Caring UK - July 2022 by Script Media

no.306 • £4.75 incorporating

July 2022

The Number One magazine for the care sector

Lack of care beds leading to queues AMBULANCES and their patients are queuing outside hospitals because there is no social care to allow beds to be freed up, it has been claimed. And angry care providers have called for urgent action to stop them from being a bottleneck in the healthcare route. A report by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch says delays are being caused because hospitals are struggling to free up beds. The Independent Care Group said it had warned for decades that failing to reform and invest in social care would have consequences for other care. ICG chair Mike Padgham said: “This isn’t rocket science. If we have no care available we will have delayed discharges from hospitals and if we can’t free up beds then we will get ambulances queuing at the doors and patients suffering. “The equation is simple – invest in proper reform and funding of social care. Increase the availability of homecare and of care and nursing home beds and you will free up hospital beds to look after those who urgently need them. “Instead, the Government continues to insist that there is adequate care capacity in

the system – well here is the evidence that that is just, plain wrong.” The ICG is calling for social care’s share of the Health and Social Care Levy to be urgently fast-tracked to the frontline to help with staff recruitment, improving staff pay and social care delivery where it is needed. “At the moment, the bulk of that £36bn fund is set to go to the NHS first – but we are calling for social care to get an equal share quickly,” Mike added. “Otherwise, care provision will continue to suffer, providers will leave the sector, hospitals will remain choked and hundreds of thousands of people will be left without the care they need.” The ICG wants to see: n A root and branch overhaul of the way social care is planned and funded. n NHS care and social care merged and managed locally or nationally. n Extra funding for social care, funded by taxation. n Dementia treated and funded like other high priority illnesses. n A fixed percentage of GDP to be spent on social care. n Proper pay, conditions and career structure for carers. n Social care businesses to be zero-rated for VAT.

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A Cheshire care home welcomed reality TV star and fifth year medical student Priya Gopaldas to its facilities as part of the recent Global Day of Parents to explore the role of a carer and to see if the correlation between parenting and caring can help alleviate the symptoms of ‘empty nest syndrome’ – a condition her parents have experienced first hand. The visit to Handsale’s Priesty Fields Care Home in Congleton was organised following research that indicates more than 70 per cent of parents feel a sense of loss when their children leave home. With Priya’s own parents able to relate to the feelings of empty nest syndrome, she shadowed carers and interacted with residents to get to grips with the requirements of the role – seeing if a parent’s natural caring instincts would be a good fit for the sector.

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OPERATORS wanting to put themselves forward for recognition have been urged to enter the Caring UK Awards. Nominations for this year’s event are now open at www. caringukawards.co.uk The awards, organised by Script Events in partnership with Caring UK, recognise excellence and achievement in all corners of the care industry. And with more than 20 categories up for grabs, there’s something to suit every type of care business. These include everything from Quality in Housekeeping and Catering Team of the Year to Best Outdoor Environment and End of Life Team of the Year. Event organiser Dominic Musgrave said: “Nominations are coming in and our events team is already busy ensuring that this year’s event is bigger and better than ever. “Our main aim is to recognise and honour the best in our wonderful sector and showcase the innovation and dedication that goes on every day so please share your successes and tell us about your hard work and initiatives by sending in your nominations … it’s a real privilege to read them.” A shortlist in each category will then be drawn up, with winners chosen by an expert panel. Trophies will be handed out at a glittering ceremony at the Athena in Leicester on Thursday, December 1 presented by Emmerdale actor Dean Andrews.

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Carers in Lincolnshire celebrated in newly released campaign film LINCOLNSHIRE County Council has released a video as part of a campaign to attract more people to the adult social care profession and shine a light on local carers. To attract more people to the profession, Lincolnshire County Council has produced an emotive short film depicting a day in the life of two carers, Kai Wade (21) from Lincoln and Gina Bennett (45) from Boston. The film shows the carers enjoy the company of their service users, and the sense of purpose gained by supporting someone to continue living independently is a clear message throughout. It goes beyond showing how rewarding and valuable the home care profession can be, and also highlights the benefits to the carer for their work-life balance. Gina finishes her shift in time for an afternoon dog walk, while Kai spends quality time at the dinner table with his siblings. Gina, who has worked her way up from carer through to senior carer and now works as a CQL for Cera Care in Boston, said: “It is where my heart lies, I really enjoy this line of work; it’s rewarding and enjoyable. I’d say, do this job if you

www.caring-uk.co.uk Advertising Healthcare Product Manager: Bev Green Tel: 01226 734288 Email: bg@scriptmedia.co.uk Assistant Sales Manager: Tracy Stacey Tel: 01226 734480 Email: cuk3@scriptmedia. co.uk Sales and Marketing Director: Tony Barry Tel: 01226 734605 Email: tb@scriptmedia.co.uk Publishers Script Media 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS. Email: info@caring-uk.co.uk Editorial Publishing Manager: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk

Kai Wade and staff from two Lincoln area care providers. genuinely care – happy people make a more in touch with my compassionate happy workplace.” side and I’ve developed my people skills Kai works for Fosse Healthcare in through getting to know the people I care Lincoln as a management support officer. for and colleagues in the office.” His role involves both administrative In addition to the promotional film, duties and providing care in the home. Gina and Kai also feature in other aspects He said: “I took an interest in home of the ‘It’s Not a Job’ campaign alongside care because I have family working in colleagues from care providers all over the sector. Since I started, I’ve found I’m Lincolnshire.

At Script Media, we try to get things right but occasionally, we make mistakes. If you have a complaint about a story featured in our magazine or on our website, please, in the first instance, contact us by email: dm@scriptmedia.co.uk We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice as demanded by the Independent Press Standards Organisation. For details on the code and what to do should you be unsatisfied with the way we handle your complaint, please visit www.ipso.co.uk

Studio Manager: Paul Hopkinson Tel: 01226 734711 ph@scriptmedia.co.uk 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. Follow us on Twitter @caringuk

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Owner marks Eid at exclusive event

Legends have a ball at home VIDA Healthcare has welcomed famous football players through its doors to reminisce with residents. Three retired players from Leeds United Football Club visited residents at the operator’s latest care home, Vida Court. Tony Dorigo, Eddie Gray and Paul Reaney spent time with residents and staff, and spoke about highlights from Leeds games over the past few decades and major career moments. Staff also set up goals in the garden for residents to have a game of football with the players. Home manager Sharon Oldfield said: “We were thrilled to be able to

host three Leeds United legends at our care home. “Activities like this are so important for our residents and they had a fantastic time meeting Tony, Eddie and Paul and sharing a pie and pint with them. “Wellbeing and life enrichment is crucial to the lives of our residents. This special day was all about reminiscence and nostalgia, and it brought back special memories for everyone in attendance. “Events and visits like this are crucial for encouraging residents to remember moments in their lives, and building strong bonds with staff.”

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THE owner of a family-run care group met Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid at an exclusive 10 Downing Street event to celebrate the end of the month of Ramadan. Liakat Hasham, co-founder of CHD Living, an award-winning group of care homes and home care, specialist and rehabilitation services in Surrey, Hampshire and South London, recently attended the event in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Ismaili Muslim community. Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a short address to the attendees, highlighting and applauding the contributions that ethnic minorities, and the Muslim community in particular, have made to UK society. Liakat said: “It was an honour to be invited to the Eid reception at 10 Downing Street. Hosted predominantly for the Muslim community, selected invitations to the Eid reception were sent out to faith leaders and businessmen throughout the UK. “My invitation covered both these areas, having served the Ismaili community for nearly 20 years and as the founder of CHD Living. “It was a pleasure to meet members of the Conservative cabinet, especially Sajid Javid. “I was introduced to him as a care operator and he was genuinely interested in what I did, asking the name of our company and the current challenges we were facing.

“We briefly discussed the state of the current market and the impact staff shortage was having on the care sector. “I think these events are very important as they connect you with peers in business alongside a cross section of Muslims, who practice the faith in different ways but all with the aim of improving the quality of life for everyone. I would certainly go again if privileged enough to be invited.”

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Home has contract to help free up hospital beds extended RIBBLE Court in Much Hoole near Preston has been given an extension to its contract to continue its work to help free up local acute hospital beds. The care home, which opened last summer, won a short-term contract earlier this year with the Clinical Commissioning Group. The CCG block-booked 14 beds to help relieve pressures on the NHS. It has now extended the current contract until the end of June. Registered manager Samantha Smith said: “We are delighted that the contract with the CCG has been extended for another eight weeks. “We have a number of rooms in our care home available for people who are medically fit for discharge

from hospital but who still need physiotherapy, domiciliary care or an assessment. “It means they can continue to get the wrap around service they require but, with us, in a more homely type environment. It also frees up much needed acute hospital beds.” Ribble Court, which is run by Sandstone Care Group, was rated ‘Good’ in its first official CQC inspection, the highest accolade a new care home can receive. Inspectors praised staff for being ‘kind and caring’ and for treating residents with ‘dignity and respect’. The care was described as ‘high quality care’ from ‘a consistent team of staff who know residents well’.

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What makes a social care business successful? We know the answers and can make this a reality for you! IS A care business successful because it has a ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ rating from CQC? Is it because it has high occupancy or high weekly hours? Or maybe it’s due to a healthy staff culture? Most people who have run or managed a care business know that any one of these components by itself isn’t the answer. You’ll understand that all the different parts of a care business such as compliance, care delivery, HR, marketing and finance, must function together seamlessly, to create success and balance for the long-term. The Care Ideals team know this, and we’ll work with you to make your care business successful, stable and robust. In our experience, the vast majority of care providers deliver dedicated and compassionate services to their residents and service users. However, many find it difficult to translate this commitment into a care business that is effective and in sync on all levels, day-in and day-out. We’ve seen first-hand how failing to get the balance right can be hugely detrimental for care delivery, for staff culture and for the bottom line. This is especially true for smaller providers. They often don’t have the infrastructure they need to create an operationally sound, financially strong and future-proofed care business. Some smaller providers know changes are called for, but aren’t sure what changes to make and sometimes you won’t have the confidence to make these changes. Many of you contract support from a variety of different companies; one for HR, one for compliance, one for policies, and so on. Some of these support companies aren’t care specialists, and they’ve never run or operated a care business. This can limit the effectiveness of the advice you receive, and also limit the development and growth of your care business. To improve this state of affairs, we offer a unique and innovative concept – a ‘one stop shop’ approach that simultaneously addresses every aspect of your care business. We call this service our Complete Care Business Solution – where you deal only with our team.

Care Ideals Managing Director David Beattie Our in-house experts – who together have 160 years (and counting) of combined experience running, managing and advising care businesses – will act as your business partner, your adviser and your cheerleader. We have extensive knowledge of the social care industry. Combining that with our expertise in improving outcomes for our clients, enables us to help you build and maintain an ever-improving strategy for your care business. We’ll work with you to create balance and growth in all areas, including CQC compliance, care delivery, staff culture, leadership, marketing and profitability. To ensure that every care business gets the support that best matches its own particular needs and resources, we offer three levels of the Complete Care Business Solution – Essential, Enhanced and Elite – with the Elite option providing the most coverage. All three options provide comprehensive, consistent and 24/7 support for one monthly fee, that we guarantee will: n Improve how the constituent parts of your business work together. n Ensure that your business develops the resilience it needs to adapt and evolve as the external environment becomes more competitive and demanding. n Help you build a blueprint for future growth and profitability. Our Complete Care Business Solution may

sound a little ‘outside the box’ to some. But to us it makes perfect sense, and it works. Being innovative is one of the many tools we use to help make care businesses better from top to bottom. We regard all clients as unique, and we adapt what we provide so that it’s as bespoke as possible. Combining our expertise, knowledge and positive attitude, with buy-in from the owner and manager in particular, will lead to real progress being made in all aspects of your care business. We’ve done it many times. In fact, in the last few years we’ve significantly improved outcomes for many care businesses. Below are just a few examples: n Increasing occupancy for a care home client – from 18 to 40 residents – over a period of a few months, and during Covid. n Advising and guiding a provider of general domiciliary care as to how their service needed to develop, so that they could start supporting very complex service users. n For another client, we reconfigured every aspect of how this small care home group operates, making it robust and sustainable. Their CQC inspector commented how glad she was that Care Ideals was involved, and the owners have stated: a) “I can see that we are now on the right track, thanks to your input, and I have every confidence that the improvements you are making will pay dividends (as they have already) and turn us into a successful operation at last.” b) “Wonderful news about the CQC inspection result. We are overjoyed. Thank you so much for your incredible work.” c) “May I say how delighted we were with your input on the call with the bank. Many thanks. For the 1st time in years, we think we might be able to relax a little.” All these benefits, all from one place and all the time. We know it’s very difficult to develop and maintain a care business that delivers exceptional care, that is operationally sound and also profitable. But Care Ideals can help, whether you’re a new entrant to the social care industry or an established care operator. If you would like to explore how our Complete Care Business Solution can help your care business, please get in touch to arrange a no-obligation, discovery call on 0330 133 5720, or send an email to enquiries@careideals.com or contact us via our website at www.careideals.com

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‘Inspirational nurse’ Cristina wins award Diplomas offered to enhance nursing career progression MIDDLETON Park Lodge Nursing Home, one of Orchard Care Homes’ residences, is offering every new member of nursing staff access to the company’s leadership development programme, where they can gain a diploma in leadership management and progress to senior roles. This initiative is in response to the ongoing care sector skills shortage, with approximately 170,000 current vacancies nationally and these figures are set to grow. Middleton Park Lodge home manager Lindsey Leatham said: “Solving the current skills shortage in the care sector is no easy task, but we believe this can be addressed by ensuring all employees feel valued, respected, safe and secure in their roles. Orchard is proud to be leading the way with career development opportunities on top of other incentives such as welcome packages

up to £5,000 for new nursing staff. ‘Rewarding commitment to the sector, financially or through personal development, is an expectation that we are pleased to hold ourselves accountable to.” Careers in care, historically, have not always been known for offering fast track career progression but Orchard Care Homes’ current CEO Hayden Knight is a prime example of this being possible. Hayden started his career as a care assistant and over the last 25+ years has progressed through to senior management. After a number of success stories similar to Hayden, the company is now making a consolidated effort to formally provide leadership development programmes to anyone looking to enter the sector and is recommending other providers do the same.

A CLINICAL services manager at Signature at Elton House is celebrating after being awarded special recognition for her work at the luxury care home. Cristina-Amor Uy, who works at the care home in Bushey, is being hailed for her impact as a role model. She is setting up a programme for Elton House to start receiving student nurses so she can mentor them as part of their nurse training. This, along with her ‘unwavering, positive, can-do attitude’ resulted in her being named among Trusted Care’s nursing superstars. Karen Fleming, client liaison manager at Signature at Elton House, who nominated Cristina for her award, said: “Cristina always has a very sunny disposition and inspires her staff and colleagues. “She has come in on her day off to cover last-minute sickness to ensure all of our residents are provided with the care they deserve. We really admire her selflessness. “Cristina is always keen to help other departments when she can, going over and above what is expected of her. “She is always thinking about others and is in the process of setting up a programme for Elton House to start receiving student nurses so she can mentor them as part of their nurse training. “This is just one example of her kindness and willingness to give up

her own time to help others.” The care home search website picked Cristina as one of four winning submissions from care homes across the country. “She was presented flowers by her colleagues at the care home and championed as a deserved winner.

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Provider completes care plans roll out

Walkabout delights residents IT’S NOT every day the heir to the throne is in the neighbourhood, so team members and residents at a Dorset care home made the most of their chance. The Prince of Wales was opening a new playpark in his Duchy of Cornwall community at Poundbury, just across the road from Colten Care’s Castle View home. Companionship team leader Katja Williams was having her lunch when she heard from a resident’s son that the Royal visit was taking place. She, colleague Sue Goodwin and several residents grabbed a clutch of Union Jacks and went over to view proceedings. Katja then found herself in a prime spot for her very own Royal audience with the Prince – in grey suit, blue tie

and sunglasses – taking time to speak with her and ask about Castle View. Katja said: “I stepped forward and as I did he reached out and shook my hand. I told him that we were from Castle View and he said, ‘Oh yes, I have been there before, a few years ago’. “He was genuinely interested in the residents, asking how we all were. He said the trees outside our home were looking beautiful. He had apparently walked round the outside taking them all in. Our residents were thrilled to see him.” “I couldn’t believe it actually happened. We were speaking just the two of us for a couple of minutes. I have no formal training in what makes a Royal greeting but he was very engaged and made it easy.”

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CARE South, a not-for-profit charity and provider of residential, nursing and dementia care across the south of England, has invested in technology and implemented electronic care plans across its 15 homes. The plans have completely transformed and modernised how care is recorded at each home, ensuring carers can spend less time completing paperwork and can remain focused on spending time looking after valued residents. Angie l’Anson, group practice development lead at Care South, said: “Electronic care planning has been a really exciting opportunity for us as care plans are essential to ensuring residents receive the appropriate care for their needs. “Not only does it enable our carers to easily access and record residents notes at point of care, but it also facilitates management and auditing of care plans and notes from anywhere and at any time, giving a better overview of all care needs. “Research suggests that it leads to improved care delivery, a more

person-centered approach and meeting both medical and social needs, which saves time and results in a higher quality experience of care with residents. The roll out began with Sussexdown in Storrington and finished with Kenwith Castle in Bideford, Devon. “The roll out has been a great success,” she added. “Our teams have embraced the changes and can really see the benefits to both the residents in our care and their own working days. “They enjoy how interactive and easy the system has been to use, even for our employees who are not used to smart phones and computers. “All our care homes have fully embraced electronic care planning which has now been rolled out across all our homes.” The system will enable nominated relatives to directly access their loved one’s care plans as part of a new ‘Family Gateway’, giving those near or far unique access to realtime care information and two-way communication with teams.

Care firm backs tennis ace for fifth consecutive year A FAMILY-run care company is sponsoring Luke Johnson, a tennis player from Leeds, for a fifth year. The professional 28-year-old tennis ace plays between 25 and 30 tournaments every year, most of which are abroad, and the support from Czajka Care Group will help towards the costs associated with competing. Luke turned professional in 2017 after returning from the US, where he’d spent four years obtaining a Bachelor of Science at Clemson University in South Carolina and honing his skills on the acclaimed US college tennis circuit. This year Luke, who is currently ranked at 683 in the world singles rankings and 430 in the doubles rankings, underwent surgery on his right knee for a torn lateral meniscus. The sponsorship from Czajka Care Group, which owns and operates homes throughout Nab Wood and the Aire Valley, will contribute towards Luke’s training, coaching, travel and equipment costs. Luke said: “It costs around £25,000 to £30,000 every year to play in up to 30 tournaments, which is why corporate sponsorship is so vital. Czajka Care Group is the one firm that has supported me since the start, and I am hugely grateful. “In February this year I had surgery on my knee, and I have spent the last few months rehabilitating and training in Leeds and London. I train six days a week for around seven hours every day, so it’s a huge commitment. “Before my injury I reached a career high of 606 in the world singles rankings and 298 in the doubles rankings. I’m currently playing in the W25 Monastir Tennis Tournament in Tunisia before heading back to

Luke Johnson and Konrad Czajka. London for the start of the grass court season, which begins in Surbiton and continues until Wimbledon, where I last played in 2021. I am also planning on playing in the Ilkley Trophy Tennis Tournament in June. “Turning professional has been rewarding but you need to compete in lots of tournaments in order to climb the world rankings, which is very expensive, and the prize money simply doesn’t cover it at this level.” Managing director Konrad Czajka, who is a keen tennis player, added: “I love sport and tennis in particular. I enjoy a match or two every few months with Luke, although I never disclose the result. It’s a tough sport but Luke is very talented and dedicated and we feel very proud to help him with his professional career. “It’s great to see Luke compete on a world stage, but we understand the importance of sport and exercise at every level, which is why we have invested so heavily in our very own sports and leisure facilities at The Clubhouse in Nab Wood, Shipley.”

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An outstanding combination BRINGING a wealth of experience and expertise to our clients, the Delphi taskforce includes former CQC inspectors, commissioners, compliance and operations managers, investigators and clinicians working in combination to improve the overall performance of your care facility. Helen Copper, director of Delphi, said: “The care sector has had a rough time over the last few years. “We understand first-hand the time, effort and dedication that goes into running and maintaining an outstanding service and we want to share our knowledge and experience with others. “We have one key objective – to improve care services across the board with the ultimate aim of departing from our clients with the skills required to maintain and continue to grow.” Established just 18 months ago, Delphi has grown from a team of five to now employing more than 40 staff across three sites. Their head office is based in Stevenage,with two further satellite offices located in Nottingham and Preston. This enables Delphi to cover the entire country, enabling the swift deployment of staff resource should the need occur. The services Delphi Care Solutions offer include mock CQC inspections, crisis management and serious investigations, occupancy support, as well as a bespoke service where the team will meet with you to establish your pain points and collaboratively produce a detailed report and action plan to guarantee improvement. This collaborative working is at the heart of what Delphi Care Solutions stand for. It is a true partnership. They will even forego up to 70 per cent of their fee should your service not achieve the agreed target set. They understand the challenges faced in the care sector and share your commitment to improving

standards, not just for your service but for the sector as a whole. Helen added “Our client portfolio includes a diverse range of services. It is a real testament to the Delphi team, with their transferable skills, combined expertise and drive to support providers whatever their needs might be. “Differing from most, our workforce are

substantive, wholetime equivalent consultants. “This has reassured providers with our ability to provide support that is consistent and unwavering in quality.” If you would like to learn more about Delphi Care Solutions and how they can help improve your service and performance visit www.delphi.care or give them a call on 03001 333 002.

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So what are you waiting for? It is vital that your care business stands out from the crowd to attract new residents and staff. Who better to help you do this than the team behind the country’s most successful B2B magazine for the industry. We’ll take away the hassle and provide professional marketing which will deliver results for your business. Based in Yorkshire, we have an award-winning team that prides itself on producing a range of top-quality work at competitive prices. To find out how we may be able to help your business, contact Dominic Musgrave today by calling 01226 734407 or email dm@scriptmedia.co.uk

CARINGNEWS

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

A moment to unite the care kingdom DURING the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, it was impressive to see the country unite – even for a short time – to mark a historic achievement. As a country we are stronger united than we are divided, but it is far too rare that we see it. Too often this seems a separated, divided country. The same applies to social care. We have many different organisations, all representing different sections of the care sector and all fighting for their members and the people they care for. All are united by a desire to see reform, better funding for care and greater recognition for the amazing staff who perform miracles daily to provide that care. And all have done fantastic work over the years and we are only where we are because of their passion and commitment. But because there are so many bodies, I fear our voice seems at times too disparate and fractured to give a single, recognisable message that finds resonance in the corridors of power. The Government can point to a fragmented sector that cannot always present a totally unified case for change. Take the introduction of the new Integrated Care Boards. These new boards include NHS trusts, GPs and local authorities, but notable by their absence are care providers, making something of a mockery of the idea that they will provide an integrated

Mike Padgham approach to care provision. The need for a strong, single voice, to fight injustices like that, is clear. We need our ‘Brexit’ moment to disrupt the way social care is seen. A way has to be found to bring all facets of social care together – as organisations do in other sectors, like industry, education and health. The Royal College of Nursing, for example, is the most recognised body for its sector; is hugely influential; is the ‘go to’ voice for the sector and a provider of professional development. Social care differs from nursing and we don’t want to be a trade union, but imagine a body as powerful as the RCN representing us… a Royal College of Social Care. This is controversial.

All our individual, representative bodies are justly proud of what they do. Mergers have been mooted before but never followed through. When I was chair of the then United Kingdom Homecare Association I put forward suggestions for greater partnership and even merger with other bodies, but it was always difficult to get a consensus. I therefore failed in my endeavours. The status quo cannot be an option any longer. Perhaps it is time for revolution as evolution is too slow. If the Government can get past its internal squabbles and, as the Prime Minister suggests, move on to pressing domestic issues, then we have to ensure social care is a priority. Government after government, including this one, have all claimed that they were going to, in Mr Johnson’s words, get social care done. But all have promised much but delivered little. By introducing the £36bn Health and Social Care Levy, this Government believes it has solved the crisis. It hasn’t. This money, spread as it is over three years, is nowhere near enough to bring about the root and branch reform that social care has been crying out for now for a generation. And the bulk of the money from this levy is, we are led to believe, already earmarked for NHS care to tackle a backlog exacerbated by the pandemic. Social care is currently at the back

of the queue for its share and at the moment a loud and strong enough case is not being made to alter that situation. Pouring money into the NHS without supporting social care is a false economy. Like decorating a property without mending the leaking roof, it is a recipe for disaster. The ever-increasing cases of delayed discharges from hospital due to a lack of available social care packages are testament to that lack of joined up thinking and action. That message is not getting across to decision makers who still insist there is no crisis in social care. Indeed, the Care Minister, Gillian Keegan has said in recent days that there is enough money in the sector to deliver social care effectively. Colleagues within local authorities would beg to differ. In our fight to get social care reformed and more money into the sector to provide better care and to properly recognise, respect and reward our staff, we have to use every weapon at our disposal. Lobbying, and putting over a strong and united case for change, is one such weapon. But our separate voices are like a shotgun spraying pellets far and wide, and failing to always hit the target. However we achieve it, we need one laser-guided message to cut through the barrage and hit home. Then and only then, will we see the impact a united voice can have.

Group’s staff explore the power of music

Operator’s homes play host to Symphony Orchestra musicians MUSICIANS from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra have been playing at Care South’s care homes in Bournemouth and Poole. Elizabeth House and Dorset House in Poole and Queensmead at Castle Dene in Bournemouth have enjoyed the visits, with residents at Elizabeth House receiving an extra visit as residents enjoyed the performance so much. They enjoyed listening to the hour-long interactive performance which was designed specifically with the elderly residents in mind and featured a range of genres. Professional musicians from the company led the performances

and encouraged residents to get involved by singing, dancing and clapping along. They also opened the performance up for residents to request their favourite classics. Head of marketing and PR Chris Golding said: “For many residents, attending concerts or performances is not possible so it has been a pleasure for us to be able to bring these to them.” The initiative has been made possible by Tapper Funeral Services and Rawlins Davy Solicitors which have funded livestream and in-person visits from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra for 29 care homes throughout the area.

ACTIVITIES coordinators from 13 care homes run by The Orders of St John Care Trust have taken part in professional CPD training in how to use music as part of their day-to-day care practice to support communication, connection and identity for older people. The training is the latest initiative in a long-standing partnership between the national music charity Live Music Now and the provider. Two online training sessions focused on helping participants who work in care homes to: understand the potential of music to engage older people, feel more confidence in using music and develop new skills and practices. It also focused on ways to ensure that care home residents are benefiting from music and how to design a session to encourage increased interaction from residents. Helen Bayliss, OSJCT regional director for Gloucestershire, said: “The partnership with Live Music Now is fantastic for our homes and our residents. “The training, live and online concerts and resources have given our activities coordinators a professional approach to organising music as a meaningful activity.

Music facilitator Yvette Jaquiss with resident Brenda Roper at OSJCT Paternoster House in Chichester. “This can be especially important for residents with dementia who may have limited ways of communication and expression, but where music can be an accessible channel for them to connect in many ways, with their fellow residents, care teams and their own thoughts and memories.” This training is part of Live Music Now’s Live Music In Care programme to develop the musical care confidence, skills and capacity of care professionals, a focus of their work in adult social care since 2016.

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CARING UK AWARDS

Call 01226 734605 or email tb@scriptmedia.co.uk for details For general enquiries call: 01226 734630

In partnership with

C ATEGORIES ACTIVITIES TEAM OF THE YEAR BEST INITIATIVE IN CARE BEST OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT AWARD EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION IN DEMENTIA CARE DEMENTIA CARE TEAM OF THE YEAR CATERING TEAM OF THE YEAR CARE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR COMMITMENT TO TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AWARD END OF LIFE TEAM OF THE YEAR MANAGEMENT TEAM OF THE YEAR QUALITY IN HOUSEKEEPING CARE EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR CARE GROUP OF THE YEAR CARE TEAM OF THE YEAR REGIONAL HOME OF THE YEAR - SCOTLAND REGIONAL HOME OF THE YEAR - NORTH REGIONAL HOME OF THE YEAR - SOUTH REGIONAL HOME OF THE YEAR - MIDLANDS AND WALES OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Caring UK Awards 2022 are kindly sponsored by

NOMINATION FORM Category entered: Care home name: When you opened:

Postcode:

Full address:

Main contact: Telephone number:

Job title: Mobile number:

Email: What is the total number of staff (full time)?: What is the total number of staff (part time)?: How many beds do you have?: What is the total of your current residents?: Person making nomination: Telephone number of person making nomination: Email of person making nomination: Supporting information must be sent via email to events@scriptmedia.co.uk (Tick if evidence sent) Please state, in 300 words or less, why you are entering the category indicated and why you think that your care home/team member should be shortlisted:

Please see overleaf for more space Please return to: Megan Prince, Script Events, Script Media Group LTD, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS

NOMINATION FORM

CONTINUED 300 words or less, why you are entering the category indicated and why you think that your care home/team member should be shortlisted:

Please return to: Megan Prince, Script Events, Script Media Group LTD, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS

CARINGNEWS Advertiser’s announcement

Are you asking the right questions? WE ENJOYED meeting many of you at the recent Barnsley and York Caring UK conferences. It was interesting to hear how some of you are confident and have an understanding of the importance of Passive Fire Protection. However, many are still unsure of what is required and what they should be asking and expecting from a contractor. We recently attended a care home; the owner had commissioned a very detailed fire compartmentation (Passive) report but in appointing a contractor they failed to ask vital questions. When we inspected the work, it was clear to see the work was poor quality, had been incorrectly installed and large areas of work had been left incomplete. Unfortunately, the owner didn’t ask for a scope of works detailing what was going to be done and how. It should have asked how the work was going to be recorded so that they could demonstrate, if required, to local authorities or assessors at future assessments/surveys, that the work had been correctly installed. Also, they failed to check if the contractor was UKAS third party accredited. Care must be taken when appointing a contractor to complete these specialised works. As a UKAS third party accredited company, we will always make sure

we understand your requirements and that you understand the service we are going to provide. We catalogue every repair and installation, taking multiple images of each stage. The product details and how it was implemented/installed will also be recorded. When the works

are completed, you will receive a detailed report of each and every item repaired, accompanied with a certificate of conformance. We are looking forward to Caring UK conferences in Bolton and Durham in August. Please come along to see us, we will

be more than happy to discuss your needs and concerns. UK Passive Fire Solutions work with you from start to finish. Call or email get more information and receive your information pack; email info@ukpassivefiresolutions. co.uk or call 01262 469872.

24 hour access to professional workouts Low monthly cost per resident

Can be used to develop a person centred movement plan

MOVE MORE FOR LIFE

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CARINGCATERING AND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT Advertiser’s announcement

Good staff training – a win-win situation CARING UK reported the negative impact of the staffing crisis on team training in the last issue. Operators, struggling with staff shortages, are understandably reluctant to ‘lose’ valuable team resource to training sessions – but this can prove a short-term view, with more than 90 per cent of care professionals stating that investment in their training would significantly improve their likelihood of remaining with an employer. Accepting that training is valuable spend, how do operators/ managers get the most from their training budget? Let’s consider five key factors in ensuring your training spend is cost effective and your staff truly benefit from their learning: Relevant training When did you last review your training provision? If you run internal training, how do you keep up with the latest information, best practice, and legislation? And do your external training providers use up-todate training methodology, or do they keep to tried and tested, but out of date teaching principles? Engage staff This can provide an understanding of your team’s preferred learning styles and methods, and topics that would interest and develop them. Ask them about training providers they’ve used previously or give them an opportunity to trial potential new courses and methods. Create a learning culture Talk to your team about training that you’ve found engaging, and cascade relevant information to them. Look for learning providers that offer industry updates you can use to keep your team in touch with news.

Accessible, flexible training For care professionals, training that can be accessed at any time, at home or at work is invaluable. Recent developments in online training may have been driven partly by the pandemic, but its considerable benefits mean that flexible training is here to stay. Engaging training Modern courses have moved away from text heavy teaching materials. Even online training has developed, with companies employing visually appealing or videobased lessons that incorporate the best elements of face to face teaching.

n Info about The Safer Food Group… The Safer Food Group pioneered video based, flexible online learning, and continue to develop our courses and methods to offer high quality training to professionals involved in food production and delivery. We are proud to work with some key care providers to ensure their teams are equipped to deliver safe, nutritious food to clients. Courses are audited by relevant experts (including EHOs and registered dieticians), and accredited by Qualifi and CPD. We strive to provide value for money; multi purchase prices are available for all courses, and our customer service team is always happy to help with your training enquiries or consider bespoke pricing packages.

Train your food team safely Cost effective, accessible courses, including Food Hygiene, Allergen Awareness, Health + Safety + HACCP Accredited by Qualify + CPD Includes latest advice + legislation Comprehensive, video supported training, to complete at home or in the workplace.

Level 2 Multi-purchase pricing* 5+ = £11 + VAT per course 10+ = £10 + VAT per course 15+ = £7.50 + VAT per course 20+ = £6 + VAT per course *applies to one purchase of multiples of the same course, bought in one transaction

20 CARINGCATERING

Declan Henderson with the Rising Star Award.

AND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT

Lee Sheppard and the sustainability team.

apetito scores a hat-trick at the British Frozen Food Awards apetito, the leading supplier of food to the health and social care sector, scooped three accolades at the recent British Frozen Food Federation People Awards. The prestigious industry awards recognised individuals and teams who went above and beyond what is expected of them over the last year, from supporting their teams under incredibly challenging circumstances, to organising new supply chains. Ian Stone, chief commercial officer of apetito and president and chair of the British Frozen Food Federation, said: “These awards honour the finest across the industry and we’re delighted to be among them “We pride ourselves on making a real difference to the lives of elderly and vulnerable people and I’m delighted that apetito’s dedication to service, innovation and sustainability has been recognised.”

The Rising Star Award, which was the most hotly contested award of the night, was won by category development manager for specialist nutrition, Declan Henderson. Declan’s passion, growth mindset and strong dietetic influence has driven innovation within category development at apetito. In 2021 he spearheaded the launch of three new ranges that make a real difference to some of the most vulnerable in society – including the worldfirst Finger Food Bites range for those living with dementia, which apetito supplies to care homes across the country. The team at apetito’s sister company Wiltshire Farm Foods won the Adaptability Champion Award. As one of the UK’s leading direct-to-consumer frozen meal delivery service, they won for demonstrating how they continually adapted and

The team at apetito’s sister company Wiltshire Farm Foods with the Adaptability Champion Award.

showed resilience by continuing to deliver meals to thousands of societies’ most vulnerable people throughout the turbulence caused by Covid and Brexit. Lee Sheppard, director of corporate affairs and policy, and the apetito sustainability team won the Sustainability Champion Award. The judges were impressed by the team’s work to underpin businesses decisions with sustainability credentials and environmental targets. In the last year the team have carbon footprinted their entire healthcare range and recently launched the first carbon reduced menus into the NHS as well as launching the world’s first industrial scale closed loop recycling system for ready meal trays. apetito has one of the strongest Net Zero commitments across the UK and are actively reducing the carbon across their whole supply chain.

CARINGCATERING AND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT Advertiser’s announcement

apetito partners with VSA to provide the ultimate dining experience VSA has stood next to the people of Aberdeen for more than 150 years, offering care, support and vital services to vulnerable people living in its communities. VSA has several residential and nonresidential care homes, employing more than 600 people across 40 services. John Booth, chief operating officer of VSA, emphasises the passion that his team has for delivering outstanding care to enable each resident within VSA care homes to enjoy life. Mealtimes are no exception to this and are an important focal point of each day. “Food is one of life’s pleasures,” said John. “And we know how much our residents enjoy mealtimes. “As care home operators know only too well, catering can be very complex within residential homes. “There were several challenges within the kitchen which we historically faced. For years we had cooks, as we liked the label of ‘fresh’ – but alongside the promise of ‘fresh’ came unpredictability. “It‘s not easy to recruit quality cooks to ensure consistency and guarantee cover. There was also the question of food waste and portion control. “Sometimes families will understandably take their loved ones out for lunch at the last minute, meaning it’s hard to cater accurately for unpredictable numbers. “Inflation also impacted on the commercial side with product/ supplier shortages and rapidly increasing costs and administration complexity was increasing all the time. Covid simply accelerated these challenges.” John’s team underwent a review of its catering operation and decided to change how VSA approached mealtimes. Central to its decision

John Booth, chief operating officer of VSA. was business continuity. Making change After the review, VSA decided to adopt a new stance, whilst ensuring that the person-centred approach was retained at every level. VSA now works in partnership with the UK’s leading care homes meals provider, apetito, which provides prepared meals which can be cooked easily in VSA’s kitchens. John explains that working with apetito means that not only is there is lots of choice and the meals are delicious, high quality, and loved by residents, but his team can rest easy in the knowledge that the supply of meals are guaranteed. “During Covid we had a big concern around business continuity. Having apetito meant that we didn’t need to worry. “In fact, during this period, we simply increased our back-up stock, so we had a contingency which gave us added reassurance”.

Significant savings on labour, waste, and ease of service “Since changing to apetito we’ve seen real benefits when it comes to saving on labour, the ease of mealtimes, and importantly, the confidence and reassurance we have that our meals are covered in a way that is a quality offering that can be delivered with no stress. “We no longer need cooks– we have streamlined catering roles and created two catering managers across four sites supported by café assistants within each home. “There is less admin, less invoices, less suppliers, less people to manage, and this alone has removed a big stress factor including the removal of expensive agency staff. Our team can now focus on front line care. “Furthermore, we have reduced our waste significantly as our portion control is now far more effective.” Choice has been another unexpected benefit in terms of offering residents a wider range of meals and desserts from over 200 options. “Previously, we had limited choice. It’s also fair to say that we had limited understanding around the nutritional content of meals in terms of having accurate nutritional content at our fingertips. “Now, nutritional content is all controlled and managed for us. We know exactly what is in each meal and how that relates to portion sizes. “It’s easy to manage our residents’ diets effectively and we can now provide exact details for the inspectorate and set calorie levels where they need to be for each resident.” “We are at the forefront of dementiafriendly dining” John says that in the past, VSA would have liquidised foods for residents

with swallowing difficulties – a condition known as dysphagia. “We now use apetito’s texture modified range where our residents can enjoy specially moulded meals, which are cleverly designed to look – and taste – exactly like the meal they are replicating, whilst meeting the IDDSI framework. “Not only is this easier to manage but our residents love a meal that looks like a proper meal. It returns dignity to their dining experience and restores enjoyment in mealtimes. “If a resident is living with allergens, we simply turn to the information to ensure we provide person-centred meals that are free from the 14 known allergens. VSA is clearly delighted with the new approach to mealtimes “I’m really pleased with apetito,” added John. “It’s been a HUGE change from what we were used to, and the support we received was superb. “It’s easy for people to be negative and yes, at the onset, some people were sceptical. “However, we quickly dispelled those myths and the feedback we got from families and staff after the tasting sessions was wonderfully positive. “Without exception, everyone was converted. “We have a real partner in apetito – together we are one team. “If I had to summarise, I would say the relationship has been an unmitigated success on many different fronts and has revolutionised our ability to deliver a quality mealtime service across multiple sites and across complex and varied needs”. For details about apetito products and services contact 01225 569 462, visit apetito.co.uk

22 CARINGCATERING

AND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT

Residents get a kick out of football club’s visit CHURCHFIELDS Care Home in Cassington received a visit from members of the West Ham United Foundation; who were invited to provide a workout session and game of zimmer frame football for the elderly residents. In collaboration with the Askew Griffin Group, which provides sport and health educational programmes at a community level, the charity spent the morning with the residents providing seated exercise classes and activities to promote movement and wellbeing. Activities coordinator Karen Woolford said: “Our residents love any interaction with the outside world, it helps them with their minds and their bodies, keeps their spirits up, and helps with their daily life. “The West Ham members were all so lovely with our residents too. It was a joy to watch.

“We have a majority of female residents, and the ladies were very excited to have some young men in the building.” “Our residents are really keen on their fitness, we do exercise classes and yoga, but to have someone come specifically for them, and talk about the likes of the England game – it makes a huge difference. It connects them with the outside world. “After two years of being quite isolated, it really is great that we can have events and activities like this. It makes my job a dream.” The fitness session included hand and arm exercises for dexterity, a mobility-friendly kickaround and lots of belly laughter. Karen has previously organised horse riding events and swimming sessions,. The home has also recently hatched its own ducklings.

Mandy wins top accolade for introduction of grazing menus

MANDY Davies, head of nutrition and dietetics at Elior UK, has won the Health and Nutrition Award at the Public Sector Catering Awards for the development of grazing boxes for residents. Mandy and the team, which includes health, care and retirement living dietitian Gemma Ewen and executive development chef Darren Neal, created the concept for Caterplus – an Elior business which specialises in the care and retirement living sector. A four-week grazing box menu consisting of savoury and sweet items has been introduced for residents in care homes. The menu provides a balance of healthier, higher fibre options, which help treat and prevent digestive issues, as well as higher energy and protein options which help prevent weight loss and malnutrition. The chef-tested, nutritionally analysed, dietitian approved dishes are suitable for residents with a range of dietary requirements including those requiring texture modified meals. The grazing boxes are dementia friendly and were developed to be served either in place of, or in addition to, traditional plated meals. They contain small portions of nourishing finger

foods, which can be adapted to required texture modified levels and can help maintain a person’s independence and encourage more regular eating. Mandy said: “Malnutrition is a significant problem in the UK, especially affecting the elderly, and our grazing boxes help to address this issue and the challenges of catering for residents with dementia. “Since the introduction of the grazing boxes we have seen a vast improvement in resident weight gain and are so pleased to have created a solution that supports residents with dementia and enables us to provide enhanced care for all residents.” The grazing boxes can be delivered to residents three times a day or tailored to individual needs and served any time day or night. They can be presented either as a sharing platter or as an individual box. The latter enables care home staff to monitor what individual residents have eaten and they can be specifically tailored to a resident’s individual requirement such as food allergy, additional fortification or increased fibre and the sharing platter helps to create a sense of community amongst residents. Enquiries: Visit http://www.eliorgroup.com

Famous furry friend visits home in first pet therapy visit since the pandemic RESIDENTS at Heatherfield in Armadale, West Lothian were in for a surprise after staff members organised for retired pet actor Sheldon the Great Dane – best known for starring as Zeus on TV show Still Game – to pay a special visit to the nursing home. His visit was organised as part of the home’s pet therapy sessions, halted in 2020 to manage the impact of the pandemic’s restrictions. Residents treated their guest of honour to a cuddle and a treat as sessions resumed for the first time in over two years. Sheldon was a well-known dog actor, whose star-studded career saw him appear on an episode of the Glaswegian sitcom Still Game in 2016. Jane Cooper, a dog lover from Livingston, would later adopt Sheldon after his retirement from show business. When a vet discovered his tumour, Jane launched an appeal to pay for an emergency operation to stop him from losing his sight. He now brings joy to residents as a dear friend of Heatherfield. Service manager Hazel McFie said: “We love seeing the joy on our residents’ faces when Sheldon or any one of our animal friends enters the room. “We look forward to watching them pet and hug them – or reminisce about their own animals. You can always tell it means so much to them.

“It makes such a difference to wellbeing for staff members and residents, especially after the last two years and all the challenges we’ve faced. “Pets are just one of the ways we can now boost morale or interact and socialise with each other again. “We will always do anything we can do to make life that wee bit more special for our residents, so we look forward to hosting Sheldon and other pet friends again soon.” The home recently purchased guinea pigs Cammie and Woody from a local pet shop. Both were named for the Cameron and Wood End communities within the home, which specialise in caring for residents living with dementia.

Pupils from three Perthshire primary schools have written songs inspired by care home residents as part of the Horsecross Arts Harmony Project. More than 40 youngsters from Cleish, Guildtown and Milnathort primary schools have been visiting care homes in their communities over the last few months, meeting residents and hearing about their memories, hobbies and hopes for the future. Working with a musician and drama artist they created songs inspired by the stories to perform back to the residents who inspired them. The songs have now been recorded and the pupils are performing them live in Causeway Court in Kinross, Robert Douglas in Scone and Ashley House in Milnathort.

How Lynx Purchasing can save you time and money WE don’t just understand the challenges the care sector is facing in these testing times, we understand the complexities too. Ensuring that those in your care enjoy the highest standards of nutrition, hygiene and comfort despite soaring costs is your priority. It’s ours too. That’s why we work closely with our customers to identify cost-saving opportunities across every business area, not least catering. Our expertise lies in securing the highest quality products and services from suppliers at the very best price – from fresh food to frozen, from kitchen equipment to cleaning essentials. We’ll help you to review your buying activity then work on your behalf to actively cut your costs, not your standards. And working with us costs you nothing – no fees, no contract, no change to how you pay suppliers. The only difference is that we pass on 100 per cent of the savings we negotiate to you.

So let us take care of saving you time and money whilst you take care of those who need you most. Enquiries: Find out more by calling Lynx Purchasing on 01325 710143 or email hello@lynxpurchasing.co.uk

CARINGCATERING AND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT Advertiser’s announcement

Products designed with you in mind Who are BBP Marketing Ltd? BBP Marketing is a family-owned company based in Mirfield, West Yorkshire established in 1882. BBP is a recognised leader in the design and manufacture of reusable drinkware and catering products. We have a large range of styles and sizes and continually expand our range in order to meet our customers’ needs. Why use BBP Marketing? We understand the importance of taking care of our planet, which is why we take pride in our products being reusable, as well as recyclable at end of life. They are machine washer safe, virtually unbreakable and can last a lifetime. Not only are our products helping the environment, they are also designed with you in mind. Whether it be a bowl with easy grip handles either side for better stability or a plate with cover to keep your food fresher for longer, we strive to make products that are suitable for everyday use. The benefits of using Polycarbonate over glass are endless. Not only does it eliminate opportunities for injuries which can occur during glass breakages, it also ensures a safer environment that we know is important within the care sector as well as the hospitality industry. Polycarbonate, whilst being

lightweight, is also a great insulator of hot or cold liquid. It serves as a thermal barrier to protect the user’s hands from hot or cold contents, whilst keeping the liquid at the desired temperature for longer. You may have seen already our patient water jug designed specifically for the NHS in hospitals around the United Kingdom.

We worked closely with the NHS nursing team and in-turn successfully created a product that meets the needs of both patient and staff. We always welcome the opportunity to work with clients who hold new and exciting ideas that fill a gap in the market. Branding, logo printing and further bespoke work can also be implemented upon request.

How do we purchase? We have a reputable list of distributors across the globe, who can supply our products along with other complimentary items to suit your needs. Please ask your distributor for our products or email us and we will be happy to recommend a suitable distributor. www.bbpmarketing.co.uk

CARINGNEWS

Group shares stories to inspire those impacted by the pandemic to take up a career in care FROM casino worker to carer; a family-run care group is launching a campaign to inspire those impacted most by the pandemic to receive a new lease of life in social care. Following several challenging years in all areas of employment brought on by national lockdowns, social distancing practices and Brexit, Handsale Care Homes has been sharing the inspiring tales of those transitioning to a career in social care – as it encourages people to make the switch and join rewarding roles across its eight care homes spread throughout the UK. One of those people is Tony Glen, who, 18 months ago, joined Handsale’s Bierley Court near Bradford as an administrator. Before journeying into care, Tony, 35, had clocked up more than 14 years’ worth of experience in the casino industry, serving as a croupier, deputy head cashier and an area supervisor, before transitioning to the electronic gaming VIP sector of the business. After more than a decade in one of the world’s wealthiest and most vibrant sectors, Tony recalls how he went from dealing blackjack and spinning roulette to caring for Handsale’s elderly residents. “After taking a break from the casino industry, I started to work for the NHS as a medical secretary,” he said.

Tony Glen

“Going above and beyond for wealthy and famous clients has its perks, yet can also be incredibly unrewarding. “However, I’ve found even the smallest of gestures when working with someone in need always goes a long way. “That’s where the initial attraction towards a career in care stemmed from. The contrast between my

previous role and now is worlds apart.” He added: “My previous job was very much target driven and based on performance, using luxuries to bring back clients. “Whereas my current role is all about being transparent, putting others first and providing a comfortable, happy and safe environment for those in our care. My

only regret is that I didn’t make the transition sooner.” Transferring his skills as an entertainer for the general public, Tony plans to produce captivating, fun-filled activities for his latest set of eagerly waiting clients; the residents of Bierley Court. Handsale’s care director Rishi Sodha said: “We promote and seek out creative, transferable skills across our highly professional workforce, meaning it was only natural to provide opportunities to people like Tony who find themselves at unforeseen crossroads in their careers. “Since the pandemic began we’ve taken on people from all manner of backgrounds, some of whom hadn’t previously worked or even thought about a career in social care, but who have excelled in their new roles and are now integral members of the team in their respective homes. “The clue is in the name of social care; it’s about being able to care and show empathy, understanding and compassion to others. “So, if there’s an opportunity for us to help people transfer those skills to a new, exciting career where they can make a real difference to an individual’s life, then it’s a no-brainer from our perspective. “It’s something Handsale is determined to continue promoting for many years to come.”

Advertiser’s announcement

Handmade in England for more than 60 years THE Shackletons story began in 1959 in a small factory in West Yorkshire. We have been handcrafting upholstered chairs and sofas for more than 60 years using timehonoured skills. Each piece of Shackletons upholstered furniture and cabinetry is made or assembled by our talented team of craftsmen and women at our factories using the highest quality materials. Today, our upholsterers, cabinet makers, polishers and seamstresses still use the same techniques at our factories in Yorkshire. Every piece of furniture is made using the finest sustainable timbers, highest quality foams and fillings, and tailored in premium healthcare fabrics. Designed with care in mind We have a talented team of in-house designers and specialists who share a wide range of knowledge and expertise of the senior care sector. We constantly research the latest requirements in healthcare alongside the best practice in ergonomics to produce wellinformed, practical, and desirable pieces of furniture specifically designed with senior living in mind. Our chairs and sofas are upholstered in high specification healthcare fabrics supplied by our strategic partners. These fabrics are highly durable, fire retardant, anti-microbial, waterproof and stain resistant

making them practical for everyday use in care homes. Introducing our latest collections We regularly launch new furniture collections and look to improve our existing furniture ranges so that there is something to suit every space. Our latest launches have included Loxley upholstered chairs and sofas, the Aberford occasional table and our largest collection to date, Orto. The Loxley (pictured) is a family of chairs, sofas, footstools and ottomans and will complement any modern or traditional lounge, reception, library or snug. The family features a classic roll arm with hand pleated detail, elegant piping and statement turned legs with feature castors. For a stunning combination, this could be paired with the Aberford triple pedestal occasional table. The Orto is a versatile family of armchairs, sofas, footstools and ottomans. The range has been designed with superior comfort in mind. To provide greater levels of comfort, we have added springs to the fixed back which provide greater lumbar support and the gently curved arm allows residents to sit comfortably helping to relieve any tension in their neck, back and shoulders. You can view the new furniture collections on our website.

Caring UK Care Providers Conference Delivering excellence in care in challenging times

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CARINGSAFE HANDLING OF MEDICATION

Advertiser’s announcement

Are you managing risk effectively? SAFE handling and administration of medication requires your staff to perform five well known checks: right person, drug, dose, route and time. But are you and your care home managing this effectively? The CQC list several documented (and in certain cases prosecuted) unsafe practices including: gaps in the administration of medicines, continuing at a higher dose when the dose should have reduced, and poor recording on medicine administration records. The inspectorate goes on to list medicines frequently out of stock, failure to record allergies and failure to record times of medications as

common issues. In almost all of the above cases, care homes using paper based records would see significant lessening of risk by using an Electronic MAR system. Chris Gledhill, director at Electronic MAR, said: “The CQC understand that there may be inherent risk in carrying out care and treatment, and will not consider it unsafe if providers can demonstrate they have taken all reasonable steps… to manage risks that may arise…” Chris added: “If a provider is using up to date technology to record and monitor medication, this should count significantly towards ‘reasonable steps’, when compared to the risks and monitoring problems with using paper (MAR) records.” Even simple things like a digital picture of a resident on an electronic MAR sheet will help with the ‘right person’ check. When it comes to medication low stock, or running out of stock, (another serious and common issue highlighted by inspectors), Electronic MAR will monitor all prescriptions for each resident, and send automatic reminders – this is particularly useful since the average care home (of 30 beds) will have (again on average) 310 prescriptions for its residents at any one time – an impossibly timeconsuming task for already stretched staff. So what can you do to avoid mistakes happening? Good and Staff at Moorgate Hollow Care Home in Rotherham helped raise awareness of dementia with a sponsored walk around a country park while in fancy dress. Deputy manager Leighann Peace, carer Michelle Jackson and a resident’s granddaughter Chelsea Brown completed a five-mile course around Rother Valley Country Park. Leighann and Michelle donned pink-coloured fancy dress as they, along with Chelsea, took about one-and-a-half hours at a steady jogging pace to get round the park, which covers three square kilometres. The main aim was to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia more generally. Their endeavours raised £450.

Safe storage of medications STORING medicines correctly is heavily regulated in a hospital setting but is often seen as less critical in a care home setting. Although refrigerated medicine storage is generally well catered for, the majority of medicines should be stored between 15°C and 25°C (CRT). This range is often incorrectly referred to as ‘room temperature’ which in a good summer is not achievable. Medicine storage specialists QED Scientific offer a wide range of pharmacy fridges and CRT cabinets for general medicines and controlled drugs. All cabinets meet the standards required by BS2881:1989 (Level One) specification for cupboards for the storage of medicines in health care premises. Controlled drug models also meet the Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) Act 1973 with locks meeting BS3621. Since these cabinets actively monitor and control the storage temperature you can be assured that all your medicines will be stored securely and below 25°C even in hot weather. Enquiries: Call 01663 735494 or email info@qedscientific.com

continually improving systems, like those available at Electronicmar. co.uk will go a long way to mitigate these risks, as well as easing the strain on already stretched staff time and resources. Against a backdrop of increasing challenges, modern systems can take some of the strain, and give management peace of mind that

the right medication is being administered at the right time. To find out more and see case studies of care homes like yours who have successfully made the transition to a modern and paperless process, visit electronicmar.co.uk or call 0117 911 3889. *Source CQC website: www.cqc.org. uk

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CARINGNEWS

Blue Light Card offer to staff

ATHENA Care Homes is offering all employees a free two-year Blue Light Card subscription as a new addition to its employee benefits package. This new offering comes in addition to the range of benefits currently on offer which include: n Continuous development and training opportunities with pay enhancements. n Generous refer a friend scheme. n Long service awards. n Annual recognition awards ceremony. n Extensive employee support and assistance packages. Managing director Mala Agarwal said: “We are passionate about listening to feedback from our workforce and our recent team surveys highlighted a clear preference for store discounts. “That’s why we’re delighted to be offering each of our team a free Blue Light Card.” The Blue Light Card provides those in the NHS, emergency services, social care sector and armed forces with discounts online and in store. With coverage at both large national retailers and local businesses the team can now enjoy discounts on holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones and much more.

Sherwood care home rebranded to better serve the community THE Firs Residential Care Home in Sherwood has changed its name to Sandwood Care Home in a renaming ceremony in order to better reflect the nature of the home and the services it provides. After an in-depth consultation, the home, managed by The Abbeyfield Society, made the difficult decision in February to end its nursing provision and to close the neighbouring Sycamore House and Kenyon Lodge properties. The purpose-built care building, Sandwood Care Home, enables Abbeyfield to provide a new residential service that delivers care for its residents, maintains best practice standards and concentrates the efforts of its staff team amid the ongoing recruitment and retention challenges faced by the care sector. The renaming of the care home and remodeling of the services encompassed the refurbishment of the home’s day centre, which was re-opened at an event by guests of honour Ron and Brenda Kenyon, who were involved with the initial building of The Firs. Now including a new coffee hub and kitchen area, the Sandwood Centre enables Sandwood Care Home to provide a wider range of communitybased activities benefitting residents, their families and other individuals and organisations from the local area.

Abbeyfield’s regional operations manager Jacqueline McCann said: “We are pleased to offer the new residential provision and delighted to be able to maintain our reputation for providing excellent care for older people in the Nottingham area. “The new names of Sandwood Care Home and the Sandwood Centre were chosen to reflect the city’s famous history. Nottingham was originally built upon a labyrinth of tunnels and caves carved from sandstone. “The Sherwood area is also

renowned for its namesake, Sherwood Forest, home of the Major Oak Tree, the hideout of the legendary Robin Hood. “Both are important historical associations for the people of Nottingham, so we decided to combine the two to form our new name.” Sandwood Care Home now sits alongside Abbeyfield-run The Firs Complex, an Independent Living service for older people, which has retained its original name.

Advertiser’s announcement

The adult social care funding reforms – big bang or phased introduction? By Neil Grant OCTOBER 2023 is going to be a significant month for the care sector: the Government is planning to introduce its flagship adult social care funding reforms. There are four key elements: n A care cap of £86,000 in relation to any individual’s spend on personal care. n A far more generous means testing regime so that anyone with assets of less than £23,250 will not pay for their care at all, while anyone with assets between £23,250 and £100,000 will receive some financial assistance. n A “fair cost of care” which local authorities will be required to move towards paying to ensure a sustainable provider sector. n The right for self-funders to ask their local authority to arrange and broker care for them. Any one of these would be a radical development. All four together is little short of a revolution. The care cap only covers eligible care costs not everything spent on care by an individual. Eligible costs will be set by local authorities as the fair cost of care in their areas. Non care costs will not contribute to the cap, such as the costs of daily living. Only a small proportion of people

will ever reach the cap on care – a recent report from the County Councils Network estimated only between 3.7 per cent and 5.3 per cent of older adults would reach it. Of far greater practical significance is the more generous means testing regime. The County Councils Network report estimates that the proportion of people receiving full local authority support will rise from between 38 and 40 per cent to 65 per cent. Additionally, the proportion of

people receiving some level of local authority financial assistance will increase from 65 per cent to 93 per cent. This will require significant additional funding which is due to come from the new National Insurance Levy. A major shock to the system may well occur if significant numbers of self-funders ask their local authorities to arrange their care based on the fair cost of care in their areas rather than the typically higher private rates.

The worry is that care providers will face a funding shortfall if people who would normally be paying privately go on to the local authority rates. The setting of realistic fair costs of care by local authorities is supposed to plug the shortfall but is likely to take time to be introduced. LaingBuisson has estimated a gap of £560million annually based on current funding allocations for the fair cost of care policy. It may be that the funding gap will in part be plugged by top up payments from residents or relatives. There is also the distinct possibility that care providers will look to continuing healthcare to plug any shortfalls given that the NHS does not fall within the fair cost of care process run by local authorities. Finally, there is the practical challenge on local authorities to recruit sufficient personnel to carry out all the new assessments and monitor people’s “personal care accounts” which will set out their spending towards the care cap. Given the enormity of task, it is not surprising that many in local government are asking for a phased introduction of the reforms rather than a “Big Bang” on October 1, 2023. n Neil Grant is a partner and senior lawyer at Gordons Partnership LLP Solicitors.

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CARINGTECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Filling staff vacancies made easier with CoolCare

SPECIALIST care home admin software company CoolCare has enhanced its innovative platform to assist care homes to manage staff vacancies. The new feature has been made available to all CoolCare customers as part of their monthly subscription for no additional cost. Managing director Fiona Hale said: “CoolCare could see the challenge that filling staff vacancies presented our customers after the pandemic. “There are so many moving pieces in care home recruitment that even getting clarity on what staff vacancies there are is challenging and time consuming – let alone tracking applicants. “Our products and services at all times aim to increase care home admin efficiency so this was an obvious area calling out for our help. The new recruitment software feature will save our customers a lot of time and improve the quality of their recruitment processes, meaning they are able to secure the best candidates.” Linking in with the provider’s electronic rotas,

VEMEN O R P IM

the new recruitment management feature identifies current and future staffing gaps. CoolCare encourages collaborative working, so those responsible for recruitment, whether in the home or at head office, can therefore keep on track and effectively plan for vacancy filling, giving as much lead time as possible to fill gaps. Once a vacancy is created, all the information regarding it can then be managed in one place. The system intuitively tracks applicants and progress from initial application through to onboarding of the new staff member. Where applicants apply for multiple positions, these can easily be assigned to multiple vacancies. Converting an applicant into a staff member is then as easy as a click of a button, pulling all the information captured during recruitment onto their file, thereby reducing duplication of data entry and saving valuable time. Enquiries: Email info@coolcare4.co.uk or call 0113 3853853.

Specialist dementia home welcomes its first resident A SPECIALIST dementia home in the West Midlands has welcomed its first resident having officially opened its doors — offering person-centred care within a state-of-the-art, luxury environment. Blythe Rose, a new dementia home in Blythe Valley Park, in Solihull, is the latest addition to the Macc Care group, a collection of luxury homes across the West Midlands. With clear ambitions of providing an inclusive care culture and fronted by industry stalwart Cheryl Harbourne MBE, the home will strive to pave the way for dementia care in the area. She said: “We are over the moon to finally be opening our doors to residents, and my amazing team and I can’t wait to welcome them with open arms. “Blythe Rose is a project that left

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no stone unturned when it came to creating an environment that supports those suffering from dementia. “Meeting our first resident Jennifer was a memorable moment for all of us here and we’re excited to expand our family — offering more people a level of care that goes far beyond their clinical needs.” The new home features an array of facilities designed to offer its residents a diverse selection of activities — including a luxury salon, communal cinema and a small shop. As well as this, the home will be separated into six individual lodges, each with 12 to 15 bedrooms, which will induce a sense of independent living and encourage residents to engage in everyday domestic activities.

CARINGHYGIENE, LAUNDRY & INFECTION CONTROL Advertiser’s announcement

Does your resilient flooring have a hygiene problem? AT BONA we are passionate about finding new innovative solutions in all areas we are involved in and are now able to offer a comprehensive range of sustainable, highperformance products and systems for resilient flooring. We have applied our expertise with coatings and maintenance products to create a totally unique program for caring for and maintaining resilient flooring effectively and with minimum disruption. Our high-quality care programme allows the ongoing maintenance of resilient vinyl, PVC, linoleum, and rubber floors to ensure continual performance, but also allows floors to be transformed when worn or degraded, rather than replaced. In heavy traffic scenarios surfaces can be sealed for additional durability and long-term protection. Floors face a range of challenges; from busy airports to hotel lobbies, which require a pristine appearance, to hospitals and kitchens that demand the highest levels of hygiene. Our simple system allows the professional to tailor a maintenance regime to the specific requirements of each floor. In terms of preserving the life of a floor’s surface, regular cleaning is the key. Bona’s cleaning treatment works effectively without harming the surfaces or the environment.

RESILIENT FLOORING SOLUTION

WEAR-THRU

WA R R A N T Y Bona.com/warranty

However, over time and with heavy wear and stubborn stains, an occasional deep clean may be necessary. Using the Bona PowerRemove R with the Bona PowerScrubber solves this issue, reviving resilient floors without the inconvenience of disruption due to renovation. Over time, repeated deep cleaning and the heavy trafficking regime may diminish the appearance and quality of the surface. The application of a new protective layer restores the original lustre and prolongs the life of the floor. Safe, quick and easy, Bona’s protective treatment restores floors bringing them back to life rapidly. Prior to the introduction of the protective layer the floor would be subjected to deep cleaning. Some resilient floors become damaged and heavily worn, often patchy in appearance. Traditionally this would be the point where the floor is replaced. However, with the unique Bona Recoating treatment, vinyl, PVC, linoleum, and rubber floors can be resurfaced quickly. This process can involve a complete transformation of the floor as it can be recoloured, using Bona Pure Colour, before protective layers of a transparent coating, Bona Pure or Pure HD are introduced. By renovating the existing surface

rather than replacing it, a lengthy installation period is avoided along with the inconvenience of disposing of the old floor. The Bona Resilient System can also be used for coating new resilient flooring, such as LVT, following installation. The primary difference with LVT compared to other types of resilient flooring, is the fine cracks between adjacent LVT elements. Resilient flooring such as rubber have welds where the sections meet, providing a continuous, sealed surface. This prevents moisture ingress but also renders the surface easier to clean and specifically, prevents microorganisms from occupying these areas of the floor. A renovated floor also means a healthier floor. Renovating ensures that bacteria and microorganisms are eliminated – even those hiding in joints, scratches, and other hard-toreach areas. Independent testing verified that a smooth, joint-free LVT surface can be created using Bona Deep Clean and Bona Pure, securing a hygienic floor according to the regulations of Technical Rules for Biological Agents (TRBA). We commissioned a study on the use of the Bona Commercial System on LVT flooring – typically used in hospitals and other hygiene sensitive areas. The test was carried out in

conjunction with the IFR Institute in Germany. The purpose of the test was to prove that a smooth, jointfree surface, as set out in the rules of the German TRBA standard, can be created by over-coating with Bona Pure. The first step of the test was to install a range of new LVT wood effect flooring. The next step involved dividing the test area into two sections and coating one with Bona Pure, while the other was left untreated. A solution containing fluorescent pigments was then applied daily across the whole floor and cleaned using the Bona PowerScrubber and Bona Deep Clean Solution. Daily contamination with the pigments followed by cleaning was carried out over a period of 8 weeks. At the end of the test period, UV lights were used to expose the levels of contamination on each part of the floor. The part of the floor not treated with Bona Pure showed high levels of contamination. The part treated with Bona Pure showed hardly any. To prove the test results further, the LVT planks were removed to examine for signs of contamination below the surface. On the untreated area, a high level of contamination was found below the planks due to penetration through the joints. However, the area treated with Bona Pure showed almost no signs of contamination thanks to its protective layer which seals each joint. With increasing amounts of LVT being installed it is likely that customers are going to be keen to ensure the surface is as clean and hygienic as possible. The Bona Resilient System offers a simple and effective solution, in addition to extending the life of the flooring itself. Bona Limited info.uk@bona.com bona.com Tel 01908 525 150

CARINGHYGIENE, LAUNDRY & INFECTION CONTROL Advertiser’s announcement

Duplex has the answer to a wee problem faced by care homes DUPLEX has been supplying a range of floor cleaning machines into the care sector for more than 30 years and know that one of the problems faced by many care homes is urine on carpets. Duplex has the answer. By pre-spraying badly soiled carpets with our specially formulated Hydrofresh chemical it helps to neutralise the urine odour followed up with the steam and brush agitation of the Duplex Steam machine which kills the bacteria leaving carpet fibres revitalised and smelling fresh and clean and looking like new whilst also prolonging the useful life of the carpet. As minimal amounts of water are required in this method of cleaning drying time is cut to a minimum at around twenty minutes on carpets and much less on hard floors so that areas which have been cleaned are very quickly able to be used again. The range of Duplex steam floor cleaners clean without the need for aggressive chemicals making them an economically sound choice and their low water useage means that they are also ecologicallyfriendly in a world where water saving is becoming more and more important. These models not only clean but also sanitise with the power of steam and are perfect for daily maintenance cleaning and periodic deep-cleans. The world renowned Duplex Steam scrubber dryer is unique in it’s field being the only cylindrical brush floor cleaning machine with steam injection.

With its ability to clean and sanitise a large array of types of floor surfaces it is outstanding on most of the floor coverings found in the care sector including carpets, slip-resistant flooring, vinyl, Flotex, laminate flooring and wood without the need to change brushes. We also supply a wide range of steam cleaning equipment to address multi surface cleaning and sanitising issues. These machines tackle many cleaning tasks without the need to use chemicals making for a healthier, greener environment. From bedrooms, bathrooms, treatment and sluice rooms to kitchens, lounges and corridors, we can supply a solution to most cleaning needs in the care environment. To demonstrate the efficacy of our products we have commissioned independent tests by the Hospital Infection Research Laboratory in Birmingham. We have certified data that proves our machines kill the bacterium most common in the environment including Clostridium Difficile. We carry out free, no obligation on-site demonstrations on a nationwide basis and once a machine has been purchased we offer comprehensive, certificated on-site staff training to enable you to get the very best out of your investment. We also offer planned service packages and a friendly and helpful after-sales service from our Kent head office.

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CARINGHYGIENE, LAUNDRY & INFECTION CONTROL Advertiser’s announcement

Specialist baths from Gainsborough – your worldclass choice, 100 per cent proudly built in Britain GAINSBOROUGH Specialist Bathrooms is a British business delivering an unsurpassed 360-degree service in accessible bathrooms and baths for care homes, hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. So, what makes this organisation so unique? Gainsborough is no ordinary supplier. It has been a trusted, specialist bath manufacturer for more than 35 years with a highly established production line based in the West Midlands. Its dedicated and diligent workforce handcraft power assisted bathing solutions here in the UK that are 100 per cent bather-centric – ensuring maximum safety and care for vulnerable users. Add to this ultra-efficiency, performance and ergonomics,

healthcare providers who choose Gainsborough benefit from optimum safety, reduced risk and impressive economics. Gainsborough is a truly British business leading the world in assistive bathing technology. Its R&D department is renowned for continually raising the bar in terms of bather comfort and carer support. With one of the largest manufacturing facilities of its kind in Europe, Gainsborough represents the respected name in hi-lo baths with a range that meets all care needs. From the reclining Sentes for added postural support to the multi-faceted, highly adaptable Gentona, every bath from Gainsborough enhances CQC excellence and provides outstanding capital expenditure ROI. Despite continuing global supply

chain issues, Gainsborough continues to deliver an exceptional British service: n Eight-week lead time for bath delivery. n UK-built baths with high quality control (ISO 9001). n Total support from design and install to servicing and warranty – UK-based team. n UK family owned – delivering caring, ethical service with ‘British family values’ at the heart of the business. n Baths crafted with British passion, pride and precision. n Unique BioCote antimicrobial technology. Alongside bath manufacturing, Gainsborough offers its G360 services for complete accessible bathroom and wet room provision.

This holistic service, from concept to completion, perfectly synergises with its bath supply and provides an unequalled level of support. Every aspect is managed through Gainsborough so project delivery on time and within budget is assured. Healthcare providers can now avoid the hassle of dealing with multiple suppliers as G360 co-ordinates all bathroom works – ensuring client management time and resources are protected. In summary and bearing in mind the global situation right now, choosing a highly creditable, established UK bath manufacturer represents the considered choice. Why select a mere supplier or an organisation based abroad when Gainsborough offers all the homegrown quality you will ever need?

Cold therapy gels for drug-free pain relief

Lancashire healthcare company on a path to net zero AWARD winning care home supplier CareHomeLife, whose core purpose is ‘to honour our loved ones with dignity’, has announced its commitment to make 100 per cent of its operations carbon neutral, to support them on their journey to Net Zero. The company will achieve carbon neutrality through operational efficiencies, including an emissions reduction plan. Eddy Fishwick, chairman of CareHomeLife, said “This is a decision that feels ethically right to me both professionally and personally. An integral part of our strategy for 2022 and beyond is prioritising people and planet whilst protecting care home’s pockets. “For integrity it is important we walk the talk. Our intentions include working closely with manufacturers to reduce the carbon footprint of our products meaning we can champion the sustainability goals of our care home customers too. Collectively, we can and must do more.” CareHomeLife has appointed Auditel, a leading UK cost, procurement and carbon solutions company, to support them on their journey

toward Net Zero. Eddy added: “It is an ambitious plan and one which the whole team is fully committed to. In alignment with our people, planet and pocket promise, we are all aware of the ever-increasing impacts of climate change. “I have been inspired by other companies setting impressive targets and it is vital that as a business we make our contribution to building a sustainable working world. “We have appointed Auditel to help us deliver a substantiated carbon assessment and emissions reduction plan giving us the rigour needed to ensure we work towards our goal in a credible and measured way.” Rob Allison, carbon solutions director at Auditel, added. “We are delighted to be working with CareHomeLife, a genuine champion of sustainability in healthcare supplies to care homes. “We look forward to working with the team and their supply chain to help them achieve an industry recognised standard of carbon neutrality.” Enquiries: Call 01772 435 310 or email debbie.smith@carehomelife.co.uk

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most efficient machines without incumbent costly upfront payment. This makes cost and planet conserving machines such as heat pump dryers more accessible. Notably, the running costs for greener machines are significantly lower than for less efficient models. We are finding that our Miele Heat Pump dryers are a very popular choice for care homes looking to save on running costs and choose safer alternatives to gas drying equipment. Forbes Professional’s highly experienced advisors help clients choose the most energy, cost and user efficient machines for their specific environment. We offer all potential clients complimentary site surveys and cost calculations to demonstrate their projected savings. If you are considering updating your laundry equipment or are wondering what the cost implications would be of transitioning away from gas dryer models, our team would be delighted to discuss the various options available.

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Home rolls back the years to celebrate last of its ‘Through the Decades’ theme days RESIDENTS and staff at a Maidstone care home rolled back the years as its time-travelling ‘Through the Decades’ theme reached a funky finale, in the bygone era of the 1970s. With the music of Stevie Wonder, Pink Floyd, ABBA and Fleetwood Mac serenading its residents, Nellsar’s Loose Valley Care Home celebrated the era of bell-bottoms, disco, cultural change and technological innovation in style – with flares and patterned wallpaper aplenty. Recreation and well-being champion Paula Smy said: “Our latest and final journey back in time to the 1970s couldn’t have gone any better. “To see so many smiling faces amongst our residents, who relished in sharing tales from a familiar time, is something that I’ll never forget. “Everyone had so many fascinating tales to share with one another and it was so much fun seeing staff and residents alike take their turn on the karaoke. “It was the perfect ending to what has been an unforgettable theme inspired by Nellsar.” Excited to reminisce and return to an era remembered so fondly by many, residents took full advantage of the fun-filled day that took them on a virtual tour of the decade, which included fun quizzes, cardboard cutouts of music records and a full-size replica of the first mobile phone, with a large carry-around battery pack. Dubbed ‘Through the Decades’, the third and final theme day following

trips back to the 50s and 60s, saw staff embracing the iconic 70s era. They took it in turns to sing ABBA songs with their residents, who had to guess the lyrics first before singing the rest of the song on the karaoke. Loose Valley also provided quizzes and interesting facts about the 1970s, with pictures of technology – chunky computers, dial telephones and digital cameras – on display. In addition, residents and staff enjoyed chatting, reminiscing and sharing stories from the memorable decade, while others compared how old they were in the 70s – with ages ranging from 40 to two.

Home pays tribute to World War II survivors and veterans at event SIGNATURE at Camberley paid tribute to heroes from the Second World War at a poignant event. It came as part of VE Day, an annual occasion which brings the UK together to mark the end of World War Two in 1945, following Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s announcement via radio at 3pm that war in Europe had ended after Germany’s surrender the previous day. Residents and team members came together at the care home, which cares for 80 residents, to mark the occasion with a garden party. Girlie Braga, general manager at Signature at Camberley, said: “Our VE Day celebrations were in full swing, which was particularly pleasing after the disruption these celebrations have faced over the last two years due to Covid-19. “Many of our residents have vivid memories of events on May 8, 1945, and it is important to continue

recognising the date’s significance. “Just as the country was brought together in unity 77 years ago, our home united to remember not only the joyous occasion of VE Day, but also the sacrifice generations of people made during the Second World War.” The event, which was opened by local dignitaries, the Mayor and Mayoress of Rushmoor Borough Council, Bruce and Tracey Thomas, was a big moment for everybody at the care home, with family members and friends welcomed all together for the first time since the start of the pandemic. The highlight of the VE Day celebrations came when guests had the opportunity to see and learn about a vintage Humber Halk staff car called ‘Monty’, an iconic vehicle which was used as a military car by the British armed forces during World War Two.

Home’s green-fingered fun A HERTFORDSHIRE care home used its gardening club to reconnect residents with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren through some green-fingered fun to mark the recent National Children’s Gardening Week. Residents from Foxholes near Hitchin, recently visited their local garden centre to personally select flowers and plants to help grow and maintain in their own miniature gardens in the grounds of the care home. Estate manager Neil Gandecha said: “Our residents got to enjoy some quality and meaningful time visiting the garden centre to pick their plants, and were excited to take part in some green-fingered fun on National Children’s Gardening Week.

“With the days finally warming up, we felt now was the perfect time to promote intergenerational relationships between residents and their grandchildren, and even greatgrandchildren, by getting outside and tending to the miniature gardens. “The gardening club is one of our biggest activities at Foxholes and one we are excited to open up to family members of all ages. “As always, we provide the truggs and the soil, though what is planted and maintained is completely determined by our residents and loved ones.” The warmer weather will also enable the resumption of the chef’s garden, where head chef Manuel Tovar Angulo will continue to grow his own vegetables for seasonal recipes.

Six residents from Richmond Villages, Cheltenham visited Deerhurst and Apperley C of E Primary School as part of Loneliness Awareness Week. The initiative was launched by the Marmalade Trust in 2017 and aims to get people talking about loneliness. With mental health being a key element of the school’s curriculum, Deerhurst and Apperley school were keen to take part in Loneliness Awareness Week and to involve their wider community. John Sidwell, 85, Jack Wilson, 85, Mike Heath, 89, Olive Martin, 94, Beryl Foulkes, 94, and Jean Haigh, 96, joined the primary school pupils for their Fish Friday lunch to start a conversation about loneliness, not only for the elderly, but for young people too. The visit comes after the residents were invited to watch the school choir perform at Cheltenham Festival.

CARINGNEWS Advertiser’s announcement

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STRUGGLING to cope with limited Evaluation human and financial resources, care Measuring how long someone spends home operators have realised that in their room and at rest identifies reactive and proactive care are two reduced mobility that increases fall sides of the same coin. risk, often due to muscle wastage. However, care technologies that It also highlights loneliness and ought to give nursing staff the tools depression which heighten risk. to do their jobs and enhance care delivery, have traditionally struggled Prediction on both fronts. Caregivers need to flag near-term In terms of reactive care, especially fall risk. If someone’s visiting the assisting after falls, standard solutions bathroom more often than usual, they have clear drawbacks. Buttons and might have a UTI. And disturbed sleep cords are often out of reach. leads to tiredness that makes a fall People have to remember – and be more likely the following day. willing – to put on pendants or fall detection watches. Intervention And like floor mats, these devices Notifications when a resident sits up in often trigger false alerts, wasting bed provide a window of opportunity precious time and increasing the risk to step in. Bed mats can provide of alarm fatigue among caregivers. Enter Vayyar Care. A virtual caregiver this data, but they’re notoriously As for video cameras, they’re in every room, this 4D imaging sensor Detection inaccurate and have to be frequently unacceptable to most, although that’s integrates with any nurse call system, Even a minor fall doubles the risk of a replaced. where 80 per cent of falls happen. providing exceptionally accurate fall more serious one, and almost half of Vayyar Care gathers all this data and Legacy devices can’t deliver what detection alongside rich behavioral these falls are never reported, due to more, and it’s changing the game for residents demand: dignity, privacy and data that supports predictive analytics, fear of losing independence, shame, or UK care homes, technology suppliers, independence. allowing caregivers to work smarter by reluctance to be a burden. Detecting For proactive care, providers VYR are prioritising care delivery. CR UK CARING UK IMAGE JUN22 V4A.indd 5 9/06/22 9:32frontline PM caregivers and residents. low-impact falls as well as serious n Stuart Barclay is the UK sales crying out for insights into sleep It’s the key to a new care model: the ones enables rapid response in all director at Vayyar Care, email quality, time at rest and mobility, all of four dimensions of data-driven falls which will enable true fall prediction. management. scenarios, accurate risk assessment, stuart.barclay@vayyar.com

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Work to begin on Leicestershire site GLOBAL property adviser Knight Frank has advised Sanders Senior Living on the acquisition strategy for a new care home development in Melton Mowbray. Sanders Senior Living has completed the transaction for the development of a new, futureproofed care home facility in the Leicestershire town which will comprise 60 bedrooms on a one acre plot. Each room will have en-suite wet room provision and residents will have access to a range of communal facilities including a dementia café, hair salon, lounges and landscaped outdoor spaces with seating areas to enhance residents’ wellbeing. Located in the main urban area of Melton, just a 15-minute walk from the train station, the care home consists of quality, inclusive and sustainable design and is regenerating the former Sandicliffe

Ford car sales pitch site. Achieving planning in April, construction on the site is due to start shortly. Tom Sanders, estates director, Sanders Senior Living, said: “We are pleased to have received the guidance and expertise of Knight Frank on this strategic acquisition in Melton Mowbray. We have worked with Knight Frank on previous Sanders Senior Living developments, including our Worcester site, The

Belmont. “As such, our already established and existing partnership with Knight Frank gives me the upmost confidence that we will see great success in our new development. “The Group’s invaluable expertise and knowledge ensures that we will be meeting the needs of Melton Mowbray’s community in providing professional care, something, at Sanders Senior Living, we pride ourselves on.”

In 2020, Knight Frank advised Sanders Senior Living on the acquisition of a similar site in Worcester, The Belmont, which is now operational. Mandip Bhogal, associate in healthcare at Knight Frank, added: “We are proud to have supported Sanders Senior Living in this strategic acquisition and development opportunity which will provide a premium care home for the Melton Mowbray community. “The demand for best-in-class care properties is only set to increase as the population continues to age. “In addition to providing a significant facility locally, this development is also providing muchneeded stock of fit-for-purpose, future-proofed, purpose-built care facilities with sustainability and a focus on residents’ experience at the heart of the design and development process.”

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Veteran care village wins regional award The Lord Mayor of Leeds is joined by Adel Manor’s first resident Valerie Maunder and members of the New Care team.

£15m Leeds care home opens NEW Care has opened the doors to Adel Manor, a ‘new generation’ care home in Adel worth circa £15m. New Care worked meticulously with the architect and clinical team, and closely with the local authority, to deliver a state-of-the-art care facility that will provide residential, nursing, dementia and respite care services. It features 74 fully furnished bedrooms, each with a private en-suite wet room. There is a selection of communal lounges, dining rooms and quiet reading rooms, as well as spa assisted bathrooms, a nail bar and hairdresser. Making the most of the picturesque semi rural views, Adel Manor features landscaped gardens and an outdoor terrace. To celebrate the opening of Adel Manor, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Asghar Khan, was invited to the care facility for an exclusive

tour. The visit offered him the opportunity to meet the team based at Adel Manor, as well as the home’s first few residents. Asghar officially cut the red ribbon and declared the care home open, assisted by Adel Manor’s first resident, Valerie Maunder, aged 76. Commissioning director Dawn Collett said: “We are thrilled to have opened our first care home in Yorkshire and it was a pleasure to welcome Coun Asghar Khan to Adel Manor to look around the care facility, meet the team and learn more about the company.” Adel Manor is New Care’s 10th facility in the UK. In the coming 12 months the care home will create approximately 100 jobs in multiple disciplines, from carers and nurses to hospitality, housekeeping, activities, maintenance and chefs.

A SCHEME to create the UK’s first veteran care village has won a top award. The £12.5m project, which has transformed Broughton House in Salford, scooped the community benefit honour in the north west category of the 2022 RICS Awards. The awards – run by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors – recognise outstanding initiatives in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. The community benefit category celebrates outstanding achievements in providing a facility that directly benefits the local community. Broughton House now goes through to the national grand final, which will be held in London on Friday, October 21. Broughton House chief executive Karen Miller said: “We are honoured and thrilled that our new veteran care village has been recognised with this prestigious award. “Creating a facility which better meets the needs of our veterans now and in the future was a major undertaking which is bearing fruit as a modern, comfortable and welcoming home and community for service veterans from across the north west and beyond.” Since the demolition of the original home in 2020, Broughton House has been transformed into a modern complex featuring a 64-bed care

home, including a 16-bed household dedicated to veterans with dementia, and six retirement apartments. The redevelopment was carried out in phases to ensure Broughton House continued to function and provide care throughout. Facilities at the revamped site include a museum, a gym, a hairdressing and barber’s salon and a restaurant and bar for residents. There is also an Armed Forces Support Hub which provides welfare support and counselling for ex-service people of all ages living in the local community. The project manager for the redevelopment was Manchesterbased Dooley Associates. Founder and managing director Brendan Dooley said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that Broughton House has been recognised in the RICS Awards. “It was a challenging brief, creatively, financially and logistically, and I’m immensely proud that Dooley Associates led the team on this project. “The scope and budget of the two-stage development was fully respected, and the entire project was handled with empathy and care to the existing residents. “This prestigious award is testament to what can be achieved when a team strives towards a common goal, particularly when that goal is so critical to a respected community.”

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Chancellor opens newly refurbished home lodge RISHI Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Conservative MP for Richmond, Yorkshire, visited Rosedale Nursing and Care Home in Catterick to open its newly refurbished lodge. The facility, part of the Maria Mallaband Care Group, which has more than 80 homes across the UK, invited the Chancellor to cut the ribbon on the lodge following a £600,000 refurbishment. Prior to Covid, the Lodge at Rosedale offered residential dementia care, but with the advent of the pandemic in 2020, the home moved those living there into the main building to free up beds for North Yorkshire County Council, which needed them to ease the pressures on overstretched hospitals. The unit was staffed by a dedicated team of Rosedale staff during the pandemic to allow elderly patients with milder Covid symptoms to be cared for away from a hospital setting until they were well enough to return home. In 2021, when the hospitals no longer needed the additional beds, and with those living in the main building now well-settled, the decision was made to refurbish the lodge and relaunch it as a private residential unit. Founder of Maria Mallaband

Care Group, Phil Burgan, said: “It was a great pleasure to welcome the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak MP, to launch the new-look Lodge at Rosedale, and to meet some of the incredible staff here who gave so much during the pandemic. It was an opportunity to showcase the vital work we do in this sector. “The lodge was a much-needed resource during Covid and will be important for the community going forwards too. This was a wonderful way to usher in its new phase of life.” During his visit Rishi met with some of those living at Rosedale and their relatives, as well as members of the staff team and all of those that gathered. He also met with the three nominees of the MMCG annual care awards from Rosedale – Beth Moffatt,

who is nominated for Housekeeping Highflyer, Dawn McIntosh who has been nominated for Deputy Manager of the Year, and Mercy Aspiras, who has been nominated for Inspiring Nurse of the Year. Care home manager Victoria Brown added: “The Chancellor took a real interest in our brilliant staff, their incredible work, and how we were able to support our NHS partners during the pandemic. It felt fantastic to be able to share what we do here with such a senior member of the government. “And it was a great way to re-launch the lodge which has been given a new look and a new purpose. We are so grateful to Mr Sunak for making the time to be here for this special occasion.”

ND Care & Support has appointed a new regional manager as its private care division prepares for further growth. Amy-Jayne Carr joins the award-winning domiciliary care provider as demand for its services in providing essential care and support packages in people’s own homes continues to rise. ND Care & Support provides care services throughout Wales, either through local authorities and health boards, or for those who directly arrange for private care. With eight years of care sector experience behind her, Amy-Jayne’s focus is now on supporting the expansion of these services for the benefit of more families throughout South and South-West Wales. Having started her career as a carer, she has progressed to take on a series of management roles in recent years, working as a branch manager and as an area care manager before taking her new role with ND Care & Support.

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Care provider begins initial works at Wirral Waters site

A housing and care specialist with more than 800 employees has hired a director of people and organisational development as it looks to deliver a new strategy around staff wellbeing and performance. Nikki Ritchie has been appointed by Bield Housing and Care to help position it as the employer of choice in the sector, while targeting increased staff development and retention and the delivery of industry-leading levels of service. She brings more than 20 years of seniorlevel experience to the role, serving most recently as head of OD, HR and learning and development at Historic Environment Scotland, where she’d spent more than 10 years. Before that she spent close to 10 years working in a number of HR roles within the Scottish Government. The newly created role will involve everything from how to resource the organisation to overseeing health, Complete Care Business Solution: wellbeing and staff development, with her first challenge being the creation ideals.com and delivery of the new, far-reaching m people strategy.

NOT-for-profit dementia specialist Belong has begun enabling works at its site at Peel L&P’s Wirral Waters, appointing Caddick Construction to carry out the work as the organisation commences development of its £20million care village. Belong Wirral will be the hub of a dementia-friendly neighbourhood within one of the largest and most sustainable regeneration projects in the UK, on the ‘Left Bank’ of the River Mersey. Chief executive Martin Rix said: “We are delighted to be entering the next stage of this landmark project, which also marks the latest expansion of Belong in the North West. “Wirral Waters is an exciting development and we’re looking forward to welcoming the community to what will be our second Merseyside village, following the opening of Belong Birkdale next year.” Designed to support people as their needs change, the village will provide a range of specialist dementia services, including home care and day care under the Belong at Home and Experience Days brands, 34 independent living apartments and a range of amenities open to the wider community. 24-hour care will be provided in six extended family sized households, each accommodating up to 12

people, with spacious suites arranged around a shared living and dining area. The household model was pioneered by Belong to create a homely and reassuring atmosphere, where the team is able to develop positive relationships with residents, understand their needs and monitor wellbeing discreetly, aided by the open plan layout of the environment. Having already proven to be highly effective for infection control, the model at Belong Wirral will also incorporate additional design

What makes a care business successful? Is it because of a ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ rating from CQC? Is it because of high occupancy or high weekly hours? Or maybe it’s due to a healthy staff culture? Most people who have run or managed a care business know that any one of these components by itself isn’t the answer. You’ll understand that all the different parts of a care business such as compliance, care delivery, HR, marketing and finance, must function together seamlessly, to create success and balance for the long-term. The Care Ideals team know this. We’ll work with you to create balance and growth in all areas, thereby helping to create a care business that delivers exceptional care and is also operationally sound and profitable.

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features based on learnings from Covid-19. The village will offer a vibrant setting, with a number of amenities including a waterside bistro, hair salon, exercise studio, and entertainment venue with licensed bar. Outdoor spaces include spacious balconies for each household and a rooftop garden. Following the completion of the enabling works, the main contractor is due to commence onsite later this year, with completion of the build expected in 2024.

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Company to deliver new Peterborough facility for operator CLEGG Construction has been appointed to build a care home in Peterborough worth £10m. The business was awarded the contract by Avery Healthcare, which owns more than 50 homes across the country and has several more in development to help meet the rising demand for residential care services. The 80-bed facility will be located within a larger development called Hampton Gardens, which includes a convenience store, residential accommodation and a children’s nursery. It is the third care home facility Clegg has been appointed to build in partnership with Avery Healthcare, with new homes in Derby and Norwich currently taking shape. Simon Langley, contracts manager at Clegg Construction, said: “As an attractive city boasting a wide range of amenities, Peterborough is a popular choice for older people looking to enjoy their retirement. “It is, therefore, imperative that we provide first-class care accommodation that is safe and secure, so that individuals in need of residential care can continue to live full and independent lives. ”This is what we’re aiming to create at Hampton Gardens in partnership

with Avery Healthcare.” The development will include a variety of day spaces including a café, cinema, hairdressing salon, light communal rooms for residents and visitors, as well as a secure and attractive landscaped exterior garden. All the bedrooms feature en-suite bathrooms, and the entire facility is designed to offer a dementia-friendly environment. Simon added that the three-storey facility is being designed to make efficient use of space available on site, and to limit the visual impact of the care home on the neighbouring residential properties. The home will also incorporate the latest in good practice design to safeguard the welfare of – and optimise comfort levels for – staff, residents and visitors alike. Simon added: “The proposed development offers a contemporarystyled care home facility that will be built to high standards to meet the much-needed demand for residential care facilities in Hampton Gardens and the wider area. “We’re delighted we have been selected to build another personcentric care home for Avery and are very much looking forward to starting work.”

Group adds to its portfolio A CHESHIRE-based operator has added a seventh care home to its growing portfolio. Sandstone Care Group, which has headquarters in Chester and Warrington, has taken operational ownership of The Farmstead Care Home in Telford, Shropshire. Jen Roberts, development manager of Sandstone Care Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome The Farmstead into the Sandstone Care Group. It is a beautiful spacious home with great facilities, and it offers a much-needed service to the local community. “Over the coming months we will be looking to further invest in the home and its grounds as well as into staff training and personal development. “We’re also looking for more people to join the great team at The Farmstead. We have vacancies across all areas including nurses, care assistants, care practitioners, domestic and catering. “Our growing portfolio of care homes provide a range of residential, nursing and dementia care services

within modern, vibrant communities. Our focus is always on providing unrivalled person-centred care for our residents in a loving and welcoming environment.” The 66-bed home, offering a mix of residential, dementia care and general nursing across its three floors, has been acquired by Octopus Real Estate and will be operated by Sandstone on a 35-year lease. Chris Wishart, care home origination director at Octopus Real Estate, added: “We are thrilled to include The Farmstead within our healthcare strategy. This purposebuilt, fit-for-future care home typifies the quality of assets we seek to invest in across the UK. “We are also very excited to welcome Sandstone Care Group as operator and look forward to further strengthening our relationship with them over the coming years.” The home, which is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission, joins six other homes in the Sandstone Care Group in Powys, Wales, Merseyside and Lancashire.

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44 A CGI image of the new care.

Green light for luxury care home in Leeds HADRIAN Healthcare Group has received planning permission for a new build care home for the elderly in Roundhay, Leeds. The company will be investing c£15m in the new development, which will bring up to 90 permanent jobs to the local area. Ian Watson said: “We are delighted to have been given the green light to start work on this luxury care home in beautiful Roundhay. “We look for sites that reflect our offering and Roundhay fits perfectly with our vision. We are sensitive to the Roundhay Conservation Area and have worked closely with planning officials and local representatives to ensure that our home blends with the local architecture and enhances the area. “It almost seems to be underselling what’s on offer to mention ‘bedrooms’ when what we are actually providing is an exclusive quality of life for discerning elderly people who can no longer live by themselves, but want to maintain their lifestyle, individuality and dignity. Quality of care and quality of life is paramount to us – we are large enough to make a difference but small enough to care. “We believe the home we’ll build in Roundhay will be one of the most prestigious residential care developments in the UK.” The Manor House Roundhay will offer 65 spacious and luxurious bedrooms/suites, each with their own

en-suite bathroom. The accommodation will be arranged in small living groups to create a warm, ‘home from home’ atmosphere, and the living areas will look out over landscaped private gardens. As well as residential accommodation, The Manor House Roundhay will provide the company’s specialist ‘Chesters’ accommodation, which has been specially designed by experts at Hadrian Healthcare to provide a homely, safe and stimulating environment, together with a spacious outside terrace, for people with dementia and other memory impairments. Respite care will also be available for those who need a short break away from home or to convalesce after hospital treatment. Facilities will include a bistro, café/ bar, traditional style tearoom, beauty salon, private dining facilities and stunning outdoor gardens and seating areas. Construction is due to begin shortly, with the development planned to be completed in late 2023. The company sold five of its Manor House homes in Yorkshire and County Durham in 2019. It now operates two North East homes, both rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission; the Manor Houses at Gosforth and Whickham. Their most recent development, The Mill House Skipton, will open in January.

Group announces multimillion-pound energy efficiency investment RENAISSANCE Care has announced plans to spend around £14million on energy efficiency focused refurbishments while providing additional beds across its existing care home portfolio as part of a postpandemic investment drive over the next three years. Executive chairman Robert Kilgour announced the investment plans as he confirmed ambitions to double the firm’s size as it looks to run 30 homes across Scotland after securing new multi-million-pound bank facilities and also gaining access to an initial £30m of additional acquisition funding. He said: “This new investment is substantial but, in our view, vital in maintaining and improving the high standards at our homes. “The last two years have been an incredibly tough time for residents, families and hard-working team members in care homes across the country and it is important to us that we provide the best possible care and facilities for our people. “Despite all that we have been through since the start of the pandemic, we remain very positive about the direction of the business and our future plans. “As we look to further growth, we are proceeding with our expansion plans to double the size of Renaissance Care across the country, becoming one of Scotland’s major care home operators. “At the heart of that, we are investing, developing and working alongside our people, ensuring that we can attract and retain the very best of talent to instill a person-centred approach across each of our homes.” The group, which currently operates 16 care homes throughout Scotland with around 1,200 staff, will spend

more than £6million over the next three years on major refurbishments, kitting out its existing care homes with lots of new windows, full LED lighting, improved insulation, new boilers and better heating controls as part of an energy efficiency drive. The group also revealed plans to spend £8million, subject to gaining planning permission, on six major projects – adding a further 56 new bedrooms, amongst other related improvements, at six of its existing care homes. These moves are part of the group’s efforts to future proof the business and create a happy and safe environment for all residents and staff and to help with staff recruitment with currently around 60 vacancies across the group and in all disciplines. As it looks to further growth, Renaissance Care is also developing its people strategy to ensure a good pipeline of staff across its homes, while retaining the best talent across the sector. As part of the plans, the group recently announced a full cultural review across its 16 homes in response to exhaustion across the care sector following the pandemic. Staff across the homes will now be offered a range of new benefits including flexible working, a pay review across all roles, and a health and wellbeing package. The operator is additionally investing £500,000 on its operational management and accounting systems to improve administrative processing for all staff and to help it achieve its planned future growth and this also includes the rolling out of the Nourish ecare plan system across all its care homes.

Bank receives more than £180m of enquiries as it enhances offering ALLICA Bank has received more than £180million of enquiries from care home businesses since it launched its specialist team last September. In light of this flurry of demand – which it says is driven by an influx of new market entrants, existing operators looking to expand and a reluctance among incumbent banks to service the sector – Allica has adjusted its lending policy to allow it to support even more care home operators. Allica Bank launched its specialist lending team to provide brokers, experienced care home operators and first-time buyers with access to care home lending expertise. In April it also increased the maximum customer exposure for care home customers to £10million to enable more operators to strengthen and scale their businesses. It also

Nick Baker recently expanded its specialist team in the north of England and Scotland with the appointment of Brian Bovell. The bank says the changes will especially benefit experienced care

home operators, with it now able to lend based on the value of the existing business alongside the underlying property asset. It has also reconfirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting new entrants to the care home sector, who it says are a particularly underserved segment of the market. “Incumbent banks tend to steer clear of the care home sector altogether because of the added levels of complexity when assessing transactions,” said Brian Bovell, one of Allica Bank’s specialist care home relationship managers. “And this is exactly why Allica has doubled down on it. “We have identified the importance of giving brokers and customers access to that market expertise ourselves, and it’s proven to be

incredibly popular so far. “First-time buyers in particular often struggle to get the finance they need. This is a real worry considering their importance to the long-term sustainability of the sector, which is adjusting to a post-pandemic world and an ageing population. “We’re pleased to be one of the few banks with the capacity to help them.” Nick Baker, chief commercial officer at Allica Bank, added “This vital sector needs all the support it can get following the pandemic, and I’m pleased that Allica is able to provide that. “We’ve had fantastic feedback from our broker community since launching our specialist team last year, and we have big plans to expand our proposition even further in the coming months.”

45 Advertiser’s announcement

Headwinds and opportunities for healthcare By Alison Willoughby WHEN I was thinking about what to write for this editorial, I considered some of the ever present issues facing the care market and its ongoing resilience. Healthcare has never been for the faint hearted, now so more than ever. Yet, notwithstanding a host of challenges including Covid, rising staffing costs, recruitment, retention and a changing regulatory regime, it remains an attractive proposition for operators and investors. When you consider the fallout in other key markets and the growing demand in this one, its enduring popularity is entirely understandable. As agents, Fleurets is certainly seeing sustained levels of demand for both individual and corporately owned businesses. From individual homes, where proprietors are involved in the day

Alison Willoughby

to day operation, to major groups operated fully under management, the mood is positive. Providers are ready to grow; through acquisition, development or by extending, the appetite for care remains high. Healthcare is no longer seen as an alternative market. With an expanding elderly demographic of people living longer but not necessarily stronger (the population of over 85s is expected to almost double from 1.7m in 2020, to 3.1m by 2050 according to the Office for National Statistics), the need for care continues to rise. The market needs to grow to meet that increasing demand. In addition to elderly care, increasing demand for retirement

communities and supported living schemes provides more opportunities for the private market to develop, along with a fast evolving specialist supported living model for people below 65. Homes with a compliance rating of Good or Outstanding and more than 30 beds tick a lot of funding boxes, so there is a huge amount of interest whenever one comes to the market, and buying groups offers the chance to quickly expand a portfolio but there is also demand for smaller homes, or those which offer a turnaround opportunity. We are working with several owners to ensure they are prepared before going to market, utilising our experience and linking up with key professional partners to maximise the

sale opportunity. Such investment prior to a sale can be vital to ensuring a business’s highest exit value is achieved. This is a market that requires a specific set of skills and expertise to navigate, with advice often sought long before a sale materialises. Engaging with clients early on in the proceedings helps us to really understand the owner’s drivers, working with them to achieve their aims. Honesty, integrity and expertise are essential in making the process as smooth as possible. After all, the day job of caring doesn’t stop because a sale is taking place. n Alison Willoughby is the divisional director and head of healthcare at Fleurets.

LOOKING TO SELL YOUR CARE BUSINESS?

With the interest in care homes remaining very strong, now might be a great time to think about selling. We have a number of buyers keen to acquire operational care homes across the UK, so if you would like a confidential discussion about the possible sale of your care business, restructuring your portfolio, or your acquisition plans contact us today.

07879 073 195 Alison.Willoughby@fleurets.com www.fleurets.com

CARINGNEWS

Recruiting care workers and nurses for homes throughout the UK

With Mike Haylock at Moors Valley Railway are, from left: Fernhill companionship team leader Kate Morris; Mike’s sister Rosemary Worron and her grandson Harry; and family members Lisa Flay and Tim Worron.

Railway return just the ticket for Mike A LIFELONG steam engine enthusiast enjoyed a welcome return to his family-run railway courtesy of his Dorset care home. Mike Haylock, whose brother Jim founded the Moors Valley Steam Railway in the mid-1980s, was guest of honour on a trip from Colten Care’s Fernhill home in Longham. It was the first time in three-and-ahalf years that Mike, a former artist and illustrator, and a fan of steam trains from boyhood, had visited the popular attraction. Jim and fellow railway volunteers enabled him to view a steam engine that he still owns and it was an ideal opportunity for his first proper family picnic since the pandemic. Companionship team leader Kate Morris, who accompanied Mike, said: “He has always been interested in steam engines, the same as his brother. “It was so lovely being able to bring him back to Moors Valley and see him at the ‘family business’ once again. “Although Mike’s engine is off the track at the moment undergoing maintenance and waiting for a new boiler to be fitted, that didn’t spoil his fun. “He hadn’t seen his family for a proper outdoors visit for more than two years and just having the chance

to be among the steam trains and look around the station again was so rewarding for him.” Since the railway opened at Moors Valley Country Park in July 1986, hundreds of thousands of visitors including families and children have taken happy trips around the looping one-and-a-half-mile track. Jim had originally set up his own railway in 1980 at Tucktonia Leisure Park near Christchurch. After five years he decided he needed to move to a better location and with council permission relocated the track, rolling stock and equipment to the new Moors Valley park. Until Moors Valley Railway came into being, the site had been a dairy farm. The original buildings were converted into use as the station, carriage and engine sheds, and shop. Further additions included a station buffet, ticket office, waiting room and two signal boxes. A second station, Lakeside, closer to the park’s main picnic area, was added in 1996. The trip to Moors Valley was also a welcome treat for Dennis Edwards, a steam railway fan living at the operator’s Poole dementia care home The Aldbury, who was accompanied by its companionship team leader Sue Miles.

Group chairman recognises staff BALHOUSIE Care Group chairman Tony Banks has recognised staff and community partners who have ‘gone above and beyond’ in their service to the company. Tony issued a Chairman’s Award to 100 people across Balhousie’s 26 care homes and local communities, as well as several former staff members, as the company celebrates its 30th year in business. Each received a limited edition engraved bronze coin in a display case, a certificate and a thank you message from Tony, whose first care home opened in Kirriemuir, Angus in September 1991. Tony said: “The Chairman’s Award

is about recognising people in the organisation who have been seen to have gone above and beyond their normal call of duty. “From the bottom of my heart I can’t thank them enough for what they do for the business and for our residents. They have to look in the mirror and recognise they are good people and deliver a sterling service. These are the individuals that make Balhousie.” The Chairman’s Award forms part of Balhousie’s year-long 30th birthday celebrations. Other events have included care home parties, a monthly prize giveaway for staff and a commemorative 40-page magazine.

AT Avanta Care we recruit healthcare workers and nurses on behalf of care homes, nursing homes and hospitals throughout the UK. With our global network of recruitment bases, we have helped hundreds of clients increase their profits and productivity, whilst significantly reducing their wage bills, recruiting costs and stress levels. One client we have recently worked with is Allison, manager at Beechcroft Care Home in Torquay. She said: “We have a long-standing relationship with Avanta Care. We previously partnered with them to find temporary staff and more recently to assist us with permanent recruitment. “The team is very helpful and supportive, prompt to address any staffing issues and highly professional in their approach. “They supported us throughout the recruitment process and provided insightful information, especially about staff sponsorship. “The interview process was well organised. All candidate profiles and CVs were sent over beforehand, and the video interviews were arranged in a timely manner. “The candidates were well prepared and knowledgeable about our home and our services. “The quality of the candidates was very high. Everybody we interviewed had excellent English and came across as friendly and professional. In the end, we recruited six new staff members. “Overall, I am really impressed with the service provided by Avanta Care. They took care of everything and took the hassle out of recruiting. The team are very supportive and accommodating, and I will definitely be using them again for our organisation. “I highly recommend them to anybody considering hiring overseas healthcare staff.” According to a recent BBC report, nearly half of the new nurses and midwives registered to work in the UK in the past year have come from abroad. The total – more than 23,000 – is

a record high and comes as the UK has struggled to increase the number of home-grown nurses joining the register. The NMC data for 2021-22 also showed the numbers leaving the profession had risen. More than 27,000 left the register last year, up 13 per cent on the year before and reversing a downward trend in leavers over recent years. Nearly all of the international recruits that have arrived in the past year were trained in countries from outside Europe – before Brexit, Europe supplied more than the rest of the world. India and the Philippines are the countries which are supplying the most. International recruitment isn’t a quick fix. It is, however, extremely costeffective and sustainable in the long term. Candidates arrive on a three or five-year visa, adding stability and increasing continuity of care. The savings are vast when compared to paying for temporary or bank staff. Plus, if there are any problems during the first six months, we will replace the candidate for free. And with another tough winter with further staff shortages expected, now is the ideal time to start planning mid to long-term.

Revolutionising social care training with virtual reality ENHANCING health and social care training with virtual and augmented reality, White’s Training is looking to modernise the sector and make the training process as realistic as possible. Often, those who are starting a career in social care are unaware of the full extent of the job they are going to be doing – but with the help of White’s Training virtual reality courses, staff will be fully immersed into a learning environment that depicts a real-life scenario that they could be faced with. Staff retention and interaction rates have taken a decrease in the past couple of years, with Skills for Care highlighting that there was a 34.4 per cent care worker turnover in 2021. White’s Training has sourced an opportunity to modernise the training that is provided in the health and social care sector, and is one of the first social care training providers to offer virtual reality into its training process. The VR sessions are best delivered in person, however there is a type of virtual training that can be offered if necessary. Learners are provided with

a virtual reality headset and are submerged into an environment that will reflect those they will come across in their career. Enquiries: Call 01255 446655 or visit https://whites.training/virtual -reality-training/

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