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November 2012
incorporating
no.198 • £4.75
The Number One magazine for the care sector
Residents eat well thanks to new initiative By Dominic Musgrave RESIDENTS at a Preston care home are eating well and are healthy thanks to a new initiative. A snack shop that offers round the clock sustenance has opened in Longridge Lodge. The new area offers hot soup each afternoon and high calorie snack bars and drinks round the clock for residents and their families to help themselves. Manager Melissa Kershaw said in spite of the three nutritious meals provided every day by the in-house cook, residents with dementia can sometimes find meals difficult to concentrate on at set times. She added: “Often with dementia what happens is that at set mealtimes residents may not eat as much as they should. “This is nothing to do with the food we serve but everything to do with the mood of the resident, perhaps they are feeling anxious or confused, or maybe they are distracted and agitated and keep leaving the table and pacing about. “Sometimes those with dementia lose their ability to recognise hunger or lose their sense of taste.” “Everyone in the home has played their part in making this happen,” added Melissa. “Relatives have raised funds, staff have done a
sponsored walk, and our handyman worked all through the night building the units so residents were not disturbed. “Residents made the signs for our new snack shop in their art and craft sessions so it has been a real team effort.” The home is now assessing this new snack initiative and carefully tracking the weight of each resident. So far the results show a significant weight gain that is being maintained. Visiting dietician Helen said: “I haven’t seen any other home doing what Orchard is doing. “I now have no worries about the diet and weight of these residents. It has reduced my workload here to virtually nil.” The 60-capacity home, which also welcomes adults with visual and hearing impairments, has been able to install the snack shop thanks to relatives’ fundraising efforts, hard work from the home’s handyman and contributions from the residents’ own arts and crafts sessions. Have you got a similar service at your care home, and have you noticed the difference in your residents? If so, email your stories to healthcare editor Dominic Musgrave at dm@scriptmedia.co.uk
Workers help to save man’s life
Broadcaster and journalist Angela Rippon cut the ribbon to officially open Hallmark Care Homes’ Bucklesham Grange – a new 55-bed care home in Ipswich. Facilities at the state-of-the-art home include a spa therapy room, café/bistro, a cinema, an old fashioned shop and a residents’ laundry room – designed to promote independence and activities of daily living.
TWO quick-thinking employees with homecare company Sevacare turned detective during their rounds and saved a man’s life. Sophie Kirby and Georgie Stagg spotted blood on the floor of the entrance to the Elk View Extra Care Scheme in Blackpool. They traced it to a nearby house whose resident regularly plays bingo at the scheme. Unable to get an answer, they contacted an ambulance, but being told it would be some time before it would get there, they then contacted the police. Officers broke into the property and found the man unconscious. He was rushed to hospital suffering from a burst ulcer in his leg and gangrene. Chief executive Roger Booker said: “There is little doubt that if they hadn’t been so conscientious the man would probably not have survived and they are to be commended.”
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New service visited by Singapore delegation By Dominic Musgrave SENIOR officials from the Singapore Government visited Manchester’s ground-breaking new dementia care service ‘EachStep Blackley’ as part of a mission to find out about the latest innovations in UK health and social care. The pioneering £5 million dementia care service, operated by national social care charity Community Integrated Care, opened in June. It uniquely supports people with dementia from their initial diagnosis and throughout the progress of their condition by delivering a complete range of dementia care services (home care, day care, respite care and residential and nursing care) from one state-of-the-artbuilding. The six-person delegation, made up of senior directors from several government departments that oversee care provision in Singapore and a representative of a Singapore based non-governmental organisation, visited the service to review EachStep’s innovative approach to service design and staff training. They also wanted to see up-close how it promotes the independence, safety and wellbeing of people with dementia. Neil Matthewman, chief executive of Community Integrated Care, said, “The group was very interested to learn about
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Editorial Group Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734639 jh@scriptmedia.co.uk Healthcare Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Reporter: Helen Williams Tel: 01226 734694
The Singapore delegation with Community Integrated Care chief executive Neil Matthewman and senior directors. our pioneering service, which offers lifeenhancing support to people with dementia at each stage of their condition.” “EachStep is rapidly gaining recognition across the UK care sector as a groundbreaking new approach to dementia care provision but to have received international attention only three months since
its launch is exceptional. To have the opportunity to exchange experience and insight with the delegation was a real privilege.” In recognition of their gratitude for EachStep’s hospitality, the delegation presented staff with a ceremonial plaque, which will go on permanent display in the service.
Studio Manager: Stewart Holt Tel: 01226 734414 Database enquiries to: 01226 734695 E-mail: circulation@ scriptmedia.co.uk Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all content, the publishers do not accept liability for error, printed or otherwise, that may occur. You can now follow us on Twitter at caringuk
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Industry welcomes health secretary’s announcement By Dominic Musgrave
Somerset Care finance director Chris Wall has been admitted as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1995 and joined the firm as its financial controller in 2002, becoming finance director in April 2011 following the retirement of John Parrott. Chris said: “In the ten years since I joined Somerset Care the organisation has provided me with many opportunities to develop my career and attain the skills required to be admitted as a Fellow.”
THE care industry has been responding to new health secretary Jeremy Hunt’s speech at the Conservative Party conference. Jeremy backed his predecessor Andrew Lansley’s reforms, describing his Health and Social Care Act measures as both “right” and “brave”, and supporting a plurality of provision as well as decentralisation. In his speech he has made elderly care treatment and looking after those suffering from dementia a key priority. Citing a report by the Royal College of Physicians, he said “the system continues to treat older patients as a surprise, at best, or unwelcome at worst”. He has asked the CQC to look into how to make the NHS and care home providers more accountable, adding: “I need to say this to all managers: you will be held responsible for the care in your establishments. “You wouldn’t expect to keep your job if you lost control of your finances. Well, don’t expect to keep it if you lose control of your care.
“I am proud that next year’s Care and Support Bill will mean that noone is forced to sell their house in their lifetime to pay for care. A historic change. But we also want to go further and implement the Dilnot cap on social care costs as soon as we are able.” Paul Smith, head of dementia and mental health at HC-One, said: “We welcome Jeremy Hunt’s commitment to ensuring that Britain is among the best in Europe for dementia care by the time of the next election. “However, it is important that the commitment to changing attitudes towards dementia treatment and research extends to the Treasury. Good quality dementia care comes at a price and we need to have an honest debate about funding dementia care properly.” And Anna Dixon, director of policy at The King’s Fund, added: “The health and social care system has failed to keep pace with changing health needs, especially for frail older people with multiple conditions, so Jeremy Hunt’s commitment to making care for older people a key priority is welcome.
“It is important that this is reflected in the finalised Mandate, the mechanism by which the Secretary of State will hold the NHS Commissioning Board to account. “To meet the needs of older people, improving care in the NHS must go hand-in-hand with reform of social care. So, while we welcome the Secretary of State’s commitment to implementing the Dilnot proposals, the details on how this will be paid for and a timetable for implementation are now urgently needed.” Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, welcomed the announcements Jeremy made, adding: “To lead an all out fightback against dementia we need more funding for research, improvements in the quality of dementia care and a funding system that is both fair and sustainable. We also need a radical step change in attitudes and the way we treat people with dementia. “The Health Secretary has set out a bold ambition for Britain to lead Europe in tackling the disease. We look forward to working with Jeremy and across Government in making this a reality.”
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Burnley carer named top apprentice A CARE home worker has been awarded ‘most committed apprentice of the year’ by Burnley College in recognition of her work at Heather Grange. Heather McKnight (née Barlow) undertook a Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care with practical training received at the home, which provides residential and dementia care for the elderly. She now works as a trainee senior in the Garden Suite at the Silk Healthcare owned home, and is working towards her Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care. Heather said: “The award was really unexpected for me. It still hasn’t sunk in that out of everybody on my course that they have given it to me. “My career in care came by accident really after my grandma told me about the job at Heather Grange because I was looking to leave my job as a cook in the Asda canteen in Burnley. “It was the best decision I have made and I have already progressed from starting work in the residential suite of the home to now caring for dementia residents.” The awards night took place at Burnley College and was presented by Anne Kelly – a member of the governing board.
Home involved in sports reminiscence project By Dominic Musgrave RIEVAULX House in Leeds is one of a handful of care homes to take part in the recently launched Sporting Memories Network project which runs until next March Operations manager Joanne Hempstock and Rievaulx House manager Yan Huang attended the launch at Elland Road along with representatives from Leeds City Council, NHS Airedale and Leeds Care Association. The Sporting Memories Network are working with 15 care homes across the region to test out an innovative approach to reminiscence therapy, which will look back at the city’s rich sporting heritage. The network will train staff, volunteers, relatives and able residents to plan and deliver sports-based reminiscence activities, using local and national archive images, reports and memorabilia. Susan Firth, managing director of Meridian Healthcare, who own Rievaulx House,said the activities will help older residents to recall their favourite sporting memories and to tell their own stories. She added: “We aim to promote and use best practice within our care homes. The Sporting Memories Network project is an innovative and exciting way to engage and stimulate
Sporting Memories director Michael White with care home resident Bill Corbett residents and we can’t wait to get started. “Reminiscence therapy is a proven tool to promote the well-being of residents and the use of sporting memorabilia will, we hope, speak to residents who haven’t been interested in traditional activities and help to unlock memories and conversations.” “We are excited at the prospect of working with the staff and residents of care homes in a city which has such a vibrant sporting heritage. “I’m sure there will be some fascinating memories that emerge from the sessions. Our focus will be on supporting the homes to implement
stimulating activities which improve or maintain residents well-being.” Current stars and coaches, as well as legendary names from the past from Leeds United, Leeds Rhinos, Leeds Carnegie and Yorkshire County Cricket Club, have shared their own favourite sporting memories in support of the project. All sports fans in the Leeds area are encouraged to share their own special sports memories on the SMN ‘Replay’ websites during the project. Each memory submitted will then be available for use by the care homes in their activities with residents.
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Gregory House residents Barbara Routen, Grace Hutchinson and Vera Toon with volunteer Gill Lenton and activities coordinator Zenda Dempster.
Residents showcase talents BUDDING Lincolnshire horticulturalists, artists and creative cooks showcased the fruits of their labour at a care group’s annual harvest festival. Over 70 residents from the Orders of St John Care Trust ’s 16 Lincolnshire care homes displayed their produce to the judges Wellingore Memorial Hall, which included homegrown fruit and vegetables, homemade handicrafts and perfect preserves, as well as home-baked cakes, breads and biscuits. The winner of best homegrown vegetables was Hartsholme House in
Lincoln, while Patchett Lodge in Holbeach took away the best flower arrangement award. The best home baked awards were presented to Fosse House in Lincoln and Gregory House in Grantham, while residents from Foxby Court in Gainsborough, Patchett Lodge and Fosse House won in the handicrafts category. Boultham Park House in Lincoln and Digby Court in Bourne were both recognised for their homemade preserves, while the best in show prize was awarded to Patchett Lodge in Holbeach.
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New guidelines to help people speak to those with dementia By Dominic Musgrave BUPA has launched a Talking Toolkit to help people communicate with friends and loved ones who are living with dementia. It has been developed in response to new research of 2,008 adults aged 18+ carried out by Ipsos MORI which revealed that nearly a third (32 per cent) of Brits are apprehensive about talking to people with dementia, and one in five (19 per cent) people say that they fear meeting someone with dementia, as they do not understand the symptoms. Even those who have a friend or relative with dementia say that they are not sure how to support them (30 per cent). Professor Graham Stokes, director of dementia care, Bupa Care Services, said: “We know there is a stigma associated with dementia and people are fearful of trying to communicate with those with the condition as they don’t know what to say or how to respond to what might be perceived as unusual behaviour. “Communicating with someone with dementia can present challenges especially as the condition develops, but finding ways to maintain meaningful communication is the single most important way people can support those with dementia. Our toolkit
identifies some specific ways to help and encourage people to do this.” Tackling all stages of dementia, from memory loss and confusion to physical frailty and dependency, the Talking Toolkit contains guidance and practical tips from Bupa dementia care experts that will help people to engage and connect with those living with dementia. The guide aims to promote understanding of how dementia affects people’s ability to convey their thoughts and feelings, and how this changes over time. Graham added: “The more people
understand about dementia, the more they will be able to help those living with it. “The daily struggle to communicate can often leave carers feeling that there is a great emotional distance between themselves and their loved ones and this toolkit has been designed to bridge that gap, help carers cope and hopefully to dispel some of the misconceptions that exist about the condition. “While there is no cure for dementia, it is a condition which can be managed with sensitivity and compassion. By equipping ourselves with the right knowledge and tools to support those with the condition, we can help them to live well.” The new Toolkit has been welcomed by the Alzheimer’s Society. A spokesman for the charity said: “People with dementia need to be supported to live well rather than worry that their friends and relatives will change the way they behave towards them. “Increasing understanding of the condition is crucial if we are to cut down stigma and reduce people’s anxiety about dementia. “We are pleased support Bupa on this campaign to help break down the barriers that stand in the way of people living a full life with the condition.”
LNT Group chairman Lawrence Tomlinson (pictured above) has won the UK final of the Institute of Director’s National Director of the Year Award. The entrepreneur, whose group of companies includes Ideal Care Homes, was named director of the year for a large company and overall director of the year at an award ceremony held at The Lancaster London Hotel in Hyde Park hosted by Michael Portillio. He said: “Even in these tough financial times, we are still able to grow and achieve great things for the company.”
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Neil Shields receives his award from compere Julian Simmons and Richard O'Leary, CEO of category sponsor Epic Solutions.
Employees’ commitment recognised THE Priory Group is celebrating after two of its employees were recognised for their commitment to care at the Northern Ireland Independent Care Awards. Neil Shields, maintenance worker at Cairnmartin Court in West Belfast, took the top accolade in the best support staff category and Oonagh Duffy, social and leisure organiser at Ben Madigan care home in Newtownabbey, received a nomination for best practice in dementia care. Neil was singled out for his dedication to his role. He was described as a reliable and dependable worker who goes out of his way to keep residents and staff happy. Neil regularly attends the home on his day off to take residents out for trips or generally help out. Oonagh, a qualified occupational therapist, has already received two
awards this year for her initiatives that have in made a difference to the lives of the Ben Madigan residents. She was nominated as a caring member of the team who dedicates her time to improving the lives of the residents. She ensures they are treated as individuals, with dignity and respect and has transformed the dementia care at the home. Janette Malham, managing director of older people’s services within the Priory Group said: “I am very proud of Neil and Oonagh and delighted that they have been recognised in this way. “Their commitment reflects the culture of the Priory Group and its dedication to high quality, person-centred care.” The awards were presented at a gala evening in Belfast and were compered by local TV personality Julian Simmons.
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Anita Albrey leading the session at Colne View.
Music bridges generation gap MUSIC and fun bridged the generation gap with a special event at a Halstead care home. Mums and toddlers were invited to take part in a fun music-making session together with residents at Care UK’s new home, Colne View. The session, called Bridging the Gap, saw a number of young visitors meet residents and get involved in a session of making music together, singing and playing instruments. Activities coordinator Carol Atkins said the session, led by Anita Albrey, of Cheeky Chimps, proved to be an ideal opportunity to bring different generations together. She added: “It was a great
opportunity for three generations to mix and have fun. Many of our residents are grandparents and even great-grandparents – they loved to have the opportunity to see the little ones playing and to have a chat with their mums. “The whole place was buzzing and just felt so full of life and energy, it was a really lovely afternoon. “It was also really nice for the mums to meet each other for the first time and chat, some of them stayed to have a drink in our coffee shop after the session. “Everyone really got a lot out of the afternoon, so we’re looking forward to keeping them going.”
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Part of Thornhill Court’s award winning garden.
Home’s garden wins Beautiful Scotland award By Dominic Musgrave RESIDENTS at a housing and day care development in Falkirk have dug up an outstanding achievement award thanks to their blooming marvellous gardening skills. Thornhill Court was awarded the top honour after taking part in Beautiful Scotland’s It’s Your Neighbourhood campaign, which encourages volunteer groups to make a positive change and clean and ‘green’ up the area in which they live, work or spend time. The Bield run site managed to achieve full marks in two categories, dropping only two marks in the community participation section. The ‘outstanding’ achievement they were awarded is the highest certificate available. The garden, which covers approximately two acres in size, contains an array of flowers and plants, as well as vegetables, wildlife friendly beds and even a sensory area in which residents can relax outside. Jim Cruickshank, deputy manager at Thornhill Court, said: “The residents have worked extremely hard in creating the garden and the outstanding achievement award really reinforces their efforts to create a relaxing and stimulating area. “Every single bit of the garden has been designed and created by the residents themselves – they now have a
garden of which they can be proud of and hopefully continue to grow further.” A number of initiatives such as designating a bird-feeder, giving carers and cleaners cuttings from the garden, and a ramp to ensure easy accessibility were introduced to ensure everyone connected with Thornhill Court could get involved in the project. Chief Executive Brian Logan said the scheme typifies the approach the company has made to improve the lives of people who use its services under its new inspirational statement: Free to Be. He added: “This Free to Be commitment is very much at the heart of what Bield is all about – letting people make their own choices about how they live their lives but being there to support them when they need it. “Many older people still have ambition and drive and we want to give them the freedom to do the things they love but which might otherwise be taken away without the right help and support.” Bield has also provided extra funding to purchase garden furniture for residents to sit and enjoy the fruits of their labour – and the site is also attracting visits from residents in other developments, who have since taken up their own gardening projects.
Norman to deliver keynote NEW care services minister Norman Lamb MP, will deliver the keynote speech at this year’s ECCA conference, ‘White Paper. Right Paper?’ in a change to the speaker line-up after the recent cabinet reshuffle.
The event takes place on November 7 in London, with other speakers including David Behan, CQC chief executive, Andrea Sutcliffe, SCIE chief executive and Melville Knight, chief executive of Castleoak.
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HRH Princess Alexandra meeting Alison Lee, proprietor of the business, who introduces her mother, Gillian Lee, founder of the business.
Royal opening for centre HILL House Nursing and Dementia Home in Farnham welcomed HRH Princess Alexandra to formally open the Dementia Day Care Centre as part of its International Dementia Day celebrations. Known for her keen interest in dementia care, the Princess learned about how important the centre is to the life of those families in the area who live with someone with the condition. It is run in a new, more appropriate and meaningful way, providing a more holistic level of support to both
the person with dementia and their carer. Currently open Monday to Friday, the aim is to open seven days a week in the new year, offering long days and weekend events such as a Sunday lunch club. Proprietor Alison Lee said the Princess signed the visitors book and unveiled a plaque to commemorate her visit. She said: “We were delighted to have the honour of a Royal Visit as a climax to the celebrations of our first anniversary.�
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Oak Manor care home in Dereham.
Top marks for Oak Manor STAFF at Oak Manor care home in Dereham are celebrating as they received top marks in their latest inspection by the CQC. Following a review of the inspection process in recent years, five areas of the business are now inspected which assess how well the service is treating people with respect, quality of care provision, safeguarding and safety, staffing and management of the service. The home has achieved the highest possible levels of care delivery, having met the required standards in all of the above areas. The home’s manager, Anne Gregory, said: “We are delighted that the hard work done each and every day by our team has been recognised through this positive report. We have a tightly knit staff unit here and we try to put the service users at
the heart of everything we do. First and foremost Oak Manor is our residents’ home. “It is a pleasure to provide a service for so many wonderful people, but it is always nice to hear that you’re getting things right.” As part of the process, CQC inspectors spoke to residents, relatives and members of staff. The home demonstrated full compliance in all areas with special mention made of the kind, encouraging and reassuring manner in which people were cared for at the home. Residents are heavily involved in all aspects of the home, including the planning of activities, which are run on a four-weekly programme and encompasses in-house activities, external trips and community events.
Anne Driscoll, general manager of Rose Lodge with two members of her team, Graham Howard and Micky Waycot, with the award and Charlie Dimmock.
Charlie presents awards CELEBRITY gardener Charlie Dimmock hosted the Barchester in Bloom gardening awards at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The annual event promotes the imaginative planting of flowers, trees and shrubs in the gardens of all 220 of its care homes across the UK. The winners were: Hanging basket or container – Badgeworth Court in Cheltenham. Floral or vegetable arrangement – Marriott House in Chichester. Community garden or project – West Abbey in Yeovil. Sensory garden – Awel-Y-Mor in Swansea. Residents’ garden or project – Cherry Trees in Alcester. Garden of the year – Rose Lodge in
Wisbech. Charlie, who handed out the winners’ trophies with Barchester founder and chief executive Mike Parsons, said: “It is wonderful to see the dedication and enjoyment that goes into maintaining Barchester care home gardens around the country. “Making the outdoor spaces sensory and enticing places for all those that live, work and visit is something that is important for everyone’s wellbeing. “My top tip to make sure gardens are inviting and full of colour this spring, is to start planting those bulbs now. “Vibrant daffodil yellows, clusters of vivid crocuses and perky grape hyacinths will add warmth and take the edge off those crisp mornings.”
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Access 21 Interiors co-founder director Eda Brook, who designs exclusively for the care sector across a range of schemes and is a specialist in dementia design and audits, tells Caring UK how, even with a small budget, finishing touches can make a difference to residents’ quality of life.
Even small things make a big difference with care “WE design around varying residents’ needs for a range of care schemes, whether for care/extra-care, nursing, learning disabilities, supported living, palliative or dementia across the UK. “By offering a flexible menu of services to improve care environments, our clients can select one, or more to complement their own in-house services. “It is vitally important at the outset to spend quality time with the client to establish a clear brief of their specific requirements,” said Eda. Following this initial meeting, Eda and her team put together design boards showcasing flooring, wall coverings, window dressings and upholstery fabrics for each area. Their aim is to create a ‘home from home’ atmosphere, ensuring optimum comfort and safety for residents, while avoiding an institutional look and feel. “A warm atmosphere can be achieved with creative finishing touches, even when working within a small budget,” added Eda. “Soft furnishings can really transform a care home, helping to make it feel tranquil and welcoming.” While a home can look smart and
elegant, it fails miserably if it does not offer a comfortable, relaxing and stimulating environment with clear wayfinding. Good interior design will take into account these factors, allowing space for rummage boxes and reminiscence items. These stimulate and comfort residents as well as making them feel safe and secure in their environment. The choice of interior has a huge impact on residents’ lives, especially when it comes to those suffering with dementia. Fully trained in dementia design, Access 21 understands the importance of how even the smallest of details can make a real difference to improving the quality of residents’ day to day lives by: Creating a safe and stimulating environment. Reducing confusion and anxiety with clear wayfinding. Incorporating reminiscence items to stimulate memories of happy times. Encouraging independence by easy-to-use familiar facilities. When designing any care facility it is essential to fully understand the needs and wishes of the residents liv-
A bedroom at award winning Hurst Manor in Martock, Somerset. ing there so design with individuals in mind rather than solely for the type and style of the home, although the latter is very important. The choice of interior has a huge impact on residents’ lives, especially when it comes to those suffering with dementia. Memory triggers take them to a happy time and place which encourages them to engage in conversation. Eda said: “An example of this was
when a piece of wall art was recently fitted in a care home depicting a motorcycle. The artwork was three dimensional which the residents could touch although not remove from the wall. “One resident, Albert, was thrilled because he used to have a similar motorbike which inspired him to chat to other residents about his memories and experiences in an animated way.”
Home hosts its first pet show
Residents and staff of Southlawns Care Home in Street visited Longleat Safari Park. The trip was funded by the home’s amenity fund, which was recently boosted after the annual barbecue raised over £200.
LEWES based Claydon House care home opened its doors for its inaugural community pet show. Before the serious business of judging got underway, local company Animazing entertained everyone with some weird and wonderful creatures including snakes, pygmy hedgehogs and bird-eating spiders. The pet show itself featured an array of animals from dogs to bearded dragons, and the competition was fierce for a number of categories including 'longest
ears' and 'softest fur’. Each category was judged by Claydon House residents, who voted unanimously for Mollie the Labrador to win the coveted ‘best in show’. All the winners were presented with medals and certificates. Home manager Katie Brewster said: “We are so grateful that the event was so well supported by the local community – we work hard to ensure our residents have opportunities to play an active role in the wider community.
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Certificates presented at morning NEW care apprentices celebrated their success at a care home in Stoke Gifford during its annual coffee morning to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Charity. The chief executive of Care and Support West, David Smallacombe, presented the certificates to the staff at Osbourne court, a 58-bed home operated by Windmill Care, who also own Windmill House near Thornbury. Care director Katy Collacott said: “Osbourne Court, as a purpose-built care home, is well planned with spacious bedrooms, en-suite facilities and welcoming communal areas; however, it is the delivery of the right care by well trained staff that is so much more important. “In return for the staff’s hard work and commitment we provide extensive training, as well as investing in certification and diplomas, so everyone can fulfil their potential and be rewarded for the difference they make.” The coffee morning at the home raised more than £360 for charity.
Musical legends and eras brought to life By Dominic Musgrave RESIDENTS at Bupa Care Homes across the UK brought musical eras and legends to life as part of ‘Musical Moments’ week. The new initiative celebrated music through the ages and was aimed at promoting the therapeutic benefits music offers older people in terms of increasing well-being and engagement. The care homes hosted themed musical parties and invited members of their local communities to join in the fun. Susan Ross, Bupa’s community and partnerships executive, said: “It doesn’t matter if you have a favourite musical legend or just love listening to music, we got everyone involved in celebrating how powerful music is in lifting spirits, getting minds dancing and toes tapping. “Music plays a huge role in unlocking memories and bringing everyone together. Anyone who wanted to join us, or even help us recreate a musical era, was very welcome.” Bupa’s “Musical Moments” week was supported by Music in Hospitals, a national charity which provides professionally performed concerts to
Resident Joyce Bielby with look-a-like legends Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. help improve the lives of those in care. Chief executive Steve RowlandJones said: “The therapeutic benefits of music are well documented, encouraging those who may struggle with memories to recall words and songs, and giving people a sense of self-esteem.
“We believe everyone can respond to music and are fully supporting Bupa in its efforts to encourage more engagement and reminiscence through music.” More than 300 care homes celebrated “Musical Moments”, celebrating legends such as Dolly Parton, Elvis and Frank Sinatra.
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Peter Ure with Laurence Catterall and Louise Hill.
Group recruits assistants THE Strathmore Care Group has partnered with Ingeus in the East of England to offer career opportunities to local, long-term unemployed people. The care provider, which runs four well-established homes across the area, has recruited three trainee care assistants to date, with imminent plans for more to follow. Ingeus delivers the Government’s Work Programme across much of the UK, working with employers of all sizes and industries to provide wellmatched unemployed applicants for vacancies. The service is free and was recommended to Strathmore Care’s
personnel manager Peter Ure by sister company Southend Care, which developed a similar partnership with the company. “We have an ongoing demand for dedicated, reliable and caring staff,” said Peter. “It’s people’s personalities and life experiences that we’re interested in, and Ingeus has proven it can source motivated applicants with an aptitude for our industry and a genuine appreciation of what care work involves. “They put forward CVs, set up interviews, gave feedback and funded the CRB checks of the successful applicants.”
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Rehab unit to be set up at home
Staff recognised for their work achievements
A BLACKBURN care home is working with its local NHS Trust to open a new sub-acute rehabilitation unit. Springfield Care Home, part of nationwide healthcare provider Four Seasons Health Care, is liaising with NHS Blackburn Darwen Care Trust Plus to open the 10-bed unit facility which will offer sub-acute rehabilitation care for up to 21 days to patients in the region who need further rehabilitation support after being in hospital. Patients will be given intensive support to improve their condition, rebuild their confidence and help them live as independently as possible when they are ready to go home. Services will include rehabilitation, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and nursing care. Rachael Junge, regional manager for Four Seasons, said: “The new unit will help patients in the transition period after leaving hospital and going back home. “As a company we pride ourselves on the personalisation and quality of our care and will ensure each patient will receive the right kind of care.” Springfield already offers specialised care to residents with varying degrees of dementia and nursing care.
MORE than 70 Wiltshire care home staff have been recognised for their work achievements at an awards ceremony. The Orders of St John Care Trust, the UK’s second largest not for profit care home provider, held the 2012 Wiltshire Care Awards for staff across its 19 homes in the county at The Civic Centre in Trowbridge. Chief executive Nigel Reed said: “The awards ceremony is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the essential role of all our employees in delivering quality care and is an opportunity to praise individual’s training achievements and long service. “It is a great occasion for colleagues, residents, friends and partners of OSJCT to come together to celebrate the hard work shown by our team and say a big thank you to all of our staff.” Rosalyn Pinnell, activities coordinator, from Woodmead in Warminster, took home the unsung hero and the coveted Wiltshire volunteer of the year awards. Mandy Dixon from Ridgeway House in Wootton Bassett and Jackie Pearson at Seymour House in Chippenham were both presented with the carer of the year award. The young carer award was won by Jennifer Dunn from Athelstan House
By Dominic Musgrave
in Malmesbury for getting involved with the residents at the home, encouraging them to be as independent as possible. Penny Myerscough from St. Wilfrid’s Priory in Arundel was presented with the leader of the year award for her ability to encourage and motivate her team, making it easy for them to learn new skills and practices. Su Bishop and her team at Townsend Court in Malmesbury and Dawn Edgley from Marden Court in Calne won the hospitality award, which recognises those that have enhanced the quality of life of residents. And Ruth Rowley, volunteer at Ridgeway House in Wootton Bassett, was presented with an award for special recognition of voluntary service at the ceremony. Certificates were also awarded to staff who achieved NVQs in health and social care, housekeeping and hospitality services, as well as moving and handling and leadership and management of care service qualifications. Diplomas in dementia studies, food production, cooking and professional cookery and HE champions in dementia were also recognised. A number of staff were also presented with long service awards for 25, 30 and 35 years’ service to the Trust.
Rosalyn Pinnell, activities coordinator from Woodmead in Warminster, receives the employee of the year award from Robert Floyd, deputy lieutenant of Wiltshire.
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Association appoints Sally as its patron By Dominic Musgrave INFLUENTIAL campaigner Baroness Sally Greengross OBE has been named patron of the National Association of Care Catering. The patronage was announced at the association’s recent national training and development forum in Blackpool. In her new role Baroness Greengross will be asked to share her expertise in social care to help shape NACC campaigns and initiatives, to support the work of the association where appropriate, and attend national events where possible. Karen Oliver, national chair, said: “The shared passion for improving the quality and provision of social care held by the NACC and Baroness Sally Greengross makes her the perfect patron for our association. “Her relentless work in the field is greatly respected by everyone involved in the NACC, and indeed in care catering, and we whole-heartedly appreciate any time and support that she is able to give to us. “Baroness Greengross’ patronage and contribution can only strengthen our cause. We have no doubt that her involvement will help raise the profile of our vital work to a wider audience, add gravitas to our campaigns and initiatives, and ultimately help us
continue to raise standards in care catering, and highlight and tackle the issues and challenges faced by the sector.” The association recently celebrated its 25th anniversary by breaking the world record for ‘the most identical community meals delivered in three hours. And it also held its annual awards night to celebrate excellence in the care catering sector as part of the National Training and Development Forum. The event attracted more than 200 people. Winners: Regional award – South East; Sustainability award – Bristol Meals Service; Hydration award – Leeds Older People Matter Food Group; Care establishment of the year – Oak House Residential Home, Greetham, Rutland; Catering team or individual of the year – Christine Hamilton, Four Seasons; Community Meals award – Domestic Care, Northern Ireland; Innovation or achievement award – Nick Smith, catering operations manager (healthcare), Norse Commercial Services; Pam Rhodes outstanding service award – Angela Elkholy, retired contract monitoring officer, London Borough of Tower Hamlet; Chairman’s award – Carol Harris, Leicestershire county council.
The winning ‘Blackhawks’ team from Corbrook Court.
Rounders day raises funds THE ‘Blackhawks’ team from Corbrook Court nursing home were crowned the winners when more than 100 staff from Morris Care facilities across Shropshire and Cheshire competed in a rounders competition to raise money for charity. The money raised by Morris Care will be presented to Cancer Research UK and Parkinson’s UK, two charities chosen by residents at the homes. The event took place at Priory
School, Shrewsbury and saw six teams of players assemble to take part in the sporting challenge. The team from Radbrook nursing home were runners up. Margaret Maudsley, chief executive of Morris Care, said: “Each year we have great fun getting together to enjoy an afternoon of sport, and we are delighted to be able to support two very deserving charities at the same time.”
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Students experience the dramatic effect dementia can have By Dominic Musgrave
Sky with her awards and Pulsford Lodge manager Sonya Matthias and resident Grace Kinks.
Sky’s the limit for home A FURRY resident at a Wiveliscombe care home is purring with happiness as Sky the cat was announced as Somerset Care’s pet competition winner. The competition, which took place on the group’s Facebook page, invited family, friends and the general public to ‘like’ photographs of the various pets across the company. Sky won with 15 ‘likes’ on her photograph, with Chewy, another pet from Pulsford Lodge, coming in at second place with 10 ‘likes’. Sonya Matthias, manager at the home, said: “Earlier this year Chewy, our dog, won a ‘People’s Choice’ award and Sky felt left out so it’s fantastic news to hear that she’s won the Facebook competition.
“The pets are so important to the residents and staff here, Chewy and Sky are part of the Somerset Care family and we couldn’t be without them.” Sky was found by Sonya at West Hatch five years ago after the home’s previous cat Billy passed away. She was very vocal, which attracted Sonya’s attention, and within a week she was travelling back to Wiveliscombe to her new home. Sky has never had the luxury of a garden and to this day she still appreciates the open space and patrols the grounds after her breakfast. Somerset Care awarded Sky some special cat treats for winning the competition and gave Pulsford Lodge a certificate to display in the home.
CARERS and nurses who are furthering their education through a Masters level lecture series at University Campus Suffolk learned about the dramatic effect that dementia and frailty can have on the senses at an unusual style lecture. Maizie Mears-Owen, head of dementia for Care UK, gave the mature students direct experience of what it feels like and what the challenges are for an older person with dementia. During the activity-filled lecture they were invited to wear special glasses to blur their vision and headphones that delivered white noise, as well as gloves which restricted finger movement. They then tried eating food and decorating biscuits that they couldn’t see, drinking from plastic training cups and other tasks while being asked questions in quick succession and without time to think of replies. Maizie said: “This training gives a direct experience of the dramatic effect that dementia and frailty can have on the senses.”
“After the experiences I ask participants how they feel, and then ask them how someone with dementia would feel in an equally strange and confusing situation. “Their frustration is exactly how the person with dementia may react if something happens to them that they don’t understand or like. If this begins, and carers are not empathetic, the therapeutic relationship breaks down.” The ‘Dementia Care’ module is delivered at Levels 5, 6 and 7, and is suitable for people working in health and social care who have experience of working with people with a dementia. The course explores a number of aspects of working with people with dementia and their families, taking a bio-psycho-social perspective on the condition, with a strong emphasis on person-centred care. Angela Morris, district nurse, for Holbrook and Shotley who took part in the lecture, said: “I was angry and frustrated when I first put on the gloves and glasses but it really showed all of us how a patient with dementia feels.”
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CARINGNEWS
Silver accolade for group
Residents Lillian Newham and Doris Wilkinson enjoy a film on new cinema showing equipment with home manager Sandra McConville and activities coordinator Kirsty Daley.
Walk raises money for film equipment A NORTH Shields care home has installed a special projector and screen to recreate the cinema experience for its residents. The cinema equipment at Prince’s Court care home is used in regular movie nights, which show films from musicals such as Oklahoma to war films like The Great Escape. The equipment can be moved to transform any lounge in the building into a cinema, allowing all residents the chance to go to the movies and see their favourite films.
Money raised by residents during a sponsored walk was donated to help buy the cinema equipment. The three-mile trek took them from the home in North Shields to the Tynemouth Castle and Priory and was completed by residents, family, friends and staff. Manager Sandra McConville said: “The new cinema equipment is brilliant for the home. Being able to watch films in true cinema style really makes a difference for the residents, who have been able to rediscover
some of their favourites. “We’re so proud of the residents for their sponsored walk. “They managed to raise a fantastic amount towards the equipment and everyone has really enjoyed the different screenings of a variety of films.” She added that Prince’s Court aims to maintain lifestyles as similar as possible to those enjoyed at home, providing residents with an extensive range of activities which individuals can enjoy and benefit from.
A GATESHEAD based care group has achieved the Investors in People Silver award at the first attempt. Hadrian Healthcare Group, which has eight residential homes providing nursing and dementia care for elderly people across the north of England, received the accolade which is the standard framework by which businesses and organisations can judge their development and working practices. Fewer than 600 companies across the UK hold the Silver award. Of those there are less than 20 in the elderly residential care sector. Penny Macnair, operations director for Hadrian Healthcare Group said: “We wanted to measure the effectiveness of what we were doing in training and development, team working and management. “The Investors in People process has been invaluable. It has confirmed what we’re doing well and pinpointed where we can improve. We’ll be implementing the recommendations from the assessment over the next few months.”
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MP opens care centre A PURPOSE-built care centre has officially opened its doors in South Yorkshire, creating 60 jobs and a facility for up to 58 people. St James’ Court in Hoyland will cater for residential, nursing and dementia care. Each room is ensuite with shower, while the building has been designed so that it can either be used as a home for all or divided into four separate units, each with its own lounge, dining area and nursing station. Michael Dugher, MP for Barnsley East, performed the opening ceremony at the centre, operated by Crown Care, which recently announced an expansion plan for homes in Yorkshire and North East England, creating 300 jobs. Managing director of healthcare Wendy Conn said: “St James’ Court has the feel of a home-from home hotel. It has been designed to give the people
who come to live here or stay with us, the comfort and care they deserve. “Being able to create separate units gives us the flexibility, when required, to create specialist care centres within the home or even male or female-only areas if appropriate. “We are very proud of this new centre and have been delighted at the reaction of the families who have come to look around so far. Our staff share my passion that those people who are with us receive the best possible care, attention and lifestyle. It is their home.” Crown Care also hopes to convert an old school house on the site into a supported living centre in the future. Hoyland is Crown Care’s sixth centre in Yorkshire following the recent opening of The Buckingham in nearby Penistone and there is planning permission for a further two, one in Selby, the other in Knottingley.
Caring UK Commerce section brings you all the latest property, business and training news every month.
In this issue: Harrogate
dementia facility launches recruitment drive Page 26
Milestones mark
anniversary Page 28
Michael Dugher MP officially opens St James’ Court in Hoyland.
Follow Caring UK on Twitter at @caringuk
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CARINGCOMMERCE
Make sure to check your staff A RECENT investigation by the BBC has discovered more than 200 home care providers in England have been using staff without proper qualifications. In addition the BBC investigation revealed many care home companies were failing to undertake any type of staff CRB checks at all. One way to ensure your short term cover staff are fully qualified and checked is to contact Universal Resources Bureau, who are widely recognised as a leading services provider to the UK's medical industries. All URB’s candidates will join your team on a short term basis to help with shortages or boost numbers when needed. They undertake comprehensive training before starting any role in the UK. They are fully CRB/POVA checked and have a good standard of English. URB are not a recruitment agency and so charge a flat rate for all candidates with no hidden charges.
Harrogate dementia facility launches recruitment drive By Dominic Musgrave A RECRUITMENT drive has begun at a national centre of excellence for dementia care being built in Harrogate as it looks to fill up to 70 new jobs before it opens next February. Bernadette Mossman, healthcare director at Vida Healthcare, the company behind the plans for the new £5m specialist centre known as Vida Hall, said they were looking to fill a wide range of positions, from specialist nursing staff through to various support and ancillary roles, such as kitchen and housekeeping positions. She added: “We are already working with some of the leading experts in dementia care, both in this country and internationally, and can promise a truly innovative, supportive and rewarding environment for anyone working in this field. “Training will play a key role in staff support and development, and we will shortly be able to announce details of a tie-up with one of the UK's leading clinical psychologists to deliver a bespoke training package which will be a first for a new UK care home. “We are looking for a skill mix from our staff that goes above and beyond
James Rycroft, managing director and Bernadette Mossman, healthcare director of Vida Healthcare, launch a recruitment drive to fill up to 70 new jobs at Vida Hall. the levels of care offered in traditional homes, with activities and an environment that creates the right balance between stimulation and support for every resident. “We want to challenge current practices and demonstrate that there are better alternatives than the recent trend for over-prescribing antipsychotic medication."
Vida will be a 70-bed facility catering for residents with dementia across day care, respite and longterm residential care. Construction on the modern, light and airy building started late last year, using the latest thinking in dementia care to create a state-of-the-art facility that will enable residents to live a rewarding and independent life.
System details training required for Outcomes IT is a requirement that all care providers have to have in place – systems that enable them to evidence compliance with the relevant CQC outcomes. This in turn means that staff have to receive a substantial amount of ongoing training to enable them to deliver the care to meet the CQC outcomes. With very little funding available for staff training the burden yet again falls on the sector at a time when they are being asked to provide increasing levels of care for the same
or less money. It is therefore important to have a clear understanding of exactly what is required for each Outcome in the way of training. All the Required Systems have a very comprehensive list of training required for every Outcome and Policy/Procedure and a Training Record to evidence compliance, this will save time and enable staff to know what is expected. Training has now evolved so much, ELearning has enabled employers to monitor progress and staff to train at their own pace.
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Patricia Sooriah, Kris Sooriah and Sue Carter from Yorkshire Bank outside the Ashcroft care home in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
Milestones mark anniversary A MULTI-MILLION pound care home in Nottinghamshire has celebrated its first anniversary by reaching two major milestones. With support from Yorkshire Bank’s Business Banking Centre in Nottingham, Bank House Care Homes bought the 53-bedroom Ashcroft care and nursing home in Sutton-in-Ashfield from the LNT Group last September. The anniversary of the £3.7m facility was marked with the news that all its rooms are occupied and more staff have been employed. Kris Sooriah, who owns Bank House Care Homes with his wife, Patricia, said more jobs than expected had been created following the purchase of Ashcroft – their fourth care home. “Originally we expected to employ 40 local people but we have recruited 60 members of staff in a variety of
nursing, cleaning and administration roles,” he said. “But because it is a big home, over three storeys, we wanted to make sure it is run to the highest possible standard in all areas, which has been a plus for the local jobs market. “We have reached 100 per cent occupancy, which is way ahead of our two-year plan, which highlights the facilities we have provided meet the needs of our residents. That has also been backed up by the CQC who gave Ashcroft a positive report for meeting all their standards of care. “We have plans to grow the business with further homes in Nottinghamshire which we are currently working on.” Bank House Care Homes also owns and operates Bluebell Lodge in Skegby, Bank House in Sutton-inAshfield and Fernleaf in Mansfield.
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CARINGDEMENTIA
Balmoral achieves PEARL accreditation Bernie Allen greets the Chinese delegates.
Delegates visit home STAFF and residents at Oaken Holt Care Home in Farmoor welcomed a group of 20 delegates from China. They were given a tour of the care facilities at the country estate as part of a visit arranged by Sino-UK Link, an organisation that encourages business opportunities between Chinese and British organisations. The delegates consisted of Senior Chinese Government Ministers, Mayors and senior executives in public services who were all keen to find out more about the services on offer at Oaken Holt and the care delivered on both the residential and nursing sides. The purpose of the visit was to learn more about the provision of care and nursing of the elderly in the UK with a view to developing similar care concepts in China to meet the substantial care needs of elderly
Chinese people. Oaken Holt manager Bernie Allen said: “Everyone here was delighted to accommodate such a high profile group of delegates. “At Oaken Holt we are pleased to be able to provide residents with the opportunity to benefit from all levels of care within one community. “The plans in place for our dementia care unit can only enhance the experience here and we look forward to the progression of this project.” The delegates, through an interpreter, spoke to Bernie about how to develop and provide such extensive care provision. The visit concluded with afternoon tea and a presentation by the delegates of a book of Chinese paper cuttings and a traditional Chinese carving for the residents to enjoy.
BALMORAL Care Home in Sheffield is the first Four Seasons Health Care facility in the country to achieve platinum PEARL accreditation as a specialist dementia provider. Staff completed a rigorous programme, culminating in four assessments of the home. They had to achieve an assessment score of 95 per cent to receive the platinum PEARL accreditation. The award has recently been introduced to recognise the exceptional high standards of care being achieved. PEARL involves training in dementia care mapping and person centred care. Key elements in the programme are that staff recognise and respond to the holistic needs of residents, measures to engage with residents and creation of a sensory enhancing environment. Home manager Jane Watson said: “For the past two-and-a-half years we’ve been working towards
achieving platinum accreditation in order to provide the highest quality dementia care for our new and existing residents. “To be the first Four Seasons care home to receive this accreditation is a tremendous achievement and we’re proud to be able to offer such a high level of quality care in this area.” One notable success of PEARL is that the requirement for antipsychotic medication usage for people with dementia has been reduced by as much as 64 per cent and an average of 50 per cent, along with improved wellbeing of residents. Care homes in the programme work towards an unannounced inspection process in which they are considered for bronze, silver, gold or platinum accreditation against a framework of 160 evidence and research based criteria over and above regular quality performance measures for homes.
Provider to build 10th facility AN East Midlands specialist dementia provider is to build its 10th care home in Leicestershire after securing a £1.3m financial package from Santander Corporate Banking The latest addition to its portfolio will be Lutterworth Country House –
a purpose built property offering 60 single rooms with en suite facilities. Paul Hearn, managing director of group, said: “The Lutterworth home will offer valuable, local help to those who need it, and we’re excited about the project.”
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Organisations flying the flag for dementia care By Damian Utton THERE are several organisations in the UK who are actively undertaking research and development into varied aspects of dementia. The Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling have, for many years, ‘flown the flag’ for designing for people with dementia. The Housing and Dementia Consortium was set up by four major housing providers to share best practice and to obtain funding and establish research programmes to explore the role of housing and dementia. Several other universities are also undertaking their own research and development programmes. A new dementia design group has been set up at the University of Salford with the aim of facilitating collaborative, inter-professional and multi-disciplinary work in research, innovation and education with a commitment to making a positive difference to people living with dementia. In this respect, a report, which focused on dementia friendly hospital design, was produced to highlight the priorities and issues from those directly or directly affected by dementia. In addition, a one-day conference
hosted by the University of Salford during September was attended by 130 delegates from across the spectrum of health and social care organisations, environmental psychologists, academics, business, charities and people living with dementia, their families and friends. Thought provoking and stimulating presentations and workshop sessions at this conference explored different aspects of designing for people with dementia and also created the opportunity for the sharing of best practice, identification of areas for future research and innovation and the development of collaborative relationships. The conference also served as the launch of the International Dementia Design Network (www.internationaldementia-design.org). This will be an international forum for collaborative work in dementia design through research, innovation and education and will be co-ordinated by the University of Salford. The network can be followed on twitter @dementiadesign This is just a small example of many such events and groups. For these to translate into positive action the input from the people who live and work at the ‘coal face’ of providing and receiving care is essential. The real-life experiences of people with
Damian Utton dementia, their families and those who provide the support for them can make an enormous contribution to the discussion and debate which can lead onto change and improvement in the design and upgrading of care facilities as well as the operating procedures of providing care. If you have the chance to attend and contribute to events such as these please take the opportunity and share with others the experiences, skills and knowledge you and your colleagues have. Your contribution is invaluable. Damian Utton is a partner at Pozzoni LLP chartered architects and designers
Specialised service is a success A NEW specialised service introduced in Suffolk is proving successful in helping older people with dementia to keep their independence and remain living at home when it is in their best interest to do so. The flexible dementia service, introduced in April, aims to prevent unnecessary change for the person with dementia by providing a full assessment of their situation as soon as a problem is identified. The team from Care UK, who run the service, respond within a few hours of receiving requests, which can come from GPs, adult social services teams or even local hospitals. Carers conduct a 24 hour continuous assessment to understand the behaviour and other factors which are causing concern. Helen Gray, team leader at the West Suffolk Mental Health Intermediate Care Team – part of Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust – said: “The service has definitely made a difference because it has brought an alternative solution and better outcome for people who would otherwise end up in hospital or residential care which isn’t necessarily the long term need.”
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Excellence award Choosing the right laundry equipment for manager who for your care home lived as a resident THE manager of a Central & Cecil care home has won a national management excellence award after spending a week living as a resident in order to gain greater insight into the experience of older people in care. Fiona Saadat, manager of the 45bed Cecil Court in Kew, was a winner in the ‘management excellence' category of the Laing and Buisson Independent Healthcare Awards, which took place at the London Marriott Hotel. Fiona lived in every section of Cecil Court, including the dementia unit, during the week she spent as a resident in the summer last year, with staff drawing up a daily care plan and risk assessment based around her ‘needs’. She also cut contact with her family and friends so she could fully appreciate the isolation sometimes felt by people living in care, using her experience to make even more positive changes to the care and support she and her care team provide for older people. Adrian Eggington, executive director
MANAGING your laundry onsite tends to not only be more economical, but also alleviates problems over infection control and lost items. Here is a quick checklist for selecting laundry equipment for your care home from Miele. Fast spin speeds Spins in the region of 1300rpm in the final cycle can achieve residual moisture content of only 49 per cent, as a result drying time is significantly reduced, cutting energy bills and labour.
Fiona Saadat with resident Norman Hardy. – resident services, said: “We are so proud of Fiona and all that she has achieved at Cecil Court. “Fiona puts her heart and soul into everything she does and is always thinking of new and innovative ideas to improve the lives of people in her care. The award is true recognition of her commitment to residents and staff.” Over the last 12 months, Fiona has organised many other innovative projects including the conversion of an activity room into a 1950s/60s style ‘reminiscence room.
Automatic chemical injection Cleaning products used at the appropriate water temperature and cycle is an essential feature for nursing homes concerned about proper removal of body fluids and other contaminants. Auto injection eliminates the need for adding chemicals manually, saving on labour and product overuse. Programmability Selecting a highly programmable
commercial washer capable of washing anything from bed pads to mop heads, not only saves time, but using the correct setting can also extend the lifecycle of the product.
Design is key For facilities with little space, slim line and stackable commercial washer-extractors and tumble dryers mean washers can be installed nearly anywhere or stacked on top of each other for functional space saving. Adhere to HSG 95/18 guidelines Health facilities must ensure all their commercial laundry equipment meets the Health Service Guidance HSG(95)18. The provision of adequate laundry services is a fundamental requirement of direct patient care and to meet Patient's Charter standards of quality services. WRAS compliant Make sure your equipment is WRAS compliant, preventing backflow and cross contamination.
If you’ve got a story for Caring UK email healthcare editor Dominic Musgrave at dm@scriptmedia.co.uk
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Firm distributes equipment
Show organisers unveil new features ORGANISERS of The Cleaning Show have announced a number of new features at the next exhibition, which will take place at the NEC in Birmingham from March 19-21. With a full programme of attractions, the largest number of exhibitors yet, as well as a co-location with the popular IMHX 2013 event, The Cleaning Show 2013 is set to be
the biggest and best ever. It is organised every two years on behalf of the cleaning industry by BCCE Ltd, a company jointly owned by the British Cleaning Council and Quartz Business Media. Over 200 exhibitors, specialising in a variety of different sectors, will be present at the show, with more than 50 exhibiting for the first time.
Badges meet service criteria SINCE 2010 healthcare practices regulated by the CQC must meet service delivery criteria including the clear identification of individual staff members. The guidance publication ‘Essential standards of quality and safety’ specifies that, for providers to achieve the required standard of care and welfare of people who use their healthcare services, their users “can be confident that, wherever possible,
they will know the names and job titles of the people who provide their care, treatment and support” (part of Outcome 4C). Compliance with this standard is simple according to Badgemaster, the UK’s leading supplier of name badges. “Providing name badges, to customer-facing staff is a proven and very cost-effective solution to the CQC regulations,” said managing director John Bancroft.
New medicines management guide from Rosemont A NEW guide to medicines management and older people will soon be available from Rosemont Pharmaceuticals. Called ‘Medicines management and older people – a guide for healthcare professionals’, the booklet aims to help healthcare professionals learn more about how medication works, how the ageing process affects medicines, common adverse drug reactions, the definitions of compliance and concordance as well as to give an overview of some of the legal aspects of medicines management. The content of the guide is based on current best practice and the most up to date evidence about medication management. The focus is on the care of older people, who have a higher prevalence of illness and take around 50 per cent of all prescribed medicines (Kelly 2011). Four in five people over 75 take at least one prescribed medicine, with 36 per cent taking four or more medicines (NSF 2001). The guide will replace Rosemont’s ‘Medication Management of the Elderly’ booklet. Enquiries: To receive a free copy of ‘Medicines management and older people – a guide for healthcare professionals’ email marketing@rosemontpharma.com
New octenilin® cleaning solution sachets launched SCHULKE UK has launched new 30ml octenilin® cleaning solution sachets designed for antimicrobial cleaning and decontamination of the skin before urinary catheterisation and for general catheter care. Octenilin cleaning solution contains octenidine, which has a broad antimicrobial effect, including multi-resistant strains. It is alcohol, perfume and colour-free, so is suitable for use on sensitive skin areas. Many years of clinical experience with octenidine has shown it to have excellent skin and mucous membrane compatibility meaning it is gentle on the skin. Guidelines recommend that ‘for urethral catheterisation, the meatus should be cleaned before insertion of the catheter’ (NICE, 2003). A number of Trusts are already successfully using octenilin solution 350ml as part of their urinary catheterisation protocol, but have requested a smaller single use pack size. In response to this request octenilin cleaning solution 30ml sachets (250 in a carton) can now be ordered from NHS Supply Chain. The product code is MRB 794. Enquiries: Phone 0114 254 3500, email mail.uk@schuelke.com or visit www.schulke.co.uk
MANAGE At Home is a distributor of an extensive range of equipment for care homes and products to aid independent daily living at home. We are a leading supplier of Sidhil profiling nursing care beds and pressure care mattresses, and we can offer free direct-from-thefactory delivery, or a full installation service if required. Manage At Home Ltd is part of the Siddall and Hilton Group of companies – a family owned business that has been in existence for 110 years. We are able to use our group
resources to source our product range competitively and pass on savings to the customer. Our new website features comprehensive information about each product allowing purchasing decisions to be made effectively. Our product range includes mobility aids, walking aids, wheelchairs, support cushions, bath lifts, bath seats and boards, raised toilet seats, commodes, electric profiling beds, riser recliner chairs and aids for dressing and eating.
Convert your kitchen space to revenue earning space THE online Profit Calculator from PKL helps care home operators work out what profit could be generated by bringing kitchen space into the revenue earning stream by using modular PKL KitchenPods to provide the kitchen facilities. The calculator shows the amount of profit that could be generated for care homes by converting existing kitchen space into additional bedrooms and hiring one of PKL’s popular KitchenPods to replace it. All that is required is the size of your existing kitchen and the amount you charge for a bedroom per week. The Profit Calculator then works out how many bedrooms could be created and calculates the total profit, providing a breakdown of associated costs. For example, a care home charging £600 per week could have its 25sqm kitchen converted into two bedrooms, generating a net profit of £163,500 over five years. To try the Profit Calculator yourself and see how
much money a KitchenPod could generate for your care home, visit www.pkl.co.uk/foodservices/profit calculator.asp Enquiries: For more information visit www.pkl.co.uk or call 0845 8404242.
Company extends business by buying and refurbishing baths AGECARE Eastern is currently growing its business by buying old care baths and refurbishing them. The company will supply and fit the refurbished baths at a fraction of the cost of new, and all baths have a year’s warranty. Any make any model, we will quote to refurbish or replace. Agecare always has at least 10 baths in stock. The company removes old ones, refurbishes and then re-installs them across East Anglia, and supplies refurbished and new baths across mainland UK, using its 16 years of experience and time served engineers. Agecare prides its self on its second to none customer service and being fully insured to carry out this type of work. Enquiries: For further details visit www.agecareeastern.co.uk
Grahame Gardner enhances Urbane range GRAHAME Gardner has enhanced its popular Urbane scrubwear range with the addition of 9534, a new longer length tunic. This flattering style of tunic boasts the same high quality design features as the rest of the Urbane range, and is available in a wide selection of bold colourways. The Urbane Scrub range has become a firm favourite of care homes since it was launched in the UK six years ago. The range presents all the comfort associated with scrubwear, but the unique designs also include side darts, contrast trims and other desirable design features making Urbane a collection of distinction. Grahame Gardner offer a number of scrub ranges. Enquiries: For further information call 0116 255 6326 or take a look at www.grahamegardner.co.uk
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CARINGNEWS
Training tools launched THE Alzheimer’s Society has developed a portfolio of training solutions designed to enable staff to provide quality care for people with dementia, delivered direct to your workforce by specialist trainers. Interactive and engaging, topics range from dementia awareness through to complex issues such as communication and behaviour. Alzheimer’s Society will work with you to ensure that the training delivered meets the needs of your staff. For smaller homes the easy-to-use resource ‘Tomorrow is another day’
Billy Connolly as Wilf in Quartet.
Starring role for Stannah STANNAH Stairlifts is reaching for the stars this winter as it gets its big screen break in Quartet – the first film to be directed by Oscar-winning actor Dustin Hoffman. The bespoke Starla chair with dark wood trim and green upholstery will be used as a key prop for one of the main characters in the film, Wilf, played by Scottish actor Billy Connolly. The comedy, which was filmed on location at Hedsor House in Taplow, Buckinghamshire, with a stellar cast including Maggie Smith and Michael Gambon, tells the story of a once world-famous quartet. Now living in a care home, the quartet is reunited for a one-off concert, which brings to the surface secrets
from their glorious past. Patrick Stannah, joint managing director, Stannah Lift Services, said: “As a British heritage brand, we are delighted to have been chosen as the stairlift provider in Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut, Quartet. The film’s storyline, which illustrates how it is never too late to enjoy life, resonates strongly with Stannah.” Stannah installed the stairlift on the grand staircase of Hedsor House and it can be seen in its full glory during a scene when Billy Connolly’s character rides down to talk with Dr Cogan, played by Sheridan Smith, in the lobby area. Quartet had its UK premiere at the London Film Festival on October 15 and will be released in the UK on January 1.
Live panto for residents PYRAMID Pantomimes are the touring pantomime company that brings a traditional, fun packed panto to you. So would you like to give your residents a way to enjoy a live pantomime with their friends and families and have a great addition to your home’s Christmas party, plus giving your residents and staff a festive treat...? Then look no further. Let Pyramid Pantomimes bring a big sprinkle of Christmas spirit into your home. This year’s panto is Dick
Whittington, which is an hour long, fun and laughter filled show with bags of singing, dancing and audience interaction, perfect for your Christmas event. We have a SPECIAL OFFER for Care Homes on shows booked for performance times after 6pm. The show is usually £449 + VAT but we’re offering it for a brilliant £299 + VAT. This offer is only for a limited time and is proving very popular so, to avoid disappointment, call the booking office on 0870 240 4393 and quote CARE HOME PROMOTION.
Homes face higher food bills CARE homes face higher costs for many Christmas catering essentials unless they act quickly to lock in the best prices from suppliers, it has been claimed. John Pinder, managing director of buying specialist Lynx Purchasing, says the impact of extreme weather earlier this year on UK crops, as well as rising oil prices and poor harvests worldwide, will start to push up food prices over the coming months. He added: “Many of the components of a classic Christmas dinner, such as potatoes, sprouts, carrots and parsnips, are in short supply this year.
Salmon, another seasonal favourite, is expensive because of higher feed costs. The good news is that we don’t expect turkey and other meat prices to rise much beyond their normal seasonal peak this Christmas. “The higher cost of grain for feed means many farmers are reducing livestock numbers, which in the short term means a good supply of meat and poultry. “However, it also makes sharp price rises certain in the New Year as the supply reduces. Care homes would be well advised to agree prices with their suppliers now.”
consists of a DVD and CD Rom. It covers essential elements of person-centred dementia care, including the experience of the condition, supporting people, occupation and communication. The Foundation Certificate in Dementia Awareness is a short multiple-choice assessment taken on completion of dementia awareness training. It tests knowledge and attitudes towards dementia and successful candidates receive an Alzheimer’s Society certificate and badge.
Group enters health sector with Enara purchase MITIE Group, the FTSE 250 strategic outsourcing and energy services company, has entered the healthcare market after acquiring Enara Group Limited for £110.8m. Enara is the fourth largest provider of home care services in the UK, providing a wide range of services to people who require help and support due to illness, disability or infirmity. The business cares for 10,000 people via local authority, NHS and private pay agreements. Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE, Chief executive of MITIE, said the community care market is a significant strategic opportunity for MITIE and an ideal entry point into the health and social care sector. She added: “We are delighted to
have made this strategic acquisition, which establishes us as one of the market leaders in home care. “Enara will provide us with a stepchange in our service proposition as well as a platform to grow in the wider healthcare sector. We welcome Enara’s 6,000 people to MITIE.” MITIE has created a dedicated health advisory board to develop the strategic direction of its healthcare offering. The board will comprise Dr Andy Dun, managing director of Enara, two MITIE representatives and three independent, non-ex MITIE bought Enara from August Equity LLP, a private equity company which had owned it since 2008 along with Enara’s senior management.
Zoe studies sensors’ use OCCUPATIONAL Therapist Zoe Long has undertaken a research project to assess the use of sensors on wards where elderly patients are at a risk of falling. The research is taking place at the Bentley Ward, Farnham Hospital where it was found that a significant number of fall occurrences were recorded over a six-month period. An initial trial of two SensorCare Systems resulted in the number of falls reducing significantly during the trial period. An average number of alarm activations were 5.8 per day, which could have been patient falls, were
it not for the SensorCare system in place. The study found that 75 per cent of staff found the sensors helpful and all stated they would find the use of SensorCare beneficial in their clinical areas. Following this initial trial the Trust has just completed a further investigation of four bed and chair systems for a trial period of six months incorporating all wards at the Farnham Hospital site. Currently clinical evidence is being collated, however, the staff have the confidence that the same success from the trial period will be proven from the conclusion of the research piece.
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Export growth for Evac+Chair International EVAC+CHAIR International, the UK’s leading manufacturer of emergency escape equipment, has announced that its international exports are increasing year on year despite a struggling European economy. The business has consistently reported annual doubledigit percentage growth since 2010, with the first quarter of 2012 also seeing a positive increase of 11 per cent. Since 2000, Evac+Chair International has seen its international exports double. Paul Colder, head of marketing, said: “In times of economic difficulty, it is very encouraging that all of our international exports are presenting growth results. “We’d hoped for continued growth but were pleasantly taken by surprise with how well our products have been received abroad. “The USA, the Middle East and Japan are strong markets for the company and even within a weakened Eurozone, European exports have remained positive. “Recent orders have included supplying the local authority in Verona, Italy, and a number of new clients in Spain.” Enquiries: Visit www.evac-chair.co.uk
Signs for people with dementia ORIENTATION signs are ideal for people with dementia. Made with durable plastic, they are suitable for all care settings. Size of unit: Height 267mm, width 432mm, depth 25mm. Cost: £120 – no VAT. Enquiries: To order call 01400 272959 or email caythorpecare@btconnect.com
Considering a replacement nursecall system for your home?
A national organisation with a local approach VISIONCALL is the largest provider of domiciliary eye care in the UK, currently servicing over 7,000 care homes. We have a well-established reputation in the care home sector, and we can also visit clients in their own homes. We’re a national organisation with a local approach to service delivery, focused on delivering appropriate solutions for each individual.
Our services are geared towards helping those with cognitive impairment to enjoy quality of life through prescribing appropriate corrective devices and also offering a range of products to allow the individual to live as independently as possible for as long as possible. Enquiries: Telephone 0141 646 0654, fax 0141 646 0655 or email Info@visioncall.co.uk
CFS Carpets offer a wide selection of healthcare carpets AS well as the extensive range of contract carpets and carpet tiles, CFS Carpets has a wide range of impervious backed broadloom carpets that are heavy contract – ideal for the healthcare industry. Featuring plain and patterned designs and a wide colour bank, these ranges are competitively priced and have excellent cleaning properties and a 10-year guarantee. Hanbury Care Design, featured in the picture, has a modern colour bank and a matching plain range available too. Sample folders of all the healthcare ranges are available in carpet and flooring along with a selection of other healthcare flooring solutions. CFS Carpets are part of Carpet and Flooring, one of the UK ’s largest flooring distributors. Large stocks of all ranges are held, along with a selection of other healthcare flooring solutions. Deliveries can be made within 24 hours to mainland UK. Enquiries: Call 01527 511860 for more information or for samples log onto www.cfscarpets.co.uk
Simple solutions SINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs) based, Richards Residential Supplies have concentrated upon supplying simple solutions to common nursing home problems. The new WACMAT® adheres strongly to this tradition. With its ultra absorbent cotton pile and 100 per cent waterproof backing, the remarkable WACMAT® is an ideal accessory where spills may occur. Used as a commode mat, in bedrooms or bathrooms, the WACMAT® ensures full carpet protection. Then, after use, simply machine wash and tumble dry! It’s that simple... The WACMAT® will then be clean and odour-free, ready to perform time and time again. Alternatively the flat-laying WACMAT® can be used as an entrance mat, saving you hundreds of pounds in rental costs alone. Enquiries: Telephone 0800 074 3749.
LOOK no further than Saturn Sales and Services Ltd. We have provided systems within the care industry for over 20 years, partnering with the manufacturers of the hugely popular INTERCALL range back in 1993. Saturn has successfully installed more than 2,000 systems, from the small individual care home to large nursing care organisations. We specialise within the care industry and recognise the all important need for maintenance and after care. We will provide you with a total package; system design to meet the needs of your home, complete installation and the all important staff training and system certification. If you want the very best for your residents and
staff alike, then talk to Saturn ... ‘the company that cares’. Enquiries: Visit www.saturn-sales.co.uk or telephone 01278 794798.
Beaucare launch Aquabathe range Beaucare® Medical Ltd’s Aquabathe range of bathing equipment is designed for the rigorous demands of care home environments. Built to the highest standards, the Aquabathe range offers solutions to suit customers’ special requirements. The Hi-Lo and Aquabathe II come in five different sizes depending on your requirements, with various options such as manual or power
traverse seat, left and right hand setup, TMV3 shower assembly, and whirlpool or air spa capabilities. We can install and service nationally, using our certified engineers. So, if your bathrooms need revamping, why not let us quote? Enquiries: Call 01423 878899, email service@beaucare.com or visit www.beaucare.com
Eddie’s knowledge and expertise second to none EMANUEL A Dribble, better known in the business transfer market as Eddie Dribble, has been in the care home transfer agency business for around 40 years. His extensive knowledge and expertise is second to none in negotiating a satisfactory conclusion for many long standing clients In 1972 he founded and subsequently developed the care home division, of the then national transfer agents Luxton and Lowe Limited. Since that time he has personally travelled the length and breadth of the British Isles inspecting and evaluating every type of care home. No matter what size and what cost he has negotiated sales to a range of buyers, which include large companies and single private individuals. He has established a reputation throughout the
industry which provides a truly personal service, always remaining fully confidential. Luxton and Lowe Limited were taken over in 1991 by a large London property agent. At this time to keep the personal service and confidentiality, which was also his strict code of practice, Eddie decided he needed to form his own private transfer agency to continue to provide a high quality individualistic service. Since this time he has continued to serve the industry with his own brand of personal and confidential negotiations and keep his commission rates at a competitive level. To this day care homes of every size and description and in every location are continuously required for a list of carefully vetted applicants. Enquiries: Telephone 020 8942 0852.
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Lisa promoted to new role MARIA Mallaband Care Group and Countrywide Care Homes has promoted Lisa Denison to the role of group training manager. She will play a key part in working with the homes in ensuring compliance with the mandatory training requirements. Vicki Rundle has been promoted to
Staff and supporters from a care home put their best foot forward by taking part in a sponsored walk to raise some much needed funds for their services in Uphall. Staff, family and friends of the people cared for at Bield’s St. Andrew’s Court Care House completed the 11-mile walk along the Union Canal towpath from Linlithgow to Broxburn in less than three hours. The group has already raised £400 with donations still being received.
Day celebrated A HORNCASTLE care home celebrated Lincolnshire Day in style. Residents and visitors at Tanglewood snacked on some of the county’s specialities – plum bread, stuffed chine, haslet and Lincolnshire sausages. The county’s finest cheeses were also on offer as well as a taste of Bateman’s beer. Residents and staff also enjoyed entertainment from folk singer and accordionist Brian Dawson.
Care Charts
Denture care
Occupancy Specialist
Mobility Healthcare
Architects
Recruitment
Transport
Signs
HR Manager, having previously worked for the company in an HR admin role. She will look after the homes in Northern Ireland and predominantly in West and South Yorkshire. Nissi Luckwell will take over some of Vicki’s office responsibilities and her new title will be HR administrator.
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