Caring Uk May 2012

May 2012

The Number One magazine for the care sector

no.192 • £4.75

May 2012

incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector

no.192 • £4.75 In association with

Residents ‘not getting access to all services’

By Dominic Musgrave MORE than half of elderly care home residents do not have access to all the NHS services they may require, a new study has claimed.

Information collected by the CQC as part of a special review into health support to care homes, which has been analysed and published by the British Geriatrics Society under a data-sharing agreement, has revealed that PCTs do not give sufficient priority to care home residents when planning and ensuring the delivery of local healthcare services.

This has resulted in considerable variation in the extent to which their healthcare needs are being met, according to the ‘Failing the Frail: A Chaotic Approach to Commissioning Healthcare Services for Care Homes’ report.

Professor Finbarr Martin, BGS president, said the data confirmed his fears that the healthcare needs of older care home residents are being neglected in some areas.

He added: “We are deeply concerned that having identified this important issue from the data, CQC no longer has responsibility for monitoring the work of commissioners and we are currently in a transition phase to a new configuration of commissioning

arrangements in England. Who is looking out for the needs of this very vulnerable group of older people?

“It is evident that while there are pockets of excellent NHS care such as in Sheffield, Leeds or South Manchester there are striking geographical differences.

“It is unacceptable to leave people waiting for over three months to receive treatment which could significantly improve their quality of life, especially when you consider that the average life expectancy of an older person entering a care home is between one and two years.

“It is time that commissioners and health service planners matched their obligations to ensure that the healthcare needs of this vulnerable group are adequately met.”

Finbarr added that the BGS is developing a series of materials and case studies to help commissioners develop appropriate services.

This issue has been raised in Parliament by MPs through the tabling of Early Day Motion 2578 which calls for improved access to NHS services for care home residents, especially with regard to the provision of medications management, dementia care and end of life care.

Home turned into pub for event

Mary Portas has helped a national care home operator launch a new sensory aid for its residents, many of whom have dementia. The retail guru donated the cut offs from her new collection Mary Portas at House of Fraser to the Elder Homes Group, who then created the Touchy Feely collection to give female residents some fashion-related fun.

For full story see page 5.

Picture credit: Featureflash/Shutterstock.com

RESIDENTS at a Dorset care home marked Parkinson’s Awareness Week by holding a pub party.

Colten Care’s Canford Chase residential and nursing home in Branksome Park, Poole, was turned into the ‘Canford Chase Arms’ for the event.

Authentic beer pumps, mats and coasters were set up in the reception area together with a drinks trolley, while residents enjoyed a singalong, live entertainment and a raffle.

Home manager Angie Stewart said the pub party had proved popular with residents and staff.

She added: “This was a fun way of highlighting a condition which affects so many people including some of our residents. Everyone entered into the spirit and had a good time.”

Parkinson’s Awareness Week aims to raise money to find a cure as well as raise awareness of the condition.

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Court forces home closure

By Dominic Musgrave A CARMARTHENSHIRE care home has been forced to close after a court ruled its residents could be at risk.

Hafan Tywi in Ferryside shut after a Welsh government application on Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) advice. Llanelli magistrates granted an emergency cancellation of its registration.

A spokesman said: “The urgent closure of Hafan Twyi was triggered by a number of concerns over the financial viability of the home, which reached a crisis point when staff were not paid at the end of March.

“Against the background of concerns about the effective operation of the home, there had been a high level of monitoring by CSSIW working in co-ordination with the local authority under the escalating concerns procedures over several months.

“In these circumstances CSSIW had to take legal advice and legal action, resulting in the closure of the home, to ensure the service users could be properly cared for.

“There were no tenable management arrangements in place locally and nobody to be properly accountable for the continued safety and welfare of service users. It is commend-

able that care staff working at the home continued to provide continuity of care for service users, but since there was no guarantee of them receiving proper payment, the situation was not sustainable.”

Hafan Twyi, which is owned by Ferryside Residential Home Ltd, had places for 22 residents, a number of which suffered with dementia.

Carmarthenshire county council primary, community and social care service Amman Gwendraeth area locality manager Catherine Poulter said: “Alternative care homes have been identified for all the people living there. It is a difficult time for residents, relatives and staff.

“The home remained open over the Easter Bank Holiday and the local authority put in staff to support it.

The commitment of the care home’s own staff is such that they have come into work despite the difficult circumstances.

“The county council had put in a lot of support for this care home. We have had a lot of staff try to help them with training, health and safety, and advice about the physical environment to support the home to get out of its difficulties.

“We regret that it was not possible to keep it open.”

www.caring-uk.co.uk Advertising Sales and Marketing Director: Tony Barry Tel: 01226 734605 Email: tb@scriptmedia.co.uk Assistant Sales Manager: Heather Welsh Tel: 01226 734480 Email: hw@scriptmedia.co.uk National Sales Executive: Mandy Edwards Tel: 01226 734692 Email: mandye@scriptmedia.co.uk Fax: 01226 734477

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Editorial Group Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734639 jhalkerston@scriptmedia.co.uk Healthcare Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk

A North Yorkshire care home resident celebrated her 100th birthday by visiting the primary school where she taught for more than 12 years. During the visit to the Askrigg Primary School in Yore Bridge, Isobelle McGregor met pupils old and new, including current teaching assistant Julie Fawcett who attended the school when she was headteacher. The visit was put together by team members at the Care UK-run Terrace care home in Richmond where she lives. Isobelle also took part in a tree planting ceremony, viewed her old log books and met children who have birthdays near her own.

Isobelle McGregor is pictured outside Askrigg Primary School with current head teacher Gill Woods.

Reporter: Helen Williams Tel: 01226 734694 Studio Manager: Stewart Holt Tel: 01226 734414 Database enquiries to: 01226 734695 E-mail: circulation@ wharncliffepublishing.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.

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Aid launched thanks to Mary’s generosity

By Dominic Musgrave A NATIONAL care home operator that specialises in dementia care has teamed up with Mary Portas at House of Fraser in a unique initiative to help improve the lives of its residents.

With the help of Mary at House of Fraser, Elder Homes Group has created the Touchy Feely collection, a sensory aid for use in its 15 homes.

Having seen the launch of Mary Portas’ new clothing range at House of Fraser in Oxford Street, director Alison Messenger came up with an idea to provide their female service users with some fashion related enjoyment. She was aware that many of the dementia patients at the homes, despite their age and illness, are interested in fashion and take pride in their appearance, and wondered what happened to the cut offs.

Alison wrote to Mary to ask her whether she would send any fabric cut offs, and was delighted when a large box of them and a letter arrived from the Mary Portas team arrived.

She said: “The most amazing thing is that from such a simple concept, it has been an invaluable exercise and we have managed to get so much use out of just one box of materials, not to mention the recycling aspect of

Melissa Clements and Rachel Shaw from Mary Portas with Rider House resident Muriel Wright. making use of something which may otherwise have gone to waste.

“It has not only been useful for the dementia patients themselves, but family members and staff have also been able to join them in creating something together.

“We will continue to make use of these materials for a long time, particularly with the number of our homes increasing across the country

and we hope to continue working together for many years to come.”

Activity organisers at the homes have even used the fabrics to create items such as wooden spoon dolls, rag dolls and team scarves.

Residents are also going online to see how the particular fabrics are used in garments, and even purchase their favourite pieces, having already felt the fabrics.

Hair salon proving successful A SURREY care home has given its residents a new lease of life – and hair style – with the opening of an on-site hairdressing salon.

The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, which provides dedicated accommodation and care to former seafarers, launched the facility following research which documents the health and wellbeing benefits to elderly residents of a visit to the hairdressers in terms of boosting self-esteem and sense of independence.

Home manager Anne Kasey said the salon has proved so successful that the owners are considering making additional treatments such as manicures, pedicures and reflexology available.

She added: “I had read a number of articles about the benefits of a visit to the salon for elderly ladies in terms of increasing wellbeing and self-worth, because it’s the sort of thing ladies do and they did when they were younger.

“The salon has proved to be incredibly popular. All the ladies look forward to the days when the salon is open and feel better for having their hair done, it gives them an enormous boost and lifts their spirits.”

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Dignity day recognises individuality A GRAVESEND care home has held its inaugural Dignity and Diversity Day. Organised by care coordinator Julie Moore and carer Sarah White, the aim of the day at Edward Moore House was to give the residents the opportunity to mark their right to dignity, by highlighting their individuality and how important it is that choices are given to them.

The project was overseen by home manager John Ogbe. He said: “We decided to host the Dignity and Diversity day as it’s something we feel strongly about.

The residents got involved in the planning and it was great to find out more about all of them.”

Residents were encouraged to take part in reminiscence sessions where they discussed their childhood, working lives and retirement.

This enabled staff and fellow residents to understand the cultural diversity that makes up the community within Edward Moore House.

Staff worked with volunteers to create a timeline for each resident showing their favourite music, films and historical events.

New book celebrates residents’ memories THE University of York has launched a book written by students celebrating the memories of older people living in care homes.

As part of an innovative module developed by the Department of Health Sciences and the Centre for Lifelong Learning, student nurses have written stories based on the lives of the older people they have befriended on a care home placement.

The resulting anthology of stories, Lives Remembered: Telling Stories of Older People, was launched and celebrated in the participating care homes – Stamford Bridge Beaumont, Mulberry Court, York and Southlands Care Home, Harrogate.

The book is the third to be produced under the undergraduate nursing module “’Understanding the experiences of older people through storytelling’.

It is designed to help students develop understanding, empathy and compassion when caring for older people.

Senior lecturer Karen Spilsbury said: “At the heart of nursing older people there is a recognition that the person has lived a life full of rich memories.

“Encouraging student nurses to understand these life experiences when providing care is crucial for

Students discuss their findings with care home residents. preparing our future nurses as competent and sensitive practitioners.

“This approach affords students a glimpse into, and a chance to be moved by, the lives of older human beings. As our students develop, we believe this approach has better prepared them to embrace what it really means to care for older people with compassion and to realise it is truly a privilege to be involved in older people’s care.”

Development of the module was supported by funds from The Higher Education Academy HEALTH Network Group and Bupa Charitable

Giving Fund.

Sue Cartwright, manager at Stamford Bridge Beaumont, added: “Our older residents have greatly valued being visited by the students and having the time to reminisce.

“It has given the residents an opportunity to engage in a creative activity with people from outside the care community, while helping to develop the communication skills of our future nurses. We have all benefited from being involved in this imaginative experience.”

All proceeds from the book will be used to fund future student-authored books.

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Minimum wage increase should force rise, claim

By Dominic Musgrave A RISE in the national minimum wage from October further strengthens the case for an increase in the fees paid to nursing homes by local councils, it has been claimed.

The RNHA says that the coalition Government’s decision to accept the Low Pay Commission’s recommendation of a 1.8 per cent increase to £6.19 per hour will cost its approximately 1,000 members on average £14,000 more annually based on a 40-bed facility.

Chief executive officer Frank Ursell said: “The announcement by the Low Pay Commission has come at a time when the vast majority of nursing homes are struggling to cope with the double whammy of price inflation on fuel, food and materials and a freeze, or real terms cut, in the fees they receive from councils.

“This is yet another burden inflicted by the government on the long-term social care sector and will erode our ability to improve the standards of care we provide to individuals who are mainly in their late 70s, 80s and 90s.

“The sad irony of this situation is that the owners of nursing homes support the idea of better wages and conditions for their staff.

“We want to be able to attract and retain people who have the right skills and attitudes and are committed to a career in caring for the elderly. But, and it is a very big ‘but’, our resources are under extreme pressure at present. Social care as a whole is losing money as government cuts take effect.

“As the Low Pay Commission has pointed out, retail prices rose overall by more than five per cent in 2011 and are expected to rise by nearly three per cent this year. Nursing home budgets cannot stand the strain. When is the government going to recognise that?”

The RNHA has recently backed a call from Age UK, the Local Government Association and the NHS Confederation for a government-led review of care home workers’ pay and conditions.

Do you agree with Frank? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@scriptmedia.co.uk or call 01226 734407.

Bupa’s Siobhan Drane and RSPB’s Gabrielle Layzell.

Sparrow campaign launched RESIDENTS of Bupa care homes are calling on local communities to help reverse the decline in the UK house sparrow population by joining them in creating sparrow-friendly gardens.

The group has teamed up with RSPB and care homes are receiving expert advice from the wildlife charity about the best ways to help boost sparrow numbers as well as other wildlife found in gardens.

‘Save the Sparrow’ is the main focus this year of Bupa’s annual Wildlife Week (May 7-13), a week of special activities designed to create wildlife havens in care home grounds and

gardens, to benefit species that are currently in decline in Britain.

Community and partnership manager Siobhan Drane said: “Everyone enjoys seeing a cheeky sparrow in gardens, but this much loved British bird needs our help.

“So we’re asking everyone to join the campaign, either by offering a helping hand to our green-fingered residents or by making their own gardens more bird-friendly.”

House sparrow numbers have dropped by 55 per cent since the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch survey began in 1979.

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Celebrating Hendford’s second anniversary are, from the left: Helen Ranger (activities co-ordinator), Carol Watkins (matron), Yeovil mayor Phillip Chandler, Diana Lane (deputy matron) and Sue Aldworth (clinical director).

Picture credit: Tom Gilbert of Tom Edge Photography.

Home celebrates anniversary A YEOVIL care home with nursing celebrated its second anniversary by opening its doors to friends and relatives of residents as well as the local community to raise money to buy equipment for its music therapy sessions.

Aurora Care Limited, who own Hendford, also invited residents of their second care home, Hurst Manor, in nearby Martock. Mayor of Yeovil, Coun Philip Chandler, also joined in the activities, which included stalls selling traditional sweets, secondhand books, toys and bric-a-brac, a coconut shy and raffle.

Aurora Care Limited clinical director Sue Aldworth said: “We have seen a lot of positive changes since opening in March 2010, including expanding the dementia unit in accordance with local market demand and taking on new team members such as Carol Watkins, who will bring a wealth of skills and experience in her role as matron.

“Activities organiser Helen Ranger worked hard to organise this anniversary event which celebrates the success of Hendford and as a thank-you to residents, relatives, staff and supporters in the local community.”

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Home introduces African carers to Eden Alternative

By Dominic Musgrave

Actors Alan Halsall and Lucy-Jo Hudson enjoy Betty’s hotpot with residents at Hatfield House in Doncaster.

Couple visit homes’ residents ACTOR Alan Halsall left the cobbles of Coronation Street to visit residents at two of a group’s homes.

Better known as Tyrone Dobbs, Alan visited Ideal Care Homes’ Bulwell care home Fairway View and Hatfield House in Doncaster with his wife Lucy-Jo Hudson, who also starred in the soap and currently plays vet Rosie Trevanion in Wild at Heart.

The actors mingled with residents and their families, and signed memorabilia and autographs.

Residents took part in a raffle to win a signed copy of ‘50 Years of Coronation Street’, while Lucy-Jo was presented with a bunch of flowers by residents of the homes.

Lawrence Tomlinson, chairman and founder, said: “Holding an event like this creates a great atmosphere in the home for both the people who live with us and their loved ones. It was a real pleasure for us to have Alan and Lucy-Jo take time out of their busy schedules to come and visit us.”

CARERS from South Africa are spending time in Shropshire to learn all about an innovative initiative being used at a care home in the county.

Nandi Payne, aged 41, from Avondvrede Care Home, and Kevin Motlolisi, aged 25, from Huis Moria Care Home, in Free State, will spend three weeks at Accord Housing Association’s Cartlidge House in Telford to learn more about the Eden Alternative.

A different approach to caring for the elderly, the Eden Alternative is being used in a number of care homes managed by the group to eliminate feelings of loneliness, helplessness and boredom amongst residents.

The Eden Alternative focuses on providing person-centred care and bringing variety into older people’s lives by encouraging them to interact with children, through craft and arts activities, pets and the outdoors.

Nandi and Kevin were invited to England after being recognised for their work in starting to introduce the initiatives into their own care home.

Michelle Barker, care and support manager at Accord, said: “We started using the Eden Alternative at Cartlidge House around five years ago and since then we’ve seen some real changes.

“Residents who were previously withdrawn started to interact with each other and we’ve noticed an effect on people’s physical health too, with a reduction in the use of certain medications.

“Welcoming carers from South Africa, who are just starting to use the Eden Alternative, is a great opportunity for us to share our experiences with them and learn how care is managed in South Africa.”

As well as learning more about Eden, the visitors will also see the diverse range of services that Accord Housing Association provides by touring various offices and care homes.

Nandi said: “Myself and Kevin are both keen to learn more about how Accord is applying the Eden Alternative philosophy within their care services and we are hoping to learn new ideas and develop new skills that can make a difference to care given in South Africa.”

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Winning recipes added to menus across county

By Dominic Musgrave

Waterloo House resident Muriel Cartwright with activities coordinator Jen Clay and administrator Gwen Cruickshank.

Residents go extra mile CARE home residents did their bit to raise money for the recent Sport Relief extravaganza.

Muriel Cartwright, a resident at Waterloo House in Bidford-on-Avon who will be 93 next month, raised more than £150 by completing the Sports Relief Mile.

Activities coordinator Jen Clay and administrator Gwen Cruickshank accompanied her on the route around the village, where they received plenty of support on the day.

Gwen said: “None of us had ever done the Sport Relief Mile before so it was a first for us all and it was a wonderful day.

“Muriel is a very active resident and has enjoyed walking throughout her

life. We think she is one of the oldest people to have completed the mile and she really had a ball.

“We even had a family come in to give us a donation after seeing details about the walk – even though they no longer have a family member living here.”

At Greenhill Manor care home in Merthyr Tydfil, residents, staff and relatives walked just over one mile around the village in their pyjamas.

Home manager Mark Morgan said, “We had a great time. The residents loved it and we raised money for a terrific cause in the process.”

The home raised £100, which owners Hallmark Healthcare have agreed to match.

SIX winning recipes have been added to menus in care homes across Norfolk after a competition in which more than 70 residents entered their favourite recipes that they used to cook or enjoy.

The competition was organised by Nick Smith from Norse Commercial Services and Jason Parker from Norse Care. The latter runs care homes across Norfolk on behalf of the county council with the catering provided by NCS. The winning six dishes were selected after the initial entries were whittled down to a shortlist of 10.

A cook-off of the shortlisted dishes then saw the final six winners selected by residents voting on presentation, taste, smell and suitability to the menu. Such is the variety of the dishes that a cookery book has been published bringing more than 50 of the recipes together.

Tony Williams, Norse board member and councillor with responsibility for commercial

services, said: “This unusual project seems to have captured the imagination of so many elderly residents who were involved every step of the way, firstly sharing their well loved recipes, then seeing their dishes served up across the county through to delight at their recipes now appearing in print.

“The residents’ book has a great variety of recipes, including old classics like toad in the hole and some very tasty desserts.

“And it’s great to know that the book looks set to bring further benefits with profits from its sale funding extra activities in care homes in the future.”

The residents' recipe book will be available for friends and family to buy when they visit any of the county council's care homes.

The six winning recipes are: Pea Soup Beef Broth Fruit Shortcake Baked Apple Boiled Fruitcake Melting Moments biscuits.

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Staff member Susan Ling helps resident Josie Carr to tweet.

Book Day tweet for residents RESIDENTS at Belong Villages enjoyed a day of tweets, twicpics and hashtags to celebrate World Book Day. Employees and residents at the Atherton, Crewe and Wigan community villages got into the spirit of social media by successfully tweeting about their favourite books and authors and taking part in the ‘Big Book Quiz.’

Ahead of the event, the staff and silver surfers were tweeting their dayto-day reading preferences and recommendations to get to grips with the new technology.

The company’s chief executive Nick Dykes began the World Book Day

activities by taking to Twitter to share his top five ‘desert island reads.’

Belong Wigan residents were visited by children from the nearby Holy Family Catholic Primary School, who came dressed as their favourite book characters, to share their reading experiences and suggestions with the residents.

General manager Gill Menguy said: “At Belong Villages we believe that you are never too old to try something new, and so we thought we’d take on the challenge of Twitter.

“Older people have a wealth of knowledge about books and reading, which we think is worth sharing with local younger readers and the world.”

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Prestigious accolade for Glasgow care home A GLASGOW-based group of care homes has been awarded the Eat Safe Award in Scotland.

Formed in 1987, with five care homes for the elderly based in and around Glasgow and employing a 350-strong workforce, Lambhill Court Ltd has experience of more than 20 years in the care of elderly people and is an equal opportunities employer.

The Eat Safe Award is administered by Local Authority Environmental Health Services in conjunction with the Food Standards Agency.

It consists of a single tier of award granted by local authorities to establishments meeting standards of food hygiene which are over and above those required by current food hygiene legislation.

Lambhill Court was assessed for the award as part of scheduled food hygiene inspections, carried out by Local Authority Environmental Health Services, who also issue and control the Eat Safe Award certificates.

Association launches compliance document

By Dominic Musgrave MAYOR of Harrogate Les Ellington gave his backing to the National Association of Care Catering’s new publication ‘How to Comply with CQC’s Outcome 5: Meeting Nutritional Needs’ at its formal launch.

The document, produced in collaboration with ECCA, is the definitive best-practice guide for everyone involved with any aspect of care catering.

It represents a significant advancement in the NACC’s work to improve professional standards to eradicate malnutrition and dehydration in both residential and social care, and uphold the dignity of care service users across the UK. The publication enables care providers of all sizes, from both the public and private sectors, to comply fully with the CQC’s Essential Standards of Quality and Safety, which focuses on meeting nutritional needs and respecting dignity.

NACC chair Karen Oliver said: “The issue of providing the right nutrition and dignity in care environments has been well documented in recent weeks and the mayor’s support will help us highlight the work that we do and communicate the huge efforts

Harrogate mayor Les Ellington with NACC northern chair and chief executive of Harrogate Neighbours Sue Ullmann and national secretary Ros Speight. being made to ensure all care providers are able to meet and maintain the standards expected of them.”

“Complying with Outcome 5 is a must as it significantly reduces the risk of poor nutrition and hydration in all care provision, and also ensures that the dignity of service users is respected.

“It is therefore imperative that all care providers receive as much support and information as possible to ensure they meet all the standards set out by the CQC and guarantee the

nutritional health and well-being of the people entrusted to their care.”

The publication outlines the responsibilities of the care providers, what the CQC inspectors will be looking for, and what evidence will need to be provided to demonstrate compliance either during an inspection or when completing the CQC Provider Compliance Assessment.

A simultaneous launch event was held for care providers at Sanctuary Care’s new Yarnton Residential and Nursing Home in Oxfordshire.

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Marise Edlin with one of her creations.

Tony Gore with resident Richard Walker.

Tony proves age is no barrier FITNESS trainer Tony Gore proved age is no barrier to keeping active when he led an exercise class at a care home in West Sussex at the age of 81.

He shared his secrets for keeping sharp and supple when he led a session for residents at Russettings Care Home, Balcombe.

The armchair exercise class was the latest in a string of activities laid on at the home, run by Alpha Care Homes.

Tony, a former RAF physical training instructor, also did parachute training and rock climbing with the RAF and was a voluntary gym instructor at Folkestone College between 2009 and last year.

He still leads a weekly Young at Heart aerobics class at Hythe

Retirement Club in Kent – where he is older than all of his pupils.

He has been a fitness instructor for more than 60 years and in 2001, at the age of 70, he qualified as a personal trainer in gym workouts for people of all ages.

Russettings manager Naomi Butcher said: “Tony is a great inspiration and proof that age is no barrier to keeping fit.

“Our activities lady already does some very basic physical exercises with residents but his visit was very special and gave us some good ideas.”

His session at Russettings demonstrated chair-based exercise which will help residents keep agile and alert.

Home hosts exhibition A CANTERBURY care home hosted an art exhibition to celebrate the unique talent of one of its residents.

Marise Edlin has lived at Connors House since moving from nearby Wingham in 2009. She has painted all her life, and her piece “Beachcomber” was made the Royal Academy’s painting of the year in 1969, which was then displayed by the Academy at an exhibition in Scotland along with another of Marise’s works, “Eve ’69.”

In recent years Marise has developed an incurable hip condition which means she is no longer able to stand to paint.

Before moving to Connors House Marise had stopped painting entirely and staff at the home

found out about her talent and encouraged her to pick up her paint brush again.

She developed a new method of painting to work around her hip problem, and since working with two occupational therapy students from nearby Canterbury Christchurch University, Marise has slowly gained confidence.

Home manager Christine Devlin said: “Since Marise has moved to Connors House she has become more and more prolific, and paints almost every day.

“Her art decorates the home and gathers lots of compliments.”

During the exhibition Marise's paintings from throughout her life were displayed throughout the home, which has 40 residents These included ‘Beachcomber’.

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Two homes recognised for hygiene TWO L&H Homes care homes have both received the highest food hygiene rating possible from their local authorities.

Cranwell Court in Grimsby and Ashley Court in Lincoln both received five-star ratings meaning there is a high standard of compliance with statutory obligations and industry standards.

The assessments were carried out in January for Cranwell Court and February for Ashley Court as part of the Scores on the Doors scheme, a national public information service where consumers can find the official local authority hygiene ratings for businesses that deal with food preparation.

Sally Eddom, manager at Cranwell Court, said, “Everyone works extremely hard to ensure that residents receive the best service possible and receiving this is a wonderful tribute to the dedication of our staff.”

Nominations now wanted NOMINATIONS are wanted for the annual NASHiCS Safety in Care Awards.

The accolades are open to everyone who works in the social care sector, both members and non-members of NASHiCS, and the three categories are: Company or individual of the year.

Learning and training.

Best practice.

Nominations should be submitted no later than May 11, and the winners will be selected from three finalists during the association’s awards dinner on the eve of the NASHiCS Learning and Development Forum on June 27 at the Barceló Daventry Hotel, Northampton.

Ratings continue to split home owners

By Dominic Musgrave THE Caring UK newsdesk has been inundated with calls and emails from care home owners following our story in the April issue calling for a return of the CQC’s star ratings.

Colten Care MD Ian Hudson believes the industry regulator made the wrong decision to axe what were widely understood star ratings, and called for a similar system to be put in place.

His views split the sector, with Geraldine Thorp, manager of the Hazelwood Care owned Wexford House in Worthing, one of many people who agreed with him.

She said: “I am a manager of one of five group homes and the managers I speak to agree that the star rating meant something. This includes managers who have nothing to do with our group.

“I think the way forward is to have one to five stars. We all understand this for hotels, bed and breakfasts and restaurants – it is easy and obvious.

“Why CQC had to take it away makes no sense at all. But, if this was to be brought back, CQC would need to be far more consistent in their ratings.”

Joe Kwaterski, of Adelphi Care Services in Shrewsbury, also supported Ian’s ideas, claiming the previous system “was not broken and therefore did not need mending”.

He added: “CQC creating a ‘limbo period’ which has done nothing to reassure families, commissioners and PCTs. “Recent media coverage has exposed the problems inherent in the ‘Trip Advisor’ system with hotel owners being virtually ‘held to ransom’ by threats, genuine or otherwise, to write damning reviews.

“If CQC can regain some measure of credibility it will be aided by the reinstatement of the star rating system and we can all focus on what we do best – providing the best services we can set against known criteria.”

One of the numerous emails and

phone calls we had from people who strongly disagreed with Ian’s comments came from Martyn William, who described the previous system as “inaccurate and pointless”.

He said: “The star rating system never gave the public anything – it just made our jobs a box ticking exercise, could potentially demoralise hard working staff teams and the people we support, and has been proven to be a completely false way to judge a service.

“Box ticking of policies and procedures are not markers for good practice. We have all heard of services that were given two and three stars that turned out to be worse than ‘poor’ in reality. The CQC itself... how many stars would they be awarded?

“I agree with, and would welcome, a dignity code driven approach to the inspection process. This will hopefully weed out those providers who think ticking boxes to achieve stars results in better care provision.”

Gloria John, manager of Rushall Mews Resource Centre in Walsall shared the same opinion as Martyn.

She added: “I do not feel that we should return to star ratings “Potential users of a service can read a report fully to make an informed judgment on that service rather than the decision being made

Last month’s front page story featuring Colten Care MD Ian Hudson’s comments.

just on the basis of the star rating.

“The service could be delivering very good quality in several areas but may need improving in one area.

What people who use the service have to say is more important than a star rating.”

What do you think? Let Caring UK editor Dominic Musgrave know your thoughts by emailing dm@scriptmedia.co.uk or call 01226 734407.

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Four CLS care homes in West Cheshire were involved in a pilot study designed to ensure that their patients were provided with effective, and timely, medical attention in the most appropriate setting.

Managing director Robert Black explains the outcomes.

Trial highlights benefits of a multi-agency approach THE CQC recently published the results of a review into the healthcare needs of care home residents.

Their director of operations said some providers considered the healthcare needs of their residents as a “secondary requirement.”

CLS Care Services encourages older people to have choice and control in all aspects of their lives, including medical treatment.

Last year four of our care homes in West Cheshire: Florence Grogan House, Whetstone Hey, Wealstone and Astbury Lodge, took part in a pilot project led by NHS Western Cheshire and West Cheshire Health Consortium.

The aim of the study was to make sure care home residents, as patients, were given effective and timely medical attention in the most appropriate place.

A dedicated service, providing 24-

hour access to NHS staff, was put in place at the homes to support decision making, and importantly ensure patients were given the full range of options about where to receive medical treatment.

For example, a member of care staff could consult NHS staff about a resident’s chest infection over the telephone before taking them into A&E. This multi-agency approach created a safe and effective support system, which was found to improve the patient experience, and reduce the number of unnecessary hospital attendances and admissions.

In fact, a resident from Florence Grogan House told staff how happy she was to receive treatment in the comfort and familiarity of her own home, rather than the hospital.

Robert Black is managing director of CLS Care Services, a charita-

Robert Black ble organisation operating 26 residential care homes, including specialist dementia households, at eight locations in the North West.

Residents getting to grips with computers RESIDENTS at an Uppingham care home are getting to grips with new technology.

Rakesh Kotecha, who took over the 18-bed Aberdeen House last August, has invested £10,000 in two touch-screen computers which are specially designed for the elderly to use, and is the only home in Rutland to have the system.

They have large text screens and a manageable mouse which is ideal for people with arthritis or with sight problems.

Staff have been trained to help people to use the equipment, and deputy manager Alison Byford said the residents are chomping at the bit to start using it.

She added: “It is great for people whose families don’t live around here to to keep in touch with them when they go away. We have one 101-year-old lady who can’t wait to get on Skype.”

“The CQC look at the ways we engage people’s minds and keep them active.

“These computers will allow our residents to learn, engage and play games.”

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CARINGNEWS

Care group pilots innovative energy efficient measures

By Dominic Musgrave

Kathryn Saunders with resident Dorothy Humphries.

Picture credit: Andy Degg (Green Hat).

Art links generations PUPILS from a Bristol junior school celebrated the first sixth months of a new initiative that uses art and painting as a way to link the different generations with residents from a retirement village Seven Redland High students aged nine to 11 and seven residents from St Monica Trust’s Westbury Fields have been corresponding by painting postcards and sharing a little about their interests and experiences since September.

Having got to know each other on paper, they enjoyed a first gettogether, an opportunity to build

their new friendships and team up on their brush strokes, the new friends working together to paint butterflies.

Paint Pals is a new initiative by artist, teacher and psychologist Deborah Feiler who runs art workshops for older people.

She has teamed up with the St Monica Trust and works for Alive!, a Bristol-based charity dedicated to enriching the lives of older people.

The girls are now planning a return visit, inviting the St Monica Trust residents to visit them, watch a school assembly and then paint with them in their school.

ENERGY efficiency innovations are being piloted in care homes by a care group to show how CO2 emissions can be significantly cut while saving thousands of pounds each year.

Sanctuary commissioned consultants to do an energy audit of four care homes for the elderly and assess potential benefits.

Its study found introducing a range of energy efficiency measures at the sites such as automatic taps and lights in kitchens, bathrooms and halls and installing additional insulation, could cut CO2 emissions by 65 tonnes and save almost £11,000 annually.

With an estimated initial investment of £79,650, the company says it would take just over seven years for energy savings to have met the cost of the adaptations at the four homes – Hawthorn Green and Rowanweald Nursing Home in London; Chadwell House in Essex and Hatfield Nursing Home.

Ian McDermott, chief operating officer, said: “As a provider of housing

and accommodation we realise there is much we can do to help Britain meet its CO2 emissions reduction targets.

“Our analysis has demonstrated that these energy-saving adaptations could make a real difference and we will evaluate the impact of the improvements to ensure that these savings are realised.

“These measures not only make sense in terms of reducing our impact on the environment, they also make financial sense because of the money saved by using fuel more efficiently.”

Sanctuary plans to extend the energy saving measures to other properties nationally through Sanctuary Green Technologies, a subsidiary company set up to promote and pioneer energy efficiency and help residents access affordable energy from renewable sources.

The group has also recently appointed an energy manager to reduce energy consumption across all its offices and cut down on the organisation’s annual fuel bill.

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Conviction leads to call for twice yearly inspections’ return

By Dominic Musgrave A CHARITY has called for the immediate reinstatement of twice yearly care home inspections following the conviction of a care worker for assaulting an elderly resident.

The Relatives & Residents Association made the call after Jonathan Aquino, a former care worker at Ash Court Care Centre, run by Forest Healthcare, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.

His sentence came following his assault on 80-year-old Maria Worroll, a resident at the home suffering with dementia and severe arthritis.

The abuse took place in a care home which had previously been given an ‘excellent’ rating by the inspectorate.

Maria’s daughter Jane become concerned when she noticed bruising and swelling and a deterioration in her mother’s mood. When she tried to engage senior staff and her mother’s GP she was astonished by their defensive and dismissive attitudes.

Jane then placed a camera in her mother’s room and was horrified at the treatment it revealed.

R&RA chair Judy Downey said: “This is one of the worst cases of abuse we have witnessed. Here was a defenceless woman who did absolutely nothing to provoke her carers and yet she was treated in a most inhumane and degrading manner.

“CQC had scrapped regular mandatory inspections but, under pressure from all sides, they have just reverted to once yearly inspections which takes us back to before the early 80s.

“This is not enough and means that abuse can still go undetected with no-one to support frail and very dependent people. Mrs Worroll’s awful ordeal only came to light because of her daughter’s vigilance but what of the many elderly who have no-one to look out for them?

“It is completely unacceptable that we have a care system where older people are more vulnerable today than they have been in the last 25 years because homes are not being inspected with the frequency and robustness needed.”

The charity also called on the regulator to take responsibility for responding to serious complaints about care and conditions in care homes.

Matthew Trainer, deputy director of CQC in London, said everyone, including staff, has a role to play in reporting abuse.

He added: “It is right that this behaviour has been handled robustly by the police and the courts.

“This sends a strong message that it is unacceptable to abuse an elderly person in your care. We hope it will act as a powerful deterrent to others.

“This case highlights the fact that concealed abuse of the elderly can take place even in a well run care home, although thankfully incidents like this are rare.

“Criminal abuse, by its nature, usually takes place away from the eyes of management and away from the eyes of bodies like CQC. We can play a part in making sure care is safe but cannot be everywhere.”

Group recognises volunteers VOLUNTEERS have been recognised for their voluntary work with residents across 19 Wiltshire care homes.

The Orders of St John Care Trust held a Volunteers Day at its Wiltshire regional office Monckton House to

thank the 26 for their commitment and dedication to voluntary work with residents.

They were presented with long service awards by the group’s trustee Brian Goodson.

The team at Brackenlea Care Home in Winchester organised a surprise birthday party for 105-year-old Daisy O’Dell. Daisy, who has been at the home for six years, was treated to a garden party in the sun joined by her daughter Valerie, the owners of Brookvale Healthcare Group, staff, residents and Winchester’s deputy mayor Coun Frank Pearson, who delivered her message from the Queen. Home manager Beverly Rice said: “Daisy is a fantastic resident and always joins in with the fun at the home. We wish her all the best for her birthday and look forward to celebrating many more with her.”

New company offers homes dental service A NEW company has been launched in Kent that will offer a home dental service for residents of care homes and individuals in their own homes.

Jessica Emery, a director of The Mobile Dentist Company, says oral health becomes more important with age and that poor oral health can lead to poor general health as well as reducing quality of life, dignity, confidence and appetite.

She told Caring UK that recent medical research has found a link between a lack of hygiene in the mouth and the development of bronchial disease, including pneumonia.

“Doctors, opticians, chiropodists and hairdressers all make house calls, but dental care is often one of the first things to fall by the wayside when somebody moves into a residential home or becomes housebound,” added Jessica.

“Many elderly patients who suffer pain from dental conditions or ill-fitting dentures are unable to articulate their discomfort and many carers are unaware of the signs to look out for

or how best to assist a patient with a regular oral hygiene routine.

“When residents or housebound patients do require dental treatment, organising a visit to the dentist is often a logistical, administrative and staffing nightmare for care home managers or relatives.

“For patients suffering from reduced mobility or those with a degree of dementia, it can be a disruptive, time-consuming and sometimes confusing experience.”

The Mobile Dentist Company team uses portable dental equipment, and appointments take place in the privacy and comfort of familiar surroundings with an experienced domiciliary dentist and nurse.

Jessica added: “Check-ups, which include screening for oral cancer, are comprehensive and use digital x-ray to identify areas of concern and treatments offered include scale and polish, fillings, extractions, denture fabrication and adjustment and preventive treatment to address many of the dental problems patients face as they age.”

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The key to secure care

By Justin Freeman A CARE manager’s first priority is to ensure residents’ physical and emotional welfare. However, security is also important for wellbeing.

It’s worth getting an industryapproved professional to conduct a review, advising on maintenance and checking that systems meet statutory requirements.

If the premises were purpose-built recently, they are likely to have Secured by Design accreditation and be Disability Discrimination Act compliant. However, it’s possible to make huge improvements to premises which are much older.

Fencing should provide an adequate protective barrier, with no weak points and gates must be safe to be opened and closed from a wheelchair.

Dusk-to-dawn lighting is an excellent idea and it’s worth considering CCTV as an option.

Obviously if you’re dealing with a small residence, it may be felt that CCTV is unnecessary and may feel intrusive.

However, if the home is designed to be shared by a larger group, with care staff, relatives and friends regularly entering and leaving the building, CCTV can help to keep track of who is accessing the

Master Locksmiths Association technical manager Justin Freeman. building and identify any unknown individuals.

It’s fundamental that only authorised individuals can gain entry. Traditional key systems can be problematic as keys can easily be copied. The risk is increased if the residents of the home are regularly visited by friends and relatives, making it difficult to keep track of how many copies of the keys may be in circulation.

Often the simplest solution is to install a patented key system.

Patented keys cannot be copied

and can tailored to allow managers to have a ‘master’ key which will open all doors, including office space where documentation and/or medication is kept, while residents’ keys allow access to communal areas and their own rooms.

Electronic access systems are also worth looking at, as they have the advantage of not requiring the precise motor skills/dexterity needed to use a traditional lock and key. Swipe cards/key fobs are particularly easy to operate, especially if combined with a power

operated door which will open automatically, leaving the individual free to manoeuvre through the door without having to hold it open.

Electronic systems can be tailored in a similar way to patented keys to allow for different levels of access.

It’s imperative that all users should be able to exit the building without the need for a key in the event of a fire or other emergency.

Push-bars on fire exit doors must be between 1000mm and 750mm from the floor and at least 400mm long to allow for ease of use from a wheelchair.

It’s vital that when the accommodation is in use, regular reviews are undertaken by a security professional from an organisation such as the Master Locksmiths’ Association.

Many security systems can become compromised if not regularly reviewed – there’s no point in having an alarm system if every man and his dog knows the code.

On that note, it’s a good idea for the staff and residents to implement a security routine. It’s positive for individuals to feel that they are taking an active role in safeguarding their home and contributing to the safety of others too.

Justin Freeman is technical manager at the Master Locksmiths Association.

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An increasing number of care homes are offering youngsters the opportunity to get on the job ladder through an apprenticeship. Dominic Musgrave reports.

Groups turn to youth to bolster their workforce A BLYTH care home has taken on its first apprentice.

James Morris,17, has joined Ridley Park and is one of three apprentices to have been recruited by owner Hadrian Healthcare Group across its homes as part of a project with Skills for Care.

A quarter of the staff across the group are currently involved in apprentice training to boost skills, with qualifications ranging from intermediate and advanced levels in health and social care to administration and management up to level five.

Morag Horn, Ridley Park manager said: “James immediately stood out when we interviewed for our apprentice position. Although understandably nervous he was very knowledgeable about care issues that can affect the elderly and answered the questions posed in depth, using examples where appropriate.

“He has quickly become a favourite staff member among our residents and relatives and displays interest and empathy beyond his years.

“The apprenticeship programme is an excellent way of young people being able to work in a care environment and gain a recognised qualification while doing so.”

When James completes his intermediate level apprenticeship in 2013 he will have gained a portfolio of qualifications – a level two diploma in health and social care, a certificate in preparing to work in adult social care, personal learning and thinking skills, functional skills in English and maths and an award in employment rights and responsibilities.

He said: “I’ve always liked helping people, of all ages. When I saw the apprenticeship advert for Ridley Park it looked like a good opportunity and was something I thought I could do well.

“I like talking to the residents about their lives. Every person is an indi-

vidual however old they are.

Sometimes when you get to know older people they surprise you with their views – they can be just the same as people of my age.

“The activity side of adult care is what I’m finding most interesting so far. I’ve been working with the activities coordinator and helping residents get involved and enjoy an activity is really satisfying.”

Liam Simpson is well on the way to fulfilling his dream of owning his own restaurant after gaining an apprenticeship in Hospitality and Catering at Hatzfeld House Care Centre in Nottinghamshire.

Liam left school aged 16 and went on to study photography at Newark College. After graduating with a BTEC level two diploma he struggled to find work so decided to explore another passion of his – cooking.

He spotted an advert on the Directgov website for an apprenticeship scheme run by Mercia College in Derby and decided to apply.

“When I left Newark College in 2010 I couldn’t find a job in photography so I claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance as I wasn’t really sure what else I wanted to do,” added Liam. “I’ve always loved cooking and enjoy baking cakes with my girlfriend so when I spotted the apprenticeship scheme working in the kitchens at Hatzfeld House I decided to give it a go.

“The people are really friendly and I’ve learned a lot from chefs Beverly Swinn and June Hemming, who both have their own style of cooking.”

It’s the first time Hatzfeld House has employed a member of staff on the apprenticeship scheme, and the home, which looks after people with old and working age dementia, is now hoping to take on two more.

Have you taken on an apprenticeship? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@scriptmedia.co.uk or telephone 01226 734407.

Ridley Park manager Morag Horn with apprentice James Morris.

Apprentice chef Liam Simpson.

Home teams up with college to offer four places A LANCASHIRE based care group is working with Accrington and Rossendale College to take on up to four apprentices.

The scheme will see high level students from the college working as healthcare assistants or personal assistants for residents at Springhill.

As it progresses it may be widened to other key areas of work at the home, such as catering or administration.

It is expected that some of the apprentices may be able to move to permanent employment within the home following the year long course which gives the students a QCF

Level 2 qualification.

Donna Briggs, managing director of Springhill Care Group, which also operates homes in Bristol and Skelmersdale, and supported living services Affinity, said the apprentice scheme was an important step for the group.

She added: “This is the first opportunity we have had to take on apprentices for some considerable time, and we’re looking forward to working with Accrington and Rossendale College to train the care professionals of the future.”

“The work being done by the apprentices will very much be deter-

mined by the needs of our residents.

We have our own dedicated qualified trainers, and the students will be professionally supported and mentored on site to achieve some solid qualifications at the end of the year.

“We fully expect to take on a number of them after their training is complete as full time members of staff.

“We never lose sight of the fact that our people are the most important asset that Springhill Care Group has, and we are delighted to be welcoming more members into our extended family.”

Springhill Care Home is a specialist provider of care services and includes the recently opened Springhill Specialist Care Centre which provides facilities and care for people with dementia and promotion of mental wellness.

In total, the home now has 110 beds in nine separate suites, offering services including respite care, nursing care and care for people with specialist care needs.

Springhill is also working to forge links with other educational establishments including Hyndburn Studio School and Mount Carmel High School, Accrington.

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Speakers at Script Events’ regional conferences will be, from the left: Paul Edwards, Damian Utton, Mandy Masters and Barbara Pointon.

Time running out to book your place DEMENTIA Care: The Way Forward is the title of a series of must-attend conferences being held nationwide by Caring UK’s sister company Script Events.

The first of the events, which are being held at St Mellion Hotel in Cornwall on May 15 and the following day at Bristol Zoo Conference Centre, feature a distinguished line-up of speakers. Further conferences are planned for Hilton Avisford Park Hotel and Hilton Maidstone Hotel on June 13 and 14 respectively.

Chaired by Caring UK editor Dominic Musgrave, heading the speakers will be Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK ambassador Barbara Pointon MBE, who shares the

story of her husband Malcolm’s 11year battle with the condition in her talk ‘Caring for Malcolm’.

Dominic said: “We are really excited about how the conference programmes are shaping up, and we hope many care home operators and managers will spare a day from their busy schedules to join us to hear from some of the leading names in the sector.

“The facts and figures about dementia are well documented and will impact on everyone working in the industry in future, which is why we believe our conferences are a must-attend.

“The events are also an excellent opportunity for networking, while the

Alpha Care Homes’ training consultant Jayne Griffiths, HR lead Louise Stefan, training consultant Hannah Salter, business development assistant Tracey York, training administrator Rose Maher and payroll administrator Rachel Rees Jones.

Employees help charity EMPLOYEES at a Redditch-based firm were transformed into a sea of golden daffodils when they did their bit for a leading cancer charity.

Staff at Alpha Care Homes’ head office wore yellow to work in support of the Marie Curie daffodil appeal.

In addition to yellow clothing, they will also donning yellow wigs and daffodil face masks to raise as much money as possible for the cause.

The group runs 12 homes across the West Midlands and the south east of England, which provide residential care for the elderly and those with dementia.

Business development assistant, Tracey York, said: “We decided to have a bit of fun and support this worthy cause at the same time.

“Many of our residents and staff members have been affected by, or know someone close, who has been affected by cancer at some point in their lives.

“Marie Curie is an important charity that does some excellent work and we have supported the daffodil fundraising across all of our homes. Everyone at our regional office enjoyed getting on their best yellow costumes to do their bit.”

extensive exhibition which will run alongside the seminars will feature some of the latest products available on the market.”

Joining Barbara at the events will be popular NCA chief executive Sheila Scott, who will ask ‘What next for Dementia?’ in her seminar.

Paul Edwards, head of training and practice from the specialist Bradford Dementia Group based within the University’s School of Health Studies, will talk about how dementia care could be improved using evidence from research, policy and practice to drive change.

And Damian Utton, a partner at leading specialist dementia architects and designers Pozzoni LLP, will dis-

cuss how the design of a home can have an impact on the quality of life for a person suffering from dementia.

Also among the day’s speakers will be Kingsley Healthcare operations director, dementia care and specialist services, Mandy Masters, who will speak about how the group overhauled its approach to dementia care using David Sheard’s methods to find a way to meet emotional as well as practical needs.

A representative from the CQC will also speak at each event.

To book your place at the special rate of £25 for a single delegate or £37.50 for two, call the hotline on 01226 734475. This offer closes on May 10 and places are strictly limited.

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Residents clucking for chickens THEY may no longer be spring chickens themselves, but that hasn’t stopped residents at Auchtercrag House clucking with happiness after helping baby chicks into the world.

Ten fluffy chicks were born in the care home in Ellon, just outside Aberdeen, after staff arranged for eggs and an incubator to be brought in as part of the ‘Living Eggs Experience’, an educational programme which enables residents to see chicks hatching from eggs.

Carol Wilson, activities coordinator, said: “Residents were keen on the idea of having an incubator and they were very excited when it arrived.

“Within a couple of days we were able to watch the eggs hatch and the number of residents who have come out of their rooms to see the chickens has been fantastic.

“The residents have loved to hold them and watch them feed and sleep. The response from this activity has been exceptional.”

The chicks have now taken up temporary residence at the home and when they are older they will be looked after by two of the carers who already keep hens.

Middleton Hall staff celebrate its cluster of awards with senior managers, from left: Lesley Henderson (director) holding the IIP award, Jeremy Walford (director) holding the Over 50's Housing Award, David Richardson (head of operations) holding the Northumbria in Bloom award and Debby Lamont (head of care and quality) holding the care employer of the year award.

Tees Valley village is UK’s best A TEES Valley retirement village has been named the best in the UK. Middleton Hall, situated in Middleton St George between Yarm and Darlington, has been judged to be the UK’s best continuing care retirement community.

The award was made by global

organisation Over 50s Housing, which comments and predicts worldwide trends in the retirement sector.

Middleton Hall MD Jeremy Walford said: “This vision is very important to our team as it ensures that every part of the business is totally focused on the quality of its service.

“Striving to be the best keeps continual pressure on the organisation to keep moving forward.”

The Over 50s Housing award follows hot on the heels of four others received by the privately-owned company in 2011.

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Sussex home is first to get ‘excellent’ BREEAM rating

By Dominic Musgrave BARCHESTER Healthcare’s Wadhurst Manor care home in East Sussex is the first in the UK to have received an ‘excellent’ rating for its environmental impact.

The 65-bed care home, was handed over to the group last September by specialist care development, design and build group Castleoak, and its development was backed by Bridges Sustainable Property Fund, which requires projects to demonstrate environmental leadership.

The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method is an environmental standard that rates the sustainability of buildings, based on scores given against a wide range of

areas including energy, transport, water, materials and waste management.

It aims to minimise environmental impact by ensuring sustainability best practices are in place while also lowering running costs through energy efficiency.

The home had met the ‘excellent’ requirements at design stage and has now achieved its official status following the post-construction assessment.

Group innovation director Colwyn Knight said: “This is a really significant step for Castleoak, reinforcing our position at the forefront of sustainable development in the care sector.

“We’re hopeful this success will be repeated at Juniper House, Brackley, another of our joint venture developments with Bridges Sustainable Property

Abbeydale Nursing Home in Manchester.

Agent finalises several deals DC CARE has completed the sale of several care homes in recent weeks.

These include the 24-bed Abbeydale Nursing Home in Manchester - a long established home which has the NHS Gold Standard Framework as well as Investors in People, and also has planning permission to extend by a further 21 beds.

Abbeydale has been purchased by Innovation Healthcare Ltd, owned by Ayesha Waquas and Dr Waquas Waheed.

DC Care and JLL have also sold three care facilities in Surrey after acting as joint agents for the receivers

and managers, Karen Dukes, P M Boyden and E M Shires of PwC, LLP. The Warren, Waratah House and Alexandra House have been acquired by three separate private operators.

The receivers and managers had a number of issues to deal with through the appointment, including working with CQC and the local authorities where improvements were needed. And DC Care has also sold a substantial former care home in Newcastle upon Tyne.

The building was sold to a local businessman, who will be converting it for alternative use.

Fund for Barchester Healthcare, which is on track to become the UK’s first PassivHaus care home.”

Sustainable features at Wadhurst Manor include composting and recycling facilities, sustainably-sourced timber, strong day-lighting, low flow taps, energy efficient appliances, low-energy lighting and bat boxes built into the roof.

Barchester’s recently appointed energy and environment manager Ben Collard added: “We are delighted to offer environmentally aware residents the ability to live in the UK’s first BREEAM excellent rated care home.”

If you are building an environmentally friendly new home or unit then Caring UK would like to hear from you.

Email dm@scriptmedia.co.uk

Caring UK Commerce section brings you all the latest property, business and training news every month.

In this issue: Innovative home

to create 70 jobs Page 26

Work begins on

extension Page 27

Is your business

structure causing excessive taxation liabilities?

Page 28

You can now follow us on Twitter at caringuk

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CARINGNEWS

Innovative home to create 70 jobs

The Croft Care Home in Whalley.

Cheshire site for sale CHRISTIE and Co is marketing for sale The Croft Care Home in Whalley, Cheshire on behalf of administrators at Zolfo Cooper LLP. Located in the Ribble Valley, the home is registered to care for 26 elderly service users. Prior to its administration it enjoyed an excellent reputation and high level of performance for a number of years.

Rosie Adlem of Christie and Co said: “The Croft has consistently high occupancy levels and offers a new operator the opportunity to expand

the home with historic planning permission in place to provide a further 17 bedrooms.

While this planning lapsed at the end of 2011, we feel that, subject to the appropriate consents being reobtained, a new operator will be able to extend the home further.

“Alternatively, on the site where the extension was planned to be built, there is currently a separate three bedroom bungalow which could equally provide an operator with their own private accommodation.”

AN innovative new 66-bed nursing home being built in Colchester will create more than 70 jobs once it opens next March, it has been revealed.

The scheme, which will be run by the not for profit organisation Outlook Care, has been designed to reflect the rich history of the area and will comprise two units of 15 bedrooms on the ground floor specifically designed for residents with dementia and a further 36 bedrooms on the first floor for nursing care. One of two key features of this home is the building itself, which wraps around a large landscaped garden that will include herbal and sensory areas as well as patios for all ground floor rooms.

Designed to bring the outside in, the winter gardens and a large terrace will give residents on the first floor

the feeling of space and light.

There will also be two private gardens which will be for the exclusive use of dementia residents and their families. The second feature is its Community Hub, which will become a focal point for events and activities. With its own internet café, activity rooms, therapy rooms, meeting rooms, mini gym and spa, the home will have a lot to offer residents, friends, relatives and the local community.

Penny Taylor, chief executive of Outlook Care, said: “This home will offer the very best in care home design and we are really excited that we can take this exceptional specialist nursing home from a detailed blueprint to a vibrant 3-D reality.”

The home will be built by R G Carter Ipswich.

Home gets planning approval AT LEAST 70 new jobs are to be created in a Derbyshire town thanks to the recent approval by the local council for the development of a 66bed care home.

The application for planning by care provider Eastgate Care is on the site of a disused pub in Ilkeston which

has been vacant for more than two years.

Managing director James Day said: “This will be an exciting development, having the canal-side frontage gives an extra dimension which will be enjoyed by our new residents.”

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CARINGCOMMERCE

Home almost complete

An artist’s impression of Peregrine House.

Work begins on extension WORK has begun on a further new extension at a Whitby care home.

The extensive development at Peregrine House will provide three new bedrooms together with two bedrooms created from the existing first floor lounge.

In addition, the ground floor dining room will be almost doubled in size by the creation of an orangery style extension at the front of the building to provide a light and airy combined lounge and dining area on the ground floor. Most of the pre-existing bedrooms will be upgraded with new en-suite wetrooms.

Local building firm J D Roach are carrying out the work, which is scheduled for completion in the Autumn. The expansion will take the number of rooms from 30 to 35.

Owner Dr Kevin O’Sullivan said the work follows a previous expansion programme completed last year.

He added: “Our reputation for high quality care has led to more demand for places here.

Rather than taking on a second home, we have decided to capitalise on the existing infrastructure we have here.

“Remaining independent and not part of a group means we can concentrate on excelling at caring for people without the standardisation and bureaucracy of a larger organisation.”

The start of the new development work coincides with the launch of a new website featuring the variety of activities available for residents at the home.

A NEW purpose-built 60-bed care home for the elderly is close to being completed in Scunthorpe.

The new facility is being developed by local company Kapil Care Homes which already runs two other sites – Ascot House and Carisbrooke Manor – in the town.

The company’s third care home is due to open in July and contractors working on the site took time out to celebrate progress so far with a topping out ceremony.

Local talent and craftsmanship is being employed to develop the building.

It was designed by Scunthorpe architects C R Parrott Consultants Ltd and is being built by another of

the town’s firms, G S Kelsey Ltd. Managing director Sunil Kapil said: “We’ve been very lucky with the weather over the winter and we’re on schedule to complete the building by the end of June.

“The architects and the builders are doing a fantastic job and we’re really pleased with progress to date.

“It’s going to be a beautiful place to live – a care home which has truly been designed with the best interests of the people who will be living there in mind.”

Kapil Care Homes has been asking its residents for their ideas on what to call the new home and will announce the name that has been chosen shortly.

Tax reclaims for care home owners...

CAPITAL allowances are among the most valuable and least exploited methods of reducing property owners’ income tax or corporation tax liabilities.

Capital allowances arise from capital expenditure on purchasing or constructing a new property along with extensions and refurbishments.

We comprehensively survey the property which allows us to identify any qualifying items that, for numerous reasons, have previously not been claimed.

Don’t delay as the government are considering closing this opportunity for retrospective claims. Call now for your free appraisal.

Have you made a Vat reclaim? If you were operating between 1993 and 2002 call now to start making your claim.

We will quickly identify the validity of a claim without obligation. If it does not proceed there will be no fee.

Enquiries: Telephone 01246 293011 or visit www.salmon-business.com

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CARINGCOMMERCE

Extension creates 10 jobs AN East Anglian-based residential and nursing care home provider has launched a new 12-bedroom extension at one of its Norfolk sites.

An opening ceremony was hosted by the deputy mayor of Dereham Coun Linda Monument, with the assistance of Shipdham Manor resident Major Anthony Cox, 93, who has lived at the home for almost two years.

The £800,000 investment by owner Healthcare Homes sees the completion of a modern extension, which has been named Applegarth, enabling the home to now accommodate 42 residents.

A refurbishment programme has also been completed within the home to include the extension of the communal dining hall, a new modern entrance area, refreshed decoration and external landscaping.

Chief operating officer David Bates said 10 new jobs have been created. He added: “We recognised a growing demand for additional elderly and dementia residential care in the local vicinity and felt this modern extension would meet the needs of the community.”

Is your business structure causing excessive taxation liabilities?

By Tony Hornsby WE are coming across an increasing number of care homes whose current business structure is causing excessive taxation liabilities.

A common practice advised by many accountants and banks was to set up a limited company to trade the care home but maintain the ownership of the home in personal or partnership names.

There are a few issues with this structure, especially due to changes in the tax regime over the last three years.

The home being in personal or partnership names means that bank lending will also be in personal or partnership names. In order to make bank loan repayments, cash has to be extracted from the limited company, normally in the form of rent.

The rent that is withdrawn is assessable to income tax on an annual basis. The individual concerned may be pushed into higher rate income tax as a consequence of this rent before they have drawn a penny of disposable income.

This becomes of particular concern due to the changes to income tax rates in the last few years. Due to the withdrawal of an individual personal allowance on income over £100,000 the rate of tax on income between

£100,000 and £114,950 is 60 per cent.

Therefore, by withdrawing rent from a limited company at a level to satisfy bank repayments, this may cause personal drawings to be taxable under income tax thresholds at this rate.

Also, due to changes made to taxing capital gains in the last few years, this structure causes excessive capital gains tax liabilities on eventual disposal.

Capital gains tax rates and reliefs were amended in 2008 affecting the sale of a care home owned in personal or partnership names where a market rent is received. The seller no longer receives entrepreneurs’ relief on the capital gain for the time period April 2008 – sale date.

This is because HM Revenue and Customs now class the asset as an investment asset rather than a business asset. Hence, for the time period April 2008 – sale the rate of capital gains tax would be 28 per cent rather than 10 per cent for an asset under this structure.

If you own a care home in the above structure I would advise immediate action is taken to avoid on going and future excessive tax liabilities.

Trading as a partnership or sole trader The increase in income tax rates makes trading as a partnership or sole trader even less attractive than it

Tony Hornsby was previously.

If you are currently trading as a sole trader or partnership all of your profits are taxable under income tax rates. As explained above, profits between £100,000 and £114,950 are taxed at 60 per cent rather than corporation tax rates at 20 per cent.

Tony Hornsby is senior associate, head of corporate finance and care sector at Chesterfield based Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers.

MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham Daniel Kawczynski officially opened Coverage Care Services’ new central office at Allison House on Oxon Business Park. Coverage Care made the move after swapping offices with vehicle marketing company GRS, who had been operating on two sites on the Park.

Coverage Care chairman Kenneth Bean and chief executive David Coull with Daniel Kawczynski MP.

CARINGNEWS

Cath wins manager accolade at group’s awards ceremony

By Dominic Musgrave MELBURY Court’s Cath Winning was named manager of the year at a North East care group’s awards ceremony.

More than 200 staff from Helen McArdle Care joined together at the event, which was presented by local personality Steve Walls, with categories covering care, catering, housekeeping, nursing, activities and management.

Helen McArdle, chairman and founder of the group, said: “Over the last 25 years we have won many national and regional awards for the care that we provide in our homes, and while these awards are very special to us, they couldn’t be won without the dedication, care and motivation of our staff. We decided that this year we would hold our own awards so that we could personally honour the staff that make us the company that we are.”

Residents, family members, healthcare professionals and staff nominated those they thought

deserved to win an award. Senior managers at the company then shortlisted the nominees down and staff were invited for interviews to determine the winners.

Other winners: Care home of the year – Greenways Court (Consett); Head of care/deputy manager – Judith Tulley (Sheraton Court, Hartlepool); Nurse – Chris March (Redesdale Court, North Shields); Senior carer – Marie McCaffrey (Needham Court, Jarrow); Care assistant – Jackie Kitching (Sheraton Court, Hartlepool); Catering team – John Crisp and team (Melbury Court); Housekeeping team – Neil Lafferty and team (Redesdale Court); Home administrator – Pat Hampton (Greenways Court); Maintenance person – Peter Cool; Activities coordinator – Richard Dobinson (Foxton Court); Helen’s recognition award – Lynne Gray (head of strategic development); Home support assistant – Rochelle Monte; Life Begins employee – Steven Anderson (Life Begins at Kirkwood Court, Kenton).

A Berkshire extra care scheme has won a national Housing Innovation Award.

Alexandra Place in Woodley, which consists of 64 one and two bedroom apartments for the over 55s, was awarded the prize for ‘Most Innovative Supported/Sheltered Housing Scheme’ at a ceremony held at the Gloucester Hotel in London. It was developed through a partnership with Wokingham borough council, Central & Cecil, Catalyst Housing Group, Housing 21, Leadbitter Group and PRP architects. Central & Cecil manage Alexandra Place, with Housing 21 providing the care.

Central & Cecil scheme manager Claudette Campbell is pictured with the award and Alexandra Place residents Carol Lucas and Betty Macbeth.

Have you got a story for Caring UK? If so, let Dominic Musgrave know by calling 01226 734407 or email dm@scriptmedia.co.uk

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CARINGDEMENTIA

A new £5m national centre of excellence for dementia care is to open later this year in Harrogate.

Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Home to ‘challenge thinking’ VIDA Healthcare, the company behind plans for the new 70-bed facility, says it will challenge current thinking on all aspects of dementia care, particularly in such areas as design and day-to-day care.

Work is underway on Vida Hall ahead of its autumn opening and the company is currently finalising exciting plans for the home, which will cater for all aspects of dementia care, including day care, respite and permanent residences.

In particular, it intends to create a best practice working environment that will be a model for care homes in the future, by improving long term wellbeing and promoting freedom of choice.

Vida Healthcare is part of Harrogate-based property and healthcare organisation, The Rycroft Group.

Run by father and son team, Chris and James Rycroft, the duo were responsible for creating 100 new jobs and a new era in healthcare provision locally when they built Belmont House at Starbeck.

Managing director James said: “We want to create a bespoke, state-ofthe-art facility that will embrace a new era in dementia care and challenge current practices.

“As a privately-owned company,

An artist’s impression of Vida Hall.

Vida Healthcare healthcare director Bernadette Mossman with The Rycroft Group managing director James Rycroft and chairman Chris Rycroft. with a background in taking exciting new products to market, we believe we are best placed to create a dynamic and innovative environment for both residents and staff, as well as ensuring our very high quality standards are met going forward.”

To oversee development plans, Vida has appointed Bernadette Mossman to the role of healthcare director. An

experienced healthcare professional who started her career as a community psychiatric nurse in Glasgow, Bernadette boasts over 23 years’ experience in both public and private sector roles.

She was formerly regional manager at a UK-wide operator with over 400 care homes, where she was responsible for managing 10

comprising 450 personnel and 300 beds.

With a passion for improving standards in the sector, 12 years ago Bernadette established Granby Rose, a specialist dementia care facility in Harrogate and achieved the coveted Pearl award care standard in just four months, a feat normally expected to take around a year.

“As well as developing links with leading research establishments and mental health groups, we will create an outstanding home for dementia sufferers by working with cutting edge special, environment and design experts,” she added. “We will also be responding proactively to the latest research addressing the overprescription of antipsychotic medication for people with dementia and will demonstrate that there are better alternatives.”

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CARINGDEMENTIA

Chefs invited to give recipes a try A SURREY home specialising in dementia care is inviting budding chefs to try their hand at a collection of recipes aimed at boosting cardiovascular health after new research has found having a healthy heart can help prevent dementia in later life.

The Royal Alfred Seafarers Society, which provides dedicated accommodation to retired seafarers and nonseafarers, is urging people to take care of their hearts after a recent study found those who are obese in middle age are four times more likely to develop dementia in their later years.

To promote the importance of maintaining a healthy heart, chefs from the Society kitchen have produced a collection of recipes in the spirit of ‘Healthy Hearts, Healthy Minds’, available free to download from the website and packed full of heart and mind boosting ingredients

from sea bass to spinach.

Commander Brian Boxall-Hunt OBE, chief executive of the Society, said: “Dementia can be a really devastating disease, particularly for the friends and family of sufferers who have to witness the gradual deterioration of their loved ones, so any steps that can be taken earlier in life to reduce the chance of developing the disease should be made.

“It has long been thought that what is good for the heart is good for the mind, however this new research published by ‘Neurology’ has found this is actually the case.

“We’ve therefore created a collection of recipes available for people to download from our website that are designed with some of the best nutrients and vitamins to promote cardiovascular health. We hope people will enjoy them.”

The Mayor of Gateshead officially opened a new dementia unit at Wallace House care home in Dunston, by unveiling a plaque with a former mayoress. Iris Johnson, who was married to Alf Johnson when he was mayor of the town between 1979 and 1980, lives at the home and will be moving into the new unit opened by coun Joe Mitchinson. The dementia unit called Ravensworth Suite was named by the residents after the road the home is situated on. Having a dedicated dementia unit allows Wallace House, part of Bondcare, to provide care for 22 residents living with all levels of the condition. It has been fully refurbished with specialist dementia service in mind including coloured doors, themed corridors, meaningful pictures and clear signage.

The unit is headed by award winning Karen Williams, who is pictured above with Iris and Joe.

Sally launches university’s new home design guide BROADCASTER and writer Sally Magnusson officially launched the Dementia Services Development Centre’s virtual dementia-friendly home design guide at the University of Stirling.

During the launch she spoke about her personal experience of caring for her mother who has dementia. She also highlighted the work of the centre and the new online guide which can be used to design environments specially to support people living with the condition.

At the centre there are demonstration rooms where visitors can see dementia-friendly design in action.

Around 1,000 people per month come to visit the Centre to view these rooms. The new online guide will allow people from around the globe to access the information and share good design in dementia care.

Centre director, professor June Andrews, said: “The new online resource means that people will no longer have to come to us to see how to design for dementia – now they can access that information from wherever they are and start making things better straight away.

“This is about changing the lives of people with dementia. We are proud to be at the forefront of that.”

Lindsay Duncan from First Garden City Heritage Museum with Freeman House activities organiser Alison Tingle, resident Rose Crimmin and textile artist Sally Cooke.

Care home and museum work on memory project A LETCHWORTH care home has joined forces with a nearby museum for a reminiscence project.

Quantum Care’s Freeman House has been working closely with First Garden City Heritage Museum to create a multi textural/sensory reminiscing blanket that, after being on display at the museum, would reside at the home.

Alison Tingle, a member of the care provider’s activities team, said it will be used by all residents to provide stimulation and to prompt and share further memories.

She added: “Not only is everyone delighted with the end result, which will continue to provide interest to many future residents, the whole process has also given great pleasure to many.

“The creation of the blanket and the

project behind it was a great success in terms of the finished article and the opportunities it created for reminiscence as well as helping to encourage the residents at Freeman House to get further involved in arts and crafts at the home.”

The museum received a small grant to fund the project, and the first stage of it was to run reminiscing sessions, both in groups and on a one-one basis, using archives of Letchworth to gather people’s places of interest in the town and their memories of them.

By Christmas everyone had a good idea of locations and the stories that they wanted to map onto the blanket.

From January onwards Sally ran craft sessions during which residents created many of the items that can be seen on the blanket.

Art work created in pilot project goes on display ART work produced as part of an innovative pilot project to improve the well-being of people living with dementia in Shropshire has gone on display.

Accord Housing Association’s Millbrook Day Centre was chosen by Telford and Wrekin council to run a £1,700 therapeutic art project for people with the condition, which affects approximately 4,500 people across the county. Millbrook, which caters for 75 people a week, worked closely with Birmingham-based community artist Mark Riley to run two art classes every week for five weeks.

The art work, which includes drawings, paintings, mosaics and clay sculptures, has gone on show for the local community, friends and family of those who use the day centre.

Nicola Atwell, a support worker at Millbrook, said art is a valuable tool

in supporting people with dementia and can alleviate some of the symptoms associated with the condition, such as problems with speech and understanding.

She added: “The project has been a great success and has achieved so much more than some lovely art work.

“It has helped to spark conversations and draw out memories that until now have been locked away because of the impact that dementia has on speech and understanding.

“We have never heard our service users laugh so much and they have really enjoyed the processes involved in making art, from drawing and painting to simply arranging things on paper.”

Millbrook is managed by Accord Housing Association, which is part of the Accord Group.

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CARINGHOMECARE

Provider’s new services to create 50 jobs AN established family run care provider is set to open its doors across Worcestershire and Herefordshire, bringing around 50 jobs to the area.

Key Staff is registered with Worcestershire county council to provide care workers to elderly and vulnerable adults across the two regions.

The new service will provide homebased support for a wide range of people including those with physical and/or learning difficulties and people with mental health problems.

Services range from light housework, shopping and pension collection to helping people to get up, washed and dressed, assisting with meal preparation and helping with medication.

The focus is on support for the individuals to encourage and enable them so that they may complete practical and personal care tasks in their own homes.

The company is already one of the largest nursing staff providers across the Three Counties; along with providing domiciliary care across Gloucestershire.

Over the last 10 years, Key Staff has established a reputation for delivering highly efficient specialist nursing including paraplegic, tracheotomy

and palliative care.

Registered manager Stephen Huckerby said: “We are really looking forward to providing reliable, first class care to people in the community.

“Our highly trained staff will be delivering a number of specialist services both privately and in partnership with the local authority and Primary Care Trusts.

“Our care workers are handpicked for their personality, skills, abilities and values. They then receive a training package through our independent training centre; one of the key aspects which I believe sets us apart from other care providers.”

Twenty people have already been employed across Gloucestershire since the beginning of the year and Key Staff is looking to increase that number dramatically across Worcestershire and Herefordshire in the coming months.

Stephen added: “Our aim has always been to develop into the leading provider of care across the Three Counties, and having spent 10 years building a reputation for providing the highest standards in staff provision and delivery of care, we feel the ingredients are now in place to fulfil this aim.”

Home Instead Senior Care Barnet directors Diana and Dale Bevington and care manager Moira Fullagar with HC-1 chairman and award judge Dr Chai Patel and Ruby Wax.

Top award for Barnet firm HOME Instead Senior Care in Barnet has been named care team of the year at the 2012 Independent Specialist Care Awards.

Dale and Diana Bevington, owners of the franchise, along with their care manager Moira Fullagar, received the accolade at the London Marriott Hotel hosted by comedian and entertainer Ruby Wax. The award is given to the individual or team which shows excellence in delivering high quality, responsive,

reliable and personalised home care services at a cost which is acceptable to the customer.

Dale said: “Diana and I are so pleased that the whole team’s hard work has been recognised by this prestigious award, and we would particularly like to thank all of our caregivers whose dedication and professionalism is the source of our success.

“Every day they are visiting our clients making a real difference.”

Caremark (Oldham and Tameside) directors Helan Graham and Stephanie Doherty (pictured above) picked up the business start up award at the fourth annual One Oldham Business Awards ceremony. The awards are given in recognition of business achievement and excellence among companies in the Oldham Metropolitan Borough, whether it is for innovation, creation of wealth in the area, inspirational leadership or good practice in people management, skills development or environmental projects.

Caremark provide personal care, domestic support and companionship services to adults living in the region.

Managerial role for Jenny MANORCOURT Homecare in Thetford has appointed a new manager with more than 30 years’ experience in the care profession.

Jenny Daynes has taken the reins at the office at the Keystone Innovation Centre, overseeing domiciliary care in Thetford, surrounding villages and parts of Suffolk.

She returns to the care sector after a number of years working as a project

manager at the Diocese of Norwich.

In addition to management skills, Jenny brings a vast knowledge of residential, hospital and home care to her new role.

She said: “My main aims as manager are to form relationships with local organisations, increase our client base and continue to provide quality care to those in need.”

Westward open new apartments at home A WEST Yorkshire care provider has adopted a ground-breaking solution at one of its Leeds facilities.

Eight new ‘extra care plus’ apartments have opened at Westward Care’s Pennington Court facility in Beeston, which have been designed to provide a fully funded alternative to going into full-time care for people who need more than two hours of care and support a day but would like to retain some independence.

People can rent one of the apartments and have a personalised package of care and support built around their specific needs.

Add on services such as cleaning, laundry, meals, activities, accommodation services, hairdressing and alternative therapies can be accessed as required.

Care and support services are funded through a ‘personal budget’, with accommodation and additional services made up of housing benefit, state pension, disability allowances, attendance allowances, and any personal pension.

Managing director Peter Hodkinson said: “Everyone wins with this kind of provision. Our residents have access to better surroundings and a more flexible and personalised package of care.

“Social services pay less than if the resident were in full-time residential care or receiving homecare from

One of the eight new apartments that Westward Care has opened at its Pennington Court site. external carers.

“For us as a business it makes little difference in that we still get paid to care for each resident, however, from a professional point of view the outcome is much better for the resident in that we are providing a more appropriate level of care for each individual.”

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CARINGPRODUCTNEWS

Medicare launches new system OVER the past two years Medicare has helped the charity Lost Chord with their work in providing music therapy to sufferers of dementia.

In that time we have learned a great deal about the disease and the care provision necessary to protect those suffering from it.

Like every illness dementia affects its victims in different ways and at varying degrees of deterioration.

With this in mind we have developed a unique call system that allows the user to set an automatic call facility tailored to the individual requirements of each resident.

In bedroom one Jack is at risk if he leaves his bed or chair unattended.

The system is set to alert care staff

as soon as he gets up. This alert is different to a standard call from the nurse call system; it tells staff immediately that Jack has not just pressed the buzzer for a cup of tea.

He is actively getting up and they need to respond quickly to prevent him from falling.

Next door in bedroom two Annie is capable of using her en-suite unaided and care staff do not need to know when she is walking around except at night when she sometimes becomes a little disoriented.

Therefore the system is configured to automatically alarm for Annie if she is out of bed between 10pm and 6am.

Jean in bedroom three has a care

Cutting costs the Gompels way THE Heritage Care Group – a charitable service provider for learning disabilities, older people and mental health – recently cut their paper disposable costs by 29 per cent a year after using Gompels HealthCare Ltd’s cost control analysis service.

On top of the large savings on budget, Heritage Care will also benefit from a 22 per cent reduction in the number of boxes they need to order – reducing the deliveries and amount of packaging waste generated will considerably reduce Heritage Care’s carbon footprint.

Area manager Glyn Renn said: “Gompels’ cost control reports provided all the evidence I needed to cuts costs.

“Many of our sites use C fold hand towels because they always had. The problem with C fold towels is that they tend to come out in clumps causing real waste.

“The reduction in waste also saves staff time because the dispensers don’t need to be refilled as often. The additional time can now be used for other janitorial tasks.”

Gompels, supplier of disposables to thousands of care homes in the UK, recommended switching to a new hand towel in order to get the best value for money.

Because the new hand towels come out as a single towel, staff and service users no longer pull out five or six when they dry their hands.

Lowering rates of falls PATIENTS safety is the highest priority for healthcare providers.

The problem of patient falls in care is growing, particularly in elderly care and mental health. Falls prevention systems, most commonly bed and chair sensor systems, are used to provide peace of mind to patients, carers and family.

The SensorCare bed and chair systems are place discreetly beneath the patient’s mattress and chair cushion; when the patient vacates the bed or chair without assistance, the system audibly alarms informing the carer that the patient is at risk and is

in need of immediate assistance.

The carer using the SensorCare system is allowed the freedom to continue with their daily tasks while still providing the highest and most vigilant level of care.

The SensorCare falls prevention system can be used as a stand alone unit, with a paging system giving the carer additional freedom or through integration with existing nurse call.

The pressure sensing panels are made from robust stainless steel and are fully protected with antimicrobial silver treatment, reducing the risk of cross infection.

Armstrong service tops for Chestnut View THE laundry in Chestnut View is extremely busy.

There are 60 residents and the laundry handles everything for the entire home including residents’ clothing, all linen for the residents and the dining room, kitchen cloths and uniforms.

The laundry works seven days a week, running all day plus two or three extra loads each night “Our machines have come from several suppliers, including the Primus FS13 Armstrong installed last year which is doing a great job for us,” said hospitality manager Jacqui Butler.

“There is a big difference in the standards of support we receive and Armstrong gets 10 out of 10 – their service has been consistently excellent over several years and when you’re as busy as we are, that’s very important.”

Enquiries: For further information contact Armstrong Commercial Laundry Systems, Ampere Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2AE, telephone 01635 263410 or fax 01635 32434.

plan which includes giving her medication every four hours.

She can walk around unaided but if she is not back in her chair within 10 minutes the care manager would like someone to check on her.

Her call point is configured to only call if she is not back in her chair (or bed) after 10 minutes and every four hours a reminder call is sent out for her medication.

Further, carers do not have to remember to turn the sensors on because the system is intelligent enough to know when the resident is sitting down or lying in his bed and it automatically goes in to monitoring mode.

This ability to set the system up for

the needs of each resident is designed to improve care response at the times it is really needed while giving more capable residents greater freedom.

Agecare provides the winning formula IN the competitive equipment and servicing sector, finding a trustworthy supplier who will save you both time and money can be fraught with challenges.

Agecare Eastern spotted the lack of affordable specialist support back in 2000, and since then has developed a reputation for excellent service, economical, high quality products and a flexible, customer focussed approach.

Managing director Nick Langford said: “Agecare has worked hard to separate itself from the rest of the pack. Like many of our competitors, we sell a huge selection of great value new equipment to the nursing home

and care sector, something we have built an excellent reputation for.

“What makes us stand out from the competition though is that we can adapt our offering, according to what it is that a customer really needs.

Often we are able to refurbish existing equipment for our clients at a fraction of the cost of new.

“We have a team of highly trained and experienced engineers who are fully insured to carry out servicing and repairs, as well as Loler inspections and testing, and in our workshop we provide a range of services from re-gelling baths, to refurbishing hoists, beds, chairs and other equipment.”

Company enhances website LEADING healthcare furniture and equipment manufacturer James Spencer & Co Ltd has further enhanced its website to make product selection easier than ever for the firm’s growing customer base.

At the same time, the company has launched a third edition of its muchpraised eco friendly online Professional Buyers Guide – now some 420 pages in size, together with a paper Product Reference Guide designed to help customers with the transition from traditional catalogues to digital editions.

Chairman Richard Spencer said the company has introduced two new

sections – ‘Pressure Relief’ and ‘Community’ – plus a revamped fabrics section featuring modern, comfortable fabrics purpose designed for healthcare use.

He added: “Due to customer demand, we decided to move all our pressure relieving products into one section to make selection simpler.

“The new ‘Community’ section features a plethora of low cost products, including an economically priced bariatric range, all of which offer real value for money, particularly during these hard economic times.”

Firm unveils latest products GAINSBOROUGH Specialist Bathing will be showcasing a host of enhancements on all products available within the company’s extensive portfolio at the annual Naidex exhibition.

A range of sensory options including a sound system, a spa system and chromotherapy are available on their wide range of baths including the Malvern and the Paediatric Ascot bath, which will both be on show.

Managing Director Gordon Farmiloe said: “Bathing is such an important part of daily living and yet

this is one area that can be difficult for carers.

“Sanitaryware that is not fit for purpose can make it hard to handle a patient safely and comfortably, which can be stressful. The result is that bathing, which should be relaxing and enjoyable, often becomes a headache for all concerned and a traumatic experience.

“We believe firmly that bathing should firstly be safe for both the carer and user and make handling and transfer into the bath as easy as possible and secondly, provide an enjoyable experience.”

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CARINGNEWS

Home hits right note at opening

A Moulin Rouge-themed charity ball organised by care provider Balhousie Care Group has raised a record-breaking £40,598 for Children’s Hospice Association Scotland.

Around 250 people attended the event at Dundee’s Landmark Hotel, which was hosted by comedian Bobby Davro and local radio DJ Stuart Webster. All the money raised is to be donated to CHAS, to support its work providing the only hospice services in Scotland for children and young people with life-shortening conditions. A further donation of almost £56,000, which was raised by Balhousie Care Group over the past year, was also handed over to the charity on the night.

Bobby Davro is pictured with CHAS fundraiser Rachel Cheer and Tony Banks, chairman of Balhousie Care Group.

£1m refurbishment complete A FRASERBURGH care home has been transformed after a £1m refurbishment to meet the needs of its residents.

Meallmore has revamped the original premises of Glencairn Lodge, modernising the building's entrance, all public rooms, kitchens and private bedrooms. The project forms part of a £15m investment programme by one

of Scotland’s leading care provider.

The refurbishment, which includes a hairdressing and beauty room, two activity rooms and additional office space for staff, was carried out in five phases over the last year.

The group is also building a new £9m flagship private care home – expected to be the country’s finest – in Bearsden, Glasgow.

MUSIC students from Walsall College entertained guests at the opening of a specialist residential care facility for people with dementia.

The Water Mill, which was built in a partnership between Housing 21, the local borough council and Willmott Dixon, was officially opened by mayor, Coun Garry Perry, who presented residents and staff with a commemorative plaque.

Providing 30 residential places and 10 respite places as well as day care facilities for people aged 55 and over, The Water Mill is Housing 21’s first specialist residential facility for people with dementia and is built on the ‘cluster’ principle to create small family environments for residents.

The scheme is divided into four ‘houses’ each with 10 en-suite bedrooms, a communal living room with kitchen and dining area, a laundry room, assisted bathroom and quiet room.

Mary Bryce, regional services director for Housing 21 said: “Since residents started to move in a year ago they have all settled really well and become actively involved in the running of their individual houses, taking on cleaning and cooking chores and engaging with one another.

“They have also integrated with the local community, enjoying shopping trips and eating out. This scheme brings significant benefits, both to

Resident Joe O'Brien with mayor Garry Perry and resource centre manager Kathleen Davies. the residents and their family members.”

The scheme’s facilities also include a hairdressing salon which is open to the public, mini-café that serves drinks and snacks for visitors and staff and a 1950s reminiscence room that triggers past memories and prompts discussion.

The scheme also boasts day care facilities, business offices, a guest suite, meeting rooms and consulting suite.

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Jubilee fever hits Grahame Gardner Ltd TO mark the auspicious occasion of the Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, Grahame Gardner has launched a new scrub top – emblazoned with the Union Jack.

In environments where bunting is impractical, this top enables the wearer to celebrate the Jubilee while carrying out their daily duties.

The unisex loose fitting top has two convenient hip pockets and a red, white and blue contrast collar. Produced in poly-cotton, comfortable to wear and very easy to care for plus customers can also choose to enhance the garment with the addition of embroidered badges or logos.

The limited edition Jubilee Top is now available on the Grahame Gardner website (www.grahamegardner.co.uk) for only £19.95 plus VAT in two sizes (small/medium and large).

Eddie’s knowledge and expertise second to none EMANUEL A Dribble, better known in the business transfer market as Eddie Dribble, has been in the care home transfer agency business for around 40 years.

His extensive knowledge and expertise is second to none in negotiating a satisfactory conclusion for many long standing clients In 1972 he founded and subsequently developed the care home division, of the then national transfer agents Luxton and Lowe Limited. Since that time he has personally travelled the length and breadth of the British Isles inspecting and evaluating every type of care home.

No matter what size and what cost he has negotiated sales to a range of buyers, which include large companies and single private individuals.

He has established a reputation throughout the industry which provides a truly personal service, always remaining fully confidential.

Luxton and Lowe Limited were taken over in 1991 by a large London property agent. At this time to keep the personal service and confidentiality, which was also his strict code of practice, Eddie decided he needed to form his own private transfer agency to continue to provide a high quality individualistic service.

Since this time he has continued to serve the industry with his own brand of personal and confidential negotiations and keep his commission rates at a competitive level. To this day care homes of every size and description and in every location are continuously required for a list of carefully vetted applicants.

Enquiries: Telephone 020 8942 0852.

Enquiries: For further information refer to the website or call 0116 255 6326.

Maddie: A modern classic by Knightsbridge Furniture COMBINING classic workmanship with modern styling, Maddie is a timeless new range of seating created by Knightsbridge Furniture to enhance bedrooms, dining areas and public zones within care homes and residential facilities.

Based on traditionally-jointed frames in solid timber and distinguished by softly rounded backs, Maddie includes upright chairs with open or upholstered arms, versatile armless chairs and comfortable armchairs in both compact and easy versions. All can either be fully upholstered – in fabric or faux leather – or feature show-wood in complementary Cherry, Natural Beech, Bleached Beech, Wenge, Walnut or Oak. The Maddie range demonstrates the balance of traditional craftsmanship, advanced manufacturing technology and design innovation which Knightsbridge has maintained during 75 years of supplying the furnishing needs of the care sector.

All models in the portfolio conform to BS EN 15373:2007 (strength, durability and safety) and BS 4875:2006 (strength and stability) and are manufactured in the UK using timber from renewable sources.

Enquiries: Call 01274 731442, email enquiries@knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk or visit www.knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk

Energy efficient kitchens from PKL LEADING portable kitchen and catering equipment hire specialist PKL launches its new eKitchens – helping reduce energy emissions and costs for care homes.

In a bid to become more environmentally friendly, PKL has made energy efficient improvements to some of its existing fleet of temporary kitchens to reduce energy consumption for its customers.

Improvements made to some of the fleet include a fully insulated roof and floor in each kitchen, a thermostatically controlled space heater and an energy efficient electric water heater. All kitchens also come with energy saving hints and tips.

Lee Vines, sales and marketing director at PKL, said: “We’re aware that these days it is important for us to enable our customers to reduce their energy usage and costs.

“With all the upgrades made to our eKitchens as well as the renewal of our IS014001 accreditation in December last year, we are hoping to show just how seriously we take our environmental responsibilities.

“The eKitchen can save over £350 per year in electricity alone when compared with our standard facilities.”

Leading care home operator chooses Dorgard DORGARD wireless fire door retainers have been chosen by leading care home operator Hythe Care Homes to protect staff and residents at the company’s three facilities in the Kent town.

The group offers the highest standards of nursing care to their elderly clientele, with safety and access a priority.

Dorgard enables fire doors to be legally and safely kept open as it allows the door to close when the fire alarm sounds, preventing the spread of fire and smoke.

Installed onto the bottom of the fire door in under five minutes, Dorgard listens for a continuous fire alarm of 65dBA or higher.

Features include: Wireless unit with fail-to-safe technology, improves access throughout buildings in line with the Equality Act 2010, complies with BS EN 1155 and accepted by the Fire and Rescue Service, available in a variety of colours and finishes, automatic night-time release facility, complies with BS 7273-4 category C, adjustable sensitivity and CE marked.

Enquiries: Call 0845 241 7474, email sales@firecoltd.com or visit www.firecoltd.com

Beaucare shower head cleaner BEAUCARE Medical Ltd’s new shower head cleaner is the ideal product to be used within cleaning and disinfection regimes in hospitals and care home premises.

Research suggests that water systems in such premises are at higher risk of contamination, principally affecting those who are susceptible to diseases as a result of age, illness, or suppression of the immune system.

In particular, shower heads can be a breeding ground for potential bacteria and fungi growth including Legionella. Our product includes disinfectant and descaler to kill bacteria growth or build up within the shower head.

We have an extensive hygiene and janitorial range providing a solution for all purposes, ensuring high levels of cleanliness and infection control.

Enquiries Call 01423 878899, email service@beaucare.com or visit our website at www.beaucare.com

Enquiries: Visit www.pkl.co.uk or call 0845 8404242.

Simple solutions

Leading risk management software supplier

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

DATIX is the leading supplier of patient and resident safety software for health and social care risk management, incident reporting and adverse events.

Datix gives care home managers the information they need to build a complete picture of risk in their organisation. Datix can help to improve safety for residents and staff, while reducing administrative overheads. From small care homes to large groups, Datix plays a key part in the corporate governance of the organisation.

Key features of Datix for social care include: Management dashboards which display information on the organisation’s risks in a clear, simple format.

Sophisticated alerting mechanisms that give care home managers early warning of potential trouble spots.

Flexible views of risk management information, allowing risks to be shown by particular care home, department or even an individual resident.

Security of access to information, restricting managers to viewing only data that is relevant to their care home or area of interest.

Enquiries: Contact 020 8971 1971 or email info@datix.co.uk

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Samsung trials new product in homes

By Dominic Musgrave A NEW product that integrates a patient record system and nurse call alarm system is being trialled at several care homes.

Launched at the recent Care Show in Bournemouth, ‘Samsung Care’ has been developed by Samsung Electronics, GHM Communications and nurse call experts Courtney Thorne.

By using the system with a Samsung Galaxy Tab, carers will be able to access patient records and information at the point of care. Any nurse call alerts will also be sent to the Galaxy Tab and the relevant information for that patient such as medication, history and relatives’ contact details will be immediately shown.

Graham Vickerage of Courtney Thorne said the integrated solution

reduces the number of devices that a carer needs to carry, while increasing the information available at a touch of a button.

He added: “This is the first time there has been a true convergence of all patient information to a single device at the point of care. The technology is a good five years ahead of anything already on the market.”

Eastleigh Care Homes is one of the groups taking part in the trial on one of the floors at its newly opened state-of-the-art home in South Molton.

HR business partner Kirstie Barnes said: “Samsung are instantly recognised for their technological advancements and we are honoured to have the opportunity to be associated with the trial of this pioneering software. Samsung are keen to gain continual feedback on the progress of the trial and are very

open to suggestions for enhancements to their comprehensive care solution.

“It is certainly refreshing to find a software provider who is open to constructive feedback from those using the system on a daily basis and we have been very impressed with the system to date. As a business we have had computerised care software in place for over five years and have

found that other companies provide viable solutions however there are usually limitations for suggesting enhancements that match the UK market and the ever evolving care sector.

“Samsung’s impressive technology and customer focused approach to this new software should make them a very attractive option for care organisations in the UK.”

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