Caring UK August 2015

August 2015

incorporating

no.230 • £4.75

The Number One magazine for the care sector

Homes could close due to ‘daft’ rules

By Dominic Musgrave

A NUMBER of nursing homes in Wales could be forced to close because of new UK Government rules, a social care chief has warned.

The controversial legislation will force non-European workers to return home if they are not earning at least £35,000 after six years – and that will include well-qualified nurses working in social care.

According to Care Forum Wales, the body that represents the independent social care sector in the country, it will lead to the loss of nursing home beds at a time when they are needed more than ever, and could force some homes to close completely because of a shortage of trained staff.

Chair, Mario Kreft MBE, said: “Essentially, the Government will end up getting rid of well-qualified staff doing a good job and then replacing them with economic migrants without qualifications.

“This could very well lead to nursing homes being closed because of a shortage of qualified nurses.

“It could also lead to the sector having to pay higher fees for agency nurses, and will almost certainly mean some care providers will have

to stop offering nursing care.

“This is utter madness. This is the daftest policy I have heard of in a long time.”

According to Mary Wimbury, senior policy advisor at Care Forum Wales, the new Home Office rules could push the Welsh care sector, which is already struggling to recruit enough nurses, “over the edge”.

The RCN predicts the rules will "cause chaos" for the health service, waste money spent on recruitment and affect more than 3,300 NHS nurses by 2017.

Mary, who estimates the number of nurses affected runs into hundreds who care for thousands of patients,added: “The new rules will have a disastrous effect on the care sector in Wales, which employs many nurses from non-European countries, few of whom will be earning anything like the £35,000 threshold.

“The actual figure of those involved runs into hundreds of nurses who in turn care for many thousands of patients across Wales.

“In short, it will mean that there won’t be enough nurses to go round.”

The Home Office has said the rules will help reduce demand for migrant labour.

Royal visit celebrates charity’s 150 years

Residents at a care home in Tunbridge Wells were recognised and honoured for their contributions to HM Armed Forces. Ten residents at Rusthall Lodge, a ‘notfor-profit’ stand-alone home, received HM Armed Forces enamelled pin badges at a ‘Home Front’ themed event. In the presence of members of the Royal British Legion, RAFA, T.S. Brilliant Corps of Bugles and Drums, the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, their families and other invited guests, the event commemorated and recognised the valuable contribution made by the residents in serving their country. Tthe event culminated with a fly-past by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Dakota from 233 Squadron.

Margaret Van den Bergh is pictured with her pin badge.

NATIONAL maritime charity the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society has celebrated 150 years of providing care to former mariners with a visit from its royal patron.

Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal toured the newly refurbished facilities, meeting staff, volunteers and residents before presenting the charity with a new Royal Charter. This essential document approved by HM The Queen sets out the original objectives and responsibilities of the Society, but in more modern language and style. It now hangs proudly in the nursing care home’s lobby lounge.

The charity also celebrated the launch of a book to commemorate its 150th anniversary, entitled Home from Sea. The book charts the Society’s history and explores the extraordinary lives of its former seafaring community. The first copy was presented by the Chairman of the Society, Captain Duncan Glass, to HRH the Princess Royal before her departure.

3

CARINGNEWS

Line-ups are confirmed for final conferences

By Dominic Musgrave

TIME is running out for you to book your place at the final two Caring UK annual regional conferences of the year.

This year’s events have the title Shaping The Future of Care, and the last two will be held at The AGEAS Bowl, Southampton and The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury on September 29 and 30 respectively.

Speakers confirmed for the Southampton event include Nadra Ahmed OBE, chairman of the National Care Association.

Medicines Management and Dysphasia is the title of Rosemont Pharmaceuticals’ Joyce Okoro’s presentation, with Caroline Munroe, locality manager for Skills for Care, rounding off the session with a look at Supporting the Dementia Workforce.

After a break to view the extensive exhibition, which will showcase all the latest products and technology for your care home, CQC inspection manager Tracey Cockburn will give An Update from the Inspectorate.

This will be followed by Colin Sutherland from Wings of Freedom and Kelly Fortune from apetito Limited.

The final speaker of the day following a break for lunch is yet to be confirmed.

At Canterbury the following day Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of Care England, will begin proceedings.

The Skills for Care session will be delivered by Margaret Sharpe, while Sarah Montgomery will speak on behalf of the CQC and Ian Eardley will represent Rosemont Pharmaceuticals.

Script Media sales and marketing director Tony Barry will chair the events.

Caring UK editor Dominic Musgrave said: “As you can see we have once again put together a stellar line-up of speakers who will talk about a range of topics throughout the day.

“With the exhibition running alongside and the opportunity to network, this conferences is truly not to be missed, and I would urge all care home and domiciliary care operators and managers in the area to attend this event.”

Caring UK’s conferences are held in association with Care England and the NCA. To find out more and to book your place at these must-attend events turn to pages 23 and 24.

www.caring-uk.co.uk Advertising Sales and Marketing Director: Tony Barry Tel: 01226 734605 Email: tb@scriptmedia.co.uk Healthcare Product Manager: Bev Green Tel: 01226 734288 Email: bg@scriptmedia.co.uk National Field Sales Executive: Tracy Stacey Tel: 01226 734480 Email: ts@scriptmedia.co.uk National Sales Executive: Mandy Edwards Tel: 01226 734692 Email: mandye@caring-uk.co.uk

Publishers Script Media.

47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS. Email: info@caring-uk.co.uk

Editorial Group Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734639 jh@scriptmedia.co.uk Group Production Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk

Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of Care England

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

Studio Manager: Stewart Holt Tel: 01226 734414 sth@scriptmedia.co.uk Database enquiries to: 01226 734695 E-mail: circulation@ scriptmedia.co.uk Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all content, the publishers do not accept liability for error, printed or otherwise, that may occur.

Follow us on Twitter @caringuk

4

CARINGNEWS

Residents at a Somerset care home were given the perfect excuse to get out their floral hats when it held its annual garden party. The grounds at Horton Cross Nursing Home in Ilminster were spruced up by local photographer and gardener Marc England for the event, which saw friends and family turn out to sample the cream teas and homemade cakes on offer. Other activities included live music, a tombola, raffle and a guess the weight of the cake competition. Also on offer were crafts and plants galore.

Horton Cross staff are pictured with registered manager Jeanette Marshall, general manager Roz Gingell and clinical lead Tamsin Forde.

Care firm celebrates its first anniversary A SHREWSBURY homecare company celebrated its first birthday with a charity event inspired by one of its clients.

Caring Angels, based in Harlescott, had a bingo and raffle in aid of Help for Heroes at Lindale Court sheltered housing to mark when the business was launched.

Owner Becky Morris said: “It has been a fantastic first year in business for us and we didn’t want the occasion to go by unmarked.

“We have secured Care Quality Commission registration, increased the services we are able to offer, grown our client base and taken on seven members of staff.

“It really has been great and we have loved every minute of it but we wanted to use the day to give something back as well.

Staff chose the charity because a male client said it means a lot to him, and Becky has lost six friends in conflict and a further two who have lost limbs.

She added: “Help for Heroes is a charity that not only means a lot to us but also to a lot of our clients so I am eager to make a difference.”

“Our first anniversary is a great milestone but it is only the start for us – we look forward to many more successful years to come with more staff and more clients to help with whatever needs they have.”

Caring Angels offers services like housework, taking people shopping and to appointments as well as respite and personal care such as companionship, medication support, end of life care, support with day centre and wellbeing pop in visits.

Head shave benefits charity A HUDDERSFIELD care home’s area manager has had his head shaved to raise money for charity.

Ian Tetley, who works at Aden House, received widespread praise for his bravery from staff and members of the local community, after volunteering to have his head shaved for the Alzheimer’s Society.

More than 20 residents, nurses, and members of staff from both Aden House and Aden Mount Care Homes gathered to watch.

Tension mounted after a raffle draw decided that Aden House gardener Scott Boyd would be taking clippers to Ian for a different kind of landscaping than what he is usually accustomed to.

Aden House home manager, Lisa Boyd, said: “The community came together to support Ian and it is a

Aden House gardener Scott Boyd takes the clippers to Ian Tetley’s hair. great achievement to raise so much money for such a good cause – although it may take some time to get used to his new haircut.”

To date, Ian has raised more than £650.

6

CARINGNEWS

Universities researching ways to reduce medication errors

By Dominic Musgrave

Almond Care won the Professional Services category of the Coventry Telegraph Business Awards. The 21st annual awards took place at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena, and company director Julia Senah collected the prize. She said: “I’m so happy to win this award, and it is testament to everybody that works at Almond Care and provides a professional service to clients across the Midlands. It is very humbling to have your achievements recognised by winning the Professional Services award. Thank you to everybody involved for choosing Almond Care.” The judges were Peter Burns of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Coventry University professor David Bailey, Alan Edwards of Jaguar Land Rover, Amrik Bhabra of Adecs Ltd, and Telegraph editor Keith Perry.

Almond Care director Julia Senah is pictured with the award.

RESEARCHERS from four universities have succeeded in winning a £2million grant from the National Institute for Health Research for a five-year programme of research into medicines management in care homes.

Professors David Wright and Richard Holland from the School of Pharmacy and School of Medicine respectively at the University of East Anglia, are leading the study.

They will be supported by researchers from the University of Aberdeen, the University of Leeds and Queens University Belfast, and in partnership with NHS South Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group.

A national report identified large numbers of medication errors in care homes and recommended that one individual should be responsible for medicines management.

One study found that almost 70 per cent of care home residents experience at least one medication error on any given day.

Emerging evidence indicates that specially trained pharmacists, who are qualified and licensed to prescribe, can practise in a safe and effective manner, and building on this the research team of applied for funding to develop a pharmacist

“By determining the cost-effectiveness of the intervention rather than just its effectiveness we also increase the chance of the service being adopted more widely at a later date.” independent prescriber model of medicines management in care homes. The funded programme aims to determine the cost-effectiveness of pharmacist independent prescribers working in care homes in an integrated manner with general practitioners and care home staff.

Richard said: “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for GPs and pharmacists to work together to improve patient care in the primary care setting. It is great that we have been given sufficient time and funding to develop and trial the model before fully testing it.

“By determining the costeffectiveness of the intervention rather than just its effectiveness we also increase the chance of the service being adopted more widely at a later date.”

The proposal is for a resident’s GP to continue to manage acute problems and assume overall responsibility for individual resident care whilst the pharmacist independent prescriber

will assume responsibility for medicines management primarily through the development of individualised pharmaceutical care plans and repeat prescription authorisation.

David added: “The prescribing pharmacist can support residents with their medicines when they transfer in and out of the home, work with the GP to provide reassurance that medicines are being regularly reviewed and monitored, help carers and nurses in homes to ensure that medicines are given safely and appropriately and work with residents to ensure that they are involved in any decisions about their medicines.”

The first year of the project will involve working with all stakeholders to develop the service specification.

In year two, a small feasibility study will be undertaken in each area which will then lead onto a pilot and then proceed to a randomised controlled trial.

8

CARINGNEWS

New report warns of care system collapse Staff at Prince’s Court raised £150 by dressing as superheroes.

Home helps disadvantaged kids A NORTH Shields care home has come to the rescue to help disadvantaged children in the region.

As part of Metro Radio’s Cash for Kids initiative, members of staff at Prince’s Court raised £150 as they dressed as superheroes for the day, ranging from Batman and Catwoman to The Flash and Wonderwoman.

The home also held a coffee morning, which contributed to the amount raised.

Prince’s Court provides nursing care

for up to 75 elderly residents, some of whom also need dementia care.

Nicola Coulson, home manager, said: “We are committed to helping out the community and local charities, so it was great to get involved with the Cash for Kids initiative, which was enjoyed by all of our staff and residents.

“I am delighted with our fundraising efforts and hopefully the money raised by the home can go towards helping disadvantaged children in the area.”

Business celebrates latest Dementia Champion AN independently owned homecare business in Hertfordshire is celebrating its latest Dementia Champion.

Jan Rawling, a field care supervisor at Caremark (North Herts & Stevenage), successfully completed a Dementia Champion course having been put forward by her care

manager Claire Evans and managing director Colin Evans.

Jan said: “I enjoy all aspects of my job, but I have always been particularly interested in the subject of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

“I use it with my work today giving carers and customers useful tips about this disease.”

CARE England, the largest representative body for independent social care providers, has published a ground-breaking report on the state of social care.

The report warns of a collapse in the system if providers and commissioners do not work together and more nurses are not recruited into the independent sector.

It states that the next five years will be crucial in ensuring that the care and support services that many people rely on remain sustainable.

Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, said: “This positive vision attempts to define the contribution that the independent care sector can make to avert a major disaster for the NHS and Exchequer.

“It makes very little sense to have dividing lines separating primary, hospitals and social care when people with long-term conditions – working age or elderly – frequently use all three. Evolutionary rather than revolutionary changes are needed with different elements of the system working together rather than in silos.”

Care England members have attempted to help local authorities by making efficiency savings in order to accept below inflationary fee rises and fee freezes, but this is now unsustainable.

“We are in the process of developing a new hybrid role for nursing in the care home sector which would fall between a care worker and a nurse, but there is still a major supply-side problem.”

Care England says that increasing instances of Judicial Review and continued provider attrition are the only consequences arriving from the current way of working.

Matin added: “An inability to recruit nurses in the independent care sector is one of the main issues that is causing additional pressure to be placed on the care home, acute sector and commissioning budgets.

“We are in the process of developing a new hybrid role for nursing in the care home sector which would fall between a care worker and a nurse, but there is still a major supply-side problem, which the Government needs to urgently address if the nursing home sector is to survive.”

10

CARINGNEWS

Fundraising Experts help school children target for become Dementia Friends Ruby hit

By Olivia Taylor

DIRECTOR Osman Ertosun and the staff team from Excelcare have exceeded their fundraising target for brave toddler Ruby Young.

Despite her aggressive childhood cancer, Ruby has the most amazing energy and courage and she is not yet three years old.

With this in mind, Osman with the help of his assistant Sam Manning, set about fundraising with the rest of the staff team at Excelcare.

Osman set the fundraising pace by pledging to double the amount raised for Ruby.

He said: “The world we live in today should be able to provide the care and treatment for everyone, no matter what age you are.

“Although we have raised a huge £15,000; our help to Ruby and her family does not stop there.

“We are holding our annual awards celebration for the Excelcare staff team in July and all the staff attending have pledged to each contribute £5 to Ruby’s cause: the total will then be given to Ruby’s parents along with many other donations.”

YEAR 5 students from St Benedict’s Primary School, in Hindley did their part to raise awareness and understanding of dementia by becoming Dementia Friends in a session led by experts from Belong Wigan.

The pupils worked in an interactive session with Belong experience coordinator, Marie Calderbank, and Belong dementia champion, Debbie Moore, to learn more about what it means to live with dementia and how to support people with the condition by sharing in their reminiscences and creating a calming environment.

Local social enterprise scheme, wehearttech, then visited the students to share tips on how to use technology, such as tablets and digital cameras, to create new memories with people living with dementia and share music and images from the past to evoke happy memories.

Michelle Ainscough, a teacher at St Benedict’s, said: “The Dementia Friends session was inspirational to us all. We'd never done anything like this before and didn't know a lot about dementia, despite it being something that touches a lot of our lives through family members.

“The children were so engaged with the session that afterwards they went off and did their own research into

Youngsters from St Benedict’s School who became Dementia Friends. dementia at home and started bringing in new information to share.”

A 10-year-old pupil from St Benedict's wrote in her information leaflet: “The badges [that we were given] say Dementia Friend so that people can see that you respect people with dementia… Only a fool would not become a Dementia Friend!”

Marie Calderbank, who organised the activity, added: “The response to the Dementia Friends activity by children at St Benedict's has totally overwhelmed me.

“We wanted to equip them with some of the skills that they'd need to feel comfortable visiting family members in an environment like Belong Wigan. Since our visit we know that a lot of the students have gone home and shared what they learnt with their parents. They're a credit to their school and community.”

Teachers at St Benedict's are hoping that the Dementia Friends sessions will become an annual event for year five students, strengthening the relationship between pupils and older people living in the local area.

12

CARINGNEWS

Golfers raise over £2,000 for charity ASSOCIATES, friends and staff of The Abbeyfield Kent Society came together for a day of golf while raising money for The Wish Appeal.

There were birdies and bogeys aplenty as the groups enjoyed 18 holes at Southern Valley Golf Club in Gravesend before relaxing in the clubhouse with a barbecue as the trophies were awarded to winners and prizes auctioned off.

The overall winner of the golf was Paul Lam, with Simon Belcher taking second place and David Rodrigues coming third.

Femi Adesanya took the longest drive award, Qui Ly won nearest to pin and Malcolm Phillips won the putting competition.

The event was a huge success, raising over £2,000 for The Wish Appeal, with donations still coming in.

John Ogbe, organiser of the event and home manager of Edward Moore House residential home, said: “It was a wonderful day and the weather remained beautiful throughout, I’d like to thank everyone who supported us and helped us to raise this phenomenal amount for The Wish Appeal.”

Veteran’s bravery finally recognised 56 years on

By Dominic Musgrave A FORMER National Serviceman who was part of a team that helped test Britain’s first nuclear weapons has finally been honoured.

Michael Maddox has received his veterans badge from the Ministry of Defence thanks to the efforts of Kerry Young from Telford care home Myford House.

The 77-year-old had begun sharing the story of his time on Christmas Island with Kerry, who wondered why he had not received recognition for his bravery in protecting the components for Britain’s first hydrogen bombs.

With permission from Michael’s daughter Debbie Thomas, Kerry got in touch with the Royal British Legion who directed her to the MOD Medal Office, who recently sent Michael his Veterans Badge.

Kerry said: “Michael told me all about his time on Christmas Island and how he used to write love letters to his wife Marjorie, who sadly passed away some years ago.

“His story was fascinating and I was so captivated by it. He was part of a team that had to keep the right temperature for all the parts to a 100 megaton bomb that the army was testing. Without him and his colleagues, Britain would not have

Michael Maddox shows off his medal with Kerry Young and Debbie Thomas. developed a nuclear weapon and the whole Cold War could have been different.”

Michael was part of Operation Grapple on Christmas Island in the Pacific Ocean in 1958. He was called up to National Service in 1956 and did three years as a Regular in the Royal Engineers, completing his basic training at Farnborough and then passing out as a field engineer with the rank of Sapper.

At the time Russia had also been conducting nuclear weapons tests.

Michael worked with the Main Camp

Fridge Team where servicemen had to follow strict health and safety instructions as they risked being blinded by the intense light from test explosions.

Michael added: “I’m not saying I was a hero, but those of us situated on Christmas Island were subjected to close range exposure to five nuclear bomb tests. We were part of history in the making.”

Myford House is an exclusive development registered for 57 residents who want to spend their retirement in privacy and comfort.

15

CARINGNEWS

Croydon franchisee named best in UK SURECARE has announced the winners of its inaugural awards at the firm’s annual conference.

A total of six awards were handed out at the conference and gala dinner, held at the Hilton Doubletree in Chester.

Winners included Liz Rickman, SureCare’s Croydon franchisee, who won the Franchisee of the Year award.

Managing director Gary Farrer rang Liz, who was unable to make the conference, to break the good news.

Liz said: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive the Franchisee of the Year award and can honestly say that this last 12 months is the best support we have ever received. “ Other winners included Amrit Dhaliwal, SureCare Oxfordshire’s franchisee, who won the Regional Award, Paul Brandrick, SureCare Cheshire East franchisee, who scooped the Achievement Award and Jimmy Anyon, of SureCare Preston, who picked up the Excellence Award.

Cheryl Hawksworth and Caron Oldrieve, of SureCare Doncaster, won the Outstanding Contribution to Children’s Services Award, while Rachel Gallagher, Chester branch manager, collected the Branch of the Year Award.

SureCare, which was founded in 1994, operates a network of more than 30 franchises and branches

across the UK. Gary acquired the business from Housing & Care 21 in November.

The awards came after an agendapacked conference which saw a mix of keynote talks from SureCare management and external care sector specialists.

These included Andrew Heffernan and Sarah King, from the UK Home Care Association, who shared their research on the changing care landscape as well as its campaign to improve minimum rates of pay.

Andrew added: “The ambition is to provide more care at home, but the funding situation does not reflect this.”

His comments supported a Saga/ Populus poll which shows that nine out of 10 people want to have their care needs met in their own home.

Gary told delegates: “Our business has to be flexible and adapt to market changes. During the past 18 months, we have introduced a number of new services as well as new branding and new people.”

SureCare winners: Achievement Award – Cheshire East; Excellence Award – Preston; Regional Award – Oxfordshire; Outstanding Contribution to Children’s Services – Doncaster; Branch of the Year – Chester; Franchisee of the Year Croydon.

Young dancers have been entertaining residents at Orton Manor care home in Birmingham for over a year. One of the home’s residents won ballroom dancing competitions at Blackpool many years ago so enjoys seeing them perform. The dancers recently performed at a resident’s 90th birthday party at the home. The dancers who perform are Joshua Adams and Bethany Isard, both 14, 12-year-old Harry Smith, 10year-old Libby Sloan, Jessica Smith, who is nine, and Rhiannon Astle eight.

Advertiser’s announcement

Owners recognise investment benefits of personal service CARE home owners and staff across the UK are recognising the benefits of personal service companies and investing vital savings back into client care, according to a contracting specialist.

Nova, an established expert in setting up and administering PSCs, said an increasing number of nursing and residential homes were offering personal service company opportunities to their range of employment options and realising major benefits for their business and staff.

Nova business development manager Philip Thomas said: “Care providers are quickly recognising the advantages of engaging nurses, domiciliary workers and support staff, through their own limited companies and some are widening the offer to include trade supplier arrangements for electricians, plumbers and general maintenance, for example.

“Completely compliant with current legislation, the fixed term contracts enjoy the same conditions and duty of care as other employment contracts, but the employer saves on National Insurance Contributions, holiday and pension payments – all of which can be reinvested in the workforce and client care.

“As an example, a care provider engaging a team of 100, could expect to save around £1,700 a week which can be reinvested into the business.

“Employees who choose to work through PSCs can increase their take home pay through qualifying business expenses for mileage and training, for example.”

Nova, which has 15 years’ experience in contracting, has made over a million payments to more than 30,000 contractors.

There is no joining fee for Nova to set up the limited company or cost to the care home – only a competitive weekly charge for the candidate.

However, if the worker is not working there is no cost.

Nova raises all invoices, runs the payroll and pays all required tax to HMRC, so there are no unexpected tax bills at the end of the year.

“We know care workers want to focus on delivering their services and they tell us that the simplicity of the PSC service is invaluable to them,” added Philip. “They particularly welcome our same day faster payment service and free SMS text alerts to advise them when their money has left our account.

“They also benefit from low cost

personal accident and public liability insurance cover.

“As long as business expenses are incurred ‘wholly, exclusively and necessarily’ in the performance of their duties as an employee, they can include mileage to and from their place of work, meals, accommodation if they’re staying away from home, work clothing, telephone costs, cost of laundry for outer protective wear, portable sat nav systems and professional fees and courses, including

DBS. These can add up to substantial added income for many workers across the private health and social care sector.”

Nova works with the UK’s leading recruitment agencies and healthcare employment specialists, offering a wide range of compliant employment solutions.

The contracting specialist also operates across the logistics, industrial, catering and hospitality sectors.

17

CARINGNEWS

Lost laundry causes care homes hassle RESEARCH has found that missing items of clothing or linen is one of the most common laundry issues experienced by care home staff.

In a survey conducted among managers that have provisions for laundering linen and resident’s clothing within the care home, half reported that misplaced or lost personal items are the cause of significant trouble to them, their residents and their staff.

Incidents of losing items during the laundry process appear to be common, with 81 percent of surveyed care homes reporting that they have lost or misplaced items within their premises and one in ten declaring this to be a frequent occurrence.

Overall, care home managers want to make improvements to their laundries, with one in seven stating that they feel their current in-house setup is simply ineffective.

Conducted in February 2015, the research was commissioned by Berendsen, the UK’s leading provider of laundry and textile services.

Commenting on the findings, Jerry Richardson, business development director for care homes at Berendsen, said: “Although laundry is rarely at front of mind for most care home managers, when something goes

wrong it has a significant impact on staff at all levels – and unless resolved quickly, on residents too. In a busy environment such as a care home, it’s all too easy for items to go missing.

“We have invested in the latest technology to reduce this risk to a minimum and provide peace of mind to both staff and residents.”

Berendsen has introduced robust electronic tagging and scanning systems that ensure every item is traceable right through the laundering process – and for residents’ clothing, all the way back to its owner.

This includes the application of discreet RFID tags, which are widely used for tracking items, including medical devices in hospitals, to trace residents’ laundry loads as well as the linen products such as duvets, towels and pillow cases that require laundering.

Berendsen applies this tagging process on behalf of care home staff and residents, eliminating the need for care homes or families to tag all residents’ clothing themselves, which usually involves the time-consuming task of attaching a name label to each and every item.

Hairdressing salon gets a makeover THE hairdressing service at a Bupa care home has been given a makeover of its own under the supervision of the residents who use it.

Residents at Craigbank in Glasgow were asked to give their views on what could be done to rejuvenate the hairdressing salon, and encourage even more people to use it. Residents opted for a full redecoration, with their choices of wall paper and colour schemes.

The slick modern looking salon is now open for customers, with a new stylist visiting every Monday.

Alan Twigg, manager at Bupa’s Craigbank care home said: "I am delighted that we’ve got a nice new look for the hairdressing room and a talented new stylist coming in, but even more pleased that our residents get so involved in the process.

“We’re always looking to get this level of engagement in the various projects at Craigbank and we know our residents really appreciate when their opinions shape the end result. Hopefully the new-look hairdressing service will be even more popular than the old one.”

18

CARINGNEWS

Group and Trust join for therapeutic experiences The Clitheroe Residential Home recently helped a resident celebrate his daughter getting married. Arrangements were made for Vincent Talbot's daughter Tracey to come to the home with the wedding party so she could see her dad and have some pictures taken. Catherine Metcalfe, the home’s manager, said: “It was so important for both Vincent and his daughter to be together on this special day. We were privileged in being able to share part of their special day within the home and enabling Vincent to be by his daughter’s side. We wish the happy couple all the best for the future.”

Co-owner is Alliance chair STEPHANIE Doherty, co-owner and joint director of Caremark’s Oldham & Tameside branch, has been unanimously elected as chair of the Oldham Dementia Action Alliance.

The Alliance comprises a number of partners involved in social care dedicated to creating a dementia friendly town.

This move clearly demonstrates the importance of creating a dementia friendly community in Oldham through meaningful partnership working between the local authority, Clinical Care Commissioning Group, local businesses and Caremark.

Areas for priority of the ODAA for 2015 will include continuing to work towards creating a dementia friendly

community in Oldham through: Increasing dementia awareness in the community, in particular South Asian communities.

Increasing inter-generational activities.

Continuing to ensure Dementia Friends sessions are widely available in Oldham.

Increasing engagement with a range of local businesses through membership of the Dementia Action Alliance.

The Oldham care provider has already delivered a number of Dementia Friends information sessions resulting in 150 Dementia Friends of the 200 aimed for, being created in their local community.

CARE UK has teamed up with a performance charity to bring therapeutic workshops using colour, light and music to more of its care homes in Greater London.

The partnership should enable Eye Music Trust to raise funding from the Arts Council and the Baring Foundation to develop and widen its work, which includes workshops for older people living with dementia.

The link up comes about after the charity ran very successful week-long workshops at Care UK’s Heavers Court in Croydon, Woodland Hall in Stanmore, Whitefarm Lodge in Twickenham and Charlotte House care homes in Isleworth.

The workshops involve the Eye Music Trust team setting up an installation including fabric screens, LED lights, computers and movement sensors. They then run highly interactive sessions of 40-60 minutes for groups of residents, who use the sensors to control colour and light and to play music. The culmination of the week’s work is a concert, put on by the session participants for other residents, as well as family and friends.

Sheila Peterson, activities coordinator at Heavers Court in Croydon, said: “The participants seemed to really enjoy making music as a group, rather than just listening to it.”

Nirmala Juggapah, home manager

at Woodland Hall in Stanmore, added: “The workshops had a very visible and positive effect.

“Participants had real pleasure in their faces and the music brought them out of themselves. Overall, it created a wonderful atmosphere in the home.”

At Whitefarm Lodge in Twickenham 60 residents took part in twice daily workshops over a week.

Shane Cosgrove, manager of the home, said: “Residents really enjoyed the experience of controlling the music and light and those living with dementia responded well. The workshops are very interactive but designed for all levels of ability. Most importantly, they’re fun.”

Additional sessions are planned for three more Care UK homes – Franklin House and The Burroughs in West Drayton and Whitby Dene in Eastcote.

Commenting on the continuing partnership with Eye Music Trust, Andrew Knight, Care UK’s managing director of residential care services, added: “We believe passionately in the positive and therapeutic role that the arts can play in the lives of older people who are living with dementia.

“We’re therefore very pleased to be able to support Eye Music Trust in its exciting work and look forward to hearing plenty of positive stories from the forthcoming workshops in our Middlesex homes.”

20

CARINGNEWS

Natalie completes her first half marathon to raise money for home

By Olivia Taylor

A care home resident from Bolton enjoyed a visit from his daughter and her horse as part of a National Care Home Open Day celebration. Dawn Hartley and her horse Maverick surprised her father, Fred and fellow residents at Four Seasons Health Care’s St Catherines Care Home, who marked the day with a Country and Western themed event. A spokesperson for the home said: “Fred had not seen Maverick for some time and was overwhelmed with joy when his daughter arrived. The horse recognised Fred straight away, nuzzling into him so Fred could hold him. It was a lovely moment for everyone to see.”

Group appoints nursing manager THE Randolph Hill Nursing Homes Group has announced the appointment of Lynn Russell as its group nursing manager.

Lynn initially joined the Scottish company in 2005 as manager of its Ashley Court home in Edinburgh before being promoted to a senior management role within the group in 2012.

Randolph Hill director of nursing,

Ingrid Neville, said: “Lynn is not only a highly experienced and extremely capable nurse, she is also a great manager with a proven track record within the group.

“We are delighted to have her move into this new role which will help ensure we can build on the already high standard of care and support we provide for our residents within all our homes.”

A CHESTER woman has taken part in her first ever half marathon to raise money for a local care home.

Natalie Harrison was raising money for Florence Grogan House where staff provide specialist dementia care for her mother, Sheila Danby, 76.

Natalie completed the Chester Half Marathon in 2 hours 21 minutes, raising nearly £400 for the CLS-run home, in recognition of the excellent care that its staff provide.

She said: “I wanted to thank everyone at Florence Grogan as they work so hard – literally around the clock – to care for my mum and the other residents. They do a truly great job!”

As well as providing general residential care, Florence Grogan House offers a specialist dementia care service, pioneered by CLS. This is designed to support the specific physical and emotional

needs of people living with dementia, and to enable them to remain active and independent for as long as possible.

Natalie added: “My mum struggles to talk so communication is an issue for her, however the staff are extremely patient and caring, which makes all the difference. Most importantly, they take the time to just chat and share a joke with her, which she loves – she’s always had a great sense of humour!”

The money Natalie has raised will go towards the residents’ comfort fund, which is spent on a variety of entertainment and activities for the residents to enjoy.

Joy White, home manager at Florence Grogan House, said: “Natalie’s achievement is truly marvellous and we are delighted that she feels so passionately about the care we provide. All of the staff and residents say a big thank you back to her.”

Ex-footballer opens new facility FORMER Norwich City footballer Paul McVeigh officially opened Caring Homes’ newest site.

The football hero was supported cutting the ribbon by founder of Caring Homes Group, Helena Jeffery and Judith Rundle, the first resident to move in that same day.

Chairman of Bernard Matthews, David Joll, also presented a canvas photograph to Helena Jeffery for display in a dining room at Ivy Court

named after the well-known Norfolk turkey farmer.

Many of the home’s lounges and dining rooms have been named after Norfolk celebrities.

Other local celebrities that have rooms named after them are Admiral Lord Nelson, Jeremiah Colman of Colman’s Mustard and Delia Smith, TV chef, author and major shareholder at Norwich City Football Club.

22

CARINGNEWS

Jayne Vickers celebrates her anniversary with Silver Lodge staff.

Jayne celebrates 25 years A DEDICATED care home manager is celebrating 25 years working at Silver Lodge care home.

Jayne Vickers, 54, started her career in the sector as a carer at the Sheffield facility 25 years ago.

Since then, her motivation and dedication to her work has enabled her to rise through the ranks and she has held the position of manager at the home for the past eight years.

Her fellow members of staff organised a special surprise anniversary party for Jayne with an impressive cake and members of staff past and present and all residents and their family members joined in with the party.

Jayne said: “It was absolutely

fantastic that my colleagues organised this special party for me.

It was great to see faces old and new and lovely to spend time with residents’ relatives.

“I have really enjoyed the past 25 years at Silver Lodge, it is an excellent care home with a dedicated team of staff who are committed to providing the highest quality care for residents.

“There have been challenges along the way, but it is an extremely rewarding role – here’s to the next work anniversary.”

Keeping it in the family, Jayne’s daughter Bethany,is a care assistant at Silver Lodge and Jayne’s twin sister, Julie, works at the home as a cook.

CARINGNEWS

Familiar face returns THE Old Vicarage care home in Churchill has welcomed a new Manager – who is a familiar face at the home.

Hatty Hembrow has transferred to The Old Vicarage from her role as manager of the homecare provider in West Hewish, which is also part of the Western Super-Care Group.

Hatty began her care career at The Old Vicarage more than a decade ago when she worked as a kitchen assistant whilst still at school.

After leaving school she was employed in a care role at the home, and worked her way up to the position of Deputy Manager.

Hatty said, “I am delighted to be

returning to The Old Vicarage, where I began my care career.

“It is lovely to see that so many of the staff I worked with when I began are still here.

“I have arrived at an especially busy time, as we are preparing for our annual summer party on 23rd August.”

The Old Vicarage is part of Western Super-Care Group, a family-run business caring for older people in North Somerset.

Western Super-Care Group has care homes in Weston Super-Mare and Churchill, and also provides care to people in their own homes in North Somerset and the Mendips.

Marcella tastes success at annual competition A TALENTED Sanctuary Care chef got taste buds tingling at an annual competition.

Marcella Field, chef manager at Yarnton Residential and Nursing Home in Yarnton, Oxfordshire, went head to head with seven colleagues from across the organisation in a 90minute cook-off to win the final of Sanctuary Care’s chef of the year competition.

Marcella dished up a mouth-watering menu of lamb cooked two ways – a miniature shepherd’s pie and panfried lamb cutlet – with dauphinoise potatoes, baby vegetables and a red current jus.

Her prize-winning dessert was a tarte au citron finished off with summer fruit coulis and an artistic chocolate decoration.

The competition, which was sponsored by Unilever Food Solutions and held at their head office in Surrey, has been running for six years and is open to cooks and chefs from Sanctuary Care’s homes across the country.

Entrants were tasked with creating a main course and dessert which would be suitable for people in a care setting. Their dishes were judged on innovation, nutrition, balance and of course taste.

Marcella said: “I am overwhelmed to have won the competition this year as the standard of entries has been

Marcella Field really high. I think it is so important to have competitions like this, not only to showcase our creative flair, but also to help break the taboo of care catering.

“The teams at Sanctuary Care’s homes work hard to make nutritious, high quality food for our residents and it’s a joy to see the enjoyment they get from the dishes we prepare.”

The panel of judges comprised Mark McCarthy, Sanctuary Care’s managing director, Tom Parramore, Sanctuary Care’s regional director, Cathy Amos, business manager for health care at Brakes’ Brothers and Paul Wright, Unilever’s Food Solutions’ culinary development chef.

A Leicester care home has broadened it’s offerings to residents with a new pub.

The ‘Aberry Arms’ at Aberry House Nursing Home allows care users to order a cooked pub meal as well as having a stock of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The pub is decorated with old style posters and a dart board to add fun to the premises and to encourage service users to play together.

25

27

CARINGNEWS

Operator marks anniversaries at several homes STAFF and residents at London care provider Sahara Care are celebrating the anniversary of several of the group’s homes.

Sahara Parkside, Sahara House and Sahara Lodge are all marking their anniversaries with special celebrations which will look back at their history of delivering care.

Sahara Parkside, the group’s newest home, was opened on June 10 2009 by local councillor Liam Smith, who described it as “the benchmark for all other care homes.”

The home in Barking is made up of 10 three-bedroom apartments supporting independent lifestyles and is suitable for residents with sensory impairments, physical disabilities and other complex needs.

The second home to celebrate its anniversary is Sahara House, which opened 11 years ago.

The facility is made up of two homes located next door to each other in Ilford, which have been designed to provide a supportive environment where service users can live together in a thriving community, while still maintaining their own independence and personal space.

The final home to celebrate its

anniversary is Sahara Lodge, based in Forest Gate, which is celebrating 15 years in operation having opened in June 2000.

Sahara Care’s chairman, Terence Brown, said: “It is brilliant to see so many of our homes celebrating anniversaries this month.

“Our staff at these homes do an amazing job and it is good to recognise the importance they play in helping people with disabilities in the local community.

“I hope that each of these homes continues to enjoy an illustrious future; helping hundreds of people with complex needs.”

Sahara Care was founded in 1997 by Sharon Kaur, its managing director, and has grown to become one of the largest care groups in East London, providing assistance to services users with a broad range of disabilities and complex needs.

Speaking about the group’s growth, Sharon said: “When I founded Sahara Care nearly two decades ago my goal was to help people with learning disabilities live a more independent life.

“I never thought Sahara Care would grow as big as it has and would have helped so many people.”

Belmore Lodge resident Joan Connolly holds Larry the lamb. With her is Hollie Joseph from Mill Cottage Farm Experience.

Residents enjoy farm visit RESIDENTS at two Lymington care homes have gone ‘down on the farm’ without leaving the sunny comfort of their gardens.

Family-owned Colten Care arranged for a special collection of farm animals, including lambs, pigs and goats, to visit Belmore Lodge and Linden House.

Residents stroked and played with the visitors brought along by the Alton-based Mill Cottage Farm Experience.

Animal visitors included donkeys, turkeys, chickens, ducklings, chickens, dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits.

Colten Care activities organiser Jackie Fergusson said: “The residents loved interacting with the animals and it really was a case of meeting all creatures great and small. There were

smiles all round.”

Belmore Lodge’s ‘farm experience’ day also featured the Romsey-based folk band Innominata and, from Southampton, the Sally Stompers Line Dancers.

Plants grown by a residents’ gardening club were sold to visitors who popped in for the day. Proceeds will go to the home’s nominated charity for this year, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

The Mill Cottage Farm Experience specialises in educational and recreational animal visits to care homes, schools and other venues.

As well as Belmore Lodge and Linden House, Mill Cottage animals have made recent visits to Colten Care homes in Winchester, Brockenhurst and Salisbury.

28

QUALITY IN CARESPONSORED BY

www.requiredsystems.com

Care home staff to lead UK in skills A GROUP of Lancashire care home staff have reached a landmark on an innovative course – one of the first of its kind in the UK. Seven senior healthcare workers at Springhill Care Home in Accrington embarked on the 15-month assistant practitioner programme earlier in the year.

The programme closely adheres to many aspects of a registered nursing course, and will allow qualified staff to develop clinical and management skills.

Springhill is one of the first care homes in the country to offer the course, as part of its commitment to maintaining excellent standards in care.

The role will allow healthcare workers to become practitioners in their own right, working alongside their nursing colleagues, taking on additional responsibilities and providing extra assistance, offering a tailor made solution to the national shortage of nurses experienced across the care sector.

The staff are progressing exceptionally well through the qualification, receiving much praise from their tutors who describe the learners as ‘dedicated and professional in their approach to the programme’.

They recently completed an exami-

nation where several of the learners earned distinctions and merits.

Theresa Swan, learning and development manager at Springhill, said: “The national shortage of nurses within this sector is likely to last for many years.

“Therefore the assistant practitioner role is an excellent response to the problem, which will help to meet the challenges we face in health and social care.

“The group is progressing very well, and have just passed an examination in anatomy and physiology. This initiative will benefit not only the learners, but all our staff and their nurse colleagues.

“As a result, the residents of the home will experience an even higher level of service.”

Recent reports suggest the care sector has been one of the worst affected by nurse shortages, with statistics reflecting the number of nurses over the age of 55 is currently at 30 per cent, in comparison with 13 per cent across the NHS, meaning a higher proportion are nearing retirement age.

Springhill Care Home is operated

by Springhill Care Group, which was recently named as a finalist in three categories in the prestigious Be Inspired Business Awards.

Winners of the Care and Support West Awards at Bath Racecourse.

Excellence celebrated at third awards ceremony

By Olivia Taylor THE winners of the Care and Support West Awards have been announced at a glittering ceremony at Bath Racecourse hosted by former Watchdog presenter and bowel cancer survivor Lynn Faulds-Wood.

Around 170 representatives of the local care industry, Care Quality Commission and local councils attended a gala dinner for the annual presentation.

Now in their third year, the Care and Support West awards celebrate the unsung heroes of the care industry, giving care providers and their staff in the former Avon area an opportunity to honour and congratulate people who have gone the extra mile.

“The Care and Support West Awards are enormously well received,” said chief executive of the Awards, David Smallacombe.

“In an environment of negative press, rising standards and an ageing population, pressure on the care industry has never been higher. It can

be all too easy to overlook the brilliant, heartfelt work that goes on day in, day out across the region.

“We established these awards to acknowledge the great work that is being done to maintain tremendously high standards with integrity and compassion.”

Winners were: Best Care Home Registered Manager – Teresa Silverthorne, AbleCare; Best Care Home Front Line Worker – Joanne King, Windmill Care; Best Team in any care setting – Generic & Homeless Floating Support Team, Alliance Care; Best Home Care Registered Manager – Murie England, Stepping Stones; Best Home Care Front Line Worker – Sally Stamp, Elite Care; Best Day Services Front Line Workers – Christine Hall and Liz Gray, Milestones Trust; Best Supported Living Front Line Worker – Jane Smart, Manor Community; Best Ancillary Support Worker – Deb Hicks, Windmill Care; Outstanding Contribution to Care – Matt Nines, Homes Caring for Autism.

Yet-to-open home recognised A NEW housing development for older buyers in Bearsden has won a top property award before it has even opened.

Although the first properties at St Andrew’s View are not expected to be occupied just yet, the project won the senior living development of the year category at the Scottish Home Awards.

The judges said of the development: “Our winner stood out as a beautiful tranquil and integral part of this new community which is close to all amenities. St Andrew’s View has a strong community emphasis which

we thought provided a complete service with a deep understanding of senior living needs.”

The 20 one and two-bed modern apartments are designed to specifically meet the needs of older people and have been built for Bield, one of Scotland’s leading providers of retirement housing.

Susan Jackson, sales and marketing manager at Bield, added: “It says something about the quality of the build and the concept behind St Andrew’s View that we have won in this category before the development has welcomed its first buyer.”

The new CQC Essential Standards – call now to arrange your free trial ALL our Policy/ Procedures have been brought into line with the new 2014 Legislation and to make it even easier to demonstrate compliance we have developed a module that shows you how to meet each of the five new categories.

Enquiries: To find out more call 01236 782477 or visit www.requiredsystems.com

29

CARINGNEWS

In the second of a two-part feature, Martyn Walley, national technical manager at Aico Ltd, looks at the challenges presented in protecting people living in supported housing from the dangers of fire and carbon monoxide and the range of solutions available to protect vulnerable residents.

Adapting a system to different occupants’ needs WIRELESS alarm interconnection systems also make it far simpler to modify an existing alarm system to help meet the changing needs of different occupants, such as adding an alarm for the hearing impaired. You just add an alarm where needed (hard wired to a permanent mains feed) and ‘House Code’ it in with the rest of the system.

Different manufacturers systems have different ways to House Code.

In the case of Aico’s RadioLINK, House Coding is very simple and is achieved by pressing a button on each unit to put them into ‘House Code’ mode.

The units will then automatically code together and ‘learn’ each other’s unique serial numbers. The ‘House Coded’ system can then be sealed to prevent other RadioLINK devices from neighbouring properties from interfering with each other.

Achieving low cost wider alarm coverage In smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and Supported Housing schemes, wireless alarm interconnection systems can be used to provide a complete building-wide system where there is one way communication between the alarms in the communal areas and individual apartments.

The system can be set up so if an alarm is activated in a communal area it triggers the alarms in the individual apartments for increased audibility, but if an alarm is activated in an individual apartment the communal areas won’t be triggered, which minimises nuisance or false alarms that may cause a building-wide evacuation.

Easy Alarm System Controls BS 5839-6:2013 states that alarms should be capable of being silenced from floor level; this is particularly important for people with mobility issues. To achieve this you will need a wall mounted alarm control device to enable occupants to test, locate or silence alarms from a safe location.

These are available for smoke and mixed smoke and CO systems. Aico’s Ei450 Alarm Controller is completely wireless, so can be easily positioned into the most accessible place for the user.

Alarms for the Hearing Impaired Alarms for the Hearing Impaired have been available for some time. They come with a strobe light that can be wall or surface mounted, and a vibrating pad designed to be placed under a pillow to wake people. Ideally opt for a model that comes with wire-

less interconnection so it can be easily interconnected to other smoke and CO alarms and also easily removed and used elsewhere when no longer required for that property.

Connecting with Warden Call Systems Telecare/Warden Call Systems are commonplace in dwellings for vulnerable people but in most cases are not connected with the existing Smoke and CO alarm system in that property. If a fire was to start or there was a CO leak, the alarms would activate but external assistance would not be sought; this could be fatal.

There are options out there – mainly relays – that will achieve this but most haven’t been specifically designed for this purpose and, as a result, are not ideal.

Aico’s latest product - the Ei414 Fire/CO Alarm Interface – has been designed to simply and economically overcome this. It provides a dedicated connection between Aico Smoke, Heat and CO alarms with most new and existing Telecare/Warden Call Systems, enabling the appropriate signal to be transmitted directly to that monitoring system should fire or CO be detected.

As the Ei414 is a RadioLINK device and links to Aico’s range of RadioLINK Smoke, Heat and CO

alarms wirelessly, it brings all the advantages of a wireless interconnect alarm system.

According to Fire Statistics, United Kingdom 2008: “Deaths and injuries from fire will rise in proportion to the Martyn Walley increases in numbers of older people. Almost twice as many people over the age of 50 now die in dwelling fires in the UK each year compared to those under 50.” Faced with an aging population the vast majority of which live in their own homes - plus the diverse range of people requiring Supported Housing, the need for additional measures to protect the more vulnerable members of society from fire and CO poisoning will only continue to rise. By using quality product from a reputable manufacturer, flexibility can be built in to fire and CO alarm systems enabling them to be adapted to future residents, no matter their requirements.

30

CARINGNEWS

Food and art are on the menu NIGHTINGALE care home in Ecclesfield ran a food and nutrition art competition with a local primary school.

Jemma Bolsover’s entry, which covered all healthy options, was named the winner, with everybody who took part also receiving a prize.

The home also recently held a virtual cruise for the residents who enjoyed sampling food from countries including Australia and India.

This prompted stories from the residents about their own holidays when their children were young and the kind of foods they used to eat.

Some even went without food so their children could eat.

Staff dressed up in different costumes, along with the residents, and enjoyed being entertained by a visiting singer.

The cruise ended with a stopover in Hollywood for a night at the Oscars.

All the relatives, residents and staff dressed up in formal evening wear.

The staff team were presented with their own award for the great work they did in organising the cruise.

How can you give residents a truly dignified dining experience? apetito nutritionist Kelly Fortune looks at the role of choice in fostering dignity at mealtimes ...

A dignified dining experience WITH preserving the dignity of their residents so paramount for care home operators, and with mealtimes being such an important part of the day, fostering a dignified dining experience is clearly a big priority.

And choice plays a big part in this…

When I recently spoke at the Caring UK conferences, I was reminded of the importance of choice.

We conducted a survey and found that 100 per cent of respondents thought that allowing residents to choose what they would like to eat plays a major role in fostering dignity.

After all, even if it’s simply a case of choosing which sandwich to pick up at a service station, we all make decisions about what to eat on a daily basis, and it’s hard to imagine this basic choice being taken away.

Yet, while it’s hard to disagree with this in principle, providing choice goes far beyond making sure there are more than a couple of options to choose from at mealtimes.

Catering to special diets Not only does choice relate to the selection you’re able to offer your residents, it also has to encompass special diets.

For example, when you’re catering to residents with dysphagia (a term

that refers to swallowing difficulties), it becomes even more complicated to offer a selection of meals that will enable them to dine with dignity.

I know of cases where residents with dysphagia have opted to dine alone or who have almost stopped eating altogether because their dining experience has become so fraught with worry about the risk of choking and of the unappetising nature of the food they are served.

Understandably, it can be incredibly difficult for homes to prepare a choice of meals that are genuinely appetising, but are safe for residents with dysphagia to eat.

But it’s hard to foster dignity without tackling both.

Appearances count apetito’s meals for residents at various stages of dysphagia are prepared in line with each of the Dysphagia Diet Food Texture Descriptors for a texture-modified diet, including thick puréed meals moulded to look like a traditional dish and pre-mashed choices with appetising colour combinations, so they look as good as they taste.

Regardless of whether you seek help from specialists in catering to care homes, serving all residents meals

Kelly Fortune that are as close to normal in appearance as possible – with the assurance that they are safe for them to eat – is vital in ensuring they can truly dine with dignity.

For advice on helping residents dine with dignity or to book a FREE tasting session with the apetito care homes team, visit www.challenge apetito.co.uk or call 0800 542 2631.

31

Replacing hard hats with thinking caps LOCAL school children donned hard hats and high visibility vests to visit the site of a new care home in Hersden, Canterbury.

Youngsters from Hersden Village Primary School let their imaginations run wild when they visited the site of Meadow View Residential and Nursing Home to get inspiration for artwork to bury in a time capsule on the site.

10-year old pupils Jessica Barker, Nathan Wells and Reuben Jenkins were joined by their head teacher Jean Kennett and the soon-to-be Sanctuary Care home manager Gill Stoddart-Rye for an exclusive tour of the site.

The pupils will now create artwork depicting what they think life will be like in 60 years’ time and to tell people about life in 2015. They will return to the site shortly and bury their creations in a time capsule,

which will be opened in 2075.

The care home is being built by specialist care home developer Castleoak on behalf of Sanctuary Group. When complete it will be run

by Sanctuary Care and will provide residential, nursing and dementia care. It will include 60 spacious ensuite bedrooms, many of which will include their own French doors opening onto a paved patio area, as well as airy lounges and dining rooms.

Gill, who is looking forward to managing the home for Sanctuary Care, said: “It was a great pleasure to be welcomed to the site at such an early stage, along with the children from the local school – the idea of involving the next generation is a fantastic idea and I was proud to be a part of it.”

Meadow View is set for completion in the summer.

Nathan Wells, Reuben Jenkins, soon-to-be home manager Gill Stoddart-Rye, Jessica Barker and headteacher Jean Kennett.

32

CARINGCOMMERCE

Living scheme completed

Her Grace, the Dowager Duchess of Rutland, performed the opening at Vista’s New Wycliffe Home.

Duchess opens Butterfly Lounge A STATE-of-the-art, multi-functional lounge and living space has been officially opened by Her Grace, the Dowager Duchess of Rutland at Vista’s New Wycliffe Home.

The Butterfly Lounge incorporates assistive and innovative technology to provide for sight loss and dementia needs.

New Wycliffe Home delivers residential care to older people with a sensory impairment and people with dementia.

The Butterfly Lounge is a new extension to the building, funded by the Department of Health and fundraised income.

Paul Bott, Vista’s chief executive, said: “Thanks to the Butterfly Lounge, New Wycliffe Home is now a

Department of Health ‘Beacon Site’ for improving dementia care.

“It has been specifically designed to help older people with dementia to maintain their independence, reduce any distress or anxiety, and improve each person’s health and emotional wellbeing.

“This innovative facility leads the way in improving the quality of care that individuals with dementia receive.”

In addition to funding from the Department of Health, The Edith Murphy Foundation and The Sylvia Waddilove Foundation UK also contributed for the construction.

Funding for the furniture was provided by The Percy Bilton Charity and Next Retail Limited.

A NEW £8.4m retirement living scheme near Chester, built by Your Housing Group has been completed.

Kingswood has 82 one-and-two bedroom apartments available including 48 for affordable rent, 17 for sale and 17 for shared ownership.

The development is a joint initiative between Your Housing Group, Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Homes and Communities Agency, who contributed £1.8m of funding.

Residents will be able to enjoy a range of facilities including a communal residents’ lounge, library, craft room offering a range of weekly activities and landscaped grounds.

All the apartments have wet rooms and well equipped kitchens with built in appliances including integrated

oven, hob and extractor fan. A hairdressers, beauty salon and bistro will be open for the public to use.

Claire Henning, group sales manager at Your Housing Group, said: “Kingswood is one of three retirement living villages we have recently delivered in the Chester area as we respond to a need for high quality accommodation for local people 55 and over who want to live independently in their own home for longer.

“Altogether we have built 450 extra care apartments across the North West as part of our £150m affordable housing programme and we believe we have raised the bar in terms of the standard of accommodation we have provided for retired people in the area .”

Adept Care Homes has received £4.65million loan facilities from The Royal Bank of Scotland to allow a second new care home in the group to commence in Derby. Kiwi House residential and dementia care home will allow for unrivalled facilities including 78 spacious en-suite rooms, a hairdressing salon, a cinema room and a pub. The new purpose-built facility has begun and will complete in May 2016, creating 80 full and part time jobs – total employees across the group will rise to 340. Adept Care Homes has been operating in the Midlands for over 30 years and boasts five established care homes in the group.

34

CARINGCOMMERCE

20-bed extension planned GLOBAL Business Finance was delighted to be the broker of choice when an experienced care home operator with several homes wanted to raise finance to extend its 40-bed dementia home in Lancashire by a further 20 beds.

Following the extension, the existing facilities will be further upgraded with a modern reception area, new lounge space and 10 existing bedrooms will have ensuites added.

Mark Widdows of Global Business Finance visited the care home with

Chandler & Co supports care home development

Adelaide House in Royal Leamington Spa.

Adelaide House sold discreetly ADELAIDE House in Royal Leamington Spa has been acquired by experienced care operators Barry and Eibhlin Thorpe-Smith.

The sale of the business was conducted by Andy Sandel of DC Care on behalf of vendors David and Breda Sutton, who had owned the home for over 30 years.

David said “For several years prior to the sale, Andy at DC Care had kindly given us very sound appraisals of market conditions which enabled us to optimise the time of sale.

Having taken instructions and, after a

discreet visit, DC Care was able to provide a realistic valuation, but then more significantly, and very much to our advantage, was able to find a purchaser without formally putting the home on the open market.

“It was a great relief not to have a stream of potential purchasers looking round the home, which I'm sure would have led to suspicions from the staff. As it was, when it came to exchange of contracts, no one other than our manager who had been briefed from the outset, was aware of the sale.”

Advertiser’s announcement

Vivark delivers fully flexible fit-out for support centre FACILITIES management and refurbishment company Vivark has conducted a programme of redecoration, repairs and maintenance at a highly subscribed Liverpool cancer support centre.

Vivark delivered a range of services for Lyndale Knowsley Cancer Support Centre, comprising painting, decorating, plumbing and joinery works.

The combination of Vivark’s fully flexible service, expert execution and reliability was vital to the North West healthcare provider.

The company completed the project in just two weeks and timetabled its work around Lyndale’s busy schedule.

This meant that the centre’s support sessions, classes and complementary therapies could continue unhindered by the activity of Vivark’s expert team.

Vivark’s executive director, Tony Cahill, said: “In order to secure this work and meet the client’s brief, it

the owner and compiled a detailed pack of information.

He then negotiated extensively with senior bankers to tailor a highly competitive funding facility to include an interest only period and rate reduction following completion of the extension.

Mark and his team will be working with the home’s management team for the next year to ensure all runs well as they break ground in the near future.

See Global Business Finance’s advert on page 32.

was imperative that we provided a flexible approach paired with a high quality finish.

“The sensitive nature of Lyndale’s work also meant a rigorous attitude to health and safety was required. We took the time to understand the challenges the project at the centre presented and ensured that our work could easily overcome these obstacles.

“Our professional team exceeded expectations, providing a tailored programme of redecoration, repairs and maintenance in a timely manner, all with minimal disruption to the centre.”

To contact the Vivark team about your refurbishment and repairs projects, email enquiries@vivark.co.uk

CHANDLER & Co is delighted to support Tonbridge Care Ltd in the recent development of Chestnut Lodge.

The care provider has successfully completed on the refinance of the 32bed care home, which was a former hotel.

It opened in June 2013 and is currently trading as a 32-bed all single, en-suite home. The recent refinance will enable the owner to add a further 21 single en-suite bedrooms. There is already a waiting list for when the extension is opened.

Mark Hickman of Chandler & Co secured funding on behalf of Tonbridge Care Ltd at 1.8 per cent over base with no arrangement fee.

The transaction was completed within eight weeks of receiving the loan offer.

He said: “It was a pleasure to work again with Krish and his team and we very much look forward to working with them in the future.”

Dr Satkunam is a highly experienced operator. He is director of Tonbridge Care Ltd which owns and operates four care homes and three children’s day nurseries.

35

CARINGNEWS

‘Your Vote Counts’ campaign is a hit for care provider THE 2015 voting campaign led by the Orders of St. John Care Trust (has proved to be successful.

As part of the campaign, the group’s 68 care homes ran a series of events to get residents interested in this year’s General Election, including welcoming local parliamentary candidates from all parties for meet-andgreets and Q&A sessions, as well as hosting in-home political debates.

The Trust also helped transport residents to the polls on May 7, as well as collating and sending sealed postal votes to local authorities.

Sara Livadeas, OSJCT strategy director, said: “We are so pleased with the way the campaign unfolded and are grateful for the time invested in our older people by so many of the parliamentary candidates.

“We anticipate the campaign will have a lasting positive effect on person-centred working in our care homes and hope that the interests of the oldest and frailest in our society will remain high in the minds of our MPs.” Other successes achieved through OSJCT’s “Your Vote Counts” campaign include: Increasing awareness that older people shouldn’t be forgotten and that their opinions are valuable and important.

Increasing confidence within resi-

dents, in terms of helping them recognise their self-worth, resulting in greater independence and wellbeing.

Strengthening local community relationships and opening up wider opportunities for activities, events and community integration.

Heightening awareness within communities of what life in care homes is really like, portraying the vibrant nature of care homes and changing negative perceptions.

Enabling employees to learn more about residents, thereby enhancing “person-centred” care delivery.

Comic Relief granted OSJCT much of the funding required to run the “Your Vote Counts” campaign, which was the only one of its kind aimed at older people living in care homes.

OSJCT also worked closely with the National Development Team for Inclusion throughout the campaign.

The NDTi held a series of workshops for over 120 residents and care workers from the Trust who had volunteered to become designated Voting Champions responsible for organising election activities and helping residents register to vote.

Now that the General Election has come and gone, OSJCT’s care homes are seeking to build on the community links and opportunities generated by the voting campaign.

Eight members of staff from a care home near Derby and one of the directors’ five-yearold daughter took part in a local Race for Life 5km event to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. Most of the Coxbench Hall Residential Home team were novices to running or walking long distances and certainly had not entered a race over a mile long before.

The team, made up of two directors, three senior care aides, two care aides and a domestic and kitchen assistant, completed the course in respectable times and raised over £700 in sponsorship money for the charity.

Operator introduces app for his staff to reduce paperwork

By Olivia Taylor

Barchester Healthcare’s health and safety managers Fiona Torrie, Paul Mason, Kirsty Illingworth and Andy Hollingshead with director of health and safety Cath Dyson and the RoSPA Gold Award.

Health and safety team win gold BARCHESTER Healthcare’s health and safety team collected a RoSPA Gold Award for occupational health and safety at a ceremony..

The RoSPA Awards promote the importance of occupational health and safety and acknowledge organisations that excel in this area.

They are internationally recognised and have fast become the most sought after accolade by organisations from every sector.

RoSPA Gold Award winners have achieved a very high level of performance, demonstrating well-devel-

oped occupational health and safety management systems and culture, outstanding control of risk and very low levels of error, harm and loss.

Director of health and safety Cath Dyson said: “My team and I were thrilled that Barchester was awarded Gold, and collecting the award was a very proud and exciting moment.

“Winning Gold at our first attempt clearly demonstrates the commitment of my team and the support from our senior management team who regard health and safety as a key management function.”

A CARE expert in Shropshire is pioneering a new way of working carers using a mobile phone app to log care.

Steve Harris, managing director of Carewatch, thought of the idea of an app to reduce paperwork for his 50 employees a few years ago.

Staff have been trained in how to use the new app, and it will be rolled out across his Stafford Park-based company.

Steve said: “I put a lot of time and effort into developing an app although I never pushed ahead with my version, I am delighted that we are now able to provide this service for our staff which will hopefully make their working day easier, productivity increase and the customer experience will improve.”

The app has been developed by technology firm Mobizo. It is available on iOS or Android phones as well as computers.

Steve said: “We are expecting to save £3,000 per nurse or care worker and a typical productivity savings for field staff of 10 to 20per cent.

The app aims to remove inefficient paper processes, provide real-time visibility and ensure staff in the field are compliant.

Care plans, logs, assessments and

Steve Harris any other forms used by Carewatch (Mid Shropshire) will be digitalised and staff can also work offline, in case the connection in rural areas is weak.

Abhishek Agrawal, managing director of Mobizio, said their company is delighted to be working with Steve.

He said:“Mobizio helps care providers meet these challenges by enabling them to deliver a more transparent, productive and higher quality service.

“We are delighted that Steve Harris selected Mobizio and I look forward to working in partnership with such an innovative organisation as Carewatch.”

36

CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

What’s the difference between ‘claims occurring’ and ‘claims made’?

By Babbar Abbas A NUMBER of insurers are changing the way they cover you for claims.

A ‘claims occurring’ basis covers claims that occur during the policy period irrespective of when the claim is made. So you may have changed insurer but they will still accept a claim even though the policy has ended.

A ‘claims made’ basis covers claims that are made and reported during the policy period only and not once the policy period is over. Your previous insurer will no longer accept the claim as you have moved provider.

On lapsing or cancelling a ‘claims made’ policy, the historic cover paid for has expired. This may seem unfair, but it is becoming more common as it usually limits the exposure for insurance companies.

Examples to make it clearer: Claims occurring basis:

Company A is insured with insurer one from period January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 and finds a more competitive quote and moves insurers as of January 1, 2015. On January 2 a liability claim is reported to insurer A where the incident date was December 30, 2014. As the incident occurred when insurer one was insuring company A, claims occurring liability ensures that company A is adequately covered even though they are no longer insured with insurer one.

Claims made basis: Using the same example as above, with the same dates; if a claim is reported to insurer two and they are no longer insuring company A they will not proceed to settle the claim. If company A has not sourced ‘run off’ cover this will put them in a difficult position of not being insured by insurer two and not being insured by the new insurer.

The above examples should illustrate that a claims occurring basis is usually the most prudent basis to adopt within the care home insurance sector.

While care has been taken in the production of this article the information contained within it has been obtained from sources that Aon UK Limited believes to be reliable.

Aon UK Limited does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of the article or any part of it and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way whatsoever by any person who may rely on it.

In any case any recipient shall be entirely responsible for the use to which it puts this article.

This article has been compiled using information available to us up to 10/07/15.

Babbar Abbas is care client manager at Aon.

Babbar Abbas

New sales manager for Active Bathing ACTIVE Bathing is delighted to announce that Clare Long has joined the growing company, taking up the role of National Care Home Sales Manager.

Having spent more than 10 years in the industry, Clare has gained a vast amount of knowledge and industry experience in bathing, hoisting and showering products and is keen to build on the strong foundations already in place at Active Bathing, part of the Astor-Bannerman (Medical) Ltd group of companies.

With the team at Active Bathing having already secured contracts with major care providers, Clare and the team are keen to demonstrate that Active Bathing is set to become a serious player in the marketplace.

Clare said: “Working with such a dedicated and forward thinking team, combined with the exceptional quality of our products, some of which have been designed specifically for the care home market, I am very excited about what the future holds.

“Combined with the highest levels

Servicing team is strengthened Clare Long of training, service and aftercare packages we already offer and will continue to develop, we can confidently offer our customers complete peace of mind when choosing an Active Bathing product.”

BEAUCARE® has been providing servicing and LOLER support to care homes and the healthcare sector for a couple of decades now.

This area of the business has seen substantial growth over the last six months.

Ensuring our commitment to customers and quality of service continues, we have employed another administrator and two Southern engineers.

The new engineers will provide

customer support, in the South East and South West of the country.

The team undertake servicing, maintenance and repair of all care home equipment including patient hoists, stand aids, ceiling track, baths, bath hoists, profiling beds, mobility equipment, slings, wheelchairs and scales.

We ensure regular servicing and maintenance is completed to industry guidelines and complies with our ISO 9001 procedures.

Care Ideals provides positive, long-term solutions CARE Ideals is a management consultancy service that provides positive, long-term solutions for healthcare businesses, their service users and staff.

We have a wealth of diverse and relevant operational, clinical and financial experience, which allows us to support and assist many different types of healthcare businesses, including care homes, nursing homes, residential units, mental health and learning

disability hospitals, and domiciliary care providers.

Your healthcare business may be facing regulatory, clinical or occupancy concerns.

You might be confronted with serious operational, human resources or safeguarding difficulties.

You could need assistance in developing and expanding your business or you may not be sure about “where to next”.

We can deliver beneficial, costeffective solutions for all of these challenges; and we will support you whilst the solutions are being implemented.

We have four core principles that underpin how we approach all challenges.

These principles assist us in being able to knowledgeably advise, improve and future-proof healthcare businesses.

Our core principles are:

Safety and preparation.

Culture.

Customer care.

Treatment and recovery.

We will always work in partnership with you, so as to create effective, forward momentum for your healthcare business, your service users and your staff. This forward momentum, in conjunction with the positive solutions we provide, will assist in improving the financial position of your business.

37

CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

Firm brings communal areas up to date as part of refurb SHACKLETONS was chosen to work with Colchester Borough Homes as part of a £3million revamp of sheltered housing for the elderly throughout the borough.

Working on the complete refurbishment and modernisation of the 1970’s built Worsnop House; Shackletons took on the task of revamping the communal areas to reflect Colchester Borough Homes’ investment in modernity and efficiency.

Ruth Hamnett, adaptations manager, said: “Working with Shackletons really worked for us.

After completion we held an open day to allow people to see the transformation for themselves. I have to say it was extremely positive and the refurb really did encouraged people to want to live at Worsnop.”

The Shackletons team completed the refurbishment of the lobby, communal lounge and dining area,

quite lounge, private dining room, guest room and conservatory.

Lisa Gibbons, regional sales manager at Shackletons, added: “Taking a 1970’s interior and transforming how it looks and feels to achieve something thoroughly up to date while complementing its wider surroundings was a fantastic brief to fulfill – we’re extremely happy with the results.”

Another conviction – are your policies and procedures up to date?

A DIRECTOR of a Bristol homecare agency was convicted for failing to provide documentation or register with the CQC, earlier this year.

Bristol Crown Court was told that she continued to provide care services despite not checking the suitability or skills of those she employed, or keeping suitable records.

This recent conviction is a stark reminder that the CQC will take legal action against managers operating care services without registration and compliance procedures in place.

Quality Compliance Systems (QCS) provides free advice for care managers seeking CQC registration and ongoing compliance support for CQC inspections.

By managing compliance with QCS, you can be

confident that policies are up to date – so you can concentrate on providing the care your service users need.

Enquiries: Contact the QCS advice line on 0333 405 3333 for help with your CQC compliance or visit www.ukqcs.co.uk/CU157

Omnicell consolidates UK businesses and moves to new headquarters OMNICELL Inc. (OMCL) a leading provider of medication and supply management solutions to the global healthcare market announces its plans to consolidate each of its UK businesses, Surgichem Limited and MTS Medication Technologies.

The company’s headquarters for Europe, the Middle East and Africa is now based in Irlam (Manchester). This move will allow Omnicell to take advantage of Manchester’s strong talent pool and transport networks to support the company’s growth and expansion, as well as reinforce its heritage as a leading provider in medication adherence packaging and automation.

The existing MTS and Surgichem product brands, Easyblist and Nomad, will both be renamed as ‘SureMed® by Omnicell’ over the coming months and will be accompanied by a new visual identity.

Combining the leading multi and single-dose packaging technologies of MTS Medication Technologies with the complementary Surgichem offering in one location is expected to accelerate the development of new medication adherence

WORKING in the care sector presents everyone with an emotional seesaw; sometimes on your own and isolated or getting bogged down in complex topics, but mainly meandering along and getting to deliver fantastic outcomes for all those people being supported and cared for.

So in order to overcome the ‘silo’ and ‘swamp’ times, especially relating to health and safety, the NASHiCS 2015 National Learning and Development Forum on September 9 and 10 at Holiday Inn, Stratford upon Avon titled Integration Matters (Health/ Safety/ Care) Working as One, will give a unique opportunity for care providers to find solutions and hear about good practice that will help with the day to day health and safety challenges while networking with like-minded colleagues.

For the first time, two of our key regulators with changing roles, will share the platform and address delegates.

Are you responsible for safety and health? We will explore topics covering fire safety, whistleblowing, regulation,violence, employee wellbeing, enforcement and telecare technology.

Speakers include: Philip White, head of operational strategy division, Health and Safety Executive.

Alex Baylis, head of acute policy, Care Quality Commission.

Sarah Weston, innovation manager, HF Trust.

Emma Nicholls, personalised

technology manager, HF Trust.

Andrew Peel, partner, Browne Jacobson LLP. Sue Sheath, head of regulation, Barchester Healthcare.

Dave Sibert, fire safety and integrated risk management advisor, Fire Brigades’ Union.

Keiron Davey, technical fire safety manager. Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Ruth Fletcher-Brown, public health specialist Rotherham Public Health.

Liz Mulvaney, head of health, Freeths LLP. Clare Pelham, past chairman of Voluntary Organisations Disability Groups and chief executive of Leonard Cheshire Disability, will chair the event.

For further Information, full programme and online booking visit www.nashics.org

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 odourfree, 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.

products and service offerings to benefit health care providers and their patients across the world.

Enquiries: Visit www.omnicell.com

Claim VAT back on your home even if you are not VAT registered IT is true, care providers can reclaim VAT worth about £3,000 per bed for any residents who stayed in your home between 1993 and 2002 paid for by the local authority.

You don’t have to be VAT registered to make a claim. We can usually find the information required with minimal disruption to your business.

How is this possible? Well in 2002 a care provider called Kingscrest challenged the view held

by HMRC and won. There is no cost to you unless we are successful.

Typical claims: 50 beds – £240,000; 40 beds – £170,000; 287 beds – £1.25m.

And the best part is that you get the money in your bank account before you pay us. Don’t forget

Silos and Swamps and Streams

the tax repayment is free of tax – it is extra profit.

Enquiries: Call 01233 640985 and ask for Howard to find out more.

Beaucare launches comprehensive new medical catalogue OUR most comprehensive catalogue to date is packed full of all the everyday medical equipment and consumables a care home requires.

We have broadened our product offerings within a number of ranges, including introducing new nursing profiling beds, which were showcased at the Birmingham Care Show last year, and dementia care products to mention a few.

We guarantee a one-stop shop policy, with orders placed by 5pm being delivered next day at no extra cost.

Beaucare® Medical Ltd, established since 1992, is the UK’s premier supplier of hygiene, medical supplies and equipment to individual care homes, care home groups, hospitals and NHS Trusts.

Enquiries: To obtain your copy call 01423 878899, email sales@beaucare.com or visit www.beaucare.com

38

Worldwide recognition for general manager DELAY programme unveiled HOMECARE network Right at Home UK is preparing to roll out its revolutionary new ‘Dementia DELAY’ programme following a successful trial period.

The announcement will see the service, which it trialled in Sutton and Farnham, rolled out across the UK over the coming months.

Dementia DELAY is a new service that Right at Home has developed in conjunction with Mary Jordan, author of ‘The essential guide to avoiding dementia: understanding the risks’.

The programme uses quality homecare support to slow the progression of dementia symptoms

and is based around five core pillars: Diet, Engaging with others, Learning & mental stimulation, Avoiding stress and Your body & exercise.

Alistair Shanks, who heads up Right at Home Guildford & Farnham and helped to develop the programmes, said: “We’ve worked extensively, with numerous experts, over the last 12 months to develop a programme that will give our clients’ high level and tailored care to delay the early onset of dementia.”

Right at Home has also been working in partnership with Affinity Training to develop on a bespoke advanced training course in dementia care.

SUZANNE Spurgin, general manager at a Sunrise Senior Living community in Surrey, has received international recognition for her work.

Suzanne, a qualified chef, has recently returned from a trip to San Diego, USA, where she was given the Sales Leadership award at the Sunrise Senior Living Awards.

She faced tough competition from people in the UK, as well as Canada and the USA, where Sunrise is based.

Suzanne first joined Sunrise’s community in Frognal, Kent 11 years ago as head chef, having worked in the catering for her entire career until that point.

After deciding she wanted to change career paths, her potential was recognised and she was moved into a managerial role there before going to the Banstead community where she has been for six years.

When presented with the prize, Suzanne was praised for the outstanding way she has managed her team, ensured the community is of a high standard and driven consistent high occupancy at the community.

Suzanne said: “I am absolutely

Signs

Auctioneers

Suzanne Spurgin was given the Sales Leadership award at the Sunrise Senior Living Awards. delighted to have been given this award. I was up against people from the USA and Canada, where Sunrise has around 250 communities, so it was never going to be easy.

“Of course, my team at Banstead have played such an important role in me receiving the award – it’s as much theirs as it is mine.”