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no.213 • £4.75
The Number One magazine for the care sector
CQC confirms more integral DoLS checks By Dominic Musgrave CHECKS on implementation of the Mental Capacity Act will become a routine part of hospital and care home inspection, the CQC has confirmed. In its fourth annual report into the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, the regulator says the checks will become an integral part of its new approach to regulation, as it implements its strategy ‘Raising standards, putting people first’. CQC chief executive David Behan said the strategy underlines the inspectorate’s commitment to strengthening its focus on the MCA, which includes the DoLS He added: “We expect more focus on reducing the restraint and restriction of vulnerable people lacking capacity. “We want to ensure people who are unable to consent to treatment because they lack capacity receive high quality care as a fundamental part of health and care services. While there has been an increase in the use of DoLS there is still much more that needs to be done to ensure people are appropriately cared for. This year, CQC is strengthening its approach to monitoring this legislation and we will be working more closely with
local authorities to support them in their roles as supervisory bodies.’ The report into how the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards have been applied during 2012/13 cites concern that the MCA is still not understood and implemented consistently across health and social care services. Findings include: People in care homes and hospitals may continue to be subject to restraint and possible deprivation of liberty without legal protection. People’s experiences of the DoLS are mixed – our case studies show how the system can work well for people. There has been a significant increase in the number of applications for the use of DoLS to protect the rights of people aged over 85. Application rates continue to vary by region – but the reasons for this are unknown. Around two thirds of care homes and hospitals are failing to notify CQC of the outcome of DoLS applications as required by law. The report also recommends that NHS England should include an expectation on the effective use of the DoLS into the standard contract for providers.
Care staff dance on TV with Diversity
Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, officially opened a new £9.1million care home in Bearsden, which has created 120 jobs. The 81-bed Antonine House is the most recent to be opened by Meallmore, one of Scotland’s leading providers of nursing and residential care. It forms part of their wider investment plans in new high quality care homes and refurbishments, which will see a further £30m being invested over the next five years. A key feature of the home are several reminiscence areas where staff are able to explore older people’s past and present lives with them.
MEMBERS of staff at Wellburn House care home have played a starring role in the Sky 1 series ‘Ashley Banjo’s Big Town Dance’. Manager Lisa Stephenson and senior care staff Heidi Riddle and Lesley Cushley took part in the show, which sees Ashley Banjo, leader of the Britain’s Got Talent winning dance troupe Diversity, aiming to get the North East town dancing again. Following successful auditions, Lisa and her colleagues were allocated parts in the ‘Public Services Crew’, which has 30 dancers whose day jobs range from a vicar to a bus driver. The series follows members of the different dance crews as they rehearse with Ashley and Diversity, preparing for the finale of a big community dance in Stockton town centre. Lisa said: “It was a real pleasure meeting Ashley Banjo and Diversity, and training with the boys and the rest of the ‘Public Services Crew’ was great.”
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Anchor chief executive recognised in Honours By Dominic Musgrave ANCHOR chief executive Jane Ashcroft has been recognised in the New Year Honours by being made Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to older people. As well as being chief executive of Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of care and housing for older people, Jane chairs the English Community Care Association, where she has been helping to steer its merger with the National Care Association to form Care England, the leading representative body for independent care services in England. Jane became Anchor’s chief executive in March 2010 and spearheaded the group’s Grey Pride campaign where she handed over a petition of 137,000 signatures to 10 Downing Street in support of a Minister for Older People. She is continuing to call on the government to create a Cabinet-level role to ensure a more integrated approach to demographic change. “It is an enormous honour to be recognised in this way,” added Jane. “I am very proud to lead an organisation in which so many people work tirelessly to enable older people to live fulfilling and happy lives with us.”
“I very much appreciate it and am very proud to say I’ve got it. It’s fantastic – it’s better than winning the lottery.” Also honoured was Stephen Jack, a member of Anchor’s non-executive board and chairman of the audit and risk committee. He was made an OBE for services to disabled people for his work as chairman of the Independent Living Fund, which provides support to nearly 18,000 people living with disability across the UK. Two Alzheimer’s Society ambassadors were also recognised. Actress Lynda Bellingham was awarded an OBE for her charitable work, while Trevor Jarvis from Doncaster, who has used his own experiences of dementia to improve the lives of others affected by the condition, was given a British Empire Medal. Trevor said: ‘I am very pleased that somebody thought that I’m worthy of it and has gone to the trouble of putting me forward. I very much appreciate it and am very proud to say I’ve got it. It’s fantastic – it’s better than winning the lottery.”
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Editorial Group Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734639 jh@scriptmedia.co.uk Healthcare Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Reporter: Christina Eccles Tel: 01226 734463 Studio Manager: Stewart Holt Tel: 01226 734414 sth@scriptmedia.co.uk Database enquiries to: 01226 734695 E-mail: circulation@ scriptmedia.co.uk Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all content, the publishers do not accept liability for error, printed or otherwise, that may occur.
Anchor chief executive Jane Ashcroft.
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Reluctance to adopt new technology is ‘biggest barrier to profitability’, claim By Dominic Musgrave A NEW report has revealed a reluctance to embrace new technology in the care sector. This stems from a variety of factors including lack of awareness of the benefits IT can offer, according to Advanced Health & Care and partner division Advanced Business Solutions, who commissioned the study. They claim the research suggests this reluctance is affecting profits and hindering growth, with 62 per cent of care organisations seeing profits decline or stagnate last year. The ‘Can’t compete on size? Consider technology’ report polled more than a hundred senior care sector representatives, working in the residential and domiciliary care sector, about what they thought the barriers were to profitable growth. Employees were also asked specifically about technology and its effect on profitability. Almost 70 per cent of respondents agreed that failing to use technology to make work processes more efficient was a barrier, with 15 per cent classifying the issue as a ‘major’ barrier. Failing to use technology was the single biggest obstacle to profit identified by the survey. Inefficient processes (68 processes) was the second highest, the motivation of front line staff (62 per cent) third and lack of skills and experience of employees (56 per cent) fourth. The report also identified ‘resistance from front line workers’ as the main barrier stopping care sector businesses adopting new technology, with more than two-thirds of respondents agreeing this was the case. Lack of money to invest was second (58 per cent), and lack of awareness
Jim Chase of the benefits of technology was third (55 per cent). Jim Chase, managing director of Advanced Health & Care, said: “Although many managers are aware of the benefits dedicated care technology can unlock, particularly in terms of increased profitability, it’s clear that many frontline staff have yet to be convinced of the potential gains. “The importance of their buy-in must not be overstated and we need to work harder to prove to them that technology is an enabler and not an obstacle in care delivery. “With 55 per cent of managers of the view that the true benefits of technology are not yet properly understood, it is clear that there is a pressing need to prove that technology makes a positive difference.” The research also highlighted inefficient processes which are impacting on profits – 68 per cent expressed this view. A further 53 per cent said their business was being held back by a lack of investment.
The Mayor of Salford officially opened a care home’s new café and hairdressing salon. Ian Stewart cut the ribbon at The Fountains Care Home in Salford on the new facilities, which have formed part of an ongoing programme of refurbishment since it came under new ownership three years ago. Manager Ann Watkinson said: “The new café and hairdressing salon are great additions to The Fountains Care Home. We look after more than 90 residents here, it is a real community, so to be able to bring what are the cornerstones of any community, a place to sit and have a cup of coffee, and somewhere to get your hair done, into our care home is really important for our residents.”
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Gloria Hunniford officially opens Maycroft Manor.
Presenter cuts the ribbon on group’s flagship facility By Dominic Musgrave GLORIA Hunniford cut the ribbon to officially open a group’s flagship new care home in Brighton. The television and radio presenter, who spent time living in a care home for a project last year, performed the ceremony in front of 200 guests at Hallmark Care Homes’ Maycroft Manor. She described the 99-bed facility as “the cutting edge of what a care home should be”. The much anticipated home has been designed around the group’s ‘relationship-centred’ care and dementia strategies, which concentrate on empowering and enabling residents to live an active and fulfilled life. Facilities such as the ‘Corner Shop’ and the various ‘residents’ laundry’ rooms encourage independent living, while the state-of-the-art cinema and the relaxing therapy room are luxurious retreats.
There are two large cafés where residents and their family members can enjoy fresh coffee and homemade cakes, as well as numerous beautifully designed lounges and dining rooms. The home’s specialist dementia environment features its own café, hair salon, and laundry room, which provide ‘destination points’ for those living with a form of dementia. Memory-prompting design features are arranged throughout, while bespoke bedroom furniture has been designed especially for residents living with dementia. Managing director Avnish Goyal said: “I am so proud of what we have achieved with this home. With the hard work of the outstanding team we have recruited, our aim is that Maycroft Manor will become one of, if not, the best care home in the UK.” Maycroft Manor has also achieved a BREAM excellent rating for its outstanding environmental credentials.
A homecare worker in Poole has shaved his head in aid of a cancer charity – raising money in the process. Rey Vasquez, who works for Eleanor Care, raised more than £350 in sponsorship for Macmillan Cancer Research. Rey, who provides care at home for elderly and disabled service users, also donated his flowing locks to be made into a wig for cancer sufferers. Marc Santhi, managing director of Eleanor Care, said: “Rey made a great sacrifice in shaving his head for charity, so we are all delighted that he has raised a significant total for such a great cause.” Eleanor Care operates throughout London and Poole, Dorset and has its headquarters in Lewisham.
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Staff recognised for commitment to care and their achievements HUNDREDS of carers from across the country have been recognised for their outstanding achievements and commitment to person-centred care. Staff from the Orders of St John Care Trust received special accolades at the leading not-for-profit care home provider’s regional award ceremonies. Alongside awards for each region’s carer of the year, over 100 individuals from the Trust’s 69 national homes were recognised for going above and beyond the call of duty, showing an inspirational approach to specialist care practices and being role models for other carers and volunteers. From the acclaimed unsung hero and leader of the year award to OSJCT’s volunteer of The year and hospitality accolades, the ceremonies saw individuals rewarded for their individual efforts and exceptional care practice. Operations director Dan Hayes said: “Every year we host our staff awards to reward carers for their dedication, hard work and outstanding personal achievement. “Over the last few years OSJCT has gone from strength to strength, but we couldn’t have done this without our carers and volunteers, whose ongoing commitment and dedication has allowed us to lead the way in
residential care. “The four regional ceremonies are a great occasion for colleagues, residents, friends and partners of OSJCT to come together and celebrate the hard work of our staff, who are the real stars of the show.” A number of awards were also presented for between 25 and 40 years of service at the Trust, as well as certificates for care qualifications and OSJCT’s own care and quality accreditation awards. Winners: Young carer (Gloucester shire) – James Russell, Trevone House, Gloucester; (Lincolnshire) – Sujanna Limba, Boultham Park House, Lincoln; (Oxfordshire) – Enya Higgs, Townsend House, Oxford; (Wiltshire) – Marie Hatcher, Willowcroft, Salisbury. Unsung hero (Gloucestershire) – Mike Jones, head chef, The Elms, Stonehouse; (Lincolnshire) – Zenda Dempster, activities coordinator, Gregory House, Grantham and Sarah Turner Daffern, activities coordinator, Whitefriars, Stamford; (Oxfordshire) – Alan Crutchfield, Langford View, Bicester; (Wiltshire) – Daphne White, day centre manager, Athelstan House, Malmesbury. Leader (Gloucestershire) – Katrina Pearson, dementia champion, Henlow Court, Dursley;
The Oxfordshire award winners. (Lincolnshire) – Helena Shelton, home manager, Eresby Hall, Spilsby; (Oxfordshire) – Paula Sayer, Stirlings, Wantage; (Wiltshire) – Dawn Wallburton, home manager, The Cedars, Purton. Hospitality award (Gloucestershire) – Penny Wilsden, activities coordinator, Jubilee Lodge, Bourton-on-the-Water; (Lincolnshire) – Anna Cheal, senior cook, Fosse House, Lincoln; (Oxfordshire) – Fiona
Coggins, Larkrise, Banbury; (Wiltshire) – David Millard, chef, Bemerton Lodge, Salisbury; Volunteer (Gloucestershire) – Iris Smith and Cleo, Chestnut Court, Quedgley; (Lincolnshire) – Jean Goodyear, The Poplars, Market Rasen; Oxfordshire – Sue Moreton, Glebe House, Kidlington; (Wiltshire) – Christopher Reynolds, Athelstan House, Malmesbury.
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Five-star hygiene award for home
Belong Staff celebrate with their Star Awards and diplomas.
Marlene scoops care professional gong MARLENE Burkin, lead senior support worker at Belong Macclesfield, was named care professional of the year at the group’s annual Star Awards. More than 200 care professionals from across the group attended the event at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa, with staff nominated by village residents and their relatives, co-workers and members of the wider community. Outstanding achievement of the year was awarded to Barbara Tait, fitness instructor at Belong
Macclesfield, while Carl Whittaker, caretaker at Belong Crewe, won in the support services category. Belong team of the year award was given jointly to Coronation and Britannia Households at Belong Crewe, with 33 staff from the Belong villages also receiving certificates for outstanding achievement in a range of professional development qualifications, including diplomas in health and social care and leadership and management in a care setting. Phil Orton, head of people management and development for Belong,
said: “We have a fantastic team of staff at Belong, and it is their dedication that enables us to provide the highest level of care to our customers. “The Star Awards are our way of recognising their hard work and showing how much we value their efforts to expand their skills and go the extra mile for everybody within Belong villages.” The awards were presented by Sharon Blackburn, policy and communications director for the National Care Forum.
HOPTON Court Care Centre in Armley, Leeds has been recognised for its outstanding food hygiene standards. The Bondcare Group home was awarded a five-star rating by Environmental Health after a rigorous inspection. The home was awarded the highest achievement due to it demonstrating a ‘high standard of compliance with statutory obligations and industry codes of recommended practice’ and noted that the home ‘conforms to accepted good practices in the trade.’ Manager Teresa Taylor said: “We are delighted to have been awarded five stars for our food hygiene. It is incredibly important that we achieve the highest possible standards of food hygiene and all the members of staff at Hopton Court are dedicated to maintaining our excellent standards.” Hopton Court is a purposebuilt home that provides care for 45 elderly residents with dementia.
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Christine dishes up coveted award for Edinburgh home
Residents across a group’s homes embraced their inner models when they starred in a number of photo-shoots for The Abbeyfield Kent Society’s 2014 calendars. The calendars feature residents from the Society’s nine residential homes in a variety of seasonal photos from a romantic Valentine’s day meal and July festival to watching fireworks in November. Helen Goulding, scheme manager at Watling Court in Gravesend said: “Our residents are always happy to get involved in photo-shoots and video projects and the calendars were no different. They enjoy getting stuck into something different and love to see and show the finished product to their families.” Money raised from the calendar sales will go towards the homes’ resident activity fund, providing activities and outings.
A CHEF who designs menus together with residents has helped Clovenstone Care Home become the first in Scotland to be awarded the Soil Association’s Bronze Food for Life catering mark. Christine McKee has worked as Senior Cook at the home for two years. She and the residents have worked hard together to redesign the menu, taking into account their likes and dislikes and cooking almost every meal from scratch. The FFL Catering Mark is a UK-wide certification scheme which provides a guarantee about the provenance and traceability of food and recognises caterers’ commitments to serving meals that are fresh, seasonal and better for animal welfare. Christine said: “I feel very strongly about making an effort and caring about doing the best job possible for our residents as they have to come first no matter what. “We have meetings with the residents monthly to find out their likes and dislikes, and we discuss if the residents have any old recipes or old favourites that they would like to see on the menu, and I always use this to make up the nutritionally balanced menus with the help of our
dietician. “We get really good feedback from residents and their families about the menus and from the care staff - I have also had residents families asking for the recipes of some of the puddings. We all work closely together as a team to ensure both staff and relatives work hand in hand to provide this area of the residents’ care.” In November 2012, the Council agreed to work with Edinburgh University and NHS Lothian on the Edinburgh Food for Life Partnership to pilot the Soil Association's FFL Catering Mark standards as a framework for sustainable food systems within each organisation. The aim of the pilot is to work towards the FFL gold standard in the three locations and to evaluate the benefits of rolling out the standards throughout the Council’s catering operations and contracts. The Edinburgh FFL Partnership is funded jointly by the Scottish Government and each of the three public sector partners, employing a supply chain manager to improve communications with local suppliers in order to improve availability and cost of more local and sustainable produce.
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Cleeves Place competition winners and staff with Care UK regional operations director Chris Hopkinson.
Communities help to name Suffolk’s Home offers teenager new care homes a caring opportunity
Rachel Nickson with proprietor Kaye Whenmouth apprentice assessor Sue Jackson and registered manager Joanne Whenmouth. Picture credit: Daniel Cadden.
COMMUNITIES across Suffolk have had their thinking caps on to help name the new care homes that are part of Care UK’s £60million investment plan in partnership with Suffolk County Council. Care UK colleagues, care home residents and relatives, and local members of the public have summoned creativity and inspiration to name five Suffolk care home developments so far. Sylvia Pearce, a resident at Place Court care home in Haverhill, and her daughter Barbara De Vita, are the winners of the competition to name the new development to be built in Haverhill. Together they came up with ‘Cleeves Place’ by joining the name Place Court with Anne of Cleeves who was given a house in Haverhill on her marriage to Henry VIII. The originality of the name and its historical link with the town were reasons why ‘Cleeves Place’ was chosen and approved as the winning name. People in Ipswich have also been busy suggesting names for the new care home to be built at
Alnesbourn Crescent in the Ravenswood area. The three finalists, who were each presented with a prize of a £100 Love2Shop voucher, were local resident Mavis Palmer, who nominated ‘Prince George’s Court’ in celebration of the recent birth of the royal baby; Crabbe Street care home colleague Catherine Baker who nominated ‘Ravenswood Retreat’; and a relative of a Crabbe Street care home resident who nominated ‘Cardinal House’ and donated their £100 prize to be shared among all residents at the home. Care UK regional operations director Chris Hopkinson said: “The ‘give our home a name’ competitions held across Suffolk have been lovely opportunities to further develop our relationships with the communities surrounding the new developments. It is an exciting time for us and we are delighted to be able to share it.” In the coming months there will be two final competitions for the new developments in Eye and Cedars Park, Stowmarket.
One of the bathrooms at a Bridgwater care home has been revamped with a seaside mural painted by local artist Abbie Jackson. The picture was funded using the money raised from Milton House events. Speaking about the mural, Manager Julie Bohot, said “We would like to thank Abbie for doing such a fantastic job, everyone loves to stop and look at the mural in detail and residents have been sharing seaside stories from their past. I would also like to thank everyone that has contributed at our recent events to help make this happen.”
A LANCASHIRE care home is providing access to training and offering a promising career for one teenager. 18-year-old Rachel Nickson has become the latest addition to the care team at the Royal Care Home under its new apprenticeship programme. The home is owned by Kaye Whenmouth. Her daughter, Joanne, the home’s registered manager, said: “Apprenticeships offer the perfect solution because as well as earning a salary, the work-based training is supported by a formal learning framework, which lead to nationally recognised qualifications.” Working with Lancashire-based training provider Holt Green Apprentices, Rachel is completing a
12-month programme encompassing a range of knowledge and competence modules including dementia awareness, personalisation in social care, causes and spread of infection, how to administer medication and monitor the effects and many more. Each apprentice also learns functional skills such as Maths and English; employment rights and responsibilities; personal learning and thinking skills; and employability skills. Rachel said: “I am delighted to be a member of the Royal’s team. I was planning a career in care, so an apprenticeship is the perfect solution – I’m now earning a salary while gaining experience and learning alongside a great team.”
New commenting cards give impartial feedback MOST Recommended Care has worked with NHS Choices to create a commenting card for UK care homes and domiciliary care providers. The card will enable care service users, their families and friends to provide impartial feedback on the services being delivered. It will be available to all care homes and domiciliary care providers, and this approach is viewed as particularly relevant among older age groups who might not have easy access to online review systems. In keeping with the complete transparency in the care sector, the card allows for positive and constructive feedback and experiences to be recorded, along with rankings covering performance in areas such as dignity and respect, fairness, daily activity, consultation and value for money. There is also an opportunity to suggest areas for improvement and to recommend the care home and service provider to other people. Once completed, the card can be
securely sealed and sent postage paid to Most Recommended Care. Philip Molden, co-founder and operations director at Working Feedback, which operates Most Recommended Care, said: “Our experience shows that a postage-paid card-based approach is far more effective in capturing feedback in this sector than an online questionnaire. “Care providers should view this initiative as a means of receiving important feedback about the quality and value of the services they deliver to their residents and clients. “Sharing feedback with a wider audience via NHS Choices’ website and to use any constructive comments as a driver for making improvements is an absolute requirement for delivering high quality care for now and future generations”. The information is then published on the NHS Choices website (subject to moderation) to help people make informed decisions about their care requirements.
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Cook competition expands to meet growing demand By Dominic Musgrave
Caring Hands has appointed its own Man Friday to help ease problems for its elderly customers. Stuart Worden offers peace of mind for the organisation’s older people across Lancashire and makes sure their homes are safe and sound. The 32year-old, who gained Level 1 and 2 City and Guilds qualification in Access to Building Services, said he enjoyed solving the problems for old people. “They really appreciate being able to call on me and put right their problems such as shelving, painting or other maintenance jobs,” he added. “As a company, we offer reassurance from one source and this is just one of our services which clients can use rather than worry about how they are going to cope.”
THE National Association of Care Catering has expanded its Care Cook of the Year competition for 2014. One of the longest-standing, independent recipe competitions in the UK, now in its 14th year, the number of national finalists has been doubled from six to 12, and the prize package has also increased to reflect the growth. Entries for the competition, which seeks out the nation’s best care cook, are now open, with a closing date of February 14. Open to all chefs and cooks in the sector (both NACC members and non-members), the event requires entrants to create a delicious and nutritionally balanced two-course menu, main and dessert, suitable for service users in a care setting. The combined food cost for both courses is also to be no more than £1.50 per head based on four portions. All entrants will have the opportunity to show off their culinary skills, as well as their knowledge and understanding, at one of six regional cook-offs held in March/April, where they will have 90 minutes to produce their dishes.
Innovation, costing, suitability for the environment, adherence to nutrition guidelines, and taste and overall menu balance will be required to impress the judges. The two highest scoring competitors from each regional heat will secure a place in the grand final on June 11 and be in with a chance of claiming the coveted title Care Cook of the Year 2014. Neel Radia, national chair, NACC, said: “The competition gives chefs and cooks in the sector the opportunity to showcase their talents, demonstrate best practice, and push themselves and their abilities even further. “It also presents service providers with an excellent opportunity to promote the knowledge, experience and skills held within their service, leaving existing and potential customers and service users with no doubt that nutritious and tasty food that will tempt the most discerning customer and meet the diverse needs of every individual, is consistently being prepared. “I urge everyone to enter their talented care cook into our prestigious competition and reap the associated benefits – it could very well be a member of your team
Simon Lawrence, Hadrian Healthcare Group’s executive chef, was the 2013 competition winner. raising the coveted trophy in June.” As well as the esteemed title of NACC Care Cook of the Year 2014, the overall winner will claim a prize package including £600, a trophy, a delegate place at the NACC national training and development forum , a full set of chef’s knives and a Blixer 2.
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Contract award leads to new jobs MORE than 25 new jobs have been created in Bristol and South Gloucestershire following a council contract being awarded to a community care provider. The reablement contract, which sees the team work with clients to regain their independence at home following, for example, a stay in hospital, was awarded to Brunelcare following their successful pilot scheme. The company is looking to grow its current team of professionals to enable them to meet the demand for this service. Michelle Mansfield, Brunelcare’s community services manager, said: “Winning this contract is a credit to the team who have risen to every challenge that this pioneering service has set. They have achieved some fantastic outcomes for their clients, working with them in their homes towards their individual goals. “We are looking to grow our team and help and support more service users set and reach their goals.”
Group’s homes on standby with life-saving equipment By Dominic Musgrave A NORTH West care group has teamed up with its local ambulance service to ensure that local people, as well as residents, have a better chance of getting prompt access to life saving equipment in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest. All 26 CLS sites have been equipped with automated external defibrillators – machines that give the heart an electric shock to attempt to restore a normal heartbeat. As well as installing the AEDs, North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust has provided training to the provider’s care teams in basic life support and how to use the equipment. They will work on standby to ensure that in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest, they can get to a patient within four minutes and potentially save a life. Robert Sharples, community support officer for the North West Ambulance Service, said: “In the event of a heart attack, speed is of the essence, and this is part of a wider project to get more defibrillitators into the community so that lives can be saved. “The ambulance service will always
CLS Homes’ learning and development assistant Zoey Nightingale and head of people Phil Orton with Robert Sharples, community support officer, NWAS be the first port of call, however, we recognise that having the back-up of other trained care professionals can literally mean the difference between life and death.” The scheme to get 3,000 additional defibrillators into the community is designed to ensure no one is ever more than four minutes away from this vital equipment.
It is being run by the Department of Health, The British Heart Foundation and The Big Lottery Fund. Phil Orton, head of people at CLS Homes, added: “We welcomed the opportunity to get involved in such an important project, which not only bolsters the resources available to our own residents, but allows us to help serve the local community.”
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Fluoride programme for residents is a success By Dominic Musgrave A PILOT programme to improve dental care for the elderly in Northamptonshire has been deemed a success in its first year, with more than 100 care homes signing up to the scheme. Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has delivered training to 800 care home staff in the county to provide fluoride for elderly people to prevent further tooth decay. The service offers fluoride application twice a year, which is administered in gel form by an extended duty dental nurse. The team hopes to visit around 25 more homes before the end of the pilot scheme. Denise Birkett, oral health promotion practitioner for NHFT’s Salaried Primary Care Dental Service, said: “We are delighted with the success of this scheme, which has had a significant impact on both the knowledge of care home staff around the importance of ensuring good oral health for their residents, and has also been received positively by the residents themselves. “The high number of care home staff who have received the training will now be able to share their awareness of older people’s oral health with colleagues, residents and relatives.
Highmead House registered manager Kerry Morgan with residents Mary Coope and Joan Bainbridge. “Most toothpastes contain fluoride, and the majority of people get their fluoride this way. However, as people get older, their teeth can become more prone to dental decay and tooth wear. Fluoride applications are especially beneficial for older people and for those with a dry mouth. “Fluoride can greatly help dental health by strengthening the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to tooth decay and reducing the amount of acid that is produced on your teeth.”
Kerry Morgan, registered manager of Highmead House in Irthlingborough, one of the first care homes to take part in the new scheme, said: “The fluoride project has made a huge difference to oral hygiene within the home. I would definitely recommend it to other care homes in the area. “All of our staff say it has really improved their knowledge and the residents were very cooperative. Some of the relatives were unsure at first but most have been supportive.”
A Whitby care home was transported back in time to 1864 with the visit of a Victorian travelling theatre troupe. The Penny Plain Theatre Company played for the residents at Peregrine House at the end of their winter tour. Dressed as a rabble of down and out 19th century characters, the company presented some of the old customs of a traditional English Christmas, including a selection of old, lesser known carols, a wassail song, two dances, a comedic nativity scene and a Mummers play. Before and after their performance, the cast mingled with the residents, enjoying a meal with them and chatting about the show which had brought back memories for some.
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Volunteering scheme aims to anchor homes in their communities Private Eye editor and Have I Got News For You team captain Ian Hislop opened the renovations and extensions at Hartley House in Cranbrook, Kent. The care home, which is owned by Stephen and Julia Gilmour, has 57 beds and was remodelled to add sensory gardens in enclosed courtyards and extra communal space. Twenty en-suite facilities, many of them with walk-in showers, were also added as part of the refurbishment.
A NEW programme has been launched to recruit volunteers to support older people in both residential and nursing care homes in five clinical commissioning group areas across England. The scheme, run by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, will see volunteers undertake activities with residents through a partnership between the care home and nearby volunteer centres – local charities that act as recruitment agencies for volunteers. They will recruit volunteers to carry out personalised activities including befriending, IT skills, music and games. Tasks may also include taking residents to churches or cinemas, or helping them write letters. Some homes have also expressed interest in volunteers supporting their residents to volunteer, for example by sharing their personal histories in local schools – an activity that was recommended in the care and support white paper. The 2012 care and support white paper ‘Caring For Our Future’ identified the need for closer integration of residential care homes with their communities and emphasised the benefits of
promoting volunteering in care homes. This project aims to identify and promote good practice in volunteering in care home settings, and support care home providers to develop the skills required to manage their own volunteering programmes. Justin Davis Smith, executive director of volunteering and development at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, said: “The care and support white paper rightly recognises that developing closer connections with their local communities through volunteering leads to better care homes with happier and more supported residents. Volunteers can complement the work of paid staff and bring a richness and diversity of experience that can greatly enhance residents’ lives. “Expert volunteer centres will be sharing their experience in order to establish good practice in the involvement of volunteers and give care homes the skills they need to recruit and support volunteers effectively themselves.” The £540,000 scheme, funded by the Department of Health’s innovation programme, will run until March 2016.
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CARINGNEWS Advertiser’s Announcement
With 20 per cent of energy bills being issued incorrectly can you afford to go it alone? FOR care home owners, maintaining a profitable business has to be achieved while providing a caring, nurturing environment for the people in their care. Although the industry must primarily focus on the wellbeing of its residents, profitability also needs commitment to ensure security for residents and patients. It is this constant juggle that care home owners can struggle to maintain. The role of an energy consultancy is to offer expert advice focusing on one of the major expenditures of the business. Energy consultants or brokers should provide expert advice. You wouldn’t employ someone to manage your accounts who was not an accountant. An energy consultancy can help you by offering expert advice and analyse your outgoings to ensure you are aware of any savings you could be making. Budget Control UK has been working with care homes for more than 13 years and has built up a wealth of knowledge about the industry. The team prides itself on its knowledge of the energy industry and their flexible, approachable customer service. The service offered is bespoke and will always begin with a consultation with one of our senior energy consultants. The team will analyse your expendi-
tures and advise on the most effective way to manage your energy – often this doesn’t mean just simply finding the cheapest price. The service offers an ongoing relationship where tariff and bills are constantly monitored, and an energy expert consultant is available to assist you with any queries. Budget Control, managing director Anne Williams said: “We like to think of ourselves as an extra pair of hands in our clients’ business. We have a really solid team who have great relationships with all of their clients. “I am often contacted by clients to let me know what a great job their particular energy consultant has done. Often it is just the ease of knowing there is someone available at the end of the phone who knows their business and has great industry expertise to be able to offer advice.” Budget Control also provide a bill checking service for many of their clients. During the last quarter Budget Control found that approximately 20 per cent of the bills they received on their clients’ behalf were incorrect. How much could you be saving every month that you are currently unaware of? Many of the current Budget Control clients are surprised when discrepancies have been identified with their
GMA Healthcare managing director George Dixon bills. The bill checking service offered means the Budget Control team receive clients’ energy bills on their behalf and check they are correct before they are paid. If there are discrepancies the team will have those rectified to save you time and stress. Over the years Budget Control has reclaimed thousands of pounds in rebates as a result of this service. If you are a care home owner with
more than one property, keeping track of energy costs for each home can be time consuming and missing discrepancies costly. GMA Healthcare is a long standing client of Budget Control and has benefited from the support of the team. Managing director George Dixon said: “As a care home owner one of the highest costs you can probably affect is heat and light. Historically we’ve relied on the energy companies to provide us with an accurate bill. “One of the main advantages of Budget Control’s bill checking service is simply saving us time. We don’t have the experience or knowledge of the market to guarantee that the bills being presented to us have been correctly calculated.” “There was a situation recently where Budget Control enabled us to save a substantial amount of money. Essentially we’d been overcharged £40,000, which Budget Control successfully reclaimed for me.” George’s experience leads to a very positive recommendation. He added: “I would recommend Budget Control UK to other care home owners. I think it’s important to have appropriate specialist expertise when negotiating energy contracts. I personally don’t have that and don’t have the time available.”
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Elderly residents get help to stay well and keep out of hospital By Dominic Musgrave ELDERLY residents in care homes across Calderdale and Huddersfield are to be linked to a round-the-clock telemedicine service to help prevent them being taken into hospital especially during the busy winter season. This means they can get urgent medical help from specialist nurses or hospital consultants via a secure video link if they need it – without having to leave the comfort of their home. Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust has funded the installation of the service in 18 care homes as a trial project in a bid to reduce its hospital admissions and people using it’s A&E department. The homes are linked to Telehealth Hub based at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust which is run by the trust’s specialist nurses, 24-hours-aday, seven-days-a-week. Airedale Hospital is working with technical providers Involve to roll out its telemedicine service to around 200 nursing and residential homes this winter, including homes in Calderdale and Huddersfield, as part of their newly launched joint venture “Immedicare” with Technology partners Involve. Care homes with the highest number of hospital admissions have been
chosen to pilot telemedicine for 12 months. Beverley Hanson, manager of Cowlersley Court, said: “We can contact a GP in the morning but they may not be able to visit until much later in the day. The Telehealth Hub team has access to patient files so contacting them not only provides an interim diagnosis and reassurance, it speeds up the process should a prescription, or in worst case scenario, a hospital admission be required. “Telemedicine is very easy to use. We have it connected all the time so that it’s ready to go when we need it. We take the laptop into the resident’s room where we consult with a clinical specialist via the webcam. “So far, we have been able to use it for residents with chest problems to minor fits. Having telemedicine on hand has not only reduced hospital admissions, but it gives my staff that extra reassurance at times when they might need it, from a back-up specialist, unbiased team.” Patients, who would previously have been sent by ambulance to the hospital’s Accident and Emergency department, and often admitted to hospital, can now be seen and treated remotely by hospital consultants and nurses without leaving the nursing home. They can be monitored from the hospital’s Telehealth hub, as often as
Cowlersley Court manager Beverley Hanson with resident Dorothy Wood. required depending on their condition, with the back up of hands on treatment from a paramedic or hospital care if needed. The Telehealth hub is staffed by specialist nurses who can assess and triage patients as well as support the nursing home staff to provide any additional care. John Rayner, director of the health informatics service at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation trust, said: “The Telemedicine service provides care home staff and patients with immediate access to expert clinical advice that in many cases means that a trip to the hospital can be avoided.
“Airedale was the obvious and ideal partner for us because of the trust’s experience in delivering a service that has demonstrated success in reducing inappropriate A&E attendances, hospital admissions and lengths of stay in hospital.” The findings for residents in care homes were: Hospital admissions dropped by 45 per cent. Length of stay in hospital dropped by 30 per cent. The number of hospital bed days used by the group over the year dropped by 60 per cent. Use of A&E dropped by 69 per cent.
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Company to double staff in expansion AN award-winning Shropshire care company is set to double the number of people it employs in a huge expansion planned this year. Carewatch (Mid Shropshire), based in Telford, currently has 75 carers who work with elderly and disabled people across the county. But bosses plan to have up to 150 staff by the end of the year. Managing director Steve Harris said: “We have been going for just over 14 years and the way the company has developed in that time has been remarkable. “This year is going to be a big year for us and we hope to have about 100 to 150 carers by the end of it. We need to take more people on simply to meet the demand.” The company is run by Steve and his wife Sally. “Recently we have taken on three new members of staff in the HR department,” added Steve. “Last year we really focussed on perfecting what we do and how we deliver services to clients, this has resulted in an increasing demand for new good quality staff.” The firm has also recently invested in new psychometric testing and career planning software to ensure the right staff are recruited for the right jobs.
Association head calls for less talk and more action By Dominic Musgrave THE leader of the UK’s biggest homecare organisation has called for less talk and more action to tackle the future care of the country’s older and vulnerable people. Mike Padgham, chair of the United Kingdom Homecare Association, says he is fed up of endless reports and condemnation of the sector. And he has drawn up a list of New Year ‘resolutions’ for politicians to move the sector forward. “Over a decade or more we have had endless reports and endless talk about caring for people in their own home, about improving commissioning practices and about tackling funding in the care sector,” he said. “It is time instead to see some action taken to tackle these things rather than just passing round one report after another. “We are like the England cricket team at the moment – under fire from all sides and no sign of help in sight.” He said members had heard the Government promise to tackle the “creaking” and “broken” social care system, but saw little real action. “We see little real understanding of what it is like delivering care at the sharp end,” he added. “Having to provide home care when commissioners are paying £9, £10 or
“I want social care to get the funding it deserves so that we can start providing homecare that we can all be even more proud of.” £11 an hour. Dashing across busy cities to fit in visit after visit and not even getting paid for that travel time. Having to squeeze a visit into 15 minutes when humanity and common decency cry out that it should be longer. “We are an easy target and get very little support or recognition – despite the fact that caring for people in their own home is a central plank in Government policy.” Mike’s New Year resolutions for the Government include practical measures. He added: “I want the inspection of commissioners by the CQC returned to the Care Bill. “I want those commissioners to take the full cost of providing care into account when setting fees with
Mike Padgham providers – including travel time. I want them to consider quality and the quality of life of the clients. “I want the Government to recognise the great human and economic contribution social care makes in this country and support it like it supports other industries. “And above all, I want social care to get the funding it deserves so that we can start providing homecare that we can all be even more proud of.” “At the end of 2013 we had our annual conference and the feedback from that was that homecare providers are fed up of being criticised for the care they are able to provide in a social care system that is starved of money and struggling.”
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Home buries time capsule to mark helpline’s launch STAFF at Malden House Residential Care Home in Sidmouth hosted a party for residents and members of the local community to celebrate the national launch of The Silver Line Helpline for Older People. The Silver Line, Hartford Care’s nominated charity for 2013, was set up to provide advice, information and friendship to isolated and vulnerable older people across the UK. In advance of the celebrations, deputy manager Amanda Tanner worked with residents at Malden House, pupils from St. John’s Primary School Sidmouth and representatives of the local community to fill a time capsule with interesting items that depict life in 2013. These included: Pictures drawn by the schoolchildren showing what they think life will be like in the future and images of how they think they will look when they are older. Photos of residents both now and in their younger days and information regarding life at Malden House. A poem written by resident Pearl Sellick, aged 95, detailing the differences between ‘wash day’ now and back in the 1920s.
Copies of local and national newspapers. An official badge worn by the chairman to the Sidmouth Town Council donated by Councillor Peter Sullivan. A mobile telephone donated by Councillor Mackenzie-Edwards. n Details from the Sidmouth Rotary Club, Women’s Institute and Lions Club. Registered manager Mark Allen said: “The national launch of The Silver Line was a great reason to celebrate and invite local people to spend time with us at Malden House. We believe we have a big part to play in combating loneliness among older people living locally through the services we offer at Malden House, and I would urge anyone who would like to know more about day care, respite care or even just calling in for a cup of tea now and again, to get in touch.” At the party the time capsule was officially buried by town council chairman John Hollick in the gardens at Malden House, while Claire Crouch from Sidmouth Women’s Institute also opened a new bench in remembrance of her late father John Palmer, a much-loved resident at the home.
Residents Barbara Sheerstone and Rosalind Ray with Emma Edwards.
iPad helps residents find interests and reminisce SILVER surfers in Banstead have shown they are as willing to embrace new technology as younger people. Residents at Anchor’s Greenacres have been using their new iPad for reminiscence, music for singing and finding new interests. Manager Jean Williamson said residents and their relatives were thrilled about the iPad as it opened up so many opportunities for them. She added: “Many of the residents have never used an iPad before so they are looking forward to having a cup of coffee while learning how to use the tablet. “A recent trial in several other Anchor care homes showed that
using iPads had a hugely positive impact on residents’ lives. They provide further occasions for meaningful activity which are fun and can be shared with other residents or carers. “As well as learning new skills, or finding new high tech ways to continue a hobby, iPads have been used by residents to keep in touch with long distance family members via email or skype or emailing photos to them. “Almost everyone regardless of age has access to technology at home now, so why not residents at Greenacres” Jean said the carers were also enjoying using the iPads in new ways to freshen popular activities.
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Society to train six ambitious teenagers THE Abbeyfield Kent Society is working with K College in Tonbridge to train six ambitious apprentices, keen to start their career within the care sector. The 16-19 year-old apprentices will kick start their careers with thorough training at the Society’s head office before starting work in the group’s homes, where they will shadow a senior carer. Cath Witney, senior training consultant at The Abbeyfield Kent Society, said many of the group’s current home managers started their careers as carers and have progressed through training and support. She added: “This is a great opportunity for the students to earn while they learn, gain valuable work experience and an accredited qualification. They have made a tremendous start to the programme and the training team are enjoying working with such an enthusiastic group of young people, who we hope will one day be our future leaders within the industry.”
Joy for jockey Ted as Shetland pony sparks racing memories By Dominic Musgrave A VISIT from miniature Shetland pony Tickle to Elm House care home in Nantwich sparked special racing memories for one of the residents. Ted Hayes, 81, was delighted to share his memories of being an amateur rider, his beloved race horse ‘Belvedere’ and his friendship with famous Australian professional jockey Edgar Britt. Usually a quiet man, Ted, originally from Crewe, became visibly animated and confident as he talked about his memories of life on the racecourse. He also told Tickle’s handler Nicky, staff and fellow residents at the CLSrun care home that one of his biggest regrets in life was that he never made it as a professional jockey, but he is glad he gave it a try. After finishing his time at Newmarket, Ted served in the Army, before returning to Crewe to work as a fitter. Ted left Crewe in his teens to head to Suffolk, where he began working at Newmarket racecourse. He said: “I had raced horses as a lad and was convinced that I would be a jockey so I moved away to work with horses. I didn’t realise that I would have to start at the bottom of the ladder by mucking out the horses – I
Elm House resident Ted Hayes enjoys meeting Tickle and the pony's handler Nicky. just wanted to hop straight on to Red Rum. “I’ve had an interesting life and have lots of lovely memories, but the time I spent working at Newmarket is definitely a highlight. Seeing the little pony made all the memories come flooding back.” Nicola Brennan, home manager at Elm House, said: “It was wonderful to see Ted get enthused by the pony visit, and that he shared so many fond memories with us all.
“He spoke for a long time with the pony handler about all the different racecourses he’s been to and his favourite jockeys. “Afternoons like this are so important for the residents as they can come together, enjoy something different and interact with each other, while taking them back to special times in their lives.” Tickle, the miniature Shetland pony, is part of the Phoenix Children’s’ foundation.
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CARINGINTERIORS, DESIGN AND FURNISHING
Greenwich Gardens Extra Care housing development.
Gainsborough’s new online Shackletons complete bath selector proves popular extra care project GAINSBOROUGH Specialist Bathing, part of the Care in Bathing Group, has been the leading choice for the design, installation and after-sales support of assistive baths for more than 25 years. Gainsborough launched its new website back in May 2013, and its interactive bath selector tool is proving popular with care providers and healthcare professionals. To ensure the most suitable product is selected, this resource provides an easy to use, step-by-step search facility that takes into account specific
care requirements, care setting and key functionality. As visitors select their desired options, the selector tool filters the results to offer them with direct links to all relevant product information. Overall the new website provides comprehensive, easy to access technical information that illustrates all the key features of Gainsborough’s assisted baths, patient hoists and showering solutions. Gainsborough’s online bath selector tool is free to access at www.gainsboroughbaths.com/product/selector
GREENWICH Gardens Extra Care housing development hired Shackletons to provide the complete care furnishings package. The £10m extra care development by Sanctuary Care was designed to create a ‘home from home’ environment with the help of Shackletons’ bespoke design and manufacturing service. “I have noticed a distinct shift in how care home interior design decisions are made,” said North West regional sales manager Sara Jane Farrow. “Home from home
environments are being created with comfort, freedom and enjoyment in mind. We are expertly placed to supply this demand; we recognise that people engage with their environment differently and our expert consultation provided Sanctuary Care with a tailored approached that ensured those needs were met.” Shackletons provided occasional chairs, sofas, dining furniture, sideboards and guest room furniture, including carpets and curtains, as well as specially chosen art work.
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CARINGINTERIORS, DESIGN AND FURNISHING
Access 21 appointed dementia champions
Geometric brings ‘flair to care’ GEOMETRIC Furniture Limited is a well established family run and owned contract furniture business. Based in Manchester, the company has a 17,000 sq m manufacturing facility which includes office, showroom and storage space. Geometric has invested in its own in-house designs, skilled craftsmen and customer service to deliver a quality product for a fair price. Product ranges include loose furniture, soft seating, fixed seating, bespoke joinery, cabinet works and case goods which can be tailored to suit individual specifications.
Whether you choose from Geometric’s current collection or commission bespoke items, they have the capability to meet your expectations, from single unit supply to large scale turnkey projects. Their extensive skills and experience within the contract furniture market show through in the extra care and attention to detail given in all their products, to provide the outstanding service on which the company has established its strong reputation. Enquirieis: Call 0161 653 2233 or visit www.geometric-furniture.co.uk
If you’ve got a story for Caring UK email it to Dominic Musgrave at dm@scriptmedia.co.uk or call him on 01226 734407.
CARE sector specialists Access 21 Care Interiors has been appointed to the growing network of champions of Dementia Friendly Surrey. Created in support of the Prime Minister’s Dementia Challenge, the partnership project aims to develop communities where people with the condition, their families and carers are understood, valued and can enjoy life. The project advocated by the County Council and three of Surrey’s clinical commissioning groups focus on the main areas for action: driving improvements in health and care, creating dementia friendly communities and improving dementia research. Eda Brooks, projects director, Access 21, said: “We are pleased to be supporting Dementia Friendly Surrey as we believe in the ethos of improving standards for individuals with dementia and giving back to the community. “With a specialist knowledge of dementia design and audits with many years’ experience, we as a company understand the importance of creating a safe and stimulating environment while encouraging independence. “This campaign is a great way to raise awareness of dementia and how local communities can gain a greater
Access 21 projects director Eda Brooks. understanding and support.” Access Care 21 Interiors works with clients across the UK designing across a full range of care schemes including general/extra care, nursing, learning disabilities, supported living, palliative and dementia. In its role as champions, Access 21 Care Interiors is offering free telephone and email advice to individuals who want to make their own homes more dementia friendly.
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CARINGINTERIORS, DESIGN AND FURNISHING
Group’s new facility features a tearoom, shop and hair salon THE Orders of St John Care Trust has opened the show suite at Lincolnshire’s newest care facility – Apple Trees Care & Reablement Centre. Located in Grantham, the care facility will provide some of the best care in the UK for people living with dementia. The group is one of the few care providers with the services of a specialist Dementia UK trained Admiral Nurse, who will be on hand to offer help and advice to all carers. All 54 bedrooms offer en-suite facilities complete with a 24-hour call system and cutting edge technology to help promote a safer environment. The care centre is arranged around a cosy, home style living areas with a kitchen, lounge and dining area. It will have a shop, a tearoom and a hair salon. Outside, the specially designed landscaped gardens include a sensory area with raised planters, vegetable patches and water features, as well as a specially designed, secure
terrace. Speaking about the new care home, Caroline Dunagan, the group’s assistant operations director for Lincolnshire, said: “We are delighted that we are now able to open the Apple Trees show suite for public viewings. “The home will provide a vital new facility to meet the growing care needs of older people in the local community – especially those living with dementia. We hope people will come along to see for themselves the excellent facilities that will be available. “We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional care practices using a person-centred approach to ensure our residents have the highest possible quality of life. This not only helps to retain autonomy, but also helps us to understand the personal needs of everyone in our care.” Apple Trees was built by Rugbybased construction firm Stepnell, which has offices in Grantham.
Three employees have been presented with long service awards to mark their 25 years with Knightsbridge Furniture. Chairman Margaret Miller presented gifts during a ceremony at the company’s Bradford headquarters to sewing machinist Tamara Winters, wood machinist Mark Doherty and Steve Coyle. She said: “We’re always delighted to mark long service milestones and thank Tamara, Mark and Steve for their dedication over the last 25 years. We’ve been established for over 75 years and a high percentage of employees have been with us for 40 years or more, which is a rarity these days.” Knightsbridge chairman Margaret Miller is pictured presenting gifts to Tamara Winters, wood machinist Mark Doherty and Steve Coyle, with managing director Alan Towns and operations director Peter Denham.
A healthy flooring choice with Itec WITH decorative and safety sheet flooring that delivers durability and ease of maintenance as well as striking contemporary and natural designs, Itec Contract Floors is the ideal flooring partner for healthcare establishments looking to improve facilities for patients and staff alike. With increasing emphasis placed on aesthetics, even in the most rigorous of healthcare locations, Itec Contract Floors has developed a range of flooring solutions that fulfil the requirement for an attractive floor finish without sacrificing low maintenance or long-term performance. Designs include wood and stone effects, as well as contemporary decors in a range of on-trend and timeless colours. With acoustic flooring offering the same great style too, Itec Contract Floors provides a rounded flooring portfolio. All floors within the portfolio feature Hyperguard+ PUR technology that facilitates a low maintenance finish without the need for specialist procedures, helping healthcare environments to maintain a clean and hygienic environment. Enquiries: Call 00 32 5665 3211 or visit www.itecfloors.co.uk
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Requiring a Christian employee to work on Sundays was not discrimination ... By Ben Stepney THE Court of Appeal has held that an employer was justified in requiring a Christian employee to work on Sundays. Mrs Mba was a practising Christian who believed that Sunday should be a day of rest (described as a “sabbatarian belief”). She was employed by the London Borough of Merton Council as a care officer at a children’s home. Her job description stated that she would be required to work according to a shift rota that included working two out of every three Sundays. Initially the Council agreed to temporarily arrange the rosters so that she was not required to work on Sundays. It became increasingly difficult for the Council to continue with this arrangement though, so it rostered her to work on Sundays. Mrs Mba refused to do so and claimed that this amounted to indirect religious discrimination. To succeed with her claim, Mrs Mba had to show that the requirement to work on Sundays was a provision, criterion or practice (PCP) that, although applied equally to persons not sharing the same religion or belief as her, put persons of the same religion of belief as Mrs Mba at a particular disadvantage compared to
others. An employer can justify indirect religious discrimination if it can show the PCP is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. The Council argued that requiring her to work on Sundays was justified as a means of ensuring: An appropriate gender balance and seniority mix on each shift. A cost effective service in the face of budgetary constraints. Fair treatment of all its staff. Continuity of care. Limited use of agency and bank workers. The tribunal accepted that these were legitimate considerations and that requiring all staff to work on Sundays was a proportionate means of achieving these legitimate aims. It also stated, in considering the discriminatory impact on Mrs Mba, that her sabbatarian belief was not a core component of the Christian faith as only some Christians will not work on Sundays. Mrs Mba appealed on the grounds that the tribunal should not have decided on what was core to the Christian belief. The Court of Appeal agreed that the tribunal should not have taken this into account. Despite this, it upheld the tribunal’s decision to dismiss Mrs Mba’s claim as there was no viable or practicable way of staffing the home other than by
requiring all employees to work on Sundays. This outcome is good news for care sector employers who are faced with requests to alter working arrangements to accommodate an employee’s religious beliefs. Care sector employers can seek to rely on some or all of the legitimate aims listed above in justifying a PCP that is alleged to be indirectly discriminatory. However the question of proportionality will depend upon the facts of each case and so care must be taken to ensure that any reliance on these will stand up to scrutiny. For example, the Council referred to the requirements of the National Minimum Standards for Children’s Homes in justifying the need for a gender balance amongst staff on each shift and the need for continuity of care. It was also able to show: That it was best practice in residential childcare for a carer of the same gender as the child to provide their personal care. That the additional daily cost of an agency worker was unsustainable in light of cuts to its funding. That it had attempted to recruit a permanent female employee to work Mrs Mba’s Sunday shifts but was unsuccessful in doing so.
Ben Stepney Care sector employers will need to show that serious consideration was given to accommodating an employee’s religious beliefs and, where this was not possible, will need to be able to present evidence to back up the reasons for not doing so in order to justify any alleged indirect discrimination. Ben Stepney is an employment solicitor at Thomson Snell & Passmore.
Home appeals for volunteers THE search is on for volunteers to befriend older people at a care home in Banstead. Although residents at Anchor’s Greenacres enjoy lots of activities organised in the care home, they are looking for people to help them with activities within the home, trips out and other events. Manager Jean Williamson said: “I have serveral residents who would love to be able to just walk round to
the shops or go over to the library. “But as well as looking for volunteers, we would also like to invite older people to come along to Greenacres to join in our many activities. We have a thriving community and would like to open our doors to any older people living nearby so they can join in the fun.” All helpers will need to provide references and have a CRB check which is free for volunteers.
Macmillan fundraising manager Grace Higgins (second from the left) receives a cheque from Your Housing Group representatives Collette Thomas (head of retirement living services), Alison Turner (head of sheltered housing services), Julia Folan (community projects for older people) and chief executive Brian Cronin.
Provider leads regional fundraising efforts YOUR Housing Group developments across the North have collectively raised nearly £14,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support’s ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ – currently more than any other regional company in the UK. Residents and visitors at more than 60 Your Housing Group schemes enjoyed coffee, cakes and organised activities as part of the fundraising, with some schemes raising over £1,000 in a single event. Having collated the totals, Your Housing Group presented Macmillan
fundraising manager Grace Higgins, with a cheque at a recent event at Brain Cummings Court sheltered scheme in Litherland, Liverpool. Mike Watson, director of older people’s services at Your Housing Group, said: “The Macmillan coffee mornings are always popular across our schemes and provide the perfect opportunity to catch up with fellow residents and the local community. “This year we managed to raise more than ever and it’s great to be able to help a cause which is close to many people across our region.”
Sarah Dowell, manager of Heritage Healthcare in York, has been awarded the CQC’s registered manager’s certificate. Sarah (pictured above), who joined Heritage Healthcare almost a year ago and is based at the company’s York offices, has more than 20 years’ professional experience in the care sector, both home care and within nursing homes. She is responsible for 65 customers and 20 staff. She said: “My main goals are to provide a strategy and set foundations to continue to grow the business in the York area. I want Heritage Healthcare to become the named provider for good quality care in York.”
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DEMENTIA SPONSORED BY
www.active-minds.co.uk
Book suggests new approach to caring for dementia ... By Gill Bailey KENNY has dementia. He isn’t using words to communicate anymore and his mobility has suffered after a fall. Yet his family and support team know what it is important to him: the company of his wife and mother, chocolate, magazines, newspapers, tea with two sugars and long bubble baths. And the people who support Kenny in his care home know this straight away, too, even if it’s the first time they have met him. How? It is written on his one-page profile. Doreen doesn’t know that she has dementia. She is 79 years-old and lives in a residential service. The organisation put a lot of effort into her care plan but crucial information about Doreen was scattered across sixty pages of clinical notes and assessments plus a page of likes and dislikes. You get a very different understanding of who Doreen is from her one-page profile. You learn that she enjoys talking to Winifred and Kathleen and that she gets upset if she is ignored; knowing this helps staff to encourage and support these relationships. We learn that Doreen likes to get up in her own time, between 8am and 10am in the morning. She used to be rushed in the mornings but now that this information has been shared she is left to rise at her leisure. As well as a personal change for Doreen, this is a shift in culture from a largely task-focused organisational culture, to one that is based on relationships and a deep understanding of individuals. Over the last few years we have been introducing one-page profiles to people living with dementia and also the staff who support them. Onepage profiles are the starting point for delivering truly personalised support. They’ve already been used successfully across many other sectors of health and social care and their purpose is to help understand what make a person tick and to put that person in the very centre of decisionmaking about their care. A one-page profile asks, simply, and on just one sheet of paper, what is important to someone, how they wish to be supported and what people appreciate about them. The compilation of a one-page profiles leads on very naturally to a person-centred review meeting, where family, carers and the person themselves meet to look at what is working and not working from everyone’s perspective. By acting on what we learn
Gill Bailey from this information, we can make a huge difference to people’s lives. It’s a new way of working that represents a real shift in power and a change of culture. Traditional models of care revolve around the efficient execution of daily routines – washing, dressing and eating. By focusing equally on what matters to people as unique individuals, as well as the things that need to happen to keep them healthy and safe, we can improve the quality of lives dramatically. This is personalisation in practice. It has been 10 years since I wrote the first one-page profile for a member of my own family who was living with dementia. The experiences I have had working with carers, their families and individuals themselves since then have convinced me that person-centred practices have huge potential to build on the crucial foundation of personcentred care and change lives. Statistics tell us that by 2021 there will be one million people in this country living with dementia and there are widespread calls for change in how we support and care for them. Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, comments in the foreword to our new book that “person-centred practices can make significant changes for all people regardless of their type or stage of dementia.” It’s a welcome endorsement because I believe, passionately, that these simple practices are the change we need. Gill Bailey works for Helen Sanderson Associates. Her new book, co-authored with Helen Sanderson, is Personalisation and Dementia: A Guide for Person-Centred Practice.
Pendine Park proprietor Mario Kreft MBE with activities and well-being coordinator Anita Moran, David Jones, the principal of Coleg Cambria, and professor Mike Scott, the vice-chancellor of Glyndwr University.
Town’s Purple Angels campaign flying high A CAMPAIGN to turn Wrexham into Wales' first dementia friendly town has been given a boost by two education chiefs. Both David Jones, the principal of Coleg Cambria, and professor Mike Scott, the vice-chancellor of Glyndwr University, have given their wholehearted backing to the ground-breaking Purple Angels scheme. The campaign was launched in Wrexham by the locally-based Pendine Park care organisation after it was suggested by a member of staff – activities and well-being coordinator Anita Moran. Anita, who was inspired to join the Purple Angels campaign by the experience of her late father Barry who had dementia, said she was overwhelmed by the support of the town's two major educational institutions.
The Hillbury care home employee added: “I really can’t believe it, I’m so made up by the backing of Glyndwr University and Coleg Cambria because I didn’t think I would get this much support. “There is a lot of momentum building up now and it looks like my dream of turning Wrexham into Wales' first dementia friendly town is about to come true.” The aim is to raise awareness with local shops and other businesses, providing them with a simple training manual so that they are better equipped to recognise the symptoms of dementia and respond accordingly. Businesses that sign up to the scheme will then display posters and stickers with the Purple Angels logo to signify that they are dementia aware. Sarah Woodford was presented with the Harry Patch Award at Somerset Care’s annual managers’ meeting. She is currently the manager of Inver House, a residential care home with specialist dementia wing located in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight. Sarah previously worked as the manager of Polars and alongside this role also supported Osborne Cottage. Chief executive Alyson Martin said, “Sarah is an exceptional manager and we are proud to be able to recognise her achievements.” Manager Sarah Woodford is pictured receiving her award from Somerset Care chairman Chris Davies.
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Work begins on new £15m luxury retirement apartment complex By Dominic Musgrave MARKEY Group has started work on a pioneering £15m retirement apartment complex in Cheltenham. Known as Honeybourne Gate, the luxury scheme – the first of its kind in the town – is being developed by the Gloucester-based firm with the backing of private investment company Parallel Capital. It will be managed by Oak Retirement. Gloucestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, GFirst LEP is supporting the development by providing a loan funding award from the Gloucestershire Infrastructure Investment Fund.
Located on a brownfield site, Honeybourne Gate has been specially designed for older people keen to remain independent and continue living in their own properties rather than move into a care home. Built by Markey Group’s subsidiary company Markey Construction, the scheme will consist of 54 one and two-bedroom apartments as well as a range of communal facilities. Residents will also be able to access ‘extra care’ services including on-site emergency support at any time, domestic help and assistance with personal care. Tony Markey, director of Markey Group, said: “Honeybourne Gate is a
forward-thinking scheme that will enable older people to retain their property and independence for as long as possible. It supports latest government policy regarding elderly care and evidence shows that the vast majority of people who move into properties like these never need to go into a care home.” The communal facilities will include an on-site restaurant, cinema room, fitness pool and roof garden. There will also be a luxurious atrium for owners to relax in and entertain friends and the development will have a five-star feel throughout. The first residents are expected to move in late 2014, early 2015.
Mayor of Cheltenham, Councillor Wendy Flynn with Stephen Ladyman, director of Oak Retirement and Paul Markey, director of Markey Group.
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www.inspiredland.com
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Risk management: Safety conscious care homes will be rewarded By David Waters
2014 will be a watershed year for care home owners in which the winners and losers will be defined by their approach to mitigating risk and ensuring financial stability. After enjoying a decade of low and declining insurance premiums in the care sector, the market is hardening as insurers seek to lessen their exposure to risk after an explosion in the number of claims. Care home owners will increasingly be assessed on an individual basis, making it imperative for them to implement rigorous risk management policies. In the past there was always another cheaper insurer round the corner, which meant that care home owners did not feel financial pressure to worry about how many claims they made. That trend is now changing; insurers will look closely at care home owners’ historical claims, their management processes and costs. Care home owners seeking to ensure they are appropriately covered and secure lower premiums must be aware that insurers scrutinise their risk management programmes intensely. This will include an assessment of how they: Manage and minimise the risks
they face, such as those relating to staff, residents and visitors. Review aspects of these risks and how regularly this is done. Develop risk management programmes following claims that occur. Implement staff training programmes. 2014 will see some care businesses, predominantly care homes, unable to secure insurance. This is because they have incurred claims and not made changes to their business and risk management processes in order to reduce the risk of future such claims occurring again. Careful and regular analysis of management processes will bring significant financial returns to care home operators. Case study A care home owner with five care homes approached Care Home Insurance Services for an insurance quotation. The last five years of the owner’s claims records showed at least three employer’s liability claims a year, occasional material damage and a resident/visitor injury on five occasions, equivalent to once a year. These claims cost insurance companies almost £400,000 over the five years, equating £80,000 each year
or £16,000 per home per annum. In addition, the owner could not demonstrate she had an effective risk management programme in place. A David Waters business with little to no risk management, incurring claims costs of £80,000 annually over the past five years, will probably incur claims costs of £90,000+ for the coming year. The non-claims costs, such as broker’s commission, reinsurance, legal expenses, administration costs and contingency for storms and floods add an additional 35%, equating to a premium of £135,000. The owner could not believe her ears as her premium for all five homes over the last five years did not exceed £20,000 a year. Insurers lost over £60,000 each year. What has changed is that insurers will no longer allow such situations to exist. This owner will fail to secure insurance cover for her business unless she adopts a proactive approach to risk management.
When it comes to risk management there are specific areas where CHIS can help, including: Health and safety: We have a risk assessment and document storage service, as well as a qualified risk manager who can visit to assist and train care home staff in areas of risk management. Regulatory risk management: After CQC asked a came home to hand in its registration voluntarily, we teamed up with ProActive risk consultancy, which can assist in securing regulatory compliant standards and evidencing the work care homes do. Clinical risk management: We employ Dr Nicola Gainsborough, a consultant physician specialising in geriatrics and strokes. To conclude The current situation is untenable and the industry will welcome this return to sanity. Care home owners must take responsibility for managing and minimising risks to their businesses. Good, risk conscious care homes, which implement and continually review risk management programmes, will be rewarded. Those that do not will struggle to find insurance cover. David Waters is MD of Care Home Insurance Services.
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Mayor visits site of £37m care village MAYOR of Yateley Gerry Crisp enjoyed a ground-breaking experience at a new £37million retirement village in Hampshire. Gerry was the guest of honour at the official ceremony to mark the start of the foundation dig at Anchor’s newest development, Hampshire Lakes. He visited the site to see how it will be turned into a retirement village with care home. The development will include more than 100 assisted living, village apartments and a 36bed care home. The mixture of housing options is designed to promote independent living whilst also ensuring residents can access the right level of support should their needs change. Hampshire Lakes retirement village was designed and created by English Care Village Partnerships, working with Anchor. It will open next spring. Other facilities include a restaurant,
deli, juice bar, library, wellness centre and spa, fully equipped gym, craft room and treatment rooms, all in an idyllic lakeside setting in the Hampshire countryside. Anchor’s chief financial officer David Springthorpe said: “We are very excited that work has started on Hampshire Lakes. “People will be able to make the most of living in a spectacular setting with the peace of mind that there are a range of housing and care options available to them. “Hampshire Lakes is another step forward in Anchor putting solutions in place that meet its customers’ aspirations and changing needs.” The project is the second major building scheme Midas is working on for the Anchor in the area, after beginning work earlier this year on a £7million, 72-bed care home in Southampton.
Shaw Healthcare chairman Alun Thomas, councillors Pat Callaghan and Sarah Hayward and Shaw Healthcare chief executive Jeremy Nixey.
Doors open to borough’s new 60-bed care home By Dominic Musgrave
DC Care has completed the sale of three former Southern Cross homes. Broome End (pictured above) near Stansted was purchased by experienced care operators Broome End Ltd, while Haunton Hall and Revelstoke Lodge were acquired by Blue Mar Ltd – a new operator focusing on the private pay market in the UK. DC Care marketed the care homes individually rather than as a group, given the individual style of the buildings and the diverse geographical locations. Prior to the sales Tim Perkin of CBRE was appointed joint fixed charge receiver and a management company was instructed to oversee the day-to-day operations until new buyers were found.
CAMDEN Council in partnership with Shaw Healthcare welcomed residents to the new Maitland Park care home with a welcome lunch and dazzling magic show. The new facility, the first to be completed under the Homes for Older People programme, was completed in May and will provide accommodation for 60 older people. Maitland Park provides state-of-theart residential care, with each room having en-suite bathrooms, guest rooms for relatives, an activity room, exercise area, café and beauty salon. Jeremy Nixey, CEO of Shaw Healthcare, said: “I would like to thank Camden for having the vision to create such an extraordinary facility for their residents and thank all involved for helping us to make that vision the reality it is today.
“I think the residents have a home that they can be very proud of.” As part of the redevelopment, Gospel Oak Court will also provide 35 self-contained extra-care sheltered housing flats for people who are able to live independently with support. The flats have their own front doors and care staff are on hand 24 hours a day. The move to build two new care homes came after it became clear that existing facilities would not be able to meet modern standards in the future. Rooms were small, few were en-suite and the buildings restricted the type of services that could be provided. The £25million investment programme will be funded by the disposal of three sites once the new homes are completed. Shaw Healthcare has a 30-year, £122m contract to deliver services to the homes.
Two care homes recently sold by Inspired Land & Investments on behalf of administrators – Summerlane in Weston-super-Mare (left) and Stonecross in Cumbria.
A company with a proven track record INSPIRED Land & Investments is a preferred selling agent for care homes throughout UK for a number of banks. Having concluded numerous transactions for both banks and administrators, we are able to offer clients a service with a proven track record. Our clients are our focus and we endeavour to exceed
their expectations. Please feel free to contact our office for an informal discussion in the first instance should you be considering selling your care home or looking to add one to your existing portfolio. Enquiries: Call 0208 088 9957 or email info@inspiredland.com
Barchester Healthcare marked the start of its newest care home build in Deeping St James. Liz Moran, senior regional operations director for the provider was joined by Deeping Parish Council chairman Andy Pelling to mark the occasion at the site, which is being developed by Larkpoint and funded by Cinnamon Care Capital. The 60-bed care home will provide quality care services, as well as dedicated dementia care in one of Barchester’s Memory Lane communities. Andy Pelling, Deeping Parish Council chairman, is pictured with teams from Barchester Healthcare, Larkpoint, Bullock and Cinnamon to commemorate the start of the build.
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QUALITY IN CARESPONSORED BY
www.requiredsystems.com
Provider publishes quality account of its care services By Dominic Musgrave
CARE UK has become the first national health and social care provider to publish a quality account for its 112 care homes and 13 wellbeing centres in England and Scotland. Statistics from the quality account reveal that 86 percent of residents would recommend Care UK homes, and that the number of residents who are regularly prescribed antipsychotic medication has almost halved over the past three years. In the new publication, the group discusses in detail how personalised care, a joined up approach with the services in its community services division and a culture of involving and supporting families in the care of their loved ones are playing a pivotal role in driving up standards in the care sector. It discusses Care UK’s influence in policy and care developments in the field of dementia, talks about its new generation of state-of-the-art care homes, measures CQC and Care Inspectorate compliance, assesses the management of infection prevention and control, analyses how medi-
cines are administered and examines the work being done to reduce and prevent pressure ulcers. The past year has also seen the provider expand its team of specialist dementia trainers, give dementiarelated lectures at University College Suffolk and forge working relationships with innovative partners who specialise in creating buildings and spaces for people living with the condition. Commenting in the publication, chief executive Mike Parish said: “This quality account highlights the work our residential careservices division is doing to help older people to live fulfilling lives and we are delighted that so many key individuals and organisations in the fields of social care, architecture, psychiatry and design are working with us to improve the lives of the older people we care for. We are constantly developing our expertise in the issues that people face as they age, including loneliness, dementia and physical frailty. Only by understanding these challenges can we influence the sector and our services to help older people to live the way they want.”
A care home employee in North Shields has gained an important industry qualification. Lisa Fletcher, activities co-ordinator at Princes Court, which is part of Akari Care, has passed the Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Activity Provision in Social Care after studying at Newcastle College. She has worked at Princes Court for six years and has been an activities co-ordinator for eight months. Lisa is pictured with her certificate.
Director contributes to handbook BELONG operations director Tracy Paine has written a chapter about transforming the role of nurses in a care setting in ‘Not another care handbook: Pearls of wisdom for care managers’. The shortage of registered nurses within care homes in the UK is a recognised problem, but Belong villages recently formalised an agreement with the Royal College of
Nursing to build stronger ties with nurses around the UK. Tracy said: “Nurses are paramount to the wellbeing of customers in care settings, which is why at Belong we have worked to develop the role of a village nurse. “It was an honour to be asked to share my experiences around this issue alongside so many other experts in the field.”
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QUALITY IN CARESPONSORED BY
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Wright takes over running Home joins with College of Litchfield nursing home to enhance standards MANAGEMENT company Wright Care Homes UK Ltd has taken over the running of Shenstone Hall Nursing Home near Litchfield. Wright Care Solutions Ltd was originally brought into the facility to assist with a number of compliance issues. After a number of weeks it was decided that Wright Care would take over the management of the home and act as provider. Lead consultant Julie Wright said: “It was a very natural process from acting as consultants to help the home, to then taking the decision to become the registered provider. “We built strong relationships very quickly within the home and with the regulatory body and compliance teams. We, the staff, residents and their relatives, are all very excited for the future.”
Julie Wright with Shenstone Hall staff.
ALLAN Court Care Centre, which is part of operator Bondcare, has teamed up with Newcastle College to help enhance standards in the care sector. Four students, Dionne Coley, CoralJade Foster, Jessica Morrison and Jainaba Touray, who are aged 18-25 and studying a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health Sciences, will undergo a three-week placement at the care home to gain practical training and experience in preparation for their entrance to nursing. The students will assist care staff at the home and help with attending to residents’ care, ensuring that residents’ physical and emotional needs are met, and supporting individual and group based activities. The home’s manager Christopher Denton said: “We are extremely pleased that we can support local students and help them to develop
their skills in order to reach their career goals in the care sector. “We were delighted to hear that Allan Court was chosen due to its excellent reputation for standards of care and its continued relationship with the local community.” Allan Court provides specialist care, including general nursing, general residential and dementia care for up to 60 elderly residents. David Christer, placement officer at Newcastle College, added: “Firsthand experience in a care setting is vital for our students to progress on the Health Sciences course and is important to help constantly enhance standards of care in the sector. “We hope to develop a long-term, productive relationship with Allan Court that will provide further placement opportunities and provide our students with a valuable insight into working in the care sector.”
Home on track to achieve kitemark A NORTH Somerset based care home has launched a specialist dementia training programme for staff in order to gain the prestigious ‘Butterfly Service Status’ kitemark. The Granary, part of the Shaw Healthcare group, in partnership with leading dementia care consultancy and training company Dementia Care Matters, is working towards further developing the dementia care services provided by the home, by launching a year long specialist training programme, as well as showcasing best practice. The Butterfly kitemark comes off the back of a CQC report which found The Granary to be fully compliant with its standards of care. The launch of the training programme will see The Granary and Dementia Care Matters host a series of professional development sessions over the year, which will look at new and innovative ways for staff to create a productive community among residents who live with dementia. Anne Thompson, area manager for Shaw Healthcare, said: “Through the new training programme and working closely with Dementia Care Matters, we will be enhancing The Granary and its community, as well
as the overall specialist dementia care we provide. For us, it’s about providing our residents with a secure environment and give the feeling of belonging, which is why we’re doing away with staff uniforms to give the personal touch and ensure our care is person centred and enables residents to connect with those around them. “The training modules also ensure that our residents’ families are informed throughout the whole process so that they can see the positive changes to their loved ones care environment and understand what the training means when it comes to dementia care best practice.” The training programme aims to give staff new improved skills eliminating task orientated work and building on new ways to work each day, creating a happier, more productive lifestyle, with improved daily wellbeing and feelings of self worth.
Video based training for care staff BVS Training is the leading provider of DVD and online based training for care staff. As the only recognised training provider by Continuing Professional Development (CPD), we specialise in training for staff working in care homes, domiciliary care, child care and health care. Our resources are designed to be compatible with Skills for Care’s Common Induction Standards to be
in line with CQC’s regulations. With more than 70 titles available across the range, our award-winning training videos will not only make a great impact on your staff development but will give you the peace of mind that the care you and your staff deliver is of a high quality. With over 15 years’ experience in the social care industry, BVS Training is your first choice for training in social care.
A leading home care organisation is celebrating a unique treble after winning a gold award for the way it looks after its staff and clients. Wrexham-based Independent Living has been congratulated by local AM Lesley Griffiths on the Investors in People Gold Award they have just received. Last year Pendine Park, which runs Independent Living, won the coveted golden accolade in relation to its residential care and its training company Smartcare. Lesley Griffiths AM is pictured helping Independent Living celebrate the award.
Helping you to comply with CQC outcomes It is not just CQC that require services in the care sector to be able to evidence compliance. Your bank and local authorities placing service users are becoming more demanding. The two major failures in CQC inspections are poor record keeping and drug adminis-
tration. Required Systems Ltd has all the quality systems you need to be compliant, incorporating all the forthcoming changes from CQC.
Robust governance systems are key to high quality care provision IF YOU are a provider in the social care sector you will be very aware of the importance of having an effective governance system embedded into your organisation. This not only ensures that a high quality of care provision is delivered but it also fully protects your business. Social care governance is a framework for making sure social care services provide excellent ethical standards of care provision and continues to improve on them. Your values, behaviours, decisions and processes are open to scrutiny as you develop safe and effective evidence-based practice. Having a good governance system embedded into your organisation means that you recognise your accountability, act on lessons learned and are honest and open in seeking the best possible out-
comes and results for people. At Networkcare UK we work closely with our client base introducing effective governance systems that ensures they have an effective quality assurance programme that enables full compliance in all areas. Enquiries: Telephone 0113 2816772, email sean@networkcareuk.com or visit www.networkcareuk.com
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CARINGPRODUCT NEWS
Is it time to switch lenders? CHANDLER & Co has been finance specialists in the healthcare sector since 1995 and have completed loans in excess of £2billion nationwide. Our bespoke finance packages cover all aspects of funding for acquisition, refinance, development, expansion and financial restructuring. Terms include: Monthly repayments as low as £4,238.54 (per £1m borrowed). 75 per cent loan to value. No arrangement fees. 25-year loan commitment. Chandler & Co’s status as an independent healthcare specialist means we have strong links with a comprehensive range of lenders. The combined experience of the partners including financial, management and care home
ownership offers first hand knowledge and expertise in the healthcare sector. Interest rates 1.5 per cent over bank base. Variable rates available. 100 per cent finance including development loans. Make an informed decision using a FREE financial review with Chandler & Co. Enquiries: Call 01622 817484, email info@chandlerandco.co.uk or visit www.chandlerandco.co.uk
Developer Castleoak installs Girbau laundries NEW care homes in Welling, Plumstead, and Wadhurst are among the many projects Girbau UK has worked in partnership with specialist developer Castleoak to equip the laundries to meet the operators’ long-term requirements. At the design stage Castleoak shares information with Girbau UK about the size of the home, number of beds and the location and size of the laundry. Girbau takes this data and comes back with a detailed laundry design that includes recommendations on layout to include the required
clean and dirty areas, full mechanical drawings and the ideal machine choices for hygienic and efficient operation. For 60 bed homes, typical of the project size Castleoak develops, this is likely to include two Girbau HS High Spin commercial washers and two of Girbau’s latest energy efficient gas dryers. Castleoak agrees the initial specification with Girbau, but this can be subject to revision in consultation with the home’s operator, who may want to make changes before the final design is signed off. Enquiries: Call 01462 427780.
Thermapen® manufacturers unveil Temptest® 1 thermometer THE manufacturers of the Thermapen® have launched an innovative product that can be read from any angle, in either hand – making temperature readings that much easier. The Temptest® 1 features a patented automatic 360° display, which rotates in 90° increments, enabling the user to read the temperature in any position i.e. left hand, right hand, vertical or horizontal. This feature can be 'locked' by the user, if required. Additionally, the Temptest® thermometer features an intelligent backlit LCD display, which illuminates the display when ambient light levels are low, making the thermometer reading easier to read whatever the time of day. The new Temptest® 1 smart thermometer incorporates a large, easy-to-read digital display, with a precise read-out of temperature over the range of -49.9 to 299.9 °C with a 0.1 °C/°F
Beaucare’s CareClean™ range BEAUCARE has launched CareClean™, a specialised NHS and care home chemical cleaning range. These products have been specifically formulated for medical environments. The range includes a number of concentrates providing dilution cost savings, without compromising on quality. Careclean™ is a selection of triggers, concentrates and five-litre refills, encompassing all
the essentials for your daily cleaning regimes, from multi-surface cleaners, polishes and degreasers. Beaucare® Medical Ltd, established 21 years, is the UK’s premier supplier of hygiene, medical supplies and equipment to individual care homes, care home groups, hospitals and NHS Trusts. Enquiries: Call 01423 878899, email sales@beaucare.com or visit www.beaucare.com
Simple solutions resolution and an accuracy of ±0.4 °C (-49.9 to 200 °C). The thermometer will power off automatically after 10 minutes, maximising battery life. This feature can be disabled. Enquiries: Visit www.etiltd.com or call 01903 202151.
SINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs) based, Richards Residential Supplies have concentrated upon supplying simple solutions to common nursing home problems. The new WACMAT® adheres strongly to this tradition. With its ultra absorbent cotton pile and 100 per cent waterproof backing, the remarkable WACMAT® is an ideal accessory where spills may occur. Used as a commode mat, in bedrooms or bathrooms, the WACMAT® ensures full carpet protection. Then, after use, simply machine wash and tumble dry! It’s that simple... The WACMAT® will then be clean and odour-free, ready to perform time and time again. Alternatively the flat-laying WACMAT® can be used as an entrance mat, saving you hundreds of pounds in rental costs alone. Enquiries: Telephone 0800 074 3749.
Claim VAT back on your home even if you are not VAT registered
Nurse call data storage and reporting service launched AIMED at both small and large care home groups, the new CT-CLOUD nurse call storage and reporting system allows anytime and anywhere access to all ‘08 Nurse Call System’ information. Data is provided for single or multiple care homes at any given time. CT-CLOUD allows care managers 24-hour a day access to key response and performance information. Whether that access is made on a desktop or laptop computer, tablet or smartphone, all data is securely loaded to ‘the cloud’ with reports delivered
by email whenever required. Designed to link seamlessly with CourtneyThorne's ground-breaking CT-TOUCH Nurse Call system, CT-CLOUD is so straightforward to use it requires no training to operate. A simple, clean and responsive user interface ensures all data is easy to access by as many users as has access to password and login details. Enquiries: Call 0800 068 7419 or visit www.c-t.co.uk
IT is true, care providers can reclaim VAT worth about £3,000 per bed for any residents who stayed in your home between 1993 and 2002 paid for by the local authority. You don’t have to be VAT registered to make a claim. We can usually find the information required with minimal disruption to your business. How is this possible? Well in 2002 a care provider called Kingscrest challenged the view held by HMRC and won. There is no cost to you unless we are successful. Typical claims: 50 beds – £240,000; 40 beds – £170,000; 287 beds – £1.25m. And the best part is that you get the money in your bank account before you pay us. Don’t forget the tax repayment is free of tax – it is extra profit.
Enquiries: Call 01233 640985 and ask for Howard to find out more.
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Award winning door signs
Dehydration takes a Juicebreak DRINKING fluids is one of the most natural day-to-day occurrences, yet many people are still failing to appreciate the importance of staying hydrated. Carys Delve, brand manager at Aimia Foods, said it is important care homes pay special attention to their drink offering when planning menus. She added: “When planning their menus, care homes should be looking to provide a variety of refreshments in order to maximise appeal to residents.
“Products such as Aimia Foods’ Juicebreak act as a great flavour boosting addition to water and are packed full of goodness. “The dilutable juice not only contains more than 65 per cent real fruit juice, but also counts as one of a person’s five-a-day and contains no artificial flavours or preservatives.” Juicebreak forms part of Aimia Foods’ Made Easy range, a selection of products specifically designed for the cost sector where preparation time and budgets are critical.
Have you taken the invoice challenge? GOMPELS HealthCare Ltd has set a challenge to prove they are cheaper than your current supplier. How do Gompels know they are cheaper than your current supplier? Well, they work seriously hard to make sure that they are. Let them prove it. If you send them a copy of an invoice from your current supplier they will prove they are cheaper. What is more, if they are wrong they will send you £20.
“All we ask is that you give us a chance to show that we are cheaper on a basket of products – let’s say 10 or more,” said managing director Sam Gompels. “We know that other suppliers do a great job. We also know they are more expensive than us, but that it will take a lot to get people to switch and try us.” On average Gompels prove to be between 10 per cent and 30 per cent cheaper than other suppliers.
FOR award winning, top quality room and residents’ door signs be sure to look at the Badgemaster range. It’s already the choice of thousands of residential and nursing homes. There are gold or silver plates with smart, replaceable engraved inserts – clear, durable and easily changed. Choose from two sizes (25mm x 200mm or 50mm x 200mm), now with handy end-stops that make for secure, tamper-proof identification of room use or occupier. Just let Badgemaster know your requirements and your doorplates should be with you in five days or less. If room use or details change, the service for replacement inserts is just as quick and efficient. A full range of recognised
international symbols, directional arrows and Braille is available. Corporate logos can be added for a small extra cost. These are the name signs that have four times won the coveted Hospital Management Today award for top performer – signage category.
Save money, energy and water WITH the constant increases in water, electricity and gas prices, reducing your utility usage can create substantial savings on your bills. This is why PHS Laundryserv – one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial laundry equipment – has introduced the energy saving FX range of Primus washing machines. Laundryserv’s FX washers can create substantial savings as they use 15 per cent less water and 20 per cent less energy without compromising on wash quality. The enhanced water extraction reduces the energy required for
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drying by up to 25 per cent. As the latest addition to Laundryserv’s range of commercial equipment, the FX washers have been ergonomically designed, making the equipment easy to use with intuitive digital controls and capacities ranging from 8kg to 28kg. Lynne Vanes, Laundryserv’s managing director, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to offer the FX washers. “They offer businesses real savings on their energy and water bills, without compromising on wash quality.”
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