Caring Uk (May 2010) by Script Media

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May 2010

incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector

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Call for new approach to inspections By Dominic Musgrave THE way care homes in England are inspected should be transformed following the conviction of a Somerset manager, it has been claimed. John Burton, head of the Association of Care Managers, has called for a complete change of approach by the CQC after Rachel Baker, who was abusing controlled drugs she had stolen from the home, was found guilty of the manslaughter of 97-yearold resident Lucy Cox. John told Caring UK that, since the introduction of a national inspectorate in 2002, the inspection of care homes has being “going in the wrong direction”. He added: “The new regulator claims that the inspector’s failure to identify what was going on in the home cannot be attributed to CSCI because the manager concealed the fact that controlled drugs were prescribed. “Under current inspection procedures, this home would not have been inspected for another two years and CQC would rely on the annual quality assurance assessment submitted by the manager to make their own assessment of the home. “There is now less on-the-ground

inspection and more reliance on remote information collection, much of it from the home itself, and risk analysis. All these expensive quangos have let down the residents of care homes and their relatives while promoting themselves.” And he has called on the way care homes are inspected to be “localised and personalised”. He added: “Inspectors must be accessible and responsive to complaints and concerns. If a relative says the home is short-staffed on a Sunday afternoon, the inspector should drop in and see for themselves. “Such inspection can only be achieved by local inspection, and by a complete change of approach by CQC. Inspection of care homes is needed to check that they are caring, homely and safe, not to collect government statistics and to prove that care homes are improving. “All the regulators have set up their organisations to demonstrate their own effectiveness and to justify their continued existence. They are remote, expensive and ineffectual.” Do you agree with John? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@whpl.net or by ringing 01226 734407.

Home used for new film

Doctor Hilary Jones visited a new £6.5m specialist dementia nursing and residential home in Dorset. Doctor Hilary, who regularly appears on GMTV, took a tour of Colten Care’s Fernhill home, which can accommodate up to 58 residents in four separate wings. Photo: ITV pictures.

A BUCKINGHAMSHIRE nursing home was turned into the set of a new movie. Howard House in Gerrards Cross was used by writer and director Marco Williamson for his new short film Senior Living, which starred William Russell, who has appeared in Coronation Street and Dr Who, and Iris Russell, a noted film and theatre actress. The film, which will be shown at a variety of festivals, promotes awareness of dementia and the emotional difficulties of people living in a care home. Howard House matron Colleen Joubert said having a film crew in The Perseverance Trust home caused was good stimulation for the residents. She added: “They were here for five days in total and, although there was some disruption because at times we had 40 extra people here, it was kept to a minimum and they allowed us to function normally. It was all very exciting for the residents.”

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Care operators urged to invite candidates along to see their home at work By Dominic Musgrave A LEADING association has challenged the country’s MPs during the run up to the General Election. The National Care Association has written to the main parties, and is urging all care operators to write to their local parliamentary candidates to invite them to see the work that goes on in their home. Chief executive Sheila Scott told Caring UK that “actions speak louder than words” with social care at the top of the leading parties’ agendas. She added: “MPs say a lot about social care, but all they ever do is pop in and out of their local care home for a quick visit now and again, or are generally critical of what goes on in them. “We are not saying that there aren’t some poor care homes out there, but what we are saying is that there are thousands of marvellous ones also. We want MPs to understand the impact of not getting a fee increase on home operators who are caring for some people who have very complex needs,

and their families who have high expectations for their loved ones.” Speaking at the Care Show in Bournemouth, Sheila was also critical of the CQC’s new plans for care home registration, which begun at the beginning of April and must be completed by the beginning of October. Each care home will receive a fourweek ‘window’ in which to submit their application, and will be notified of their dates beforehand. If a home is not registered by the date then they may be operating illegally. Sheila added: “This whole idea is a shambles and I was certain they would delay it. It seems so unfair because there are many reasons why a care home may not be able to get all of the paperwork done in that four week ‘window’, such as holiday commitments. “But it could also be an opportunity for care home operators to have a look at their business and see what services they could offer to the local community to generate an extra income, such as the laundry or kitchen. “I have heard of one care home that

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Sheila Scott has arranged for a doctor to visit once a week to provide a service to the village. I am not suggesting transforming the business, just making the most of the facility.” The association has launched a new advisory link on its website, which will be updated daily, giving operators advice and guidance on the CQC registration.

Healthcare Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 Group Deputy Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734458 Database enquiries to: 01226 734695 E-mail: circulation@ wharncliffepublishing.co.uk Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all content, the publishers do not accept liability for error, printed or otherwise, that may occur. You can now follow us on Twitter at caringuk

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Holly proves the perfect pet for care home residents A GREYHOUND is transforming the lives of residents at a London specialist dementia care home. Avante care home adopted ‘Holly’, who finished second in a couple of races a few years ago, at the beginning of the year, and manager Sue Gibbs says she has noticed a big difference in the residents since her arrival. She told Caring UK that the residents enjoy taking her for walks, brushing and stroking her.

Befriending schemes could make all the difference LONELY older people’s lives could be transformed if money was invested in local befriending schemes, it has been claimed. Counsel and Care estimates that £70m of public funding, together with levering in an extra £50 million from non-statutory sources, could enable almost half a million older people to access the benefits of befriending, supported by 240,000 volunteers. The charity suggests that expanding the costs of running the awardwinning Neighbourhood Care Scheme in Brighton and Hove across the country would benefit both older people and volunteer befrienders, as well as saving on huge health and social care costs. Chief executive Stephen Burke said the profile of befriending for older people must be raised urgently across the country. He added: “Befriending is so costeffective that better promotion and funding of schemes across the country is a really affordable way of preventing isolation and loneliness for older people. “Loneliness and social isolation are key public policy concerns with a huge negative impact on individual older people and the community as a whole. Befriending relationships can act as a catalyst for positive change for both individuals and the wider community. “As people age they must be encouraged to retain or regenerate their social links and to continue to contribute for the mutual benefit of the whole of society.” The charity claims that one in ten older people report feeling lonely all the time, and with 3.5m living alone, they claim that figure is likely to grow.

Home recognition AN ESSEX care home has been recognised by its local council at an awards ceremony. Treetops Care Home in Epping was named best service improvement at the Celebrating Your Achievements event. Manager Hayley Dawkins said: “This has involved the whole Treetops team, and we are all so proud to have gained this recognition.”

Sue added: “As part of the Eden Project, which the group has adopted, all of the homes are incorporating pets and we decided to bring a greyhound into the home. The clients love her and she brings so much joy to their lives. One resident used to pack his bags every day and say that he was leaving, but since Holly arrived he hasn’t done so and he takes her for a walk in the garden. “We have noticed a huge

improvement generally in the clients. A greyhound is a perfect animal for the home because they are mild natured and are the ideal height for the residents so they aren’t a trip hazard.” Sue said the only problem she has caused since her arrival has been regarding her insurance. Because Holly is not owned by an individual, many insurance companies will not provide cover for her. She added: “Holly belongs to the

home and no one in particular is responsible for her all day every day. Because of that we are struggling to get insurance. “We are trying to sort out a budget for pet insurance, but it is not proving to be easy at the moment. “There is a rota in place for who does look after her because not all of the staff are so keen, and some don’t particularly want to have much to do with her. Some of the staff feed her and pay for her food.”

Silver celebration for sibling home owners By Dominic Musgrave A BROTHER and sister are celebrating the 25th anniversary of a Sutton Coldfield care home being in their family. Gayle Goodhead and Reverend Philip Zaidi-Crosse took over the reins at Nightingales in 1992, after their mother, a former district nurse, set it up to meet a need. Over the years they have extended the facility on several occasions, and it now has accommodation for 13 residents. Gayle told Caring UK that the home also supplies between 20 and 30 meals a day to people living in the community. She added: “My brother and I worked with my mother and her friend when they ran the home, and

it seemed natural for us to take over from them. “We have worked together longer than most marriages last. My brother looks after the catering side of things, while I am now the registered nurse here so look after the care we provide. “Over the years we have expanded the home to as far as we possibly can, building a conservatory and extension, as well as making changes to the kitchen.” The pair used to also run a domiciliary care business from the home, but Gayle said they opted to concentrate on the care home because it was getting too much for them to manage. She added: “We still offer a day care service at the home with a holistic approach. It works because it means

the people that come in get to know the staff and, once they require care, they think of moving to us first. “We are constantly trying to meet the individual needs of the residents, and the biggest change that I have noticed over the years is the increase in paperwork and bureaucracy. “I spend most of my day looking at a computer rather than doing what I enjoy most, which is spending time with the residents.” A host of activities are organised for the home’s residents, including weekly exercise sessions and outings to the seaside and local landmarks. The couple held a party to celebrate the anniversary recently, with the director of Birmingham Social Services and the local mayor both attending.

Residents Barbara Crump, Marjorie Coppock and Terry Hames with some of the items.

Appeal for items for reminiscence sessions AN Oxfordshire care home is calling on members of its local community to dig out and donate old-fashioned and nostalgic household items to help their residents living with dementia. Staff at Marston Court have set up reminiscence sessions and created a memory box to engage the residents at the home, and help recall past memories. The home’s care leader Diane Davidson chose health care as the first subject for the sessions, and put

together a brief history of the NHS, which included articles on healthcare from the 1940s onwards. She sourced the items for the memory box from charity shops, market stalls and even people's sheds and garages. They include an old-fashioned terry cotton nappy and pin, a baby's feeding bottle, NHS glasses and old tins of ointment and medicinal cures. Activities co-ordinator Paul Lucas, who helped manage the sessions, said: "The response from the residents has been fantastic.

“The smells of the old ointments and medicines helped the residents to remember things from the past and the group had great fun trying to remember how to fold the nappy, as each person had a different way of doing it. Some of our residents’ relatives have contributed items already – I’ve had hearing aids and even a set of false teeth donated. We are hoping to get even more items so that we can create more memory boxes to swap with other care homes in the region.”

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Award-winning Mark serves up his expertise to chefs By Dominic Musgrave

Mark Ord

AN award-winning care home chef is passing on his expertise to the other chefs in the group. Mark Ord, head chef at the Wantage Nursing Home in Oxfordshire, won the South East regional final of the National Association of Care Catering’s care cook of the year competition for the second consecutive year. He has now been given the task of creating a development programme for the other Sanctuary Care chefs, despite the group scooping three of the top four places at the cook-off in Surrey. Mark added: “A lot of chefs have a misapprehension about coming into the care industry at first because they believe it will not stretch them, but I think the expectations of residents in care homes is changing. “Care home chefs are becoming more of an equal to those working in hotels, and it is imperative that the quality of food served meets these expectations. “As part of the development programme I will be asking the chefs in the group to think more about the ingredients they use, moving away from the dried ones to more fresh, local produce.”

And he said chefs must also consider the individual needs of the residents, moving away from the more traditional methods of pre-ordering at breakfast. Mark added: “Residents have a wide variety of needs in care settings, and it is vital that the chefs meet them by providing nutritional, well-presented food. “Menu times are the most important time of the day for many residents, and they want the full dining experience, with the choice from a proper menu, not pre-ordering their food hours beforehand. “They need food that is full of strong flavours because by a time a person has reached the age of 80 they have lost around 80 per cent of their tastebuds. Fresh herbs are always useful and can be grown simply around the home.” Suzanne Pinney, assistant chef at Hatfield Nursing and Residential Home in Hertfordshire, who has been personally mentored by Mark, was second in the regional event. And David Hales, chef manager at Ashley House care home in Bordon, Hampshire was fourth. Mark, who was highly commended last year, will now compete in the national finals at the University College, Birmingham, on July 13.

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Carer offer for jobless Corus staff By Dominic Musgrave REDUNDANT Corus staff are being offered the opportunity to retrain as carers, Caring UK can reveal. A team from Skills for Care spoke with dozens of workers from the Redcar blast furnace, which employed 1,700 people, at a series of open days, making sure they are aware of the career opportunities in care. Bob Little, regional development manager for Skills for Care North East, said, many people they spoke to had experience of care already. He added: “It’s a very worrying time for all those who are losing their jobs, and the events brought hope and practical advice to those looking for new jobs. “Skills for Care were present at the open days to demonstrate that working in care is a real option for these workers, and that there’s a massive amount of support and advice available to help people make a new start. “To discover that so many people had experience of care in their personal lives, and an interest in

making a career out of it, was encouraging.” As well as care roles, Skills for Care also offered advice on other jobs required in the industry including personal assistants, managers, administrators, social workers, cooks, gardeners, handymen, drivers and occupational therapists. Bob added: “When adversity strikes, people rally around and offer support, such as with that event. That’s what working in care involves on a daily basis. It’s all about making life better for those in need of assistance. “Very few of the workers had ever considered working in care, but it’s a rewarding career with excellent prospects and unrivalled job satisfaction. “To get the reaction from the workers that we did, with so many taking a real interest in working in care was extremely positive.” What do you think? Send your comments to Dominic Musgrave, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS or email dm@whpl.net.

A professional singer who regularly entertains care home residents has been snapped up by a leading record label. Patricia Hammond has been signed to Sony to appear on a special album of nostalgic classics from the 1940s and 1950s. She is the only contemporary performer on the album ‘Down Memory Lane’, which also features the likes of Vera Lynn and Doris Day.

TV presenter to present awards final TELEVISION presenter Fiona Phillips will present the final of the Great British National Care Home Awards in London this summer. Winners from the regional awards held in the Autumn of 2009 have been invited to attend the at the prestigious Guildhall London on June 5. The awards pay tribute to those

who work within social care across the voluntary, statutory and private sectors, and aim to promote best practice and pay tribute to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence. For your chance to nominate visit www.care-awards.co.uk and go to the national care home finals page.

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Staff praised at top-rated care home THE manager of a Staffordshire care home which received the highest star rating at its last inspectorate has praised her staff. Kathy Cleaver, who has managed Hoar Cross for the last several years, says creating a “warm, safe and secure environment” is key to a successful home. She added: “I like to think that we offer something special here that is above and beyond the basic requirements. All of the residents here are treated as individuals because they all have their own needs. “We have two activities coordinators who work closely with the residents to try and put together a programme to suit all tastes. “They also involve the relatives in putting together a personal history plan for each resident, finding out what they did when they were younger and any interests they may have had.” The home, which is currently registered for 45, received an accolade for its hygiene from the local council last year, while Kathy herself was also recognised herself with a manager of the year award. She added: “I have been managing

homes for more than 20 years, and I have a very relaxed and open policy towards management. “The challenge for myself and everybody here now is to maintain our high standards and try and raise the bar even higher to try and hang on to the three stars.” Planning permission has recently been obtained to extend the home further with the addition of 18 close care units, along with enhanced communal facilities for the entire home. Work on the £2m development, which will be built using local materials, is scheduled to begin on site in Summer 2010 and, once complete, it is expected to create up to 10 new jobs. Each of the new one bedroom units will comprise a self-contained living room and kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom. The extension, which has been designed to complement the current building and landscaping, will be linked to the existing home by a walkway, will also provide a new kitchen plus a second dining restaurant, two day rooms, a salon, library and computer room for all residents.

Award success for Barchester A NATIONAL care provider has come up trumps at a number of awards ceremonies. After being rated as the Sunday Times 25 best big companies to work for, Barchester Healthcare has been named in the Britain’s top employers rankings by the CRF Institute. Participants were judged on the basis of their scores in the areas of pay and benefits, training and

development, career development, working conditions and company culture. And the company received a special reward to commend 15 years of consistently high standard in care home design at the Pinders Healthcare awards. Barchester has also recently been given a one-star status in Best Companies Accreditation 2010.

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A Lincolnshire care home worker has been recognised for her long service. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Long-serving Lynne proves family wrong LYNNE Woodhouse joined Patchett Lodge in Holbeach at the age of 21 after quitting her job as a factory worker. Her family told her she would never stick it out, but after 35 years at the Order of St John’s Trust care home she has proved them wrong. Lynne said: “I rang up the home on the Monday and asked them if they had any jobs going after resigning from the factory on the Friday. “They immediately said ‘yes’ and took me on straight away. All the family said I would never last, but I have been here ever since. “I loved the job, especially working with the residents and talking and listening to them about their lives and history.” Lynne worked as a care assistant at the home, which was originally run by the county council, for 17 years, before being given her current role of care leader in 1992. She added: “Being in charge of care means I don’t get involved as much with the everyday care of the residents because a lot of my time is spent doing paperwork. “I have to admit that I perhaps do not enjoy the job as much as I used to because of this because there are a lot more rules and regulations since CSCI took over. “There is both good and bad with this, but they are the rules and that is it – it is difficult at

times but we have got to abide by them.” Lynne says she has seen a lot of changes at the home, which is now registered for 30, over the years, but has learned from all of the eight managers she worked for. She added: “When I first came here the home could take 40 residents, and we used to have four people to a bedroom, which is unbelievable to think of now. “We didn’t have the hoists and other equipment that we have now, and I cannot imagine how we used to get all of the residents in the tiny dining room we had back then. The residents now are a lot frailer and more dependent now. When I first joined we had residents who used to go shopping on their own. We even had one man who used to still drive, but there is no way that they could do that now.” Lynne says she plans to continue working at the home until she retires in eight years. Four other members of staff received long service awards at the recent ceremony. Relief activities coordinator Anne Wynne was rewarded for her 25 years, with night care assistant Rachel Miller and care assistant Hilary Noakes both picking up 10 years prizes. Relief driver and escort David Storr also accepted a five years of service certificate.

Lynne Woodhouse receives her long service certificate from county care manager Beth Harding.

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Home maps out residents’ family trees By Dominic Musgrave A CHESTERFIELD care home is mapping out the family trees of its residents as part of its activities programme. The staff at Langdale Lodge are incorporating the details as part of the ‘All about me’ sections of the residents’ care plans. Manager Michelle Howe told Caring UK that the plans are crucial in helping the staff deliver person-centred care. She added: “Since I came in as manager of the home last November we have concentrated on making sure that the care plans contain as much information about the residents as possible. “We want to make the home as much like theirs as we can, and included in the files are everything from their likes and dislikes to what topics make them happy and their family trees. “Every one is hand written because everybody here is an individual so we don’t want to just copy and paste

things on the computer. Families are also encouraged to have an input because that way they feel a part of the home too.” The home is one of four owned by Neemat and Yasmin Kassam, who changed the name from Selhurst to Langdale when they purchased it four years ago. It is registered for 23, while the other three homes owned by the mother and daughter are in Derby and two in Leicester. Michelle, who joined from a larger home in Sheffield, added: “I wanted to downsize to somewhere smaller that had a friendly, family atmosphere, and Langdale suits me perfectly. “I have a great team of staff here, and we are always looking for new activities that we can do for the residents. We also don’t need any excuse to hold a party either. “We also encourage the community to come into the home as much as we can, and are regularly visited by the local school and hold monthly church services.”

Residents at a Chester care home welcomed an unusual, ‘long-eared’ guest into their home. Molly the donkey walked from room to room at CLS’ Wealstone in Upton facility, greeting residents and staff, when she dropped by for a brief visit. The special event was arranged through the Elisabeth Svendsen Trust.

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Residents ‘often exposed to deadly bacteria’ By Dominic Musgrave

Residents at a Walsall sheltered housing scheme were treated to beauty treatments by students from a local secondary school. Pupils from Queen Mary’s High School visited Accord Housing Association’s Tantarra Court to offer relaxing manicures and hand massages after taking part in a training course at the town’s college. Scheme manager Kelvin Langford said: “Everyone loves to be pampered, which is why our residents jumped at the chance to try some beauty treatments. “The manicures and massages are a great way for our residents to relax and of course meet younger people who they may not normally socialise with.” Pictured: Student Imogen Macintosh with resident Floss Humpage

CARE home residents are often exposed to potentially deadly bacteria such as MRSA and E.coli, a survey has found The research of 100 care homes nationwide, conducted by antimicrobial silver technology specialists BioCote, examined how they were tackling the persistent danger of bacteria. It found that all had contaminated kitchens, with half of them having problematic bacteria so high they could not be counted. The biggest offenders were kitchen work surfaces, where food is prepared and in and around the kitchen taps and sink. Microbiologist Dr Richard Hastings said: “In facilities like care homes, populated by residents with weak immune systems, some of the most harmful microbes like MRSA and salmonella can be spread through cross contamination. “This increases the risk of residents being infected with superbugs, making infection control measures paramount.

“Even with strict hygiene practices, well-trained staff and the most effective disinfectants on the market, these results send out a clear message that more must be done to protect care home residents.” Levels of bacteria were also found to be high on light switches, door handles, sanitaryware and bedside tables. In response, Richard is calling on the sector to think about incorporating products featuring silver antimicrobial technology into their facilities. He added: “While cleaning is effective and necessary to combat bacteria, it is impossible to clean a surface every minute of the day. “Unfortunately, the minute cleaning stops, bacteria can begin to grow, with some harmful microbes able to double in number every 20 minutes.” “For any care home manager, my advice is whether you are replacing existing equipment or buying new, you must insist your products feature silver technology. “This means manufacturers will have to get up to speed, which is obviously good news for everyone involved in this growing industry.”

11 Agecare

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Home corridors brightened by artistic students By Dominic Musgrave THE corridors of a Milton Keynes care home have been brightened up by talented young artists. Kents Hill originally got involved with nearby Walton High School through a health and social care programme, with students originally visiting the home to do risk assessments as part of their course. Following on from that the home got in touch with the arts department about doing some work, and an A Level student has now painted a sensory mural on the Memory Lane dementia unit as part of her studies. Care services manager Carolyn Booty said the visits made the students more aware of what goes on in a care home. She added: “Although the residents could not really get involved with the design of the mural, they were really

interested in seeing what Ferne TaylorLaw and her fellow students were doing, and enjoyed having the youngsters around. They done a 1950s and 60s themed mural featuring icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Twiggy on, as well Big Ben,a London taxi and bus. “The link with the school has been such a success that we are now hoping to extend it so that the students can come in and brighten another couple of other areas around the home as part of their studies.” Carolyn said she is also hoping to extend the activities that the 58 residents get up to at the home. She added: “We do all the usual stuff such as bingo, but I am hoping to go down the domestic activities route and doing things such as washing up or peeling potatoes. We also have a large garden here that the residents enjoying working in in the summer.”

Themed ball raises £30k for charity A SCOTTISH care group’s ‘Italian Job’ themed ball raised more than £30,000 for a children’s charity. More than 250 people attended the Balhousie annual event, with a luxury five-star weekend

in Venice and four VIP hospitality tickets for the Monaco F1 Grand Prix among the items that helped to raise the money for the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland.

A lifelong Manchester United fan’s dream came true when she visited Old Trafford football stadium. Peggy Williams from Broughton Hall in Wrexham visited the ground with fellow resident Bill Begg and home manager Gary Dodd.

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Party planned to mark twenty years The vintage bus used at Brookfield Residential Home

Residents get around in style RESIDENTS at a Scottish care home go out for trips in style in a vintage bus. Former PE teachers Rosalind and John Fletcher have run Brookfield Residential Home in Carnoustie since 1989, and in 1996 they purchased the bus after noticing it on the front page of Caring UK magazine. John said the vintage bus, which is entered into the local gala every year, is one of the many reasons why the home has been a success. He added: “The telephone number on the advertising board was one

digit away from ours, and when I called the Promenade Residential Home in Southport it was too good to be true as she was for sale. “A round trip of 16 hours and two punctures later and we had our own transport. We use her for afternoon tea trips every Thursday, concerts and local visits. “We have logged up over a thousand journeys in nearly 14 years, and every July we enter it in the local gala. In the past it has been designed as Glamis Castle, Captain Scott’s Discovery and the Flying Scotsman.”

A HAMPSHIRE care home manager is organising ‘a right old knees up’ to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her mother buying it. Jane and Carol Giles both worked at Bayith Rest Home in Waterloovile as care assistants, and liked the home so much that the family decided to buy it when the then owner decided to sell up. Jane, who was 14 when she first started working on Saturdays making cups of tea for the residents, said her mum kept the purchase a surprise from everybody. She added: “Mum worked in hospitals for many years before moving on to work at Bayith. The home became a large part of the family’s life when me and my brother and sister were growing up. “Since mum bought the home it has changed quite dramatically. We specialise in dementia and are now able to accommodate 12 people, having originally been registered for 11. “It is two semi-detached houses that

have been knocked into one in a residential setting, and the home is so discreet that we have had doctors and social services turning up saying they never even knew it existed.” Jane has been going through the home’s memory book to contact relatives of former residents, inviting them to the party, which it is hoped will feature performances from the local school’s brass band and other entertainers. She added: “I took over from mum as the manager when she semiretired a few years ago, but she still visits from time to time to organise events or do a bit of shopping. “She isn’t involved with the home on a day-to-day basis, and I think if she saw how much paperwork is involved nowadays she would run a mile. “My brother and sister also do bits and bobs here, and I am hoping that one day we will add an extra three bedrooms on. When I am not sure exactly as that requires my dad to build it.”

CARINGFIRE SAFETY

Dorgards help care home fire safety AN increasing number of care homes are choosing Dorgard wireless fire door retainers to legally hold open often heavy and cumbersome fire doors safely in any position, automatically releasing them should the fire alarm sound. BML Healthcare Ltd has recently bought over 40 Dorgards to ease access for residents and staff in walk-through areas throughout its managed care homes. With its extensive knowledge of national standards, BML is aware of the need to comply with fire safety laws, in particular when holding open of fire doors. Dorgard is an excellent solution as it can be fitted in minutes with no wiring required, offering significant cost advantages and avoiding any disruption of the premises. With over 300,000 installed across the UK, Fireco’s Dorgard range is recognised as the accepted solution to the illegally wedged open fire door problem in any environment, complying fully with all relevant British standards and EU directives. Enquiries: Telephone 0845 241 7474 or visit www.firecoltd.com

Report launched at Care Show THE British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association launched its new publication at the Care Show in Bournemouth. Nick Troth, director of Arup Fire Engineering, presented the findings and conclusions of the independent research project ‘Sprinklers for Safer Living’, which was commissioned by the association, to an audience made up of local fire and rescue services, care home owners and developers, health and safety specialists and the insurance industry. ‘Sprinklers for Safer Living’ describes the unique fire prevention challenges which are posed by residential care homes, particularly

with respect to the elderly and infirm people who live in them. It shows why an automatic sprinkler installation is considered by the fire safety community to be the single most effective fire protection feature in such premises. The report deals with the identification of fire risks in residential care premises, direct and indirect consequences of fire in such a premises, recommendations in current fire safety guidance documents in the UK and elsewhere, automatic fire suppression and alternatives to the quantification of sprinkler benefits via a fire modeling study.

EMP product is the solution ORGANISATIONS in the care industry have the following areas of concern: Fire evacuation of people who can’t be transferred out of their own wheelchairs. Access up and down stairs for wheelchair users where no lifts are available or are broken down. The manual handling issue of people carrying goods up and down stairs heavier than 20kg and subsequent injuries that can be incurred. EMP are the first company in the world to offer a single powered evacuation unit with dual goods and wheelchair capability that solves the problems. No other company can offer one product that can take a person in their own wheelchair up and down stairs and by simply attaching its goods platform carry loads. The company also offers an extensive range of evacuation and accessibility chairs.

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CARINGNEWS

One in ten Scottish homes found lacking By Dominic Musgrave

Representatives from Hartford Care present the cheque to the Make A Wish Foundation

Care group raises £1,700 for children’s charity GENEROUS staff, residents and their families at a care group have raised more than £1,700 for a children’s charity. Hartford Care group, which includes Woodlands House in Ashurst, Stokeleigh in Bristol, Bethel House in Barton On Sea, The Laurels and Pine Lodge in Poole, Tegfield House in Winchester and Malden

House in Sidmouth, raised the money for the Make A Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children and young people fighting serious illness. The homes held regular fundraising events throughout the year including summer fetes, cream teas, themed dinners and residents’ parties.

ONE in 10 Scottish care homes are providing an ‘unsatisfactory’ or ‘weak’ care and support service, a new report has revealed. The findings form part of the Care Commission’s Making the Grade? report which revealed its first year of graded results for care services. The gradings were collated from more than 11,000 inspections carried out by the inspectorate between April 2008 and March 2009. Under the new scheme, every service is awarded a grade of 1-6 across various different aspects of care. The data from the first year shows that 80 per cent achieved grades of four (good), five (very good) or six (excellent, with more than 98 per cent scoring three (adequate) or higher. Ronnie Hill, director with lead responsibility for inspection activity, said: “The grading system provides people in care and their families with better information, and therefore more choice and involvement, about the standards of care provided.

"It is so important that people who use services and families understand that they can play a major role in insisting on and driving forward improvements in care standards. "Grading gives everyone ‘at a glance' information about whether a service is performing well or not. It means that good providers are getting the recognition they deserve and those who need to do better are under intense pressure to improve.” But he said the care home sector is the one that has more room for improvement, with 28 care homes achieving grades of ones and twos across all quality themes. Ronnie added: “Our approach to scrutiny is more proportionate, riskbased and targeted than ever and we continue to be tough on poor performance. That includes working closely with services with poor grades to ensure they improve. “We will continue to focus on these services and demand improvements so that every person who uses a care service in Scotland gets the quality of care set out in the National Care Standards.”

Home trials new arts scheme DEMENTIA sufferers at a Gwynedd care home are piloting a new arts scheme which aims to develop an interest and improve quality of life. Residents at Plas Maesincla in Caernarfon visited an exhibition before creating their own artwork ranging from paintings to pottery. Work created by the residents will be on show at the Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery in Bangor later in the year. The council’s community arts development officer Gwawr Wyn Roberts said they worked with

community artist Eleri Jones to produce their own artwork. She added: “Being creative and having the opportunity to enjoy art is accepted as a way of improving wellbeing and helping people who are sick or who receive treatment. “It is pleasing to see an initiative which is thinking creatively so that people with dementia can express themselves creatively.” The trial results will be fed into a national survey which researches the effect of visual art on people with dementia.

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Caring UK Commerce section brings you all the latest property, business and training news every month.

Long-awaited extension work begins WORK has finally begun on a new extension and series of upgrades at a Brighton care home more than a year after planning permission was first granted. Valerie Manor owner/manager Zoe Bates had originally hoped the nursing wing development, which will see another eight bedrooms and a conservatory added to the 17th century former manor, would begin last October. But she told Caring UK that things had not progressed as quickly as she had hoped due to the current financial climate. Zoe added: “I have noticed the demand for nursing beds has increased since taking over here two years ago, and have had to move three residents to other homes, which this extension will avoid. “We got the planning permission in March 2009 and it has taken more than a year to get to the stage where the demolition work can now begin. “The longest delay that we have faced has been the money in the current climate. We only went with the one bank, but they kept coming back with different stipulations.” The new development will take the registration of the home from 15 to 23, and Zoe expects to double the

number of staff she employs from 13 to 26, with a waiting list already in place. She says the residents and their relatives are currently having regular meetings to discuss some of the finer points of the plans, and will later be involved in the planting of the gardens. Zoe added: “One of the things that we have changed from the original plans was that instead of having regular windows in the new bedrooms we are going to have patio doors. “Suggestions from the meetings have also led to us making a few changes to the conservatory that is going to be built, and we are also going to make the grounds more resident-friendly. “Residents have also chosen the names for the existing and new bedrooms, and are enjoying looking at the samples for the curtains, carpets and furniture.” Phase one of the development, which includes a new dining room, kitchen and several of the bedrooms, is due for completion in August, while it is hoped that the conservatory and remainder of the bedrooms will be finished next January.

A new care home being built in Cheltenham could create 100 new jobs if it is approved. The Orders of St John Care Trust is planning to build a new 81 bed care home which would provide 45 nursing beds and specialist dementia care for a further 36 residents. Part of the plans include an open area to be given over to vegetable patches for use by nearby residents. Pictured above: An artist’s impression of the new home

In this issue: How Mendip

Lodge just jumped out at Debbie ... Page 16

Couple return to

industry with purchase

Owners on

Page 18

lookout for more Page 18

Zoe Bates

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CARINGCOMMERCE

A new Hampshire-based care company has purchased its first home in Bristol. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

How Mendip Lodge just jumped out at Debbie ... DEBBIE Lymbery, who has bought Mendip Lodge near Bristol, has extensive experience in the sector having previously worked with Bupa and Care UK. She had originally been headhunted to purchase a group of homes for someone else, but after that had to be put on hold due to unforeseen circumstances she decided to go it alone. Debbie, who has set up Renaissance Care Homes Ltd, said: “I was still getting things sent through to me from property agents with homes for sale, and one day it just came to me that I could do it myself. It is all very exciting. “Mendip Lodge just jumped out of me because it is such a lovely Victorian building. The previous owners have been there for three years, but the first thing I need to do is bring it up to date to meet regulations.

“It is such a lovely home with a lovely atmosphere, but from a personal point of view this is a big step because the buck now stops with me. It is my money and not somebody else’s, and I have nobody to fall back on now.” Mendip Lodge is registered for nine residents, but will be extended up to 15 once a new extension is finished. Debbie expects the redevelopment of the home, which will also include a new kitchen and redecorating of the existing bedrooms, to take up to 18 months to complete. She added: “I want the home to be a social experience which raises the bar for residents to be in control of what they want to do, and being a small home will enable us to do that. “If somebody here wants to change their order for supper at short notice they will be able to do so here, but it isn’t always easy to

promote individual care when you have a lot of residents. “I want us all to be a big family, and I won’t be running the home any differently to how I would if I was working for somebody else.” Funding for the home was provided by Christie Finance, and Debbie hopes Mendip Lodge to extend the business gradually over the next few years with the purchase of another couple of homes. She added: “I would like three homes in total, all small, and will probably look at buying another in three years’ and a final one three

years after that. “The residents and staff have all been supportive of what we are doing. I have set up some training for the existing staff, and we have a few new carers starting in the near future.”

VAT reclaims continue to be a lifeline for care operators IN A climate where care home operators are still suffering rising costs, reduced placements and great uncertainty about their future, the opportunity to recover up to nine years of VAT is greatly needed. Cost reduction specialists Salmon Business Group can help operators reclaim retrospective VAT for nursing and residential homes. Despite the ruling taking place back in 2002, many operators have failed to avail themselves of the opportunity thinking that they could not make a claim. You may not have all the records but this does not matter, as we can work with minimal information to secure a successful outcome. We can assess your claim free of charge and advise as to what the next step should be, and take this through to completion and funds in your bank account. If we are not successful there is no charge to you the customer - you have nothing to lose. Enquiries: Telephone 01246 293011 or visit www.salmon-business.com

Chantview Ltd has sold The Oaks Care Home in Bromsgrove on behalf of the retiring Mr and Mrs Geipel. The home is registered for 16 elderly people to include dementia and physical disability, provided in mainly single rooms.

Specialists in delivering high quality buildings DECS Group specialise in delivering high quality care homes, assisted living properties and associated care buildings for regional and national operators. Our experienced team works with you to create a modern building capable of providing care well into the future in line with your specification and budget. Decs Group also offers a full turnkey service or any aspect in between, taking your building right the way through to CQC: We source land, evaluating each location before offering them on to clients. We carry out feasibilities, collating accurate information specific to the area. We offer designs or work in partnership with you own design team. We can assist with development funding from design through to CQC. We build - handing over schemes that are immediately ready for business. Enquiries: Telephone Chris Johnson on 0113 385 0884, email chris.johnson@decsgroup.co.uk or visit www.decsgroup.co.uk

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CARINGCOMMERCE

Owners on lookout for more THE owners of an Ammanford residential care home are on the acquisition trail after securing a loan to buy a second property in Llanelli. Husband and wife team Joy and Vijayarany Yoganathan have run Cartref Ael-y-bryn in the Carmarthenshire town for the past 20 years, and purchased Stepney Park Nursing Home near Llanelli in January after it closed down last year. They have since carried out a £200,000 refurbishment programme on the 41-bed facility, which has been renamed Cilymaenllwyd, and has

recently reopened with the creation of 30 jobs. Joy said: “We are now planning to grow our portfolio further and are targeting a total of six homes by 2015. “Over the past 20 years we’ve worked hard to build an excellent reputation in this sector, and our aim now is to provide a greater number of people with high quality care in clean, comfortable and safe surroundings.” Funding for the purchase was provided by Lloyds TSB Commercial.

After selling their Cheshire care home three years ago, a husband and wife team have taken on a new project in Chorley. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Brookside Care Home

CHANTVIEW has completed the sale of Cedric House Care Home on the outskirts of St Helens on behalf of Margaret Bloomfield, who established the business nearly 20 years ago. The detached Georgian property, which has a modern, purpose built extension and conservatory, is registered for 20 over two floors and has mainly single rooms.

Couple return to industry with purchase GRAHAM and Maggie Parr have returned to the care industry with the purchase of Brookside Care Home. The couple, who exited the sector in 2007 following the sale of their previous two homes, made the decision to buy the home because “it is something they are good at”. One of the homes they owned was in a poor state when they bought it, but they managed to turn its fortunes around over a sixyear period. Graham told Caring UK the pair spent the last 18 months looking for a suitable site before settling on Brookside. He added: “We have been looking in general in the south and Cheshire for a while now, and viewed many homes before settling on Brookside. “We sold our previous homes because we wanted to do other things. Despite being almost 64 I have been studying an Open University course called Exploring Ageing, and hope to implement some of what I have learned into the home. “But we then decided to get back into the care home sector because

it is something we enjoy, and it means we are doing something meaningful with our time.” The couple plan to add an extra couple of bedrooms to Brookside, to take its registration to 25. As part of the home’s purchase they have also retained the services of previous owner Ken Stevens, who ran it for 20 years and was considering early retirement. Graham added: “The home is well presented and has been well run, so when Ken said that he still wanted to be involved with the business we decided to make him the general manager. “We will back him up with our knowledge of the sector too, and hopefully we can go for the Investors in People award in the near future.” Financing for the purchase of the home was provided by Christie’s, and Graham said the couple plan to buy another in the near future. He added: “We plan to buy another home of a similar size in this sort of area shortly, or alternatively if we find a smaller one then we may look to having another couple.”

Firm sees rise in its clients base NETWORKCARE UK has seen an increase in its client base as a result of reactions to the uncertain period of CQC registration. And the company is advising those providers who have not yet reacted to the alarm bells that time is now of the essence. They also say it is important to act now to keep your organisation

outside of the regulator’s radar. Networkcare UK is working with its client group to improve their quality rating prior to their application for registration with the CQC. The positive impact of the company’s consultants is helping clients’ homes, and will continue to do so in the future.

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CARINGDEMENTIA

An increasing number of care homes are turning their spare rooms into reminiscence areas. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

‘Cosy snug’ so popular Helen plans to do more Label clothes effectively Advertiser’s announcement ATTACH-A-TAG is a simple, cost effective method of labelling clothing and soft objects. Replicating a button, it attaches in seconds to the garment seam or laundry label, making it discreet and comfortable to the wearer. Attach-a-Tag’s patented design is easy to attach but difficult to remove, and cannot be taken off by accident or come off during the laundry process. Each tag has the owner’s name etched onto it, which is guaranteed not to wear off in the wash. This combined with the unique fixing method means the owner is identified every time. Suitable for industrial laundry and iron proof, Attach-a-Tag is reusable, making it even more cost effective for your care home.

A REMINISCENCE room at one Hertfordshire care home has proved so popular the woman behind it is planning to develop a few more. Helen Eames, activities co-ordinator at St Andrews in Welwyn Garden City, turned a former dining area into a ‘cosy snug’ seven years ago. The old-fashioned dining room is furnished with a table and chairs and Welsh dresser, and is set up so that it can also be used for special occasions or private family get-togethers. Helen said: “The room is open any time for residents to go down for a chat, and it is somewhere where families and friends can take residents for a chat in a different setting. “It is in an area of the home that the residents regularly walk past, and I like to take them down there for a cuppa. We have bone China cups so it is a bit more special. “Some of the residents can take a bit of persuading to go in there with you, but once they are they really enjoy themselves.” Helen changes the decor of the room each month, and in the past she has given it a Valentine’s, school,

A display board at St Andrews and kitchen theme. She added: “I don’t want the room to become static because people will quickly get bored with it, and I want it to capture their imaginations. “I try to relate everything in there to reminiscence so the staff can use the objects as triggers for conversations. “The pieces in there don’t have to cost much money, and a lot of them have either come from my home or have been donated by relatives and friends.” Helen is now planning three more

reminiscence rooms at the home, including a cafe in one of the dementia units. She added: “It is in the early stages at the moment, but I am looking into giving one of the rooms a cafe theme, and perhaps another along the same lines as what we already have. “I’m also looking at getting the word out into the local community so other people can come into the home to use them because people are always looking for venues for one-off or regular meetings or events.”

Firm launches new range Advertiser’s announcement

A simple way to label clothing Advertiser’s announcement ATTACH-A-TAG is a simple, cost effective method of labelling clothing and soft objects. Replicating a button, it attaches in seconds to the garment seam or laundry label, making it discreet and comfortable to the wearer. Attach-a-Tag’s patented design is easy to attach but difficult to remove, and cannot be taken off by accident

or come off during the laundry process. Each tag has the owner’s name etched onto it, which is guaranteed not to wear off in the wash. This combined with the unique fixing method means the owner is identified every time. Suitable for industrial laundry and iron proof, Attach-a-Tag is reusable, making it even more cost effective for your care home.

MEDORIS launched a range of innovative practical products for care homes at Naidex. These included: A memory and communication tray cloth. A microbead hand grip to help with hand stricture. A tee shirt with a hidden waterproof front panel.

A microbead lap cushion used also for head and back support. A towelling shower robe for modesty. A pair of wheelchair foot rest cushions for foot care. Extra large ‘napkin’ bib. Director David Currill said: “The response has been phenomenal in a so called recession. It pays to be innovative and practical.”

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CARINGNEWS

Activities timetables are a thing of the past at a Durham care home following a series of radical changes by the new manager. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Jude aims to turn around home’s fortunes DOLL therapy and chair football are some of the activities Jude Goode has introduced to Kingsway since talking over in March. And the activities timetable has been removed from the wall as the new manager believes they can be “prescriptive and falsely productive”. She told Caring UK that the families have already noticed a significant improvement, and that there is no longer any negative interaction between the staff and residents. Jude added: “A timetable may look great on a notice board, however it is the actual personal interaction that brings positive results, not a piece of paper. “I used to work as the manager at a care home in Darlington, and spent a bit of time trying sort out a home in Newcastle that was also in a bit of a tricky situation. “I used some ideas there which worked and have tried to install them here as well. It is common sense stuff really, and is about remembering that the residents are still people and should not be pigeon holed into a restrictive timetable.”

Residents George Jarvis, Charles Lovejoy and Pauline Toas play dominoes at Kingsway Jude is hoping to turn the home, which she says does not have a particularly good reputation locally, around, and hopes to attract more residents to the 42-bed Aermid owned specialist dementia facility, which is currently only half full. She added: “I had a bit of resistance from some of the more qualified staff at first, but not the carers who were desperate to do things. “They were used to having

everyone sat in one place so they knew where everybody was. When I told them that I wanted to open out access to the garden there was a few gasps at first, but I want it to be an extension of the home. “It is really important that the residents can get outside into the fresh air. I want to put some raised beds and football goals out there, and also a bus stop and outside clock to encourage them.” Doll therapy has proved

particularly successful for one resident, according to Jude. She added: “There appears to be little research out there into what a resident might get out of it, but one lady’s husband says she seems a lot happier and more talkative since we gave her a doll. “She blames him for her having a baby, but overall is less agitated and is getting a lot more sleep than before because exhaustion was an issue with her.”

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Free personal care delay is welcomed By Dominic Musgrave THE care industry has given a positive response to the House of Lords’ vote to delay the introduction of free personal care at home until April 2011. The scheme, which was launched by prime minister Gordon Brown at the Labour conference last autumn, was defeated four times. Peers voted to delay the measure, which would have seen more than 400,000 people receive free home care at a cost of £670m a year, until an independent review is carried out. The Conservatives had raised concerns about the cost, which would have seen councils across the country having to find £250m of the annual cost. Cllr David Rogers, chair of the Local Government Association’s community wellbeing board, said the postponement gives councils time to plan and budget properly for the new service. He added: “This amendment means that councils now have the time to ensure that the new personal care package is delivered smoothly and efficiently from day one. “Councils believe the proposed October start date is unrealistic and puts them in two very difficult situa-

tions. Firstly, local authority budgets for the next financial year have already been set and, given that this Bill is still proceeding through Parliament, many will not have budgeted for it - already, some councils are warning that they anticipate the cost to triple the Government’s estimate. “Secondly, councils have very little time to fully prepare for implementation. The Government’s national assessment tool is not going to be ready until early summer, leaving councils with little time to fully test the system and make the necessary administration changes.” The move has also been supported by the UKHCA, whose senior policy officer Francis McGlone said: “Care in people’s homes must be adequately funded to avoid further strain on independent homecare providers, who provide more than 80 per cent of all publicly funded homecare services. “Peers are right to say that the bill should be delayed until after the general election and ministers have proved that the plans are affordable.” What do you think? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@whpl.net or by writing to him at 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS.

A Suffolk domiciliary care agency has a new registered manager after her application was approved by the CQC. Lin Barnes has previously worked in a variety of roles at Christies Care for the past 11 years, and her new role will include being responsible for ensuring the company complies with national standards.

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CARINGHOMECARE

Call for election candidates to ‘seize opportunity’ A LEADING association for homecare providers has called on election candidates to seize the opportunity to transform the care available to older and vulnerable people. The UKHCA, is calling on candidates to pledge their support for the independent homecare sector in its role as prime deliverer of home-based care across the UK. Setting out the central role played by homecare agencies and their 324,000 strong workforce, the association is calling on national politicians to make a ten-point pledge which includes commitments to urgently address the way social care is resourced both nationally and locally. Chairman Mike Padgham told Caring UK local politicians are being asked to pledge to protect frontline independent homecare services, recognising them as businesses that provide a vital source of employment and pump money into the local economy. They are also urging politicians to make greater use of the independent sector’s knowledge and experience. He added: “We have written the pledge because we want politicians, at all levels, to demonstrate their commitment to a vibrant and sustainable independent homecare

James Cope with proprietor Mario Kreft, Lesley Griffiths AM, deputy minister for skills, innovation and science and proprietor Gill Kreft

Organisation celebrates anniversary with opening Mike Padgham sector. “Social care is now in the spotlight. This is a golden opportunity, and one that does not come every day. “Now is the time for the social care sector’s voice to be heard at its loudest. “We are challenging all the prospective candidates at national and local level to visit local independent sector homecare providers, talk to careworkers and managers to see the vital role that the sector performs.” The pledge also commits them to reviewing wasteful duplication between councils and arms-length bodies, as well as the vetting and barring scheme.

Special event for agency CORNWALL’S newest domiciliary care agency has been officially launched at a special ceremony. The launch of RV Care Cornwall was performed by Jon Gooding, chief executive of umbrella company Retirement Villages Ltd. Paul Walsh, managing director of the care division, said: “All of our staff are passionate about helping older people enjoy as full and independent

a life as possible, and we tailor make our care offering to ensure every individual receives the help they need to do that.” Headed by Anthea Call, the agency operates a team of staff from its base at Roseland Parc, in Tregony, near Truro, providing domestic support and care to clients across the west of the county.

A WALES care organisation is celebrating its 25th anniversary with the opening of new offices in Wrexham. Pendine Park’s domiciliary care arm Independent Living, which supports people in their own homes, has expanded to the new site and, combined with the opening of the company’s new £4m centre of excellence to look after people with dementia in June, will create 100 jobs. There are also plans for a similar centre in Caernarfon, in Gwynedd, which is expected to generate a

further 100 jobs. Proprietor Mario Kreft said the growth was in response to the growing demand for the services. He added: “We are particularly interested to develop our services for dementia care, and Independent Living will dovetail with our new centre of excellence and our teaching care centre. “We think there is a real opportunity to provide domiciliary services in people’s own homes, supporting families who are looking after their family members with dementia.”

New service launched A NOT for profit care and support company has launched a new service which will help people in need of care in Carmarthenshire remain in their own home. The homecare service by Gwalia Care and Support, part of the nonprofit Grwp Gwalia, will be delivered to referred clients on behalf of Carmarthenshire county council, but will also be available privately - allowing anyone who needs extra support to buy the service directly.

Head of homecare and physical disabilities Sharon Court said: “It lets people make their own decisions about any care or support services they may want or need in order to remain in their own homes.” Assistance will be available for meal preparation, cleaning and laundry, and help with washing and dressing. Customers will also be able to tailor the service to their own individual requirements.

Three further acquisitions A NATIONAL provider of homecare and support has made three more regional acquisitions to take its total in recent months to 11. The Lyceum Capital backed Carewatch has purchased Midlandsbased homecare organisation All and Small and two current franchisee businesses: Carewatch North Tyneside and Carewatch Swansea. All and Small has an ‘excellent’ rating from the CQC for its homecare and mental health services, while Carewatch North Tyneside has served its local community since 2003 and has specialist experience in the provision of learning disabilities and mental health services. Carewatch Swansea provides a wide range of homecare services to the second largest city in Wales and its surrounding areas. Chief executive officer David Lyon

said the announcements follow the recent acquisitions of Always There and Four Seasons. He added: “These most recent purchases strengthen our already comprehensive network. Our ongoing acquisition growth strategy is based upon the identification and purchase of high quality local businesses, which can benefit and flourish by being part of a national network, backed by a strong infrastructure. “Carewatch is committed to keeping quality standards high within the homecare industry. We have had a very strong 18 months, with increases in turnover, performance and hours of care delivered. “Total hours of care delivery now exceed 195,000 hours per week across the UK, and our quality ratings are above the national comparator.”

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CARINGCARE SHOW NEWS

Call to make activities an integral part of home life By Dominic Musgrave ACTIVITIES should be an integral part of care home life and not a nice extra, according to the head of a leading organisation. And Sylvie Silver, strategic director of the National Association for Providers of Activities for Older People (NAPA), says risk assessments should look at the benefits of the activity first rather than the risks. She added that the increased frailty and dependence of residents will undoubtedly lead to more oneto-one activities needing to be offered. “The future has to be offering residents a choice when it comes to activities,” she said. “And this choice must be recorded as evidence which can then be used for the inspectorate. “Inspectors will want some evidence of offering choice, and if somebody is just sitting there and you cannot explain why then you are going to be challenged about it. “A skilled workforce is going to be required to deal with a frailer and more dependent type of resident, and part of that has to be someone

with a knowledge and awareness of activities.” Sylvie was speaking at the annual Care Show in Bournemouth, and told the audience that staff must gauge the interests of residents the moment they move in. She added: “Within the first few days of a new resident moving into the home staff should be finding out what they are missing the most and cannot live without, and try and put it in place for them. “It can be difficult to get care staff to realise that the key activity for residents is not getting dressed in the morning. That is something that you just do and that is how it has to be looked at. “Managers need to think about customer satisfaction and keep asking the residents and their relatives if they are totally happy with what they are being offered. If not then they need to think about what they can do to give them a better quality of life, one that is stimulating.” The association has launched a new competition following last year’s successful Breath of Fresh Air challenge. Music in the Air, which has a first

Sylvie Silver prize of £3,000, is calling on all care settings to introduce music beyond the traditional sing-a-longs and visiting entertainers for the period of June 7-14. Have you implemented any new or unusual activities at your care home? Let Dominic Musgrave know by ringing 01226 734407 or email dm@whpl.net

Claim boss must be “an inventor” A HOME manager must be “an inventor of good care to meet the residents’ needs”, it has been claimed by the leader of an organisation. And they can observe the relationships between staff and the residents in a number of simple ways. according to John Burton, head of the Association of Care Managers. John, a former inspector and home operator with many years’ experience, said: “As the manager one of the best ways you can see what is wrong is by sitting down and having a meal with the residents, and occasionally even serve the meal. “By doing this you can see which residents are not getting the attention they need. This is very obvious but hardly ever done in my experience. “Care home managers need to open their minds because there are a lot of people in a home who will want to change the place, but will not know how to. Only the manager can do so.” John also suggested that managers should go to the care home as if they have never been there before, paying attention to everything from the look of the curtains to the quality of the paper on the walls. He added that care homes will be around for ever, despite the current aims to keep elderly people in their own homes as long as possible.

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CARINGNEWS

Residents at Priors Mead blank out negative thoughts when thinking about the past

Westley Court manager Sam Najeer with resident Jean Watson

Scrabble fun with new board FUN-LOVING Scrabble fans in Kidderminster are clocking up huge scores thanks to a giant board measuring six feet by six feet. The colourful new board has been installed at Westley Court care home and allows players to take part in Team Scrabble events which have proved a hit with both residents and staff.

The home’s activities coordinator Diane Day said spectators previously had difficulty following what was happening because of the smaller size of the traditional board. She added: “Our residents enjoy team games and Scrabble is an old favourite. Now everyone will be able to see what goes on as teams play on the giant Scrabble board.”

Home puts rosetinted spectacles theory to the test By Dominic Musgrave

Injury risk reduced with decrease in bed rail use A RESIDENTIAL care provider has dramatically cut the number of bed rails used in its homes to reduce the risk of injury. Just over 10 per cent of Care UK’s beds now have them on which, for people with dementia, can sometimes increase the risk of harm or injury and lead to an increased feeling of isolation as the resident feels “penned in”, often resulting in increased agitation and even aggression. According to the Health and Safety Executive they led to 10 fatal accidents between April 2001 and March 2005, and there have also been cases of serious injuries

caused by residents climbing over rails and falling to the floor. But managing director of social care Doug Umbers said none have ever occurred in a Care UK home. He added: “We’ve found that reducing the use of bed rails makes for happier residents and reduces the risks of injury that the Health and Safety Executive and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency have identified.” He said the company has developed alternatives to bed rails, which include using safety mats next to the beds of residents who are prone to falling out of bed and investing in ‘high-low beds’ .

RESIDENTS at a care home in Surrey are putting into practice an American theory that elderly people look at the past through rose-tinted spectacles. Priors Mead retirement home in Reigate has put the theory from Duke University to the test, and found the elderly blank out negative thoughts when thinking about the past. Deputy manager Caroline McKenna first came across the research when reading a national newspaper, and thought it was something that could be implemented in the home. She said she first noticed the study was true during the home’s VE Day celebrations. Caroline added: “We dressed up and had a big party, and one of the things that became apparent with all of the residents was that every story that I heard about the War was positive. “They looked after each other back then and were so together. They don’t blame anybody, say it was terrible or have anything negative to say about that particular time in their lives. “Some of the residents we have here could not tell you what they had for lunch 10 minutes after they have eaten it, but ask them to talk about things in the past and they talk very fondly.” The researchers found that ageing

brains deal with negative thoughts and memories in a different way to the young in order to maintain well being and provide a more halcyon past. And Caroline says she has noticed a change in the atmosphere at the Nightingales owned home, which has 16 residents, since she and the staff became more aware of the residents’ positive outlook. She added: “We are a lot more open with each other since the VE Day celebrations, and the staff are listening a lot more to what the residents have to say. “Everyone is a lot more upbeat and talkative, and when we get the old pictures of Reigate out it is lovely to listen to the residents reminiscing about winning the Friday night bingo at the old market hall in the town, or what shops they used to go to on the high street. “The residents also like to spend an hour going through the daily newspapers, talking about the General Election and comparing some of the celebrities of today to some of the famous people that were around when they were younger.” Caroline added that the residents are now also getting more involved in organising events and activities around the home, beginning with a recent Easter egg hunt.

Jewish home scoops top award

The recently crowned Miss Swansea brought a touch of glamour to a care home in the city on her first official engagement. Charmaine Lewis visited Cwrt Enfys in Ystradgynlais, spending her time meeting and greeting residents as well as enjoying a spot of pampering as part of a ladies’ day celebration. Home manager Karen Beech said: “When I heard about Miss Swansea being crowned at the end of last year I thought it would be nice to invite her to the home to meet some of our residents.” Charmaine is pictured with carer Anne Marie Jones and resident Dilys Walter.

A SOUTH Manchester Jewish care home has won a prestigious award. The Morris Feinmann Home in Didsbury has been granted the Daisy award by the city council’s Dignity in Care initiative following an assessment of the standard of care. Helen Lister, vice-chairman of the home’s board of trustees, said the assessor conducted in-depth interviews with staff, residents and their family members and carers. She added: “We’re exceptionally proud of the level of care inside the home, and the lengths our staff go to within and outside the remit of their daily jobs. “Our residents’ testimonials during the inspection prove that the home is

providing outstanding and dignified care to older people in the community. “We fully support the national and regional Dignity in Care campaign as it is attracting very necessary public attention to the importance of providing dignified care for older people.” Manchester council launched its own initiative in October 2007. Care homes which exceed specific standards are branded with the Daisy emblem so they can be recognised by people looking for care. The home, which has 53 beds and 11 privately owned independent apartments, hopes to open an eight bed dementia unit in the near future.

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Abbott Nutrition launches new Ensure Plus ABBOTT Nutrition has launched new Ensure Plus milkshake style flavours, reformulated for an even better taste. Don’t just take our word for it as new Ensure Plus is supported by SUSTAIN, the largest independent study investigating sensory and compliance factors in oral nutritional supplements, involving over 1,700 participants in four countries. Numerous factors affect compliance, which is a major barrier to achieving nutritional goals. Latest research shows that taste is the most important factor, having a greater impact on likelihood to drink than volume. New Ensure Plus performed significantly better than other nutritional drinks for all sensory factors tested. The improved taste of new Ensure Plus can also help to aid compliance, so patients continue taking their nutritional drinks. Enquiries: Telephone 0800 252882 or visit www.abbottnutritionuk.co.uk

Tax reclaims for commercial property owners CAPITAL allowances are among the most valuable and least exploited methods of reducing property owners’ income tax or corporation tax liabilities. Capital allowances arise from capital expenditure on purchasing or constructing a new property along with extensions and refurbishments. We carry out retrospective, current year, and new build capital allowance claims, both for individuals and companies in relation to commercial properties right across the commercial sector. Most retrospective capital allowance claims that we handle lead to a significant tax refund for the client. We will quickly identify the validity of a claim without obligation. If a claim does not proceed, there will be no fee. We comprehensively survey the property which allows us to identify any qualifying items that, for numerous reasons, have previously not been claimed. Enquiries: Telephone 01246 293011 or visit www.salmon-business.com

Merge brings seamless surface solutions OFFERING seamless surface protection solutions for the healthcare sector, SPM International is now integrated into the proven Gerflor brand. The combination of two proven names in the healthcare sector - Gerflor for quality vinyl flooring solutions and SPM for wall protection, corner protection and handrail products - offers a uniquely comprehensive range which provides for both new build and refurbishment projects. The brand will provide the market with an unrivalled, comprehensive and targeted product range backed by a dedicated sales team who will work across the UK with designers, contractors and end users from the initial brief and specification right through to installation. Working right across the healthcare sector from hospitals and clinics to care homes and public buildings, the SPM brand offers solutions where safety, hygiene, easy maintenance, noise management and aesthetics are paramount. For further information on Gerflor, please call: 01926 622600 or visit the website at: www.gerflor.co.uk.

NRS serious about senior fitness OLDER people are being urged to recognise the value of regular exercise as we head towards the summer, and help themselves to stay healthy. Nottingham Rehab Supplies, a leading supplier of daily living aids, boasts a comprehensive range of exercise equipment that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and is especially ideal for care home group fitness sessions. Half-an-hour of moderate daily exercise has been scientifically proven to lower cholesterol and blood pressure while reducing the risk of heart disease. NRS has a vast selection of resistance bands, balance equipment and products aimed at lower limb rehabilitation to help older people and those with a disability to maintain mobility. Other products in the exercise and rehabilitation range include foldaway gym mats, brightly coloured gym balls, physio-rolls that provide greater stability and a wide choice of indoor and outdoor activity equipment. Enquiries: Telephone 0845 121 8111 or email customerservice@nrs-uk.co.uk

Pressalit launches new nursing bench PRESSALIT Care has extended its range of height adjustable nursing benches with the new Nursing Bench 150. For use in situations where a person needs to be changed or showered while lying down, the Nursing Bench 150 comprises a comfortable PVC-coated canvas stretcher which is easily height adjusted with the hand-held remote control. Providing a weight limit of up to 150kg, it is available in 1.4m and 1.8m lengths and can be height adjusted from 500mm to 900mm by means of its wall-mounted lifting unit. This allows the Nursing Bench 150 to be lowered to a suitable height for side transfer from a wheelchair, and then raised to a comfortable and safe working height for the carer. It can be supplemented with a safety rail and splash curtain. Pressalit Care has been producing carefully designed solutions for more than 30 years. Enquiries: Telephone 0844 8806950 or visit www.pressalitcare.co.uk

Tarkett meets sustainable targets for city hospital TARKETT’S broad range of floorcoverings enabled them to meet all the varying requirements for Peterborough’s new £335m City Hospital complex. These include anti-static flooring for theatres through to specialist sports flooring for the rehabilitation and fitness facilities. Their environmental credentials, choice of colour schemes and availability were also important factors, as was their adaptability to changing requirements as the development progressed. AC Flooring installed more than 73,000m of Tarkett’s Eclipse Premium to circulation areas and wards throughout the complex. Two of Tarkett’s Safetred safety floorings - Spectrum and Universal - were specified for wet areas such as toilets and washrooms, while Acczent Wood featuring Topclean XP was chosen for the waiting areas. Other specialist flooring used included Tarkett’s Anti-Static floorcovering for the operating theatres and Tapiflex 164, and acoustic flooring, for the children’s play areas. Omnisport Training, a professional sports surface, was used for the rehabilitation centre and fitness facilities within the Integrated Care Centre and the Mental Health Unit. Enquiries: Telephone 01622 854040.

Simple solutions SINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs) based, Richards Residential Supplies have concentrated upon supplying simple solutions to common nursing home problems. The new WACMAT® adheres strongly to this tradition. With its ultra absorbent cotton pile and 100 per cent waterproof backing, the remarkable WACMAT® is an ideal accessory where spills may occur. Used as a commode mat, in bedrooms or bathrooms, the WACMAT® ensures full carpet protection. Then, after use, simply machine wash and tumble dry! It’s that simple... The WACMAT® will then be clean and odour-free, ready to perform time and time again. Alternatively the flat-laying WACMAT® can be used as an entrance mat, saving you hundreds of pounds in rental costs alone. Enquiries: Telephone 0800 074 3749.

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Act now warns company CARE home operators are being warned not to leave it too late to deal with cash flow, creditor and other debt problems. Gerard Watkinson, director of Business Rescue Group, who specialise in corporate recovery and business turnaround, said the care home industry is one sector where he sees many businesses now struggling He added: “The size of your business doesn’t matter, the evidence is clear, banks and other lenders are getting tough and acting sooner on sole trader, partnership and company debt. “HMRC are also far more proactive in pursuing arrears, and have become more difficult to deal with when presented with a rescue proposition for a business in trouble. “Problems are best addressed by adopting a robust professional approach. Creditors will listen to a good, solid rescue or restructure plan before making the threat of bankruptcy or liquidation a reality.”

Range specifically for homes Pampering proves a real tonic THE ATMO pressure relief range supplied by Beaucare Medical Ltd is a powerful series of overlay and replacement air mattress systems designed with care homes in mind. The pump units are easy to operate, and the mattress systems are designed to require only simple maintenance. Equipped with intelligent functions, including a static option to allow for easier nursing care, the low air loss

system provides good ventilation to keep patients dry. The vapour-permeable cover is also water resistant and can be wiped clean. ATMO air mattress systems allow care homes to effectively prevent, treat and manage pressure sores. Cushions for use with the same pump unit can be supplied for 24hour pressure care for patients at high risk.

Chef looks for new ideas A CHEF who has worked at Harrods, Wembley and two of London’s most famous football grounds has admitted that he has had to buy cook books to help him in his newest role. Farouk Aichaine has been appointed chef at Mayford Grange care village in Woking, and has put together a new menu for the residents which focuses on traditional British foods.

He said: “The residents are very fond of their afternoon tea and cakes. I can put a cake out in the lounge area and it’ll be gone within the hour. I’ve had to buy books to give me new ideas. “I’m always talking to residents about what they have and haven’t enjoyed and changing my menus to suit.”

Three staff appointed to team A BRISTOL care home has appointed three new members of staff to assist the activities coordinator. Joining Hilary Loader at Riversway Nursing Home are care assistant Jan Kluganost, nursing

Energy efficient tumble dryers from Girbau UK GIRBAU UK’s Pro Series II range of advanced tumble dryers are designed to deliver energy efficiency, high productivity, quick drying and low maintenance. The six different models offer load capacities from 13.5kg up to 70kg. Easy to use, all Pro Series II dryers feature an advanced control unit, with four time-dry or autodry cycles and a no-heat cycle. The auto dry feature reduces over drying by automatically cooling loads once predetermined levels of drying are reached. An extra large reversible door facilitates easy loading and unloading. For energy efficiency and cost-effective operation the four largest capacity dryers in the range incorporate instant electronic ignition which reduces drying time and conserves energy. All dryers have a multiple burner heat system to ensure drying temperatures are reached quickly and efficiently. They also feature advanced airflow systems to cut drying times and reduce fabric wear. Enquiries: Telephone 01462 427780.

Award winning door signs direct THE Badgemaster range of room and Residents’ door signs is already the choice of 1000s of residential and nursing homes. There are gold or silver door plates with replaceable engraved inserts – extremely easy to read and also available with Braille, and Braille and tactile, if required. Badgemaster provides a fast, efficient service for replacement, low-cost engraved inserts with no minimum order, as and when changes occur. Choose from two sizes (25mm x 200mm or 50mm x 200mm), now with handy end-stops that make for secure, tamper-proof identification of room use or occupier. Just let Badgemaster know your requirements, and if room use or details change, the service for replacement inserts is just as quick and efficient. A full range of recognised international symbols and directional arrows is also available. Enquiries: Telephone 01623 723 112 or visit www.badgemaster.co.uk

team member Maria McDonough and receptionist Sarah Huntley. Hilary said: “Besides the traditional sing-a-longs, quizzes and group outings, we are hoping to introduce such activities as cookery, art classes and gardening.”

RESIDENTS at a Walsall care home enjoyed a real tonic after recovering from a bout of winter sickness – a day of pampering complete with a 1960s themed show. Activities for Dignity Action Day at Waters Edge had to be postponed a few weeks ago when 40 residents and staff fell ill with the Norovirus bug. Now they are all feeling better the Alpha Care Homes facility reorganised the event which featured Kate’s Cabaret, a team of five artists who entertained with 1960s songs while residents were able to have some pampering, including hairdressing and manicures. The event was part of the Department of Health’s Dignity in Care campaign, which aims to create a care system where there is zero tolerance of abuse and disrespect of adults. Manager Sandra Potts said: “Unfortunately we had to postpone our event last month because so many people went down with Norovirus, which is common in the community in the winter, and we had to stop visitors from coming in for two weeks. “Everybody is on the mend now, so we decided to hold our Dignity Action Day a month late, which cheered everyone up.”

Award winning waterproof fitted sheet and mattress cover in one SPECIALIST contract furniture suppliers to the care home industry Crombie and Paul are the exclusive distributors of B.Sensible waterproof fitted sheets and pillow cases to the contract market in the UK. The B.Sensible bedding provides a comfortable sleeping experience, and is soft, waterproof, breathable, bedding which uses Tencel® (pulp of the eucalyptus tree). The totally natural fibre makes the waterproof element virtually undetectable . Available in 15 colours, the fitted sheets and pillow cases complement all surroundings, with no additional bedding protectors required. All bedding is hypo-allergenic with an anti-mite barrier, and is made in an eco-friendly manufacturing process. They come with a five-year guarantee, have a maximum temperature of 90 degrees and can be tumble dried, with no ironing necessary. Enquiries: Telephone 015242 73334 , email info@crombieandpaul.com or visit www.crombieandpaul.com

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Care home scoops two awards from funeral directors By Dominic Musgrave A WARWICK care home has had two reasons to celebrate following a recent awards ceremony. Bromson Hill was named care home of the year at a new awards ceremony organised by a local funeral directors. And senior care assistant Ronnie Davies picked up the carer of the year prize in the same competition which was set up by John Taylor’s to recognise excellence in care homes throughout the county. Maggie Watts, who has managed the home, which is registered for 32, for the past year, said the award has taken pride of place on the home’s mantelpiece. She added: “The local firm of undertakers do quite a lot of work for charity, and decided they wanted to give some care awards so rang me last year and asked if we would get involved. “The residents and their families nominated the member of staff whom they thought best deserved an award, and it was then left to the organisers to pick the winner. “A total of 13 carers received an

Business services

award, with Ronnie picking up the prize here. She is a hardworking, popular member of staff who deserves the recognition.” From the nominees the panel of judges then decided to add a care home of the year category, with the Alpha Care Homes owned facility picking up the prize. Maggie added: “When I asked them why we had got the award they said it was because of the staff’s attitude and their sincerity whenever they come to visit us, which is most pleasing. “Because we are a home that only deals with old age we are able to involve the residents in all of the major decisions, and regularly host meetings with them. “We are lucky that we have a good activities coordinator, and also a minibus for taking the residents out to local landmarks.” Rob Ripple from John Taylor’s paid tribute to the home. He said: “After funerals, we receive a lot of feedback from our clients and they always comment on how nice it is to see the staff from Bromson Hill attending.”

Award-winning senior care assistant Ronnie Davies with Rob Ripple from John Taylor Funeral Directors and care home manager Maggie Watts.

Signs Email your story to Dominic Musgrave at dm@whpl.net or ring him on 01226 734407.

Strange guests at Bristol home TARANTULAS and scorpions were among some of the unusual visitors at a Bristol care home. Residents at Brunelcare’s

Waverley Gardens had the chance to get up close with some of the most exotic creatures the city zoo has to offer.

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