01
17/7/12
16:44
Page 1
August 2012
incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector
no.195 • £4.75 In association with
Petition calls for CCTV in all care settings By Dominic Musgrave A WOMAN who has a relative with dementia has set up a petition calling for compulsory CCTV in all care settings, to include areas such as bathrooms and bedrooms. Jenny Moore founded the Your Voice Matters Campaign to raise awareness of failing standards in care homes, and more recently started the petition. She told Caring UK the only way to prove abuse and bad practice is by visual evidence, which has been proven with recent high profile media exposures. Jenny added: “Prisoners, small children in nurseries, even the public are all protected by CCTV, so why are our elderly and vulnerable not? When abuse/neglect is reported by a care worker or family, it is one person’s word over another and frequently the innocent party becomes a victim of the care system, the complaint disregarded. “Care workers who whistle blow are often bullied or at worst lose their job. Families are victimised and even banned from visiting their loved one. I understand the concerns over cameras in private areas, but those are the places abuse is more likely to happen. What is worse being filmed having
personal care or being hoisted naked over a bath and left suspended naked for 30 minutes while the staff have a tea break? The resident already has two pairs of strangers’ eyes upon them, what difference is another pair to ensure their safety?” Jenny says that over the past two years her relative has lived in four different care homes. She has unsuccessfully followed all free complaint routes available to families during this time, experiencing serious conflicts with care providers, which has resulted in her visitation rights being revoked – a practice she claims is widespread across the UK by care providers. “CCTV is vital to back up allegations,” added Jenny. “Concerned relatives would be reassured and good care workers would feel less fearful of whistle blowing. Families should be allowed to install their own camera in the bedroom of their loved one, linked to their computer at home which would be password protected. This is not expensive and they would be covering the cost and issues over monitoring and storage of tapes. “Some care homes already have CCTV. Surely if you have nothing to hide, there is nothing to be scared of?”
Dedicated Minister carried by majority
Football legend Denis Law CBE unveiled a plaque to officially open Meridian Healthcare’s new care home in Huddersfield. Denis was the special guest at multimillion pound purpose-built facility, The Oakes, which is part of the group’s Premiere collection. The home, which opened in the spring, was rated ‘excellent’ and awarded five stars by Kirklees council as part of its Scores on the Doors food safety scheme following an unannounced inspection.
MEMBERS of Parliament have voted in favour of a motion calling on the Government to consider appointing a minister for older people. The House of Commons debate followed intense pressure from Grey Pride campaigners who presented a 137,000strong petition to Parliament last November calling for a minister dedicated to the needs of older people. The motion was carried by a majority agreement and Grey Pride coordinator Anchor is now putting pressure on the Prime Minister to respond. Chief executive Jane Ashcroft said: “It is now time for David Cameron to heed this call and make the appointment which older people and future generations so desperately need and deserve. This isn’t about pitting old against young; after all older people are just you and me with a few more miles on this clock.”
02
16/7/12
16:00
Page 1
03
17/7/12
16:48
Page 1
3
CARINGNEWS
White Paper cautiously welcomed by industry By Dominic Musgrave THE care industry has cautiously welcomed elements of the Government’s The Care and Support White Paper which plans to overhaul the country’s social care system. But they have criticised its decision not to fully commit to a cap on care costs which the elderly and disabled must pay in England, saying they need to explore cheaper options first. A review last year led by Andrew Dilnot proposed capping lifetime costs at £35,000 – but ministers said the current climate meant it had to look at other options. Other funding ideas include a higher cap or a fee to opt in to the system. Among those to criticise the announcement was Leon Steer, chief executive of The Abbeyfield Kent Society, who described it as ‘a missed opportunity’. He added: “Not enough has been done to assess the crisis in funding long-term care, and the current system is not sustainable. Care for older people was prominent in the Conservative manifesto before the last election, so it is frustrating that action and decision on sources of funding could be deferred until the next government. Attempts to improve the quality of care are meaningless unless properly funded. There is a changing
Martin Green demographic in the UK, which is causing a growing crisis in social care as more and more people are living longer lives.” NCF executive director Des Kelly agreed, saying the difficult decisions on long term funding have been put in the ‘too difficult to do’ pile. He added: “After all the waiting it now looks as though all the effort represents a waste of time. It is hugely disappointing. “The continued uncertainty will impact on investment prospects, delay innovation and development, and also mean that vulnerable people will continue to be served by a system widely perceived as complex, inequitable and unfair.” And NCA chairman Nadra Ahmed said an online quality rating will be useless
unless it is measuring what is important to service users. She promised that the association will work with the Department of Health to ensure that the evidence of a quality service is clear and understandable to the general public. “This feels like a lost opportunity,” she added. “We haven’t had the chance yet to read the small print of the White Paper but there was nothing in the Secretary of State’s statement to reassure service users or the public that the Government is taking these steps to ensure that there is a sustainable solution to the funding of quality long term care. This view was echoed by Martin Green, chief executive of ECCA. He said: “We have responded to the publication of the White Paper on social care with a mixture of support and disappointment. There are many things in the White Paper that are commendable and will improve social care, making it more fit for purpose in the 21st-century. “However, we cannot hide our disappointment that the issue of funding has not been clearly resolved. Social care is going into crisis, with ever increasing need and shrinking resources. What we needed from the White Paper was a clear direction on funding, which would give care providers the confidence to plan and develop their services to meet current needs and future aspirations.”
www.caring-uk.co.uk Advertising Sales and Marketing Director: Tony Barry Tel: 01226 734605 Email: tb@scriptmedia.co.uk Assistant Sales Manager: Heather Welsh Tel: 01226 734480 Email: hw@scriptmedia.co.uk National Sales Executive: Mandy Edwards Tel: 01226 734692 Email: mandye@scriptmedia.co.uk Fax: 01226 734477
Publishers Script Media. 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS. Email: info@caring-uk.co.uk
Editorial Group Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734639 jh@scriptmedia.co.uk Healthcare Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Reporter: Helen Williams Tel: 01226 734694 Studio Manager: Stewart Holt Tel: 01226 734414 Database enquiries to: 01226 734695 E-mail: circulation@ scriptmedia.co.uk Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all content, the publishers do not accept liability for error, printed or otherwise, that may occur. You can now follow us on Twitter at caringuk
04
17/7/12
17:00
Page 1
4
CARINGNEWS
Olympic torch visits care home A MERSEYSIDE care home welcomed the Olympic torch and an official bearer to greet several residents who were former athletes. Mike Dooling, 83, who ran his torch relay leg in Cheshire’s Tatton Park, visited Shevington Court in Prescot to show residents the Olympic torch and to talk about their experiences of the Olympics. The home boasts several former athletes including professional footballer John Hatton, who played for Stockport County, and iceskating medal winner Barbara Berry. Brigid Alexander, general manager of Shevington Court, said talking about their memories from past Olympic Games helped residents living with dementia in the form of reminiscence therapy. She added: “Having Mike visit our care home with the Olympic torch was a fantastic experience for residents and staff. “It’s not something that happens every day. It really helped residents to think about their past experiences of the Olympics.”
Home goes ‘green’ for gardening masterclass By Dominic Musgrave A LANCASHIRE care home has received a masterclass in ‘green’ dementia care from a leading expert. Staff, residents and family members at Springhill Care Home in Accrington spent time with Dr Garuth Chalfont, a leading practitioner in the art and science of ‘healing gardens’ – therapeutic spaces and gardens which incorporate the natural world into the healing process. Dr Chalfont, whose pioneering work incorporates nature into the care of people with dementia, visited Springhill as part of a hands-on training session which included a presentation, gardening, planting and thoughtful reflection on how we both use and enjoy our outdoor spaces. Ken Nolan, chairman of Springhill Care Group, said research has demonstrated that positive and natural therapeutic interventions for people with dementia can assist with physical and emotional well being, as well as maintaining cognitive function for longer. He added: “Garuth’s session was stimulating, informative and enjoyable for all of us who attended. “I'm sure the benefits will be positive for our residents, relatives and staff for many years to come and
Bill Procter with Garuth Chalfont and Hannah Whalley of the Home Lifestyle Team. I am looking forward to putting into practice everything we have learned to further enhance the care our residents receive.” Springhill recently unveiled its Specialist Care Centre, a development intended to offer high levels of care to people with disabling conditions such as dementia. The centre features a significant amount of green space including landscaping and gardens. Ken added: “Springhill has always aimed to provide a therapeutic connection to nature as a core element of our care for people with dementia, and thanks to the facilities available at our new Specialist Care Centre, we are looking to continue
this and set new standards for care in the region.” Dr Chalfont said: “Together we are looking at a range of outdoor spaces and opportunities for residents to live lives full of meaning and purpose. It takes a combination of properly designed spaces and staff who understand the value of using them, which is why the recent training session was invaluable. There was such a sense of willingness and optimism and together I hope we can raise the curtain on a new level of possibility for people with dementia, in which involvement with nature and the outdoors is finally the norm and not an afterthought.”
05
16/7/12
16:02
Page 1
06
17/7/12
17:01
Page 1
6
CARINGNEWS
Afternoon tea marks Armed Forces Day A GLASGOW care home celebrated Armed Forces Day with an afternoon tea and a visit from some special guests. Karen Swan, Sergeant Major from 32nd (Scottish) Signal Regiment met with Nithsdale Lodge veterans, while Conner O’Neill and Andrew McIntyre from A-Troupe Royal Artillery read out letters from wars across the years. Staff participated in a dress as you please day to show their support and at the same time raise money for the Help the Heroes charity. Nithsdale Lodge manager Joy Currie said: “The majority of our service users have served in or have had a family member serving in the armed forces and to be able to acknowledge and celebrate their contribution to the country is a privilege. “Everyone enjoyed the war time reminiscence box and looked at old newspaper cuttings and recipes on what to make without using ‘luxury items’ such as sugar, butter or eggs.”
Home is streets ahead with new bygone town setting A SOCIAL area at an Arnold care home has been transformed into a street scene from the past to create a welcoming environment for residents and their families. Leivers Court now features a sitting area for visitors with an old-fashioned parlour feel, a café based on an old Lyon’s Tea Shop, a pub, sweet shop and a cinema offering ice creams during the half-time interval. Staff at the Nottinghamshire county council run facility help to bring the social area to life by serving tea and cake in the café, acting as usherettes in the cinema and doing manicures in the nail bar. A wall in the centre has been decorated to appear like Arnold’s Main Street during days gone by complete with real letterboxes, door handles and canopies above shop windows. Manager Julie Allsop said the area holds various activities daily, including evenings. She added: “We have worked hard to move away from a sterile leisure area with chairs and a table to create an environment that our residents identify with and feel comfortable in. “Many people with dementia get great comfort about reminiscing about the past and making our activity areas clearly identifiable
Violet Clarke (left) and Joan Clay with councillor Kevin Rostance, the county council's chairman of the adult social care and health committee. using a street scene causes less confusion.” Many of the residents came up with ideas for the centre, including a lady who used to work in an original Lyon’s Tea Shop in London who helped to design the café’s décor and layout. Local people have made donations to help make the room sets feel realistic, including an antique cash
register, old sweet jars, photographs of 1950s film stars and an old sign post. The centre hopes to open up to the wider community for other activities in the near future. Have you done something similar at your care home? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@scriptmedia.co.uk or telephone 01226 734407.
07
17/7/12
17:02
Page 1
CARINGNEWS
Valuer Maurice Finch of Old Brewery Antiques with Sue Glanz, regional manager for Caring Homes.
Home hosts antiques day A SUFFOLK care home threw open its doors to the public for its first ‘Antiques Roadshow’ event. A team of valuers from Old Brewery Antiques and Woodbridge Antiques Centre valued a range of items including paintings, crockery, jewellery and vases at the 60-bed Rendlesham Care Home – the newest facility in the family owned Caring Homes Group. Home residents, relatives and members of the local community queued up clutching their prized possessions in the hope of the valuers discovering
a ‘hidden gem’. The star item of the day was a handmade locomotive train in a large display case, which was valued at around £700. Manager Bob Dawson said: “The day was a real success and it was great that so many people from the local community came along to support us. Our residents and their relatives loved seeing the valuers in action. Everyone who attended had such a good day that we are already looking into making it a regular event.”
7
08
17/7/12
17:04
Page 1
8
CARINGNEWS
Grant to train mentors for care settings By Dominic Musgrave
The “Regents Ramblers”.
Staff complete charity walk DAREDEVIL staff at a Bromsgrove care home came down to earth for their latest mission – and set off on a blistering 32-mile charity walk. The care staff at Regents Court Care Home did a skydive from 13,000ft last year – but decided their challenge this time would be on land. The “Regents Ramblers” set off from Regents Court and strode to five other properties owned by the group they work for, Alpha Care Homes. They stopped for welcoming refreshments at Wayside care home in Bromsgrove, Tutnall Hall in Tutnall, Grosvenor House in Alvechurch, Alpha Care Homes’ head office in Redditch and Mockley Manor in Ullenhall, near Henley-in-Arden. “It was a very hot weekend and we
got blisters and sore feet – but it was worth it,” said Claire Cardus, administrator at the home. “It was all for good causes and we got a great sense of achievement.” Seven staff joined the trek – Claire, care home manager Becky Dallimore, deputy manager Debbie Deakin, senior care assistants Gemma Clarke and Demi Harris, care assistant Charlotte Hopwood and senior care assistant Adam Guest. Becky’s sister Paula Newman and Charlotte’s boyfriend Tom Horler joined in the sponsored walk. They raised an estimated £900 to split between the Alzheimer’s Society and Regents Court’s residents fund, which helps to pay for activities at the home.
A LEICESTER charity has received a grant of more than £158,000 to provide learning mentors to older people who live in care settings in the city. Learning for the Fourth Age will train 150 volunteers to be mentors to around 140 older people in care homes and domiciliary care who will use video to create a film about their life to date and share their experiences of living in a care setting. ‘Videospectacles’ will be used to enable the user to look at what they want to film then flick a switch on the specs to record events in their lives. Each person will be supported to explore how to tell their story through film plus use simple cinematic techniques. Melissa March, executive director of L4A, said research has shown that involvement in learning for older people helps maintain a sense of identity and of belonging in the community. She added: “We are really delighted
to have been given this Silver Dreams award from the Big Lottery Fund to deliver the innovative SPECS project. “Using the latest in video technology and a new group of volunteers, we will teach older people in care homes how to make life story films and reflect on their personal experiences of social care to boost their well being and confidence amongst them.” The project will work with a wide spectrum of older people including those who have been made redundant or recently retired as volunteers, as well as those who live in care settings. The mentors and film making will support those who are experiencing issues such as losing independence and learning to adapt to their new life or maybe coping with physical and mental illness. All projects receiving funding will test and develop their ideas over the next 12 to 18 months. Up to five projects will then be chosen to receive up to £1m each to carry their ideas forward.
09
23/7/12
09:23
Page 1
10
20/7/12
10
11:28
Page 1
CARINGNEWS
‘Worrying’ number failing on medicine management UP to a fifth of care homes in England are failing to meet the essential standard of management of medicines, it has been claimed Inspectors from the CQC found a ‘worrying number of examples’ where the risks associated with medicines are not being properly managed – often due to a lack of information given either to those taking the medicines, or those caring for them, claims a new report. A fifth of nursing homes failed to meet the CQC’s standards, and a sixth of residential care homes. The same proportion of home care agencies also failed to do so. The ‘snapshot’ of performance to the end of March also found that 11 per cent of all locations inspected failed to meet either one or both of the two standards related to staffing. it says that these issues emerge as a key driving factor in many instances of non-compliance, both in terms of the numbers of staff available and in the support they are given to do their job. The non-availability of temporary staff and organisations leaving vacancies open for a number
of months – particularly for qualified staff – can also lead to compromises in the quality of care given to people, and staff training and supervision, claims the report. Fifteen per cent of homes also failed to meet the record keeping standard, with issues ranging from records – which include crucial information about people’s care – being incomplete or not up-to-date; not kept securely or confidentially; or not showing that risks to people had been identified and were being managed. Director of operations Amanda Sherlock said the safety and suitability of premises was also an issue of increasing concern. She added: “Over the last year, inspectors have noticed deterioration in the physical state of some of the care homes they inspect. “Often it’s just cosmetic, but occasionally it’s things that actually present a risk to people’s safety. While difficult to evidence, it’s likely that increasing failure to address these kind of problems is linked to increasing economic pressure within the system.”
11
20/7/12
11:47
Page 1
12
20/7/12
11:24
Page 1
12
CARINGNEWS
Children design Roman mosaics for herb garden By Dominic Musgrave
Residents Bruce Miller, Nancy Murray and Etta Tattersdill with Coun Jean Butterfield and Guinness Northern Counties’ housing manager Catherine Clough at the official opening of the Victoria garden.
Residents use grant for garden RESIDENTS at a sheltered housing scheme for over 60s in Harrogate have transformed a dilapidated area of ground into a new garden after receiving £27,390 of lottery cash. Work began at Montpellier Court in February and has been completed in time for the residents to enjoy the facilities during the summer months. The project has been a joint initiative between the residents, Guinness Care and Support, Guinness Northern Counties and Groundwork Wakefield with funding from The Big Lottery Fund.
The 59 residents at the Guinness Care and Support and Guinness Northern Counties run facility have been involved in all aspects of the work, including creating the planting plan, overseeing all the construction work, digging the borders and planting the flowers. The garden which was funded by Community Spaces, Big Lottery Fund, includes a gazebo and pergola at the entrance, with seated areas all around, a herb garden and a sensory garden.
Have you got a story for Caring UK? If so, email it to dm@scriptmedia.co.uk or telephone 01226 734407.
LOCAL schoolchildren have taken up the challenge to show off their artistic skills and design Roman themed mosaics to decorate a new herb garden at a Sheffield extra care scheme. Sanctuary Care’s Roman Ridge facility has invited pupils from nearby Hinde House Primary School to show their creativity by designing the mosaics which will adorn a fountain forming a centrepiece for their new herb garden. The project has come about thanks to £1,500 of funding secured from Firth Park Community First, which is looking for community initiatives in the area. The new garden will not only be open to residents of Roman Ridge and their visitors, but will provide others in the local community, young or old, the opportunity to have a go at growing their own herbs. Alan Taylor, manager of Roman Ridge, said: “At Roman Ridge we are part of the Shiregreen DementiaFriendly Community Project so we have been looking for ways to get young people involved with the
activities here to develop the relationship between generations. “The herb garden project is an opportunity to bring local children into the scheme and the mosaics are a great way for them to make a lasting contribution. “We delivered the materials to the school recently and we’re all really looking forward to seeing what they produce.” The project will be completed over the course of the summer holidays and will be officially unveiled at a grand opening in early September where the children will be invited to come along and see their artwork fitted to the fountain. The Shiregreen Dementia Friendly Community Project brings together Sanctuary, The Alzheimer’s Society, SOAR regeneration, the NHS and other local support services and groups. The project is designed to make Shiregreen more accessible for those living with dementia, through raising awareness and understanding, improving facilities and developing intergenerational relationships in the area.
13
17/7/12
12:43
Page 1
14
17/7/12
17:10
Page 1
14
CARINGNEWS
Providers commit to publish data By Dominic Musgrave
Walter Dawes with firefighters Dan Atha, Tyrone Beatson, Steve Circuit, crew manager Chris Craft and Rob Taylor.
Nostalgia trip for Walter A VISIT to a Sheffield fire station provided a trip down memory lane for former fireman Walter Dawes. Tthe 84-year-old visited his former place of work at Elm Lane Fire Station – a trip which was organised by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and the team at Sanctuary Care’s Park View Care Home in Shiregreen, where he has lived since last November. Walter, who has late stage dementia, was a sub officer at the station, where he worked until he retired in his 50s. He spent the afternoon with crew manager Chris Craft, touring the station, meeting the crew from Blue Watch and seeing the fire engines.
Park View deputy manager Heather Willis said: “The firemen opened up the doors to one of the engines and Walter walked right over. He was touching everything and looked like he was doing an inspection, it was just brilliant. “Every time I looked at him I smiled because I could see he was so happy to be there. I think he came home feeling very content. He was saying ‘good, good’ to all the residents. “We look at our residents’ life histories and we organise activities and events that are focussed on what they are interested in, not what we think they should be interested in.”
SOME of the country’s biggest care providers have committed to publish new data in a bid to transform the public’s ability to make informed choices about the care they choose. The agreement will see care providers release data that will allow members of the public to compare the quality of care provided by different organisations, Martin Green, ECCA chief executive and chair of the Care Providers Alliance has revealed. The organisations who have signed up to a Transparency and Quality Compact include: Anchor Trust, Barchester Healthcare, Four Seasons Healthcare and Westminster Homecare. The data that will be published from the autumn will be slightly different for care homes and homecare, but is likely to include: Staff turnover (both home care and care homes). Ratios of trained to untrained staff (both home care and care homes). Compliments and complaints (both home care and care homes). Percentage of residents developing new pressure ulcers (care homes). Percentage of residents who have a fall (care homes). Number of medication errors (care homes). Percentage of residents’
appointments not missed (homecare). Appointments carried out at the agreed time (homecare). Martin said he hoped the industryled initiative will help people identify good care and make an informed choice about the providers they use. He added: “Large social care providers have been leading the way in developing and improving the quality of data about social care services. This data is being delivered in an accessible way, so that people who use services have enough information to make informed choices and can understand and differentiate the quality of care. “The publication of the government's Open Data White Paper has been warmly welcomed by the social care sector, who believes that the use of data could be a powerful tool in improving consumer understanding of care services, which will lead to better consumer choice and improved quality. “The data White Paper will ensure a clear framework, within which data can be used as a driver to improve services and increase consumer choice.” He added that the expectation is that more providers will sign up over time, helping to build a more comprehensive picture of the quality of care provided across the country.
15
19/7/12
11:28
Page 1
16
19/7/12
11:27
Page 1
17
17/7/12
17:10
Page 1
CARINGNEWS
Oonagh Duffy with her award and Funeral Services NI general manager Beverley Brown and MLA minister Edwin Poots.
Oonagh scoops national award for enthusiasm By Dominic Musgrave
A SOCIAL and leisure organiser at a County Antrim care home has won a national award for her enthusiasm and outstanding commitment. Oonagh Duffy, who has worked at Ben Madigan care home in Newtownabbey, part of the Priory Group of Companies, for the past two-and-a-half-years won the accolade at the inaugural Houston and Williamson Funeral Services Carers Awards. She was presented with a certificate and gifts including a spa weekend and flowers by Edwin Poots, MLA minister, Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. Oonagh is a trained occupational therapist who has ensured that residents are visually and socially stimulated throughout the facility. She has achieved this by creating different themed rooms at the 64-bed home, including a secret garden in one of the lounges, completing collages of life histories of all residents and their relatives and introducing a wish box.
“I was overwhelmed to receive this award and would like to thank all my colleagues for their support,” added Oonagh. “I really enjoy my job and it is very important that we have a varied range of activities for residents to take part in. “We aim to maintain lifestyles as similar as possible to those enjoyed at home and to keep residents as active, both physically and mentally as possible.” Ben Madigan administrator Karen Fleming, who nominated Oonagh, said she is ‘one in a million’. She added: “Every nursing home should have someone like Oonagh. She has such innovative ideas and helps to create an enjoyable and pleasant place to live and adds to the quality of care offered. Ben Madigan is lucky to have her. “Everyone is delighted that her qualities have been recognised with this national award. It is inspiring to see someone as dedicated to her job as Oonagh, she always goes that extra mile to make sure that the care given is of the highest quality.”
A North Wales care organisation has won a prestigious award for the innovative way they use the arts to improve the quality of life for residents. Pendine Park was recognised at the Arts and Business Cymru Awards at the Millennium Centre, in Cardiff for its ground-breaking collaborations with the world-renowned orchestra, the Hallé, and Welsh National Opera. They are now working with the orchestra to develop an in-house course for staff with a view to developing it into a nationally recognised qualification that could be rolled out across Wales. Proprietor Mario Kreft MBE and artist-in-residence Sarah Edwards are pictured with the Arts, Business and Community Award.
17
09
16/7/12
16:04
Page 1
19
17/7/12
17:11
Page 1
19
CARINGNEWS
NHS and care homes can work together IN response to requests from care homes the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement is working with a range of care homes to develop and test practical, easy to use guidance and tools to support care homes to make improvements happen. Donna Pierpoint has worked in care homes for 18 years, the last 10 as the manager of Millfield in Derbyshire, one of the facilities working on the programme. She shares her views of the Care Homes Programme and the opportunities it provides: Why have you chosen to work with the NHS on this programme? What does the NHS know about care homes? This isn’t the NHS saying it is a care homes expert, they have offered an opportunity to work and learn together. They can bring things that have worked within the NHS and they have the connections to involve the wider NHS. For me, to have the NHS listen and work with me was great. We have to remember that every care home resident is still an NHS patient, they are all registered with GPs, some spend time in hospital, others may need care from district nurses. Actually we should see our homes as part of the wider healthcare system, with the resident at the centre. We need to work together with the NHS to provide continuity of care for the sake of our residents.
How does the programme work? The programme aims to strengthen relationships through two workstreams: Care Homes Wellbeing – focuses on improving resident and staff experience by strengthening communication within care homes. Care Homes Connect – focuses on extending the learning from Care Homes Wellbeing to improve external relationships across the wider health and social care community. The programme fits in with the everyday working of the care home, it’s not asking anyone to do anything extra, but the manager has to be engaged. The tools and guidance are simple and visual, they’re not rocket science. Everybody who works in care homes cares, that’s why they’re there, and these tools give them the opportunity to make a difference and to be heard. How does the programme improve safety and efficiency? Very often safety can be missed; you can walk past something without realising it’s a hazard. The safety tools we’re testing increase awareness, therefore reducing risk and accidents, which improves care and saves time. The efficiency tools and guidance look closely at what things take up time and how they can become more efficient and save time. Does the programme empower staff? Totally. This is one of the first things that happens. Care staff feel very
Donna Pierpoint with residents at Millfield care home. under-valued, they work long hours and don’t get rewards. At first I did get a lot of negativity from my staff. I had comments like “but we've been doing well without these tools for 16 years, why do we need them now?”. Once the programme was underway this changed. All my staff have said ‘I now feel I’m being listened to, now feel my job is worthwhile’. ” Are there any challenges? Bringing the whole team together to use the tools not just for a week but all of the time needs ongoing commitment, but it also brings rewards.
When it is launched in September, homes will need to pay for the Care Homes Programme – would you recommend it? Care homes always have to pay for training, some of which doesn’t really add value. This is something you can purchase, yours for ever, which you can use as much as you like. The programme has been far better than I could have imagined, it’s amazing how much we’ve already achieved in just eight weeks; changes have been implemented, they are working and we’re getting results.
20&21
16/7/12
16:09
Page 1
20&21
16/7/12
16:10
Page 2
10&11
16/7/12
16:05
Page 1
10&11
16/7/12
16:05
Page 2
24
17/7/12
17:14
Page 1
24
CARINGNURSECALL
Care group using latest tablet device Homes turn to new system Register nurse Carol Harewood and senior care assistant Sarah Hall.
EASTLEIGH Care Homes is using a new product that integrates a patient record system and nurse call alarm system onto a tablet device. It has been developed by GHM Communications, nurse call experts Courtney Thorne and the Samsung Electronics Research Institute. Carers access patient records and information on a wireless tablet at the point of care. Nurse call alerts are also sent to the tablet with the relevant information for that patient such as medication, history and contact details. Graham Vickrage of Courtney Thorne said: “This is the first time there has been a true convergence of all patient information to a single
device at the point of care. The technology is years ahead of anything already on the market.” Garry Wilson, MD of Eastleigh Homes, added: “The ability to offer our staff state of the art IT equipment with the portability and touch screen technology of the tablets is fantastic. “The hardware will allow us to increase the quality of care we can provide our residents by reducing time spent at a static terminal. “We anticipate productivity and cost savings with immediate entry of care notes and also enhanced personalisation of care notes; as they are recorded at the time with the resident and not retrospectively.”
A BRISTOL charity care provider has implemented a new medication dispensation system in its four facilities. Brunelcare reviewed the dispensation method of medicines across its homes in the best interest of its residents, with Glastonbury Care Home undertaking an initial three-month trial to ascertain the benefits of using a new system. The Proactive Care System uses barcode technology and is designed to minimise drug errors and help manage residents’ medication. Manager Joy White said: “As a result of using this new system, the
old style ‘drugs round’ has effectively been replaced with more individuality, whereby the appropriate medicines are kept (in locked cupboards) in the residents’ own room, in so doing working the proactive care system and the individual cupboards, side by side.” The system’s unique technology means that reports can be generated online providing trends and results of practice in the home, and that of the staff during each period. In addition to the full analysis of practice the report has 5 key themes: Safety, stock control, efficiency, evidencing, and reliability.
25
17/7/12
17:15
Page 1
25
Politician backs group which claims mis-selling by Barclays By Dominic Musgrave A POLITICIAN has stepped in to back a company which claims mis-selling by Barclays is threatening their business, including two care homes in his constituency. Guardian Care Homes, which runs Dearne Valley Care Centre in Bolton-onDearne and The Grove Care Centre, Thurnscoe, says the bank wrongly sold it interest rate ‘swaps’ which, because interest rates fell to 0.5 per cent, have cost the company £12m so far. MP John Healey has met with the group’s chief executive and senior operating director, and has written to Barclays chief executive Bob Diamond seeking reassurances that the bank will not recall the money lent – £70m –
before Guardian has had chance to present its case in the High Court. John told Parliament that small companies were often afraid to complain in case the banks pulled their loans, putting them out of business. He added: “Guardian Care Homes employs 73 staff in the Dearne and has 55 residents – mostly elderly and vulnerable. It is extremely concerning that jobs and people’s homes may have been put at risk by mis-selling. “A moratorium is needed following complaints, and firms should be able to make collective challenges for redress.” Barclays were forced to apologise to a Guardian Care Homes subsidiary company for banning them from speaking to the Financial Services Authority – who are now investigating
swap mis-selling – about the terms of a loan and interest rate swap. Chief executive Gary Hartland said: “We are hugely grateful to John and his parliamentary colleagues for their support over recent weeks. “Today is a wake-up call for the major lending banks who for years made millions of pounds by selling these toxic products at the expense of small businesses. There is now cross party support for swift and decisive action to be taken by the FSA which will ensure that the banks compensate these businesses, while guaranteeing the practice can never happen again. “To date SMEs have been unable or too afraid to complain but I hope now they will shout out and secure the redress they need and deserve.”
Caring UK Commerce section brings you all the latest property, business and training news every month.
In this issue: Graeme to lead
expansion at North East care village Page 26
Care provider
plans expansion into Highlands Page 27
You can now follow us on Twitter at @caringuk
26
17/7/12
17:16
Page 1
26
CARINGCOMMERCE
The owners of a North East retirement village have appointed their own construction manager to oversee the next stage of its development. Dominic Musgrave reports.
Graeme to lead expansion at North East care village GRAEME Bell will lead the £8m expansion scheme at Middleton Hall on the outskirts of Middleton St George between Yarm and Darlington. It was granted planning permission at the end of last year, and includes the creation of 35 independent living, zero carbon bungalows, a new small group living care community, cafe, bar and shop. Work is almost complete on the main entrance gatehouse, which is being built as a prototype zero carbon home, as well as accommodation for a member of staff who will have overall responsibility for the grounds and buildings. Work begins shortly on phase one of the main development which consists of the first six properties as well as the infrastructure works for the whole area, formation of a wetland zone and ponds and the majority of the soft landscape areas. The first properties will be available early next summer. Graeme, who will be overseeing this and the rest of the five-year
Graeme Bell with the plans for the £8m expansion scheme at Middleton Hall. plan, is no stranger to Middleton Hall, having previously worked on site with Clarion Homes when they built the complex’s original independent living apartments five years ago. He said: “One of the things that excited me most about this job was
the fact that I would be involved with a team that is going to design and build one of the first carbon neutral developments in the region with a high specification set in beautiful surroundings. “The biggest challenge is to make sure that it is built to the exacting
standards needed for such a ground breaking development.” Middleton Hall MD Jeremy Walford said Graeme’s appointment is essential to the success of the scheme as it is being conducted in an unconventional way. Instead of appointing a main contractor, Jeremy was keen to use local suppliers and small contracting firms. He added: “The development is the backbone of our business plan to establish Middleton Hall as the best retirement village in the UK. “The independent living bungalows will provide the highest standard of accommodation and services in the UK for older people, while the dementia community will be built and run in an entirely different way from traditional care homes, with residents living in small households and participating in normal domestic life.” The new café, bar and farm shop will sell produce grown at Middleton Hall and local organic farms.
Colliers search for a partner THE healthcare team at Colliers International has been instructed by City & Country to secure a partner to develop and operate a flagship assisted living community within the grounds of the King Edward VII Estate at Midhurst, West Sussex. The development will include the complete restoration of the former hospital designed by Charles Holden and Percy Adams, which was opened by King Edward VII in 1903, the Grade II chapel plus the landscaped gardens designed by British horticulturist Gertrude Jekyll. Sensitive conversion works to the listed buildings and new build homes
within the grounds will create 410 new homes providing a mix of apartment living, family houses and the creation of the assisted living community; additional amenities will include a shop and café. Jeremy Tasker, head of healthcare at Colliers International, said: “We are discussing the proposed site with a number of key specialist care developers. “The design can be flexible to allow developers and operators to incorporate their own specific requirements and we are offering the site for sale on a subject to planning basis.
Leggyfield Court in Horsham.
Firm creates over 200 beds MORE than 200 care home beds and 57 extra care apartments have been created by the latest completions from care sector development, design and build specialist Castleoak. Care UK’s 70-bed care home, Mill View, in East Grinstead, is designed around a central, internal ‘village’, including a hairdressing salon, shop, cinema, and coffee shop. The landscaped grounds also include a village green. Castleoak has also handed over Annabel Court in Weston-super-Mare to Advice Doctor Ltd. Besides its 66 single, en-suite bedrooms, the home will offer day care in the purposebuilt day care suite which includes a cinema room, kitchen, hair salon and dining room, as well as access to the landscaped, secure gardens. At Mollington in Cheshire, Oak
Grange is Barchester Healthcare’s latest care home. The 70 en-suite bedrooms all have wi-fi connectivity, and facilities include landscaped sensory gardens, as well as a hair and beauty salon, coffee bistro and cinema. The second and final phase of Leggyfield Court in Horsham was handed over to Saxon Weald. This 57apartment extra care development was a reprovision of the previous, outdated building, and, as such, was phased, with residents on site throughout. Phase two added 36 apartments, a commercial kitchen, hairdressing salon, guest suite, assisted bathroom, laundry area and care suite. The apartments are a mix of one and two bedrooms and are offered for both sale and rent.
27
17/7/12
17:17
Page 1
27
CARINGCOMMERCE
Care provider plans expansion into Highlands By Dominic Musgrave ONE of the north’s largest independent care home providers is about to embark on the first phase of a major expansion in the Highlands and Moray. Parklands Care Homes, based in Buckie, has launched a search for two senior managers to oversee the running of two existing care homes in Tain and Muir of Ord, ahead of their planned replacement in autumn 2013. The company is also looking for a full time manager for its existing Glen Isla home in Keith. Earlier this year, Parklands was named preferred bidder by The Highland Council for a £5m project to replace the ageing facilities at Urray House in Muir of Ord and Duthac House in Tain with new state of the art facilities. Each home will have 34 en-suite bedrooms, with scope to increase to 40 in the future. Room sizes will be 40 per cent larger than the minimum standards, and bedrooms will feature flat screen TVs, internet connections and provision for direct dialing into residents’ rooms. Staff, residents and their relatives
will be encouraged to contribute to the smooth running of both homes through regular focus groups and evening and weekend surgeries. Managing director Ron Taylor said the opening of the two new care homes marked the start of an ambitious period of expansion for the company, including the opening of a facility in Elgin and the replacement of its existing Mount Barker home in Grantown. He added: “We are determined to ensure that the transfer of Urray House and Duthac House to Parklands is as seamless as possible, and our plans are progressing well. “The appointment of two high calibre and experienced managers at each facility will ensure that we effect the transition in a manner consistent with the high standard of care that residents expect and deserve. “At the same time, we are progressing our plans for the new facilities at Tain and Muir of Ord, which will provide state of the art care for residents, and will set a new benchmark for care provision in the north.” The new homes will be built by the infrastructure, support services and construction group Robertson.
DC Care has completed the sale of County Care Group Ltd, which includes two homes in Tyne and Wear and a domiciliary care service. The homes provide care for service users with learning disabilities and mental health conditions. Alistair Nurse established the business almost 10 years ago having been involved in the care sector for a number of years prior to that. An undisclosed buyer has purchased the services.
Home reopens after major refurb A SHEFFIELD nursing home has officially reopened following a major refurbishment. Abbey Grange was bought out of administration in November 2010 by Country Court Care, financed by Santander Corporate Bank and backed by European Investment Bank funding. It is a converted Grade 2 listed building with purpose built
extension. The refurbished nursing wing includes 16 en-suite bedrooms and a new central communal area acting as a ‘hub’ for the home. The home’s capacity is 70 following the conversion. Country Court Care operates nine care homes and a domiciliary care service with operations across Lincolnshire, North Cambridgeshire and South Yorkshire.
28
20/7/12
28
11:26
Page 1
CARINGNEWS
Cook of the year Ellie to host demo NEWLY crowned NACC cook of the year Ellie Cook will host a special demonstration at the association’s annual national training and development forum. Ellie, of Anchor Trust’s Kirkley Lodge residential care home in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, beat off a record number of entries to claim the title following a closely fought grand final. Judges were impressed by her winning two-course menu of lemon chicken and olive tagine, cous cous and roasted vegetable, followed by lemon cheesecake. Entrants were required to create a nutritionally-balanced two-course menu, main and dessert, that is suitable for customers in a care environment, meets the set budget of £1.30 per person, and can be produced in 90 minutes. This year extra emphasis was put on the vital area of nutrition, and the cooks were asked to explain their ingredient choices as part of the judging criteria. As well as an invitation to cook live at the Forum, which this year is being held at the Hilton Hotel, Blackpool, from September 19-21, Ellie also received £500. NACC national chair Karen Oliver said: “The skills, knowledge and
dedication of chefs across care catering are showcased through the Care Cook of the Year competition. The high standards produced by all the entrants gives a true snapshot of the exceptional work and commit-ment to good nutrition and hydration care in this sector. “Initiatives and competitions, such as the care cook one, play a vital role in safeguarding socially vulnerable people, ensuring the ongoing health and well being of our customers.” The association celebrates 25 years this year and, to commemorate the milestone, all of the past national chairs will be at the event along with fellow members and sector representatives. Karen added: “Over the past quarter of a century the association and its members have worked tirelessly to continually improve standards in care catering and protect the vulnerable people entrusted to our care. Together we have overcome huge obstacles, succeeded in highlighting fundamental issues, promoted excellence, and become the leader, authority and benchmark for best practice across the sector.”
A triple showering solution from AKW AKW, the market leader in independent living solutions, is a strong advocate of wet rooms in a care environment. One trio of products that combine sophisticated style with all the practical features that a care environment needs consists of the latest Arka Care® shower, the sleekly designed Larenco® shower enclosure and the new TriForm wet-room former. The basis of a wet room or level access enclosure is the shower base itself and with the TriForm linear former, AKW has created a quick-fit solution that can be situated
anywhere in the bathroom. The Arka Care® is exactly what it says – a thermostatic mixer shower specifically designed for an adapted bathroom with TMV3 approval which guarantees temperature safety while showering. To complete the picture, AKW’s Larenco® range of shower enclosures offers a choice for every situation. An ideal solution where only some users may need assistance is the Larenco Duo, which has two full-height splitglass doors joined by a duolinx handle which locks the doors together firmly and very easily.
Committed to care for 20 years BEAUCARE is celebrating its 20th anniversary of trading with founder Jonathan Brown, managing director, at the helm. They supply medical and hygiene supplies along with equipment to private care homes, groups, hospitals, NHS Trusts and individuals across the UK. The company’s philosophy of supplying good quality products at sensible prices is still their main focus. The company has recently promoted Jane Lock to commercial director and Jo Bailey to national sales manager, to strengthen the management team and provide
clearer lines of customer communication. Beaucare has achieved some major milestones over the years, including creation of its service department, undertaking LOLER and PAT testing via CRB checked service engineers on hoists, beds, slings and pressure relief equipment. Most significantly, it has moved to larger premises on Hornbeam Park, Harrogate in October 2011. The move saw warehousing capacity increase from 8,000 to 25,000 sq ft, enabling the import of more competitively priced products.
29
16/7/12
16:11
Page 1
18
17/7/12
09:57
Page 1
31
19/7/12
16:38
Page 1
31
CARINGDEMENTIA
Stress, dementia and sensory rooms By Hannah Taylor RECENT studies have shown that stress in middle age can be a contributing factor to the onset of dementia. Scottish scientists have been testing the effects of hormones released during stressful periods, while a Swedish study showed that stress in middle age can increase the risk of developing dementia in later life. There is much research being conducted into the relationship between stress and dementia in the hopes of finding a way to manage the disease. The Alzheimer’s society is also funding new research to help shed some light on the subject. The study will look at 140 people aged 50 and over, with mild cognitive impairment for an 18 month period. It will measure stress levels and any progression from mild impairment to dementia. This group will be compared to a control group of 70, who have no cognitive impairment to verify the overall effects of stress on memory and thinking. Hopefully we will know a bit more about the role of stress in the development of dementia and be able to develop better coping strategies. If stress really does have an effect on
Greenhill Manor in Merthyr Tydfil. the onset of dementia, what are its effects on care home residents who currently living with a form of dementia? Do sensory rooms provide part of the answer to combating this stress? Greenhill Manor care home in Merthyr Tydfil, part of Hallmark Care Homes, has recently introduced a sensory space which includes 3D wallpaper, ultra violet bubbles and a plethora of textures, colours and sounds. Residents regularly visit the new feature, and carers have already seen a significant reduction in the fluctuation of resident’s behaviour. The peaceful room is painted a tranquil aqua, while colour-changing fish tanks are dotted around the area.
Calm music plays form the state-ofthe-art sound system and soothing scent fill the air. New items are continuously being added to keep residents engaged. The new addition has shown that by reducing stress there can be a difference in the moods and attitudes of residents with dementia. This provides more evidence that stress may be, not only a factor in the onset of dementia, but a trigger for negative behaviour and sensory rooms, along with activities of daily living such as gardening and cooking, may be part of the answer to the issue of stress and dementia. Hannah Taylor is the marketing assistant at Hallmark Care Homes.
Care homes create selfportraits THE University of Stirling has helped people living with dementia in East Dunbartonshire care homes to create digital self-portraits as part of a stimulating creative arts project. A short film displaying the portraits will be shown in schools within the local authority to help raise awareness of dementia and promote East Dunbartonshire as a dementia friendly community. The film was released to coincide with the recent Dementia Awareness Week. Professor June Andrews, director of the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University, said: “It is wonderful to see the development of the use of creative arts and technology as therapy for people with dementia and this in turn reflects their creative abilities. This is an empowering project which we are delighted to be a part of.” The Faces of Dementia project has been signed up to by all East Dunbartonshire care homes. It embraces modern technology and encourages creativity and selfexpression as participants design self-portraits on computer tablets.
32
17/7/12
16:54
Page 1
32
CARINGNEWS
Staff recognised at awards event HEATH and social care workers from across the UK have been honoured at Shaw healthcare’s annual Star Awards. The ceremony saw over 200 of the group’s staff gather at the Hilton Hotel in Swindon to celebrate the very best of its more than 4,000 care workers. Among the winners was Trina Williams, a 33-year-old support worker at Wavereley House care home in Leominster, Herefordshire, who was named carer. She was recognised for her calm and relaxed approach, which puts residents and staff at ease, and for her “awe-inspiring compassion”. Trina was initially nominated by the wife of a resident suffering from Parkinson’s and Lewy Bodies Dementia, not just for the excellent care of her husband, but for involving her in activities, making her still feel a valuable part of her husband’s life. She said: “We’re so focused day-today on caring for people, you don’t think about awards or accolades, so to get this came as a real shock – but a very good one. “It’s fantastic to know that what you do is so valued. Nothing beats getting a thank you from those you care for or their families, but to receive an award like this is the next best thing, so I’d like to thank everyone who made this possible.” Another winner was Angela Roberts
from Shaw’s domiciliary care service in the Rhondda Cynon Taf, who won the deputy manager/team leader accolade. She was particularly acknowledged for putting service users’ needs before her own. Last winter, Angela walked for two hours in the snow to get to a service user whose regular carer was unable to get there, knowing that they had no local family or neighbours who could check on their welfare. Other winners: Head office (sponsored by de Poel) - Sara Edwards, human resources officer; training champion (sponsored by Kier) - Sarita Birdsall, team leader (Urmston House, Bristol); chef/cook (sponsored by 3663) - Jamie Branch, catering manager (The Granary Dementia Care Centre, Wraxall, North Somerset); care supporter (sponsored by Countrywide Healthcare Supplies) - Rebecca Banks, administrator (Forest View, Burgess Hill, West Sussex); activity based care (sponsored by Larson Group) - Sue Box, activity worker (Abbott House, Oundle, Northamptonshire); regional recognition (sponsored by Purchasing Support Services) - Leyla Ari, human resources co-ordinator (South East); home/branch manager (sponsored by Pharmacy Plus) Mary Tasker, home manager (Hawthorns Care Centre, Evesham, Worcestershire).
The Yachtsman care home in Fleetwood, Lancashire, has organised its own ‘memory walk’ to raise funds for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Care home manager Marie Deer said the idea came about after the Alzheimer’s Society changed the local venue of its own national Memory Walk event from Blackpool to Aintree Racecourse. She said: “For the last couple of years we have joined the society’s event but now they have moved it to Aintree. That would have meant 300 people having to travel over there so, as a specialist dementia home supporting the cause, we decided to organise our own local walk.” The Yachtsman care home’s walk takes place on September 23 at noon.
Trusted for more than 40 years PHS Laundryserv is one of the UK’s leading providers of on-site commercial laundry equipment. For over 40 years our customers have trusted us to provide excellent quality commercial laundry equipment from the world renowned laundry brands of Primus and Miele. With nationwide coverage and a fast, friendly local service, our 24 hours a day, seven days a week answering service ensures the best possible support service for your laundry and equipment.
From single washers and dryers to large multi machine sites, PHS Laundryserv specialise in supplying a range of laundry equipment to care homes as well as many other sectors. PHS Laundryserv has the knowledge and expertise to provide the best commercial laundry equipment package available, from offering guidance on laundry equipment through to installation, commissioning and ongoing customer support.
33 NCA
20/7/12
11:31
Page 1
34
16/7/12
16:13
Page 1
35
17/7/12
16:55
Page 1
35
CARINGNEWS
Miele unveils details Reducing purchasing costs of new dishwashers MIELE Professional has unveiled details of its new ProfiLine dishwashers, which will be available to the market in August. The range of freestanding, semi and fully integrated dishwashers are capable of completing full wash cycles in as little as 18 minutes. ProfiLine dishwashers allow programmes to be run at the rate of three per hour, meaning your crockery will be ready for use again in next to no time. The range of dishwashers which feature in this product line-up are:
PG 8080 freestanding unit, PG 8080 U built-under unit, PG 8081 i integrated unit, PG 8082 SCi integrated version with XXL cabinet and the PG 8083 SCVi fully integrated version with XXL cabinet. Not only do some of the range have category A+ energy efficiency label, consumption has been reduced on average by 10 per cent compared with the previous series. In the ‘Eco’ programme, selected ProfiLine dishwashers are 30 per cent more efficient in terms of water and electricity than their predecessors.
Retherm helps you embrace renewable technologies RENEWABLE energy is here to stay and where possible we should embrace it. The new generation of renewable technologies have ensured that there is a system suitable for most. Ultimately however it must be financially viable and the introduction of the RHI for commercial properties has made this one step closer. The use of renewable energy to power buildings has to be a sensible decision – less reliance on our rapidly diminishing fossil fuels; less damage to the environment; and a greener
future for all. Through the RHI the government will offer financial rewards for those adopting renewable energy sources with heat pumps, solar thermal and biomass being the most common. These technologies will be monitored by heat meters and the readings taken will provide an income based on the amount of heat generated, paid quarterly for up to 20 years. Retherm Ltd based in Stoke on Trent design and supply all of these systems. Our experts would be pleased to discuss your individual project.
AT BEACON Healthcare we are dedicated to providing solutions that fit the needs of everyone involved in the care industry, by reducing purchasing costs and adding value to your offering. Through Beacon we can save everyone in the care industry – from managers to nurses, valuable time, energy and resource through finding the right suppliers for you and your customers. Our wide range of suppliers has been selected for the key areas of your business because they have products or services that have been designed with the care industry in mind. Our buying power designs specific purchasing packages for care groups, making sure our suppliers are providing the products and services that your group requires.
From workwear to waste management or biscuits to bathrooms, through Beacon Healthcare, all of our suppliers offer you added value through price, service or support... all you need to do is choose who and when.
Selling or refinancing? ARE you thinking of selling or considering refinancing or developing your care home? Specialist healthcare brokers Global Business Finance can offer you both these services and what's more you will be delighted by the fee. If you wish Global to sell your home for you by introducing a suitable and financially vetted buyer from their database, then they have market leading rates to sell, with no up-front charges.
If you are wanting to finance then there is no broker fee to pay. Global are paid by the bank and therefore they do not charge you a fee. With loan schemes of up to 75 per cent of value and interest rates of base plus 2.25 per cent for funding then using the specialist services of Global, who have been established for over 23 years and have organised over £1bn in loans for care home owners, is such an easy decision.
36 c-seps
17/7/12
17:18
Page 1
36
New Amazon HSF washers cut laundry costs ARMSTRONG Commercial Laundry Systems has announced the new Amazon HSF range of washerextractors which use 20 per cent less energy and 15 per cent less water than the previous range. With no end in sight to the continuous increase in utility costs and with the care home’s laundry representing a significant part of these costs, the new machines’ savings deliver an important benefit to the owner. In many cases it will make early replacement of existing equipment a sound decision. The Amazon HSF is available in no fewer than six sizes between 7kg and 24kg. This means there is a washer or combination of washers that is right for every size and type of home. The range is specially made in Europe to Armstrong’s specification and is fully backed by Armstrong’s highly regarded service and spares support operation. Enquiries: Telephone 01635 263410 or visit www.armstrong-laundry.co.uk
Freedor’s the caring solution ONE of the UK’s largest care home groups has chosen wireless Freedor electrically powered free-swing door closers to improve access, while protecting staff and residents at one of their care homes. Barchester, whose care homes combine exceptional healthcare and nursing standards with warm and friendly atmosphere in over 200 homes nationally, said they have found the Freedors, installed at their Mulberry Court site, to be an excellent product for convenience of use and fire safety, fitting perfectly with the requirements of a care home environment. Freedor is a unique wireless solution that allows users to hold open fire doors at any angle, automatically closing them when the fire alarm sounds to prevent the spread of fire and smoke around the building. Installed at the top of the door, Freedor is neat, unobtrusive and easy to install in new buildings and retrofit, with none of the expense and disruption to occupants or the building associated with the installation of hard-wired door closers. Enquiries: Telephone 0845 241 7474, email sales@firecoltd.com or visit www.firecoltd.com
PKL KitchenPods for care home sector
Beaucare kitchen floor cleaner
PKL, the world’s largest supplier of temporary kitchens and catering equipment for hire, has launched its KitchenPods range into the residential care sector. Available to buy, or on a contract rental basis, KitchenPods come in a range of sizes and offer an ideal solution for any care home to maximise its revenue by converting an existing kitchen into additional bed space. Alternatively it can help homes that need to improve or refurbish any existing kitchen facilities by providing them with a complete, ready to order permanent kitchen building. Once ordered, the KitchenPod modular kitchen building can be delivered within six weeks and, despite being a permanent building, can be relocated, removed or easily extended as the needs of the care home change over time. PKL maintain both the building and all catering equipment on an ongoing basis so that, in the unlikely event of a problem, there would be minimal disruption to the home while it was being fixed. Enquiries: Visit www.pkl.co.uk or call 0845 8404242.
BEAUCARE® Medical Ltd is the UK’s premier supplier of hygiene, medical supplies and equipment to individual care homes, care home groups, hospitals and NHS Trusts. Our new kitchen floor cleaner is a concentrated multi-purpose cleaner, developed to give high powered performance with economical dilution benefits. It is fully biodegradable and non flammable. Highly effective at removing ingrained grime and oils from vinyl, wood, metal, plastic and other types of services. Specifically designed for the care home market, to tackle kitchen and utility facility floor surfaces. We have an extensive hygiene and janitorial range providing a solution for all purposes, ensuring high levels of cleanliness and infection control. Enquiries: Telephone 01423 878899, email service@beaucare.com or visit www.beaucare.com
CFS Carpets offer a wide selection of healthcare carpets
Take a fresh look at Grahame Gardner’s website
AS well as the extensive range of contract carpets and carpet tiles, CFS Carpets has a wide range of impervious backed broadloom carpets that are heavy contract – ideal for the healthcare industry. Featuring plain and patterned designs and a wide colour bank, these ranges are competitively priced and have excellent cleaning properties and a 10-year guarantee. Hanbury Care Design, featured in the picture, has a modern colour bank and a matching plain range available too. Sample folders of all the healthcare ranges are available in carpet and flooring along with a selection of other healthcare flooring solutions. CFS Carpets are part of Carpet andFlooring, one of the UK ’s largest flooring distributors. Large stocks of all ranges are held, along with a selection of other healthcare flooring solutions. Deliveries can be made within 24 hours to mainland UK . Enquiries: Call 01527 511860 for more information or for samples log onto www.cfscarpets.co.uk
Simple solutions SINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs) based, Richards Residential Supplies have concentrated upon supplying simple solutions to common nursing home problems. The new WACMAT® adheres strongly to this tradition. With its ultra absorbent cotton pile and 100 per cent waterproof backing, the remarkable WACMAT® is an ideal accessory where spills may occur. Used as a commode mat, in bedrooms or bathrooms, the WACMAT® ensures full carpet protection. Then, after use, simply machine wash and tumble dry! It’s that simple... The WACMAT® will then be clean and odour-free, ready to perform time and time again. Alternatively the flat-laying WACMAT® can be used as an entrance mat, saving you hundreds of pounds in rental costs alone. Enquiries: Telephone 0800 074 3749
CARE home image experts Grahame Gardner Ltd has undergone a makeover of their own – this time enhancing their online presence with a new website. www.grahamegardner.co.uk has long enabled customers to order online, but the new website goes a step further, showing stock levels and allowing customer to track their orders online. The slick new design is intuitive to navigate and gives users complete details of all Grahame Gardner products and services. This new site includes a sophisticated search function so that customers can search using a number of criteria, readily finding the garment that matches their specific needs. Grahame Gardner has invested significantly in their online capabilities over the years, this new advancement makes their website the most comprehensive to date. The e-commerce element of the site has also been streamlined to include fewer steps but without compromising the site’s security. Enquiries: Telephone 0116 255 6326 or visit www.grahamegardner.co.uk
Eddie’s knowledge and expertise second to none EMANUEL A Dribble, better known in the business transfer market as Eddie Dribble, has been in the care home transfer agency business for around 40 years. His extensive knowledge and expertise is second to none in negotiating a satisfactory conclusion for many long standing clients In 1972 he founded and subsequently developed the care home division, of the then national transfer agents Luxton and Lowe Limited. Since that time he has personally travelled the length and breadth of the British Isles inspecting and evaluating every type of care home. No matter what size and what cost he has negotiated sales to a range of buyers, which include large companies and single private individuals. He has established a reputation throughout the industry which provides a truly personal service, always remaining fully confidential. Luxton and Lowe Limited were taken over in 1991 by a large London property agent. At this time to keep the personal service and confidentiality, which was also his strict code of practice, Eddie decided he needed to form his own private transfer agency to continue to provide a high quality individualistic service. Since this time he has continued to serve the industry with his own brand of personal and confidential negotiations and keep his commission rates at a competitive level. To this day care homes of every size and description and in every location are continuously required for a list of carefully vetted applicants. Enquiries: Telephone 020 8942 0852.
37 Shackletons
18/7/12
13:21
Page 1
37
CARINGPRODUCT NEWS
Care minister to speak at conference CARE Services Minister Paul Burstow will be the keynote speaker at ECCA’s annual conference and exhibition. The ‘White Paper. Right Paper?’ event, which takes place at the Bloomsbury Holiday Inn, London on November 7, will provide an ideal opportunity for the Minister to reassure providers that the failure by successive governments to act effectively on the funding of social care is now being addressed by the coalition. Other heavyweight sector speakers will follow Paul onto the podium and make their contribution to the debate on modernising social care that the White Paper will trigger. Chief executive Martin Green said: ‘The requirement for serious reform of the current system is more pressing than ever, so the content of the White Paper will be the subject of close scrutiny. “Care providers are working hard to maintain high service standards but their task is becoming ever more difficult, so we look forward to hearing more from Paul Burstow about the Government’s commitment to a sustainable funding system.”
Is your equipment Firm unveils up to standard? bedroom WITH the CQC and government standards continuing to focus on the way in which care is provided within the care home sector, it is vital that residents have a safe and accessible environment in which to live. Equipment can play a key role in providing this, however, repairing or replacing old or damaged equipment can be an expensive process, and finding a trustworthy supplier can
make all the difference to the success of a care home or group in today’s competitive marketplace. Agecare Eastern is committed to supporting its customers with all aspects of equipment provision and servicing. With a team of experienced engineers, we provide Loler testing and certification, as well as servicing and repairs for existing equipment.
range
FAMILY run Ellis Furniture has been designing and manufacturing attractive, durable and cost effective furniture for more than 120 years, supplying to care homes across the UK. This expertise has fed directly into the design of our latest innovative range of care home bedroom furniture called 3:SIXTY. Beneath 3:SIXTY’s attractive exterior and beautiful finishing, lies a range of safety and security features including: safety drawer stops, anti-trap drawers, soft close doors and anti-ligature handles. Small details we know, but all have potentially significant safety benefits as well as management time and cost savings. For residents that require assistance to maintain their independence, 3:SIXTY incorporates many way finding and orientation design features such as contrasting edging, visibility scoops in drawers, vision panels in wardrobes and much more. The range includes seating and room signage, which are all designed to work together to support daily independence and comfort.
New denture Badgemaster offers discount Committed to service repair service BADGEMASTER is marking its 20th anniversary by offering a 20 per cent discount off list prices for all orders placed by September 20. Many changes have happened since Badgemaster started trading from a portable cabin in July 1992. Most notably, founders John and Vicky Bancroft have steadily grown their workforce to 88 full-time staff at the company’s state-of-the-art 12,500 sq. ft. facility in Newstead, Nottinghamshire. The Bancrofts are delighted that their first employee still remains on the team and this year collects his 20year long service award. To receive the 20 per cent anniversary discount off list prices for name badges, customers need to quote 20YEARS on their order.
SPORTSART Fitness’ common sense approach to servicing fitness equipment has won contracts with not only health clubs and educational facilities but also with rehabilitation and residential care homes. Apart from the inconvenience of failed equipment, safety is of paramount importance and owners have a legal duty of care to ensure that all fitness equipment is safe and maintained to high standards. Although SportsArt offer a comprehensive range of quality fitness equipment, it offers servicing packages to meet various levels of equipment use and budgets. Its engineers are highly trained on all makes and models of equipment and, following each scheduled visit, a
Mobility restriction garden furniture GARDENING can present a variety of limitations for those with restricted mobility and disabilities, who may struggle with some of the strenuous tasks involved. However, the new range of ‘mobility restriction garden furniture’, from Dunster House Ltd, offers an alternative solution to maintaining a vegetable patch or flower bed without having to reach to ground level. Company owner Chris Murphy said these products had partly been designed for therapeutic reasons. “These new products are easy to maintain and provide a little haven to encourage you to get out and into the garden.” The furniture includes raised ‘Planting Trugs’, ‘Picnic Benches’ with wheelchair access and the ‘Victoria Bower’ which features flower beds and an opportunity to harvest rain water. These new products offer a practical solution for the limits imposed by gardening whilst adding an attractive focal feature for any outdoor space. Enquiries: For more information call 01234 272445 or visit www.dunsterhouse.co.uk
report informs of work required, prioritising items for attention and provides an estimate for reinstating equipment to an optimum condition. A ‘Total Care’ service package not only demonstrates that you have addressed duty of care issues, it can be cost effective as preventative maintenance can often protect equipment from becoming seriously damaged if remedial action is taken. MD Mark Turner said: “When selecting a service provider don’t just look at the cost, but check out their claims to call out response times and look to verify this. “Scheduled maintenance ensures reliability of equipment operations, longevity in use and the best possible return on your investment.”
ESSEX-based company Denture Repairs UK is offering a new fast and reliable service to care homes and the caring community across the UK. Jack Gutteridge, director and dental technician, said: "Where residents aren't able to get out for their denture repair needs, we can provide interested care homes with pre-paid freepost envelopes and prescriptions by contacting us by email, telephone or by visiting our website. Simply, all the resident or carer will have to do is fill in the personal details, place in the envelope with the broken denture and payment. Then simply wait for a fast same day turnaround on the repair.” The family-run service, which has 35 years' experience, operates a dental laboratory with GDC registered dental technicians.
101 reasons to choose Shackletons Furniture ALICE Grimshaw aged 101 is pictured receiving a very special birthday present. Alice received a new Bridgewater high back chair along with champagne and chocolates as part of the national creating comfort campaign launched by Jason Bloom and Martyn Higgins from Shackleton's Ltd based in Dewsbury. Alice was delighted with the present and is looking forward to relaxing back in her chair and ensuring the chocolates do not go to waste. Helen Victor, manager of Musgrove Court in Pudsey, where she is a resident, was delighted to take delivery of the chair with Alice. Helen and her team had helped arrange for Alice's perm and make up to be ready for the photo shoot which will see her join the Shackleton's national marketing campaign. You will see Alice on the back page of this month’s Caring UK. Enquiries: Telephone 01924 868470 or visit www.shackletonsltd.co.uk
38 classi's Denture Repairs
20/7/12
11:29
Page 1
38
Staff celebrate landmark birthday STAFF from Somerset Care’s Sedgemoor office celebrated as their colleague Eileen Haysham turned 80. Eileen is the company’s longest serving staff member, and was awarded a 45 years’ service accolade at a ceremony last year. The team held a party to celebrate Eileen’s milestone birthday, inviting fellow
colleagues, her daughter and great grandchildren. Alison Godwin community services manager, said: “I am so proud to say that we have an 80-year-old care and support worker, she goes above and beyond for her service users, cycling across Bridgwater in all weathers to make her visits.”
Transport
Kent-based Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) saluted the armed forces with a series of short films on YouTube. The charity, which provides care and accommodation for service veterans released a short film each day for a week via YouTube to mark the occasion and to highlight its own work. The fourth film in the series focussed on veterans’ healthcare and residents in RBLI homes – Gavin Astor House, Queen Elizabeth Court and Mountbatten Pavilion. Care staff also described what it was like to work with veterans. The armed forces connection throughout the village was marked with a party, and included a forces quiz and a magician – complete with rabbit.
Business
Mobility Healthcare
Signs
Denture care
Recruitment
Care Home Software
If you would like to advertise in Caring UK please contact:
01226 734480
HAIGH
18/7/12
13:28
Page 1
40
20/7/12
12:01
Page 1