The Carer #69 November/December 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

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JUL/AUG 2023 Issue 19 2023 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Issue 69

THECARERUK

“Tough Decisions” as Financial Pressures Threaten Care and Support Services

Councils face tough decisions around maintaining care and support services as financial pressures demands further savings from adult social care the Local Government Association (LGA) and ADASS (the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services) have warned.

New data published by ADASS, reveals that at least a third of adult social care leaders in England need to find another £83.7 million of cuts as we head into winter, on top of the £806 million in savings directors across England committed to make in their budgets this year.

The true cost of social care for local councils is likely to be even higher, because the cost of providing care to all of those people who need it is not included in the current projections. At present there are nearly a quarter of a million people waiting for their care needs to be assessed and a significant number of them are likely to be entitled to some form of council funded social care, whether short-term support or long-term care.

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 3...)

PAGE 2 | THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023

VIEWPOINT We here at THE CARER would like to say thank you to all the care homes and care environments around the UK who shared their Armistice and Remembrance Sunday commemorations, paying tribute to our past and present service people and, of course, to their residents who served and lived through past conflicts.

In our online digital issue we were delighted to produce a six-page Remembrance Day commemoEditor ration, which is still available to see, so please do visit www.thecareruk.com - thank you all so very much, it has been an absolute privilege to share these stories with you. You can see a small sample on page 28 of this issue.

I am writing this just three days before Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement. While I don’t have a crystal ball I have been around long enough to know that as we approach a general election year the pursestrings are generally loosened to attract votes!

Our lead story highlights the extremely difficult decisions councils are facing in attempting to maintain adult social care services. Funding cuts, an 8% increase to waiting lists with 470,000 older and disabled people waiting for care to start, direct payments or their care needs assessed paint a very bleak picture.

Every report we receive highlights persistent failures from successive governments, and would draw your attention to yet another story on page 5 from The National Audit Office which revealed that the Government has cut the funding for its planned reform of social care by 58% - diverting some £1bn of the £1.7bn allocated, to other priorities. The money had been earmarked as part of 10-year reforms which included capping the cost of lifetime care.

Meanwhile reports of delayed hospital discharges, often due to a lack of available social care continue to emerge. National figures suggest up to 58% (13,000 people) are unable to leave hospital even though they are able to primarily because there is no homecare and residential care available.

So while I would take this opportunity to welcome Victoria Atkins to the post of Secretary of State and wish her well in the role, I do note that she is our seventh health secretary since 2018, perhaps the job is something of a poisoned chalice.

Sector spokespeople are already urging Ms Atkins “To make reform of social care her number one priority. Solving the crisis in the care of older and vulnerable adults, getting funding into the sector and tackling the staffing crisis will help ease problems across her brief. Getting social care back on track will ease pressures within the NHS and that must be her first main focus.”

I suspect she may have to act fast with the looming election, currently like her predecessors she faces a perfect storm of reports landing into her entry.

Growing hospital waiting lists, rising numbers of delayed discharges, cuts in funding for social care reform and a warning over the future health of older people, the litany of warnings just keeps growing and growing.

This issue is going to be posted out to all major parties, inviting them to share with the readers their party’s policies, and any thoughts and comments on adult social care going into the general election and beyond, so please do watch this space!

Peter Adams

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THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023 | PAGE 3

“Tough Decisions” as Financial Pressures Threaten Care and Support Services (CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER) The survey also reveals an 8% increase to waiting lists with 470,000 older and disabled people waiting for care to start, direct payments or their care needs assessed. While this is down 20,000 since last autumn, it is still unacceptably high and reflects the continuing challenges around recruitment and retention of care staff.

FUNDING GAP All council services are under pressure to find savings as costs and demand pressures continue to rise – analysis from the LGA found that councils in England face a funding gap of £4 billion over the next two years, which is a £1 billion increase since the LGA’s initial analysis in July. It also shows that by 2024/25 cost and demand pressures will have added £15 billion (almost 29 per cent) to the cost of delivering council services since 2021/22.

ADASS President, Beverley Tarka, said, “Without the extra funds the Government has invested in adult social care this year, we’d be in an even worse place. But what this survey shows is while that’s stopped the ship sinking, it hasn’t moved us out of the storm we’re trying to navigate.”

“Social care leaders and their teams are struggling to find savings and meet people’s needs at least minimally, but they can’t perform miracles from already overstretched budgets. Thousands of people are waiting for their council to assess their care needs and some of these people will reach crisis point and end up in hospital this winter, because they haven’t got the support they need in time.”

“We are calling on Government to provide an additional £900 million to stabilise adult social care, helping us to recruit and retain more care workers and support more people that need care and support now.

IMMEDIATE INVESTMENT NEEDED “In the longer term we need a fully funded plan for social care which takes account of the true cost of essential social care. We ask that the government demonstrate that it values the lives of all of us, not least people needing and working in social care. Older and disabled people, people from poorer and culturally diverse communities, carers, people with mental ill health, those experiencing domestic abuse and the largely female workforce, are leading restricted or foreshortened lives, when social care can support gloriously ordinary lives.”

Also commenting, Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board said: “Councils are facing severe funding and demand pressures, meaning finances are under strain like never before.

“The easy savings have long since gone. Councils are being faced with tough decisions about cutting valued services, increasing council tax and fees and charges during a cost-of-living crisis. Immediate investment is needed in order to address unmet and under-met need and ensure timely access to social care for all who need it.”

LEFT WITHOUT CARE Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England said: “With the needs of the population growing and the money allocated for social care not increasing to match, the maths simply doesn’t add up.

Access to social care should not be a battle for those who need it. Without funding from central government to allow for an expansion of care provision, we share ADASS’s concerns that people will be left without care.”

“Voices from across the sector converge on a singular message: saving social care is impossible without the right funding. Against this current backdrop, how can social care be expected to develop a sustainable system for the future? Investment is needed for community provision, and prevention, alongside the costs of providing care for those who need it in the immediate term. The Government must use the Autumn statement as an opportunity to invest in the sector and invest in the future of social care in England. The new Secretary of State will have a growing list of priorities as she settles into her new role, none more important that fixing adult social care.”

HIGHLY DISTRESSING Kirsty Matthews, CEO of Hft, says: “The findings of the ADASS Autumn Survey are highly distressing; they are indicative of a sector struggling at all levels - from the front line to local authority offices.

“With adult social care leaders in England needing to find another £83.7 million of cuts, as 470,00 people wait for support, it is clear that current funding and action are not keeping up with demand.

“Our Sector Pulse Check research, produced in partnership with Care England, illustrates how this is reflected in the experiences and actions of providers. In 2022, 42% were forced to close down part of their organisation or hand back contracts due to cost pressures.

“Undeniably, the adult social care sector is resilient. Despite persistent funding shortfalls, providers do their very best to continue to provide vital services. But we should expect more. Providers should not have to shoulder the financial burden of funding cuts and those who need support should not have to fight for it.”

FINANCIAL CRISIS Cllr Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said: “Havering Council is on the brink of financial crisis where, costs particularly around social care, are more than our resources. We are facing a £31.2 million budget gap in 2024/25, which rises to £77 million over the next four years.

“This is because we have seen drastic cuts to our government funding coupled with one of the oldest populations in London together with the second fastest growing young population in the country. The funding formula used to determine our grant from Central Government has not changed in the past decade, whilst our population has become much larger with more diverse needs. This has resulted in huge pressure and demand for both adults and children meaning that 70 per cent of the council’s budget is spent on delivering social care.

"We have made savings over the past 10 years or more of around £160 million, so this makes future savings much more difficult. There are very limited options left and further savings will mean significant changes to what we do and how we do it, and that those changes will impact many residents.”

“In this year’s budget consultation we have had to put forward some very difficult and painful savings proposals to help reduce the budget gap. This includes stopping some services, significant changes to other services and a Council Tax increase of 4.99 per cent.”

MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We are investing up to £700 million over this year and next to make major improvements to the adult social care system. This includes £42.6 million to support innovation in care and increasing the Disabled Facilities Grant by £50 million.

“Additionally, we have made up to £8.1 billion available to help local authorities tackle waiting lists, low fee rates, and workforce pressures, £570 million of which is to improve adult social care provision, in particular by boosting the workforce."

PAGE 4 | THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023

Redefining Care As A Career, Not A Stepping Stone

By Laura Pennington, Managing Director of Mash Group (www.mashgroup.uk) In the landscape of job seekers, careers in care have often found themselves lumped together with entry-level roles like cleaning and supermarket work. However, it is high time that this perception was challenged and care was acknowledged as a career in its own right, rather than just a stepping stone between other jobs. After all, how can stacking shelves or cleaning toilets be compared to the life-changing work of a care professional?

Care isn't just a job; it's a calling, offering numerous rewards, growth opportunities, and skills development that surpass many other professions.

Three main factors play a pivotal role in changing the narrative around care as a career: pay, flexibility, and the misconception that "no skills are required." Let’s explore each of those in a little more detail.

THE PERCEPTION OF PAY Care work has often been associated with low pay, which has contributed to its diminished status in the overall job market. While it is true that some care agencies and homes offer minimum wage, comparing it to cleaning or supermarket jobs presents a limited view of the situation. In a recent report from job board giant Indeed, the national average hourly rate for care workers stands at £11.77. This places care work on a par with supermarket assistant roles, which average at £11.30, and slightly higher than cleaner roles at £10.73. However, these figures can significantly fluctuate regionally. In some areas, such as the South West, supermarket positions pay over £1.40 per hour more than those in care.

We can regularly have conversations with job seekers who are interested in all three job categories (cleaning, retail and care) and something that we like to highlight is that there IS career progression whilst working within care – but experience would suggest that job seekers aren’t aware of this. Considering the substantial responsibility and skill required in care work, it becomes evident that this profession deserves better recognition and compensation.

FLEXIBILITY Care assistant jobs often offer 0-hour contracts, providing employees with flexibility to manage other commitments. This makes care a welcoming field for parents with young children, offering a balance between work and family life. However, for these individuals, the question remains: what career prospects can be explored when their circumstances change? In this situation, it is not uncommon for care workers to

turn to other industries that they deem to be offering better prospects. It is crucial for the care industry to address this concern and provide a clear path for career progression, ensuring that experienced employees are retained within the sector.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND CAREER PROGRESSION One common misconception that deters people from considering care as a career and not just a stepping stone, is the notion that "no experience is required." Most social care job listings include this statement because care providers offer in-house training programs that are typically rolled out over the course of one week, on average. These programs equip individuals with the skills necessary for an entry-level role in the care sector. While the certificates obtained may require annual renewals, they can also be leveraged for future career progression. Some certificates can be used against future roles, but in general a new employee would be required to complete the training of their current employer.

More education is needed to showcase the skills that are gained (and necessary) within a career in care, so that jobseekers stop viewing the sector as a low-skilled, low-paid path. It is quite the opposite. The path to career progression in care is well-defined and supported by industry bodies like Skills for Care.

Individuals looking to advance in their care career can take advantage of qualifications and training readily available to support their journey.

In fact, the social care sector offers more than 50 vocational qualifications at varying levels, covering everything from practical skills to the all-important knowledge needed to be the best care worker possible.

Apprenticeships, which can be funded by employers through government-backed Advance Learner Loans, offer a well-defined entry path into the care industry, whilst Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas in Health and Social Care open doors to more senor roles in the sector.

You see, care is far more than just a “job” or an entry-level role that should fill time whilst jobseekers figure out what they really want to do with their working life. This is a profession that demands dedication, skill and compassion and has tangible qualifications to support career development; a career that has far more specialisms available than I think jobseekers truly realise, spanning areas such as activity coordination, rehabilitation, dementia care, leadership and many more.

Care workers are the unsung heroes who make a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals. They provide essential support, comfort, and companionship to those who need it the most. Their work goes beyond just providing a service; it involves building trust, forming lasting connections, and enhancing the quality of life for those they care for.

Society needs to recognise and appreciate the value of care professionals. A big share of the responsibility to change perceptions sits with the care industry itself; this is one particular career sector that seems to have a marketing issue on its hands and educating jobseekers is vital. By challenging preconceived notions and actively promoting career progression within the care sector, we can ensure that care is acknowledged for what it truly is—a noble and fulfilling career.

Stitching Smiles at Aliwal Manor Knitting has recently become a popular pastime with the people living at Aliwal Manor Care Home, after the introduction of ‘Knit and Natter’ sessions and one resident’s desire to take on a knitting challenge!

Pam lives at Aliwal Manor Care Home and had a passion for knitting in her younger years, but over time she slowly found herself knitting less and less.

After years of not knitting at all, Pam was gifted a bag of knitted squares, which brought back many happy memories and the feeling she used to get when making different knitted creations. After this, Pam decided to start knitting again! Seeing that she was an able knitter, Lifestyle Coordinator Kerry challenged Pam to knit some triangles that could be made into bunting. Pam was hesitant at first and doubted her abilities, but after 10 days, Pam had knitted 27 triangle shapes! These triangles were then stitched together and displayed in her room to add some colour to her walls. Pam was delighted with what she had achieved, and the team noticed an improvement to her wellbeing. Pam said, “I was anxious about taking on a new project as I wondered if I was capable, but once I had done a couple of triangles and with the encouragement from Kerry there was no stopping me.”

Seeing Pam’s rapid progress and how much she enjoyed this knitting project, Kerry began to ask other people living at Aliwal if they would like to

have a go at knitting. As a keen knitter herself, Kerry cast a couple of stitches onto a pair of knitting needles and took them around the home to inspire others to have a go. This proved very popular and helped people to remember their knitting skills from the past.

Seeing how much interest knitting was starting to receive, Kerry decided to set her next knitting challenge. In theme with the Autumn season, Kerry knitted a small pumpkin shape and challenged others to see if they could create their own. Before long, everyone wanted to have a go!

With many residents taking on the pumpkin challenge, their aim was to make enough to gift one to each person living at Aliwal Manor. Within a couple of weeks and with the knit and natter group growing in numbers week by week, they had created enough pumpkins for all! Thanks to Kerry, residents of Aliwal have re-engaged with a hobby from their past and some have even taken it up as a new pastime!

Knitting has taken the residents of Aliwal Manor by storm and it’s now a well enjoyed activity amongst many of the people who live there. Not only have they all made items they can be proud of, but knitting has also had a profound positive impact on their wellbeing.

Their advice to everyone reading this? 'Get knitting!'

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For vulnerable users who want to spend their own money, Cleva provides a way for them to spend, in a monitored and safe environment, with no risk of becoming overdrawn or overwhelmed. Bespoke spending controls can be added to each vulnerable users’ card, and their carer or support team can also have a Cleva card, to help with spending, if needed.

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THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023 | PAGE 5

£1bn Funding Pledge To Reform Adult Social Care Redirected

More than a billion pounds of the £1.7 billion committed to reforming the adult social care system in December 2021 has been diverted to other care priorities, according to a new National Audit Office (NAO) report.

Reforming adult social care in England reveals that only £729 million may now be spent between 2022 and 2025 on reforming the adult social care system, representing a 58% fall in the budget, and the NAO said that despite being just two years into the 10-year scheme, plans to cap the cost of lifetime care had been delayed and other proposals had been scaled back, with even revised policies falling behind schedule.

Rising inflation has compounded long-standing pressures in adult social care and, coupled with concerns about the sector’s contribution to delays to hospital discharge, has led the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) to reprioritise its reform funding and activity in favour of helping to stabilise the sector.

At last year’s Autumn Statement, the government postponed its £3.6 billion charging reform initiative and committed up to £7.5 billion to the sector, including £2.7 billion of new central government funding, to help ease immediate pressures. These measures provided some welcome relief for local authorities.

DHSC estimates that in 2023-24, local authorities, in aggregate, intend to spend enough on adult social care to cover cost pressures. However, there is local variation and funding may not be reaching areas that need it most because government has not updated the formula used to distribute most local government funding for adult social care since 2013-14.DHSC estimates that around a quarter of local authorities may not spend enough to keep up with the cost pressures they face this year, while one in six expects demand for adult social care to exceed capacity this winter.

Despite some recent signs of improvement, the care system remains under significant pressure. Among the many challenges are concerningly high waiting lists, which local authorities reported had increased by 37 per cent between November 2021 and April 2022.3 While they have eased slightly since then, survey data suggested that the number of people waiting more than six months in March 2023 for a care assessment

was almost double – at around 82,000 – what it was at the end of 2021.

Vacancies in adult social care in England have increased by 173 per cent in the past decade and, despite a recent fall, stand at around 152,000 (a 10 per cent vacancy rate). Around 70,000 staff have been recruited from outside the UK in the past year.

The NAO report finds that DHSC has much to do if it is to achieve its 10-year ambition for reforming adult social care and must manage significant risks.

However, DHSC has not established an overarching programme to coordinate its reforms, making it difficult to know if it is on track to achieve its objectives.

DHSC is delivering on two of its eight workforce projects – supporting international recruitment and adult social care volunteering – the remaining six are in development. Some projects within digital, data and assurance have made better progress.

The NAO found that DHSC does not have a long-term funded plan for transforming adult social care. The department’s Next steps paper, published in April 2023 which contained high-level plans for system reform – does not go beyond the current spending review period.

Gareth Davies, the head of the NAO, said: “Adult social care reform has been an intractable political challenge for decades. Government has set out its ambition to meet this challenge and now needs to demonstrate how it is delivering on these plans.”

Mr Davies said government should consider local government capacity before moving forward with charging reform alongside the system reform.

“To maximise its chances of succeeding, government will need to ensure it understands the impact of its ambitions on local authorities and other stakeholders and establish a costed plan which ensures delivery of its long-term goals.”

Share Your Christmas Celebrations with THE CARER to Win! Christmas is coming and we here at THE CARER are offering care homes the opportunity to win A PRIZE FOR YOU AND YOUR CARE HOME. We invited Care Homes around the UK to share your Christmas celebrations with us here at THE CARER for Christmas 2022 and we are inviting you to do the same this year!

This years’ prize is £100 in Marks & Spencer vouchers for a lucky care home winner!

A no-frills competition, nothing complicated, or we invite you to do is send

in your Christmas celebrations, anything between December 24 and 31st, parties, menus, activities, fundraising and we will pick a winner - it really is that simple!

So please do send to nominations@thecareruk.com with a small paragraph of what you did along with some photos and we will share them with our readers in a special Christmas care Home supplement!

One of our lucky entrants will then be chosen to receive the grand prize!

Entries close at midnight on Friday 5th January 2024.

PAGE 6 | THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023

How Care Providers Can Help Keep Residents Healthy In The Colder Months

By Sadik Al-Hassan, Superintendent Pharmacist at PillTime Care (https://care.pilltime.co.uk/)

As winter approaches, upholding the well-being of care home residents becomes a priority. And with older individuals naturally more vulnerable to illnesses and health complications in the colder months, I want to explore how care providers can maintain the health and well-being of their residents and themselves this winter.

THE BATTLE AGAINST LOW VITAMIN D LEVELS The reduced exposure to sunlight during winter can result in low Vitamin D levels for residents. To address this issue, it's essential to ensure they have access to appropriate supplements to top up their levels. There are an array of benefits to maintaining them and they are vital for sustaining overall health.

Stay on top of seasonal vaccinations One of the most critical steps in preparing for the winter months is ensuring that both residents and care providers are up to date with their seasonal vaccinations. In addition to the flu vaccine, Covid boosters are available and considered a wise decision for vulnerable individuals and those working with them. Getting vaccinated not only protects you but also reduces the risk of spreading infections within the care home environment. Ultimately, it's a cost-effective measure that can save both time and money in the long run.

EARLY DETECTION OF INFECTIONS It's crucial for care providers to be vigilant in recognising the early signs of infections in residents. They may start to feel a little run down, which can be an initial indicator of an impending illness. In such cases, I recommend providing extra fluids, ensuring they get a good night's sleep, and supplementing their diet with Vitamin C and Vitamin B. This combination can give their immune systems the best chance of fighting off infections. Adherence to medication is also essential, with offerings such as our unique pouching method at PillTime Care proving a vital companion to care staff.

HYDRATION IS ESSENTIAL Winter can be a challenging time for residents so it's crucial to ensure that they stay well hydrated.

Dehydration can lead to discomfort and a decrease in overall health. I've seen first-hand how regularly encouraging fluid intake helps residents stay comfortable and maintain their well-being.

KEEP RESIDENTS STIMULATED TO COMBAT ‘WINTER BLUES’ The shorter days and reduced daylight in winter can have a significant impact on residents' mood. To combat this, I recommend scheduling extra light exercise sessions and activities to keep those happy hormones flowing. Staying active not only combats the winter blues but also supports residents' overall wellbeing. Additionally, ensuring that residents have access to proper sleep is also crucial for their overall health.

Winter brings unique challenges for care home residents, and it's our responsibility as care providers to uphold their health and happiness during these months. From vaccinations to Vitamin D supplements, these recommendations serve as a valuable guide for caregivers and their residents.

Putting fundamental processes like this in place and also maintaining your own personal health as a caregiver can help make the winter season a healthier and happier time for everyone in the care home community.

103 Year Old Resident Says ‘Love’ Is Key To Living Long And Happy Life A resident living at an Epping care home, who celebrated her 103rd birthday, says ‘love’ is the key to living a long and happy life.

Dorothy Juniper celebrated her big birthday with an afternoon tea party at Weald Hall Care Home, where she has resided since June.

Despite being a quiet lady who very much enjoys her own company, Dorothy was “very excited” to have 16 members of her family, who travelled far and wide, to be with her on her special day.

went on to become a bookkeeper and kept this job throughout the war – she was very happy in her career. The 103-year old celebrated her milestone birthday in style, with a buffet tea party and opening cards and presents from loved ones.

Dorothy said: “Without a doubt, one of my top tips for living a happy life is love and having a wonderful husband, as well as a happy life together. I’ve also found that a Baileys a day does indeed keep the doctor away!

“Most importantly, spread love to those around you. That’s the best tipple for

Dorothy grew up in Wanstead and was one of four children, leaving school aged

anyone.”

14. She has two sons, as well as her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Danielle Barham, home manager at Weald Hall, said: “It was an honour to join

She met her husband whilst he was on leave from the army at a friend’s house,

Dorothy in her birthday celebrations. She’s such a beloved member of the home,

when she was 21 years old. Dorothy said it was “love at first sight.” Dorothy herself

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THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023 | PAGE 7

Low Care Home Staff Take-Up Of Covid Vaccination

Just 4.2% of staff in older adult care homes have received their autumn Covid booster since roll-out began on 11 September according to government figures and reflect similar low for vaccine take-up by staff in care homes for younger people (3.2%) and domiciliary care staff (2.3%) according to latest figures.

In September the government announced that residents of older adult care homes and people who are housebound could begin receiving their covid and flu vaccinations from September 11. The adult covid and flu vaccination programme, was brought forward based on the latest expert advice following the emergence of a new covid-19 variant prioritised those at greatest risk.

HOWEVER, OF WEEK ENDING 15 OCTOBER 2023, THE PROPORTIONS WHO HAD RECEIVED AN AUTUMN BOOSTER DOSE OF THE COVID-19 VACCINE WERE: • 4.2% of total staff of older adult care homes

• 3.2% of total staff of younger adult care homes • 2.3% of total domiciliary care staff

AS OF WEEK ENDING 15 OCTOBER 2023, THE PROPORTIONS WHO HAD RECEIVED A FLU VACCINATION FOR THE 2023 TO 2024 SEASON WERE: • 35.7% of total residents and 3.7% of total staff of older adult care homes • 21.9% of total residents and 2.8% of total staff of younger adult care homes • 2.6% of total domiciliary care staff

VISITING IN CARE HOMES In the week ending 16 October 2023, 99.6% of care homes in England were able to accommodate residents receiving visitors. This figure has been stable since September 2022.

STAFF ABSENCES DUE TO COVID-19

Chislehurst Care Home Receives Surprise Visit From Rocky The Donkey Residents at RMBI Care Co. Home Prince George Duke of Kent Court in Chislehurst, Kent were delighted recently when Rocky the donkey came to visit.

Rocky was led by handler Caroline Edmonds from Second Chance, a sanctuary based in Somerset, all around the Home so that residents could pet and stroke him. They even stopped off at some residents’ rooms so that they could be introduced.

The benefits of spending time with animals for older people are immense. Research has shown that having something to pet or touch can result in

lower blood pressure, better heart rate and reduced stress. Animals can provide emotional stability during stressful situations, helping to reduce anxiety and depression.

The visit also proved to be wonderful for residents with dementia at Prince George Duke of Kent Court, as it helped to spark conversation and reminiscence.

Diane Connor, the Home’s Activities Coordinator, said: “It was wonderful to see the residents’ faces light up when Rocky came around! He brought joy and calmness to our residents, which is beneficial for their mental health and wellbeing.”

WE NOW SUPPLY A WIDE RANGE OF FURNITURE

In the week ending 16 October 2023, 0.2% of care home staff and 0.6% of domiciliary care staff were absent due to COVID-19 related reasons.

This proportion stayed the same for care home staff but increased for domiciliary care staff in the last month, compared to the week ending 14 September 2023 when 0.4% of domiciliary care staff were absent due to COVID-19 related reasons.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Thomas Waite, says: “Flu and COVID can cause severe illness and hospitalisations for vulnerable people, so it’s essential you protect yourself by booking your jab.If you are eligible, please come forward and get your jabs as soon as possible to make sure you have the best protection against these viruses.”

National charities are also urging those with health conditions that make them more vulnerable to serious complications of flu and COVID-19 to come forward to get their jabs.

PAGE 8 | THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023

Getting Routines Right for People Living with Dementia

By Bernadette Mossman, Healthcare Director at Vida Healthcare (https://vidahealthcare.co.uk)

Amidst 55 million global dementia cases and 10 million new diagnoses annually, emphasising specialised care routines is essential for care home operators and staff when it comes to providing exceptional care for people living with dementia. Bernadette Mossman, Healthcare Director at Vida Healthcare, shares expert insight on how to implement routines for people living with dementia and why they are so important to contribute to physical and mental wellbeing.

Vida Healthcare is the UK’s leading provider of specialist dementia care. The company currently operates three outstanding-rated care homes which provide bespoke care, including residential and nursing, for over 200 people living with dementia.

WHY ARE ROUTINES IMPORTANT? Living without a daily routine can cause increased stress and anxiety, lack of concentration and even exacerbate feelings of distress. This is even more important for people living with dementia, who require stability to maintain independence and wellbeing.

Daily routines serve as a foundation for specialist care, by ensuring consistency and management of the unique needs of each individual living with dementia. Care homes across the board will understand the importance of implementing daily routines for their residents to support crucial activities, such as taking medication on time and getting enough sleep. However, it can be tricky to understand how to establish

a routine for people who may find it challenging to vocalise their needs, such as those living with dementia.

Setting routines not only creates a sense of familiarity, but also ensures structure and predictability which can, in turn, promote independence and wellbeing. Therefore, providing care home staff with the right skills to undertake effective routines is fundamental for holistic and effective dementia care.

This becomes more essential as people progress on their dementia journey and their care needs change. For example, some people living with dementia may lose the ability to carry out everyday routines by themselves over time, such as getting dressed in the morning, eating, communicating or understanding their surroundings. This will often cause confusion, embarrassment and require increased assistance from others. Introducing routines as early as possible when a person moves into a care home can support these functions and help to maintain independence for longer.

to watch a favourite TV programme.

DINING For residents living with dementia, excessive distractions and stimuli can cause residents to become overwhelmed during mealtimes, emphasising the need for a calm and welcoming environment which residents feel comfortable in.

The menus a care home offers should be diverse and visually appealing. Providing traditional and nostalgic meals is often wellreceived. Involving residents in setting the table like they would do at home can be a useful routine, as it fosters a sense of purpose and inclusion. Creating a calming dining experience will help maintain good nutritional intake which in turn, ensures residents are sustaining a good quality of life.

BEDTIME AND CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS Residents living with dementia frequently experience disturbed sleep and Circadian Rhythm Disorders (CRDs). Establishing a safe and

STARTING THE DAY

comfortable bedtime environment can help ensure the individual has

Incorporating cues and reminders can be a useful tool in starting a daily routine for someone living with dementia. If a resident has always started their day by getting a shower, it is important to maintain consistency with this pattern to avoid stress or anxiety. Simple cues, such as leaving a person’s toothbrush and clothes out can make a significant impact, and foster independence for longer.

Daily activities When devising a daily routine for an individual living with dementia, a fundamental aim should be to cater it to their personal preferences and past experiences as much as possible. Upholding even small or seemingly ordinary activities within their daily schedule can yield positive results, such as helping them continue to do things independently for longer. These routines may include leisure activities such as a postlunch walk, making a cup of tea or sitting down at a certain time of day

uninterrupted sleep throughout the night.

Vida Healthcare’s care homes cater to the specialist needs of dementia residents by incorporating specially selected decor and sensory features to help alleviate confusion. Vida Court, the newest of Vida Healthcare’s three homes, has integrated circadian lighting, which aims to reduce agitation amongst residents whilst maintaining routine.

Implementing a routine for people living with dementia is instrumental in providing predictability, structure and a sense of safety. However, caring for individuals living with dementia can pose challenges for care home operators in determining how best to support them. Encouraging routines can promote independence and, ultimately, positively influence their overall quality of life and general wellbeing for as long as possible.

Over 20 MP and MSPs visit HC-One Care Homes for UK Parliament Week HC-One care homes across the UK took part in UK Parliament Week from the 6th - 11th November 2023 where a record number of MPs and MSPs visited homes throughout the week.

HC-One homes hosted visits from politicians including Richard Holden, MP for North West Durham and Minister without Portfolio and Conservative Party Chairman visiting Greenways Court; Christian Wakeford, MP for Bury South and Opposition Whip (Commons) visiting Rose Court; Sir Alan Campbell, MP for Tynemouth and Shadow Chief Whip (Commons) visiting Eastbourne House; Dominic Raab, MP for Esher & Walton visiting Adelaide House; and Dame Angela Eagle, MP for Wallasey visiting Leighton Court.

UK Parliament Week is an annual event which aims to spread the word about what Parliament is and the roles of local dignitaries, what Parliament and local dignitaries do, and how individuals can get involved, take action and make an impact on the issues they care about.

Residents and colleagues at HC-One care homes

enjoyed meeting their local politicians and chatting to them about what life is like at their care homes – which are an integral part of their local communities.

In addition to welcome their local politicians, residents and colleagues have enjoyed a variety of funfilled activities for UK Parliament Week which were enjoyed by all, including taking part in online Q&A sessions, quizzes and lively debates; debating issues and holding votes; creating petitions; holding themed assemblies and council elections; baking and crafting.

Slawomir Janik, Home Manager at Adelaide House Care Home, stated: “We were delighted to welcome Dominic Raab MP to our home. Everyone had a great time, chatting and discussing key issues they care about and what actions can be taken to overcome them.”

Leanne Batten-Smith, Home Manager at Rose Court Care Home, commented: “It was so lovely of Christian to take time out to visit us at Rose Court. The residents really enjoyed chatting to him of our local area and the work he is involved in.”

Blueleaf Launches Christmas Furniture Campaign and Urges Care Homes to Beat the Rush Blueleaf, the nationwide business that helps care homes deliver better outcomes, has launched a new campaign to encourage care homes to consider their Christmas furniture needs now, so that orders can be delivered, and be in place, ready for the festive period.

Ellen Brown, Sales & Marketing Director of Blueleaf, says that it’s important for care managers to consider their Christmas needs well in advance: “Furniture plays a huge part in not only making the right impression for visitors, but also ensuring the comfort of residents and their families during their stay,” she explains.

“We know that Christmas is a busy period for all care homes, so if any homes think they may need to replace or add furniture to prepare for an increase in visitors, now is the time to place an order.”

Ellen says that furniture is in high demand at Christmas: “Some items have extended

delivery times and others will be subject to availability, and that’s another reason to get in touch with us now so that we can help your care homes to plan its needs and avoid being disappointed.”

The campaign reflects Blueleaf’s continued focus on providing products and support for care providers to enhance resident comfort. Earlier in the year Blueleaf relaunched its Stock 7 range – an updated range of bedroom refit solutions that can be delivered and installed from UK stock within seven working days.

To view Blueleaf’s full range of furniture, or to book an appointment, please visit: www.blueleafcare.com/ our-services/products/care-home-furniture

THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023 | PAGE 9

NCF Sets Out Five Social Care “Must Haves” for the Next Government The National Care Forum (NCF) is calling on all political parties to recognise that social care matters to us all in their manifestos by prioritising adult social care reform and has set out five “Must Have” social care reforms for the next government.

The next general election must take place by the end of January 2025 at the latest, but is expected to be some time in 2024, and the NCF is calling upon all political parties to ensure that adult social care is a central part of every manifesto.

For decades, they say, governments of various political persuasions have failed to bring forward and commit to ambitious reform, and the last few years have been no different, with either delays to announced reforms or scaled back ambition.

The NCF highlight that demographic changes in our society, growing unmet need and a difficult workforce environment mean this is a policy area that must no longer be ignored.

More importantly, the full potential of adult social care to enable people to live to the full, to unlock economic prosperity and combat social-economic and health inequalities, is largely an untapped resource and one which needs to be at the centre of conversations about reform.

Future Social Care Coalition outlined in their recently published Carenomics report, a very strong argument that investing in social care is essential for a secure and growing economy.

NCF has set out five key must haves for reform and long-lasting financial and environmental sustainability, developed in association with its membership, which are as follows: • Think social care first – Ensure that people care about social care like they do the NHS and understand its

central role in joined up health and care for people.

• Improve the pay, terms and conditions of the workforce – Care work is intrinsically skilled and valuable and must be remunerated to reflect this.

• Invest in People, Not Profit – Adult social care should be for people, not profit.

• The care economy matters: Create an economic growth strategy for adult socialcare – Social care is a large employer contributing £51.5bn to the English economy, making it an essential part of the national infrastructure. It also has a large part to play in the development of a net-zero economy.

• Enshrine Rights, Fairness and Choice for people in a National Care Covenant – Co- produce and set out clearly the mutual rights and responsibilities of citizens, families, communities and the state.

Speaking prior to the NCF’s fringe events at the Conservative and Labour Party conferences in October and after she had chaired a panel at the Liberal Democrats conference on September 25th, CEO Vic Rayner said: “All political parties must have social care at the top of their agenda as we move closer to the next election.”

“Prioritising social care in this way will talk to the 8 million unpaid carers, the 1.6 million care workforce, the millions receiving care at home or in a residential setting and the millions more unable to access the care they need when they need it, the families and friends of those needing care and the thousands of employers supporting those with caring responsibilities. They don’t think anyone is listening. So parties must talk social care first and they will hear you. Make no mistake, this is an issue that touches everyone – social care matters to us all.”

More Than 30 Years’ Service For Couple at Ormskirk Home Where They Had Their First Job A couple working at an Ormskirk home have a combined service of more than 30 years and say they can’t see themselves working anywhere else.

Celestino and Jocelyn ‘Joy’ Canas have been working at MHA Aughton Park ever since they arrived in the UK. The pair are originally from the Philippines, and it was Joy who first moved to the UK, 17 years ago, leaving behind her husband and three children, with the youngest being 18 months to help establish a better life for them.

Celestino arrived with the children two years later and started working at the home and has done ever since resulting in a combined work service of 31 years.

Joy worked as a nurse in the Philippines and is a care assistant at the home, whilst Celestino had worked in various roles and is currently a domestic assistant.

Speaking about what has kept them at the home Joy said: “I came over from the Philippines to the UK

and initially it was different.

“There was a big cultural difference and I managed to adjust.

“I really enjoy working at MHA Aughton Park and it's a great home to work, the staff are always there to support one another and I feel very accepted.

“During the pandemic I had to leave work and go to America to look after my aunt, the management assured me my job was safe and kept it for me.

“This was my first job in the UK and I really hope it's my last.”

Celestino added: “I have worked in various roles and again to reiterate what Joy said it's a great home to work in.

“I don't think I can see myself working anywhere else.

“The staff and residents are a great bunch of people and I really enjoy coming into work.

“There was a lot of support for one another especially during the pandemic.

“I have been here for 15 years, and I am very happy and keep smiling every day when I am at work.”

THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023 | PAGE 11

Pilot Scheme Launched to Monitor Care Home Infections A national surveillance study initially set up in response to Covid-19 has received government funding for a pilot scheme to monitor infections in care homes.

The pilot study will be underpinned by a data platform co-designed with people who live and work in care homes. It will connect lists of care home residents with routine datasets already held by the NHS, including hospital admissions, mortality data, immunisations, laboratory test results, and prescriptions, all using a common pseudo-identifier based on NHS numbers.

This integrated approach will provide a comprehensive view of residents’ health and healthcare interactions.

The Vivaldi study was originally set up so researchers and care providers could work together to establish the numbers of care home residents and staff who were infected with Covid-19, researchers looked at the impact of COVID-19 in care homes, what could be done to prevent the spread of infection, and the effectiveness of the COVID19 vaccination.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has now announced a pilot scheme to monitor infections in care homes in England.

This new pilot will work with over 500 care homes in England to monitor infections such as COVID-19, flu, norovirus, and urinary tract infections, and analyse the resultant anonymised data in order to help reduce infections in care homes for older adults.

Professor Steven Riley, Director General of Data, Analytics and Surveillance at UKHSA, said: “UKHSA’s collaboration with UCL on the Vivaldi study helped us understand the impact COVID-19 had in care homes and fed directly into important policy making decisions, helping to protect those living and working in adult social care settings during the pandemic.”

“We are delighted to be able to continue this work through the Vivaldi social care pilot which will improve our understanding of infections in care homes and similar environments beyond COVID-19 and will provide valuable data that will contribute to our mission to prepare for, prevent and respond to health threats, protect livelihoods and, most importantly, save lives.”

Professor Laura Shallcross MBE, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Professor of Public Health at

Care Home Resident Relives His Rolls-Royce Days with Luxury Surprise A resident at a care home in Buckinghamshire was delighted after being treated to a luxury day out in his favourite car.

Bryan Wickers, a resident at Austenwood Care Home, was surprised with a chauffeured drive around Windsor in a RollsRoyce, after the care team discovered he once owned one himself.

The 89-year-old was picked up from the home in the Phantom by his daughter and his chauffeur for the day, Renos Sideras, the owner of Austenwood, who took the role very seriously and dressed in full suit.

He was greeted with his favourite drink – a non-alcoholic beer – and taken out for a lavish lunch to enjoy his favourite cuisine,

Chinese.

Living with Parkinson’s, Bryan moved into Austenwood in August 2022. Known for his quiet demeanour and dry sense of humour, he is well-loved by residents and staff alike.

Ana Ciobotaru, care home manager at Austenwood, said: “Bryan often shares his love for high-end, luxury vehicles and we’re honoured to have been able to make this happen for him.

“It’s always a pleasure to go the extra mile for our residents, especially those who are no longer able to experience elements of their former life.

“We hope Bryan can continue to make many more happy memories with us here at Austenwood.”

University College London said: “The Vivaldi social care project is a fantastic opportunity for researchers, residents, relatives, staff, and care providers to work together to tackle the problem of infections and outbreaks in care homes. By learning lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, we aim to find new, better ways to protect residents that do not impact negatively on their quality of life.”

PAGE 12 | THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023

Understanding Employment Law in Residential Nursing Care

By Wendy Curlett, a fully CIPD-qualified Human Resource Professional specialising in Complex Employment Law case handling at www.safetyservicesdirect.com The residential nursing care sector plays a crucial role in our society, providing essential support to those in need.

With the well-being of patients at its core, this sector is highly regulated, making employment law a very important element of the industry.

To help you navigate the tricky landscape of employment law in the residential nursing care sector, we’re exploring how your organisation can settle disputes and maintain a harmonious and productive workforce.

WHY IS THE RESIDENTIAL NURSING SECTOR CLOSELY REGULATED? This sector is carefully regulated to ensure the safety, well-being, and quality of care for residents, many of whom are vulnerable individuals with significant healthcare needs.

Regulation is necessary for many things, such as protecting residents from harm, maintaining quality of care, safeguarding their rights, preventing fraud and abuse, ensuring infection control, setting staffing standards, promoting transparency, and building public trust in the industry. These regulations help maintain a consistent and high standard of care across the sector and hold facilities accountable for their actions.

NAVIGATING RESIDENTIAL NURSING EMPLOYMENT LAW In this sector, employment law isn't just about compliance; it's about maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for both employees and patients. Here’s how you can achieve this when navigating employment law:

DEALING WITH POOR PERFORMANCE In healthcare, addressing poor performance is absolutely crucial, as employees are often working closely with vulnerable individuals. Patient safety and the quality of care depend on the competence and dedication of the staff, so when an employee is performing poorly, it is essential to navigate this issue legally and fairly.

The key is to establish clear disciplinary procedures and maintain thorough documentation of all actions taken!

STAFF SUPPORT Supporting staff members is not just an ethical duty but also a legal one. The well-being of employees is crucial in an industry where stress and burnout are very common. Employee assistance programs can offer guidance and support, and providing a nurturing work environment can help prevent disputes and improve overall care quality.

RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS Employment contracts often include restrictive covenants to protect the interests of both parties. In the

residential nursing care sector, these covenants must be carefully crafted to balance employee rights and employer interests. Understanding their enforceability and limitations is vital to maintaining a stable workforce.

PROTECTION FROM POACHING Staff poaching is a challenge in the nursing care sector, as experienced professionals are highly sought after. Legal measures such as non-solicitation and non-compete clauses can be employed to protect against staff poaching and maintain a cohesive workforce.

DUTIES UNDER THE HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK ACT The Health and Safety at Work Act places significant responsibilities on employers to ensure the safety and well-being of their staff and patients. Compliance with this act is not only a moral obligation but also a legal one. Understanding the employer and employee duties is crucial in avoiding disputes and ensuring a safe work environment.

Here are some of the key duties under the HSWA for the residential care sector: Employer Duties: • Provide and maintain a safe and healthy environment for residents and employees • Develop and implement health and safety policies and procedures • Identify and assess risks to health and safety and take measures to control or eliminate them • Provide training and information to employees to ensure they can work safely • Monitor health and safety performance and continuously improve safety practices • Provide appropriate equipment and resources for safety Employee Duties: • Follow health and safety policies and procedures • Use equipment and resources in a safe manner • Report any hazards, near misses, or incidents to their employer • Co-operate with their employer to ensure a safe work environment • Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others Risk Assessment and Control: • Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards and assess the risks to residents and employees • Implement control measures to minimise or eliminate identified risks, such as providing proper equipment and training, using safe work practices, and ensuring the security of residents Emergency Preparedness: • Develop and maintain emergency response plans and procedures for incidents like fires, medical emergencies, or natural disasters • Ensure all employees are trained and familiar with emergency procedures • Maintain records of health and safety incidents, risk assessments, training, and safety inspections

THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023 | PAGE 13

Covid Inquiry Exposes ‘Callous Disregard’ For Vulnerable CARE providers say the Covid-19 inquiry has exposed a brutal and callous disregard for older and vulnerable adults.

Giving evidence Dominic Cummings painted a picture of widespread chaos and dysfunction in the U.K. government during the coronavirus pandemic.

In keenly awaited testimony to the public inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Cummings was contemptuous about many of the people dealing with the situation, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, describing a culture of toxic relations and lack of trust.

“I would say, overall, it’s widespread failure, but pockets of excellent people and pockets of excellent teams doing excellent work within an overall dysfunctional system,” he said.

Another aide, former communications director Lee Cain, said Boris Johnson’s decision-making was “rather exhausting” indicating that the pandemic did not suit his temperament.

The Independent Care Group (ICG) says the evidence given to the ongoing inquiry is horrific.

The inquiry has heard that there was “essentially no shielding plan at all” for those most at risk, including our oldest citizens in care settings. And there were reports that the then Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, had told advisers that the virus was “just nature’s way of dealing with old people”.

ICG Chair Mike Padgham said: “I have been shocked to hear a horrific disregard for the lives and the health of the most vulnerable section of our society.

“If true, it cannot then be a surprise that there was such a horrific and tragic loss of life in care settings during the pandemic.

“The Government wasn’t prepared and, by the sound of it, might not have cared about the people we care for anyway.

“The evidence we are hearing also makes a nonsense of claims that a “protective ring” was being thrown around care homes. As we knew at the time and have argued since no such thing was happening – quite the reverse. There was no testing going on and we were struggling for PPE.”

Malnutrition Costing NHS & Care Sector £22.6bn Each Year Disease-related malnutrition is costing the NHS and social care sector, g the sector £22.6 billion annually a report has revealed.

Campaigners are highlighting the urgency of identifying underweight or rapidly deteriorating patients to ensure they receive the necessary nutritional support.

Timely diagnosis and improved assistance would reduce hospital stays, ease the strain on GPs, support patients’ recovery and prevent expensive re-admissions.

The report comes just before the start of Malnutrition Awareness Week 2023, taking place from 6th – 12th November 2023 aimed at raising awareness on the prevalence, signs, symptoms and consequences of malnutrition in older age. Hundreds of organisations, services and teams across the UK are taking part to create energy and focus to highlight and educate people on the implications of malnutrition in older age.

Malnutrition is defined as a deficiency of one or more nutrients resulting in measurable adverse effects on body composition, function or clinical outcome, whilst low-intake dehydration is defined as a deficiency of water due to insufficient drinking [23]. Malnutrition is a risk factor for sarcopenia and frailty, and both conditions increase vulnerability to adverse outcomes and limit quality of life, health and well-being. An estimated 90% of older care home residents have osteoporosis and one third are vitamin D deficient.

The report, by Future Health, has underlined a concerning situation in England where almost three million individuals facing diseases like cancer or dementia are at risk of severe malnutrition, a life-threatening

condition. This is currently resulting in 464,000 hospital admissions annually.

Shockingly, despite the high risk, only a mere 2% of these at-risk patients receive a malnutrition diagnosis upon admission.

Lesley Carter, from Age UK and the Malnutrition Task Force, told the Daily Mail: “Older people who are malnourished are at greater risk of falls, hospital admissions and longer periods of recovery. Unfortunately the myth perpetuates that it is ‘normal’ to get thin as we age. Yet malnutrition is largely preventable and treatable.

“This report is a wake-up call for politicians and policymakers who must now tackle the problem.”

Providing healthcare to patients suffering from malnutrition incurs a cost more than three times higher than that for individuals without malnutrition.

The estimated total expense for treating malnourished individuals stands at £22.6 billion, with the majority of these funds directed towards hospital care. The remainder is distributed among social care and primary care services.

As the population ages, the cost of disease-related malnutrition is suspected to surge by an additional £4 billion by 2035.

The report outlines the need for proactive strategies, including improved screening procedures for individuals entering into care services and hospitals. It also highlights the value of implementing digital health assessments to monitor weight fluctuations in patients dealing with these health conditions.

PAGE 14 | THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023

The Importance of Socialisation for Seniors: Combating Isolation in Care Homes Socialisation is an essential factor for elderly loved ones living in care homes, whether it's engaging in activities and hobbies or bonding and forming meaningful connections. This can make a significant difference to their mental, physical and emotional well-being.

With this in mind, Stewart McGinn, Managing Director at Baycroft Care Homes (www.baycroft.co.uk), highlights some of the key ways socialisation has a positive impact on seniors.

Socialising is extremely important for senior residents’ cognitive ability and mental stimulation. Activities like puzzles or games keep the brain active and promote the growth of new neural connections, reducing the chances of cognitive decline. Alternatively, workshops and classes that allow for continued learning by teaching new skills are a great way for your elderly loved ones to stimulate their brains.

1. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

4. IMPROVED PHYSICAL HEALTH

Encouraging seniors living in care homes to socialise with one another not only allows them to have more meaningful interactions, but also allows them to continue using their language skills.

Frequently conversing with others allows elderly residents to maintain their vocabulary and verbal fluency, leading to continuous effective

Social activities often encourage movement and light exercise, which promotes better physical health in our elderly loved ones. Frequently engaging in moderate exercise and keeping the body moving, reduces the risk of your loved one experiencing any conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which are often linked to a sedentary lifestyle.

communication.

2. EMOTIONAL SUPPORT By engaging in group social activities in care homes, seniors can form bonds that allow them to share their

experiences and feelings with others. Building these emotional connections with others prevents feelings of isolation and loneliness and fosters a feeling of community and belonging among residents.

3. MENTAL STIMULATION

5. MENTAL HEALTH Regular social engagement can uplift the mood of many elderly residents and reduce the chances of feeling lonely or isolated. Feeling connected and having frequent social interactions can help prevent mental health issues related to loneliness like anxiety and depression.

Dorset Care Home Residents ‘Moved To Get Active’ By Team Member’s Charity Run A group of people who live with dementia in Dorset had an especially active month with inspiration from a charity run by a member of their care home team.

Thirty-one was the number in mind as residents at Colten Care’s The Aldbury did their bit to support David Austin’s ultramarathon.

David, Senior Administrator at the Poole home, completed a 31mile running challenge in aid of Little Lives UK, a charity that helps disabled and disadvantaged children and young people in the Dorset town.

Residents and colleagues showed solidarity with him by purposely walking or moving for at least 31 minutes a day over the course of a month.

Sponsored activities by residents included ‘moving and grooving’ in the garden, picking up fallen leaves, chair yoga, chair football, balloon tennis and even donning tutus to learn basic ballet steps.

Some of the sessions had input from Love To Move Dorset co-ordinator Katie Wilford and were based on a programme devised by the British Gymnastics Foundation.

Together, David and the residents raised nearly £500 for Little Lives, easily beating a £300 target they

set at the start.

Melissa Siat, a Companionship Team member at The Aldbury, which offers dedicated dementia care, said: “Well done to David and all in Team Aldbury! Moved to get active by what David achieved, our residents had great fun keeping fit while raising money for such a deserving cause.

“Everyone at the home was keen to support this initiative as we know the benefits of moving are cognitive, physical and social.

“We all make sure our residents keep active and have fun every day but Katie led sessions that helped everyone focus in a little further on coordination and dexterity.”

David’s ultramarathon was from Moors Valley Country Park near Ferndown to Hengistbury Head on the coast, following the Castleman Trailway for part of the way and along the seafront into Bournemouth.

David said: “It’s wonderful to have had the support of residents in completing the challenge and raising funds for Little Lives.

“Our residents chose it as the home’s main charity to support this year because they know the great work it does for children and young people.”

Sandstone Care Group Opens Its Ninth Care Home The Sandstone Care Group has added a new care home to its group.

The Cheshire headquartered care home operator has taken operational ownership of Priesty Fields Care Home in Congleton, Cheshire.

The home, which takes its name from the expansive green space situated at the south of the market town, joins eight other homes in the Sandstone Care Group in Lancashire, Merseyside, Powys in Wales and Shropshire.

Steven Hamblett, Operations Director of Sandstone Care Group, which has its head office in Warrington, said: “We’re delighted to be opening our new care home in the historic market town of Congleton and our ninth in the group.

“As with all our homes, we’re committed to delivering compassionate, personcentred care while empowering our residents to maintain as much independence as possible.

“At Priesty Fields Care Home we have a dedicated team ready to provide residential, nursing, respite and tailored professional care services to the local community.

“The home’s Registered Manager is looking forward to meeting all the residents and their families over the coming weeks and to becoming a key part of the local community.”

New TV Hearing Loop Offers Personal Entertainment For Residents with Hearing Loss Residents who struggle to hear can enjoy in-room entertainment, in clarity and without disturbing their neighbours, thanks to a new ‘home’ hearing loop.

An estimated 75 % of care home residents have a degree of hearing loss. The HLD4 from Contacta amplifies programmes from the television or music from a sound system meaning residents don’t have to turn the volume up to unacceptable levels.

The HLD4 hearing loop driver is a sleek, compact unit that sits easily alongside a TV. It sends an audio signal directly to a resident’s hearing aid via a loop pad placed underneath their seat cushion. It cuts out background noise allowing them to enjoy high quality, clear sound at their preferred volume and tone settings.

Residents who don’t use hearing aids but who could still benefit from the HLD4 can tap into the sound using Contacta’s newly launched RX-30 hearing loop listener, a rechargeable unit used with headphones.

“Communal living can be challenging when people have hearing loss and the HLD4 is a perfect solution,” said Shelley Rolfe, Head of UK Sales at Contacta.

“It is an attractive addition to a resident’s room and gives staff peace of mind that residents can enjoy their favourite programmes, music or audio books without causing a disturbance to their neighbours.”

The HLD4 can also be used with a room loop - cabling discreetly laid just beneath the carpet edge or along the top of skirting board - allowing residents to get the same sound quality no matter where in the room they sit.

Straight-forward to install, the unit memorises the user’s personal sound settings and even has an optional external microphone that will amplify voices of other people in the room, a phone ringing or a doorbell.

“Having these units could be a great selling point for care homes,” added Shelley. “Being unable to hear clearly can be very frustrating but the HLD4 gives residents comfortable, independent listening. Our installation team of trained engineers can install any number of these units and can provide a regular maintenance programme to make sure these, and other hearing loops homes may have installed, work as they should at all times.” www.contacta.co.uk

PAGE 16 | THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023

Why Care Is An Incredible Vocation

By Fionna Cannon, Care & Wellbeing Director at Wallacea Living (www.wallacealiving.com)

One of the questions I am often asked in my role is, what makes a good carer? And the answer is really very simple – ultimately its somebody that you would want to look after your own family.

It’s a job that can be challenging and rewarding in equal measure, but for me, it has been an overwhelmingly fulfilling vocation throughout my working life. It’s a job that has people at its heart, and requires solid communication and listening skills, along with buckets of empathy and passion. Above all else, it requires someone with the right character and attitude, because the truth is, skills can be learnt and developed, but attitude is more inherent.

TACKLING THE SHORTAGE OF CARE WORKERS Despite care being such a rewarding career path, the UK is today facing a severe shortage of carers. The industry body Skills for Care revealed that, in the year to March 2022, there were 1.79 million posts in adult social care, of which a staggering 165,000 were unfilled, an increase of 52 per cent on the previous year.

This deficit of carers is one of the reasons why we see hospitals overloaded with patients, ready to be discharged, but unable to leave due to insufficient support and care available to them. It’s a problem that continues to hinder the NHS, but that needs to be resolved if we’re ever to cut hospital wait times and improve the health care system. Integrated Retirement Communities offer a real solution to owners who need rehabilitation, with on-site care available to support residents in their homes, enabling them to leave hospital quicker and providing tailored support to suit their needs.

ENCOURAGING MORE PEOPLE INTO THE CARE PROFESSION In order to attract more workers into care, we must start with recruitment and encouraging potential carers in the right way by giving them something back. It’s not just about money (although this is undoubtedly a big consideration), but it’s also about the way in which carers are managed and supported in their role. This could be as simple as regular check ins with their manager and wider team to discuss their workload and

any challenges that arise. But it’s also important to provide pathways for training and development to support their career progression, whether that’s skills in health and social care or to achieve a managerial position. This is about a concerted effort to keep people in the profession and prevent a high turnover of staff.

FOSTERING A SUPPORTIVE WORKPLACE CULTURE Building and nurturing the right workplace culture is a vital part of employee retention, and arguably none more so than within care. This is a job that often requires many hours spent on the road, visiting patients in their homes and ultimately working alone. Without a solid system of support, it can be a lonely job with carers often feeling under-valued and unsupported in the work they do.

Years ago, carers would be required to go to the office every week to collect their rota and talk with their colleagues, sharing experiences and advice and having the opportunity to discuss any problems they faced or issues that had arisen. However, as the world has moved online, the vast majority of carers now receive their rotas online and as a result no longer go to the office regularly, meaning they are missing out on invaluable face time with colleagues and managers. No longer feeling part of a team, their sense of belonging and camaraderie erodes, so that when they have a particularly difficult day at work, they feel isolated, anxious and experience low self-esteem. And the tragedy is, all this can ultimately result in them deciding to leave the profession. Far too many carers are now providing care, yet not receiving the care they need from their work.

INTRODUCING A ONE-TEAM APPROACH At Wallacea Living, we will be delivering care on site by our dedicated team of carers, all of whom are employed directly by us. This one team approach will enable seamless communication between our carers, so that they can best support the owners who require care, while also building a strong and supportive team culture. They will spend their working days visiting owners on site, meaning they will have ample opportunities to offer advice to one another when needed, being part of a network of colleagues to share experiences with. Sometimes it’s as simple as that morning hello, or afternoon coffee break, just to enhance team morale and camaraderie.

Throughout my career I have always felt a strong sense of fulfilment from the work I do. With such a great need for more carers to join the profession, it’s vital that we provide the right support, training and working environment from which to nurture the next generation of carers. Only then will we begin to resolve so many of the challenges facing the UK’s health and social care sectors.

Victoria Atkins Appointed New Health & Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins MP has been appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Care as part of a Ministerial reshuffle. She replaces Steve Barclay MP who becomes Environment Secretary.

Ms Atkins has been the Conservative MP for Louth and Horncastle since 2015. She was previously the Financial Secretary to the Treasury since October 2022. Other previous ministerial roles include Prisons Minister, and Women’s Minister.

Responding to the appointment, Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “The Secretary of State takes office as system and Trust leaders are digesting, and working out how to respond to, last week’s deeply disappointing funding announcement which saw their pleas for more funding to cover the costs of industrial action and inflation answered by taking investment away from key areas that are likely to harm the NHS in the long term.

“With its reshuffle, the government has an opportunity to revisit this decision in the imminent Autumn Statement, as well as more generally reset relationships with the health and care sector.

“While Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP has clearly been a divisive health and social care secretary, on behalf of our members we thank him for the progress he made to resolve the dispute with most trade unions that had facilitated strike activity and for the recent encouraging signs of progress in the talks with the BMA. It is vital that the NHS does not face further industrial action as this threat, both in terms of the finan-

cial hit and the growing waiting lists, continues to weigh heavily on the health service as winter approaches.

“We look forward to working constructively with Rt Hon Victoria Atkins to help deliver on the priorities of health leaders, their staff and patients.”

Health & Social Care Select Committee Chair Steve Brine MP said: “I welcome the appointment of Victoria Atkins to the role of Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

“Her appointment comes at a critical time for the NHS with the number of patients waiting for treatment at a record high. Preventing ill-health will be key to helping the NHS manage its resources. Prevention is one of this committee’s priorities and I hope it will be high up the on new Secretary of State’s agenda too.

“I thank Steve Barclay for his work at the Department of Health and Social Care and wish him well in his new role.”

Steve Sawyer, MD at Access Health, Support and Care said: “It’s important that the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care continues the important work of Steve Barclay and his team in using technology to bring real benefits to patients and NHS staff. The use of Virtual Wards, for example, to allow people to recover in their own homes, has given patients choice while increasing capacity in hospitals.

“But improvements in the NHS will only work if they also bring social care along on the journey and that means delivering truly integrated care.

“Representatives from social care on Integrated Care Boards would help that happen. From preventative care to delayed discharge from hospitals and dealing with delayed ambulance handovers outside A&E; uniting health and social care and allowing technology to deliver truly joined up care will deliver the biggest benefits.”

Digitising a Wellness Culture in Care People prefer to visit care homes with a wellness culture. The pervading peace of mind improves mental health, leading to a sense of well-being, reduced staff sickness, happier residents and better productivity. Wellness culture is a catalyst with real business benefits, while directly contributing to stability and better continuity of service. Culture is engendered from the top, often being a management strategy and forming part of quality programmes. It may seem surprising to some, but digital tech can have a major part in delivering a wellness culture.

Care Homes are frequently bombarded with wellness ideas and opportunities but, how many wellness service providers deliver physical wellness monitoring as part of a wellness strategy. For some, having a wellness strategy is a tick in a policy box which is a shame as it is so much more valuable and can deliver smiles, well-being, peace of mind and better profitability. Wide, inclusive wellness programmes incorporate physical wellness monitoring as this is the basis of well-being and is a demonstration of a wellness culture.

Delivering physical wellness checks has become so much easier with systems such as HealthCheckerPro™ from Flourish PPI which incorporate digital wellness monitoring facilities that automatically alert to symptoms associated with more than 37 different illnesses. This rapidity can be crucial by

reducing medical response times, leading to faster recovery. HealthCheckerPro™ is completely contactless, effortless to use and really, really fast, completing a wellness check in under 1 second, helping to keep the duty Care Home Manager alert to sickness. This digital system stores the data from every check and has a real management benefit for care home operators with multiple homes as all wellness checks can be monitored live, simultaneously across every home together with any alerts. There are even automated daily reports, and, as the system can also be used for access control, all attendance data can form part of fire records.

This new digital technology presents new opportunities which not only include true wellness monitoring but provide a host of efficiencies that make the care workplace a better one for all . Taking this approach is not expensive either as HealthCheckerPro™ systems start at just £12.82 per week so, true wellness monitoring is a ‘no brainer’ and helps to bring smiles and joy every day, everywhere.

Steve Hathaway is Business Development Director for Wincheeter based company, Flourish PPI, a brand of Dijital Technologies Ltd, a pioneering digital tech organisation in the Care Home sector.

See the advert on the facing page for details.

THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023 | PAGE 17

Social Care Overspend Reaches £179million Councils are warning that an overspend on social care leaves them ‘running out of road’ to prevent financial insolvency, with these overspends contributing to a projected total funding deficit of £4bn for these councils over three years up to 2026.

According to the analysis, these overspends, combined with future funding shortfalls, mean that one in 10 of these ‘well-managed’ councils are unsure or not confident they can balance their budget this year – a legal requirement – with this increasing to four in 10 next year and six in 10 by 2025. This is despite councils planning to make over £2bn worth of ‘challenging’ savings and service cuts over the three-year period to prevent issuing Section 114 Notices.

The County Councils Network (CCN) and Society of County Treasurers (SCT), which conducted the budget survey of 41 of county and unitary authorities, says that a combination of stubbornly high inflation, rising demand and ‘broken’ provider markets for children in care are leading to the historically high overspends.

THE BUDGET SURVEY OF 41 COUNTY AND UNITARY COUNCILS, WHICH COVER HALF OF ENGLAND’S POPULATION, REVEALS: • Councils’ total cost pressures this year top £3.7bn from a combination of higher than expected inflation and demand, with local authorities now forecasting that they will overspend their budgets in 2023/24 by £639m this year – an average of £16m per council.

• Rising costs and demand totalling £319m in children’s services account for almost half (45%) of the projected overspend. Adult social care (25% – £179m), education, transport – including home to school transport – and highways (22% – £154m), alongside housing (£24m – 3%), make up the bulk of the remaining additional in-year pressure.

• Overspends and cost pressures have worsened an already challenging financial outlook. This year, the funding gap for the 41 councils has grown to £1.6bn, with a further shortfall of £1.1bn in 2024/25 and £1.3bn in 2025/26, meaning a total funding shortfall of £4bn between 20232026. Over the course of the three-year period councils have pencilled in £2bn of savings and service cuts but this would only reduce the deficit by half.

• As a result of cost pressures soaring, and despite increased funding, council tax rises and £1bn worth of savings and cuts this year, councils are still forecasting a budget deficit of £603m in 2023/24, with the analysis showing 1 in 10 of these councils are unsure or not confident they can balance their budget this year.

• Faced with this bleak financial picture, councils’ confidence in setting a balanced budget plummets further over the next two years. Some four in 10 of these councils are unsure or not confident they can balance their budget in 2024/25, with this increasing to six in 10 by 2025/26.

Over recent weeks several county authorities have sounded the alarm bells on their in-year financial position, based on their first quarter of 2023/24 projections. Derbyshire County Council have forecast that they are on course to overspend their budget by £46m, Shropshire Council by £37.6m, Suffolk County Council by £22m and Hertfordshire County Council by £16.4m. However, this survey shows for the first time the scale of the challenge across all of England’s largest councils.

Local authorities are putting in place emergency cost cutting and savings programmes to bring in-year expenditure down. However, with many of these spiralling costs in demand-driven statutory services, councils have little wriggle room to bring down costs.

The CCN says that unless the government steps in and provides emergency funding, councils will need to make dramatic cuts to services both this year and next to balance the books to prevent their authorities running out of reserves and becoming insolvent.

Cllr Barry Lewis, CCN Vice Chair and Finance Spokesperson, said: “This analysis lays bare the financial challenge facing county authorities. Historic in-year pressures are worsening an already bleak financial outlook, meaning our councils are facing down the barrel of a £4bn funding black hole.

“The majority of the £639m of additional and unexpected spending this year is simply outside of councils’ control. The number of vulnerable children requiring care has risen dramatically post-pandemic, while inflation and a broken provider market in statutory care placements mean councils face no choice but to pay spiralling fees.

“County authorities will do all they can to bring down costs over the coming period and have pencilled in £2bn of unprecedented further savings to help balance the books. But after a decade of continuous cutbacks, the scale of reductions and use of reserves needed to fill the funding shortfall is simply unsustainable.

“Last year the Chancellor stepped in with much needed additional resources for adult social care. We now need the same priority to be given to vulnerable children, providing emergency funding this year and next.

“Birmingham’s recent financial difficulties and issuing of a Section 114 were undoubted made worse by the council’s performance and governance. But, unless we act now, this analysis shows that other well managed councils are running out of road to prevent insolvency.”

Surprise Party Held For Long-Serving Care Home Chef Sandwood residential care home for older people has held a surprise party to celebrate Hannah Spendlove, who has worked at the home, which is managed by Abbeyfield, for 28 years.

Hannah started working at the home, formerly known as The Firs, in 1995, making her its longest-serving member of staff. She was presented at the party with flowers and some vouchers.

She asked what makes her so special, one resident revealed, “She makes the best breakfast. I have the same every day and Hannah does this perfectly.”

Another said, “Hannah is great fun and always has a big smile on her face. She makes my day.”

Hannah is loved by both the residents and their families alike, giving them extra peace of mind that their loved one’s needs are individually being met.

Sandwood Manager, Kay Paul, said, “Hannah is a remarkable woman. She offers a really interesting and varied menu for the three meals a day we provide. There

are lots of alternative choices and snacks are always available throughout the day and night.

“If residents aren’t feeling very hungry or don’t fancy what is on the menu, she can always come up with something for them. People with specialised diets are fully catered for and Hannah gets to know everyone’s nuances, from the type of tea they drink to their allergies and their favourite foods.”

Hannah’s commitment to the residents’ wellbeing extends beyond just her work in the kitchen. When a resident has a birthday, she will work with the activities staff to ensure that a great party is organised, complete with their favourite home-made cake.

Kay added, “We wouldn’t manage without Hannah. The staff and residents love her, she is one of the key people in our team. We are so lucky to have her with us, and we hope she will continue to enjoy her work at Sandwood for many more years to come.”

PAGE 18 | THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023

Why It’s Time To Move Beyond Short-Term Solutions To Recurring Winter Challenges

By Julie Tyas, Senior Qualified and Registered Social Worker and Senior Social Care Consultant, Access Health, Support & Care (www.theaccessgroup.com)

Every winter, the social care sector braces itself for a familiar scenario: stretched resources, overwhelmed staff, and a frantic push to respond to surging care demands.

This year looks set to be no different, with the government’s £40 million to bolster social care this winter reflecting the perennial challenges of shortterm decision making, even if it comes from a good place.

For decades, the response to winter pressures has been marked by attempts to address recurring issues with temporary fixes. Every year we see bed capacity, staff shortages, and delayed discharges reach critical levels, and every year we see health and care services scrape through the season with little prospect of things being better the following year.

Part of the problem lies in the absence of strategic forward-planning, as well as a lack of investment in long-term solutions for a sector continually having to respond to immediate challenges.

Consider, for example, the decades-old problem of bed-blocking and delayed discharges, which escalate significantly over winter and have a domino effect on service delivery. This multifaceted issue calls for a cohesive strategy between the NHS and social care providers – something that can be supported through thoughtful planning and the innovative application of digital tools like bed cards.

Bed cards give hospital staff an immediate understanding of a

patient’s care needs as well as a clear picture of their recovery status.

Not only do they help cut paper-based administration, but they also enable better bed management during periods of high demand, allowing hospital staff to easily identify bed availability and move smoothly move patients from the point of admission to the point of discharge.

Bed cards can also help in situations where patients are medically fit for discharge but can't leave the hospital because the necessary social care provisions aren't available.

Pairing bed cards with a digital brokerage system like Access Adam Care Commissioning gives discharge coordinators immediate visibility into the availability of social and community services, allowing them to put care packages together more quickly and identify the most suitable support for each individual – reducing that person’s likelihood of being readmitted to hospital.

MOVING CARE CLOSER TO HOME Moving care closer to home has long been an ambition, but it requires significant planning and investment in social, community and inpatient care.

The good news is there are measures that can be implemented now to support this ambition. Technology enabled care (TEC), including wearable GPS alarms and sensors, help individuals maintain their independence and make personalised and participatory care a reality, while reducing the need for in-person visits by care staff.

TEC solutions are designed to help care professionals and family members take a much more proactive and preventative approach to care. When used alongside technology like Access's CM suite of products – which is designed to support efficient care scheduling by allowing care coordinators to roster the appropriate staff quickly and easily – TEC enables care staff to make the best use of available capacity.

Where admissions are required, the concept of virtual wards is gaining momentum as a viable solution to the NHS’s capacity challenges,

potentially enabling patients with non-acute care needs to be discharged under the supervision of care teams.

Again, TEC plays a pivotal role in this, providing care teams with direct insights from in-home telehealth and telecare solution, and round-the-clock safeguarding for vulnerable individuals. All of this supports more sustainable and integrated care delivery by reducing avoidable hospital admissions, accelerating discharges, and helping individuals live independently for longer.

TIME FOR A NEW APPROACH Technology is by no means a panacea, but it does present a way of developing innovative and lasting solutions to longstanding challenges in the care (and health) system. But the key to success lies in early adoption and meticulous planning – not responding to immediate challenges with sticking-plaster solutions.

Care teams face unimaginable pressures over the coming months, and any financial support delivered during this time is immensely valuable. But the timing of the latest government funding means that local authorities will once again have to resort to short-term measures to get them through the winter.

A considerable chunk of the funding will likely go towards recruiting care staff. While this is an immediate necessity, it doesn’t tackle the problem at its root, particularly when you consider that staff shortages peak as we head into winter. Beyond that, care providers and local authorities will have to focus on the basics: vaccinations, encouraging self-service via online portals, and emphasising preventive steps for overall health and wellbeing.

It’s high time the rinse-and-repeat approach to winter challenges is replaced with a new strategy – one that prioritises forward planning, digital innovation, and a cohesive effort between social care and the NHS. Only then can we bring about lasting change, and ensure that every winter isn't simply a repeat of the last.

Ethnic Minorities Experience Greater Effect Of Dementia Risk Factor, Study Suggests Researchers from the University College London have found that common dementia risk factors may have a more pronounced effect among people from certain ethnicities.

The researchers analysed health records from nearly a million adults. They found that risk factors, like high blood pressure, had a greater impact on dementia risk for South Asian and Black people when compared to White people.

IN PARTICULAR, THE STUDY FOUND THAT: The effect of high blood pressure on dementia risk was greater in Black people than in White people.

High blood pressure, obesity, low HDL cholesterol, and sleep disorders had a greater effect in South Asian than in White people.

- The findings help to explain previous research, which shows that ethnic minority groups are more likely to develop dementia, and at an earlier age. Ethnic minorities are also more likely to die earlier from the condition.

The researchers, led by Naaheed Mukadam at University College London and funded by Alzheimer’s Society, studied the relationship between risk factors and dementia in health data from between 1997 and 2018 from nearly a million adults in England .

The research team found 12.6% of the cohort developed dementia. About 16% of them were white, 8.6% were south Asian, 12.1% were black and 9.7% were from other minority ethnic groups.

Violet Home Care Ltd. WHO ARE WE? We are an established domiciliary care agency in the UK. We understand that many individuals would prefer to receive care in the comfort of their own homes, rather than moving into a care facility. That's why we offer a range of home care services, tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client.

OUR SERVICES: Our team of compassionate caregivers are trained to provide a range of services, from assistance with daily tasks such as bathing and dressing, to managing medication and providing specialized care for those with dementia or other health conditions. We work closely with each client and their family to develop a personalized care plan, designed to meet their specific needs and goals.

In comparison to White people, the team found that high blood pressure had a 1.57x more impact on black people’s dementia risk and a 1.18x impact on South Asian’s risk.

Writing in the journal PLOS One, the researchers concluded: “We need tailored dementia prevention, taking into account ethnicity and risk-factor profile to ensure dementia prevention is equitable.”

Commenting on the study, David Thomas, Head of Policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: ‘’It’s a shocking truth that people from ethnic minorities face an increased risk of a number of health conditions, and this impacts their ability to live a healthy life.

“It will be important to understand why this effect is greater,” he added, “as doing so would open up an enormous opportunity to reduce the personal and societal impact of this heartbreaking condition on people from Black and South Asian communities.’’

‘But this is not just a public health problem, it is a political problem too that requires actions from policymakers.

Alzheimer’s Research UK is calling for a national cross-government prevention strategy that tackles health inequalities. “This needs proper funding and must encourage better joint working across all government departments, to truly break the link between an individual’s background and their prospects for a healthy life, including dementia risk,” said Thomas.

OUR VALUES: We believe in a person-centered approach to care, which means that we focus on the unique needs and preferences of each client, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Our caregivers are trained to provide support with dignity and respect, and to encourage clients to remain as inde-pendent as possible, while still receiving the care and assistance they need. We also understand the importance of companionship and socialization, especially for those who may be living alone. For this reason, we offer a range of social activities and outings, to help clients stay engaged and connected to their community. At our domiciliary home care agency, we believe that everyone deserves to live with dignity and re-spect, and we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Whether you or a loved one are in need of long-term care or just a few hours of assistance each week, we would be honored to provide the support and care you need to live your best life at home.

Contact us at: www.violethomecare.co.uk Info@violethomecare.co.uk 01372 700315 See the advert on the facing page for details.

THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023 | PAGE 19

Eligible Non-NHS Healthcare Workers In Line For £1,655 One-Off Payment Healthcare staff at non-NHS organisations such as charities, local authorities or social enterprises will benefit from government funding to cover the cost of their one-off payments as part of the NHS pay award, worth at least £1,655.

It comes after the NHS pay deal, agreed between government and unions in May, saw over one million staff including nurses, paramedics and 999 call handlers receive a 5% pay rise for 2023 to 2024, backdated to April, alongside two one-off payments worth between £1,655 and £3,789 for full-time staff.

The government has agreed to provide additional funding for organisations with contracts to deliver NHS services, who employ their staff on dynamically linked Agenda for Change contracts. Whilst these staff are contractually eligible for the payments, the independent organisations are responsible for making them.

The department has however listened to concerns around providing the payments in the current economic circumstances and so will make funding available to help deliver them, on this occasion.

Health Minister Will Quince said: “Given the difficult economic context we have made the decision to provide additional funding on this occasion to help deliver the one-off payments to eligible staff employed by non-NHS organisations. This will ensure hardworking healthcare staff and the organisations they work for are not financially disadvantaged as a result of the NHS pay deal, and means they will receive their backlog bonus for their efforts during the pandemic.”

Organisations will be able to apply for the funding and will need to show they have been negatively finan-

cially impacted by the pay deal, and that their staff are employed on dynamically linked Agenda for Change contracts.

Many organisations have already delivered the one-off payments to staff but can apply to be reimbursed to ensure there is no impact on vital frontline services.

The scheme, which will be funded from existing departmental budgets, will open in the coming weeks, and is expected to be completed by the end of the 2023 to 2024 financial year.

As a result of the pay award, a newly qualified nurse has seen their salary go up by more than £2,750 over two years from 2021 to 2022 and 2023 to 2024, alongside over £1,890 in one-off payments this year.

Non-NHS organisations commissioned by the NHS have, where eligible, already been funded for the consolidated 5% uplift under the terms of existing contracts.

UNISON head of health Sara Gorton commented on the news saying: “This will ensure a small number of providers aren’t out of pocket for awarding staff what they’re legally owed, but this should have happened months ago.

“Sadly this won’t stop thousands of contractors and ‘bank’ providers from ignoring calls to do the right thing by paying the lump sum to outsourced and temporary staff in the NHS. Many of these workers are on low wages and insecure contracts.

“Ministers must end the two-tier employment scandal in the NHS and ensure all employers in the service play by the same rules.”

Lord Cameron Steps Down As Alzheimer’s Research UK’s President Following his appointment as Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Lord Cameron has stepped down as President of Alzheimer’s Research UK. He will continue to support the charity as a Patron.

Lord Cameron took on the unpaid, voluntary role of President in January 2017, shortly after standing down as Prime Minister. In his 7 years as President, he has helped to raise over £20 million for dementia research, as well as supporting the charity to build new strategic partnerships and collaborations.

Lord Cameron has also worked closely with Alzheimer’s Research UK to

Maintain and encourage healthy living and a good quality of life.

Violet Home Care are an established domiciliary care agency in the UK. We understand that many individuals would prefer to receive care in the comfort of their own homes, rather than moving into a care facility.

That's why we offer a range of home care services, tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client.

raise awareness of their work, undertaking speaking engagements around the world and meeting supporters and people affected by dementia.

Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Chief Executive, Hilary Evans, thanked the new Foreign Secretary for his service as President. “We are incredibly grateful to Lord Cameron for the time, dedication and energy that he has given in his role as our President,” she said. “With his support, Alzheimer’s Research UK remains at the forefront of global efforts to deliver new treatments and work towards a cure”.

At Violet Home Care we aim to provide quality health care service, to enable people stay in their homes.

We recognize that everyone has different needs and hence require personalized care.

Some of the many services that we can provide:

• Live in Care • Overnight Care • Sleep Patterns Evaluation • Shopping e.g. grocery or personal • Help with medication • Meal Preparation • Washing & Ironing • Outings to friends, family, and walks • Cleaning the home

PAGE 20 | THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023

Combating Malnutrition in the Elderly: A Dietitian's Perspective on Protein-Deficiency

By Zoe Cottrell, registered dietitian, member of the British Dietetic Association and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council Malnutrition among the elderly, particularly those residing in care homes, is a prevalent and concerning issue that demands our attention. As a registered dietitian working on both medical and surgical wards, often with older people who had experienced a fall, I have seen too often the effects of low appetite on overall health in this vulnerable population.

In this article, I will delve into the latest statists on malnutrition among the elderly, explore the specific consequences of malnutrition with a particular focus on protein-deficiency, and provide practical advice on constructing menus that ensure optimal protein intake for residents.

1.5g per kg of body weight. For example, someone weighing 70kg needs 84-105g protein per day. The amount of protein older adults should be consuming is actually nearly twice the current recommended daily amount for adults in general.

In care homes, where meal planning and dietary choices can be strategically planned, we have an opportunity to counter the trend, which otherwise can lead to severe consequences.

CONSEQUENCES OF PROTEIN-DEFICIENCY:

Malnutrition is a pervasive problem in care homes and among the elderly population at large. The British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition estimates 1.3 million over the age of 65 are affected by malnutrition or undernutrition. According to a recent survey on malnutrition from BAPEN covered in this publication, about 45% of all adults living in community settings, including care home were found to be at risk of disease-related malnutrition, and the data show the trend is getting worse.

Muscle Wasting and Weakness: Protein plays a vital role in preserving muscle mass. In the absence of adequate protein intake, elderly individuals may experience muscle wasting, known as sarcopenia, a process that begins around the age of 40 and accelerates after 75.

Sarcopenia leads to weakness, decreased mobility, and an increased risk of falls and fractures. Without sufficient strength, individuals can’t stand up from a chair, and the ability to lead a full and independent life declines.

Compromised Immune Function: The immune system relies on protein to produce antibodies and other essential components. Proteindeficiency can compromise immune function, making elderly individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses.

Delayed Wound Healing: Adequate protein is necessary for the repair and regeneration of tissues. Protein-deficient individuals may experience delayed wound healing, increasing the risk of infections and complications.

Impaired Cognitive Function: Protein is essential for the production of neurotransmitters that regulate cognitive function. Insufficient protein intake may contribute to cognitive decline and an increased risk of conditions such as dementia.

UNDERSTANDING PROTEIN-DEFICIENCY:

BUILDING A MENU FOR OPTIMAL PROTEIN INTAKE:

Protein is a fundamental nutrient crucial for maintaining muscle mass, promoting immune function, and supporting overall health, especially in the elderly. Protein-deficiency occurs when the body does not receive an adequate amount of protein to meet its physiological needs.

Studies show that adults over 50 years generally need between 1.2-

Creating a well-balanced and protein-rich menu is imperative in addressing protein-deficiency among elderly residents in care homes.

When ill, older people will require even higher amounts of protein.

Here are some practical tips for dietitians, caregivers, and kitchen staff:

THE ALARMING RATES OF MALNUTRITION:

Incorporate Protein Sources: Include sources of protein such as dairy, fish (including tinned), meat, eggs, beans, legumes, and nuts and seeds in daily meals. These options provide essential amino acids necessary for muscle maintenance. Unlike with fats and carbohydrates, your body can’t store protein for future needs. Ideally you should include good protein sources with every meal.

Fortify Snacks and Beverages: Enhance the protein content of snacks and beverages by incorporating protein-rich ingredients. For example, offer Greek yogurt with fruit, nut butter on whole-grain crackers, add grated cheese to meals, or serve protein-fortified smoothies. I always recommend incorporating protein into diet through food first, but there are times when people struggle to reach their recommended amount, especially when appetite is low. In these cases, a protein powder can help. Look for supplements that contain whey protein, a pure and complete form of protein containing all 20 amino acids. Whey protein supplements have high nutritional value and bioavailability, meaning the body absorbs it well.

Personalised Nutrition Plans: Recognize that each resident may have unique dietary needs. Develop personalised nutrition plans that consider individual preferences, allergies, and medical conditions to ensure optimal protein intake.

Educate Caregivers and Staff: Provide training to caregivers and kitchen staff on the importance of protein in the elderly diet. Foster an understanding of how dietary choices can impact overall health and well-being.

Addressing malnutrition among the elderly, with a specific focus on protein-deficiency, is a crucial step toward improving the quality of life for residents in care homes. By raising awareness, implementing practical strategies, and fostering a collaborative approach among caregivers and dietary professionals, we can make significant strides in combating malnutrition and promoting optimal health in our elderly population.

Care Home Group Looks to Further Educate and Support Staff Following Menopause Survey A family-run care home group has carried out a survey among its staff to ensure it creates a supportive community that can help educate both men and women about the complexities of the menopause.

Nellsar Care Homes, which operates 13 homes across Kent, Surrey and Essex, is looking to create a more inclusive environment following its efforts to mark World Menopause Day on the 18th October — which saw staff engage in various educational activities designed to encourage open conversation and learning.

The recent survey showed that 60% of respondents wanted to learn more about the perimenopause and menopause and how symptoms can affect people — whilst 70% of those going through the menopause said they haven’t mentioned how it is affecting them to management. The study also found that the number one request for support was access to uniforms with more breathable fabric — followed by having more information available.

The main symptoms reported among staff going through the menopause

were hot flushes, reduced concentration, increased stress and reduced confidence in ability. Each of these can make work-life immensely challenging, with Nellsar looking to create a supportive framework to prioritise the wellbeing of its staff.

Viv Stead, Recreation and Well-Being Manager at Nellsar, said: “It was great to get people talking on World Menopause Day and following on from that, we thought the best way to make a genuine difference to our amazing teams is to actually find out their opinions. So we conducted the survey and this has helped identify some great opportunities to further educate teams, and ultimately, dismantle any apprehensions or stigmas of what is a very natural thing for all women.”

Viv continued: “Going through the menopause can be immensely challenging, and sometimes, work-life can become more difficult. I think it is the responsibility of employers to recognise these changes and be as versatile as possible. We want all of our teams to feel valued and supported and we look forward to making even more progress going forward.”

Making Chat Work in Independent Care Homes Rising costs and staffing pressures are weighing on independent care homes, and regular breaks may not be, well, quite that regular.

That’s why the comfort of a coffee break is now more important than ever. NESCAFÉ has been a constant in homes up and down the country for years, and it may not only be a trusted companion for staff needing a moment, but equally, a tradition of joy and connection for residents.

GOOD PEOPLE Independent care homes are demanding, and good people are the heartbeat that keeps them going. From the staff who create the warm, welcoming atmosphere, to the residents and visitors whose chatter make it feel like home. But as the median hourly rate for care workers decreased by 1.5% between March 2021 and March 20221, keeping staff motivated is crucial.

NESCAFÉ can not only provide that warming comfort in stressful times, but spark conversation when it’s needed most. It’s important for staff to take those deserved moments of respite and enjoy the coffee chats that can help transform co-workers into friends; and get any concerns off their chest.

GOOD COFFEE 80% of UK households buy instant coffee, particularly those aged 65 and older.2 When placed inside the care home – whether in a cosy lounge or on a corner table in a staff room – that welcome aroma of coffee fills the air. As the nation’s favourite coffee,3 NESCAFÉ champions meaningful coffee break conversations, helping the wellbeing of care home staff and residents alike. Because good people deserve good coffee.

GREAT CARE Research says that taking part in meaningful social activities helps people maintain thinking skills better in later life.4 What NESCAFÉ does, with its rich history and warm presence, is provide a catalyst for such meaningful moments to happen.

So, in the midst of care home challenges – from financial to emotional – the promise of NESCAFÉ surpasses just coffee. It can create a homely environment which makes for a happier team, happier residents, and ultimately, a happier home.

TRY NOW AND CLAIM at https://hashting.promo/nescafecarehomeslanding/CAREHOMES-TCC

PAGE 22 | THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023

Investigating and Handling Complaints

By Jenny Wilde, Partner, Acuity Law (https://acuitylaw.com) Working in the health and social care sector obviously comes with its challenges. The expectations of service users and their families can be at odds with practices, and this can lead to complaints.

Dealing with complaints is a specific focus of the Care Quality Commission (“CQC”) under Regulation 16 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. Registered service providers are scrutinised on how they receive, handle and resolve complaints and the way that a service handles complaints will be judged under the Well-Led key question during inspection.

The Competition and Markets Authority and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute also consider how care services deal with complaints, and providers should review the most up-to-date thinking from those bodies.

It is crucial to be absolutely clear on the organisation’s complaints policy and how the procedure works – ensuring that staff, service users (and their advocates) and their loved ones know exactly what to do when something is not right.

COMPLAINTS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES A clear and easy to navigate complaints policy is an essential building block for ensuring compliance (and building good relations with service users and staff).

The policy must be unambiguous about what people should do when they have a complaint about the service and who they should approach with any concerns. This person should be senior enough to take responsibility for the complaint and undertake necessary investigations. There should also be a provision for when that person is the subject of the complaint.

Service users and their families need to be know where the policy is kept and how it can be accessed. They should also feel confident that any complaint they bring to the attention of senior staff will be dealt

with in confidence and with sensitivity.

It is likely that this policy will be reviewed by the CQC during inspection.

STAFF ENGAGEMENT WITH COMPLAINTS A good policy will only be effective if staff have full training on its contents, its importance and how to conduct themselves when a complaint is raised. Providers may create role play scenarios with staff to rehearse the correct process or use a case study based on a previous difficult complaint.

Staff need to know how to recognise a complaint (they can be made informally and formally), when to escalate a complaint and how to respond in the moment. Sensitivity is important, and all complaints should be taken seriously.

Staff dealing with complaints must respond to complaints in a timely way as dictated by the policy. This may also mean providing a holding response to reassure the complainant that the matter is being investigated.

Complaints can intensify unnecessarily when a person feels that they have not been heard. Staff empathy and proactivity will give a complainant confidence that the concerns are being dealt with and make them less likely to escalate the matter.

Staff should also be aware of how to record or log complaints. The CQC will review any formal record of complaints, which should not only be a list of issues raised but also, for example, a comprehensive summary of dates, actions taken and next steps. Creating a complaints matrix is an easy way to help CQC to track the issues and assess how the provider and its staff performed.

A complaints matrix will also allow the provider to spot trends or identify (and potentially discipline) staff members that regularly appear in complaints.

COMPLAINTS INVESTIGATIONS There are some simple steps for investigating a complaint: • The investigation should be undertaken by a senior person who was not involved in the incident. It should refer to any available documentary evidence, staff statements and the perspective of the complainant.

• An impartial view of the matter should be taken and documented clearly.

• Providers should not conduct any investigations into matters that are subject to police involvement as this may prejudice those investiga-

tions.

• Responses to complaints should be delivered clearly and sensitively. It is prudent to ask at the earliest opportunity what outcome the complainant would like to see.

• If the complaint is not upheld, then the complainant should be reassured that a full investigation took place and offered details of how to escalate the matter if they are not satisfied. This may be to the Chief Executive of an organisation or to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

LIMITING COMPLAINTS A provider can also take steps to reduce the number of complaints in the first instance. Regular opportunities for feedback can reveal any dissatisfaction informally and give the provider the opportunity to resolve the issue before a complaint is made.

This may also limit complaints made directly to the CQC or their commissioning authority, which can lead to intense scrutiny. People are less likely to go “over the head” of the care home if they feel confident that a matter can and will be addressed.

Open lines of communication can help service users and their representatives feel more comfortable in approaching the service’s senior team with a minor issue before it snowballs. Transparency and trust is essential and if staff are open and willing to engage on any issue, this will positively influence culture within the service.

In addition, a “no blame” culture among staff can go some way to ensuring mistakes are not covered up, which can result in more serious issues. Staff performance should be dealt with through regular training, supervision and support where appropriate.

Staff should also be alerted to the service’s whistleblowing policy to further promote an openness and transparency.

Such a culture will promote trust within the staff team and encourage quick identification and resolution of issues.

CONCLUSION Handling complaints is an excellent indicator of a service’s culture.

All staff must be clear on the policy, and their own responsibilities in relation to it.

Gathering best practice regularly, coupled with good communication throughout the service, should reduce the number of complaints being made and ensure that services are delivered in a safe and personalised way.

Westgate Celebrate Their Outstanding Team Members At The First Westgate Care Awards Outstanding employees at Westgate Healthcare were recognised at a glittering awards ceremony organised in their honour.

16 team members across 8 homes had their hard work celebrated at the Westgate Care Awards ceremony held at Micklefield Hall, Hertfordshire.

At the ceremony, which was attended by 100 people, team members were recognised for going above and beyond in their care provision across 12 categories ranging from Care Home Team of the Year to Housekeeping Hero.

In advance of the event, each finalist had been nominated by colleagues, shining a light on those showing commitment and loyalty to Westgate as well as drawing special attention to the many stars within the company.

Sanjiv Patel, CEO, said “The quality healthcare we deliver, is achieved not just by adherence to proce-

dures but through the efforts of our dedicated staff.

Continuity and reliability is so important in our sector and the evening was an opportunity to recognise and award those particular employees who go above and beyond and are outstanding in their everyday roles.”

This momentous occasion recognised the unsung heroes who continually redefine the essence of quality care across the group.

Sita Foxon, Managing Director, added “These awards are more than an acknowledgment of professional excellence; it is a heartfelt ‘thank you’ wrapped in endless appreciation to all our team members. It is through their dedication that Westgate Healthcare maintains its reputation and continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents.”

“A fantastic night was had by all and I would like to give a huge thanks to all our team members across our homes for making a difference to the lives of others, ” said Tara Teubner, Director.

Blueleaf Partners with Lisbeth Nursing Home to Deliver Better Outcomes in Continence Care Lisbeth Nursing Home, an award-winning care home in Great Wyrley near Walsall, is making significant improvements in continence care for its residents after signing a new partnership agreement with Blueleaf Care, the nationwide supplier of care home products, services, and supplies.

Incidents of moisture lesions, which cause distress to thousands of residents across the UK every day, have been virtually eliminated at Lisbeth Nursing Home, not only delivering better patient outcomes, but also reducing the need for additional creams and cleaning products, reducing unnecessary costs, and supporting a more sustainable operation.

Opened in April 2021, Lisbeth Nursing Home has already made its mark in the local community and beyond, meeting the needs of three local authorities in Staffordshire, The Black Country and Wales. Most recently it featured in the list of the Top 20 care homes in the West Midlands following a survey by carehome.co.uk Care Home Manager Andrea Walker, who has run the 40-bed home from the beginning, says the decision to switch to Blueleaf has helped further improve an already exceptional level of resident care: “We use the complete range of TENA products from Blueleaf, having assessed the individual needs of all of our residents on a one-to-one basis,” she explains.

“Blueleaf has not only helped us in delivering a quality product, but also in guiding us to select the right prod-

ucts for each resident and training our staff to get the most out of the products they use. It is this partnership approach, and a shared goal of delivering better outcomes, that is having such a positive impact on our residents.”

In terms of the home’s association with Blueleaf, as well as continence care it will, in the future, be sourcing all of its products via the Blueleaf team. This includes all paper products (toilet rolls, hand towels etc), hand soaps and sanitisers, cleaning products for the laundry and kitchen, and various medical consumables (such as wipes, gloves, needles etc).

“Online ordering is easy, and by creating a ‘favourites list’ within Blueleaf’s shop I can re-order products very quickly,” Andrea continues. “Anything I need, Blueleaf can source and deliver on time, when I need it. The team, led by Roy Edwards, is also always on hand if I need any product advice.”

Roy Edwards, Business Development Manager at Blueleaf Care, say that the collaboration with partners Essity, and the strength of the TENA brand, are having a positive impact on improving clinical and financial outcomes for Lisbeth House: “We take great care choosing the right partners and products to support our clients,” he says, “and it is a pleasure to work with them to help Andrea and her team deliver an even greater quality of care to their residents.”

For further information please visit www.blueleafcare.com

THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023 | PAGE 23

UK Dementia Cases to Double by 2040 Report Reveals An estimated 1.7 million people could be living with dementia in England and Wales by 2040, over 40% more than previously predicted according to a new UCL-led study.

Previous studies, based on data up to 2010, revealed that dementia incidence had declined in high-income countries. However, the new research, published in The Lancet Public Health, indicates that dementia rates started to increase in England and Wales after 2008.

Based on this estimated upward incidence trend, researchers project that the number of people with dementia in England and Wales may be significantly higher than expected in the future.

Previous research in England and Wales predicted that the number of people living with dementia had been previously predicted to increase by 57% from 0.77 million in 2016 to 1.2 million in 2040, however, the new research suggests that this figure could be as high as 1.7 million.

Researchers examined nine waves of data from people over the age of 50 and living in private households in England between 2002 and 2019, from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA).

They found that the dementia incidence rate (a measure that considers the percentage of the population in each age group that has dementia) decreased by 28.8% between 2002 and 2008. However, it increased again by 25.2% between 2008 and 2016.

A similar non-linear pattern was observed across subgroups according to age, sex, and educational attainment.

Researchers found that disparities in the rate of dementia incidence were increasing between education groups, as there was both a slower decline in 2002-2008 and a faster increase after 2008 in participants with lower educational attainment.

If the incidence rate increases as fast as what was observed between 2008 to 2016 (a 2.8% increase per year) researchers predict

that the number of people with dementia in England and Wales is set to increase to 1.7 million by 2040—approximately twice the number in 2023. This compares to an estimate of one million people if dementia rates had continued to decline as previously reported.

Lead author, Dr. Yuntao Chen (UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care), said, “It is shocking to think that the number of people living with dementia by 2040 may be up to 70% higher than if dementia incidence had continued to decline.

“Not only will this have a devastating effect on the lives of those involved, but it will also put a considerably larger burden on health and social care than current forecasts predict.

“Continued monitoring of the incidence trend will be crucial in shaping social care policy.”

Although an increase in dementia cases has often been attributed to an aging population, the researchers also found that the rate of dementia onset within older age groups is also increasing.

Principal investigator Professor Eric Brunner (UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care) said, “Our research has exposed that dementia is likely to be a more urgent policy problem than previously recognized—even if the current trend continues for just a few years.

We have found that not only is the aging population a major driver of the trend in England and Wales, but also the number of people developing dementia within older age groups is increasing.

“We don’t know how long this pattern will continue, but the UK needs to be prepared so we can ensure that everyone affected, whatever their financial circumstances, is able to access the help and support that they need.”

Paul Edwards, Director of Clinical Services at Dementia UK said: “These new figures highlight exactly why we need a strategic approach to improving dementia care as the number of people living with the

condition increases. With no cure or widely available treatment in place, families affected by dementia need specialist, tailored support.

Yet we already know the reality is that most people receive little more than a leaflet after diagnosis and are falling through the widening gaps within our health and social care systems. As a nursing charity, we see the impact of this on people’s lives everyday.

“Dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK but has not been prioritised by successive governments. With the Major Conditions Strategy on the horizon, and possibly less than a year to go until the general election, now is the time for all parties to show how they will be a champion that can at last deliver for this ever-increasing population. Behind this 1.7million projection is 1.7million individuals and their families facing dementia – No-one should face dementia alone.”

James White, Alzheimer’s Society’s Head of National Influencing, commented, “Dementia is the biggest health and social care issue of our time. Statistics from this Lancet Public Health study are a stark reminder that without action, the individual and economic devastation caused by dementia shows no sign of stopping.

“We know that one in three people born in the UK today will develop this terminal condition in their lifetime. With prevalence on the rise, improving diagnosis has never been more important. Everyone living with dementia must have access to a timely, accurate and specific diagnosis, and who you are or where you live should have no bearing on this. The figures also make it clear that pressure on our already struggling social care system is only going to increase.

“Quality social care can make a huge difference to people’s lives, but we know that people with dementia—who are the biggest users of social care—are struggling with a care system that’s costly, difficult to access, and too often not tailored to their needs.”

80 Years Celebrations for Organisation Marked with Retro 80’s Themed Party A Northamptonshire home rolled back the years with a 80’s themed party to mark the 80th year anniversary for the organisation.

Staff at MHA Rushden Park brought out the shell suits and headbands and took residents on a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

The home provides residential and nursing care for 65 residents and was decked with balloons and banners to mark the occasion.

There was entertainment in the form of a karaoke with hits from the 80’s as well as plenty of food and refreshments.

Family members of residents were also invited and there was a competition for the best outfit.

Grainne Wokes, home manager said: “We spoke to the staff and residents about how we wanted to mark MHA’s 80th birthday and a 80’s themed party

was the best idea.

“It was a very bright and bubbly day, staff members dressing in typical attire from the 80's was great to see and the residents had a lot of fun.

“Everyone at the home got stuck in with the preparation and the kitchen staff prepared some lovely food for all of us.

“Some of our residents did dress up and felt like they were back in the 80’s as a lot of them remember that era.

“We got a lot of positive feedback from family members of residents and the atmosphere throughout the day was “Working for an organisation that's been around for 80 years is a great feeling and we are all very proud to work for MHA.”

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PAGE 24 | THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023

Dealing with the Modern Slavery Crisis in Care Homes

By Sejal Raja, partner in the Employment Law team at national law firm Weightmans (www.weightmans.com)

The number of modern slavery cases reported within the UK care industry has more than doubled in the past year, with more than 100,000 cases estimated in the U.K, according to a recent report by the BBC. Care homes must do everything they can to ensure that modern slavery isn't in their operations or their supply chain.

Not only is the reputational impact significant; there are also legal implications.

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 is designed specifically to ensure that businesses across all sectors are transparent in the way they tackle modern slavery and human trafficking. In light of the recent report, it is important that care homes examine their protocols and keep an open dialogue with their staff members.

MONITOR AND REPORT You can’t tackle a problem you don't know exists, so the best way to start tackling modern slavery is increasing visibility over the issue. Many companies are legally required to do this. The Modern Slavery Act requires all commercial organisations with a global annual turnover of £36million or more to prepare a slavery and human trafficking statement each financial year which must clearly set out the ways they are tackling modern slavery. Even if your care facility isn’t legally required to produce one, it's worth considering preparing such a statement and putting the same principles at the heart of your organisation.

These principles should include reviews of: • your organisation’s structure and supply chains

• procurement and contract terms • policies relating to slavery and human trafficking (for example, code of conduct, ethics, speak up policies, whistleblowing, and grievance procedures)

THINK ABOUT THE MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS, AND TRAINING Remember that your anti modern-slavery obligations are not over once the annual statement has been prepared and published. It is an on-going obligation and requires everyone in your organisation to be aware of best practices, be fully informed on what modern slavery is, and how to best prevent it.

Businesses should train and educate their employees on modern slavery to prevent its occurrence in the first place. Raising awareness of the issue and providing training on how to identify and report potential cases of modern slavery allows companies to take proactive steps to address the problem.

SEEK OUTSIDE HELP In many cases, victims of modern slavery are immigrants in need of sponsorship. It can therefore be difficult for victims to report what is happening to them for fear of losing their job and right to work in the UK. One way to overcome this is for businesses to use an outside third party to conduct independent audits and field concerns. This can provide comfort to employees to come forward and raise concerns.

Modern slavery is a prevalent issue that may occur at any point in the supply chain of a care home.

Though it’s not the easiest thing to get a grip of, it is essential that care homes have a strong grasp over how modern slavery can manifest in their operations and be able to identify signs that an employee has fallen victim to it. By producing a statement, providing training for employees, and dealing with complaints and queries diligently, care homes will be able to take proactive steps to not only ensure compliance with any relevant laws, but also address and deal with the issue at hand – and avoid any reputational issues that would inevitably arise.

A Lifetime Of Outstanding Success: Owners Of Surrey Care Group Win Prestigious National Award Owners of a care group, with 13 residences throughout Surrey and South West London, have recently been announced as the winners of a prestigious national award – recognising the pair’s lifelong commitment to excellence in social care.

Liakat and Nazira Hasham, CEO & Founding Partner of CHD Living, have been named as the winners of the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ accolade at the Social Care Leadership Awards – telling the tale of their extraordinary journey from Ugandan refugees to owners of a multi-service care provider.

Liakat and Nazira embarked on their path towards founding CHD Living after having relocated to the UK from Uganda in 1972, where their shared desire to make a difference led to the establishment of the care group in 1984. Over the past three decades, they’ve transformed CHD Living into a family-owned organisation comprising twelve residential and nursing care facilities together with a Care at Home service. Family-owned and operated, the group works with a diverse range of care needs – from live-in companionship and mental health support to post-surgical care and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation.

Since their arrival in the UK, the pair have dedicated their lives to helping others, with children Shaleeza and Shaheed also joining the third-generation family business. Committed to making a meaningful impact, their altruism extends to various community positions, where they have undertaken a range of charitable work alongside their career in the care sector. Liakat, for instance, has served as President of The Ismaili UK Community and sat on the board of refugee placement charity, Reset.

The family also founded the Adopt a Grandparent charity at the height of COVID-19 to help tackle loneliness among care residents, which has been recognised by CQC as an innovator in its field.

Their first single, 19-bed care home has become a multi-service care provider, with 16 registered services caring for over 700 people and employing 800 staff. Among its diverse range of services is one of Surrey’s largest homecare businesses, two state-of-the-art neurorehabilitation centres, and a home for young adults with enduring mental health issues. Their dedication has been recognised through a myriad of awards from the 2019 LaingBuisson Award for Outstanding Response to Covid-19, to The Surrey Care Association Lifetime Achievement Award.

Liakat Hasham, commenting on their win, said: “This award is a huge honour, and it humbles us greatly. Our life’s journey, like many, has been filled with challenges and triumphs. We have always strived to provide the highest quality of care and service, never losing sight of the core values that guide us in this mission. This award serves as a reminder that our efforts have not gone unnoticed and reinforces our resolve to continue providing exceptional care. We are extremely fortunate that our children will continue to improve the quality of life of the people we look after”.

Liakat continued: “We are deeply committed to enhancing the well-being of our residents and clients, and this award only strengthens our determination to create a positive and meaningful impact in the health and social care sector. We are inspired to continue our journey in service to others.”

The recognition of Mr and Mrs Hasham’s Lifetime Achievement Award aligns with another significant achievement within the Hasham family. Their daughter, Shaleeza Hasham, a director of CHD Living, has been nominated for the ‘One to Watch’ award in HealthInvestor’s ‘Power 50’ for the second consecutive year. This award celebrates the outstanding leaders in the health and social care industry, acknowledging their influence and impact.

Saying Hola and Bonjour to Memories A pioneering language learning programme, recently launched in London, is set to open up new opportunities for residents in care and retirement homes. Developed and operated by Speak Like A Native, this innovative initiative has been on hold for three years.

CEO Stuart Rubenstein says, “We’ve been running language courses in nurseries and schools for years but Covid meant we’ve had to wait until now to start in care homes. It’s very exciting to begin rolling it out and seeing how positive the initial reception is.”

He explains that what makes this course so special is that it’s not about turning up and teaching a few words in Spanish or French. “We create a space where residents can connect the language with memories, which might be food or culture, school experiences, family or holidays. The lessons are very fluid and follow the pace of those participating. We personalise everything and make it a very special hour for all involved.”

Among the early adopters of Speak Like A Native is Alan Morkhill House in North Kensington, part of the Gold Care Homes group, which now has Spanish for beginners as one of its regular weekly events.

Suraiya Islam, activities co-ordinator at Alan Morkhill House, explains why she’s become a fan of Speak Like A Native. “The language sessions benefit our residents in

numerous ways; they help them grow, stimulate their brains, increase their desire to learn and try something new, improve their attention span, slow down cognitive issues, improve memory function, boost their self-esteem and give them a sense of pride.”

Rubenstein and his wife, Greta Grinfeld, set up Speak Like A Native to take away the fears of language learning for people of all ages and to promote the positive benefits of being multilingual. “However,” as Grinfeld points out, “this course is different to what we offer children or young adults. In care homes, it’s obviously not about passing exams or career prospects but about reminiscing and the joy that can be found today in learning and discovering something new. We all like challenges and all deserve to feel proud of what we can accomplish.”

Grinfeld adds that the most important aspect is that the residents have fun whether it’s sharing stories or having a go at Spanish or French pronunciation. Islam agrees and says that “Our residents look forward to the sessions every week.”

She puts this down to the good rapport the Speak Like A Native teacher has built up with the participants. “They’ve become friends with the residents, and the experience has had a positive effect on everyone taking part.”

Care homes interested in finding out more about setting up a taster should get in touch with Speak Like A Native at help@speaklikeanative.com.

THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023 | PAGE 25

Cleverly Urged To End Care Visa Scandal The new Home Secretary should move ‘quickly and decisively’ to end the scandal of scam visas, particularly in the care sector where abuse of the system is ‘rife’.

Experts in migration and visa law are calling on James Cleverly to put measures in place which will make it harder for unscrupulous agents working overseas and sometimes in cahoots with British firms, to gain visas for people for jobs in the UK that don’t exist. Overseas workers, often from disadvantaged communities, are commonly charged up to £25,000 for UK work visas, frequently in the care sector.

When the migrants arrive in the UK they are told there is no work for them, or the job their visa allows them to do no longer exists.

Yash Dubal of A Y & J Solicitors in London, says more stringent checks on businesses applying for sponsor licences will help solve the problem.

He explained: “I recently had to advise a young man who had paid a network of agents £25,000 in India in order to secure a care worker visa, which is illegal. Having used his life savings he arrived in the UK and was told by the company that was supposed to be employing him that they could no longer give him work. He was left destitute and had to rely on family members in the UK to survive. This is a common occurrence and is a form of human trafficking. Around the same time I was also approached by a care company which held around 50 sponsor licences. Their accounts clearly showed that they were nowhere near commercially active enough to sustain that number of employees, which suggests the possibility that something untoward was happening. From speaking to people within the legal and care industry it is evident that this type of visa

abuse is rife.”

In February 2022 the government placed care workers in the shortage occupation list, which made it much easier for overseas workers to get care worker visas by lowering the criteria for application and the salary requirement.

Mr Dubal continued: “The requirements for gaining care worker visas are now so low the system can be easily gamed. James Cleverly should act quickly and decisively to stop this so no more people can be exploited.”

Several similar cases have come to light recently. Last year an Observer investigation uncovered a network of agencies supplying workers to care homes and homecare agencies in Britain that charged recruitment fees to candidates. By law, agents cannot charge a fee for finding or trying to find a candidate work. The practice of charging recruitment fees, previously exposed in the UAE and Qatar, is considered a human rights abuse that leaves workers vulnerable to exploitation.

Workers from India, the Philippines, Ghana and Zimbabwe were among those charged for their recruitment, with fees ranging from £3,000 to £18,000. Victims described how agents had deducted money from their salaries and withheld their passport or residence permit until they repaid the sum owed.

Earlier this year five people suspected of recruiting and exploiting vulnerable Indian students who worked in care homes across north Wales were handed slavery and trafficking risk orders (STRO).

There have also been several reports in Indian media of migrants on route to the UK with suspicious visas who admit on questioning to using fake documents provided by agents to gain the necessary paperwork.

NHS Dementia Diagnosis Rates At Three-Year High The NHS is diagnosing tens of thousands more people with dementia since the start of the pandemic, thanks to NHS recovery efforts.

NHS staff have diagnosed 475,573 people with dementia in September – up more than 52,000 than the same time last year, with diagnosis rates now at a three year high.

Speaking at NHS Providers annual conference today, NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said that the NHS is committed to continuing this diagnosis drive so that more people get the help they need as soon as possible.

NHS England launched new pilots in December to increase diagnosis rates with health professionals going into care homes to assess older adults who may have missed checks during the pandemic.

Heath chiefs are expecting the ambition of diagnosing 66.7% of people over 65 will be met in the next year.

In 14 parts of the country care home residents are being proactively assessed for the condition by specialist nurses and other healthcare professionals. The programme has led to the North West (69.1%) and North East England (66.9%) exceeding the national target and at their highest levels locally since before the pandemic.

A dementia diagnosis is the first step in assessing whether someone would be suitable for treatments, or whether they and their family need further support.

NHS guidance advises that if you are worried about signs of dementia or have concerns about a loved one to contact your GP for an assessment. Once a diagnosis is made, the NHS can provide a range of support, including treatment options.

Earlier this year, NHS England established a national taskforce team to prepare for the potential arrival of new Alzheimer’s treatments, if they are approved by regulators.

Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive said: “A dementia diagnosis can be incredibly daunting for people and their families, but an early diagnosis can ensure that they get the support they need as quickly as possible.

“Thanks to the efforts of NHS staff, tens of thousands more people are now getting a diagnosis than this time last year which opens up doors to further support for patients and their families who suffer from this heart-breaking disease.

“There are many things we can do in the health and care sector to support people if they do get a diagnosis, and importantly there is support for their families and carers too.

“We will press on with our efforts and outreach to detect dementia earlier and I am determined that by next year, we will reach our ambition of diagnosing two thirds of people with dementia so that they don’t have to go through it alone.”

Dorchester Care Home Celebrates Housekeeper’s Remarkable 35 Years of Dedication Care South’s Maiden Castle House care home in Dorchester is delighted to announce the remarkable achievement of Alison, one of Maiden Castle House’s dedicated housekeepers, who is celebrating an incredible 35 years of service with the organisation. Alison’s unwavering commitment and passion for her work have made her an integral part of the Maiden Castle House family.

Alison’s journey with Care South began when it was still part of social services. Over the years, she has been an invaluable member of the team, witnessing the growth and transformation of Maiden Castle House, originally based in Weymouth, and later moved to the current well respected care home in Dorchester in 2007.

What sets Alison apart is not just her impressive tenure but her consistent dedication to her role. She has adhered to the same shift pattern throughout her entire career, showcasing her reliability and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care for the residents at Maiden Castle House.

Alison is renowned for her infectious smile, bringing joy to both residents and colleagues alike. Her cleaning trolley is not just a tool for maintaining cleanliness; it’s a mobile source of positivity, complete with music

that accompanies her on her daily rounds. Incorporated into Alison’s routine are familiar elements, providing a sense of comfort to those in her presence.

In celebration of this incredible milestone, Alison said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be celebrating 35 years with Care South. It’s been an amazing journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of residents in our care. The support from my colleagues and the wonderful atmosphere at Maiden Castle House have made every day a joy.”

Ash Smith, Home Manager at Maiden Castle House, added: “Alison’s dedication and positive spirit have been a cornerstone of Maiden Castle House for over three decades. Her commitment to her role and the well-being of residents is truly commendable. We are proud to have her as part of the team and look forward to many more years of working together.”

Maiden Castle care home in Dorchester accommodates 66 residents and is part of Care South, a not-forprofit charity and leading provider of residential and home care across the south of England.

Care South Unveils Kenwith Pavilion and Pantry Care South is delighted to announce the grand opening of the Kenwith Pavilion and Pantry, a vibrant hub nestled in the picturesque grounds of Kenwith Castle. This multifaceted space, aptly named the Pavilion, seamlessly integrates a convenient shop, a cosy lounge, and a charming coffee house to create an environment of Food, Fun and Friendship.

The Pavilion shop is stocked with an array of everyday essentials, from fresh fruits and vegetables to toiletries, ready meals, greetings cards and a selection of curated gifts. Adding to the allure is the coffee shop, offering an inviting space to savour homemade cakes and a variety of hot and cold beverages. It is anticipated that the shop will secure a license to serve alcohol so that visitors can indulge in a refreshing beer or a glass of wine on the terrace during the warmer months.

Open to all who are connected to Kenwith Castle, including residents of the bungalow developments in Kenwith Castle Gardens and Kenwith Meadows, cottage residents, staff, residents and their relatives, the Pavilion ensures inclusivity. For those who may find the distance challenging, a 6-seater golf buggy is available for transport.

Currently focusing on coffee and cake services, the Pavilion has exciting plans for expansion. Future offerings will include light lunches, a weekly breakfast brunch, afternoon teas, monthly Sunday roasts, and special themed evenings such as Tapas and Italian nights. The Pavilion will host a variety of events, including quiz nights, games afternoons, film clubs, live music and pétanque challenges on the new pitch. A weekly fitness class is already underway, and the spacious venue is perfect for larger gatherings such as Christmas parties.

Simon Bird, Chief Executive Officer at Care South, said: “The Kenwith Pavilion is a warm, inviting, and comfortable space designed for residents of Kenwith Castle, Kenwith Gardens and Kenwith Meadows. It’s more than just a place to shop; it’s a treasure trove of tasty treats and culinary delights, fostering a sense of community and connection.”

To mark this milestone, the Pavilion was inaugurated with a special party attended by residents, families, and Care South team members. The celebratory atmosphere created unforgettable memories and officially welcomed this fantastic new facility.

PAGE 26 | THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023

Implementing Effective Training Into Social Care Induction Processes

By Nick Horton, Managing Director, Select Lifestyles (www.selectlifestyles.co.uk)

As care providers, it is vital to ensure that new support staff have the skills, knowledge and confidence to be able to do their jobs effectively. They will be responsible for the care of some of the most vulnerable people in society and, without providing the relevant training, the health and wellbeing of clients could be compromised.

That’s why learning and training needs to play a key role in the induction process for all newly appointed support staff. Not only does it provide them with the necessary skills they require, but it also helps to instil behaviours and values that will enable them to apply best practice when caring for clients.

tating immediate clarification of questions, but it also offers an opportunity for networking and social interaction. From this, participants will be able to foster a sense of community between them and meet people from other areas of the business, giving them a holistic viewpoint.

Many of the skills needed to be a care provider are best acquired through practical exercises and real-world applications. Effective ways to teach these include using case studies or real-life examples, peer to peer learning, role play, or even implementing a small element of competition through engaging, interactive game platforms to test knowledge. Although, when using these techniques, it’s important to note that trainers must be able to identify which learners require more assistance than others, and make sure that this is provided.

Once completed, training staff should be maintaining regular communication and feedback with managers to ensure staff knowledge is up to standard and to address any issues. What’s more, care staff should be provided with refresher training courses yearly so that knowledge is retained and kept up to date.

WHAT SHOULD INDUCTION TRAINING COVER? When planning induction training sessions, it’s important to make sure new employees aren’t overloaded with information. Although there is often lots to cover, it needs to be broken down into manageable modules to ensure that people retain knowledge and don’t feel overwhelmed.

To begin with, it’s recommended to give people an introduction to the company as a whole, including its mission, vision and values. Primary care providers should embody the core values of the business in all they do, so making sure they’re aware of these will allow them to apply them in their everyday work.

Other key areas to cover in induction training include equality and diversity, health and safety, fire safety, safeguarding, food hygiene, communication, moving and handling, manual handling, medication training, and first aid – just to name a few.

At Select Lifestyles, we give our new starters a period of three months to complete all their induction training, allowing them the appropriate time to work through each module and learn effectively.

TRAINING TECHNIQUES Everybody learns in different ways but, when it comes to training primary care staff, practical and in-person training is often the most effective. Being a care provider is a very hands-on job, so giving people this experience as soon as possible will get them familiar with the work they’ll be doing each day.

Not only does practical training allow people to interact with the trainer and their peers in real time, facili-

MONITORING TRAINING SUCCESS Evaluation is a key element when it comes to training success – those responsible for training should be implementing metrics to measure how well the training has been received and any feedback from learners.

One way to do this is by sharing feedback forms with people following the training, to get their honest opinions on how they found the training, what worked well and what could be improved. Another way to measure success is to look at results from any practical assessments or tests, to see how well learners retained their knowledge and were able to put it into practice.

What’s more, trainers themselves must also make sure that they are up to date with industry knowledge, reading relevant industry journals to keep up with any news or legislation that needs to be implemented into staff training.

In the health and social care industry, effective training results in excellent staff knowledge and the successful delivery of high-quality care. Implementing a strong training strategy not only benefits staff and clients, but also contributes to the positive reputation and growth of the business.

Movember Moustache Mania at Chislehurst Care Home Residents and staff at RMBI Care Co. Home Prince George Duke of Kent Court, in Chislehurst, have been supporting Movember to raise awareness of men’s health issues.

Movember, the month formerly known as November, is when brave and selfless men around the world grow a moustache and women step up to support them, all to raise awareness and funds for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer, testicular cancer and male suicide.

To mark Movember, Activities Coordinator Diane Connor led a talk at the Home about the importance of raising

awareness of men’s health issues, as well as encouraging people to talk more openly about their health. Later, residents and staff had a laugh donning a variety of different moustaches.

“Supporting Movember was a fun way for our Home to raise awareness and bring focus to the importance of men’s health. Taking part in these types of national events helps our residents feel part of the community and contributing to a greater cause,” says Activities Coordinator Diane Connor.

Maths-Loving Betty Says Age Is Just A Number At Bernard Sunley, the Woking-based nursing and dementia care home run by charity Friends of the Elderly, numbers and maths enthusiast, Margaret ‘Betty’ Carr, has had a wonderful day celebrating her 87th birthday with her family and care home friends. The care home team made sure Betty had a day to remember, complete with all her favourite things and, of course, a delicious birthday cake.

Betty, who has been a resident at Bernard Sunley since February this year, moved to the care home to be closer to her daughter. “My daughter and I thought that Bernard Sunley was the ideal choice for me as it’s close to where my daughter lives and is such a lovely place with so much going on,” said Betty. “I’ve been so busy since I got here, it’s wonderful.”

Betty, whose real name is Margaret, lived and grew up in Brixton, South East London. “My real name is Margaret, but everyone calls me Betty. When I was born, my Father went to register my birth at the local registry office, and he called me Margaret.

My Mother was very cross about it as she and my Grandmother had wanted to call me Betty. So, even though my real name is Margaret, I have always been called Betty,” Betty added.

“During the War, my family and I remained in London as my Father was an Air Raid Precautions (ARP) Warden. His main task was to try to protect people during the frequent and scary air raids. After the enemy planes had dropped their bombs and the raids were over, my Father would rescue people from the rabble, he was very brave,” continued Betty. “However, when the bombing was very intense in London, my Mother and I moved to Bournemouth to live with my Aunt for a while. We didn’t stay for a long time as my Father was still in London and my Mother decided we should to go back there so we could all be together.”

Betty enjoyed her school years and was always a very good, well-behaved child and not a troublemaker.

“My best friend was Silvia and I have so many fond memories of our time at school,” said Betty.

“Silvia and I attended The New Park Road School in South London. Not too far from Brixton, Clapham and Brockwell Park. It’s now changed its name to The Richard Atkins Primary School. It’s a grand, Victorian building, so much so that in 1981 the main building was listed under The Planning (Listed Buildings and

Conservation Areas) Act. “My favourite lesson was Maths as I have always loved everything to do with numbers. In class I loved problem solving and, even if I do say so myself, I was rather good at it. My love of numbers stayed with me as became a Bookkeeper, which I enjoyed, but I really always wanted to be a Teacher,” Betty continued.

In 1958, when she was 22-years-old, Betty married her husband David at Brixton Town Hall. The happy couple then decided to leave London and move to Norfolk where they raised their two children, Carol and Steven.

“Reading was my passion, I just read all the time and I also really enjoyed cooking.

Now I don’t read as much as I used to as I have so many new hobbies since moving to Bernard Sunley. I like to get involved and take part and am quite partial to playing Boules, Scrabble, Dominoes and Bingo – well, Bingo is to do with numbers. I also enjoy the sing-alongs we have, it’s so nice to sing along to a happy song. I love the piano concerts and the visiting entertainers who put on great shows for us as well,” Betty continued.

“Betty is a lovely lady who loves to participate in most of our wide and varied activities, she likes to get involved and have fun every day. She is super friendly and gets on well with all the residents – all of whom are now firm friends – and, of course, our care team. Betty is a wonderful person to have in our Bernard Sunley family,” said Andy Cumper, the Registered Manager at Bernard Sunley.

“Betty is such a wonderful lady with a beautiful smile. She loves a good joke and told me a maths one the other day which had me in stiches,” said Monika Ahmed, Bernard Sunley’s Activity Coordinator. “How do you make the number seven even? – Subtract the S. That’s Betty, full of fun and laughter.”

“I’ve had a really special birthday with all my family and friends, it’s been wonderful. We were chatting over a tasty cup of tea and somebody asked if I could go back in time and speak to my younger self, what would I say? I think it’s quite easy. I’d say make the most of every day, enjoy life and don’t worry too much about the little things – that’s what I do every day,” concluded Betty.

THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023 | PAGE 27

CYBER SECURITY

Why You Should Consider A Cybersecurity Strategy In Your Care Facility

Cyberattacks are on the increase and the healthcare sector is one of the most targeted industries. According to a recent survey conducted by email security firm Agari, 67% of healthcare organisations in the UK have suffered a cybersecurity incident over the last 12 months. Of all healthcare cyber incidents in the last year, 48% have been the result of malware or viruses introduced to the network by third-party devices.

To help protect your care home or care facility from the threat of a cyber related incident, we recommend putting a robust cybersecurity strategy in place to sit alongside your insurance programme. You should create a cyber risk assessment and action preventative measures including a best practice guide. This will help to reassure your employees, customers, suppliers and any third parties, that you are as ready as possible in the event of a cyber threat.

To identify areas of weakness or vulnerability, you should assess

the security of your information or data. Prevention is always better than cure, so review your current security strategy to ensure that you have the proper policies and best practices in place to meet any required standards or obligatory regulations. This should include a review of your security operations, network and data security to check that you are protected from exploitation and have prevention and monitoring procedures in place.

Carry out a cyber security assessment to identify the types of attack that you may be vulnerable to and assess how prepared your business is to respond to an incident. Consider your ability to detect malicious activity, the procedures you have in place to contain an attack and what your incident response process is.

Create a best practice guide to help prevent your exposure to cyber threats and share with all employees. This should include the use of strong passwords which are updated regularly. Software and systems should also be checked regularly, and updates actioned when due. The use of two-factor authentication, when available, should also be implemented.

Ensure you are following the most up to date guidance on GDPR and that your data protection officer has all the latest information. It’s a legal obligation of any business to ensure appropriate and proportionate security is in place to protect any personal data held, to safeguard the rights of individuals. You must also report any data breaches to the ICO within 72 hours of discovery.

Provide your staff with Cyber Security Awareness Training so they can spot suspicious looking communications, understand how hackers get in and the importance of strong passwords. Educating your entire organisation helps to minimise potential attacks and can also help to reduce internal security incidents. It’s also a good idea to create a robust reporting procedure to ensure that all employees are aware of any potential or recent cyber-attacks.

With more of us working from home, you should make sure your remote working methods are protected and procedures are adhered to by all.

Put together a business continuity plan and share with key employees for a coordinated, calm and fast reaction to an unexpected cyber event. Your immediate response to an event will be key to the overall impact on your business. Consider how you will contact everyone that may have been affected as a result of a data breach to help retain your customer database, customer confidence, brand reputation and trust.

Don’t wait until you have experienced a cyber attack to put measures in place, be proactive and help protect your business now. We can help you to develop a robust cyber security strategy as part of your complete insurance programme, managing your exposure to cyber risks.

Speak to us about arranging cyber liability insurance or carrying out a cyber risk assessment by calling us on 01480 272727 or emailing enquiries@barnesinsurancebroker.co.uk Find out more about cyber liability insurance at www.barnesinsurancebroker.co.uk/what-we-cover/cyber-liability/

PAGE 28 | THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2023 We extend our sincere gratitude to those who serve their country in various ways and to those who never

As the nation once again paid tribute to those who took part in past conflicts, we here at THE CARER are proud and privileged to share with you a selection of the many Armistice Day/Remembrance Sunday

returned. We also extend our deep gratitude to the care homes throughout the UK who took the time to pay

commemorations care homes throughout the UK sent us to share with you, our readers.

tribute to the residents and share those tributes with us

The stories behind these photos are available to see on our website www.thecareruk.com

Colten Care’s Braemar Lodge Honoured The Fallen

MHA Brookfield Upcycled Used Plastic Bottles to Make More Than 100 Poppies as Part of Their Remembrance Day Display

Royal Star & Garter Veterans Attend Services at the Cenotaph and at Homes

Ashcombe Residents Remembered The Fallen On Armistice Day

MHA Pennystone Court Created An Amazing Garden Poppy Display From Recycled Bottles

Wren Hall Residents Created Moving Tributes The Oaks Care Home in Rubery Held A Remembrance Service To Honor Veterans

D-Day Veterans Were Brought To The Fore At Broughton House's Remembrance Day Service

Belong Care Villages' Remembrance Day Commemorations

Austen House Residents Honoured The Fallen On Remembrance Day The Oaks Care Home in Newtown Commemorated At A Special Service

Low Furlong Care Home Commemorated Remembrance Day With A Handcrafted Poppy Net

Parley Place Held A Poignant Ceremony To Mark Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day Was Commemorated Across Brendoncare Homes SAS Hero Mark 'Billy' Billingham Commemorated Remembrance Day at Hampton Grange Nursing Home, Hereford

They gave their tomorrows so we could have our today …

LEST WE FORGET Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik

Magnolia House in Cottingham and The Manor House in rural little Weighton Welcomed Back the Royal British Legion to Commemorate the Fallen on Remembrance Day HC-One Residents and Colleagues Marked Remembrance Day with Nationwide Services

THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023 | PAGE 29

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL Angloplas Dispensers Help Reduce the Risk of Cross Infection Angloplas are a UK manufacturer who specialise in producing dispensers for the health and hygiene industry. Although these are designed to keep the workplace tidy and uncluttered they are, more importantly, built knowing the control of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are a priority for healthcare providers, and who are employing a combination of infection prevention and control strategies, including hand hygiene, cleaning, training and the adoption of new technologies, to tackle the problem.

As a result, a wide range of infection control products

and technologies are emerging on the market, including antimicrobial technology. 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

edencleen from Cleenol

Over the course of our history, we at Cleenol have always produced products that offer a perfect balance between cleaning performance and efficiency with an attention to reducing the environmental impact that our products may carry. edencleen, our latest brand, reaffirms our commitment to our credentials for environmental guardianship, and represents an evolution of what has been an integral part of our DNA. Edencleen has been designed to reflect in part our vision for a cleaner, safer world, that touches not only the environmental aspects of sustainability, but has as an aim, a social ambition to leave the planet in the safe care of and for future generations. As such with edencleen, Cleenol looks to ensure transparency in our approach, which may on occasion result in some counter intuitive elements.

The range covers the essential needs to cover 80% of daily cleaning and include: a washroom cleaner and toilet gel cleaner and urinal deodoriser, an all-purpose surface sanitiser, a degreaser and a washing up liquid, a no rinse floor degreaser, a window cleaner and a laundry detergent and fabric softener. edencleen products have been developed around the following principles and ingredients • RSPO certified palm oil derivatives • No animal derived products • Cruelty free

• Minimal petrochemical derived products • No parabens, formaldehyde, CMI/MIT, triclosan, phosphates, chlorine bleaches, optical brighteners, quaternary ammonium compounds • VOC free and phosphate, EDTA, NTA free Recyclable / recycled packaging • 100% bio-based surfactant - made • by using bio-based ethylene oxide which is manufactured from biomass ethanol.

• Bioethanol, naturally derived acids, sugar-based surfactants, bio-based solvents, low impact preservatives Combining carefully formulated products, with appropriate packaging, using recycled material or recyclable componentry, the range’s mostly colourless liquid and low fragrance usage are designed to convey a transparency and straightforwardness of our approach which will be a hallmark of all edencleen products and associated services.

Careful use of enzymatic formulations and more traditional chemistry brings a portfolio of products that’s finely attuned to delivering effective cleaning which when used as instructed helps maintain a neutral environmental impact. edencleen’s new range represents just the start to a fully refreshed solution to meet the most demanding of customers expectations.

See the advert below for further information.

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

PAGE 32 | THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023

WASHROOMS & ACCESSIBLE BATHING Accessible Bathing in Nursing and Care Environments cant risks of falls, injury, and other complications. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a thorough risk assessment of each resident's bathing needs and capabilities to identify potential hazards and develop appropriate care plans.

The risk assessment should take into account the resident's physical and cognitive abilities, mobility, sensory impairments, medical conditions, medication, and history of falls or injuries. The assessment should also consider the design and layout of the bathing facilities, including the type of bath or shower, flooring, lighting, temperature, water pressure, and grab rails. Based on the assessment, the care team can develop a care plan that addresses the resident's individual needs and preferences, such as the frequency and timing of bathing, the use of aids and equipment, and the involvement of family or caregivers.

TRAINING AND SKILLS

Accessible bathing in UK care and nursing homes is essential to provide residents with the best possible care. It is vital to ensure that the bathing experience is safe, comfortable, and respectful of their dignity and privacy.

In this article, we will explore various aspects of accessible bathing in care and nursing homes, including health and safety, risk assessment, training, injuries, aids and equipment, technology, flooring, infection control, and patient dignity and guidance.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

The safety and health of residents are crucial in accessible bathing.

Bathing environments should be free of hazards that could cause harm to residents or staff. Regular checks should be carried out to ensure that the facilities are safe, and any issues should be promptly addressed. Loose or broken tiles, damaged or worn flooring, and broken fittings should be fixed or replaced immediately. Appropriate signage should be used to remind staff and residents of the safety guidelines when using the bathing facilities.

RISK ASSESSMENT

A risk assessment should be carried out before residents use the bathing facilities. This assessment should identify any potential risks or hazards, including mobility and other health conditions that may affect the resident's ability to use the facilities safely. The risk assessment should also consider the type of equipment required for residents to use the facilities safely. For example, some residents may require handrails, shower chairs, or other equipment to assist them in the bathing process.

HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Bathing is a routine activity that most people take for granted. However, for people with mobility or sensory impairments, bathing can pose signifi-

Providing safe and effective bathing requires specific skills and knowledge, such as manual handling, infection control, first aid, and communication. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that all care staff who are involved in bathing residents receive appropriate training and support. The training should cover topics such as: • The importance of hygiene and cleanliness • The risks of infection and cross-contamination • The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) • The use of aids and equipment, such as hoists, shower chairs, and bath lifts • The techniques for assisting residents with personal care, including washing, drying, and dressing • The management of challenging behaviours or communication difficulties • The monitoring of the resident's health and well-being during and after bathing • The reporting and recording of incidents or concerns.

The training should be delivered by qualified and experienced trainers who can tailor the content to the specific needs of the care home and its residents. The training should also be regularly updated and reinforced to ensure that staff maintain their skills and knowledge.

INJURIES AND ACCIDENTS

Despite the best efforts to promote safety and minimize risks, accidents and injuries can still occur during bathing. The most common types of injuries are falls, burns, scalds, and skin tears. Therefore, it is essential to have robust procedures in place for reporting and managing incidents, including first aid, medical treatment, and investigation.

The care home should have clear protocols for responding to emergencies and incidents, such as the availability of first aid kits, defibrillators, and emergency contacts. The staff should be trained in basic first aid and emergency procedures, and there should be designated first aiders and fire wardens on duty at all times.

AIDS AND EQUIPMENT

Accessible bathing requires the use of specific equipment and aids to assist residents. These may include handrails, shower chairs, bath hoists, and walk-in baths. It is vital to ensure that the equipment is regularly maintained and that staff are trained in its correct use.

TECHNOLOGY

Technology can play a significant role in accessible bathing, with innovations such as digital showers and temperature-controlled taps providing increased comfort and safety for residents. For example, some taps can automatically turn off if the water temperature gets too high, reducing the risk of scalds.

FLOORING

The flooring in accessible bathing facilities should be slip-resistant to reduce the risk of falls. It is essential to ensure that flooring is regularly maintained and replaced if necessary to prevent accidents.

INFECTION CONTROL

Infection control is crucial in accessible bathing. Staff should follow strict guidelines to prevent the spread of infections, such as regular cleaning and disinfecting of equipment and surfaces. Residents with infections should be isolated to prevent the spread of illness to others.

PATIENT DIGNITY AND GUIDANCE

Residents' dignity and privacy should be respected at all times during accessible bathing. Staff should ensure that residents are treated with respect and that their dignity is maintained throughout the bathing process. Residents should also be given guidance on how to use the facilities and any equipment to ensure that they feel comfortable and safe.

CONCLUSION

Accessible bathing is an essential aspect of providing quality care to residents in UK care and nursing homes. Health and safety, risk assessment, training, injuries, aids and equipment, technology, flooring, infection control, and patient dignity and guidance are all crucial considerations when designing and maintaining accessible bathing facilities. By prioritizing these aspects, care and nursing homes can ensure that residents receive safe, comfortable, and respectful care during the bathing process.

How Care Homes in the UK Can Save Money and Improve Residents' Mental Well Being Gary Seale, MD of iDry Ltd, manufacturer of in shower body dryers is baffled.

It's fantastic to hear about iDry's success and the growing demand for its innovative products, but the success isn’t being seen in the country of manufacture! The company's expansion into international markets, especially securing its largest ever export order heading to Holland, speaks volumes about the global appeal of their technology, the ever present demands to cut costs and improve patients well being, all well documented and accepted.

Gary Seale, is optimistic about the overseas reception, especially in the care sector. Yet the UK seems to lag behind Europe.

Gary asks, don’t UK care homes want to reduce care hours, improve the well being of patients and reduce costs too?

The emphasis on cost savings and environmental impact is noteworthy. iDry's technology not only provides efficient drying solutions but also addresses economic and ecological concerns. The comparison of the cost of laundering towels versus the cost of a five-minute session with the body dryer highlights the practical benefits.

The case study below highlights how a 30 room assisted living complex actually had a payback on their iDry Apres units of only 7 weeks, releasing over 117 hours of direct care every month, Surely that sort of saving should be snapped up by Care home owners?

Gary continued, out of a study of over 800 people in Bury Town centre over 93% had never heard of an in shower body dryer, out of the remaining 7% I genuinely think most were being polite and hadn’t got a clue.

Whether direct contact, assisted bathing or attended bathing, the iDry can provide users with amongst other things their DIGNITY being returned even in miniscule amounts.

CASE STUDY When Tonnie Bieleman wants to vacuum his apartment in the De Klokkenbelt residential facility in Almelo or turn on the lights, he tells his Google Home. He is dependent on care 24/7 I can do my thing quietly and don't have to hurry because someone is waiting who has to go to the next resident.'

THE INSTALLATION ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH The Klokkenbelt is a residential location of InteraktContour, an organization that provides care and support to people with NAH in a large part of eastern and central Netherlands. The former care home in

Almelo has recently been completely redesigned and made suitable for future-proof habitation. Large-scale use of modern technology has been made with the help of the Innovation Impulse for Full Life. This helps make the lives of clients like Tonnie more attractive, more independent and safer. The innovations also save employees time, giving them more time to focus on clients.

'By conducting a needs survey among clients and by actively participating in healthcare, we discovered how technology can support healthcare, Because the installation alone is not enough. It turned out to be a project in itself to make innovations part of the healthcare process.'

The iDry Apres Body Dryer saves per patient over 23 hours of direct care every month Because people like Tonnie are becoming more self-reliant, technology also influences the way healthcare is organised. For example, in unplanned care, the number of calls from residents for everyday minor matters decreased by hundreds per month. After all, no one has to come for simple things like operating the lighting or curtains anymore. But it also turned out that many hours could be saved in planned care, sometimes with larger and less mundane adjustments. For example, with the Body dryer that Tonnie received in his bathroom, he can now dry himself after showering. This saves over 23 hours of direct care every month.

Employees now spend that time on other things.

"They now help me get out of bed in the morning, for safety reasons," says Tonnie. 'I can then shave independently in 45 minutes, take a shower and dry myself with the help of the Apres body dryer. Only then do I alert care again, and then they come and help me get dressed.

Previously, a healthcare provider had to be present all the time. In the meantime, he can now work with someone else.' Apart from the time savings and the regained independence, the innovation in his bathroom also helps Tonnie feel better physically and more important mentally , he has got back a sense of dignity 'I have a lot of cramps in my arm and leg. It's nice to have warmth there and to be able to do that calmly and relaxed, without feeling rushed.'

Tonnie cannot emphasize enough how important it is for him that he is once again in control of his own life, partly thanks to technology. He went through a deep valley after two cerebral infarctions and a double pulmonary embolism destroyed him eight years ago. 'I was a project leader and managed many people every day. And suddenly I was completely dependent on others, after 49 years of being able to do everything myself. Then you really go crazy.'

Tonnie moved to an InteraktContour residential location in Lelystad five years ago, now lives in the Klokkenbelt and is very happy with the innovations he has there.

THE MORE INDEPENDENT THE RESIDENTS, THE MORE POSITIVE 'Things are really going better now. My disability no longer changes, but this technique makes my life enormously more pleasant. I can regain some of my dignity. It may seem simple to others, but it really means a lot to me. Now when my wife comes to visit in the evening, it's fun again. And it also changes the relationship you have with the employees. I no longer have to call them for every little thing, and because of the time savings that everything yields, there is also time for a conversation. That is real progress.'

Marieke van den Berg, e-health task holder at Klokkenbelt, also sees this. And it works both ways, she says. 'The more our residents regain their independence, the more positive they become. This makes them feel better about themselves. Cutting costs and saving time by innovating is a bonus, but the fact that residents can do things again that they could do before also gives us a lot of satisfaction. This leads to less stress and improves the quality of care.'

For further information on iDry and how they can save your facility money while also improving your residents' wellbeing , visit www.idry.me or call 0800 933 0020.

THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023 | PAGE 33

WASHROOMS & ACCESSIBLE BATHING Access And Mobility Bathrooms Access And Mobility Bathrooms is a family owned and run bathroom adaptation specialist that offers a design, supply and installation service for walk in Showers, Wet rooms and Walk in baths.

• Specialist in maintenance free wall panels.

• All building works carried out.

• Free home visits, consultations and quotations. Installed within 8 weeks of order.

As Member of the British Health Care trades associ-

ation, we abide to a code of practice that protects you from pressure selling, over pricing and ensures quality of work and products.

Enquiries welcome from privately funded customers and business to business.

For further information call 01626 903181, email info@accessmobilitybathrooms.co.uk or visit www.accessmobilitybathrooms.co.uk

Upgrade Your Air Freshener System To Keep Washrooms Constantly Fresh

The challenges with current air fresheners Washrooms are the biggest source of complaints, accounting for over 45% of the complaints that facility managers receive.1 In addition, recent research from Tork tells us that 67% of employees say they’re more likely to complain about a washroom than any other aspect of their office.2 Therefore, it’s crucial that washrooms are run efficiently to ensure a standard of cleanliness that makes people feel cared for.

A new air freshener that distributes scent evenly and continuously Tork has launched a new system that makes keeping your washrooms constantly fresh much easier. It uses a unique, high-tech technology that is propellant free to neutralise odours continuously and evenly.

Research shows that the most important factor customers state when selecting an air care product is the “long lasting performance”3. The Tork Constant Air

Freshener can last for up to 90 days before needing a refill, with a range of scents that eliminate bad odours, creating a consistent, fresh washroom experience, which helps facility managers to avoid washroom complaints.

A system that is easy to maintain and refill 71% of cleaning staff agreed that if washroom dispensers were quicker and easier to refill, they would have more time for other cleaning tasks2. The Tork Constant Air Freshener dispenser is certified ‘Easy to use’ for speedy refilling.4 Its flexible placement at reachable heights also allows for easy maintenance.

Refills and battery changes can also be planned into existing cleaning routines to save staff valuable time.

IoT connected dispensers With Tork Vision Cleaning, the world’s leading data-driven cleaning solution, cleaning staff will now know exactly when and where to refill all Tork dispensers in the washroom. The new air freshener dispenser will enable them to keep the dispensers replenished and save time by avoiding unnecessary checks.

It’s easy to provide a great washroom experience with smart, sustainable hygiene management from Tork.

For more information, please visit Tork.co.uk. For more information on Tork air freshener, please visit Tork.co.uk/airfreshener.

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

PAGE 34 | THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors Serve Afternoon Tea in

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, contact Win Health Medical Ltd - 01835 864866 - www.win-health.com See the adverts on page 3 and the front cover.

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.

C&S Seating Ltd

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.

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

Fire Resistant Wallcoverings with 24/7 Anti-Bacterial Protection Muraspec is an international leader in wallcoverings, with a remarkable heritage dating back to the 1850’s. We take great pride in catering to a diverse clientele worldwide, including care homes and residential sectors.

All our wallcoverings use up to 30% recycled content, and are designed & manufactured in our UK factory, with Euroclass B fire ratings - the highest fire certification for the UK and Europe.

Any Muraspec wallcovering can contain antimicrobial protection (if requested), which inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, and moulds. It's also effective for the lifetime of a product and doesn’t wear off or leach out.

Additionally, we're thrilled to offer a range of dementia-friendly wallcoverings, which were developed in consultation with the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling.

According to the DSDC, getting a design right can

make a fundamental difference to the lives of people with dementia. It improves their life experiences and can even increase their life expectancy.

We are committed to designing and producing market-leading and innovative wallcoverings, and the DSDC-selected ranges are the first in the UK to be approved as dementia friendly. The ranges also suit different budgets and interior spaces, as well as providing a unique combination of choice, durability, quality, and sympathetic-yet-stylish designs to work with.

Furthermore, if you're facing a tight deadline for your wallcovering project, you can count on Muraspec for the shortest lead times in the industry.

Contact us now to arrange a visit from one of our friendly Key Account Managers on 03705 117 118 or customerservices@muraspec.com. www.muraspec.com See the advert on page 13 for further information.

Style with Euroservice

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!

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

Or see the advert on page 23.

Baron Medical BARON MEDICAL has provided a wide range of services to the Care Industry, both at home and abroad since 1987, originating as a Consultancy in 1987 to Yorkshire Regional Health Authority, and probably one of the oldest Companies in this sector.

Now working alongside Western Equipment Supplies in Bristol our combined 60+ years enables to have unique purchasing arrangements with various bodies within the industry.

We have close links to the NHS, giving back much needed revenue, whilst also working with diverse clientele at home and abroad to countries less fortunate than ours.

Understanding the financial constraints often faced by care organisations and individuals, we offer flexible

pricing options. Whether you're looking to hire or purchase our beds, our prices are available on request and we absorb VAT costs to ease your financial burden.

For those considering bulk purchases, we can offer generous discounts on orders of 5 or more beds, or to help cash~flow, rent a bed for as little as £35 pw, reducing further for quantity or a long-term extended payment term.

Call 0800 954 8801 - Text 07768 800 188 Or email: Maureen (or) Brian@BaronMedical.co.uk www.hospitalbedsuk.co.uk See the advert on page 15 for further information on how Baron can help your business.

Exclusive Antimicrobial Scrub Technology

by Grahame Gardner and Micro-Fresh® The range, exclusive to Grahame Gardner, incorporates cutting-edge technology MicroFresh® 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, Micro-Fresh® also boasts odour prevention, providing longer lasting freshness for the wearer. The scrubs are hypoallergenic, 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.

MOWOOT II for Life Free from Constipation MOWOOT II for Life Free from Constipation MOWOOT II is a groundbreaking non-invasive and non-pharmacological solution to chronic constipation.

Developed by a team of doctors and other healthcare professionals, the MOWOOT II performs gentle abdominal massage that speeds up intestinal transit in people suffering with chronic constipation.

Clinically proven, safe and effective, easy to use, relaxing and side-effects free, the MOWOOT II Abdominal Massage Therapy System combats constipation, allowing the sufferers to enjoy the freedom of a healthy life.

Easy to use and comfortable, MOWOOT II treats and manages chronic constipation in people with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease patients and when constipation is caused by drugs and pharmacological interventions. MOWOOT II also helps people combat idiopathic chronic constipa-

tion, such as suffered by menopausal and postmenopausal women and the older and elderly people.

In clinical studies, MOWOOT II was found to increase evacuation frequency, soften stools, improve regularity, reduce gasses and bloating and relieve abdominal discomfort.

Just 10 to 20 minutes per day of relaxing abdominal massage therapy with MOWOOT II produces noticeable improvements.

Significant results are experienced few days after the first treatment. Regular applications ensure lasting improvements and better quality of life.

MOWOOT II – the effective solution to chronic constipation and the way to a healthier life!

For more information, contact Win Health Medical Ltd - 01835 864866 - www.win-health.com See the adverts on page 3 and the front cover of this issue.

THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023 | PAGE 35

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS

Revolutionising Care Homes with Forbes Connect: A New Era in Commercial Laundry In the fast-evolving landscape of care homes, Forbes Professional takes a significant step forward with the introduction of Forbes Connect; featuring state-of-the-art Miele washers, dryers, and dishwashers. This innovative new offering seamlessly integrates technology to deliver an unparalleled connected laundry experience for care facilities.

At the heart of Forbes Connect is a ground-breaking 24/7 intelligent remote monitoring system, providing both our engineers and our clients with real-time insights into the operational status of Miele laundry machines. This transformative feature ensures a pro-active approach to maintenance, further reducing any downtime and enhancing the overall efficiency of laundry operations.

Our dedicated team of engineers operate from an expansive network around the UK and are ready for intervention should issues be digitally identified. This proactive approach minimises disruptions and helps us remotely identify faults to increase first time fix rates. It also optimises the lifespan of Miele commercial laundry machines, offering care homes peace of mind and uninterrupted service.

When a fault is detected, Forbes Connect ensures a prompt response by sending notifications directly to

our customer service team. Leveraging advanced logistics, our team efficiently allocates engineers based on proximity and availability, guaranteeing a swift resolution to any laundry machine issues.

In line with the global push for sustainability, Forbes Connect goes a step further by monitoring temperature and water resource usage. This invaluable tool not only aids care homes in achieving their sustainability targets but also sheds light on the true efficiency of Miele commercial laundry machines. Care facilities can now make informed decisions to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on the quality of service.

Forbes Connect is another step in our commitment to revolutionise the laundry experience in care homes. By harnessing cutting-edge technology, we empower care facilities to deliver impeccable service seamlessly, ensuring that residents' comfort and well-being remain at the forefront of every operation. Welcome to the future of commercial laundry with Forbes Connect and Miele – where innovation meets care. www,forbespro.co.uk info@forbes-professional.co.uk 0345 070 2335

Laundry Specialists Lavamac Receive Sustainability Award Chester based Laundry professionals Lavamac Ltd, official distributor of Lavamac industrial laundry equipment has received the prestigious Bronze Sustaibnability award in recognition of their policies and procedures based commitment to maintain a sustainable business for ourselves or customers and the environment The three main points Lavamac have been recognised for are: 1. Air source heat pump dryers , connected load 3kw as opposed to 30Kw for a 16kg electric dryer and 25-30 kw for Gas , clean efficient and saving the planet available from £10995 fully refurbished to £16995.00 new both with 24 months parts and labour warranty and the option to extend and cost effective annual premium ?

2.Refurbished Equipment, we completely rebuild any current model of Primus , Lavamac or Ipso washers , dryers and ironers . I full ground up restoration leaves these machines as good ( if not better than ) New ! sold , rented of leased these machines are between 40-50% of cost of their new equivalent with a warranty as new 24 months parts and labour ( see attached literature on our product range ) 3.Intelligent washings machines ( In conjunction with our partners www.countrywidehealthcare.co.uk ) we can potentially reduce chemical usage by up to 35% and labour by 30 %

Additionally • Our offices in Chester utilise Solar Panels and we create more electricity than we consume • In 2024 we are committed to replacing all service vehicles with Hybrid models • In 2024 all cars will be upgraded to EV models • We have implement a new software system ( Big Change ) removes paper documentation and utilising smart technology will reduce road mileage between calls and improve response times A delighted Jeremy Hartigan CEO of Lavamac Ltd said: “I am extremely proud to announce that Lavamac have been awarded a prestigious Bronze Sustainability Award by the UK Groundworks Trust. This award demonstrates our commitment to promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility within the sector. This award is renowned for honouring businesses that demonstrate exceptional dedication and innovation, and we are thrilled to be recognised for our resolute focus on offering sustainable products and services while raising awareness about the importance of environmental concerns within the sector”.

See the advert below for further information on Lavamac.

PAGE 36 | THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS Washing Machines for Care Homes MAG Laundry Equipment, suppliers of commercial washing machines & tumble dryers, is proud to have supported more than 10,000 care homes across the nation.

Clean laundry and bedding is critical for care homes, hospices, nursing homes, hospitals and other healthcare organisations. With a nationwide fleet of accredited engineers MAG Laundry Equipment has successfully assisted over ten thousand care homes with their products, services, information and support.

MAG’s product range includes commercial washing machines, tumble dryers, ironers, presses and detergents. For 100 years, since 1922, MAG’s products have been developed and improved to become some of the

most reliable, energy-efficient and affordable machines on the market. Care homes have peace-of-mind that their laundry machines can quickly be maintained and repaired as MAG Laundry Equipment supply, install and service equipment across England, Scotland and Wales.

If you are looking for high quality wash results that remove stubborn stains then speak with MAG for their recommendations. Complete thermal disinfection is a standard feature on their washing machines for nursing homes. To find out more about how MAG can support your care home telephone 01353 883025 or visit the www.maglaundryequipment.co.uk website.

Preserving Identity and Preventing Loss: Cash's Apparel Solutions' Century-Long Legacy

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

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

PAGE 38 | THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS Improving Laundry Sustainability An efficient and effective laundry operation is essential for the hygienic operation of every care home. It remains nonetheless a considerable and unavoidable user of water and energy. Reducing energy and water consumption offer the potential to reduce environmental impacts and improve the long-term sustainability of the home. Realistically though, how much room is there for improvement?

Some of the latest laundry tech offers a lot.

Girbau’s next generation Genius smart washers are designed to lower water, detergent and energy consumption while boosting productivity. These innovative high spin washers can achieve up to 450G extract force for astounding levels of water extraction, faster drying and lower energy use. Tests on the Genius GS7018 found that it used 2.5 kWh for a full 18kg load cycle, compared to 3.5kWh for a comparable washer from a leading competitor. For a typical machine completing eight cycles per day, that’s a saving of over £900 a year, based on an electricity price of 31p per kWh. An optional integral weighing system measures every load and automatically adjusts programs to further optimise cycle time, lower water and chemical usage

and improve productivity. The new unique Care Plus Drum extends linen life and decreases tangling. The drum perforations also provide faster dispersion of water.

Genius washers offer unmatched durability and a high degree of programmability with high-speed spinning and automatic chemical dosing. The impact-resistant, full colour 10.5-inch waterproof screen is the industry’s largest. It features user-friendly icons that can be used while wearing gloves.

Girbau’s Sapphire remote-control software that is standard on Genius washers gives easy, flexible and versatile control. You can manage the laundry, compile production reports and analyse data remotely in real time from any device. Sapphire can also be used to configure washers to operate and record the use of thermal disinfection programs, essential in every care home.

For energy efficient drying, Girbau’s premium ED series dryers ensure all items are dried safely, uniformly, efficiently and cost-effectively. Their unique Transflow technology combines radial and axial airflow for maximum efficiency, reduced cycle times and lower energy costs. Cabinet insulation and a double-glazed door also prevent heat escaping.

Girbau is also currently working with care providers looking to entirely decarbonise their laundry operations by switching from gas to electric dryers and sourcing 100% renewable electricity.

Tel: 01462 427780 | Email: sales.uk@girbau.com | Website: www.girbau.com

MAG Laundry Detergents Gillman’s Appliance Specialists When it comes to maintaining cleanliness and comfort in care homes and nursing homes, it is crucial to choose the right laundry products. That's why many care homes in the UK trust MAG Laundry Detergents for their laundry needs.

Their specially formulated commercial laundry detergents, stain removers and fabric softeners are designed to tackle the most common soils found in senior care facilities.

MAG's laundry solutions are unmatched in ensuring that your laundry and linen remains clean, bright, and soft. With the high-quality laundry products found at www.maglaundry-

detergents.co.uk you can provide your residents with the freshness and cleanliness they deserve, helping you uphold the highest standards of care for your organisation.

A true family run business established in Gloucester in 1969

by Erika and John Gillman.

We pride ourselves on product knowledge, customer service and being a truly family run independent business.

We work closely with our commercial manufacturers to provide the highest quality service.

purchase or lease purchase basis.

COMMERCIAL WASHING MACHINES

COMMERCIAL IRONING & FINISHING MACHINES

We provide commercial and industrial washing machines to many industry sectors such as Care homes, Schools and Colleges, Vets, Holiday parks and the Hospitality sector.

We can supply machines from 6KG upwards on a rental, purchase or lease purchase basis and even put maintenance on your existing machines, contact us to learn more.

We provide rotary ironers from 1 meter wide to 3.2 metres wide with Gas, Electric or Steam heat and can provide feedings, folding and stacking machines.

In addition to rotary ironers we can also supply vacuum ironing tables, formers and drying cabinets.

COMMERCIAL TUMBLE DRYERS

With a team of 18 in house service engineers equipped with vans containing a comprehensive stock of spare parts we have a very high "First Fix" rate meaning a fault is diagnosed and repaired on the first visit.

Fully trained installation team with CHAS, Gas Safe, Construction line and F-gas commercial refrigeration accreditation.

For further information, please see the advert below.

We can supply commercial and industrial dryers that are Electric, Gas or Steam heated; and commercial heat pump and condensing models for sites where ventilation proves a challenge.

We work with Care homes, Schools and Colleges, Vets, Commercial laundries, Holiday parks and the Hospitality sector and can supply machines from 6KG and upwards on a rental,

COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY & DISHWASHING CHEMICALS As well as providing the machines we can also provide a complete range of laundry chemicals such as detergents, conditioners, destainers, emulsifiers and even Electrolux Professional Lagoon wet cleaning chemicals.

COMMERCIAL SERVICE & REPAIRS

PAGE 40 | THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023

DEMENTIA CARE Rise & Shine Game Promotes Mobility and Wellbeing 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.

Activities to Share

Tired of the same old song and dance when it comes to planning engaging activities? Well, fear not!

Activities to Share is here to sprinkle some excitement into your daily routine.

If you've been feeling like you're stuck in a creative rut, we've got the antidote.

Picture this: a wonderland of activity ideas, free downloads that are basically the golden ticket to fun, and a treasure trove of products that'll make your heart skip a beat (in a good way).

We get it – after a while, even the most fantastic activities can start feeling a bit blah. That's why we've scoured the corners of creativity to bring you fresh, fabulous ideas that'll have you and your crew grinning from ear to ear.

Our website, activitiestoshare.co.uk, is your go-to haven for all things fun and engaging. Need a burst of inspiration? We've got your back. Looking for

activities tailored to different abilities? We've got that covered too!

But wait, there's more!

We've teamed up with carers and activity coordinators across the land to ensure that every product and idea we offer is topnotch and practically oozing with fun. And if you've got a creative itch that needs scratching, we're here to help you bring your unique ideas to life!

So, don't let boredom sneak in. Join us on this adventure of "going the extra smile" because, let's face it, smiles are the best currency around here.

See all of the above here at www.activitiestoshare.co.uk

Inspired Inspirations: Revolutionising UK's Care Sector with the Tiny Tablet In an era where technology infiltrates every aspect of life, it's paramount for care establishments to harness its potential for enhancing the quality of life for those they care for. One pioneering name stands out in this endeavour - Inspired Inspirations. This innovative company has been leading the transformation of care

through its state-of-the-art Tiny Tablet touch screen activity tables.

The impact of the Tiny Tablet across the UK's care sector is nothing short of transformative. Crafted with precision, these activity tables are designed to meet the unique needs of individuals in care settings. The interactive features and user-friendly interface offer residents an engaging experience that transcends the limitations often associated with traditional care environments. From stimulating cognitive functions to enhancing social interactions, the benefits are manifold. Residents can revisit old memories, connect with loved ones, explore the world, and engage in enriching activities, all with just a touch.

But what truly sets Inspired Inspirations apart is not just their groundbreaking product but their holistic approach to integrating technology into care. Recognising that the most advanced tools are only as effective as the hands that wield them, the company prioritises the training of care staff. They believe in empowering caregivers with the skills and knowledge required to maximise the potential of touch screen devices.

Their comprehensive training modules ensure that care professionals are well-equipped to provide those being cared for with meaningful, enriching interactions using the Tiny Tablet.

Further amplifying their commitment to quality care through technology, Inspired Inspirations has penned an invaluable guide titled "Project Wellbeing: Unleash the Power of Technology in Care". This book is a testament to their deep expertise and dedication to the cause. It offers readers insights into the best practices for integrating technology into care settings and ensuring that residents reap the myriad benefits. By sharing their vast knowledge and experiences, Inspired Inspirations is fostering a care community that is both tech-savvy and deeply compassionate. This can be ordered from Amazon, or Inspired Inspirations own website www.inspired-inspirations.com In conclusion, as the UK's care sector faces unprecedented challenges, companies like Inspired Inspirations are paving the way for a brighter, tech-enabled future. Their remarkable Tiny Tablet touch screen activity tables, coupled with their dedication to staff training and knowledge dissemination, position them as true trailblazers.

For care establishments looking to embrace the future and offer unparalleled experiences to the people they care for, a partnership with Inspired Inspirations is not just recommended, it's essential.

See the advert on the facing page for further details.

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISERS

PAGE 42 | THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MANAGEMENT

How Can Technology Support People Living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia?

Freedom is equally important for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia so that they can maintain familiar habits and activities outside the home to remain a part of their community for as long as possible. Digital solutions can be deployed that combine the ability to request help in an emergency away from home with location tracking.

This ensures that familiar routines, such as walking to the local shop, can continue safely for longer while maintaining connections and supporting independence and mobility.

Living with dementia and Alzheimer’s can have significant physical and emotional impacts, and will affect an individual’s thoughts, feelings and responses.

Below Tracey Hipkiss, Clinical Applications Specialist at Tunstall Healthcare (www.tunstall.co.uk), discusses how technology can support people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s and the people who care for them.

SLEEPING BETTER It’s well known that long stretches of poor sleep can have a negative impact on our physical and mental health and wellbeing1. People living with dementia can often have issues with sleep, with different types of dementia being associated with different sleep problems2. This can also impact the people caring for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s, as they may need to check on them throughout the night.

Technology can provide much needed respite for everyone. For example, bed occupancy sensors can raise an alert if someone leaves their bed during the night and doesn’t return after a short time.

Epilepsy and enuresis sensors can also be used to enable a quick response to incidents, but equally mean that carers don’t have to disturb the person they care for during the night to check on them. In circumstances where an older spouse is caring for their partner, such technology can enable them to sleep peacefully, knowing they’ll be

FIT FOR THE FUTURE

woken by the system if needed.

FINDING FREEDOM Digital solutions can enable caregivers to leave the house for short periods of time, with the knowledge that any technology in place will flag if there is an issue at home. This in turn will improve their quality of life and reduce stress as they can find more freedom.

Health and social care providers continue to experience increasing pressures, however technology is becoming more widely available which can reduce the number of events that require ambulance call outs and hospital admissions. Technology can also delay the need to move to a residential care setting.

As technology advances, solutions are becoming increasingly predictive and proactive, and more able to effectively harness the wealth of data held by monitoring centres. This insight has the potential to transform the way we support people living with Alzheimer’s by creating targeted, upstream interventions that enable care to become community-based and person-centred. For the thousands of people every day who receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and dementia, and their families, having this support can make all the difference.

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

THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023 | PAGE 43

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MANAGEMENT

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.

Medpage Advanced Domestic and Blaucomm Ltd Telecommunications & Networks Commercial Fall Prevention Systems 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.

Medpage Limited has manufactured care aid technologies for 40 years and our brand is widely used in hospitals and commercial care establishments. We supply fall prevention and detection systems to suit most requirements to ensure patient safety and regulation compliance. We are a major contributor and supplier of equipment to the hospital patient discharge project, where Assistive Technology items are issued to aid independent living and keep people safer at home.

We offer expert technical advice, support, and product guidance for customers unsure of their requirements. Our reputation for delivering quality services, quality products, competitive pricing, and our passionate commitment to developing new and improved technologies is acknowledged by the majority of Local Authorities in the UK.

Our latest fall prevention system based around our MPCSA11 sensor controller was successfully tested in Cardiff Royal Infirmary, Enfield and Barnet NHS, Potters Bar, Edgeware, and is now adopted and implemented as part of their falls management programmes.

The CSA11WBCK system is unique in that it allows a patient with mobility to freely transfer from bed to chair and into a monitored area, such as the washroom, without causing an alarm so long as the patient is detected by a sensor, bed, chair, or movement. If the patient fails to return to their bed or chair the alarm outputs become active alerting radio pagers, nurse call trigger, or dispersed alarm dialler.

To find out more about Medpage fall prevention systems visit www.easylinkuk.co.uk Professionalwandering-falls.

PAGE 44 | THE CARER | NOV/DEC 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, 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

Silent Running - Tranquility in Care Homes 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. There are many environmental factors that can affect those sensitive to their surroundings, particularly those suffering from dementia, these can be fluctuations in ambient temperature, light, and of course noise. Repetitive and high levels of noise can originate from a number of internal and external sources, for example, telephones ringing, loud conversations in corridors, and call bells sounding, often one of the largest contributors to increasing the levels of stress and discomfort in residents.

A published study by the University of Stirling stated that unanswered Nurse Call (Call Bell) alarms can be one of the most common causes of stress in dementia sufferers. The University recommends “fitting call alarms which alert nurses but do not resonate throughout the whole building. Alarms can be particularly disconcerting as they may encourage the person with dementia to respond or investigate what the matter is. At the very least the loss of sleep will compromise a person’s ability to concentrate. It can affect their attention levels and capacity to cope, as well as being detrimental to their overall state of wellbeing. Personal paging systems are preferable to bells and buzzers.” 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 tranquil 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, emedication, 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.

Calmer residents ultimately means that staff are less stressed also, this creates a happier workplace where morale is greatly improved, staff are retained and CQC ratings improve. Clearly, the positive ramifications of a quiet Care Home run deep. Get in touch today to find out how we can help your home become a quieter, calmer, and more tranquil environment.

For more information email us at: info@c-t.co.uk or see the advert below.

www.nursecallsystems.co.uk

PAGE 46 | THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Providing Next Gen Data For Next Gen Residents The next generation of tech-savvy residents will play a vital role in shaping digital care. Phil Brown, Chief Product Officer at KareInn (www.kareinn.com), discusses how a focus on prevention, and person-centred care planning, will further help accelerate the digital transformation of social care.

Today’s generation of residents are the first to see the benefits digital can have on the quality of their care. Although care homes across the country are still at very different stages of their digital transformation journeys, the sector agrees that technology can change experiences and outcomes, for the better.

From streamlining information management, improving care coordination, and enabling more personalised and efficient healthcare services, we are seeing every day, how digital is improving outcomes for people. But as new, or ‘next gen’ residents enter care homes – residents with a different understanding, experience and expectation of digital – how can we ensure technology will continue to accelerate the transformation of care delivery?

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY NEXT GEN RESIDENT? The tech-savviness of the older generation can vary significantly depending on several factors. Things like exposure to technology and access to learning opportunities, all play a part in a resident’s understanding of, and attitude towards digital care. Generally, older adults have been adapting to technology at a faster pace in recent years due to its increasing prevalence and user-friendly designs. Many have embraced tech in their everyday lives with enthusiasm. Like younger demographics, they use smartphones, tablets, and other devices to stay connected with family and friends, access information online, and engage in social media. Many even understand how and why their data is collected.

DRIVING TRUE PERSON-CENTRED CARE The CQC’s Regulation 9 says that care providers must make sure that each person receives appropriate person-centred care and treatment, that is based on an assessment of their needs and preferences.

Engaging residents and their families in the digital process, and showing them the benefits of it, will help to

Pass Profile 2023 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 functional-

gain their support and feedback throughout a care home’s transformation process. This is person-centred care in its truest form, and involving people in all decisions about their health is the best approach to ensuing the next gen resident is engaged with digital care.

Many forward-thinking care homes are now using resident and family portals – a secure online place where family and friends of those being cared for stay informed about the care they’re receiving – to capture and share the critical information that deepens the positive outcomes for residents. Portals promote inclusive and transparent care, they also promote resident-led care as needs, concerns and wishes can be communicated and available to care providers in real-time.

Portals also enable a more fluent and meaningful dialogue with family members, putting records and precise information about care and wellbeing at their fingertips. It also can help communicate about mealtimes, activities and what the resident got up to that day, their mood, and what actions were taken to address any issues.

PREVENTION RATHER THAN PROBLEM SOLVE We know that digital care planning in care homes can lead to a more efficient, coordinated, and person-centred approach to residential care, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and improving the working environment for staff. But we also know that a lot of the challenges care staff are facing can’t be solved by digital care planning apps.

We all know care providers are doing all they can to become more digital, but the adoption of technology in care homes may vary depending on factors such as budget, regulations, and the willingness of both the workforce and residents to embrace the new. Some care homes, particularly in rural areas or with limited resources, might face challenges in providing robust internet connectivity. Concerns about data security and privacy may also influence the decision to implement internet access in some care facilities.

Because of these and many other challenges, we need to be more focused on prevention. Our aim is to arm people with all the necessary information so that they can identify potential risks and address them proactively.

Whether it’s early identification of health issues, more efficient medication management, fall prevention, better insight into nutrition and hydration, digital care is designed to promote a person-centred approach to prevention.

The next generation of tech-savvy residents is poised to have a significant impact on shaping digital care. By driving adoption, expecting personalised care and actively participating in care innovation, their impact will help accelerate the digitisation social care and help it achieves its integrated, digital care planning ambitions. platform, designed to: • Save you time • Increase the efficiency of your teams • Improve the quality of care • Deliver better outcomes

ity 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 Allin-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

INTEGRATED HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE Our commitment to the continual evolution of PASS is further illustrated by the addition of GP Connect. The first product of its type to offer this feature, PASS is still one of only a handful of digital care management solutions to have completed this NHS Digital integration, and is the only one offering it to the home care market.

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

THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023 | PAGE 47

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Taking Control of Time and Attendance in Social Care The social care industry faces unique challenges when it comes to managing time and attendance. Ensuring that the right skilled care worker is in the right place, while also juggling staff absences, can be a daunting task.

However, there is a solution that can streamline these processes and give you greater control over absence management: Advanced Time and Attendance software.

One of the key features of time and attendance software is skills mapping.

In social care, it's not always possible to simply roster in another employee to cover a shift. With skills mapping, you have the ability to set parameters that ensure the replacement staff member has the necessary skills for the specific client. So, when a care worker calls in sick or can't make it to their next client, you can seamlessly find and allocate another staff member with the right skillset.

Shift swapping is another valuable tool offered by our time and attendance software. If a care worker is unable to fulfil their shift or make it to their client visit, the shift can be easily swapped with another equally qualified care worker. This ensures continuity of care without disrupting the rest of the schedule.

Additionally, team members may even be able to trade shifts between themselves with approval, reducing the administrative burden on care coordinators.

To make the management of schedules and absences more efficient, time and attendance software offers self-service capabilities. Employees can access cloud-based software at any time to manage their schedules, sickness, and annual leave. This empowers them to take ownership of their own time and reduces the time and effort required for managers to keep tabs on who is where, when, and for how long.

Managing rosters, absence, and payroll in the social care industry can be complex, but it doesn't have to be complicated. With Advanced Time & Attendance solution, you can efficiently configure your rotas, update shifts, and track absences. The software provides real-time data and productivity insights, helping you make informed decisions and optimise your workforce.

Taking control of absences in social care is crucial for maintaining the quality of care provided to clients. Advanced’s Time and Attendance software offers the tools and capabilities needed to streamline processes, allocate skilled staff members, and empower employees to manage their own schedules. By implementing a Time & Attendance solution, you can prioritise client needs while ensuring efficient and effective workforce management.

For more information on Advanced Time and Attendance, you can visit our website www.oneadvanced.com or call 0330 311 6077. See the advert on the back cover of this issue for details.

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 48 | THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023

PROFESSIONAL, TRAINING & RECRUITMENT The UK Care Market: 2023 Review

• In H1 2023, 45% of closed care home deals we were sold to care providers for ongoing care use and 55% were purchased for residential conversion

OPERATIONAL COSTS Analysis of our consultancy data - which looks at profit and loss accounts from the hundreds of formal valua-

By Rob Kinsman, Regional Director - Healthcare, Christie & Co (www.christie.com) tions - shows a significant increase in costs for care home providers between 2021 and 2023. This clearly reflects We recently launched our 2023 Care Market Review report which analyses a range of topics relating to the UK healthcare business market. Here are some of the key highlights…

HEALTHCARE CAPITAL MARKETS Entering 2023, the care market adapted, with buyers returning albeit with yields adjusting to reflect higher costs of capital and the changing market environment.

Positively, despite the macro-market challenges, there is good demand for care home opportunities, with investors attracted by the strong needs-driven underpin of the sector coupled with long-term index-linked cashflows.

LAND AND DEVELOPMENT The underlying business case for purpose-built care homes remains robust, with a continued need for future-proof market-standard beds in many locations across the UK. Despite operators still facing significant headwinds, the UK care home development market remains active and continues to transact a high volume of new-to-market beds. Sentiment remains positive, with more operators prepared to take leases on new build assets as a way of achieving growth, resulting in an upward movement in rental levels over the 12 months to June 2023.

We are starting to see more domestic and international capital entering the market, attracted by the defensive characteristics of needs-driven Operational Real Estate and the excellent ESG credentials new care homes offer investors. This additional liquidity, accompanied by the continued imbalance between demand and supply of market-standard beds to cater for the rapidly ageing demographic, will support sustainable levels of transactional activity for consented care home development sites in both the short and long-term.

TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS When analysing the UK’s elderly care going concern market between 2019 and H1 2023, we found: • Instruction volumes had rebounded, sitting 70% ahead of where they were in H2 2022 • There was a rise in the number of larger care homes (60 beds or more) going up for sale • Only 3% of our transactions were to first-time buyers, this is around a third of the proportion in 2022 • There was an increasing number of transactions concluded by the larger companies and corporates • Independent buyers remain our most active buyer group, accounting for 34% of Christie & Co healthcare deals in 2022 and 36% in 2023 • In 2022,13% of the sales we completed were on a closed basis, this increased to 18% in H1 2023

Policies and Procedures Within Social Care The delivery of safe care is the paramount responsibility of social care providers. Central to achieving this is the governance framework adopted by service providers. And at the core of this framework are policies and procedures. These enable the provider to comply – and evidence compliance – with relevant legislation and regulations, as well as facilitating best practices, supporting business needs, and assisting in recognising and managing risks.

Good governance care itself is an integral part of health and social regulation, Regulation 17 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 stipulates that care providers must have systems and processes in place that ensure they can meet the requirements of Regulations 4 to 20A. Policies and procedures not only ensure that providers are compliant with this regulation and working within the law; they also enable providers to drive improvement and protect the people who access services and receive care.

Providers also have a legal duty of care to the people they employ. Policies and procedures should provide clear guidelines to staff on how the organisation operates, as well as informing them of best practices and processes to be followed.

the wider economic challenges with labour supply constraints and rising energy prices, and the care sector has a greater exposure to a material shift in these costs.

We found that registered managers’ salaries, on average, increased by 13% between 2021 and 2023. There are even greater wage pressures on kitchen staff, with head cook wages increasing by an average of 14%. The situation with maintenance staff is also acute, with wages rising by 18%. An analysis of utility costs shows that heat and light costs have also increased by an average of 19% on a per-occupied bed basis.

LOCAL AUTHORITY FEE RATES We conducted and analysed a Freedom of Information Act survey - covering all local authorities across England, Wales, and Scotland. This revealed: • An average residential fee increase in England of 9.5% compared with 5.4% in 2022/23 • An average nursing fee increase in England of 8.1% compared with 6.8% in 2022/23 • Fee rate levels remain a challenge in some areas, with the increases being insufficient to offset inflationary cost pressures • The burden on the self-funded client base is likely to rise, with the majority of providers achieving private fee increases of 10% or more

OPERATOR SENTIMENT We also interviewed a cross-section of local and regional providers and found that 46% of operators have achieved a reduction in agency usage over the last 12 months, whereas 28% stated agency usage had increased.

Private fee rates increased across all country regions, with 43% of operators reporting a 10% or above increase in private fee rates. Only 9% of respondents reported increases of under 5%, compared with 31% with local authority fees. Additionally, 38% of operators said that their occupancy levels have increased, while 70% stated that it has returned to pre-pandemic levels.

THE FINANCE LANDSCAPE Historically, whilst in low interest rate margins, lenders have applied a higher interest rate or a ‘stressed margin’ to calculate affordability. However, we are now operating in a new stressed rate environment, which has made lenders look in greater detail at a business’s ability to service their current levels of debt, as well as any potential increases.

Results of a survey of local and regional providers conducted by Christie Finance in July 2023, found that 38% of respondents are looking to buy a care business in the next 12 months, 30% of which will seek finance to do so.

When asked about the confidence they have in lenders to support their plans, 46% said they are very confident, 18% said not confident, and 36% remained neutral.

Policies should be reviewed annually as a minimum to ensure they are still fit for purpose and align with legal and regulatory requirements. They should be reviewed not only by employees of the business, but also by experts in various subject matters (e.g., infection control or medicines management).

For many small- to medium-sized providers, there may not be the in-house skills, knowledge, and experience to complete such a robust annual review. Many choose instead to purchase their policies and procedures from a reputable provider like W&P Compliance & Training, who will also complete reviews and ensure their policies and procedures remain up to date. This way a provider not only ensures they remain compliant; they also benefit from best practice policies and procedures that provide a solid foundation for safe working practices and – ultimately – protect and support service users and staff.

Ben Erskine – Director at W&P Compliance & Training www.wandptraining.co.uk | Tel: 01305 767104 See the advert on page 2 for further information.

THE CARER | NOV/DEC 2023 | PAGE 49

PROFESSIONAL, TRAINING & RECRUITMENT Immigration Tightrope: Do You Need Permanent Keeping Care Homes Compliant and Reliable Care Staff?

Rising costs and operational challenges are putting care homes and domiciliary care providers under strain, as they try to comply with Home Office sponsor licence regulations. A growing concern is the disparity between the work hours stated on foreign workers' Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) and the actual hours given, which can adversely affect their visa status. According to Gavin Webster,

Director of Immtell, this issue reflects the sector's broader pressures rather than deliberate neglect.

Non-compliance with CoS terms can lead to severe Home Office sanctions, potentially causing staff to find new sponsorship or leave the UK, and disrupting the provider's services. Inadvertent breaches often result from the sector's tough conditions and confusion over compliance rules.

Webster emphasises the importance of careful navigation of sponsor duties to avoid significant consequences. He suggests that regular audits by immigration consultancies can prevent issues from drawing Home Office attention.

To remain compliant while providing essential services, care providers are advised to seek expert advice. Immtell offers support through info@immtell.com and online at www.immtell.com.

Proper guidance helps balance operational sustainability with legal responsibilities, preserving their vital community role.

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