Caring March 2023

State of social care ‘worst it’s been for years’

BRITAIN’S social care system is in one of the worst states it’s been in “for many, many years”, according to the chief executive of Care England.

Speaking to Newcross Healthcare’s Voices of Care podcast, Care England’s chief executive professor Martin Green, highlighted the enormity of the challenges facing the sector and lays out his vision for what needs to be done to prevent its wholesale collapse.

“On any one day there are about 160,000 vacancies across social care,” he said.

“It’s also interesting to note how many people are considering leaving the sector.

“And of course, not only is it a very complex and challenging role, but we’ve all just been through a global pandemic and social care was on the very front line of that.

“And I think a lot of people are starting to think about whether or not they can go on because of the stresses that they encountered during the Covid crisis.”

With the NHS currently facing its toughest ever winter as hospitals grapple with a “twindemic” of increasing flu and Covid admissions, worsening ambulance waiting times and industrial action by nurses and ambulance drivers, Martin

Group signs up to new programme

said it’s vital to understand the interdependent relationship between the NHS and social care. He added: “If social care collapses, the NHS would collapse.

“Social care provides a lot of support to people, particularly those with long-term conditions, and it also helps them live well and manage those long-term conditions.

“If you didn’t have social care, you’d have a lot of people who would suddenly go into crisis and then require acute care.”

Responding to a recent YouGov survey commissioned by Newcross Healthcare which found that 27 per cent of care workers are likely to leave the sector over the next 12 months, Martin argued that social care needed to be regarded as a profession with a proper pay structure and clear career pathways to ensure people are paid what they are worth for doing a difficult and complex job. Hosted by healthcare expert Suhail Mirza, the podcast episode featuring Professor Martin Green is available now alongside previous episodes in the series on the Newcross Healthcare website https:// www.newcrosshealthcare. com/voicesofcare as well as onYouTube, Spotify, Apple and a range of other podcast platforms.

Residents at Richmond Villages Wood Norton in Evesham were paid a very special visit by Olympic rower Alex Gregory MBE. Alex, whose grandmother is a resident at the Worcestershire retirement village, spent the afternoon giving a talk to residents and their families about his sporting journey and achievements. He is a double Olympic gold medallist, five-time world champion, and world record holder for the Great Britain rowing team, and now travels the world as a motivational speaker. Residents were able to hear about Alex’s experience at the London 2012 Olympics and even got a chance to hold his gold medal – with some residents even trying it on. Alex also discussed the highs and lows of his career including the Polar Row which he completed with his crew in August 2017.

LAMONT JOHNSON.

ANCHOR has signed up to the Age-friendly Employer Pledge – a new nationwide programme run by the Centre for Ageing Better to make workplaces age-friendly. England’s largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care for people in later life is one of the first organisations in the country to sign the pledge, showing its commitment to older workers.

Chief executive Sarah Jones said: “We’re pleased to have signed up to the Age-friendly Employer Pledge. We are committed to being inclusive for all and are working hard to enable all colleagues to reach their full potential and feel valued at Anchor.”

Anchor will be working with the Centre for Ageing Better to further improve its recruitment, retention and development processes, to support people aged 50 and over.

The operator is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and was awarded ‘Silver Status’ in the Inclusive Employers Standard and has a range of colleague networks for under-represented groups and individuals within the organisation.

Anchor’s recent Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Annual Report also shows that the completion of colleague diversity data has risen from 76 per cent to 81 per cent.

And this year’s colleague survey saw Anchor improve its colleague engagement score and achieve an 86 per cent positive response to the question: “I believe Anchor respects individual difference”.

Home turns bleak midwinter into a celebration of trees

CREATIVE residents at a Dorset dementia care home have celebrated the importance and beauty of trees in a fun, hands-on seasonal nature project.

Over two months, tree-lovers who live in Colten Care’s The Aldbury in Poole gathered and prepared fallen leaves as natural decorations to ‘dress’ the cherry, apple, oak and maple trees in the home’s gardens and courtyard.

In arts and craft sessions, the leaves were dried and carefully painted with a gentle, water-based solution to restore their colour and lustre.

They were then mounted on hessian bunting ready to hang between branches and across the open spaces outdoors.

Accompanying the leaf decorations, residents made bird feeders with a mix of seeds, gelatine, hot water and cookie cutters.

Melissa Siat, companionship team member at The Aldbury, said: “We asked residents how our trees should be decorated and they opted to handpick fallen leaves.

“We began gathering the leaves in October. Residents enjoyed going for autumn strolls in the garden while choosing the brightest leaves to use for the bunting.

“People’s interest continued through the

craft sessions in our summerhouse and inside the home and of course when we finally put up the decorations.

“It has been a wonderful project that everyone has enjoyed – environmentally friendly, fun, social, sensory and it has brought our Aldbury Community together.”

The inspiration for the project was the annual Tree Dressing Day, which takes place in different countries in December as autumn gives way to winter.

Its aim is to encourage us to value and care for trees and recognise how they support the environment.

The end of the project was celebrated with a singalong session and hot chocolate all round in the garden’s Winter Café coupled with a tour of the newly installed artworks. Among the key messages of Tree Dressing Day is that trees improve the quality of our air, brighten our environment and support wildlife ecosystems.

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The Aldbury residents Valerie Short and Bob Smith hang leaf bunting in the courtyard.

Home offers dementia advice with new community sessions

A SOLIHULL care home offering specialist dementia, nursing and residential care has launched monthly support sessions offering advice and guidance for families with a loved one living with dementia in its home and the wider community.

Blythe Rose, a state-of-the-art dementia home in Blythe Valley Park, is one of the newest additions to the Macc Care group, and recently opened its dementia support sessions to the community.

Occurring on the first Monday of every month, the event is an intimate but informal get together offering support, understanding and community for those affected by dementia in their family.

David Rees-Jones, a dementia support worker from the Alzheimer’s Society, also attended to speak with the group about Dementia Connect – a new personalised support service

Residents strut their stuff for fashion show

RESIDENTS at Speedwell Court, a care home for older people in Southampton’s West End, took to the catwalk for a fashion fundraiser sponsored by Devernois.

offering advice online, by phone or face to face, as well as connecting users to a range of local services.

He said: “It’s always nice to sit and share experiences with people in similar circumstances as it makes the process less lonely. The support in the room was incredible and everyone was so honest and open about how the disease is affecting their family, as it can be a very difficult conversation to have.

“It was great to discuss with the group the further support available outside of the home too. Dementia Connect is a relatively new service, so it’s about getting the word out there so that the support lands with the right people.

“Between our service and Blythe, the families have everything they need to support themselves and their loved ones through this difficult stage in life.”

The home, which is managed by The Abbeyfield Society, is part of the worldwide Abbeyfield family of more than 370 care homes, sheltered housing schemes and independent living complexes that provide care, support and accommodation for approximately 8,000 older people.

Speedwell Court partnered with fellow charity the Murray Parish Trust for the event.

The Trust raises money across the South of England to help ensure that children with major trauma can receive the best emergency care, as close to home as possible.

The fashion fundraiser is the second such event that Speedwell Court has hosted. Originally intended as an annual show, the first was held in 2019, but Covid-19 restrictions have prevented it from being held in the last two years.

Abbeyfield customer relations manager Deborah Holmes said: “It is wonderful to be able to host a fashion show here at Speedwell Court once again, which we hope will become a more regular tradition and one of various community events we will be hosting over the next 12 months.

“We’re also proud to partner with the Murray Parish Trust and are grateful to our sponsors for enabling us to hold such a fabulous event.

“We’ve been looking forward to the show for ages, especially after having to cancel the last two years.

“The evening was a tremendous success and a truly memorable experience for our residents, especially Barbara, who had a fashion makeover and joined the professionals on the runway.”

The fashion fundraiser is the second

time this year that Speedwell Court and the MPT have worked together, with the home having sponsored a sculpture for the Hares of Hampshire art trail coordinated by the MPT over the summer in Southampton and Winchester.

Proceeds from the fashion show were split between the two organisations, and actress Sarah Parish, who co-founded the MPT, gave a short presentation about the wide range of fundraising events the Trust supports to raise money for the paediatric intensive care unit at Southampton General Hospital.

The event, which began with a Prosecco and canapés reception, was sponsored by French fashion label Devernois, whose boutique in Southampton is one of just two in the UK selling their exclusive brand.

Speedwell Court residents joined professional models on the catwalk to exhibit the latest pieces from the AW22 ranges, from outdoor wear to evening dress.

Devernois also donated a £100 gift voucher and a silk scarf for the raffle.

Westgate Healthcare’s newly opened Chestnut Manor Care Home in Wanstead has received a ‘Good’ rating across all five assessment categories following its recent first inspection by the Care Quality Commission. Home manager and registered nurse Rosie Monger, who has worked for the operator since 2020, has brought a wealth of experience to the care home, having a passion for caring for people living with longterm, complex healthcare conditions. She said: “We have worked closely with our team members, relatives, residents and stakeholders to enhance the care we provide. The team constantly strive to provide excellence in care and I am very proud that Chestnut Manor Care Home has received a Good rating. The team look forward to the future with great pride.”

Resident Gerry’s fundraising storytelling has global appeal

GERRY Ford, an 87-year-old resident of Abbeyfield House sheltered housing scheme for older people in Westbury, has delighted readers young and old with a special collection of animal characters and their adventures.

His book called Animal Stories is a compilation of stories he used to tell his children 40 years ago.

Illustrated by Paul Downey, it has been sold around the world to raise funds for Dorothy House Hospice Care in Bradford-on-Avon, an organisation that is very close to Gerry’s heart.

He said: “My wife, Barbara, sadly had a brain tumour. The staff at Dorothy House looked after her day and night at the end of her life, so £2 from each books goes to them. My certificate says £822 has been raised, but I’ve actually gone past £1,000 now and counting.”

“We were happily married for 51 years and it was a true love affair. I remember seeing her across the room at a party we attended, and by the end of our first date we were headover-heels in love.

“My children are very proud of me, and I’m sure Barbara would be very happy that the stories I used to tell them are still delighting people today.”

The storybook had humble beginnings, with the characters first introduced in his children’s bedrooms after Gerry used to get home in the evening from his career in advertising.

“When I got home my kids were already fed, bathed and waiting for daddy to tell them a bedtime story”, he added.

“I initially wrote seven of them down, as I was a fair copywriter,

and thought about getting them published, but they weren’t illustrated at that point, and at £50 a cartoon it wasn’t something I could afford.

“It was Kelly Lanegan, who used to do my cleaning for me here at Abbeyfield, who encouraged me to pursue the idea of publishing them once again. I told her about them and the struggle I had earlier to get them published, and she said it would be foolish not to do anything about it.”

Gerry’s friend kindly offered to illustrate the book for free.

“Paul Downey created 35 cartoons,” he added. “This really helps bring the characters to life. Kelly has been my partner right the way through and I’m very grateful for her support.”

Animal Stories has not only been a success in the UK, but has been delighting fans all over the world.

Gerry added: “As a side business I used to produce little Boy Scout figures that were sold in Harrods, with my address printed on the box.

“An American man, Dr. David Spooner, contacted me to say how much he liked them and we became very good friends over the years.

“He can trace his ancestors back to the crossing of the Mayflower in 1620, but despite the many degrees of separation, he refers to me as his adopted brother.

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“He has sold a few books through his friends in the United States, and my eldest sister married a South African and moved there, so I’ve got a few customers through her too.

“There are also people in France and Germany who have ordered copies, so it’s a true international hit.”

Characters in the book include Baby Elephant, Donkey and Max the Kitten, but Gerry’s favourite is a puppy called Sam, who goes on a visit to Durdle Door on the Dorset coast with his family.

He gets stuck trying to retrieve a football halfway up the cliff, so they call in the rescue team who manage to save Sam and his ball.

Sam’s tale is based on a true story of a trip Gerry made to Durdle Door with a youth club when he was growing up in Bournemouth.

“My friend and I decided we would go up to the beach,” Gerry added.

“But the wind came in and we didn’t fancy going up the long zigzag to the top. We made the ill-fated decision to go straight up, and my friend went first.

“He got stuck halfway up, so I had to slide down on my tummy, run up the zigzag, and for the first time in my life I dialled 999. Fortunately the rescue team were able to bring him down safely.”

CareDocs celebrates milestone birthday

BACK in 2008 when the CareDocs digital care management system was released, the term ‘digital transformation’ wasn’t especially wellknown in the care community.

Even care software was a relatively new concept, with CareDocs being among the first of its kind in the UK.

The software was developed in Bristol by two residential care home owners with the aim of helping other care providers deliver care more efficiently without the use of paper.

Although Bristol remains the main base of operations, our dedicated team are spread out across the country to ensure we can easily travel to everybody.

Just recently our head of sales had

the pleasure of visiting the stunning Shetland Islands to install the system in a home and welcome the fantastic staff to the CareDocs family – proving no care service is out of reach.

Over the last 15 years, we’ve helped thousands of care businesses digitally transform and start benefitting from digital solutions.

We’re immensely proud to be in a position to support care providers and are grateful to have pioneered care home technology in earlier years.

Today, roughly 50 per cent of social care settings in England use a digital means of recording care.

The combination of time-saving, person-centred features and firstclass customer service has been

paramount to our lasting presence as a trusted software provider.

Another key benefit is our everevolving point of care recording capability which is available at no extra charge. In 2014 we were one of the only UK care software providers to have released a mobile care recording platform. In 2018 we launched a more comprehensive mobile product, and very soon we’re rolling out a new smartphone application.

CareDocs general manager Alan Pocock said: “This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication displayed by an exceptional team.

“We’ve seen so much change but our core values have remained the same.

We continue to work closely with customers, making transformation easier and providing ongoing support so carers feel confident using our software.

“The future looks bright and exciting. There are plans in place that will further improve the customer experience and software capabilities, including becoming an accredited NHS supplier to support integration between the NHS and different social care services.”

For more information about digitally transforming your care business, phone 0330 056 3333 or email sales@caredocs.co.uk

Gerry Ford

THE heavy hand of bureaucracy has a lot to answer for as we trudge along these early weeks of 2023.

When the Government announced its very late Christmas gift to social care – £250m to help hospital discharges this winter – I was less than effusive in my reaction.

Whilst welcome, that cash was a small sticking plaster on a gaping wound of a healthcare crisis that is creating such horror and heartache.

On the face of it, £250m looked like a lot of money. But once it was broken down and distributed to local authorities across the country to spend on buying care, it wouldn’t go very far at all.

Not only that, but I had the dreadful fear that this money would get bogged down in bureaucracy and take an age to reach the frontline of social care delivery, where it is so urgently needed.

After all, the previous £500m announced last September to help hospital discharges, was proving to be glacier slow in getting to care providers.

Delays in the process are one of the key things that need to be removed whenever the long-overdue reform of the social care system begins.

We couldn’t make it any more bureaucratic if we tried. At the moment, anyone needing care –whether that be care in their own

home or in a care or nursing home – has to be assessed, usually by their local authority who then acts as a broker to find a care package.

I have argued that during this time of crisis and to speed up getting discharge funding to the frontline, health trusts or integrated care boards should be freed to buy care packages themselves.

Not only does the current process delay the procedure it is also the point at which care providers so often lose out.

Local authorities have been squeezing down on the price they pay for care for a decade or more, contributing to the perilous position social care providers are now in.

For a long time now, care providers have not been paid a fair price for the care they deliver, a price that truly reflects the cost of providing that care.

That is the main reason why so many care providers can’t pay their staff what they want to pay them and why many are struggling and some have gone out of business.

It is bizarre when you think about it. What other service can you think of where the price is bartered? If you go to the checkout at your local supermarket with £80 worth of shopping, what would the assistant say if you said, ‘I’ll give you £65 for it’? And yet we allow commissioners to force down prices with providers who have little choice but to accept.

We shouldn’t be bartering the price of care for our oldest and most vulnerable citizens. The price is the price, surely?

Instead, and as an example of the type of reform we need, there should be a nationally agreed tariff for social care beds and for homecare visits.

That would take a lot of the negotiation and argument out of the system and speed up the process.

It would also help care providers to budget, to pay their staff better and to invest and grow, rather than struggle from day to day, not knowing what income they will have.

In my view a merger of health and social care delivery is long overdue

and at that point we will need to decide who delivers a new ‘national care service’.

In the meantime, what can we do?

Well, at the very least we have to campaign to get social care’s voice heard and get the sector a seat at the table.

Despite the pivotal role social care plays, we remain second fiddle to NHS healthcare.

At a top-level meeting to discuss the Government’s response to the healthcare crisis in January, it is reported that social care wasn’t even represented. And our representation on the integrated care boards is pitiful.

We’ll need a united voice if the sector is to be listened to, including an appreciation that the social care market needs everyone – small, medium and large-sized providers, profit-making and not-for-profit.

None of us can meet current and future care demand alone. There has to be a mixed market and all must make a profit - or a surplus - however you term it, to invest and grow their organisations.

The hard work to get a fair deal for social care shows no sign of letting up in 2023, in fact it looks like another long, hard slog.

But it has to be a tough journey we take together.

Mike Padgham

Dementia-arts partnership launches creative tool to support care sector

AN ARTS activities guide, designed specially for people living with dementia, has launched as part of a collaboration between dementia specialist Belong and Bluecoat, Liverpool’s contemporary arts centre, offering an inspiring collection of pursuits to enhance the wellbeing of those who work with it.

‘Little Golden Moments’ brings together an array of one-to-one and group exercises in music and sound, storytelling, movement and dance, and working with clay.

All have been devised by some of the country’s most acclaimed creatives commissioned by Bluecoat, and piloted by Belong for the ongoing research partnership between the organisations.

Caroline Baker, head of dementia and care quality at Belong, said: “When your loved ones or those in your care live with dementia, it can be difficult to keep them engaged with worthwhile activity.

“We’re pleased that the Bluecoat’s work with our customers to-date means we can offer this resource to carers everywhere. I’m sure many will recognise the small, special moments they have with those they care for and this will help to bring about more positive experiences.”

For the past four years, the relationship, entitled Where the Arts Belong, has explored the use of

Apprentice Oscar finds his vocation

APPRENTICE Oscar Balgobin found the career he loves by a happy accident and is now a chef at Lilian Faithfull Care’s care home in Stroud.

Whilst doing an IT course at college he took a part time job in a kitchen doing pot wash and enjoyed it.

He said: “I liked the whole kitchen environment – I’d always liked cooking, I did GCSE.”

Oscar decided to develop his interest in catering and went on to get a position as an apprentice chef in a hotel restaurant. Then the pandemic struck.

“I heard the news of the lockdown on the radio and knew the restaurant would shut. We cleaned everything down and that was it,” he added.

This was when Oscar came to help out at Lilian Faithfull Care’s Resthaven care home in Stroud, and he has stayed ever since. He has no regrets.

Oscar siad: “I’m glad it happened. It’s a lot better here. I didn’t realise that care home cooking was like this to be honest.

arts in care environments with the artists taking-up ‘arts residencies’ in the operator’s care villages, leading workshops for residents in their respective disciplines.

In response to lockdowns, a spinoff initiative, We Belong Together, supported the group’s independent living apartment tenants and those in the wider communities it serves, helping to tackle loneliness by providing a weekly focus at a time when interaction outside of support bubbles was limited to virtual means.

Now, all the activities have been packaged as Little Golden Moments, serving as a tool for loved ones, care providers and anyone supporting someone living with dementia. With the option to tailor tasks to participants’ preferences and ability, the aim is to engage them in meaningful occupation, whilst inviting their input, such as favourite memories, personal interpretations or new ideas.

Tabitha Moses, project facilitator at Bluecoat, added: “We hope Little Golden Moments will inspire creative engagement with people we love and support.

“Each activity has been tried and tested, both in-person and on a digital screen – all are dementiafriendly and Zoom-friendly. You don’t need to have any arts experience, just a willingness to have a go.”

“They never tell you about these places at school or college. I thought it would all just be frozen food. I was really surprised everything was fresh –I didn’t expect that at all. The quality is just as good as the restaurants.”

Oscar restarted his apprenticeship in Level 2 NVQ in food preparation at Resthaven care home.

As part of the course he spent time in the kitchens of three Lilian Faithfull Care homes.

“It’s really helped me working for different chefs and seeing different ways of doing things,” he added.

Part of the chef’s training at Lilian

Faithfull Care involves learning the techniques needed to prepare meals for residents who have swallowing difficulties.

Oscar now makes the individual purees and then pipes them to recreate the dishes on the menu.

He said: “When I first did it I was surprised what you can do with it when you are taught properly how to pipe it.”

Oscar was able to complete the majority of his apprenticeship within his normal working hours, which has made it manageable.

He has passed the two theory exams and put in plenty of preparation for his practical exams. One of them was to create a main course and dessert from scratch in two hours.

For the second practical he was observed doing his normal role for a couple of hours.

Home’s outstanding endof-life care is recognised

CARE Dorset’s Streets Meadow in Wimborne was one of 75 care homes, hospitals, hospices, primary care practices, retirement villages and domiciliary care agencies to receive accreditation at the Gold Standards Framework Conference and Awards ceremony in London.

Streets Meadow, which provides care and support for older people and for those with memory loss and dementia, received the centre’s highest level of accreditation, the Platinum hallmark.

Streets Meadows’ GSF Action Group oversees the management of end-oflife care at the home and consists of family liaison co-ordinator Julie-Anne Ricketts, out of hours administrator Hannah Baxter, administrator of GSF matrix updates Sara Boddington and quality assurance administrator Tanya Pollock.

Tanya said: “We are thrilled to receive this prestigious accreditation.

“We believe end-of-life planning shouldn’t be a taboo topic and we actively promote advanced care planning with our residents and their loved ones.

“This is fantastic recognition for the GSF team and the whole of Streets Meadow, which has actively

contributed towards our success.”

She added: “The pandemic was an extremely challenging time. But we are delighted that things are returning to normal and during the summer we were able to re-start our grief support group, The Butterfly Café, which provides solace to friends and families of residents whose loved ones have passed away.

“The Café meets at Streets Meadow every four months for refreshments, reminiscing and a warm friendly chat and has been a tremendous source of comfort to many.”

Oscar Balgobin

Artist Brigitte Jurack shares a creation with Veronica Davies and Pegeen O’Sullivan as part of the Belong-Bluecoat dementia-arts partnership.

A new training centre for carers has opened in Margate with aspirations to raise care standards and understanding of patient needs. Opportunity Learning Academy has purpose-built training rooms kitted out with equipment that helps carers, both professionals and unpaid, to learn how to deliver care, but also gives them insights into how various conditions feel for the people they care for.

Show unveils exhibitors to address advances in cleaning solutions and equipment

BEST practice cleaning standards is essential in care home and residential areas to keep bacteria and infections at bay, while keeping residents safe. Warm environments provide viruses and bacteria with the perfect place to thrive and spread, which is why ensuring surfaces, carpets, and communal areas are cleaned using the correct products and equipment to prevent any outbreak of infection is so important, especially in a postpandemic setting.

Providing a platform for more than 100 suppliers to exhibit and demonstrate the capabilities of their services and solutions within the care sector,

The Cleaning Show 2023 will return to London from March 14 to 16. It is set to welcome more than 7,000 senior hygiene professionals – including care home and facilities managers – to connect with new and existing manufacturers and suppliers transforming the industry, whilst sourcing the latest advancements in cleaning technologies.

Amongst those confirmed to exhibit, Foremost will showcase its latest range of cleaning products, including waste management and sacks, manual cleaning equipment, workwear, safety and maintenance. Dealing with some of the challenges

faced by FM and health and safety teams in care homes across the UK, 2San Global Limited will exhibit its novel formulation, Clean Zero, which provides cleaning and disinfection to a hospital grade standard.

Kimberly-Clark Professional will demonstrate its washroom and

hygiene, PPE and wiping and cleaning solutions to keep people safe in communal environments.

Meanwhile, Northwood Hygiene Products will showcase its range of premium pure pulp toilet tolls, facial tissues and airlaid hand towels. Whisper Green – the first 100 per cent

100+ exhibitors

7,000 visitors

recycled luxury toilet tissue in the range – will also be at the show for the first time.

Registration for The Cleaning Show 2023 is now open.

To register for your free pass and for more information on this year’s event, visit https://cleaningshow.co.uk/london/

60+ SPEAKERS

1 March

Bristol - Aztec Hotel & Spa

2nd March

Durham-Ramside Hall

16th May

Blackpool Village Hotel

17th May

Barnsley

13th July

York Racecourse

6th September

Ashford International Hotel

24th October

Norwich Dunston Hall

25th October

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North West Village Hotel, Blackpool FY3 8LL

Yorkshire Holiday Inn Barnsley (M1, Junction 37) S75 3JT

Yorkshire York Racecourse YO23 1EX

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Thursday 2nd March 202

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East Midlands Dunston Hall Hotel, Norwich NR14 8PQ

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Building on that reliability, WASSENBURG Medical are proud to launch the new WASSENBURG Glosair®, which has been developed and improved in every way, and is now the ideal solution for managing Infection Prevention and Control in Care Home’s, too.

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Peroxide Vapour) contains only 6% Hydrogen Peroxide, and Silver, eliminating COVID, C-DIFF and MRSA whilst achieving up to a LOG 6 reduction, with no residue, corrosion, allergens, or toxins.

We understand that protecting your residents, staff and visitors is your number one priority and that you want to be able to do this this as safely, reliably, and effectively as possible. The features and benefits of the WASSENBURG Glosair® support you in doing this.

It’s safe; uses RFID technology, securely and safely locking the chemical cartridges in place. Is manufactured to IS0 13485, despite not being a medical device. Comes with a remote control for added convenience and reassurance. Is an all-in-one, ‘1-plug’ system,

minimising set-up and trip hazards. Has a simple appearance and is easy to use, empowering staff without making residents nervous.

It’s effective; with proven, validated efficacy conforming to EN17272. Provides 100% aerial and disinfection of all exposed surfaces, including even complex and out of reach areas. Is compatible with NHS encrypted USB’s, for recoverability and traceability of up to 200 treatments. Has optional testing kits, proving dispersion and efficacy, for accountability.

It’s efficient; 1 system, for most rooms. Is a whole room disinfection system, doesn’t tie-up staff. Has patented dispersion technology, for perfectly uniform dry mist coverage. Has an integrated fan, speeding up diffusion and degradation of the

chemical. Is pre-programmable with up-to 20 rooms, taking seconds, saving hours. Is fully automated, ‘set-and-forget’, enabling staff to carry on working. Has 3 rubber castors, quick and easy to position in tight side-rooms. Has a 5m power cord, for convenience. Has a strong commercial grade body and handle, saving damage repair time.

It’s economical; incredibly good value for money compared to competitors, and uses only 1-7ml/ m³ flexible flow rate of chemical, resulting in zero waste and low ongoing running costs...

Why not give me a quick call now? And we can arrange a mutually convenient time for an on-site demonstration.

Tom McNally, National Sales Specialist, Wassenburg Medical, 07595 779 794.

Parliamentary candidate pays Norwich care home a visit

MARY Chapman Court Care Home in Norwich welcomed Alice Macdonald, the Labour Party parliamentary candidate for Norwich North.

Alice, who was selected by the Labour Party last year to contest the Norwich North seat at the next general election, reached out to the Maria Mallaband Care Group run home to arrange the visit. She took a tour of the purpose-built facilities and an opportunity to meet

Former senior carer moves in to home

A FORMER senior carer has moved into a West Dunbartonshire care home after 17 years of devoted service to Scottish social care – where she now receives the person-centred care she gave to residents.

Balquhidder House, a family-run care home in West Dunbartonshire and part of the Handsale Care Group, has welcomed former carer Marelle Busby into the home after serving almost two decades in the sector.

Marelle, 75, spent 17 years working just around the corner from Balquhidder House, operating as a senior carer at a nearby care home before retiring in 2006.

Coming full circle following a decorated 60-year career in the sector, she has decided it’s time to reside in Balquhidder House, where her husband was once a resident.

Marelle said: “I would drive past Balquhidder House on my way to work and I always thought how wonderful it looked from the outside.

with those living and working in the home, taking time to chat with them over light refreshments.

Home manager Mihaela Laza said: “It was lovely to meet Alice and to see how interested she is in the social care sector.

“We were very proud to show her the home and talk about the work we do and what it takes to deliver truly person-centred care and create a safe, happy and lively community.”

“I’ve only ever heard great things about Balquhidder House, so it was always somewhere I imagined myself residing when I made the decision to move into a full-time care setting.”

Staff at Balquhidder have already been touched by Marelle’s positive and infectious outlook on life, with many describing the former carer as ‘bubbly’ and ‘vibrant’ – making her a popular character amongst her new fellow residents.

Rishi Sodha, care director at

Handsale, added: “We are all extremely happy that Marelle chose to reside in Balquhidder House.

“All the time and effort that Marelle has put into caring for people in the past is truly inspiring and we feel we owe her huge amounts of appreciation for her efforts.

“We are all so happy that we can return the favour to Marelle after all of her selfless devotion to the care sector over the past 17 years. Her dedication to caring for others has been truly admirable and serves as a shining example for others to strive towards.”

Arboretum offers the perfect day out

THE National Memorial Arboretum offers the perfect day out for groups. With more than 400 memorials and 150 acres to explore, there is something for all interests and backgrounds.

Military and civilian memorials, peaceful woodlands, colourful gardens, riverside walks and fascinating wildlife are all waiting to be discovered.

Our covered land train and electric buggy tours around the Arboretum grounds allow people to reach the far corners of site.

With an interesting running commentary, you will learn about the symbolism of the memorials and the stories behind them.

Scooters and wheelchairs can also be hired for independent exploring.

With an expansive restaurant, delicious hot meals, home-made snacks and warm drinks can be purchased throughout the day to keep you refreshed.

Pre-bookable lunch packages, including reserved seating and table service, offer a relaxed dining experience.

The Arboretum has a calendar full of interesting and enjoyable events which are great for groups, with highlights in 2023 including the vintage tea dance and D-Day package.

Our vintage tea dance takes place on April 29 and 30 and will feature easy to follow dance lessons, a delicious

home-made afternoon tea and live entertainment from Tony and the Sapphires band.

With ballroom on Saturday and Jive and Swing on Sunday, this will be a weekend not to be missed. On June 6 we will mark the anniversary of D-Day, commemorating the pivotal events of 1944 that began the allied liberation of Europe.

From within the Aspects events building, with its stunning views

across the Arboretum, join our resident bugler for a moving moment of reflection, followed by stunning vocalists The London Belles, who will be performing nostalgic 1940s classics. Tea, coffee and cake will also be included.

For groups who would like to gain pre-visit insight or who are unable to travel to the Arboretum our external talks team can visit you.

One of our expert volunteer guides

will provide a 60-minute presentation with time for a question and answer session.

Talks are interesting, informative, and full of fascinating stories. The perfect introduction to how the Arboretum has developed and how we continue to grow.

For more information on bringing a group to the Arboretum, contact the groups team on 01283 245100 or email groups@thenma.org.uk

Advertiser’s announcement

Marelle Busby

Labour Party parliamentary candidate Alice Macdonald (centre) with MMCG regional director Eileen Ward and care home manager Mihaela Laza.

Home teams up to sponsor girls’ team

A LUXURY care home provider has formed a match-winning partnership with a local football team.

Finchampstead Pumas, who play in the Berkshire County Girls Football League U13 Division One, are now sponsored by Signature Senior Lifestyle whose logo sits on the front of their shirts.

The Pumas are handily tucked in third place in the league, having made an unbeaten start to the season in their quest for the title.

Manager Jay becomes a Sandstone star ...

SANDSTONE Care’s regional training and development manager Jay Chaplin has been given an employee recognition award for her people development.

She was presented with the group’s quarterly ‘High-5’ Sandstone Star Award for her dedication, hard work and enthusiasm after being nominated by dozens of staff.

She also received a cheque for £100.

Jay said: “I was very proud to win the award. We have an amazing team at Sandstone Care and I love helping our people to achieve their goals and progress their career pathways.

“We use the best training initiatives to develop and enhance our team’s performance to help to make them the best carers in their field.”

Jay, who has worked in the care sector for more than 30 years, works closely with new starters, teams and home managers across the whole group.

She also manages almost 500 trainees across a vast number of training modules.

She joined Sandstone Care in 2018 and first started working with the team at Oak Springs Care Home in Liverpool before being promoted to become regional trainer for the group.

Colleagues who nominated her praised her ‘extra attention to detail’ in training a new member of the

team, her ‘robust, yet manageable training’ and also said that ‘she really made a difference’.

Steve Hamblett, senior operations manager of Sandstone Care Group, said: “We were inundated with High Fives for Jay from our colleagues across operations.

“Her dedication and resilience in delivering training across the whole company is incredible.

“Not only does she meet her objectives, she exceeds expectations by working flexibly to ensure our staff have all the necessary tools to do their job.

“She will often work through the night to ensure our night staff get the focus and attention they need and she adapts her training according to the ability and needs of the trainee.

“Not only is our company compliant with mandatory training, we are also now embarking on the Care Certificate and Diplomas and Apprenticeships which will deliver a clear career pathway from care worker to management.

It is all thanks to Jay’s drive and determination.”

The Sandstone Stars Initiative was launched last year to celebrate the hard work and commitment of people around the group.

The company gives out quarterly awards with the chance to also win £100.

Ashcombe House care home in Basingstoke was transformed into Graceland to mark what would have been Elvis Presley’s 88th birthday recently. It is estimated that Elvis has sold more than one billion records worldwide so to honour him the staff and residents enjoyed a day of music, fun and dancing. General manager Louise Lambert said: “Lots of our residents are big Elvis fans and love his music. We had a fantastic day, finding out about his early life and what influenced him, he was such an incredible talent.” The afternoon continued with Anthony Allgood from Reminisce Entertainment performing a medley of hits.

The football fever that swept the country following the Lionesses’ recent European Championship victory inspired Signature to get the ball rolling with their own support for women in football.

Daren Dalmedo, regional director for Signature, said: “Women’s and girls’ football is at a particularly exciting stage as it undergoes a period of incredible growth.

“We are delighted to contribute to this momentum by sponsoring the Finchampstead Pumas and supporting one of the leading girls’ football development programmes in the area.

“We pride ourselves not only on the compassion and care we provide to our residents, but also on the support we provide across the local community.

“We wish the girls the best of luck for the upcoming season and can’t wait to follow their progress.”

Many of Signature’s residents are longstanding fans of the game and are keen to nurture the next generation’s sporting ambitions, having enjoyed a similar competitive streak in their youth.

Signature’s homes around Berkshire, where the football team are based, held a host of football-themed activities during last year’s World Cup.

These allowed residents to join in with the sporting spirit, from cookery activities and providing half-time snacks to adaptive football exercises.

Operator celebrates 15 years

MACCLESFIELD has been dazzling in high glamour and glitz as dementia care village Belong brought together its customers, families and the local community for a crystal themed birthday party, celebrating 15 years since opening its doors.

The milestone was marked with live entertainment, including big band performances from Rich Swings, and the contorting skills of a balloon sculpture artist. Tiaras were on-trend as guests dressed up to the nines for the lavish occasion, whilst sipping bubbly and sharing happy memories of village life over the years with guest of honour David Rutley, Member of Parliament for Macclesfield.

Residents were wined and dined with a three-course meal, before tucking into a confectionery cart hosting their favourite treats.

General manager Caroline Ray said: “Celebrating 15 years is a wonderful feeling. We are a strong member of our community; pleased to be

experts in dementia care, bringing professionalism and an abundance of love and compassion.

“Would you believe we have 12 colleagues who have been with us from day one? – It’s a testament to the dedication of Belong as an employer and the support of everyone around us.”

Belong Macclesfield opened in Upton Priory in Autumn 2007, establishing a new era in specialist dementia care. The launch of the not-for-profit village living model has enabled hundreds of customers to enjoy an active life whilst living in a vibrant hub, complete with amenities including a bistro, specialist gym and a salon.

The CQC has recognised its consistent high standards, with the most recent full inspection awarding care provision ‘Outstanding’ status. Belong has now expanded to eight locations across the North West, with two more under construction.

Jay Chaplin with her partner Billy Hughes and daughter Roisin.

Rebecca is following in family’s footsteps

CARING runs in the family for Rebecca Moore, who followed in her mother’s footsteps when she joined award-winning Norfolk homecare company Extra Hands two years ago.

“My mum started working with the company and really liked it,” she said. “I was due to start another job but got let down due to Covid, so I started working at Extra Hands instead. We both really enjoy it.

Operator celebrates staff excellence at Life in Colour Awards

RESIDENTIAL care provider Borough Care celebrated its first in-person staff awards night since 2019.

The winners were announced at a fun-filled awards ceremony in Stockport hosted by BGT semi-finalist and All Together Now judge, Rob Bowden King.

This year’s Life in Colour Awards generated 1,200 nominations from staff, residents and their families – the most nominations ever received.

Judges had the difficult task of shortlisting across the 10 categories, with individual awards handed out by CEO Mark Ward and the team awards presented by the chair of Borough Care’s board, Isla Wilson.

With 12 care homes to maintain standards of care in, not all members of staff could make it on the night.

Award winners: The Helping Hand – Katie Jeffries, admin at Bryn Haven in Brinnington; The Precious Gem – Doulton Hamill, care assistant at Bamford Close in Cale Green; The PCS Champion – Amie Keats, senior care assistant at Lisburne Court in Offerton; The Amazing Addition – Jis Johnson, senior care assistant at

Shepley House in Hazel Grove; The Game Changer – Megan Lachevre, home manager at Bruce Lodge in Offerton; The Inspirer and Mentoring Champion – Hayley Weston, home manager at Lisburne Court in Offerton; Outstanding Colourful Care Award – Leigh Cherie Jones, ALF at Cawood; Anita Case, night senior at Bamford; Ellie Whittaker, senior care assistant at Bruce Lodge; David Swindells, day senior at Bryn Haven; Olga Walicka, housekeeper at Hen Cloud; Laura Nelson, ALF at Lisburne Court; Heather White, care assistant at Meadway; Brahim Karak El Ghazi, housekeeper at Reinbek; Chloe Pollard, care assistant at Shepley House; Amanda Palmer, catering at Shoemaker Place; Lindsay Hadfield, ALF at Silverdale; Valerie Collins, care assistant at Wellcroft and Michelle Freeman, purchasing and procurement manager at head office. The Stronger Together Award – The Catering and Hospitality Team; The Family Connections Award – Cawood House in Brinnington; Care Home of the Year – Silverdale in Bredbury.

“Half my family are carers and paramedics. I think it comes naturally – it’s in the blood.”

Her first experiences of caring also came via her family.

“I cared for my granddad, who had lung cancer and emphysema, and I looked after my Great Nan too,” said the 33-year-old.

“It’s something I’ve always loved doing, and I wouldn’t treat the people I care for now any differently to my Grandad. We become part of the family – that’s what I love most about the job.

“It’s a big thing to have someone in to look after you. You can’t take over their lives. You have to be respectful and allow them to maintain their independence and dignity, so it’s really rewarding when they accept you and let you in.”

The key, she added, is to allow people to be themselves.

“They’ve always been themselves, doing things the way they want to, and they can feel they lose that around carers,” Rebecca added.

“You have to make it easy for them to be themselves. They are all different and unique in their own ways.

“If they want a change, they can have it; if they don’t want to do anything different, they don’t have to. You have to let them be 100 per cent themselves.”

She remembers one service user

who made a particularly profound impact on her: “There was one little lady who was 102, and she was so independent and strong. Both mum and I would see her, and when mum was there she would always ask after me and remember my name.

“Just before she died, she said to my mum: ‘Rebecca didn’t get a piece of my birthday cake.’ Being appreciated and remembered like that is what makes the job so worthwhile.”

A single mother of two, Rebecca, who works from the Broadland office of the family-run company, has plans to take her caring career further, and is currently studying with a view to eventually becoming a district nurse.

“I absolutely love my job, and I want my children to see that I’m doing something good. Every day in care is different, because you’re working with different individuals. And every individual has been part of my caring career. I remember all of them – and they’ve all left a little something with me.”

Extra Hands, which also has offices in Heacham, was established in 1993 and offers a variety of home care visit packages across the county to suit all requirements.

Manager receives funding

A NORTH Shields care home will take part in cutting edge research after receiving a NIHR Greenshoots Award.

Clare Leonard, manager at Appleby Care Home, becomes the first manager to win the award, which is part of the Greenshoots Principal Investigator Scheme.

She said: “I’m very excited to work with members of the Appleby team on a wide range of research projects.

“The extra funding will see an increase in clinical training our colleagues and will put Appleby on the map for its leading research projects.

“We are particularly keen to recruit nurses and develop their skills and knowledge.”

The scheme provides two years’ worth of funding to help applicants achieve their dream of becoming a principal investigator. Up to £9,000 is available for applicants to run research projects over the course of two years.

Clare Leonard

part in innovative trials including the installation of air filtration systems in care homes, helping to shape future developments in infection control.

As a result of her Greenshoots accolade, Clare also has been shortlisted for an industry award, reaching the finals of The Leaders in Care Awards 2022.

residents is just wonderful to see and supports studies that consistently show the benefits of interacting with pets in care homes. Not only do they support good health and welfare, they just brighten the day for everyone.”

The funding will enable more training for nurses and provide extra support for new innovations. Following the award, the home can now fund team members to take

NIHR Clinical Research Network Northeast and North Cumbria runs the scheme, which is open to all care professionals who work within the region.

On completion of the two-year programme, successful applicants will receive a certificate confirming their Greenshoots training completion.

Bear the cockapoo charmed residents at Richard House in Grantham when he visited with his owner, the home’s care manager Karl Piddington Smith. Bear made the day for his adoring audience. He happily say back while residents petted and fussed over him. His visit also encouraged discussion and fond memories of residents’ much loved and never forgotten pets. Home manager Emma Johnson said: “The joy animals bring to the

Rebecca Moore

Home gains ‘excellent’ BREEAM rating

CAMBERWELL Lodge Care and Nursing Home in Southwark has been awarded a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ with an overall score of 73 per cent.

The rating is an internationally recognised measure of a building’s sustainability and reflects the performance achieved by a project and its stakeholders, as measured against the BREEAM standard.

The rating enables comparability between projects and provides assurance in 10 areas, including management, health and wellbeing, energy, transport, water, materials, waste, land use and ecology, pollution and innovation.

The 98-bed new build care and nursing home opened last May on the site of Burgess Park Care Home.

The innovative project was developed in partnership with WGP Architects and Horizon Building Contractors.

It features a bold contemporary

design and focuses on creating a sense of community for residents.

“We are delighted to receive an Excellent BREEAM rating for Camberwell Lodge Care & Nursing Home,” said David Hicks, estates director at Country Court.

“The rating is in line with Southwark

council’s requirements for the development of the care home, and means it is considered as the best in practice for sustainable building design.”

Green measures are central to the building’s design. Its energy strategy will help lower water and

energy use, cut carbon emissions which contribute to the greenhouse effect and keep running costs down compared to a standard design.

Where energy and heat are needed, the building uses low-carbon technologies like solar panels, a combined heat and power boiler, and an air source heat pump.

These will keep residents warm and safe, while also saving carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere and reducing reliance on gas.

Key environmental considerations at Camberwell Lodge include biodiverse rooves to provide the maximum possible provision towards the creation of habitats and valuation areas for biodiversity (in accordance with local and city-wide policies). Good cyclist facilities are provided to encourage sustainable transport methods for staff and visitors. Limited car parking is available on site to discourage transport by car.

Camberwell Lodge Care and Nursing Home in Southwark.

AND DISCREET CONFIDENTIAL

Dear Grayson

RE: Thank You

RE: Thank You

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank Dawn and yourself for your continued help over the last 15 years. During this time, you have been able to o er us excellent advice and opportunities that are right for Trust Care.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank Dawn and yourself for your continued help over the last 15 years. During this time, you have been able to offer us excellent advice and opportunities that are right for Trust Care.

Since our first acquisition in 2008 to the purchase of Attlee Court Care Home in October 2022 we have always found that you understand our needs and are able to bring us the right Homes that are a great fit.

We really enjoy working with the two of you and find your approach both straightforward and pragmatic, which helps to get deals done.

RE: Thank You

Since our first acquisition in 2008 to the purchase of Attlee Court Care Home in October 2022 we have always found that you understand our needs and are able to bring us the right Homes that are a great fit. We really enjoy working with the two of you and find your approach both straightforward and pragmatic, which helps to get deals done.

We look forward to working together in the future and we are confident you will continue to offer us an excellent service.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank Dawn and yourself for your continued help over the last 15 years. During this time, you have been able to offer us excellent advice and opportunities that are right for Trust Care.

We look forward to working together in the future, and we are confident you will continue to o er us an excellent service.

Yours sincerely

Yours sincerely

Since our first acquisition in 2008 to the purchase of Attlee Court Care Home in October 2022 we have always found that you understand our needs and are able to bring us the right Homes that are a great fit.

Andrew Savage Managing Director

Andrew Savage ManagingDirector

We really enjoy working with the two of you and find your approach both straightforward and pragmatic, which helps to get deals done.

We look forward to working together in the future and we are confident you will continue to offer us an excellent service.

Yours sincerely

Andrew Savage Managing Director

Grayson and Dawn Taylor Lamont Johnson Ltd

Dear Grayson

Dear Grayson

Grayson and Dawn Taylor Lamont Johnson Ltd

Soon to open home welcomes mayor at topping out event

A MAJOR milestone has been reached at The Mayfield, Whitby’s new luxury care home which will provide residential and dementia care and create 65 jobs locally.

The 66-bed home is being developed by LNT Care Developments and will be operated by family-run firm Cromwell Care.

The LNT team was joined by the Town Mayor of Whitby, Councillor Linda Wild, Scarborough Borough Council’s Councillor for Mayfield, John Nock, Cromwell Care’s CEO Tobyn Dickinson, and The Mayfield Care Home’s general manager Adam Kane.

The final roof tile was held by the team to mark this special occasion, as the build moves into its final phase.

Linda said: “As the Mayor of Whitby the community is at the heart of everything I do, and The Mayfield Care Home will undoubtedly become a significant part our local community. It was an honour to visit the home and meet the team.

“We witnessed a hugely impressive building which will bring important jobs to Whitby, as well as muchneeded accommodation for elderly people in Whitby and the surrounding area. We are looking forward to working with them in the coming months and years.

“The Mayfield Care Home team is passionate about the meaning of quality of life and I could see that in the team’s experience and focus, and the design and layout of the

Richmond Retreat opened in honour of former resident

A POPULAR Sturminster Newton man has had a therapy room named after him at the care home where he lived for several years before his death.

Team members at Colten Care’s Newstone House were saddened to lose long-term resident Graham Richmond, a retired BBC cameraman, in 2021.

Born and brought up in London, he became well known in his later years as a classic car enthusiast, exhibiting regularly in his adopted Dorset town.

After his passing, Graham’s family made a donation to the home, prompting discussions to start about the idea of creating a ‘Richmond Retreat’ room.

Companionship team leader Karlene Horswill said: “Graham’s family very kindly donated £5,000 with a hope that we would purchase something to benefit our residents at Newstone House.

“After a few meetings we all agreed we should use the money to not only benefit our residents but as a tribute to Graham as well.

“Many people, including our residents, have described him as a sociable, knowledgeable and very witty man who is sorely missed.

“The Richmond Retreat is a sensory based room that promotes well-being and relaxation for our residents living with dementia.

“The family were very supportive with the decision, and we added little touches of some of Graham’s favourite things such as being outdoors, bird song and his love of living in Sturminster Newton.”

building.”

The Mayor was given a tour of the new facility which will include a state-of-the-art cinema, a hair and beauty salon, and a café which will serve complimentary drinks and homemade cakes and biscuits.

The spacious bedrooms will each have their own full en-suite wetroom and all bedrooms on the ground floor will have access to the garden. The suites will include a dining area and lounge, as well as a large en-suite wetroom.

The Mayfield Care Home’s design incorporates the latest innovations throughout to ensure its residents’ comfort and safety.

The home’s solar panels, ground source heat pump and battery pack will enable it to generate its own energy requirements.

Tobyn added: “I’d like to thank The Mayor of Whitby and Councillor Nock for joining us for our topping out ceremony – it was an absolute pleasure to welcome them and give them a tour of our home.

“The Mayfield Care Home is coming together well and I’m sure our future residents will love everything we have to offer.

“The home will become a key part of the local community. There is a significant shortage of care home beds in Whitby, and we look forward to helping improve this situation.”

The Mayfield Care Home is scheduled to open its doors to its first residents in March.

The room includes mood lighting, pictures of waterfalls and plants, comfortable seating, bird music, a picture donated by local artist Charlotte England and a large-scale, wallpaper photo of Sturminster Newton Mill.

Karlene added: “We are hoping the room will be enjoyed by our residents and we welcome their families to come and experience the space with their loved ones too.”

Residents and team members came together for an official opening of the Richmond Retreat with a toast of wine and a ribbon cutting.

Six homes disposed for £56m

KNIGHT Frank has sold a portfolio of six care homes which were owned and operated by Morris Care Limited to Impact Healthcare REIT. The purchase price was £56million, which will partly be paid in cash and partly with an issue of Impact shares.

Julian Evans, head of healthcare at Knight Frank, said: “We are pleased to have advised Morris Care on the sale of their best-in-class care home portfolio to Impact REIT.

“The transaction is a credit to the Morris family and all staff associated with the care business, in providing a first-class service, which has been created over the past 25 years.

“The business is now under the

excellent management of Welford Healthcare.

“Despite an uncertain political and economic climate, this transaction is yet another endorsement for the robustness of UK healthcare real estate.”

The portfolio comprises 438 high quality beds, of which 400 have en suite bathrooms, with five homes in Shropshire and one in Cheshire.

The vendors have granted a licence for the homes to continue to trade under the Morris Care brand for three years. The operational management team will transfer to Welford Healthcare, which will manage the homes, on 35-year lease terms.

Resident Donald Skilling joins companionship team leader Karlene Horswill for the ribbon cutting to declare the Richmond Retreat open.

Diggers at the ready as work begins on Dundee home site

CONSTRUCTION work has started at a major housing project in Dundee which is set to bring 66 specialist homes to the area.

Senior figures from Blackwood including chair Julie McDowell met with John Alexander, SNP leader of Dundee City Council, Dougie Herd, joint managing director of Campion Homes and other key stakeholders at one of seven sites in Charleston, Dundee.

The visit included a tour of the site, an insight into the technology included in the home through a tutorial in the ‘box house’ – a pop up show home encompassing a range of adaptable features such as rise and fall surfaces – as well as the chance to visit the proposed golf course. Each home will be adaptable and include a range of benefits such as lift access, remotely controlled automated functions, and digital care and housing systems – all aimed at helping people to live as independently as possible.

Simon Fitzpatrick, development and commercial director at Blackwood, said: “These homes will be totally transformational for those who will move into them.

“For perspective, the number of homes is almost half of Dundee City Council’s total waiting list for adapted accommodation.

“The new development will further our ambitions to create a blueprint for independent living and influence how the sector will operate in the future.”

In what will be Blackwood’s biggest build project to date, the homes will

help people to live healthier and happier for longer and are based on the award-winning Blackwood House model, which was developed in partnership with architects Lewis and Hickey.

Last year Blackwood appointed Fifebased Campion Homes to lead on the £17.5m housing project, with work expected to last 18 months.

When construction is complete, the allocation of the properties will be divided between people identified as priorities by Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership, Dundee City Council and Blackwood.

Simon added: “There is an abundance of people that would seriously benefit from more widely available adaptable and specialist housing options, so it is really exciting to see work begin on the seven sites.

“We’re focused on improving access to accessible and adaptable homes around Scotland making this new milestone a very proud moment for everyone at Blackwood.”

It’s the latest milestone in a string of people-led initiatives by Blackwood including the Peoplehood project which has seen huge investment into Charleston already, with the area being one of three Scottish neighbourhoods chosen to benefit from the trial model for independent living.

Maria Mallaband Care Group has appointed a new dementia development lead to drive forward its commitment to delivering the best possible care for people living with dementia, and the best training and support for its teams. Laura Steward has devoted her entire career, spanning more than 25 years, to social care, specialising in dementia education from 2012. The appointment saw her take the reins of the operator’s dementia strategy – a multi-pronged approach which includes upskilling staff and sharing best practice with the aim being to enable those living with dementia live as well and as independently as possible. Last year, as part of this strategy, MMCG established the role of dementia ambassadors. These trained specialists work in homes and take the lead in educating colleagues, sharing knowledge, skills, and evidence-based strategies and tools.

We have a wealth of experience and industry knowledge and we are very proud that DC Care is established as one of the largest independent Care specific agencies in the UK.

If you are considering a sale of your care facility, please call us on 01937 849 268 or send an email to sales@dccare.co.uk for a free, no-obligation Market Appraisal.

When industry knowledge and wisdom are needed, when a discreet sale is desired, our clients choose DC Care to sell their healthcare business.

Senior figures from Blackwood including chair Julie McDowell with John Alexander, SNP leader of Dundee City Council, and Dougie Herd, joint managing director of Campion Homes.

Provider agrees £15m extra care scheme

ONE of the West Midlands’ fastestgrowing providers of affordable homes and social housing has completed a £15m deal to build a new extra care development in Shropshire.

Keon Homes, which saw turnover rise by 33 per cent to £25m in 2022, has purchased land off Bloor Homes at its Hutchinson Gate site in Newport and will work with The Wrekin Housing Group to deliver a scheme of 70 properties and a host of communal facilities.

Ideally situated just a tenminute walk into the market town, Queenswood will provide living space and wraparound care and support for people over the age of 55, offering a mix of one and two-bed apartments, private gardens and a café.

Groundworks have already started, with a 20-strong team on site from March with the aim to complete the development in spring 2025.

“This is a massive milestone for the business and the first time we will be constructing an extra care scheme,” said Matt Beckley, head of development at Keon Homes.

“We have spent the last year getting to know The Wrekin Housing

Solar investment to take pressure off national grid

A HERTFORDSHIRE care home has made a five-figure investment to build a solar system on its grounds as part of its sustainability goals – helping to take pressure off the national grid and become more selfsufficient.

Group and what it looks for in its developments.

“This gave us the insight to identify this opportunity with Bloor Homes and we quickly tied up the deal to purchase the 1.5acres of land with view to building the 70-strong mix of apartments and shared living spaces.

“The location is perfect. Just a few minutes away from the centre of Newport, which gives residents the opportunity be a real part of the local community and enjoy everything the sought-after market town has to offer in terms of shops, walks, pubs and restaurants.”

Keon Homes was formed by Richard Williams, Warren Bolton and Noel Sweeney in 2019 after they spotted an opportunity in the market for a developer who could provide muchneeded affordable housing and care schemes.

The Burntwood-based company, which alongside Cameron Homes, Galliers Homes and Chasetown Civil Engineering is part of The Tara Group, has enjoyed rapid growth over the last two years, completing 142 plots with a further 500 either in build or part of a secure pipeline of sites.

With an unprecedented energy crisis and a rapidly rising cost of living, Foxholes Care Home, near Hitchin, has installed 132 solar panels on the roof of its building, enabling it to offset a large proportion of its daytime electricity consumption – covering more than a third of its yearly energy costs.

Neil Gandecha, care director at Foxholes Care Home, said: “With energy costs rising each year, this project has been in the pipeline for some considerable time now – but, with skyrocketing energy prices, the timing of it finally coming together couldn’t be better.

“Wholesale electricity costs aside, we’re delighted to see our vision come to life on an environmental level – as the impact cannot be overstated.

“Self-generating our electricity will significantly decrease our overall carbon footprint, which will help us in our decarbonisation strategy for 2023.”

Built by Use The Sun, the project was positioned on the roof of the family-run home so as not to impact the nearby community.

Refurbished home opens

CHALKWELL Grange, part of the Runwood Homes Group, welcomed Mayor Councillor Kevin Robinson, Anna Firth MP, local residents and family members to its grand opening event in Leigh-on-Sea.

The home, formerly operated by Larchwood Care, had an injection of funds once acquired by Sanders Senior Living in order to refurbish the home to its standards.

Home manager Vikki Richardson said: “It was such a pleasure to welcome members of the local community to our lovely home for

the grand opening. We invite the local community to be part of the Chalkwell Grange difference.

“We run clubs and activity groups, and welcome those who would wish to join us for these – it’s incredibly important for our residents to feel part of our community; a community where friendships flourish and thrive.”

Sanders Senior Living’s fifth home in its portfolio is made up of 47 en-suite rooms, a cinema room, hairdressing salon, bistro café and lounges.

The carbon-saving system is made up of rows of ground-mounted solar modules, each with the capacity to provide up to 390w of electricity generation.

Neil added: “As a family-run business, we feel it’s important to not only become greener, but also to help the country by taking some pressure off the national grid.

“We want to become an ever more environmentally-focused community and this represents our determination to do so.

“By doing our bit, we’re making a considerable difference in terms of carbon emissions, which inevitably contributes to the fight against climate change – something we are eager to contribute to.”

Operator secures new site

BOUTIQUE Care Homes has acquired a new site in Burgess Hill, Sussex.

The 68-bedroom scheme by Frontier Estates is situated in the south eastern portion of the town and will become the fourth in the group’s portfolio.

Managing director Ameet Kotecha said: “I’m very excited to take our latest home forward to opening in the next two years.

“This is a key phase in our business growth. Burgess Hill represents a high quality, sustainable location to develop a state-of-the-art care home fit to provide the outstanding quality of care Boutique is known for.”

Construction will commence in the near future and will generate many new jobs for the community.

Associate sales and marketing

director Carl Roberts added: “With our fourth home soon to begin construction we are excited to be able to bring Boutique Care Homes’ award-winning care to Burgess Hill.

“Not only will this home be a beacon of what excellent care looks like, it will also be a valuable asset to the wider community.

“We look forward to working closely with our colleagues across the health and social care in the area to champion projects, and supporting wider community groups, schools and local businesses.”

With two operational homes in Shepperton, Surrey and Newmarket, Suffolk, Boutique Care Homes will also be opening its third home, Chartwell House in Broadstairs, Kent shortly.

Foxholes Care Home near Hitchin

New specialist dementia care home for Yeovil

PEOPLE have reacted with delight to the announcement that a new dementia care home is to open in Yeovil after months of campaigning.

The home, to be known as Chestnut Lodge, is expected to open in the near future and will initially offer nursing care for up to 24 people living with dementia, with more rooms becoming available later in the year.

The property was purpose-built as a care home in 2010 and is currently undergoing a comprehensive re-fit by award-winning dementia care specialists Camelot Care.

The new manager is Graham Oakes, who is currently serving as leader of the town council.

He said: “We know Chestnut Lodge will be filling a significant gap in care provision for the people of Yeovil, and have already received a high level of interest. Dementia is a condition that affects so many families and when the decision is taken that residential care is the best way forward for a loved one, families want to know they will be supported to live their best life – which is exactly what we intend to do.”

Graham originally trained as a nurse at Yeovil Hospital and spent 10 years with the NHS, largely in geriatric care, before changing track to become a care home manager in 1994, motivated by a desire to deliver ongoing care to the vulnerable people

he was supporting.

He has since worked in a variety of roles in different parts of the country within both the home care and the care home sector.

He comes to Chestnut Lodge from a care home in Bridport, Dorset, which was rated ‘Outstanding’ by CQC under his management, and he has also worked as a regional care director for a major healthcare group, as well as being involved in turnaround work.

Graham added: “We are recruiting a new top-notch team to deliver the best quality care to the people we’ll be supporting, and are keen to hear from individuals who might like to join us.

“Depending on the role, experience in the care sector is sometimes less important than the character and motivation of the applicant so anyone who thinks they might enjoy working as part of our team should feel free to contact me and find out more.”

Scottish care provider Meallmore Ltd has announced its new senior team as Cillian Hennessey takes over as managing director. Cillian takes over the top job from Gerry Hennessey, who has retired from his role after 35 years. Gerry and his brother Aidan were founding directors when Meallmore was established in 1987. Gerry will remain as chairman, while Cillian takes over the running of operations. Cillian, who joined the family business in 2010 as area manager after working as an investment surveyor, will be supported by the existing executive team and directors group. Rachel Gothard has been appointed to the newly created role of people and culture director and Hazel O’Rourke was promoted to quality director. Together they will continue to support Meallmore’s operations director Mary Preston, regional director CarolAnne Foote, property director Michael Gillespie and finance director Gavin MacKenzie.

Chestnut Lodge in Yeovil will offer nursing care for up to 24 people living with dementia.

Avery Healthcare Group has appointed two experienced leaders to its executive team. Lorna Rose has been appointed chief executive officer. Lorna (pictured) has been a managing director with Barchester Healthcare for the last seven years where she has been a member of the executive team and responsible for the operational leadership of 80 care homes. Prior to that she was a national director for Bupa where she was in various senior roles for 18 years. Lisa Soper has also been promoted to chief operating officer. She is a qualified social worker with more than 35 years of experience in the health and social care sector. As part of the restructure, John Strowbridge, one of the founding directors, will also transition from chief executive officer to the role of executive chairman.

Developer completes deal for Hindhead care home

HAMBERLEY Development has completed a multi-million-pound deal to acquire land in Hindhead for a 74-bed luxury care home to serve the local area.

When completed the home will provide specialist nursing and dementia care for Hindhead residents and will feature spacious en-suite bedrooms with bright and airy living spaces to create a homely and welcoming care community.

The state-of-the-art home will be operated by Hamberley Care Homes.

Brokered by Sue Earrey, of Tulip Care Environments, Hamberley Development has worked in close partnership with NL Property and their design team to obtain planning permission which was granted last year.

Demolition has now been completed and construction work starts in February, with a planned opening in late 2024.

Daniel Kay, director at Hamberley Development, said the bespoke luxury home would serve an increasing need in the region.

He added: “We recognised that there is a growing demand for elderly care in the area and we wish to play a central role in meeting that need by providing an outstanding care experience for the people of

Operator acquires two new luxury care homes

HARTFORD Care has acquired two newly built state-of-the-art residential care homes in Aldershot, Hampshire and Swindon, Wiltshire.

Each home will offer 66 bedrooms and they have been designed with sustainability in mind, with significant renewable energy elements including solar panels, heat pumps and battery storage systems.

Kevin Shaw, chief executive of Hartford Care, said: “We’re extremely pleased to acquire these two care homes and it now brings us to 18 homes with more than 850 bedrooms.

“We are well on our way to achieving our goal to double in size within three years. Aldershot will be

our sixth care home in Hampshire and Swindon our second in Wiltshire.”

The new homes have been developed by LNT Care Developments, a specialist in delivering future-proofed, operationally carbon-zero care homes that are designed around residents and operators.

Aldershot will be ready to open its doors to residents in March, with Swindon to follow in August; both homes will offer residential, dementia and respite care.

Established in 1908, Hartford Care’s head office is based in Basingstoke, Hampshire.

Hindhead.

“The new purpose-built care home will include all the clinical facilities needed to provide highquality personalised care, set within a contemporary and warm environment, so that residents can feel at home from the moment they move in.

“This will truly be a facility that the whole community can be proud of, and I would like to thank the NL Property team for their support to complete the deal.”

The 74-bed luxury home will also feature a spacious café bistro, a

private dining room, a hair salon and nail bar, activity room/bar, a cinema, spacious resident lounges, dining rooms, quiet lounges, gymnasium and a sensory room.

Nigel Berney, NL Property’s CEO, said: “Working closely with Hamberley and Waverley Borough Council we are delighted to be part of bringing this much needed state-ofthe-art care facility to the area.

“This is another example of NL Property’s attention to detail when delivering care homes that provide residents a comfortable stay in unique environments.”

homes for

Apartments sold to operator

COMMERCIAL developer Peveril

Securities and senior living developer

Charterpoint have sold a site in Beeston, Nottingham to specialist retirement living developer Churchill Retirement Living.

Last year the site received planning permission for a development of 51 retirement living apartments from Broxtowe Borough Council.

Churchill’s regional managing director Robert Monkman said: “We’re looking forward to starting work on this new development, which will create a vibrant new community in the heart of Beeston.

“Retirement housing is the most effective form of residential development for generating local economic growth, supporting local jobs, and increasing high street spend.

“Our new apartments will also help improve the health and wellbeing of those who live there, and meet the

housing needs of many older people in Beeston and the surrounding area.

“We are actively looking for more new sites like this to bring much needed retirement housing to the wider Midlands region.”

Situated on a mixed-use site, on land previously occupied by the former Myford Works, the scheme will feature one and two-bed apartments, plus communal owners’ lounge and coffee bar, along with a guest suite and a lodge manager.

The apartments are part of a wider development on the site which also includes Myford Court, a new development of penthouses and apartments by Peveril Homes, a Central England Co-op store, which opened in May 2020, and a 66-bed care home to be operated by Tanglewood Care Services.

This scheme will mark the completion of the 4.5-acre brownfield regeneration site.

Mayor celebrates firm’s ‘care at home’ launch

ONE of the UK’s leading providers of nursing and care services has launched its ‘Care at home’ offer in Aylesbury providing a “crucial service” for residents requiring longterm care, during an official event attended by the Mayor.

Care at home is a premium homecare service provided by Nurseplus, which offers fully tailored support and live-in care packages to people across Aylesbury who wish to stay in their own homes, rather than moving to a residential setting.

Alongside an official ribbon cutting by Mayor of Aylesbury, Councillor Tim Dixon, the event included discussions about the service.

A handful of carers were also in attendance to talk about their day-today work and how they can support those in need.

Nurseplus CEO Joshua Collins said: “Care is at the heart of everything we do at Nurseplus.

“Being able to support families and their loved ones is massively important to us which is why we are expanding our care at home service to more of our existing branches across the country.

“Care at home offers a wider range of traditional homecare with a strong focus on companionship which we have designed to combat loneliness and improve our clients’ wellbeing.”

The event also shone a spotlight on the job opportunities presented by care at home, which include a range of home carer roles such as companionship, complex care and live-in care.

“The nature of the service means Nurseplus is able to recruit

specifically for each package making the process more transparent and allows carers to know exactly what type of care they will be offering and where.

Care at home is targeted at people who require care calls of two hours or more, whether that be for companionship and support or more complex care.

The service features an enhanced client matching programme so homecare workers are placed with clients based on clinical needs as well as their likes, dislikes, hobbies and interests.

The service was recently launched in Cambridge and Bristol and is already in operation in Kent, Devon, Dorset, Cornwall, East Sussex, Essex, Hampshire and Wiltshire.

Care home residents perform My Fair Lady

CREATIVE residents at a Dorset care home have taken the chance to tread the boards in a mini production of the musical My Fair Lady.

After weeks of rehearsals, six performers dressed up in Edwardianstyle hats and wowed the audience at Colten Care’s Whitecliffe House in Blandford, with fellow residents, visiting families and staff all praising the show.

The actors sang and spoke their lines from prepared booklets accompanied on piano by professional musician Caroline Pugh. A graduate of the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Caroline used to work at Whitecliffe House and was only too happy to help out once again.

It was Caroline’s suggestion to stage My Fair Lady after the residents had fun performing the Dickens musical Oliver! earlier this year and expressed a wish to try another challenge.

Companion Becky Wyeth said: “It was lovely to see the fun and laughter all round. The actors clearly had a great time showing off their theatrical and singing talents and the audience thoroughly enjoyed watching it all happen.

“We are so grateful to Caroline who came back to support us with this

Operator recognised for ‘Gold’ standard workplace culture

OAKLAND Care has been awarded a ‘Gold’ accreditation from one of the leading global standards for people management, Investors in People.

The operator is the latest organisation to join a 15,000-strong list of purpose-driven organisations across 75 countries, awarded a ‘Gold’ status on their first attempt.

This was assessed against Investors in People’s We Invest in People framework, which seeks to understand how an organisation leads, supports, and develops their employees.

For Oakland Care, receiving the ‘Gold’ accreditation not only reflects their commitment to creating a positive workplace culture where team members can thrive, but more importantly how this commitment has been brought to life by championing their staff across all roles and responsibilities.

Chief executive officer Joanne Balmer BEM said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded ‘Gold’ from Investors in People on our very first attempt. We do not take this lightly – we know we could not have achieved this without the hard work and dedication of all our team members.

“I am incredibly proud of every single one of them. They are true ambassadors of Oakland Care’s

performance. We really do value her help and musicality. Even though she works independently, she still visits us regularly, sharing her love of music and her amazing talents with our residents.”

At the My Fair Lady rehearsals, Caroline helped the performers prepare their voices and, on the day, held a warm-up exercise for everyone to hum the tunes and remind themselves of their lines.

Then it was showtime, with Ronald Burnham and Maureen Smith playing Professor Higgins and Eliza Doolittle respectively.

Also performing roles were Sylvia Drew, Shirley Thompson, Coralie Jackson and Peter Martin.

values. Thank you all for your unwavering dedication towards our residents and for making Oakland Care an incredible place to work.

“Nevertheless, we will not stop here. We pride ourselves on our commitment to pushing the boundaries for delivering exceptional careers and we’re working to ensure our team members continue to receive just this.

This title is just the latest award that the provider has received, having been named as a ‘Top Employer’ on the 2022 UK Top Employers List, building on their recognition as the only social care provider on the list in 2021.

This achievement was a testament to the provider’s HR policies and people practices, in addition to the career and development opportunities on offer that are backed by competitive salaries.

As well as this, Oakland Care has further established itself as the sustainability leader in the sector, retaining its status as the only carbon neutral care group in the UK.

These initiatives have helped to attract new team members who are seeking a positive and purpose driven employer, while also bringing current team members together for a collaborative cause that creates a long-lasting impact.

An operator has planted 5,000 trees in Kenya, Morocco and Madagascar in a drive to be more sustainable. Athena Care Homes has committed to reducing its impact on the environment, and one of the ways in which they are so is by planting five trees for each resident who moves into one of their care homes across East Anglia. They have now planted 5,000 trees with Ecologi, which vows to take real action against climate change. As a direct result of Athena’s contributions, the organisation has been able to help with the restoration of forests in Kenya; save an endemic Moroccan fruit tree species and plant mangroves in Madagascar.

Photo credit: Ecologi/Eden Reforestation Projects

A simple solution to improve infection control

BIOMETRIC facial recognition technology has the potential to significantly improve infection control in care homes.

This technology uses facial recognition software to identify individuals, allowing care home staff to clock in and out of their shifts without the need for physical contact.

One of the biggest concerns in care homes is the spread of infectious diseases among residents and staff. With the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to minimise the risk of transmission.

Fusion Face Pass can help to achieve this by eliminating the need for staff to touch shared surfaces such as clocking in machines or timesheets.

This can greatly reduce the risk of cross-contamination and the spread of germs.

In addition to improving infection

control, biometric facial technology can also help to improve efficiency and reduce the administrative workload for employees.

By using this technology to clock in and out, staff members can quickly and easily record their hours worked without the need to fill out paper timesheets or use shared clocking in machines or screens.

This can save time and reduce the risk of errors in recording hours worked.

A further benefit of Fusion Face Pass is the total elimination of buddy punching, where one employee clocks in for another.

Fusion Face Pass allows for automatic data entry that is processed via the Fusion Care

Management system which in turn passes timesheet information through to payroll and HR departments.

This is a huge advantage as it allows for the automation of paperwork.

Overall, biometric facial recognition technology can be a valuable tool for improving infection control and streamlining operations in care services.

It can help to reduce the risk of disease transmission and simplify administrative tasks, allowing staff to focus on providing high-quality care to residents.

It is a cost-effective investment that can have a long-term positive impact.

To find out more visit the Fusion eCare website at www.fusionEcare.com or give the Fusion team a call on 01133 979 555.

Prevention is always better than cure

WITH falls and fall-related injuries a cause for concern for care home operators it is more important than ever to implement an effective injury prevention programme.

Although it is recognised that exercise alone isn’t recommended as a stand-alone intervention, a strength training programme is a valuable contributor to reducing falls in the care home environment.

From the age of 55 years old we lose around one per cent of our muscle mass every year. And activities such as bodyweight exercises including squats and lunges, rowing, cycling and lifting moderate weights are a great way to strengthen muscles and reduce the risk of fall-related injuries.

ServiceSport UK Care Home Division works with care home operators across the UK to supply fitness equipment for residents with various physical abilities and needs.

Whether it is an indoor rower, upright cycle, recumbent bike or equipment such as yoga mats or studio weights, fitness equipment is supplied in consultation with the care home operator to ensure it meets the needs of residents and also employees.

After all, exercise is a great way to improve mental well-being and overall physical health for everyone.

ServiceSport UK Care Home Division designs and plans the layout of the room to ensure operators can

offer a range of gym equipment to residents regardless of the space available. Using the latest software, ServiceSport UK Care Home Division provide 3D plans and visual walkthroughs that ensure the vision of operators are met before a single order to purchase equipment is placed.

Whilst on the subject of prevention, ServiceSport UK Care Home Division’s team of mobile engineers cover the whole of the country to carry out gym equipment services.

A service of your existing gym equipment not only ensures that your equipment performs as expected but also prevents costly repairs in the near future by identifying potential

defects before they occur. In addition to supplying and maintaining gym equipment, ServiceSport UK Care Home Division employs a team of upholstery engineers that are skilled in repairing worn, ripped and torn gym equipment pads, and seating such as booths, stools and sofas. Why replace them with new ones when they can be professionally repaired by our team on-site?

For further information on how ServiceSport UK Care Home Division can support your objectives to reduce the risk of falls, and fall-related injuries, and boost the well-being of your residents please email our care home advisor matthew.hoffman@servicesport.co.uk or call 07540 291343.

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Oraya bath delivers advanced spinal stability

GAINSBOROUGH Specialist

Bathrooms, Europe’s leading brand of specialist baths for the healthcare sector, continues to meet complex bather needs with its advanced Oraya hi-lo platform bath.

The Oraya represents the latest in antimicrobial baths with specialist spinal stability.

Its built-in changing, drying and bathing platform significantly streamlines hygiene and transfer processes.

Beneficial to the bathers in terms of dignity and comfort, the Oraya’s design also protects caregivers from back or muscle strain whilst maximising safety and minimising risk.

Gainsborough Healthcare Group

CEO Peter Eckhardt said: “The Oraya is a game changer in musculoskeletal

care for bathers and caregivers.

“It facilitates a new level of transfer stability and control throughout every cycle – delivering utmost safety and

reassurance for bathers with complex spinal needs.”

The versatile Oraya provides effective bathing in a variety of care

scenarios. Once a bather is in position on the platform, powered variable height raises the bath sides so the user is gently immersed into TMV temperature-controlled water.

Ergonomically crafted for adult and paediatric users, the Oraya has a 165kg SWL and a range of sensory options including Airspa, chromotherapeutic lighting and bluetooth sound.

Bespoke bather comfort is provided by a series of postural supports and bathing cycles can be ultra efficient with auto-fill programming.

This advanced technology is complemented by innovative BioCote antimicrobial protection which is integrated into bath surfaces for advanced hygiene control.