Caring UK - May 2022

no.304 • £4.75 incorporating

May 2022

The Number One magazine for the care sector

Government ‘out of touch’ on care crisis CARE leaders have accused the Government of being ‘out of touch’ after it denied there was a permanent crisis in social and NHS care.

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid, rejected claims that a failure to fix social care and address staffing issues in both social and NHS care had created a permanent crisis.

More than 20,000 patients could not be discharged from hospital last week because there was no care available for them in the community.

The provider organisation the Independent Care Group said Mr Javid’s words proved that the Government was out of touch.

Chair Mike Padgham said: “With the greatest of respect to Mr Javid, I have been delivering social care for 32 years and he has been Secretary of State for 10 months.

“I can say that there has been a shortage of staff in social care for all of those 32 years, but it is the worst it has ever been right now.

“If he doesn’t believe me then I will invite him, as I have done on many occasions, to visit a social care provider here in North Yorkshire and to see for himself the daily battle to get enough staff to cover shifts either in care and nursing homes or to go out

and provide homecare.

“Former politician Ed Balls spent time with us last year and saw exactly what it is like delivering care on the front line. Mr Javid would do well to follow his lead and get a better understanding of the situation.

“Social care provision is crumbling before his very eyes and that is having a dire, knockon effect on the delivery of NHS care, as can be seen from the ever-increasing delayed discharge numbers.

“As Andrew Cozens and many, many others with years of experience in the sector have said, the Government has not ‘fixed social care’ – nowhere near.”

The ICG is also angry that the Infection Control Fund, introduced to help social care providers to cope with staffing issues brought on by the pandemic, was axed at the start of April, with nothing put in its place.

It has called on the Secretary of State to reinstate the Fund, as has happened in Scotland so that providers are better supported. n Do you agree with the Independent Care Group that the Government is out of touch?

Email your comments to dm@ scriptmedia.co.uk

Stowell Barry, chef manager at RMBI Care Co. Home Zetland Court in Bournemouth, took part in a cutting-edge culinary training programme in collaboration with esteemed chef Marcus Wareing. This is alongside a senior culinary chef level 4 apprenticeship. ‘Forward with Marcus Wareing’ is one of the first hospitality courses to include a dedicated module on sustainability. In addition to honing culinary skills, the programme looks at the commercial side of the business, creating a more diverse kitchen team in terms of social mobility, gender and ethnicity, as well as developing mental first aider skills and mentoring of leadership styles.

Awards nominations now open 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

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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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21/04/2022 11:04

THE FUTURE OF CARE Are you a care home manager, owner or equivalent?

We want to know what the future of care looks like for you!

By taking our short survey you can win a Triflex vacuum cleaner by Miele Professional.

To enter the Miele competition visit the Caring UK Website at

www.caring-uk.co.uk and fill in the simple survey.

3

CARINGNEWS

Barber bowls residents over with free hair cuts A BARBER who started a new life in Scotland after escaping war-ravaged Syria has proved he is a cut above the rest by giving out free hair cuts to the local community.

Mounzer Darsani trimmed the locks of customers in the lounge of Bield’s Crosshill Gardens development in Port Glasgow in a bid to give back to the community that welcomed him and his family with open arms.

He said: “The support I had from the local community when arriving in Scotland was astonishing. I felt it was only right to try to give back in a small way.

“I get a lot of enjoyment from talking to customers at Crosshill Gardens and hearing all of their stories so it was the least I could do to help make lives easier for them throughout a pandemic.”

Mounzer is well-established after opening his two Orient Salon barbershops in Greenock and the Isle of Bute after moving from Syria to Scotland in 2016.

Some of the Crosshill Gardens

residents were getting their first haircut since the start of the coronavirus pandemic and were delighted at Mounzer’s free trims.

Mounzer reached out to the Bield development to graciously offer his services and also left his contact details so that he could return to Crosshill Gardens to provide more free cuts in the future.

Following the success of the Crosshill Gardens haircuts, Mounzer has since offered his services to the wider community on the Isle of Bute and is in the process of organising free haircuts at a Bute care home.

He added: “I’ll continue to offer my services to the lovely people at Crosshill Gardens, it’s important to me to always try to make a difference and I hope I have made a positive impact on their lives.”

The staff at the development were taken back by his act of kindness, he then generously left his number to call at any time and he’d return and cut their hair.

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 Studio Manager: Paul Hopkinson Tel: 01226 734711 ph@scriptmedia.co.uk Database enquiries to: 01226 734695 E-mail: circulation@ scriptmedia.co.uk

Sammy Gibson of Crosshill Gardens getting his hair cut.

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

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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CARINGNEWS

Operator celebrates team of carers with 506 years of combined service NATIONAL Care Group is commemorating a combined 506 years of service across its teams located in Stoke-on-Trent.

Shelton Care Group, part of National Care Group, has 26 employees with more than 15 years of service under their belt, with two colleagues reaching a 30-year milestone with the company.

This includes registered manager at Cauldon Place, Kay Trow, who celebrates 30 years in the business this August, alongside quality coordinator Jayne Turner, who will pass the 30-year mark in July.

Kay said: “I’ve been incredibly lucky to have been blessed to work with such a fantastic group of people in my career, both colleagues and the individuals we support, who inspire what we do every day of our lives.

“There is a huge amount of career opportunities in this field and, having started as a support worker, I can honestly say that these roles are invaluable in changing people’s lives – they are the lifeblood and DNA of our care and support services.

“It’s testament to the values and support Shelton Care and National Care Group provide that so many of our colleagues have stayed with the company for such a long period of time.”

For Jayne, who also started as a support worker at the company’s Richmond Mews service, the reward of a long-term career in adult social care is unlocking the potential of the individuals they support and seeing them gain independence.

She added: “I joined the business at the same time as an individual we support settled into home at Richmond Mews. We were both 19 at the time and he is still supported by the company today.

“Alongside the team, I’ve supported him over the years and watched him grow in confidence and independence.

“I very much feel like we have grown up together, which is something incredibly special and rewarding. In my current role as quality coordinator, I’m able to look back and utilise these experiences to ensure our quality standards help to improve the ongoing support we provide across the region.”

Shelton Care was acquired by National Care Group in June 2018, operating five residential sites and a day centre, which supports people with learning disabilities and other associated conditions.

It’s transition into the National Care Group was managed by regional operations manager Katie Fallows, who celebrated 20 years with the business in November 2021.

Katie said: “The support National Care Group provided at the time, and continues to provide, has been invaluable to Shelton, particularly as we’ve navigated one of the toughest periods in adult social care under the pandemic.

“From a day-to-day perspective, I still get the same feelings of emotion and elation that I did all those years ago as a support worker – hearing all about how the individuals we support are doing well and thriving in their environments.

“I look forward to continuing to help Shelton Care evolve in this capacity and increase its presence across the region.”

Last August, Shelton Care expanded the day services it provides in Staffordshire with the opening of Knight House, an all-purpose activity centre with rooms dedicated to arts and crafts, dining, cinema screenings and a range of sensory experiences.

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21/04/2022 10:47

6

CARINGNEWS

Firm teams with TV’s Lorraine to raise awareness

Worcester care home hosts antiques valuation day THE Belmont in Worcester hosted its antique valuation day with some special guests.

As seen on Antiques Roadshow, Flog It! and Masterpiece, the team welcomed Fielding’s Auctioneers’ team of expert antique professionals.

These included jewellery and silver specialist Nick Davies, 20th Century design and glass specialist Will Farmer and Asian art specialist Rachel Holland.

The event invited members of the community to bring in their antiques and special items so they could hear

and learn all about them from the talented team of specialist valuers.

Customer relations manager Tommy Fellows, who organised the event, said: “Some super items were brought along, and it was very interesting being able to hear all about them.

“It was also great to meet more wonderful members of our community. The event made for a great opportunity to get to know them and for them to get to know a little more about us too.

“We will certainly be doing it again.”

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A NATIONAL homecare company has joined forces with TV host Lorraine Kelly and her journalist daughter Rosie to encourage the UK to get talking to ageing loved ones about care.

Home Instead will sponsor the mum and daughter’s successful podcast ‘What If?’ where they interview well known and much-loved celebrities about key events and crossroads in their lives.

The sponsorship of series three will run from spring through to summer and feature Home Instead throughout the podcast, highlighting the importance of having the ‘care conversation’.

Lorraine said: “I think talking about care is a bit like making a will. No one really wants to do it, but you actually feel better when it’s all done and dusted.

“It can be difficult to have that talk with your parents or relatives, but it’s vital that you know exactly what they want so you can make a plan.

You don’t want to be second guessing what will make them comfortable and happy.

“My mum and dad are now in their early eighties and although they are both doing remarkably well. I know that things can change quickly. I have talked to them and they want to stay at home as long as possible in the same block of flats where they’ve lived for almost 40 years.

“Sadly there’s no lift and they were on the top floor, four flights up, so we helped them move to the first floor which is a lot more accessible. It has given them greater independence and confidence, and I have more peace of mind.

“It’s fantastic that Home Instead is working actively to take the taboo out of talking care and encouraging families to plan ahead and take control of how they want to live later

Lorraine and Rosie. in life.”

Home Instead’s brand and marketing director Lee Chapman said: “Our mission is to support older people to live a happy, fulfilled life in their later years.

“That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the sponsorship of Lorraine and Rosie’s ‘What If?’ podcast because it means we can reach a huge audience with some important messages about planning for and choosing the right care for them in later life.”

Home Instead has launched the website www.careconversations. co.uk full of tips and advice to help families have the care conversation. It features the care conversation digital card game which features questions to help kick start discussions about ageing well.

Series three of the podcast kicked off earlier in March with Lorraine and Rosie chatting to guest stars including Katie Piper OBE and Sir Ranulph Fiennes. Future guests include Alison Hammond, Sophie Ellis-Bexter and Andi Peters.

Previous guests featured the likes of Eddie Izzard, KSI, Rob Rinder, Sharlene Spiteri and Gok Wan.

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Signature at Reigate Grange is celebrating success following the Reigate and Banstead Business Awards. The care home, which provides tailored supported living, nursing and dementia care, was named Employer of the Year, beating other finalists Reigate Manor and WS Planning and Architecture. Reigate Grange, which is rated as ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ in responsive by the Care Quality Commission, provides 87 private apartments from studios to one-bedroom suites. General manager Sarah-Jane Carpenter said: “We are thrilled and humbled to receive recognition for not only providing firstclass care for our much-loved residents, but that we are also supporting our highlyvalued colleagues who are integral to our care offering.”

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20/04/2022 11:59

8

CARINGNEWS Advertiser’s announcement

Putting people at the heart of care technology

By Stuart Barclay CONFERENCE season is always an exhilarating experience and getting back on the road after two years of virtual events has been especially welcome.

What’s more, this was my first opportunity to have face-to-face meetings with all the sector’s key players about Vayyar Care, the unique touchless solution that’s unlocking true personalised outcomes for care home residents.

The pandemic has taught us all important lessons about remote technology and it’s clear that community managers, health consultants and frontline caregivers are now united around the vision of putting people at the heart of care and technology at the core.

They want a fresh start and they’re ready to embrace the full potential of data-driven solutions.

Take fall detection. I recently commissioned a survey of care home managers, discovering that over 60% of residents suffer two or more falls per year. However, only half of nurse call systems currently support fall detection.

underused, and video cameras that few people would ever accept.

Vayyar Care overcomes those challenges, ensuring dignity, privacy and independence.

And fall detection is only the start of how smart sensing will shape the future of person-centred care.

That’s why so many nurse call system and care platform providers – including Legrand, Ascom, Tunstall, Blaucomm, Incom and Arquella – have partnered with Vayyar Care.

They’ve understood why touchless RF sensing adds a new dimension to their offerings and how Vayyar Care is interoperable and integration-ready with their systems.

They see it as an opportunity to move beyond legacy devices like unreliable floor mats that trigger frequent false alerts, buttons and cords that are often out of reach, wearables that are notoriously

The sector is gearing up to leverage rich activity data that enables advanced analytics, delivering unprecedented insights into residents’ wellbeing.

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constantly evolving care needs that can’t be met by rigid systems and processes.

Caregivers need visibility into time at rest to spot mobility or mental health issues.

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STAFF and residents at Tallington Lodge Care Home near Stamford have been getting creative and recreating famous works of art as part of a project.

The art activities were aimed at engaging residents with the arts and providing opportunities to be creative and have fun.

“Being creative in any context can really bring out the best in people,” said wellbeing coordinator Chantal DeVries.

“It can inspire a whole host of activities that bring out a different side of people.

“We had lots of fun with our creations and our residents loved having the opportunity to do something unusual.”

Residents chose to recreate the iconic photograph of the Moon

landing and enjoyed acting out the moonwalk.

They used resources from around the home to make their ‘Moon’ and create costumes.

Residents also tried their hand at making a space travel-themed animation and showed off the results on the home’s Facebook page.

The kitchen team also joined in and provided a selection of fruit and vegetables to use to recreate famous paintings.

Residents spent time browsing books of famous artworks and selecting paintings they’d like to recreate.

They chose the Girl with the Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer and the Birth of Venus by Botticelli, producing impressive results.

20/04/2022 16:55

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CARINGNEWS

Home rolls back the years to the roaring 1960s RESIDENTS and staff at a Maidstone care home rolled back the years as its ‘Through the Decades’ theme continues to take speed, this time to the groovy 1960s.

With frequent mutterings of ‘Yeah, Baby!’ and ‘You’re Groovy’ serenading around the home, and the music of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones in full swing, residents at Nellsar’s Loose Valley facility celebrated the era of peace, love and flower power – with peace decorations hanging proudly in the resident lounge and plenty of tiedye and flowers on display.

Excited to indulge in the iconic era, residents enjoyed a fun-filled day that took them on a magical musical tour of the decade, which included a life-size prop of the famous VW campervan, made by the home’s recreation and well-being champion Paula Smy. She said: “Our latest journey back to the groovy 1960s was an overwhelming success.

“I really enjoyed making scenic decorations, especially the cardboard cut-outs of the tie-dye and flowers, as well as our very own Loose Valley VW campervan.

“Everyone was excited to embrace the culture of one of the most iconic eras in history. It’s a great way for residents to reminisce and relive cherished memories of yesteryear.

“It was a delight to see so many of our residents fully immerse themselves in some light-hearted fun and we’re so excited to see the same enthusiasm and uptake in our next adventure.”

Dubbed ‘Through the Decades’, the second of three themed days across Nellsar’s 13 homes, staff

‘Police duo’ join forces again at care home were an embodiment of the famous era, sporting an array of iconic 60s gear including flares and flower power outfits, while Billy the Cat and Bella Bunny also made special appearances.

To commemorate an era that saw the birthplace of sunshine pop, a World Cup triumph, and mankind’s remarkable journey to the moon, themed music and entertainment were provided throughout the day as residents engaged in fancy dress, watched some all-time classic movies and shared cherished photos from the decade.

Loose Valley also welcomed its very own singer Jasmine, who wore a sequin dress and provided entertainment with some music.

Songs from the ‘60s divas‘ included Dusty Springfield, Sandy Shaw, Lulu and Diana Ross, to name but a few.

Nellsar’s ‘Through the Decades’ journey will continue with the 70s due to make an appearance in the near future.

Trust’s chef nominated for national catering award PARKHAVEN Trust’s Paul Dunne has been named a finalist in the chef of the year category at the Care Home and Hospital Catering Awards.

The catering team not only plan, prepare and cook the meals for the residents and day centre clients, they also personally assist clients at meal times.

Paul said: “I’m over the moon to have been picked as a finalist. Myself and the team work hard to provide a range of nutritious meals for our clients.

“We regularly use special days such as birthdays and anniversaries as well as themed days such as Pancake Day, fish and chip supper days and Halloween as an excuse to cook special meals and make mealtime extra special.

“We love having these themed ‘party’ mealtimes and creating a family atmosphere, this all adds to

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our clients’ quality of life. We create a ‘buzz’ around mealtimes which helps encourage those with low appetites who need to eat more, to engage, join in and better enjoy their food. I find my work hugely rewarding.”

Winners will be announced at an event in London on June 13.

TWO former Metropolitan Police officers have joined forces once again in the most unlikely of settings.

Julie Murray and Jean Botfield are both members of the team working at luxury care home Signature at Esher.

Yet their journey to this point is one that is rather unexpected.

More than 30 years ago the two young women met in their twenties, both eager rookie police officers in the Metropolitan service, stationed at Lavendar Hill Police Station in Battersea, London.

The duo immediately hit it off and became close friends and comrades during their time on the force.

For several years they worked side by side combating crime in London; an exhilarating period of their careers that brought an encounter with an armed individual who had to be talked down, and a close shave with someone who had to be disarmed after firing a gun at a colleague.

Although their police careers took different directions, Julie and Jean always kept in touch.

For Julie she went onto specialise in crime prevention, and later the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.

For Jean her journey led her along a path as a school liaison officer and warrant officer, tracking down wanted fugitives.

Following 30 years of service for the Metropolitan Police force, the duo were eligible for retirement. However, they had no idea what job they wanted to do next.

After researching job opportunities further, Julie came across a concierge role at Signature at Esher.

Despite having no experience working in the care sector she applied nonetheless, eager to try her hand at something new, whilst still making a difference in people’s lives.

Little did she know at the time her former colleague Jean Botfield, had also applied to be a minibus driver at the care home.

Julie has now moved into an activities role alongside her concierge duties, while Jean is responsible for taking residents out on their trips into the community and beyond.

Julie said: “Although there are times when I do miss racing around the streets of London on blue lights and sirens, I love working at Signature at Esher, and definitely wouldn’t want to swap back.”

Jean added: “After my time with the force ended I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do next – but after learning more about Signature and all the fantastic work they do, I applied straight away.

“I was eager to continue to serve the community in a meaningful role and working at Signature allows me to do just that.”

When asked what advice she would give to other people looking to enter the care sector, Jean added: “I, like many, was at first apprehensive about starting a job in a new sector, but the transition has been terrific.

“Despite never working in the sector before, everybody at Signature at Esher has been really helpful and supported me along the way.

“I love what I do – it’s a role that makes a real difference to the lives of our residents and it’s a great way to contribute to the community too.”

Customers and team members from Bluebird Care Redbridge, Epping and Harlow came together for a tea party to celebrate their efforts over the last year. The party began with each guest greeted on arrival with a cup of tea and a cream and jam filled scone donated by The Cream Tea Society and Roddas, all delivered straight to their table by a traditional tea trolley. Guests then got stuck into a fun-filled afternoon which included a much-enjoyed general knowledge quiz, ‘name that tune’ and plenty of dancing.

20/04/2022 11:58

11

CARINGNEWS Advertiser’s announcement

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Most people are familiar with active fire protection such as fire alarms, smoke detectors, emergency escape lighting, sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers to name a few.

These require some amount of action or motion in order to be activated.

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The most obvious form of passive fire protection is a fire door.

Throughout its life a fire door may only be called upon to act as an access door but, in the event of a fire, it will fulfil a life-saving role.

A correctly installed and maintained fire door will protect users of the building who may have difficulty evacuating quickly, protect evacuation routes, provide the emergency services with a protected route to access the building and reduce the damage caused by fire and smoke.

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best intentions – it is important that the repairs completed can be backed up by manufacturers’ technical assessments and many building contractors are unaware of this).

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We are looking forward to attending several of this year’s Caring UK conferences and would welcome the opportunity to meet you to discuss your needs and answer your questions. We look forward to meeting you.

13/04/2022 12:04

12

CARINGNEWS

Where the Arts Belong takes centre stage

Home takes on 18 cafes in 18 days challenge RESIDENTS and team members at Fairburn Mews in Castleford launched an initiative to visit 18 cafes in 18 days as a way to re-integrate with the community.

Residents and colleagues from the home enjoyed sampling a selection of teas and cakes at cafes around the area, including Queens Mill Tearooms, The Hidden Tearoom, rivers MEET, Birkin Fisheries Tea Room, The Wrinkled Stocking and Stork Lodge Tea Room.

As restrictions have eased, the team found that whilst residents are excited to get back to doing to the things they love in the local community,

some were worried about returning to activities that they haven’t done for the past few years.

Activities team leader Bev Blythe said: “During the pandemic we were all limited in what we could do, and care home residents even more so.

“As things started to open up, some of our residents expressed that they were a bit nervous about going out into the local community again.

“We thought that this café challenge would be a fun way to build confidence and reintroduce people into the community. We’d like to say a big thank you to local cafes for making us feel so welcome.”

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Stacey McCann, Belong interim co. chief executive and chief operating officer, said: “Our aim has been to explore best practice using the arts to the benefit of older people in care contexts – particularly for those on a dementia journey.

“It is truly a pioneering project for arts provision in care environments.”

The research project began in 2019 in the form of ‘artist residencies’ which initially saw six artists working with Belong’s residents, engaging them in an array of art forms, ranging from storytelling and sculpture to sound art and dance.

During Covid-19 lockdowns, participation widened to include Belong’s community care customers, bringing artists into their homes via video call.

More recently the artists have hosted ‘Meet and Make Art’ sessions at Chester’s Grosvenor Museum, ahead of their next programme of art residencies set to take place at Belong’s new care village once it opens in the city this spring.

The museum will also host the exhibition later this year, accompanied by an online symposium.

The Where the Arts Belong: Making Sense (Of It All) and Suki Chan CONSCIOUS exhibitions can be enjoyed at the Bluecoat, School Lane, Liverpool, until June 12.

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WHERE the Arts Belong, a unique research project investigating how the arts can be used to enhance the lives of those living with dementia, is on display to the public for the first time.

Opening recently at the Bluecoat, Liverpool, the Making Sense (Of It All) exhibition showcases the project’s collaborative arts sessions between the city’s centre for contemporary arts and dementia care operator Belong, whose customers have been enjoying creative experiences led by critically-acclaimed artists.

Visitors have the chance to discover the outcomes of the initiative, with a programme of talks and events with the artists themselves, namely: Francisco Carrasco, Suki Chan, Gav Cross, Alan Dunn, Roger Hill, Philip Jeck, Brigitte Jurack, Mary Prestidge, and Jonathan Raisin.

Galleries featuring a timeline will contextualise the four-year relationship, alongside interactive displays, reading areas and samples of participants’ work.

Also on show is CONSCIOUS, an immersive experience featuring people living with dementia by artist and filmmaker Suki Chan.

Her film includes the personal journey and perception of reality for Belong resident Pegeen O’Sullivan, and a sound sculpture featuring the voices of Pegeen and Belong colleagues will also be revealed.

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CARINGNEWS

Volunteers required to shape neighbourhoods of the future A 1,000-STRONG volunteer taskforce is being assembled to shape a £12.5million scheme that will transform the future homes and communities of three distinct Scottish neighbourhoods.

The Blackwood Peoplehood Project is a pioneering concept which will develop a future-proof model for independent living for thousands of residents in Glasgow, Dundee and Morayshire, allowing people to live healthier and happier for longer.

The three-year initiative will create a blueprint for welcoming communities with age-friendly homes, supported by cutting-edge technologies, making independent living achievable and sustainable as people grow older, with safe outdoor spaces to sustain physical activities.

The funding will see the three communities benefit from free tablets and WiFi for participants to help them get digitally connected, while also delivering e-bikes, electric cars and a host of equipment and activities within communities, all according to local demand.

Fanchea Kelly, chief executive of Blackwood Housing and Care, which is leading on delivery of the project, said: “This rips up the rule book and Scotland has never seen anything quite like this. It is a

Fanchea Kelly chance to completely transform how communities are shaped.

“The volunteers who take part are absolutely essential as they will shape how initiatives look and work in each community according to what the people living there need and want. We already have 350 volunteers signed up, but we need at least 1,000 people to give us their vision, insights and skills.

“At no stage do we tell them what they are getting. Instead, they will tell us what local people want and they will be involved in co-creating every aspect and every project from the

ground up. It is incredibly exciting for us and our partners.”

That co-design process is at the heart of Peoplehood, which received £6million UK Research and Innovation funding as part of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund/ Healthy Ageing Challenge.

It is the only project in Scotland to win funding, it has also received a further £6.5million from Blackwood and its nine industry partners.

Fanchea added: “We need volunteers to work with us to help create the places, homes and neighbourhoods of the future.

Peoplehood is an exciting new programme designed to give older people a life in their own homes that feels easier, happier and healthier.

“We want to co-design each peoplehood by asking new questions and testing new ideas with real people living in our chosen areas.

Together, we’ll learn what it really takes to develop the thriving healthy neighbourhoods of the future.”

Anyone living in the three neighbourhoods can sign up to take part. They will spend time working with the project team in various ways, such as taking part in interviews or focus groups, testing new systems or services, and potentially joining co-design workshops.

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Detailed research was carried out to identify the three areas. Charleston in Dundee was chosen because it already has a high number of specialist Blackwood Homes.

Cardonald is best suited to explore the development of an integrated community, while Buckie, situated between Banff and Elgin, presents challenges around its rural location, frequency of public transport and WiFi accessibility.

The Peoplehood programme will champion independent living that focuses on five healthy ageing challenges: n Designing age friendly homes that are accessible, affordable, beautiful and connected. n Sustaining physical activities by providing local people with a range of activities and equipment such electric bikes stations. n Helping people to age well and to feel safe and secure in their neighbourhoods through the use of products and services. n Supporting social connections by helping people to become confident online, particularly through the use of new technology. n Creating healthy and active places by making the neighbourhoods welcoming, accessible and beautiful places to live.

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All places booked must be paid within 15 days of booking and before the conference unless otherwise agreed with Script Events.

A telephone or fax booking must confirm when and how payment will be made A refund will be given, less £20 admin, fee for cancellations received more than 15 days prior to the conference. No refunds will be given with less than 15 days to the conference. However, delegate substitutes will be accepted to the day of the event at no extra cost.

Where invoices are requested and agreed, payment must be received within 15 days from the invoice date. We understand and will exercise out statutory rights to claim interest and compensation for the debt recovery costs under the late payment legislation if we are not paid according to agreed credit terms. An interest rate of 8% above base rate will apply for late payment.

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19

CARINGNEWS

‘Enchanted’ garden becomes a reality RESIDENTS at a Poole care home have turned their wish for a magical enchanted garden into reality.

Colten Care’s dedicated dementia care home, The Aldbury, created the space after residents debated ways to brighten up their winter garden.

Companionship team member Cara Duroe said: “During our regular garden club the group and gardener were chatting about how we could brighten up the winter garden and the residents’ views from their rooms.

“Residents Joyce Holden and Pip Smith suggested a fairy garden and this got the group talking about how creative and magical an enchanted garden would be and how it could be developed and added to through future garden club and activities.”

Cara added: “Another resident Tina Thorne said how lovely it would be for not only the residents to visit, but their great grandchildren and the local school children, when the home can welcome visitors again.

“So we set to work creating fairy houses and doors which were painted and decorated inside the residents’ rooms as well as the communal areas.

“Everyone enjoyed this immensely and when it came to place their work in the garden the residents were thrilled with the result.”

During the creation of the enchanted garden, folktales and poems were read out by the home’s companionship team to explore the fascination we have with the magic of fairies.

Cara said: “We read about the Cottingley fairies which appeared in a series of five photographs in 1917.

“These faked photographs were

Awen Blandford with resident Geoffrey Ward.

taken by two cousins who lived in Cottingley, near Bradford and fooled the world, also capturing the attention of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who used them to illustrate an article on the existence of fairies.”

The Aldbury residents also created some of their own magical fairy photographs.

Cara added: “It was a great project for all our residents regardless of their capabilities and skills, enabling them to use their imagination and of course have lots of fun.

“The enchanted garden will encourage residents to go outside, help to maintain the plants, care for the elements of design and even just go for a stroll.

“The Aldbury staff are also enjoying visiting the garden, finding it a relaxing place to spend their breaks.”

Music therapy sounds like a big hit for care village MUSIC therapy sessions that help people connect, communicate and engage have struck the right chord with residents at Belong Morris Feinmann care village, who have been creating their own concerts as part of a relationship with the UK’s largest music therapy charity, Nordoff Robbins.

Classical cellist and student music therapist Awen Blandford is currently working with Belong’s Didsbury customers – many of whom are living with dementia – to translate their personal experiences, memories and observations of the world through the power of music.

By working with them oneto-one and in small groups, the Royal Northern College of Music postgraduate encourages residents to contribute however they please, then closely listens to their movement, breathing and vocal sounds to help build and produce performances with them.

Angela Luckett, cultural and religious coordinator at Belong Morris Feinmann, said: “It’s very much about our residents and apartment tenants leading the sessions and Awen has been fantastic supporting them. “Recently, we performed a cross between Frank Sinatra and a

Christmas carol – it was certainly a curious mix and the key is that it was shaped by customers, and that’s what’s important.”

Belong enlisted Nordoff Robbins as part of its ethos of promoting the wellbeing of customers through meaningful occupation in line with their interests.

The not-for-profit dementia specialist found the charity to also share its approach to using music and the arts to unlock memories, reduce isolation and help people regain their sense of identity, no matter what their stage of dementia.

Angela added: “The impact on our customers has been remarkable.

The music has provided stimulating activity and the opportunity to socialise, reminisce and share happy emotions.

“It has a gentle lure that brings you in – you just can’t help it. Watching the sessions is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.”

The collaboration follows a number of musical delights Belong has promoted for its customers.

Past endeavours include opera workshops, visits from local choirs and performances from the Northern Chamber Orchestra and Manchester’s Chetham’s School of Music.

Work begins on home’s garden WORK has begun on renovating the outdoor area and garden at Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton.

The project started in February and is expected to be finished before Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations this summer.

Home manager Helena Maher said: “Residents are really excited to see work starting in the garden.

“Once complete, they will have a beautiful area to spend time in, whether it’s enjoying the summer sun, gardening, watching the wildlife, relaxing, eating, or spending time with loved ones.

“Our wellbeing team is also looking forward to hosting lots of fun and engaging activities outdoors.”

Work will see the current garden landscaped, making it

19.indd 1

more accessible for residents.

Improvements will be made to the planting areas and raised beds to engage the veterans in gardening activities, and an outdoor dining and visiting area will also be created.

New features will include a garden room which will operate as a hybrid space, hosting family visits and events, training and a place for staff to meet.

The garden will also include additional pergolas and decking, a water feature, gazebo and benches and a wheelchair-friendly nature trail through a wild garden area.

The renovation work is being supported with grants from The Monday Charitable Trust, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and the B&Q Foundation.

MHA – the UK’s largest charity care provider for older people – welcomed the Rt Hon. Nadhim Zahawi MP to Cedar Lodge Henley-in-Arden, West Midlands. The Stratford-onAvon MP was given a tour of the care home, had the opportunity to speak with staff and residents and take part in a live music therapy session with residents at the home led

by Satyam Makoieva.

21/04/2022 10:41

20 CARINGTRAINING

AND RECRUITMENT

James Marchant has been appointed regional support manager at Care South. James joins the company with more than 30 years’ experience in the care industry. He started as a community care assistant in 1991 and then moved to work in the learning disability sector, becoming a registered manager at the age of 26. He then grew his career with various care companies as home manager and area director, quality manager and regional support manager and helped commission a new care home before becoming the home’s manager. In his new role at Care South, James will support homes and managers across the group to provide the best outcomes for residents.

Anett Vass has been appointed the head of recruitment officer or Black Swan Care Group. She will be the group lead on all recruitment based needs listing vacancies across the group; coordinating the interview and onboarding approach between the home managers and the head office team, ensuring relevant experience in necessary roles, and ensuring the group continues to provide an environment where each and every member of staff is committed to the independence, dignity and support of each and every resident. Former group activities coordinator Carol Paulsen-Yull has been named activities and events manager – taking on responsibility for the planning of large-scale recruitment and community events.

Sharon Burton has been appointed by New Care as registered home manager of Adel Manor. The £15million 74-bed care facility will open shortly, offering person-centred residential, nursing and dementia care services. Sharon, who has enjoyed a varied and extremely successful career in the health sector, is well qualified to lead the 80+ strong team at Adel Manor. A qualified nurse with an advanced nurse practitioner degree, diploma in management studies and MBA, Sharon has worked in the NHS as well as private hospitals, hospices and social care. In her new role she will be responsible for the efficient day-to-day management of Adel Manor, monitoring performance and ensuring all staff deliver high quality care to residents.

Denise Peart has been appointed a non-executive member of the Anchor Board. Denise is Sky’s chief talent, diversity and inclusion officer, having joined the organisation in 2021 following senior roles at organisations including Marks and Spencer and The Coca-Cola Company. Previous experience was gained at BP, GE Money and Tesco. Over her 25-year career she has developed a significant track record of creating and delivering commercial, people-focused strategies to drive performance, business transformation and a culture of inclusion. Anchor chairman Christopher Kemball said: “Denise brings a wealth of expertise and I am delighted to welcome her to the Board. I also look forward to working with her to build on our commitment to support equality, diversity and inclusion across the organisation.”

20.indd 1

Mitch Miller has joined Ashridge Home Care as managing director.

He is joining the award-winning provider based in Amersham, Buckinghamshire and will work closely alongside company founder Trudi Scrivener. Mitch began his career in retail as duty and then store manager at Tesco for five years before joining the social care sector as operations manager in April 2014. He was promoted through the ranks to group managing director – a position he held for three years. Mitch completed an MBA at Alliance Manchester Business School in 2021 and is a trustee at POhWER, a charity supporting people who because of a disability, ill health social exclusion or other challenges find it difficult to express their needs and gain support.

Scottish housing provider Bield has strengthened its management team with the appointment of two voluntary members. Development and regeneration professional Beth McNeil has years of experience and operational leadership of large-scale regeneration and new build projects with a keen interest in how housing can be adapted to provide homes fit for a changing world. Currently working with Westminster City Council with responsibility for delivering capital works projects, having in her previous role led the team which secured the housing element of Glasgow’s £250million Sighthill Transformational Regeneration Area, the largest scheme of its kind outside of London. David Fisher started his housing career in the 1980s with the Scottish Special Housing Association, later graduating in Housing and Urban Studies from Glasgow University. He provides expert advice on strategic asset management, growth and customer service. David has expertise in large national organisations, as MD at Home Group and chief executive officer of Equity Housing Group, one of the UK’s largest shared ownership providers. He has a track record in customer service, organisational change and growth and governance. David is currently CEO of Housing Plus, operating across regional New South Wales, Australia.

Three new trustees have been appointed to the board of Hallmark Care Homes Foundation to help leads its work on ageing well and improving the quality of care. The charity funds research and innovation and works with partners to maximise its impact.

Christine Whatford CBE (pictured), Kirstie McMillan and Steve Cockell (pictured) bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and skills to lead and develop the work of the charity.

Christine Whatford CBE is a former headteacher and director of education and children’s services in London boroughs and currently is a governor of Anglia Ruskin University.

Kirstie McMillan is a strategic technology transformation consultant with KPMG, changing organisational culture, with personal and professional experience of care.

Steve Cockell has held senior roles with NatWest and RBS and now advises on lending and fundraising, alongside non-executive roles with commercial and charitable bodies.

A new manager has been welcomed at a Nab Wood care home. Jonathan Ward has been appointed at Brookfield Care Home, one of five homes owned and run by Czajka Care Group.

Jonathan has worked in the care industry for more than nine years and been with the operator for two. He joined the family run firm as a deputy manager at its Fairmount Nursing Home, which is also in Nab Wood, Shipley. He was promoted to acting manager there, before moving across to Brookfield. The care home looks after 40 residents, who all have their own private en-suite rooms. Jonathan will head a team of 47 care professionals who provide fulltime care, respite care, palliative care, day care and short breaks at the purpose-built facility.

13/04/2022 10:14

CARINGTRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

21

Advertiser’s announcement

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Since 2004 we have supplied thousands of people to work in care homes for the elderly and in learning disability services.

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“We expect a high level of service from our suppliers and believe our customers are entitled to expect the same from us.”

Caring People is currently working with a range of partners worldwide to recruit care assistants and nurses to fill roles in UK care homes.

“We have partners in the Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Far East and Europe and have a constant supply of people wanting to come and work here,” he added.

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This includes: n Extensive screening of all applicants to ensure their suitability and commitment to the role n Setting up interview days via video link. n Support with compliance and ensuring all necessary documentation is in place. n Arranging travel to the UK and “meet and greet” at the airport.

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To discuss how we can help you, contact Ben Livermore at Caring People Recruitment: Tel: 07852 429294 or Email: ben.livermore@caring-people.com

21.indd 1

13/04/2022 10:16

22 CARINGTRAINING

AND RECRUITMENT

Group secures hospitality scholarships for its staff

Rachel French and Norma Yaxley interview a candidate.

Residents interview candidates at home RACHEL French, manager of Hunters Creek Care Home in Boston, promotes a culture where residents are included in the decisions that have impact on their care, including the appointment of new staff Resident Norma Yaxley recently supported Rachel to interview care assistant candidates.

Norma asked her own questions and fed back to Rachel to help her make the final decision as to whether or not the applicant was to be offered the position.

For Rachel it is crucial that Norma and other residents feel they would

be comfortable with the potential employee delivering their care.

Rachel said: “The incentive to include residents in the interview process was driven by the ethos of person-centred care. I value the opinions of our residents.

“The decisions they make are important and underpin our culture.

We aim to recruit team members who support residents to feel safe, happy and included.

“Recruitment at Hunters Creek does not focus on experience, instead the traits we look for in candidates are kindness and compassion.”

HOSPITALITY employees from care home provider Meallmore have been awarded scholarships from Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland.

HIT Scotland is a charity for the hospitality industry encouraging the development of anyone working or studying in the sector in Scotland.

In total, 13 applicants from Meallmore will join the programme as the only representatives chosen from the care sector. Figures released from HIT Scotland stated 1,450 delegates were appointed to the programme, and less than one per cent of these were awarded to the care sector.

The scholarship is for a virtual leadership, management and supervisory training programme.

It will last between six and eight weeks and has been designed to motivate and develop top talent in response to the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had across the tourism and hospitality sectors in Scotland.

Administered by HIT Scotland, the programme is funded by the Scottish Government’s National Transition Training Fund.

Jody Marshall, Meallmore’s group hospitality manager said: “We are thrilled and honoured to be part of such a high profile training opportunity. As a care home provider which places a huge emphasis on hospitality in our homes, being awarded places in this prestigious

hospitality industry programme will be a huge benefit to our team. We see this as a significant achievement for our brilliant staff.

“We have a fantastic team of talented, passionate and extremely motivated chefs and kitchen assistants. We provide the highest quality catering and hospitality services in the industry and offer an experience that you come to expect from the best restaurants and hotels around the world.

“This ensures we continue to provide the very best care and make each of our homes a place of comfort and happiness for every single one of our residents.”

Meallmore’s hospitality offering has also received industry awards. In 2021 Meallmore won The Nutrition and Eating Well Award at the Scottish Care Awards. This was awarded to Meallmore for its ‘whole home approach’ to food and nutrition within its care homes, as well as providing recognition to the catering and care staff and nutrition-related activities provided.

Meallmore also recently achieved the prestigious Investors in People gold accreditation, recognising its commitment to its people.

Fewer than 1,000 organisations in the whole of the UK currently have IIP gold accreditation, and only 62 of those are classified as care providers – with just six in Scotland.

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Staff have all been so positive which is quite unusual as normally they

shy away from training. A lot of staff feel intimated in a bigger group so this is extremely beneficial. I have received positive feedback from all my staff that were trained. We definitely would prefer training with COLIN going forward..” Debbie Contact our friendly team today to book COLIN for your business.

Call 01325 952 901 or visit support@colintraining.co.uk

20/04/2022 13:48

CARINGTRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

Provider pledges to create ‘menopause friendly workplace’ HOMECARE provider Bluebird Care North Hampshire and West Berkshire has made a commitment to create a ‘menopause friendly workplace’ by signing the menopause pledge on behalf of its staff.

The move comes following data by the Office for National Statistics which highlighted that women over the age of 50 represent the fastest-growing segment of the UK workforce, with increasing numbers of women experiencing menopausal symptoms during their working lives.

However, many women during this time do not receive the right support from their employers and, as a result, are unable to reach their full potential at work.

In light of these facts and figures, Bluebird Care North Hampshire and West Berkshire undertook an analysis of its own workforce and found that more than half of the team were aged 50 and over.

In response to this data, the company has now committed to create a ‘menopause friendly workplace’ to play its part in the push for positive change.

Recruitment and retention manager Kim Teagle, said: “If the culture existed in workplaces to ensure all women could speak about what they are going through with colleagues

and managers, and without fear of being disregarded or treated like they were underperforming in their role, it would make all the difference.

“Along with practical support, work culture really needs to change.

“Businesses need to value the women they have in their workforce who are going through menopause, otherwise many will continue to leave.

“By fostering an age-inclusive workplace, Bluebird Care North Hampshire and West Berkshire will be able to tap into the valuable skills and talents women of all ages have to offer.”

As part of its mission, the homecare provider has signed the Employer Menopause Pledge by the Wellbeing of Women charity, which includes a commitment to recognise and support menopause in the workplace, talk openly, positively, and respectfully about menopause, and actively inform team members about its effects.

In addition to this, Bluebird Care North Hampshire and West Berkshire will also review its existing employee policies and procedures relating to menopause, train and educate managers and supervisors and facilitate workforce engagement and education.

Louise in voluntary humanitarian visit A PEMBROKESHIRE residential home deputy manager is set to use her skills to help people with disabilities and mental health difficulties during a voluntary humanitarian visit to Africa.

Louise Barrett, deputy manager at The Haven, is about to embark on a voluntary mission in Kenya which will see her spend two weeks in a village alongside other volunteers from charity Love Ur Neighbour.

The group will be helping to improve accessibility to education for children with physical disabilities and an additional important aspect of her trip will see Louise also use her professional skills to enhance understanding around mental health needs and epilepsy.

These are skills she uses when supporting people within her day-to-day work at The Haven, an Accomplish Group service which supports adults with a variety of disabilities.

CEO Mel Ramsey said: “We are proud to support Louise on her trip and we know colleagues and people we support will want to support her too.

“Louise put together 50 gift bags for the children of the village and we encouraged colleagues and people we support to create additional items for her to take too.

23.indd 1

Dan Hayes, CEO of The Orders of St John Care Trust. scheme and health and wellbeing support.

The Trust’s senior leaders are also considering establishing a hardship fund for employees in need.

The Trust has also been running a recruitment campaign to celebrate its workforce heroes and inspire others to consider a career in social care.

Louise Barrett

“People have contributed lovely items such as poems, artwork and pieces of craftwork such as handmade bracelets.

“Louise truly is an example of making every day amazing, which is our vision at Accomplish. She is giving up her own time to benefit others in this wonderful way and we wish her all the very best for her trip.”

During her trip Louise will share her knowledge about supporting and caring for people with mental health needs and epilepsy, offering training and advice to families and carers.

Not only will this improve their knowledge and understanding, it will directly positively impact on people’s quality of life.

Do you have a sponsor licence?

Bluerock can source staff for you. Candidates immediately available to interview- Call us today

Trust to pay current real Living Wage or above THE Orders of St John Care Trust has announced that all employees will be paid the current real Living Wage, with all employees paid at an hourly rate of £9.90 or above, and all care colleagues being paid more than £10 an hour.

CEO Dan Hayes said the decision by the charity’s board of trustees and executive team to voluntarily pay the real Living Wage Foundation’s current rates highlights the care provider’s commitment to recognise and reward its workforce.

He added: “Social care is a rewarding and fulfilling profession which provides a vital service to some of the most vulnerable adults in the community.

“Recently, colleagues have risen to some of the most testing challenges the sector has ever faced, including the pandemic.

“The Trust has already prioritised a number of measures to support and reward our colleagues, and we are delighted to confirm that we will now pay the current real Living Wage.”

Late last year the Trust also announced an early pay award for all frontline employees.

The Trust supports its workforce through a range of additional initiatives, including access to counselling, financial and legal information via its employee assistance programme, a rewards

23

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21/04/2022 11:09

24 CARINGTRAINING

AND RECRUITMENT

Solution to improve recruitment success shortlisted for accolade CARE UK will go head-to-head with household names like Adobe and Coca-Cola in a bid to win a prestigious national award set up to find those companies that go out of their way to give employees the best possible experience.

An innovative new project marrying technology and taking good care of the organisation’s latest recruits has caught the eye of the judges responsible for the 2022 UK Employee Experience Awards.

The project makes use of a software platform, which delivers messages to a person’s mobile phone, to bring a personalised experience to people who are offered a role with Care UK. Human resources director Leah Queripel said: “We work hard to attract people to apply for a variety of roles with us but our analysis had shown that many dropped out between being offered the role and their first day – often because the background checks, which are mostly out of our control, can take several days or even weeks.

“This project has reduced the number dropping out by over a third and, crucially, we are seeing new colleagues start with a better idea of their role and their working environment.”

The operator started with a pilot project which was then used to design the full roll out.

Using this knowledge, management teams at each of Care UK’s homes have been coached in how to use the software to improve the experience of new recruits – particularly during the more drawn-out periods of the recruitment process which requires everyone to have various checks such as the Disclosure and Barring Service necessary to keep residents safe.

After being offered a role, the system is used to

24.indd 1

Asterbury Place in Ipswich is one of Care UK’s homes to successfully use the technology. send each new starter interesting content about Care UK and their new workplace to keep them engaged while they wait until their first day.

This might be welcome videos from colleagues, photos of residents enjoying activities or useful information about their new role and team.

The system also asks for a candidate to share their favourite things, which can then be used to personalise their experience when they join the team.

In addition, the software shows the home manager whether those waiting to start their new role are interacting with the content, enabling them to act swiftly and proactively if they think someone

has stopped engaging with their messages.

As well as creating a personalised and positive experience for each new colleague the system is also used to instantly communicate news and messages to the wider workforce in a channel they are familiar with.

This has been particularly useful to support the health and wellbeing of colleagues during the pandemic and to communicate urgent messages as the situation changed.

Care UK is shortlisted in the Best Use of Digital Technologies category.

The winner will be announced at a ceremony on May 19.

20/04/2022 12:30

CARINGTRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

25

Advertiser’s announcement

Social Care TV – providing high quality e-learning for more than 20 years SOCIAL Care TV has been providing high quality e-learning for the health and social care sector for more than 20 years.

Developed to best practice, their training is now the most widely used within the health and social care sector in the UK. With their own in-house research and development team and production suite, Social Care TV is able to meet the demands of an everevolving industry and to release new, high quality training resources on a regular basis.

“We take great pride in the standard of resources we offer,” said managing director Patricia Von Sachsenburg.

‘We work only to best practice; care staff need to be trained to an excellent standard, consequently the end customer receives the best possible care, which is our ultimate goal.”

As a result of its high standards, Social Care TV has been awarded accreditation by Continuing Professional Development UK and is fully endorsed by Skills for Care.

Social Care TV recently launched its

care worker of the month award.

Each month those that work in the sector are encouraged to nominate ‘that inspirational someone’ that goes above and beyond within their role.

“This is our positive way of rewarding the level of commitment and kindness we witness on a daily basis,” added Patricia.

Innovation is another area where

Social Care TV excel.

Its cutting edge e-learning platform makes for a seamless user experience and provides a high level of functionality for both trainees and managers.

Managers can keep track of their trainees through an online interface and easily retrieve learning logs for any staff member.

“We decided to move across to e-learning 12 years ago,” said Patricia.

“We could see that, ultimately, high quality training needed to become more accessible to those working in the industry.

“We have built a loyal following over the years through listening to customers and constantly evolving our platform to meet with customers’ needs.”

With accolades from customers such as ‘excellence in online training’ and ‘by far the best e-learning platform I have come across for adult social care staff’ it is clear to see that Social Care TV’s products are an excellent and much needed resource for the industry.

To learn more about SCTV or to try a free course please go to https:// www.social-care.tv or join their 35,000 Facebook followers at https:// www.facebook.com/SocialCareTV

The UK’s Leading e-Learning Provider for the Health and Social Care Sector Delivering Best Quality Training and e-Learning for Over 20 Years

www.social-care.tv info@socialcare.tv 25.indd 1

01953 853070 facebook.com/SocialCareTV 21/04/2022 10:43

Unlock the power of effective marketing for your care home Severe staffing shortages and falling incomes caused by the pandemic are pushing many providers to the brink of survival.

Whether you are from a small independent home or a large organisation with a variety of brands, all homes and agencies have the same objective and are facing the same challenges.

The best possible marketing campaign to make your business the most attractive to potential new staff and residents has never been more important, and this is where we can help. At Script we know care, backed up by more than 20 years of serving the industry through Caring UK magazine, as well as the highly successful Caring UK Awards that are now in their fifth year.

Benefits of marketing to increase occupancy: • • • • •

Boosting brand awareness.

Reputation management.

Qualified lead generation.

Improved conversion rates.

Educate prospects and loved ones.

Benefits of marketing on recruitment: • • • • •

Greater reach.

Stronger employer branding.

Improved candidate quality.

Maintaining staff pipelines.

Acceleration of recruitment process.

With our knowledge and expertise of the industry, Care Solutions from Script is with you every step of the way and we can tailor a marketing package to save you time and to suit your needs and budget.

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Professional printed matierials for your care home such as;

Our team of experienced journalists and PR specialists can offer;

Show your professionalism and a consistent brand image with;

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• Press release writing

• Logo Design • Full brand guideline development • Existing brand refresh • Branded merchandise such as pens, mugs, lanyards, workwear etc.

• Social media graphics and content

• Social media post content writing • Copywriting • Blog / newsletter content writing

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

28

CARINGNEWS

Operator launches its care salary calculator

Residents and Mayor begin celebrations A SPECIAL guest was on hand to help residents at Signature’s Ascot Grange begin their celebrations to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Councillor John Story, the Mayor of Windsor and Maidenhead, paid a visit to the care home bringing gifts in the shape of commemorative mugs for its residents.

General manager Mark Deadman said: “We are grateful for the Mayor paying us a visit and joining us in celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. We were also very privileged to be the first of his many visits to care homes in the Windsor and Maidenhead borough.

“Many of our residents have fond and happy memories of the Queen’s coronation and have followed her reign over the years and will

have marked previous jubilees and national celebrations in their respective communities.

“At Ascot Grange and part of our own community we have created we believe it is important to come together and continue these traditions.”

As Her Majesty prepared to do her usual mid-morning paperwork in nearby Windsor Castle, the Mayor and Ascot Grange residents made a toast to her remarkable 70 years of dedicated public service.

Residents shared their stories of where they were during the Queen’s coronation in 1952 and at key moments during her long reign.

The home also provided commemorative decorated cakes as part of the celebration.

A NEW salary calculator has been launched by a homecare provider to show workers across the UK how they could earn a higher salary by switching their supermarket job for a career in homecare.

The salary calculator, designed

by Right at Home UK – an operator with more than 70 offices – has been developed to counter perceptions that working in social care is poorly paid, with entry level carers who work 35 hours per week benefitting from an average potential monthly salary of up to £1,748.43, rising to a potential £3,264 for a live-in carer role.

This is £2,028.62 higher than the average wage for retail workers, who take home an average £1,235.38 for the same number of hours worked.

Lucy Campbell, chief executive officer of Right at Home, said: “The hope is that the new salary calculator will help attract more people across the country to consider taking up a well-paid and hugely rewarding career in homecare.

“It’s incredibly important that we help the whole care sector tackle the misconceptions about working in social care.

“The idea that a career in homecare is poorly paid is a relic of the past.

All homecare providers pay at least the Living Wage, with the majority paying more – as demonstrated by the calculator.

Lucy Campbell, chief executive officer of Right at Home.

“The fact is that an entry level job in homecare pays more than an entry level job in a supermarket, while also offering ongoing training that will help carers secure qualifications and progress up the ranks to managerial positions. There is also unrivalled job security.

“It’s high time the public start seeing social care workers for what they are – highly trained and highly skilled professionals who carry out essential work that keeps our most vulnerable members of the community safe, healthy and independent.”

Advertiser’s announcement

Where are we at now with the Liberty Protection Safeguards?

By Lucy Bowker

which identified the key features of a deprivation of liberty, namely: The person is (1) under continuous supervision and control and (2) not free to leave.

Both need to be present for the arrangements to constitute a deprivation of liberty.

The Code summarises “continuous supervision and control” as meaning “the person not being left alone for significant periods of the day and not being allowed to make decisions about their own life. For example, about the activities they do during the day or where they live.”

“Freedom to leave” means “the ability to leave permanently, for example in order to live where, and with whom, they choose.”

THE Liberty Protection Safeguards (consultation was finally published on March 17, 2022.

The consultation runs until July 7, 2022 and I would urge providers to give this consideration and to respond accordingly.

No target date for implementation has been set yet.

In the consultation document it says “We intend to set a new date for LPS implementation when we publish the consultation response”.

Realistically, it is unlikely that the new regime will come into force before 2023.

Code of Practice A draft single Code of Practice has been published for the Mental Capacity Act 2005 incorporating the LPS updates from the Mental Capacity (Amendment) Act 2019.

Upon an initial review of the documents, it appears that the following areas are especially important for providers.

‘Deprivation of Liberty’ Chapter 12 of the Code, sets out the three elements of a deprivation of liberty:

28.indd 1

Lucy Bowker 1. Objective element – confinement in a restricted space for a non-negligible period of time.

2. Subjective element – the person has not validly consented to that confinement.

3. And the state must be responsible for the detention.

The Code then covers the “acid test” set down in the Supreme Court case known as “Cheshire West”

Timescales Chapter 13 of the Code sets out the process of authorising arrangements.

Tight timescales apply.

The Responsible Body should inform the referrer that the referral has been accepted within five working days.

It also says that the assessment process should not exceed 21 days.

All health and social care professionals will have a responsibility to refer.

Wider consultation With the Code of Practice itself running to more than 500 pages, it would be easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of documentation provided.

I would recommend starting with the consultation document with the Code open alongside it.

Conclusion It is important to be aware of the proposed changes and voice your opinions now.

Prepare your teams for the transition by keeping an eye out for suitable training materials.

Managers should ensure that any current assessments on mental capacity and mental disorder are kept on file. It may be possible to use these in the future.

Additionally, teams should ensure that all Deprivation of Liberty Safeguard applications are up to date and that staff knowledge of the MCA is good.

This will not only assist the transition, but it is something that CQC inspectors will be specifically looking for in the near future. n Lucy Bowker is a solicitor at Gordons Partnership.

20/04/2022 11:16

CARINGHYGIENE, LAUNDRY & INFECTION CONTROL

29

Advertiser’s announcement

System breezes through cleaning tasks OUR picture shows staff at Birchwood Care Home in Newbury, Berkshire which is a mixed nursing and residential home and provides specialist support for people with dementia.

As with all Duplex machines, an installation session is included with each purchase and certificated on-site training carried out by one of Duplex’s friendly and knowledgeable technicians.

Pictured here is the Duplex Janitorial Steam System which is a powerful steam cleaner, multi-use trolley and extendable steam mop.

Its robust and reliable enough to breeze through a wide variety of cleaning tasks such as tiles and grouting, kitchens, toilets, bathrooms, basins and worktops to name just a few which makes it ideal for both infection control and general cleaning.

This together with the Duplex 420 Steam floor machines provide cleaning and sanitisation solutions to most cleaning challenges found in the care home environment.

Head housekeeper Beverley Edwards commented on how good the Janitorial Steam System is at cleaning hard floors and tiles and with everything housed on a convenient trolley, nothing gets lost and it is easy to move the whole system around the home.

Having been Duplex customers for several years, the machines at Birchwood also benefit from regular routine planned maintenance visits from technical support engineer Kevin

Hines which helps to keep them in tip top condition.

During the Covid pandemic cleaning and sanitising has become so important in all sectors but in the health and care environment it is especially under the spotlight.

Using both the Duplex steam floor machines in conjuction with the very versatile Duplex Janitorial Steam System gives a fantastic combined effect on the overall cleanliness of any care home.

Duplex has always taken pride in the machinery they supply and the longevity it provides for the end user.

The ease of use means that productivity is always at the highest possible level and the fact that no harsh cleaning chemicals are needed in the machines lets the Duplex floor steamers move from hard floor cleaning to carpeted areas without the need to change chemical (because there isn’t any needed) or change to different brushes as the grey brushes supplied with the machine are universal and can be used on carpet and hard floor.

All of Duplex’s business development managers have many years’ experience in the care sector and give professional and straightforward advice on the correct machine or machines to use for any size of care, residential or nursing home across the UK along with on-site, no obligation demonstrations.

Their aim is to supply the best equipment to enhance and improve cleaning regime the customer already has in place.

High Performance Cleaning Machines

Free on-site demonstrations Clean and sanitize with steam Multi-surface steam cleaning Light and easy to use Combine cleaning with infection-control Robust and reliable Nationwide sales and service support Free on-site training & installation Request an onsite demonstration www.duplex-cleaning.com

01227 771276

Fax 01227 770220 info@duplex-cleaning.com Unit 27 Joseph Wilson Ind. Est Whitstable, Kent, CT5 3PS.

29.indd 1

13/04/2022 10:31

30

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

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30.indd 1

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

13/04/2022 11:29

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13/04/2022 11:52

32

CARINGHYGIENE, LAUNDRY & INFECTION CONTROL Advertiser’s announcement

Sentes reclining baths deliver ultimate bathing care at home LOCATED in leafy Surrey, the Kings Lodge care home operated by Aura Care Living, continues to provide utmost bathing support and hygiene through its specialist Sentes baths manufactured by Gainsborough Specialist Bathrooms.

Kings Lodge is a stunning 64-bed care home that provides luxurious and opulent accommodation.

Offering a combination of high level residential and dementia care, Kings Lodge is a state-of-the-art facility styled on a European ski-lodge set in 15 acres of mature woodland.

Located in Camberley, this innovative building is championing a new concept in person-centred care – its selection of two Sentes assistive baths by Gainsborough is instrumental to this approach.

The Sentes is an ultra-efficient reclining bathing system, suitable for long-term care and acute care environments.

Its reclining action and moulded seat help to improve postural control, enhancing bathing comfort and delivering the optimum blend of functionality and performance.

The vertical-raising, side-entry door also ensures easy-access for bathers, making transfers safer and simpler for care staff.

Abbey, a senior carer, has been very impressed with the Sentes baths at Kings Lodge, both from a staff and resident point of view.

She said: “The Sentes is nice and deep so my residents can have a good soak and it gives good postural support when reclined for more complex needs.

“It is easily accessible from either side so I can wash and assist my

residents at the correct level without compromising my back or posture.”

Offering the opportunity to bathe is a major benefit at Kings Lodge as it relaxes residents and can improve therapy sessions.

Maintaining positivity and well-being is a key factor within the atmosphere of Kings Lodge which is greatly enhanced by the Gainsborough baths.

Every bedroom at Kings Lodge has a high specification en-suite wet room however residents have the choice to bathe in four specialist bathrooms.

These facilities are popular with residents especially new arrivals who have not been able to bathe for some time due to access issues.

From a detailed features point of view, the Sentes provides: n Easy one-touch tilt with hoisting access. n Reduced operational costs through smart water and power usage. n BioCote antimicrobial technology built-in for 24/7 protection against microbes. n Quick fill technology for faster bathing cycles. n Impressive 205kg SWL. n Safer moving and handling with reduced risk to carers and bathers. n Optional hydrotherapy, chromotherapy and bluetooth sound.

Integration of BioCote is a major advantage for Kings Lodge and all healthcare providers who specify Gainsborough baths.

This world-leading silver-ion technology delivers advanced hygiene offering up to 99.9 per cent 24/7 protection against a broad range of microbes, including bacteria, mould and even some viruses.

Cost, energy and user efficient laundry solutions for homes

Suresy incontinence pads AS A Gompels own-brand, Suresy has developed a range of premium incontinence products.

Designed with the end-user in mind, Suresy products have a breathable design which helps keep skin dry and reduce the risk of rashes and sores.

The quick-dry layer draws fluids away from the skin, locking them away in the core of the product.

The super stretchy leak proof cuffs

32.indd 1

ensure that the pads shape to any individual and the fabric-back design is rustle-free and discreet.

As an established supplier to UK care and nursing homes for more than 50 years you can be rest assured that any Gompels branded range like Suresy will deliver outstanding results that you would expect from world leading brands such as Tena, Lille and iD.

FOR ANY care home, the laundry function is a central operation, and a key process in ensuring that efficient hygiene control is maintained.

It is therefore imperative to choose appropriate commercial machines that deliver appropriate levels of disinfection.

With sustainability targets becoming increasingly pressing, it is also vital to ensure that laundry machines enable the requisite energy and water efficiency.

Forbes Professional provides laundry equipment to care homes across the UK. Our rental solutions include delivery, installation and commissioning as well as a multiaward winning service support.

All of this is provided at no extra cost for the life of the contract. With the majority of care organisations now citing sustainability as a deciding factor in choosing their appliances, our rental solutions are a great alternative to outright purchase.

Rental gives access to the latest technology and 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.

21/04/2022 10:22

Want to help improve the quality of life of those receiving care in the UK? Apply now.

Closing date 20th May

Are you a creative thinker?

Have you a passion for making ideas a reality?

Do you want to make a positive difference to people’s lives?

The Care Innovation Challenge

With cash prizes for the top spots, expert mentoring and guaranteed media coverage this is an opportunity not to be missed.

Who can apply?

• University students • Entrepreneurs • Working professionals • Care Managers and Care Staff • People with lived experience of care and support

Without the Challenge, it would have been a much, much longer journey. Maybe I’d have ended up burnt out as it’s really hard to run a start-up model by yourself. The Challenge made it 100 times easier.

Open to everyone working, studying or living in the Midlands. You can apply as a team or as an individual.

Teams must be 2-3 people.

is a hackathon-style creative weekend of idea generation and prototype trialling in July 2022.

Maaha Suleiman, 2019 Challenge Runner-up and CEO/Founder of www.carematched.co.uk

REGISTER NOW at www.careinnovationhub.org.uk 33a.indd 1

20/04/2022 12:05

34

CARINGNEWS Nora Blaydes has celebrated her 106th birthday at Gateford Hill Care Home in Worksop. The former nurse, who has previously received birthday congratulations from The Queen, celebrated the milestone with another special memento.

Being a lifelong Manchester United fan she was delighted to receive a signed framed letter from all at the club wishing her a very happy birthday. Home manager Jane Clinch said: “Nora loves football and has followed Manchester United all her life, so it was very exciting to be able to present her with this generous gift from the club. This was a truly remarkable day. When you think about the changes Nora has seen over her lifetime, it really is quite mind blowing.”

A new centenarian has shared what she believes is and isn’t the secret to a long and happy existence. Having recently reached the momentous birthday milestone, Frances Waldek, resident at Didsbury care village Belong Morris Feinmann says it’s all down to your outlook and keeping engaged with life. After an afternoon of joyous celebration, accompanied by friends and family and surrounded with flowers, 100th birthday banners and balloons, Frances said: “Perhaps it’s the fact that I’ve always been positive and kept mentally and physically active – it’s probably not the smoking and all the G&Ts.” Frances and the village residents enjoyed the musical talents of her pianist daughter-in-law Joan, who entertained alongside violinist Maurice and cellist Jeff before the serving of birthday cake and presentation of her birthday card from Her Majesty The Queen.

The care team at Friends of the Elderly’s New Copford Place care home in Colchester, Essex has been celebrating Barbara Purves’ 101st birthday with gifts, cards and a special afternoon tea treat complete with music and singing with her care home friends.

Barbara, who has been a resident at New Copford Place since September 2019, said: “I had a really lovely 101st birthday, it was a very special day. I thoroughly enjoyed my birthday tea, not only the delicious birthday cake, but all the music, singing, laughter and chatter, it really made my day.”

Barbara is pictured with staff members Amy King. Jess Lomas and Emma Grimwood.

Irene Butterworth, a resident at the Signature at Coombe Hill Manor, recently celebrated her 101st birthday. To mark the achievement Irene was inundated with gifts, cards, and well wishes, receiving a flower bouquet, ‘101’ notebook, and champagne truffles to name just a few of her presents. The celebrations didn’t stop there on the day, with Irene also treated to a decorated cake prepared by the catering team at the home, which she thoroughly enjoyed with all her friends at. Irene moved to Coombe Hill Manor in 2015 and is a much-loved resident at the care home, often found spending time outdoors enjoying the plants and flowers in the gardens.

Haviland House resident Audrey Moore celebrated her 102nd birthday with a special visit from the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Worthing, town crier Bob Smytherman and a party in her honour, organised by staff. The specialist dementia care home that is part of Worthing charity Guild Care celebrated Audrey’s milestone birthday with a party where she was joined by family, fellow residents and staff. Members of the charity’s Ashdown Club, which offers short breaks for children aged five to 12 with learning disabilities, also presented Audrey with a card that they had made. When asked what her secret was to living a long life, Audrey attributed it to ‘happiness, wine and her people.’

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Rita Crumplin celebrated her 100th birthday at Friends of the Elderly’s RNNH Care Home in Bournemouth. Her special day was topped off with a surprise treat – a visit from her son Paul who flew all the way from Australia to share in his Mum’s special day. Rita, who has been a resident at RNNH for two-anda-half years, served her country in the Land Army during World War II. When she left the forces, Rita worked in a garden centre in Ringwood before meeting her husband-to-be Ronald and becoming a full-time Mum and housewife. They had four children – Cheryl, Kelvin, Wendy and Paul.

Rita is now grandmother to seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Two of the South’s oldest residents have celebrated birthdays within a week of each other at the same Hampshire care home. Staff at Colten Care’s Kingfishers in New Milton made sure great grandmothers Irene Harris, 105, and Marjorie Nutton, 101, both had special wishes granted. Companionship team leader Rose Arcellana said: “When we asked Irene what she wanted to do, she said she would love to be treated like a Queen for the day. Her wish was our command. We dressed her with a crown and a gown and laid out a red carpet so she could arrive at her very own royal afternoon tea party in style. For her part, Marjorie was able to welcome her three sons, daughter, son-in-law and grandson for a wonderful family get-together. She also received lots of beautiful flowers and Postcards of Kindness from well-wishers across the UK.” Formby’s oldest resident Marjorie Hodnett celebrated turning 108 recently. A resident at Formby Manor care centre, Marjorie, known fondly by all as Auntie Marj, is one of a select group of 50 centenarians in the UK. The team at Formby Manor pulled out all the stops to ensure it was a day to remember with a garden party complete with afternoon tea and entertainment from vintage singer the Golden Age Songbird. Auntie Marj’s family joined her fellow residents and friends at Formby Manor to spend the afternoon with her in person and enjoyed celebrating with fizz and cake.

13/04/2022 10:18

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36 CARINGTECHNOLOGY

AND SOFTWARE

Care planning app The humble text message makes innovative can give managers control awards shortlist

By James O’Hare

SANCTUARY Care has been named a finalist in the innovation category of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards for its bespoke electronic care planning app ‘kradle’.

Replacing paper-based care plans, kradle gives staff more time to spend with residents, by enabling them to update their care plans securely and efficiently on dedicated mobile devices at the point of care.

Part of Sanctuary, a not-for-profit group, a project team of Sanctuary Care’s own operational care staff, partnered with Sanctuary’s technology team, created kradle, which was successfully piloted in he operator’s Worcestershire homes in 2017.

It has now been rolled out to 80 of Sanctuary Care’s 98 care homes, with the rest due to follow in the near future.

Director of business development Chris Poole said: “We’re passionate about continually learning and embracing new technologies and innovative ways of working.

“This ensures that our staff are given the best tools to deliver exceptional quality care that enriches our residents’ lives – kradle is a shining

example that we are incredibly proud of.

“The beauty of kradle is it enables more person-centred care than ever before. It allows staff to build a picture of who someone is as a unique individual, their life histories, emotional and spiritual needs, not just what ‘care’ they need.

“And with our own dedicated internal team, kradle continually evolves with the needs of our staff, residents and the wider business, so the possibilities are endless.”

Sanctuary Care will find out if it has won the innovation category, which is sponsored by Malvern Hills Science Park, at a black tie awards ceremony on July 7 at Worcester Arena.

MANAGING outbreaks could become more complex as socialising outside the home increases. How can managers use technology to alleviate the pressure on keeping relatives and staff informed?

Keeping residents and teams safe as we start to ‘live with Covid’ will be high on the agenda for the care industry.

News of rising Covid-19 numbers across the UK, and re-emergence of infections such as norovirus will be compounding the pressure care homes are under.

To help manage risk, relatives must have the latest information about visiting hours and any changes to processes they must follow.

Things do change overnight, and it can be very disappointing to discover you can’t enter the home when you arrive.

Ensuring everyone has the latest information is difficult. No one will want to repeat themselves to every visitor or make dozens of phone calls to relatives when there are other urgent tasks to see to. But for many care homes this is the only option.

Technology, and specifically text messages, could help alleviate the strain.

Texts can be used to send daily updates on visiting times or specific processes designed to manage infection risks.

James O’Hare By using a communications platform, texts can be written and issued as required or prepared in advance and lined up to send on a specific date.

Texts can also be used to disseminate other helpful information that relates to the running of a centre such as parking or access restrictions due to planned building maintenance.

Text messages are also an easy way to prepare staff before they come in for a shift or to remind them to meet deadlines for holiday applications.

What’s more, it could be used to help manage overtime and shift swaps when a carer is ill. It’s a method the logistics industry uses today to great effect, automatically updating rota systems as part of the process.

At a time when timely, accurate communications are so critical, the humble text message is probably one of the most powerful ways care managers can stay in control. n James O’Hare is the MD of LINK Mobility UK.

Advertiser’s announcement

‘Passionate’ Dragon Sara invests in innovative over-chair table FLIP Top is an innovative over chair table design that is creating waves in the care industry.

The only one of its kind, the patented product features an overchair table that retracts to the side of a standard care home armchair.

It has been created by South Wales based care home owners Phillip and Lakshmy Pengelly.

Inspiration for the inventive table design came as a result of the couple’s extensive experience in the care sector and the challenges that they faced, a notable issue being the hazardous nature of the standard care

36.indd 1

home over chair table.

After the poor quality of traditional over chair tables led to an unfortunate accident in their care home, Phillip decided enough was enough.

He started working on a design for a new table, making it his mission to create a safer, better product.

A year later, Flip Top was created.

Unlike its predecessors, Flip Top removes the risk of trips and falls in the care home, as it can be folded to the side of the chair when not in use.

Flip Top is made from durable plastic, preventing warping from spills.

And, more importantly, the plastic is much easier to maintain to the highest hygiene standard, due to its easy-to-wipe surface.

In addition to hygiene and safety benefits, Flip Top promotes independence as the table is positioned much closer to the individual, making it easier for them to enjoy their meal.

Furthermore, the product enables social distancing in large settings during mealtimes.

As care home owners, Phillip and Lakshmy are extremely passionate about their product because they believe that their clients and the care industry itself deserves an improved, safer and more hygienic version of

the over chair tables that currently exist on the market.

Phillip and Lakshmy were delighted to take their innovative product to a national platform when they were invited to pitch on BBC One’s Dragons’ Den. The pair impressed the judges with their industry knowledge and creative design, none more so than Sara Davies who, with a grandparent in a care home, was passionate about the

product and envisioned how the table could improve people’s lives.

Since securing investment from Sara on the show, Phillip and Lakshmy have been successful in selling a multitude of units to care homes and have negotiated a partnership with one of the top care home suppliers in Britain.

Their quest to make life a little easier and safer for care industry residents continues.

21/04/2022 09:40

CARINGTECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

37

Care providers urged to bid for technology testbed funding CARE providers are being invited to apply for grants of £75,000 so they can test out with older people which technology tools and digital housing services work best for them and explore why.

The funding is part of the Technology for our Ageing Population: Panel for Innovation project – led by the Housing Learning and Improvement Network, the TEC Services Association and funded by the Dunhill Medical Trust – which is calling for ‘careready’ digital infrastructure to be woven into the fabric of all new and retrofitted homes, right from design stage.

Jeremy Porteus, CEO of the Housing Learning and Improvement Network, said: “I am really excited about TAPPI2 and embedding the principles identified in last year’s Inquiry into practice.

“With co-production at the heart of TAPPI, we’re keen to work with older people to find out what technologyenabled care and housing solutions support them best.

“The results will offer vital information on how technology can be better applied in homes for our ageing population.”

The first phase of TAPPI concluded in 2021, examining current practice and then setting out 10 practical principles for using technology in housing and care for older people.

The second phase will trial the use of these principles in people’s homes over a 12 to 15-month period.

A wide range of organisations, including providers of social housing, supported living services, grouped living schemes and stepdown dwellings that support reablement are all eligible to apply

for funding to become demonstrator sites, as are those that support older people to live independently at home.

Four organisations will each be awarded a grant of £75,000 so they can try out different mainstream and specialist technologies with older people, gathering their feedback.

Digital services and solutions will be assessed using TAPPI principles to ensure they are: adaptable, co-produced, cost-effective, choiceled, interoperable, inclusive,

outcome-focused, person-centred, preventative and quality-focused.

Each demonstrator site will share its findings throughout the project, reporting on people’s views, barriers to using digital services, what worked well and how easy it was to embed the TAPPI principles when building and retrofitting homes.

Alyson Scurfield, CEO of the TEC Services Association, added: “Although some housing providers are already supporting older people through tech, it’s a patchwork of provision, not an organised or transformational system, adopted across the sector.

“We want to change that through TAPPI, testing digital solutions and then creating guidance, standards and a widely accepted framework so housing providers, architects and builders can integrate tech into housing and make life more fulfilling for our ageing population.”

The Housing LIN, the TEC Services Association and the Dunhill Medical Trust will use case studies and learnings from the project to support other housing providers that are seeking to adopt the TAPPI principles and make their homes ‘care ready’.

Advertiser’s announcement

Platform launched to make policies and procedures management easy THE Access Group has added Access Policies & Procedures to its care management software suite to help busy care managers stay on top of and be able to evidence compliance to the CQC. Access Policies & Procedures, which is the newest tool in The Access Group’s care management software, contains more than 260 policies for care providers in England.

These policies are continuously reviewed by a team of expert policy writers, in line with updates in the sector, to ensure documentation is kept up-to-date.

Care providers can easily upload their own documentation to the platform and a print option is also available.

The solution is designed to help both new and established care providers improve efficiency and get the best ratings possible from the CQC for the quality care they provide.

Through the platform, documents can be updated quickly and allocated to relevant groups.

Care staff can easily see what documentation they need to read and confirm they have understood the information with just the click of a button.

All documentation is written in plain English, there is a translation

37.indd 1

feature and easy read versions are available on key items too.

Activity is visible in one dashboard, allowing managers to review and chase up outstanding items and demonstrate compliance to a regulator in a simple snapshot.

Overall, making it easier for carers to keep up to date the latest policies.

Access Health and Social Care works with more than 10,500 registered care locations in the UK, including more than 6,000 care and nursing homes and around 4,500 community care agencies.

Managing director Steve Sawyer sees the new platform as another step in the care solution provider’s vision to help care settings reduce time consuming tasks that take them away from their focus on providing quality care.

He said: “Access Policies & Procedures will make demonstrating compliance much easier for care managers.

“They will be able to manage and distribute policies to those who need to read them and can quickly identify any issues or instances where care

workers need to be brought up to date. All actions are captured in an easy to view dashboard which can be used to help demonstrate compliance to the CQC. “Provision of top quality care is a key focus of all care providers.

Our vision is to provide tools which remove time consuming tasks that are of course important, but ultimately take care workers and managers away from serving the needs of their residents and service users.

“Access Policies & Procedures makes compliance management easy, for what is a traditionally time consuming and complicated process.

“All home care and care home providers in England require policies and procedures to become a registered care provider and maintain the ability to provide care. It is crucial for them to remain compliant.

“Access Policies & Procedures is a vital tool for care settings. We will be updating each policy in line with regulatory requirements and carrying out bulk updates twice annually to support settings with their compliance.

“We are confident in the quality of our policies as we have a team of expert policy writers who, collectively, have more than 150 years of experience in the sector.”

21/04/2022 09:50

lamontjohnson.com

LAMONT JOHNSON LamontJohnson

P R O P E RT Y ADVISOR S

Lamont Johnson Dear Grayson and Dawn Now that we have completed the sale of Meadowcroft Care Home, i would like to write a short note to thank you both for your guidance through this complex process, particularly as this was my first time selling a Care Home after 14 years of ownership and management.

Inevitably we hit some bumps along the way, thankfully with your invaluable experience we were able to navigate through with minimal disruption.

Your selection process for introducing us to the most appropriate buyer was not only essential to maintain confidentiality, but particularly important during these unprecedented times with Coronavirus restrictions, however the best testament to your selection process is that we received an offer from everyone who viewed, and we accepted an offer after a few weeks.

As you are aware, you were sadly our second choice, our first choice spent over a year marketing Meadowcroft without any offers. They did charge a substantial nonrefundable upfront fee for the privelege.

After our first meeting, your easy going and honest attitudes left me feeling relaxed and confident that I had chosen the right agent. You did not disappoint.

I wish you both the very best and you will be my first choice when recommending an agent in the future.

‘‘As you are aware, you were sadly our second choi ce.

Our first choice spen t over a year marketing Meado wcroft without any offers an d charged us a substantial nonrefundable upfront fee’’

TO THE CARE SECTOR

SOLD MEADOWCROFT CARE HOME SUSSEX

ANOTHER SALE COMPLETED DISCREETLY IN WEST SUSSEX

Yours sincerely

Rachel Mohidin

Grayson Taylor, Managing Director Lamont Johnson and Taz and Rachel Mohidin, Vendors, Meadowcroft

SELLING NATIONWIDE FOR OVER 40 YEARS

Meadowcroft Care Home registered for 20, in the existing ownership for 13 years of Taz and Rachel Mohidin. A really nice home 20 single bedrooms all ensuite with an overall CQC rating of “Good” and with 80% of the residents being privately funded.

The home has been bought by the Lewes, West Sussex based Southdowns Residential Ltd.

Totally Confidential No Obligation

IF YOU ARE THINKING OF SELLING, PHONE GRAYSON or DAWN TAYLOR TODAY 01937 842 758 m.07920 475 440 Office@lamontjohnson.com 38.indd 1

20/04/2022 08:40

39 SELLING CARE HOMES NATIONWIDE

lamontjohnson .com Totally Confidential No Obligation

IF YOU ARE THINKING OF SELLING

PHONE OR MAIL US FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION APPRAISAL

07920 475 440

Property, finance, insurance, training & recruitment

Office@lamontjohnson.com

Build underway at £11m care facility BUILD is now officially underway on a state-of-the-art new £11m care facility on the site of the former Springbrook pub in Grappenhall, Warrington, with practical completion confirmed for March 2023.

Altrincham-based care home operator New Care started remediation works on the site towards the end of last year, focussed on isolating the services and demolishing the existing pub building to allow groundworks to commence.

Commissioning director Dawn Collett said: “Work in Grappenhall is going really well, the foundations are in and brickwork has commenced meaning that locals will soon start to see the building appear above the hoarding.

“Over the course of the next 12 months the building will really start to take shape and we look forward to welcoming our first residents to their beautiful new home in March 2023.”

An artist’s impression of New Care’s facility in Grappenhall.

Over the last few weeks work shortly. Helping to increase the has gathered pace; the sheet piles, provision of quality beds in the area, foundations and sub structure New Care’s expertly designed ‘new brickwork and ground floor are all generation’ care facility is purposein place and scaffolding has been built to deliver the highest standards erected ready for the installation of care in a safe and stylish homeof the metal frame to commence from-home environment featuring

LAMONT JOHNSON THERE IS CURRENTLY EXCEPTIONAL DEMAND FOR HOMES WITH FAR TOO MANY BUYERS AND NOT ENOUGH SELLERS

SOLD BLEAK HOUSE YORKSHIRE REGISTERED

27

Totally Confidential No Obligation

SOLD

39.indd 1

WENHAM HOLT NURSING HOME HAMPSHIRE REGISTERED

50

SOLD REGISTERED

64

54

OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE SELLING CARE HOMES NATIONWIDE

Office@lamontjohnson.com lamontjohnson.com

SOLD COMME

ELM LODGE BEDFORDSHIRE

IVELHURST NURSING HOME SOMERSET REGISTERED

LOOKING FOR A DISCREET SALE? CALL US TODAY 01937 842 758 m.07920 475 440

fully furnished en suite bedrooms, communal lounges and dining rooms, spa-assisted bathrooms, a hair salon, nail bar and beautifully landscaped front and rear gardens.

When complete, the privatelyfunded 70-bed facility will provide an outstanding clinical offering including residential, nursing and dementia care. Residents will receive individual person-centred compassionate care enhanced with a meaningful programme of daily activities from a permanent and skilled professional team.

Grappenhall is the latest new care facility in the area for New Care; the operator also has a second care home under construction in Lymm and homes in Wilmslow and Adel due to complete this year.

Principal contractor McGoff Construction (New Care’s sister company and also part of the McGoff Group) is managing all build programmes.

NO

“UPFRONT” FEES or INFLATED COMMISSION RATES!

LamontJohnson LamontJohnson

P R O P E RT Y ADVISOR S

TO THE CARE SECTOR

20/04/2022 08:45

40

Operator brings award winning complex care to the South West

Work resumes at Birkdale village WORK at new state-of-the-art care village Belong Birkdale has resumed following the dementia care specialist’s appointment of Whitfield and Brown to complete the £19million project.

Preparatory work has now commenced at the site close to Southport town centre ahead of the building works restarting.

The Widnes-based contractor has been selected for their experience and expertise in specialist dementia accommodation, and take over from Cruden Construction which went into administration at the height of the pandemic two years ago.

Chris Hughes, Belong interim co. chief executive and chief finance officer, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Whitfield and Brown for the completion of Belong Birkdale.

“Their track record will be invaluable in bringing to life the vision for our first coastal care village.”

Scheduled to open in the summer, Belong Birkdale will provide a home for more than 100 people,

comprising 74 beds divided across six households with 24-hour care and nursing support, as well as 30 oneand-two-bedroom independent living apartments, which will be available to buy or rent.

The village will offer a vibrant setting for a number of amenities for customers and the local community, including a bistro, hair salon, exercise studio, function rooms, and a specialist day care service.

Belong’s home care service Belong at Home will also operate from the site.

The development has been made possible through Belong’s partnership with Octopus Real Estate, part of Octopus Group, and has been designed by leading architects Pozzoni Architecture.

Belong Birkdale will be the group’s ninth location following the opening of Belong Chester this spring. Both join the not-for-profit organisation’s established care villages across the North West in Atherton, Crewe, Didsbury, Macclesfield, Newcastleunder-Lyme, Warrington and Wigan.

The Belmont in Worcester celebrated its official opening with a 1920s themed grand launch. The team and residents inviting the local community to the celebrations which included a classic car show, a live jazz band, tours of the new care home and an official ribbon cutting. Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Stephen Hodgson, opened the home along with The Belmont’s first resident. Customer relations manager Tommy Fellows, said: “It was a joy to welcome so many wonderful people from the Worcester community to our beautiful new home The Belmont, the newest home in the Sanders Senior Living collection.”

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AWARD-winning complex care provider Cornerstone Healthcare has broken ground at its latest multimillion-pound, 80 bed, eco home on the Imperial Park site in Bristol.

The ‘green’ building is being built to a certified BREEAM Excellent standard and has been designed to be thermally efficient, meaning it will retain heat in the winter and stay cool in summer for longer.

The build will have solar panels on the roof to provide electricity and use environmentally friendly air source heat pumps to heat or cool the building.

The home, which will bring 140 jobs, will also have a living roof top garden that will also benefit wildlife and a sustainable drainage system which will manage rainwater attenuation.

The development has been designed by care sector specialists Northstar and will be built by Real on behalf of the Cornerstone Healthcare Group, who have been named complex care provider of the year in the HealthInvestor Awards for two years in a row 2020 and 2021.

As a nod to its green credentials, the home has been given the name of ‘The Burren’ following a competition for Cornerstone staff. The Burren is an area of outstanding natural beauty in Ireland that has species of flora and fauna only found there.

Cornerstone’s CEO Johann van Zyl said: “Now more than ever we are all aware of climate change. We are committed to reducing our carbonfootprint and this exciting and innovative project paves the way for the future of care home development.

“Real and Northstar are experts in

their field and we know that they will provide us with the best environment for the complex needs of our residents.

“We are also delighted to be bringing our care model to the South West. The provision of specialist nursing beds is in short supply and the completion of this new home will provide an additional 80 beds providing high levels of complex care.”

The Burren is the fifth home in Cornerstone’s portfolio along with South Africa Lodge and Kitnocks House in Hampshire, Marula Lodge in Surrey and current building project, Cale View in Somerset due to open in 2023.

Andy Heyes, regional director at Real, South West, added: “It is fantastic to be starting on site at Imperial Park.

“The later living facility marks yet another great addition to our portfolio and not only do we intend to provide an excellent scheme, but one that goes above and beyond to meet the needs of our ageing population.”

Provider receives keys to its 30th care home RESIDENTIAL and dementia care provider Ideal Carehomes, has received the keys to its 30th home development, Haywood Lodge in Warwickshire.

Ideal has doubled its portfolio of care homes in the last five years, with eight new homes opening during the last two years of the pandemic and four opening in 2022.

Home manager Jacqui Harris said: “I am extremely proud and excited to soon be able to open the doors of our beautiful home at Haywood Lodge, Ideal Carehomes’ 30th development.

“Our future residents will benefit so much from our facilities and the full and varied social programme organised by our activities co-ordinators.

“Everything we do at Haywood Lodge will put us at the forefront of care and, with the established team and policies behind us, we have everything we need to ensure the continued wellbeing of our residents and staff and to support our new residents to live life to the full.”

Haywood Lodge has benefitted

Haywood Lodge manager Jacqui Harris. from a £12million investment and will open its doors to welcome new residents later this month.

The state-of-the-art facility, which is located in Mappleborough Green, includes landscaped gardens, a cinema, café area, garden rooms, library, hair salon and convenience store.

The operator also recently received the keys to another £12million development, Blakelands Lodge in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire, which will also open later this month.

20/04/2022 09:56

41

Innovative £500,000 dementia suite opens at Harrogate care home A STATE-of-the-art dementia suite with café, spa bathroom and bespoke reminiscence areas is set to open at Belmont House in Starbeck, Harrogate.

The Springwater suite, which will be home to a community of up to 14 people, has been designed to enable people to continue to live well with dementia, maintaining as much of their independence as possible.

Following a complete transformation and investment of £500,000 by the Maria Mallaband Care Group, which operates the home, the new suite is set to offer a transformative care environment.

Facilities will include a specially designed open and safe ‘lifestyle’ kitchenette area extending to a café

designed to be engaging and help sustain independence and retention of skills and social connections, and a pampering spa-themed bathing room, offering hydrotherapy, aromatherapy and Croma therapy.

The reception and lounge area has been opened up to create a new reception desk and coffee bar.

Head of dementia innovation Marsha Tuffin said: “Our vision for the Belmont House Springwater dementia suite is to enable people to live a good quality of life within a supportive, thriving community.

“Springwater will become a small community of 14 people in a vibrant dementia care environment designed to empower their independence and well-being through bespoke interior

design elements.”

Carefully chosen artwork on display in the corridors and communal areas will reflect the history of the local area, and the design includes the creation of bespoke reminiscence and reflection areas, featuring Betty’s Tea Rooms, Farrah’s Confectioners, Harrogate Spa, Harrogate Theatre Royal, Yorkshire sports people and the Royal Family.

Marsha added: “Residents already living at Belmont have contributed heavily, sharing stories and insights about history, landmarks and favourite places to visit in Harrogate.

“Their intimate knowledge of the area has inspired the artwork throughout the Springwater suite, ensuring the content will resonate

with the memories and experiences of those living there.

“Experience tells us meaningful and rewarding conversations will flow as a consequence of our holistic approach to design, which uniquely supports vital, multi-generational interaction.

“Like all the best things it’s the attention to detail which makes the difference and Springwater’s attentive design will enable living well with dementia in an enriched and supportive home.”

Belmont House is a custom-built private 101-bedroomed home with five separate suites across three floors, including a residential suite, a residential dementia suite, a dementia nursing suits and a general nursing suite.

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20

TH

ANNIVERSARY

SOLD

The Manse, Kirkham, Lancs. - Reg 44

DC Care is delighted to confirm the recent completion of the sale of The Manse located in Kirkham, Preston, registered for 44. The nursing home features both on and off-site parking and is built over two storeys.

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

SALES | ACQUISITIONS | APPRAISALS | CONSULTANCY

01937 849 268 41.indd 1

www.dccare.co.uk sales@dccare.co.uk

20/04/2022 08:48

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Group in £100m sale and leaseback deal LUXURY care home developer and operator Hamberley Group, backed

by Patron Capital, has sold five of its care homes to real estate investment firm Rynda Healthcare.

The deal, worth in excess of £100million, will see Hamberley’s operating company Hamberley Care Homes immediately lease back three of its existing facilities under 35-year leaseback agreements and subsequently lease back two further sites, currently under development in Eastleigh and Enfield.

The existing care homes, Elstow Manor (Bedford), Verwood House (Verwood, Dorset) and Upton Manor (Poole) are all part of the Hamberley Care Homes group and will continue to be operated by the team.

Collectively the five homes account for 353 beds out of the current Hamberley Care Homes group of 14 operational luxury care homes. The group will have a total of 28 homes by 2024, once the current pipeline of developments is complete.

Daniel Kay, director of the Hamberley Group, said: “We’re delighted to have agreed this deal with the team at Rynda Healthcare.

This agreement builds on our strong track record for developing and operating some of the UK’s leading luxury care homes.

“This sale will allow us to invest further in the elderly care market and ensure that we deliver care environments that are truly luxurious, safe and homely.

“The three existing homes in this deal are already much-loved services in each of their local communities and the new homes in Eastleigh and Enfield push our design standards

yet further with the redevelopment of a 1920s police station and the integration of a leading-edge green energy heat network.”

Keith Breslauer, managing director of Patron Capital, added: “This is the latest in a number of saleand-leaseback transactions we’ve completed through Hamberley, highlighting growing investor interest in the later living sector.

“Having built and sold Gracewell Healthcare we have a long history of developing care home properties that meet the needs of an increasingly discerning ageing population.”

Hamberley Care Homes’ style includes homes featuring bedrooms with full wet room facilities, cinemas, boutique cafés, bar areas, hair and beauty salons, lounges and landscaped gardens.

The homes have also been designed with the highest safety standards in mind, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Additional features include bespoke Covid-secure visitation suites, in-built thermal imaging technology in entrance lobbies and a state-of-theart ventilation system which ensures air in public spaces is fully replaced four times an hour.

In addition to the five homes within the Rynda Healthcare deal the group has a development pipeline of sites in Cambridge, Dorking, Hindhead, Camberley, Basingstoke, Southampton, Bristol, Keynsham, Cofton Hackett and Edwalton.

Hamberley Development is also actively acquiring land and existing operating businesses and has over £170m of equity capital allocated for healthcare investment.

HPC announces sale of purpose-built London care home

HEALTHCARE Property Consultants has represented a major provider in the sale of a purpose built care home inside the M25 In a deal which underpins the firm’s reputation as transactional specialist in the care homes sector across the country, consultant HPC has acted on behalf of a major provider in the sale of a highquality, operational asset.

The care home, which is purpose built, is located in north London and provides residents’ accommodation in 55 entirely single, en-suite bedrooms.

HPC Director Ian Wilkie, who handled the sale, said: “We are delighted to have once again acted successfully on behalf of this long-standing and valued client.

“We were pleased to bring the benefit of our many years’ experience to this transaction and to meet the client’s brief of a swift, off-market sale.

“In introducing an experienced purchaser, HPC has been instrumental in securing the transition of this home to the next phase of operation within a

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new organisation.”

He added: “This sale illustrates that, in spite of challenges facing the sector, demand for quality care homes remains strong, which is something we are experiencing in many ongoing deals being handled by HPC across the country.”

The care home was acquired by an experienced operator with a number of existing services in London and further afield.

Enquiries: Call 01937 222107 or visit www.healthcarepc.co.uk

First peek inside £9.5m care home BUCKINGHAM Mayor Councillor Margaret Gateley was among the first to see inside the recently completed Lace Hill Manor, which welcomed visitors at a special opening event.

Members of the local community, including many prospective families, were given the opportunity to tour the care home and see for themselves the facilities and accommodation on offer.

As they welcomed visitors for afternoon tea in the orangery the new leadership team and staff were able to share their vision for the home, from the care provision to the personalised lifestyle opportunities on offer.

Manager Claire Gascoigne said: “We were delighted to be able to welcome the Mayor, Councillor Margaret Gateley, and a host of others from the Buckingham community for this special opening event and to finally be able to show off this truly exceptional home.

“The feedback was fantastic – visitors were especially impressed with the feeling of space and light, and the quality and attention to details throughout.

“Now we cannot wait to welcome in those first people who have chosen Lace Hill Manor to be their

new home – we will be rolling out the red carpet for them – literally and metaphorically – later this month.”

During her visit the Mayor was also invited to plant a tree – part of the Queen’s Green Canopy, a national tree planting initiative to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Lace Hill Manor, a 62-bed home offering residential, dementia and nursing care, is a flagship among the Maria Mallaband Care Group’s network of care homes across the UK, with large en-suite rooms, some with private patios, lounges, restaurants, communal areas, and landscaped gardens.

Luxury facilities include an orangery, leisure suite, wellness retreat and a bar and bistro which is open to visitors and the community as well as those living in the home.

Claire added: “We have had so much interest and several rooms taken already, but now that people can see for themselves what Lace Hill Manor has to offer, I expect to welcome many more in the coming weeks and months.

“This is the beginning of a new home – a new community – and a very exciting time for everyone living and working within it.”

Two members of staff at Bluebird Care Shropshire have officially joined the National Dignity Council, a network aiming at putting dignity and respect at the heart of UK care services.

Care coordinator Georgia McNally and recruitment officer Sammie Milton have more than 11 years’ experience between and will serve as the home care provider’s dignity champions. Georgia and Sammie will be regularly updating the team at Bluebird Care Shropshire with resources and training.

20/04/2022 10:24

West Midlands care group set to open specialist dementia home A WEST Midlands care group is set to open a new 80-bed care home near Solihull next month — offering specialist dementia and residential care within a person-centred environment.

Blythe Rose, a state-of-the-art dementia home in Blythe Valley Park, will be the latest addition to the Macc Care group, and is soon to offer residents an inclusive care culture, designed to illuminate their independence within a purpose-built and friendly environment.

The home will be separated into six individual lodges, each with 12 to 15 bedrooms and multiple communal lounge areas — providing the perfect environment to forge a strong sense of community and encourage interaction between residents.

Utilising innovative technologies, the new home will also offer cutting-edge care tailored to the needs of each individual, with a particular focus on dementia care.

Beyond this, it will also offer an extensive range of facilities such as a communal cinema, luxury salon and a shop where residents can purchase groceries to cook in their own lodge.

Residents will be consistently provided with meaningful occupation, with staff encouraging the uptake of basic domestic tasks such as cooking and laundry to help stimulate daily routine.

In addition to the extensive range of facilities, engaging activities will be a consistent feature of life at Blythe Rose — optimising the accessible garden space and cultivating friendships through fun and diverse pursuits.

Director of operations Sharen Guise said: “We are delighted with the progress at Blythe Rose and can’t wait to officially welcome residents through its doors.

“We are confident this new home will offer an outstanding environment for both staff and residents and a place where we can provide safe and compassionate care.

“Specialist dementia care will be a key feature of this new project, with an overall ambition of becoming a recognised centre for excellence for dementia care.”

The intimate design of Blythe Rose will be further encouraged by staff removing traditional barriers such as clinical uniforms in an attempt to remove the separation between caregivers and recipients.

There will also be a higher ratio of staff to

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residents, creating a household approach and removing the traditional task oriented method of care.

Sharen added: “We believe we are creating an environment that aims to provide local people with the benchmark for how care should be delivered.

“Above all, we want to create a warm, compassionate, safe and friendly environment for everyone living with us and for those that are important to the residents.

“Once the finishing touches are made, we are very excited to welcome people into this exciting new community.”

“Our fingerprints are all over every sale”.

Benefit f ro m t h e value of ex p e r i e n c e with a fully managed s e r v i c e f ro m b e g i n n i ng to end.

From corporate clients to private owners and charities, our experience provides the right advice and support throughout the deal process.

Whether acting for the seller or purchaser, our areas of expertise include: • Nursing and Residential Homes • Independent Hospitals • Specialist Care Homes Including Learning Disability & Mental Health • Children’s Services and Schools • Turn-key Developments • Vacant Properties • Land and Development Sites

Achieve the result you want and sell your care business confidentially.

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SALES & ACQUISITION SERVICES

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www.healthcarepc.co.uk

Tel: 01937 222107

enquiries@healthcarepc.co.uk

20/04/2022 16:52

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UK’s first veteran care village scheme set to open in Salford A £12.5m scheme to create the UK’s first veteran care village has been completed.

Broughton House in Salford has cared for more than 8,000 veterans since it opened its doors to the ex-service community in 1916.

Following the demolition of the original home in 2020, Broughton House has been transformed into a modern complex featuring a 64-bed care home and six retirement apartments, designed with the purpose of offering trailblazing provision for the north west’s ageing armed forces community.

The Stoller Wing of the newlybuilt care home – named in honour of north west businessman and philanthropist Sir Norman Stoller, who donated £4m to the project – pays homage to Broughton House’s rich history with a museum brimming with fascinating stories of former residents, rare war medals and historic memorabilia, keeping the memories of the fallen well and truly

alive.

The wing also has an array of modern facilities, including a gym, a hairdressing and barber’s salon, and a restaurant and bar for residents.

Broughton House chief executive Karen Miller said: “It is immensely pleasing to reach the milestone of seeing our new veteran care village completed.

“We have delivered a superb, 21st century care home for veterans with high quality accommodation. There are no shared rooms, and each one has en-suite facilities, TV and telephone points, a nurse call system and fully-adjustable electric beds.

“With our Armed Forces Support Hub and the new apartments, we are now able offer a vital trilogy of services to the region’s veteran community – nursing, residential and dementia care, outreach support and independent living.

“Following our transition, we are actively recruiting staff as we increase the number of residents, in particular

nursing and care staff from all backgrounds.”

The Jellicoe Wing at the new care village – named after World War One hero Viscount Sir John Jellicoe, who opened the original Broughton House building – has two 16-bedroom households.

One is dedicated to veterans with dementia and is named in honour of Col Donald Gibbs, a former chairman and chief executive of Broughton House for more than 30 years, who passed away in 2017.

The wing also houses an Armed Forces Support Hub and the retirement apartments.

The hub focuses on providing welfare support and counselling for ex-service people of all ages living in the local community.

Many veterans see their mental health deteriorate during their transition back to civilian life, and the hub provides access to vital support services.

The retirement apartments are

aimed at those who are significantly more independent yet want to be part of a veteran community and its camaraderie.

Residents of these apartments can access all the facilities that Broughton House offers, including a wide programme of wellbeing activities and personal support.

Karen added: “Broughton House Veteran Care Village is open to all ex-servicemen and women and their families.

“To enable us to deliver high quality care at an affordable price, our charity does subsidise the cost of care.

“For a number of veterans who do not have the financial means to cover the fees, the charity makes up the differential between local authority funding and the subsidised amount.

“However, rates are subsidised by the charity and, to veterans in need, the charity contributes a large portion of the fees so they are able to access the care we provide.”

New owner for Sussex home Bank expands offering DC Care has announced the successful sale of Halland House, a highly regarded learning disability care home located in the East Sussex village of Halland.

The business was established in 1972 and operates as Gary Richard Homes Limited, named after Gary Richard the son of the founding director.

The home is run from two properties set within spacious grounds, providing residential care services for a maximum of 30 adults with learning disabilities each having a varying level of dependency from mild to moderate.

In recent years the owners have made many changes, with much of the accommodation having been extended and refurbished.

The outgoing proprietors Colin and Pauline Burnett-Dick had owned the business since 2001, gaining an enviable reputation with the commissioning bodies, local authority and the CQC. The now retiring Colin said: “The sale of a care home you have built up over 30 years is always going to be a

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difficult decision.

“Choosing the right agent who will act sympathetically and have a good understanding of not just the market but the feelings of all concerned is essential.

“DC Care handled our sale in exactly that way. Michelle and Andrew advised us every step of the way in a professional unhurried manner.

“We highly recommend them to anyone thinking of selling or buying into the care market.”

The sale of Halland House was handled by DC Care’s southern region director Andy Sandel and senior sales negotiator Michelle Natkus.

The business has been acquired by Primary Health Group.

Andy added: “Halland House attracted a lot of interest from specialist operators and strong first time buyers with experience in specialist care.

“Michelle and I would both like to wish Colin and Pauline a happy retirement and the best of luck to Primary Health Group with their acquisition.”

ALLICA Bank – the fintech challenger bank dedicated to empowering Britain’s established small and medium sized businesses and a supporter to the care home sector – has revealed it has boosted its maximum commercial mortgage customer exposure for customers to £10million in a strong show of support for the sector.

The increase will help experienced operators looking to grow, as well as first-time buyers with demonstratable experience.

Nick Baker, chief commercial officer at Allica Bank, said: “We pride ourselves in listening to our broker community and taking direct action as a result.

“We heard that both SME care home operators and brokers are looking for a lender who can support not just the first acquisition but subsequent acquisitions too.

“We hope that by increasing our exposure to £10million, we will support many more operators to strengthen and scale their businesses.

Nick Baker “Allica Bank is extremely well positioned to help brokers and Britain’s community of established SMEs strengthen and scale their businesses.”

The bank is also pledging to make more than £1billion in committed loan offers in 2022. This is double the £500million Allica targeted in 2021 – with the bank eventually offering more than £540 million to Britain’s SMEs, including caring homes.

20/04/2022 16:40

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Care staff operator opens Telford office A COMPANY that places carers into healthcare career opportunities has opened its second office, amounting to nearly £500,000 in investment.

To further extend its reach in the West Midlands, Fairway Homecare and its training provider partner, Embark Learning Care Academy, has secured its second location in the county, with its first in Royal Sutton Coldfield being supplemented by another in Telford.

This new office is expected to create more than 150 new care jobs over the next 12 months, leading to more than 3,500 hours of care provided to the area.

Operations director Alex O’Neill said: “This is an exciting step in our company’s growth, it’s our first ‘new’ office and we’re thrilled with how it’s going so far, especially after the last two years of everything being impacted by Covid.

“We’re thrilled that we managed to make it through and come out even better, despite all of the challenges the care sector has faced.

“We’ve already employed four new members to the team; one branch manager, two care consultants and one recruitment and compliance manager, who are getting started on reaching out to more care facilities in the area that we can help to provide staff for.

The new office will replicate that of its sister, with staff there on the

Embark Learning Care Academy side to train new carers for their qualifications. While usually this would cost applicants £2,000 per person, it’s completely free for the recruits and allows them to get all of their qualifications and into a job in just four weeks.

After the training, the staff on the Fairway Homecare side of the business will place these newly qualified carers into work, whether that’s domiciliary care or working in one of the many care homes in the West Midlands.

“We’re celebrating our 10-year anniversary this year and it’s incredible how much we’ve grown as a business,” Alex added.

“The office in Sutton Coldfield is stable and running well, which meant that we could shift our focus slightly to introducing a new office to the area, employing local people and providing exciting new career opportunities to anyone that’s looking for a rewarding professional change.

“It’s been a tough couple of years for everyone, but through it all, communities have come together to support each other, and carers have been a strong staple of how we cope in a national crisis and how we look after the vulnerable.

“I’m extremely proud of the entire team and I’m excited to get started in this new office.”

Home plan for former radio HQ A NEW care home is to be developed west of Reading town centre following a £3.5million property deal for the former radio station.

LNT Care Developments acquired The Filberts, a 13,570 sq ft modern office building, in a deal brokered by property consultancy Vail Williams.

The land and buildings, situated in The Chase off the A4 Bath Road, is to be repurposed as a 66-bed care home.

It was formerly the broadcast base of Global Radio Services Ltd/Heart FM and before that 2-Ten FM and Kennet Radio.

Vail Williams acted for the vendors, commercial property portfolio specialists Lewis Investment.

Vail Williams’ Thames Valley region partner Guy Parkes said: “This is a well-known property, just three miles

from town, and is steeped in local radio history.

“Now it is to get a new lease of life as LNT Care Developments transforms the site into a 66-bedroom, three-storey care home offering 16 sq m bedrooms with fully en-suite wet room facilities.

“The premium specification for the home includes a cinema room, hairdressing salon, garden room, library and coffee shop – all to be set within landscaped gardens with approved parking facilities.”

The current two-storey building, built in 2000 and sitting on a 1.43acre site with ample car parking, is located within a primarily residential area with retail facilities nearby and easy access to the M4 and mainline rail services.

ngacare.co.uk

SOLD

Elderly Nursing Home Nottingham

If you are looking to buy or sell a care home contact Nick Greaves on 07943 107 887 or email nick@ngacare.co.uk

Your Business is our Priority 45.indd 1

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CARINGNEWS Advertiser’s announcement

Ways to legally and safely hold open fire doors INCREASING air circulation in care settings has become a hot topic, with many organisations now looking at ways to cost efficiently, legally and safely achieve this.

Fire doors are critical to any buildings infrastructure, but they can be a barrier to good air circulation.

Propping or wedging open fire doors could be dangerous.

The door may fail to prevent the spread of fire. So, what are the legal and safe alternatives?

Improve air circulation with a fire door retainer The Dorgard Fire Door Retainer and Freedor Free-Swing Door Closer offer care homes, hospitals and other medical settings a simple solution to legally hold fire doors open and improve ventilation as well as enabling staff and patients to move around the building ‘contact-free’, reducing the risk of cross-infection with germs and viruses without compromising fire safety.

By holding open fire doors safely, they allow air to circulate and improve ventilation.

Doors are of course automatically released to close as soon as the fire alarm sounds, protecting patients, visitors, staff and property.

A cost-effective and easy to install solution Dorgard Fire Door Retainers and RMBI Care Co. home Prince George Duke of Kent Court in Chislehurst has been transformed to enhance the environment for people living with dementia. The facility, which supports up to 78 residents, has undergone refurbishing to part of its first floor to create a ‘house model’ dementia environment. The new area is now able to support 19 residents with dementia. It has an open lounge and a dining room, creating a central point for residents to go to for socialising, relaxing or to enjoy different activities. Other spaces that have been created to support residents include a country kitchen, sensory zone, technology zone and an ‘outside inside’ area.

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Freedor Free-Swing Door Closers are a relatively low-cost solution.

Both devices are wireless and battery-operated meaning they are simple to install with no wiring required.

They can be easily installed by your handyman.

These devices work with your existing fire alarm by ‘listening’ for the sound of the alarm before releasing the door to close.

There are several different types of Dorgard to choose from, ensuring that you get the right solution for your needs.

For low noise environments the original Dorgard is perfect, for areas where the noise levels are higher the Dorgard SmartSound offers enhanced sound recognition, and for premises with Pro also offers a ‘one glance’ check to verify that the entire system is functioning correctly.

Freedor SmartSound is a wireless, battery-operated free-swing door closer, which gives care settings the flexibility to leave the fire door open at any angle and for the fire door to function and feel like a regular door.

When the fire alarms sounds Freedor SmartSound automatically switches back to performing as a traditional overhead door closer and automatically closes the fire door, maintaining compartmentalisation to reduce the danger from fire.

Diamond couple Ken and Thelma celebrate “fantastic journey” A LAST-minute day trip to Blackpool resulted in a lifelong romance for a couple who are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary.

Ken and Thelma Massey from Wrexham met on that fateful trip which Ken only went on because there were spare seats on the bus to the seaside resort.

The couple celebrated their 60th anniversary at Pendine Park’s Highfield care home in Summerhill where Thelma now lives.

Coincidentally, before her retirement Thelma – affectionately known as Millie - worked as a care practitioner at the company’s Gwern Alyn care home across town.

Ken said: “At the time we met Thelma was working at Marks and Spencer, which organised the bus trip to Blackpool, but there were not enough people to fill the bus.

“The sister of a mate of mine was one of the passengers and through her we ended up being offered the chance to fill the spare seats.

“So off we went to Blackpool. I didn’t know Thelma until that day but we got chatting on the return journey and we just clicked. That was that – the start of our romance.”

The couple courted for about four years before their winter wedding.

Their love has lasted through thick and thin including living in a freezing caravan when they were first married.

More recently even though they now have to live apart after Thelma suffered serious illness and became wheelchair bound, their bond is as strong as ever.

Ken added: “We moved there because we needed a larger house when our third son, David, was on the way. Before that we lived in Smithfield, but when we were first married we lived in a caravan in Llay.

“The first winter we were there was the most freezing I’ve ever known, so cold that even the Calor gas heater froze up. But we stuck it out and we’re stronger for it.”

Son David is now aged 46. The couple’s other two sons are Paul, 56, and Steve, 54.

Ken and Thelma also have four grandchildren – Dan, 26, Faith, 16,

Jacob, 16, and Ioan, eight.

They all still live near each other in Garden Village area where Ken established a successful career as a self-employed joiner. Ken has retired but the business, K Massey Joinery, still thrives, having now been taken over by son Steve.

To mark their parents’ sparkling diamond wedding anniversary the boys organised a celebration cake and flowers.

Happy smiles were also the order of the day as they pre-arranged a minifilm in which other family members and long-time friends expressed their good wishes and told of happy memories with the couple.

Thelma is well known in the Wrexham community after her many years working as a popular assistant at the Garden Village chemist. Son Steve has followed in her career footsteps as he now works in the pharmacy at Wrexham Maelor hospital, helping distribute medicines to the various wards.

Special arrangements were made for Ken and sons to visit Thelma on the day and fellow residents joined in the celebrations which included a big figure 60 lit up in spotlights and a decorative tree on which heartshaped messages of congratulations were hanged on branches.

Photos of the special occasion were posted on Pendine Park’s Facebook page so friends who could not visit in person could share in the couple’s happy day.

Residents rekindle hobby HUSBAND and wife David and Patricia Peters, who reside at Broomhills in Rochford, Essex, have rekindled their love of cycling thanks to the care home’s staff.

The pair spent many years going on cycling holidays together around the UK and love chatting with the team about the memorable holidays and how much they enjoyed the hobby.

Both David and Patricia mentioned how much they would like to go cycling again but didn’t think that it would be possible, so staff decided to take them to Just Ride in Southend so that they could enjoy their muchloved hobby once again.

Just Ride provides an inclusive,

safe and traffic-free experience with specially adapted cycles to cater for people of all ages and abilities.

Manager Leigh-Anne Cowling said: “We know how much David and Patricia love their cycling, so being able to take them to Just Ride was wonderful.

“It was lovely to see how much they enjoyed themselves and how passionate they were talking to the team about their cycling holidays.”

David and Patricia had the most wonderful time cycling around the track together and reminiscing to the volunteers about their holidays.

They were awarded Just Ride hero badges after managing six laps.

21/04/2022 10:13

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