Caring UK January 2023

£500m discharge fund is ‘just a sticking plaster’

A £500m fund to help social care has been dismissed as a “small sticking plaster for a gaping wound”.

Campaigners say the Adult Social Care Discharge Fund, whilst welcome, won’t touch the sides in tackling the underlying crisis in social care.

They say the fund isn’t enough, will be slow to reach frontline care due to bureaucracy and is providing a smokescreen for proper reform.

The Government has announced the fund to tackle the problem of delayed hospital discharges due to a lack of care packages.

The Independent Care Group says the money simply isn’t enough.

“It may sound churlish to criticise extra funding,” said chair Mike Padgham, “But in this case the Government is offering a small sticking plaster for a huge, gaping wound that urgently needs surgery.

“To begin with, the money has been slow in coming and the first half won’t start being paid until next month, after it was announced in September.

“Then, as is always the case, getting the money looks to be mired in bureaucracy with commissioners having to get through a mountain of paperwork before they see a penny.

“All in all, this is welcome money, and we do look forward to working

with the integrated care boards and local authorities to ensure it does get to the frontline of social care delivery as quickly as possible.

“But looking at the bigger picture we do have to say it is a drop in the ocean, compared to what is really needed.”

The ICG says there is a danger that the Fund will be a distraction from the root and branch reform that social care needs to end the gridlock in care.

“Together with the extra money announced in last week’s Autumn Statement, it looks on the surface as though social care is getting more cash in its coffers, but it is all smoke and mirrors,” Mr Padgham added.

“None of this goes anywhere near the minimum extra £7bn a year the Chancellor has himself previously said social care needs, just to stand still.

“We are still needing the reform needed to address the 1.6m people who can’t get care and the 165,000 vacancies in the sector. Only when we do that will we see an increase in the social care packages available and the easing of the gridlock in NHS hospitals.”

The ICG says more than 30 years of neglect and under-funding has left social care on the brink of collapse, with Covid-19, chronic staff shortages and the cost-ofliving crisis turning the situation critical.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when 90-year-old carer Mary Houghton, who works at Tudor Bank Nursing Home in Southport, won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the fifth annual Caring UK Awards at the Athena in Leicester recently. Mary came to the UK from Ireland when she was 16 and started working at Southport Hospital, eventually getting promoted to an auxiliary nurse. She worked there until she retired at the age of 60, but her retirement only lasted a week before she got a job as a carer at Tudor Bank and has worked there ever since.

Full round up starts on page 15.

Home releases music single

GLASTONBURY Care Home has released an inspiring single, ‘I See You’.

The song marks the launch of the ‘I See You’ Community Social Fund, aiming to raise money for elderly care residents who live without the funds to afford basics such as new clothes, toiletries and haircuts – often relying on the generosity of frontline care staff or charitable donations.

The song was written, produced, performed and funded entirely by professional musician Paul Denegri, who has volunteered for a year at the care home.

Paul will be bringing music to the bedsides of residents as a continuation of an initiative that has touched the hearts of residents and care staff alike

with his one-to-one bedside music sessions.

He aspires to not only raise money for elderly residents in need with the I See You Community Social Fund, but to also encourage and support musicians – whether professional or amateur – in volunteering at their local care homes to spread the cheer, comfort and community of live music to those in the last chapter of their lives.

After a personal experience Paul was inspired to produce the song and video after realising the profound effect music can have especially with the elderly.

‘I See You’ has officially been released today and can be viewed on Youtube and downloaded for free on Spotify.

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Home teams up with ex-England international for movie club

SIGNATURE at Elton House has found its perfect striking partner to build on the launch of the care home’s monthly cinema club at its in-house screen.

The Bushey care home recently received another visit from former Watford, AC Milan and England striker Luther Blissett OBE for the next instalment of its monthly movie club.

The club enables residents and members of the community living with dementia to sit back and enjoy old movies with one another in a comfortable and safe environment.

Luther, who received an OBE in the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Honours List, is a keen supporter of Watford’s dementia community and suggested the home’s in-house cinema played host to the monthly movie club.

Karen Fleming, client liaison manager at Signature at Elton House, said: “The residents’ faces light up when they see and hear the old movies they remember from their younger days, with some even singing along to the words in the songs.

“It melts my heart to see their smiles and hear their laughter. We are truly honoured to play our part in supporting with this community initiative.

“Dementia care is a crucial aspect of what we deliver. We know the incredible

difference these approaches make in the lives of those living with dementia.

“We are delighted that we can provide a safe space that gives those at the care home and in the community an opportunity to enjoy the big screen.”

Since its special launch screening in July, attendees have enjoyed a range of movies from High Society to the iconic football-themed WW2 film ‘Escape to Victory’.

The latter proved to be a special

showing, with Luther being joined by other former Watford players Tom Whalley, Walter Lees and Ian Bolton, along with former Tottenham Hotspur man and prominent businessman Bob Patmore.

The cinema club makes a vital contribution towards the home’s dementia care, helping its residents and community members re-connect with memories from the past, engaging the brain, and stimulating emotions.

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Care home donates to community food bank

BRAMPTON Manor Care Home made a special visit to the Newmarket Community Day Centre to take along much needed food donations for the most vulnerable living in the local community.

Having collected the wide variety of items over several weeks, wellbeing manager Harry MacDonald and admissions manager James Chandler delivered the donations to the foodbank and spent some time with staff and visitors.

Harry said: “We all know how the cost of living crisis has pushed more

and more people to the brink in terms of money, bills and everything that comes with that, to be able to donate to the centre was incredibly important to us at Brampton Manor as we continue to support the local community.”

The Newmarket Day Centre is a resource in the heart of the town offering vital services for those that need them. With the donations the centre can re-stock their shop and make sure anyone struggling this winter has access to food and supplies as we enter winter.

Provider announces £1.3m team winter support package

HALLMARK Care Homes has invested £1.3m into a number of winter measures to help team members with the cost-of-living crisis.

As part of this, the family-run care group with 19 homes, will now pay all of its staff at or above the new rate set by the Real Living Wage Foundation from December 1.

This means care workers will receive the increase five months before it’s adopted date – May 14, 2023 and salaries will now start from £10.90 per hour in Wales and England (outside London), and £11.95 in London.

The significant increase will ensure a full-time worker paid the new £10.90 Real Living Wage will receive more than £3,200 in additional wages annually compared to someone on the national minimum wage.

For a full-time worker in London this figure rises to more than £5,600. Hallmark employees earning less than £30,000 per annum will also benefit from a five per cent pay rise five months early.

Managing director Aneurin Brown said: “We have a dedicated workforce who all do an amazing job caring for our residents. It’s only right that we are there for them too.

“We hope these pay increases will ease the pressure for those currently struggling with the costs of living and that our support fund will encourage more people to ask for help.”

In addition to the increase, all 2,300 Hallmark employees will have access

to a £250,000 support fund, alongside Westfield Health benefits, a pension, Blue Light Discount Card and Hallmark Rewards should they need help with the rising costs of living.

People and performance director Elizabeth Fairchild added: “We wholeheartedly appreciate there will be bumps in the road and unforeseen costs for many of our team this winter, and we are committed to supporting them.

“In addition to paying the Real Living Wage and launching a £250,000 support fund, we have provided our teams with cost saving resources such as Westfield Health, Hallmark Rewards and we are funding our team’s Blue Light Discount Card to help with Christmas shopping.”

Cookie the dog helps raise funds for charity

RESIDENTS and staff of Ribble Court near Preston have been busy fundraising for a number of charities – with the help of Cookie the dog.

Cookie, who is part Poodle and part Shih Tzu, moved into the care home to be with her elderly owner, but after she passed away Cookie was adopted by the home’s activity organiser Alison Robinson.

She popped into the home recently to help fundraise for both Children in Need and Ribble Court’s ‘Wear It Pink’ day to raise money for Breast Cancer Now, which provides world-class research and care for people affected by the disease.

On Wear It Pink day, Cookie was dressed in a pink bow-tie and joined residents, staff and visitors to the home who were also dressed in pink to show their support.

Residents ran a pink tombola throughout the day in reception and pink cupcakes, biscuits and drinks were served.

The home’s registered manager Sam Smith said: “Everyone in the home loves it when Cookie pops in to say hello. She works her way around

the room and pops up on chairs to snuggle up to residents.

“Animal therapy is brilliant for a care home and when Cookie visits you can feel the energy rise in the room. It’s an exciting part of the day and it encourages interactive behaviours.

“Over the past few weeks Cookie has popped into the home to help us with our charity fund-raising. We are delighted to have raised over £105 for Breast Cancer Now and more than £80 for Children In Need.”

Aneurin Brown

Resident Joyce Dobson with Cookie.

Care village’s nursery launches Intergenerational Stay and Play

THE Nursery in Belong is launching weekly intergenerational ‘Stay and Play’ sessions for families at the not-for-profit dementia specialist’s recently opened Chester care village.

‘Living Lives Together’ invites parents and grandparents and greatgrandparents to bring babies and toddlers for a morning of shared multi-sensory learning experiences, involving play, storytelling and music, at the region’s first fully integrated nursery within a care setting, which opened earlier this year.

Nursery manager Ruth Sandbach said: “The benefits of shared experiences for all ages, including improved physical and mental health, are recognised more and more.

“We know that membership of a strong community is something that people are increasingly missing

in today’s often isolated and digital society.

“‘Living Lives Together’ will give children and adults the opportunity to build new relationships at the same time as strengthening community connections. We welcome everyone with young children and grandchildren to come along.”

The launch follows the location being distinguished as a Public Living Room: a venue that is open to the public to meet and relax, as designated by the Camerados movement.

The organisation seeks to bring people together to create support networks and bolster the resilience of individuals and communities during challenging times, guided by principles such as inclusion, having fun and embracing individuality.

Residents put feet up at new salon

RESIDENTS have been offered the chance to indulge in an immersive salon experience as part of an activities rota aimed at improving their wellbeing.

Cramond Residence has transformed one of its activity rooms into a purpose-built salon with a host of spa mornings planned throughout the month.

The indulgent experience will see residents drifting away to peaceful spa music while enjoying a hand or foot massage from experienced therapists.

Lifestyle coordinator Garylee Rushford said: “The spa mornings are designed to be a relaxing and sensory experience bringing joy to our resident’s day while improving their overall wellbeing.

“We try to ensure that we bring a homely sense into every aspect of our care. We believe that residents shouldn’t forgo any of the activities that they might have previously enjoyed.

“No one should have to miss out on the benefits of a well-deserved massage.

“Not only will it help soothe the residents’ joints and muscles, but it will also help them switch off and

forget about the stress of daily life.”

Included in the home’s current offering for residents and curated by its dedicated lifestyle team are bespoke physiotherapy sessions provided by boutique experts.

Its jam-packed excursions and activities rota is centred around providing residents with fun and fulfilling lives with offerings aimed at stimulating both the mind and body.

Garylee added: “Our residents are encouraged to take things at their own pace and there is always something to see and do – whether it’s taking part in a class or other activity, going out on an excursion, being pampered in our luxury salon or enjoying a film in the cinema.”

Staff graduate from college

FOUR staff at a care home in Carluke have graduated from South Lanarkshire College after successfully completing their year-long studies.

Gillian Graham, Carol-Anne Kilpatrick, Margaret Brown, and Joyce Simpson, who are employed by Milton Grange, achieved a professional development award in skilled dementia studies.

Gillian is a nursing assistant and has worked at the home since 2014.

Carol-Anne and Margaret are both care assistants and have worked at the home for four and 16 years respectively. Joyce, a carer, has been employed at Milton Grange since 2015.

Other colleagues received Social Care Assistant Practitioner awards.

Steve Massey, operations manager at Popular Care, which owns Milton Grange, said: “These four dedicated and committed members of staff are to be commended for studying and

attaining a PDA qualification while holding down demanding jobs.

“Well done to Gillian, Carol-Anne, Margaret and Joyce.

“They are a credit to the social care sector and reflect the professionalism and caring approach of staff at Milton Grange.

“At homes throughout the group, there is a strong focus on encouraging and supporting staff to progress their careers and embrace the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills.”

Trainers from the college came into the home to assess and support the four with them undertaking a lot of the necessary study and learning in their own time.

Home manager Alice Karran added: “We all are very proud of what they have achieved. This industryrecognised qualification will further enhance their ability to offer first class care and support to our residents.”

Residents of Bankview Care Home in Banknock, Falkirk have been making waves as they enjoyed a fun filled canal cruise to the Falkirk Wheel, in fact the visit was such a success they went back the following week. The barge cruise was provided by The Seagull Trust, a charitable organisation run by volunteers, that offer accessible canal cruises for anyone with special needs and the elderly. Staff and residents tucked in to sandwiches and ice creams from the Milk Barn in Falkirk, followed by a sail along the canal from the Falkirk Boathouse, taking in the scenery. This excursion arranged by the staff at Bankview, which is part of the Holmes Care Group, is one of a host of activities provided for residents to socialise and stay happy and healthy.

Operator wins Pawprints Award

ANCHOR, England’s largest not-forprofit provider of housing and care for people in later life, has received the RSPCA’s Gold PawPrints award, in recognition of its continued support for pet-owning residents.

The RSPCA’s PawPrints Awards celebrate the work of housing providers and other institutions in safeguarding animal welfare.

Anchor received the award for its compassionate pet policy, created in partnership with residents, which follows good practice guidance from organisations including the RSPCA and Dogs Trust.

Chief executive Sarah Jones said: “I’m delighted that Anchor has won a gold PawPrints award from the RSPCA. The wellbeing of our residents

is our highest priority at Anchor and that goes for our animal residents as much as our human ones.

“Pets can provide fantastic companionship for older people and many other benefits for owning a pet or living at a location with them.

“We pride ourselves on providing homes where people can love living in later life and that includes those who love animals. It’s an honour to be the Gold Standard for housing providers who support pets and pet owners.”

The provider encourages residents who want a pet or already own pets to bring them to their properties and actively works with them to ensure their accommodation is suitable and the needs of domestic pets living at Anchor properties are being met.

Time to reflect on the past year

THE start of a new year is a time to reflect on the past 12 months and look forward to the next.

Looking back at 2022, it will go down as one of big disappointments.

Like Harry Kane and Gareth Southgate with England, it feels like social care got so far, so close and then were cheated of victory at the last minute.

Social care has been promised reform for a long, long time – at least 30 years of hurt – but I believed that 2022 might be the year social care came home.

It looked like we were going to get meaningful extra funding and some significant action on the care cap after being promised it for so long.

But our match officials in Whitehall had different ideas and we saw our hopes, as in the World Cup, sail over the bar and out of sight once again.

Like England, will we ever taste success? Certainly, any hopes of lifting a trophy seem to have been postponed for now. But we’ll never stop believing.

My other overriding memories of 2022 will be of confrontation, of political upheaval and of a genuine struggle to deliver social care.

The year ended with damaging strike action, which impacted upon all of us in one way or another.

I am full of pride for all the amazing social care staff who have battled on throughout this winter to keep delivering care.

As they were throughout the pandemic, they were heroes once again when all seemed set against

them. Changes of prime minister and government ministers alongside tumultuous times in the economy were damaging for the country last year.

Against that backdrop, plus the cost-of-living crisis, crippling staff shortages and the lasting impact of the pandemic, it is hardly surprising that this has been an annus horribilis for social care and the toughest I have known in 33 years.

There were genuinely times when I have wondered exactly how we were going to find enough staff to cover our shifts.

However bad it has been in the past, I have never known that before.

How social care has got through the past 12 months amazes me and is once again testament to the stoic, battle-hardened commitment of the sector.

But of course, it shouldn’t need to be like that. Social care should be in

Head of laundry celebrates 40 years at care home

HEAD of laundry Tracy Jeff has celebrated 40 years of service at Care South’s Talbot View care home in Bournemouth.

Tracy started her career aged 17 on a Youth Training Scheme doing all sorts of jobs at the not-for-profit provider’s sister care home, Elizabeth House. After a year she took an official domestic role before moving to another care home to become a care assistant working both day and night shifts.

Tracy then became a laundry assistant as the role worked well for her and her family as she had recently had her daughter Danielle to husband Paul, who she met at Care South.

Danielle now works in community care and her sister Rachel also works at Talbot View.

Later in her career Tracy moved on to become an activities lead at another care home and enjoyed being with residents and particularly taking them on trips out.

She moved to another Care South home, Castle Dene, and worked there for nine years before moving to Talbot View a year ago, where she now enjoys being head of laundry.

Tracy added: “Doing the laundry for residents is a very personal service for them. I enjoy visiting each resident

to get their washing and delivering it back just how they like it.

“Community is so important – and often when you work in a care home, you know many of the people and their families as they use the service. It is lovely building a relationship with residents in our care, and you end up feeling like a relation to them.”

a better place to be able to flourish, grow and expand, not struggle to survive.

Looking forward, then, something needs to change.

I’ve decided that 2023 should be the year we get round the table, set aside our differences and sort out social care once and for all.

It has to be a year when constructive discussions take place about how we can tackle the situation in social care.

In December, the House of Lords Select Committee on Adult Social Care called out the Government on the current state of social care and demanded “appropriate and longterm funding”, a detailed, long-term national plan for the sector and the establishment of a Commissioner for Care and Support, to show how adult social care can have such positive and transformational power in people’s lives.”.

All very laudable desires and all, ironically, things we have been calling for now for more than a generation!

The Committee’s report revealed that some 12 per cent of people over 50 are now living with some form of unmet care need – 2.6m people. That is a scandal.

Describing social care as “an invisible” service, the Committee’s report dismissed the measures for social care outlined in the Autumn Statement as “another failure to sustainably address the challenges faced by the social care system as a whole”.

As care providers we are ready to work with the Government and

address the failures outlined in that House of Lords report.

All we ask is for ministers to get round the table with us and look at solutions.

I have now been fortunate enough to meet with Social Care Minister Helen Whately twice and on both occasions have found her willing to listen.

We need to grow those meetings and discussions and try to find some common ground as the basis for getting real change to social care.

Providers have many ideas and suggestions – and they don’t all involve mega sums of extra cash – to approach the current crisis, they merely ask for an opportunity to share and debate them.

Constructive dialogue and a new relationship are required. There has been too much confrontation and retreating into bunkers in recent years.

Of course, there will continue to be times when we will call out the Government if social care is disadvantaged.

But as Harold Macmillan said, ‘jawjaw is better than war-war’. We need to talk more and argue less if we are to make joint progress on social care.

But we have to get round the table first. That is the first hurdle we will have to leap, and it might be a big one.

As a glass half full person, I hope that we can get more jaw-jaw in 2023 and start getting the progress on reform we so nearly got in 2022.

Now that would be a victory.

In his latest in a series of regular columns, care provider Mike Padgham, who is chair of the Independent Care Group, gives us his personal take on the big issues facing social care.

Mike Padgham

Team members and residents from Care South’s Dorset House care home in Poole walked 14km to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s Society. The challenge was spearheaded by activities lead at Sussexdown, Sam Baker who was joined by Mike, a resident’s son. Janice, the home’s housekeeping manager, also joined them for 3km of the walk and 14 residents walked 1km each. The walk took two days to complete, with three hours walked per day.

Tracy Jeff

Organisation shows care for the community with gift card reward

REGISTERED charity Scottish Care is using a ground-breaking gift card initiative to reward its staff across Scotland.

The South Ayrshire based organisation is using 17 of the Scotland Loves Local Gift Cards to show appreciation to its 44 strong team, including in Glasgow, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, Fife, and Argyll and Bute.

Scottish Care is a charitable membership organisation and the representative body for independent social care services in Scotland, representing more than 350 organisations delivering residential, nursing and day care, plus care at home and housing support services.

Staff will each receive a £50 Scotland Loves Local Gift Card of their choice.

Laura Bennie, office manager and executive PA for Scottish Care, said: “The care sector has been hugely impacted during the pandemic and our team are the ones who are supporting organisations and staff delivering front line care.

“Collectively, as an organisation, we felt that we wanted to acknowledge the additional support offered by our team, and say thank you for all that they do.

“We’d heard about the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card and thought it

sounded ideal as a way to say thank you.

“As a charity, we don’t have a lot of money for activities like this, but were able to fund £50 gift cards for staff as a small token of our appreciation.

“Our team is in the sector because they are passionate about care, but we feel it’s important that their efforts are noticed and appreciated.

“Our team is spread out right across Scotland from the north, right down to the Borders. We were able to pick a Scotland Loves Local Gift Card that is

local for each staff member.

“In the lead up to Christmas, we’re sure the gift cards will be appreciated and a thank you gift that is actually used.

“Staff wellbeing is a huge consideration for organisations now. The pandemic was so full on, that it is only now that organisations across Scotland, the UK and the rest of the world, are able to take the time to reflect on the impact that the pandemic has had on staff wellbeing.

“The good thing about choosing

the Scotland Loves Local Gift Cards is that it can be used in lots of different businesses.

“Staff can pay for their shopping, go for a coffee and cake, or for a meal in a restaurant. They could also use the gift card to take some time for themselves and support their wellbeing, such as having an acupuncture or hot yoga session.

“There’s that choice to spend it however they want.

“Community is important to us as an organisation and we value the whole circle of support that is intrinsic with the Scotland Loves Local Gift Cards.

“Using the Scotland Loves Local Gift Cards for our staff rewards is a way that we can show our support for communities across Scotland.”

The Scotland Loves Local Gift Card initiative was introduced in 2021 as a means to direct spend to local communities, and power economic recovery, delivered by Scotland’s Town Partnership and Perth based fintech Miconex. More than 28 Scottish regions have already introduced their own gift card.

In August, Glasgow City Council distributed 85,000 Scotland Loves

Local Glasgow Gift Cards to low income families in the city to boost the economy and help families cope with the rising cost of living.

Operator celebrates its diamond anniversary with new extension

THE Abbeyfield York Society celebrated its 60th anniversary with an event to lay the foundation stone of its new development, adjacent to its existing sheltered housing scheme, Abbeyfield House, in Dringhouses.

Abbeyfield York, which provides accommodation and support for older people, is part of the Abbeyfield Family.

Abbeyfield’s 370 care homes, sheltered housing schemes and independent living complexes worldwide enhance the quality of life for more than 8,000 residents, and strive towards the charity’s mission to alleviate loneliness amongst the older population.

The Abbeyfield Society employs the services of hundreds of professional staff and some 4,000 volunteers.

The foundation stone-laying ceremony at Abbeyfield House marked a crucial milestone in the construction of a new 25-bed building, which will include 19 apartments provided as social rentals and six homes for sale.

Seventeen will include the option of additional care packages, and eight offer enhanced provision for people living with dementia.

The total project cost is at £6.1million of which the build contract is £5.1million.

Funding has come from a variety of

avenues, including substantial grants awarded by Homes England, funding from The Abbeyfield Society and loan funding from Charity Bank.

However, a large proportion was raised via the Recycled Capital Grant Fund, which enabled the reallocation of assets from four other local Abbeyfields to the project, totalling more than £700,000.

The Abbeyfield Christchurch, Abbeyfield Grimsby, Cleethorpes

and District, and Abbeyfield Widnes Societies have recently ceased trading, and the subsequent reallocation of these organisations’ funds to the Regency Mews project means that their legacies of providing accommodation and care for older people can be upheld.

In addition, the Abbeyfield Loughborough Society recently closed one of its services, opting to focus on its residential care home, Westfield House.

The money accrued from the sale of the Society’s closed property was donated and repurposed by Abbeyfield York for the new development.

Abbeyfield York chairman Dr. Robert Porter said, “We are indebted to our sister Member Societies and The Abbeyfield Society for their generous contributions, Homes England, the Government’s grant-awarding body, and Charity Bank for their financial and investment support. This new development will ensure quality, affordable accommodation for older people can be provided at Regency Mews for years to come.

“The cost of the initial proposed development was adversely affected by a combination of factors, including Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic and the current economic uncertainty.

“Fortunately, the other local

Member Societies saw the Regency Mews extension as an opportunity to ensure that their capital was put towards helping people in the North of England to receive quality care, security and companionship in later life within the Abbeyfield family.”

Abbeyfield House provides a supportive environment for older people, supplemented by a domiciliary care service with packages tailored to each resident’s needs.

The house provides a varied schedule of social activities and offers a range of health and wellbeing services including hairdressing, chiropody and reflexology.

Residents receive three nutritious home-cooked meals a day and are free to relax in the beautiful landscaped garden or comfortable communal lounge.

Robert added: “The completion of the new construction project will enhance and strengthen our care at home provision.

“It will furthermore ensure our future viability as an important housing partner in the local community – a fitting way to celebrate our 60th year and build for the future.”

The new facility, which is being built by Vistry Partnerships Yorkshire, is expected to open in January 2024.

Residents play zookeeper

MEMBERS of Warrington’s older community have been forging friendships with some special visitors after the zoo recently paid a visit for an animal therapy session, bringing the delights of the natural world to their home at Belong.

Residents at the Latchford care village welcomed the menagerie, with many daring to handle the iguanas and an array of snakes.

The session proved to be a hit, with participants enjoying greeting guinea pigs, making mischief with meerkats and looking after tortoises, who helped some of their keepers to come out of their own shells.

Peter Norman, general manager at Belong Warrington, said: “To see the impact has been very encouraging, with our quieter customers and those

living with dementia really engaged by interacting with the creatures.

“People have a different relationship with animals and being with them offers a sensory experience and the resulting benefits have been farreaching.”

KC Exotic Mobile Zoo was invited to Belong Warrington as part of its broad and varied activities programme for customers, designed to occupy them with meaningful activities, many of which help them to regain lost skills or develop new ones.

Other recent opportunities include the introduction of a visiting music therapist, and welcoming local school children for intergenerational activities, facilitated by newly appointed experience coordinator Louise Kelly.

Prestigious award for home manager

KATIE More, manager at Cloverleaf in Lincoln won the ‘Outstanding Contribution’ award at Tanglewood Care Homes’ annual ceremony.

The gala event at the Boston Stadium was hosted by Shaun Williamson aka ‘Barry from EastEnders’ who warmed up the audience, announced the winners and kept everybody in stitches with a barrage of his cheesiest jokes and anecdotes.

Katie said: “My ethos has always been that we work in our residents’ home, and not that they live in our workplace.

“Therefore we treat residents and their home respectfully. Cloverleaf is a warm and inclusive community where we consistently aim to meet the aspirations of residents as well as their needs; consequently our home is a happy home.

“I truly love working in the care sector and feel fortunate to have found my vocation early in my career.”

Katie, 30, joined Tanglewood in 2017 as deputy manager at Toray Pines in Coningsby and was quickly identified as a rising star.

She was soon promoted to home manager where she established herself as a natural leader with the ability to influence change and enthuse others to realise their potential.

Advertiser’s announcement

In 2021 Katie was offered and accepted the position of home manager for Cloverleaf, a new 72 bed nursing home in Lincoln. She continued to flourish at Cloverleaf and once again inspired her team to promote a culture that encourages independence and inclusion.

Katie is constantly driven by her desire to ensure that residents are happy and cared for with respect, dignity and compassion.

Will CQC’s reforms confuse matters further?

By Neil Grant

THE legislation surrounding CQC’s activities is broad and general in nature.

The Fundamental Standards are little more than headlines and CQC’s guidance for providers on complying with the regulations adds little additional detail.

In contrast, the Welsh regulatory system is far more detailed and prescriptive; providers and responsible individuals in Wales know what they must do to achieve compliance.

CQC adopted the Ofsted rating scheme of Inadequate, Requires Improvement, Good and Outstanding some years ago. However, there is no rating for being compliant. Instead, what we have is a confusing mélange of ratings.

The Requires Improvement ratings span providers who are judged non-compliant with at least one statutory requirement to those deemed compliant with all statutory requirements but where there are concerns about sustainability or consistency of care.

There are then the Good ratings which are awarded when a service is more than just meeting statutory standards.

However, what this means is that the bar in terms of compliance is unclear.

Put simply, the way the CQC regulations and rating system have been defined means that inspection is something of a lottery with a

significant subjective element incorporated into it, although CQC would no doubt call this professional judgement.

What cannot be denied is that the preferences and attitudes of inspectors can have a major impact on what ratings a provider ends up with.

CQC is intending to introduce a new performance assessment system on a phased basis from January 2023 based on quality statements. In essence they are a slimmed down version of the current Key Lines of Enquiry which they will replace. The quality statements will sit under the current five key questions: safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

Underpinning the quality statements will be six evidence categories, which will be the “required evidence” from providers.

They are (1) people’s experience, (2) evidence from staff and leaders, (3) evidence from partners, (4) processes, (5) observation and (6) outcomes.

There will be a minimum frequency of evidence collection for each type of evidence applying to a service type, and the specific evidence required by CQC will vary according to the service type. What is clear is CQC will be giving prominence to people’s feedback which includes families, friends and advocates, as well as the people using services.

As the CQC states on its website, “If we receive feedback that people have poor experience of care, we will always identify it as a concern. We will review further and gather more evidence. This is even if other evidence sources have not indicated any issues.”

No right thinking person would disagree with this statement but it remains to be seen how such information will be weighed up and used by CQC as part of its new way of regulating providers and local systems.

CQC says it intends to score the evidence which applies to each of the quality statements in order to arrive at a percentage score for each key question. In a CQC video put out on June 17 on YouTube, the slides refer to the eight quality statements under the safe key question as an example. The slides note that the evidence for each quality statement can generate a maximum score of 4, meaning the maximum overall score under safe is 32 (8 x 4). So, if a provider is awarded a score of 21 out of 32, the percentage score is 65.6 per cent.

The percentage bands linked to

ratings in the video were given as follows: 25 to 38 per cent = Inadequate, 39 per cent to 62 per cent = Requires Improvement; 63 per cent to 87 per cent = Good and over 87 per cent = Outstanding.

Therefore, a score of 63 per cent would be deemed to be above the regulatory requirements and generate a Good rating whereas 62 per cent would not, instead leading to a Requires Improvement rating. What it means is that a change to the score of one or two quality ratings can easily lead to a change in rating.

However, it is not clear how scores will be awarded for the required evidence under each quality statement.

Mark Sutton, CQC’s chief digital officer, stated in a blog on July 25 that CQC will be using “…innovative data analysis techniques and professional judgement to support regular and consistent decision-making.”

It is also unclear how noncompliance will be judged under the new system and what its impact will be on the ratings awarded to adult social care providers.

Additionally, CQC has been silent about precisely how a provider will be able to respond to a quality assessment with which they disagree.

Urgent clarity is required from CQC on these matters to assist the provider community in understanding the new regulatory framework and preparing for it.

n Neil Grant is a Partner at Gordons Partnership Solicitors.

Resident Gwen Mason meets a snake with support worker Callum Murphy.

Katie More receives her award from Shaun Williamson, and Andrew Cross from C-Squared Architects (sponsors).

Neil Grant

THE CARING UK AWARDS 2022

Activities Team of the Year Award sponsored

House

Our winning care home stood out because of the activity team’s innovative approach to partnership working and community engagement. From nursery visits and dementia café sessions to a collaborative time capsule, and activities focussed on local heritage, it is clear that this team go above and beyond to ensure that residents stay connected to their community.

Quality in Housekeeping Award sponsored by Sharecare Systems: Dorset House

Best Outdoor Environment Award: Birtley House

The winner sounded like a marvellous setting to our judge as it features numerous interesting things like using the site for prescribed walks by GPs, forest schools and community events. There’s also a wonderful kitchen garden – with the produce then eaten by the residents. Overall, our winning home is a space that is well loved and well used by those living there and extensively by the wider community.

Community Involvement Award sponsored

Care Group: Thornhill House

Our winning home really stood out as one that has understood the vital role that it within it’s community. The business has raised in excess of £5,000 for its local hospice as its funding was adversely impacted during the pandemic. Two staff members did sponsor sky dives to help raise the funds. The home has also sponsored local football, cricket and bowling clubs and residents enjoy going to watch these activities.

Catering Team of the Year Award: Melbourne House

Our judge loved the pics of the food that were submitted as part of this entry as it was the sort of food that you might enjoy every day. They seem to have a small team that is clearly proud of the food they produce. It’s always more impressive to see the smaller care providers doing so well in this area as their resources tend to be more limited. In the context of today’s care market and the disposable income that most providers have, they have done well to be selected.

Management Team of the Year Award: Greensleeves Care – Broadlands

Our winning home has an established staff structure with a low turn-over of staff that has ensured continuity of care. Morale was high amongst the workforce, with staff proud to work in the home and towards the provider’s vision and values. Staff shared numerous examples of being respected and appreciated by the senior management team.

by ServiceSport Care Home Division: Riverside

The winning housekeeping team have proved they continue to go above and beyond the expectations that are set of them. For example, the head housekeeper spent time with the Worcestershire Royal Hospital Infection Control Team to build her knowledge and skills. They evidenced the learning and development of all their team showing the importance that is placed on this essential element of the home.

by Independent

Dementia Care Team Award: Roseway House

Our winning home’s nomination stood out due to the dedication and passion it has for ensuring a personalised approach to supporting residents with dementia by ensuring they have access to what matters most to them, no matter the time and lengths it takes. The home has also seen the benefits of bringing together the older and younger generation through its in-house playgroup, as well as working together with local businesses and the wider community.

Commitment to Training and Development sponsored by Learning Curve Group: Howard Lodge and Dudbrook Hall

Our winning home is a great example of how a small provider has invested in a full-time in-house training manager who has been with the company for 23 years. Examples include supporting a staff member from level two to five in seven years. The home also involves families in the training. The small provider has made a large investment in dedicated training and development.

End of Life Team Award: Greensleeves Care –Broadlands

Our winning team really offers outstanding end-of-life care. They are exceptionally committed to the Gold Standard Framework and have achieved Platinum status, which is an incredible achievement, and they are supported by a strong team of end-of-life champions. What was also very important is that they are really investing in the delivery of end-of-life care and the people who do it, demonstrated by their attainment of Platinum level Investors in People.

Regional Care Home Midlands and Wales sponsored

Many team members at our winning home have worked there for more than 10 years – this level of experience, continuity and stability is priceless. Team members are celebrated and the home endeavours to promote from within. Extensive initial training is backed-up with monthly supervisions and continuing professional development. Care provision is tailored to each resident as an individual – care plans constantly evolve and have dignity and understanding at their core. Strong relationships with the families of residents are forged and together excellence is provided for all.

Excellence and Innovation in Dementia Care

Award: St John’s House

Our winning home is family run and is proud to be a part The Whzan Pilot – a tool that enhances collaboration with the GP surgery and wider clinicians to improve the health and wellbeing for its residents. The home has also developed a unique environmental management plan for its dementia suite, which analyses events of the past month to determine patterns. This enables the staff to adapt the environment and approach to minimise the risk and emotional distress for residents. After the success of this initiative it is now the intention to also adopt this on the residential suite.

Regional Care Home South sponsored by Script Media: The Close

This fully outstanding care home is known for its inclusive and diverse approach –differences are welcomed, celebrated and applauded. This applies this across the board from its residents, staff team, stakeholders and suppliers. People are facilitated in living free from constraints and cliches like “you cant do that at a care home”. Our winning home’s way means to not to limit but to support. Residents enjoy all the lifestyle opportunities they used to in their normal daily lives… moving to this care home means their normal lives continue, just in a new home! People are treated with the respect they should and coproduce their lives with the team.

by Fusion eCare Solutions Ltd: Llys Cyncoed

Regional Care Home of the Year North sponsored

House

Our

Regional Care Home of the Year Scotland sponsored by Caring UK magazine: Bandrum Nursing Home

In a very competitive category our winner stood out in a number of areas. They are a Living Wage employer and offer excellent career development pathways, with a number of staff progressing to nurse associates. The residents’ choir has won Scottish Care’s meaningful activity award and, in an area where rural isolation can have such a negative impact, the home has a registered charity connected to it to support befriending and reduce loneliness.

Care Employee of the Year Award sponsored

Our judge was impressed by how our winner has developed within the care sector. He has shown compassion and commitment to delivering person centred care and has earned the respect of colleagues, relatives and residents alike. He is clearly a skilled communicator who not only provides excellent care but also offers mentorship and support for the rest of his team.

Outstanding Achievement Award sponsored

Following in her mum’s footsteps she qualified as a nurse in 1993, but, rather than going into a hospital setting, like her mum, she chose to take up a post as a nurse in a care home, and the sector is all the better for that decision. Her drive, energy, commitment and dedication has seen her progress to her current role, but she has never lost that important “hands on care” and that drive for achieving the highest standards of care for residents. Down to earth, approachable and humble, everywhere our winner has worked she has quickly gained the respect of everyone, who value her wealth of knowledge, skills and experience gained over many years, with a reputation of being “firm but fair”.

Care Employer of the Year Award sponsored

Ebury Court

The registered manager at our winning care home writes bespoke training programmes to enable staff to develop specific skills around palliative care, communication and dementia. These include cases which have been found challenging during the previous year. And the managing director has a great commitment to supporting staff, while working conditions are fantastic. These include good rates of pay, staff pension, paid breaks, free uniform, free meals, free on-site parking, enhanced rates at the weekend, staff pamper days and organised events to say thank you.

Best Initiative in Care Award sponsored

Care Home

Our winning care home looked at all processes of operation and introduced a combination of innovative strategies with a top-down approach. These included a culture of performance reviews, which is conducive of productive feedback. They removed the traditional disciplinary process and replaced it with a learning culture. The home has also embraced digital advancements.

winning home is rated Outstanding in four out of five key areas of CQC inspection –the highest of 3,000 homes inspected in that particular year. It is modern and is family run and operated and has active involvement by all stakeholders. It is proactive on social media and has a dedicated staff team. They have a comprehensive quality assurance system which has a culture of inciting further improvement.

by Sommer Rose Interiors: Bowfell

by Shackletons: Tracy Johnson

by Wolf Laundry: Francisco Paes

by Fleurets:

by Magnit: Aria

Care Group of the Year Award

Our winning group is the industry ‘disrupter’ that turns around the most difficult homes to create vibrant elderly care settings, usually with outstanding ratings. In a crisis like the pandemic, you can choose to ask ‘Why me?’ or you can say ‘Watch me!’ – our winning group did the latter. Its first Memory Centre was a concept created from scratch during the pandemic, researching innovative memory care, and creating a new concept of living. The group also became only the second care home operator in East Anglia to pay the Real Living Wage to all employees in the Spring 2022.

Lifetime

Our winner has been a carer for more than 40 years, initially in the NHS until she was 60. But she didn’t want to retire, relax and put her feet up so applied to be a carer at a care home, got the job and she has been there for 30 years. Now aged 90, our winner has great empathy with the home’s residents. She will hold their hand when they are feeling lost and alone and be with them at their hour of need. She is full of energy and life and is always the first to get up with residents to have a good old dance and a sing-along.

Regional Care Home Midlands and Wales Roden Hall

Care

What stood out to the judge was the longevity of the staff retention at our winning home. The manager has worked there 30 years, while the longest serving member has been there 43 years and the hairdresser has been cutting the residents’ hair for 45. There is a sense of love and warmth that came across in the testimonials from staff, residents and families that would be the envy of most homes.

Best Outdoor Environment Churchfields Care Home Catering Team Jewish Care Quality in Housekeeping Cranford Residential Home Community Involvement Littleport Grange Best Initiative in Care St John’s House

Dementia Care Team Friends of The Elderly End of Life Team Trentham House

Regional Care Home South Wiltshire Heights

Regional Care Home North Thornhill House

Regional Care Home Scotland Abbeyfield Ballachulish

National

Broadlands is a home from home, having an excellent diverse, caring, dedicated and compassionate management/senior team of 20 having a collective 400 years’ experience. Most have progressed within their roles at the home to become part of the management team. They are happy to call each other friends, not afraid to listen to each other’s point of view, value individual differences, and work together to lead an outstanding home. The senior team are encouraged to develop their knowledge and skills, many achieving National Diplomas at Level 4 or above.

Commitment to Training and Development Askham Village Community Excellence and Innovation in Dementia Care Ebury Court

sponsored by Virgin Money: Stow Healthcare

Team of the Year Award sponsored by Delphi Care Solutions: Ingersley Court

Care Home of the Year Award sponsored by OM Interactive: Greensleeves Care – Broadlands

Achievement Award sponsored by Shackletons: Mary Houghton

“We were really proud to sponsor the Care Team of the Year Award at the Caring UK Awards this year. The exposure it gave Delphi Care Solutions was great and the event itself was incredible! Seeing so many people coming together to celebrate all that is good in the Care Sector was wonderful to see. We’ll definitely be back next year.”

– Simon Rhodes, marketing manager. Delphi Care Solutions

“The Fusion eCare Solutions team had the pleasure of supporting the Midlands & Wales Care Home of the Year Award. As category sponsors we cannot stress enough how happy we feel to be part of such a meaningful event that recognises the outstanding contribution of social care. A great night was enjoyed by all!”

– Ben Richardson, business strategy and marketing manager, Fusion eCare Solutions Ltd

“The awards were a pleasant contrast to the usual bland hotel experiences that characterise other events. The venue was more intimate, interesting and better for networking and the entertainment was much better than the C list celebrities who generally host these things. The organisation was professional and the evening ran very smoothly. We will definitely attend again.”

– Gosia Sara, ShareCare Systems Ltd

“It was a pleasure to sponsor the ‘commitment to training and development’ category for the second year. Continuously improving knowledge and skills is essential within the sector and those who do it exceptionally should be celebrated.”

– Chris Grieveson, key account director (care sector), Learning Curve Group

“Virgin Money ws very proud to once again headline sponsor the Caring UK Awards. This is a fantastic event celebrating the best of the best care homes and recognising individual staff achievements from across the UK in social care”

– Graham Harper, senior director (health and social care), Virgin Money

“We would like to say thank you fro such a lovely evening the entertainment was lovely and added to a very special occasion.”

– Hazel Greenway, manager, Lent Rise House

“We had a wonderful evening at the awards. The show was spectacular and well worth the six-hour drive.”

– Viki Barter-Wilson, director, Bandrum Nursing Home

“We were delighted to be a sponsor of the Caring UK Awards 2022. It was a great night from the venue, to the food and the ceremony to the party – it was a real celebration of the industry.”

– Donna Evans, Wolf Laundry

“Sommer Rose Interiors was honoured to be part of the Caring UK Awards once again this year. It was an amazing night celebrating all the brilliant work from the social care sector.”

– Sarah Thompson, Sommer Rose Interiors

Employee experiences what it feels like to be a resident

LICHAI Liu, a new staff member at RMBI Care Co. Home Zetland Court, in Bournemouth, took part in an innovative training programme called Experiential Learning.

Through this induction she had the opportunity to experience first-hand what it might feel like to be a resident and receive personal care and support whilst living in a care home.

Lichai was presented with different challenges, such as wearing a wet incontinence pad throughout the training session, doing a wordsearch while wearing gloves that simulate arthritis, and wearing goggles that simulate impaired vision.

The aim was to help give her a better understanding of how residents should be cared for, and develop a greater sense of empathy in her role.

Lichai said: “Compared to a previous care home I worked at, this is really good. I have never done this type of training before.

“It was really helpful for me to better understand the way I need to support and care for older people, in order to help them live a more enjoyable life.”

As part of the training session, staff members also took part in a variety of scenarios, such as:

n Being pushed in a wheelchair with artificially impaired vision.

n Being supported to eat a meal by another trainee.

n Having their face and neck washed by another trainee.

n Being left on their own in an empty

room whilst unable to move from their chair.

Susan Hudson, Zetland Court’s training manager, added: “All our staff members at every level go through this induction to experience what it feels like to be a resident living in a care home.

“It is important that our team have a real understanding of what good care should feel like in order to be able to support our residents appropriately.

“There is a great difference between simply providing care and helping a resident to feel empowered, valued and enabled (which also gives them a sense of dignity and pride.)

“Thanks to our Experiential Learning sessions our staff can have more understanding and empathy for our residents.”

Date revealed for The Alzheimer’s Dementia & Care Show

THE Alzheimer’s Dementia & Care Show is the UK’s leading event for care providers, healthcare professionals, families and carers.

This is an unmissable CPD accredited event for those wanting to learn from leading experts, find practical advice and support, resources, develop a better understanding of dementia and further professional skills.

The show features a full conference programme with talks from leading experts, carers and persons with dementia alongside professional advice clinics, dementia and care exhibitors and unique individual training opportunities you won’t find at any other event.

Full virtual dementia tour and training experience and dementia interpreters course by Training2Care: Free taster sessions and the only event where visitors can book the complete training as an individual. Dementia and care matters theatre: The main theatre hosts keynote speakers on range of topics as well as chaired daily Question Time panels. Talks hub: A range of practical talks covering dementia and care topics from professionals and

exhibitors.

CPD accreditation: Certificates available to professional attendees.

Admiral Nurses and Alzheimer’s Society advice clinics: Free 25-minute one-to-one appointments. Leading dementia and care exhibitors: Practical ideas, new solutions and resources from dementia and care specialists.

The Alzheimer’s Dementia & Care Show takes place at the Business Design Centre in London on March 3 and 4.

Enquiries: One-day tickets are available from £18 online. For information and tickets visit alzheimersshow.co.uk

Home on track to open in near future

WORK continues at pace on a stateof-the-art new £15million care home in Lymm, Cheshire, which is now less than a month away from completion.

Build is progressing well at New Care’s 66-bed care facility, with practical completion taking place before Christmas.

The external brickwork and roof tiling are complete meaning the building is now watertight, and the team of contractors and tradesmen on site are working on the interior to ensure the development remains on schedule as it edges closer to completion.

The new care facility will be called Statham Manor and is the latest care home development for New Care, part of the award-winning McGoff Group.

Commissioning director Dawn Collett, said: “Work on site is progressing well and, with less than one month to go until practical completion, Statham Manor is really

taking shape.

“The care facility has been expertly designed to offer outstanding care in a stylish environment, and we are already starting to recruit

When

This long-established, management operated Care Home registered for 25 with a CQC rating of “Good”, has been sold on behalf of Liz Bown and her family to first time entrant, Kent based Varinder Aujla.

Principal Grayson Taylor commented “We are experiencing strong demand for Homes throughout the South East, with many other Homes recently going under offer in Surrey, Sussex and Kent.”

person-centred residential, nursing, dementia and respite care in a safe, comfortable and stylish environment. Each of the well-appointed and restful bedrooms will feature a private en-suite wet room, while the home itself will offer several communal lounges, dining rooms, spa assisted bathrooms, a hair salon and nail bar, plus landscaped gardens.

The care facility will also provide high end hotel-style services that ensure continued quality of life and enjoyment for all of the residents, including fine dining and a busy and varied programme of activities and events.

Ensuring a welcoming home-fromhome environment for all residents, Statham Manor benefits from a high specification finish and has been designed by a professional interior designer who has created a space that takes inspiration from its former life as a hotel that hosted Pele during the World Cup.

the 100-strong team and our first residents.”

complete, it will cater for the aspiring needs of residents in Lymm and the surrounding area, offering

Statham Manor, New Care’s state-of-the-art £15m facility in Lymm, Cheshire.

Lamont Johnson are delighted to have sold Trees Residential Care Home, Pontefract, West Yorkshire on behalf of the long time owner Gaynor Saunders with the Home attracting a good level of interest.

We are very pleased to have sold the Home to Mr Gerald Johnson of Aegis Care Solutions, who are new entrants to the Care Sector and we wish them all the very best with their new business. This sale clearly demonstrates the demand for Care Homes in the North of all sizes and categories of Care.

Dear Grayson and Dawn

Following the sale of Trees Residential Care Home, which was my first Care Home purchase in 2005, it was a very emotional decision to sell and start the process to retire after almost 20 years in the industry, but you both helped to make this difficult decision much more easier with your understanding, compassion and care.

Your help, guidance and direction has made the whole process so much less stressful for me than it would have been with another agent and I am extremely grateful.

I would not hesitate to recommend Lamont Johnson, and have done so, for anyone who is wanting to retire and ensure that they sell their business to likeminded, caring people in order to continue providing good quality care for vulnerable people.

Wishing you both the very best for the future

Yours sincerely Gaynor Saunders Managing Director

Dawn Taylor Director Lamont Johnson Grayson Taylor Managing Director Lamont Johnson Gaynor Saunders Managing Director Denestar

North Wales facility has new owners

DC Care has completed the sale of Bryn Estyn, an immaculately presented residential care home located in Rhyl, on behalf of John and Karin Witherspoon.

Bryn Estyn is a former private dwelling, which has been converted and extended to provide majority single-room accommodation for up to 24 residents, enjoying a strong local reputation for the high standards of care.

John and Karin appointed DC Care to market the home. It was sold to Dr Bruce Moore, an existing North Wales-based operator who acquired his existing homes via DC Care.

Bruce said “We have just completed the purchase of our third care home in the last two years and all three care homes have been bought through DC Care.

“I’m very grateful to them for being so proactive and supportive during the complex and lengthy process of all three care home purchases – I would happily recommend DC Care to any other prospective business buyer.”

The sale of Bryn Estyn was handled by DC Care’s director Andy Sandel and senior sales negotiator Clare Duffy.

Clare added “We are delighted to have successfully concluded the sale for John and Karin and would like to wish both of them all the very best.”

New Solihull home welcomes centenarian as first resident

A NEWLY opened luxury Solihull care home that specialises in residential, nursing, dementia and respite care has welcomed its first resident.

100-year-old Margaret has become the first resident at Blossomfield Rose, a new state-of-the-art care home situated as part of the existing Blossomfield Park in Solihull, offering residents compassionate and supportive care within a unique setting.

The new home sits neatly within the wider Blossomfield Park development, a mix of sympathetically converted historic and contemporary buildings set within five acres of mature, private grounds — offering privately owned accommodation to all ages.

Residents have access to all parkwide amenities and grounds, proving to be Margaret’s favourite part of her stay so far.

She said: “I have made the most of the sunny weather since moving in, especially as I know it’s about to change.

“I’ve loved spending time in the beautiful gardens and seeing the donkeys in the field opposite, but as it gets colder I’ll still be able to see all this wonderful wildlife from the window in my room.”

Born and raised in Shropshire, Margaret enjoyed an 80-year marriage to her husband George,

where they raised two daughters. Margaret enjoyed a career with the Ministry of Food where she started out in the rationing department before working her way up to

community inspections.

Margaret added: “I enjoyed carrying out the street inspections where I would hang around chatting and being friendly, but I would actually be watching for stalls selling illegal goods.

“I would then make a purchase at these stalls for evidence to catch them red handed, then they would be sent to court.”

Now residing at Blossomfield Rose, Margaret and her fellow residents experience the use of unobtrusive, integrated technology throughout the home which helps the dedicated care team deliver the highest quality and standards of dementia and nursing care.

Features such as acoustic listening devices and nurse call systems will offer families peace of mind as care can be delivered swiftly as necessary, alongside thorough digital recordkeeping and care planning.

Home manager Sonia Tenniswood added: “We’re delighted to welcome Margaret and her family into our home, and hope she creates many happy memories here.

“On her first day we welcomed her with balloons and champagne to make it a really special occasion and hopefully everyday we continue to make her feel special, allowing her to express her independence within a safe and caring environment.”

Choosing the correct agent

By Alison Willoughby

IF YOU are considering selling your care business, there are many factors you need to consider to instruct the right agent.

Most vendors want to sell for the highest price achievable in the market within a realistic marketing period. A good agent will take time to understand your requirements before they confirm their marketing advice. In choosing an agent you should consider who is going to provide the best service and who is likely to achieve the best results.

Perhaps consider the following: 1. Are the firm specialists in the sector?

2. Do they offer the right local or national coverage to maximise the exposure of your business to the most appropriate buyers?

3. Does the agent have regional offices, or a call centre?

4. Look at the depth of the company; are they simply agents or are they also RICS Registered Valuers carrying out detailed valuations on a daily basis? This professionalism will become obvious when discussing your property.

Once, you have set up a meeting, there are a further list of questions you need to ask to avoid potential pitfalls.

1. Is the agent asking you detailed questions regarding the business and accounts to fully understand and provide detailed and logical advice?

2. Has the agent explained and justified the advice being provided? Often overinflated and marketing advice is provided simply to get vendors onto contracts that will cost

them money. If properly explained, recommendations are logical and should help vendors avoid the easy temptation to simply chase the asking price, overlooking the agent’s ability to sell, based on experience and market knowledge.

3. Enquire whether the agent you are meeting will be your contact throughout the sale process. Too many agents are never seen again and the property is simply listed on a website and enquiries processed by people who have never seen your business.

4. Ask how long the agent has been involved in the healthcare market and how much experience they have.

5. You then need to discuss the agents’ terms of engagement. How

long is the contract for? Is there a withdrawal fee? How many weeks’ termination notice do you need to give? Are upfront marketing fees charged in addition to the fee?

Buying a business is a significant investment. In the same way, selling that business is of a similar importance, so take it seriously, do research and make the right decision.

Above all make your decision with your eyes open about what the agent’s service really is and why they are giving the advice they are giving. Remember not to believe the hype – If it sounds too good to be true it almost certainly is.

n Alison Willoughby is the divisional director and head of healthcare at Fleurets.

Advertiser’s announcement

Alison Willoughby

Blossomfield Rose’s first resident Margaret with Macc Care operations director Sharen Guise.

Group plans first foray into Aberdeenshire

AN AWARD-winning provider is planning a multi-million pound expansion into Aberdeenshire, with new facilities earmarked for Turriff and Alford.

Parklands Care Homes, which has its headquarters in Grantown, has submitted an application for planning permission in principle for a 40-bed care home and later life living village in Turriff, comprising 11 bungalows, and a new access road on a vacant site. Plans for a similar development in Alford have also been submitted.

As well as a 40-bed care home, 17 later life living bungalows would be built on the site, which would be served by a new access road.

Ron Taylor, managing director of Parklands Care Homes, said: “As a company with deep roots in Moray and the Highlands, we are excited about making our first foray into Aberdeenshire.

“We believe there is a growing demand for high quality personcentred care in the region and we hope that our investment will not only create more jobs, but also help provide additional care capacity in Turriff and Alford.”

Founded in 1993 in Buckie, Parklands is a multi-award winning family run care provider.

The company currently operates 10 homes in Moray and the Highlands,

with the first phase of a new care hub in Inverness – comprising a 58-bed care home, later life living bungalows and affordable homes for key workers – currently under construction. Parklands has also recently announced plans for a 40-bed care home in Elgin.

The later life living model is relatively new and is intended to act as a bridge between independent

living and the traditional care home model, with residents enjoying access to shared services and social activities within the adjacent care home, while leading otherwise independent lives.

The new care homes are expected to create dozens of jobs for the area and boost the local supply chain.

Both homes would comply with the Care Inspectorate’s new 2022 Design Guidelines.

Encore Care Homes has introduced a dedicated new role to the team to provide a boost to the wellbeing of residents with dementia. Sue Lanceley has been promoted to group dementia specialist nurse due to her wealth of experience of the condition. Encore, which has four care homes providing round-the-clock residential, dementia, nursing and palliative care across Dorset and Hampshire, has created the new role focusing solely on the experience of residents with dementia and, where necessary, providing additional support to their relatives. Sue brings vast experience to her new role, having worked in elderly care throughout her entire adult career. She has spent the past 10 years specialising in dementia care as she feels there is more that can be done within the sector to understand and work with people with the condition.

specialist healthcare business agents Independent expertise, nationwide knowledge

DC Care is delighted to announce the sale of Brierfield, an attractive care home located in the Suffolk village of Trimley St Mary, near Felixstowe, providing old age and dementia care for a maximum of 26 residents.

Brierfield, Nr. Felixstowe, Suffolk - Reg 26

Ron Taylor, managing director of Parklands Care Homes.

dementia care provider Belong has named

dementia expert Caroline Baker as head of dementia and care quality – a newly created role with a focus on driving the not-for-profit organisation’s dementia strategy and advancing its track record for quality, as it prepares to expand into Merseyside with its Southport care village.

Allegra Care and Moorfield Group add 183 beds to their portfolio

A JOINT venture between Allegra Care, a UK-focused care home operator, and Moorfield Group, a UK specialist real estate fund manager acting on behalf of Moorfield Real Estate Fund V, has completed the acquisition of four nursing, dementia and care homes in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

The joint venture acquired the homes from Grove Care, a familyrun care home business, for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition, supported by Virgin Money as debt provider, adds a further 183 beds to the partnership’s rapidly growing nursing, dementia and care homes portfolio.

Helen Jones, chief executive officer of Allegra, said: “We are very pleased to confirm the addition of Olive Tree House, Rose Garden, The Grove and Blossom Fields to our growing family of homes.

“The homes are well-established, well regarded, attractive, and warm, with strong standards of service. We welcome our new colleagues to the Allegra Care team. We thank our due diligence partners for their efforts. The acquisition heralds a tremendous end to 2022 for Allegra Care.”

Caroline’s career spans three decades, during which time she has been instrumental in championing change to traditional approaches to dementia care and in developing progressive dementia strategies. In 2014, she won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Dementia Care Awards. Caroline developed a number of dementia care models whilst working as director of dementia care at Barchester Healthcare and Four Seasons Health Care. Is it because of a ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’

Olive Tree House, a 65-bed home, and Rose Garden, a 40-bed home, are co-located in Patchway. The two properties are modern, fit-for purpose homes where 100 per cent of the beds

have accessible wet room ensuites, each allowing for the implementation of Allegra Care’s bespoke ‘household care’ model.

Blossom Fields, a 43-bed home with 100 per cent of the beds having accessible wet room ensuites, is located in Winterbourne and is co-located with The Grove, a 35-bed home specialising in residential dementia care. Both The Grove and Blossom Fields are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.

The four homes provide a range of care services tailored to residents’ needs, with options for specialist dementia and nursing care and 24-hour assisted living for Olive Tree House, Rose Garden and Blossom Fields. The Grove specialises in dementia care.

The homes also offer residents

a range of community facilities and wellbeing-focused amenities, including spacious lounges and purpose-built gardens.

The acquisition is the latest by the partnership between Allegra Care and Moorfield, which now own and operate 11 homes across Hampshire, Cambridge, Suffolk, and South Gloucestershire. The two companies aim to create an initial £125million portfolio of modern, fit-for-purpose nursing, dementia and care homes across the UK, with a focus on areas supported by favorable demographic trends.

The four homes acquired from Grove Care will form the nucleus for the partnership’s Western Region operational cluster, in addition to the already existing Southern and Eastern Regions.

What Makes a Care Business Successful?

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“David is probably one of the most hardworking people that I have met and I am confident he would be an asset to anyone who makes use of his consultancy services. I saw engaging David as a Business Consultant as an investment which for us has been hugely rewarding.”

“I have once again seen how David balances the many pressures and conflicting priorities that come with running a business. David continues to ensure he has all the information he needs prior to recommending considered and sustainable changes, so as to address quality and financial issues to his clients. He has the experience to skilfully balance the needs of residents and patients, the staff and the shareholders and owners”

“As well as the operational improvements that David has been involved in, he has helped to give the business the impetus required to move forward. David is committed to helping people achieve their full potential and his focus on quality client care is completely genuine.”

Providing the balance between good business and exceptional care

Blossom Fields Care Home in Bristol.

Specialist

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Enhancing bather safety through G360 bathroom solutions from Gainsborough

ENABLING safe patient transfers in healthcare bathroom environments is a priority for all reputable healthcare providers.

The need for effective equipment and adaptations are vital for duty of care and CQC ratings.

Add to this the need to protect staff from moving and handling injuries, then the importance of specifying the most ergonomic accessible wet rooms, adapted showers or power-assisted baths is clearly a performance-critical decision – G360 services from Gainsborough Specialist Bathrooms has the solution.

The NHS states that: “Falls in hospitals are the most commonly reported patient safety incident with more than 235,000 falls reported in acute hospitals, community hospitals and mental health trusts in England annually”.

With a fall in a care home or hospital often preventing or delaying a patient’s return home, the impact can affect confidence and independence as well as physical and mental capabilities.

This is turn can lead to increased frailty, falls and fractures.

CQC guidelines state that care providers must assess risks to health and safety during any care or treatment.

A fall is typically due to an identifiable ‘risk factor’ – with the bathroom being one key area that care providers can tackle.

Gainsborough is the specialist provider to facilitate assistance in these environments.

Through its holistic G360 bathroom design and installation service, Gainsborough covers every minute detail of planning and implementation to ensure projects deliver

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Its bather-centric philosophy means vulnerable patients and those that provide care are protected from unnecessary risk and anxiety.

Every bathing space is diligently delivered with the latest in assistive sanitaryware and features including antimicrobial power baths, cuttingedge showering facilities and where appropriate, dementia friendly fixtures.

In terms of ever-growing budget challenges, Gainsborough continues to be fully aware that healthcare providers need exceptional long-term

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Add to this the need for single handed care to reduce salary overheads, then the decision to equip bathrooms with dependant assistive technology becomes an objective necessity.

So, in summary as stated in the 2019 RCOT ‘Care homes and equipment’ guide: “The right piece of equipment can make a life changing impact to a person’s life in a care home” – Gainsborough provides this outcome time and again through its G360 bathroom services.

Call 01527 400 022 or visit www.gainsboroughbaths.com

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“Gompels helped to streamline, not only the supply, but also the products themselves by implementing a flexible fore list for the homes to order from.

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Kelly Jackson, procurement director, ADL Care We do the basics brilliantly

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n 99.64 per cent of orders arrived the next working day and in full.

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Ensuring care homes meet stringent industry requirements

FOR ANY care home, there are key considerations when it comes to their in-house laundry operation.

Firstly, the process must be entirely compliant with CQC and the Department of Health, secondly it must adhere to the industry’s stringent WRAS requirements.

In order to maintain the requisite hygiene control levels, is imperative to source appropriate commercial laundry equipment.

It is also essential to ensure best practice through the sorting, segregation, transportation, processing and storage of all laundry items.

The Department of Health’s Technical Memorandum (HTM) 01-04 requires that, for appropriate decontamination of linen, care homes must employ both thermal and chemical disinfection.

Care homes also need to ensure that

staff are trained in using the laundry equipment.

Should the CQC find that a care home falls short of these requirements, the home may be placed into special measures, shut

down or prosecuted.

WRAS deems all care homes to be high risk Category 5 for the water contamination risk and washing machines therefore need to include a backflow prevention system.

It is therefore imperative to use commercial laundry equipment.

Forbes Professional is currently celebrating 95 years of service.

A well-established family business with a nationwide infrastructure, Forbes provides care homes across the UK with highly efficient WRAS and CQC compliant laundry solutions.

Proud partners of market leaders Miele, they offer the highest quality of both product and service.

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info@forbes-professional.co.uk telephone 0345 070 2335

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