Homes’ summer fete raises £2,300 for the Boaz Project
TWO Winchester care homes joined forces for a family-friendly summer fete in aid of a nearby disability charity.
Dozens of visitors were welcomed by residents and staff from Colten Care’s Abbotts Barton and St Catherines View with the fun gettogether raising £2,300 for the Boaz Project.
Based on a farm at Sutton Scotney, the charity is a therapeutic work community for adults with learning disabilities.
The fete, held at St Peter’s Primary School in Stanmore, Winchester, featured stalls selling jewellery, candles, soaps, cakes, plants and crocheted gift items handmade by residents and staff at the two homes.
There were also children’s games, a coconut shy, a barbecue, a tombola, a ball pit and the chance to see classic MG cars close-up courtesy of the Winchester MG Owners Club.
Live entertainment included singing, belly dancing, and guitar and accordion playing.
The fete was the fourth such
annual event that the two Colten Care homes have staged in aid of charity.
Laura Sheldrake, companionship team leader at St Catherines View, said: “A lot of hard work went into making sure this summer’s fete was as successful as previous years.
“Colleagues from both homes, other staff from Colten Care, and relatives and residents all helped.
“The Boaz Project joined us on the day selling fresh eggs from their chickens plus homemade cards, woodwork and jams.
“Families enjoyed all we had to offer and we were delighted with having some local stalls come and support us too. The biggest success was the raffle which made more than £800.
“Overall, we raised an incredible amount, £2,297.75, for a worthwhile cause.”
Guests included the Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Russell Gordon-Smith, who entered the spirit of the event by having a henna tattoo and purchasing several plants.
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Resident Edith shares her time with staff member Fanta during the summer party.
Residents and staff celebrate at party
RESIDENTS and staff at RMBI Care Co. Home Shannon Court in Hindhead have celebrated their annual high tea party in the gardens.
Residents spent a fun day with their loved ones and the wider community, enjoying live music performances, a raffle draw, and food and drinks.
The warm weather was the cherry on top, turning the event into the perfect summer party.
Shannon Court’s business manager Steve Stace said: “The annual garden party, supported by our Association of Friends, is an important event that brings
residents, families, staff and the community together.
“It has a real positive impact on the residents’ wellbeing as it brings joy and special moments for all.
“It also shows what the Home can offer and what working together can achieve for our residents.”
The party was organised by the Association of the Friends of Shannon Court, an independent charity that supports the Home by befriending residents, organising events or fundraising for different activities to help enhance the residents’ lives.
Replica bus stop is just the ticket for veterans
A REPLICA bus stop and bench installed in the grounds of Broughton House Veteran Care Village is helping to evoke positive feelings and memories for residents living with dementia. Transport for Greater Manchester has donated the equipment to the Salford care home and it is proving an important asset.
Jane Green, director of care at Broughton House, said: “Replica bus stops being used in dementia care is not necessarily new, but it is a first for us.
“As our community of residents who live with dementia grows, it’s important that we have features which bring familiarity with their earlier lives.
“Research has shown that by creating a focal point which is universally-recognised – such as a bus stop – residents will be automatically drawn to it and take a seat.
“Care staff can engage them in conversation and help them to reminisce, and it provides a sense of familiarity that is calming.
“Residents who are anxious about needing to go home can use the bus stop to pass some time, evoke positive memories and have valuable social interactions with others.
“Even our residents who do not live with dementia are finding it purposeful and reassuring.
“We’re very grateful to TfGM for this generous gesture, and everyone is delighted with the result.”
The location of the bus stop and bench means that residents can enjoy the colourful flowers in the garden while they sit and chat.
Greater Manchester transport commissioner Vernon Everitt, Broughton House director of care
Jane Green and Mark Robinson, Transport for Greater Manchester’s section manager for property services, at the bus stop and bench.
Social Care TV continues to fly the flag for quality training
SOCIAL Care TV continue to fly the flag for highest quality online training for health and social care, after unwavering commitment to excellence within the sector for more than 25 years.
Their widely-used health and social care specific courses – produced and edited in-house – are expertly designed to make learning engaging, informative and, therefore, highly effective for learners.
Accredited by CPD and endorsed by Skills for Care, training with Social Care TV is quality assured, comprehensive and relevant.
As one of the leading online training providers in the health and social care sector in the UK, they supply training for local authorities, recruitment agencies, care home groups and other health and social care organisations.
Their feature-rich Manager platform has further been enhanced this year with the introduction of several new Manager tools designed to aid with compliance, reporting and trainee management.
SCTV regularly release new and updated high-quality courses.
Previews for all courses can be viewed at: Courses – Social Care TV (social-care. tv)
To enhance their learners’ experience further they have created free, comprehensive subject-specific workbooks which were rolled out across all courses this year.
This unique addition provides excellent value and a fully robust training package. SCTV is delighted to have won several awards over the last 12 months including:
Best Online Health and Social Care Learning Platform’ – Global Health & Pharma Social Care Awards 2024. ‘CPD
Provider of the Year’ – The CPD Awards. ‘ Social Care Training Provider of the Year’ – Corporate Livewire Innovation & Excellence Awards.
Gold standard customer service remains a core staple of the business, with expert support and guidance provided via telephone, email and live chat.
Their much-loved ‘Care Worker of the Month’ award recognises and rewards the selfless dedication shown by care workers across the UK, and they proudly support the Care Workers Charity who aim to advance the financial, professional and mental wellbeing of social care workers.
The company stands behind a clear mission and set of values which define their ethos and their dedication to both the Care Sector and those within it.
These can be viewed at: Mission Statement and Core Values – Social Care TV (social-care.tv)
Above all, SCTV consistently strive to make a meaningful contribution to the wellbeing of those being cared for.
For more information please see: Homepage – Social Care TV (socialcare.tv)
What lies ahead for the care sector?
THE seasons are changing and we start to wonder what sort of autumn and winter we are in for…
What will be the prevailing climate for social care after a turbulent and changeable year in the sector?
Will we ease gently into the cooler months, maybe even with a hint of an Indian summer? Or will we be plunged straight into a bleak, cold winter of discontent?
Much will depend on the unlikeliest of weather girls, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and what she reveals in her autumn statement on October 30.
The forecast does not look promising.
The Government has already blown away any hopes of introducing the cap on care costs and there are distant rumblings of further cuts to social care budgets, rather than the investment the sector desperately needs.
A red weather warning indeed. It shouldn’t be this way. We wrote an open letter to the Chancellor, urging her to resist further cuts.
The sector has already been pared back to the bone and needs emergency surgery rather than further injury.
The social case for investment and reform is irresistible. The NHS is at breaking point and needs a rejuvenated social care sector to begin its renaissance.
We cannot start to ease hospital waiting lists and empty hospital beds if there is no social care to look after people in the community.
The 1.6m people who cannot get care and the 131,000 vacancies in the sector, not to mention the lengthening list of care home closures, suggests that things are not improving.
In his report on the state of the NHS, Professor Darzi acknowledged that social care is in a dire state due to underresourcing.
There is also a very strong economic case for change. Social care contributes £55.7bn to the England economy and employs more than 1.6m people.
With the right investment, and to meet the anticipated demand for care in the coming decade, it could contribute and employ considerably more.
Figures from Skills for Care suggest an extra £6.1bn invested in social care would provide economic benefits of £10.7bn –for every £1 invested, a return of
£1.75.
So there are sound social and economic reasons for supporting social care.
But isn’t there an overriding moral case too?
With all the furore over cutting winter fuel payments to older people and the aforementioned abandoning of the cap on care costs, isn’t there a danger this new government, still relatively in its honeymoon period, will be branded ‘anti-older people’?
That would be a terrible indictment of any administration elected under a Labour flag.
I am sure it won’t come to that and the Government will see the sense of looking after the country’s older, disabled and vulnerable adults, however bleak the economic situation might be.
But after 30 years of waiting for reform in social care we deserve better than just being spared from further cuts.
We deserve to see big, bold reform to transform the delivery of social care in this country and to make it something that meets the needs of future generations.
After all, 1.4m people will have dementia by 2040 and we’ll need at least an extra 440,000 staff in the sector.
80 per cent of us will need social care in our lifetimes.
We deserve to see a start on the long-promised National Care Service which, for me, involves the merging of NHS healthcare and social care to create one body that looks after us all and has an equal share of more adequate resources to do so.
We deserve to see that the new Government cares about us as we age and have care needs.
I have sent an open letter to the Prime Minister, as well as writing one to the Chancellor.
And in both I have offered the support of the social care sector to help the Government address the crisis in social care.
The sector has the knowledge, experience and expertise to help a new administration tackle what we know is a huge and daunting task.
But tackle it we all must and the Chancellor can start by not cutting social care funding but by instead increasing support to the sector and by giving us some hope that better times are ahead.
We have weathered too many storms. I am not sure how much longer we will survive if we continue to be left out in the cold…
Seaside trip brings back memories for residents
A WALK down memory pier was enjoyed by care home residents from Bolton during group trips to Blackpool this summer.
The popular seaside town had residents from Lever Edge in Great Lever reminiscing about past trips as children and with their families.
The group, accompanied by staff, also had a look at the resort town’s waterpark, played hook-a-duck at the arcade, visited Blackpool Tower and treated themselves to fish and chips followed by Mr Whippy ice creams.
Activities coordinator Manny Patel said: “For many it was a reminder of their happiest
memories, holidaying with their loved ones, enjoying the sea air, ice creams while walking along the front, and having fun in the arcades. Trips like this have huge therapeutic benefits for the residents, like they do for all of us, raising our mood and helping us to relax. The residents were talking about it for days afterwards and couldn’t wait to share their old photos from past visits.
“We run various fundraising events throughout the year to be able to fund day trips like this one and we’d like to thank everyone who has donated. It makes a massive difference to the residents’ lives.”
Group shortlisted in two categories
HOME Instead has been named a finalist in two categories of The Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards, the largest awards programme celebrating the best of British business.
The awards recognise the most successful and innovative businesses from a range of sectors.
Shortlisted in The Lloyds Bank Small to Medium Sized Business of the Year category, Home Instead is recognised for its market position, growth, future planning, innovation, customer and staff engagement, an ethical approach to business and strong results.
The company is also a finalist for The Innovation Award. For this category the judges are looking for organisations that place innovation at the heart of the company; businesses that have a culture of innovation and continual improvement.
These awards have a rigorous selection process and the next stage will see the company’s CEO, UK and International, Martin Jones MBE and director of care and quality Sanjeev Kaushal making presentations to a carefully selected panel of judges.
He said: “We are quite rightly
proud to have made the shortlist for these categories and to be representing the social care sector.
“These are exciting times as we work to meet the needs of an ageing population and look to better integrate health and social care services.
“With challenge comes opportunity and we have never been shy of innovating when it comes to improving our service and making care a better sector to work in.”
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London in November.
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Residents Olive Aspinall, 92, and Doreen Aspinall, 88, play hook-a-duck in Blackpool.
Celebrating Diwali and other cultural festivals in homes
By Sanjay Dhrona
AS THE population in care homes throughout England becomes increasingly diverse, it’s essential to embrace and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures represented among residents, staff, and the broader community.
Diwali 2024 presents a perfect opportunity to begin this journey of cultural recognition and inclusion, ensuring all team members and residents feel respected and valued.
Here are some thoughtful ways care homes can celebrate Diwali and other cultural festivals, making these events both exciting and respectful.
Diwali 2024 – a festival of lights and inclusion
1. Collaborative planning:
Engage residents, staff, families, and local communities in the planning process. Form a committee that includes members from diverse backgrounds to ensure the celebration is inclusive and respectful. Utilise the wealth of knowledge within the care home, seeking input from residents and staff who celebrate Diwali.
2. Cultural sensitivity training:
Provide training for staff on the significance of Diwali and other cultural festivals. This training can help prevent cultural appropriation and ensure that all celebrations are conducted with respect and understanding. This training is transferable and knowledge and learning can be applied across your service. Use this as a means of developing you team, not just for Diwali, create learning and conversations that impact your whole service
3. Festive decorations:
Transform common areas with traditional Diwali decorations such as rangoli patterns, fairy lights, and diyas (oil lamps) ( your insurance will probably prefer drawings of oil lamps that residents colour in or paint… outlines are available on the internet) .
4. Traditional cuisine:
Work with the kitchen team to prepare a special Diwali menu. Include popular dishes like samosas, pakoras, biryani, and sweets like gulab jamun and
ladoos. Consider inviting a local Indian chef or a family member of a resident to demonstrate traditional cooking techniques.
5. Cultural performances and activities:
Organise performances of traditional music and dance. Collaborate with local schools, temples, or cultural groups to bring authentic performances to the care home. Additionally, arrange activities such as henna painting, storytelling sessions about the history and significance of Diwali, and arts and crafts workshops.
6. Inclusive celebrations:
Ensure that all residents, including those living with dementia, can participate. Adapt activities to be dementia-friendly, such as using sensory elements like scented candles, textured fabrics, and music. Offer quiet spaces for those who may feel overwhelmed by the festivities.
Celebrating other cultural festivals
1. Recognise a multitude of festivals:
Create a cultural calendar highlighting various festivals celebrated by residents and staff, such as Chinese New Year, Eid, Hanukkah, and Christmas. This demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and respect for all cultures.
2. Educational sessions:
Hold educational sessions before each festival, providing background information and context. This helps residents and staff understand and appreciate the significance of each celebration.
3. Community partnerships:
Partner with local schools, religious institutions, and community groups to enhance celebrations. These partnerships can bring additional resources, performers, and volunteers to the care home, enriching the experience for everyone.
4.Encourage participation:
Invite residents’ families to join the celebrations, fostering a sense of community and inclusion. Their involvement can provide valuable cultural insights and enhance the authenticity of the celebrations.
Addressing challenges
1. Avoiding cultural appropriation:
Ensure all celebrations are respectful and authentic by consulting with cultural representatives and providing cultural sensitivity training for staff. This helps avoid misrepresentation and ensures the true spirit of each festival is honoured.
2. Utilising local resources:
Tap into local resources, including community centres, cultural organisations, and religious institutions. They can provide guidance, performers, and even volunteers to help with the celebrations.
3. Budget and resources:
Maximise existing budgets for activities and meals by planning and prioritising inclusive cultural celebrations. Seek donations or sponsorships from local businesses and community groups to supplement resources.
By embracing and celebrating cultural diversity through events like Diwali and other festivals, care homes in England can create an inclusive, respectful, and vibrant environment that honours the rich backgrounds of their residents and staff teams.
These celebrations foster a sense of belonging, joy, and cultural pride, enhancing the overall well-being of everyone involved.
At the core is about respect and learning from and enjoying the culture of the great place that we call home.
n Sanjay Dhrona is the managing director of The Close care home and a director of The Outstanding Society.
Sanjay Dhrona
Carer rewards staff with awards night
A NORTH Yorkshire care provider will thank its hard-working staff by hosting an awards night in their honour next month as it also marks its 35th anniversary.
Final preparations are under way for what will be Saint Cecilia’s Care Group’s second awards night, on October 25.
The company will present eight awards during an evening of fun and entertainment at the Crown Spa Hotel in Scarborough.
Television presenter and former politician Ed Balls will be the special guest and the compere for the evening will be ‘Big’ Ian Donaghy.
There will be a three-course dinner and dancing, as well as the presentation of the awards.
Executive chairman Mike Padgham said: “This being our 35th anniversary adds an extra shine to our awards this year and we are all looking forward to the evening.
“It has been another busy, challenging and exciting year for Saint Cecilia’s and the event will be our opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to the wonderful staff we
have and to reward their tireless efforts with the awards and an evening to remember.
“We had a fantastic event last year and look forward to another memorable night.”
The awards to be presented will be: Saint Cecilia’s Values Award; Inspirational Care Worker of the Year; Saint Cecilia’s Emerging Talent; Team Leader of the Year; Nurse of the Year Award; Support Services Worker of the Year Award; Leadership Award and Unsung Hero Award.
Saint Cecilia’s began with one care home in 1989 providing care to nine residents.
Now it has six centres, providing residential and nursing care for 137 people and day care for many more, and employing more than 200 staff.
Each of those centres has been celebrating the anniversary by hosting parties for their residents and day care visitors and their family and friends.
Saint Cecilia’s has also hosted three afternoon teas – in
Scarborough, Pickering and Whitby – to thank the local community in each area for its support over those 35 years.
Mike added: “We are very proud to have been providing care for 35 years, but we couldn’t have done it without the amazing support of the people we care for and their families and friends and of the local communities that it has been our privilege to serve.
“So, as we mark 35 years it was important that they were front and centre in our celebrations and that we said thank you for being with us on the journey.”
Mike said many things had changed in the 35 years he has been delivering care.
“People are living longer, and that is a good thing. The demand for care and the complexity of that care has grown, whilst governments have failed to keep pace with either.
“That has left the sector facing challenges. But we will keep moving Saint Cecilia’s forward to meet those changing needs, and we look forward to the next 35 years.”
Kitchen receives five-star safety certificate
THE kitchen team at Black Swan Care Group’s Southwell Court care home in Melbourn has been awarded a five-star food safety certificate following an inspection
The kitchen was recently visited by the Food Standards Agency and the home was delighted to be awarded the highest level of safety.
Manager Lisa King said: “The food in our home is a fundamental and extremely important part of what we provide our residents.
“All our food is freshly prepared and the kitchen team works very hard to ensure that all of our residents are offered choice and
are involved in the menus that are prepared. We provide healthy and nutritious food, catering for all sorts of different dietary needs.
“Being prepared for a food safety inspection is an essential part of their role. The inspection is thorough.
“They look at kitchen cleanliness, how we store our food, food preparation areas and lots more.
“We’re delighted for Birute and Petru in the kitchen who fully deserve this safety rating for the way they manage their kitchen and for the delicious food they provide.”
Residents transported with flavours and festivities
RESIDENTS of The DurhamGate in Spennymoor are embarking on a global adventure from the comfort of their home.
Each month the care home ‘visits’ a different country, inviting residents and their friends and families to take part in themed cuisine and cultural experiences from around the world.
The home has already delighted residents with days inspired by the flavours of France, Italy, Spain and Greece. Each event transforms the home into a celebration of international traditions and customs with food, decoration and music.
Residents also receive personalised postcards to keep as a souvenir, reminding them of all the wonderful days.
Head chef Karl Aylward’s specially designed menus have been a hit with residents and family of the home. His dishes from across the globe have
included French crepes, Italian favourites like lasagne and tiramisu, traditional Spanish tapas, and the tastes of Greek beef stifado and spanakopita. These different cuisines are accompanied by traditional music and decorations to transport residents through an immersive
cultural experience. During the Greek themed day, Andrew Long, The DurhamGate owner, even performed the dance from the 1964 film Zorba the Greek to a delighted audience.
Samantha Holden, The DurhamGate’s front of house manager, said: “I am so pleased
these days have been such a positive experience at the home, and residents are always excited to find out which part of the world they will get a taste of next.
“Food is a wonderful way to bring people together and explore different cultures. Our international themed days offer more than just a meal, they offer an experience that, for many residents, has reminded them of past travels or introduced them to new culinary delights.”
The response from residents and their families has been overwhelmingly positive. Family and friends of residents have taken to social media to express their appreciation for the care home’s efforts.
With the international themed days proving a hit over the summer holidays, the home has exciting plans to continue transporting residents through themed menus and activities.
A Positive Outlook for Care
Join us for an informative day meeting care suppliers, industry experts and like-minded care professionals.
Dunston Hall, Norwich 30th October 2024
Visit more than 25 exhibition stands showcasing the latest products.
Speakers topics will include:
• Post election prospects for social care.
• Providing positive solutions to the challenges care staff face when planning person centred activities.
• Implementing good diet and nutrition in a care setting.
• New initiative for training staff which includes recruitment and staff retention.
• Changes within CQC.
TICKET OFFER:
£20 for one delegate
£30 for two delegates SAVE £10
All delegates receive:
• Lunch and refreshments
• Goody bag and attendance certificate
• Enter our prize draw with some amazing prizes
Scan the QR code to visit our website, find out more information and book your place, or alternatively call us on 01226 734412 or email cr@scriptmediagroup.co.uk
Exhibition of artwork by residents with dementia
ARTWORK by care home
residents with dementia has gone on show at an exhibition at a North Wales arts centre.
Co Fi (My Memory) is a coproduction between Galeri Caernarfon and Pendine Park’s Bryn Seiont Newydd care home on the outskirts of Caernarfon in Gwynedd.
Paintings depicting scenes of Eryri landscapes adorn the walls of Galeri’s Safle Creu (Creative Space) while the recreation of a living room revives memories from bygone days through song and words.
After spending hours creating the paintings, sometimes aided by children from several of Caernarfon’s primary schools, the artistic residents visited Galeri to see their work on display.
Pendine enrichment coordinator Elliw Owen led the drawing work and created artwork with the residents, inspired by the spectacular landscapes of the Eryri National Park.
She said: “Each lounge in Bryn Seiont Newydd is named after places such as Glyder, Wyddfa, Moelwyn, Elidir and so on and artwork was created with the
residents of the lounges with this in mind.
“Just because they live with dementia in a care home doesn’t mean they can no longer enjoy the arts.
“Creating music and art as part of the day-to-day care is essential, as well as presenting and supporting external organisations such as schools and local choirs.
“Music is one of the few things that people living with dementia can still process, music can be used to connect and open up avenues of communication and at Bryn Seiont Newydd we always strive to find the person behind the dementia.”
Bryn Seiont Newydd’s resident musician and head of enrichment Nia Davies Williams added: “The main purpose of this project is to
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show that life and creativity does not come to an end following a dementia diagnosis and that the arts still provide an escape to express, inspire and gladden.
“The idea started as a community project by Galeri that wanted to bring armchairs to life by playing soundtracks of the voices and memories of the older generations of Cofis, the people of Caernarfon, through speakers embedded in the chairs.
“The idea developed when Galeri connected with our art programme through the annual Agored exhibition and created an exhibition in and of itself.
“At the back of Safle Creu you’ll see a re-creation of a living room of times gone-by which feature armchairs from Bryn Seiont Newydd where visitors can sit back, relax and listen to the joyful memories of the residents and songs sung by the residents and recorded by our creative practitioner, Emyr Gibson.
“There are also photos of artwork created over the years with art sessions in response to music, with the focus on the residents’ ability to create despite their dementia.”
Your partner in creating exceptional environments
KILWORTH has been a trusted name in interior design and flooring for care homes for many years.
Our commitment to excellence and personalised service sets us apart.
Since our inception in 2005, we have endeavoured to support our customers’ needs above and beyond the recognised service levels.
We pride ourselves on the feedback received by our customers, who recognise that we always go the extra mile, fulfilling optimum service at all times.
Tailored solutions for care homes
Based in Leicestershire, we specialise in providing bespoke flooring and furnishing solutions that enhance the comfort, safety and aesthetics of residential and care home environments.
Our vast experience allows us to create spaces that exceed the expectations of
residents and staff alike.
Whether we’re working on the completion of a full turn-key, new build project and fit out, or a complex refurbishment within a fully occupied existing establishment, our expertise, attention to detail and experience will make the process simpler and more time manageable for the client.
Full-service approach
From initial design to
final installation, we offer a comprehensive range of services to meet your specific needs.
Our team of experts can help you select the perfect flooring and furnishings to create a functional environment that is as luxurious as it is inviting.
Seamless process
We work closely with you to understand your vision, creating customised designs that reflect your unique style.
Our skilled installation team ensures a flawless finish that achieves the ultimate end result.
We also provide ongoing management of assets and installations, ensuring comfort and joy for residents as time goes on.
We take time with our initial consultation to discover exactly what support you require to create the space of your dreams.
Exceptional service
At Kilworth, we believe in building lasting relationships with our clients.
Our dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional service and exceeding your expectations.
With a proven track record of success, we’re your go-to partner for transforming care homes into welcoming and inviting spaces. Get in touch with us today to start your journey.
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Pendine Park’s Bryn Seiont Newydd residents Eve Flint and Marie Hughes with artist Elliw Owen.
Your partner in creating exceptional environments
KILWORTH has been a trusted name in interior design and flooring for care homes for many years.
Our commitment to excellence and personalised service sets us apart.
Since our inception in 2005, we have endeavoured to support our customers’ needs above and beyond the recognised service levels.
We pride ourselves on the feedback received by our customers, who recognise that we always go the extra mile, fulfilling optimum service at all times.
Tailored solutions for care homes
Based in Leicestershire, we specialise in providing bespoke flooring and furnishing solutions that enhance the comfort, safety and aesthetics of residential and care home environments.
Our vast experience allows us to create spaces that exceed the expectations of
residents and staff alike.
Whether we’re working on the completion of a full turn-key, new build project and fit out, or a complex refurbishment within a fully occupied existing establishment, our expertise, attention to detail and experience will make the process simpler and more time manageable for the client.
Full-service approach
From initial design to
final installation, we offer a comprehensive range of services to meet your specific needs.
Our team of experts can help you select the perfect flooring and furnishings to create a functional environment that is as luxurious as it is inviting.
Seamless process
We work closely with you to understand your vision, creating customised designs that reflect your unique style.
Our skilled installation team ensures a flawless finish that achieves the ultimate end result.
We also provide ongoing management of assets and installations, ensuring comfort and joy for residents as time goes on.
We take time with our initial consultation to discover exactly what support you require to create the space of your dreams.
Exceptional service
At Kilworth, we believe in building lasting relationships with our clients.
Our dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional service and exceeding your expectations.
With a proven track record of success, we’re your go-to partner for transforming care homes into welcoming and inviting spaces. Get in touch with us today to start your journey.
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Carolyn celebrates 32 years at operator
CAROLYN Beecroft is retiring after joining Czajka Care Group 32 years ago after a chance conversation with her neighbour, Yvonne, who was the manager at Fairmount Nursing Home at the time.
Carolyn has worked in several roles at the family run care group since she started in 1982, and she’s felt fulfilled in each one.
Carolyn said: “I had young children when I first spoke to Yvonne, and I wanted to be there for them but also do something fulfilling for myself, which is when she suggested a night care role.
“For five years I worked nights at Fairmount Nursing Home and Staveley Birkleas – which used to be called Staveley Oaks – where we cared for older residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s.”
Carolyn soon proved to be a highly capable and valuable member of the team and as her children got older, she started working day shifts and was promoted to senior carer.
She added: “One of the reasons I have loved working at Czajka and stayed for so many years is the variety of roles I have
worked in. As well as being a carer, I’ve been a physiotherapy aid, manned the reception at weekends and worked as an activity co-ordinator.
“In recent years, I have worked on a one-to-one basis with residents at Staveley Birkleas, caring for younger adults with disabilities. I’ve built so many
fabulous relationships with the people I have cared for and the people I have worked with over the years, and they have all become a big part of my life. “Every role I’ve had over the years has been fulfilling. It’s important to understand that every day, whatever job you do in a care home makes a difference.
“You really are having a positive impact of people’s lives – each shift enables you to change someone’s life for the better – and that’s why working in care is so rewarding.
“Of course, it can be hard work physically and mentally, and when you lose a resident it’s terribly sad, but it’s the people you work with that make it so worthwhile. I’ve made friends for life and have promised that I will come back and visit.”
In her retirement Carolyn plans to move house, go on holiday and will also be welcoming a new grandchild in December.
She added: “I’m really going to miss everyone, and I’m grateful for the experiences I’ve had over the years. It’s never been quiet at Staveley Birkleas, and we have
done some fabulous things over the years with our residents, like abseiling in wheelchairs and taking them on holiday.
“It’s also been very special working with Konrad Czajka and his family. My children and his children all used to come into the homes when they were little and help decorate the Christmas trees amongst other things – it’s always been a really family-friendly place to work.
“Working for Konrad and Irene Jest, who were both so knowledgeable and involved in the day-to-day workings of the home was great, and I don’t think there is any place like Czajka Care Group, it’s the people that make it so special.”
Managing director at Czajka Care Group, Konrad Czajka, said: “Carolyn has been a constant presence in our homes for 32 years and she has really made a difference to our residents’ lives.
“Hard-working, and having spent several successful years in different roles, she represents what a varied and interesting career you can have in care, and she will be sorely missed.”
Bridgwater Carnival clubs make donation
MORE than £1,000 has been donated by Bridgwater Carnival clubs to the town’s Avalon Nursing Home.
A total of £1,205 was raised by the clubs during this year’s annual Old Folks Shows.
The shows, organised by Bridgwater Gangs and Features, are free for the over 60s as a way of thanking local pensioners for their continued help and support in keeping the carnival spirit alive.
Tamsin Forde, manager of Avalon Nursing Home, which is run by Camelot Care, said: “We are so
honoured to have been chosen to receive this very generous donation, and grateful to those who worked so hard to raise the money.
“Many of our residents have enjoyed supporting and participating in the Bridgwater Carnival over the years, and it means a lot to them to be recognised in this way.
“The donation will be added to our residents’ fund which is used to provide additional activities and entertainments which enhance the quality of life of those we care for.”
Group mobilises staff and residents for charity
COLLEAGUES from Barchester Healthcare’s care homes and hospitals have put themselves through the Tour de Barchester, a gruelling 200-mile cycling challenge, for the third consecutive year.
Their aim is to raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation which supports older people and other adults living with a disability or mental health problems by helping them to connect or re-connect with others in their local communities.
Over four days a team of care home workers and directors cycled across Barchester’s Central Division from Johnstown in Camarthen to Wallingford in Oxfordshire, stopping at 14 care homes to meet well-wishers, have a well-earned break and refuel before continuing on their way. They were joined and supported by suppliers, sponsors, staff
members and residents from different homes and teams as the Tour passed through.
Chairperson of Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, commercial director and core Tour de Barchester team cyclist, Simon McCall, said: “It is wonderful to be involved in this brilliant initiative
for the third year running, it’s definitely one of the highlights of my year.
“The best part is being able to visit so many of our homes and meet the teams and residents, everyone is so welcoming and we are so very grateful for all their support.
“It is a huge team effort by everyone involved and the funds raised will help to support and connect so many vulnerable and isolated people in our local communities. ”
This year the Tour de Barchester coincided with a wider initiative for Barchester’s Foundation, a week of fundraising activity called Barchester Get Moving where all of the group’s 261 homes and hospitals plus support offices logged their ‘move minutes’ and got stuck into all kinds of different fundraising activities to show their support.
Colleagues logged a total of 671,778 move minutes or 466 days in one week alone.
Shona Conway, Tour de Barchester project coordinator, added: “Last year the Tour de Barchester raised more than £26,000, which was brilliant, but we were determined to beat that target.
“I am delighted to say that so far this year with the additional help of all our homes supporting us during Get Moving week we have raised a staggering £54,699, which is just wonderful and money is still coming in.
“I am so proud and so grateful to all the homes and colleagues that welcomed us en route and helped us fundraise. I also have say massive thanks to our superb support crew and our generous sponsors who are absolute superstars. Bring on Tour de Barchester 2025.”
Carolyn Beecroft with Konrad Czajka.
Care Show Birmingham returns for 2024
CARE Show Birmingham, a multiaward winning social care event due to take place on October 9 and 10 at the NEC, Birmingham, promises to be the biggest and best edition yet.
Attendees can look forward to engaging with over 280 exhibitors, hearing from more than 240 speakers, and networking with a community of over 4,500 care professionals.
The event features a comprehensive conference programme spread across seven theatres, offering insights into tackling the latest priorities and challenges in the sector.
Hosted by event partner, The Outstanding Society, the Learning Lounge will also be offering invaluable insights and tangible takeaways from key speakers.
Key themes during this year’s conference will include a discussion of new government plans for the sector, policy and regulation updates, strategies for workforce stability including recruitment and retention guidance, accessing funding programmes, protecting the mental health and wellbeing of your workforce, the latest technological innovations, and so much more.
Head on over to our website to check out the full conference programme – https://www.
careshow.co.uk/conferenceprogramme
Sessions not to miss:
‘The future of social care: what will a new government bring to the sector?’ with Nadra Ahmed (National Care Association),
Karolina Gerlich (Care Workers’ Charity), George Appleton (Social Care Institute for Excellence), and Vic Rayner (National Care Forum)
‘An update from the CQC’ with James Bullion (Care Quality Commission)
‘Regulatory reflections: continuous improvement in care quality’ with Mark Topps and
Purnell (The Caring View), Caroline Barker (Healthcare Regulatory) and Julie Garrity (Independent Health and Social Care Advisor)
‘What next for digitising social care?’ with Peter Skinner (Digitising Social Care, NHS England)
‘Learning from lives and deaths of people with learning disabilities and/or autism’ with Jim McGrath, L. Joanne Walker, and Emma Pickering (LeDeR, Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board)
‘How is digital technology changing the sector?’ with
Alice Ainsworth (DHSC), Samir Patel (iCare Services), Amanda Partington-Todd (CQC), Mark Nicholas (Transformation Directorate, NHS England), and Andy McCabe (Lived experience speaker)
New feature for 2024: Sustainability Zone: Grace Cares has partnered with Care Show Birmingham to make a remarkable impact, spearheading initiatives that underscore their dedication to sustainability in the care sector.
This year’s show is the first to feature a comprehensive space dedicated to sustainability, emphasising eco-friendly practices and innovations.
The main highlight will feature the final results of the ‘Pimp My Ride’ Campaign, displaying repurposed zimmer frames along with a thought-provoking art installation highlighting the environmental impact of waste in the care sector.
The Sustainability Zone will also feature the inaugural launch of a sustainability guide, a free resource created by Grace Cares and The Caring View, packed with practical advice and actionable steps to empower care managers to integrate sustainable practices into their operations. Register for your free ticket at https://www.careshow.co.uk/caringuk
A sustainable solution for care homes
A winning combination of high-performance hygiene, reduced carbon footprint, and cost savings.
Use less and achieve more with typical operational cost savings of 20%.
We help care homes to realise significant savings by making strategic swaps to products and systems that will simply do the job better; saving them time, effort, energy consumption and waste.
Our offering goes a lot further than just supplying products and services.
We’re here to make a difference to lives, making work-life easier and more rewarding for people working in a care home, to make care home life better for those who live there.
Contact us to request a complimentary audit of your consumables.
Our optimised laundry system, in partnership with P&G Professional, drives cost savings, delivering up to 20% reduction of your laundry operational costs.
Adam
MACHINE WAREWASH
At Christeyns Professional Hygiene, we are dedicated to delivering superior cleaning solutions with a strong focus on sustainability Our GREEN'R range of interior cleaning products is designed specifically to meet the needs of care homes, offering effective cleaning while prioritising environmental responsibility Free from harmful substances our products are certified by leading environmental standards, including the EU Ecolabel and Nordic Swan. We provide care homes with the tools and expertise needed to ensure a safer, healthier environment for both residents and staff
Visit us on stand
New guide for homes to support inclusive care practice for older LGBTQ+ people
RESEARCHERS from the University of Kent, in collaboration with the University of Surrey and the University of Hertfordshire, have developed a free guide to support care homes to provide care that is inclusive for older lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer people.
It was co-designed by a group of older LGBTQ+ people and care home staff, who were involved in all aspects from the outset.
The guide offers practical tips about positive actions care staff can take to make their
care practice more inclusive for LGBTQ+ residents.
It can for example be used in day-to-day care practice, in supervision conversations, and in staff training.
It also includes signage that can be displayed to indicate that the home and staff are working on LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Existing research shows that many older LGBTQ+ people experience discrimination and inequalities when engaging with health and care services in the UK.
When it comes to care homes, many older LGBTQ+ people fear ‘having to go back into the closet’ to be safe.
At the same time, previous research has found that many care staff do not have the knowledge and confidence to provide inclusive and affirmative care for older LGBTQ+ people.
The care home guide was produced as part of a larger research study examining LGBTQ+ inclusion in care homes called CIRCLE (Creating Inclusive Residential Care for LGBTQ+ Elders) led by Dr Jolie Keemink from the University of Kent’s Centre for Health Services Studies.
She said: “Research shows that the older LGBTQ+ population is expected to rely more heavily on social care than their cis-gender, heterosexual counterparts, because they are less likely to have children and more likely to experience a lack of social support.
“Older LGBTQ+ people may also have unique health risks that increase their likelihood of needing care.
“There is an urgent need for improvements with regards to
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LGBTQ+ inclusion within care homes and we hope that this guide can play a useful role in this.”
With the CIRCLE care home guide officially launched, the research team hopes it will be downloaded and used by many care home providers across the United Kingdom.
The team will be collecting data on the impact of the guide, to explore whether it helps staff with their skills and confidence with regards to LGBTQ+ inclusive care provision.
The CIRCLE guide, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex, is available in several formats.
There are a limited amount of physical copies that will be distributed in the local authorities that supported the project (East Sussex, West Sussex, Brighton & Hove).
Physical copies will also be available at the Care Show in Birmingham on October 9 and 10.
Downloadable and printable formats of the guide, as well as a video version, can be found on https://research.kent.ac.uk/circleguide/
The expert role of dietitians and nutritionists at apetito
By Sophia Cornelius AT apetito, dietitians
and nutritionists play a vital role in ensuring our meals meet the diverse nutritional needs and dietary requirements of care home residents.
From product development through to customer support, we are involved at every stage to ensure that the meals we create are both nutritious and delicious, while also catering to those with complex dietary needs.
Nutrition is a core pillar of our product development strategy, and our team of registered dietitians and nutritionists is integral to the process.
We collaborate closely with the chefs throughout the meal development process to refine recipes and make sure that our offerings cater to a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions.
The goal here is to remove unnecessary allergens and moderate key nutrients such as saturated fats and salt, ensuring that meals align with our commitment to health and wellness.
By following the guidelines set out by the British Dietetic Association’s Nutrition and Hydration Digest, we ensure that our meals meet the specific dietary coding criteria, such as higher protein or energy dense options.
This is particularly important for residents that are nutritionally vulnerable and may require meals tailored to their health needs.
But the role stretches far beyond only recipe development, with the team actively contributing to other key areas of the business such as identifying areas for improvement in product development or helping to fill any gaps in our current meal offerings.
We also support the development of menus for residents with more complex dietary needs, such as those with allergies, intolerances, or specific medical conditions.
Whilst our nutrition team is key across the development of all meals, we have an extended role when looking at development for our texture modified ranges.
The nutritional profile of these meals is essential to support the requirements of people living with dysphagia, who are often at greater risk of malnutrition.
Furthermore, safety is of upmost importance and our dietitians and nutritionists have final approvals that the meals adhere to the criteria specified by
the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative.
In a customer-facing capacity, our dietetics team are essential for answering customer queries and developing educational resources - helping customers understand common nutritional challenges and how to safely adhere to all dietary needs within their care home.
Training is also an instrumental part of the role, providing nutritional education to both apetito staff and customers, empowering them to feel confident in their understanding of nutrition and catering for specialist dietary needs.
In every aspect, our team of dietitians and nutritionists ensure that we deliver on meals that support residents’ health and wellbeing, meet a variety of dietary needs, and improve on quality of life through bringing joy back to mealtimes.
n Sophia Cornelius is a Development Dietitian at Wiltshire Farm Foods Professional.
To find out more about how apetito can support your catering, visit carehomes.apetito.co.uk/about-us
Sophia Cornelius
Dr Jolie Keemink
You and The Care Workers’ Charity
AS HEALTHCARE professionals, you understand the challenges faced by care workers on the frontline every day.
From emotional exhaustion to financial strain, the pressures in the care sector are immense.
The Care Workers’ Charity is here to support care workers with practical solutions that make a real difference.
We provide financial assistance, mental health support, and advocate for better working conditions and recognition across the sector.
Join us in empowering care workers by getting involved with our initiatives and helping us spread awareness about the vital work we do.
Immediate financial relief for care workers
One of the most pressing needs for care workers is financial support during times of crisis.
Whether due to unexpected expenses, illness, or other emergencies, these challenges can severely impact their ability to work and provide care.
To address this, CWC has awarded over £6.1million in grants to more than 12,300 care workers. Our grants are designed to offer immediate relief and are supplemented by additional resources, ensuring care workers can access the support they need when they need it most.
In collaboration with Red Umbrella, we provide free counselling sessions and Mental
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Health First Aider Training, which has already benefited over 500 care workers.
By partnering with CWC, you can ensure that care workers have access to the right mental health support, helping them manage stress and maintain their resilience in the demanding caregiving environment.
Advocating for better working conditions
At CWC, we are passionate about advocating for the fair treatment and recognition of care workers. Through our advocacy programmes and Care Worker Advisory Board, we work to improve pay, training opportunities, and working conditions for care staff.
By getting involved with our work, you’re joining a movement committed to enhancing the overall quality of the care sector, ensuring your team feels valued and supported.
Visit us at stand C45
We invite you to meet us at stand C45 at the Care Show Birmingham to learn more about how we can support your workforce and enhance the wellbeing of care workers. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who dedicate themselves to caring for others.
Future proofing the care environment with Legrand Care’s Smart Messaging solutions
COMMUNICATION remains key in the fast-evolving world of healthcare.
In an era of smart messaging and wireless technology, Legrand Care has been at the forefront of transforming the care sector with technological innovation for more than four decades and continues to offer sector-leading solutions, focused on greater efficiency, flexibility and future proofing.
Our suite of smart and connected products supports care workers in demanding environments requiring the highest standards.
Legrand Care puts residents and patients first by supporting their carers with the tools to transform lives and provide next level care.
Here’s how Legrand Care’s Smart Messaging Solution has revolutionised care home operations by providing an integrated nurse call reporting dashboard. Harnessing cloud technology for enhanced efficiency, the solution enhances operations by delivering nurse call
alerts directly to mobile devices. It enables comprehensive data analysis across an entire estate of nurse call systems, regardless of geographical location.
The cloud software enables seamless remote and automated data reporting, to review performance and efficiency metrics.
Your team remains connected, focused and increasingly effective.
Are your care staff regularly on the move? Legrand Care’s Smart Messaging Solution —
built around a cloud-powered App that can be linked to Care Planning software — delivers calls directly to smart devices without disrupting resident or patient care. Rapid response times improve, resources are redirected with greater efficiency and teams stay connected.
Legrand Care’s industry-leading Smart Messaging Solution — like all of our Nurse Call solutions — is designed to be future-proof, offering a powerful combination of efficiency, safety, and adaptability and meeting the Health Technical
Memorandum (HTM 08-03) standards.
This ensures that healthcare providers can stay ahead of the curve, adapting to changing regulations and technological advancements with improved experience, quicker response times and efficient resource allocation — boosting CQC ratings. Our Touchsafe Pro wireless Nurse Call system is another tried and tested example of technology and productivity creating truly connected care home environments.
If you are looking for a quick set-up, reduced installation costs, efficient performance and a dependable connection, then our Touchsafe Pro is the solution you require. It minimises disruption, maximises efficiency and ensures your team is in the right place at the right time — every time.
Utilising cloud-based insights and wireless technology, Legrand Care Nurse Call solutions enhance communication along with offering care facilities the required tools to provide the highest quality of care possible. Visit www.legrand.com/legrandcare/ or call 01670 352371.
Mental health and wellbeing support The mental and emotional toll on care workers can be significant, and ensuring they have access to mental health resources is crucial for their wellbeing.
Advertising headaches can be eased without the fees
WHETHER attracting employees or reaching clients and their families, the advertising landscape refuses to stand still.
In fact, it can be a full-time job just keeping up with options.
Care business owners, marketers and managers know the value that adding specialist business expertise can create, but there is always a trade-off against spending money on outside support.
For those who like the idea of having advertising experts attached their business to provide advice, support and services to alleviate the
workload and find efficiencies, the main practical barrier is the cost.
What some might not know is that advertising agencies can provide this service and as a surprise to some they can often do so with no markup or fees at all. Often the type who spend less time at Cannes and more time at the Care Show, as it happens.
If you’d like your advertising budgets to work a little harder and to lighten some of the load, meet us at stand P53.
Enquiries: Email Austin Walters on austin.walters@wsa communications.co.uk or call 01908 371177
Expertise in dementia care and design reinforced
BLUELEAF Care will be reinforcing its commitment to equipping care homes with the tools, knowledge and guidance to deliver outstanding dementia care at the Dementia Summit 2024 in London, with new environmental cleaning solutions, and a new guide to future dementia care design.
Achieving best-practice dementia care can be a resource intensive process which Blueleaf is looking to address with new products that can help care homes deliver the highest hygiene standards with minimal impact on the environment.
First among them is a new family of plant-based cleaning products centred around two core concentrate solutions – elimin8 and clean15 – that cover the majority of cleaning and disinfecting tasks across a care home.
They enable management to simplify their processes and drastically reduce the number of products they use. This in turn reduces the amount of product training required, helping to maximise efficiency and accessibility within the dementia homes and reduce waste.
As well as product, Blueleaf will also be promoting its latest thinking around dementia care, captured in a White Paper.
Designing for Dementia explores the challenges and offers solutions for ensuring a home is safe and inclusive for people whose memory,
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eyesight and cognitive function are fading and how to help them remain as socially active and independent as possible.
Director of business development at Blueleaf Care, Don Green, will attend the summit alongside business development manager, Roy Edwards.
Don said providing best practice dementia care requires greater thought.
He added: “It’s encouraging to see events like this spark discussions on how we can work together to raise the profile of dementia care and offer solutions that help us become a more forward thinking and sustainable industry.
“Our aim is to help care homes providers understand how to become even more dementia friendly so that more residents can live a calm and peaceful life.”
Enquiries: If you want to know more about how Blueleaf can help care homes cater for dementia care, the white paper
Designing for Dementia is available at https://www.blueleafcare.com/landingpage/designing-for-dementia
Elis opens the UK’s first laundry facility dedicated exclusively to care homes
INTERNATIONAL multi-service provider Elis has announced the opening of a new laundry facility dedicated solely to the residential care sector.
Located in Bridgwater with convenient access to major transport networks, the site specialises in laundering residents’ clothing and personal items, as well as providing flat linen rental items such as bed linen and towels from a network of healthcare sites across the UK.
Offering an efficient and responsive service to care homes of all sizes, across multiple locations, the facility is designed to help customers streamline laundry processes within their establishments.
Elis operates on an industrial scale, with machines designed to process the equivalent of between eight and 10 conventional loads of washing all in one go.
As a result, it can complete an entire batch of care home clothing in an average time of two to three hours, with specialist processes meaning that garments are in safe hands and treated with the utmost care.
Each resident is provided with their own dedicated mesh bags
for laundering, with separate bags available for delicate fabrics.
All bags are labelled with the resident’s name and a unique QR code, meaning garments are tracked through the entire laundry process to eliminate the risk of lost or misplaced items.
Residents’ clothing is washed at low temperatures to maintain the integrity of the garments, and the specialist detergents and fabric conditioners Elis uses are designed to launder and disinfect while protecting the fabric and preventing colour run.
In addition, the company’s healthcare sites operate to EN 14065 requirements for the highest standards of infection control,
giving peace of mind that flat linen rental items are not just clean, but hygienically clean.
One monthly cost for all services offers simplified financial forecasting, with no need for capital investment in flat linen items, and care homes could also benefit from potentially lower insurance premiums due to the reduced risk of fire or injury from laundry equipment on site. In addition, using a professionally managed laundry service provider eliminates the requirement for care homes to manage machine hire or maintenance, or deal with the implications if equipment breaks down.
Helene Jones, head of care homes
at Elis UK, said: “If you are a care home that currently launders in house, you will understand how time-intensive this can be.
“From collecting garments, loading machines and waiting for wash and dry cycles to finish, to pressing, folding and sorting items before returning to each resident, it’s a never-ending process that requires significant input from your staff.
“There’s also the additional energy consumption and costs to consider.
“Our new care home laundry service is designed to help customers save time and money.
“As well as freeing up resources so your staff can focus on delivering exceptional quality care to residents, repurposing areas previously used for in-house laundry can create additional space which can be utilised for other operational activities, to provide enhanced facilities for residents or to generate additional revenue through increased bed space.
“As well as processing clothing, we can also provide rental items as part of our service. These include luxurious bed linen and soft, fluffy white towels perfect for adding a homely touch.”
For more info call 0808 1969 160 or email uk-carehomes@elis.com
Eliminating time theft
By Martin Jones
TIME theft, where employees are paid for time they did not work, can be a significant drain on resources.
Having time and attendance software in place can eliminate this issue by providing accurate and tamper-proof records of employee attendance.
This ensures that care homes only pay for the hours worked, reducing payroll costs and improving financial accountability.
The transformative benefits of time and attendance and staffing software
In recent years, the care industry has faced mounting challenges, from increasing regulatory pressures to a growing elderly population that demand higher levels of care.
Amid these challenges, technology has emerged as a powerful ally, particularly in the form of time and attendance and staffing software.
This technology is transforming care homes, enhancing operational efficiency, improving care quality, and fostering a more supportive working environment for staff.
This comprehensive article delves into the myriad benefits of time and attendance and staffing software in care homes, exploring its impact on various aspects of care home management and operations.
The need for technological innovation in care homes
Care homes are at the forefront of providing essential services to some of the most vulnerable members of society.
Ensuring that these homes operate smoothly and effectively is critical to delivering the high standards of care that residents deserve.
Traditional methods of managing staff attendance and scheduling have often been fraught with inefficiencies and inaccuracies, leading to a host of operational challenges.
In this context, the adoption of time and attendance and staffing software represents a significant step forward, addressing many of these issues head-on.
Improving efficiency and accuracy
One of the most significant benefits of time and attendance software is the automation of time tracking.
Traditional methods, such as paper timesheets or manual punch clocks, are not only time-consuming but also prone to errors and fraud.
These inaccuracies can lead to payroll discrepancies and time theft, where employees are paid for time they did not work.
Automated systems such as facial recognition systems eliminate these issues by providing precise and tamper-proof records of employee attendance.
Enhanced Payroll Accuracy
With accurate time tracking, payroll processes become more streamlined and less prone to errors.
This reduces the administrative burden on HR departments and minimizes the risk of payroll discrepancies.
Accurate payroll records ensure that employees are compensated fairly and on
time, which is essential for maintaining staff morale and satisfaction.
Enhanced compliance and reporting
Care homes operate within a highly regulated environment, with stringent requirements concerning staffing levels and labour laws.
Compliance with certain regulations are not optional; it is mandatory to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
Time and attendance software helps care homes maintain compliance by monitoring and reporting on various metrics, such as staff working hours, overtime, and rest breaks.
Detailed reporting
In the event of inspections or audits, care homes must be able to provide detailed records of staffing levels and working hours.
Time and attendance software can generate comprehensive reports that demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements.
This not only simplifies the audit process but also provides transparency and accountability.
Optimal staffing levels
Effective staffing is crucial to the smooth operation of care homes.
Understaffing can lead to overworked employees and compromised care quality, while overstaffing can result in unnecessary financial costs.
Staffing software plays a vital role in managing workforce schedules effectively, ensuring that staffing levels are always optimal.
Real-time adjustments
Staffing needs can change rapidly due
to unforeseen circumstances such as staff illness or an increase in resident admissions.
Staffing software allows for real-time adjustments to schedules, ensuring that the care home remains adequately staffed at all times.
This flexibility is essential for maintaining high standards of care and responding quickly to changing needs.
Reduced operational costs
Operational efficiency is a key concern for care home management, who must balance the need for high-quality care with budgetary constraints.
Time and attendance software can significantly reduce operational costs by improving scheduling efficiency and reducing errors.
Minimising overtime costs
Accurate tracking of employee hours helps to minimise overtime costs by ensuring that staff work within their scheduled hours. When overtime is necessary, automated systems can alert management, allowing them to make informed decisions about staffing levels and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Optimised workforce utilisation
By analysing data on staff attendance and productivity, management can identify patterns and trends that indicate how resources are being utilised.
This information can be used to optimise workforce deployment, ensuring that staff are allocated where they are needed most and that care home operations run smoothly.
Conclusion
The implementation of time and attendance and staffing software in care homes is not just about streamlining administrative tasks; it’s about creating a more efficient, compliant, and compassionate care environment.
By leveraging technology, care homes can ensure that they are providing the highest standard of care while also fostering a positive and productive workplace for their staff.
In an industry where the well-being of residents and employees is paramount, the benefits of such software are indispensable.
As the elder care industry continues to evolve, the adoption of time and attendance and staffing software will become increasingly important.
Care homes that embrace this technology will be better equipped to meet the challenges of the future, ensuring that they can continue to provide the highest standard of care to their residents. Whether through improved efficiency, enhanced compliance, or increased employee satisfaction, the benefits of time and attendance and staffing software are clear.
By investing in this technology, care homes can create a better future for both their residents and their staff.
n Martin Jones is the managing director of Fusion eCare Solutions Ltd.
or call 01133 979 555.
Activities Team of the Year
Atlantis, Looe
Badgers Wood, Drayton
Bradwell Hall, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Salthouse Haven, Hull
Villa Adastra, Hassocks
Walstead Place, Haywards Heath Windsor Street Care Centre, Cheltenham
Best Outdoor Environment
Broadlands, Lowestoft Isle Court, Shrewsbury
Keate House, Warrington
Nynehead Court, Wellington
Oakdale Care Home, Leicester Rashwood, Droitwich
The Chapel House, Puddington Tuxford Manor, Newark
Catering Team of the Year
Alexandra House, Harlow Allanbank, Dumfries
Chetwynd House, Nottingham Mahogany Care Home, Wigan
New Milton House, Stoke-on-Trent
The Chase, Huntingdon
The Cotswold, Burford
Quality in Housekeeping
Coppice Lea, Merstham Doddington Lodge, Kidderminster
Eve Belle, Benfleet
Nynehead Court, Wellington
The Chase, Huntingdon
Trentham House, Stoke-on-Trent
Community Involvement Award
Fourways, Sidmouth Grove Court, Woodbridge
Mundy House, Basildon
Parklands Care Homes, Grantown-onSpey
St John’s House, Norwich
The Knoll Care Partnership, Manchester Thorp House, Thetford
Management Team of the Year Briarscroft, Birmingham Eve Belle, Benfleet
Halstead Hall, Halstead Jasmine Court, Chorley Maryville, Brentford Murrayside, Edinburgh Richmond House, Leigh
Dementia Care Team of the Year
Amberley Lodge, Worthing Ambleside, Weston-super-Mare Appleby House, Epsom Douglas Bank, Wigan
Langdale Care Homes, Leicester
Roseway House, Jarrow
Sefton Hall, Dawlish
End of Life Team of the Year
Amberley Lodge, Purley
Jewish Care, London
Monkscroft Care Centre, Cheltenham
Mount Ephraim House, Tunbridge Wells
New Milton House, Stoke-on-Trent
Salveo Care, Amersham
2024 SHORTLIST
Excellence and Innovation In Dementia Care
Brandon Park, Bury St Edmunds
Highstone Mews, Barnsley
Mundy House, Basildon
Oakdale Care Home, Leicester
Ward Green Lodge, Barnsley
Commitment to Training and Development
Aria Care Inspiring Leaders Programme, Colchester
Augustinian Care, Ditchling
Ebury Court, Romford
Hendra Healthcare, Ludlow
Llesiant Delta Wellbeing, Llanelli
Nexus Care Services, Sutton Coldfield
Southern Healthcare, Dawlish
The Knoll Care Partnership, Manchester
Regional Care Home of the Year Midlands and Wales
Blossomfield Rose, Solihull
Bramwell, Nottingham
Cwm Celyn, Blaina
Everdale Grange, Aylestone
Hendra House, Ludlow
Isle Court, Shrewsbury
Priors House, Royal Leamington Spa
Tuxford Manor, Newark
Regional Care Home of the Year South
Appleby House, Epsom
Huntercombe Hall, Henley-on-Thames
Kingsclear, Camberley
Madelayne Court, Chelmsford
Manson House, Bury St Edmunds
Sefton Hall, Dawlish
Welwyn Grange, Welwyn Garden City
Regional Care Home of the Year North
Holywell House, Whitley Bay
Halecroft Grange, Altrincham
Haslingden Hall, Rossendale
Meadow Grange, Dronfield Woodhouse
Thornhill House, Barnsley
Tudor Bank, Southport
Ward Green Lodge, Barnsley
Regional Care Home of the Year Scotland
Abbey Court, Glasgow
Abercorn House, Hamilton
Blar Buidhe, Isle of Lewis
Kirk Lane, Livingston
Liberton Brae, Edinburgh
Murrayside, Edinburgh
Outstanding Achievement Award
Beverley Manzar, Ebury Court, Romford
Caroline Roberts, Aria Care, Colchester
Daisy Richards, Fairways Newydd, Isle of Anglesey
Josi George, Mundy House, Basildon
Margot Whittaker, Southern Healthcare (Wessex), Dawlish
Prity Somani, Kara Healthcare, Leicester
Care Employee of the Year
Amanda Jepson, Old Gates, Blackburn
Andrew Cowling, The Old Rectory, Exeter
Darren King, The Chase, Huntingdon
Horace Boston, Jewish Care, London
Julie Nottingham, Glenthorne Court, Stockton-on-Tees
Kie Yildiz, Sentinel Homecare, Bradford Marianne Macpherson, Windsor Street Care Centre, Cheltenham
Mary Prentice, Merseycare Julie Ann Ltd, Liverpool
Care Employer of the Year
Care UK, Colchester Ebury Court, Romford
Elizabeth Finn Homes
Llesiant Delta Wellbeing, Llanelli
Nexus Care Services, Sutton Coldfield
Southern Healthcare, Dawlish
Stow Healthcare Group, Bury St Edmunds
We Care Group, Harrow
Best Initiative In Care Award
Amaan Sadiq, Langdale Care Homes, Leicester Clarendon House, Coventry
Greensleeves Care, London
Janet Beech, Trentham House, Stoke-on-Trent
Stow Healthcare Group, Bury St Edmunds
Wendy Marshall, Outlook Care, Colchester
Care Group of the Year
Adept Care Homes, Burbage
Amicura, Harrow
Care UK, Colchester Clece Care Services, London
Connaught Care Collection, Stratford-upon-Avon Langdale Care Homes, Leicester
Macc Care Group, Birmingham
Care Team of the Year
Ashgate House, Chesterfield
Belmont House, Sutton Broadlands, Lowestoft
Cwm Celyn, Blaina
Newfield Lodge, Lytham St Annes
Surecare Calderdale and Kirkjlees, Halifax Venelle, St Albans
National Care Home of the Year
The winners of the regional categories will automatically be entered for the National Care Home of the Year Award
Challenging Care Quality Commission
By Lucy Bowker
THE regulatory landscape for providers is fraught with difficulties at the moment.
The implementation of the Single Assessment Framework has been rocky to say the least. Ian Trenholm departed swiftly at the end of June 2024 and at the time of writing on 20 September 2024 Kate Terroni is currently still the interim chief executive. No permanent successor has been named.
Kate Terroni admitted on 15 July 2024 that “We’ve got things wrong in the implementation of our new regulatory approach. I know that the changes we’ve delivered so far are not what we promised. It’s made things more difficult than they should be. We’re not where we want to be, and we’re determined to put things right”.
Then Dr Penny Dash’s interim report was published on July 26. It was scathing of the way in which the Single Assessment Framework has been implemented.
On July 26, Wes Streeting, the health and social care secretary, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that “I would take those [CQC] ratings with a pinch of salt. We’ve asked the CQC to urgently qualify those ratings by providing the background as to how they’re decided”. So where does that leave providers doing their best to work in a system that we know is inherently problematic?
Factual accuracy comments
If CQC has conducted an
assessment of your service since the implementation of the single assessment framework we would urge providers to make sure that they take full advantage of the opportunity to submit factual accuracy comments.
Providers have 10 working days to submit the factual accuracy comment form.
Each evidence category should be carefully considered and a methodical approach should be adopted to responding. Supporting evidence is vital.
The way in which single assessments are reported is repetitive and often involves drawing across historic assessments of the service. This can heavily skew the ratings and must be considered carefully upon reviewing a draft report.
Additionally, we have found that it is often unclear how particular scores have been attributed to evidence categories.
Responses are submitted using the CQC portal. This has been
fraught with difficulties and we recommend leaving yourself plenty of time.
Keep a separate copy of your responses and take great care when submitting evidence.
Ratings review
If submitting factual accuracy comments does not lead to a change in ratings, providers may submit a ratings review request within 15 working days from the publication of an assessment report.
CQC say the only grounds for submitting a ratings review are that CQC have failed to follow their own processes for making ratings decisions.
The majority of services have a strict 500-word limit on this review request.
Complaints
In our experience, complaints can be a very effective mechanism in order to hold CQC to account.
We had one case where CQC prepared a report which was riddled with errors and the process was handled extremely poorly.
Our client was forced to incur significant legal costs in order to challenge the report.
Eventually the report was withdrawn by CQC.
Subsequently, a detailed complaint was submitted to CQC and after some negotiation, our client received more than £50,000 which was approximately 75 per cent of the total costs incurred inclusive of VAT.
Additionally, if a complaint response is not satisfactory, it is
worth considering a complaint to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman can and do make recommendations to correct injustice and can recommend compensation.
Judicial review
Where a decision has been made by CQC, it is worth considering whether it might be appropriate to bring a judicial review challenge.
If a decision has been made on the basis of an incorrect statement being made, then this could be an opportunity to challenge that statement.
Time is of the essence with a claim for judicial review.
It must be filed promptly and in any event must as a general rule be within three months of the date on which the grounds for judicial review first arose. In some circumstances the time frames are even tighter.
Judicial reviews can be costly but they are an extremely effective way in which to hold regulators to account where appropriate.
Conclusion
Working with the CQC’s current regulatory framework is proving extremely challenging for many providers at the moment.
There are mechanisms in place to challenge CQC.
n Lucy Bowker is a solicitor at Gordons Partnership.
If you have had difficulties with CQC and are seeking legal support, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01483 451 900 or email us at sols@gordonsols.co.uk
Duo test their limits for charity
A CARE worker and a nurse from St Benedict’s Nursing Home in Glastonbury have been fundraising for charity by testing their personal limits with feats of courage and endurance.
Carer Clive Randall raised £734 for Alzheimer’s Society, while Adriana Banceanu raised £459 for Young Lives vs Cancer, both causes close to their hearts.
Sky-diving was Clive’s chosen route to raising money to fund research on dementia research, a condition he understands very well through his work at St Benedict’s which specialises in caring for people living with the condition.
Clive has worked at St Benedict’s for more than 12 years and literally jumped at the chance to combine charity fundraising with the opportunity to experience skydiving.
He said: “For years I’ve wanted to do a skydive but it’s a really expensive sport.
“So when I learned I could do it as a fundraiser by making
a down payment myself and committing to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society I signed up straight away.
“I was a little bit nervous when the man opened the door of the plane 15,000 feet up and said ‘Let’s go.’
“It was an absolutely amazing adrenaline rush and an experience I will never forget.
“I won’t need to do it again –because once is enough for me – but it was nice to know that my family, especially my eight-yearold son, were watching from the ground.”
Clive’s colleague Adriana Banceanu has so far raised £459 for Young Lives vs Cancer, which she first heard about three years ago when the daughter of one
of her colleagues was receiving treatment for leukaemia.
She said: “As a mum of two boys, to have one of them ill is the biggest nightmare, not to mention a diagnosis like that, so it made me determined to raise funds for this amazing charity and I’ve been able to do that through my running.
“Last year I did 42km on the Jurassic Coast from Weymouth to Bridport and managed to raise around £300, and this year I chose to do the 50km South West Coast Ultra Challenge.
“I’ve trained mostly on my days off by going to the gym and doing longs walks with my family at weekends, which can be challenging when you are working full time.
“I still can’t believe that I managed to finish this challenge, which is the longest run that I ever attempted, and I’m feeling very proud of myself that I managed to accomplish that distance and was able to raise £459 so far.”
Lucy Bowker
Adriana Banceanu with her medal.
Clive Randall back on the ground.
Charity brings VR technology to residents
CHARITY Community360 has brought VR technology to Aveley Lodge in Colchester with an innovative project which gives residents the opportunity to travel around the world – from places they used to live to somewhere they’ve always wanted to visit.
The project, facilitated by the University of Essex which has lent the charity the VR equipment, has been running bi-weekly at the care home since April, with more than 44 residents taking part in the initiative to date, including return participants.
Activities and wellbeing coordinator Emily Daniels said: “We are very grateful to Community360 for bringing VR technology to our residents.
“It has been heart-warming to see how excited they are each week when they can travel to new places.
“Even our residents with dementia give it a go, and as they don’t remember the previous sessions, they are in awe of the project every time they attend.
“Working in partnership with the charity has been a fantastic
experience, helping us provide enriching opportunities to those under our care, and we encourage other care homes which have the chance to use this technology to make the most out of it.”
By using controllers or a pedal exerciser and moving them around, residents can travel down their chosen roads and feel like
they are truly there.
The technology allows them to turn 360 degrees to see all around them and they can also experience the sounds associated with the sights they see.
In the latest session organised by Community360, six residents travelled across Europe and North America.
Three of them visited Austria, where one of the residents used to go on holiday, and where they also found a new route that took them on “The Sound of Music” Trail.
The resident who had previously visited the alpine country was also pleased to discover that it hadn’t changed much at all, besides the roads which were wider than the terrifying single-track roads she remembered.
Two residents wanted to visit the Eiffel Tower, which they had never been to before. Not only did they see the iconic Parisian landmark on a sunny day, but the latest Google Street View update also allowed them to see the Olympic rings hanging from it.
Finally, one resident travelled to
Canada, where he was evacuated to in his youth, and he was surprisingly able to give precise directions to the exact place where he used to live.
Emily Wingate, physical activities officer and engagement manager at Community360, added: “It’s been fantastic to see benefits that the VR technology has had on the residents – not only do they have the opportunity to see parts of the world they have never seen before, as well as familiar places they thought they would never see again, but the activity also helps bring everyone together and prompts new discussions and helps build relationships.
“As a charity dedicated to enabling people to thrive by identifying and responding to unmet need, it’s been great to use this innovative technology to fill a gap in residents’ routine and bring them back the joy of travelling.
“We hope to be able to further scale up the project and bring it to even more care homes, to further boost wellbeing in the social care environment.”
Home offers Tai Chi and mindfulness classes
MEADOWBROOK, a new luxury care home in the Connaught Care Collection, has launched a ‘Tai Chi and Mindfulness’ programme to help boost the physical and mental wellbeing of residents.
During weekly classes, participants will learn workouts aimed at improving their balance, flexibility and resilience.
In the recent first session, residents were taught basic exercises including neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, ankle rotations, leg stretches and other low-impact activities.
These gentle, flowing movements are designed to both stimulate and loosen the body, relieving tension
whilst building functional strength. In addition, participants were taught deep-breathing exercises involving long, slow intakes of breath. This kind of practice can enhance relaxation and improve focus, whilst creating a greater awareness of the present moment.
Claudia Toscano, Meadowbrook’s events manager, said: “We were thrilled to see our first batch of residents throw themselves so enthusiastically into Tai Chi and mindfulness.
“Despite being a new concept for many of them, everyone took to the exercises straight away. It goes to show that with enough care and
support, there’s no limit to what our residents can achieve when they set their mind to something.”
Meadowbrook hopes these sessions will develop and expand as more residents join the home.
General manager Chloe Graur added: “We believe that nurturing the body, mind and spirit is crucial for longevity and health. This holistic approach to care is a key part of our offering. Over time we hope to build a vibrant and supportive community at Meadowbrook which prioritises the physical and mental wellbeing of every member.”
The sessions are open to any resident, staff or family member.
Residents graduate with Italian qualification
AS students across Scotland received their exam results recently, three octogenarians at a care home in Bearsden were also celebrating academic success.
Myra Davidson (84), Jeff Hutton (86) and Pat Hutton (83) have earned an NVQ qualification in Italian after completing a 12-week course with social enterprise Lingo Flamingo at Meallmore operated facility, Antonine House. In recognition of the dedication and hard work of the residents, the team at the home held a graduation ceremony for the trio, complete with food platters, Prosecco, graduation hats, gowns and balloons.
Residents, family, friends and Meallmore staff joined the party, celebrating success and lifelong learning.
In collaboration with the Scottish Qualifications Authority, Lingo Flamingo offers residents in care homes, including those living
with a dementia diagnosis, the opportunity to gain a formal accredited qualification at National 2 level in a modern language.
Antonine house general manager June McIntosh said: “We’re so, so proud of Myra, Pat and Jeff – and importantly, they were really proud of themselves. It was a joy to celebrate with them.
“The graduation had such a happy, festive atmosphere and everyone had a brilliant day. ‘Congratulazioni’ to our new Italian speakers and a huge thank you to Rosi and Margot and the fantastic team at Lingo Flamingo.
“This graduation ceremony is a testament to our commitment to providing diverse and enriching activities for our residents.
“It highlights the unlimited potential for learning and growth, regardless of age, and the supportive environment we foster at Meallmore.”
The residents study a 12-week tutor-led course, following the Lingo Flamingo format of study using vivid and accessible language workbooks – the first of
their kind in the world – created specifically with older learners in mind. The course covers a variety of topics such as greetings, numbers, geography, hobbies, food and animals and nature.
There are no formal examinations and assessment is an ongoing process with evidence collected by the class tutor throughout the duration of the course.
Myra, along with husbandand-wife Jeff and Pat, earned their NVQ in Italian under the guidance of Margot Ross from Lingo Flamingo; proving that there are no limits to learning and experiences, regardless of age. While providing a fun activity, the qualifications also meant a great deal to the residents. Pat explained that she had left school at 15 without any certificates, so to achieve her first qualification was an emotional and proud experience for her.
Jeff Hutton, Pat Hutton and Myra Davidson.
Creativity the catch of the day for Billingsgate Market masterclass
EIGHT HC-One culinary colleagues, a regional director and group development chef participated in a specialist masterclass with renowned chef CJ Jackson in London’s historic Billingsgate Fish Market.
Two chefs, two assistant cooks and four kitchen assistants joined regional director for the North West, Nicola Garner and group development chef Pete Coles for the event.
Mark Meacham, head of catering and housekeeping support services at HC-One, said: “The kitchen assistant training and development day at Billingsgate Market was a great success.
“The day has provided an opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of some of the fantastic staff who are such vital parts of our care homes.
“It was a joy to be able to provide them with the chance to learn and expand their knowledge as we support them to go from strength-to-strength in care home catering careers.”
The individuals were nominated to take part in the day by their
group development chef, in recognition of their outstanding passion and the dedication shown in developing their skills to provide nutritious food and kind care to residents.
The group received an early morning tour of the Fish Market.
This was then followed by colleagues developing their expertise in older people’s catering, as they were shown the best ways to prepare fresh
fish in a masterclass of filleting various fish types by CJ Jackson, who has been the principal and chief executive of the prestigious Billingsgate Seafood School for more than 20 years and has a number of popular recipe books.
Staff were given several tasks to work through together, including creating marinades for their fish or devising fresh stuffings.
Once their filleting skills had been refined, the group could
create and cook the specialised fish dishes that CJ had demonstrated. Ingredients used ranged from fresh garlic, ginger and chillis through to more bizarre ingredients such as ‘seaweed’ butter.
To finish off, the team had an opportunity to cook off their different marinated and ‘pocketed’ fishes and serve these with garnishes for each person to sample and experience the distinct representations and spin each had put on their fish.
This was followed by a Q&A session with CJ giving colleagues the chance to ask her about her life and what brought her to where she is today. This was the second consecutive year HC-One has run this masterclass experience which was developed as part of a programme of progression for the operator’s catering staff across c.300 care homes, including through their Group Development Chef scheme.
The scheme supports catering colleagues of any level to progress to senior roles with additional leadership, strategy and innovation responsibilities.
Barking Hall has announced the appointment of Sarah Collins as its new manager. With a deep passion for resident care and an impressive array of qualifications, Sarah is committed to enhancing the lives of residents at the care home by fostering a warm and caring environment where smiles are a daily occurrence. Sarah brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role. Her extensive background in healthcare, combined with her handson approach and dedication to personcentred care, makes her an ideal leader for Barking Hall. Sarah said. “My goal is to ensure that every resident feels valued, comfortable, and happy. I am passionate about creating a home where residents not only receive exceptional care but also experience joy and fulfilment each day.”
Maplebrook has appointed a new manager to oversee the running of the care home whilst supporting plans to increase occupancy and maintain the excellent standards for which it is known. Kate Ingram, home manager of the 81-bed home that cares for residents living with complex mental and physical health needs, moves into the role after serving as assistant manager for two months. Prior to this, Kate worked as an advanced nurse practitioner supporting a portfolio of 10 Wolverhampton care homes, including Maplebrook. Through her work as an ANP, Kate has known all of Maplebrook’s residents since their admission, which provides familiarity and consistency for residents, as she moves into the new leadership position.
New Care has appointed Darren Molyneux as registered home manager at Wilmslow Manor, its luxury 63 bed care facility. Darren is tasked with overseeing the dayto-day running of the care home, leading and managing staff so they can perform their roles to the best of their ability and ensuring they have all the skills required to care for the residents. Darren initially joined New Care in 2018 as team leader and has since furthered his care career at the company, taking on the roles of head of care and deputy home manager in recent years, as well as achieving a diploma in Level 5 Leadership and Management in Adult Social Care with distinction.
New Care has strengthened its management team at Adel Manor with a trio of senior appointments. As home manager, Marsha Tuffin is tasked with overseeing the day-to-day running of the care home, leading and managing staff so they can perform their roles to the best of their ability and ensuring they have all the skills required to care for the residents. Supporting Marsha is Keegan Hutchinson, who as deputy manager will fulfil staff training, complete audits, monitor quality and effectiveness of procedures, as well as maintain relationships with stakeholders, residents and their families. Matthew Bee is responsible and accountable for the management of all care in the home, ensuring the timely provision and providing effective supervision, assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation.
Mill Lane Care Home, part of Healthcare Homes Group, has announced the appointment of Jane Galloway as the new manager. With more than 30 years of experience in the care sector, Jane brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and a strong commitment to enhancing the lives of the residents at Mill Lane. Jane is a seasoned professional whose career has been dedicated to the care and well-being of the older generation. Her passion for enriching the lives of residents and her dedication to fostering a warm, welcoming environment align perfectly with the values and mission of Mill Lane. Jane said: “I look forward to building strong relationships with our residents, their families, and our dedicated staff, ensuring that everyone feels valued, supported, and part of our extended family.”
Orchard Care Homes’ chief executive officer Hayden Knight has been appointed to the Policy Board of Care England. Hayden will be working with the Policy Board to identifying the major issues for the social care sector and developing the key strategic priorities for Care England. He said: “I am delighted to be entrusted with this role for Care England. It is vital for our people to be well represented and their interests taken into consideration as our sector undergoes rapid change now and into the future.” Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of Care England, added: “Hayden will be a valuable addition to Care England’s Policy Board because he brings a wealth of experience and a track record of innovation in the social care sector.” Hayden takes up his new role with immediate effect.
Aaron Doddington-Smith has been appointed as registered manager at Amber Lodge in Lowestoft, Suffolk, part of Milewood Individual Care and Support. The CQC Good rated home provides personalised care for individuals with complex needs, and Aaron’s extensive experience in the sector is set to further strengthen the high standards offered at the facility. Aaron brings with him nine years of experience in the care sector, having worked predominantly at Acorn Park Adult Services, a nine-bed provision for adults with Autism and complex needs. Starting on a bank contract, Aaron quickly demonstrated his dedication and skill, progressing through roles as a full-time care worker, team leader, and deputy manager before taking on the role of acting registered manager.
A homecare provider has made three appointments at its Preston branch. Westmorland Homecare has appointed Liz Logan as its care manager, Lisa Hall as training and recruitment coordinator and Julia Smyth as care coordinator client experience. The Preston branch, which opened in December last year, provides care to enable vulnerable and often frail people over the age of 18 to live independently in their own home. Its services include homecare, such as help with housekeeping and meal preparation, and personal care, which includes support with medication, dressing, bathing. It also supports people to access their community, living life to the full.
Scheme reaches ‘topping out’ milestone
A TOPPING out ceremony has been held for Housing 21’s latest development, Michaelmas Court, in Thurston.
The ceremony marked the building reaching its highest point. This will be Housing 21’s sixth extra care development in Suffolk. Housing 21 was joined by representatives from Thurston Relief In Need Charity, Osbornes and Thurston Parish Council, as well as R G Carter, who are the contractor building the scheme.
Michaelmas Court consists of 40 apartments and 14 bungalows providing specialist independent living homes for older people with the assurance of on-site care for residents if and when they need it. They will have the choice to rent or purchase their property through shared ownership.
This development has been supported with more than £4million of Homes England grant funding.
Bridget Faughnan-Bing, director
of development and delivery at Housing 21 said: “We are really pleased to see the progress being made at our 54-unit extra care scheme in Thurston and the
achievement of this significant milestone. The scheme will provide much needed social rent and shared ownership housing for local people over the age of 55.
“It’s been a pleasure to work in partnership with both RG Carter and Osbornes to ensure smooth delivery of the scheme, and we look forward to welcoming our first residents to their new homes in 2025.”
Residents will benefit from a wide range of communal facilities, including a communal lounge, activity room, laundry, communal gardens and health suite, and guest room.
Additional facilities will also be available for use by the wider local community including a café and hair salon.
The scheme is forecast to open in the spring of 2025.
Mike has headed up the dedicated healthcare team for the last 5 years at MAF, having previously worked for Santander Corporate Bank, Bank of Ireland and Royal Bank of Scotland.
m 07710 715 443 or email MikeGascoigne@maffinancegroup.co.uk
Key partners from Housing 21, R G Carter, Thurston Relief In Need Charity, Osbornes and Thurston Parish Council.
LAMONT JOHNSON
Homecare provider awarded Royal seal of approval for its outstanding training
A FAMILY-owned home care company has been recognised in the prestigious Princess Royal Training Awards for the second time.
Unique Senior Care in Stratford-upon-Avon is one of five social care providers to receive the award in 2024.
The operator was first honoured with the accolade in 2021 and this revalidation reaffirms the company’s commitment to excellence in training and development.
Unique Senior Care provides domiciliary care in South Warwickshire, Coventry and Kenilworth, Solihull, and the surrounding areas. The provider also offers live-in care across the UK, with a focus on delivering tailored, high-quality care that allows clients to maintain their independence in the comfort of their own homes.
Since being awarded in 2021, Unique Senior Care has doubled in size, a testament to the effectiveness of its leadership and training programmes.
These initiatives have been instrumental in boosting staff retention, leading to a high number of internal promotions, and helping the business achieve ‘Centre for Excellence’ status by Skills for Care.
The Princess Royal Training Awards, run by the City and Guilds Group, honours UK organisations that excel in training and development.
The awards go to businesses that use innovative methods to improve their workforce, resulting in real benefits for both the operator and its employees.
Winners are chosen by a panel of industry experts, including past award recipients and top professionals in learning and development.
Jo Cleary, learning and development manager at Unique Senior Care, said: “This award really speaks to the heart of what we do.
“For us, it’s always about putting people above all else and this recognition highlights our commitment to our team’s development and well-being.
“We’ve always aimed to build an environment where they can flourish, advance in their careers, and feel truly fulfilled in their roles.
“When our caregivers are well-supported, it directly benefits our clients, ensuring they receive the highest quality support.”
Unique Senior Care was recognised not just for its training programmes but for its holistic approach to staff development.
The provider champions a culture where knowledge is shared and mentorship is integral.
This ensures that every senior staff member and manager is equipped to support their care teams, helping them meet the unique needs of their clients with professionalism and empathy.
This approach enhances the quality of care provided while also supporting the professional growth and well-being of carers and other employees at all levels.
Jo added: “Being recognised again means our clients can trust that their care is in the hands of professionals who are highly skilled and continually growing.
“Our training ensures that both our office and management teams as well as our caregivers are confident, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to providing the best care to our clients.
“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our entire team for their dedication and hard work—this award is down to your passion and commitment.”
Group agrees purchases with specialist charity
THE future of more than 50 care home residents and 10 users of an extra care facility, all located in south Wales, has been secured following an agreement between a national care charity and an employee-owned health and social care provider.
Cardiff-based Shaw healthcare has taken operational control of the homes and additional care provision, previously managed by specialist charity Leonard Cheshire.
CEO Russell Brown said: “We are delighted with the acquisitions which increases our footprint in South Wales, where we are headquartered.
“The facilities at Danybryn and Ty Cwm offer caring environments, aligning with our vision to deliver the quality of care that we would want for our own
loved ones.
“As the largest employee-owned care provider in the UK, we look forward to welcoming the current employees of Danybryn and Ty Cwm into the Shaw family.
“Our ethos of focusing on the quality of care and making Shaw an employer of choice is a positive asset to the communities in which we operate.
“We’re creating care homes that offer career opportunities, places where people can live fulfilled lives and receive excellent care. Shaw is actively looking for opportunities to grow its portfolio of services in the care sector.”
Danybryn is a 31 bedded home in Radyr, Cardiff and Ty Cwm is a 20 bedded home in Carmarthen, also the location of the 10 residents receiving care in extracare accommodation.
Director Phil Maundrill, learning and development manager Jo Cleary and director Phil WrightHowarth, director with the original training award from 2021. They collect their new award from St James’s Palace in the Autumn.
Montane Care completes sale of Jalna and Danesmoor Care Homes
SPECIALIST business property
adviser Montane Care has completed the sale of Jalna and Danesmoor Care Homes located in Burnley and Rossendale.
Jalna and Danesmoor comprise of two individual homes offering residential care.
A true retirement sale, the business had been in Mike and Jeanette Lanes ownership for 20 years.
They said: “We have known Anthony for 20+ years and originally bought Jalna Care Home from Anthony.
“We had no hesitation in allowing Anthony to sell our business with Montane Care.
“In a short period of time Anthony found multiple buyers during an intense period of negotiating, and introducing Mr Rashid James, a firsttime operator, allowing our future retirement.”
They added: “The level of service was excellent throughout the sale process: you have shown great patience and cooperation.
“Upon completion it has been a great relief to finally achieve what we have been working towards, it was an overwhelming but very rewarding experience.
Anthony Rae, director of Montane Care, said: “It was a pleasure to be able to sell Jalna Care Home that I originally sold to Mike and Jeanette 20 years ago.
“We achieved multiple offers in a
short period of time by selecting existing operators with proven funding.
“Montane Care has expert local and national coverage with disappointed buyers seeking to acquire similar businesses.”
If you are contemplating selling or would like to know the value of your business call Anthony Rae in confidence on 07546 932811.
Plans submitted for new care home
SPECIALIST developer
Charterpoint and LNT Care Developments have submitted plans for a 66-bedroom care home at Westcombe Park, the garden suburb near Maldon in Essex.
The joint application to Maldon District Council is for a purposebuilt, three-storey care home, including associated access, parking and landscaping. It features accommodation with en-suite facilities, residents’ lounges and dining areas, a café for residents and visitors to enjoy, a reception area, staff facilities, and 25 car parking spaces, including six electric car charging spaces, as well as ambulance and taxi drop-off points. A secure cycle store will also be provided.
The home has been designed to provide general residential care and residential dementia care.
It includes a range of sustainability features such as glazed areas to maximise access to natural light and minimise energy requirements for lighting and heating in communal areas,
low energy luminaires and occupancy sensors to reduce energy use, high levels of insulation, and a ground source heat pump system and solar photovoltaic panels to provide heating and power to the building which would generate more than 70 per cent of the facility’s energy requirements from renewable sources, with a reduction in carbon emissions.
Between 50 and 60 jobs are
expected to be created, with up to a maximum of 24 members of staff on site at any one time due to shift patterns.
The care home is part of a wider proposal for a neighbourhood centre being delivered by Charterpoint Group consisting of later living apartments, health centre, convenience store and other retail units, and a day nursery at Westcombe Park which already have outline planning
permission and will be subject to detailed planning applications in due course.
Giles Nursey, MD of Charterpoint, said: “The proposed care home has been sympathetically designed to provide modern, high quality and sustainable care facilities and to fit in with future development at Westcombe Park.
“It features a pleasant landscaped setting and has good access to public transport, amenities and local services. In due course, it will benefit from new neighbourhood centre amenities as part of the wider Westcombe Park masterplan.
“Alongside LNT Care Developments, Charterpoint is very pleased to have submitted a detailed planning application for a care home on this site, which will be an asset to the local community.”
The proposed care home is part of the mixed-use development of Westcombe Park, a sustainable urban extension to the north of Heybridge set over 418 acres.
Mayor cuts ribbon to open Thirsk facility
RUBY Lodge was officially opened by the Mayor of Thirsk, Councillor Andrew Trueman.
He cut the ribbon alongside care home manager Holly Hunton, the first residents Barry and Anna and Country Court’s co-CEOs Alykhan Kachra and Al-Karim Kachra.
The care home opens alongside Lara Nursery, which is set to
deliver day care for children aged up to five, offering a unique opportunity for intergenerational care in Thirsk. The 69-bed luxury care home been developed in partnership with Linestyle Architects and Linx Construction Building Contractors.
“I’m so excited to launch Ruby Lodge in my hometown of Thirsk,” said Holly “We will be
offering much needed residential dementia care to the most vulnerable in our community.
“We have a fantastic team of local staff who share the same drive and passion as I do to ensure Ruby Lodge is at heart of the community in Thirsk.”
Ruby Lodge will promote a lifestyle for residents that will offer a luxurious environment
personalised care. Residents can enjoy catching up with friends over a cup of coffee in The Coffee Club Café or socialising in the varied day spaces including The Winning Post Pub, indulge in pampering sessions at the Elegance Beauty & Wellness Spa Salon, and enjoy homemade food in the lounge and dining areas.
Operator appointed by Southwark Council
SOUTHWARK Council has announced Agincare as the new care provider at Tower Bridge Care Home.
The operator has a strong track record of supporting people for more than 35 years as a familyowned provider. They already provide care at four care homes in the borough under a long-term agreement with the council.
Along with the current operator of Tower Bridge, HC-One, Agincare was among the first care providers to sign up to the council’s charter that aims to drive up standards for both staff and residents in care homes.
The council became the new owners of Tower Bridge Care Home in February in a move to maintain and improve care home capacity in the borough.
The council led a selection process where residents’ loved ones and staff helped the to choose a new provider.
Group chief executive of Agincare, Raina Summerson, said: “Agincare is delighted to be chosen as the care provider for Tower Bridge Care Home, particularly as residents’ loved ones and team members were so heavily involved in the selection process.
We are excited to continue our relationship with Southwark Council and look forward to warmly welcoming those living and working at Tower Bridge Care Home to Agincare.
“As a family-owned care provider with more than 35 years of experience, we have a successful track record of delivering high-quality care services, including managing many transfers from local authorities, charities, and
independent providers.
“Our immediate priority is a positive transfer for the care home team, residents, and their loved ones so that they feel informed, supported, and reassured that the home remains in safe hands.”
The new contract at Tower Bridge Care Home covers local nursing care for older Southwark residents with the most complex needs.
All staff contracts will transfer
to Agincare, so jobs will be protected and residents will continue to be supported by the people they know and trust.
Agincare will take over the running of Tower Bridge from current provider HC-One.
Southwark Council and HC-One has been working closely to enhance the quality of the care provided at the home. Major progress has been made already, which Agincare intends to build upon and work towards regaining and retaining a CQC rating of Good.
The council, Agincare and HC-One are all focused on making a smooth handover which will not impact the day-to-day running of the home.
Councillor Evelyn Akoto, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, added: “We are delighted to welcome Agincare as the new care provider at Tower Bridge Care Home.
“Agincare have shown they are committed to improving the lives of everyone who live and work in their care homes.
“We very much look forward to working together to enable Tower Bridge Care Home to thrive long term for the benefit of residents, their loved ones, and staff.”
Service contracts support homes with compliance and efficiency
IN care homes, efficient laundry and ware washing operations are essential for maintaining the requisite high standards of cleanliness and care.
At Forbes Professional we understand these unique demands and offer a complete solution tailored to the sector’s needs, as well as the care home’s specific requirements.
Not only do we provide options to rent or purchase commercial laundry and dishwashing machines, but we also offer comprehensive service and maintenance contracts for in-situ machines to ensure uninterrupted service and full compliance with industry standards.
Our rental options allow care homes to access premium commercial laundry and dishwashing machines without the burden of large upfront costs and with inclusive reactive and preventative maintenance.
Appliance breakdowns can cause significant disruptions, with potentially far reaching consequences within a care setting if there is no reliable
service partnership in place.
However, for the duration of their rental agreement, our clients have the peace of mind afforded by our award-winning support, with no unexpected repair or replacement bills.
By also offering service and maintenance contracts for in-situ machines we offer an alternative solution for minimising any machine downtime.
By taking out a service contract upon existing machines, clients gain access to our nationwide team of in-house engineers.
Our localised responses enable same- or next-day callouts to appliance breakdowns for care homes across the country. Our service contracts can include crucial preventive measures such as annual gas safety checks and duct cleaning.
These services ensure that machines are operating safely and efficiently, helping care homes meet their compliance requirements, including Regulation 35 of the Gas Safety Regulations 1998.
Preventive care and safety
checks are key to ensuring full compliance with health and safety regulations as well as extending the lifespan of your appliances.
Forbes’ comprehensive servicing ensures that machines remain efficient; avoiding costly repairs whilst reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
Forbes Professional offers flexibility when it comes to procuring and maintaining essential equipment; whether clients opt for rental, outright purchase, managed services or simply maintenance support.
We are proud to service Miele, IPSO, Heubsch, Primus, Girbau and Speedqueen appliances and our nationwide network of engineers provides expert advice and a swift support whenever it’s needed.
Whether it’s an emergency repair or routine maintenance, Forbes can ensure that your care home’s laundry and dishwashing equipment remains fully operational and compliant. Call 0345 070 2335, email info@forbes-professional.co.uk or visit forbespro.co.uk
Sponsored walk raises money for charity
THE Bluebird Care Lancaster and South Lakeland home care team has raised £2,400 for charity with a sponsored walk.
A group of care experts, their families, and relatives of those they support recently got together to take on a 12km walk across Morecambe Bay to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.
The event brought together people affected by dementia, uniting them in supporting a cause that is close to their hearts. The team was undefeated by the intense sun as they walked through uneven sandy terrain on
one of the hottest days of the year.
Claire Evans, owner of Bluebird Care Lancaster and South
Lakeland, said: “This was a really special day for us all. Creating more dementia friendly communities, and funding research into effective drug treatments, is a cause very close to all our hearts – for both professional and personal reasons.
“We’re so proud to have been able to contribute towards Alzheimer’s Society’s vital work in this area.”
As well as calling for donations from sponsors, Bluebird Care Lancaster and South Lakeland played a significant role in
supporting the sponsored walk event as it coordinated with the King’s Guide, covering the entry fees for all team member participants, and providing refreshments.
The walk was made even more special as it marks the provider’s 10th anniversary of keeping people across Lancaster and South Lakeland safe in the comfort of their own home.
The money raised by the team is part of the national Bluebird Care network’s charity fundraising pledge to raise £50,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Diversey Washcraft offers Tolon and LG
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Ian Stone appointed as new chief executive designate of apetito UK
apetito – the leading meals producer to the healthcare, care homes, education and social care sectors which also delivers to consumers in their own homes through its retail brand, Wiltshire Farm Foods, has announced the appointment of Ian Stone to the role of chief executive designate.
Ian will replace Paul Freeston, who has led apetito in the UK for the past 25 years, and who steps down at the end of 2024.
Since joining apetito in 2003, Ian has undertaken a wide range of roles within the business, culminating in his appointment as UK chief commercial officer where he has been responsible for the development of apetito’s business-to-business divisions as
well as Wiltshire Farm Foods.
He has an outstanding reputation as a leader who develops and supports his people, helping them to achieve their very best.
Ian said: “Taking on the role of CEO at apetito UK is a tremendous honour, especially at a time when our services are more vital than ever, and I’m looking forward to building on the immense legacy that Paul leaves us with, and which he has built so successfully over the past 25 years.
“I’m committed to developing our business further in the UK by ensuring that we continue to innovate and provide nutritious meals and services that make
a real difference in the lives of those we serve – including some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
“I am excited by the future and the opportunity that exists for our meals, our services and our fantastic team.”
apetito employs around 2,000 workers across the UK and is widely respected as the leading meals provider and specialist nutrition expert across its markets, signposting the way with a series of pioneering and worldleading innovations.
The company won the King’s Awards for Enterprise in Sustainable Development earlier this year – its fourth Royal’ honour in the last two decades). Ian Stone
For superior supplies and swift service choose Gompels
IN TODAY’S fast-paced world, efficiency and reliability are key when it comes to sourcing essential supplies for your business.
At Gompels, we pride ourselves on being the trusted supplier to thousands of UK care homes, ensuring that your operations run smoothly with minimal disruption.
Whether you need PPE supplies, janitorial products, or bedding and towels, Gompels offers a comprehensive range of more than 3,800 high-quality products, all at competitive prices. What sets us apart is our commitment to providing nextday delivery on 98 per cent of our stock, ensuring that you never run out of crucial items when you need them most.
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Your wireless nurse call system experts
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Nurse call systems are an essential part of worldwide healthcare.
They provide a way for patients to communicate with staff and for staff to be alerted to patient needs.
Our systems and equipment can be found in nursing homes, hospitals, hospices and clinics worldwide.
Medicare Systems offers a professional service from initial consultation to the installation and commissioning of the nurse call system recommended to the client.
The HTM6500, Medicare’s latest range of wireless nurse call products, has been designed with aesthetics in mind.
While easy to use and highly durable, separate systems are designed to meet the varying requirements of both the private and the public sectors.
With the flexibility to cater to unlimited call points, the HTM6500 system incorporates the best in wireless radio technology.
It remains the most user-friendly radio nurse call system to use and maintain.
The HTM6500iBiR system is a nurse call system that provides specific data to meet CQC standards. It allows care monitoring while providing an alarm system to raise the alarm for help and assistance when required.
The HTM6500iBiR system offers versatility and many other options.
The system benefits from being addressable; it not only records response times, but it can also record the staff member who has attended to help and provide care or assistance.
Whatever your requirements, from the smallest to the largest site-wide networked systems, Medicare can tailor to suit your individual needs and budget.
After installation, you will have the reassurance of the Medicare service support team, which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Please call our free phone number 0800 849 5123 or follow the relevant buttons to arrange a demonstration or request a quote based on your needs.
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