them to be able to hand their phone or tablet to

the person in care so that they could make their own choices.

I’d witnessed with my own family that when people go into care decisions are taken away from them.

People tell them what they are having for lunch rather than asking them. I wanted our software to give those people a voice.

I believe Nourish has been successful because I didn’t set out to merely start a digital product company.

Digital health solutions often fail because nobody has sat down and thought about the fact that the people using it aren’t the people paying for it. A lot of legwork has to be done to understand the dynamics of how a care team operates.

Those baking competitions every Wednesday that I oversaw as a carer were a lot of fun, but they were my gateway into a real holistic understanding of the adult care system, which informed the way I built the software.

Because of this experience, we tend to hire staff at Nourish who also have insider knowledge. For example, our clinical safety officer worked as a nurse for the NHS before running care homes. Her mother ran a care home, so it was something she was familiar with growing up. You won’t find anyone amongst our staff who doesn’t have relevant background experience or care deeply about improving the care sector. It makes for informed decision making as we evolve the product.

Looking back, the spark of Nourish ignited in me when I was very young. I grew up in a village near the city of Coimbra and my parents’ house shared a boundary with the largest mental health hospital in Portugal. My first memory of a community neighbourhood was people in their pyjamas, wandering around smoking their third pack of cigarettes.

My parents never passed judgement on them and we interacted with them on a daily basis. They were my neighbours and I was fond of them. I was a kid who was good at maths and building things and dreamed of being an astronaut, but I also cared about people, who for one reason or another, needed to be looked after.

Technological advancements are brilliant, but at the end of the day, they are nothing without people and that’s at the heart of what Nourish is.

Nourish can be found on Stand E50 at The Care Show (www.thecareshow.co.uk)

Jane Townson, CEO of Homecare Association Becomes Care Provider Alliance Chair The coalition of national voices of adult social care providers in England, the Care Provider Alliance (CPA) is delighted to welcome Dr Jane Townson OBE, Chief Executive Officer of the Homecare Association, as the incoming Chair for 2023/24.

Jane has extensive experience in the social care, health, housing, and technology sectors -including over four years as CEO of the Homecare Association.

Before this, she worked for almost 8 years as a board member and CEO of a £75m turnover not-for-profit care provider, delivering homecare, housing with care, supported living for people with disabilities, and operating 30 care homes.

The role of CPA chair rotates annually across each of the ten associations.

Jane follows Nadra Ahmed CBE, Chief Executive of the National Care Association who served as the CPA’s Chair for the past 12 months.

Commenting on her new role, Jane said: “I am delighted to serve as this year’s Chair of the Care Provider Alliance (CPA), which has evolved over the years into a cohesive group with increasing influence. The care system is a complex network of thousands of private, voluntary and community sector organisations, supporting people in all settings. Members meet weekly and work closely together to share experiences and coordinate

Best prices paid all ages & condition Large stock of new & used accessible minibuses

H.W.Pickrell Ltd

Gardiners Lane North, Crays Hill, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2XE

Mobile: 07860 894 331 • email: sales@hwpickrell.co.uk Telephone: (01268) 521033

www.hwpickrell.co.uk

care providers’ responses – both strategic and operational – to the challenges we all face. Speaking with one voice is crucial as we seek to influence important agendas, including integrated care, sustainable funding, and growth and development of our workforce. I look forward to continuing our work with fellow CPA members, policymakers, commissioners, and those who draw on services over the coming year. We are all grateful to outgoing Chair, Nadra Ahmed CBE, for her superb leadership of CPA over the last year, and to the small admin team who support us on a part-time basis.”

Outgoing Chair, Nadra Ahmed, commented: “It has been a privilege to work with such an amazing group of dedicated people and lead the CPA over the last 12 months. We’ve seen some genuinely important developments – such as the development of the Integrated Care Systems Learning Network for health and social care partners, and welcoming the Care Association Alliance as our newest member. I know that Jane has the energy, tenacity and knowledge to take the Alliance forward as we tackle ongoing challenges – including the build up to a likely election in 2024 when social care will be a high on the political agenda. I look forward to continuing to work closely with her.”

THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023 | PAGE 7

TUC Calls for Care Workforce Strategy The TUC has called for a comprehensive strategy for the care workforce in England after revealing most social care workers earn less than the Real Living Wage.

New analysis from the trade union body covering both the childcare and social care sectors has revealed that over three in five (61%) social care workers and senior care workers earn less than the Real Living Wage, leading to a staffing crisis stemming from widespread low pay and insecure work, which predominantly impacts their female workforces.

The TUC has now launched a call for a new care workforce strategy to tackle the staffing crisis facing both childcare and social care in England.

Like the childcare sector, the social care sector is also struggling to recruit – the latest figures show there are currently 152,000 vacancies in social care, meaning one in 10 jobs aren’t filled.

The TUC says this is having a huge negative impact on children and adults receiving care and – in the case of social care – placing huge strain on the NHS. Further new analysis published by the TUC reveals: • More than three in five (62%) childcare assistants and practitioners earn less than the real Living Wage (£10.90 an hour).

• More than three in five (61%) social care workers and senior care workers earn less than the real Living Wage.

• Social care workers earn only around 65% of the median salary for all employees (£21,500 per annum compared to £33,000).

• And childcare practitioners earn only 56% of the median salary for all employees (£18,400), while childcare assistants earn 58% of the median wage (£19,000).

This TUC says this leaves many care workers and their families struggling to survive. More than one in four (28%) children with a parent working in social care are growing up below the poverty line.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “We will all rely on care at some point in our lives, whether that’s childcare for our kids or social care for our-

selves or our family members.

“The care our loved ones get must be of the highest standard. But that’s only possible if jobs in care are decent and paid well enough to attract and keep the right people.

“Childcare and social care must stop being Cinderella sectors. Demand for care is rising. Caring is skilled work, and the overwhelmingly female workforce deserves decent pay and conditions.

“Ministers must urgently introduce a £15 an hour minimum wage for childcare and social care workers.

“They also need to bring in sector collective bargaining and establish new sector partnership arrangements to up skill care workers and stop the race to the bottom on pay and conditions. And ministers should require employers to end the use of zero-hours contracts and pay decent sick pay to all workers.”

To deliver a genuine world-class cradle to grave care system in England, the new TUC strategy calls for a range of measures including ensuring: • Worker voices are heard and valued through sectoral collective bargaining to agree pay and working conditions, and National Partnership Forums in social care and childcare.

• Decent pay and conditions for all care workers including a minimum wage of £15 per hour, sick pay, secure contracts and full payment for all time worked.

• Skills, training, and progression pathways: There should be nationally negotiated training frameworks to ensure consistency and quality that make sure staff are fairly renumerated and can progress. This national framework should make sure training is accredited and qualifications are recognised and transferrable to new employers.

• Health, safety, and wellbeing including ensuring that staffing levels are based on care and education needs and not arbitrary ratios. And a zero-tolerance approach to workplace abuse with comprehensive safeguarding and support, notably for staff who may be at risk of experiencing abuse and harassment including Black and migrant workers.

WE NOW SUPPLY A WIDE RANGE OF FURNITURE

Manufactured in the UK

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

PROVIDING PRACTICAL AND STYLISH TROLLEYS TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS Watch your resident's eyes light up when the beautiful tea trolley arrives!

Euroservice trolleys can also be used as a vending trolley or to sell personal care products to residents. How about a delicious snack/pastry trolley or even a drinks trolley for that afternoon tipple?

Your lovely trolley could do so much for you and your residents!

Euroservice trolleys are an attractive and practical alternative to clinical aluminium trolleys given that antibacterial spray can be used freely to sanitise them.

Get in touch with our friendly, experienced sales team

Visit the website at www.euroservice-uk.com to see the full range.

THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023 | PAGE 9

Hft and Care England Launch Survey To Analyse Challenges In The Adult Social Care Hft, a charity that supports more than 2,000 learning disabled adults across England and Wales, and Care England, the largest and most diverse representative body for independent providers of adult social care in England, have launched the survey for Sector Pulse Check 2023, their annual report analysing the financial health and workforce challenges faced by the adult social care sector.

The report, now in its 8th year, provides an annual snapshot of the state of the adult social care sector, helping to monitor trends, propose calls to action and bring vital data to illustrate ongoing challenges to Government Having previously focused exclusively on learning disability services, Hft and Care England partnered last year to expand the scope of the survey to include older persons’ care and, for the first time, provide a comprehensive overview of the entire adult social care sector.

Top line data emerging from the 2022 report – which was referenced in numerous Parliamentary debates and cited in over 600 media articles – included:

* one third of care providers across the adult social care sector said they had considered exiting the market in 2022 as a result of financial pressures * 42% of care providers had to close down a part of their organisation or hand back contracts to Local Authorities; and * 82% of care providers reported they were either in deficit or had experienced a decrease in their surplus over the past 12 months Hft and Care England are once again calling on adult social care providers to share their experiences to ensure the true state of the sector can be represented to key policy and decision makers. Aside from the regular focus on financial health and workforce challenges, the 2023 survey explores new themes around international recruitment and expectations from Government in anticipation of the next general election.

With the final report due for release in January 2024, Sector Pulse Check will again be a landmark publication for the adult

Residents At Local Care Home Lend Their Ears To Live Music Performance Residents and guests at Austen House Care Home in Lower Earley, Reading enjoyed an afternoon of grins with a live music performance that took place at the home. Local group, Reading West Choir performed a selection of Gospel songs/Hymns that they regularly perform in the Seventh – Day Adventist Church.

It was a magical hour of singing from our local community choir who treated our residents to their huge repertoire of music.

With lots of chatting and laughter to accompany the music, it left everyone happy and smiling into the weekend.

Jack, leader of the Reading West Choir said “it has been a great pleasure to meet so many people, having an opportunity to chat with the residents following our singing performance; our group always look forward to coming to the home.”

General Manager, Joseph Patterson said, “Our residents and guests had a wonderful day singing along with the wonderful performers. We do our best to provide a wide range of activities and entertainment at Austen House as part of the lifestyle enrichment programme for residents, and this was one was one of our favourites.”

social care sector. It constitutes a valuable evidence base to support conversations with key stakeholders about the creation of a truly sustainable and thriving social care sector, which can support learning disabled adults and older people to live the life they choose.

The Sector Pulse Check 2023 survey for adult social care providers can be found at https://tinyurl.com/2ehfy39u

THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023 | PAGE 11

UK Care Homes Sector At Crossroads As Post-Pandemic Pressures Pile Up The UK care home sector is at a crossroads wards Blair Milne, a restructuring and insolvency partner with accountancy firm Azets, due to postpandemic financial pressures, including shortfalls in local authority funding.

“Government needs to grasp the nettle over funding reforms, however unpalatable to taxpayers, or we could see a significant number of business failures in the care sector because they can no longer make ends meet,” said Mr Milne.

“The last 40 years or so the care home industry can be summarised by expansion and consolidation and now, sadly, contraction.”

According to industry data, the UK has 17,100 care homes, including nursing homes, looking after 408,000-plus elderly.

Mr Milne added: “Britain’s care homes sector is at a crossroads following the pandemic, with a long list of problems exacerbated by local authorities not paying the true costs of care for residents placed in care homes, with better-off residents effectively subsiding them with higher fees of up to 40% for the same service.”

Handling a number of administrations in relation to care homes, he highlights the strong headwinds facing the sector.

“There are many common challenges facing the care sector in the post-pandemic world. It was already a sector under pressure before Covid-19, demonstrated by the closure of 1,578 care homes between 2015 and 2020. Many of those were well run homes with ‘good’ ratings from the Care Quality Commission.

“By way of illustration, based on a report from the National Audit Office, the public spending watchdog, government funding for local authorities in England fell by more than half in 2019-20 when compared to 2010-11, a 29% reduction in real terms, and funding continues to be under significant financial pressure.

“Many larger for-profit care homes were reporting a return on investment of less than 5% back in 2019, just before the pandemic hit – occupancy levels then fell from 90% to 80% in February 2021.

“Fast forward to this year, staff shortages are a huge problem in an industry where high staff turnover is endemic and expensive – 28.5% is the average. Recruitment and retention are now difficult in a sector which

reportedly employs 752,000 people.

“It is estimated that the shortfall in care home staff is around 170,000 nationwide and, as we are living longer, an extra 500,000 care workers will be needed by 2035.

“Given that there are more than a million job vacancies in the UK as a whole, it is clear that care home workers can apply for other less demanding roles for either the same or more money.

“Care homes lost a lot of staff for various reasons – Brexit is a factor and Covid-19 resulted in a lot of long-term sickness and, in extreme cases, staff have been traumatised by their experiences, by what they saw and had to deal with for two dreadful years working behind face coverings.

“In turn, staff shortages have led to care homes becoming increasingly reliant on agency workers, where the rates being charged are at record levels due to the economics of supply and demand.

“To keep running, care homes have little option but to pay far more than they would for permanent and part-time staff, further piling on the relentless financial pressures.

“Which takes us to the political aspect of fixed rates for local authority-funded residents.

“The success of care homes is about ensuring high levels of occupancy and getting the right mix of privately funded residents and local authority funded residents – those rates from the public purse have not been able to keep up with decades-high inflation.

“With recent record-high energy and food bills, profit margins have been under further attack.

“Adding to these financial burdens is the rise in health and safety and compliance requirements to be met in the post-Covid world, which operators cannot recover unless they put up rates for private clients.

“It is a sobering thought that there will be 8.3 million people aged 75 or over in less than four Parliament terms away, with many requiring accommodation in care homes.

“Indeed, the UK has reached close to breakpoint with the care home sector – governments must grasp the nettle and bring in funding reforms to help a distressed industry where many of us and our loved ones will end our lives.”

Jazz Heralds Launch of ‘Absolutely Marvellous’ Roof Garden A care home in Northamptonshire is celebrating 15 years of delivering care to its residents.

Shaw healthcare-operated Ashfield House in Raunds marked the milestone with a garden party with staff, residents and family members enjoying a buffet lunch, celebratory cake and entertainment from local singer, James Labec, who performed hits from the 50s and 60s.

Other attendees included the Mayor of Raunds, Paul Byrne, Shaw healthcare

CEO Russell Brown, and local community representatives.

There were also presentations for long serving employees, with a special mention for support worker Nicky Hodgson, who was celebrating 30 years’ service having started at the old Ashfield House in 1993.

Service manager, Lizzie Plummer, commented: “I am so proud of my team and their dedication to the service and our residents here. It has been wonderful to celebrate with everyone today and thank the employees here for what they do.”

PAGE 12 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

Navigating UK Visa Routes for International Care Professionals

By Mandie Sewa, Head of Immigration at Brevis Law (www.brevis.co.uk) The UK has long been a popular destination for international care professionals seeking to enhance their careers and gain valuable experience in a diverse and dynamic healthcare system. However, understanding the various visa routes available can be a daunting task. In this article, we will explore the most common options and provide guidance on how to navigate the UK visa system.

HEATH & CARE VISA This visa allows medical professionals and their families to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with the NHS, NHS supplier or adult social care. To qualify you must: • Be a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional or adult social care professional.

There are over 30 roles that are eligible; • Work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office who has issued a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ (CoS) containing specific information about the role; and • Be paid a minimum salary, the amount depends on the actual role you will be employed for.

Additionally, you must meet the English language requirements and have funds to support yourself and any family members, unless your

employer states on your CoS that they will support you.

The application fee for this visa is significantly less than the Skilled Worker (£247 per person if the visa is for up to 3 years, or £479 per person if the visa is valid for more than 3 years) regardless of whether you apply from the UK or overseas. Eligible applicants and their families are also automatically exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which is usually £624 for each year the visa is valid.

SKILLED WORKER VISA The Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. Like the Health & Care visa you will need a job offer for an eligible role, work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office, have a CoS issued by your employer, and be paid a minimum salary which depends on the type of work you will be doing. Again, you will need to show that you can meet the English language requirements and have funds to support yourself unless your employer agrees to do this.

However, application fees are higher (the standard fee ranges from £625 to £1,423) and you must pay the IHS. If your intention is to settle in the UK, both of the above routes allow you to do this.

STUDENT VISA If you’re considering pursuing further education in the UK, a Student visa may be the most suitable option. This visa allows you to study at a recognised educational institution and, depending on your course, work part-time during term-time and full-time during holidays. You may need to show that you have enough money to support yourself

depending on which country you are coming from. You’ll also need to show that you can speak, read, write, and understand English. The level will depend on the type of course you’ll be studying.

From 1 January 2024 only students on postgraduate courses will be able to bring their family members with them. A change in the Immigration Rules in July 2023, means you can’t switch to any of the worker categories unless you’ve completed your studies, only upon successful completion of your course will be eligible to switch.

TOP TIPS FOR YOUR VISA APPLICATION • Navigating the UK visa system can be complex, and it’s crucial to seek professional advice to ensure a smooth application process. It’s important that you: • Familiarise yourself with the different visa routes and their requirements to determine which is most suitable for you.

• Start networking and applying for positions in the UK with employers who are licensed sponsors to secure a job offer if you want to come under the Health & Care or Skilled Worker routes.

Collect all the required documents, e.g. your passport, educational certificates, and proof of English language proficiency. Keep in mind that some documents may need to be translated into English.

Seek professional advice from a specialist immigration lawyer who can guide you through the process and ensure that your application meets all the necessary requirements to avoid delay of refusal.

Navigating the UK visa routes for international care professionals can be challenging, but with careful planning and expert guidance, it is possible to achieve your career goals in the UK's vibrant healthcare sector.

Care Home Team’s 18-Mile Adventure Raises An Impressive £1,000 Residents at a Thetford care home are set to enjoy a rejuvenated garden after staff raised £1,000 during a sponsored walk.

Alexander Court Care Home’s team undertook an 18-mile sponsored walk to raise money for new garden furniture and a gazebo, creating a new environment for all to enjoy, not matter the weather. Although the outdoor space is lovely, the staff wanted to go ‘the extra mile’ to make it even better.

A dozen members of staff spent the day on foot starting at the care home in Thetford and ending their travels in the ancient town of Brandon, walking through the dense forests and crossing over the river Little Ouse.

Pat Collins, manager at Alexander Court care home, said: “The 18-mile walk was an unforgettable adventure, but it is all worthwhile to enrich the lives of our residents.

“It’s great to see how many members of the team took part, and it highlights how much we care about the wellbeing of the people we look after.

“I look forward to see how the outdoor space will be transformed and see how much our residents and their families enjoy it.”

THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023 | PAGE 13

Carers Set Out Autumn Campaign Strategy Campaigners have unveiled an autumn plan of action to get politicians to tackle the crisis in the care of vulnerable adults.

The Independent Care Group (ICG) plans to target party conference season to press for positive change in social care.

ICG Chair Mike Padgham has written to the health teams of the Conservatives and Labour, urging them to make social care a priority.

The ICG is also offering to share its expertise with politicians as well as preparing its own election manifesto for the General Election and stepping up its lobbying and campaigning activities for the benefit of the sector.

Mr Padgham said: “The party conference season offers a golden opportunity for the political parties to show what they plan for the future of social care.

“We look to them for bold new ideas to support social care, tackle the inequalities that currently exist and prepare the sector for an exciting future.”

At its last Board meeting, the ICG discussed a key messages document, setting out its strategy for the future.

The document said: “Across the ICG Board and its membership, we have many hundreds of years’ experience of delivering exceptional social care to thousands of grateful people and their loved ones – we make that expertise available to politicians and decision makers to shape their future policy.

“Social care, and particularly those who benefit from it, do not have a strong voice. They deserve to be heard.

“Politicians dare not tackle social care because they fear it will be too expensive and they don’t believe it is a vote winner. They are wrong.

“By staying quiet and acquiescent, we are allowing these two situations to continue. The ICG will not stay

quiet and perpetuate the view that everything in the garden is rosy, when it isn’t.We want positive change for the sector.”

The ICG has already set out its broad wishes in its Five Pillars of Social Care Reform document which has been sent to the Government and to the Labour health team to try and influence their thinking on social care.

On 1st August the ICG was a signatory to a campaign by the Yorkshire and The Humber Care Association Alliance to encourage all social care providers to join their local provider group to strengthen the voice of the sector across the region.

Mr Padgham added: “This demonstrated our belief that, as a sector, we need to raise our voice, stand up and be counted and campaign for social care.

“We are already a leading partner in that Alliance, which is part of the national Care Association Alliance, strengthening our voice at the highest level of social care decision making.”

The ICG wants to know how politicians plan to get care to the 1.6m people who currently can’t get it; tackle the 152,000 vacancies in the sector; properly recognise and reward the social care workforce with better pay and conditions and find the extra 445,000 care staff the sector will need to cope with rising demand, by 2035.

The five pillars in the document are: 1. Ring fence a percentage of GDP to be spent on providing social care to those who already receive it and the 1.6m who can’t get it 2. Create a unified National Care Service, incorporating health and social care 3. Set a National Minimum Wage per hour for care staff on a par with NHS 4. Set up an urgent social care task force to oversee reform 5. Fix ‘fair price for care’ tariffs for things like care beds and homecare visits.

Mr Padgham added: “The five pillars document forms the basis of our talks with politicians as we look to influence their thinking in the weeks and months ahead.

“We will also be developing those five pillars into a manifesto so that we can prepare for the next general election with some clear suggestions and ideas for change.”

The ICG has just added six new directors to strengthen its Board for the future.

Combined Service of 35 Years at Lytham St Annes Home Three colleagues at a Lytham St Annes home were rewarded for their services which combined to a total of 35 years.

Janette Caplin, Ping Holgate and Monika Liberda all work at MHA Starr Hills and received a certificate of achievement and flowers from the home manager, Phillipa Green Janette has been working at the home for 20 years, with Monika celebrating 10 years and Ping celebrating 5.

Speaking after the presentation Janette, who started off as a care assistant and worked her way up to admin manager said: “I came to the home on an open day looking for an office job and there was nothing available at the time.

“I started off as a care assistant, then senior carer before moving into an admin assistant role before becoming an admin manager in 2017.

“20 years later, there was no way I thought I would be here that long, but I am

very happy in what I do, and I really enjoy working at the home.

“It's a lovely place to work and I will carry on working here for as long as I can.

Monika, who worked as a domestic assistant added: “ My husband told me about the job, and I have always been a domestic assistant.

“It's a steady job with lovely people and I enjoy the fact I am helping people every day.

“I love working at MHA Starr Hill and I have no plans to change that.”

Ping works as a chef and said:” The home is only 30 mins away from where I live, and I find my job very rewarding.

“There is a great team ethic at the home, and we all support each other.

“Five years have gone by very quickly and I'm hoping to be here for at least another five."

PAGE 14 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

The Role Of Technology In Reducing Loneliness In Care Homes James Rycroft, managing director at provider of specialist dementia care Vida Healthcare (www.vidahealthcare.co.uk), discusses the role of technology in promoting and enabling connectivity in care homes, and how this can reduce feelings of loneliness in a care home setting.

LONELINESS AND SOCIAL ISOLATION IN CARE HOMES More than a million older people say they go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member1. Even in a care home setting where there are more opportunities for people to have social interactions with staff and other residents, isolation and loneliness can still occur. Loneliness and social isolation are both factors that are known to have a severe negative impact on the physical and mental health of any person.

Depression, and other mental health conditions can develop or become worse in a person who is experiencing loneliness and feels socially isolated2.

When an older person moves from familiar surroundings into a care home, it can cause feelings of stress as they have to become accustomed to a new home, new routine and having different people around them.

The move can be both a physical and emotional adjustment and feelings of loneliness can arise, especially if the care home isn’t located in the community that they previously lived in.

Older people who may be living with long-term health conditions are at particular risk of experiencing social isolation and loneliness3. Within this transitional period in an older persons’ life it is crucial for them to stay connected, whether this be with existing friends and family or by forming new connections with residents and staff members.

Digital solutions can help residents remain connected to their loved ones and the outside world, reducing social isolation and loneliness. Technology solutions may be utilised by care home operators to keep their residents connected to the people who are important to them. These online interactions with loved ones

can make a significant difference and have a positive effect on a resident’s mental health and wellbeing.

UTILISING TECHNOLOGY TO COMBAT LONELINESS Investment in technology has numerous benefits. The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the uptake of technology in care homes, in large part due to the restrictions on visiting. Technology enabled families to stay in touch with their loved ones, even when they were unable to visit care homes in person.

Being digitally included can help older people stay connected with family and friends, even when they are physically apart. Even before the pandemic, technological solutions had already begun to see implementation across social care organisations. The sector is faced with a variety of unique challenges that professionals work tirelessly to overcome, and the accessibility of smart technology like smartphones and tablets offers new ways for providers to engage with staff, residents, and their families.

Technology may seem daunting at first and building a positive experience with new technology is crucial for people, including staff and residents, who are nervous about, or new, to smart devices4. Using technology can help residents to maintain social connections, which in turn can support them in maintaining their independence and improving their wellbeing.

Care home staff also play a significant role in easing feelings of loneliness, particularly when family and friends live further away and may have less time to visit. Initiatives, such as cutting edge technology, can free up staff time so that they have more opportunities to socialise with residents and spend valuable time with them.

TECHNOLOGY IN PRACTICE Vida Healthcare has developed and launched an app to maintain connectivity between staff, residents and family members across Vida’s three homes. Team Talk is user-friendly and gives families instant access to catch up on the health and wellbeing of their loved one through posts and updates, including videos and images. This creates a sense of community even when family and residents may be physically apart and enables connectivity with their loved ones to reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

Developing apps and other technology like Family Team Talk is crucial to keeping families reassured and able to keep in touch with our residents when it may be difficult to visit in person. Team talk is currently being adapted to suit the wider care market and will soon be available to other care providers to improve communication and connectivity.

Health and Social Care Sector-Highest Growing Industry in UK, Report Reveals The business experts at Forbes Advisor have analysed the most recent UK business demography statistics to reveal the most thriving industries in 2023 so far. Findings indicate a notable improvement in business survival rates on the Inter-Departmental Business Register (IDBR) in Quarter 2 (April to June) 2023, compared to the same period in 2023. However, the number of businesses added to IDBR has fallen by 14%. All but two of sixteen sectors analysed experienced a decline in business births; The health and social care sector and real estate.

The Health and Social Care sector witnessed 3,400 new business registrations in Q2 2023 vs 3,125 in Q2 2022 (+8%) making it the best performing industry in terms of new business growth The Real Estate sector also witnessed a modest rise in new business registers, marking a slight increase (+0.6%) from 3,090 businesses registered in Q2 2022 compared with 3,110 in Q2 2023.

Following that, the Professional, Scientific, and Technical industries experienced a small decline compared to the previous year, with a marginal decrease (-0.7%) from 12,455 in Q2 2022 to 12,360 in Q2 2023 .

The sectors which recorded the greatest decrease in business births were those in Transportation and storage, which saw a 59% plummet from 8,950 in Q2 2022, to 3,665 in Q2 2023. This was followed by agriculture, forestry and fishing, which saw a 23% decrease from 1,030 in Q2 2022 to just 785 in Q2 2023.

Finance and insurance, saw a 12% fall from 1,015 in Q2 2022, vs 885 in Q2 2023.

SECTORS WITH THE HIGHEST SURVIVAL RATE The data shows a 15% decrease in business closures year-on-year during Q2 2023. In total 84,150 busi-

nesses were removed from the IDBR, compared to 99,440 closures recorded in Q2 2022.

The Agricultural, Forestry and Fishing industry recorded the highest business survival rate. Overall there were 42% fewer business closures within the sector in Q2 2023 compared to Q2 2022 (1,710 vs 2,970).

This was followed by both the Transportation and Storage and Professional, Scientific and Technical sectors. The two industries experienced a 25% decrease in business closures (10,105 in 2022 vs 7,560 in 2023 and 16,760 in 2022 vs 12,575 in 2023 respectively).

Contrastingly, findings revealed that the Accommodation and Food Services industry faced the most significant business closures. A total of 7,035 businesses shutdown in Q2 2023 compared with 6,865 in Q2 2022 (a rise of 2%).

Kevin Pratt, business commentator at Forbes Advisor, says: “The 15% improvement in business survival rates is a sign of resilience in the face of economic challenges. Businesses must remain vigilant and seek out new opportunities and adapt to the changing market to maintain growth and stay competitive.

“Cost pressures will remain a thorn in the side of all businesses, as the figures from the Accommodation and Food Services Sector show. Labour shortages and associated upward pressure on wages, raw material costs, sky-high energy bills and weak consumer demand have clearly taken their toll.

“But elsewhere the signs are more positive. The improved survival rate in Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing perhaps suggests improved conditions for those at the head of the supply chain. And Health and Social Care will only assume greater importance as our population ages and more people need such services."

Unique Care Sector Recruitment Service Launches Quality Care Group (QCG), the leading providers of insurance and business solutions to the UK care sector, has announced the launch of a brand-new recruitment service for care businesses who require key senior hires, to grow their organisations.

This new recruitment service is the company’s response to many years of listening to the market's needs and requirements for a recruitment partner, understanding the unique challenges of the care sector and why finding the right senior talent is the cornerstone to a successful business.

This service will be led by Mike Tait, who joins the team as Head of Care Recruitment. With nearly two decades of experience in healthcare staffing and recruitment, he aims to help care organisations find and hire their key senior personnel who can drive the growth and performance of their business.

Mike had this to say on this exciting, unique new service: “Having spent considerable time within the healthcare recruitment sector, observing the growing frustration among providers grappling to secure suitable leaders for their organisations, it's clear that a significant demand exists, and a solution is required for elevated service quality and standards. By doing so, we not only enhance value for service providers but also deliver improved outcomes. The prevalent approach of enlisting a

multitude of agencies, each shouldering numerous roles, has regrettably eroded confidence in the standard of fulfilment of crucial positions”.

Mike then went onto say: “I am delighted to join QCG as we share a passion and ethos of what we believe in. This is a unique opportunity to develop this shared mindset we have for driving higher quality and better value outcomes and solutions for our clients. I believe we have a fantastic opportunity to deliver something quite unique in the care sector and further strengthen our relationships by working in partnership, offering a market leading recruitment solution to one of the biggest problems currently facing the sector.”

Partnering closely and exclusively on specific roles with business owners, hiring managers and care organisations, their focus lies in identifying and fulfilling crucial senior positions in the care sector.

Demand has never been greater for skilled and experienced professionals in senior roles within the care industry and with this new service, ‘Quality Care Recruit’ aims to bring a fresh perspective by matching the varied and individual requirements of care businesses across the country with the right senior candidates.

For more information, visit www.qcaregroup.co.uk

THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023 | PAGE 15

Survey Launched To Capture Experiences of Adult Social Care Workers People working across adult social care are being encouraged to complete a new national Government survey which aims to capture the experiences of those working in adult social care to support improvements over time.

Skills for Care in partnership with Ipsos and The University of Kent, have launched the survey on behalf of the Government’s Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

The survey is open to people working in any care-related role across all settings in adult social care, including personal assistants and employees in local authority adult social care departments.

The survey will contribute to the Government’s understanding of working conditions and experiences for the adult social care workforce – such as working hours, pay, capacity and training – and the forms of support which could make adult social care a better place to work.

The data collected through the survey will be vital in aiding Government decisions on how to support the adult social care sector and workforce.

This is an important opportunity for everyone working in adult social care to share their own experience of working in care and help to shape future offers of support.

Oonagh Smyth, CEO, Skills for Care says: “We are pleased to provide this important opportunity for everyone working in social care to share their experiences with the Government to inform its thinking on policies that will better support people working in social care, and in turn people who draw on care and support.”

“Thank you to our sector partners who have made this possible. For maximum impact, we need the support of everyone working in social care and so we encourage as many of you as possible to complete the survey and to provide support and encouragement for your team members to share their views.”

Health Minister, Lord Markham, says: “The social care sector is built on its dedicated workforce and we’re investing millions to attract people to careers in care and retain the huge amount of talent we already have.”

“But we couldn’t do that effectively without listening to the people working in care. Theirs are the most important voices and I urge anyone working in an adult social care role to take part in this survey.”

“I want care to be a profession, with fantastic training, career paths and opportunities to progress.

By taking on board the views of care staff, we’ll know more about their experiences and can look at ways to make that reality.”

Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, Professor Deborah Sturdy, said: “To build a social care workforce fit for the future, we need to listen to current staff members, whose hard work and dedication is the cornerstone of the care sector.”

“I don’t want care work to just be a job, I want it to be a long-term career choice. This survey will expand our knowledge of what is working well for staff as well as, crucially, where additional support can be provided to keep the skilled professionals we already have and bring more people into care roles.”

Margaret Blake, Research Director, Ipsos, says: “Ipsos is very pleased to be carrying out the first national government survey of the adult social care workforce which will provide valuable evidence for DHSC in tackling the challenges facing the sector.”

“We have worked closely with Skills for Care and University of Kent to develop a survey which reflects the issues and pressures facing the workforce, and is straightforward and interesting to complete. We are grateful for the input of people from across the sector who have reviewed and given us feedback on the questions.”

The survey is available to complete now at: https://ipsos.uk/ASCworkforce

FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE SOCIAL CARE SECTOR DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOU, SIGN UP AT WWW.THECARERUK.COM/SIGNUP

PAGE 16 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

The Vital Role of Volunteers in Care

By Sam Ward OBE, Deputy CEO, Royal Voluntary Service (www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk)

Volunteers can play a vital role in enriching the lives of people living in care and easing pressure on care home professionals.

The Volunteer Responders programme, which was originally created to support NHS colleagues and services in England during the pandemic, has recently extended its reach to adult social care. Since its creation, the programme has responded to over 2.5 million requests for help to support approximately 200,000 people. The pandemic truly highlighted the critical role of volunteers.

Today, NHS and Care Volunteer Responders is a free, flexible, and easy-touse volunteering programme supporting the NHS and adult social care across England. The programme is built on a digital platform and links an available pool of volunteers to local live tasks through the GoodSAM app.

ID checks are carried out for all volunteers, and some roles require additional checks such as a DBS check. Volunteers also receive a Getting You Started Guide and have access to a trained Safeguarding Team working 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.

Volunteers are available to support with a range of services. They offer friendly telephone support to help with the emotional wellbeing and mental health of care recipients, perhaps those with fewer visitors or family members to call, for example.

There are also practical services that volunteers can support with, including grocery and essential shopping delivery for individuals, and collection and delivery of medical equipment.

These services can support care home residents’ wellbeing and contribute to improved quality of life.

Volunteers will not undertake any of the duties of care colleagues, but will complement the existing workforce, allowing care and health staff to focus on providing quality care to those who need it most.

Research conducted by Royal Voluntary Service found that volunteer support improved and enriched people’s experiences of care in care home settings. The evidence highlighted further benefits for care recipients, including improved mood, enhanced cognitive functions, and general improvements in care service quality.

The evidence also showed a public interest in care sector volunteering with 43% planning or considering

offering their time. What Volunteer Responders aims to do is make it as straightforward as possible for busy care colleagues to tap into this valuable resource of willing volunteers.

It's quick and simple for care professionals to refer in-need individuals for support from volunteers. Requests for support can be made at a moment’s notice.

Since the expansion of Volunteer Responders, care professionals have begun utilising the programme to support care recipients, adding value and boosting people’s experiences of care. Samantha Aylott, Specialist Advisor in Adult Social Care has been making referrals to the programmes Check In and Chat telephone support services and is encouraging care colleagues to do the same. She said: “It’s immensely helpful to be able to offer people emotional wellbeing support and the opportunity to have a friendly phone call as part of their care package.

Having someone to chat to can mean a lot to the adults we work with; it’s about knowing someone cares and is interested in them.

“I would recommend the programme to other social care providers, it’s quick and easy to use.”

Personal testimonies reveal the profound impact of volunteer phone calls on the lives of those in receipt of care. David Fielden receives regular phone calls as part of the programme.

He said: "I can't express how grateful I am for the volunteer phone calls I receive. Being largely housebound and living with a chronic illness can make you feel so isolated and it's easy to fall into a state of loneliness. These phone calls have truly become the high point of my day. Without [them], my days would be much more difficult and lonelier. I am forever grateful to the volunteers who selflessly give their time to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Volunteer Responders support is available seven days a week and comes with comprehensive support and assurance. There is a helpline, safeguarding team and problem-solving team available between 8am – 8pm every day. Regional Relationship Managers are available in each region to answer questions about the programme, the volunteer support available and how to make a referral.

We want more care providers to make full use of the programme. It’s incredibly straightforward to request volunteer support and I urge anyone interested in exploring this additional service to visit www.nhscarevolunteerresponders.org or call our Support Team on 0808 196 3382 to find out more information or to make a referral.

Care Home Finances Are Complicated: Here’s How To Save Time And Get Them Under Control The finances of a care home group can get very complicated. Some of the headaches include: • The group uses different accounting software and the systems don’t speak to each other.

• A resident can be funded from several sources, such as the NHS, an insurer and multiple relatives.

• Bills might need to be split across multiple homes, legal entities and residents.

• Funds received need to be restricted to a certain use.

• Different care homes have their own systems for purchasing, invoicing and payment runs.

All this leaves your staff bogged down in repetitive, often manual and frustrating work The right accounting software can simplify all this, automate the tasks that take up time and give you a clear and accurate picture of the busi-

ness’s finances.

A single source of truth iplicit's accounting software offers a “single source of truth” – one central system which gives you a complete picture and with an intuitive and user-friendly interface. iplicit frees up staff time and provides better information by: • Handling intercompany transactions, so transactions are correctly allocated to the correct entity.

• Smoothly consolidating the accounts, without lots of manual intervention.

• Easy visibility, enabling you to switch from a group overview to a detailed look at any site, legal entity or transaction.

• Ensuring users in any entity or site can access only the parts of the system relevant to them.

• Each resident has a unique identifier, so it’s easy to track where funding has come from and where it has been spent.

• Easy tracking and reporting when funding is restricted for specified purposes.

• Integrated document storage, with invoices and purchase orders stored alongside the relevant line item.

• Simple approval workflows so spending decisions can be made promptly and are properly recorded.

• Improved cost control and forecasting.

• Easy integration with other software in use in the company.

Efficiencies such as these eliminate many hours of chasing paperwork, rekeying data and manipulating figures in spreadsheets. iplicit’s software puts accurate, real-time data into the hands of managers. You can always see what’s going on across the business without having to wait for hard-pressed staff to finish a laborious month-end close.

Find out more about iplicit, visit www.iplicit.com/who-we-help/care-homes or email info@iplicit.com

THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023 | PAGE 17

PAGE 18 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

Patients Experiencing Two Or More Cancelled Operations Due To NHS Industrial Action Health leaders are warning that increasing numbers of patients who have already had their operation cancelled due to industrial action are having their rescheduled appointments cancelled again – including growing numbers of cancer patients.

Ahead of a coordinated walkout by NHS consultants and junior doctors in England this week, the NHS Confederation has been told by several of its members that the escalated strike action by the BMA is putting more patients at risk than ever.

Health leaders told the NHS Confederation that: • they are very worried about coordinated strike action across consultants and junior doctors, and the risk to patients is as high as it’s ever been.

• many hospitals are having to routinely cancel operations that have already been cancelled at least once – sometimes as many as three times. The clear risk is that the health of some patients will deteriorate the longer they are left to wait.

• this round of industrial action is seeing them forced to cancel a higher number of appointments and operations than before, with a bigger impact on cancer patients than in previous rounds.

• public frustration is growing as hospitals and other providers are often left in a position where they can’t tell patients when their operation or appointment will be rescheduled to.

• hospitals are routinely not booking in patients now, which means the true scale of the impact of strike action won’t be reflected in the official return’s data on cancellation numbers.

• health leaders can’t understand why the government doesn’t recognise the severity of the situation and are worried that Ministers see the situation as ‘business as usual’ now.

• they are worried about how the costs of industrial action – estimated to be more than £1bn already and rising – are hitting already stretched NHS budgets. If this continues, then it will either increase deficits or lead to cut backs elsewhere.

Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “The worst-case scenario of NHS consultants and junior doctors walking out together has become a terrible reality. This is likely to be the biggest walkout the NHS has ever seen, will cause serious disruption, and put patients at the highest level of risk in living memory.

“Leaders are concerned that this dangerous situation is being underestimated by the government, telling us that this feels much different and more complex than previous strikes, with most reporting greater diffi-

culties in rota planning and having to cancel huge numbers of elective operations and appointments in advance.

“This is much worse than before as we’re now seeing patients who have already had an operation cancelled due to industrial action be hit again with a cancellation to their rescheduled appointment.

“Leaders have also told us that this time round a higher number of operations and appointments for cancer patients are being cancelled, meaning that some of the very sickest patients maybe suffering the most.”

With the number of operations cancelled because of industrial action set to top 1 million, leaders are also deeply worried that their elective recovery has been severely compromised and are increasingly frustrated by a failure to acknowledge the impact strikes are having on their efforts.

As well as patients and recovery efforts, ongoing walkouts are affecting the morale of staff, including those who are striking, which is adding to pressures. One leader said that they had seen “a reduction in the number of individuals giving us an insight as to whether they are or aren’t striking. This risks more short notice cancellations and pressure on admin teams.”

Matthew Taylor said: “What our members are telling us suggests that we are becoming trapped in a vicious circle whereby industrial action is making working conditions much worse, resulting in a further desire among staff to strike, or worse, leave completely.

“Health leaders are understanding of staff frustrations around terms and conditions, but desperately want to get back to the business of delivering the best care possible for patients, improving services and reducing waits. At present they are stuck in a cycle of strike preparation and clear up, while the spectre of winter gets ever close.

“With the NHS already heading into a financial crisis, it can ill afford further squeezes to its budget, but recent winter funding is likely to be fast absorbed by the costs of industrial action, so far is estimated to stand at around £1bn, unless we see resolution.

“While there is no suggestion that industrial action is the cause of the backlogs, with over a decade of underfunding largely to blame, it is certainly not helping the NHS’s continuing efforts to reduce waiting lists and is beginning to make the Prime Minister’s pledge on targets look like a fantasy.

“If we’re to escape this increasingly nightmarish scenario for patients, health leaders and the NHS, we must see the government and the BMA talk to each other to find a solution that brings an end to this.”

Norwich Care Home Manager Shows Off A Very Different Side!

A manager of a residential care home in Norwich has shown off a very different side to her day job by qualifying for the British Finals of a Body Building competition.

Emily Carrasquillo from Black Swan’s Laurel Lodge care home on Ipswich Road in Norwich can usually be found managing the care home which supports 31 residents and nearly 40 staff. But out-

Emily performed her routine wearing an individually created bikini, encrusted with a sparkling crystal Black Swan Care Group design, reflecting the Norfolk-based care group who sponsored her for the event.

Emily explained her passion: “I’ve always been passionate about fitness and took up bodybuilding 7 years ago. Doing the competi-

side of work, her passion is fitness and body building and, together

tions has been exhilarating and I’m absolutely delighted to have

with her partner, she takes part in competitions in the UK.

qualified for the national championships.

In the most recent UK Ultimate Physique regional competition in York, she qualified for the British Finals, in which she will go head-

I am just as passionate about bodybuilding as I am with being a registered care home manager. I manage my time very well by

to-head (or body to body!) against some of the best physiques in

training at 3.30am to then go straight to work. I’m very grateful to

the UK, with the winner to be crowned the UK’s Ultimate Physiques

Black Swan who have sponsored me, and I can’t wait to take part in

British Champion in their chosen category.

the championships final in York on 1st October.”

Registration For The Multi Award-Winning Care Show Is Now Open Registration for the Care Show, taking place at NEC Birmingham on 11-12 October, is now live.

Free-to-attend for care and healthcare professionals, the Care Show is the must-attend annual event for the entire care sector, bringing together professionals looking to connect with their community, gain new insights, exchange ideas, and revolutionise social care.

This year’s conference programme will deliver key updates across social care and carefully curated content focusing on current issues and debates in the sector, including improving culture to help develop people and workforce, sharing best practice around care home design and improving environments for staff and residents, technology and digital evolution to help deliver a better level of care, guides to help your achieve an outstanding rating from CQC, tips to help the dayto-day running of your business and an exclusive workshop-style theatre for care managers.

Michael Corbett, Portfolio Director at CloserStill Media (organiser of the Care Show), said: “We are delighted to be back with a bigger show, which has been created with the care sector at mind. Working more closely with independent care providers and the large national chains, this year’s Care Show is aimed towards those from line staff making a difference every day, to the owners, c-suite and Directors who are helping create a growing industry.

New for 2023, the Care Show will be co-located with Retirement Living Show, an event for professionals working to create independence for senior living, from raising finance, construction, business model, understanding legalities, and architecture to affordable living.

The Care Show was awarded “Best Trade Event over 2000sqm” in April at the Exhibition News Awards 2023, and Best UK Tradeshow 4,001sqm – 8,000 sqm in June at the AEO Excellence Awards 2023.

FREE tickets for all care and healthcare professionals are available at www.careshow.co.uk/tcuk

Roman History Buff” Resident At Bognor Regis Home Visits Iconic Landmark

A resident described as a “Roman history buff” visited an iconic landmark as part of his Seize the Day experience.

Ken Wooding lives at MHA Greenways and visited the Fishbourne Roman Palace.

Ken was accompanied by Roy and Bruce, fellow residents and history lovers and they had a great adventure.

The initiative encourages residents to re-experience activities or events from the past or to do something they would like to do for the first time.

Ken was also given the opportunity to dress in Roman attire, something he enjoyed thoroughly.

Joanne Mitchell, activity coordinator said: “Ken was like a different person when we visited the palace.

“He is a Roman History buff, and you could see his eyes light up as he was going around the palace. We are very lucky as West Sussex has a lot of Roman history, so to have the palace close to us was perfect.

“Prior to visiting I asked Ken’s family whether or not he had been there before, and I was told he loved it there. He was full of conversation, and I have never seen him talk so much.

“He was telling me all about Roman history and it was great to hear his knowledge on Roman history.

“It was a brilliant day and to top it off we all had coffee and cake in the cafe.

“When we returned Ken’s family came in and he was so excited telling them of his adventure and how much he enjoyed himself.”

PAGE 20 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

Data Protection: Understanding the Rules

By Tracy Pez, Data Protection Consultant - Data Protection People (www.dataprotectionpeople.com) In the realm of health and social care organisations, the implementation of National Data Guardian (NDG) standards and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UKGDPR) principles is not only paramount but essential. Together the UKGDPR and NDG standards safeguard sensitive information and ensure the resilience of critical services against potential disruptions, like cyber-attacks.

Exploring the interplay between the ten NDG standards and the seven principles of the UKGDPR reveals insightful connections and highlights areas of best practice for health and social care organisations that process personal and sensitive data.

The first NDG standard emphasises secure handling, storage, and transmission of personal and confidential data. This aligns harmoniously with the UKGDPR's sixth principle which necessitates controllers (i.e. care facilities) ensure data security through appropriate measures. These can be technical, or organisational measures such as policies and procedures.

The second NDG standard focuses on staff responsibilities.

Similar conditions in the UKGDPR include Article 24(2) which emphasises the need to implement data protection policies and Article 5(2) which requires demonstratable compliance with data protection principles. The UK’s information commissioner flags that leadership is crucial to compliance and that staff at all levels must have clear responsibilities for data protection-related activities.

The third NDG standard calls for regular data security training and competency assessments for staff.

While the UKGDPR lacks specificity, it underscores the importance of training and awareness to translate policies into practice.

The fourth NDG standard advocates data access on a need-to-know basis, echoing the UKGDPR principles of data minimisation and storage limitation. The UKGDPR's emphasis on privacy by design highlights the importance of access control. The essence here is that access should be based on necessity, and

revoked when that necessity ceases.

The fifth NDG standard highlights the importance of investigating data breaches and periodically reviewing and improving processes which could compromise data security. This aligns with the UKGDPR where controllers must investigate all breaches and review the effectiveness of the measures it puts in place. This allows organisations to learn and improve.

The sixth NDG standard focuses on countering cyber-attacks saying that cyber-attacks must be identified, resisted and responded to. The UKGDPR meanwhile casts a wider net regarding security, also including physical security and non-cyber attacks.

The seventh NDG standard requires business continuity plans to be in place regarding threats to data security. The UKGDPR is again not so prescriptive but expects measures to be implemented to restore the availability and access to personal data in the event of a physical or technical incident. A regularly tested business continuity plan is a great first step in addressing this obligation.

The eighth NDG standard requires that no unsupported operating systems, software or internet browsers are used. The UKGDPR does not expressly prohibit old and unsupported systems from being used but does require a risk-based approach to be taken when determining the control measures to implement to protect data.

The ninth NDG standard states that a strategy is required for protecting IT systems from cyber threats.

The UKGDPR requires the implementation of data protection policies by the controller where proportionate.

In a care setting, given the nature of the health data, implementing IT strategies and policies would be considered proportionate.

The tenth NDG standard again aligns with the UKGDPR and requires suppliers of IT systems and services to understand their obligations as processors under the UKGDPR and the NDG standards. An appropriate data processing or sharing agreement should be in place prior to sharing data with any third parties.

In summary, the NDG standards as a code of conduct, and the UKGDPR as a piece of legislation, are inherently compatible. The NDG Standards can provide a foundation for implementing appropriate measures as required by the UKGDPR. If in doubt over how best to implement either, reach out to an information governance or privacy practitioner. We don’t bite and are pragmatic in trying to find solutions to data protection challenges.

Catherine House Care Home Welcomes Home Library Service Catherine House Care home has partnered with Somerset Libraries’ Home Library Service, opening their doors to welcome their residents to the wonderful world of literature.

The Home Library Service is a bespoke book delivery service that is fully funded and available for the residents, fondly referred to as family members by the home, who are no longer able to go to the library for their books of choice.

Volunteer led, books are picked based on the reader’s interests and hand delivered every 4 weeks, giving those who receive them enough time to read through what they have chosen and then exchange for new ones. As the weeks pass, volunteers can befriend family members and bond over the joy of reading.

Not only does the Home Library Service deliver books, but there are also audiobooks and tablets available to borrow, making the service accessible for those with sight loss and granting access to a wide range of books, newspapers, and magazines online.

It is widely known that reading can be a great brain exercise, as well as a relaxing outlet to relieve stress levels. Stimulating stories with captivating illustrations can ignite feelings of joy, curiosity, and nostalgia, especially if a person has been an avid reader in their lifetime. The service has exemplified the importance of such communal gatherings in promoting a sense of belonging and shared experiences. The team remain dedicated to crafting more heartwarming experiences that enrich the lives of its residents and bring the community closer together.

Free Pay Benchmarking Data For Providers In Adult Social Care - Take Part in Survey For many employers in the adult social care sector, rising operating costs are compounding existing pressures posed by limited local authority funding and staff shortages. A new survey being undertaken by independent analysts at Incomes Data Research (IDR) looks at the labour market pressures currently faced by providers. It also aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of pay and conditions for staff working in the adult social care sector in England, covering some 26 roles across residential and domiciliary care, nursing and allied health professions and community care.

The survey is being undertaken on behalf of the trade union UNISON as part of work to underpin its campaign for a National Care Service in England: a nationally recognised institution that would bring about consistent standards of care for older and disabled people, and consistent terms and conditions for the workforce. Wes Streeting, the Shadow Health Secretary, has also expressed his intention to explore the prospect of implementing such a service with the ultimate long-term aim of providing free care at the point of use. ‘With a General Election due before the end of next year and the prospect of a new administration, this survey offers providers across the

adult social care sector in England a real opportunity to feed into proposals that could start taking shape, at least in terms of uniform care standards and pay and conditions, in the foreseeable future,’ says Katherine Heffernan, Principal Researcher at IDR. As a ‘thank you’ for taking part, all respondents to the survey will receive a free detailed summary report with an overview of pay and benefits provision in the sector, as well as the steps providers have taken to address recruitment and retention difficulties. ‘None of the pay data that individual respondents provide will be shared with UNISON or directly linked to them in the final report – we will just be reporting aggregate results such as median and average pay rates across the wider sample,’ Heffernan explains. ‘The survey looks quite long at first sight given the number of jobs we are benchmarking but participants can easily skip over any questions that aren’t relevant to their setting. My colleagues and I are also very happy to talk through survey questions in person if preferred – our contact details are in the survey.’

The survey, which is open throughout September, can be accessed at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Pay-and-Conditions-Adult-Social-Care-2023/

Blueleaf Launches New Product Guide to Show Latest Innovation in Care Beds and Pressure Care Mattress Design Blueleaf Care, the nationwide business that helps care homes deliver better outcomes, has released a new product guide for its range of care beds and pressure care mattresses, to help care providers choose the most suitable beds and mattresses for their residents.

Its collection of care beds consists of eight products, each with key features to accommodate the specific needs of care home residents. All beds, for example, have adjustable heights - the ‘Ultra Low Floorbed’ goes as low as 67mm off floor level – to improve accessibility for residents with limited mobility and to minimise the risk of injury in the event of a fall.

Blueleaf works with the bed manufacturers to ensure that the beds also support the carers to give the best care. An adjustment in the bed design, for example, means that when purchased with a Blueleaf mattress, beds do not require a third rail and still meet industry regulations for rail to mattress height. This also saves time in an environment where time is a rare commodity, and supports improved health and safety as they are not having to remove and install the rail each time.

Other features include a lockable handset and a range of upholstery options. Various wood finishes are also available for a design tailored to every individual room. With ease and efficiency in mind, all beds have a toolless assembly, removing the need for specialist equipment; and they use standard components, meaning that

they’re easy to fix should they require repairs; and many components are simply plug and play connections.

Additionally, Blueleaf’s collection of pressure care mattresses provide a vital solution to another widely prevalent challenge in care homes: the prevention, cure and treatment of pressure ulcers. The collection comprises the ‘SXM’ range of static mattresses and the ‘Easy Care’ range of dynamic mattresses, with the latter also featuring a cushion system and multifunctional pumps. The collection also includes the ‘Integra-mat’ which is exclusive to Blueleaf and can be used as a static or fully dynamic mattress, and the ‘Pressureguard’ which is a mattress system with adjustable height air cells to achieve zero pressure.

Each product contains various features that make them suitable for a wide range of residents with grade 1-4 pressure ulcers. The collection also delivers a range of benefits for carers. For instance, the highly advanced pump system automatically weighs the resident and adjusts mattress pressure accordingly, removing the need for manual weight input and individual pressure adjustment.

To download more information on Blueleaf’s range of beds and mattresses, or to book a meeting, please visit: www.blueleafcare.com/our-services/products/care-home-equipment/care-beds-and-pressure-caremattresses

Improving the Safety and Reliability of Mouth Care for Vulnerable People As the UK’s population continues to grow there has been a shift in the age structure towards later ages meaning we have an ageing population. While growing older does not necessarily equate with increased morbidity and dependency, ageing is often associated with increased needs for care and support. This include mouth care!

Studies show that as we age many people are retaining more of their own natural teeth.

Whilst this is, ‘a good thing’ the mouth care needs of people receiving care and support is now more complex and changeable with increasing dependency levels. Good oral health and general health are closely linked, and, poor oral health can have severe consequences on the general health of vulnerable people. For example, the relationship between advanced gum disease and cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes and obesity are an undisputed fact. Mental health disorders such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease also affect the oral health of older people.

Removing barriers to good mouth care: With age, the level of dependency of older people tends to increase. Highly dependent older people, whether they are at home or living in a care setting, may not be mobile enough to visit a dentist. We need a care system that provides support for improving the safety and delivery of ‘good mouth care’ on a ‘daily basis’ as well as access to dental services. Maintaining good mouth care is a fundamental factor for improving quality of life when in a care setting since many oral conditions are chronic in nature, cumulative over time, and socially patterned.

Reducing harm and delivering safe, effective and reliable mouth care: As people are retaining their natural teeth, care providers face an increased need and demand for the delivery of good mouth care on a daily basis. They need to ensure that staff have access to the ‘right tools’ in order to do the ‘right job’ to deliver safe , reliable and effective mouth care every time first time. They need to provide training and education to the whole workforce, at all levels, to meet the increasing needs of the elderly, whilst understanding that age-associated changes in systemic health and medication use can impact oral health and function.

At Oral Care Innovations we concentrate on what we know best. We work closely with health and care professionals nationally to develop new innovative mouth care products that meet the needs of our residents and patients. But that’s not where it ends. We share best practice and support care providers to develop a ‘Mouth Care Policy’ with bespoke training and resources that provides staff with the ‘right skills’ to carry out safe, reliable and effective mouth care every time.

Effective mouthcare helps to maintain health, wellbeing and dignity, and contributes to quality of life. It is particularly important that vulnerable older people receive additional help to look after their mouth and keep it clean.

It is essential that all care staff are suitably trained and skilled to provide good mouthcare. Training and skill development should take place at induction and throughout their working career. Ensuring staff have the right product, to do the right job to reduce risk factors by delivering good mouth care every time is key in delivering good care.

OCI are pleased to launch its new product Mc3S. This builds on the success of its sister product the Mc3, but with added

SAFE, EFFECTIVE AND RELIABLE MOUTH CARE PRODUCTS Discover the wide range of MC mouth care products to deliver safe, reliable and effective mouth care with confidence. Our products were developed following a medical safety alert from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency which involved the use of foam mouth swabs. Over 800 patient safety incidents have been reported by The National Patient Safety Agency, where the foam headed products either become detached or pieces of the foam head were torn off and retained or lodged in the mouth. Foam mouth swabs have been banned across Wales and many Healthcare Trusts across the UK. Discover our safe, reliable and effective mouth care resources.

The Mc3 can help prevent the risk factors associated with Community Associated Pneumonia and other systemic diseases.

Mc3 is a safe replacement for all sponge mouth swabs. The cone shaped head and soft round filaments soothe the tongue and soft tissues when cleansing the inside of the mouth.

The Mc3S suction can help prevent the risk factors associated with Community Associated Pneumonia for people who have an impaired swallow and require suctioning. The cone shaped head and soft round filaments cleansing the inside of the mouth whilst removing sticky secretions and saliva via suctioning. The finger hold manages and controls the degree of suction by increasing and reducing flow. The unique addition of a soft ‘blade’ enables stubborn caked secretions to be removed safely and effectively.

The Mc4 can reduce bacterial build up, food debris, fungi and dead cells from the surface of the tongue that are related to many common oral and general health problems. Designed with a soft and tactile ridged head that gently scrapes the surface of the tongue to remove dead cells and bacteria build up safely

suction ability to use with our portable suction machines.

Check out our range of Mouth Care ‘End of Life Resources’.

Safe mouth care products in one place

For more information contact our team on: Sales@oralcareinnovations.co.uk Telephone: +44 (0) 1492 701277

The Mc6 can be used to moisten the lips, tongue and soft tissues inside the mouth.

With a slow flow of water from two drip holes, a gentle compression against the lips or inside the mouth is enough to provide a slow controlled flow of liquid to the mouth safely. This reduces the risk of choking.

www.oralcareinnovations.co.uk

PAGE 22 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

"Ugliness Kills" The Lifesaving Necessity of Aesthetic Design in Elderly Care

By Roeland Pelgrims Co-Founder and CEO of Nobi Smart Lamps (www.nobi.life) In the complex world of elderly care, where safety and security are the top priorities, design often falls by the wayside. However, this is a mistake, and one that comes at the cost of people’s wellbeing and potentially their lives.

Scientists have proven that surrounding patients, and the residents of longer-term care facilities, with good lighting, beautiful design and a connection to nature will speed their recovery, and dramatically improve their quality of life. So why is it that medical tech developers doggedly prioritise functionality over form, making assistive technology clinical, obvious, stigmatising and ugly?

Nobi aims to contribute revolutionary, lifesaving fall detection and prevention technology to the Agetech sector without compromising on design. In the past, Agetech has tended to view older people purely as passive receivers of care. But that is not how we see them, and for their mental and physical wellbeing it is imperative that this is not how they see themselves. The award-winning Nobi Smart Lamps support older people to continue living as independently as possible, offering a reliable safety system, while blending seamlessly into their surroundings.

THE RESTORATIVE POWER OF BEAUTY Science has shown that waking up every day surrounded by ugly medical equipment can diminish a person’s wellbeing and sense of self. Some may find this hard to believe. We rarely stop to consider that the impact of beauty isn’t just psychological; it’s physiological. A landmark study, conducted by Roger S Ulrich demonstrated that patients in rooms with garden views convalesce faster than those who are stuck staring at a brick wall. But this isn’t just about pleasant views, it shows that our surroundings have a measurable impact on our physical health. Being surrounded by beauty led to shorter postoperative hospital stays, fewer negative evaluative comments from nursing staff, less

moderate to strong medication, and fewer postoperative complications. Results that are very hard to ignore.

Laura Gilpin further expanded on the idea of using aesthetics to accelerate healing. She found that displaying psychologically appropriate artwork reduces stress and improves pain relief outcomes. Other studies, conducted by Eastman et al., and Beauchemin & Hays, highlight the restorative power of light. They showed that bright light therapy had an antidepressant effect when compared with a placebo, and that patients treated in sunny rooms had a significantly shorter stay in hospital on average, when compared with patients treated in dim rooms.

PUTTING THE RESEARCH INTO PRACTICE All of this works together to confirm something that we already instinctively know; that well lit, nicely decorated surroundings with a connection to nature in the form of a garden, will make someone feel happier and healthier than being confined in a dimly lit space with nothing but bare walls. So, what can we do to help already over-

stretched care facilities implement these practices for their residents?

Long term care facilities, assisted living facilities, and hospice care are necessary services, that most people will encounter in some form throughout their lives, whether it is as a family member, resident or member of staff. These places should be as welcoming and comforting as possible; an oasis where older people can continue their lives with the support and care that they need to maintain their dignity and quality of life. Instead, for many they are clinical and cold.

Innovators in the AgeTech space are helping to bring about this change, one item at a time. Nobi smart lamps bring a wealth of hight tech functionality to protect and support vulnerable people, whilst also bringing the healing powers of warm light and beautiful design. These lamps are designed to work with residents to prevent and detect falls without looking like a medical device.

The lamps blend into a room and bring medical functionality, but with a home appeal. Implementing more features like this will in turn free up care professionals time to focus on one-to-one care.

A shift in this space to prioritise quality of life is long overdue. We have a wealth of scientific evidence to support taking a more holistic approach to healing and health, where every aspect of someone’s life is incorporated into their care plan. The sector is overstretched, with staff shortages creating stress. For this reason, introducing a new approach, that prioritise form as well as function, beauty as well as basic care, must be baked in from the ground up. Change doesn’t happen overnight, especially in a sector as a large and complex as adult social care. However, now that we can quantify the healing power of beauty it would be inexcusable to ignore it.

For more information on the Nobi Lamps please visit: https://www.nobi.life/en_GB

Three Centenarians Celebrate Their Birthdays at York Care Home Three centenarians at RMBI Care Co. Home Connaught Court, in York, have recently celebrated their milestone birthdays. With Ron Shelley turning 101 years old, Constance Ireland at 102 years old, and Noreen McCullough at 104 years old.

All three residents enjoyed a celebration with a homemade cake, a bottle of sherry and gifts from their fellow residents and staff at the Home.

and it was through music that she met her husband. Constance continued singing throughout her life, which she feels has been good for her overall health and fitness. This includes participating in large choirs, madrigal groups, solo and festival works.

Her secret to having a long and happy life?

She said: “It must be the music that keeps me going! I’ve got to keep up with my family, and keep going!”

NOREEN MCCULLOUGH RON SHELLEY Ron Shelley, who is a World War Two veteran, fulfilled a life-long ambition in 2021 when he flew in a hot air balloon over Yorkshire.

During the Second World War, Ron was a wireless operator. He was sent to France six days after D-Day in 1944, aged just 22. He was involved in sending out false missives to “confound and confuse” the enemy.

He has enjoyed a life full of travel and adventure with army postings all over the world. He continued his passion for radio as an amateur radio enthusiast.

CONSTANCE IRELAND Constance was born on September 1921 in Luton. At 14 years old, Constance left school to become an apprentice in ladies fashion, working in a family run department store in Luton. She worked in the industry until she was in her 60’s.

Constance met her husband Antony when she was called up into the Auxiliary Territorial Service during WW2.

Music has always been a very big part of life’s pleasures for Constance. As a child she started singing,

Noreen was born in Nottinghamshire, on September 1919. She trained in secretarial and shorthand, but at the age of 20 when WW2 broke out, she was recruited by the Auxiliary Territorial Service, which took her around the country.

Following the end of the war, she took employment at the Nottinghamshire Police in administration, and was the only female staff member in her office.

Today Noreen has one grandson, and likes to keep active. She enjoys reading and writing, socialising with her friends, and a glass of sherry.

Celebrating her 104th birthday, she says: “I couldn’t ever stop, always on the go! My lovely garden kept me going. I had a wonderful husband and a very happy marriage. I’ve kept well, and busy, and have so many happy memories.”

Fran Tagg, Activities Coordinator at Connaught Court, said: “All three residents are wonderful people, full of energy. It was an honour to celebrate their special birthdays at our Home.”

Lilian Faithfull Care Celebrates Carer Wendy Heeks’ 45 Years Of Service!

A surprise party was awaiting Wendy Heeks this morning to celebrate her 45 years of working as a carer at St Faith’s nursing home in Cheltenham.

Wendy is the charity’s longest serving member of staff! Could Wendy be the longest working Carer in Gloucestershire county?

Staff gathered to mark this amazing anniversary, shared memories of working together and celebrated her special contribution to the charity.

Suzanne Booker, Director of Care said, “I think it is an incredible achievement for Wendy to have worked her whole career here. To think of the massive impact she has had on so many people’s lives, to give that loyalty and to see all the experience she has, as well as all the new starters she has mentored – she is a great example to care and to our charity.”

Wendy started at St Faith’s in 1978 when she was 17 and has been working there as a carer ever since. “I’ve got married and had children and worked nights for many years to fit round the family but now I’m happy to be back on days – they are flexible here.” Wendy was inspired to go into care by her mum,

“Mum worked 45 years in home care – it used to be called the home help in those days and in the six weeks holidays she used to take me along with her.”

What has kept Wendy at Lilian Faithfull Care? “It’s because it’s a charity rather than being done for profit and money making gain. We are always given everything we need, all the proper equipment and I’ve always enjoyed the people that I work with and the residents. Now I’m older I’m enjoying working days and getting involved with the families and hearing their stories. There has always been the opportunities here too. You’ve got to go with the flow.”

Would Wendy recommend working in care? “Honestly, yes I would recommend it. It’s a caring and rewarding job. If I can, I’m going to do another five years!”

Lilian Faithfull Care are incredibly proud that Wendy is their longest ever serving member of staff, and as Wendy says, “Everyone knows who I am now!”

THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023 | PAGE 23

Care England Sets Out New Social Care Roadmap Care England, has announced the launch of Care For Our Future, a roadmap for delivering sustainable adult social care. Setting out the sector’s priorities across three key themes – workforce, funding and integration – the roadmap issues a series of policy recommendations for the next Government to implement within 100 days, 2 years and 5 years of entering office. The plan is backed by major representative groups from across the sector.

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, says: “Adult social care affects all of us. From the vital care and support delivered to our loved ones to the £51.5bn contributed to the English economy every year, all our futures depend on a well-resourced and resilient sector. This roadmap harnesses the sector’s talent and enthusiasm to provide a blueprint for the next Government to move us towards the sustainable future our sector and society so desperately needs.”

“The recommendations are pragmatic, realistic and would deliver meaningful impact. This includes a multi-billion pound boost to the economy, shorter NHS waiting times and care work becoming a valued and rewarded career. It is incumbent upon the incoming Government, whatever their political persuasion, to put the future of adult social care at the heart of its vision for the country and this roadmap represents the foundations on which to do so.”

Care England’s latest publication, Care For Our Future: The roadmap to a sustainable future for adult social care, strikes a balance between addressing the urgent needs of the adult social care sector and remaining pragmatic and deliverable amid a challenging economic and political landscape. Care For Our Future represents a comprehensive and ambitious programme for the next Government.

To improve the quality of care, boost the economy and empower the sector’s workforce, Care England is calling on the next Government to commit to: Within 100 days of the next Government taking office: • Mandate the professional registration of adult social care staff in England • Zero-rate VAT for welfare services in England • Mandate direct adult social care representation at all ICS levels in England Within two years of the next Government taking office: • Implement a fully-funded £15 minimum care wage and develop parity of esteem with NHS staff • Close the Fair Cost of Care funding gap and repeat the exercise at a

sector-wide level • Publish a strategy for hospital discharge which introduces a national tariff of £1,500 per week Within five years of the next Government taking office: • Consolidate reforms within a fully-funded, long-term adult social care workforce plan • Deliver a long-term adult social care funding settlement, with a £10bn annual funding boost • Deliver a fully mapped prevention and integration plan Martin Green continues: “To make real progress, we need real change. This is something organisations from across the health and social care system are actively calling for. Our roadmap accounts for the challenging economic situation likely to be inherited by the next Government, prioritising measures that would stabilise the sector in the immediate term and transform care over the next five years. By giving the sector the resources and confidence it needs, the next Government can play a decisive role in delivering an adult social care sector that is fit for our future and that the nation can be proud of.”

Steve Brine MP, Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee, said in support of a fully-funded, long-term adult social care workforce plan: “I fully support Care England’s call for a long term workforce strategy for the adult social care sector, which desperately needs stability and long-term funding commitments in order to deliver its vital services and help free up bed capacity in the NHS. I hope that Ministers read the report carefully and provide a full response in due course.”

Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), said in support of implementing a fully-funded £15 minimum care wage and developing parity of esteem with NHS staff: “This is a much-needed intervention from Care England. The staffing crisis in social care can’t be fixed unless we improve pay and conditions. A £15 an hour minimum wage would be a game-changer and crucially keep more skilled carers in the profession. The current situation is unsustainable. Up and down the country people are waiting longer for the support they need because care workers are quitting in their droves. Investing in our social care workforce is a no-brainer. It will improve care services, help clear the backlog in the NHS and boost the economy.”

Rebecca Pearson, General Manager of UK Care Services at Bupa Care Services, said in support of zero-rating VAT for welfare services: “At a time when sustainable financial initiatives are needed in the

adult social care sector, change to VAT treatment would offer a longerterm means for care providers to manage their increasing costs. With a recruitment crisis within the sector, providers need the ability to attract talent both domestically and internationally, and this newly-created initiative would free-up resource to incentivise workers and facilitate international recruitment.”

Andrew Knight, Chief Executive of Care UK, said in support of a hospital discharge strategy and £1,500 minimum national discharge tariff: “If [care providers] were paid consistently and fairly across the sector, then providers such as ourselves would be better able to support the NHS by putting in place care frameworks designed to improve the speed and effectiveness of discharges – ultimately resulting in a more joined-up approach that improves the experience of patients and their families. Without paying providers a rate which enables them to reinvest in developing their services and expanding capacity, finding care home places to discharge patients from hospital will only become more challenging as we face increased demand for specialist care from an ageing population with complex care needs.”

Karolina Gerlich, CEO of the Care Workers’ Charity (CWC), said in support of mandatory professional registration of adult social care staff: “The Care Workers Charity welcomes Care England’s recommendation to mandate the professional registration of adult social care staff in England. The adult social care workforce is the sector’s most valuable asset and something that should be recognised, appreciated and celebrated. A professional register would help raise the status of working in care, and highlight the fantastic and life-changing work colleagues across the sector do on a day to day basis.”

Jake Rollin, Director of Commissioned Care and Commercial Support at HC-One, said in support of a hospital discharge strategy and £1,500 national discharge tariff: “Care England’s recommendation of a £1,500 national tariff for discharge represents a pragmatic lever to help improve the hospital discharge process. The price is only part of the problem though. We need to go back to basics and improve the current commissioning, contracting and pathway practice within the sector. If we get these right, along with the price, we will unlock capacity within the system and assure success for those who draw on care and support.”

The full Care For Our Future report is accessible at https://tinyurl.com/mrr8pfme

New Visa Fees Set To Come Into Effect Next Month Increases to immigration and nationality fees to pay for vital services and allow more funding to be prioritised for public sector pay rises are set come into effect on 4 October, following legislation being laid in Parliament.

The changes mean that the cost for a visit visa for less than six months is rising by £15 to £115, while the fee for applying for a student visa from outside the UK will rise by £127 to £490, to equal the amount charged for in-country applications.

In July, the government announced a 15% increase in the cost of most work and visit visas, and an increase of at least 20% in the cost of priority visas, study visas and certificates of sponsorship.

Income from fees charged plays a vital role in the Home Office’s ability to run a sustainable immigration and nationality system.

Careful consideration is given when setting fees to help reduce the funding contribution from British taxpayers, whilst continuing to provide a service that remains attractive to those wishing to work in the UK and support broader prosperity for all.

The changes include: • Fees for up to 6 months, 2, 5 and 10 year visit visas.

• The majority of fees for entry clearance and certain applications for leave to remain in the UK including those for work and study.

• Fees for indefinite leave to enter and indefinite leave to remain.

• Convention travel document and stateless person’s travel document.

• Health and Care visa.

• Fees in relation to certificates of sponsorship and confirmation of acceptance for studies.

• The in and out of country fee for the super priority service and the out of country fee for the priority service.

The settlement priority service will reduce so it is aligned with the cost of using the priority service.

• Applications to Register and Naturalise as a British Citizen.

• The fee for the User Pays Visa Application service.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the immigration and nationality fees will increase from 4 October 2023. The changes do not include the planned increase to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which are scheduled to be introduced later in the Autumn.

A full list of the new fees can be found at: Visa fees transparency data – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

BACP Warns That Older Dementia Patients Are Missing Out On Vital Talking Therapies Psychotherapy (BACP) warns that many older dementia patients are missing out on vital talking therapies, which could significantly improve their lives.

Alzheimer’s UK has estimated that 209,600 people will develop dementia this year, that’s one person every three minutes.

BACP is highlighting that in the early stages of dementia, depression and dementia are difficult to distinguish which often leads to depression being missed and not treated.

BACP also believes the situation is exacerbated by the stigma around dementia and depression for older people, which is preventing them from accessing services.

Data from the NHS Talking Therapies (Formerly Improving Access to Psychological Therapies, IAPT) programme in England consistently shows

that, despite better than average recovery rates for those who receive therapy, uptake of the service is low among older people.

Jeremy Bacon, Third Sector Lead at BACP, said: “In the early stages of dementia, it’s often assumed that all the changes we see in patients are all related to dementia, when in fact they can be symptoms of depression – which are treatable, reversible, and not part of dementia’s neurological condition.

“Living with dementia commonly gives rise to feelings of depression, anxiety, and loss as people struggle to adjust to changes in their cognition, behaviour, and personality. The difficulty in diagnosis is enhanced by the negative stereotypes associated with age and dementia.

“Stigma and stereotyping of dementia can prevent people from acknowledging symptoms and obtaining the help they need, such as talk-

ing therapies. We need to normalise talking therapies, like counselling, to help people realise the profound and positive impact it can have on their lives.”

One recent study by University College London that examined data from the NHS Talking Therapies service for people with dementia – who also had clinically significant anxiety or depression – found that 63% of patients saw a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety, and around 40% recovered completely, after completing a course of talking therapies.

“Mental ill health is one of the greatest health challenges of this decade for all age groups, but particularly for the older generations,” added Jeremy.

Residents Of Macclesfield Care Home Welcome Some Unusual Visitors Macclesfield’s Rowans Care Centre had an afternoon of fun with two ponies trotting into the home.

The ponies spent the morning receiving love from residents and staff and enjoyed being petted both in the garden and in residents’ rooms, for those who were unable to go outside.

Animal therapy, such as interacting with ponies, offers a wide range of benefits contributing to improved physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This includes reducing stress, enhancing relaxation, uplifting mood, and fostering social interaction.

Sandra Senior, care centre manager said: “Our goal is to consistently plan

delightful activities for our residents, and the ponies visit has proved to be an extraordinary triumph.

“It was great to see the ponies bring laughter and smiles to our residents’ faces, it shows the profound impact of animals and the benefits and joy they bring to our residents."

One resident said: “The ponies visit was a marvellous experience!

“Being able to pet and interact with these magnificent creatures was truly brilliant.

“The ponies' calm and friendly nature made it even more special, and I’m looking forward to their next visit.”

PAGE 24 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Ensuring Safe and Sustainable Waste Management In the intricate web of adult social care, an often overlooked but critical aspect is waste management. Within the confines of care and nursing homes in the UK, effective handling, storage, and disposal of various waste types is not just a regulatory requirement; it is an ethical imperative. This feature article dives into the depths of waste management within care environments, illuminating the careful management of clinical, hazardous, and infectious waste. From meticulous risk assessments to innovative disposal methods, we explore the multifaceted approach that ensures the well-being of residents, staff, and the environment.

THE HIDDEN RISKS: CLINICAL, HAZARDOUS, AND INFECTIOUS WASTE: Behind the scenes of compassionate care lies a multitude of waste materials – clinical byproducts, hazardous substances, and infectious agents. Each comes with a unique set of risks, necessitating rigorous risk assessments. Clinical waste includes discarded dressings, swabs, and medical equipment, while hazardous waste encompasses chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Infectious waste involves contaminated items carrying pathogens. Identifying and evaluating these risks is fundamental to maintaining a safe care environment.

SEGREGATION AT THE SOURCE: A CROSS-CONTAMINATION CRUSADE:

In the battle against cross-contamination, segregation emerges as a stalwart ally. Color-coded waste containers, an emblem of UK waste management, are an essential tool. The palette of colors – yellow for infectious waste, orange for clinical waste, purple for hazardous waste, and more – functions as a visual aid, guiding staff to deposit waste correctly. This prevents hazardous mixing, fortifying infection control efforts and safeguarding residents and staff.

NAVIGATING DISPOSAL LABYRINTHS: LEGISLATION AND LEGAL OBLIGATIONS: Guiding the labyrinthine paths of waste disposal are stringent regulations and legal obligations. UK care homes are bound by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Controlled Waste Regulations 2012, which outline the standards for waste management.

To traverse this landscape, care homes must work in tandem with licensed waste carriers, ensuring safe and compliant transportation and disposal. Adhering to these laws is not just mandatory; it's a pledge to environmental stewardship. The Department of Health has published revised guidance on the Safe management of healthcare waste. This details the legislative and practical requirements of managing the waste. https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/management-anddisposal-of-healthcare-waste-htm-07-01/

FROM POLICY TO PRACTICE: IMPLEMENTATION AND STAFF EMPOWERMENT: Waste management transcends written policies – it's a culture. Care homes must craft comprehensive waste management policies that embody legal mandates and industry best practices. However, policies are only as effective as their implementation. Regular staff training sessions transform care providers into waste management sentinels.

Designating a waste management coordinator further strengthens the

commitment, streamlining communication and bolstering policy enforcement.

THE KALEIDOSCOPE OF WASTE DISPOSAL: DIFFERENT TYPES, DIFFERENT METHODS: Navigating the maze of waste disposal requires an understanding of waste types and appropriate disposal methods. Clinical waste, saturated with potential pathogens, undergoes incineration. Hazardous waste follows a convoluted path, with chemicals often requiring specialist disposal. Infectious waste, concealed contagions, faces autoclaving or chemical treatment. Each method underscores the mission of eradicating risk.

LOOKING AHEAD: SUSTAINABILITY AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION: The future of waste management in care homes glimmers with sustainable solutions. Facilities are exploring waste-to-energy conversion, where waste generates power. Technological advancements offer smarter waste tracking and reporting, empowering care homes to refine their practices. The nexus of innovation and sustainability paints a promising horizon for waste management.

Waste management in UK care and nursing homes isn't confined to bins and regulations; it's a pledge to uphold the dignity, health, and safety of residents. The intricate dance of handling, storing, and disposing of clinical, hazardous, and infectious waste demands diligence, awareness, and a commitment to legal mandates. As care homes embrace the tapestry of waste management – from risk assessment to color-coded containers – they weave a story of responsible care, environmental guardianship, and a commitment to a healthier future.

Care Homes Spending Up To £50,000 A Year Sending Food Waste To Landfill The average UK business is spending over £50,000 every year on sending food waste to landfill, however, recycling food waste could save care homes up to £7,000 a year, according to new research from Keenan Recycling.

Despite this, only a third (36%) of care homes say that they recycle food waste in order to minimise financial losses and only a third (34%) recycle food waste to avoid costly fines.

However, new legislation due to land in 2024, is expected to mandate that any business producing over 5kg of food waste will need to separate and recycle its waste through a registered food waste carrier service.

Failure to comply could put care homes at risk of potentially hefty financial penalties-with fixed penalty notices starting from £300.

The legislation is due to be introduced by both DEFRA and the Welsh Government, who are expected to enact the provisions of the Environment Act 2021, and thereby make the separation of food waste from other waste streams a requirement.

For more insights from the research, visit: The ideal picture of food waste – Keenan Recycling at https://keenanrecycling.co.uk/the-ideal-picture-of-food-waste/

THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023 | PAGE 25

INSURANCE FOR CARE

Securing Insurance with an Inadequate CQC Rating The Care Quality Commission (CQC) requires all care and nursing homes to have insurance, and without it, you will be unable to operate. The mandatory insurance requirements from the CQC are Employers’ Liability and Public Liability cover. Any additional covers will depend on the type of care facility you own. If a care facility is unable to secure adequate insurance, residents will need to find alternative accommodation, and staff are likely to lose their jobs.

Many care homes have no difficulty in securing insurance but when a care home has an inadequate rating by the CQC, finding insurance can prove extremely challenging. Not all insurers are willing to provide terms for care facilities with an inadequate CQC rating, and when they do, premiums can be higher, and restrictions may be put in place, such as a limit to the number of service users (residents allowed).

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Research, around 1 in 5 care homes are rated ‘inadequate’ or ‘requires improvement’ in the UK, which can leave these care homes with only a small range of insurance options and in turn, at risk of closure.

Barnes Commercial has built strong relationships with an extensive panel of insurers, who specialise in care home insurance, including some that will offer terms to care homes with inadequate CQC ratings.

CASE STUDY: OBTAINING INSURANCE WITH AN INADEQUATE CQC RATING Our client is the owner of several care homes in the southeast of the UK and is an example of how working closely with a broker can help secure favourable insurance terms, even with an inadequate rating. Our client came to Barnes Commercial because he was unhappy with his current provider and their ability to find him an affordable insurance solution.

One of the care homes had an inadequate CQC rating but our client and his team had been working with the CQC to create an action plan for improvements. We shared this with potential insurers who wanted to see evidence of what work was being planned, by when, and what had already been done to improve the care home. Ensuring the action plan was up to date was vital in arranging the insurance.

AREAS TO FOCUS ON TO IMPROVE YOUR CQC RATING When speaking with our care home clients whose facility had an inadequate CQC rating, they tell us that some of the most common reasons cited are poor record management and health and safety issues.

If these areas are not managed effectively, you could be putting your patients/residents, staff and your business at risk. Patient care will be at the heart of everything you do, so having robust systems in place will help you to perform at your best. For example, having a digital recording system in place, can provide you with greater governance, stronger compliance and help to ensure quality outcomes for those in your care. It can also mean recording of data will be faster, medication management will be safer and you are more ready for inspections.

Health and safety hazards are also a regular source of inadequate ratings and an area that every care home owner needs to be on top of at all times. One of CQCs fundamental standards includes safety, which means providers must assess the risks to your health and safety during any care or treatment and make sure staff have the qualifications, competence, skills and experience to keep you safe.

OUR PROCESS TO SECURE YOUR CARE HOME INSURANCE Our specialist Care Home Insurance adviser, Luke Green, can support you with tailored advice on how to secure an insurance solution that will bring you peace of mind, whilst satisfying the CQC. He will take the time to get to know your business and its current situation, so he can fully understand how he can help. He will also help you to gather and collate all your supporting documentation, including your action plan and any evidence to support your submission, for example, from your local authorities. He will then use these to advise a panel of insurers on your situation and what your business is doing to improve your ratings. Demonstrating your commitment to improving your situation will typically be positively received by the insurers and helps us to obtain an insurance quotation for you that will protect your business from commercial risk.

Send an email to enquires@barnesinsurancebroker.co.uk or call 01480 272727 to make an appointment.

PAGE 28 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL Angloplas Dispensers Help Reduce Cytolax Barrier Spray 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.

Angloplas’ range of dispensers are produced in the

world’s first proven Antimicrobial PVC with silver ion technology and which is exclusive to Angloplas.

This helps reduce the risk of cross infection by stopping the growth of bacteria and mould and works continuously for the lifetime of the product, reducing levels of bacteria such as MRSA, E Coli, Legionella, Salmonella and mould by up to 99.99%.

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

Cytolax is a range of health and wellbeing products that interacts with human cells bringing them to life so as to improve physiological outcomes. Manufactured in ISO certified medical factories, every formulation is developed to offer premium solutions that encompasses products for home self-use as well as for the medical profession.

The barrier skin protection range is made up of Wipes, Creams and Spray to prevent and protect skin from moisture, maceration and pressure sores.

Cytolax Barrier Spray is a 100% Silicone, alcohol free solution that forms a transparent protective and breathable layer between the skin and the air or surface that the skin may come in con-

tact with. Hypoallergenic and quick drying formula ensures no irritation or burning sensation.

- 100% Silicone - Upto 72 hours protection - Unique formula allows it to be used with adhesive dressings and protects skin from medical adhesives - Transparent and Permeable solution - No Stinging or burning sensation - Alcohol Free - Non Cytotoxic - Quick Drying - 50ml Contact 0141 778 6017, sales@cytolax.co.uk or visit www.cytolax.co.uk Follow: www.linkedin.com/company/cytolax/

GOJO Recognised As A Key Partner To The NHS GOJO, THE INVENTOR OF PURELL™ is proud to be a brand showcased in an official publication commemorating the NHS, entitled ‘NHS 75: Celebrating 75 Years of the National Health Service.’ This accolade demonstrates the key role played by the skin and hygiene specialist, who has now been a partner to the organisation for over 30 years.

Widely used in the NHS, PURELL® is a trusted brand in healthcare facilities around the world. As a market leader of hand hygiene within the UK’s health service, it has been instrumental in helping core NHS metrics to be achieved, such as reductions in the number of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs). Its solutions encompass fast-active, effective formulas that care for skin, state of the art dispensers, and dedicated support such as the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) accredited training.

Launching at the Cloisters in Westminster Abbey on 6th September 2023, ‘NHS 75: Celebrating 75 Years of the National Health Service’ is a beautifully presented hardback book that has been produced in partnership with leading publisher, St James’s House and written by a team of academics and industry experts. Exploring the origins, history and impact of the NHS, the fully illustrated publication marks the 75th anniversary of the service, and the people and policies that have shaped it.

Chris Wakefield, V.P. European Marketing and Managing Director UK & Ireland, GOJO Industries-Europe

Ltd. comments: ‘The NHS is one of the country’s most recognised and cherished organisations – here to improve our health and wellbeing, support us to keep mentally and physically well, and to help us get better when we are ill. The GOJO purpose of ‘saving lives and making life better through well-being solutions’ very much aligns with these values, and it is what drives our innovation in hygiene.

‘We are extremely proud to play a major role in helping prevent infection and improve public health and are thrilled to be included in this prestigious book celebrating 75 years of the wonderful NHS.’ As well as being the ideal partner to healthcare trusts and facilities, GOJO is passionate about developing sustainable products that both clean and care for hands in a variety of sectors. These include education, hospitality, leisure, retail, catering, food processing, offices, manufacturing and more. From soaps and hygienic hand rubs that can be used repeatedly throughout a busy shift in hospitals, to specialist hand cleaners that remove tough soils from the hands of heavy-industry workers, GOJO has an effective solution to remove germs and dirt, whilst protecting skin health.

Backed by a wealth of scientific expertise and specialist formulations, GOJO is committed to developing sustainable products that deliver results and maintain skin health. PURELL remains the market leader, thanks to its focus on formulation without compromise.

For more information, call +44 (0)1908 588444, email CustomerExperienceUK@GOJO.com, or visit https://www.gojo.eu/uk

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

CHSA’s Half Year Report Shows Members High Levels of Compliance with Accreditation Scheme Specifications ‘Our Standards. Your Guarantee.’

The 2023 half year report produced by the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association’s Independent Inspector shows high levels of compliance amongst CHSA Accreditation Scheme members.

Scheme logo to guarantee quality.”

The CHSA operates six Accreditation Schemes. They are for manufacturers of paper-based products, plastic-based

products, cotton-based products, and cleaning chemicals, for general manufacturers and for distributors of cleaning and hygiene products.

By 30 June, the Inspector had completed 83 audits, just over half the total scheduled for 2023.

During the auditing process the Independent Inspector

During the inspections approximately 1,000 labels have been checked to make sure they accurately represent the content of the packaging, guaranteeing ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’. Approximately 2,700 individual products have been checked, making sure they meet the specifications of the relevant Accreditation Scheme standard. For distributor members, the Independent Inspector has checked approximately 24,000 stock lines.

weight and or performance of the product. He also assesses

While the full year results for 2023 will be published in January 2024, the interim results indicate high levels of compliance.

“The integrity of our Accreditation Schemes is at the heart of all we do,” explained Lorcan Mekitarian, Chair of the CHSA. “People must be able to trust the CHSA mark wherever they see it, reccognising the Accreditation Scheme logo as a guarantee of quality. The interim audit results for 2023 provide the evidence buyers need to know our members continue to maintain standards.

“Our advice to buyers is to look first for the Accreditation

checks the labels contain the required information and that the product is as stated on the label. Depending on the

product, this involves checking the sheet count, width, duty,

1.

All statements and claims are truthful.

2. Supporting evidence, such as data sheets, reports and

certificates, are available on request to substantiate all product and service claims.

3. All statements and claims are transparent. For example, it is clearly indicated if the claim applies to the product, the packaging or both.

4. All statements and claims are meaningful. For example, the term eco-friendly must be defined in relation to all

aspects of the product and substantiated across the full lifecycle.

This formal commitment to ethical marketing was developed

the member’s quality assurance procedures. For distributors

to address the growing problem of spurious, misleading and

Manufacturer and where it is not, that it conforms to the

chemicals. Typical claims that lack supporting evidence

he confirms if product is from a CHSA Accredited specification of the relevant scheme.

Committed to the integrity of the Schemes, the CHSA’s

governing Council will expel any Scheme member who,

despite being offered the guidance required to correct issues, consistently fails to conform to the relevant Scheme Standard.

Members of CHSA Accreditation Scheme for Cleaning Chemicals sign commitment to ethical marketing The members of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers

Association’s (CHSA) Accreditation Scheme for Cleaning

Chemicals have signed a commitment to ethical marketing.

The commitment states members adhere to four ethical principles:

unsubstantiated claims being made about cleaning

relate to the efficacy of the products and many

environmental credentials are little more than greenwashing.

All members of the CHSA adhere to the requirements of the

relevant Accreditation and have signed the Association’s

rigorous Code of Practice, which incorporates the

Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code. It

means CHSA members:

• Trade ethically and sustainably;

• Provide supporting information for claims made; • Provide quality, fit for purpose products; and

• Make sure what’s on the box is what’s in the box.

@CHSACleaning www.CHSA.co.uk

PAGE 32 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

CATERING FOR CARE

Texture Modified Diets For Dysphagia Understanding and managing the nutritional needs of the elderly suffering from dysphagia, requires caterers in a care home environment to be suitably trained and skilled up in this area.

Those suffering from dysphagia have difficulties in swallowing, and are likely to require a specially prepared diet. Dysphagia is reported by the World Gastroenterology Organisation to affect over 50% of all elderly patients in care homes worldwide, so a condition that most care home caterers are going to need to manage at some time.

There are many causes of dysphagia including neurological conditions such as dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and motor neurone disease.

Individuals with head and neck cancer also commonly suffer with dysphagia. Due to the increased incidence of these diseases with age, it follows that many elderly residents of care homes are at risk of dysphagia. Those who struggle with dysphagia are at risk of choking when they eat food or drink not suited to their swallowing abilities. They are also at risk of aspiration pneumonia; this is where food or fluid enters the lungs, potentially leading to chest infections and hospital admissions.

Whatever the cause of the dysphagia, affected individuals are likely to struggle with certain textures of food and drink. Initially any resident identified as struggling to swallow should have an urgent swallow assessment carried out by a trained professional such as a speech and language ther-

apist. A texture modified diet might then be needed, where food is moistened, mashed or pureed to make it safer for an individual to eat. Fluids may also need to be thickened.

Tess Warnes, dietitian at food procurement specialist allmanhall has suggestions for caterers on how to provide a nourishing, safe, and tasty texture modified diet. “Given the risks associated with giving the wrong texture to an at-risk individual, care home caterers should be knowledgeable on how to create dishes with the appropriate texture, with access to relevant training. A useful source of information is the ‘International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative’ (IDDSI) , a framework which grades different textures between levels 1-7. Many individuals with dysphagia are at risk of malnutrition due to poor nutritional intake. Therefore, they may benefit from meals which are fortified with added butter, cheese and cream to increase the energy content of their meals. Adding these may affect the overall texture of the food.

Consider offering texture modified snacks between meals as this is the time of day when individuals with dysphagia will miss out if nothing is available for them. Flavour is important to consider so use herbs and spices to add interest to the meal without compromising the texture. Salt can be added but be aware that too much salt can contribute to high blood pressure.” https://allmanhall.co.uk/blog/texture-modified-diets-for-dysphagia

NACC Awards 2023 Shortlist Announced The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) has revealed the shortlist for the NACC Awards 2023.

The prestigious awards recognise and celebrate teams and individuals that epitomise excellence, innovation, dedication and outstanding contributions within the care catering sector.

Across six categories the finalists represent those working in or associated with care catering that deliver exceptional service every day, from care homes, Meals on Wheels services and Lunch Clubs to suppliers to the sector.

The overall winners will be announced at a special gala awards dinner on Thursday 5th October 2023, which is part of the NACC Training & Development Forum held at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham.

THE NACC AWARDS 2023 FINALISTS ARE: CARE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE YEAR AWARD, SPONSORED BY ALLMANHALL Heritage Manor, West Eaton John’s House, Castlemeadow Highmarket House, Care UK Candlewood House, TLC

MEALS ON WHEELS AWARD, SPONSORED BY APETITO Food Train Ltd Molesey Centre for the Community Health and Independent Living Support, West Sussex My Chef, Meals on Wheels

CATERING TEAM OF THE YEAR AWARD, SPONSORED

BY MAJOR INTERNATIONAL

Hotel Services Catering Team, FSCH Group Renaissance Care Chefs, Renaissance Care HC-One Catering Team Edgbaston Manor, Care UK

CATERING MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD, SPONSORED BY UNILEVER FOOD SOLUTIONS Stuart Middleton, Renaissance Care Majlinda Ndoj, Cooperscroft Care Home – TLC Group Andrew Mussett, Care UK Jody Marshall, Meallmore Ltd Gareth Cartledge, Avery Healthcare Group

OUR CARE CATERING HERO AWARD, SPONSORED BY BIDFOOD Julie Setterfield, Elmbridge Borough Council Rachel Keys, HC-One

Nicola Bushell, The Royal Star & Garter, Signature Dining

THE BEV PUXLEY AWARD*, SPONSORED BY WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF COOKS Valerie Kelly, Houndswood House, Brigterkind Ltd Chris Bonner, HC-One Jody Marshall, Meallmore Ltd

THE WINNERS OF THE FOLLOWING COVETED AWARDS WILL ALSO BE HONOURED AT THE GALA AWARDS DINNER: NACC Region of the Year Award, sponsored by Meiko @MEIKOUK Pam Rhodes Award, sponsored by Winterhalter @WinterhalterUK National Chair’s Award

PAGE 34 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

CATERING FOR CARE

Food Cost Savings During High Inflation? allmanhall Make It Possible.

Taylor & Taylor, a group of family-owned residential care homes approached food procurement experts, allmanhall, looking to achieve scalable cost savings and efficiencies to support their growth. They needed to ensure no detrimental impact to the excellent quality of their food offering and their residents’ dining pleasure.

Their desire was to achieve a 5% food cost saving and to ensure ongoing effective management of catering budgets and invoicing. Operationally, access to reports and insights were key, as was ease of ordering and management of stock and deliveries. allmanhall undertook a like-for-like benchmark and identified food cost savings of 11.4% - more than double the initial objective! A few months into the contract, allmanhall undertook further analysis and the real-life saving is actually 18%. On the multi-temp category, allmanhall have in fact delivered savings of 21.4% in a time of 17%+ food inflation!

Proactive buy right recommendations from allmanhall will deliver an extra 2.9% saving. Protein savings and an ABL have also been proposed to drive further value.

allmanhall have implemented industry-leading catering controls technology, providing the homes with tools such as stock taking and standing orders. Central billing is also a big win, with allmanhall consolidating all supplier invoices into just one invoice per month, per home.

From the start, everything has been expertly managed, and the transition has been fully supported: “I would wholeheartedly recommend allmanhall’s services to others in the care sector and I look forward to continuing to grow our offering and provide outstanding food for our residents.”

– Chris Rees, Group Executive Chef Why not let allmanhall support your food procurement? They will deliver savings, reassurance and efficiencies. allmanhall will give you more time to focus on your residents and on addressing labour challenges.

See the advert on this page for further details.

Turner Price Strengthens Position in Care Home Sector Though NACC Premier Partnership Turner Price have announced a new partnership with the National Association of Care Catering (NACC).

The Yorkshire based foodservice provider has officially become a Premier Partner and will become an active member of the North and Midlands branches, as well as contributing at a national level.

Jason Watkins, Head of Sales at Turner Price, has a long connection with the NACC and says the new relationship will further strengthen the wholesalers’ position with the care sector.

He said: “We are proud of our history of supplying care caterers, something that our business has been built on for over 30 years.

Across the North and the Midlands, we service independent and care home groups, hospices, meals on wheels, rehabilitation centres and hospitals.

“This new partnership with the NACC will mean we can offer more support to our existing caterers, as well as showcase our trusted service to new potential care providers. The NACC are hugely respected, and we look forward to exhibiting at the Training & Development Forum event in October and working closely with the association over the coming years.”

The National Chair of the NACC, Sue Cawthray, also welcomes the

news of Turner Price becoming a Premier Partner. She said: “The NACC is delighted to welcome Turner Price as a new Premier Partner, who provide a vital contribution to the work of the Associations. This is certainly a time when we need all our partners working within Care Catering to show their commitment to the health and social care sector and we look forward to working more closely with Turner Price in the future.”

Turner Price is a large delivered foodservice wholesaler who supplies over 2,500 businesses across large parts of the UK. Turner Price customers includes coffee shops, QSR operators, pubs, hotels, restaurants, schools, universities, care homes and hospitals.

For further information please visit www.turner-price.com

THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023 | PAGE 35

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS

Cutting-Edge Commercial Laundry Equipment for Healthcare Facilities Maintaining impeccable cleanliness and hygiene standards is paramount for care homes, hospices, nursing homes, and healthcare institutions. MAG Laundry Equipment, with a nationwide presence of skilled engineers, has been a trusted partner for over 10,000 care homes, offering a comprehensive range of products, services, information, and unwavering support.

MAG's extensive product lineup encompasses commercial-grade washing machines, tumble dryers, ironing machines, presses, and top-quality detergents. With a legacy spanning a century, dating back to 1922, MAG has consistently evolved and refined its offerings, culminating in some of the industry's most dependable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective machines

available today.

For those in search of superior washing results capable of removing the most stubborn stains, MAG Laundry Equipment is your go-to source for expert advice. Notably, their washing machines come equipped with complete thermal disinfection capabilities, a standard feature designed to assist nursing homes in not only meeting but surpassing the latest regulatory requirements.

Discover how MAG can assist your care home's laundry operations by reaching out to them at 01353 883025 or visiting their website at https://maglaundryequipment.co.uk/sectors/nursing-care-homes/.

Forbes’ Laundry Consultants Help Care Homes Optimise Savings and Operations When looking for a commercial laundry solution, Forbes Professional stands out as a leading provider with its client-centric approach and unparalleled expertise. At the heart of their success is a consultative methodology that ensures every client receives a laundry rental solution tailored to their specific needs.

Forbes Professional deliver’s comprehensive service packages with inclusive delivery, installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance, to ensure a hassle-free experience for care sector clients. Forbes’ consultative approach also enables them to ensure that care homes can truly optimise both savings and efficiency. By providing solutions that extend beyond the surface, Forbes empowers clients to make informed decisions that have a profound impact on their operations and bottom line. Their consultants deliver detailed calculations of cost projections, with an emphasis on the importance of whole life cost analysis.

Whilst rental relinquishes clients of the burden of large upfront payments, Forbes Professional recognises that making informed decisions goes beyond looking at initial expenses and procurement or rental prices.

Their team educates clients on energy-efficient solutions, exemplified by the remarkable 70% energy savings achievable with heat pump dryers compared to standard condenser dryers. To underscore the advantages of Forbes’ strategy, their analysis for a new client recently resulted in a staggering projected running cost saving of £1,000,000 throughout the contract's duration.

Forbes’ meticulous approach translates into not only cost savings but also environmental responsibility, as energy-efficient equipment contributes to a greener footprint. Forbes Professional's dedication to creating value for clients by optimising efficiency and minimising costs is a testament to their industry leadership.

Choosing Forbes Professional means opting for more than just laundry solutions; it's a commitment to a partnership that prioritises specific needs, longterm benefits, and sustainability. In an era where sustainability, practicality and financial prudence are paramount, Forbes’ consultative approach and focus on holistic value, delivers transformative solutions to care homes across the UK. www.forbespro.co.uk | info@forbes-professional.co.uk | 0345 070 2335

PAGE 36 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS Preserving Identity and Preventing Loss: Cash's Apparel Solutions' Century-Long Legacy Cash's Apparel Solutions has been at the forefront of manufacturing woven nametapes for over a century, serving the nursing home sector and beyond. Their nametapes have become synonymous with preserving identity, preventing lost garments, and delivering personalised identity items and gifts.

Preserving dignity Cash's woven nametapes provide a simple yet effective solution to labelling clothing in nursing homes minimising distress caused by lost garments, fostering an environment where residents are seen and respected for who they are.

Cash's has earned a global reputation for reliability and quality. Their woven nametapes are sold and utilised worldwide, serving as a testament to their effectiveness.

In addition, Cash's Apparel Solutions goes beyond their renowned nametapes. Their expertise in weaving and personalisation allows them to create a diverse range of identity items and gifts. From personalized badges to custom keyrings and promotional products, Cash's demonstrates their versatility in meeting unique customer needs. By offering tailored solutions, they

celebrate individuality, making a significant contribution to the spirit of personalisation and fostering a sense of belonging.

A Century of Excellence: Cash's century-long presence in the industry showcases their enduring commitment to excellence.

They have adapted and innovated, embracing modern technology and evolving customer demands. Cash's unwavering dedication to their craft and the nursing home sector demonstrates their genuine concern for residents' well-being and comfort.

In conclusion, Cash's has established itself as a leader in manufacturing woven nametapes, personalised identity items and gifts. With their century-long legacy of quality, reliability, and attention to detail, Cash's continues to make a significant impact in the nursing home sector and beyond. By preserving identity, preventing loss, and embracing personalisation, Cash's Apparel Solutions truly embodies their commitment to enhancing safety, dignity, and individuality in care facilities worldwide.

Visit www.cashslabels.com

Commercial Kitchen and Laundry Solutions (CKLS)

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

Commercial Kitchen and Laundry Solutions (CKLS) are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial kitchen and laundry equipment. Whether you are a small sized residential home or large scale nursing home group, CKLS has the expertise and equipment you need to keep your operations running smoothly.

At CKLS, we understand that the success of your business depends on the quality of the equipment you use. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide businesses across the UK with the highest quality commercial laundry and kitchen equipment available. We work with only the best manufacturers in the industry to ensure that our customers get the most reliable and efficient equipment possible.

Our commitment to our customers doesn’t end with the sale of our equipment. At CKLS, we know that maintenance and repairs are crucial to keeping your equipment functioning at its best. That’s why we offer a full range of maintenance and repair serv-

ices to our customers, including emergency repair services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We believe that our success as a company is measured by the success of our customers. That’s why we’re constantly striving to provide better products and services to help our customers achieve their goals. We’re proud to say that our commitment to excellence has earned us a reputation as the goto provider of commercial laundry and kitchen equipment in the UK. So, if you’re looking for reliable, high-quality commercial laundry and kitchen equipment, look no further than CKLS. With our extensive range of products and services, we’re confident that we can help you find the right equipment to meet your needs and keep your business running smoothly for years to come.

Visit our website www.ckls.co.uk, contact by phone on 01200 411914 or email at sales@ckls.co.uk.

PAGE 38 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

FURNITURE AND FITTINGS Mr Trax Curtain & Blind Solutions Blueleaf Launches New Bedroom Range with Faster Delivery Times

Mr Trax Curtain & Blind Solutions aims to provide a first class service across a wide range of products and bespoke fittings thanks to its two decades of experience, with many previous clients in the care sector.

Mr Trax has a range of NHS compliant fabrics for use in care homes, including ‘blackout’. They can supply and fit a wide range of flame retardant curtains and blinds in various fabrics to be made to your sizes and fitted using heavy duty fittings and rails.

Curtains can normally be made and installed within four weeks and blinds in two weeks.Fire retardant blinds on heavy weight systems are readily available and can be manually controlled or electrically operated. They also have antimicrobial options as well all at varying prices all normally available in two-three weeks. Faster times are available on some products.

The company is affiliated with Checkatrade where you can see customer reviews, including this recent

comment: “Douglas did a fantastic job fitting our shutters and curtain rail. He even fitted an extra rail for us which we had bought ourselves! Friendly and efficient service, plus great looking results. Very pleased would definitely recommend!”

Based in Hailsham, East Sussex and owned and run

by Doug and Carol Coe, the firm also provides a number of corded and motorised options for blinds as well as curtains, and offers a comprehensive range of shutters.

Doug says: “We stock two ranges of silent gliss corded curtain tracks and two ranges of silent gliss uncorded curtain tracks the fitted prices for which are available on this website. All of the aluminium silent gliss tracks stock can be shaped and fitted into bay windows, as can some of the poles. We also have ready access to many more ranges of both tracks and poles, most of which we can get in one working day.

“To read more of what our customers say about us please do look us up on Checkatrade: checkatrade.com/mrtrax” Call now to speak to one of our team on 0800 3345114 or 07968 242004, email us at: doug@mrtrax.co.uk

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

approach, and the feeling of shared ownership, can be a significant benefit in making the resident feel comfortable from the start.

The choice of eight pre-designed schemes – carefully created by a team of visionary designers who specialise in care design – also significantly eases the buying process, and ensures the rooms are compliant with industry regulation and entirely fit for purpose. It takes the burden of responsibility for the interior design away from the care home manager and puts it into the hands of experts more skilled in the role.

Ellen Brown, Sales and Marketing Director of Blueleaf, says Stock 7 is yet another example of how Blueleaf, the nationwide business that helps care the business is delivering on its mission to help care homes deliver better outcomes, has launched Stock 7, home providers deliver exceptional outcomes: “With an updated range of bedroom refit solutions that can Stock 7 we are giving care homes a refurbishment be delivered quickly from UK stock to help care option that offers a fast turnaround, comprehensive providers avoid the cost of empty rooms. styling, and a quick return on investment.

The new range comprises eight different bedroom “Whether a care home is looking to refit an individschemes to match different tastes and budgets. They ual room to welcome a new guest, or is undertaking a include not only beds and mattresses, wardrobes, and home-wide refurbishment programme, we have the other associated furniture, but also matching curtains, quality designs to reflect your brand and the quality soft furnishings and linen. The schemes also include of care you provide.” ancillary items such as crash mats and overbed For more information, visit: tables. Paints and finishes are also recommended for www.blueleafcare.com/ each of the designs.

The launch of Stock 7 addresses one of the principal issues that every care home faces – the need to maintain 100% occupancy levels wherever possible. Rather than having to wait up to three months for a new suite to be delivered, Stock 7 can be delivered and installed within seven working days, anywhere in the UK. If time and situation permits, the speed of delivery enables a care home to consult with the families of a new guest and the guest themselves on the style and colours that would suit them best. Taking an inclusive

Alpha Furniture Alpha Furniture are well suited to projects of all sizes, from refreshing a couple of bedrooms to a full fit-out of all areas in a new or refurbished home. We are also able to help propose designs, or put you in touch with experienced interior designers. And if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, send us a picture and we will almost certainly be able to quote for an identical or similar style.

We are fully committed to supplying high quality contract furni-

Rosehill Furnishings Rosehill are proud to have a long-standing history within the furniture industry. It’s their unique history and knowledge of the market which sets them apart from the rest. They’re committed to quality, and their standards have continued to excel over the last 40 years.

The expert team at Rosehill understand the market and can tailor

ture products at great value with excellent service.

Once again we have been able to add many new items to our range of durable quality furniture to make this the most comprehensive Care Home Furniture Direct website to date.

In these financially testing times we have excelled at bringing customers high quality products at the very best value. To cope with raw material price fluctuations we regularly review our prices to ensure we remain competitive, passing any savings on to you quickly.

As ever, quality products and attentive service remain our top priorities.

See the advert on this page for further information. your order to suit your exact requirements. With over four decades experience in the industry, you can feel at ease knowing that you’re in safe hands. They take pride in the quality products they supply which are built to last, while also being great value for money.

Rosehill have experience working with healthcare organisations who require durable and comfortable seating for their patients and staff. Rosehill specialise in seating and tables for care home lounges, dining rooms, visitor and waiting rooms, wards, staff rooms and FF&E packages.

Options include bariatric seats, anti-microbial vinyl and fabrics for hygiene and infection control, high back chairs with head support and armchairs.

Product Highlights • High back chairs with head support and wingback models.

• Chairs which have been tested for bariatric use.

• Their upholstered chairs can be supplied with antimicrobial vinyl and wood finishes for hygiene and infection control.

• Models are available with arms to assist people getting up and down from their seat.

• Made to order products in a huge range of colours and finishes to fit in with your existing décor.

• Lounge chairs, side chairs and coffee tables, which are designed to enhance your communal areas.

• Dining chairs and armchairs with stylish and durable tables in a range of shapes and sizes.

• Bedroom furniture with fitted items in high quality finishes.

• Outdoor furniture and benches.

• Complimentary breakout, modular and office furniture for staff areas and receptions Their furniture is available in a variety of styles and is designed and manufactured to help you provide a safe and comfortable seating option for your staff, patients and visitors. Their range is high quality and built to offer great comfort, and durability for furniture that lasts.

Browse their wide range of furniture for your care home, clinic, ward or waiting room online at www.rosehill.co.uk, or call 0161 485 1717 to request a brochure or discuss your requirements with their helpful sales team.

Visit www,rosehill.co.uk

THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023 | PAGE 39

FURNITURE AND FITTINGS

CCP Contract Furniture

CCP is an established independent supplier of products and furniture to the healthcare and leisure contract markets. CCP is proud to offer excellent customer service and where required we can offer an initial consultation to understand your exact needs. We can offer design ideas too.

Visit www.cavendishcareproducts.co.uk to see our standard portfolio of dining room, bedroom, lounge, reception and occasional furniture. We also supply a full range of additional items including profile beds and mattresses and can supply all your sundry items including a full

range of towels, bedding and table linen.

If you can’t see what you need on our website... tell us what you need & we’ll send you some ideas.

If we don’t stock it... we’ll source it If we can’t source it... we’ll make it If you are looking to refurbish, update or require a full turn-key package for a new build than look no further than CCP. We are proud to offer quality products at competitive prices with delivery available throughout the UK. T: 01423 359242 sales@ccpuk.co.uk : www.ccpuk.co.uk

Skopos Fabrics, Meeting the Requirements for Caring Interiors Each year Skopos launch new collections, developed specifically with Care interiors in mind. In time for Care Show 23 Skopos will be launching 2 new collections aimed to provide a Boutique, relaxed feel for Caring interiors.

Chamonix Deuxieme, a collection of 38 upholstery fabrics, includes our most popular designs, Slalom, Orelle and Marmotte, in a fresh new palette, offering an antimicrobial, impervious solution for Care home furniture fabric and hospitality settings. Alongside this collection we will be showcasing our new print, Treehouse. This collection evokes a whimsical, enchanting mood in an uplifting colour palette of brights and elegant neutrals, perfect for bedrooms or public areas. Designs, Milly (graphic petal), Eve (floral)and Guinevere (paisley) all bring something different providing choice for customers for cushions, curtains, bedding and upholstery and work well with Skopos’ accent plains.

Skopos can offer a fabric-only service or a full serv-

ice; with site measure, product manufacture and installation. The Skopos team produce approximately 25,000 made-up items each year, including bed-throws, cushions and pairs of curtains, all manufactured by a highly-skilled team of machinists, cutters and pattern makers; items that are delivered and installed into different contract environments.

As with all Skopos prints, customers are able to order designs across base-cloths for upholstery, curtains and bedding.

Qualities include waterproof upholsteries, velvets, drapery linen-effect qualities and blackout/dimout fabrics.

Skopos also offers a Bespoke design service, for statement interiors that require something different.

Our design team will work alongside you to develop ideas which can make your caring interior personal, branded and unique.

For samples of any of our collections www.skoposfabrics.com

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

PAGE 40 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

DEMENTIA CARE Music Charity Inspires Staff Rise & Shine Game Promotes Mobility and Wellbeing Working In Dementia Care with New Free Resource A music charity with more than 25 years’ experience of working with care staff has released a new, free resource to inspire and encourage the use of music in dementia care.

Music as Therapy International is a UK-registered charity which believes in the power of music to strengthen care. For more than 25 years they have worked alongside people on the frontlines of care, offering training and support to help them introduce and embed music into the care they provide.

The charity is now sharing a free resource for caregivers of people living with dementia, in the hope it will inspire and encourage them to introduce music into their day-to-day care routines.

The charity’s director, Alexia Quin OBE, said: “There’s a wealth of research which evidences the proven ways music can have a huge positive impact on the lives and wellbeing of people with dementia.

As well as reducing agitation and distress, music can join a fragmented existence together, giving people a sense of who they are in the here-and-now and offer them ways to connect with those around them.

“Caregivers tell us that incorporating music into their caring relationships not only benefits the person living with dementia, but makes a positive difference to their own well-being. That said, it can feel daunting, given a lack of time, resources and confidence.

But it can be simpler than you think.

“This new resource is an accessible introduction for people who are interested in using music in the care they provide. With simple prompts, tips and guidance on what to look out for when using music, we hope we can inspire caregivers to give it a try – and see for themselves the impact it can have.”

The free resource, titled ‘Be inspired: The role of music in dementia care’ is designed to help readers explore the role music can play in the care of people living with dementia. It includes ideas, questions and inspiration for choosing the right music to use, as well as things to look out for to help make the most

of any shared musical experiences.

The content of the booklet has been created as part of the development of a new online training course – titled ‘Music Helps’ - that the charity is aiming to launch later this year.

Music Helps is an online training course created specifically to help caregivers working with people living with dementia. The interactive four-hour course comprises five chapters offering guidance, videos, exercises, and resources to give caregivers an understanding of the role music can play in the care they provide, whether at home or in a residential setting.

Music Helps has already been developed and run with caregivers in India for over 12 months. The strong feedback from among more than 100 caregivers who have enrolled onto the course includes 100% of participants saying what they learnt from Music Helps has helped them get to know the person living with dementia better, and 97% feeling it has helped their own well-being.

Anyone interested to learn more about the role of music in dementia care can view and download the new resource for free from the charity’s website, where they can also register their interest to be one of the first to gain access to the Music Helps online course when it is launched.

For more information, please visit www.musicastherapy.org

In an effort to combat the nationwide issue of reduced mobility among senior citizens, an exciting game called "Rise & Shine" is making waves in healthcare and social care communities.

Developed with the goal of encouraging physical activity in elderly individuals, this innovative game consists of 30 uniquely designed tiles, adorned with playful illustrations by renowned artist and sculptor Bob Olley.

The game is designed to be played in group settings, with healthcare staff identifying participants who would benefit from engaging in physical activity. After receiving their tiles, participants join in activities suited to their needs, such as chair exercises or walking. Once the activities are completed, tiles are placed into the

"Rise & Shine Post-box." As the game progresses, a draw determines the winner, who receives a small prize.

Rise & Shine has been trialled successfully at Sunderland Royal Hospital and South Tyneside District Hospital. Feedback from both patients and staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with improvements in mobility and morale noted among participants.

By incorporating Rise & Shine into their routines, caregivers and healthcare providers can play a crucial role in keeping our elderly community active, engaged, and mobile, ultimately enhancing their wellbeing and independence. www.riseandshinegame.com or see the advert on the front cover.

The Well-being Suite The Well-being Suite was carefully designed to promote well being, foster connection and enhance engagement within a care facility. The innovative suite brings people together enhancing overall wellbeing – sharing enjoyment, nurturing a sense of belonging, creating friendship and cohesion.

Unlock cognitive potential with a vast range of activities crafted to stimulate these abilities, engaging minds and maintaining mental agility. These activities foster memory retention, attention span and critical thinking skills. As well as allowing the residents to unlock their creativity and imagination, the activities give a sense of accomplishment, boost self

esteem and nurture personal growth.

The Well-being Suite promotes social interaction, allowing residents to engage in group participation – sharing enjoyment, building connections, nurturing a sense of belonging, friendship and social cohesion.

Activities have been designed to range from cognitive stimulation, creativity, multi sensory engagement and emotional well being. Guided breathing exercises, expressive art therapies and virtual nature journeys provide moments of tranquillity and emotional respite for residents.

See the advert below for further information.

Top tips for decorating care homes

can appear as a step up or down – as this can be perceived as a hazard, so ensuring the flooring is a consistent tone is therefore crucial.

Other areas of consideration

Alongside critical surfaces, the furnishings of care homes should also be taken into account. They should contrast with critical surfaces so they can be quickly identified. Plus, furniture in a range of shapes and sizes helps increase the residents’ independence: variety provides choice and offers more options to suit needs and preferences.

Lighting should also be a consideration. With residents spending much of their time indoors, it is vital that lighting chosen helps stimulate and mimic sleep-wake cycles.

Good lighting is also important in helping residents identify spaces and enjoy their everyday routines and activities, as well as reducing glare and shadows that can cause confusion.

The perfect paint

While the choice of colours is critical to the wellbeing of residents with dementia, it is the type of paint that keeps the surfaces in the best condition for longer.

Every September, people from around the world come together for World Alzheimer’s Month to educate people about the disease and how to care for those affected, all while challenging the stigma surrounding it. Andrew Cleaver, National Sector Manager for Healthcare at Dulux Trade, explains how designing care homes correctly can improve residents’ quality of life.

There are over 17,000 care homes in the UK1 and according to studies by building and construction market researchers AMA, “the demand for additional capacity within the care home market is likely to start rising again within the next couple of years2”. To support residents living with dementia, it is important that those developing or reinvigorating care facilities know the key design concepts that can aid wayfinding and independence.

Colour is critical

While there is no right or wrong way to colour a healthcare setting, the shades used need to be carefully selected to ensure that critical surfaces – walls, doors, floors and ceilings – are all easily identifiable. This means choosing colours that are all 30 light reflectance value points apart.

For example:

Main walls

Soft, calm tones should be used on main walls. The calm hue of the Dulux Colour of the Year 2024, Sweet

EmbraceTM, is a prime example. It is a subtle, serene standalone shade that makes bolder tones used on other critical surfaces stand out.

In addition, the Colour of the Year was launched alongside three complementary palettes. For bedroom and living spaces, look to the soft blues and greens in the Calm palette (such as Serene Waters or Fresh Foliage) that can help to create a positive, soothing environment for residents.

The 2024 Colour of the Year, and the shades in its corresponding palettes, can be selected for products across the Dulux Trade range of paints. This means that no matter the project, there is a paint and colour suitable for it.

Feature walls

Feature walls should not just be added for visual interest, but to also aid wayfinding. Using more saturated hues – such as the warm terracotta and sand colours in the Warm palette, or modern ochres and lilacs in the Uplifting palette – at the end of corridors, behind kitchen serving areas, or at the front of the living room will act a clever visual prompt and help visually zone areas. A variety of these colours can also be used to visually differentiate each storey of a care home.

Doors

Bolder shades should be used on doors to make them more obvious against the softer tones of the walls. The deeper blues and greens in the Calm palette such as Sapphire Salute or Neptune Seas contrast well with Sweet Embrace™, while also remaining tranquil and easy on the eye.

On the other hand, staff-only doors and supply cupboards should be painted in the same colour as the walls, so they blend in, and limit prohibited access.

Floors

Floors are also considered a critical surface, and the design of these is just as important as the walls enclosing them. High sheen should be avoided, as it can make surfaces appear slippery, and reflect light, which can create confusing shadows. Bold patterns and stripes can also be disorientating, and make the floor feel unstable. In addition, contrast between flooring in one room to the next

When designing or redeveloping care facilities, consider a durable paint that will stand the test of time, and limit the disruption caused by potential future redecoration work.

The recently reformulated Dulux Trade Diamond Matt is compliant with BS EN ISO 11998 Class 1 and BS 7719 Class C and can withstand 10,000 scrubs (the equivalent of five hours non-stop scrubbing). It also delivers additional resistance to oil-based stains, such as food or cosmetics, to help stop stains from being absorbed into the surface, making them easier to clean.

Healthcare environments could also be decorated with antibacterial paint. In such busy environments, fingers, liquids and vapours can often come into contact with walls, which can encourage the spread of germs. Reduce this risk by using a paint such as Dulux Trade Sterishield, which inhibits bacteria and reduces population of MRSA and E.coli, and, when combined with appropriate cleaning practices, helps achieve a more hygienic environment.

For more information about the Colour of the Year 2024, please visit www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/ en/colour-of-the-year-2024

For further information about designing for dementia, please visit: www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/en/content/occd-hub

1 https://www.carehome.co.uk/advice/care-home-stats-number-of-settings-population-workforce#:~:text=There%20are%20about%2017%2C100%20care,total%20number%20of%20care%20homes.&text=Figures%20correct%20as%20of%208%20August%202022 2 https://www.amaresearch.co.uk/report/care-home-construction-market-report-uk-2021-2025/

PAGE 42 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES C&S Seating Ltd C&S Seating Ltd have provided postural control equipment to residential homes, hospices, medical equipment services and NHS trust hospitals nationwide since 1991.

With 9 different sizes of T-Rolls and Log Rolls, in a removable and machine washable Waterproof Titex or Soft Knit material. These rolls are used to control posture and position of the body in either supine or side lying. Our Knee & Leg support wedges are available in 2 sizes.

C&S Seating Ltd is the sole manufacturer of the Alternative Positioning Support – also available in two sizes, which has removable side cushions and middle pommel for when more control of the abducted lower

limb is required.

Our popular and vibrant range of Soft Knit covers in a choice of 5 colours, provide a softer alternative, ideal for the colder seasons and are designed to fit snug over our waterproof rolls for maximum protection and comfort.

Contact us on 01424 853331 or visit www.cands-seating.co.uk to request or download a brochure, pricelist or order form, request an individualised quotation, speak to an advisor or to place an order. See the advert on page 6.

Make First Impressions Count with Major Plants

Major Plants Limited specialises in providing costeffective and visually striking hanging basket maintenance services. This means we design plant arrangements to suit your business, using a combination of hanging baskets and window boxes.

We know that busy carers have enough work to do without trying to remember whether the flowers have been watered, fed, or tidied up. Calling in the experts like Major Plants Limited means that you can get on with your premises while we ensure that outside, your plant arrangements and presentation never let you down.

Besides our regular floral display services, we also offer a full package maintenance plan for your grounds and gardens.

Whether you are seeking an alternative quotation to compare with an existing supplier or are looking at external flower arrangements for the first time our flexible agreement and personal service will give you a piece of mind reliable support for your business.

Please get in touch!

0800 111 4014 – info@majorplants.co.uk Or see the advert on page 15.

HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors Consort Claudgen Introduces Wi-Fi

HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors protect the elderly and disabled people from fall-related hip fractures.

Designed to protect elderly people from fall related hip fractures, HipSavers are a leading brand of soft hip protectors. Used in the NHS since 2002, HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors are user friendly, affordable and cost-effective personal protective garments.

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

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

Available as comfortable underwear or long casual

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

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

HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors - affordable protective garments for the elderly and disabled people!

For more information see the adverts on the front cover and page 3 or contact Win Health Medical Ltd 01835 864866 - www.win-health.com

Yeoman Shield Fire Door Services Fire Doors are an imperative part of fire safety and are considerations of the design and maintenance of any building, but especially residential.

Article 17 – RRFSO states fire safety provisions (includes fire doors) must be maintained in a suitable condition and working order.

Yeoman Shield’s Fire Door Services can help to take the guess work out of fire door maintenance by providing fire door inspections, condition reports, remedial work and fire door installation all carried out

by FDIS and/or FIRAS accredited team members Having a good maintenance routine will dispel some needs of fire door replacement therefore being more cost effective.

The implementation of Yeoman Shield Fire Rated Door Protection products can also be in the long term

financially beneficial by halting impact damage from the start eliminating many repairs in the future and again will extend door lifecycles.

Installing Yeoman Shield door protection products such as, door protection panels, door edge protectors and PVCu glazing bead units will not affect the integrity of the fire door as all products have been tested, in situ, to the current standard required.

Vulnerable frames and architraves can also be protected from impact with Yeoman Shield to prevent dangerous splintering and splitting as well as abolishing the time-consuming, repetitive need for repainting.

For a complete repair and protect service contact the team today frdp@yeomanshield.com or visit www.yeomanshield.com or see the advert page 10.

EAIS - The Ideal Solution

EAIS is a leading Manufacturer and Supplier of storage and transportation products supplied both to the Foodservice and Healthcare industries. Proud to be based in King’s Lynn, Norfolk we are renowned for our innovation and ability to offer solutions which not only meet the customer’s demands, but their expectations as well. Whether you are looking for food storage shelving, racking systems, trolleys and fabrication, or maybe its healthcare shelving and medical trolleys or even

Wippet For Care Wippet For Care is the simplest and most versatile way to procure everything you need for your care home. Wippet is your gateway to fair prices from known and trusted suppliers.

Wippet is not a supplier, we have sourced many different suppliers onto our platform. Any healthcare business, small or large, can buy from Wippet.

At Wippet, our purpose is to provide fair market prices to all care operators. So, we have pre-negotiated prices from known and trusted suppliers to the care sector giving instant savings across your purchases.

Our platform and 3 unique services, designed by care procurement specialists, Club, Partner and Fuse are adaptable to the smallest and largest care operators.

- All suppliers routinely, independently checked and vetted.

- Care procurement specialists negotiating with suppliers on behalf of our customers.

- Bolt-on functionality and additional services as you need them.

- More than 50 suppliers and 50,000 products and services already available.

- One login, one basket, one invoice.

WIPPET CLUB

bespoke design products. With the combination of our ability to hold vast stocks of our key product lines, combined with our hugely experienced and award winning customer service it has made EAIS the number one choice within the Industry.

Why not put us to the test and let EAIS become your Ideal Solution? Contact our sales department on either 01553 765205 or sales@eais.co See the advert on page 13 for details.

Wippet Club is our core service offer, we provide the power and technology to make extraordinary prices accessible to all our registered and approved customers.

Our ongoing commitment to work with suppliers negotiating fair prices for you is what we do best.

WIPPET PARTNER

Through Wippet Partner you will turbo-charge your procurement with support from our care procurement experts as and when you need it. From simple benchmarking, via our range of suppliers and partner affiliations, to multiple category tenders. Using the Wippet platform technology to manage your procurement projects more efficiently allowing you to focus more time on other areas of your business.

WIPPET FUSE

Wippet Fuse is the simplest, yet most powerful, purchasing platform for care. Take your procurement to the next level with powerful technology that brings you P2P functionality at a fraction of the cost.

Register to gain access to our 3 services and improve all aspects of your procurement.

Find out more and register today at: https://wippetforcare.com/ info@wipet.com or see the advert on page 8.

Enabled Heaters to LST Range Consort Claudgen's innovation in the electric heating industry takes another leap forward by introducing Wi-Fi-enabled heaters to their low surface temperature (LST) range. These cutting-edge heaters offer unparalleled convenience and efficiency.

The heaters connect directly to Wi-Fi, enabling users to control heating through the digital control panel on the heater or via the Consort Connect app. With a comprehensive 7-day timer, which allows 24 individual heating periods per day, and features such as a lock function, open window detection, and custom automation, users can tailor their heating needs to their preferences.

Adding to the ease of use, users can view the ener-

gy consumption statistics of all connected heaters, providing insights into usage patterns and potential savings. The LST heaters with Wi-Fi and occupancy sensors have a self-learning control ability.

They utilise in-built occupancy sensors to detect and learn a user's weekly presence in a room, creating an intuitive heating schedule. When the space is unoccupied, the heater conserves energy by switching to a setback temperature or frost protection mode.

BIM (Building Information Modelling) objects for the heaters are available for download from Consort's website.

01646 692172 | sales@consortepl.com | www.consortepl.com or see the advert on page 9.

Exclusive Antimicrobial Scrub Technology

by Grahame Gardner and Micro-Fresh® The range, exclusive to Grahame Gardner, incorporates cuttingedge technology Micro-Fresh® to help keep healthcare workers safe whilst maintaining unrivalled comfort.

The garment fabric, which is 65 per cent polyester and 35 per cent cotton, is incorporated with innovative Micro-fresh® technology at point of manufacture. The antimicrobial technology not only kills 99.9 per cent of bacteria beyond 50 washes but is also proven to reduce the spread of human coronavirus by 99.2 per cent.

With wash resistant antibacterial protection, MicroFresh® also boasts odour prevention, providing longer lasting freshness for the wearer. The scrubs are hypoal-

lergenic, gentle on skin and vegan friendly.

The exclusive scrubs are available in two fits – unisex and female – the scrub top is available in six colourways: Oasis, Navy, Eau de Nil, Bottle, Smoke Grey and Blue 18 each with a classic contrasting white trim, the trousers are available in core colours Navy, Bottle and Black.

Grahame Gardner also offer all six scrub colours in their Made to Order range with a bespoke choice of trim colour.

The scrub top design features multiple pockets, including two waterproof chest pockets and a wearers right hand hip pocket, which also has a pen divide and an elastic loop for a clip-on hand sanitiser. The trousers have a drawstring waist, and also side and a back pockets.

The range is exclusively available to purchase here: www.grahamegardner.co.uk/healthcare/ microfresh-scrubs.html www.grahamegardner.co.uk info@grahamegardner.co.uk See the advert on page 7 for further details.

Cutting Operating Costs & Lowering Carbon Emissions In One Move The growing trend for selfcontained single-room bed spaces, including either en-suite bathrooms or preferably a wetroom, which not only make the most of smaller spaces but is a practical solution for people with restricted mobility, is driving daily demands for hot water in care homes. Heating the water for more than 17,000 residential care and nursing homes in the UK, their estimated 400,000 residents and a further 750,000 staff means the sector’s energy demands for this service alone are considerable and potentially a key contributor to both operational costs and carbon emissions. Understanding and addressing hot water generation should therefore be an important part of a care home’s daily operation, especially if the sustainability of the care home environment is being challenged.

Adveco Live Metering of the hot water demands of a building is a quick, non-invasive, and extremely cost-effective means of gauging needs. It also provides application design which enables owner/man-

agers to develop realistic and sustainable development strategies which deliver active results today with low to no impact on ongoing operations.

Unless a new build, which will be electrical-based, most refurbishments will look to either improve on existing gas systems or aim to completely replace them with electrical alternatives, typically heat pumps and/or direct-electric heating. This comes at a cost, in terms of capital and especially operational expense, but does reduce carbon emissions.

Solar thermal can help further reduce carbon, but crucially also reduces the expense associated with operating on both gas or electric, reducing annual energy requirements by typically 30% although it could be more. With a less than 10-year return on investment now possible, solar thermal, as a proven renewable should be on any list of net zero technologies being considered as part of a care home’s sustainability strategy. www.adveco.co or see the advert on page 5.

THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023 | PAGE 43

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MANAGEMENT

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.

Designed to combat the problem of residents who are inclined to walk undetected, The Nurse Alert Mat can help protect residents especially at night that are at risk of falls and accidents.

This Nurse Alert Mat can be placed typically at the bedside or at the door threshold and plugged into the call socket of the Nurse Call system or the mobile Floor Sentry Monitor.

It can then alert staff for example before the resident is up and about, sounding the alarm with a small amount of pressure thus enabling staff to investigate.

Need to add a pear push lead in the same call point then add a 2-1 adapter

In addition The Floor Pressure Mat has a heavy non slip backing, It comes professionally sealed so can easily be cleaned for liquid spills and is fully serviceable.

And carries a 12 Month guarantee Lotus Care Technology Ltd have many other fall saving devices that can give you peace of mind whilst caring for this at risk of falls.

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 environmental factors in the home but also take into consideration the best products that will make your carers and nurses jobs that little bit easier.

Visit our NEW WEBSITE at www.lctuk.com for details.

Frequency Precision - Sensors and Pressure Mats to Monitor Those in Care Technology has made people more connected with the world around them and the revolution in assistive care devices has made it possible for the elderly to spend their last years in a comfortable and familiar environment. These devices have also made it easier for home carers to provide quality care for their loved ones while managing their own lives. They allow you to care for your elderly whether they are travelling in the city for errands, staying alone at home, or staying in the same home as you. They are also helping nursing homes provide better care for them with discrete monitoring and quick responses to emergencies.

If you’re looking for these kinds of assistive care devices for your loved ones or nursing home, Frequency Precision produce some of the best systems available to help you with elderly care and mobility monitoring, ranging from bed, chair and floor sensor mats through fall monitoring and GPS tracking to fully integrated nurse call plug or wireless systems.

Phone: 01837 810590 Email: contact@frequencyprecision.com Website: www.frequencyprecision.com

Nurse Alert Mats Designed to combat the problem of residents who are inclined to walk undetected, the Nurse Alert Mat can help protect residents especially at night that are at risk of falls and accidents.

When connected to a Nurse Call system or the mobile Floor Sentry Monitor it will then alert staff, sounding the alarm with a small amount of pressure thus enabling staff to investigate.

• Nurse Call Systems • Fire Alarm Systems • Door Access • Staff Attack • CCTV • Infection Control • Dementia Care • Electrical Contracting

In addition The Floor Pressure Mat has a heavy non slip backing, It comes professionally sealed so can easily be cleaned for liquid spills and is fully serviceable.

INCLUDES A 12 MONTH GUARANTEE

sales@lctuk.com 0800 8499 121 www.LCTUK.com

PAGE 44 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MANAGEMENT Your Fall-Encompassing Care Solution: How Vayyar Care is Shaking Up the Sector There are plenty of reasons why 17 local authority care homes (at the last count) have embraced a new approach to data-driven care. But two stand out: ensuring rapid response to resident falls and accurately assessing risk in order to prevent falls from happening.

Achieving those long-standing goals has been made possible thanks to two types of transformative technology: cutting-edge radar-on-chip sensors and a new generation of connected care platforms capable of analyzing reams of behavioural data and generating actionable insights that enhance outcomes.

FAILSAFE FALL DETECTION The first of those technologies is Vayyar Care. The solution, produced by the world leader in 4D imaging radar and distributed by installation and support experts Panacea Healthcare Group, provides 24/7 monitoring – even in pitch darkness and steamy bathrooms. The sensors deliver instant, exceptionally accurate and fully automatic fall detection without the resident having to push a pendant button – which they might have failed to put on that morning.

Crucially, Vayyar Care ensures the right balance between the detail that care providers need and the dignity residents demand. Less intrusive than video cameras and more precise than acoustic monitoring, it provides full visibility while respecting personal privacy.

As Natasha Corness, TEC Innovation Lead and Essex County Council, puts it: “Vayyar gave us the opportunity to have a non-intrusive way of monitoring our customers across Essex and maintain dignity and respect. It was-

n’t a camera that was monitoring them, you don’t have to remember to put on a pendant alarm. I’d definitely recommend Vayyar Care to other councils because we believe this technology is the future.”

FORWARD-LOOKING FALLS MANAGEMENT Care providers don’t want only to prevent long lies. They also want to mitigate fall risk. That’s where connected care platform providers such as Anthropos come in, providing advanced software that pulls in data from a range of smart devices in order to reveal exactly what’s going on with every resident.

Vayyar Care is at the core of the Anthropos ecosystem.

“We wanted a device that we could easily integrate with in our platform, because we need to have a device that we can trust the data that it provides. That is what Vayyar did for us. It’s almost the equivalent to being there with your client 24/7, when no-one is there,” explains Frances Morrison, Chief Customer Officer at Anthropos Digital Care.

The combined offering’s activity tracking features show where residents are in their suites over any defined period, highlighting risk factors including loneliness, disturbed sleep and higher-than-usual bathroom usage, all of which increase the likelihood of falls.

“It’s pretty impressive technology. I would definitely recommend the system to any care home in the country.

It is definitely a life-saver,” says Michelle Wood, Care Home Manager at Dryfemount in Lockerbie.

To find out more about how Vayyar Care and Anthropos can enhance resident safety, reduce caregiver workload and support your organisation’s digitisation journey, email collaboration@vayyar.com

Silent Running - Tranquility in Care Homes Blaucomm Ltd - Telecommunications & Networks Quiet and calm care homes ensure that residents are able to live in a more relaxing and pleasant home environment.

Similarly, carers and staff find that they too benefit from reduced stress when working in a home where noise levels are kept to a minimum.

Modern Nurse Call systems can incorporate a number of methods to reduce their impact in a care home. These include zoning whereby there are separate alarm types used depending upon the location of the call. In these circumstances, dementia sufferers and those vulnerable to noise can be located in one “zone” whist less vulnerable residents live in an alternative “zone”. Each “zone” can operate different call tones, warning lights or other methods to alert when help is required Reducing noise levels is essential to create a tran-

quil environment for residents.

Pagers have been around for many years, are a relatively simple and cost-effective measure in reducing the levels of noise, and can be added to most Nurse Call systems.

Smart Mobile Devices are now becoming more commonplace for care home staff and hold a variety of apps for care planning, e-medication, etc. Many Courtney Thorne clients are now utilising the “Go” app with their Nurse Call system. With the “Go” app, nurse call alarms are delivered immediately and silently straight to the handsets, alerting the individual carers to all Nurse call alarms without creating any general alarm sound and rarely disturbing the rest of the residents in the home.

For more information email us at: info@c-t.co.uk or see the advert below.

Blaucomm’s Nurse Call Messaging Service (NMS) is the market leading solution to remove the dependency on noisy nurse call panels and pagers, through its intelligent software, which delivers the alerts straight to the care staff who need them.

Care homes are rapidly introducing smartphones for digital care planning and eMar - now, the same devices can be used to receive the nurse call alerts they need for the residents under their care.

Furthermore, Blaucomm NMS is deeply linked into Person Centred Software MCM, so call bell data is linked straight to care plans. This unlocks a huge benefit to care homes to enhance the staff performance with how they accept and respond to residents, which ultimately promotes better response times and visibility for management to audit their performance.

The best part is that Blaucomm NMS links into

your existing nurse call system - we work with all major brands such as Aidcall, ARM, Courtney Thorne, C-TEC, ENS, Intercall, Medicare, SAS and TeleAlarm.

Care operators are constantly recognising Blaucomm NMS for its reliability and dependability to their care operations, which is why we’ve been chosen time and time again over other solutions.

Head of IT Trudi Harrow at WCS Care had this to say about Blaucomm NMS: “We find Blaucomm is a genuinely fantastic company with a reliable product.

"We would highly recommend this to anybody who wants to replace expensive pagers and silence those annoyingly loud nurse call screens!”

To find out more about Blaucomm NMS, visit www.blaucomm.co.uk/healthcare See the advert on the front cover for more details.

www.nursecallsystems.co.uk

PAGE 46 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MANAGEMENT Arquella - Connected Technology, Connected Care ARQUELLA, a leading care technology provider, offers solutions to enhance the quality of care in nursing and residential homes across the United Kingdom.

Arquella is passionate about making a difference in the quality of care provided to nursing and residential homes across the United Kingdom. Through the power of technology, we have developed cutting-edge solutions that are accessible and supportive, putting people at the forefront.

As part of a nationwide initiative driven by a £25m UK government funding pledge to enhance the quality of care and support individuals’ independence, Arquella is proud to be at the forefront of the digital transformation in the care sector.

Falls in care homes are a significant concern in the UK, with residents three times more likely to fall than older people living in their own homes. Arquella’s innovative solution, Arquella Sense, utilising sensor-based technology, and Arquella Call, a digital nurse call system, will improve reactive care and reduce risk.

Arquella Sense uses discreet wall or ceiling-mounted sensors to monitor fall risk behaviour 24 hours daily,

Medpage Falls Management Products Medpage Limited has been at the forefront in patient care product innovation for almost four decades.

During this time, we have invented alarm clocks to wake deaf people, monitors for people with epilepsy to detect night-time seizures and alerting carers by radio pager, Calendar Clocks with memory prompting for people with dementia, bed and chair leaving alarms with pager warnings for a carer, and a vast array of electronic sensors.

Our philosophy is always to produce products that people can afford, not just dream of. Certainly, the way world has been for the past few years that philosophy makes more sense today. Our latest range of bed and chair sensor alarms for example, cost a fraction more than they did 10 years ago. Mainly due to the good old microprocessor replacing a bucket load of analogue components. Does anyone remember op-amps and tran-

alerting carers via mobile handsets. The technology aims to intervene before falls occur, increasing safety and providing a cost-effective solution to cumbersome mats.

Arquella Call is an app-based digital nurse call system that delivers in-depth digital records and future-proof functionality. It integrates seamlessly with other software applications, offering actionable data to help shape care delivery and adjust staffing levels.

Arquella is at the forefront of a digital transformation revolution in the care sector. Technology is more important than ever in providing insights and actionable data to inform decisions and improve lives.

For more information about Arquella’s products and how they can benefit your care home, please call 0333 242 7505 or visit their website at www.arquella.co.uk

sistors?

There are close to 100 Medpage branded products to aid care of people who may be; a falls risk, live with epilepsy, suffer from stroke, are a full-time carer, professional healthcare worker, living with dementia. Our products are designed, manufactured, and distributed governed by an audited quality management system. You can trust us to delivery on every count.

People generally these days are not so concerned with the past, mainly what can we have today and what could we have tomorrow. Simple answer.

Today you could visit our website and explore the vast array of Independent Living Aids, Hospital Discharge Patient Home Support product packages, Domestic and Professional Carer Support products. Better planning today will bring better outcomes for tomorrow. Take a look at www.easylinkuk.co.uk See the advert on page 2 for further details.

Fall Savers - Affordable Fall Monitoring Solutions Fall Savers®, are an experienced market leading healthcare provider of resident safety solutions for over 15 years.

FALL SAVERS ® WIRELESS MONITOR

Eliminate all cables with our new generation falls management solutions!

Upgrade your falls programme with the latest technology from Fall Savers®. The NEW Fall Savers® Wireless eliminates the cord between the monitor and sensor pad. This results in less work for nursing staff, improved safety for patients and reduced wear and tear on sensor pads. Wireless advantages include the ability to use one monitor with two sensor pads simultaneously and support for many new wireless devices.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Safer for patients; less work for staff Bed and chair pads available One monitor works with two sensor pads Integrates with most nurse call systems A variety of options, including: Call button Pager Floor sensor mat Wireless door/window exit alerts

TREADNOUGHT ®FLOOR SENSOR PAD

The TreadNought® Floor Sensor Pad is built to last with a durable construction that far out lasts the competition. Our anti-bacterial floor

sensor pad is compatible with most nurse call systems or can be used with a portable pager to sound an alert when a person steps on to the sensor pad. Caregivers typically place the sensor pad at the bedside, in a doorway or other locations to monitor persons at risk for falls or wandering. An optional anti-slip mesh reduces the potential for slippage on hard surface floors.

FEATURES INCLUDE: Connects directly to most nurse call systems High Quality anti-bacterial Floor Sensor Pad Large Size Pad: Measures (L) 91cm x (H) 61cm Options (sold separately): Anti-slip mesh for hard surface floors See the advert on this page for further details or visit www.fallsavers.co.uk.

PAGE 48 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Technology Is Key To Transforming Care Homes – But Not In The Way You May Think

By Christopher Denny, Partnerships Director at Curam (www.curamcare.com), the largest online care platform in the UK working with care homes nationwide Historically, the care sector has been slow to embrace technology.

However, attitudes are shifting and awareness of the positive impacts of technology in care homes – from wearable devices to robotics – are growing. When talking about this topic, it’s just as vital to consider the less visible back-end technologies as this is what truly holds the key to delivering an alternative model of care.

These transformative technologies include everything from digital software that reduces the administrative burden, platforms that quickly link up carers to those who need them and online portals where care needs can be managed digitally from a single location.

The unprecedented pressures on care homes to source carers at speed, at scale and within tight budgets show no signs of abating, meaning that the role of tech to support and grow the industry is more critical than ever before. Technology is already providing answers to some of these most urgent problems and we are seeing forward-thinking care homes beginning to embrace tech-led solutions and witnessing a host of benefits as a result.

REDUCING THE ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN

The traditional way of hiring carers requires time-consuming, manual procedures – making it a slow and costly process. Technology can help to streamline processes by allowing staff to easily locate and contact potential carers, as well as simplifying the onboarding process.

When it comes to hiring, the vetting process is another contributor to administrative overload. The government’s recent removal of the hourly cap per week on overseas students working in the care sector has exacerbated this problem by creating an avalanche of enthusiastic applicants with little-to-no experience, serving to increase the importance of the vetting further still.

Technology now has the capability to automate vetting processes – by detecting fraudulent documents with ease, and recognising and verifying critical documents such as bank-level IDs, DBS and relevant carer qualifications.

ENSURING CONTINUITY OF CARE The strain on care home staff is being compounded by the very real problem of carer turnover – every year over a third (36%) of carers leave their roles. This problem has worsened due to the cost of living crisis, which has pushed many workers out of the caring profession due to unsustainably low wages. This is also creating an additional recruitment requirement that is not only increasing workloads, but is also impacting on the continuity of care for those vulnerable people in care homes.

We are increasingly seeing that online platforms are stepping into the fold to help solve this challenge. Digital tools are empowering care businesses to post a job and arrange care within minutes or hours, rather than

days or weeks. These platforms are therefore playing an invaluable role in helping care homes fill vacancies for both last-minute care or longer-term regular shifts.

PUTTING CARERS FRONT AND CENTRE We need to always remember that care cannot be delivered by robots and that humans are, and will always be, at the very heart of the caring industry.

It is therefore critical that carers are well-looked after, and by that I mean well-paid, well-trained and safeguarded. Only in this way will we be able to create a workforce that is more engaged and less transient.

Again, technology is already making a difference here. By using digital tools to reduce the administrative burden, care homes can reduce overheads, meaning that the care worker can earn more. Technology is also emerging that can streamline and improve safeguarding and training processes, helping to upskill and better support the carer population.

CREATING AN ALTERNATIVE MODEL OF CARE We often hear about the need for increased Government spending to help solve the challenges facing our industry. And while this would certainly be welcome, it is far from being the panacea. The truth is that the industry has long relied on outmoded processes and legacy systems that have created inefficiencies.

Digital tools hold the key to improving worker earnings, increasing the availability of care, and stretching care budgets. It is only through technology that the industry will be able to transform to deliver an alternative model of care.

Transform Your Care Business with Advanced Care Cloud Are you tired of juggling multiple systems and struggling to stay on top of your care organisation's operations? Look no further! Advanced Care Cloud is here to revolutionise the way you manage your care business.

With Advanced Care Cloud, you can say goodbye to the complexities and limitations of outdated software. Our innovative cloud-based solution offers a true, single, integrated platform that empowers you to efficiently manage any type or size of care and support organisation.

Imagine having all your key information at your fingertips, accessible in one central location. No more searching through countless spreadsheets, paperwork, or disjointed systems. Advanced Care Cloud brings everything together, allowing you to see and do what you need, exactly when you need it.

Why choose Advanced Care Cloud? Here are just a few reasons: 1.Streamlined Operations: With Advanced Care Cloud, you can streamline your day-today operations, eliminating time-consuming manual processes and reducing administrative burden. From scheduling and staff management to client records and billing, everything is seamlessly integrated for enhanced efficiency.

2.Comprehensive Care Management: Whether you provide residential care, domiciliary care, supported living, or any other type of care, Advanced Care Cloud has got you covered. Our solution is designed to meet the unique

needs and requirements of various care settings, providing comprehensive care management tools tailored to your specific workflows.

3. Real-time Insights: Gain valuable insights into your care business with Advanced Care Cloud's robust reporting and analytics capabilities. Track key metrics, monitor performance, and make data-driven decisions to drive continuous improvement and achieve better outcomes for your clients.

4. Anywhere, Anytime Access: Advanced Care Cloud is accessible from any device with an internet connection, giving you the flexibility to manage your care business on the go. Even in situations where the connection is lost, Advanced Care Cloud remains accessible. You can continue working offline and rest assured that any updates made will be automatically synced once the connection is re-established. So, whether you're at the office, visiting clients, or attending conferences, you can stay connected and in control.

To experience the power of Advanced Care Cloud firsthand, visit our stand G74 at the Care Show on the 11th and 12th of October at the NEC Birmingham. Our team of experts will be available to provide live demonstrations, answer your questions, and showcase how Advanced Care Cloud can transform your care business.

For more information on Advanced Care Cloud and to schedule a personalised demo, visit our website www.oneadvanced.com/products/care-cloud or call us on 0330 311 6077 today.

PAGE 50 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Technology Enabled Care:

The Next Generation of Care Provision

At The Access Group we are aware of the challenges of maintaining quality care facing the care industry. It is estimated that there are 1.98 million social care requests made every year and with limiting budgets and staff recruitment at a all time high it is getting increasingly difficult to ensure care providers are constantly delivering better person-centred care.

We are delighted to announce our latest solution which will sit within our Workspace for Care, Access Assure. Our Assure ecosystem will sit at the centre of our care offering to prevent, monitor, and react to social care needs as they change.

Here our technology enabled care and digital telecare goes further than just a digital social alarm. We combine both traditional reactive alarm functionality with proactive digital monitoring to deliver better proactive and preventative care.

Our digital monitoring tools allows for continuous data capture and analysis for care providers and clinical consultants, aggregating the data collected and transforming it into actionable insight. In just a matter of 14 days our Assure ecosystem can learn individual daily routines to notify

care providers and loved ones of any changes before something more critical takes place.

The Assure ecosystem supports people recover across the care continuum to prolong independence, provide reassurance, delay future care needs, and reduce hospital discharge delays to help budgets stretch further and help reach the demand easier.

Technology Enabled Care is more than just a single component or sensor it’s the combined sum of all its parts. To enable this Assure integrates with 3rd party sensors and devices and a variety of our other care solutions. This ensures we can deliver a level of intelligence and can help join up data to provide insight on wellbeing to deliver a preventative approach to care and improve care planning, care management, and care delivery to give individuals the freedom to do more.

To find out more about how our digital telecare helps deliver better proactive and preventative care, contact us today at www.theaccessgroup.com/engb/health-social-care/form/digitaltelecare-demo-contact-form/

Introducing Caregraphy: Transforming Social Care Management In today's rapidly evolving world, where technology drives progress across industries, the field of health and social care is no exception. Caregraphy is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, offering an innovative software solution that revolutionises the way care organisations manage their operations.

At Caregraphy, we understand the challenges faced by care providers in delivering high-quality services while navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Our mission is to empower care organisations with the tools they need to enhance client outcomes, streamline administrative tasks, and ensure compliance with ever-changing regulations.

What sets Caregraphy apart is its user-centric design that places care providers and clients at the heart of every feature.

From comprehensive client assessments and personalised support plans to secure communication tools and real-time reporting, our software is built to simplify your daily tasks and elevate your service quality.

With Caregraphy, gone are the days of manual paperwork, inefficient communication, and disjointed processes. Our platform seamlessly integrates all aspects of care management into one unified system, enabling you to focus on what truly matters – delivering exceptional care and improving the lives of those you serve.

We are not just a software provider; we are your partner in progress. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that Caregraphy works to suit your unique needs, evolving alongside your organisation. By harnessing the power of technology, we enable you to unlock new efficiencies, achieve higher standards of care, and drive positive outcomes.

Experience the Caregraphy difference – where innovation meets compassion, and where your organisation's success is our top priority.

Discover more at www.caregraphy.com and book a demo to find out how you can start your journey with Caregraphy today.

See the advert on page 46 for details.

Pass Profile 2023

• Save you time • Increase the efficiency of your teams • Improve the quality of care • Deliver better outcomes

PASS supports over 1,000 care providers every day, giving them access to market leading care management tools hand in hand with unlimited 24/7/365 support from our dedicated and friendly PASS team.

Assured by NHS Transformation Directorate, PASS provides a secure platform that allows you to plan, record and evidence the care you deliver. The only assured solution built specifically for the home care sector, it provides comprehensive real-time functionality and allows you to share progress against outcomes with customisable, exportable reports.

CARE PLANNING AND ROSTERING FROM A SINGLE PLATFORM To meet the wider needs of the PASS community All-in-one PASS has recently been launched , bringing advanced rostering functionality to our established digital care planning platform. As a result advanced staff scheduling, payroll and invoicing functionality is now seamlessly linked with care planning and reporting, reducing the technical complexity, risk and overhead associated with integrating two separate systems.

As a result, PASS now provides an all-in-one suite of digital care management tools, available from a single platform, designed to:

INTEGRATED HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE Our commitment to the continual evolution of PASS is further illustrated by the addition of GP Connect.

PASS GP Connect provides authorised social care staff with realtime access to their client’s GP records. It makes medical information available when and where it is needed, leading to improvements in both care safety and outcomes: • Visibility of allergies, vaccinations and medications, especially useful for clients unable to reliably share their personal information • Using medical information to inform care planning • Ensuring that the right medication is delivered to the right person in the timeliest manner. In one case, this allowed the administration of antibiotics on a Friday evening, aiding the service user’s swift recovery from infection Available to all PASS users at no additional cost, PASS GP Connect is significantly more efficient than waiting for a GP response. It’s also a positive step forward on the path to the DHSC’s goal for widespread digitally enabled care and is in full alignment with their ambition for joined up care for everyone.

Get in touch: www.everylifetechnologies.com hello@everylifetechnoloiges.com

PAGE 52 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Sidqam - Software Solutions for Community Care Sidqam is a health technology company that offers cutting-edge solutions to health and community care organisations in the United Kingdom. These innovative solutions are designed to elevate patient outcomes and staff confidence, lower operational costs, enhance efficiency, and, most crucially, improve the quality of patient care.

In today's dynamic healthcare landscape, Sidqam stands as a trailblazer, spearheading advancements that transform the way healthcare is delivered. Our commitment to delivering exceptional technology solutions stems from our unwavering dedication to improving the wellbeing of patients across the country and beyond.

Fardeen Siddiqui, CEO Sidqam Ltd. says, “Our software solutions are a testament to our commitment to delivering excellence within community care. We understand the profound impact that technology can have on the lives of both caregivers and the individuals they support. In the realm of care homes, Direcht Care streamlines administrative tasks, allowing staff to dedicate more time and attention to residents. We prioritize enhancing the quality of care, ensuring that each individual receives personalised support tailored to their unique needs.

For those with learning disabilities, Direcht LD creates opportunities for independence and growth. It fosters a supportive environment that encourages skill development and empowerment. We believe that technology should serve as a bridge to inclusivity, enabling individuals with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling lives within their communities” Lawrence Chadwick-Smith, Head of Operations added, “Our software solutions for community care are driven by a shared passion for enhancing lives, it's a sector we are immensely proud to serve. We understand that the well-being of individuals in care homes, those with learning disabilities and domiciliary care hinges on the quality of care they receive, and we are here to set new standards of excellence and compassion.”

OUR PRODUCTS Direcht LD is the result of years of research and development, guided by the belief that everyone, regardless of their abilities, deserve the tools and opportunities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

This innovative and fit-for-purpose software solution is poised to make a significant impact in the field of caring for people with learning dis-

abilities.

Direcht Care empowers care providers with a comprehensive and user-friendly platform to streamline and enhance resident care. Our software offers intuitive care plan creation and management tools, enabling care teams to develop personalised care plans that cater to each resident's unique needs, preferences, and medical history.

Additionally, incorporating Direcht Restore enables comprehensive deterioration monitoring and escalation.

Direcht Restore is the ultimate monitoring deterioration and escalation software that helps care homes provide the best care to their residents by empowering care workers with the support they need.

Co-developed with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB (the original creators of the paper RESTORE2™), Direcht Restore is the only fullstandard deterioration monitoring solution on the market.

For more information about the Sidqam range of software solutions for community care, please visit www.sidqam.co.uk, email direcht@sidqam.co.uk or call 0161 818 4614

WhosOffice Online success Helps Care Sector with Shift Planning and Staff Leave Management Kent -based WhosOffice.com is helping the care sector manage staff shifts and leave planning. Currently used by many businesses to manage staff holidays and shift rotas online.

WhosOffice’s CEO, Reg Groombridge, has seen a noticeable shift in the way companies are managing essential HR tasks like coordinating staff time off and shift patterns.

“All companies, including large care homes, hospital pharmacies and the care sector generally are more sensitive than ever to key staff not being available at vital times during a shift. Management, including local managers, need to have a clear vision of whos on shift, day off, who’s on leave or even off sick and be able to plan tasks accordingly to the correct staff.”

“As there continues to be pressure caused by the shortage of skilled and qualified personnel, you need online systems that your whole team can use to see accurate information, wherever they’re located – at head office, care home based, onsite or on the move.”

Knowing who’s on shift or available to cover a shift is the key to success along with who’s qualified to cover certain essential roles and tasks.

“The switch to digital shift planning is driving investment in HR tools like WhosOffice because there can be less face-to-face interaction between staff. Its easier to have an online system that gives everyone from the ground up a clearer picture of who’s on shift, who’s available and qualified to take on tasks that must covered.

Particularly in the care sector you can’t just lean across the desk and ask someone if they’ve booked next week off or when they are next on shift.

“There’s also a need for companies to provide a good employee experience. When recruitment is a challenge, you can’t afford to lose your most valuable people – and a basic mistake like miscalculating someone’s holiday allowance or not logging their time off request can have a huge impact on people’s loyalty to your business.”

“Likewise, it’s important to protect the health and wellbeing of your workforce, to mitigate the risk of someone going off long-term sick.

We’re seeing more companies using the WhosOffice absence management feature to track staff sick leave, so they can identify people who may be struggling with their physical or mental health and offer appropriate support.”

Ever-rising employee expectations have created a stronger business case for investing in HR technologies. When WhosOffice launched in 2015 it was one of the very first online staff shift and leave planners, and many businesses still used paper forms or spreadsheets to track time off. Now, companies of all sizes are modernising their operations to help them attract and retain the best people.

“Fortunately, essential HR tools have become much more affordable in recent years, which means SMEs can use the same, sophisticated software as much larger companies.”

Contact details WhosOffice.com +44 (0)1227 812938 support@whosoffice.com

PAGE 54 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Cyber Attack On Social Care: A Case Of ‘When, Not If’

By Daniel O’Shaughnessy, Delivery Manager at Better Security, Better Care In the modern world, cyber attacks are a case of ‘when, not if’, and social care is no exception. During National Cyber Security Awareness Month in October, Better Security, Better Care will be encouraging all care providers to check and improve their cyber security arrangements.

The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2023 reports that 59% of medium sized businesses recall breaches or attacks in the last year. Smaller organisations are identifying them less, but this may reflect that managers in smaller organisations view cyber security as less of a priority in the current economic climate, so are undertaking less monitoring.

As most care services are small or medium sized businesses, with valuable data such as staff, clients’ and the company’s bank details, they can be particularly vulnerable. The impact can be significant and costly such as: • loss of access to care plans and rosters, putting care delivery at risk • financial losses due to theft from bank accounts, fake requests for payments, and ransomware demands • the time lost through having to fix systems.

Many more care providers are using the free Data Security and Protection Toolkit

(DPST) for social care to assess and improve their arrangements. That is real progress.

The challenge is to be continuously alert to less obvious or emerging risks.

For example, if a software supplier is the victim of a cyber attack, it can impact on organisations using their systems. This happened last summer when a cyber-attack impacted NHS and social care software systems. One care provider had all the appropriate cyber security infrastructure in place, but they were still disrupted because the attack on the software company blocked access to their system. Fortunately, the care service had a strong business continuity plan in place. As the manager explains: “We had already been backing up and downloading our employee rosters as part of this plan, so when the attack happened, we were able to check our downloaded rosters and move these over to a spreadsheet.”

We strongly encourage providers to take up the benefits of going digital – and plan for the potential risks. The DSPT brings you through all the issues you need to consider.

And you don’t have to do it alone. You can access free support from the Better Security, Better Care programme – including 28 support organisations across the country.

Visit www.digitalsocialcare.co.uk/bettersecuritybettercare or see the advert on page 9.

Elevating Care Standards: A Revolution in UK Residential and Domiciliary Care Auditing In an era of ever-evolving healthcare regulations and an unwavering commitment to delivering quality care, auditing and compliance have never been more critical in residential care and domiciliary care settings. The spotlight on transparency, accountability, and patient safety shines brighter than ever before. That's where our state-of-the-art auditing tool comes into play, paving the way for a new standard of excellence in care provision.

A NEED FOR TRANSFORMATION IN CARE AUDIT PROCESSES Traditionally, auditing processes for care providers have been time-consuming, paper-heavy, and prone to errors. The burden of regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and delivering exceptional patient-centred care can be overwhelming.

THE POWER OF CARE AUDITS Customisable Templates: Tailor audit templates to your specific care setting, ensuring that the auditing process aligns perfectly with your care protocols and regulatory requirements.

Time and Cost Efficiency: Say goodbye to the days of sifting through mountains of paperwork. Care Audits streamlines the auditing process, saving time and reducing costs.

Real-time Tracking: Stay ahead of compliance requirements with real-time tracking and reporting. Our system allows you to monitor, manage, and report on audit findings instantly, reducing the risk of compliance gaps and penalties.

Improved Care Quality: By identifying areas for improvement quickly and efficiently, Care Audits empowers your team to enhance care quality and patient outcomes.

Comprehensive Training and Support: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure that you maximize the potential of Care Audits.

JOIN THE FUTURE OF CARE AUDITING Embrace innovation, elevate your care provision, and ensure unwavering compliance with Care Audits. It's time to leave behind the challenges of outdated auditing methods and embrace the efficiency, accuracy, and quality improvements Care Audits offers.

Invest in your residents, clients, and the future of care. Contact us today to schedule a demo or experience Care Audits first-hand with our free 14-day free trial.

See the advert on this page for further details.

Patient Handling and Moving

THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023 | PAGE 55

PATIENT HANDLING

Patient handling and moving in UK residential and nursing care homes is an essential activity that needs to be carried out safely and efficiently to prevent injury to both patients and staff. Handling and moving patients can be a physically demanding task, and staff must be trained and equipped to carry out this activity safely.

LEGISLATION

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the primary legislation that governs health and safety in the workplace, including residential and nursing care homes. This act requires employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and anyone else who may be affected by their work. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 build on this act, requiring employers to conduct risk assessments and implement measures to eliminate or control the risks identified.

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 also relate to patient handling and moving and require employers to avoid hazardous manual handling wherever possible. If this is not feasible, employers must assess the risk of injury and take steps to reduce it, such as providing training, equipment, and other aids. The regulations also require employers to ensure that workers are aware of the risks associated with manual handling and the measures in place to minimize them.

TRAINING

Training is a crucial aspect of patient handling and moving in residential and nursing care homes. Workers must be trained in the safe use of equipment and techniques to prevent injury to themselves and patients. The training should cover the risks associated with manual handling, such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and how to minimize them. Workers should also be trained in how to use patient handling aids and equipment, such as hoists and transfer belts.

Training should be provided to all new employees and repeated periodically to ensure that all staff are aware of the latest techniques and equipment. The training should also cover the specific needs of different patient groups, such as those with dementia or other cognitive impairments. It is essential to ensure that workers have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective care to all patients.

RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk assessment is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of patients and caregivers in residential and nursing care homes. Employers must

conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards and take steps to eliminate or control them. The risk assessment should cover all aspects of patient handling and moving, including lifting, transferring, and repositioning.

The risk assessment should consider factors such as the patient's weight, mobility, and any medical conditions that may affect their ability to move. It should also consider the environment in which the patient is being moved, such as the presence of obstacles or uneven flooring.

Based on the risk assessment, employers should implement measures to reduce the risk of injury, such as the use of patient handling aids and equipment or changes to the layout of the care home.

INJURIES

Injuries resulting from patient handling and moving are a common problem in care homes. Staff who handle patients regularly are at risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries, such as back pain and strain injuries. Patients may also experience discomfort, pain, and pressure sores if they are not handled correctly. These injuries can be prevented by following safe handling techniques and using equipment such as hoists and slings.

Patient handling aids and equipment play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of both patients and caregivers in UK residential and nursing care homes. These aids and equipment are designed to assist with patient handling and moving, which can often

be physically demanding and potentially dangerous without proper equipment and techniques.

One of the most commonly used patient handling aids is the hoist.

Hoists are devices that use a lifting mechanism to move patients from one location to another, such as from a bed to a wheelchair or a bath.

Ceiling hoists are often used in care homes and are mounted on a track system that allows them to move across the ceiling, while mobile hoists are freestanding and can be moved from one location to another.

Transfer belts are another type of patient handling aid that is widely used in care homes. These belts are placed around the patient's waist and are used to assist with transfers from one location to another, such as from a bed to a chair or a toilet. Transfer belts are particularly useful for patients who have some mobility but may need assistance with standing or walking.

Slide sheets are also commonly used in patient handling and moving. These sheets are placed under the patient and are used to slide them from one surface to another, such as from a bed to a stretcher or a wheelchair. Slide sheets are particularly useful for patients who are unable to assist with their own transfers.

Other types of patient handling aids and equipment include standing aids, turning discs, and lifting cushions. These aids and equipment are designed to provide additional support during patient handling and moving, reducing the risk of injury to both patients and caregivers.

DISCOMFORT AND DIGNITY

Patient handling and moving can be uncomfortable and undignified for patients if not carried out correctly. Care homes should ensure that patients are treated with dignity and respect at all times and that their privacy is protected. Patients should be involved in the handling and moving process as much as possible and should be given the opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences.

In conclusion, patient handling and moving in UK residential and nursing care homes is a vital activity that requires careful planning and execution to prevent injury to both patients and staff. Care homes should ensure that all staff involved in patient handling and moving receive regular training, and that they have access to appropriate equipment and aids. Risk assessment should be carried out before any handling activity takes place, and patients should be treated with dignity and respect at all times.

Lento Neuro - Elevating Neurological Patient Comfort and Care Unmatched Comfort and Support Lento Neuro is a therapeutic solution, engineered to meet the unique needs of patients with neurological conditions.

With its emphasis on supportive seating and ergonomic design, it the chair ‘hugs’ patients and provides a secure and calming “cocooned” feel when in the chair.

Widely Adjustable We recognise that every patient is unique. That's why Lento Neuro offers a wide adjustability that means this chair can be change in size as a patient’s condition progresses.

Find the ideal fit for a patient with: • Removable armrests • Adjustable seat depth and width • Adjustable back angle and incremental recline.

Seamless Mobility and Safety Mobility and safety are crucial in a healthcare environment, Lento Neuro features lockable wheels on the chair and footrest allowing you to easily adjust the chair's position.

Pressure Care Materials Throughout The Lento Neuro is designed with built in pressure care solutions that prioritise the health and safety of your patients.

We've incorporated Dartex, a leading pressure care material that allows moisture to pass through, into Lento Neuro's skin contact surfaces. This provides additional support by preventing skin breakdown, crucial for patients with neurological conditions who may be at greater risk.

The breathable back cushions also allow air to pass through the chair and maintain patient comfort.

Accessories Whether it's choosing from various postural cushion options or utilising the chair's intuitive adjustable positions, you can personalise the seating experience to optimise patient comfort and well-being.

A Partnership for Progress Vivid Care are not just a supplier; we're your collaborative partner in delivering exceptional patient care. With this innovative chair, you can elevate care standards and enrich the lives of patients facing neurological challenges.

Join us in shaping the future of neurological disease patient care.

enquiries@vivid.care 01423 799960 www.vivid.care

PAGE 56 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

PROFESSIONAL AND RECRUITMENT

Navigating Nursing Shortages: Legal Responsibilities & Recruitment Strategies Brendan Wincott is the managing director of Guardian Support, an HR, Employment Law and Health and Safety consultancy (www.guardiansupport.co.uk) The care sector is facing an unprecedented recruitment challenge which is being compounded by high staff turnover (31%) and increasing vacancies (currently 8%). While UK employers are increasingly relying on overseas workers, this is not enough.

It is unlikely that the NHS or government will be able to solve this issue themselves. In this blog, we focus on employers, their legal duties towards nursing staff and how they can potentially increase the recruitment and retention of nurses.

WHY IS THERE A SHORTAGE OF NURSES IN THE UK?

area where nurses may not work. Employers should take care when including such clauses, as they should aim to protect the interests of the business while still being fair to the employee and any future work opportunities they may be presented with.

NAVIGATING POOR WORK PERFORMANCE IN A NURSING SHORTAGE During a crisis such as this, it can be difficult for employers to navigate the way forward. Should employers be dealing with issues like poor performance more leniently? And should the criteria for nursing recruitment change?

Ideally, employers should always strive to attract and retain top talent. One of the first courses of action you should take is to conduct a background check on your nurses. This will help you determine whether

There are many factors that have influenced the nursing shortage.

The Covid-19 pandemic put immense pressure on the healthcare system, ramping up nurse demand. This resulted in significantly heavier workloads, burnout and mental health issues.

When you couple these poor working conditions with the severely low pay, one can understand why these professionals are choosing to leave the healthcare sector or not enter it at all.

should use the opportunity to understand why this is the case and provide the training and support needed

WHAT ARE EMPLOYERS' LEGAL DUTIES & HOW CAN THEY HELP NURSES?

to improve a nurse's performance.

UK employers are legally required to adhere to the rules and regulations set out by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. In terms of the nursing sector, employers must do everything in their power to ensure a safe working environment for nurses.

This includes assessing risks (such as patient handling, use of equipment, and exposure to infectious diseases) and implementing preventative measures. Additionally, nurses must be supplied with the correct personal protective equipment, as this will prevent exposure to harmful pathogens.

HOW ELSE CAN YOU SUPPORT NURSING STAFF?

EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS FOR NURSING STAFF Employment contracts should be fair to both parties. Something that has been increasingly seen in nurses' employment contracts is restrictive covenants, which are more commonly known as non-compete clauses.

With these clauses, an employee agrees to refrain from competing against the employer, poaching colleagues or inducing customers away from the employer. Often, these clauses also stipulate a geographical

they are fit to work with vulnerable adults and other groups.

Additionally, you should ensure they are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council) and hold a relevant associate or bachelor's degree.

During the duration of the employment contract, it’s also essential that you conduct appraisals with your nursing staff. This will help you to determine if they are still performing at a satisfactory level. If not, you

Many nursing staff have left their jobs in the past year, citing reasons such as anxiety, stress, depression and other mental health issues. As an employer, you have a duty of care towards your nursing staff, and apart from ensuring their health and safety, you should also take steps to support their welfare. Providing mental health support as well as training can assist nurses with the skills needed to work in such a taxing environment.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE NURSING SHORTAGE The nursing shortage is a crisis for the UK sector, and in such a climate, employers are faced with the challenges of attracting and retaining skilled nurses while still ensuring legal compliance.

Providing employment contracts that are fair to both employer and employee can help with attracting and retaining skilled nurses. Additionally, employers should look to support staff welfare through mental health assistance and training.

In Dire Need Of Experienced Health Care Assistant, Senior Carer Or A Nurse?

JJ Recruitment has the large database of well qualified applicants with experience in the healthcare industry, such as health care assistants, senior carers, and nurses from overseas. We also have an expert team of solicitors for the necessary legal proceedings and advices.

WHY JJ? • We have very minimal processing fees.

• We assist you to get a sponsorship license.

• Qualified and experienced candidates from overseas.

Tel: 01704 808227 www.jjcarerecruitment.co.uk admin@jjrecruitment.co.uk See the advert on the facing page for details.

Care Home Finance from Global Business Finance Global assists clients throughout the U.K. who specialise in the healthcare sector to achieve their objectives of purchase, development and refinance.

We have organised over £1.8bn for clients in the past 30 years, providing clients with competitively priced funding to refinance existing debt, ease cashflow and develop businesses further.

From helping clients make their first purchase through to allowing groups to grow significantly in

size we assist at every stage of your business expansion.

Every proposal is individual and deserves to be treated that way, so we hope you will allow us to be of assistance to you and call us to chat through your plans and requirements, I am sure we will be able to tailor a facility to your requirements.

Call us on 01242 227172 or e-mail us at enquiries@globalbusinessfinance.net

FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE SOCIAL CARE SECTOR DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOU, SIGN UP AT WWW.THECARERUK.COM/SIGNUP

THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023 | PAGE 57

PROFESSIONAL AND RECRUITMENT Transforming Care Services: How Interim Managers and Mock CQC Inspections Can Save Providers Money, Stress and Their Reputation As a provider, we have encountered our fair share of challenges. From staffing shortages to regulatory hurdles, the road to providing good care can often be rocky. However, through our journey, we’ve learned of two invaluable tools that can save providers money, stress, and their reputation.

THE POWER OF INTERIM MANAGERS Interims are seasoned professionals who step in during times of crisis, transition or growth; bringing a fresh perspective. Their expertise can range from operations and compliance to financial management and staffing. Here's why they are an asset to providers: • Problem Solvers: They quickly assess the situation, identify problems, and implement effective solutions, preventing issues from escalating and incurring more significant costs.

• Regulation: They ensure services remains compliant,

avoiding costly penalties.

• Staff Development: Interims excel in reducing staff turnover, agency cost and supporting staff.

• Efficiency: Hiring an interim may seem like an added expense, their ability to streamline operations can result in substantial cost savings.

THE VALUE OF MOCK CQC INSPECTIONS Inspections led by experienced professionals help providers improve, preventing costly regulatory fines and reputational damage. Mock inspections demonstrate commitment to and evidence of people’s lived experience, attracting more clients and investors.

THE PATH TO SUCCESS Given our experience as provider who have weathered numerous storms, we can attest to the transformative power of these tools when they are led people like the Jiggle team, who know the sector.

By embracing interim support and mock CQC inspections, you too can embark on a journey toward a brighter, more sustainable future.

Nicola Brookes Head of Social Care & Interim Support www.jigglestaffing.com or see the advert on page 11.

Immtell - Navigating Immigration, Delivering Solutions Filling roles in the care industry has never been more challenging.

The need for experienced staff to provide vital care services is increasing and it’s crucial we find solutions to bridge this gap.

Immtell is your ally in this journey, guiding care homes through the process of acquiring and maintaining a Home Office Sponsor Licence and sourcing talent globally through the Health and Care Visa route.

As a care home, it’s paramount to have robust procedures in place to ensure compliance with immigration laws. Beyond Sponsor Licence application and management, we assist with Sponsor Duties, Compliance Audits, Right to Work Checks and provide immigration staff training. Our services mitigate

the risk of fines and reputational damage from employing illegal workers.

For overseas nurses and carers aspiring to work in the UK, Immtell offers specialised UK immigration support with initial visa applications, extensions, family dependant visas and more, simplifying the path to new opportunities in the UK care sector.

Our work at Immtell is making a real difference, helping to resource care homes with the experienced personnel they need and enabling caring professionals to take up these critical roles.

For more information, contact Gavin Webster, Director at Immtell, at info@immtell.com, or visit our website at www.immtell.com.

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

PAGE 54 | THE CARER | SEP/OCT 2023

PROFESSIONAL AND RECRUITMENT

Creating Caring Communities: A Chat with Kata Care's MD, Fae Mell Interviewer: Let's dive right into it, Fae. Can you give us the lowdown on Kata Care and what got you started on this journey?

Fae: Kata Care is all about making a positive impact in social care. My co-founder and I saw a need for expert support that could adapt to the ever-changing demands of the sector. We wanted to be that helping hand for care providers, whether they're struggling with leadership, quality improvement, regulations, or growing their business. We wanted to be the onestop shop for all their needs, whether it's a specific project, an interim contract, or a long-term care quality partner.

I: That's fantastic! So, what's the secret sauce that sets Kata Care

apart?

F: Well, it all comes down to personalised support. We get that every care provider is unique, so we offer tailor-made solutions. Our team includes a whole bunch of experts - Registered Managers, Directors, CSuite pros, and former regulators. Plus, we've got national coverage of close to 100 experts, so we adapt to whatever our clients need, and quickly.

I: What do you look for in the professionals you bring into Kata Care?

F: We seek people who share our passion for excellent care, who are compassionate, adaptable, and always eager to improve. Our team are experts in their fields, but they're also great collaborators. Most of them have been in the sector for over 20 years - they're all incredible.

I: Collaboration and empathy, that's what it's all about. Speaking of collaboration, what's your vision for Kata Care's role in encouraging collaboration within the care community?

F: We see Kata Care as a central hub for collaboration and knowledge

exchange. We're all about connecting care providers, consultants, suppliers, job seekers, and specialist experts. We want to share best practices and spark innovation. Our network of interims and consultants is bursting with talent, and together, we're raising the bar for social care. For those who know me, they know I'm a strong advocate for collaboration. The world would be a better place if we all worked in harmony.

I: Love the community spirit. Before we wrap it up, any advice for those looking to make a difference in social care?

F: Easy. Follow your heart, believe in the positive change you can make, and surround yourself with a supportive crew. Together, we can make the world of care brighter and better for everyone who needs it.

I: You're spreading some serious positivity, Fae. Thanks for sharing this with us today. We're rooting for your mission to uplift social care standards!

F: Thanks so much for having me :) See the advert on the facing page for details.

Are You Looking For Trained Healthcare Professionals?

At Nurse 365 we provide experienced and fully vetted agency support workers and nurses on a temporary and block booking basis. We are based in Whitchurch, Shropshire and supply care staff to the West Midlands, Shropshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire and Wirral areas.

Our lines are open 24/7 365 days of the year, with a team dedicated to your staffing solutions.

Nurse 365 has a high number of care staff who are available to cover shifts as and when needed, to the highest quality. Every candidate is trained annually in numerous courses (some of which are; dementia awareness, epilepsy, positive behaviour support, learning disabilities and autism

awareness) and many, many more.

We have helped numerous care, residential and nursing homes combat their staffing solutions with our high quality staff and are now No.1 on their PSL/suppliers list. Our care is second to none – you can rely on us to provide professional and reliable care staff to be a part of your team.

Get in touch today for all enquiries: Tel: 01948 808833 Email: nurse365@mail.com Web: www.Nurse-365.co.uk

Elevating Healthcare Staffing with Meridale In the complex world of healthcare, the backbone of any healthcare facility is its dedicated team of nurses, healthcare assistants, support workers, and many others. The quality of care provided to patients hinges on the expertise and commitment of these professionals. At Meridale, we understand this fundamental truth and have made it our mission to revolutionize how healthcare recruitment is handled.

EXCEPTIONAL RECRUITMENT SERVICES

Meridale stands at the forefront of healthcare staffing because we recognize that the heart of healthcare lies in the people who provide it. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond mere lip service; it’s embedded in every facet of our recruitment services. We specialize in connecting healthcare facilities with the finest talent available.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR NEEDS We understand that every healthcare facility has unique needs and constraints. Meridale takes the time to listen, comprehend, and collaborate with you to find solutions that align with your budget and meet your specific requirements. Our commitment to tailoring our services ensures that the candidates we recommend are highly skilled and a cultural fit for your institution.

FULFILLING STAFFING GAPS EFFICIENTLY

In healthcare, time is of the essence. Staffing gaps can disrupt operations and impact patient care. With Meridale’s extensive network of healthcare professionals, we can swiftly and adeptly fill these gaps. Our goal is to ensure that your facility operates seamlessly and that your patients receive nothing short of the best care possible.

In these challenging times, when the healthcare industry faces unprecedented demands, having a reliable and dedicated team is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Meridale stands ready to support healthcare facilities in their mission to deliver exceptional care. We are more than a recruitment agency; we are your partner in elevating the standards of healthcare staffing.

Contact 01902 240019 or see the advert below for details.