Caring UK August 2016 by Script Media

August 2016

no.242 • £4.75 incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector

Oral health in elderly people must improve By Dominic Musgrave NHS dental services need to become more easily available to care home residents if their oral health is to be improved in future years, the Registered Nursing Home Association has said. It wants the Government and the dental profession to come up with plans to help care homes assess the oral health needs of newly admitted residents, maintain good oral hygiene for all their residents, and guarantee prompt and effective dental treatment when required. Responding to guidelines published by NICE on the oral health of adults in care homes, RNHA chief executive officer Frank Ursell said care home managers and staff need more expert help and advice on how best to keep their residents free from tooth decay. He added: “NICE recognises from research it has reviewed that some dental practitioners are unwilling to provide services in care homes, whether through a lack of time, funding or training to meet residents’ particular needs. This problem must be addressed as a matter or urgency. “The authors of the NICE guidelines agree that individuals’ access to dental services to identify oral health needs is a basic right.

“Care home residents should not be denied a right that everyone else enjoys. Good oral health is important for general health at all ages, whether young or old. We want action to overcome the obstacles.” The RNHA will be contacting NHS England and the British Dental Association to discuss how best to move forward together in implementing the latest NICE guidelines. Frank added: “We are already aware from a Public Health England report last year that the older age groups looked after in care homes are from a generation who did not benefit from the availability of fluoride toothpaste when they were much younger. “As a result, they have experienced much higher levels of dental caries during their lives than later generations born after the widespread introduction of fluoride toothpaste in the late 1970s. By the time they come into a care home they tend to have had a lot of fillings that require regular maintenance. “When these factors are added to their multiple health problems, you can see how maintaining good oral health presents a number of challenges that now require a concerted, multi-agency, multiprofessional response.”

Home Care Preferred scoops top accolade

David Cameron took time out of his busy EU referendum campaign schedule to speak at Jewish Care’s annual fundraising dinner. Before delivering his speech, the former Prime Minister spent time talking to the three Jewish Care clients whose stories appeared in a film shown during the event. He said: “I want to say some simple things. The first thing is I love you. I love Jewish Care and I love what you do. So much of it epitomises what I am getting at when I talk about big society.” He is pictured with Amelia Finger, a 99-year-old member of Jewish Care’s Stepney Community Centre. Photo by Blake Ezra Photography

HOME Care Preferred was named as ‘Domiciliary Care Provider of the Year’ at the HealthInvestor Awards at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel. The prestigious black-tie award ceremony was hosted by BBC broadcaster John Humphrys. Over 1,200 people were in attendance including leading figures from social care, clinical services and advisory finance groups. The company’s success is testament to its adept delivery of care in peoples’ homes. It provides hourly and live-in care as well as carrying out its impressive charity work in the London community. Its innovative high street shop also offers 6,000 independent living equipment products. MD Ken Waterhouse, who has worked in the care industry for 25 years, said: “It’s a rewarding role because our staff want to give something back to the community. “For my staff to be recognised for their outstanding care work is a fantastic achievement for the whole team and we want to continue providing first-rate care for people in their homes and helping them to maintain their independence as much as possible.”

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Richard to tackle cycling challenge for dementia By Dominic Musgrave A SOLIHULL man is taking on the gruelling challenge of completing 100 of the UK’s toughest cycling hill climbs in just 12 days for national charity Dementia UK. Richard Burt, who started cycling just four years ago, is carrying out the mammoth task on behalf of his mum Peggy, who has had Alzheimer’s for the past six years and is living with dementia in Sanctuary Care’s Redhill Court Residential Care Home in Kings Norton, Birmingham. Sponsored by Sanctuary Care, Richard hopes to raise £50,000 for Dementia UK by completing the cycling feat and is reflecting on the challenge ahead. He said: “This challenge is extremely personal for me – it’s all for my mum, who is a wonderful person. When I visit I’m sometimes her dad,

sometimes I’m her husband or sometimes I’m her son but it doesn’t matter to me, it’s enough for me to know she loves me and that’s why I’m doing it for her.” Before Peggy moved into the home, Richard reached out for Admiral Nurse care in Worcestershire for vital support but discovered funding had been withdrawn. This motivated him to raise funds for Dementia UK – to help the charity grow their Admiral Nurse networks for future families. Inspired by Simon Warren’s 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs, Richard will be completing the gruelling fundraiser in a record-breaking 12 days in August, as he and his team will travel to each climb day and night. Hitting hills as far and wide as the Scottish Highlands and Devon, Richard, who started cycling in 2012 after witnessing Bradley Wiggins

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Richard Burt with his mum Peggy. become the first Brit to win the Tour De France, turned to Sanctuary Care, part of Sanctuary Group, to help make his cycle-a-thon mission a reality. As a main sponsor, the provider has not only donated much-needed funds and will provide Richard and his team of volunteers with a branded kit, but also encouraged their portfolio

of care homes to raise funds up and down the country – which started with Time for a Cuppa in March. Managing director Mark McCarthy added: “We’re delighted to be supporting Richard with his challenge, he’s an inspiration to many and the funds he raises will help provide vital support for a charity so close to his and many of our hearts.”

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

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

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Assistant jumps for charity

JEMMA Cropper, a care assistant at Hambleton Grange care home in Thirsk, bungee-jumped 300ft to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society. Her dare-devil achievement has raised £314 so far for her cause, which will go towards research and support for those with dementia. Delivering care to residents with a diagnosis of dementia who live at Hambleton Grange, Jemma has been moved by their braveness in the face of such a devastating disease. Wanting to do her part to raise funds for more research into Alzheimer’s disease, Jemma decided she too would undertake a brave task and committed to the bungeejump which took place at Tatton Park, Manchester. She said: “I was so nervous before I did it, I couldn’t believe I put myself up for it. The only thing that persuaded me to make that final leap was the thought of the residents I look after. “I know the money I have raised will go towards vital research into delaying the onset of dementia and potentially even help find future cures. “Most importantly, I hope it helps to raise awareness of the disease in the Thirsk community.”

Daughter of resident who lived with dementia hosts session By Dominic Musgrave

DEMENTIA Champion Stephenie Stockley returned to the care home where her father spent the last years of his life to support relatives and friends and improve their awareness of the disease. Alan Juniper, 97, passed away in February. He was referred to The Links care home in Broadstone following several hospital visits as he needed further care and support following a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. His condition improved quickly after being referred to the home and he settled in well and gained weight. Stephenie said: “It was a big change for us to have dad move into a care home, but we wanted to make sure he was in a safe environment and he got the care and support he needed. The Links accommodated all of our needs and we were able to visit as much as we liked and at the time that suited us and my dad. “Before we knew it, The Links quickly became a home from home for us and the staff were very supportive and we developed strong friendships with the team.” Following his move, Stephenie wanted to find out more about the debilitating effect the disease would have on her father. She joined the Dementia Friends

Dementia Champion Stephenie Stockley. group ,which is an Alzheimer’s Society initiative to find ways of better communicating with her father which wouldn’t negatively affect his behaviour. She then became a ‘Dementia Champion’ which meant she could hold awareness sessions for friends and relatives of people living with dementia. She added: “It means a lot to me to

become a Dementia Champion as I have been in the shoes of many of the people I train and to come back to The Links and see people that have looked after my father is great.” “The team at The Links were a life line and I remember my mother and I being sat down with my father for Christmas Day breakfast which meant so much to us all before he passed away a few months later.”

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Lottery grant for Hartlepool home By Olivia Taylor

Resident Audrey Musgrove knits a woolly hat.

Residents knit for Sailors’ Society YARM care home residents are helping the Sailors’ Society by volunteering to knit woolly hats for seafarers who endure cold and icy conditions. The hats, balaclavas, fingerless mittens and neck warmers are given out to seafarers by chaplins and sea visitors throughout the year. The nimble fingered residents at Reuben Manor are busy knitting for the needy seafarers. Activity co-ordinator Ann Smith said: “Knitting can be meditative,

creative and a social activity. It has many therapeutic benefits and is a good tool for wellbeing. Knitting involves a complex, bilateral and co-ordinated pattern of movements so uses a lot of brain capacity. “Also the repetitive movement involved in knitting is believed to enhance the release of serotonin which can help people feel calmer and happier.” The Sailors’ Society is a not-forprofit international Christian charity working in ports around the world.

PEOPLE living in care are stepping into the digital age with £10,000 to help keep them connected to their families. Relatives and residents at Queens Meadow Care Home are celebrating after securing the cash pot from the Big Lottery Fund’s Awards For All grant. Supported by creative ageing charity Equal Arts, the care setting in Hartlepool will provide residents with a range of creative activities using the new touchscreen tablets. Liz Jones, customer relations officer at the Hill Care run home, said: “Residents are really keen to be able to use this technology to Skype their grandchildren, make short films and stay up-to-date with current affairs. “Not only will this give residents increased communication and a range of meaningful activities, it would also bring new experiences with technology and develop new skills.” Equal Arts’ artist Jane Scott will be running the creative sessions alongside projects which will see the home link up with pupils from Catcote Academy and the community. She said: “Having this technology at their fingertips will provide residents with the opportunity to explore their

Two Queens Meadow residents get to grips with a tablet computer. creativity, but importantly allow them to share this with friends and family whether they live in the region or further afield.” The year-long project will also support residents to retain their independence, choosing music and films, shopping online, creating photo albums and researching their family trees. Based in Gateshead, the charity Equal Arts provides older people and those living with dementia with creative opportunities to help combat loneliness and improve wellbeing. Julie Armstrong, Queens Meadow manager, added: “This project will reduce isolation and increase residents’ sense of being part of the community. One of their major desires is to continue learning, gaining skills and keeping up-to-date with real world events.”

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Lime Gardens celebrates its first birthday A STATE-of-the-art extra care housing scheme in Dudley has celebrated its first birthday with a special celebration for its tenants. Built on the former site of Cradley High School, Lime Gardens consists of 120 homes – a mixture of owned and rented for over 55s, with communal leisure facilities that both residents and the local community enjoy. The £16.2m scheme is a result of a partnership between leading housing and care provider Midland Heart, Dudley Council, contractor William Davis and the Homes and Communities Agency. Residents of the scheme marked the first anniversary with a dinner and dance and enjoyed the vocal delights of band Sincerely Yours, who performed songs from the 40s, 50s and 60s. Sallyann Tennant, Lime Gardens scheme manager at Midland Heart, said: “Lime Gardens provides safe independent homes for those who want to enjoy an active, healthy retirement. We offer our residents access to excellent support and a fantastic range of facilities tailored towards comfort and wellbeing. “We are really proud of the difference Lime Gardens has made to people’s lives in its first 12 months.”

New Mayor celebrates launch of home’s pub By Dominic Musgrave THE newly-appointed Mayor of Worcester, Paul Denham, has joined local residents to celebrate the launch of a traditionally styled British pub at a care home in Red Hill. Staff at Red Hill invited Paul, as well as friends and family of the home’s residents, to the launch of the ‘Redhill Rooster’, a traditional British pub that will provide residents with a more familiar environment to talk about their memories. The launch party included a cocktail afternoon, as well as entertainment from local singer Matt Peplow. Residents and staff were encouraged to submit a name for the pub, with the winning entry coming from Sam Worthington, the son of one of the home’s care workers. The pub was created by maintenance staff as a permanent fixture within the care home, using materials that were donated by locals, including a beer pump from a former resident, as well as several bar stools from the Cap and Gown pub near the city centre. As well as traditional pub furniture, the area includes a dart board and snooker table to allow residents to play against each other. Manager of the Shaw healthcare

Mayor of Worcester, Paul Denham (centre) with residents at Red Hill care home. run home, Dulcie Turner, said: more conversational and open up to “We couldn’t believe the amount of staff and others in the home. help we had from local businesses “It was great to see so many people and residents, who were so kind in together for the launch, including the donating various items to contribute Mayor who was more than happy to towards the creation of the pub. join in with the festivities. “Our residents, many of whom live “This pub is an exciting new step with dementia, have already warmed for Red Hill, and we aim to continue to the familiar traditional pub setting, finding new ways to engage with, and which reminds them of their youth provide the very best environment for and gives them a chance to become our residents.”

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Chef tastes success with twist on dish By Olivia Taylor

A TALENTED Sanctuary Care chef got taste buds tingling at an annual Chef of the Year competition. Suzanne Pinney, chef manager at Hatfield Residential and Nursing Home in Hatfield, Hertfordshire went head-to-head with six colleagues from across the organisation in a 90-minute cook-off to win the final of Sanctuary Care’s Chef of the Year competition. Suzanne dished up a mouthwatering menu– a fancy twist on a very traditional dish with slow cooked ham seasoned with honey, scotch duck egg in black pudding coating and sweet potato and celeriac chips. Her prize-winning dessert was an orange and redcurrant bread and butter pudding with homemade ice cream on the side. The competition, which was sponsored by Unilever Food Solutions and held at their head office in Surrey, has been running for seven 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. Suzanne said: “I am so pleased to have won, the competition is always

Suzanne with her winning dish. high and after a few years of coming second it feels amazing to take the top spot – I have been practicing nonstop with my boyfriend testing every dish, he is now a self-proclaimed foodie. “Ham, chips and egg is a dish that my residents adore so I can’t wait to share with them that their favourite dish scooped me first place.” Jennie Azizi, Sanctuary Care’s national operations director – who judged the dishes on the day, added: “The standard of entries this year was outstanding and our chefs should be so proud of themselves. “They are a shining example of what can be achieved if you have flair and passion and I am so proud to have them as part of our team.”

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Staff ready to greet the guests with a welcome cocktail.

Residents set sail for evening RESIDENTS at Grovelands care home were treated to an evening of luxury on board the ‘Grovelands Conquest’. Residents, families and staff dressed in their finest evening wear for a cruise ship themed evening at the Yeovil care home and were joined by special guests Mayor, Darren Shuttler and his wife Anna. Guests were greeted by the sound of distant seagulls and crashing waves before treading the red carpet and being welcomed ‘aboard’ with a cocktail. A three-course meal was then enjoyed in the candlelit dining room, prepared by the cook and served by the waitresses at the care home. After

the meal everyone enjoyed a coffee and chocolates. Throughout the night guests on board the Grovelands Conquest were entertained by concert pianist Johnathan Delbridge and singer Pip Duma, who sang a variety of well known tunes. The evening, which was organised to celebrate Somerset Care’s 25th birthday, ended with a sing-along. Manager Ross Isbell said: “We all had a wonderful time, the journey was smooth and we arrived back safely on dry land. I would like to thank the team at Grovelands for going above and beyond to give our residents an evening to remember.”

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Boss gets messy for charity ...

A CARE manager from one of the South East’s leading independent care groups Sahara Care took the plunge and competed in one of Cancer Research UK’s Pretty Muddy runs. The event at Gloucester Park in Basildon, Essex saw hundreds of runners take on gruelling conditions and a tough mud-covered obstacle course to raise money for the cancer charity and among them was Angela Bacon. Running with her sister dressed from head to toe in pink, Angela – the service manager of Sahara Care’s Parkside home – raised hundreds of pounds for the charity, which has a special significance to her and her family. Angela said: “My mum was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in December. The treatment she received was exceptional and thankfully after surgery and treatment is now in remission. “To take part in the challenge I thought was a good way to raise money for further research and hopefully save more lives.” Service users from Sahara’s homes in London and Essex joined the crowds and helped Angela by cheering her on to complete the tough, messy run.

Older people eating well after attending course By Olivia Taylor OLDER people across Gateshead have taken part in a course designed to help educate them about eating healthier, tastier food. The participants, who are all members of the charity, Gateshead Older People’s Assembly, attended a series of cooking demonstrations at Helen McArdle Care’s Springfield House in Low Fell. Craig Bankhead, manager of Gateshead Older People’s Assembly, said: “We set up this project because, as members of the Gateshead-wide Malnutrition Alliance, we recognise that a lot of older people in Gateshead are not eating as much as they need to or as much as they would like. “The Older People’s Assembly linked up with Sean McArdle from Helen McArdle Care, who offered us the use of the kitchen in Springfield House and the valuable time and experience of Chris Bonner their head development chef.” The project, which was funded by The Gateshead Housing Company through the Community Foundation Tyne and Wear and Northumberland, had two stages – fact finding and delivery. The Older People’s Assembly surveyed more than 200 of their

Craig Bankhead, development manager at Gateshead Older People’s Assembly, with Councillor Alex Geddes, The Mayor of Gateshead, Chris Bonner, head development chef at Helen McArdle Care, participant Angela Currie and Esther Ward, chair of the Gateshead Older People’s Assembly. members and found out a lot about excellent cooking demonstration, but their eating, cooking and shopping they also benefitted from the social habits. In some cases, members side of the project. disclosed that they felt as if they did “Many of our members live alone not eat enough. and really enjoyed sitting down with From the survey, 50 members were someone else to eat their evening identified as being ideal beneficiaries meal.” of a cooking demonstration at All of the participants were recently Springfield House, followed by the invited back to Springfield House to participants sitting down together in receive a certificate of achievement the care home’s Orangery restaurant from Councillor Alex Geddes, The to eat the food that was cooked and Mayor of Gateshead, and to watch a to chat about what they learned. presentation of the outcomes of the Craig added: “Our members project delivered by Gateshead Older not only learned a lot from Chris’ People’s Assembly.

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SPIC Care Award winners celebrate at the award ceremony (left) and Michelle Monnes-Thomas, solicitor at FBC Manby Bowdler, presents the Supporting/engaging with your local community award to Allcare Shropshire (right).

Cream of county’s care profession recognised THE cream of a county’s care profession has been recognised at a glittering ceremony to celebrate the 2016 Shropshire Care Awards. Ten winners of categories including employee of the year, team of the year and learner of the year were announced at the event at the Park Inn, Telford, attended by more than 140 people. The Care Awards is organised by Shropshire Partners in Care – a notfor-profit organisation that represents more than 200 independent nursing, residential and domiciliary care companies. Its aim is to reward care workers and providers who are providing an exceptional level of care and proactively working to improve care in the industry. Nicky Jacques, chief officer of Shropshire Partners in Care, said: “It was a fantastic evening and a delight to recognise the commitment of

so many people and organisations working in the care sector. “The industry can often get a bad press but this was a heartwarming event that proved so many people are dedicated to providing an excellent standard of care each and every day for the elderly and most vulnerable people in our communities. Everyone who was nominated, and the winners, should be justifiably proud of themselves.” The guest speaker at the event was sporting champion Kelda Woods. Kelda is currently ranked GB number two in the Women’s K1 200m KL3 and is aiming for selection in the Paracanoe team for Rio 2016. 2016 Care Awards results: Employee of the Year Winner – Lynn Oakley, Home Instead Senior Care, Shropshire. Runners up: Margaret Wall, Supreme Homecare, Shropshire. Victor Quimpo, Adelphi Care Services

(Roseville House, Wem). Learner of the Year Winner – Eric Piala, Adelphi Care Services, Shropshire. Runners up: Caroline Tarbuck, Home Instead Senior Care, Shropshire. Jess Lane, Sambrook House Residential Care Home, Newport. Promoting Care as a Positive Career Winner – Sue Robson, Supreme Homecare, Shropshire. Runners up: Ceri Eades, Bluebird Care, Shropshire. Jennifer Williams, Morris Care, Shropshire. Registered Manager Award Winner – Gill Burroughs, Sambrook House Residential Care Home, Newport. Runners up: Lydia Tyanase, Wellington Court, Wellington (Morris Care). Michelle Evans, Merrington Grange, near Shrewsbury (Adelphi Care Services). Team Award Winner – Care Team for Mr L, Supreme Homecare, Shropshire. Runners up: Deansfield, Telford. Sambrook House Residential Care Home, Newport.

Health and Wellbeing Award Winner – Sambrook House Residential Care Home, Newport. Runner up: Churchill House, Ludlow. Healthy Eating Award Winner – Sambrook House Residential Care Home, Newport. Runners up: Churchill House, Ludlow. Hotel Services Team, Morris Care, Shropshire. Supporting/engaging with your local community Winner – Allcare Shropshire. Runners up: Sambrook House Residential Care Home, Newport. Supreme Homecare, Shropshire. Supporting timely hospital discharge Winner – The Sandford Nursing Home, Church Stretton. Runner up: Landona House, Wem. Supporting End of Life Care Winner – Churchill House, Ludlow. Runners up: Sambrook House Residential Care Home, Newport. Sovereign Domiciliary Care Services, Tenbury Wells.

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In the wake of a hard-hitting report on the prevalence and complexities of dysphagia, Ellen Brown, divisional manager for care homes at apetito, looks at the options available to homes in managing the condition …

Is dysphagia a challenge for your care home? DYSPHAGIA, which can affect the ability to swallow, chew and enjoy food, affects as many as 75 per cent of care home residents across the country. Often resulting from conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s, managing dysphagia can, understandably, prove a major challenge for care homes. ‘Treatment’ can include surgery (typically in cases associated with conditions such as oesophageal cancer), tube-feeding and medication (which can create a number of other challenges). However, as with any ‘treatment’, the least invasive options should always be looked at first and encouragingly, dysphagia can be managed through dietary changes in the majority of cases. This is something that Paul Swithenbank, founder chairman and chief executive of The Willows on Lancashire’s Fylde Coast, has experienced first-hand.

Avoiding ‘the last resort’ When Paul took on the home back in 2009, he was approached by the family of a resident with dysphagia, who was preparing to undergo PEGfeeding (where a tube is inserted surgically directly through the skin into the stomach in order to deliver food directly there). This meant she would have to be fed through a tube for the rest of her life – a prospect Paul was keen to help her avoid for as long as possible. At the time, his catering team was preparing food for her, but this wasn’t working well and PEG-feeding seemed the next logical step for her family. Aware of apetito’s texture-modified range of meals for those who are living with dysphagia, helping this resident to avoid this approach was one of the reasons why he approached us to find out more. Years later, we continue to provide meals for all residents at The Willows, including those with dysphagia.

Ellen Brown We were reassured to hear from Paul that the resident continued to enjoy her food until the end of her life, with the meals playing an important role in keeping her healthy for as long as possible, without ever having to resort to PEG-feeding.

A team effort It can’t be denied that it’s important to enlist the help of a range of experts, including SLTs, dietitians, doctors and carers when managing dysphagia. Plus, the resident themselves – it may seem obvious, but be sure to involve them as well as any close family. Including a specialist food provider in your team of experts can help ensure that residents with dysphagia are served meals that are not only safe for them to eat and nutritious, but crucially, are visually appealing. After all, no resident should be robbed of the chance to dine with dignity. n ‘TheKnowledge: Dysphagia – The Hard to Swallow Truth’ is the first in a series of industry defining reports by apetito exploring some of the key health and wellbeing challenges facing the health and social care sector. Download the report from www.apetito.co.uk or call 0800 542 2631.

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Home welcomes second set of international students

By Dominic Musgrave

Heather Hadizad

Heather to help open new site

CARING Homes has appointed Heather Hadizad as manager of its newest facility, Belmont House near Sutton, Surrey. The purpose-built 60-bed home, which opens shortly, offers residential, nursing and dementia care. In line with Caring Homes’ policy for home managers and peripatetic managers, specified by founder director Helena Jeffery, Heather is a registered nurse. Heather has almost 30 years’ experience in elderly care in a variety of nursing and managerial roles, and gained an MSc by research in 2007. She started her career in a nursing home in Essex before moving to South London to take up a hospital position on a rehabilitation ward for older people.

A CARE home in North London is leading the way in student nurse development, having just welcomed its second set of international students. This is part of a new programme to work further with ADC College, a London-based organisation that coordinates work experience and Teacher Development Programmes for European schools. Coplands Nursing Home in Wembley has spent the last four months working with Dutch student nurses Joline Black and Marlous Oosterveen, where they have shadowed senior nursing staff and carers at the home, while completing assignments for their course back in Holland. Home manager Sibyl Wright said: “We feel incredibly lucky to have been asked to work with ADC College and we have thoroughly enjoyed and benefitted from the first two exchanges. “The student nurses are so eager and keen to learn, and they bring such a positive energy to the home. The staff, our residents and their families, all felt it and commented on it. “This is a great opportunity for student nurses in training, as care

homes have residents with all sorts of different health conditions and complexities. “They have received a much broader experience here, as we are constantly researching, reading and reviewing health care needs, and finding new ways to apply these to support and enhance our residents’ care.” Sibyl and her deputy manager, Payal Chaabra, highlighted how the student nurses had motivated the home’s existing staff with their presence, enabling the development of their teaching and mentoring skills. And this in turn has been to the benefit of the residents, who receive more attention and individual time with the carers and nurses.

“We are constantly striving to better ourselves and improve what we are doing,” added Sibyl. “Our visiting student nurses tell us that we have a very high standard of care here in the UK and this gives us a great deal of pride.” The 79-bed Coplands Nursing Home began working with ADC College recently, and has now created a more formal working partnership, where they hope to welcome a regular flow of student nurses each year into work placements. The college highlights that these opportunities, funded by Erasmus+ are a great experience for students to not only improve their English and experience London, but to broaden their learning in their field of study.

Nurses and healthcare assistants for care providers in the UK WITH operational costs getting higher month by month it makes sound financial sense to reduce the amount you pay on agency staff. MediEnlist can help! You pay only an affordable one-off fee and avoid those crippling monthly agency fees. MediEnlist supply UK care providers with high quality nurses and healthcare assistants sourced from within the EU and currently supply staff to some of the biggest names in the UK private healthcare sector. MediEnlist understand that rapid time-scales are extremely important and they have a remarkable average of only 30 days from interview date for nurses and carers to commence employment in the UK (this figure includes nurses without a PIN commencing initially as a senior nursing care assistant). When it comes to recruiting, MediEnlist has an impressive track record, with a 64 per cent fill success rate for the care home sector and a massive 96.4 per cent retention rate of nurses still in employment after 12 months. MediEnlist stress they are not an agency, they constantly develop a network of high quality skills talent. This, in combination with active

training and development of potential candidates, ensures that their placements have the necessary skills, qualifications and professional registrations required to integrate seamlessly within your team.

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Top honours go to Badgemaster at the Professional Clothing Show NAME badge manufacturer, Badgemaster, scooped three highly commended awards at the Professional Clothing Awards last week; Best IT Innovation and Website, Made in the UK, and Best Manufacturer/Distributer. Celebrating their achievements, Badgemaster was centre stage receiving the awards from Olympic star and TV presenter Sharron Davies at the glamorous event in London. Co-founder and managing director, John Bancroft MBE describes his pride and delight at the achievements of their 100+ team. He said: “To receive these awards is a great honour – for our team, our clients, and for the local community in Nottinghamshire. “To be globally recognised for our achievements is one of the great landmarks in our journey to deliver unparalleled products and service for our customers.” Award 1. Best IT Innovation and Website Badgemaster.co.uk launched their

new site with many innovative features earlier this year, providing enhanced services to customers to help them access highest quality, personalised badges with the famous Badgemaster price guarantee easily and efficiently. Bespoke badge design, helpful product information, expert advice and instant price quotations are part of the Badgemaster.co.uk experience. Badgemaster customers can now place orders online giving them the fastest, the most accurate and the most economical way that there is to order a name badge. With an average of 50 new enquiries and over 200 orders a day, the website is a key part of Badgemaster’s customer service, helping 27,000 customers and five million people and an estimated 5,000,000 people wear Badgemaster’s name badges every day.

Award 2. Made in the UK Badgemaster, Europe’s largest name badge manufacturer, had its first factory in a small portable office

in Hucknall, Nottingham. Twenty four years later, the state-of-art purpose built facility 12,000 square foot facility still resides in nearby Newstead, Nottinghamshire today. The company plays an important role in the local community, receiving Governmental recognition for staff training and environmental responsibility; subjects close the hearts of many of Badgemaster’s 100 + employees, who come from the local ex-mining community. Badgemaster’s focus on British suppliers of the highest calibre has also earned the company the British Standards Institute Accreditations for Quality and Environmental Management.

Award 3. Best Manufacturer/Distributer Badgemaster’s best in class reusable name badge, Instabadge®, was recognised for its quality and customer service benefits. It enables customers to create bespoke, professionally designed badges within their own premises. Its unique and innovative design enables customers to have almost all the quality and appearance of a

professionally made ready to wear badge with all the economy and convenience of a reusable one. Its benefits have been widely recognised, with already over 2,000 customers now enjoying the Instabadge benefits. As well as being available from Badgemaster directly, it is also now distributed through corporate clothing companies, catalogue and office stationery suppliers. Yvette Ashby, the publisher of Professional Clothing Director-e magazine and director of The Professional Clothing Show and awards, was delighted to see these three important awards go to Badgemaster. She added: “It fills me with pride to see Badgemaster’s great success at our 2016 awards. We had over 400 attendees from all over the World from large global companies, independent organisations and some of the industries rising stars from fashion designers to corporate tailors, who all play a part in ensuring the professional clothing industry remains cutting edge, competitive and customer focused.”

For more information about Badgemaster, call their customer services team on 01623 723 112, email customerservices@badgemaster.co.uk or visit www.badgemaster.co.uk

ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Colin proud of his birds and his inspirational work

WINGS of Freedom is a unique self-supporting social enterprise helping owls, birds of prey and their conservation, with charitable aims and objectives not for profit, our 100% rescue response rate and dedication to our work stands testament to who we are. Founded by Colin Sutherland Wings of Freedom provide owl and bird of prey activities for care homes and the care sector, giving an inspirational, sensory experience which produce far reaching results. “A northern Geordie Englishman, l am proud of my heritage as a keeper of owls and birds of prey, Falconer, birds past and present and the many birds l have helped, now more than fifty years, interest and hands on experience. “Furthermore, l am proud to have helped countless people less fortunate access these unique birds, through the unique activities l devised, that has changed so many lives, it is a privilege, in all that l do and have done. “I am often asked, why do I help owls and birds of prey, or why have l devised owl and bird of prey activities for people less fortunate and with disability, for which I am very proud. “In truth, there are many reasons, but, my life has been enhanced many times over, privilege in every way. I may not have made any great financial wealth but l am personally wealthy.”

Residential care and care sector activities Our interactive owl and bird of prey activities are probably the most effective available, sensory, therapeutic and affordable to all, every ability and age. Developed for care homes and other care sector providers, our multi-functional activities improve the lives of people with dementia and associated problems, young people with learning difficulties and special educational needs, people with brain injury, disability and more, an extraordinary life experience from us.

Activities and arrival on the day On arrival set up takes just a few moments within any designated area, with a simple and efficient health and safety check undertaken, agenda and any special client requests on the day, nothing is too much trouble. Our approach is part of what makes our multi-functional activities so effective and different, at all times encouraging interactive participation with our specially trained Owls and Birds of prey, so each person gets to know Norman, Rocky, Bert, Dorris and other of our birds. And for residents and people who are unable to join the group, we take our birds to rooms, suite or any other place, no one is excluded from part of our experience.

Why our activities are probably the best There is much invested in ouractivities behind the schemes, we never patronise participants, respect people as equals, laterally we are supposed to help people, not treat people like children. And of course, our unique approach, with a pedigree of over 50 years’ expertise and very much more. FORWARD THINKING IDEAS: Without doubt, forward thinking contributes to the results that

have helped countless owls and birds of prey, birds that would have otherwise perished, after all, the rehabilitation rate of Wings of Freedom averages 94%, with a call out response and recovery rate remaining at 100%. There is no doubt in my view, forward thinking has helped countless people with special needs, gain access to and experience, owls and birds of prey, as far back as I remember, now recognised as the most effective.

Contact: Telephone 01635 770619 Mobile: 07845 504167 Email: wingsoffreedom@Live.co.uk

CARINGNEWS

Students dedicate time to residents to help them discover ‘all about me’ By Olivia Taylor

STAFF at Home Meadow Care Home in Toft, Cambridgeshire are working with local students in an exciting initiative to help residents living with dementia. The sixth form students, who are based at Comberton Village College, have created the ‘All About me’ project with Home Meadow’s activities coordinator Joe Ballard, to help residents unlock treasured memories from their past. As part of the project, the students, who are learning about various aspects of health and social care, interview the residents to help capture a potted history of their past, bringing out poignant memories from years gone by. This information is then brought together in a pictorial storyboard that is displayed in the residents’ rooms and used by the staff as part of their care plan. Staff at the care home, which is part of the Healthcare Homes Group, are promoting this work as part of the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Awareness Week. They aim to help raise awareness and understanding of the condition, but also to demonstrate the creative ways that those living with dementia can be helped through difficult times. The ‘All About Me’ project is just

one part of a raft of initiatives led by Joe, which aim to provide support to those living with dementia and for those who care for people with the condition. Joe runs a ‘Community Dementia Awareness’ group on the last Wednesday of every month, at which guests can hear from expert speakers and take part in workshops. Comberton Village College Sixth Form teacher Richard Waller and Joe began working together two years ago. Their aim was to help the students learn more about dementia and the care setting, and to allow the students to contribute towards the home and the work of the team. The ‘All About Me’ project takes place every Wednesday, with around 15-20 students visiting Home Meadow as part of their ‘enrichment sessions’. Many of the students are interested in employment in the social and healthcare industry and the project enables them to see first-hand how the care setting operates. A key focus for the students has been understanding dementia, and as many of the residents at Home Meadow suffer from this condition, they have also been able to understand how this can affect individuals and their day to day life. George Catanescu, regional

Sixth form students from Comberton Village College who have been taking part in the ‘All About Me’ project at Home Meadow Care Home. distress or simply help them access manager of the Healthcare Homes a part of their life they may have Group, said: “This is a fantastic forgotten for some time. project which has really brought huge “Across all of our 35 homes we benefits to our residents and to the work very hard to create a positive home as a whole. and enjoyable environment for our “The storyboards the students have residents and initiatives like this created are really quite emotive and allow us to find new creative ways of help our staff refer to key stories or special memories which can offer engaging with those residents living comfort in times of confusion or with dementia.”

CARINGNEWS

According to new research, storage of mobility scooters in flats and residential accommodation, including care homes, may pose additional fire risks. Martin Shipp, technical development director for fire safety at BRE Global Limited, explains.

Mobility scooters: be aware of the fire risks THEY are vitally important to quality of life for the elderly and physically infirm who rely on them. But new research shows that mobility scooters may be putting lives at risk if parked in corridors or communal space within the care home. As well as posing a potential obstruction to escape, there is now a clear and increasing body of evidence to show that mobility scooters present a fire risk in themselves, often while charging. When burning, they produce quantities of smoke and heat, exacerbating the spread of the fire and its impact on safe escape. Fire incidents involving mobility scooters have been hitting the headlines. One story dramatically describes the scooter as having “exploded”. Sadly, there have also been reports of fatal fires. One was caused by a mobility scooter left charging overnight. Another resulted from an arson attack specifically directed at a machine. With some 300,000 mobility scooters in Britain, this is likely to be just the tip of the iceberg, especially as we cater for an ageing population. In response, the BRE Trust and Welwyn Garden City Housing Association have co-funded a project to examine the characteristics of burning mobility scooters. The data is intended to help managers and decision-makers involved in the care sector as well as social housing to provide an

appropriate level of fire safety for residents, with minimal detriment to normal life. It is also assisting designers, fire engineers and fire risk assessors by providing design parameters and allowing an objective assessment to be made of the real fire risks from these machines BRE carried out an experiment to measure heat release and smoke production rates from two mobility scooters. They used two machines rated as Class 2 Powered Wheelchairs and Scooters, the type often brought indoors. Important note: none of the findings should be taken as suggesting that any particular make or model of mobility scooter performs better or worse in fire compared with others. Following ignition of scooter one, ceiling temperatures in the experiment rig had reached 3000C after three minutes. Within a further two minutes, the fire had spread to scooter two. After seven minutes, gas temperatures at ‘ceiling height’ had reached just over 1,0000C. By this time, a substantial quantity of smoke was also being produced. Based on this evidence, it follows that bigger scooters (or a greater number of scooters) are likely to lead to far more severe fires and quantities of smoke. Clearly, a fire involving mobility scooters within the confines of a

Martin Shipp corridor or stairway will create a substantial risk to occupants. The resulting smoke and heat will make such routes impassable and put at risk any occupants who open their doors. Where current legislation is concerned, there is no requirement in building regulations to design separate scooter storage, and no specific reference in fire regulations to mobility scooters. However, care providers still face a legal obligation to assess and mitigate the risks under fire regulations for care homes and communal accommodation. These require escape routes to be kept clear of combustible materials and obstructions. Of course, new build projects provide a major opportunity to “design out” the risk; by incorporating, for example, separate

storage and “scooter” parks away from residential blocks. But this may not be an option with existing properties. Depending on internal design and fire safety management, the installation of a fire suppression or sprinkler system within a room identified for scooter storage may be feasible. BRE has recently been commissioned by Lewisham Homes to examine the effectiveness of sprinklers on burning mobility scooters. Care homes in older properties, extended over time into complex layouts, may face particular challenges in accommodating scooter storage alongside fire safety needs. By its very nature, elderly care involves a higher concentration of older and infirm residents, with potentially a bigger population of mobility scooters to house. This brings into sharp focus how crucial it is to ensure escape routes are not impeded by scooters which are in the way or, worse still, on fire. What is important is that care home managers are aware of the risks and take action to address them within their fire safety management procedures. Consult with a fire risk professional or your local fire brigade for advice on assessing your fire risks from mobility scooters. They will help you to ensure suitable mitigation measures are implemented, if required.

Conference encourages nurses to develop leadership skills SOUTH Coast operator Colten Care brought together nearly 100 team members for a celebration of nursing. Among the participants at the oneday conference were more than 70 RGNs representing all 20 homes run by the family-owned group. Held at the AFC Bournemouth football stadium, the event was designed to encourage nurses to develop their leadership skills while reaffirming the company’s commitment to invest in nursing despite recruitment challenges facing the whole care sector.

Elaine Farrer, Colten Care operations director, said: “This was the first dedicated nurses’ conference of its size we’ve ever held. “We wanted our nurses to understand our appreciation for the significant professional role they have in the care of our residents. “The event was a great way for us to demonstrate in one place at one time that we will continue to support our nurses in their careers and enable them to develop as leaders.” The keynote presentation even drew parallels between some of the

leadership challenges of nursing and the kinds of decisions inherent in ocean sailing and polar exploration. Speaker and ex-Royal Navy officer Manley Hopkinson was a skipper on the 2000 BT Global Challenge roundthe-world yacht race, leading a crew of volunteers, including novices, for nine months on a 32,000-mile journey ‘the wrong way round the globe’. Focusing on leadership and how to get the best out of teams, Manley gave his thoughts on what it feels like to be ‘in the eye of the hurricane’ and how best to respond.

He stressed the importance of focusing on outcomes and ‘doing the job you should be doing rather than the job you can do’. Janie Pearman, home manager at Belmore Lodge in Lymington, Hampshire, and a former casualty nursing sister, added: “It was a great idea for nurses to get together. “The day was both informative and inspiring and we came away buzzing with ideas. “I cannot believe what a morale boost this has been to our nursing team.”

CARINGNEWS

Care providers sign up homes to association By Dominic Musgrave

SUNRISE Senior Living and Gracewell Healthcare have become the first care providers to sign up all of their sites to the National Association of Care Catering. Sunrise, who acquired Gracewell in 2014, has committed all 45 of its UK-wide care homes to membership of the NACC – a body that champions high quality care catering in the UK. Although selected Sunrise and Gracewell staff members were previously signed up to the NACC, all head chefs and dining services coordinators working at any of their care communities will now have full access to the NACC’s various forums and competitions. Other key benefits of this decision include the ability to attend the NACC’s impressive roster of events and training programmes, and staff will be part of a broader community championing the very best in care home catering. The exchange of experience and expertise facilitated by the NACC will allow Sunrise and Gracewell care homes to remain at the top of

their field. Sunrise believes that NACC membership is vital if they are to continue providing the highest quality of care catering, for which they were recognised at the 2015 Foodservice Cateys as Healthcare Caterer of the Year. Christopher Dean, director of dining and procurement at Sunrise Senior Living, said: “I feel it essential that every site should be joined to the NACC so they have direct access to the body that champions Care Catering in the UK. “They now have direct access to resources, forums, CQC guidance, nutrition and hydration guidance, quarterly events plus training and networking. “The NACC hold events such as the Care Cook of the Year, as well as National Awards, all of which we encourage our sites to enter. “Now every Sunrise and Gracewell head chef in the country will have access to the multiple benefits that come with NACC membership, which will only help us further as we continue to provide outstanding catering for all of our residents across the country.”

Village donates refurbished wheelchairs to South Africa STAFF and residents at Belong Macclesfield have celebrated a successful fundraising campaign that has allowed them to donate refurbished wheelchairs to villages in South Africa. The campaign was launched by the village after exercise instructor Barbara Tait returned from a visit to the country and said she had been stunned by the lack of provision for the disabled, and those who struggled to walk. After successfully raising £530, the village recently purchased five wheelchairs in South Africa, which have been delivered to villages in Kwazulu-Natal. Residents, staff and volunteers have also been busy restoring 12 more wheelchairs, nine aluminium walking frames and seven four-wheeled walkers. This equipment will be delivered to South Africa later this year

by Wales based charity Clynfyw Care Farm, which picked up the refurbished chairs and walkers from the Macclesfield village, and will transport them as part of its ‘Wheelie Good Idea’ project. Barbara said she was overwhelmed by the support she had received from Belong, its residents and customers when she first raised the idea of the project. She added: “The residents, customers and staff have been so amazing and really embraced this project. Everybody chipped in to help clean, mend and restore these chairs and it was such a thrill to see them loaded up to be sent to South Africa where they’ll make such a difference to someone’s life. “Our residents were keen to be involved in projects like this and offer something positive to other communities less fortunate than their own.”

CARINGNEWS

Summer fete raises £800 for residents

A CARE home in Bampton, Oxfordshire opened its doors to the community and held a memorable garden fete, which saw over 100 people attend. Residents from Rosebank were joined by guests for an afternoon of fun with games, stalls, afternoon tea and a raffle raising £800 for the home’s residents’ fund. Adding to the carefree atmosphere were steel drum band Lecaribe, as well as Rosebank’s very own Rosebud Choir who performed numbers including You Are My Sunshine and Me and My Gal. Guests also got up close and personal to birds of prey as Al’s Owls flew in for the afternoon. Registered manager Lynn Hughes said: “The fete was a great success and we were really pleased to see so many people from the local community come along. “The residents had a wonderful afternoon and we would like to thank everyone that attended for their support.” Rosebank’s sister home, Churchfields in Cassington, also joined in with the Queen’s birthday celebrations. Residents and staff enjoyed traditional English pastimes with an afternoon tea and Morris dancing among the activities.

TV star opens flagship retirement village By Dominic Musgrave

JOHN Craven officially opened Anchor’s flagship Hampshire Lakes retirement village in Yateley. The veteran journalist and television presenter became a household name during the 17 years he spent hosting Newsround, the first television news programme in the world to report directly to children. He now enjoys an equally high profile role as presenter of the long-running show Countryfile, which he joined in 1989. His knowledge of the rural environment was particularly fitting as he enjoyed a tour of Hampshire Lakes retirement village, set in woodland and lakes which characterise the grounds. He also viewed the luxurious homes and village facilities, which include a bistro, gym, spa, swimming pool, salon, library, café, shop and landscaped gardens. He then joined the Mayor of Yateley, Gerry Crisp, general manager Rhona Smith, Anchor chief executive Jane Ashcroft CBE and over 150 guests from the village and the local community in raising a glass to Hampshire Lakes and unveiling a plaque to declare the village officially open. Jane said: “We are delighted to be opening this luxurious retirement

John Craven joins Hampshire Lakes general manager Rhona Smith, Anchor chief executive Jane Ashcroft CBE, the Mayor of Yateley, Councillor Gerry Crisp, his consort Bebi and Pamela Chesters CBE, Anchor Trust chair designate, at the opening. development in Hampshire and we look forward to becoming part of the local community. This is the second village of this calibre that we have officially opened this year, showing our commitment to providing older people with a choice of great places to live in some of the UK’s most sought after locations.” Hampshire Lakes offers more than 100 independent and assisted living apartments for over-65s, with a wealth of on-site facilities and a 24

hour support team so that residents can enjoy retirement surrounded by like-minded people with the peace of mind that help is always available if required. There is also a 36-bed care home on the site, offering both residential care and specialist dementia support. A reserve list for Hampshire Lakes retirement village phase two is now open. Apartment plans and prices are to be released in the Winter.

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Council grants to invest in town’s nursing homes BOURNEMOUTH Council has earmarked £100,000 to invest in the quality and availability of nursing home care for the town’s residents. Working in partnership with local nursing homes, the scheme aims to facilitate investment to give people additional opportunities to live the life they choose within their care setting. Homes are invited to apply for improvement grants ranging from £10,000 to £20,000, to enhance or upgrade their physical environment. Councillor Blair Crawford, Cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: “We are responding to a need for greater availability of beds

in nursing homes. “We have listened to Bournemouth care home operators, and the scheme has met with positive feedback.” Nursing homes can choose how to use the funding as long as it enriches the lives of people living there. Homes that are successful will commit to specific rate fees, promoting a proactive approach in improving the provision for nursing home clients, while delivering better value for tax payers. Three Bournemouth nursing homes have so far been approved for a grant and the aim is for the improvement works to be made in the homes by the end of the year.

New Required Systems document download manager An on-line, cloud-based system giving you instant access to the most up-to-date Procedures and Forms required to evidence compliance with the new CQC Fundamental Standards for England. We provide all the policies, procedures, forms and audit tools you need to comply with legislation where you are based.

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Andrea Sutcliffe, chief inspector of adult and social care at the CQC, spends time with staff and residents at Vida Hall.

CQC head visits home ANDREA Sutcliffe, chief inspector of adult social care for the Care Quality Commission, made a special visit to Vida Hall in Starbeck to join in with the celebrations for Care Home Open Day. Vida Hall, a specialist care home for older people living with dementia, was recognised as an ‘Outstanding’ service by the Care Quality Commission in 2014 – the highest rating ever given to a specialist dementia facility at the time and the first care home in the northern region to have achieved this level under the new, more rigorous CQC inspection criteria.

Andrea, who likes to visit as many care homes as she can on Care Home Open Day, was keen to visit the home, to talk to residents, their families and staff. Bernadette Mossman, healthcare director at the home, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the team at Vida Hall and the outstanding care they provide every day. “It was a pleasure to welcome Andrea and show her what makes our home so special.” Vida Healthcare is currently building a second care home – Vida Grange in Pannal – which is due to open in December.

ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Professional support so you can move forward ... CARE Management Systems Ltd – the owners of CareDocs – have recently launched a new company that offers an unprecedented level of professional support to care homes. Traditionally, when a care home has a bad inspection report, a consultant will be employed to help them with the areas that need attention and then the relationship ends. CareForge adopts a completely different approach. If a care home has come under scrutiny, lost direction, or just wants to take a snapshot of where they are at a particular time, CareForge offers complete, professional support from the outset. We identify those areas where the home is doing well and also those areas that need attention and produce a report with a recommended course of action to address those areas. Drawing on considerable expertise

“In all my roles, care has been at the heart of what I do. I believe that CareForge will allow me to use my knowledge and experience to raise our customers’ standards of care. I know that, when things go wrong, you need someone to turn to who can give you total support and who will help to make things better. CareForge is that someone.” and experience, we support the manager at every stage and make sure that the processes and knowledge are in place to ensure that they can move forward. In the early stages this service has been offered to existing CareDocs customers and the support and guidance that CareForge has provided has received unanimously positive feedback from the home managers. The action plan that is left with the home proves to be an invaluable tool to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to bring performance and standards up to the desired levels. CareForge is now extending its

range and is available to all homes whether they are current CareDocs customers or not. Enquiries have already been received from homes that need much more extensive professional support than traditional methods provide and the company is now being promoted nationwide. Managers and owners have recognised that using Care Forge’s services is an investment and can result in improved performance and cost efficiencies by streamlining procedures. The CareForge professional support team is headed by Wendy Conn. With more than 20 years of managerial experience in the care

sector, Wendy has worked as a consultant, Director of Operations and was Managing Director for the Crown Care group before joining CareForge earlier this year. Asked what she wanted from her role in CareForge, Wendy said: “In all my roles, care has been at the heart of what I do. I believe that CareForge will allow me to use my knowledge and experience to raise our customers’ standards of care. “I know that, when things go wrong, you need someone to turn to who can give you total support and who will help to make things better. CareForge is that someone.”

‘Outstanding rated home for sale Page 39

Increased lending competition widens investors’ options

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Castleoak breaks new ground with £6m home development

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Alternative therapy care home to open A NEW care home specialising in alternative therapy is set to open its doors after receiving development funding from Yorkshire Bank. Situated on the outskirts of Blackburn, Feng Shui House will be one of only two alternative therapy care homes in the UK. Featuring 16 beds, the home will provide day care, convalescence and respite care to the elderly. The home, formally known as Cherry Tree House, will offer a range of therapeutic activities to residents including Crystal Healing, Indian Head Massages, Reflexology and Reiki – a healing technique based on the principle that a therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch to activate the natural healing processes of the patient’s body and restore physical and emotional wellbeing. The development will be owned and managed by Kate Burns, an

internationally recognised Feng Shui Master with more than 25 years’ experience of running care homes. Kate also owns alternative therapy care home – Feng Shui House in Blackpool – and is a firm believer in the merits of alternative remedies, in addition to providing traditional high quality care to residents. Once operational, 15 staff will be taken on at the new home to ensure the needs of all the residents are met without putting any strain on resources and quality of care. Kate said: “Feng Shui House sits in a beautiful location at the edge of Blackburn in a B-listed building. “The facility is currently undergoing extensive renovations to ensure a high quality finish which will make the home as welcoming and comfortable for residents and guests as possible. “Some of the team are trained in therapeutic treatments and we’ll also

Feng Shui House owner Kate Burns and Yorkshire Bank relationship manager Paul Swanick outside the new site in Blackburn. host visits by international spiritual Bank’s business and private banking healers throughout the year, as we do for Preston, said: “Kate has been in our facility in Blackpool – this will providing high-quality care for help set Feng Shui apart from other the elderly at Feng Shui House in care homes, and give residents a truly Blackpool for four years, and looks set unique experience.” to continue to do so with the facility Stewart Cook, head of Yorkshire in Blackburn.”

Links Lodge in Blackpool.

‘Outstanding’ rated home for sale

LINKS Lodge, a specialist care home in Blackpool which is the first in the area to be rated outstanding by the CQC, is on the market through specialist business adviser Christie & Co. The well-presented converted bungalow is registered to care for and accommodate up to 10 adults with learning disabilities. The home, now built over two storeys, offers spacious lounge areas, gardens and patios, a sun lounge, dining room, eight single bedrooms and one double bedroom. Gary Yeardley, associate director of Christie & Co, is handling the sale. He said: “It is reassuring to see such a well-run home and the satisfaction

from both the owners and staff is evident. “The homely and personal feel of Links Lodge is a credit to the current owners and offers likely purchasers a chance to step into a perfectly operational and profitable business. “We are seeing increasing demand for this kind of service in the Blackpool area. “The opportunity to take on a facility with such a benefit to the community would suit both an experienced operator as well as a new entrant to the sector.” Links Lodge Care Home is available freehold at an asking price of £675,000.

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CARINGNEWS

Great expectations ... By Christine Cooper CARE home design has moved on a long way from the converted Victorian properties that were so closely identified with the care home market in previous decades. LNT Construction has been building care homes for 25 years and it has been a fantastic journey watching how expectations of care settings have changed. For the majority of us, it’s hard to imagine checking into a hotel that doesn’t offer an en-suite. It has become a basic facility that we’d not remotely consider a luxury. These expectations follow through to the minimum standards people require from care for their loved ones. If I wouldn’t check into a B&B without an en-suite, why would I expect my loved one to live somewhere without private wash facilities? This wasn’t so just a few decades ago and we still see a lot of care homes having to play catch-up with the modern purpose-built facilities like ours that have en-suite wet rooms throughout. But it goes even further than that. Plush surroundings with welcoming décor and a warm ambiance are de minimis expectations. The new generation of providers are going further than ever in their care home design, shrewdly considering the community and social well-being of their clients through facilities that will encourage fullness of life, day-to-day enjoyment

Christine Cooper and motivation. The inclusion of an activity coordinator amongst a home’s staff, tasked with producing a range of activities for residents to do within the same setting is no longer enough to achieve that end. Increasingly, developers such as ourselves are looking to incorporate bespoke rooms and areas within the home. Each are themed to provide specific stimulation around reminiscences, a subject or lifestyle. What would have previously been a standard corridor, with pleasant seating areas, are now purpose driven – for example, decorated like a street with front doors and street lamps or perhaps depicting a seaside scene with relevant memorabilia and reminiscence aids. Not only attractive but a vital addition to the activities of the

home and of specific significance for dementia care. Cinema rooms, cafes and libraries are fantastic areas for residents to enjoy an active lifestyle within the home. They even act as a point of interaction with the local community as a central point to pull in interest and engagement within the home from locals. Care homes are now places where lifestyle expectations are met and active social lives pursued. As a specialist developer of care homes, we therefore spend a lot of time working with our partners to produce a suite of options for our set piece turn of key developments. We are constantly looking at the lifestyle of residents in our homes and asking ourselves how we can utilise good design to improve their experience? That all said, the temptation with modern expectations is to go down the route of creating a hotel which is something a care home is not, nor should it be. A care home can have the luxury touches and facilities of a hotel, and be built to hotel like spec, but fundamentally providers must never lose sight of the fact that a care home is the residents’ home. There is therefore a careful balance to be played to keep a homely feel whilst creating something that inspires and entertains residents, meeting the ever greater expectations of residents and their families. Christine Cooper is Managing Director of LNT Construction

Free online recruitment and HR tool

Mycareadmin has launched its new online HR, recruitment and marketing tool for care homes and domiciliary care agencies. The system provides a professional mobile-friendly website and HR system which can then be easily updated with no technical IT skills required. The software automatically scores and ranks job applications using criteria that the care provider can customise. This saves time by reducing the need to manually screen applications and helps identify the most promising candidates more quickly. Further features to support competency assessment and training and development are being currently being tested. Mycareadmin offers web applications and outsourcing services to the care sector. Its software can be used by care homes, domiciliary care agencies, training providers and care associations and is currently being used by Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire Care Association to manage its membership database, marketing and online bookings. It is also being used at Berkshire Care Association to support a collaborative recruitment campaign. Mycareadmin is currently signing up care providers to pilot the system for free.

Family buys back Ipswich Renovation is expected to bring nursing jobs home after 12 years AN Ipswich care home has been bought back by the family who sold it 12 years ago in a deal brokered by specialist business property adviser Christie & Co. Woodland Manor has been acquired by Alan Cowell, who formerly owned and operated the care home, previously known as Golden Days, from 1989 to 2004, when it had to be sold due to his wife Carol’s ill-health. Since 2004, the 33-bedroom home had been operated by a charity, and in 2014 they decided to close the home in order to re-provide accommodation for residents in more modern facilities within the local area. The substantial detached property stands in an attractive parkland setting and is destined to be converted into 19 luxury flats, many with spectacular views across open countryside, yet being just a short distance from the town and local amenities. Robert Mellamphy, director at Christie & Co, brokered the sale of the property. He said: “This property attracted strong interest from existing care operators looking to reopen the home for a wide range of different care uses through to developers looking at alternative use opportunities.” Alan added: “Owning the eight-acre park without the home left us a little empty.

RENOVATION work is underway to create a new 22-bed elderly care home in Broughton, Scunthorpe. Supported by a funding deal with Royal Bank of Scotland, Ann Tuplin Care Services has begun renovation work on its new home, Carseld, which it hopes to open by the summer. Carseld, which means “home of care” in old English, is to be opened on the site of the former St George’s Care Home in Brickhills which closed in March 2015. Local tradesmen are being used throughout the project and it is anticipated that 13 new nursing jobs will be created once the home opens. This number will increase to around 20 as occupancy levels rise. So far the majority of work that has taken place has been to improve the fabric of the building with a new roof being laid and copper plumbing replaced throughout the property. The new owners also plan to add

Robert Mellamphy of Christie & Co (left) handing the keys over to new owner Alan Cowell. “It is really wonderful to have the Manor back in our control. I just feel sad that Carol is now no longer with us to enjoy having our old home back, but I know she would appreciate that when the home is converted to flats it will give more people pleasure to grow up in this beautiful tranquil park.’’

a new lean-to vaulted roof to the conservatory so that it can be enjoyed by residents throughout the year, as well as constructing a new entrance area to the property which will provide shelter to visitors trying to gain entry. Internally, the property is being completely renovated with new wet rooms and en-suites set to be installed, a new professional standard kitchen created and new floors and carpets laid. The whole building will also be fully re-decorated and newly furnished. Outside, three-quarters of an acre of land is to be cleared to create a garden for residents to enjoy. Ann Tuplin, owner of Ann Tuplin Care Services, said: “I am really pleased with the progress we have made with our plans to open Carseld. “The refurbishment works are coming along well and we intend to offer residents a high standard of care in very comfortable surroundings.”

Land bought for retirement scheme CARTERWOOD has sold a parcel of land with planning permission for a retirement scheme comprising 28 bungalows, 58 apartments and communal facilities in Titchfield, Hampshire on behalf of their client the Minton Group. The site has been purchased by Oak Retirement, who will develop and operate the scheme.

Matthew Drysdale, senior surveyor and lead agent on the sale at Carterwood, said: “This was very much a team effort from Carterwood’s perspective, with the consultancy team providing the initial research reports and assisting in securing planning permission, through to the agency team identifying the end user.”

Anticipating brighter days FOR investors in the healthcare sector, there has never been as wide a choice of lenders available as there is at the moment. We are seeing a growth in the range of options as both UK based and international institutions are now able to compete with traditional lenders. This increased competition has added a much-needed depth and diversity to the funding market and will be used to maximum effect by a skilled broker to help secure appropriate terms for their clients. Using an independent broker can ensure borrowers open doors to access new facilities as soon as they become available. Exclusive products not accessible directly by the market

are only available through specialist introducers. Furthermore, brokers hold strong relationships with senior lending contacts and will be able to offer up to the minute advice on changes in terms. Whether you require independent advice on funding for the acquisition of your first care home or professional practice, the refinance or expansion of your existing business, or corporate level advice on group acquisitions and financial restructuring, our team have the experience to provide expert assistance with the entire process. To find out more, call us today on 01622 817484 or email finance@ chandlerandco.co.uk

Banking help for care home owners

SPECIALIST banking firm, Butterworths Solicitors, is going from strength to strength reclaiming hundreds of thousands of pounds for care home owners caught up in yet another banking scandal. As the fixed rate loan mis-selling saga rumbles on, Butterworths Solicitors’ commercial development and marketing manager, Vikki Todd (pictured right), said they are helping struggling owners to get a grip on their businesses. She added: “This is a real problem for the care home owning community. We are challenging extortionate breakage fees and unwarranted interest charges levied by the banks such as the Clydesdale, Yorkshire, Lloyds and RBS on a daily basis in a bid to provide vital cash flow lifelines to struggling businesses.” As part of the banking service analysis, Butterworths carry out a thorough review of all business finance and supplier agreements with a view to negotiating more flexible and generous repayment terms. Enquiries: For a free, no obligation consultation contact Vikki Todd on 0191 482 1152 or email banking@butterworths-solicitors.co.uk

Andrew Winstanley, care home project director at One Housing, with Doug Jones, development director for Castleoak.

Castleoak breaks new ground with £6m home development SPECIALIST construction and development partner for care and retirement living Castleoak has announced a £6m turnkey care home development in Chelmsford. The deal is Castleoak’s first with leading housing association One Housing. The home will be marketed under One Housing’s new luxury senior living brand Baycroft. Andrew Winstanley, care home project director at One Housing, said: “Baycroft homes will offer outstanding care, service and facilities for residents in a luxury environment. With Castleoak’s experience in the sector, we are certain that they will deliver the high quality homes we expect for our expanding portfolio.”

The new 64-bed care home, designed and built by Castleoak, will include pre-fabricated timber frame manufactured at Castleoak’s in-house ISO9001 standard factory. Built to BREEAM Very Good standard, the home will open in autumn 2017 offering nursing and specialist dementia care. Doug Jones, development director at Castleoak, added: “We identified and acquired an attractive development site in Chelmsford for One Housing then achieved planning permission. We look forward to now delivering a care home that meet the aspirations of the Baycroft brand and our purpose to deliver quality living space for customers.”

CARINGINDUSTRY NEWS

Sunrise/Gracewell choose Duplex FOLLOWING a recent trial of the Duplex cylindrical brush floor care machine with steam, highly esteemed senior living group Sunrise / Gracewell decided it would be the perfect partner to improve and maintain the standards of cleanliness they strive for in their homes. With an ever-increasing diversity of floor finishes, the Duplex was able to make a noticeable difference to all surfaces without the use of any chemicals. The group, along with long-standing dealers Wightman and Parrish, recently gave the green light to roll

out to all its community sites the benefits of using steam for enhanced cleaning. Group director Christopher Dean said: “We needed a cleaning machine that is versatile enough to clean our carpets, tiles and slip resistant vinyl. “Working alongside Duplex has enhanced our floor cleaning regimes tremendously and the users find it particularly easy and simple to operate.” Duplex continue to go from strength to strength in the care environment with a versatile machine that is easy to use and environmentally friendly.

Market leading pressure care technology ALERTA Medical is a new leader in the design and manufacture of innovative alternating pressure relieving mattress systems, delivering solutions for care providers to proactively prevent and treat the development of pressure ulcers. Developed and proven with the end user over many years, Alerta Medical alternating pressure relieving mattress systems have been designed to overcome common flaws in other alternating mattress products on the market. Alerta Medical pride themselves on innovative functionality, superior quality and reliability – resulting in improved patient outcomes and peace of mind for care providers. The Alerta Medical alternating pressure relieving mattress systems incorporate SensaCare Truflo Technology™ – constant auto pressure sensing through an air sensor and microcomputer regulator to provide ultra-low interface pressure and promote an even ambience for natural sleep patterns and stable blood circulation with UltraSilent™ pump operation. Alerta Medical offer a comprehensive range of alternating pressure relieving mattress systems, covering all risk levels, complimented by the addition of an alternating cushion system. The key benefits of the Alerta Medical range include:

n Multi-stretch PU cover to avoid searing. n Ventilated air cells to control moisture. n Auto pressure sensing for consistent distribution of air. n Multiple cycle time control for efficiency. n Digital 2-Panel LED display for ease of use. n Ultra-Silent™ pump operation to avoid disturbance. n Power failure and air loss warning. n Panel lock to prevent tampering. n Static and seated function with auto-firm. Enquiries: Call 08452 088 097, email sales@alertamedical.com or visit www.alertamedical.com

Go to the loo to help restore dignity DIGNITY can be restored, and hygiene for all involved improved, by replacing the conventional WC with a wash & dry toilet. It looks like a conventional WC; its built-in douching and drying means it is also, in one unit, a bidet and drier, eliminating any need for manual cleansing, or hand:body contact. The brand leader, the Clos-o-Mat Palma Vita, can also still be used as a ‘traditional’ toilet, and delivers the most effective cleaning process of its type on the market. Uniquely, the Clos-o-Mat can be easily fitted with any of a range of accessories initially or later on, enabling tailoring to individual needs as they change over time; in-house maintenance engineers provide annual service/maintenance and rapid repair should the need arise. The Clos-o-Mat can be installed under a Disabled Facilities Grant or as a Better Care Fund adaptation, or privately funded.

WITH over 17,000+ registered users QCS is the UK’s leading supplier of compliance and policy management. Their clientcentric approach ensures that their management system provides a superior level of service, allowing users to concentrate on delivering excellent care for outstanding value. One of the ways they ensure they are constantly delivering the best solutions is through the knowledge and expertise of their extensive panel of experts. This summer QCS has added several new high profile experts to their panel. Amongst their newest additions are Rachel Griffiths – nationally recognised as a leading voice in Mental Capacity, Abi Spence

– their new registration and inspections specialist formally of the CQC, Hasnain Hassam – Pharmaceutical Specialist, and My Life My Choice – a leading learning disability charity. They will soon be adding the Social Care Institute for Excellence to this prestigious panel. In addition to developing and reviewing current policies and procedures, QCS experts are always scanning the horizon to make sure their subscribers are ahead of the game with any new changes to legislation or best practice.

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.

Medicines Management Guide from Rosemont

The cost equates to as little as 25p/day. Clos-o-Mat was founded over 55 years ago. More than 30,000 Palma Vitas are now in people’s homes around the country. Enquiries: Telephone 0161 969 1199 or visit www.clos-o-mat.com

Beaucare’s Beauwash™ range

BEAUWASH is an efficient, cost effective and eco-friendly laundry cleaning products range, specifically formulated with healthcare establishments in mind. It is cleverly designed to provide superb cleaning performance at lower temperatures, shorter wash cycles and kill bacteria at just 30°C, providing a more sustainable laundry cleaning process in terms of overall running costs and for the environment. Available in powder or liquid form: 10kg tubs, 5lt, 10lt or 20lt liquid containers. When combining

Quality Compliance Systems expands its expert guidance

the laundry liquid with automated dosing systems, it creates one of the most efficient laundry solutions available on the market today. Beaucare also offers advice on the most efficient way to run all healthcare laundry needs and provides expert fitting and maintenance of automatic dosing systems by its own service engineers. Enquiries: Call 01423 878899, email sales@beaucare.com or visit www.beaucare.com

A GUIDE to medicines management and older people is available from Rosemont Pharmaceuticals. Called ‘Medicines management and older people – a guide for healthcare professionals’, the booklet aims to help healthcare professionals learn more about how medication works, how the ageing process affects medicines, common adverse drug reactions, the definitions of compliance and concordance as well as to give an overview of some of the legal aspects of medicines management. The content of the guide is based on current best practice and the most up to date evidence about medication management. The focus is on the care of older people, who have a higher prevalence of illness and take around 50 per cent of all prescribed medicines (Kelly 2011). Four in five people over 75 take at least one prescribed medicine, with 36 per cent taking four or more medicines (NSF 2001). To receive a free copy of ‘Medicines management and older people – a guide for healthcare professionals’ email marketing@rosemontpharma. com Enquiries: Rosemont Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Rosemont House, Yorkdale Industrial Park, Braithwaite Street, Leeds, LS11 9XE. Call 0113 244 1999 or visit www.rosemontpharma.com References Kelly J , Wright D, Wood J, (2011) Medicine administration errors in patients with dysphagia in secondary care: a multi-centre observational study. Journal of Advanced Nursing 67(12), 2615–2627. Department of Health, Medicines and Older People: Implementing medicines-related aspects of the NSF for Older People, March 2001.

‘House of Luxury’ to boast cafe, cinema room and petting farm MOMENTUM is building for a new £10million care home being developed by health and social care providers, N. Notaro Homes Ltd in Bridgwater, Somerset. The new Italian named home, Casa Di Lusso (translated means ‘House of Luxury), is scheduled to open in October and has been gathering plenty of interest from both people wishing to work in the home and those interested for their loved ones. The home will feature nine living areas each with their own kitchenette, 66 en-suite bedrooms and 22 care suites with en-suite. A garden room and sun room will bring the outside in, with large windows allowing natural light. Both the decor and features reflecting the nature of the rooms and items and displays of reminiscence. Other facilities include a cinema room and a modern, elegant cafe. The home will also feature something that in recent years, has become a bit of a trademark

for the new homes built by Notaro Homes – a petting farm. It will be home to a number of animals, from rabbits to alpacas, and provides residents with a great distraction and companionship. PR manager Shannon Warren said: “We are proud to be bringing a care home with all the latest in care home technology and design to Bridgwater. “Coupled with great facilities, activities, a strong staff team who receive continuous training and development and wonderful home cooked food, we are expecting this home to really champion what great dementia care is all about in the area.” The home, being built by The Midas Group, is currently five weeks ahead of schedule. It will provide the surrounding area with over 140 jobs in full operation. This will be the 11th home owned by family-owned business, N. Notaro Homes Ltd, whom have been operating across the South West for over 30 years.

Residents at Moorhaven awoke to the sights and smells of the Caribbean. The Taunton care home held a Caribbean themed party to celebrate Somerset Care’s 25th birthday. Staff transformed the care home with inflatable palm trees, a limbo stick, streamers and balloons. A selection of ‘mocktails’ were available for the residents to try, including the ‘Moorhaven Colada’. Everyone enjoyed a slice of homemade birthday cake and some of the residents had a go at limbo dancing and hula-hooping.