August 2009
incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector
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David taking legal advice over grade By Dominic Musgrave AN angry owner who spent £400,000 improving his Bradford care home says he is taking legal advice after his CQC star rating dropped from two to one. Crabtree Care Homes owner David Crabtree is appealing the grade following the inspection at Sunningdale, which saw the facility downgraded to an ‘adequate’ despite only being given a one star in one element of his report. He says this was down to his deputy manager failing to book some medication in correctly, and claims the lower grading could cost him up to £500,000 in lost revenue. David added: “The economic effect this rating will have on Sunningdale will be devastating, and the possible loss of referrals will mean loss of jobs and loss of investment for my residents. “If I ever looked at selling it I wouldn’t get what it is worth because any possible buyers would struggle to borrow the required money and would tell me that they are only buying a one-star home. “To me the three-star system doesn’t work. When I speak at conferences I
say that three stars is a bed and breakfast in Blackpool, so how can I be good in every element except one and only be one star.” He is now appealing to other home owners to call for the inspection process to be transformed. He added: “I am appealing for all home owners to get behind this because we don’t have to put up with this. There is enough of us say we are not putting up with it, and the system only works if we allow it to. “Only banks seem to look at star ratings anyway, but it will affect me because if I go to them and ask if I can borrow some money to invest in the home, they are likely to turn around and say they are not sure given that we are only ‘adequate’. “Social workers don’t look at the website with the reports on, and the local council does its own quality rating anyway. “And the head of social services at the council’s father is a resident in my home because they think it is so good.” I Do you agree with David that the system needs to change? Let Dominic Musgrave know by ringing 01226 734407 or email dm@whpl.net
Home opts for theme wings ...
Care home worker Luke Bolwell-Williams swapped catheters for the catwalk when he competed in the final of Mister Wales 2009. Luke, a carer at Luk Ros Bungalow in Blackwood, became a Gwent finalist before going on to strut his stuff against hunks from across the country. He said: “The other staff and relatives have been really supportive but I don’t think the residents really understood what was going on.”
A HAMPSHIRE dementia care home has themed its wings to help the residents identify where their bedrooms are. The staff at Birchy Hill near Sway have just completed the first wing, giving it a beach theme complete with the beach, Punch and Judy, sandcastles and beach huts. And activities organiser Heather Fleat, who came up with the idea, told Caring UK that work has begun on decorating the second section of the 70-bed home, which will have a garden theme. She added: “The wings were originally painted in the primary colours, but some of the residents were unsure about where they should go. We decided that it would help them if we redecorated the corridors with different scenes, still using bright colours, and hopefully it will help them to identify where they are better.”
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Policy is threat to care homes claims Forum By Dominic Musgrave THE Government’s policy of keeping elderly people in the community is threatening the future of a quarter of care homes in a seaside town, it has been claimed. Graham Greenaway, one of the founders of The Torbay Forum for Quality Care, says the region is facing a 'potential crisis' because the town’s Care Trust is so keen to keep elderly people in the community for as long as possible that homes will not be able to attract enough residents to survive. He told Caring UK that people need to understand that there is no way back once the care homes close their doors. Graham added: “Telling me that we need to keep people in their own home for longer is a bit like telling me the earth is round. I know it is not square or flat. “Myself and everyone at the forum are as keen as anybody to keep elderly people in their own homes for as long as possible, but what happens when they cannot look after themselves and need to move into care?
“The Trust generally does a very good job, but there seems to be a complete lack of understanding that once the occupancy of a care home drops below 85 per cent then some will go to the wall and won’t survive. Once these homes are gone they are gone.” Graham, who owns a home in the town and one in nearby Teignmouth, says the problem will only get worse because of the ever increasing ageing population in the region. He added: “The people coming to us are now a lot frailer, and the average age of people being referred to my homes has increased by five years in the last five years, with people now coming to us in their late eighties. “The number of people with dementia is also set to increase, and if the homes close there will be nowhere for them to go when they become too ill to be cared for at home, and are a danger not only to themselves but to the people around them.” I Do you agree with Graham? Let Dominic Musgrave know by ringing 01226 734407 or email dm@whpl.net
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Editorial
David Cameron held a question and answer session with residents, their families, friends and health professionals at a Norwich care home. The Conservative leader was also presented with a painting by resident Peter Pickard during his visit to The Warren.
Group Editor: Andrew Harrod Tel: 01226 734639 Fax: 01226 734478 Healthcare Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407
Company founder recognised at awards
Reporters: Christina Eccles Mary Ferguson Louise Cordell
THE founder of one of the country’s largest independent care home companies has been recognised at a Midlands awards ceremony. Surjit Singh Rai, who set up Rushcliffe Care, won the Business and Commerce category at the annual Lloyds TSB Jewel Awards, which celebrate the British Asian community. Judges included business entrepreneur and star of Dragon’s Den James Caan.
Group Deputy Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734458 Database enquiries to Tel: 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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£6k fine for home over frozen food By Dominic Musgrave A CWMBRAN nursing home has been fined £6,000 for freezing fresh food and failing to record when it was frozen. Abergavenny Magistrates’ Court heard Llanyravon Nursing Home kept food in the freezer which had exceeded its use-by date by up to three months and failed to record when it needed to be defrosted by. During a routine inspection on November 5 last year Torfaen Council food hygiene inspector Christine Smith found a packet of minced beef which had a use-by date of September 19, two packets of minced beef which had use-by dates of October 16, 15 mini cheese and onion rolls with a use-by date of August 7 and a packet of turkey breast meat with a use-by date of October 12. The foods were in the freezer and were ready for preparation for residents’ meals. The council’s head of trading standards Steve Whitehouse said: “This authority takes very seriously the supply/sale of food past its ‘use-
by’ date and the effect this can have particularly on the most vulnerable in our society. “The importance of this issue has been further highlighted by the Food Standards Agency campaign throughout Food Safety Week. Torfaen Council will work with businesses and give advice to consumers to ensure that the instances of food poisoning in the region are kept to a minimum.” The court heard the inspector asked the cook in charge what records existed to show when items had been frozen and when it was to be defrosted and she was told none were available. The staff used the Safer Food and Better Business leaflet as a guideline, which states food should not be used after its use-by date. The court heard the nursing home had stopped freezing food which had been bought fresh to prevent the offences re-occurring. Guilty pleas were entered on behalf of the home and it was fined £1,000 for each of the six offences. It was also ordered to pay £1,299 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
Home opened by oldest resident Elizabeth AN INNOVATIVE new care home for older people in Midlothian has been officially opened by its oldest resident. Elizabeth Turnbull, 99, cut the ribbon at the ceremony for Newbyres Village in Gorebridge, accompanied by Adam Montgomery, provost of Midlothian. The design for the home has taken inspiration from Midlothian’s village heritage and includes accommodation for 60 people within five ‘streets’ which lead from a central ‘village’ hub area. The space is designed to give the ambience of a street so that residents can have a sense of being
outdoors but still remain within a safe environment indoors. Coun Jack Aitchison, Midlothian's cabinet member for social work and health, said: “Midlothian Council wanted to ensure that this new home would be a state-of-theart response to the future care needs of older people in Midlothian. Therefore throughout the process of developing Newbyres, the residents, relatives and staff were kept informed and their views sought on the design. It has been very rewarding that the completed home has been so positively received as a safe and desirable home for residents.”
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Recession is blamed for deal collapse THE recession has been blamed for the collapse of the sale of six Leicestershire county council care homes. Last year, the council agreed to sell Catherine Dalley House in Melton, Hadrian House in Thurmaston, Huntingdon Court in Loughborough, Harvey House in Barwell, Kirby House in Kirby Muxloe and Woodmarket House in Lutterworth. Existing residents and staff would have been able to remain there. The sale to a not-for-profit consortium, made up of WCS Care Group Ltd and Housing Solutions Limited, was due to be completed last December. However, due to the recession, contract discussions have taken longer than expected and the consortium has now withdrawn its bid. Councillor David Sprason, cabinet member for adult social care, said: "The consortium that was due to be buying the homes has had to pull out because the banks are refusing to lend them the money, which was an integral part of the plans. “We are now going to have to reassess and are back where we were 18 months ago. The directors will
now look at the different options and make recommendations to myself and the rest of the cabinet in due course. Nothing has been ruled out at this stage, and the main issue is that we continue to provide quality care and meet the needs of future residents by developing new schemes.” The sale was due to save the council approximately £650,000, which David said who be found elsewhere in the short term, but that action on the homes would still be needed. He added: “In the short term we are fine and can fund it through the work that we have done with the WCS, who were due to be taking over the care. They have found some efficiency issues through working practices, which we will roll out through the county’s homes. We will also make savings through other areas of the budget, but long term we will have to do something.” If the council wants to try to sell the homes again, it must start from scratch, including a public consultation, which would make it next year, at the earliest, before a sale was agreed.
Romany with residents Julia Bateman and Ruby Keough
Romany shakes her tassels RESIDENTS and staff at a Walsall care home tried their hand at belly dancing after watching a show by an expert. Romany, whose real name is Marie Birch, from Cannock, performed a dance routine at Waters
Edge care home before helping the residents and staff to have a go themselves. Marie is the daughter of Kate Wingate, receptionist at the home, who asked if she would give the performance as a treat.
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Home owner Zoe thrives on being busy By Dominic Musgrave WHAT started as grandparents needing to move into a care home has become a business venture for Zoe Bates and her family. The qualified nurse who has much experience in NHS management lives, breathes and sleeps Valerie Manor in Brighton as the owner and manager who lives on site. The 17th century former manor, which was once visited by both Winston Churchill and Charles II, is home to 15 residents, with planning permission recently acquired for an eight-bed extension offering nursing. She said: “Valerie Manor was the first home we looked at. I grew up about 20 minutes away from here, but was working in London when we came up with the idea to buy a care home. “I did the business plan in July 2007 and by the September we had found this and that was it really. It is a beautiful setting and grade II listed building. “It has been a whirlwind of an 18 months. Since I have taken it over I have redeveloped all the policies and procedures at the home and the care plans. We have also had a bit of work done on the building, both externally and internally, including replacing all of the
Zoe Bates
Residents and staff enjoy the vegetable patch
carpets and refurbishing the bedrooms.” The home has received a series of accolades over the past few months, winning a healthy workplace award from the local council as well as being runners up in both the entrepreneurial and overall outstanding contribution categories at the RBS Allcora Excellence in Care Awards. She added: “I think part of the reason why we have been successful so far is that we have a great team, and we involve the
residents and their relatives in all of the decisions. “They will be part of the project group for the new extension, which we hope will start being built in October, and will choose the decor. “We have just set up an arts and crafts club at the home, and we hope the canvases that the residents are painting will be used on the corridors.” Despite her success, Zoe says there are no plans at the moment to purchase any further homes. She added: “When I first started I
thought it would be nice to have three or four homes, but I live on the site here and know exactly what is going. We have raised the standards and have a high class home, so I am happy here for the moment. “It has been a huge learning curve for us all. If you have a huge company you have people to develop things for you, but here I have had to call on my previous management experience and have done it all myself, which I have really enjoyed.”
Speakers being lined up for ECCA conference JEFF Jerome, national director for social care transformation, will provide the commissioner’s perspective on personalisation at the annual ECCA conference in November. Other speakers to be confirmed shortly for the event, which this year has been given the title ‘Up Close & Personal’ will include representatives from politics and a major care provider. Time has been set aside in the afternoon for a series of interactive seminar sessions in which delegates
can debate the issues raised by the speakers and receive practical advice on how best to meet the challenges of personalisation. The conference will also feature an exhibition of products and services from leading sector suppliers. ECCA chief executive Martin Green said: “This conference will set out a road map that shows how providers can deliver services which are fit for the aspirations and needs of people in the 21st century.” The event takes place on November 12 at the Holiday Inn in Bloomsbury.
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Let residents keep their pets – MP By Dominic Musgrave
The visitors went canoeing and horse riding
Residents go to the extreme ... TEN residents from a group’s care home enjoyed a week of canoeing, horse riding and archery when they went on an extreme sports holiday in Somerset. Organised by The Orders of St John Care Trust for the residents at its Wiltshire sites, it was the group’s third visit to the centre in Exmoor. Trip organiser Diane Bowden said: “It’s a great opportunity for some of our residents not only to have fun, but to challenge disability and
discover what they can do, in a safe and caring environment. A wonderful week was had by all, with everyone supporting and encouraging each other. Our residents will be talking about their adventures for weeks now back at the homes.” The holiday finished with a celebration of the residents’ achievements, with one being presented with the Geoffrey Millington award for greatest personal achievement.
ELDERLY residents in care homes should be allowed to keep their pets, it has been claimed. Labour MP Nick Palmer told the Commons there was no consistent policy on pets in care homes or sheltered accommodation. He told Caring UK that his Care Homes (Domestic Pets) Bill would mean there was a “basic presumption” that pets were permitted in all care homes subject to discussion. Nick added: “This is something that I have been thinking about for a while. I have come across a couple of cases recently, and when I looked into it I found that the problem was much more widespread. “The transfer of elderly people to care homes results in 38,000 pets being put down every year because there is no other option, with a further 100,000 having to be given up and put in rescue centres. “The decision to move into a care facility is a big one which is distressing enough as it is. The elderly person feels they are losing
contact with their previous life, and this is then reaffirmed by them having to give up their pet.” Nick said Britain should follow the leads of countries such as America, Germany, Switzerland, Greece and France, where legislation has been introduced to give people the right to keep their animals. He said: “Rather than a care home just saying no, I think they should have a checklist where they assess the practical issues involved with keeping a pet in the home. “This should include things such as who is going to pay the vet’s bills, whether the animal will be running around the home or staying in the resident’s room, the behaviour of the animal and whether it is going to need exercise and who is going to do it. I don’t have a problem if the home then says sorry they cannot accommodate the animal, but there are a lot of homes who simply have a blanket rules saying no pets.” His bill has had cross-party support from MPs including Labour former home secretary David Blunkett and Tory former minister Ann Widdecombe.
Home’s delight at accolade A CARMARTHENSHIRE care home has a new trophy to add to its awards cabinet having been recognised for its commitment to the disabled community. The accolade has been presented by Job Centre Plus to Hallmark Healthcare’s Cartref Annwyl Fan care home in Ammanford in recognition of its employment of disabled staff. It is only awarded to employers who are able to meet five key
objectives, while accredited employers must also go on to demonstrate that they are committed to not only the employment of disabled people, but also their personal development. Home manager Adele Williams said: “We work hard to support and develop all our members of staff – personally and professionally and we are delighted to have been recognised in this way.”
Mobile farm animals drop into meet care home residents A HOST of farmyard friends spread a little animal magic when they visited Balcombe care home. Cuddle-me-do Mobile Farm dropped in to Alpha Care Homes’ Russettings Care Home with a range of animals including goats, lambs, piglets, rabbits, chicks, owls and hedgehogs. The educational service, which operates throughout southern England, lets elderly residents experience the sights, sounds and feel of the farm in
the safety of the care home environment. The home’s activities coordinator Mandy Mulvaney said: “All the animals used for the visits are selected for their temperament and their welfare is always our paramount concern. “The farm was set up in the grounds of the home and some of the animals brought into the home to visit those who are unable to leave their rooms so that all the residents were able to benefit from the experience.”
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Life’s Swede for party residents PICKLED herrings, flower garlands and a Maypole are not the usual ingredients of a retirement home party. But residents at Priors Mead in Reigate enjoyed a Swedish-style summer party rather than the traditional barbecue. The idea is down to home manager Peter Granstrom, who misses his home town of Lund in southern Sweden so much that he decided to take a taste of it to work. He said: “There’s more to Sweden than flat-pack furniture and ABBA. We had pickled herrings and lots of other fish, traditional Swedish meatballs and a cross-shaped Maypole. “The summer solstice is a huge event in Sweden – it is bigger than Christmas. I thought the residents would be interested in tasting a bit of culture and getting in touch with their Swedish sides.”
‘Significant concerns’ lead to closure of care home A CARE home in Northampton has shut following “significant concerns” about the level of nursing care being offered to its elderly residents. Green Park Residential Nursing Home in Abington was closed after inspectors from the independent Care Quality Commission (CQC) expressed concerns for the wellbeing of its residents. The 17 elderly residents have now been placed in other homes in the area by officers from Northamptonshire County Council. In an inspection by the CQC in April this year, the home received a zero star rating. It is understood inspectors were initially concerned about health and safety at the premises but, on further inspection, they had concerns about the level of care its elderly residents were receiving and the ability of the management to respond to their
concerns. A spokesperson for the commission said: “Owners of the home, the Msaada Care Limited, informed the Care Quality Commission they wished to de-register its nursing category services at Green Park Nursing Home in Northampton. “We understand they then worked with the county council and primary care trust in the relocation of all the service users in Green Park from the home. The home's decision followed a key inspection by CQC in April. CQC gave the home a nil star rating after the inspection where a number of concerns were raised in relation to care practices.” A spokesperson from the county council said full care assessments for each person had been carried out to identify their needs so they could be moved to an appropriate accommodation.
He added: “Following significant concerns about both the level of nursing care being offered at Green Park Nursing Home and the nursing home's ability to respond to these concerns, the county council working alongside health colleagues took the decision to move residents to alternative accommodation. “All residents have now been moved. Although we recognise that this has caused some disruption to the people involved, we believe this action was essential to ensure they were being given the best possible level of nursing care. We have been working closely with the residents and their families wherever possible within the limited time frame to keep them informed and reassured of the reasons behind this decision.” Nobody from the Msaada group was available for comment.
Award for pioneering end-of-life project in Glasgow A PIONEERING project which has transformed the end-of-life care for residents and their families has won an award from the Scottish Social Services Council for the best partnership working in adult care services. Two Bupa facilities in Rutherglen in Glasgow teamed up with Marie
Curie Cancer Care and local GPs to raise greater awareness of palliative care, and give a greater say to the wishes of the individual at the end of their lives and support to their families. There are now plans to roll-out the programme further afield, with 12 of the group’s homes in Scotland
already in the process of introducing the approach known as the Liverpool Care Pathway 2. Liz McKeegan, the home manager at Rogerpark and Rowantree, added: “We have always been very passionate about the end-of-life care we provide. But caring for someone at this stage of life can be
incredibly challenging for the families and the carers, so we’ve always striven to constantly improve our care. “Through this extra training programme, all our staff have benefited from the relationship we’ve built with the nurses and local doctors.”
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40s’ display becomes a talking point A CLEVELAND care home manager has created a 1940s’ display to stir the residents’ memories. Damian Hunt says he has spent £2,000 on a variety of items after scouring the local charity and second shops as well as antique rooms, while many residents and their relatives have also donated memorabilia. The display features everything from German and British helmets, uniforms, medals, posters including the famous ‘Careless Talk Costs Lives’ message and furniture. He told Caring UK that the Second World War merchandise has become a real talking point in the home. Damian added: “A lot of our residents were involved in the war, and I was chatting to one of the old men when he brought out his old book, and it went from there. A lot of residents enjoy sitting in the area and reminiscing while listening to the radio we have which plays Churchill’s wartime speeches, or watching the videos of black and white RAF films. “It has only taken a few months to gather all of the bits and pieces we have in there, and the room is bringing back both good and bad memories. The uniforms have brought back a few bad memories of loved ones, but mainly the residents like to sit and talk about what they call the good old days.”
Family speaks out over care of elderly relative By Joanne Wright THE family of an 86-year-old woman who died following an accident in a Barnsley residential home where she had spent just one night have slammed the care of their elderly relative. Winifred Mitchell died in hospital on August 25 last year a week after falling out of a wheelchair at Valley Park Care Home from pneumonia and heart failure brought on by a broken hip, an inquest heard. Sheffield Coroner’s Court was told Winifred had only been at the care home for 24 hours when a senior care assistant left her in a wheelchair without the brakes on and she slipped out at around 8.30pm on August 16. The carer, Wendy Alexander, caught her and they fell to the floor together. The nurse on shift, Jane Bagnell, was called to check Winifred over and found no signs of injury despite the fact she had suffered a fracture to her right hip.
‘You put your loved one in someone else’s care and you think they will be safe, but less than 24 hours later my mum was in hospital’ bit anxious and shook up but when I asked if she was in pain she said it was no different to her usual arthritic pain. I didn’t think it was necessary to call a doctor or an ambulance. “Looking back I wish I had put the brakes on; it was a mistake.” An entry in the patient log following the accident said: “Winnie was constantly buzzing and screaming out in pain even though she was not being touched”.
Giving evidence Wendy said: “Jane checked her for shortening and rotation of the legs which are signs of broken hips but didn’t find anything.
But senior carer Gillian Haigh, who cared for her through the night, said she checked on her hourly and she was not screaming or in excessive pain.
“We put Winnie into bed, she was a
Winifred was admitted to hospital
at around 11am the following morning and medical notes seen by the pathologist show the shortening and rotation of her leg was “very apparent”. She was considered too ill for surgery and her condition deteriorated after she contracted pneumonia. She died a week later. Winifred was only going into the home for respite care for a couple of weeks while her daughter Pauline and her family went on holiday. Speaking after the inquest Pauline said: “She was such an independent and mobile lady, it was awful to see her die like that. “You put your loved one in someone else’s care and you think they will be safe, but less than 24 hours later my mum was in hospital. “If she was screaming in pain like it said in the log why wasn't an ambulance called sooner? I hope they learn something from their mistakes and that someone else doesn't die in this way. “If she hadn't gone there I'm sure she would have lived to see her first great-grandson who was born six weeks ago.” Deputy coroner Donald Coutts Wood recorded a narrative verdict.
Three stars for care centre
Staff celebrate the opening of the railway station
Staff get railway station plan on track CREATIVE staff at a Durham care home have transformed a disused hut in the grounds into a replica train station for the residents. Staff at Redworth House Nursing Home in Shildon converted the wooden structure behind the home into a place for residents to relive the town’s railway heritage. The facility includes a mock cafe which serves cream teas in good weather, a waiting area, luggage, and recordings of steam train sounds. Traditional posters, timetables and pictures have also been acquired from a local railway museum to decorate the walls, and the home’s day centre supervisor Darren Weston has even created working signals. Home manager Lynn Small told
Caring UK the new facility has proved popular with the residents. She added: “The wooden gazebo hut structure was built by the previous owners and we nicknamed it the cow shed. Nobody every went in there and it was really just a waste of space and money. “We thought about what we could do with it and came up with the idea of turning it into a mock railway station. The area is steeped in railway history and former wagon works used to run alongside the perimeter of the home. “It has taken a lot of work but it has definitely been worthwhile. We involved the service users in everything to do with the project, including choosing and planting the
flowers for the hanging baskets, and they really love it.” Lynnn said the home is now planning its next projects for the grounds, which include the creation of an allotment, beach scene and park area. She added: “We next want to build a beach area without the sand as part of the reminiscence programme for the residents. We have asked them what they remember from their holidays to inspire us. “A lot of residents also had allotments before they moved in here so we plan to create one for them complete with raised beds so that they can get involved with the planting of the vegetables and fruit.”
SANDON House Care Centre in Mossley has achieved an ‘excellent’ three-star rating following an unannounced day-long inspection. Manager Veronica Hibbert told Caring UK that the home’s success is down to “a wonderful and dedicated team”. She added: “It is not only the amount of training our team complete, it is the positive attitude to work they present. “We are going to work hard on retaining our excellent rating and ensuring that we continue to provide a service we can be proud of.”
Home opened RAF Brize Norton station commander Jon Ager opened a new care home in Oxfordshire. He was joined by mayor of Carterton Maxine Crossland and MHA Care group chief executive Roger Davies and chairman Brian Coldwell OBE and more than 150 guests at the event at The Homestead. RAF Brize Norton catering flight have adopted the home as their charity of the year and baked a special cake to celebrate the opening.
If you’ve got news for us call our healthcare editor Dominic Musgrave on 01226 734407 or email him on dm@whpl.net
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A care home manager's work and loyalty was celebrated at a company's annual award ceremony. Dominic Musgrave spoke to Jacky Beaumont about her career.
Jacky’s total surprise at award win THERE were two reasons for Jacky to celebrate at Quantum Care's celebrations. Her home, Providence Court, won the catering team award, but little did she know that she would get the main award of the night to celebrate her career. She has been the manager of the home for the past seven-and-a-half years, having previously worked at another of the group's homes and working in the care sector for more than 35 years. She told Caring UK magazine that she was shocked to receive the award from Shirlie Kemp, former pop star and wife of actor and Spandau Ballet star Martin. “I was absolutely delighted and very honoured to receive the award, which was a total surprise as I was there to support the staff I had nominated for another award. “I have never won anything like this before, and Shirlie Kemp was charming. She congratulated me on winning the award and said she was very happy for me. “I have always enjoyed my job and love caring for the elderly. I employed most of the staff that
work at the home, and we have a great team who are committed to offering good care to our residents." Jacky said the biggest change she has seen in the sector over the years has been in the conditions of the people that are moving into the home. She added: “I have always had an open door policy at the home and I try and get out as much as possible to speak to the residents. "But the residents we now have coming to the home are now very frail, which makes the caring much harder. “We have to understand how to care for people with dementia, and to do it with dignity and respect, whereas in the olden days that was not a part of it.” Other winners: Care newcomer – Tinashe Gurure (Freeman House); Carer of the year (nights) – Sherrie Gunn (Elmhurst), days – Lynn Parlour (Tye Green Lodge); Activity worker – Yvonne Wilkinson, Jane (Campbell House); Housekeeping team – Newhaven; Catering team Providence Court; Special recognition – Bulwer Lytton House, Nevetts; Grand
Jacky recieves her award from Shirlie Kemp champion of dementia care – Audrey Wilds (Hyde Valley House); Leadership – Mandy Liles
(Courtland Lodge); Outstanding contribution in supporting homes – Wendy Millar (Heath House).
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National Care Service options considered By Dominic Musgrave ELDERLY people could be forced to pay up to £20,000 under Government plans to fund end-oflife care. The compulsory insurance scheme is one of three options for funding a new National Care Service, designed to end the ‘postcode lottery’ of care services under which some elderly people have to sell their homes and use up most of their savings to pay for care, while others pay nothing. Speaking at the launch of the long-awaited Green Paper, Shaping the Future of Care Together, health
Dame Vera joins guests RESIDENTS at Sussexdown residential and nursing home in Storrington celebrated the 38th Operation Manna with the Royal Airforce Association (RAFA) Amsterdam branch and the annual cheesedrop. Dame Vera Lynn and the Netherlands ambassador Pim Waldeck, as well as residents at the Care South home, were among 170 guests who attended the annual event to see miniature Edam cheeses floating down on tiny parachutes into the home’s gardens. It celebrates the events of World War II when aircraft dropped food and provisions in the Den Haag and Rotterdam areas of the Netherlands which had been cut off by the German invasion. Director Richard Hawes said: “It will be a pity to see this event end which is steeped in history – due to lack of funds and membership of the Amsterdam branch – and we at Care South will do all we can to see that it carries on.”
secretary Andy Burham said he wanted to create a ‘system that’s fair, simple and affordable for everyone’. He added: “Everyone will come into contact with the care system at some point – whether it is ourselves or our families and friends.” Under the National Care Service, everyone would get some care for free, and Andy announced a ‘Big Care Debate’ consultation which will end in the middle of November on three possible solutions to the funding crisis. These include: A “partnership” approach, under
which the state would pay around a quarter to a third of the cost of basic social care and support, leaving individuals to find the remainder. A voluntary insurance scheme, under which the state would pay the same proportion, but would also make it easier for individuals to take out insurance – at an estimated cost of around £20,000 to £25,000 at today's prices – to cover the rest. Compulsory insurance for all who can afford it, meaning everyone who needs care will receive it free. The cost is estimated at between £17,000 and £20,000.
The National Care Service would offer assistance with needs like dressing, washing and moving around at home, but individuals who need to go into residential care would continue to pay the cost of accommodation and food themselves, whether they had taken out insurance or not. However, new national arrangements would allow for bed and board costs to be deferred and paid as a lump sum after the individual's death. Under all three options, those with little or no savings or assets would continue to receive free care.
‘No plans to change way homes are inspected’ THERE are no plans to change the way care homes are inspected in the near future, according to the head of the regulator. Baroness Barbara Young, chair of the CQC, which came into power at the beginning of April, told Caring UK that care homes will continue to be inspected in the same way as they were by its predecessor CSCI for the forseeable future at least. She added: “The CQC brought together three sets of inspection staff and three different ways of inspecting, and we will look at which models work and meet the needs best in due course. “The CSCI way of inspecting care homes does seem to bring with it as much consistency as is possible, and gives the local inspectors flexibility in the way they grade care homes. “The system must be working because very few care home operators ask for their ratings to be reviewed, and of those that do, very few get their rating changed. If
Baroness Barbara Young people genuinely feel that their inspector has not been consistent and that something is wrong then I would urge them to put forward their case.” Barbara added that, despite it being
early days, the CQC is already making changes, and is going to focus more on whether a person’s needs are being met. She added: “It is really early days and we have only just really got our hands on the staff, so I don’t envisage much change in the near future. “The big thing we are working on at the moment is the new registration system that we are putting in place, which for the first time will cover all health and adult social care services in England, whether they are public or independent. “We are also going to involve the people who use care services and their relatives much more in the work that we do. We will also speak to the families of those people who find it difficult to communicate, such as people with dementia.” I What do you make of the CQC’s first four months in charge? Let Dominic Musgrave know your thoughts by ringing 01226 734407 or email dm@whpl.net
Fun activities win national award for Matlock home A MATLOCK care home has scooped a national award for its fun-packed activities sessions which help improve residents’ quality of life. First Taste arts education charity trained staff at Tansley House Care Home in how to use games, exercises, arts classes and photography session to stimulate residents. And the successful scheme has helped the home win the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education’s National Group Award. Manager Beverley Windle told Caring UK the residents are happier, more alert, sleeping better, less isolated and more comfortable since the new classes were introduced. She added: “We have been working with First Taste for the last couple of years, and they come into the home and do lots of activities with the
residents. “They include metalwork, arts and crafts, music and gardening. First Taste nominated us for the award and we were shocked to hear that we had been shortlisted and had to go to a ceremony in London, which was attended by Princess Anne. “We were even more surprise when we were told that we had won at the event. It was a very humbling experience to sit and watch some of the other nominations.” Beverley says she and her team are always looking for new activities to introduce at the home, and often the residents will also suggest ideas. She added: “There is always something going on here. Some of the 19 residents join in with everything, while others will pick and choose what they would like to do.”
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CARINGNEWS
MP speaks out on social care THE Government should do more to ensure that elderly people can get access to the social care they need, it has been claimed. South West Norfolk MP Christopher Fraser told Caring UK that the situation would get worse and that the care system would not be able to cope effectively in future with the extra demands placed on it. He said: “At the moment, it is clear that our care system will not be able to cope effectively with the extra demands placed on it. “Research published earlier this month shows that almost two-thirds of local authorities rated as providing ‘excellent’ care at home are failing to provide any care at all to many older people who cannot carry out basic daily tasks.”
Boost for fund STAFF from The Hollies care home in Pontypridd climbed the Pen Y Fan Mountain in the Brecon Beacons and raised more than £130 for their residents’ fund. Six members of staff and a dog named Sandy climbed the 2,907 feet mountain in less than an hour to raise the money, which has been matched personally by Avnish Goyal, managing director of Hallmark Healthcare, who own the home.
Recently, Caring UK told how getting volunteers involved can benefit care homes. In a special follow-up Claire Smith, manager of Burnworthy House in Somerset, explains how they make volunteering work for them.
Vital role of helping hands I HAVE been the manager of a 37-bed care home for the last ten years and we first started recruiting and using volunteers in the year 2000. We pursued an active policy of never missing an opportunity to persuade a potentially promising prospect of a volunteer, using whatever talent or hobby they possessed, to join the team. We still have a few of the original recruits but have lost some along the way to ill health, advancing age and changes in circumstances. Over the years they have proved themselves to be an invaluable and irreplaceable resource, helping out in times of difficulty, sharing troubles and being a source of support and strength. On our team we have a nun from the local Franciscan Convent, a retired solicitor, engineer, nurse and
insurance expert and people who just wish to ‘put something back’ into society. In one case it was useful, to preserve one gentleman’s feelings, for him to be persuaded that he was coming into the home on extra days to volunteer with the residents, rather than his increasing frailty and need for extra day care to be highlighted. Three times a week we have volunteers who come to play the organ in the home and other volunteers devote visits to talking and listening to residents. Clearly volunteers must be vetted and there is a danger that the needy and unhappy are attracted to apply and may not be suitable in the setting. It is necessary and can be time consuming to always express appreciation to the volunteers for
their contributions but the satisfaction is often supplied by the resident themselves by a smile, laugh or embrace. To have a volunteer policy is essential and for brief health and safety and fire training to regularly be offered. Occasional formal meetings should be held so that issues can be explained and discussed, keeping channels open is so helpful in the maintenance of good relations and to avoid misunderstandings. But too much paperwork and formal meetings will prevent the volunteers doing what they do best – spending time with the residents. We always remember to invite our volunteers to any functions at the home and ensure each one receives a thank you Christmas card and bottle of wine. It’s a small gesture to demonstrate a big debt of gratitude.
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CARINGINFECTION CONTROL/SAFE HANDLING
Knowledge set boost for employers SKILLS for Care have created ‘knowledge sets’ to help employers, staff and trainers to be clear about what underpinning knowledge is necessary for care staff. Working through the medication knowledge set is part of “continuing professional development” and “ensuring that workers have sufficient knowledge and understanding to meet the needs of people who use services”. The infection prevention and control knowledge set is designed to be used alongside the common induction standards to provide specific, standardised knowledge and understanding to help care workers undertake their role and evidence continuous professional competence. CIS-Assessment.co.uk has developed an assessment based on its successful online system and linked to the prevention and control knowledge set. CIS-Assessment.co.uk is used by many local authorities and private / voluntary organisations to evidence workers’ knowledge, measure the effectiveness of training and help ensure that workers are competent, which has a direct impact on the quality of care. It covers: I Cause and spread of infection. I Preventing and controlling the spread of infection. I Infection prevention and control legislation. I Roles, responsibilities and boundaries.
Homes should forge closer links with pharmacists CARE homes should forge closer links with proactive pharmacists who are keen to help them meet stricter safety standards, an industry expert has warned. Former Four Seasons chief executive and new Protomed chairman Tony Heywood told Caring UK that risk management is increasingly under scrutiny in the care home sector, and support on medication is vital. He added: “Pharmacists have only scratched the surface in terms of the service they can offer to care homes. “One of the main areas of pharmacy failure is the dispensing of liquids in care homes, which often results in enforcement action by the CQC, including embargoes and obligatory additional training. “Pharmacies simply have to change outdated current regimes.
They do not provide the quality controls we must have to dispense liquids and tablets accurately, consistently and in a hygienic environment.” Protomed chief executive Norman Niven has developed Biodose, the world’s first monitored dosage system, to allow same-tray dispensing of liquids and tablets, which also monitors amd manages external preparations. The tamper-proof seals on the 28pod trays label each pod with date, patient identity, drug and dosage details and perforations in the seal permit individual doses to be easily removed. The free to the care home system has anti-microbial technology that combats the transfer of MRSA and other infections, and also produces medicines management charts,
Tony Heywood with Norman Niven providing information to care homes about what is being wasted.
Providing medicines management training BOOTS can provide medicines management training accredited by the College of Pharmacy Practice. The course is accredited to national minimum standards and Skills For Care learning requirements, and includes face-toface training delivered by one of their pharmacists.
The company also offers accredited basic and advanced courses, and also specialised training in diabetes and mental health. To improve the quality of pharmaceutical care provided by the homes, Boots also offer regular advice visits by a registered pharmacist or by a registered
technician who has the necessary training. The visit takes between one and two hours, and is primarily designed to review the medicines management process within the home. The findings are discussed with the home manager, with any agreed next steps to support the home.
CARINGINFECTION CONTROL/SAFE HANDLING
SaniGuard tested to kill viruses HYGICARE SaniGuard has been tested to kill Influenza A viruses, of which H1N1 is a subtype. SaniGuard sanitizing surface spray is effective against 39 different germs, bacteria, fungus and viruses including Influenza A/Brazil, Influenza A/PR, E Coli (Bacterial Meningitis), Rubella (Viral Meningitis), Salmonella, Streptococcus, Staph, Herpes Simplex and HIV. Sanitising contaminated surfaces with SaniGuard Dry on Contact Surface Spray can prevent the spread of Influenza Type A (H1N1). It can also be used to sanitise virtually any hard surface, especially those that are touched by several people like computer keyboards, telephones, light switches, door knobs and toilet seats. The SaniGuard Fogger is also an excellent way to prevent contamination in large rooms or areas; the 8oz fogger effectively sanitizes up to 625 square feet, while a 3oz fogger sanitizes 125 square feet. Hygicare also recommends that you cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze to prevent the spread of Swine Flu.
Carers urged to watch out for swine flu signs By Dominic Musgrave THE head of a regional care group has urged carers working with elderly and vulnerable people to be on their guard against swine flu. As the World Health Organisation officially declared swine flu a pandemic, the Independent Care Group (York and North Yorkshire) urged the care sector to watch out for the signs. It has supported calls from North Yorkshire County Council for those in the social care sector to be extra vigilant over the threat of swine flu, at a time when the number of cases is rising. Independent Care Group chair Mike Padgham told Caring UK it was important for everyone working with older and vulnerable people to be especially vigilant. He added: “While nobody at this stage should be over-alarmed or panicked in any way, it is only right that we all take the right precautions, look out for signs and act accordingly. “It is important for everyone working in the care sector to be extra careful and look out for signs. This includes those providing home care
in people’s own homes and those providing care in care homes and residential homes, where illnesses can spread quickly.” Symptoms to watch for include fever or a temperature of 38 degrees or more, combined with two of the following: cough, sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, headache, limb /joint pain, diarrhoea or vomiting.
In older people the flu may not be accompanied by fever and carers are urged to look out for a general deterioration in physical or mental ability which is not linked to other causes. Any possible cases should be investigated and if a GP or NHS Direct considers swine flu to be a possibility, the local Health Protection Unit should be informed.
Helping homes with medication administration BOOTS has helped more than 12,000 care homes provide reliable, safe and trusted medication administration to their service users for the past 20 years. They provide free, easy-to-use medication administration systems, with full staff training and ongoing advice and audits from their expert pharmacy team. The service also includes free prescription management from collection to delivery, and customised service level arrangements to meet the needs of the users. Computer-generated medication records also help ensure there is a clear audit trail for the medication management process, including receipt, administration and return.
The Boots Monitored Dosage System delivers a four-week supply of each individual patient’s tablets and capsules in blister packs, to be taken at the time and date shown. The pill packs are colour-coded for the time of day so the carer can quickly tell when the medication should be administered. Enquiries: Telephone 0115 949 4047
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CARINGTECHNOLOGY
As work begins on his new £3.5m dementia care centre in Southport, Dominic Musgrave speaks to Dan Lingard, who plans to revolutionise the way we treat the condition.
Online support for change
New home, new attitude
DAN has created a web ‘wall’ for people to show their support to delivering a transformation in dementia care services. The free-to-join ‘iPersonally care - do you?’ campaign is for people involved in dementia care at a professional level, as a member of a family or as an influencer to post their name and thoughts on a website for all to see. He said: “I think everybody involved in dementia care, and striving to deliver transformation in dementia care services, wants and needs to see the depth of support for change – so I’m inviting an online show of hands. “There seems to be a view in public that care home owners and care providers in general are being dragged into the 21st century by the government, the regulator and their local authority, but things could not be further from the truth. The vast majority of providers are keen and passionate to deliver better, new and innovative services. Many supporting organisations – training, publishing and technology – are doing the same. But there is little or no recognition of this, and we need a show of hands.” As part of iPersonally’s contribution to the campaign, everybody who ‘signs’ will gain access to a library of content on a new community eLearning system.
CHICKENS and cutting edge technology are helping Dan in his battle against the condition, which it is estimated more than one million people will suffer from by 2025. The chief executive of Altrinchambased Melton Health Care Limited, which owns Birch Abbey care home in Southport, says the condition is much-misunderstood, and he brought in the chickens to get the most out of the specialist monitoring system MyAmego. The former senior, who worked with leading brands including BBC and IBM, created the fob which has a microchip in it. Data about the movements of the individuals is captured from the fob by monitors placed around the care home, the patient's own home or near shops they might visit. The system, a world first, was named new product of the year at last year’s Naidex exhibition. Dan told Caring UK that the system has saved the home around eight per cent in staff time. He added: “It enables the care team to monitor the movements of patients, not just for safety, but also
Dan Lingard to assess their activity levels. “The system analyses location, activity and risk in relation to that patient's individual needs or circumstances – but will page, text or email carers for assistance only when appropriate. “At Birch Abbey, we are also creating a living sensory garden.
The chickens draw patients out into the garden, they provide a talking point and our patients collect the eggs, make cakes or biscuits and talk about what they’re doing amongst themselves and to their family members, providing valuable mental stimulus.” And he is now developing a new care centre of excellence on the site of his current home, which will be able to accommodate 60 clients when complete. He added: “Without having to close our doors, we are completely rebuilding Birch Abbey so that we will be able to accommodate 60 clients, and rather than simply gearing it to provide basic food, hygiene and life care for clients, we have designed in – from scratch – technology, accommodation, entertainment, activity, social interaction and a broad range of care services and features that I believe have never been seen together under one roof in the care industry. “But, crucially, this is not just about a building – it is about an attitude to dementia care, service and support.”
Ultimate nurse call lead from leading provider SINCE the company’s inception in 1966, Courtney-Thorne has developed into the leading provider of nurse call systems to the UK care industry. From care homes to numerous hospital trusts, its wireless nurse call systems lead the way in product technology. Now it has produced the ultimate nurse call lead which is uniquely waterproof. As with all its call point products and touch-screen systems, it is made with antimicrobial additives and can also withstand immersion in liquid to IP67 standard.
This thorough capability to combat infection is exclusive to CourtneyThorne. A nationwide service team provides 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year on-site technical support, giving total peace of mind to the customer, and ensures patient safety is never compromised. Enquiries: Telephone 0800 068 7419 or visit www.courtney-thorne.co.uk
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CARINGNEWS
Moto rider opens two new care homes MOTO GP rider James Toseland opened two new care homes for the Maria Mallaband Care Group in Stockport with a live piano performance. The twice World Superbike champion, who is almost as well known for his musical talent as his achievements on the track
following his performance on the 2007 BBC Sports Personality of the Year television programme, opened Bowerfield Court and Bowerfield House. He then took to the stage for a solo piano performance, before the choir from Whaley Bridge Primary School entertained the guests.
Staff successes celebrated at ceremony JEWISH Care has celebrated the successes of its staff who gained qualifications over the past year with a ceremony at the Metropolitan Police Peel Centre in Hendon. Following a short film showcasing the achievements of the staff, a variety of awards were handed out by
the company’s chairman Stephen Zimmerman to recognise the new qualifications. At the ceremony ten staff members were also individually honoured with long-service awards for a combined total of 210 years of service.
Lost items equal lost time ... CARE staff spend upwards of an hour a day sorting out lost or unidentified clothes within care homes, according to research. These lost items also impact the residents and their relatives, subsequently meaning that more staff become involved, including the home manager and owners. Quantifying the lost hours is quite difficult, but a simple calculation of one hour a day per home at £10 per hour equals £3,650 every year.
Time spent looking for clothes is time lost looking after residents. Clothing is often unlabelled, name tags drop off, write-on tags wear out, therefore more and more items become unidentifiable. These methods are also undignified for the residents. Retriever Smart Buttons from Expolink provide a foolproof way of discreetly identifying garments, while providing an Enquiries: Telephone inventory of residents’ possessions, and peace of 01249 661661 for more information. mind for everyone.
Scotland’s care services ‘must be better organised’ By Dominic Musgrave THE way care services are organised in Scotland needs to adapt – not the people using them, it has been claimed. Jacquie Roberts, chief executive of the Care Commission, argued against a one-size-fits-all approach and urged that care services must be better designed around the needs and rights of those in care rather than people having to adapt to the way care services are run. She was speaking at the Care Commission Forum ‘Dignity in Care’ supported by the Scottish Human Rights Commission and the Equality and Human Rights Commission in Scotland, which highlighted that everyone using care should be treated equally and fairly as an individual. She said: “Scotland’s National Care Standards set out, for different types of care service, exactly what people can and should expect. “Unusually, they are written from the perspective of the person using the service and we know that other countries look to them as a great example of clear and helpful communication about care. We want to get more people in Scotland –
people who use care services plus their families and unpaid carers – to use the standards to improve their awareness and expectations. They should read the inspection reports for their service, too.” The forum also heard about complaints against services. In the last inspection year 28 per cent of care homes for older people had upheld or partially upheld complaints against them, compared with 10 per cent of homecare services. She added: “We are determined to adopt a rights-based approach to regulation, to promote improvement in care services and protect the rights of people using those services. “People’s rights need to be respected regardless of social background; age or ability and the standards of care must reflect that. “Care providers must recognise this and work with us to achieve a standard of care where the individual is at the heart of the service.” The event was hosted by journalist and broadcaster Fiona Armstrong, with speakers including professor Frank Clark, convener of the Care Commission and Carole Wilkinson, chief executive of the Scottish Social Services Council.
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Operator gets go-ahead after going back to drawing board A CARE home operator’s bid to build a second facility in Exmouth has overcome its first hurdle after being given the go-ahead by the town council Brandon House owners Wendy and David Marsh want to knock down an existing care home on another site and build a new 24-bed £1.5m facility, which they will call The Avenues. They were forced to go back to the drawing board after their original plan to build the country’s first pre-fabricated 22-room care home was refused last year. Council officials felt that the modern facility, which would be built in Germany in just two weeks, and brought to this country on lorries, was ‘out of character’ with the area and
would have a detrimental effect on neighbours by blocking out light. Wendy said: “We hope to get full planning permission in the near future, but the town council approving it is a good start. “I think the council felt the original plan was too different. The architect told us he planners thought that we were trying to get around the planning conditions and wanted to build sheltered housing rather than a care home because they had never seen one like it before. “It is not a planner’s job to trust us, and I suppose they get it all the time where somebody starts to build one thing and then does something else.” The newly designed four-storey home
Sir Jimmy Savile opens Reuben Manor
Sir Jimmy opens £5m care facility in Stockton SIR Jimmy Savile opened a £5m new care facility in the North East. The former Jim’ll Fix It and Top of the Pops presenter planted a tree to commemorate the opening of Reuben Manor Care Home near Stockton, which has 83 bedrooms. The Silk Healthcare facility will provide specialist, permanent and respite care for the elderly and will be the blueprint for a string of luxury care home communities across the North. The home is named after Angela Swift’s late father, and features an internet café, a beauty salon, music
room and gift shop. Angela said: “Our staff have been selected to provide unparalleled care. They have been chosen for their skills, dedication and experience in dealing with residents who have a wide range of needs. “Prospective residents will be assessed and care plans will be tailored to the individual.” Angela has secured land for other homes in Tees Valley, Burnley and Pontefract, and plans to have five homes in operation within five years. A 70-bed nursing home in Burnley is expected to open next year.
will have 24 bedrooms set around a central corridor, which will be naturally lit by a glass roof. Some of the rooms will have balconies, which will provide views of the sea. Wendy added: “It is still a good design that we are pleased with, and hindsight is a wonderful thing because we will now be able to use local builders in the construction. “When we started three years ago a lot of local builders were not interested as they were doing their own projects, whereas now because of the credit crunch they are wanting to do it. “We would like to think that if we get the nod from the district council we can have the home built and ready by the spring or summer of next year.”
Caring UK Commerce section brings you all the latest property, business and training news every month.
In this issue: I Market bouyant for ‘quality’ homes - page 28 I Dementia care facility is county first - page 29 I Roadshow launch for training programme - page 31
I Awar winners to participate in workshops - page 31
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CARINGCOMMERCE The country may be in the grips of a recession, but many people believe that it has not affected the care sector. Healthcare editor Dominic Musgrave spoke to several of the country’s leading property agents about the state of the market.
Market buoyant for ‘quality’ homes THERE would appear to be a number of shoots of hope in the UK’s property market. But has the often-called ‘bulletproof’ care market been affected in the similar way? DC Care’s Anita Allen told Caring UK the market remains buoyant with plenty of interest from potential purchasers. She added: “The emphasis is on ‘quality’ care homes as the purchasers being influenced by their bankers are looking to invest with a low element of risk and with a mind to the future. “A recent sale handled by DC Care of a south east care home with private only fees completed at an excellent price, and we are confident that the multiples being paid for the quality establishments will remain during 2009/10.” She believes that the care sector has faired well in these troubled times,
but predicts the market remaining slow for the next year. “The care sector, while not immune on these market conditions, has faired up well, and the business in general remains a good sector in which to invest in these difficult times. “The care home market will remain a little slow over the next 12 months. However, once lending parameters ‘loosen’ and banks begin to lend, more activities should increase. But we are unlikely to see a return to the bullish lending and care home values pre the credit crunch.” Linda Murray, of Linda Murray Care Sales, says the recession has brought an end to the speculative buyer looking to make a quick buck out of a care home. She added: “The market is relatively quiet but what we are seeing are the three-star standard homes coming up more, mainly due to either death,
‘Market is still in the doldrums’ THE care property market will remain tricky for the remainder of the year, and could be bad for longer than statistics may indicate, it has been claimed Martin Robb, director at Christie and Co, told Caring UK that a lot depends on Martin Robb the appetite of the banks to lend to the sector. He added: “The market is still in the doldrums with a lack of available debt, a lack of quality stock, a lack of any volume to deal levels and generally very cautious purchasers. Operationally, some pressures are being seen with, for example, elderly care showing generally shorter average lengths of stay, fee pressure from both private and publicly funded sources and increasing dependency levels of residents.” And he said he has heard nothing as yet to indicate that the market will change in the near future. Martin added: “We don’t see any obvious trigger for a dramatic turn around, but there are a small, but significant number of key performance indicators that point from our perspective towards a possible improvement, starting in particular with a marked increase in the number of viewings of businesses for sale.”
divorce or retirement. “I think there will be an increased number of transactions taking place over the remainder of the year, but it won’t return to the heady days of a couple of years ago just yet. “In general, there are a number of owners out there who were looking to retire last year, but decided to hold on and see what the market is doing. Because the industry hasn’t changed much they are now deciding to proceed with the sale.” Linda says the market was never as bad as the media made out and is hopeful that it is over the worst. She added: “The prices are not falling any more thankfully, and we haven’t gone back to what turned out to be a free-or-all of a few years ago. I definitely think the problem was blown out of all proportion by certain parts of the media. “We are hoping to make double figure transactions this year, and are
Linda Murray well on the way to achieving that figure, with several sales in the pipeline and due to be completed over the next few weeks.”
Good opportunities become ‘prized’ targets Healthcare editor Dominic Musgrave gauges reaction to the market from other industry experts. THE head of a Yorkshire-based group of property advisers believes the banks are still keen to support operators with proven track records to run good homes. Nick Broadbent, managing director of GLP Taylors, said: “Combined with low interest rates, this has provided a number of prospective purchasers with available funds already secured, desperately looking for opportunities in which to invest their capital and expand their businesses. “So when there are less properties available to buy, high quality opportunities therefore become ‘prized’ targets, with the obvious potential to exceed price expectations. The lack of quantity means that prices are being driven up on those quality homes available.” He believes that everybody is becoming tired of hearing about the credit crunch, and that now is an opportune time for sellers.
He added: “It’s like a snowball effect – once confidence is restored, more homes will come to the market, banks will have a greater appetite to do deals on quality assets and the whole cycle should be invigorated. “But for that confidence to come back people need to know that now is an opportune time for sellers.” The current property market is in a period of transition, according to one industry expert. Ian Wilkie, director of the recently launched Healthcare Property Consultants Limited, told Caring UK that it is not a question of when things will get back to normal, because what passed for normality over recent years was exceptional. He added: “We will enter a new phase of the market where we will see increased bank lending activity, but we will not see deals leveraged in the way they were prior to the credit-crunch. “Those on both the debt and equity sides of healthcare investment will scrutinise closely the dynamics of every opportunity, which will be
thoroughly tested against market demand, competitor analysis and longevity of return.” There is an increased demand for more specialist care homes, according to the head of a property sales company. Robin Boxall-Hunt, managing director of Axis, said it is wrong to think that the residential care and nursing home market has slowed down in the current financial climate. He added: “The necessity for a wide variety of retirement homes is often essential to give an individual and their families more choice to place someone in a home that is comfortable, enjoyable and that meets the requirements of that individual. “There are a number of residential homes currently on the market for sale of all shapes and sizes and many of these properties may take some months to sell. However, this is not a new trend; to find the right purchaser for your home, it is best to be realistic with your expectation of an asking price and finding the ideal buyer.”
Expanding care group acquires two homes CHRISTIE and Co has sold two Devon-based care homes to a fastexpanding, care group. Vision UK, which is headed by Dennis Griffith, has acquired the freehold interest of the Langford Park Nursing Home in Newton St Cyres, Exeter, for an undisclosed sum off an asking price of £1.75m. The home, which is set in approximately six acres, is registered for 34. Acting on behalf of owner Mrs Pricilla Blackwell, Christie’s also sold
the freehold interest of Sainthill House Care Home and adjoining cottage in the St Thomas area of the city to Vision UK for an undisclosed sum off an asking price of £890,000. The home is registered for 12, and there is scope to incorporate the four-bedroom cottage into the care business. The two latest acquisitions are expected to be part of a number of other care home purchases Vision UK plans to complete over the coming months.
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Dementia care facility is ‘first of its kind in county’ A STATE-OF-THE-ART dementia care facility will open its doors in Gloucestershire early next year. The 40-bed wing made up of two suites of 20 bedrooms at Chestnut Court will be the first of its kind in the county when it opens in January. It has been designed in consultation with The Iris Murdoch Centre at Stirling University – a research facility into the care of people with dementia. The wing is being designed to make it easy for residents, staff and visitors to find their way around, with special direction and picture signs, as well as visual and tactile cues inside and outside. Manager Tracy Nurding told Caring UK that the home is being built around a central courtyard with seating, water features and a terrace garden. She added: “The completed care home, particularly the dementia wing, will be equipped with the latest technology, which will ensure residents can live their lives with dignity
and in privacy, as independently as they wish, safe in the knowledge that care and support is on hand 24 hours a day. Specialist consultants have also been involved in designing the external areas. The gardens will not only be accessible and safe but provide year round places of interest and stimuli to all senses, even during the evening thanks to specialised lighting. “Planting and paths will give every visit a sense of purpose with recognisable destinations such as seating, water features, specimen trees or other more unusual memorabilia such as an original red post box or telephone box.” Features in the new wing include a sensory room, hair salon, shop, as well as a cinema in the central feature lounge. Chestnut Court is a development by the Gloucestershire Care Partnership, which is made up of Gloucestershire County Council, the Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT), who run the home, and housing association.
DC Care has sold Sovereign House in Barnsley on behalf of Dr Salam and Mr Parish to the Heathcotes group. The home, which was available with vacant possession but with registration in place, was sold for an undisclosed sum. Its new owners plan an extensive refurbishment programme at the home.
DFE Commercial has completed the sale of Cornelia Gardens Nursing Home in Chichester. The property, which dates back to 1913 and has spectacular views over the Solent, is registered for 35 and planning permission is in place to add five single en-suite rooms.
Group doubles its portfolio on the Wirral A NORTH West care group has doubled its portfolio with the purchase of two care homes on the Wirral. Phloubateer Ltd, which already operates the Barrisle and Rivington Park nursing homes, has purchased the freehold interest in Mother Redcaps in Wallasey and Byron Court
in Bootle from the Quercus Group. The group’s managing director Maureen Wain said: “Bringing these two care homes into our portfolio has been an important milestone.” Barclays Commercial Bank provided £2.8m funding for the purchases.
A resident at a Leicester care home has proved that age is no barrier to learning after passing a basic food hygiene exam. Charles Hartshorn, 87, was invited to take part in the staff training day at Langdale View care home by the manager Cindy Nicholls, and he passed the examination at the end of the day. Cindy said: “Charles is a very active
person who enjoys working in the kitchen. He regularly peels the vegetables, washes up, helps put the shopping away and generally keeps the place tidy, so we felt it was only right that we got him involved in the training.” I Charles receives his certificate with cook Sherrie Walker and senior carer Lubnah Mir
£750k finance solution for home BARCLAYS commercial bank in Manchester has provided a £750,000 finance solution to Clyde Court Nursing Home to assist with an extension to the existing premises. Based in West Didsbury, Clyde Court has been owned by the Martin family since 1989 and is
run on a day to day basis by nurse manager Liz Rooney and general manager Neil Martin. Clyde Court is currently registered to care for 33 elderly people, but the extension will increase this to 41 (36 single and five double).
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CARINGADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT
Glennfield Care Centre is a stunning care home located in Wisbech. Officially opened by The Mayor of Wisbech on November 11th 2008, Glennfield is located within stunning grounds and provides first class care for up to 59 elderly residents across three separate units. All bedrooms are en suite with a shower, and all rooms have top-of-the-range colour co-ordinated furnishings and decoration. There are a variety of quiet rooms, lounges and dining areas throughout the building, plus activity areas, sensory rooms, gardens and a large cinema room for all residents to use.
Specialising in care for the elderly and people with Early Onset Dementia The Forget-Me-Not Suite – Early Onset Dementia The management and staff at Glennfield were proud to announce the opening on June 18th 2009 of The Forget-Me-Not Suite, which offers day care, respite care and long term care for those with early onset dementia. The Suite caters for the specific needs of up to 22 residents. The dedicated staff working in the Forget-Me-Not Suite are looking forward to helping individuals reach their full potential and to help families come to terms with the changes taking place as their loved ones deal with dementia. The suite has a wonderful relaxation area where people can be alone or have quiet time with their families or key worker. An internet cafÊ will allow them to carry on with research or studying or communicating with families and friends. There is also a music room and arts therapy is available with residents able to paint or sketch. The facilities allow residents to continue to use their life skills and they will be encouraged to lead an independent life. Families can stay overnight when they have had to travel distances or if residents need support or it is a significant time such as a birthday or anniversary when people need to be together.
Activities are available for children who are visiting family members. The suite has both indoor and outdoor sports facilities and a garden where residents can help look after an allotment and flower beds. Glennfield is staffed by registered nurses and unit managers who organise the day-to-day care for service users as well as supervising junior staff. All staff receive a full and comprehensive induction programme and ongoing training. Catering is second-to-none, provided by a highly qualified staff following a four week menu which is reviewed throughout the year to ensure that fresh, seasonal produce is used whenever possible. Alternative dishes are always available to cater for individual likes and dislikes and of course dietary and cultural requirements will be taken into account. Activities are wide-ranging with a programme of events for all residents devised following discussions with individuals and their relatives. Glennfield and The Forget-Me-Not Suite welcome enquiries, and visits can be arranged. Please contact Olga Parry, general manager on 01945 581141 or email olga.parry@excelcareholdings.com for further information.
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CARINGCOMMERCE
Award winners to participate in workshops EIGHT Wales care organisations won top awards at the biannual Social Care Accolades. The winners received their awards from the deputy minister for social services, Gwenda Thomas AM, at a gala award ceremony held at Cardiff City Hall. The winners will work with Accolades organiser the Care Council for Wales to demonstrate and share best practice within the sector in workshops to be held in north and south Wales in the autumn. The council’s chair Mutale Merrill said: “The Accolades are a wonderful celebration of good practice, recognising groups for their excellence and improving services for users by learning from their success. “We encouraged organisations to submit entries that support the aims of the Welsh Assembly Government’s 10-year social care strategy, ‘Fulfilled Lives, Supportive Communities’, which are to modernise services and provide more accessible personalised care for people. “We hope the awards will not only provide a public platform to cele-
brate and share best practice, but will also help attract more skilled people into the growing workforce,” she added. Winners: Learning Together – Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council’s Care and Service Users Involvement Team (CSUIT); Offering Opportunity, Changing Chances – Barnardo’s Cymru’s Seraf Service; Being a Learning Organisation – Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Leaving Care Team project; Community Engagement – Denbighshire County Council’s Ceri’s Family initiative; Learning about Caring, Caring about Learning – joint winners Golden Heart Awards by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council and ‘Promoting Social Care’ by Pendine Park Teaching Care Centre and St Joseph’s High School; Investing in the Workforce – Pendine Park Teaching Care Centre and Conwy County Council’s Partnership Working programme; Language Choice in Dignity and Care – Ceredigion County Council Iaith ar Waith project.
Sandie Oxborrow launches the national roadshow to showcase the training scheme
Roadshow launch for staff training programme AN East Anglian care provider has rolled out its successful ‘Passport to Care’ staff training programme by holding a series of roadshows. The Healthcare Homes initiative offers a cost-effective way to ensure staff meet the Common Induction Standards, and has been purchased by a number of new clients, including a training company in Bedfordshire, private care homes in Norfolk and West Yorkshire, a community homes group and a care society in the West Midlands. Covering subjects from the principles of care to health and safety, first aid to effective communication and
record keeping, ‘Passport to Care’ has been developed specifically for staff in residential homes, as well as for those working with people in their own home. The group’s training director Sandie Oxborrow, who led the roadshow, said: “We have already successfully implemented the Passport to Care scheme internally, but as a result of having had considerable interest from care and training companies across the industry, we have decided to roll it out nationally. “The roadshow has been a great way of generating a buzz around the new service.”
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CARINGHOME VISITS
Elvis lookalike entertains Lincolnshire residents AN Elvis Presley lookalike brought rock ‘n’ roll back to Lincolnshire with a special performance for more than 400 local care home residents and staff. A 1950’s themed dance was organised by the county team of The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT), the UK’s second largest not-for-profit care home provider, at Fosse House in Lincoln, for their 16 local homes and day centres. Event coordinators Alison Whitlock and Anita Rudd organised the event. Alison said: “This is the biggest annual event that the Trust organises for our Lincolnshire homes and it’s a great opportunity for staff, residents and volunteers from all of the homes and day centres to get together, make new friends and really let their hair down.”
Elvis lookalike Lee Jackson with a resident A care group has set up its own organisation so that former staff can keep in touch with each other and the company. The launch of Somerset Care’s Retired Staff Association at Sydenham House in Bridgwater enabled people to meet up with former colleagues and share ideas about future activities, while enjoying afternoon tea with members of the board, retired home manager Mike Vickery and retired group chairman John Richards. Guests are pictured at the launch of the association.
Staff at Meridian’s White Rose House in Holmfirth have scooped both the individual and team awards in the company’s quarterly Employee Merit Award scheme. It runs through all the group’s care centres and provides colleagues, residents, their families and any visitors with the chance to nominate members of staff in recognition of outstanding service and performance. Each quarter the nominations from all the homes are counted and prizes are awarded to both the individual and team with the most nominations. Pictured: Tracey Elvin receives her award from home manager Christine Evans.
Residents at a London care home are demonstrating their creative skills in a new art and craft club set up by their activities organiser. With Anne Smith’s guidance, the residents at Fairmount in Mottingham have created a mural and a collection of models as part of their current topic ‘Beside the Sea’, which has also brought memories of seaside trips flooding back. Residents are also involved in gardening, painting, knitting and cross-stitch, outings and local community activities.
Residents at Bupa care homes across the country got a taste of the Big Apple as they ‘set sail’ for New York on a virtual world cruise. The event has been organised by the care homes’ staff, offering residents who are unable to go on holiday a chance to take a virtual trip. Many of the care homes have invited entertainers to their parties, the most popular being cheerleaders, local jazz bands and Elvis and Frank Sinatra impersonators.
A Cheddar care home has celebrated its 41st anniversary and the long service of five members of staff. Greenhill House’s Val Brook, Pam Bell, Winnie Huish, Janet Matthews and Heather Crashley have totalled almost 150 years between them, and were presented with flowers and gifts by members of the Somerset Care Group board.
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CARINGHOME VISITS
Residents Malcolm and Audrey Crosbie look through some of the images for the exhibition
Images snapped up for exhibition Mayor of Bridgwater, councillor Ken Richards, officially opened a state-of-the-art dementia wing at The Rosary Nursing Home. Guests included staff, Sanctuary Care’s dementia lead Maria Parsons, contractors and representatives from local businesses. The 40-bed wing uses contrasting colours and visual images to help identify rooms and reduce confusion. The main building at the home is also set to be refurbished over the next few months.
Burleigh House Residential Care Home in Baldock were runners up in the staff training and development category at Federation of Small Businesses Hertfordshire Small Business Awards. The home offers day, short and long term elderly care and specialises in using Montessori based therapies for those with dementia. Mihir Shah, director of the home, which was the only care facility to reach the finals, said: “We are very proud to have won this award.
TALENTED photographers from a care organisation have staged their first exhibition. The images are the work of the photography club at Pendine Park in Wrexham, and the Life Through a Lens event, which featured 30 pho-
“To firstly be nominated was an honour, but to then get down to the last four, and then last two nominations is an incredible achievement and huge recognition for the excellence in client service we are striving for at Burleigh.” Picture: Burleigh House director Mihir Shah and manager Julie Curtis receive their award from BBC Look East’s Susie Fowler-Watt and Jayne Henderson, development manager of the Business Solutions team at Herts Regional College.
tographs capturing the four seasons, was the brainchild of the organisation’s artistin-residence Sarah Edwards. She has been running art classes, both in groups and one-to-one sessions, for 13 years, and formed the pho-
Miss Worcester Leanne Groutage joined Perthshore Mayor Chris Parsons at a summer garden party to celebrate the opening of a care home’s new dementia unit. The 10-bed facility at Willow Bank House is aimed and designed to provide a safe and secure environment for service users who due to their advancing dementia related condition may suffer a lack of appropriate support and services to meet their changing and developing needs.
Sylvia’s heading for the palace A BARNSLEY care home manager has been invited to the Queen’s garden party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of her services to the elderly. Sylvia Forster, 64, opened Belle Green Court Care Home 11 years ago, but has been in nursing for 41 years. She was nominated to go to the garden party by her sister Pauline, care home resident Wilfred Mills and GP Dr Selim. Sylvia said she thought the nomination was originally a wind-up.
She added: “It’s an experience, an achievement, it’s nice to be recognised for my work. “I enjoy every minute of my job, for me it’s a way of life. I always joke that I’ll never retire and I’ll end up being a resident here.” As well as enjoying the garden party, Sylvia plans to order a DVD of the event filmed by Buckingham Palace. She added: “I want to show the residents the DVD when I get back so they can see what happens, it’s going to be nice for them as well as me.”
tography club a year ago. Four of the images will be chosen to feature on postcards and notelets that will be sold to raise money for the recent collaboration with the world-famous Hallé orchestra.
Sylvia with her invite
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CARINGNEWS
After purchasing their first care home in Devon two years ago, business partners Nick Meyer and David Henson have taken on a new project in East Hertfordshire. Dominic Musgrave found out more.
Chance meeting leads to business partnership for Nick and David A CHANCE introduction through a mutual contact led to Nick and David opting to enter the care sector together, rather than separately. And after buying and subsequently redeveloping The Three Corners Nursing Home in Brixham, Devon, they have taken on Newgrange Residential Home in Cheshunt, and hope to make a further acquisition in the near future. Nick said: “We both come from customer facing backgrounds all our working life, and we were looking to come into the sector quite separately as we felt it was a good sector to be in, particularly looking at the demographics of the country with people living longer. We are both still learning, and will continue to do so until we move into one of our own homes ourselves. It is a very challenging sector to be involved in, and no one day is the same.”
The pair looked at scores of homes across the country before settling on Three Corners two years ago. And since taking over they have refurbished the home throughout, built two new wings on either side to increase the number of beds to 46, and created a state-of-the-art day space for dining, recreational activities and lounge. Indoor facilities now include a family meeting space, fireside area, library and virtual aquarium – an idea Nick discovered on a visit to Austria – while outside the gardens have been landscaped and include a sensory garden. The total cost for the development was approximately £400,000. David said they will be transferring several ideas they have learned at The Three Corners into their new facility. He added: “We didn’t need to look at as many homes as we did first time round before settling on
Owners Nick Meyer and David Hewson celebrate the completion of the redevelopment at Three Corners with staff. Newgrange. We were particularly attracted to what it offered as it is already a ‘three star’ home with 21 ensuite single bedrooms. “It is a relatively newly built home, within the last five years, which at first glance wasn’t what we wanted. But as soon as we viewed it we fell in love with it – it is an impressive home with a great atmosphere, and we now have planning permission in place to add a further nine rooms. “The two homes are constantly exchanging ideas from one to another. We want to learn from the staff, and have already put into practice one or two things that we have learned at Three Corners to help us run Newgrange more effectively.” The purchases and redevelopment of the two homes have been funded by Natwest’s specialist healthcare team.
Pair ready to help other investors Nick and David are offering their expertise to other business people wishing to invest in the sector. David added: “Particularly in the current climate the banks are sceptical about lending to new operators, and although there is always more to learn we now know a great deal about running a care home, and are willing to go into a joint venture or franchise approach to help new people enter the sector. “We would be willing to help people get to grips with their new home and set it up, and because we are already in the sector we can help to access finance.”
ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT
Showering safety made simple WHEN selecting products for a care home setting, safety is of course of utmost concern - particularly when it comes to showering or bathing. Couple this with simplicity of use and the right bathroom products can make all the difference, giving people extra independence from carers where possible. Tackling the issues that count for the sector, leading shower manufacturer, Triton, has developed its Safeguard T100 Care and innovative Safeguard Pumped thermostatic electric care showers to deliver a complete care package that can be relied on for safety and usability. On the inside, both models have the sought-after ‘ultra-safe’ BEAB Care approved temperature control. On the outside, designed using input from carers, occupational therapists and RNIB, both models incorporate a wide range of benefit-led features that make it the ideal choice for the elderly, visually impaired and those with limited dexterity, even if used when seated. THERMOSTATIC PEACE OF MIND: Incorporating the advanced technology you’d expect from Triton, a unique three-stage mechanical thermostatic control process is built-in to both Safeguard showers, ensuring there are no dangerous temperature spikes. Controlled by a specially-designed regulating valve, which automatically adjusts the flow of cold water entering the heater to compensate for temperature changes, these showers deliver a consistently comfortable, regulated temperature. Using proven thermostatic wax capsules, as deployed with TMV3-type mixer showers, in a mechanical design the two showers are markedly different to rival “electronic” products on the market - which rely wholly on PCB technology to maintain thermostatic performance.
Ergonomic 5 pattern showerhead – specially designed to be easy to use by carers and people with limited dexterity. Includes 3 extended levers and tactile control. Colour contrasting moving parts – Makes different features easier to see and identify.
Reinforced 2m hose – high quality double interlocked chrome hose. Prevents kinks and blockages and lasts longer. Easy to use slider.
Power – Glows green when on.
Low Flow – Glows red when the water pressure is low.
Shutdown – Glows yellow when the stop button is pushed. This shows that water will still flow through the unit until all hot water is flushed out. Temperature care lever – specially designed to make it easy for all to use.
RNIB APPROVED FOR EASE OF USE: With only two user controls to operate and no unnecessary buttons or gadgets that could potentially confuse and exasperate, the Safeguard showers have been designed using feedback from
Tactile start/stop graphic symbol button helps the blind and partially sighted.
Textured anti-glare surfaces and raised features around the outside of the care lever assist with ease of operation.
SAFETY FOR ALL SYSTEMS: Many care homes may have previously found themselves precluded from choosing an electric care shower due to being sited in one of the UK’s low or variable water pressure areas. Now, Triton’s Safeguard range ensures that ‘ultra-safety’ is available right across the country. Safeguard T100 Care mains-fed thermostatic electric shower: Ideal for offering exceptional safety and temperature control for cold mains-fed water systems. Its advanced technology means it is able to cope with local pressure fluctuations, which can momentarily drop down to as low as 0.5 bar running pressure without the unit automatically shutting off. It can also manage seasonal temperature fluctuations with ease. Safeguard Pumped tank-fed thermostatic electric shower: Providing an optional gravity-fed solution, the Safeguard Pumped is the only thermostatic pumped electric care shower currently on the market. Featuring the same safety-led, easy to use features as the Safeguard T100 Care it is able, for the first time, to provide temperature control to the stringent BEAB Care specification, even in areas where cold mains water pressure is extremely limited or unreliable. For additional safety on all Safeguard models, a maximum temperature stop is factory-set at 41°C so that the temperature cannot be accidentally turned up past this safe level when in use. Universal connectivity to a wide range of popular suction waste pumps also tackles the secondary safety issue of pools of water forming on flat, “wetroom” style showering areas, meaning water can be drained effectively during each use.
Extended riser rail – allows for more flexible showering.
Unique three stage thermostatic performance complies with BEAB CARE. Endorsed by RNIB for inclusive design to ensure it is simple and easy to use. Additional fixing bracket – helps those who shower while seated.
caring professionals and OTs and with endorsement from RNIB for inclusive design, to incorporate userfriendly details that really count: • A large start/stop push-button control - makes it easy to access even when the user is seated • An easy-grip, clearly labelled temperature care lever – provides simple water flow control • A raised number dial and tactile start-stop graphic symbol can guide blind people • Large text ensures that everything is easy to see for partially-sighted people • An ergonomic showerhead with three extended levers ensures ease of use by those with limited manual dexterity • An extended riser rail gives the flexibility to suit a range of needs • Colour-contrasting moving parts help identify the different features • Audible bleeps and neon indicators show when the start/stop button has been pushed, when the unit is experiencing low flow and when the unit shuts down
Provision for connecting to a level access waste pump makes installation even easier when creating a total care solution.
AFFORDABLE: Dispelling the myth that this combination of stringent safety with user benefits has to be expensive, the Safeguard thermostatic electric showers remain the most competitively priced products in their class. Both carry a two year guarantee and fit neatly within Triton’s already wide portfolio of easy to install and easy to use range of care and commercial products, such as the TMV3 approved brass-bodied Elina mixer shower collection and the Trimix underbasin valve designed to limit tap water temperatures.
For further information on the Safeguard thermostatic care range visit www.tritonshowers.co.uk or call 02476 344441
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CARINGNEWS
Andrew Knights
Nigel with staff at the opening of the new kitchen
MP serves up treat for cook Norma at kitchen unveiling EASTBOURNE MP Nigel Waterson officially unveiled Pentlow Nursing Home’s new, top specification kitchen. During his visit to the Canford Healthcare home he also presented cook Norma Else with tickets for the ballet at Covent Garden to celebrate her 20 years of dedicated service.
The new kitchen boasts intelligent cookers providing the ability to cook food to exact temperatures in a quarter of the time of ordinary ovens, ensuring maximum retention of nutrients. They also indicate when cleaning is required and the quantity of tablets to use.
Melody can bring back memories – music professor A NEW group set up at a New Forest retirement village is using music therapy to help its residents with dementia. Andrew Knights, a professional musician and professor of music who has extensive experience in running music sessions for people with dementia, launched the group at The Shelbourne at Sway. He is teaching the sessions on behalf of Alzheimer’s Society, which already runs a similar and successful group in nearby Hythe. He told Caring UK that playing a bell at one of those sessions brought a smile to the face of one sufferer who had not smiled for two years, and he is hoping for similar success at the new group. He added: “People with dementia suffer from short-term memory loss, but what is fantastic about music is that even if you lose this part of your brain you can still enjoy it. “Rhythm and melody can bring back memories from a long time ago, and there is no need for short-term memory. Old songs work really well with a certain generation and even though some may not remember
what they’ve done earlier that day, they are able to sing along without needing to look at the words.” The musician, who was principal oboist at the Bournemouth Sinfonietta from 1991 to 1999, has been a music teacher at Southampton University for the past 18 years. He added: “I find it very rewarding watching them have a good time while I’m there but what’s even more rewarding is hearing stories of how it’s lifted their mood for the whole day – even long after we’ve finished singing and playing music.” The Shelbourne regularly invites local musicians to perform in its jazzthemed bar, and residents enjoy a huge variety of genres from pianists to soloists and choirs. Managing director Ken Waterhouse added: “Everyone here is excited that we are hosting this new group as it is proving that music really does benefit people with dementia. “Music can reach many different parts of the brain so even those with severe short-term memory loss can benefit as they sing or play along to tunes from their youth.”
Hypnotherapy trialled at homes TWO of a group’s care homes are trialling a new scheme which uses hypnotherapy to slow the impacts of dementia and improve the quality of life for those living with the condition. Southern Cross’ Knowsley Manor and Moss View, both in Liverpool, have taken part in the scheme which has shown very positive results. The residents undergoing hypnotherapy showed positive improvement in seven key areas including relaxation, concentration, motivation, daily living activities, immediate memory, past memory of significant life events and socialisation. The group’s dementia consultant Dr Dan Nightingale and psychologist Dr Simon Duff from the university of Liverpool have been carrying out
research comparing the positive effects of hypnosis therapy with those of more usual therapies for treating people with dementia, and group discussion therapy in which residents are encouraged to discuss news and current affairs. He said: “Over nine months of weekly sessions, it was clear that residents attending the discussion group did not show any marked signs of improvements. The group of residents receiving mainstream treatments showed an expected small decline in their mental function, but those having regular hypnotherapy sessions showed real improvement across all seven areas. “The evidence so far does indicate that we can enhance the quality of life for people living with dementia through the correct use of hypnosis.”
Domiciliary care company launched By Dominic Musgrave NOT-for-profit landlord Coastline Housing has launched a new domiciliary care company called Coastline Care. The company will be offering a range of professional, assisted care and support services that will empower people in need of care to choose, maintain and enjoy an independent lifestyle in the home environment they know and love. Any profits made from the new enterprise will be fed back into the parent company, Coastline Housing, to assist it in its charitable endeavours to help the homeless and those in need of affordable housing in the county. Chairman John Caff said: “Cornwall has an ageing population and the provision of care in people’s own homes is becoming increasingly important. “For many, it could be the difference between being able to stay in their own home, or having to move
into a residential or nursing home.” Coastline Care was formed when the staff of another local care Company – Domiciliary Care Management – decided to join forces with the housing provider. Anthea Hedge, who created the Domiciliary Care Management business and brings over 20 staff to Coastline Care with her, added: “It is so important that people are helped to live independently and happily for as long as possible. “As a large local organisation, it can give us the backing we need to really extend our care services for the benefit of local people. “Many people don’t realise that care at home for relatives or friends is even an option. “It’s vital that people who are in need of care are made aware that there are choices, which can be completely tailored and flexible, allowing them to still enjoy a life in their own home.”
Provider reports 70% increase in care workers A LEADING domiciliary provider is defying the credit crunch and has reported a 70 per cent increase in care workers joining from January to May. And Caremark national operations manager Sean Cragg says the growth is expected to continue for the remainder of the year, as the company has recently recruited an additional five new franchise owners to takes its total to 49.
He added: “As well as an increase in care staff we have also seen a steady growth in the number of office-based staff across the network, taking our number of employees to approximately 1,000. “As our business continues to go from strength to strength we seem to be benefiting from the current climate, as we seem to be able to recruit a much higher calibre of staff.”
Coastline director of housing and support Louise Beard, chairman John Caff and client Debbie George at the launch with Lady Mary Holborow and Robert Nettleton, CEO of Coastline Housing.
‘Government must re-find its focus’ THE Government needs to re-find its focus and concentrate on big issues like the future of social care, it has been claimed. UKHCA chair Mike Padgham told the association’s conference in Leicester that issues like MPs’ expenses had diverted the Government’s attention. He added: “We have just been through a period of great uncertainty – the MPs’ expenses row and of course the state of the economy, have combined to throw the Government into turmoil. “The net result of this, regrettably, has been a loss of focus on other crucial issues of the day – and of priority to us of course, is social care.
“Whatever the ultimate long-term result of the MPs’ expenses row, the fact remains that how we care for our most vulnerable members of our society in the coming decades is still an irresistible question that must be resolved. “I for one very much hope that it is soon up at the top of the political agenda, alongside the economy, health and education in this country.” Also speaking at the conference were Cynthia Bower, chief executive of the Care Quality Commission, who outlined the role of the new body and David Behan, director general for social care at the Department of Health.
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CARINGHOMECARE
Age Concern backs council plans for an overhaul of services By Louise Cordell A COUNCIL’S plans to overhaul its older people’s services have been supported by a leading charity. Age Concern has given its backing to South Gloucestershire Council’s changes, which they hope to be implemented by 2016, and include increased investment in services to enable old people to stay at home, services for carers and preventative services. Peter Illes, chief executive of the local branch of Age Concern, told Caring UK that the charity’s consultation with older people revealed they are strongly in favour of services that enable them to continue to live at home.
He added: “These proposals directly address what people told Age Concern they would like to see in the future and I'm pleased to see they are getting the priority they deserve from the council. “I'm encouraged by the increased emphasis on preventative support services which will be so integral if the council is to achieve improved and modernised services for all older people in South Gloucestershire." The plans include closing the eight residential homes the council currently owns and building two new stateof-the-art homes in the district. They also want to provide 700 extra care housing units,
where older people can maintain their privacy and greater independence. Councillor Matthew Riddle, executive member for community care and housing, said: "Older people in the district deserve the very best care, and it is one of the council's main priorities to provide this. "As part of this we asked Age Concern to carry out a consultation with older people in the district on how they would like to see services developed. "They were emphatic in telling us that where possible they want to have the choice to remain in their own homes and retain as much independence as possible.”
Roseland Parc retirement village played host to winners of a national competition to win a Cornish holiday. Eileen and John Bailey scooped the first prize of a three night stay at New Lodge, a National Trust property in Trelissick Gardens in Cornwall in the competition organised by Retirement Villages, owner of Roseland Parc in Tregony, near Truro. During their Cornish break the couple, who live in Devon, were chauffeured to the village for lunch, hosted by manager Derek Pashley. The following day they were taken on a guided tour of Trelissick by a member of the garden team. I Eileen and John Bailey are pictured enjoying a tour of Roseland Parc
County council appoints stategic partner in retirement village plan THE HICA Group has been appointed a strategic partner by Lincolnshire County Council as part of its plans to develop retirement villages and other extra care facilities. The company has already developed the Holderness Grange retirement village at Hedon in East Yorkshire, and also the Buckshaw retirement village at Chorley in Lancashire as part of the Oakbridge joint venture. Chief executive Andrew Stow said: “The process could take several years to come to fruition because we have to find a site and go through the various planning and consultation processes. but we are keen to develop our first village in Lincolnshire as soon as we can.” HICA is one of eight strategic partners appointed by the council. The group consists of housing associations and private developers who will work with the council to develop services across the county.
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Julie plans summer living A ‘SONGS of Praise’ style service, sensory afternoon and a shopping trip were just a few of the activities that helped Berrystead Nursing Home near Leicester win last year’s first prize at NAPA’s Breath of Fresh Air awards. Activities coordinator Julie Hilton believes it is vital that care home residents get as much fresh air as they possibly can. And she gears her programme of events in the summer to ensuring that those people that want to go out have the option of doing so as much as they can. She added: “Some people living here don’t want to go out, so we run a number of events where we bring the outside indoors with various artefacts. But the majority do want to get outdoors and the change of scenery brings back so many memories of their younger days.” And the residents will have a new garden to enjoy in a few months’ time, which is being paid for with the £3,000 the home received for winning the competition. Julie added: “The new garden area is going to have sensory plants, a new barbecue for al fresco dining and a water feature for the more frail residents to enjoy. We are also planting some potatoes, which we will use in a variety of ways. A lot of the residents had connections with the local farms so they will be used in reminiscence work.” Julie says she is always coming up with new ideas to keep the residents entertained, and the most recent held at home include a Caribbean day, strawberries and cream tea to celebrate Wimbledon, a canal boat trip and well dressing.
A study by Warwick University researchers has found that spending more time outdoors can reduce the risk of the elderly developing heart disease and diabetes, Dominic Musgrave found out what care home managers can do to ensure this.
Fresh air a must for residents CARE home managers should not use a lack of transport or staffing as a reason for not getting their residents outside, it has been claimed. Sally Knocker, director of communications at the National Association for Providers of Activities for Older People (NAPA), told Caring UK that fresh air is crucial to keeping residents active, and that there are many ways of ensuring they get it. She added: “It is a statutory right of prisoners to an hour of fresh air and exercise every day, yet nobody seems to think about this for residents in care homes, and sometimes they can go for months without going out. “Being outside works the brain and gives the residents the chance to see something else other than just the four walls of the home. “Managers should not use the lack of transport and the staffing levels as a reason for not getting their residents out. They should also think about how they can involve the relatives of the residents in the activities.” Sally said that many care homes are now dedicating a morning or afternoon each week to outdoor activities for the residents, and that this could be a way of targeting volunteers to help out. She added: “Putting the structure in place ensures that it happens each week rather than relying on
Activities co-ordinator Stella Charman held a beach party for residents in the garden at Sanctuary Care’s Ashley House care home in Bordon. the staff to use their initiative. The only problem with this is that the weather may be bad when you plan to get the residents out. “Some homes that have put this plan in place have also ensured that there are two or three extra floating staff to help with the activities, so there needs to be a financial commitment as well. “A way around this is to advertise for volunteers to help out during a specific time. If a home just appeals for volunteers the chances are that nobody will respond, but if the home says what it wants the
volunteers for then there is a chance that somebody might read it and think that they could spend a few hours pushing a resident around the park or a garden centre.” Last year NAPA launched a national competition to bring older people in care settings new opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. ‘Breath of Fresh Air’ week was open to care homes and sheltered housing settings all over the country, with the best ideas being rewarded at a gala awards dinner.
Outdoor ideas ... Five easy activities to get care home residents outside: Have a barbecue Organise outside games Have a paddling pool for residents to dip their toes in Have a sunflower competition and award prizes for the tallest Make bird boxes for the garden
Resident Edna Sewell is visited by Enoch the donkey as part of the launch of the scheme
New scheme launched in Wales A PROGRAMME designed to improve the lives of people in care homes across Wales has been launched. ‘My Home Life’ aims to make sure that living, visiting or working in a care home is an enjoyable experience, and is being run by merged charity Age Concern Cymru and Help the Aged in Wales. Programme manager John Moore said the scheme is about sharing ideas to make life better for people living and working in care homes. He added: “These can be very
simple and straightforward ideas or complex innovations, but the aim will be the same – improving people’s day-to-day lives in care homes. “For example, we’ve heard of one home that gave its corridors street names, so that residents were able to literally ‘have their own address’ – doesn’t 17 Brynderw Road sound so much more inviting and homely than plain old Room 17?” The campaign, which is being funded by the Welsh Assembly Government’s Health Challenge
Wales, was launched at College Fields Nursing Home in Barry, South Wales The home’s director Mike Kemp added: “When we heard about the programme and its aims and objectives, we realised that were singing from the same hymn sheet, and we were keen to get involved. “Entering a care home should not be considered a choice of last resort but one of an opportunity to make the very best of life no matter how limited one’s ability.”
Five more adventurous activities: Arrange a trip out Have a concert in the gardens Arrange a visit from a local aviary, police dog team or Sea Life centre Build your own mini farm and keep chickens, goats and pigs etc... Hold an exercise bike challenge for residents and staff The list comes from the NAPA Breath of Fresh Air guide, which includes 101 practical ideas. It is available for £1.50 from www.napa-activities.co.uk or by ringing 020 7078 9375.
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CARINGPRODUCT NEWS
New signage range benefits everyone A NEW range of signage for care home residents with dementia and sight loss is now available from Kaizen Signs UK.
“Because this in turn makes the home more attractive to visitors and staff, everybody benefits from well designed signage.”
Managing director John Wyllie, believes that there is still an extensive requirement among care providers for good, clear signage, especially when supporting people with dementia who are often disoriented and confused.
The purpose designed signs from Kaizen use primary colours in contrasting combinations to ensure high visibility and help residents find their way around the home.
He said: “Our dementia and Braille signs improve the living environment and help residents to maintain their independence.
The product range also includes Braille and tactile signs for partially sighted and blind people, as well as landmark products such as memory boxes and vintage banknotes to help residents reconnect with their past.
Help to find right system
John Wyllie
Council wins accolade at homecare awards HAVERING Council was named winner of the outstanding achievement through IT innovation accolade at the Ceretas National Homecare Awards. By working with software partners PCCL and CM2000, and using Visa card settlement from Royal Bank of Scotland,
Havering have introduced a unique endto-end solution that will revolutionise how domiciliary care is provided, managed, and paid for. At the core of the new system is CM2000’s tried and tested scheduling and monitoring solution
Manager takes home to new heights PENDLEBURY Manor care home in Macclesfield has been taken to new heights by manager Bernadette Sumner (centre), seen here with staff members proudly holding the Interface accreditation certificate. The home has recently been awarded three quality stars and is now proud members of the “Interface” Quality Assurance Programme run by High Peak Care Management Ltd. Contact: Visit www.highpeakcon.co.uk for further information
Care UK Specifies Girbau laundry equipment CARE UK, one of the UK’s leading health and social care organisations, has equipped the laundry of its newly-opened Manor Lodge care home in Chelmsford, Essex with the latest energy efficient and high productivity machines from Girbau UK. The new 120-bed home is the latest addition to Care UK’s nationwide portfolio of 58 nursing and residential care homes, and caters for a wide range of residents including those with specialist needs such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Care UK did not hesitate in specifying four of the company’s 6 Series high-speed washers, four gas dryers and an ironer, as well as three HS6017 19kg capacity, high speed washers and a smaller 14kg HS6013 machine Care UK’s assistant facilities manager Graham Baty said: “Continuity is very important to us and is reflected by the strong relationship that we have with Girbau UK stretching back almost 15 years.” Contact: Telephone 0844 391 0395 or visit www.girbau.co.uk
CallConfirmLive! Havering are now introducing CM2000’s RFID based ‘Touch and Go’ monitoring system, making the solution available to more service users across the borough.
LOTUS Care Technology offers products for dementia care, nursecall systems, door access, CCTV, fire alarm and intruder systems, infection control and maintenance and servicing contracts to clients throughout the whole of the UK. The company has fitted monitoring systems for many years, and with all of their experience to draw on, can help find the right system for the environment. Most requirements differ from one to the next, so it is impossible to suggest that one type of monitoring system is best for all of those homes. Lotus Care is not tied in to any one manufacturer, making them perfectly placed to find the best fit. The company’s ethos is simple. They believe in quality and good customer service, which means they recommend and use the best products available and invest in the best people to provide those products to the customer.
Compact mobility from new B400 powered wheelchair THE B400 is the latest addition to Otto Bock Healthcare’s already wide range of high quality power chairs. Compactly designed for ease of inside use, with a width of only 58cm, means that the user can negotiate the narrowest of halls. The B400 is also robustly built and, with the power generated by the 73Ah Gel Batteries, has a range of 35 kilometres under normal conditions. With a top speed of 7.2 kph and a turning circle of 80cm, this is a powerful yet manoeuvrable chair. Despite a surprisingly reasonable and affordable price, the B400 offers a number of attractive features fitted as standard that are more often included in the ‘optional extras’ list in power chair brochures. For example the reclining and fully folding backrest enables users to transport the chair with ease, combined with a tension adjustable backrest for comfort and positioning. It also boasts a lap strap, a single battery cover, mud guards to protect against splashing in wet weather or when ‘off-roading’ and powerful electric lights fixed under the arm rests. Enquiries: Visit www.ottobock.co.uk
Simple solutions 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. Contact: 0800 074 3749.
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CARINGCLASSIFIED AND NEWS
Management goes back to the floor for charity By Dominic Musgrave SENIOR management at one of the country’s biggest care providers went back to the floor to raise money for charity. Southern Cross’ chief operating officer Kamma Foulkes became a care assistant at a South Wales home, chief executive Jamie Buchan spent the day as a kitchen assistant, group financial director Richard Midmer showed off his gardening skills, group operations director Janette Malham spent the day in the laundry. The event raised more than £13,000 for the Action on Elder Abuse charity, and Kamma told Caring UK it was a worthwhile exercise. She added: “My day was a really great experience for me, and I felt
humbled to work with some excellent staff and to meet some really interesting residents. “I worked as part of the care team and was involved in assisting people to eat both at breakfast and lunch, and helped to get them ready for their day. “I also contributed to the group exercises and also had long conversations with the residents on a one to one basis.” Kamma said she plans to make spending a day working in a care home a regular fixture on her calendar. She added: “It made me and the rest of the management team realise that we should got out and experience what happens in our care homes more often. “It reminded me how hard the staff work and we will certainly be
Management
Event raises £65 STAFF at Grays Court Care Home in Essex swapped their uniforms for fancy dress and raised £65 for the residents’ fund. The money will be used to buy a new bench and chairs for the garden.
Business solutions
Kamma Foulkes doing the task more often.” The group’s homes across the country also held fund-raising events from car boot sales to fancy dress parties and sponsored walks to raise money.
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